Bye bye Comcast, I'm headed for DirecTV (and dry loop DSL from ATT for data) due to quality issues, price issues and policy issues. Happy day.

Bye bye Comcast, I'm headed for DirecTV (and dry loop DSL from ATT for data) due to quality issues, price issues and policy issues. Happy day.

Not sure of the point of this post.

Not sure of the point of this post.

Makes him feel self-important.

Not sure of the point of this post.

I guess as advice. You don't have to settle on Comcast (I did for years).

No offense meant.

Just took delivery of a new plasma HDTV. It has an ATSC and dual NTSC tuners, as well as a CableCard slot.

I currently have BellSouth Entertainment (Americast) which has no HD service, so it looks like Comcast is the only option (too many trees for satellite).

1.) What do I need to subscribe to as a minimum to get the non-premium HDTV channels? Comcast's web page is confusing to me; and I have no need or desire to get this Channel 1 deal they're currently advertising so heavily.

2.) Since the new panel is CableCard ready, do I need to have them put in a cable box?

Advice? TIA!

For unencrypted channels, all you need is the wire coming into the house. With 8 meg internet I'm paying $54/month.

Just took delivery of a new plasma HDTV. It has an ATSC and dual NTSC tuners, as well as a CableCard slot.

I currently have BellSouth Entertainment (Americast) which has no HD service, so it looks like Comcast is the only option (too many trees for satellite).

1.) What do I need to subscribe to as a minimum to get the non-premium HDTV channels? Comcast's web page is confusing to me; and I have no need or desire to get this Channel 1 deal they're currently advertising so heavily.

2.) Since the new panel is CableCard ready, do I need to have them put in a cable box?

Advice? TIA!

Do you live in Greenhouse?

Do you live in Greenhouse?

?? Do what ??

For unencrypted channels, all you need is the wire coming into the house. With 8 meg internet I'm paying $54/month.

Thanks. What minimum plan should I purchase? Do I need to pay the upgrade for the HD channels?

I ass-u-me that they also require some sort of minimum service agreement. Yes? How long? Reason for asking is the ATT U-Verse is rumored to be coming soon.

Just took delivery of a new plasma HDTV. It has an ATSC and dual NTSC tuners, as well as a CableCard slot.

I currently have BellSouth Entertainment (Americast) which has no HD service, so it looks like Comcast is the only option (too many trees for satellite).

1.) What do I need to subscribe to as a minimum to get the non-premium HDTV channels? Comcast's web page is confusing to me; and I have no need or desire to get this Channel 1 deal they're currently advertising so heavily.

2.) Since the new panel is CableCard ready, do I need to have them put in a cable box?

Advice? TIA!

1. To get the basic HD channels, I believe you only need the basic $15 package. This will give you the local channels, WGN, and some shopping channels in analog as well as digital, in addition to the local channels in HD over QAM (QAM is the fancy word for digital cable). This does not require a cablecard.

2. If all you want are the local channels in HD, then you do not need a CableCard. For pretty much everything else, you do need a CableCard.

I hope this answered your questions.

Plus Ch 1 had some on demand HD programming. Walk into the local Comcast office and see what they will do for you.

But folks are right, you can get the locals in HD with the basic cable IF your TV has the built in qam tuner. You could also hook up an antenna to the ATSC input and see what you get. Not sure of your address, so I have no idea what you can/will get locally. IF you are interested in trying that for the locals, there is a thread under the Atlanta section dedicated to OTA (over the air) reception of HD.

Plus Ch 1 had some on demand HD programming. Walk into the local Comcast office and see what they will do for you.

But folks are right, you can get the locals in HD with the basic cable IF your TV has the built in qam tuner. You could also hook up an antenna to the ATSC input and see what you get. Not sure of your address, so I have no idea what you can/will get locally. IF you are interested in trying that for the locals, there is a thread under the Atlanta section dedicated to OTA (over the air) reception of HD.

I can do some OTA stuff, but I'm also interested in the National Geographic and the Discovery HD channels. Looks like Digital Basic will cover it. Do I have to also pay for the HD upgrade in oder to get these?

You need to pay to get National Geographic, Discovery, TNT HD, ESPN HD, FoodHD, HGTV HD and so on. You will need to rent the HD digital box - I recommend also getting the dvr, it is only a few dollars more a month.

You need to pay to get National Geographic, Discovery, TNT HD, ESPN HD, FoodHD, HGTV HD and so on. You will need to rent the HD digital box

Interesting. Digital box even with a CableCard slotted plasma panel? Their channel listing PDF:

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/atlantachannelchanges/Atlanta10107.pdf

has the "DB" (Digital Basic) mark in front of those channels; so it would appear to be a part of the DB package.

I guess that, like so many other things in life, everything is not as it appears.

Thanks for the heads up.

To get those channels you'll need Digital Basic along with the HD package, which should run you $70+/mo. total. You should be able to get a CableCard instead of an HD STB or DVR at no extra charge since it's included with the package. Additional STBs would cost extra.

To get those channels you'll need Digital Basic along with the HD package, which should run you $70+/mo. total. You should be able to get a CableCard as your digital tuner (instead of an HD STB or DVR) at no charge since it's included with the package. Additional STBs would cost extra.

Thanks. I was afraid of that.

STB? Set Top Box?

And one more question. Does Comcast have a minimum time service agreement/contract? If yes, I just might wait to see what AT&T U-Verse has to offer when it comes to town.

Thanks. I was afraid of that.

STB? Set Top Box?

And one more question. Does Comcast have a minimum time service agreement/contract? If yes, I just might wait to see what AT&T U-Verse has to offer when it comes to town.

Unless you get a special bundle of tv/phone/internet at a special price, I do not believe Comcast to have any contracts/minimum time for their usage. Give them a try, I'm very pleased with the quality of HD I get from them.

Internet is VERY fast compared to most dsl connections also.

I will second that - I average 18000-20000 kbps download. Upload is a different story (usually under 2000), but I don't host anything so its no big deal.

Digital Basic (one stb) + HD + DVR + Cable service is about $120/mo

I'm in Marietta on the Vinings head end. Anyone know if that system is 750 MHz or 870 MHz? I just moved from New England, and while the Boston area keeps getting new HD channels, it seems like not much is happening here in the Atlanta area.

Anyone know why? Are we a 750 MHZ system and just out of bandwidth?

KM you are actually missing a few of the recent channels in your listing.

This appears to be the latest Atlanta channel lineup (http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/atlantachannelchanges/Atlanta10107.pdf):

755 Braves HDTV
803 WSB (ABC) HDTV
804 WAGA (FOX) HDTV
806 WXIA (NBC) HDTV
807 TBS HDTV
809 WGCL (CBS) HDTV
810 WUPA (CW) HDTV
813 WATL (My Network) HDTV
838 A&E HDTV
839 National Geographic HD
841 TNT HDTV
844 Discovery HD Theater
846 ESPN HDTV
847 ESPN 2 HDTV
849 VERSUS / Golf HD
850 MHD
857 FOOD HDTV
859 HGTV HDTV
870 NBC Universal HDTV
876 MOJO
895 Starz HDTV
880 HBO HDTV
885 Cinemax HDTV
890 Showtime HDTV

As a note for everyone all channel change lineups are now being announced here:
http://www.comcast.com/atlantachannelchanges


Thank you for that information. I probably could have found it after lots of searching on Comcast's page, but thank you.

Now, I am going to ask some stupid questions, so please forgive. I am learning as much as a I can about HDTV because I plan to buy a big screen set in the next couple of months. I already know what I want to get, but I am now researching the "services" prices -- what I need to get to actually WATCH HDTV. I need to be able to tell my wife how much extra we will be paying. :)

So, take it easy on me, but also don't think I'm completely ignorant (I'm only half-ingnorant). :) For instance, I *know* you can get local HD channels OTA. And I don't care about that. I don't know how many times I've seen that mentioned in other forums, like it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. :) I want the non-premium cable channels that are offered in HD -- Discovery, Food, History, eventually CNN HD. So, my questions will be going in that direction..

I am asking here because you guys probably know more than some Comcast customer reps and I don't want to be sold something I don't need. I have a couple of friends who I think are paying way more than they should because Comcast rep convinced them that's what they need.

OK, here goes.

I currently have Digital Basic (no premium channels) with a set top box installed back in November 2006, when we moved into the house. I live in Kennesaw/Acworth area. The Sony HDTV set I am looking at does NOT have a cable card option (so that saves me from having to ask stupid questions about that). It DOES have a QAM tuner.

1) With the level of service I have, I can get the non-premium HD channels just by plugging the coax into the TV and using the built-in tuner? (NOT using the set top box). I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, but I am still asking to confirm. I know you can't get premium channels unless you subscribe to them -- I'm talking about the non-premium, like National Geographic HD, Discovery HD, Food HD.

2) Any channels received straight from the coax -- without the set top box -- will or will not have the electronic program guide? I'm pretty sure the answer is "will not". I just would like to see it in writing. :)

3) The Comcast electronic program guide is important to my wife -- and asssuming I need a set top box for that -- I will need one of the new Motorola boxes I keep hearing about? (with component outputs and HDMI?) Does Comcast charge extra for that box or is it same price per month as my old obsolete box?

4) If I need/get the new box and I keep Digital Basic package, then I can get the non-premium HD channels? See, someone at work told me they are having to pay EXTRA for some kind of HD tier or something. Is that bogus information?

