Gone are the days when the BIG city got every thing first :(

I want Sci-Fi HD dammit :)

I find it interesting that it appears I am the only person in Delaware County with an HD Tivo using Comcast that has noticed that USAHD, DSCHD and SCIFIHD have been added to the lineup :-)

I just upgraded an old series one Tivo with grandfathered lifetime to an HD Tivo with a cablecard and Digital Starter. I see that, although these channels show up in the guide and I can tune them, there is no guide data for them, so I can't see what is on or schedule any recordings.

So, I come here and find out that these channels were just added a few weeks ago, and no one but me seems to have noticed, including Tivo or the guide data suppliers.

I have been on the phone with Tivo several times this week trying to get this fixed. The channels show up in the channel lineup on Comcast.com but don't show up in Fancast, which is the site that Comcast sends you to if you pick "What's on?" to see the program schedule. They don't show up on TitanTV either. Tivo originally told me to switch my lineup to COMCAST - Pylmouth Meeting but that was a a bad idea since they do have those channels but the guide data is completely different. They didn't seem to understand that the COmcast Delaware County lineup was the irght lineup for me but the guide data for these channels was missing.

So, I am still trying to get this resolved with Tivo. They are now telling me they understand the issue and will get it resolved in a "couple business days" but if anyone else with an HD Tivo and a Comcast Cable Card wants to call them and keep this moving that would be great.

Bob

Comcast added FX/USA/FoxNews way back in early December to our system(Lower Bucks/Bensalem), they were unencrypted for a few days. They are still there, but they have not mapped them to our boxes. I have no clue why. I remember someone here or over on BBR claiming they needed to call in Motorola or something cause they were having issues.

But they are still on and have been on my system for over a month, encrypted, but not mapped to the boxes. What gives!?!? At least I'm assuming they are still there, there are 3 channels on that frequency, the same freq that I found them unencrypted a few weeks ago, and I know the mappings of every other HD channel on my system, none of them map to this frequency.

Well I'd just like to know what's going on in Philadelphia. Here it is 2009 and we still have only 34 HD channels. And the news today that FIOS now offers 100HD channels in all thier markets makes Comcast look even worst.

Yeah.............what JamesDax said.
Us Philly folks are beginning to feel like a red headed stepchild :p

If it was not for Comcast sportsnet-HD I would be long gone :(

So, is tomorrow the big day? Is it? Anyone? :(

It is absurd that another season of Psych started and I still can't watch it in HD.

Bummer :(

patspub over and broadbandreports.com posted this today:

My TIVO this morning added all the channel additions from yesterday along with these 3 HD channels here in NE/Philly. We should get these tomorrow.

Ch. 222 USA HD
ch. 224 DSC HD
ch. 226 SCI-FI HD

So there may be hope yet.

Would be great if true

patspub over and broadbandreports.com posted this today:



So there may be hope yet.


Just checked my HTPC/Sagetv and the channels are listed as well :D

Can anyone explain why the MDU channel lineup for Center City doesn't include all the HD channels that everyone else in the city gets? MDUs don't get Nat Geo HD, A&E HD, HGTV HD, Food HD, History HD, TBS HD, or Animal Planet HD.

I wonder if the MDUs will get the 3 new channels that are supposed to be added this week.

Also, MDUs don't seem to have ADS. Can anyone explain that as well?

Just checked my HTPC/Sagetv and the channels are listed as well :D

Just "listed" or do you actually have them?

Just "listed" or do you actually have them?

Hummm.....No :(

Here in southern DelCo (former Suburban Cable territory) I believe we're as bandwidth-limited as most of Philadelphia is. And they turned on those three channels for us about three weeks ago. There is hope.

As reported above, TiVo is listing the three new HD channels for me in South Philly. Really annoying to try to tune them in and get nothing.

I wonder where TiVo/Tribune got the lineup change information.

A Comcast CSR told me just now that Sci-Fi in HD is due to be in my area (NW Phila) on tomorrow on channel 226. I would not believe that, except that it does match up with other info here, so my fingers are crossed for BSG in HD.

A Comcast CSR told me just now that Sci-Fi in HD is due to be in my area (NW Phila) on tomorrow on channel 226. I would not believe that, except that it does match up with other info here, so my fingers are crossed for BSG in HD.

Is JamesDeux going to host a party for all us AVS'ers in Philly, or buy a round for everyone since we have put up with his complaining why Philadelphia doesn't have Sci-Fi HD?:p

Can anyone explain why the MDU channel lineup for Center City doesn't include all the HD channels that everyone else in the city gets? MDUs don't get Nat Geo HD, A&E HD, HGTV HD, Food HD, History HD, TBS HD, or Animal Planet HD.

I wonder if the MDUs will get the 3 new channels that are supposed to be added this week.

Also, MDUs don't seem to have ADS. Can anyone explain that as well?

I hear ya, I've been asking myself the same questions for years. It seems that if you live in an apartment building or condo, you most likely do not have a choice for cable provider (building management makes a bulk deal with Comcast). The result is that Comcast doesn't care and has no incentive to upgrade.

Just another "benefit" of city life I guess.

I hear ya, I've been asking myself the same questions for years. It seems that if you live in an apartment building or condo, you most likely do not have a choice for cable provider (building management makes a bulk deal with Comcast). The result is that Comcast doesn't care and has no incentive to upgrade.

Just another "benefit" of city life I guess.Yeah, I have no choice but Comcast. FiOS can't get here soon enough.

The only explanation I have for not having ADS or the full HD lineup is that 1-99 is completely unencrypted/unscrambled. In my building you don't need a box unless you want digital. With all those analogs, maybe they don't have room for all the services everyone else in the city gets. Really frustrating, especially since I pay the same price as non-MDU customers.

Yeah, I have no choice but Comcast. FiOS can't get here soon enough.

I too would be interested in that, but Comcast is blocking Verizon's access to Center City. I am eligible for FiOS internet, but cannot get FiOS TV.

The only explanation I have for not having ADS or the full HD lineup is that 1-99 is completely unencrypted/unscrambled. In my building you don't need a box unless you want digital. With all those analogs, maybe they don't have room for all the services everyone else in the city gets.

In all of the buildings I've been in, although the channels are unscrambled as you say, in order to get the proper channel mapping you still need a box. So if they can get people to use a box, I don't see why they can't just switch over to ADS and free up bandwidth for more HDs. I agree that it is ridiculous that MDU subscribers have to pay the same price for such inferior service.

Thanks for commiserating.

New HD channels are live in NE Philly.
222 - USA HD
224 - Discovery HD
226 - Sci-Fi HD

Is JamesDeux going to host a party for all us AVS'ers in Philly, or buy a round for everyone since we have put up with his complaining why Philadelphia doesn't have Sci-Fi HD?:p

lol, yeah the next round is on me. Celebration time, Philly now has 37 whole HD channels. But most important the final 10 epidsodes of BSG will be in HD. But now that I/we have Sci-Fi HD I'm a bit dissapointed to to see the first show that I find on the channel (Kolchak 2005) is not being broadcast in HD. What the heck is up with that? Are they only broadcasting original programing in HD?

I'm a bit dissapointed to to see the first show that I find on the channel (Kolchak 2005) is not being broadcast in HD. What the heck is up with that? Are they only broadcasting original programing in HD?


Very few Movies and programming are broadcast in HD right now on scifi channel. I would say less thin 30%. I had Dishnet for 4 months

Well no additional HDs for Center City MDU subscribers. I guess that isn't too surprising.

Well no additional HDs for Center City MDU subscribers. I guess that isn't too surprising.
Boo! I guess I will continue torrenting the HD versions of BSG since Comcast refuses to provide it to me.

Meanwhile, those of us unfortunate enough to live in South Jersey have about 24 HD channels. When my contract is up this spring I'll be looking into other providers.

jamesdax,

did you catch the battlestar wedisodes: http://www.scifi.com/rewind/?sid=870861&eid=874064

jamesdax,

did you catch the battlestar wedisodes: http://www.scifi.com/rewind/?sid=870861&eid=874064

Caught them this evening while watching Pitch Black in HD. Really looking forward to tomorrow night. :D

hello all,

My caller ID finally kick in last.

I live in the Boyertown Area and am in the Pottstown Service Area for Comcast. Currently we do still not have Digital Voice. Our local phone company is not Verizon but D&E Communications out of Lancaster.

Does anyone know if there is some kind of Law that prohibits Comcast from giving Phone Service to our area?

I asked the local office but they are clueless.

Any help would be appreciated.

NO HD CHANNELS FROM 206 - 230 as of 848pm friday night:mad::mad::mad:

HD CHANNELS ARE BACK AS OF 9:43PM. after speaking with 3 customer service agents in the frackin caribbean.

fios is looking better & better.

I thought I posted this earlier, but I don't see it here...

Is Comcast offering access to the HBO free preview this weekend?

Do a QAM scan with your TV's, Comcast unencrypted a BUNCH of regular SD cable channels. I just got a new LCD TV for the bedroom and it picked up a ton of digital SD channels on QAM. Looks like all the Digital Starter channels have been unencrypted, minus HD channels. Digi Classic and above remain encrypted.

I don't know if they are just fooling around or what, I'm suspecting they are just testing something, perhaps DTA boxes hooked up to my system somewhere???

Do a QAM scan with your TV's, Comcast unencrypted a BUNCH of regular SD cable channels. I just got a new LCD TV for the bedroom and it picked up a ton of digital SD channels on QAM.

I don't know if they are just fooling around or what, I'm suspecting they are just testing something, perhaps DTA boxes hooked up to my system somewhere???

They didn't unencrypt anything new in my area. However, we always got about 35 SD channels in the clear, including all of the limited basic channels.

HBOHD unencrypted as of Sunday afternoon, on 89-1 in Lower Bucks.

HBOHD unencrypted as of Sunday afternoon, on 89-1 in Lower Bucks.

Checked and HBO-HD is not unencrypted in Central PA. Luckily I subscribe to it. In PA Comcast seems to suck like the Eagles. Full of false hope and promises.

Can you tell I'm bitter at the Eagles loss today? :mad:

I think they are only keeping it unencrypted during the Obama Inaugural Celebration. Right now HBO-HD and regular HBO are both in the clear.

Anyone else get a postcard saying that effective Jan 20th, Digital Starter and above now include up to 2 DTA boxs at no charge. After the first 3 outlets(1 box, 2 DTAs), they are $1.99/mo each.

If they are introducing DTA boxes into our area, then I'm guessing they plan to move the B2 tier(expanded basic) of channels to digital only, consistant with other areas of the nation: Chicago, Portland OR immediatly come to mind. I think they announced this in Seattle as well.

Not sure of timeline, but probably within a few months I would guess...

great news for future HD channels.

This also means that all of the B2 channels now being sent in-the-clear/unencrypted probably isn't a test, for now anyway DTAs will be deployed with privacy mode off, and any TV with a QAM tuner can get B2 cable channels. They have not physically moved those channels to frequencies filtered out by limited basic traps yet... assuming that will happen in the months to come.

I did not get this notice, in Willow Grove. This will render my tivo all but useless and my dvd recorder will also be on it's way out. Not a good sign, imho.

I did not get this notice, in Willow Grove. This will render my tivo all but useless and my dvd recorder will also be on it's way out. Not a good sign, imho.
For WG system, it is on the last page of the Jan. bill, either you missed it or didn't get your bill yet.

This also means that all of the B2 channels now being sent in-the-clear/unencrypted probably isn't a test, for now anyway DTAs will be deployed with privacy mode off, and any TV with a QAM tuner can get B2 cable channels. They have not physically moved those channels to frequencies filtered out by limited basic traps yet... assuming that will happen in the months to come.
Well, not all Expd. Basic Digital channels will be in the clear, just the SD, AFAIK.

Sure they haven't moved Expd. Basic SD to filtered out frequencies, they still have Expd. Basic Analog there.;) They will do so when the Analogs are dropped.

FWIW it seems up here in NNJ they've done some shifting of frequencies. Looks like more QAMs are optimized, filled up to the max 12:1 SD mux instead of being spread apart in 5-6 channels per mux. Also some HD channels seem to have shifted frequencies.