5) Someone else said they get the HD channels with DVR by paying $11 extra. Basically they are paying for DVR, right? Because you can get the HD channels without paying any extra with Digital Basic, right? This is what I want clear information on. :)

6) Right now I am paying about $96 per month for Digital Basic (no premium channels) and 6mb High Speed Internet. How much more is my bill going to rise when I get my HDTV set? I need program guide for my wife, so straight QAM won't cut it unless some kind of program guide magically appears. :) I don't need any premium channels.


See, these are the questions I want to ask but am afraid to ask Comcast for fear of being sold a bill of goods. I also know some of the questions are slightly similar, but I want clear, definitive answers for my situation. Thank you very much for taking the time to help inform and educate me!

1) With the level of service I have, I can get the non-premium HD channels just by plugging the coax into the TV and using the built-in tuner?

No, only the local HD stations.

I currently have Digital Basic (no premium channels) with a set top box installed back in November 2006, when we moved into the house. I live in Kennesaw/Acworth area. The Sony HDTV set I am looking at does NOT have a cable card option (so that saves me from having to ask stupid questions about that). It DOES have a QAM tuner.

1) With the level of service I have, I can get the non-premium HD channels just by plugging the coax into the TV and using the built-in tuner? (NOT using the set top box). I'm pretty sure the answer is yes, but I am still asking to confirm. I know you can't get premium channels unless you subscribe to them -- I'm talking about the non-premium, like National Geographic HD, Discovery HD, Food HD.

The answer, actually, is no. Those channels, like National Geographic, Discovery HD, Food HD, etc. are not "in the clear" with the QAM tuner. You need a set-top box or the HD-DVR to receive them. Without the box, you will get the locals only in HD.

2) Any channels received straight from the coax -- without the set top box -- will or will not have the electronic program guide? I'm pretty sure the answer is "will not". I just would like to see it in writing.

Without a set-top box you won't get the Comcast electronic program guide (EPG). But you will get their scrolling guide. Also, if your Sony HDTV has the TV Guide option (several do, perhaps most of them now), there is another program guide through that, that will get the updates through the cable.

3) The Comcast electronic program guide is important to my wife -- and asssuming I need a set top box for that -- I will need one of the new Motorola boxes I keep hearing about? (with component outputs and HDMI?) Does Comcast charge extra for that box or is it same price per month as my old obsolete box?

You will need a set-top box or HD-DVR to get the Comcast guide. I've got the HD-DVR (Motorola 3412) and it has both component and HDMI outputs. The first "box" is at no charge, although the HD-DVR will cost you $11.95/month extra. If it's a regular set-top box (no DVR), and you are on Digital Basic, then that box is at nop charge. Each additional box will cost about $12/month more...$5.95/month for the extra box, and $5.95/month extra for "additional outlets."

4) If I need/get the new box and I keep Digital Basic package, then I can get the non-premium HD channels? See, someone at work told me they are having to pay EXTRA for some kind of HD tier or something. Is that bogus information?

If you have the set-top box or HD-DVR, and subscribe to the Digital Basic package, you will get those non-premium HD channels.

5) Someone else said they get the HD channels with DVR by paying $11 extra. Basically they are paying for DVR, right? Because you can get the HD channels without paying any extra with Digital Basic, right? This is what I want clear information on. :)

$11.95 per month gets you the HD service, and the HD-DVR. You will get the locals in HD without the HD-DVR. By adding the HD-DVR, you get, of course, the DVR, and you get all the non-premium HD channels included in the Digital Basic Package. See http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/atlantachannelchanges/Atlanta10107.pdf and note the little 'DB' notations in the HDTV section. That notation means Digital Basic, and means you will get those channels in HD with either the HD set-top box, or HD-DVR.

6) Right now I am paying about $96 per month for Digital Basic (no premium channels) and 6mb High Speed Internet. How much more is my bill going to rise when I get my HDTV set? I need program guide for my wife, so straight QAM won't cut it unless some kind of program guide magically appears. :) I don't need any premium channels.

It looks like you could be on some sort of promotional rate right now. In theory, for Digital Basic ($61.94/month) and Internet ($42.95/month), you'd currently be paying about $105/month plus taxes, fees, etc. If you want the HD non-premium channels and Comcasts electronic program guide, and the HD-DVR, then add about $12 to that, bringing the total to about $117/month plus taxes, fees, etc. Don't forget, that would also include OnDemand, which to me is a pretty good additional value. If you don't want the DVR, but do want the guide and non-premium HD channels, then add $6.95 (for about $112/month plus taxes, fees, etc.

I think that answers all your questions. I'm sure others will chime in with any clarifications or corrections. One thing you may want to consider is leaving your current Comcast subscription just the way it is and get your new Sony HDTV first, plug it into the cable, activate it's TV Guide (if it has it), and see if that meets your goals.

Good luck, and enjoy!

I've got Comcast's Triple Play Preferred package in Atlanta with a TiVo HD. I actually have a standard-def TV right now, but I still like to record some shows in HD, because you can definitely see the difference.

Unfortunately, I've noticed that the sound is totally screwed up on some HD channels. Specifically, when I've recorded Pushing Daisies and Ugly Betty off of channel 803 instead of 3, almost all of the sound comes out of my center speaker. I get basically nothing from the rear speakers, and the dialog is buried under the music. The same shows sound fine when I record them from the SD channel.

My receiver says AC-3 2/00 on both the HD & SD channels, but it almost sounds like I'm missing some of the channels of a 5.1 signal when I listen to the HD station.

Has anyone else experienced his? Do ABC HD shows sound ok to you? Any suggestions? Which channels should I expect to see AC-3 3/2.1 on? Do you think I'd have better luck just recording ABC HD over the air?

I think that answers all your questions. I'm sure others will chime in with any clarifications or corrections. One thing you may want to consider is leaving your current Comcast subscription just the way it is and get your new Sony HDTV first, plug it into the cable, activate it's TV Guide (if it has it), and see if that meets your goals.

Good luck, and enjoy!


Thank you so much for taking the time to answer all those questions. I understand much better. I did not know about the Sony TV Guide feature.

I'm not sure my current subscription meets what I want, however, by what you say down here:


It looks like you could be on some sort of promotional rate right now. In theory, for Digital Basic ($61.94/month) and Internet ($42.95/month), you'd currently be paying about $105/month plus taxes, fees, etc. If you want the HD non-premium channels and Comcasts electronic program guide, and the HD-DVR, then add about $12 to that, bringing the total to about $117/month plus taxes, fees, etc. Don't forget, that would also include OnDemand, which to me is a pretty good additional value. If you don't want the DVR, but do want the guide and non-premium HD channels, then add $6.95 (for about $112/month plus taxes, fees, etc.


I said I have Digital Basic, but I may have mis-spoken. My bill actually says "Digital Starter" ($49.99) and then the High Speed Internet is $42.95. I own my modem. After taxes and franchise fees and other crap, my monthly total is $96.38. I thought Digital Starter and Digital Basic were the same:


With Digital Starter, Over 80 channels with digital picture and sound (100% digital signal. OnDemand - Limited Access. 47 music channels. Interactive On-Screen Guide with Parental Control.

And here's a press release (http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:UoQ-YG_xNikJ:www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_106351.asp+comcast+%22digital+starter%22+package&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us)about it from up in Chattanooga from when it was introduced there.

But upon further examination "Digital Starter" seems like some sort of hybrid of Expanded Basic and Digital Basic? It gives me On Demand and the music channels. But to get the HD channels I probably need the full Digital Basic.

I said I have Digital Basic, but I may have mis-spoken. My bill actually says "Digital Starter" ($49.99) and then the High Speed Internet is $42.95. I own my modem. After taxes and franchise fees and other crap, my monthly total is $96.38. I thought Digital Starter and Digital Basic were the same.

Digital Starter does --not-- include those non-premium channels in HD, and none of the channels in the digital basic tier in the channel guide I posted the link to. To get those, you'd need digital basic. So that would cost you about $12 more per month than digital starter.[/QUOTE]


But upon further examination "Digital Starter" seems like some sort of hybrid of Expanded Basic and Digital Basic? It gives me On Demand and the music channels. But to get the HD channels I probably need the full Digital Basic.

Exactly, but digital starter also doesn't give you some of the channels in the digital basic tier. Again, look at that channel listing (Channels approximately 107-384...and probably not even 106, the new Fox Business Network, but I can't say that for sure on 106).

So here would be the approximate per-month charges to get digital basic, with the HD-DVR:

Digital Basic - $62
HD-DVR - $12
Internet - $43
Total - $117, plus taxes, fees, etc.

That will give you the non-premium HD's (with 'DB' beside them in that channel listing), plus the whole digital basic tier in that listing, the digital music channels, and OnDemand.

Look in that listing and for digital basic and if you subscribe to that package you'd get all the channels under basic, expanded basic, digital basic, HDTV (except 880-895, unless you subscribe to those premiums), music choice, and OnDemand.

I've got Comcast's Triple Play Preferred package in Atlanta with a TiVo HD. I actually have a standard-def TV right now, but I still like to record some shows in HD, because you can definitely see the difference.

Unfortunately, I've noticed that the sound is totally screwed up on some HD channels. Specifically, when I've recorded Pushing Daisies and Ugly Betty off of channel 803 instead of 3, almost all of the sound comes out of my center speaker. I get basically nothing from the rear speakers, and the dialog is buried under the music. The same shows sound fine when I record them from the SD channel.

My receiver says AC-3 2/00 on both the HD & SD channels, but it almost sounds like I'm missing some of the channels of a 5.1 signal when I listen to the HD station.

Has anyone else experienced his? Do ABC HD shows sound ok to you? Any suggestions? Which channels should I expect to see AC-3 3/2.1 on? Do you think I'd have better luck just recording ABC HD over the air?