Whatever it is, these DTAs are a great sign for the Freedom Region. In a few months B2 will go digital, and we'll bask in the HD glory that Chicago and Boston have been in for quite a while now.

For WG system, it is on the last page of the Jan. bill, either you missed it or didn't get your bill yet.

Must have missed it. I already got and paid the January bill; it's the beginning of yet another "special deal" they gave me when I threatened to go to Fios. Same time frame? Would you mind quoting the relevant passage?

Hi all:

I'm in South Philly and am thinking of dumping my comcast TV+DVR service and just keeping the internet service, and just watching whatever channels Comcast broadcasts in the clear using my TV's QAM tuner. I have read quite a few pages of this thread and I think I'm getting confused between channels broadcast 'in the clear' (meaning channels that you can get with no Comcast subscription at all just by plugging a QAM tuner into the cable jack) and channels broadcast 'unencrypted'. Are they not the same thing? If I were to just get internet service, would I receive anything over QAM, or do I need to subscribe to limited basic? If I do, will my QAM tuner get every channel included in limited basic? Comcast's site is of course useless, it just says "Converter may be required to receive certain channels."

The only channels you can count on are the local ones. All the "cable" channels can go encrypted at anytime, for just a few days or forever. If you can live with 3,6,10....ect great, but don't count on anything else. I played that game for a few months.......got old fast. :)

Must have missed it. I already got and paid the January bill; it's the beginning of yet another "special deal" they gave me when I threatened to go to Fios. Same time frame? Would you mind quoting the relevant passage?
Hopefully, I'll get a chance to scan that page later today or tomorrow.

Thanks. The only reason I decided to stay with *c* is that you don't need a box to record most channels. Once that changes I have absolutely no reason not to go with Fios.

Thanks. The only reason I decided to stay with *c* is that you don't need a box to record most channels. Once that changes I have absolutely no reason not to go with Fios.
After the DTAs are available, word is based on other markets, it's typically another 2-3 mos. until Analog Expd. Basic is discontinued.

'cable-ready' channel assignments changed, but Tribune guide data (read: my TiVo!) not updated ...

MSNBC moved, and clear QAM HD channels for WPVI and WCAU are MIA! This has been for a couple weeks now. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm emailing a 'lineup discrepancy' report to zap2it/tribune right now. Is there anything else I should consider?

Is there a list of the real QAM assignments for WPVI and WCAU?

'cable-ready' channel assignments changed, but Tribune guide data (read: my TiVo!) not updated ...

MSNBC moved, and clear QAM HD channels for WPVI and WCAU are MIA! This has been for a couple weeks now. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm emailing a 'lineup discrepancy' report to zap2it/tribune right now. Is there anything else I should consider?

Is there a list of the real QAM assignments for WPVI and WCAU?

WPVI and WCAU moved to QAM channels 47.1 and 47.2 respectively. This happened several weeks ago in NE Philly.

Anyone else get a postcard saying that effective Jan 20th, Digital Starter and above now include up to 2 DTA boxs at no charge. After the first 3 outlets(1 box, 2 DTAs), they are $1.99/mo each.

For WG system, it is on the last page of the Jan. bill, either you missed it or didn't get your bill yet.

After the DTAs are available, word is based on other markets, it's typically another 2-3 mos. until Analog Expd. Basic is discontinued.

Must have missed it. I already got and paid the January bill; it's the beginning of yet another "special deal" they gave me when I threatened to go to Fios. Same time frame? Would you mind quoting the relevant passage?
Here is the DTA availability notice, on the last page of a bill from Comcast - Willow Grove.

Thanks QZ1

Well I'm one happy dude. I'm glad I subscribed to this thread. I've been straggling along with my HD HOMERUN getting only local affiliates and TBS which were open QAM. Everything else was encrypted. I saw ak3883 post on Jan 17 to rescan for new channels and I couldn't be more satisfied. All the old analog channels that I was still recording on an old Panasonic HD DVR (with much trouble due to it constantly locking up with U99 error) are now being broadcast in open QAM. I wonder how long it will last. TNT, USA, TCM, A&E, TVLAND and tons of others. I'm in Zap 2 It's Comcast - Cable (Kng of Prussa) PA00271:X.

Anyone with an open QAM DVR that hasn't scanned for new channels recently and has Comcast ought to check it out.

All the old analog channels that I was still recording on an old Panasonic HD DVR (with much trouble due to it constantly locking up with U99 error) are now being broadcast in open QAM. I wonder how long it will last.
It will last for the forseeable future, because they have to be clear-QAM for the DTAs to work. Instead of encryption, Digital Expd. Basic will be filtered out soon, just like Analog Expd. Basic has been. In fact, they will almost certainly move the Digital chs. to the frequencies where the Analog chs. are right now, so they don't have to do anything. Comcast DTAs have a security protocol that could be implemented, if the FCC approves a waiver, then the chs. would be encrypted.

I wonder if they will bother with these DTAs in the city since we've always needed some kind of box to get anything above basic. I know years ago they stopped giving out analog boxes and only give out digital ones even if you only have expanded/digital starter. I'm hoping that they're prepared to do the analog migration in the city at the same time as the suburbs who are getting these DTAs. And I'm really hoping MDU customers will benefit from it as well.

I just moved back to Philadelphia from Boston where they've done things backwards from here. Up there just like here, the city has always required a box and the suburbs haven't, but they decided to go all digital in the city first. It went incredibly well with very few complaints. They have over 100 HD channels and the number is continuing to grow. The suburbs are complaining about the lack of HD, so they're planning to implement the DTA boxes and migrate those systems.

i'm actually a comcast technician in plymnouth meeting so, i should know the answer to this question:
does anybody know if cartoon network comes through in the willow grove system on qam? i know its on 521mhz but i dont know what channel this comes out to on a qam tuner.
btw the dta boxes are on backorder do everybody's tivo will still work for the the next few months at least.
and fios requies a box for every tv.

i'm actually a comcast technician in plymnouth meeting
the dta boxes are on backorder
For all Comcast's systems in this region?
If not, then which service areas?

They are supposed to be available on 10 Feb. for WG system, but there has been no notice on the changeover; that would be at least several mos. away. But, if they can 't start getting those boxes out soon, it would be delayed more than several mos. I would think.

sure glad comcast wont let fios roll into this town. guess they need to pay for that big ugly skyscraper somehow...

(outside of philly)

also quite mad that a LCD TV with a cablecard slot costs about 1k more than a normal HDTV with a cable box. i hate this cable box to death and would not wish it upon any unsuspecting customer. the remote on the other one crapped out, and half of the buttons do not work.

i'm actually a comcast technician in plymnouth meeting so, i should know the answer to this question:
does anybody know if cartoon network comes through in the willow grove system on qam? i know its on 521mhz but i dont know what channel this comes out to on a qam tuner.
btw the dta boxes are on backorder do everybody's tivo will still work for the the next few months at least.
and fios requies a box for every tv.

I'm not positive but I seem to recall seeing CN when scanning though the channels. I don't remember the the number. In the 70s or 80s I think. I can take another look tonight. Note that I'm in Doylestown.

Why are dta's going to break tivo's? Is a dta essentially a STB that tunes in one channel?

We had a comcast rep here on Sunday night to look at our box. He mentioned that once the nationwide switch to digital occurs, comcast plans to add a ton of HD channels (something like 100). He also said that they'll be adding a few 1080p channels, likely starting with ESPN, sometime this summer.

I can't believe this is true, but I hope it is. Anyone else heard anything like this or is it total BS?

We had a comcast rep here on Sunday night to look at our box. He mentioned that once the nationwide switch to digital occurs, comcast plans to add a ton of HD channels (something like 100). He also said that they'll be adding a few 1080p channels, likely starting with ESPN, sometime this summer.

I can't believe this is true, but I hope it is. Anyone else heard anything like this or is it total BS?

didn't think comcast boxes could output 1080p, can they? even if they could, why would they considering the bandwidth necessities of 1080p plus ESPN only natively broadcasts at 720p anyway... wouldn't really do much

both my motorola boxes only output 1080i...all TVs deinterlace anyway, so it would be a huge waste of bandwidth to send any 1080p signals

We had a comcast rep here on Sunday night to look at our box. He mentioned that once the nationwide switch to digital occurs, comcast plans to add a ton of HD channels (something like 100). He also said that they'll be adding a few 1080p channels, likely starting with ESPN, sometime this summer.

I can't believe this is true, but I hope it is. Anyone else heard anything like this or is it total BS?

If that tech said 1080p ESPN, what he says is 99% likely a lie, he doesn't know jack. Did he also tell you that you need a box to watch cable after 2/17/09?:rolleyes:

However the rumblings I keep hearing here and on BBR are that by summertime, they'll pull the expanded basic channels to digital only. Willow Grove might be out, plenty availible over here in Bucks county, I know they have started giving them out in Quakertown and Newtown, from other posters.

Speaking of, I picked up a DTA box today, in Lower Bucks(Bensalem). They had plenty of them in stock, took all of 30 seconds to get it. If you ever need to and can, stop in on your way to work, there is never anyone in line at 8:30am on a weekday.

i'm actually a comcast technician in plymnouth meeting so, i should know the answer to this question:
does anybody know if cartoon network comes through in the willow grove system on qam? i know its on 521mhz but i dont know what channel this comes out to on a qam tuner.
btw the dta boxes are on backorder do everybody's tivo will still work for the the next few months at least.
and fios requies a box for every tv.

cn 81.2 for me in dtown

However the rumblings I keep hearing here and on BBR are that by summertime, they'll pull the expanded basic channels to digital only. Willow Grove might be out, plenty availible over here in Bucks county, I know they have started giving them out in Quakertown and Newtown, from other posters.
Willow Grove is set for 10 Feb., according to our bill.

Have you read of anyone getting one from the WG office?

adding a few 1080p channels, likely starting with ESPN, sometime this summer.

Simply BS.

My provider is Comcast Garden State. For the last two seasons the audio in Lost is horrible. I have the Scientific Altanta 8300HD box. It is not my sound system. Is anyone else noticing a problem with WPVI. The other HD channels are fine. It seems like the dialogue is distorted. I don't watch any other network shows on ABC except 20/20 and the news occasionally.

My provider is Comcast Garden State. For the last two seasons the audio in Lost is horrible. I have the Scientific Altanta 8300HD box. It is not my sound system. Is anyone else noticing a problem with WPVI. The other HD channels are fine. It seems like the dialogue is distorted. I don't watch any other network shows on ABC except 20/20 and the news occasionally.

Have you tried comparing it to the copy they show On Demand?

My provider is Comcast Garden State. For the last two seasons the audio in Lost is horrible. I have the Scientific Altanta 8300HD box. It is not my sound system. Is anyone else noticing a problem with WPVI. The other HD channels are fine. It seems like the dialogue is distorted. I don't watch any other network shows on ABC except 20/20 and the news occasionally.

I have heard the same thing on Comcast Kennett Square. Last night I heard it on the TV's speakers. I switched on my 5.1 speaker system and found the distortion in the center channel. It sounds like a speaker that is being overdriven. This morning on Good Morning I heard the same thing. The local WPVI-DT audio is fine so I guess it must be how they are processing their network feed.

And as far as Lost goes, don't get me started with how many episodes get interrupted with audio dropouts or video glitches. Last night was the first time none of that happened but we still had the bad audio.

My provider is Comcast Garden State. For the last two seasons the audio in Lost is horrible. I have the Scientific Altanta 8300HD box. It is not my sound system. Is anyone else noticing a problem with WPVI. The other HD channels are fine. It seems like the dialogue is distorted. I don't watch any other network shows on ABC except 20/20 and the news occasionally.

same thing with comcast here in center city... center channel/dialogue during lost sounds terrible.

My provider is Comcast Garden State. For the last two seasons the audio in Lost is horrible. I have the Scientific Altanta 8300HD box. It is not my sound system. Is anyone else noticing a problem with WPVI. The other HD channels are fine. It seems like the dialogue is distorted. I don't watch any other network shows on ABC except 20/20 and the news occasionally.

Yep -- same for me in Willow Grove. The sound on ABCHD is just plain hideous. Though I notice Lost to sound the worst of all ABC programs. Drives me crazy.

Who do we complain to? Not that it would help, of course...

I'm also on Willow Grove Comcast and I agree. The sound from ABC is horrible and it's one of the main reasons I ditched my old amp although my old amp was able to handle the bitstream of just about every other network.

What's the story on Philadelphia stations? Are they ending analog or not?

Now that other say they are having the same sound problem on WPVI atleast I know the fault isn't with Comcast Garden State. I wonder how the sound is for FIOS customers. This could be a problem in how Comcast is getting the signal from WPVI. It sounds like an analog signal with a digital picture.

What's the story on Philadelphia stations? Are they ending analog or not?

ABC (as well as the other major networks) is continuing dual transmission until June 12.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/02/digital-tv-fcc.html

What's the story on Philadelphia stations? Are they ending analog or not?

Check out the Philly OTA HDTV (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=620626)thread, there is a lot more info there, since this whole fiasco really doesn't have much of anything to do with Comcast.

(Just to preface this question, I posted in another area on this site earlier this am but have not received a response so I thought maybe I posted it in the wrong place? Anyways......)

Hi all, I have noticed for some time now that we always experience noise issues (more like hiccups) when watching fox programming in HD. This happens when we watch both Fox HD and FoxNews HD. I first noticed it last year I believe around this time frame when we were watching the Daytona 500 on Fox...the sound was horrible. Now it happens more often on FoxNews HD. I thought it might be only recordings (I record shows every night on FoxNews HD) but I was watching live last night and it does the same thing.

How can I determine if it's a problem / issue with the Fox broadcasting in my area or if it's just with my cable box? (Other than swapping out the cable box for a new one)

Also, not sure if anyone needs this info but I have already mentioned the cable service is Comcast and I have the 8300HD / DVR box and I live in DE....so I assume the info is coming from Philly? Anyways, I hope someone can help with this issue

Thanks,
Michael

Comcast WG also, and ABC-HD audio has been terrible for several years, probably at least four years, since I got an HD DVR from them in Nov. '04.:(

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

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

the first few weeks the picture and sound was totally screwed up.
from 10-30-04.
this has been a problem since the begining of lost.
I even found a post complaining of no center channel for an early ep
of desperate housewives from '04.

has anybody noticed that sometimes the 5.1 audio quality on ABC through comcast sounds a bit dirty or muffled. I'm not sure exactly how to explain it, but the sound doesnt sound as good. I noticed it yesterday on Commander in Chief and today on Lost, and on a couple other shows as well.

Yes, I noticed that too (on Lost last night). I just got the Sony 42 A10 and am running OTA with optical out from my tv. Last night is the first show I watched in 5.1 while running to my receiver and was not impressed at all. So I hope it gets better.

I have noticed that Lost, in recent weeks, does appear somewhat muffled or simplified...there's very little back-channel sound. However, I think that's from the show itself; the commercials appear to be fine in that regard.

lost on 6abc has had picture and audio troubles since the first ep.
the audio is mostly the center channel that is always muffled or clips/breaks up.


all from exactly 3 years ago.
audio trouble is nothing new for LOST.

Apparently, they aren't getting enough complaints to do anything about it for a such a long time.:(

South Jersey QAM users might want to block out some time to do a rescan of their channels. I just installed a new VMC tuner yesterday and found all my expanded basic SD channels and all of my non-premium HD channels are broadcasting in the clear. I didn't get an exact count, but it's close to 100 total digital channels. A very nice surprise.

It was pretty good timing too, as my preferred package deal w/HBO, Starz and Showtime runs out on the 15th. I was going to downgrade anyway, but now that VMC is actually useful, I can return my DVR as well. My only question is whether to go down to Starter or Classic. If all I need is the old expanded basic SD channel package and the CSN, ESPN and ESPN2 HD's, I should be fine with starter, correct?

South Jersey QAM users might want to block out some time to do a rescan of their channels. I just installed a new VMC tuner yesterday and found all my expanded basic SD channels and all of my non-premium HD channels are broadcasting in the clear. I didn't get an exact count, but it's close to 100 total digital channels. A very nice surprise.

It was pretty good timing too, as my preferred package deal w/HBO, Starz and Showtime runs out on the 15th. I was going to downgrade anyway, but now that VMC is actually useful, I can return my DVR as well. My only question is whether to go down to Starter or Classic. If all I need is the old expanded basic SD channel package and the CSN, ESPN and ESPN2 HD's, I should be fine with starter, correct?

Yes you would be fine with just starter. Classic channels are all encrypted. You won't get starter HD channels(CSNHD,ESPNHD, etc) unencrpyted though, you will still need a device with a cablecard or an HD box to view those channels. Local HDs of course you would/should still get unencrypted.

This is a nice side product of them deploying DTA boxes, all those SD cable channels are now unencrypted. They should be for the near future, Comcast cannot turn on the "privacy mode" on the DTA boxes w/o an FCC exemption. If they win an exemption of the seperable security mandate, then they will enable privacy mode and those channels won't be able to be seen again.

I don't get the point why they want to lock them up, we aren't talking HD channels here, and analog cable was always "unencrypted" so to speak, any device in the house could record it(aka a VCR). The quality of SD digital isn't that terrific, they compress the crap out of the channels anyway! So what's the difference now, with channels just in a digital format? You always used to be able to record analog channels with a TV card on your PC and distribute them online(which is what every content provider has nightmares about at night, lol)

This is a nice side product of them deploying DTA boxes, all those SD cable channels are now unencrypted.

I don't get the point why they want to lock them up, we aren't talking HD channels here, and analog cable was always "unencrypted" so to speak, any device in the house could record it(aka a VCR). The quality of SD digital isn't that terrific, they compress the crap out of the channels anyway! So what's the difference now, with channels just in a digital format?
No difference I am aware of, but that is not the issue. The issue is that using line filters is insecure, whereas, so far, encrypting digital channels has been secure; and Comcast had been planning to go exclusively to using encryption. If and when the FCC approves the security mode in the DTAs, Comcast will certainly use it.

For us on AVS, some of us don't care, as HD is now the standard, so to speak. For me, it is ok to get SD Expd. Basic in the kitchen, but that is all. Of course, there are some on AVS that care to get SD on several TVs.

My only question is whether to go down to Starter or Classic. If all I need is the old expanded basic SD channel package and the CSN, ESPN and ESPN2 HD's, I should be fine with starter, correct?
With Starter, you would be missing the HD channels of just Natl. Geo., Science, and Encore OnDemand, as they are in Classic.

Yes you would be fine with just starter. Classic channels are all encrypted. You won't get starter HD channels(CSNHD,ESPNHD, etc) unencrpyted though, you will still need a device with a cablecard or an HD box to view those channels. Local HDs of course you would/should still get unencrypted.



I think you misunderstood my post. Right now I am getting all of the starter/classic HD channels in the clear. Palladia-HD, Golf-HD, CSN-HD, ESPN-HD,ESPN2-HD, TLC-HD, VS-HD, DHDT, UHD, TNT-HD, A&E-HD, and TBS-HD are all there unencrypted. It may just be temporary, but if it is not, I don't want to lose any of them by downgrading my package too far.

I recently installed 2 DTA boxes on my dad's 'Digital Starter Package', followed the instructions carefully (it's pretty brain-dead simple, but they do want you to do stuff like plug the power cord into the adapter first, then the wall).

The screen came up with a somewhat expected 'temporarily unavailable' or the like, the next step would be to go online (or phone, but I'd prefer online) and 'activate'.

But, before I had a chance to do that, the box (and the second one) just started working, serving up all the channels.

So, what's this 'activation' about, did this somehow automatically happen, is it thus necessary to do, is there some advantage? Or downside?

Sorry if this question has been answered, I scanned the last few screens and didn't see anything.

I think you misunderstood my post. Right now I am getting all of the starter/classic HD channels in the clear. Palladia-HD, Golf-HD, CSN-HD, ESPN-HD,ESPN2-HD, TLC-HD, VS-HD, DHDT, UHD, TNT-HD, A&E-HD, and TBS-HD are all there unencrypted. It may just be temporary, but if it is not, I don't want to lose any of them by downgrading my package too far.
What you get in the clear, with your own QAM tuner, is not affected by subscription level. In theory, they should only be sending out Ltd. Basic (Local) HD, since everyone is required to have Ltd. Basic; however, they do sometimes temporarily send out other channels in the clear, sometimes for a while. It is quite unusual for all Digital Expd. Basic and Digital Starter channels to be in the clear.

My provider is Comcast Garden State. For the last two seasons the audio in Lost is horrible. I have the Scientific Altanta 8300HD box. It is not my sound system. Is anyone else noticing a problem with WPVI. The other HD channels are fine. It seems like the dialogue is distorted. I don't watch any other network shows on ABC except 20/20 and the news occasionally.

yep.

There always seems to be a sound hiccup during the HD broadcast of Lost.

Its been happening for a few years now, at first i thought it was my DVR.

im about to ditch cable altogether i can't justify the price, considering all i watch is network tv anyway.

Does anyone know if 5.1 sound will be available if i go antenna?

I recently installed 2 DTA boxes on my dad's 'Digital Starter Package', followed the instructions carefully (it's pretty brain-dead simple, but they do want you to do stuff like plug the power cord into the adapter first, then the wall).

That applies to all electric devices.;)

The screen came up with a somewhat expected 'temporarily unavailable' or the like, the next step would be to go online (or phone, but I'd prefer online) and 'activate'.

But, before I had a chance to do that, the box (and the second one) just started working, serving up all the channels.

So, what's this 'activation' about, did this somehow automatically happen, is it thus necessary to do, is there some advantage? Or downside?

Sorry if this question has been answered, I scanned the last few screens and didn't see anything.

Probably, your local Comcast system, like some others, let's the box work for a day or so, and then it won't get any channels (or maybe just Ltd. Basic), and then it will require activation. There would be no negative to activating, and you probably will have to, anyway.

im about to ditch cable altogether i can't justify the price, considering all i watch is network tv anyway.

Does anyone know if 5.1 sound will be available if i go antenna?
OTA HD channels have Dolby Digital, but it can be 5.1 or 2.0 or possibly some other config.

That applies to all electric devices.

I figured the plug-in sequence was for electrical safety.

As far as the reception, it's been over a week now and all's still well, for what that's worth.

The full digital box I installed a month earlier did require a rather lengthy activation phone call.

Quick question: I don't have Comcast (I'm on FiOS), so I'd thought I'd ask.

The Phillies game on April 10 is listed for coverage by a channel called "CNP". http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=phi&m=4&y=2009

Anyone know what CNP is? The Sixers are playing the Cavs that night, so priority goes to CSN.

Is CN8 still active? Thanks.

Quick question: I don't have Comcast (I'm on FiOS), so I'd thought I'd ask.

The Phillies game on April 10 is listed for coverage by a channel called "CNP". http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=phi&m=4&y=2009

Anyone know what CNP is? The Sixers are playing the Cavs that night, so priority goes to CSN.

Is CN8 still active? Thanks.

CN8 became The Comcast Network in January. CNP is most likely Comcast Network Philadelphia.

Ok, thanks. I checked the Comcast listings. Channel 8 is showing as "CN8, The Comcast Network", so I guess no Phillies game on FiOS that day.

I am about to cut the cable cord and go with and antenna.

my intenet is going to go to $60 a month, which is fine, i was wondering if i got the limited basic service, i'd still be paying about $60 month, 42.95 for intenet and 14.95 for limited basic. This way i wouldn't have to deal with converter boxes or antennas.

Would i get any digital/HD channels through this service, the comcast rep said no but she also told me i can't get HD OTA either...

I can get digital HD channels through my TV without the comcast box but I have a digital cable signal too.

so i figured i ask here...

Mike_311-

Get the limited basic with the internet, it's practically the same amount, then you still have a cable signal for network channels and don't have to fuss with antennas/converter boxes to every TV. In the Southeast PA, most if not all areas, the HD locals are unencrypted and on ClearQAM. If your area has started deploying DTA boxes, then any TV with a QAM tuner will get digital starter channels as well.... until they move them into slots that are trapped for limited basic subs, and they won't do that until they move the 30 something regular analog cable channels to digital only.

i get some of what you are saying.