It sounds to me like you've got something set wrong in your /amplifier, or it's got a major problem, or something mis-wired. ABC in HD here has perfect sound, whether stereo, or Dolby Digital, it gets decoded fine from 803.

Do you have the same problems with 806 (NBC-WXIA) and 908 (CBS-WGCL)?

It sounds to me like you've got something set wrong in your /amplifier, or it's got a major problem, or something mis-wired. ABC in HD here has perfect sound, whether stereo, or Dolby Digital, it gets decoded fine from 803.

Do you have the same problems with 806 (NBC-WXIA) and 908 (CBS-WGCL)?

Checking right now, 806 is one of the few channels that does show up as AC3 3/2.1. It's hard to tell with the talk shows that are on right now, but NBC basically sounds ok. 809 and 9 are both AC3 2/00, and there is a big difference between the sound on the two channels. Like I said, the current programming does not make for a good comparison, but channel 9 does sound quite a bit "fuller" than channel 809 right now.

The wiring is a simple optical cable from my TiVo HD to my receiver, so there's not much that would account for the differences there.

Not sure if it helps you or not but I also use a Tivo HD with an optical cable and the audio has been fine on 803 (ABC-HD). I will say that in the past (some time last year) there was a night or two where the audio was messed up on 803 during Lost. I wasn't using the Tivo HD at the time, but I remember it was definitely on 803 (it was during my favorite show Lost) and sounded like you described. It just happened one night and I was using the Comcast Motorolla DVR box at the time.

Not sure if it helps you or not but I also use a Tivo HD with an optical cable and the audio has been fine on 803 (ABC-HD). I will say that in the past (some time last year) there was a night or two where the audio was messed up on 803 during Lost. I wasn't using the Tivo HD at the time, but I remember it was definitely on 803 (it was during my favorite show Lost) and sounded like you described. It just happened one night and I was using the Comcast Motorolla DVR box at the time.

Weird…

My recording of Ugly Betty last night exhibited the same problem again; it's almost unlistenable. If it's working for everyone else, I don't know what the issue can be. Do you receive ABC in 3/2.1 surround, or is it 2-channel?

Weird…

My recording of Ugly Betty last night exhibited the same problem again; it's almost unlistenable. If it's working for everyone else, I don't know what the issue can be. Do you receive ABC in 3/2.1 surround, or is it 2-channel?

That is weird. I checked my Men in Trees recording from tonight and it was only 2-channel. My receiver was outputting it as Dolby Pro Logic so I thought it was still 3/2.1. My other channels come in as 3/2.1 (Dolby Digital). It must be an ABC HD issue locally. You can try changing your reciever settings to convert the 2-channel to something else and see if that makes it listenable. Mine sounds fine even though it is in the wrong format (dialog, music, sound effects are all clear). I'll see if I can find a contact e-mail address for the local ABC affiliate and write them.

Which will give me better service - CableCard alone or a Comcast Set Top Box? My HDTV has a CableCard slot; and I'd just as soon not have another box or two sitting on my shelf.

However, the Comcast telephone rep says that I'll miss a lot of free On Demand programming without the STB. Installation is Friday, so a decision needs to be made.

TIA for your comments and responses.

Which will give me better service - CableCard alone or a Comcast Set Top Box? My HDTV has a CableCard slot; and I'd just as soon not have another box or two sitting on my shelf.

However, the Comcast telephone rep says that I'll miss a lot of free On Demand programming without the STB. Installation is Friday, so a decision needs to be made.

TIA for your comments and responses.

I actually have both. My HDTV has PIP, so I have a cable card and the HD DVR box. In split screen mode, the cable card actually displays the picture slightly faster than the HD DVR box. Otherwise, the quality of the picture is the same. To me the biggest thing is that no set top box means no interactive menu. If you're a big channel surfer like me, the lack of the menu is a big deal. If your TV has capability to use the TV guide (or some other third party) menu that makes the cable card more acceptable. I have looked through on-demand numerous times for something to watch, but have seldom found it - but then I am trolling for free movies and other free content, and most of what is there is not appealing to me. There is a pretty good selection of pay on-demand movies, though.

Bottome line, if the interactive menu and on-demand are not significant considerations, the cable card works just fine.

Take a look at the video at this site (it's on the right side of the page: http://www.tvpredictions.com/
It is a short review of Comcast's HD on demand. I think it is an accurate review.

That is weird. I checked my Men in Trees recording from tonight and it was only 2-channel. My receiver was outputting it as Dolby Pro Logic so I thought it was still 3/2.1. My other channels come in as 3/2.1 (Dolby Digital). It must be an ABC HD issue locally.

WSB's 5.1 audio system has been broken since early October. Based on an email back then they were ordering replacement equipment but did not have an ETA for replacement. In the interim they are outputting 2.0 stereo on all programming. So if your receiver states 2.0 for ABC its legit. As for some of the audio problems mentioned prior I do not experience any of those symptoms. The reciever may be forcing 2.0 to turn into something it cannot be.

Bottom line, if the interactive menu and on-demand are not significant considerations, the cable card works just fine.


Looks like the CableCard gets the nod. I have TV Guide on my plasma, and I seriously doubt if there's much free OD that would interest me.

Thanks for the response!

I'm in Marietta on the Vinings head end. Anyone know if that system is 750 MHz or 870 MHz? I just moved from New England, and while the Boston area keeps getting new HD channels, it seems like not much is happening here in the Atlanta area.

Anyone know why? Are we a 750 MHZ system and just out of bandwidth?

Anyone?

The value of the Free On Demand depends on your cable package. I use it a a lot, but most of the content I use it for is from Encore or HBO, and is "Free" by virtue of being part of that paid package.

Frequently I set the DVR for a program and then find out I can get it from the On Demand immediately.

I also use some of the genuinely free content, especially for my kids, who can watch a movie 10 times and not get tired. The HD Gallery player is really nice to set up on the big screen for background at cocktail parties and so forth.

The value of the Free On Demand depends on your cable package. I use it a a lot, but most of the content I use it for is from Encore or HBO, and is "Free" by virtue of being part of that paid package.

Frequently I set the DVR for a program and then find out I can get it from the On Demand immediately.

I also use some of the genuinely free content, especially for my kids, who can watch a movie 10 times and not get tired. The HD Gallery player is really nice to set up on the big screen for background at cocktail parties and so forth.

I agree, I fine myself using on demand more and more.

The HD Gallery player is really nice to set up on the big screen for background at cocktail parties and so forth.

How do you access this feature? Thanks.

Edit: NM, I found it.

Comcast has scheduled an install with me for over a week. The installer just called to tell me that they had no Cablecards in the warehouse, and could not tell me when they would be back in stock; so a reschedule is not possible at this time.

They'll call me. Not an auspicious start to this 'relationship'. Makes me glad I decided to not give them my telephone service.

Comcast in Atlanta (as monitored in Buckhead) has added the following local OTA channels in the clear on the following QAM channels:

96-530 WUVG-DT2 (OTA DTV: Ch. 34.2) which carries the TeleFutura network in Spanish

96-532 WUVM-LP (OTA Analog: Ch. 4) which carries the Azteca America network in Spanish

100-63 WDTA-LP (OTA Analog: Ch. 53) which carries the Daystar Television Network, religious programming in English

These QAM channels are re-mapped on Comcast HDTV boxes to some other channels.

I have been getting the HD and SD NFL Network channel but never wanted to watch it for more than a few mins until the game tonight. Now both the HD and SD channel have nothing on at all and the game is supposed to be on. Anyone else getting the games or this some NFL BS of pay us more or you don't get the games??

You have to subscribe to the sports tier to get NFL.

I have been getting the HD and SD NFL Network channel but never wanted to watch it for more than a few mins until the game tonight. Now both the HD and SD channel have nothing on at all and the game is supposed to be on. Anyone else getting the games or this some NFL BS of pay us more or you don't get the games??

**placing finger on nose**

Moreover, Jerry Jones urged all cable subscribers whose providers don't carry the NFL Channel to cancel their cable service in protest. :rolleyes:

That was a Comcast decision, NFL network wanted their channel on basic tier.

Quick Couple of Questions,

Wanted to see if someone here could help me. I am in the process of moving and just this past weekend moved my TV's into the new house. While I am at the old house, I was wondering if I could use the cable connection to watch TV on my laptop? From some earlier research and posts I read, I figured that I could get a PC HDTV Tuner to get the local HD channels but would I get anything else? I still have the Cable Internet and Analog Cable service from Comcast hooked up that delivered the first 80 or so cable channels into my old Analog TV's. I guess my main questions are these:

1) If I get a PC HDTV Tuner with QAM, would I get the SD channels even though I only have the analog plan and not the digital plan?

2) If I cancel the Analog Cable service but keep the Internet, would I still get the HDTV and QAM channels through the PC HDTV Tuner?

Thanks guys. Any help would be appreciated.

Yes to #1, I have analog and get all the digital clear QAM channels on my plasma and PC HDTV tuners. But if you drop expanded basic, you'll only get the locals (in HD and SD) and a few others (weather, C-SPAN, and shopping mainly) in digital SD. The rest of the digital SD's are encrypted.

Maybe to #2, depends on whether they put a trap on the line to block the digital cable TV freqs. If you're lucky, they'll just unscrew your TV feed at the modem/TV splitter.

You will still get the unencrypted channels if you have cable internet. Blocking one blocks the other. (At least with the cheap filters they use.)

You will not get analog cable b/c they will put a filter in the line, although sometimes they don't bother.