What are DTA boxes?

My htpc is on order and it has an ASTC/QAM tuner card. So if i have limited basic i will get these channels plus the HD channels listed below, without the need for an antenna?

i live in south jersey..

here is my limited channel lineup:

2 WTXF 29 (FOX, PHILA.)* News & Info
3 KYW 3 (CBS, PHILA.)* News & Info
4 The Weather Channel News & Info
5 Local Programming News & Info
6 WPVI 6 (ABC, PHILA.)* News & Info
7 WPHL 17 (WB, PHILA.)* News & Info
8 CN8 News & Info
9 WYBE 35 News & Info
10 WCAU 10 (NBC, PHILA.)* News & Info
12 WHYY 12 (PBS, PHILA)* Children & Family
13 Educational Access News & Info
14 WPSG 57 (UPN, PHILA.)* News & Info
15 WMCN 44 News & Info
16 WUVP 65 (Univision) Multicultural
17 WWSI 62 (Telemundo) Multicultural
18 WGTW 48 News & Info
19 EWTN News & Info
20 WPPX 61 (PAX) Lifestyle
21 C-SPAN News & Info
22 TBS Superstation Children & Family
23 WNJS 23 (PBS) Children & Family
82 [95] SHOP NBC Lifestyle
83 [98] WFMZ 69 Multicultural
231 WPVI-DT (ABC-HD)* High-Definition TV
232 WCAU-DT (NBC-HD)* High-Definition TV
233 KYW-DT (CBS-HD)* High-Definition TV
234 WTXF-DT (FOX-HD)* High-Definition TV
235 WPHL-DT (WB-HD)* High-Definition TV
240 WHYY-DT (PBS-HD)* High-Definition TV
245 Action News Now** News & Info
246 WPVI-DT Weather** News & Info
248 NBC Plus** News & Info

Yes you "should" get all those channels listed below.

Comcast is starting to roll out DTA boxes. In the near future, they will remove regular cable channels above 23(from your list) and move them to digital only. You need a cable box, or one of these DTA boxes in order to see them. DTA boxes are small, have no onscreen guide or OnDemand, they simply just let you continue to watch those channels you always used to.
You can read more about them at Comcast's site on them (http://www.comcast.com/digitalnow/)


However if you said you are cutting cable down to limited basic, then you don't need to worry about it.

will this affect my ability to pick up the HD channels with my tuner card?

No.

How much is comcast charging for 1 or more of the DTA's?

In the Philly area, Comcast includes one full SD digital box (on-demand, program guide, etc.), plus 2 DTAs, as part of your basic service (thus 3 boxes total).

If you want an HD box instead of the SD one, you pay the difference in price (without looking, I'm thinking it's like $5-ish).

Additional DTAs are about $2/month.

Thx, do you know if you can pick them up or do you have to have them "install" them with a visit? the last time I left Comcast in to do an install, I spent an hour on the cell phone instructing the tech on how to do my system (which I had already labeled all cables). I had to go back and redo- he put an input cable into the out on one of his splitters.

Thx, do you know if you can pick them up or do you have to have them "install" them with a visit? the last time I left Comcast in to do an install, I spent an hour on the cell phone instructing the tech on how to do my system (which I had already labeled all cables). I had to go back and redo- he put an input cable into the out on one of his splitters.

I have been able to just pick up one from my local Comcast office.

In the Philly area, Comcast includes one full SD digital box (on-demand, program guide, etc.), plus 2 DTAs, as part of your basic service (thus 3 boxes total).

If you want an HD box instead of the SD one, you pay the difference in price (without looking, I'm thinking it's like $5-ish).

Additional DTAs are about $2/month.
Not basic service, it is Standard service, which now becomes Digital Starter, but that is probably what you meant.

For a Digital Starter customer to upgrade the included SD box to an HD Box is $9.95. With Digital Classic and above, it costs $6.50.

I have been able to just pick up one from my local Comcast office.
Or they can ship the DTA(s) to the customer.

hello all,

any word on FX-HD???

Since WLVT 39 has switched to DTV, Why hasn't comcast updated their signal to process the broadcast PSIP data at the least, and also why would WLVT let comcast off the hook from providing their primary service which is HD. Reading through the FCC rules for post DTV, MSO's that carry Must Carry stations are required to carry the native signal and data from the broadcaster.
Any idea's?

I just made the mistake of having my Olevia 37" rescan the Comcast cable lineup. (We've got basic, cable goes right into the tv) I had been recieving the broadcast channels in hd just fine and mapped as 3-1 for CBS HD, 6-1 for ABC HD, and so on. After a rescan, the channels are all over the place. The analog channels seem to be in the same places, but now where before I went from 3 to 3-1 digital, it goes right to 4 and 3-1 is now over on 93-1.

After doing some searching it looks like comcast likes to move their QAM around, but I hadn't had any trouble tuning anything in (should have let things be) - is there anything I can do to get things back short of reprogramming everything through the tv? I tried scanning as IRC, HRC, etc, and they all seem to be acting the same.

Any tips out there?

Well here we go again. As everyone knows Comcast made more changes. Does anybody in the philly area know where comcast moved the clear qam signal for TNT in hd? it was most recently at 87.2. I live in south jersey, have expanded basic and am tuning with QAM tuner on hd television. A re-scan doesn't find the new location. (for whatever reason some channels cannot be found by any of my hd tv's even though they are there i.e. I can manually tune to a channel but when channel surfing up or down, the tuner skips right over.) thanks

Well here we go again. As everyone knows Comcast made more changes. Does anybody in the philly area know where comcast moved the clear qam signal for TNT in hd? it was most recently at 87.2. I live in south jersey, have expanded basic and am tuning with QAM tuner on hd television. A re-scan doesn't find the new location. (for whatever reason some channels cannot be found by any of my hd tv's even though they are there i.e. I can manually tune to a channel but when channel surfing up or down, the tuner skips right over.) thanks

It's still at 87.2 but they have started encrypting it. I've also had TNTHD in the clear as long as I have had a QAM tuner. On Feb 10th, my system added a bunch of Digital SD channels and all my National HD's to the clear qam lineup, all unencrypted. A week later, they encrypted all the National HD's, including TNTHD. The Digital SD's are still in the clear for me.

I have two quick questions. First, what is the cheapest package setup that includes Comcast Sports Philly HD? I'll be supplying my own TiVo Series 3 as STB, which brings me to question 2. The Series 3 needs two cable cards (even the M type; it still needs two of them from what I've gleaned over at Tivo Community). What is the ordering process to get cable cards from Comcast? This is for Center City Philadelphia.

Thanks.

I have two quick questions. First, what is the cheapest package setup that includes Comcast Sports Philly HD? I'll be supplying my own TiVo Series 3 as STB, which brings me to question 2. The Series 3 needs two cable cards (even the M type; it still needs two of them from what I've gleaned over at Tivo Community). What is the ordering process to get cable cards from Comcast? This is for Center City Philadelphia.

Thanks.

For question #2. I got my cable card a couple of years ago, and they told me that a technician HAS to com out to install the cable cards, since initializing them sometimes gets a bit tricky.

I have two quick questions. First, what is the cheapest package setup that includes Comcast Sports Philly HD? I'll be supplying my own TiVo Series 3 as STB, which brings me to question 2. The Series 3 needs two cable cards (even the M type; it still needs two of them from what I've gleaned over at Tivo Community). What is the ordering process to get cable cards from Comcast? This is for Center City Philadelphia.

Thanks.

1. Digital Starter

2. I don't have personel experience, but what others have stated, you'll have to get a tech to come install them for you, they don't allow self-installs of cable cards.

Hats off again to NBC10. During that WGC Match Play Golf they switched to SD for a weather scroll (no idea why, the scroll started over the HD feed just fine), and then never switched back. It's been that way for at least 40 minutes. Pushing a button must be a technological struggle for them.

Hats off again to NBC10. During that WGC Match Play Golf they switched to SD for a weather scroll (no idea why, the scroll started over the HD feed just fine), and then never switched back. It's been that way for at least 40 minutes. Pushing a button must be a technological struggle for them.

I am amazed how all but WPVI-DT cannot maintain a widescreen broadcast and superimpose a graphic.

For school closings only WPVI seems to know how to use a smaller font and show two schools at a time. FOX29's scrolling ticker tape has got to be the worst way to display a list.

I would like to see a vertical stripe of the screen display a long list. So much screen real estate gets wasted.

And every time FOX29 displays in house overlay graphics, the 16:9 HD signal switches to a 4:3 SD crap one for like 10 whole seconds before the graphics come on. Then the graphics show up, and when that's over there's yet another 10 second wait until it returns to HD.

It's horrible.

Only thing I notice on WPVI is sometimes the animation of the action news van freezes and they have to restart it.

Several Audio/Video dropouts during 24 tonight on FOX. Might be due to the snow. In HD over comcast basic, albeit now with the messed up PSIP info the channel is on some other station instead of 29-1. Isn't Dolby Digital also supposed to come through with the HD signal? My decoder only lists Pro Logic right now.

Agreed, Fox29 is just terrible when it comes to scrollers. KYW probably has the equipment to just run a ticker at the bottom, keeping widescreen/HD, but they choose to put a bigger bar up and take up more of the screen. NBC10 just is awful. New studio and they can't even do widescreen crawlers.

At least Fox29 finally got the equipment/upgrade to overlay their station ID on the HD feed, without switching to 4:3SD for 15 seconds, 10 seconds of station ID, 15 more seconds, then BACK to full HD/5.1 That was simply awful. And sometimes they forgot to put the HD back on!!! I've called them and left engineering nasty voicemails about that.

WHYY seems to have a PSIP discrepency. I am trying to watch using Vista MCE streamed through my Xbox 360, which I have done for months. However, the station appears as full strength in the tests, but does not tune. It is a PSIP problem, due to MCE's strict requirements. And ADS Media TV can tune the channel, but can't stream it to my TV.

Refference: http://thegreenbutton.com/blogs/pnear/archive/2006/09/12/202708.aspx

So does anyone know who I can talk to and work with to get the problem fixed?

My kids miss Mr Rogers, and I miss Nature. Any help would be nice!
I know Microsoft isn't interested in fixing MCE.

Is anyone else seeing clock/listing problems this morning with Comcast? It appears they didn't update their clock overnight nor did they update the timing of their shows.

Eric

Mine's fine-willow grove comcast

Mine's fine-willow grove comcast

Thanks, must be my local area then. I'm in Ambler.
Eric

Its wrong here too, in Plymouth Meeting. Pretty pathetic.

any word on Baseball HD for comcast.
seems fios has it now.

Notice tonight's episode of Seinfeld on FOX29 is widescreen/HD. Excellent! I haven't seen the newer seasons syndicated HD episodes on FOX29 yet, only on TBSHD.

Very nice.

so when are we gettin big ten HD full time? we had it now and again for football n such when mojo was still around, but as far as i can tell nothin since that channel's untimely death... it'd be nice to have for bball and ccha hockey

Notice tonight's episode of Seinfeld on FOX29 is widescreen/HD. Excellent! I haven't seen the newer seasons syndicated HD episodes on FOX29 yet, only on TBSHD.

How can it be widescreen HD when it was recorded in standard screen non-HD?

How can it be widescreen HD when it was recorded in standard screen non-HD?

i believe they used film, didn't they?

i believe they used film, didn't they?
Correct. Theoretically anything shot on 35mm can be remastered to HD. The original Star Trek series is another example.

Notice tonight's episode of Seinfeld on FOX29 is widescreen/HD. Excellent! I haven't seen the newer seasons syndicated HD episodes on FOX29 yet, only on TBSHD.

must have been a 1 night deal, not widescreen right now

Notice tonight's episode of Seinfeld on FOX29 is widescreen/HD. Excellent! I haven't seen the newer seasons syndicated HD episodes on FOX29 yet, only on TBSHD.


Are you sure you saw that, it hasn't been on that way since.

I thought I flipped through the other night and saw another HD episode. You guys know they only redid the later seasons episodes, since they were shot on film or whatnot...

I'll try to get a screencap next time.

is there any way to get the speed channel in center city?

i just moved a few weeks ago and with the F1 season starting in a few days, i NEED my speed channel!

There was a cable box message today that the NFL network may be removed from the Sports Package on or around 5/1. What is that about? I thought Comcast and the NFL reached a deal on that. I only get the package for the HD NFL network games. Is Comcast in a pissing match over subscriber fees?

is there any way to get the speed channel in center city?

i just moved a few weeks ago and with the F1 season starting in a few days, i NEED my speed channel!


It is on channel 36 in my area (Norristown / King Of Prussia)

Speed Channel is not available in Center City. I've been dealing with this for years. Center City continually gets the shaft from Comcast (our HD lineup is pathetic too).

You could try a restaurant/bar in West Philly that will let you put it on or you could torrent the coverage after the race.

So what's the latest on the supposed new HD's Philly is supposed to be getting in April? Someone over at broadbandreports.com said something about 50 new channels.

Anyone heard anything about MLB Network in HD in Center City/South Philly before the season starts?

MLB HD is live in Northeast Philly on channel 191. The channel is encrypted on QAM 49.1. The picture quality looks fantastic.

Its been awhile since I've been on here, and I hope this is the right place to post this.

I'm currently moving from the Art Museum area to Olde City, and am moving my comcast service with me. I intend to ask comcast to give me their most current HD-DVR box. currently I have the 6412 and its a giant pain. Am I correct that the new one is the DCH-3400? The customer support rep said it had something like 260GB of capacity.

First, is this the box I should be asking for? and do any Comcast boxes support resolution passthrough? I would really like to let my TV handle interpolation, rather than the box.

Thanks!

Its been awhile since I've been on here, and I hope this is the right place to post this.

I'm currently moving from the Art Museum area to Olde City, and am moving my comcast service with me. I intend to ask comcast to give me their most current HD-DVR box. currently I have the 6412 and its a giant pain. Am I correct that the new one is the DCH-3400? The customer support rep said it had something like 260GB of capacity.

First, is this the box I should be asking for? and do any Comcast boxes support resolution passthrough? I would really like to let my TV handle interpolation, rather than the box.

Thanks!

I believe the only moto boxes that do native res passthrough are the DCX, and I don't think those are in Philly, or are even in widescale deployment anywhere across the US yet. You should swap your 6412, you will probably get a DCT3416 or a DCH3416. The front looks a little different on the DCH, but they are both the same thing. Both have 160GB. It's not much, but it is a little more space than your 6412 which only has 120GB.

Best thing to do is if your TV has a QAM tuner, split the cable and then run it into the TV's cable input so you could watch the locals in HD in their native resolution.. or even better since you are in the city, stick a paper clip in the antenna port and watch the local networks in OTA HD.

mlb hd now in delco 191


Problem is that the comcast rep says it is part of digital
classic not the $5 sports tier.
dig classic would cost me another $20 a month.
no thanks.

confirmation that seinfeld ("the reverse peephole") tonight on fox is in widescreen hd

gotta wonder why some are and some aren't... they were all on film sooo...???

confirmation that seinfeld ("the reverse peephole") tonight on fox is in widescreen hd

gotta wonder why some are and some aren't... they were all on film sooo...???

Seinfeld was shot on film, but the footage was converted to video before the filmed scenes were edited together into the actual show. So, there did not exist any film copies of actual shows. Just the film of the individual scenes. To put it into HD, they had to re-edit every episode together from scratch.

But, this has already been done when they made the DVDs. So, that doesn't explain why some episodes would be syndicated in HD and some not.

I think all the episodes on TBS-HD are in HD now.

mlb hd now in delco 191


Problem is that the comcast rep says it is part of digital
classic not the $5 sports tier.
dig classic would cost me another $20 a month.
no thanks.

I think the official policy is that HD simulcasts of channels also available in SD are part of the same package as the SD channel. So, ESPN-HD is part of Digital Starter because ESPN is part of Digital Starter.

MLB-HD is a simulcast of something in the 100-189 level (Digital Classic is the minimum package that includes these channels), so that's the package it's in.

On Sunday afternoon, I got an automated phone call from comcast saying that they were upgrading their network (in east norriton) between 12:00 am that nite and monday morning.

Does anybody have any information on the upgrade? I was hoping that they would upgrade from the 550Mhz system.

mlb is on 280 here the hd channel is 191.
btw Channel 6 has forgotten to flip the hd switch for the new Bob Saget show tonight.

I think the official policy is that HD simulcasts of channels also available in SD are part of the same package as the SD channel. So, ESPN-HD is part of Digital Starter because ESPN is part of Digital Starter.

MLB-HD is a simulcast of something in the 100-189 level (Digital Classic is the minimum package that includes these channels), so that's the package it's in.

It is not their policy, but it usually works out that way. A counter-example, in our area, Comcast-Willow Grove, their is a 'Value Pack' (6 channels, $5.36), 4 of the channels have HD equivilants, and they are all in 'Expd. Basic.' So, they get more people get to take Expd. Basic this way. (They obviously feel so much HD for a few $ is too much 'value'. ;):D ) If one doesn't care about SD, the Value Pack can be dropped, but very little is saved. (Many areas don't have a Value Pack, instead those channels are in Expd. Basic and/or Ltd. Basic.)

As for MLB-HD, one doesn't need the 'Digital Classic' package (Digital Starter + Digital Classic), one simply needs 'Digital Classic' a la carte (and the universal pre-requisite, Ltd. Basic.), at a much lesser cost. However, dropping Expd. Basic would result in the loss of many SD and HD channels.

when did csn-8 show up on the digital tier.
the sixers game is on 201 in HD.

Come home from out of town and found Comcast Network HD on ch 201. Currently showing a Sixers game. Seems like a big waste of an HD channel...

It is unencrpyted(for now) and was put on ch 75(531MHZ) along with MLB Network HD(encrypted), ch 75 slot still has 1 more open spot.

At the end of tonights Flyers game, they mentioned that the Flyers game on Sunday afternoon will be on channel 201 in HD. I believe the Sixers are on CSN-HD and Flyers are on CNP at the same time.

I also saw a commercial that the sports networks (NBA Network, NHL Network, College Sports) are moving to the 700's next to sports packages on April 14th.

Is TCNHD an additional charge. It says I have to call Comcast to subscribe. I have the top tier package including the sports tier. How can they charge for TCNHD. I am on Comcast Garden State. They are going to charge me for the privledge of not having to watch the occasional Sixers and Phillies on lousy analog CN8. They still haven't offered NBATV in HD. They did add the worthless TLC to HD and after all the money they are charging me for the top package they want additional money for one HD channel.

Is TCNHD an additional charge. It says I have to call Comcast to subscribe. I have the top tier package including the sports tier. How can they charge for TCNHD. I am on Comcast Garden State. They are going to charge me for the privledge of not having to watch the occasional Sixers and Phillies on lousy analog CN8. They still haven't offered NBATV in HD. They did add the worthless TLC to HD and after all the money they are charging me for the top package they want additional money for one HD channel.

Shouldn't be. I think it is limited basic level, the lowest. Since all the HD channels correspond to the level of service that the SD channel is on, Comcast Network HD should be limited basic. This is also supported by the fact that the channel is not encrypted, just like digital versions of other limited basic channels.

It's probably just a local configuration issue on your headend. I'd give it another day or two. Believe me, you aren't missing anything. Nothing but infomercials and junk 21 hours a day, some days there will be a Sixers/Flyers game on it.

Come home from out of town and found Comcast Network HD on ch 201. Currently showing a Sixers game. Seems like a big waste of an HD channel... .

I hope they produce local college football games in HD this fall. The extra channel also gives more options for showing game encores.

Shouldn't be. I think it is limited basic level, the lowest. Since all the HD channels correspond to the level of service that the SD channel is on, Comcast Network HD should be limited basic. This is also supported by the fact that the channel is not encrypted, just like digital versions of other limited basic channels.

It's probably just a local configuration issue on your headend. I'd give it another day or two. Believe me, you aren't missing anything. Nothing but infomercials and junk 21 hours a day, some days there will be a Sixers/Flyers game on it.
Not always; see seven posts up regarding the Value Pack.

TCN is indeed in Ltd. Basic, according to the channel card. However, Ch. 201 is functioning as a 'Sports overflow channel in HD', rather than a full-time HD simulcast of TCN. (The Guide even changes from TCNHD to nothing, as needed.) So, don't be so sure Ch. 201 is in Ltd. Basic, probably it is, but, don't be surprised if they have it as part of Expd. Basic, like they do with the HD equivilants of Value Pack channels (in areas that have it), as I mentioned before.

New HD channels are almost always unencrypted at first, give it some time, and see if it remains. The person asking about Ch. 201 should be getting the channel, as I get it with Digital Starter; it indeed sounds like a technical problem.

I was just on the phone with Comcast for the 2nd time in 8 hours. They have sent a signal throught the line and have had me reboot twice and 201 is still not authorized. They have confirmed to me that the channel is available and is showing up on their screen with my account. I am really aggravated over this. I told them the problem is at their end. Anyone else from Comcast Garden State who is having difficulty receiving this channel I would like to be aware of. They are really incompetent at Comcast.

Garden State comcast here, also getting not authorized on 201. Spent sometime on the phone trying to get it authorized before the phillies come on at 4. She wasn't even seeing it as a valid channel on the system.

I'm glad you replied. I called again this afternoon and the rep was talking about replacing the box. I know that isn't the problem. I even did a hard reboot to no avail. The phone technicians are near worthless. They have no clue to what is going on. It is all occuring on the back end. Comcast has the 201 set up as PPV channel. Until they realize the problem and fix it you have to watch the occasional Phillies game in glorious analog on CN8.

Went to a neighbors house today, he was able to get 201 on one cable box- dvr, watched the phillies in hd, but on the other cable box non dvr, was getting not authorized message. called comcast and finally got someone that knew something said the roll out for 201 for garden state is april 14th. but he couldn't explain why we were getting it on one and not the other

I'm glad you replied. I called again this afternoon and the rep was talking about replacing the box. I know that isn't the problem. I even did a hard reboot to no avail. The phone technicians are near worthless. They have no clue to what is going on. It is all occuring on the back end. Comcast has the 201 set up as PPV channel. Until they realize the problem and fix it you have to watch the occasional Phillies game in glorious analog on CN8.
Here, at Comcast-Willow Grove, PA, from the times calling them, they are much smarter then they used to be a few years ago; I still know more about Comcast than they do, though.:)

Basically, one can tell early on with a CSR, if the person, 1- has some knowledge, and 2- can problem solve. It sounds like you talked to someone that, if the answer isn't on their script, they can't help you.:rolleyes::(

I just talked to Comcast about my missing channel 201 and was told by the rep that channel 201 does not exist despite it showing up on my cable box or be advertised on CSN. I sort of lied and said I was looking forward to watching hockey at 5pm tomorrow (which I am, but I have tickets so I don't really care if it is on TV or not) and was told the best thing I can do is to check tomorrow at 5pm and hope that it works then.

Very disappointed.

My TiVoHD with CableCARD on the Center City/South Philly system showed 201 as a new channel as of yesterday.

Flyers on 201 yesterday were in SD, at least in my system. Looked terrible.

Anyone getting a high pitch noise during commercials only? I have a Motorola HD DCH 3200 box and it just started the other night. It's the 3rd time since Sunday and it happens intermittently and just on some commercials.

A couple analog channels disapeared I think, in the 19-25 range. I don't keep close track of what is there, it's all mustcarry/junk local stations.

However I noticed WLVT-HD is now on 23-1, unencrypted, as required per FCC rules once the DTV conversion takes place. I would say there goes another spot for more HD, but I think they removed the analog version of NJN or something on ch 23, so it's really no loss.

So technically we gained another HD channel.

The local must carry stations and their subchannels are now scattered about in the 240s,250s,260s on the boxes. Sports channels moved to the 700s as stated before.

FCC rules say if a market has multiple PBS stations, one can be designated as primary (which means the cable co carries it in analog). The secondary PBS stations can be migrated to digital, but the DT subchannels/HD versions have to be added.