Any idea as to when we will be getting FSN in HiDef in Atlanta? Another is SciFiHD.

Lately they've been doing a pretty good job of preempting Mojo for FSN HD content, although it'd be nice to have some guide data for that. I am very disappointed that we're still missing CNN, Discovery, USA, History Channel, and now apparently the NHL Network as well from our HD options compared to other markets (I think that covers them all, can't remember if any Comcast markets have Scifi yet). I don't like how we seem to never get any advance notice of new additions as other markets do. Personally I hope they get around to forcing everyone to digital like in Chicago so that we have enough space to keep getting more HD content!

Personally I hope they get around to forcing everyone to digital like in Chicago so that we have enough space to keep getting more HD content!

Just saw a report where the courts ruled that they have to continue analog for (?) 3 yrs past the cutoff, so as to ease the transition.

Lately they've been doing a pretty good job of preempting Mojo for FSN HD content, although it'd be nice to have some guide data for that. I am very disappointed that we're still missing CNN, Discovery, USA, History Channel, and now apparently the NHL Network as well from our HD options compared to other markets (I think that covers them all, can't remember if any Comcast markets have Scifi yet). I don't like how we seem to never get any advance notice of new additions as other markets do. Personally I hope they get around to forcing everyone to digital like in Chicago so that we have enough space to keep getting more HD content!

Glad I asked! The Miami FSN game is on MOJO in HD. Why are they keeping this a secret?

Does anyone else have problems with CBS-HD audio dropping from Dolby Digital to stereo, but only during the CBS sports broadcasts? It happens probably 5 -10 times in a 3 hour period

Does anyone else have problems with CBS-HD audio dropping from Dolby Digital to stereo, but only during the CBS sports broadcasts? It happens probably 5 -10 times in a 3 hour period

This is the way the national CBS feed chooses to segue back to NY for in game updates. They are the only network that transitions this way and certain recievers (such as mine) react poorly to it.

slowbiscuit & jayntguru,

Thanks for your help. I am going to try to pick up a PC Tuner this week. Will probably get either the WinTV HVR 950 for just HDTV or the OnAir HDTV GT if I decide to keep the cable. If you guys have any other hardware suggestions for a laptop I should consider, please let me know.

Thanks again,
DS

Don't overlook the HDHomeRun dual tuner with QAM for cable HD. They have drivers with support for Media Center, Sage, and BeyondTV on XP. Myth on Linux supports it as well. A little more expensive but by all accounts well worth it. Note that it's not USB, it's network attached, but a simple Ethernet crossover cable would allow it work on your laptop if you don't want to plug it into a switch.

We have two HD sets. One set is connected to Comcast DVR box and channels display correctly (eg WAGA is 804 and WXIA is 806, etc). The second set does not have a Comcast box and is directly connected to the cable outlet. It gets the HD channels but they appear with weird numbering sequences (eg 21-211 )...

Does anyone have a list that translates or maps the conventional comcast channel numbers used on their cable box to what should appear without the cable box?

Thanks:confused:

I've been trying to get a ComCast Cable TV and HSI installation for a couple of weeks. The first install got canceled the day of the install because the installer didn't have a CableCard. When I mentioned to him the distance from my house to the tap on the street, he said that he'd better send out Maintenance to check it out.

They came, measured the distance and the signal strength at the tap; and said it was doable. We rescheduled the install.

Got a call at the mid-time for the next appointment to say that they cannot do it because of the long run from the street; and that they have to send out Engineering and Maintenance to see if a special tap needs to be installed on a pole closer to the house.

M&E just left. After doing a measurement and a survey of the potential installation, they asked what kinds of problems I was having with my Comcast CTV. When I told them it was not Comcast and was BellSouth, he as much as called me a liar and that I didn't know what I was talking about; and said that the RG11 drop cable was a ComCast cable. It's not and we darned near came to blows over the difference until his partner climbed the pole and determined that it is indeed a BellSouth feed.

I then asked them why they needed special installation when BellSouth had provided service for 10 years without problems. He said that their signal was as good as BellSouth; and then asked, if I wasn't having any trouble, why was I switching?

When I answered "HDTV" and again asked why they needed special installation, he said that he didn't know, but they just did; and he left in a huff. With the attitude with which he left, I wonder if he'll even turn in a report on his survey.

I'm beginning to give serious thought to cutting some trees to be able to aim a satellite dish.

We have two HD sets. One set is connected to Comcast DVR box and channels display correctly (eg WAGA is 804 and WXIA is 806, etc). The second set does not have a Comcast box and is directly connected to the cable outlet. It gets the HD channels but they appear with weird numbering sequences (eg 21-211 )...

Does anyone have a list that translates or maps the conventional comcast channel numbers used on their cable box to what should appear without the cable box?

Thanks:confused:

What you are getting is the QAM numbers from Comcast. From my experience, they change every now and then, I don't regularly use the qam, but when I do, I just run a digital scan and see what is up. I've seen lists like you are asking about, but they change frequently.

Bye bye Comcast, I'm headed for DirecTV (and dry loop DSL from ATT for data) due to quality issues, price issues and policy issues. Happy day.

How did you get dry loop DSL from AT&T, and how much does it cost?

I live in midtown Atlanta, and I am about to switch over to Comcast HDTV, so I guess that means I will be getting either a DVR 3412 or DVR 3416, right ?

But here's my question/problem : I have read online that these tuners can only output 480i resolution. If that is true, then won't I be limited to only 480i resolution all the time ? Does Comcast only broadcast in 480i ? I see people on here saying that certain broadcasts are in 1080i & 1080p - but doesn't it not make a difference if your tuner/DVR can only output 480i ?

If this is the case, then are people purchasing other tuners/DVRs which can output higher resolutions ?

I have so many other questions - but I guess I'll stop there for now.

Thank you so much for any input people !!!

My Comcast Motorola Box 6412 Settings output at 480, 720, and 1080p. Now I don't know if the box just passes a lower setting to the HD TV's upscaler or it does the signal processing itself, but there's no problem with the output being HD format..at least not on my Plasma HDTV.

Hey, all. I'm moving to Atlanta next week. I've already bundled local phone, DSL, and wireless with AT&T. So, obviously, I'm leaning toward getting Direct TV. I don't even have an HDTV yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll get one straight away. Anyway, is there a consensus here as to what are the pros/cons of DTV, Dish, and Comcast in Atlanta (I'll be in Buckhead). Thanks!

I don't know if the box just passes a lower setting to the HD TV's upscaler or it does the signal processing itself, but there's no problem with the output being HD format..at least not on my Plasma HDTV.
so, are you saying that it may be outputting 480 to your TV, but your TV is actually transforming that broadcast to a 720, 1080p ?

If that's what you're saying, then I didn't even realize that was possible.

"so, are you saying that it may be outputting 480 to your TV, but your TV is actually transforming that broadcast to a 720, 1080p ?

If that's what you're saying, then I didn't even realize that was possible."

I'm not really sure myself. It goes beyond my technical knowlege of how it all works. But I would think Comcast has to send a HD signal on a higher broadband frequency to the box and the HD TV will ouput the display at the highest resolution it's capable of producing. I do know that there is this whole issue with "signal compression/decompression technology" that goes into the cable signal being sent and cable box itself. Sorry I can't be of more help. But I do know what I see and that's a very good looking HI Def display output on my Plasma via the Comcast Motorola HD/DVR box.

"Hey, all. I'm moving to Atlanta next week. I've already bundled local phone, DSL, and wireless with AT&T. So, obviously, I'm leaning toward getting Direct TV. I don't even have an HDTV yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll get one straight away. Anyway, is there a consensus here as to what are the pros/cons of DTV, Dish, and Comcast in Atlanta (I'll be in Buckhead). Thanks!"

I live in Buckhead too and have Comcast HD cable. SD content looks about as crappy as it does everywhere on a HD flat planel but HD content looks great. With Comcast you don't have to buy the HD/DVR box like you do with D* i think and HD OnDemand is really great to have. I'm sure Satellite has it's advantages too, but where I live in a Hi Rise Condo, I don't face the right way to be able to get it. So Comcast is my only choice. I've been mostly happy with the service, price affordability, and pitcure quality since I got my plasma 3 years ago.

"so, are you saying that it may be outputting 480 to your TV, but your TV is actually transforming that broadcast to a 720, 1080p ?

If that's what you're saying, then I didn't even realize that was possible."

I'm not really sure myself. It goes beyond my technical knowlege of how it all works. But I would think Comcast has to send a HD signal on a higher broadband frequency to the box and the HD TV will ouput the display at the highest resolution it's capable of producing. I do know that there is this whole issue with "signal compression/decompression technology" that goes into the cable signal being sent and cable box itself. Sorry I can't be of more help. But I do know what I see and that's a very good looking HI Def display output on my Plasma via the Comcast Motorola HD/DVR box.

so, you're not really sure what the resolution is which you are watching - correct ?

my fear is that I'll spend extra on a 1080p TV and not even be able to use it beyond 480i, unless I'm watching a DVD.

I live in midtown Atlanta, and I am about to switch over to Comcast HDTV, so I guess that means I will be getting either a DVR 3412 or DVR 3416, right ?

But here's my question/problem : I have read online that these tuners can only output 480i resolution. If that is true, then won't I be limited to only 480i resolution all the time ? Does Comcast only broadcast in 480i ? I see people on here saying that certain broadcasts are in 1080i & 1080p - but doesn't it not make a difference if your tuner/DVR can only output 480i ?

If this is the case, then are people purchasing other tuners/DVRs which can output higher resolutions ?

I have so many other questions - but I guess I'll stop there for now.
Thank you so much for any input people !!!