NJN-DT or NJN-HD must be somewhere on your lineup.

FCC rules say if a market has multiple PBS stations, one can be designated as primary (which means the cable co carries it in analog). The secondary PBS stations can be migrated to digital, but the DT subchannels/HD versions have to be added.

NJN-DT or NJN-HD must be somewhere on your lineup.

We do have NJN-DT and NJN-DT2, but DT1 is not in HD. Maybe they plan to add it in HD, not sure.

All the subchannels of our ABC,NBC,PBS affiliates total like 15 channels!

201 now operating and in HD. It would have saved a lot of aggravation if customer service were more informed. No more CN8 West Coast Phillies game in analog. Comcast is now using 201 as a weapon against FIOS and DTV. Basically saying if you want all the teams in HD for every game you must subscribe to Comcast. I guess they can withhold the 201 feed from FIOS and only have to provide the CSN channel 200 feed.

Comcast is now using 201 as a weapon against FIOS and DTV. Basically saying if you want all the teams in HD for every game you must subscribe to Comcast. I guess they can withhold the 201 feed from FIOS and only have to provide the CSN channel 200 feed.

DING DING DING, WINNER!

That is exactly what they are doing. With the Sixers,Flyers,Phillies all active in at least the next few days, they are putting some games on ch 201. I saw a commercial that was carefully worded to say you get the "most" Phillies/Sixers/Flyers games with Comcast, not FiOS. I wonder if they move some Phillies games from CSN to Comcast Network, just to piss people off, wouldn't put it past them.... for now there are no games after April slated for Comcast Network.

It also wouldn't surprise me if they continue to de-emphasize/downsize Comcast Network and completely pull the plug on anything non-sports related(old CN8 shows) to save even more money and rebrand it "CSN2" or "CSN+" or something and use it full time as a 2nd channel/feed of CSN Philly. Comcast also will be sure to stuff officials pockets with cash to prevent Verizon from getting this channel, not going to make that mistake again of allowing Verizon access to CSNHD.

Ak-

FIOS could have CN8 / TCN if they wanted to. There is not enough demand at the current time to warrant the build out costs of acquiring it.

And I doubt Comcast made a "mistake". I'm sure they're receiving a nice chunk o' change from VZ for the CSN rights.

Ak-

FIOS could have CN8 / TCN if they wanted to. There is not enough demand at the current time to warrant the build out costs of acquiring it.

And I doubt Comcast made a "mistake". I'm sure they're receiving a nice chunk o' change from VZ for the CSN rights.

Comcast sells CSN and CSN-HD to Verizon but not to DirecTV. Business-wise, why one and not the other? Is it just because VZ doesn't have the potential penetration that DirecTV has? Because that won't be true forever, especially since VZ now has a franchise for the City of Philadelphia.

Comcast sells CSN and CSN-HD to Verizon but not to DirecTV. Business-wise, why one and not the other? Is it just because VZ doesn't have the potential penetration that DirecTV has? Because that won't be true forever, especially since VZ now has a franchise for the City of Philadelphia.

The CSN loophole exists because Comcast uses fiber optics to distribute their signal. If you want to buy CSN, you have to pay for the hardware to tap into their system. Verizon was willing to pay, DirecTV was not. That's the explanation I heard anyway.

not going to make that mistake again of allowing Verizon access to CSNHD.

FIOS could have CN8 / TCN if they wanted to.

And I doubt Comcast made a "mistake". I'm sure they're receiving a nice chunk o' change from VZ for the CSN rights.

The CSN loophole exists because Comcast uses fiber optics to distribute their signal. If you want to buy CSN, you have to pay for the hardware to tap into their system. Verizon was willing to pay, DirecTV was not. That's the explanation I heard anyway.
CSN-Ph. has never been transmitted by satellite, rather it indeed uses fiber and/or microwave. Therefore, Comcast doesn't have to allow a satellite provider connection to its channel, and Comcast has indeed chosen to withold the channel from satellite. Verizon FIOS is transmitted by fiber, so they have to be granted a connection to the channel.

CSN-Ph. has never been transmitted by satellite, rather it indeed uses fiber and/or microwave. Therefore, Comcast doesn't have to allow a satellite provider connection to its channel, and Comcast has indeed chosen to withold the channel from satellite. Verizon FIOS is transmitted by fiber, so they have to be granted a connection to the channel.

"Have to" as in there's a law or regulation requiring it?

"Have to" as in there's a law or regulation requiring it?

I think qz1 is right on the button with that.
I'm sure there has been at least one lawsuit on this from directv.

also every other CSN form the other cities is available on directv.

If Comcast brands it CSN + or CSN2 you will see VZ pick it up, just for the fact that for 2-3 month during playoffs regular season games are pushed there. VZ has done this with other RSN's that comcast has, plus MSG+ and MASN2

Can anyone comment how bad the Comcast lineup is over in southern part of Mt Laurel near Ramblewood? I think it's part of Garden State, that's what one listing said. Are they rolling out DTAs?

I am contemplating a move, and will consider how bad the Comcast HD lineup is among other things...

From what I have found, it sounds like it will make what I have in Lower Bucks seem as good as Verizon Fios:(

"Have to" as in there's a law or regulation requiring it?

Yes, because Verizon is using a non-satellite connection (fiber) like CSN-Ph. has always used.

I think qz1 is right on the button with that.
I'm sure there has been at least one lawsuit on this from directv.

There have been two lawsuits.

also every other CSN form the other cities is available on directv.

I only recall about RSNs in general, and, last I read, a few years ago, there were a few other (~4) fiber/microwave transmitted RSNs like CSN-Ph., and the channels were also being witheld from satellite. I don't think any of them were CSNs, maybe one. Of course, any of those RSNs might have voluntarily allowed carriage since then, but I doubt it.

Yes, because Verizon is using a non-satellite connection (fiber) like CSN-Ph. has always used.

What is the requirement exactly? That Comcast has to give it to Verizon? For how much?

There have been two lawsuits.

If DirecTV had won, CSN would be on there, wouldn't it?

I only recall about RSNs in general, and, last I read, a few years ago, there were a few other (~4) fiber/microwave transmitted RSNs like CSN-Ph., and the channels were also being witheld from satellite. I don't think any of them were CSNs, maybe one. Of course, any of those RSNs might have voluntarily allowed carriage since then, but I doubt it.

I think the other CSNs are satellite delivered. I know the one in DC is satellite delivered. It had been satellite delivered since before Comcast bought it, when it was HTS.

If the fiver-delivered RSNs aren't owned by cable companies, I don't see why they would deny carriage.

What is the requirement exactly? That Comcast has to give it to Verizon? For how much?

AFAIK, RSNs have to allow connections to any provider, except for the fiber to satelite loophole we have discussed. Of course, then, there is a negotiation process. If there is no agreement, AFAIK, there is an arbitration process.

If DirecTV had won, CSN would be on there, wouldn't it?

Yes.

I think the other CSNs are satellite delivered.

If not all, almost all. There may be another exception(s), seeing as Comcast acquired and started so many RSNs in the last few years.

I know the one in DC is satellite delivered. It had been satellite delivered since before Comcast bought it, when it was HTS.

Yes.

If the fiver-delivered RSNs aren't owned by cable companies, I don't see why they would deny carriage.

I believe cable cos. owned those few fiber RSNs not on satellite.

My theory on the genesis of the Sports Net Philly on satellite issue is that the original regulation/exception extends back to the days of the big ugly dishes (BUDs) 20+ years ago. At that point, a lot of programming could be picked up just by aiming your dish at the correct satellite, which was being used by the producer to distribute their signal to various outlets.

Some producers did not utilize satellites for distribution, and the exception was put in place to alleviate the producers from having to purchase and deploy satellite uplink equipment just to satisfy the programming desires of a few BUD subscribers.

In my mind the original intent was not to deprive certain distributors from access to the programming but to mitigate the costs for producers who did not already utilize satellite distribution. (Those who did already use satellite distribution were put in the position that they could not arbitrarily withhold programming, although negotiations regarding compensation were up to the individual parties.)

Of course, today's reality has shifted to an almost opposite point. The exception, which has been redefined and codified at least once by congress and the FCC, is now wielded by content producers specifically to withhold programming from certain outlets. It has absolutely no relation to the costs of transmitting or receiving the programming, or even any technical relation to whether or not the programming is actually distributed by satellite. The low costs and high availability of fiber connections allow Directv and Dish Network to receive their backhauls of local programming via landline. CSN (and CNP) could easily be transmited to them that way too.

Comcast likes to equate their withholding of CSN with the DirecTV's Sunday Ticket exclusivity. But the former is local programming of local sports teams playing in local facilities (which are often funded with local taxpayer money). The latter is out-of-market programming for which subscribers pay additional costs to supplement their local programming, and it does not include the local NFL team. Neither DirecTV nor the NFL withhold anyone's local NFL team from local distribution.

Comcast likes to equate their withholding of CSN with the DirecTV's Sunday Ticket exclusivity. But the former is local programming of local sports teams playing in local facilities (which are often funded with local taxpayer money). The latter is out-of-market programming for which subscribers pay additional costs to supplement their local programming, and it does not include the local NFL team. Neither DirecTV nor the NFL withhold anyone's local NFL team from local distribution.

There are two separate issues. One is the distribution of CSN inside the Philly market, where, of course, the distinction you draw is a correct one.

The other issue is making CSN game broadcasts available for DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings, NBA League Pass and NHL Center Ice packages, in which case the comparison to Sunday Ticket seems more appropriate. If I were MLB, I would demand that the Phillies make their game broadcasts available to out of market Extra Innings subscribers. I don't know how they get away with not doing that.

I don't think the NFL will ever give Sunday Ticket to cable because if they did, CBS and Fox affiliates would scream bloody murder.

DTAs and TiVo? Do the Digital Transport Adapters intergrate with stand alone TiVos?

I guess it relates to TiVo being able to control the DTA for channels changes, and to expect all the programming to arrive on channel 3/4 coax. (DTA's don't have a/v output jacks, right?)

Come home from out of town and found Comcast Network HD on ch 201. Currently showing a Sixers game. Seems like a big waste of an HD channel...

It is unencrpyted(for now) and was put on ch 75(531MHZ) along with MLB Network HD(encrypted), ch 75 slot still has 1 more open spot.


Is CNP HD (201) still unencrypted? Still the same frequency? I'd like to watch both the Flyers and Phillies tonight but only have one box running right now.

Even if it is, I am guessing it won't stay that way, because they are showing encores of all of the games on CSN, as well as the few games they carry. I just looked at Comcast's channel lineup for our area, and while it isn't always accurate, it shows Ch. 201 CNP-HD in Digital Starter, but not in Ltd. Basic (broadcast HD/SD and CNP (SD)). I had mentioned this as a possibility before, because it has exclusive local sports in HD, so I am not surprised.

Is CNP HD (201) still unencrypted? Still the same frequency? I'd like to watch both the Flyers and Phillies tonight but only have one box running right now.

My HDHomeRun found it on a scan at something like 33-12 or some such. The HDHomeRun setup did not recognize the channel and listed it as 'UNKNOWN' but it was still unencrypted.

Ah, maybe is was 32-2 as this lineup info from Silicon Dust has a new unknown on that freq. http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineupui/US:19123

Yes, CNP is still unencrypted for me, on ch 75-2. QZ1 is right, it is listed as a "digital starter" channel on Comcast's website. However, that is contrary to their usual HD channel policy, since regular SD Comcast Network is limited basic, it's HD counterpart should be on the same level of service.

Of course they can do what they want with it, since it is their own channel and not a station that is broadcast OTA. I won't loose any sleep if they encrypted it. There really is nothing on it non-sports related that isn't paid programming, is there? Hopefully once football season comes around they still put CAA football games on it, and also show college football games on other Comcast owned networks like CSS. They show a LOT more encores of Phils/Sixers/Flyers games now than they ever did when it was CN8.

Yes, CNP is still unencrypted for me, on ch 75-2. QZ1 is right, it is listed as a "digital starter" channel on Comcast's website. However, that is contrary to their usual HD channel policy, since regular SD Comcast Network is limited basic, it's HD counterpart should be on the same level of service.

Of course they can do what they want with it, since it is their own channel and not a station that is broadcast OTA.

They show a LOT more encores of Phils/Sixers/Flyers games now than they ever did when it was CN8.
Are you saying CNP (SD) is showing encores, as well?
Because I didn't see any, the first few days of comparing CNP to CNP-HD. IOW, I didn't think it was a simulcast.

Furthermore, even if it is simulcast, I had previously pointed out that Comcast does not have a policy of having SD and HD simulcasts in the same service; rather, they usually do so. In many service areas, it works out this way, but not here. The example I gave, was the Value Pack, 6 channels (many areas don't have it), 4 of which are also available in HD, but the HD versions are in Expd. Basic.

>>Are you saying CNP (SD) is showing encores, as well?

Last night, during the Phillies game, they announced a replay at 6:00 AM on Comcast Network. Nothing was said regarding availability on HD vs SD. I happened to tune into CNPHD (or TCNHD as Zap2it identifies it) right around 9:00 AM just as the replay was wrapping up. The replay was in HD. I didn't check the CN8 channel, so I don't know what they had on over there.

How can 76ers playoff game be blacked out on NBA TV. It is only shown on 201. How about if you don't have the HD package. It is also blacked out NBA TV in the Philadelphia area on on DirectTV. I have both. I called DirectTV and they have no idea as to why this being done. Are you trying to tell me that only Comcast HD subscribers can watch an away 76ers playoff game. This isn't like Fox which has exclusive MLB rights on Saturdays. There is also no NBA League Pass sold for the playoffs. Somehow Comcast is behind this. I have never heard of a local NBA away playoff game being blacked out. It has to be made available to NBA TV subscribers.

>>Are you saying CNP (SD) is showing encores, as well?

Last night, during the Phillies game, they announced a replay at 6:00 AM on Comcast Network. Nothing was said regarding availability on HD vs SD. I happened to tune into CNPHD (or TCNHD as Zap2it identifies it) right around 9:00 AM just as the replay was wrapping up. The replay was in HD. I didn't check the CN8 channel, so I don't know what they had on over there.
Last night, the Phillies encore was on both Chs. 8 & 201, so it appears to be a simulcast. Apparently, Comcast has decided not to have any non-broadcast HD on inexpensive services such as Ltd. Basic and Value Pack, regardless, if they are simulcasts.

If one remembers, Comcast actually is much improved in this regard, compared to more than 1.5 years ago. They used to have HD simulcasts of Expd. Basic and Value Pack channels (as well as HD exclusives) in Digital Classic. Great, if one didn't care for Expd. Basic, but very few could do without it, like I did; rather, almost everyone needed Digital Starter (Standard) and Digital Classic.

For the last 1.5 yrs., Digital Starter has had all of HD simulcasts of Expd. Basic and Value Pack channels, and surprisingly to me, the HD exclusive channels, as well. So, Digital Classic could be dropped; although, there are a few HD simulcasts of Digital Classic channels there. Really, they need to do this to compete, I just didn't think Comcast would be savvy enough, so soon.

How can 76ers playoff game be blacked out on NBA TV. It is only shown on 201. How about if you don't have the HD package.
Comcast dosn't have an HD package. If it is only on Ch. 201, one needs a subscription to Digital Starter (Standard) and to rent an HD box or HD DVR (with the latter, an HDTV is not required, since it is the only DVR they offer) or a CableCard; I guess Ch. 201 isn't a simulcast after all.

It still doesn't explain why it was blacked out on NBA TV on both DirectTV and Comcast.

It still doesn't explain why it was blacked out on NBA TV on both DirectTV and Comcast.

Comcast (via Comcast SportsNet and the Comcast Network (formerly CN 8)) has the exclusive right to broadcast 76ers games in Philadelphia. It bought those rights from the 76ers, which owned them. The NBA doesn't own rights to broadcast local games locally, the individual teams do.

Comcast gets to black out others, except when those others (ESPN, ABC, TNT) are in their exclusive national windows (certain hours on certain days where only they are allowed to broadcast NBA games, during which times Comcast SportsNet doesn't produce a broadcast). NBA TV doesn't have an exclusive national window, so they get blacked out.

Early-round playoff games are treated no different from regular season games in this respect.

NHL is the same way. Flyers playoff games on Versus were blacked out locally, replaced with some UFC fight. Even on Comcast, which owns Versus.

Did you get the game last Sunday on TNT? We did (on Comcast). I expected it to be blacked out, but it wasn't. Maybe it's like baseball, where the national provider gets the right to broadcast a local game into the local market, even though a local broadcast exists, x times a year for each team.

I think tonight's playoff game on ESPN2 is going to be shown in local markets. Comcast is running radio spots telling people to watch their broadcast to listen to the announcers who have been there all year. That's all well and good but I can't stand Zumoff and Salmi. I look forward to playoffs to not have to listen to them.

One problem that has been resolved is Comcast now does all games in HD. A year or two ago they forced you watch the game in analog even though the national broadcaster was showing the game in HD.

Comcast already holds enough power with their ability to withhold their sports channel off of DirectTV due to rights going back to Prism days. I believe it is the only RSN in the country that has those rights. Even congress and the courts haven't been able to change the ruling. This allows Comcast to hold hostage consumers who should be given a choice.

Comcast (via Comcast SportsNet and the Comcast Network (formerly CN 8)) has the exclusive right to broadcast 76ers games in Philadelphia. It bought those rights from the 76ers, which owned them. The NBA doesn't own rights to broadcast local games locally, the individual teams do.

Comcast gets to black out others, except when those others (ESPN, ABC, TNT) are in their exclusive national windows (certain hours on certain days where only they are allowed to broadcast NBA games, during which times Comcast SportsNet doesn't produce a broadcast). NBA TV doesn't have an exclusive national window, so they get blacked out.

Early-round playoff games are treated no different from regular season games in this respect.

NHL is the same way. Flyers playoff games on Versus were blacked out locally, replaced with some UFC fight. Even on Comcast, which owns Versus.

Did you get the game last Sunday on TNT? We did (on Comcast). I expected it to be blacked out, but it wasn't. Maybe it's like baseball, where the national provider gets the right to broadcast a local game into the local market, even though a local broadcast exists, x times a year for each team.

If Comcast could black out the national network, don't you think they would?

For the last several years, IIRC, at least 6, when the Sixers have been on ESPN 1/2 or TNT, they have also been on CSN, except on Sunday afternoons. IIRC, the same applies to the Playoffs, until ABC takes over, which is sometime during the Conference Finals.

Comcast already holds enough power with their ability to withhold their sports channel off of DirectTV due to rights going back to Prism days. I believe it is the only RSN in the country that has those rights.
I mentioned a week ago, that, as of a few years ago, there were, IIRC, ~4 RSNs not on satellite; I can't find a current list.

It still doesn't explain why it was blacked out on NBA TV on both DirectTV and Comcast.
Directv- it is simple, Comcast doesn't have to avail any of their programming to satellite, since CSN-Ph. is a non-satellite delivered channel; same rule as why the entire CSN-Ph. channel is not available.

Comcast- That I don't know for sure. However, the only logical answer to me, is that the are counting on almost all NBA fans in this area to be Sixers fans as well, and they don't want them to only have to get NBA-TV for all NBA games; rather they want them to have to get Expd. Basic for the Sixers and NBA-TV for all other teams.

I know it's too late to complain but I can't stand NBC 10 in Philadelphia putting those Flyers season tickets spots at the beginning of each period when they are doing the games. For about a minute they change the picture back to analog and compress the picture making it near impossible to follow the puck. I know no TV station is going to refuse advertising but I would tell the Flyers to buy commercial time during the game breaks if they want to sell season tickets. All they are doing is angering the very customer base they are trying to sell tickets to.

This practice of running crawls during shows has become standard practice in the Philly locals. Turning off the HD feed to do some stupid crawl such as 90 degrees tommorow watch Fox 29 news at 10 for details. You do that to me when I'm watching "24" and I'll find another station to watch the news on. Of course the all time Fox 29 classic was reducing the Phillies World Series celebration to a small box so they could show yahoo's in the street and telling viewers to stay tuned for their news.

If Comcast could black out the national network, don't you think they would?

Yes.

For the last several years, IIRC, at least 6, when the Sixers have been on ESPN 1/2 or TNT, they have also been on CSN, except on Sunday afternoons. IIRC, the same applies to the Playoffs, until ABC takes over, which is sometime during the Conference Finals.

Maybe TNT and ESPN have the right to broadcast into the local market but NBA TV doesn't?

Does anybody know if you can pick up the HD version of Comcast Sportsnet and CN8 OTA? If so, what channel?

No.

Does anybody know if you can pick up the HD version of Comcast Sportsnet and CN8 OTA? If so, what channel?

No.

To clarify. The question was "does anybody know." The answer is "yes, we all know." :)

If the question were "can you pick up the HD version of Comcast SportsNet and CN8 OTA?" The answer would be "no" (you can't pick up either one).

You need at least Digital Starter to pick up Comcast SportsNet. Not sure about 201 (The Comcast Network HD, formerly CN8).

Like I said, no.

You need at least Digital Starter to pick up Comcast SportsNet. Not sure about 201 (The Comcast Network HD, formerly CN8).
As has been discussed here recently, a few of us verified that CNP-HD Ch. 201 requires Digital Starter, whereas, CNP Ch. Ch. 8 is on Ltd. Basic.

Do we have HD PPV available in Philadelphia yet? I believe (from scrolling through the channel listings) that the answer is no, but I thought someone might know better.

$49.99 for a boxing match in SD is less than appealing..

I have a message from Comcast saying that they have added new HD channels to my lineup including MLB HD. I see MLB But I don't see any others. What gives? I'm in South Jersey.

I have a message from Comcast saying that they have added new HD channels to my lineup including MLB HD. I see MLB But I don't see any others. What gives? I'm in South Jersey.

I think they are trying to include in the list some of the other recently added HD channels like Science and National Geographic. The message is misleading in that implies you would find other new channels. I think they're jumpy as they are so far behind FIOS in the number of HD channels.

You may be right. I was just at my brother's house. He has directv and I found out that directv now has On Demand. Definitely going to look into that now.

Anyone have trouble receiving WPHL-DT from Reading or from a similar distance? It's weird because I can receive Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC and a few smaller stations with great signal but WPHL (myphil17) barely comes in, even when adjusting the antenna. I want to watch the phillies in HD! :D

This is the Philly-Comcast thread; try the Philly-OTA thread.:)

I've noticed at least 2 channels that i hadn't seen before.
"This" and "LvWel"
both look like local sub channels.
This is airing movies and old tv shows but doesn't appear to be hd and is
not widescreen channel 250.
LvWel is an hd channel and has "live Well" programing.
Channel 6 looks to be simulacsting the 6pm news on here too.
Occasionally someone comes on and says this is a preview of the Live Well network.

wow, quiet 'round here.

That LiveWell programming is a nice pickup. (6-2) I wish they had more detailed program listings though. And yes, it's wide screen and my Sage TV reports it's 720p. But as a sub channel they don't allocate a lot of bandwidth, so sometimes it gets a little 'blocky.'

wow, quiet 'round here.

That LiveWell programming is a nice pickup. (6-2) I wish they had more detailed program listings though. And yes, it's wide screen and my Sage TV reports it's 720p. But as a sub channel they don't allocate a lot of bandwidth, so sometimes it gets a little 'blocky.'

See this thread:

ABC O&O's destroy HD quality with launch of Live Well HD

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1142333

FYI:

NFL, Comcast reach 10-year carriage agreement for NFL Network

Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA -- The NFL Network will stay in Comcast Corp.'s television lineup under a deal that also could open the door for the football channel to get into other major cable TV operators that don't yet carry the network.

Comcast and the NFL said Tuesday that they had reached an agreement for the nation's largest cable operator to carry the football channel on its second-most popular digital cable tier.