Kind of the wrong thread to ask this (you'd be better off somewhere like the official 3412/3416 thread), but I'll answer to the best of my knowledge.

All of the current Comcast cable boxes that are HD capable (Motorola 6412, 6416, 3412, 3416, and possibly others) can send up to a 1080i signal to your set. I'm pretty sure they don't output 1080p, but that's not really an issue because no TV station broadcasts above 1080i, nor will they in the forseeable future. I don't know where you heard Comcast boxes only output 480i, but that is utterly false (unless you're talking about standard definition programming, of course). Even if you're just plugging the cable straight into your HD set, if you have a QAM tuner, you will be able to pick up some HD channels in their native resolution. It goes without saying that to get HD you'll have to use HDMI or component hook ups to your set, outputs for both of which are included on the above mentioned models.

For more information on Comcast's Motorola boxes, see here: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

And for the record, DVDs are 480p....They're not HD. All HDTV broadcasts are either 720p or 1080i. And the only content currently available in 1080p comes from HD-DVD and BluRay discs and some content on the PS3 and Xbox 360.

I don't know where you heard Comcast boxes only output 480i, but that is utterly false (unless you're talking about standard definition programming, of course).
I saw it in Wikipedia :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_3412

"The Motorola DCT3080 is similar to the 3412, but has an 80 gigabyte hard drive and no HD circuitry. It can receive and record HD programming, but can only output 480i."

The wording is a little weird - they may have been talking about the DCT3080, and not the 3412 in that particular sentence...but they never say anything different in regards to the 3412's resolution capabilities on the page.

And for the record, DVDs are 480p....They're not HD.

really ? I didn't know that. I thought DVDs were at least 720.

I saw it in Wikipedia :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_3412

"The Motorola DCT3080 is similar to the 3412, but has an 80 gigabyte hard drive and no HD circuitry. It can receive and record HD programming, but can only output 480i."

The wording is a little weird - they may have been talking about the DCT3080, and not the 3412 in that particular sentence...but they never say anything different in regards to the 3412's resolution capabilities on the page.

Yeah, they're talking about the 3080, which is a much older box. Don't think they use it anymore, even for people who don't get HD. Make sure you specifically request a 3416. It's faster, more reliable, and has a 160 gig hard drive.

really ? I didn't know that. I thought DVDs were at least 720.

Nope. 480p. Better than standard definition TV (480i), but not HD. Don't feel bad. It's probably the most common misconception for people new to home theater/HD (except maybe for people who think that simply buying an HD set magically makes the SD content they were watching HD). And the industry and retailers don't work that hard to explain the difference.

You may want to invest in a decent upconverting DVD player (good ones can be found for around $100 or less), which will make that 480p signal look even better on your set.

Don't worry, the HD is HD. I'm pleased with my Comcast HD service.

In the last day or two, the Comcast system in Atlanta (Clarification:Vinings head end) made some changes to some QAM channels carried on their cable system:

WAGA-DT which had been carried on QAM channel 5-21 and 92-21 has been moved to 98-804

TBS (the up-converted SD version) which had been carried on QAM channel 98-10 has been moved to 112-807

TBS (the SD version) remains on QAM channel 82-39

The free preview of FOX Business ended on QAM channel 83-106 as it is now encrypted

Note that the above QAM channel changes mentioned will be transparent to most people with Comcast set top boxes as they are automatically mapped in the box by Comcast. Also, many HD tuners will show the QAM sub-channel (the number after the dash "-") as some arbitrary number. WAGA and TBS channels mentioned above are in the "clear" (not encrypted).

The free preview of FOX Business ended on QAM channel 83-106 as it is now encrypted
I'm still seeing Fox Business on clear QAM. I'm inside the Perimeter near the northern interesection of I-85 and I-285.

On the other hand, I can't find Oxygen, Hallmark, or CMT. I thought those were supposed to be in the clear since they stopped being broadcasted analog.

In the last day or two, the Comcast system in Atlanta made some changes to some QAM channels carried on their cable system:

WAGA-DT which had been carried on QAM channel 5-21 and 92-21 has been moved to 98-804

TBS (the up-converted SD version) which had been carried on QAM channel 98-10 has been moved to 112-807

TBS (the SD version) remains on QAM channel 82-39

The free preview of FOX Business ended on QAM channel 83-106 as it is now encrypted

Note that the above QAM channel changes mentioned will be transparent to most people with Comcast set top boxes as they are automatically mapped in the box by Comcast. Also, many HD tuners will show the QAM sub-channel (the number after the dash "-") as some arbitrary number. All the channels mentioned above are in the "clear" (not encrypted).

Yeah I am still get the Fox Business on QAM. But I can only find TBS on 82-39 no HD. I am running a scan to see what I get since the change.

There is really no such thing as "Comcast Atlanta". There are at least 3 head ends (probably more now) and they don't always (meaning usually do not) match. Throw in the ex-Charter areas and listing channel locations doesn't do much good unless you tell folks which head end you are speaking of.

I'm in Marietta and on the stone mtn head end according to the comcast info, while my friend just a few blocks away is on the vinings one. :shrug: I don't see any of these new channels.

jayntguru,

Where are the three head ends? (Vinings, Stone Mountain, and ???).

And, are they exclusive head ends (i.e. self-sufficient), or do they share any signals from another head end?

How does one find out what head end serves them (i.e. where did you get the Comcast info)?

Inquiring minds want to know... :)

It is listed on a pink Comcast work order slip. There are probably other ways to find out, but that's the only way I am familiar with.

The 3rd is on the south side somewhere but exactly where escapes me at the moment.

Hmmm,
the new Fox channel (98.804) doesn't seem to be HD. Is anyone else getting it in HD.

Hmmm,
the new Fox channel (98.804) doesn't seem to be HD. Is anyone else getting it in HD.

I was definitely receiving it in HD last evening (9-10p show).

It is listed on a pink Comcast work order slip. There are probably other ways to find out, but that's the only way I am familiar with.

The 3rd is on the south side somewhere but exactly where escapes me at the moment.

I live in Johns Creek and I have a work order that says "North Fulton" as the headend.

In the last day or two, the Comcast system in Atlanta made some changes to some QAM channels carried on their cable system:

WAGA-DT which had been carried on QAM channel 5-21 and 92-21 has been moved to 98-804

TBS (the up-converted SD version) which had been carried on QAM channel 98-10 has been moved to 112-807

TBS (the SD version) remains on QAM channel 82-39

The free preview of FOX Business ended on QAM channel 83-106 as it is now encrypted

Note that the above QAM channel changes mentioned will be transparent to most people with Comcast set top boxes as they are automatically mapped in the box by Comcast. Also, many HD tuners will show the QAM sub-channel (the number after the dash "-") as some arbitrary number. All the channels mentioned above are in the "clear" (not encrypted).Thanks for the heads-up, I can confirm these changes on the Vinings headend. I hate it when they do this because I have to update my Myth HD box with the new QAM channel id's. I don't see why they don't have fixed channel slots for QAM especially for the big local stations. They've also stopped passing the PID for some channels which would remap them on TV's with QAM tuners - WAGA used to be 5-1 on my TV but no longer (it's 98-804) and WSB was 2-1 and has gone back to 98-3 because my TV doesn't see the remap. Ditto for TBS, it was 17-1 before.
11-1 and 46-1 are the only ones correctly remapped on the tuner now. :mad:

One small correction - the first TBS channel you listed is 1080i HD. They occasionally show HD stuff, well in the past they did at least.

looks like usahd, cnnhd, historyhd, tlchd, animalplanethd and fsnshd are all added now w00t!!

I'm seeing discovery simulcast HD channel as well. If we had this before today i wasnt aware of it. 7 in one day, impressive.

Drat, I was hoping for SCIFIHD in the next set.

By the way they added TNTHD with CCI=2, which means no firewire output to PC's. The others seem to be CCI=0.

Buddy in Nashville said they got Sci Fi today but not CNN. They also have 26 non premiums (which is where we are as well). Will be interested if thats the magic bandwidth number or if we see Sci Fi added soon.

looks like usahd, cnnhd, historyhd, tlchd, animalplanethd and fsnshd are all added now w00t!!

They're all here in John's Creek! I think that instead of tlchd (The Learning Channel), it's actually tdchd (The Discovery Channel).

yeah forgot to mention discovery hd simulcast........not a bad monday :)

Kind of the wrong thread to ask this (you'd be better off somewhere like the official 3412/3416 thread), but I'll answer to the best of my knowledge.

thanks for you input Tybee.

let me ask you this : Am I going to have trouble getting an HDMI box from Comcast ? I'm in midtown ATL. I've read horror stories of how people have had to go through great lengths to finally get an HDMI box from Comcast & I'm dreading that possibility.

Oh gosh...All the new channels. Awesome! Can't wait to get home tonight and check 'em out. Just to be clear, do we have TLCHD AND Discovery HD, or just one of the two?

And we didn't lose anything, did we?

thanks for you input Tybee.

let me ask you this : Am I going to have trouble getting an HDMI box from Comcast ? I'm in midtown ATL. I've read horror stories of how people have had to go through great lengths to finally get an HDMI box from Comcast & I'm dreading that possibility.

I never had a problem and I'm in Decatur. It might help to do what I did, which is when you schedule the appointment, be very specific in indicating you want the Motorola 3416. I did that, and when my tech showed up, it was on his work order that I requested that specific box, so that's what he brought. Have had almost no problems with it in the 10 months or so I've had it (but had tons of problems with the 6412 Phase 2 it replaced).