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story?id=09000d5d81065fa0&template=without-video&confirm=true

Do we know if they are just going to unblock the channel where it is now? (for those that refused to pay the extra money for the sports package that it came in)

Do we know if they are just going to unblock the channel where it is now? (for those that refused to pay the extra money for the sports package that it came in)

It will become a digital classic tiered channel, all digital classic(and up) channels are encrypted. All they have to do is change the channel configuration at the headend so that the channel is authorized to cable boxes/accounts coded for digital classic service, and not sports tier. Totally invisible to users, except digital classic users will now be able to watch the channel and not the get the "Not Authorized" message.

So yes, by August 1st, users without the sports tier who have digital classic will be able to watch the channel.

:) FYI

WHYY will conduct a final pre-transition technical test of it's high power, channel 12 digital TV transmitter operating on VHF channel 12 starting at 1 a.m. and ending at 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2009.

This test will not be announced to the general public. It is intended to verify that all transmission and control components are in place and operating properly prior to the end of WHYY analog TV broadcasting that will occur at 12 p.m. noon on June 12th.

During the test period, WHYY-TV (analog) will go off the air and immediately replaced by WHYY-DT12. In addition, the temporary, low power Ch 50 digital signal will also be taken off the air during the 5 hr. test period. A channel rescan will be required to locate and register the new Ch 12 digital signal.

Indoor and outdoor digital signal reception reports are more than welcome from AVS Forum members. Please send such reports that include your location, antenna set-up and the receiving equipment to this email address: dtv@whyy.org.

Thanks in advance,

Bill Weber
WHYY

for the random EAS test(which FAILED) and overrides my DVR, interrupting a recording capture to DVD AND PC. Flash to WMCN, which is a f'ing infomercial channel. No test message, no nothing. Just a 60 second interruption, ruining my captures.

Thanks. Thanks a lot. What a crappy operation

for the random EAS test(which FAILED) and overrides my DVR, interrupting a recording capture to DVD AND PC. Flash to WMCN, which is a f'ing infomercial channel. No test message, no nothing. Just a 60 second interruption, ruining my captures.

Thanks. Thanks a lot. What a crappy operation

At 10:02 during the American Idol finale, no less. Happened on my TiVoHD with CableCARDs, too. I had no idea Comcast could hijack equipment that isn't theirs.

Worst offense is what happens after the EAS test (in this case, it wasn't a test, but an Amber Alert) is over. It kicks you back to live TV. Which, at 10:04 p.m. on the night of the American Idol finale, as soon as you see a face, you know who won. Which is nice if you're watching it an hour behind live. :rolleyes:

I hope there are some signal strength experts on this thread, I have an extensive system . High def TV , Motorola 6200 Box, and 2 DVD recorders with a 4th split to an upstairs TV. I invested in this Motorola amp from Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Booster-484095-001-00-Bi-Directional-Amplifier/dp/B000066E6Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1243081614&sr=8-1

I have a high quality splitter and get 21.5db SNR (Good) and 06% AGC (Fair)
With just the box connected the SNR stays the same but the AGC does up to good. I did some searches and can't find out weather these are ok numbers or not. If any of you think they are poor I will call Comcast but I imagine with it reading Good they will ignore me as they usually do.

Picture is fine and no pixalation (very occasionally on 235 ,Phillies)
I also have a Phillips DVD recorder with Hard Drive and have constant problems picking up QAM channels to record.

I ordered this drop amp (Motorola)
http://www.amazon.com/Motorola-Signal-Booster-BDA-S4-Amplifier/dp/B000WPGRKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1243081242&sr=8-1
and am thinking about returning it when it arrives. Does anyone have experience with this amp and would I be better off keeping it and replacing the signal booster. It has 4 drops , which is just what I need. Unfortunatly if it is is one of thos plastic wraps , they may not take it back if I try it.


I am lost in this area so any help is appreciated.

I see Comcast in Central NJ is adding three new channels next week. Any chance southern NJ will be getting them as well?

Bwaahahahaha!!!!

Well, perhaps someday they'll trickle us another off the beaten path HD net, but fuggedabout Sci-Fi or anything quasi-major...

I already have Sci-Fi channel. I think Central is getting Fox News, FX and one other, maybe Speed Channel.

South Jersey is not so fortunate...

Anyone else notice a change to clear-QAM Comcast Network Philadelphia (201) ?

It's probably been at least a week since I tuned it in on my HDHOmeRun, but this morning, the channel is gone (either changed QAM channel or scrambled). I'm hoping just moved; I'll run a scan later but don't have time now.

Also, when I checked on the cablebox, the Phillies replay (6AM) was SD, while many (all?) others I've seen earlier this season were in HD.

Anyone else notice a change to clear-QAM Comcast Network Philadelphia (201) ?

It's probably been at least a week since I tuned it in on my HDHOmeRun, but this morning, the channel is gone (either changed QAM channel or scrambled). I'm hoping just moved; I'll run a scan later but don't have time now.

Also, when I checked on the cablebox, the Phillies replay (6AM) was SD, while many (all?) others I've seen earlier this season were in HD.

I got the delete 201 channel the other day (Comcast Willow Grove). And, does anybody know when, if ever, we'll get FX in HD? Tired of watching Rescue Me On Demand (fast forward through way too many commercials is very tedious).

Anyone else notice a change to clear-QAM Comcast Network Philadelphia (201) ?

It's probably been at least a week since I tuned it in on my HDHOmeRun, but this morning, the channel is gone (either changed QAM channel or scrambled). I'm hoping just moved; I'll run a scan later but don't have time now.

Also, when I checked on the cablebox, the Phillies replay (6AM) was SD, while many (all?) others I've seen earlier this season were in HD.

201 has been acting up for me lately as well. Although this morning it did have an image on it, but it might have been SD I can't remember. Last night and this weekend, the DVR wouldn't show anything on the channel, same with the channel on my other LCD TV's QAM tuner. I'm hoping they get rid of it, the only thing in HD they show on it are replays of Phillies games. Too bad Comcast can't just throw game replays OnDemand, i'm sure there is some MLB rule that they cannot do that, or they don't have the rights to.

They only need to worry about overflow in the springtime, when the Sixers,Flyers,Phillies overlap. Fall season doesn't have this issue, Eagles games are never on CSN.

StuJac- I read on BBR that parts of the Philly burbs got SpeedHD/FxHD/FoxNewsHD earlier this week. I think it was just Montgomery county for now. Hopefully the rest of us get it soon.

Anyone else notice a change to clear-QAM Comcast Network Philadelphia (201) ?

My TiVo with CableCARD got a lineup update deleting the channel. I was about to report it to TiVo as incorrect when I went to check Comcast.com, and it's gone from there, too. I didn't try to tune it in. Is it still on? If so, what happened?

StuJac- I read on BBR that parts of the Philly burbs got SpeedHD/FxHD/FoxNewsHD earlier this week. I think it was just Montgomery county for now. Hopefully the rest of us get it soon.
Do you know where you read this b/c I'm in Montco and don't recall seeing these new channels. Not that Comcrap has had much new in the way of HD lately. I'm sorely tempted to go FIOS right now especially when they ad Spike HD soon. A link would be useful if you've got one... Thanks.
Eric

Yes-me too; in Montgomery County (Glenside) on Willow Grove Comcast and I've not seen FX. Can't wait for it though.

My TiVo with CableCARD got a lineup update deleting the channel. I was about to report it to TiVo as incorrect when I went to check Comcast.com, and it's gone from there, too. I didn't try to tune it in. Is it still on? If so, what happened?

To answer my own question - looks like they took it off the air to save HD bandwidth since there won't be any live sports conflicts on CSN again until October.

To answer my own question - looks like they took it off the air to save HD bandwidth since there won't be any live sports conflicts on CSN again until October.

Indeed; My HDHomeRun scan does not find the HD channel (201) at this time.

I rescanned for updates to my clear QAM service list tonight and found all of the SD-DT and SD down conversion services now have Comcast created PSIP data for virtual major and minor channel assignment. There is no EIT/ ETT pid so I believe this is being generated out of either planned usage in the DTA, or an interpretation of the PSIP FCC requirements.
Any one with a good working knowledge on the down conversion viewability rules regarding PSIP feel free to comment.
I found interesting is the use of the minor number. WPVI has 6.1,.2,.3 on the DTV feed passed thru on EIA 110, and now Comcast has chosen 6.5 for the SD downconversion service.

I see what RedHillKL was talking about. Here in Lower Bucks, they have also created some PSIP mappings for over-the-air digital stations that are carried on cable.

So like for KYW, 3-1 is the HD, and 3-5 is the SD version. A channel like WUVP(ch 65 over the air), is mapped as 65-1. Some tuners aren't going to like that there are two 62-1's though, WWSI is PSIP'ed to 62-1, and Universal HD is in the clear, at physical channel 62-1.

Interesting... I think this is some kind of FCC rule that they have to pass PSIP along for digital OTA stations.

Regular cable networks haven't been modified.

Also noticed that Comcast Network HD has finally been removed from my system, it had been acting weird the last few days. It's now gone. However the guide is just a duplicate listing of the SD feed, also as channel 8. I hope they remove it.

Wow that's interesting. I did a rescan here in Reading, PA and they didn't change anything. Some things have PSIP while others do not.

For example
113-1 WPVI 6 HD
113-2 WCAU 10 HD
113-3 WPVI 6 Live Well Subchannel
113-4 WPVI Weather
113-5 WCAU Weather
76-2 WPVI 6 SD
76-3 WCAU 10 SD

3-1 KYW3 HD
76-1 KYW3 SD

17-1 WPHL17 HD
17-2 ThisTV WPHL 17.2 DT
76-5 WPHL17 SD

29-1 WTXF29 HD
76-6 WTXF29 SD

120-1 PBS39 V-Me
120-2 PBS39 Create
120-3 PBS39 "HD"
75-11 PBS39 SD

etc...

StuJac- I read on BBR that parts of the Philly burbs got SpeedHD/FxHD/FoxNewsHD earlier this week. I think it was just Montgomery county for now. Hopefully the rest of us get it soon.

Got those today in South Philly.

May have been before today, but my TiVo got the lineup change notice today.

Odd channel number placement in the 270s, after a bunch of SD local subchannels.

Anyone else see where the CW57 (WPSG) in HD in clear qam was moved? Here in south jersey it used to be in HD on both channel 57.1 and 109.1. As of Monday, both channels are gone and a rescan (using the tv's tuner) comes up empty.

Here in Montco PA we've had it on channel 100.1, with PSIP 57.1

Thanks for the reply. I had seen that channel (100.1) in a previous response earlier in this thread. Unfortunately, for me, when tuning to that location there is "no signal." So the search continues. ot it drives me nuts that some channels are "hidden" when doing a scan or even after finding a previously "hidden" channel when browsing up or down the tuner skips over it. That is what happened with 109.1 before going dark. I had to manually tune to that channel. If I was on the channel before it and hit the channel up, the tuner would skip over it. And there was no way to map it manually to avoid the problem. Ironically the tuner found 57.1. Even now it sees the channel but then it states "no signal." ok, enough of my rant...

I noticed last night that The Comcast Network (HD channel for CN8) (channel 201) was gone. I called Comcast and they confirmed that it was dropped and it is not a temporary thing. It will not be coming back. I kind of liked having all those replays of the Phillies games in HD.

Read an article today claiming that "Greater Philadelphia" has now gotten Speed/FX/FoxNews HD. Nothing in Lower Bucks county, great job Comcast. They are still sitting on our system, encrypted, but they refuse to map our boxes to them.

Comcast Network HD finally got booted from the guide, after the channel was removed from the system earlier this week.

I noticed last night that The Comcast Network (HD channel for CN8) (channel 201) was gone. I called Comcast and they confirmed that it was dropped and it is not a temporary thing. It will not be coming back. I kind of liked having all those replays of the Phillies games in HD.

Discussed a couple posts up.

The only reason it existed is in case two of the Phillies, Flyers and Sixers were playing at the same time. Which won't happen again until October. I'm sure they'll bring it back then. I'm also sure the CSRs wouldn't know that.

I can think of better uses of the bandwidth than to have replays of day-old games in HD.

Just noticed yesterday that Fox News HD, FX HD and Speed Channel HD have been added. Channel 276 and that area.

I see Comcast in Central NJ is adding three new channels next week. Any chance southern NJ will be getting them as well?

Any word on when Willow Grove Comcast will add these?