Oh gosh...All the new channels. Awesome! Can't wait to get home tonight and check 'em out. Just to be clear, do we have TLCHD AND Discovery HD, or just one of the two?

And we didn't lose anything, did we?

Just TDCHD (The Discovery Channel HD) for me and none of the HD channels have been removed. Who cares if they removed some analog channels to make room for more HD! :D

Is FSNHD working for anyone? I can't get my STB to tune to 853 though the guide says the Hawks game is on. There was a test pattern on 853 earlier in the day.

I am here Southwest Atlanta. Just channel surfing and came across some new High Def channels: CNNHD, USAHD, HISTORYHD,FSNHD ,TDCHD, APHD(Animal Planet). Any word when more channels will be added (i.e. Sfi channel).

HomieG or anyone else,

My friend in Atlanta used to get ESPN HD and some other non-local HD channels when he initially signed up for comcast service about 6 months ago. Then a month or two into his service he lost all non-local HD channels and Comcast told him that he never should have received ESPN HD, etc with his level of service (which I think is Digital Starter). After looking at the PDF HomieG posted (http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/atlantachannelchanges/Atlanta10107.pdf), I see that ESPN HD only requires Digital Basic but the PDF shows nothing about Digital Starter.

Anyways, the interesting thing is that my friend started receiving ESPN HD, etc since a few weeks ago without calling Comcast or doing anything. He's receiving all the new CNNHD, etc now too. Any idea what the deal is here in terms of whether or not he should be receiving these HD channels with Digital Starter?

Thanks.

*EDIT*
My HTPC recorded the 12PM showing of Las Vegas on TNTHD this past Tuesday (after all the new channels were added). It came out just fine, so I don't think TNTHD is encrypted. I'm off the Vining headend

*Old Message*
Drat, I just built my HTPC in July and was really enjoying TV recording with it. I don't record TNTHD often, but I'm kind of afraid this is just the beginning.

Drat, I was hoping for SCIFIHD in the next set.

By the way they added TNTHD with CCI=2, which means no firewire output to PC's. The others seem to be CCI=0.

HomieG or anyone else,

My friend in Atlanta used to get ESPN HD and some other non-local HD channels when he initially signed up for comcast service about 6 months ago. Then a month or two into his service he lost all non-local HD channels and Comcast told him that he never should have received ESPN HD, etc with his level of service (which I think is Digital Starter). After looking at the PDF HomieG posted (http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/atlantachannelchanges/Atlanta10107.pdf), I see that ESPN HD only requires Digital Basic but the PDF shows nothing about Digital Starter.

Anyways, the interesting thing is that my friend started receiving ESPN HD, etc since a few weeks ago without calling Comcast or doing anything. He's receiving all the new CNNHD, etc now too. Any idea what the deal is here in terms of whether or not he should be receiving these HD channels with Digital Starter?

Thanks.

Is he using a DVR/set top box or is he just using QAM (i.e., just plugging his cable directly into his TV)? If QAM, there's not really going to be any rhyme or reason to which channels are "in the clear" and which aren't. But for the set top box, you'll only get the local HD channels (basically the same stuff you get OTA) unless you go to the next tier, which will get you ESPN HD, Discovery HD, etc. Went through it with my parents when they got HD a few months ago.

Your friend should check his bill and see what package they are charging him for and if it has changed (which would explain why he now has all those channels again).

Sci-Fi HD just popped into my channel lineup in Cartersville! W00t! Comcast, why are you being so generous? What's wrong?

Sci-Fi HD just popped into my channel lineup in Cartersville! W00t! Comcast, why are you being so generous? What's wrong?

This is why... DirecTv Lineup (http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/contentPageNR.jsp?assetId=P4380112)

We are still missing a lot on that list. I am glad they are attempting to catch up. My wife and kids are too hooked on onDemand for me to be able to switch.

Can anyone confirm that the new HD channels are now available on the Vinings head end? For some reason, I'm still not receiving them.

Sci-Fi HD just popped into my channel lineup in Cartersville! W00t! Comcast, why are you being so generous? What's wrong?

Whoa! Really? Can anyone else around town confirm?

As far as competing with D*, after this latest update I feel like there aren't a whole lot of channels on that list that really give D* a huge advantage over Comcast. I would love MGM HD, Weather Channel HD (yes, I am a weather weenie), TLC HD, and HD Net/Movies would also be nice, but other than that, I feel like the latest update (and the imminent addition of an HD PBS channel) has me covered. More is always better, of course, but I don't feel like there's this huge disparity, especially when you take OnDemand into account.

Whoa! Really? Can anyone else around town confirm?

As far as competing with D*, after this latest update I feel like there aren't a whole lot of channels on that list that really give D* a huge advantage over Comcast. I would love MGM HD, Weather Channel HD (yes, I am a weather weenie), TLC HD, and HD Net/Movies would also be nice, but other than that, I feel like the latest update (and the imminent addition of an HD PBS channel) has me covered. More is always better, of course, but I don't feel like there's this huge disparity, especially when you take OnDemand into account.

Yes, ScFiHD up on 874, I believe. I'm on the vinings head end, at least I think so. :)

Can anyone confirm that the new HD channels are now available on the Vinings head end? For some reason, I'm still not receiving them._______________________________________________________ _____________________________
All new channels mentioned above (including ScFiHD) are now being received. For some reason, it required a cable card reset although new channels in the past appeared without a reset.

I appreciate all the new channels, I really do. But I can't understand all the crowing the direct TV folks were doing, in reality, the channels that they just put up don't show all that much true HD, and unfortunately, many of them "stretch" when they aren't showing HD. At least this is my experience from a quick guide search.

Old Adelphia Customer and I confirm that we now have the new HD Channels: CNNHD, USAHD, HISTORYHD, FSNHD ,TDCHD, APHD(Animal Planet).

Mongo

Is he using a DVR/set top box or is he just using QAM (i.e., just plugging his cable directly into his TV)? If QAM, there's not really going to be any rhyme or reason to which channels are "in the clear" and which aren't. But for the set top box, you'll only get the local HD channels (basically the same stuff you get OTA) unless you go to the next tier, which will get you ESPN HD, Discovery HD, etc. Went through it with my parents when they got HD a few months ago.

Your friend should check his bill and see what package they are charging him for and if it has changed (which would explain why he now has all those channels again).

He is using the HD DVR box. As I mentioned it is just strange because he received the HD channels like ESPN HD then he stopped getting them and now he started getting them again. I think he has Digital Starter but I'll ask him to check his bill. I actually asked him to check his bill to see if it increased from the usual to try to explain why he is receiving ESPN HD, CNN HD, etc now.

Thanks for the reply.

any new ones on unencrypted QAM?

SciFI HD is now here in North Fulton.

FSN HD is still not working right here. The guide says there's a hockey game, but it's still a test pattern on the channel.

FSNSH (853) still reports offline. Is this supposed to be Fox Sports HD? SciFiHD 874 is up. They're showing Stargate Atlantis in SD.

SciFiHD 874 is up. They're showing Stargate Atlantis in SD.

The HD station/program guide on the box shows some Monday Stargates in HD. However, I'm skeptical since they seem undistinguished from the ones currently showing in SD.

I don't watch a lot of SciFi, but I was interested in the Tin Man miniseries. The good news is they will be doing a Christmas Eve marathon rebroadcast of all three installments, and now we can see them in HD. Already set up my DVR.

He is using the HD DVR box. As I mentioned it is just strange because he received the HD channels like ESPN HD then he stopped getting them and now he started getting them again. I think he has Digital Starter but I'll ask him to check his bill. I actually asked him to check his bill to see if it increased from the usual to try to explain why he is receiving ESPN HD, CNN HD, etc now.

Thanks for the reply.Yeah, digital starter only gets you the locals in HD, which are also on clear QAM. You have to bend over and fork them another $12 a month for digital basic to get the rest of the HD channels. If all you care about is HD, you end up paying for the same content twice (for those that simulcast in HD like ESPN, CNN, etc.).

FSNSH is up and has moved to 848.

How long does it take for these new channels to appear in the online guides (TitanTV or TV Guide)?

FSNSH is up and has moved to 848.

The Hawks/Miami Heat game was broadcast in HD last night on both 848 (FSN) and 853 (SPSO). After the the post game show both channels returned to test patterns. I'm not sure why the same content is appearing on both channels...time will tell.

ever since comcast added all the new HD channels this week, i have been unable to view any channels via the firewire port. anyone else having this issue?

The Hawks/Miami Heat game was broadcast in HD last night on both 848 (FSN) and 853 (SPSO). After the the post game show both channels returned to test patterns. I'm not sure why the same content is appearing on both channels...time will tell.

I'm in Marietta and don't see SPSO on 853. I've got FSN on 848 and subscribe to the Sports and Entertainment Pack, so what gives?

I'm in Marietta and don't see SPSO on 853. I've got FSN on 848 and subscribe to the Sports and Entertainment Pack, so what gives?

In North Fulton, 848 is FSN, and we don't show an 853. If Sports South HD will be on 853, then between 848 and 853 we'll be covered on HD telecasts of Braves games except for Peachtree TV (channel 17). Does anyone know if Peachtree TV will have a HD definition signal in time for the baseball season?

In North Fulton, 848 is FSN, and we don't show an 853. If Sports South HD will be on 853, then between 848 and 853 we'll be covered on HD telecasts of Braves games except for Peachtree TV (channel 17). Does anyone know if Peachtree TV will have a HD definition signal in time for the baseball season?

Not sure about Peachtree TV. But I did notice that channel 755 is longer in the channel lineup at all. Last winter they kept it up with a message saying "See you next season" or something like that. I suspect that most, if not all, home games will be in HD on 848.

Noticed tonight that they changed the station ID for Discovery Channel HD from the somewhat confusing TDCHD to the much better DISHD.

Of course, once a HD Disney Channel goes live, they'll have to change it again. ;)

Any wagers on whether they'll sneak TLC HD into our lineup in the next couple weeks? That was the only glaring omission in last week's additions, and the way they snuck SciFi HD in there on Tuesday makes me think we might see another addition or two before they're done.

ever since comcast added all the new HD channels this week, i have been unable to view any channels via the firewire port. anyone else having this issue?

I just captured an ESPNHD game from last night via firewire.

In North Fulton, 848 is FSN, and we don't show an 853. If Sports South HD will be on 853, then between 848 and 853 we'll be covered on HD telecasts of Braves games except for Peachtree TV (channel 17). Does anyone know if Peachtree TV will have a HD definition signal in time for the baseball season?

Peachtree TV aired a Dave Matthews Concert from Peidmont Park in HD OTA a month or so back. So they have capabilities. Whether we see them expand on it is unknown.

Has anyone else noticed another new HD channel 816 on Comcast? It has no call letters but it looks to be GPB Digital. I would have thought they would be using 808 which is the analog GPB channel 8.

Noticed tonight that they changed the station ID for Discovery Channel HD from the somewhat confusing TDCHD to the much better DISHD.

Of course, once a HD Disney Channel goes live, they'll have to change it again. ;)

Any wagers on whether they'll sneak TLC HD into our lineup in the next couple weeks? That was the only glaring omission in last week's additions, and the way they snuck SciFi HD in there on Tuesday makes me think we might see another addition or two before they're done.
Looks like you sort of got your wish for more stations Tybee. GPB Digital is on channel 816 here in Decatur. Doesn't emulate WPBA which is on regular 16, but rather it is Channel 8's digital feed. I think someone at Comcast meant to put this one on 808 and got their PBS stations confused. But it's up and running bringing Atlanta's HD choices on Comcast to over 30 if you pay for everything. I get 28 now. Not too shabby.

Signal's a bit choppy, guess they're still getting things squared away over at GPB.

I wonder if they'll switch GPB to 808 and then also add WPBA on 816?

I think the choppyness might be a GPB problem. I noticed some pixilation on my digital tuner.

According to information that I found in another group, this is the WGTV Digital signal. They are performing what they call is a soft-launch to test their equipment and programming. The official launch is not scheduled until sometime in January.

Has anyone noticed a problem with Comcast 874 SciFi HD. Video seems to be fine but audio drop outs are making it difficult to watch.

Comcast's TV Planner has the guide info for the new channels, except for 816.

Regarding the audio dropouts on 874, I'm getting them too, but only on one of my systems:

Main system: Sony STR-DA4ES, Motorola 3412 box, through the optical output, no dropouts

System 2: Sony STR-D597, Moto 6402, also optical out, dropouts.

Do you have a 6402? This is the older analog/digital no DVR box.

I'm in Tucker on the Stn Mtn headend, and my System 2 has no audio droputs with any other channel than 874.

Peachtree TV aired a Dave Matthews Concert from Peidmont Park in HD OTA a month or so back. So they have capabilities. Whether we see them expand on it is unknown.

That's promising news. Maybe we'll see some of their Braves games in HD next year. Thanks.

On another subject, new HD channel 816 (WGTV) is on Comcast here in North Fulton, too.

Does anyone know the QAM channel of WGTV-DT (816)?

Looks like you sort of got your wish for more stations Tybee. GPB Digital is on channel 816 here in Decatur. Doesn't emulate WPBA which is on regular 16, but rather it is Channel 8's digital feed. I think someone at Comcast meant to put this one on 808 and got their PBS stations confused. But it's up and running bringing Atlanta's HD choices on Comcast to over 30 if you pay for everything. I get 28 now. Not too shabby.

Wow...That was fast, given that WGTV's OTA digital signal just went live yesterday. When it rains it pours, I guess. And WPBA started showing HD content this week as well, so yeah, I imagine we'll see both in the 800 neighborhood soon.

Since my predictions seem to be coming true, let me try another:

This week, they will announce the launch of Turner Classic Movies HD. Two days later, it will show up in the Comcast lineup. ;)

Comcast's TV Planner has the guide info for the new channels, except for 816.

Unfortunately they list 874 as SCIHD instead of SCIFI, which is what the Tribune listings that drive Tivo and MythTV use. SCIHD is "The Science Channel", one of the Discovery Network channels, not scifi.

Wow...That was fast, given that WGTV's OTA digital signal just went live yesterday. When it rains it pours, I guess. And WPBA started showing HD content this week as well, so yeah, I imagine we'll see both in the 800 neighborhood soon.

WPBA-DT is already available on clearQAM for some reason, but not on the comcast boxes.

WPBA-DT is already available on clearQAM for some reason, but not on the comcast boxes.

What channel?

Does anyone know the QAM channel of WGTV-DT (816)?I'd like to know myself so I can add it to my Myth box - PBS in HD was the holy grail for me. I just tried scanning with my plasma and can't find it in clear QAM yet on the Vinings headend. Guess I could run a scan using my tuner cards but it usually shows up on my TV if it exists in the clear.

I believe WPBA-DT is on channel 5. I don't know the subchannel because my QAM tuner remaps everything in a weird way.

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineupui?Cmd=LocationProgramsWeb&Country=US&Postcode=30345
The link above goes to the HDHomerun website, which has an excellent list of OTA and QAM channels.

Comcast Atlanta (Vinings head end) received in Buckhead has a new QAM channel at 5-808 which I believe should be WGTV-DT. However, the channel is encrypted! The QAM channel is shown as encrypted on my LG LST-3410a HD DVR as well as on my Scpetre X42GV LCD HDTV. I hope they get this resolved soon. They should NOT be encrypting any locally broadcast OTA channels re-broadcast on their system.

WGTV-DT has been coming in with a weak signal OTA on the physical channel 12.1 (and re-mapped to the virtual channel 8.1) here in the Buckhead area since Thursday (Dec. 20).

Agreed, if both PBS stations are on channel 5 (as 5-808 and 5-816) they must be encrypted, because a clear QAM scan does not pick them up.

EDIT: I also tried scanning with my Myth tuners (ATI HDTV Wonder and Kworld ATSC-110). Both will pick up 5-808 and 5-816 and lock on the channel when tuned but I get a black screen, no pic or sound. So I'm guessing that they are indeed encrypted.

Comcast Atlanta (Vinings head end) received in Buckhead has a new QAM channel at 5-808 which I believe should be WGTV-DT. However, the channel is encrypted! The QAM channel is shown as encrypted on my LG LST-3410a HD DVR as well as on my Scpetre X42GV LCD HDTV. I hope they get this resolved soon. They should NOT be encrypting any locally broadcast OTA channels re-broadcast on their system.

Give it until after the holidays. Gillian Gonda of WGTV acknowledged that they have WGTV under the wrong channel # in the iGuide lineup (should be 808, not 816) and they haven't even added the channel name or guide info. WGTV and WPBA haven't officially launched in their HD incarnation, this being a soft launch for each. I have a feeling the QAM issues and everything else will be worked out within the next couple weeks.

Does anyone know if they moved Fox 92.21 clear QAM? All I get now is a black screen when tuned to that channel? Hate to do a rescan, cause that means I have to go back and set up everything ( Clear QAM channels) on all of my dvrs and tvs.
Thanks, Michael

They moved Fox5-DT to 98-804.

They moved Fox5-DT to 98-804.
Thanks,Michael

Do you have a 6402? This is the older analog/digital no DVR box.

I'm in Tucker on the Stn Mtn headend, and my System 2 has no audio droputs with any other channel than 874.

No, I have a 6412 with optical out to my stereo receiver and L/R RCA plugs to the TV speakers. Getting dropouts on both TV speakers and the stereo receiver 5.1 sound.

I used to be on the Stone Mountain headend but the last Comcast work order said that I was on the North Fulton headend. I am inside I-285 in Sandy Springs.

I've been reading this thread for weeks now and I am less than 2 weeks away from getting a 60" Sony. So, I am mentally preparing to upgrade my cable service.

I live in Acworth (Vinings headend?) and I am currently on the "Digital Starter" plan. I will be upgrading to "Digital Basic" and getting an HD DVR like HomieG suggested (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12227406&postcount=2525).

1) Now, WHICH CABLE BOX? Seems like I should ask for the Motorola 3412 or 3416, since the 64xx has so many reported problems?

2) Does Comcast supply the HDMI cable or do I have to buy one?

Now, WHICH CABLE BOX? Seems like I should ask for the Motorola 3412 or 3416, since the 64xx has so many reported problems?

It does appear that the 34xx series are a lot better than the 64xx series. I don't think Comcast is still supplying the 64xx series in this area, but I don't know that as a fact. In any event, requesting a 3412 or 3416 would probably be a good idea. The xx12 has a 120GB drive, and the xx16 has a 160GB drive. The 3412 will record about 20 hours of HD, and the 3416 will record about 26 hours of HD. Both will record a whole lot more SD than the HD capacity.

Does Comcast supply the HDMI cable or do I have to buy one?

In my case they did not supply the HDMI cable, but did supply a set of component video/audio cables. HDMI cables at a good price can be found at www.monoprice.com. I usually get extra's from them, and also consider a Toslink optical audio cable if you plan to run that directly to your audio system. Many HDTV's do not have Dolby Digital decoders in them, hence they don't pass Dolby Digital audio to an external audio system when using HDMI from the cable box to the HDTV.

Anyone know what's up with FSNS-HD (848) which still shows "Off Air" in the guide and PBS-HD (816) which doesn't even officially exist and shows as "To Be Announced"?

Is this consistent with what others see?

Well I have had a 50" HDTV for 3 years now but it didn't have a NTSC/QAM turner. I just bought another one for the basement and it does have a QAM tuner. So I figured I would just plug it into the Comcast cable and see what I get after a scan. ( I only have basic service since I have Directv ) I was surprised in the amount of channels I get. I knew I would get the local HD channels but I didn't think I would get more then that.

Be careful when scanning with kids around , one adult channel comes in great. Glad my 8 year old wasn't in the room.

I also noticed at certain times and certain channels OnDemand movies come in. I have found them on about 5 different channels. How does the Ondemand stuff come in? Does that mean someone around me requested it so I'm picking up the stream?

None of the p0rn is unencrypted, so what you were seeing was on-demand (which is all unencrypted). I leave all of the on-demand channels in, just so I can see what my neighbors are watching. :)

Well the porn has been on 24/7 for the last week unlike the ondemand that comes and goes, thats why I was wondering. So is that how I see OnDemand, its because my neighbors request it? Thats pretty cool.

I guess I should rephrase what I said... 'to the best of my knowledge and experience none of the p0rn is unencrypted'. If it's on 24x7 then you may have found some, or one of your neighbor is a huge pervert. :D

With Comcast, you never know, they have some channels encrypted that shouldn't be, so it wouldn't be a stretch that they would send unencrypted that shouldn't be.

Prob a 24/7 perv .. LOL Thanks for the help.

Anyone able to get WGTV on Comcast QAM yet. I think its on 8 -1 OTA

It does appear that the 34xx series are a lot better than the 64xx series. I don't think Comcast is still supplying the 64xx series in this area, but I don't know that as a fact. In any event, requesting a 3412 or 3416 would probably be a good idea. The xx12 has a 120GB drive, and the xx16 has a 160GB drive. The 3412 will record about 20 hours of HD, and the 3416 will record about 26 hours of HD. Both will record a whole lot more SD than the HD capacity.



My experience that HD is 8-9 GB per hour. Therefore a 120 could hold up to 13 hours. Currently my 3412 has the 6 hours of 874's Tin Man. The box reports 32% full. I just captured some of one program and ran it thru VideoReDo. It reports 12.25 Mbps rather than 17-18 Mbps that I get with ESPNHD, etc.

WGTV-DT is now un-encrypted on QAM channel 5-808 on the Comcast (Vinings head end). The SD version of WGTV is still on QAM channel 80-205 too.

Now that WPBA-DT is starting to carry some HD material again (i.e., the PBS News Hour), will that local HD broadcast channel be also available on Comcast? Some people say it has shown up on some boxes as channel "816". I'm hoping they carry it on a clear QAM channel sometime in the near future. The SD version of WPBA is on the QAM channel 80-212 in the clear.

WGTV-DT is now un-encrypted on QAM channel 5-808 on the Comcast (Vinings head end). The SD version of WGTV is still on QAM channel 80-205 too.

Now that WPBA-DT is starting to carry some HD material again (i.e., the PBS News Hour), will that local HD broadcast channel be also available on Comcast? Some people say it has shown up on some boxes as channel "816". I'm hoping they carry it on a clear QAM channel sometime in the near future. The SD version of WPBA is on the QAM channel 80-212 in the clear.

Thanks that's what I was looking for. Ill try them tonight.

Can confirm that 5-808 is in the clear now for QAM (yay!!!!). 5-816 (WPBA) still not up.

I picked up a couple of Motorola DCH3416 boxes from the local Comcast office. Silly me, I didn’t check to see that they were the for the Stone Mountain headend which I’m off of. Turns out they were Vinings boxes. I found out when I called Comcast to have them activated. The Comcast CSR said to call in the morning and engineering could help me convert them. I’m not really convinced that they’ll be able to do this. I’m not really sure what the difference between a Stone Mountain box and Vining STB is for sure, but I’m speculating that it might be the frequency used in communication from the STB back to the headend. Have any of you heard of this converting process, and if so is it something I can do myself? Maybe a hidden menu option or something?



Thanks…Josh

I picked up a couple of Motorola DCH3416 boxes from the local Comcast office. Silly me, I didn’t check to see that they were the for the Stone Mountain headend which I’m off of. Turns out they were Vinings boxes. I found out when I called Comcast to have them activated. The Comcast CSR said to call in the morning and engineering could help me convert them. I’m not really convinced that they’ll be able to do this. I’m not really sure what the difference between a Stone Mountain box and Vining STB is for sure, but I’m speculating that it might be the frequency used in communication from the STB back to the headend. Have any of you heard of this converting process, and if so is it something I can do myself? Maybe a hidden menu option or something?



Thanks…Josh

Comcast has always told me that they have to come out and install the DVR. How do you accomplish this?

I have my set connected to Comcast in Atlanta and when viewing HD channels (over QAM), all of the HD channels show:

DTV Cable
(channel number)

res..(ie: 1080i..780p, etc) 16:9, 4x3..
English
sound (ie: Dolby Digital)


On the right it says

No Title
No Detailed Information

I can't program a channel name since supposedly digital channels supply the name and program information, but I can't get any information to show up.

I believe Comcast is required by the FCC to provide this information for local channels.

Do any of you receiving channels over QAM receive the channel information? (channel name, program name and description)

thanks.

Does anyone know what might have happened to ABC and FOX on Comcast using QAM? I was watching the Rose Parade this morning in HD on ABC (98-3) and it disappeared around noon. FOX (98-804) is gone, too. In fact, when I do a channel scan 98 doesn't show up at all anymore (not even as encrypted channels).

I hope this is temporary because my STB isn't coming until Thursday and I want to watch the Sugar Bowl in HD tonight.

...Do any of you receiving channels over QAM receive the channel information? (channel name, program name and description)thanks.

I do not.

Noticed that Comcast now has channels 808 and 816 as GPTV since they both say so on the bugs. Both are the DTV channel.

Presumably at some point soon they'll put WPBA (analog Channel 30, but the DTV version), on 816.

Btw, the other evening I did notice a true HD program on WPBA using my OTA antenna.

Does anyone know what might have happened to ABC and FOX on Comcast using QAM? I was watching the Rose Parade this morning in HD on ABC (98-3) and it disappeared around noon. FOX (98-804) is gone, too. In fact, when I do a channel scan 98 doesn't show up at all anymore (not even as encrypted channels).

I hope this is temporary because my STB isn't coming until Thursday and I want to watch the Sugar Bowl in HD tonight.


Just checked. 98-804 and 98-3 are working OK here on the southside. Do you have them back now?

Just checked. 98-804 and 98-3 are working OK here on the southside. Do you have them back now?

My FOX and ABC are gone. This sucks I want to watch the Sugar Bowl in HD. Hope they get it fixed by then. I am getting PBS, CBS, CW, TBS, NBC, and it appears WSB in QAM.

Does anyone know what might have happened to ABC and FOX on Comcast using QAM? I was watching the Rose Parade this morning in HD on ABC (98-3) and it disappeared around noon. FOX (98-804) is gone, too. In fact, when I do a channel scan 98 doesn't show up at all anymore (not even as encrypted channels).

I hope this is temporary because my STB isn't coming until Thursday and I want to watch the Sugar Bowl in HD tonight.


Looks like we are getting redirected to 2-2 for ABC HD which states it is RTN, but I dont know what that means. It is scrambled or has a very weak signal now.

Just checked. 98-804 and 98-3 are working OK here on the southside. Do you have them back now?

No, still gone. Unless I need to rescan for them. Inputting the channel number directly doesn't work, though, so I don't think that's it.

My FOX and ABC are gone. This sucks I want to watch the Sugar Bowl in HD. Hope they get it fixed by then. I am getting PBS, CBS, CW, TBS, NBC, and it appears WSB in QAM.

Glad it's not just me.

I also lost my Fox and ABC here in Mariettta :(

Still no Fox and ABC this morning. Anyone else get it back?

Still no Fox and ABC this morning. Anyone else get it back?

I checked this morning before work and still nothing.

Does anyone know what might have happened to ABC and FOX on Comcast using QAM? I was watching the Rose Parade this morning in HD on ABC (98-3) and it disappeared around noon. FOX (98-804) is gone, too. In fact, when I do a channel scan 98 doesn't show up at all anymore (not even as encrypted channels).

I hope this is temporary because my STB isn't coming until Thursday and I want to watch the Sugar Bowl in HD tonight.

Here in Decatur, our power went out twice for several minutes right around that time. I wonder if that had anything to do with it?

I'm in Austell on the Vinings headend and can still tune both channels. It really pisses me off that they won't consistently use the PID data to remap them to the correct channels, because they used to be on 2-1 and 5-1 before the latest move. I still have 11-1 and 46-1 mapped correctly.

As of 5:30 PM today I have them back. Lets see how long they last.

Noticed that Comcast now has channels 808 and 816 as GPTV since they both say so on the bugs. Both are the DTV channel.

Presumably at some point soon they'll put WPBA (analog Channel 30, but the DTV version), on 816.

Btw, the other evening I did notice a true HD program on WPBA using my OTA antenna.

Some nice HD programming was on 808/816 last night.

Some nice HD programming was on 808/816 last night.

Yeah, you will be seeing more and more HD on WGTV-DT (and PBA-DT once they get it working on 816). Both channels appear to be working on QAM.

Gillian Gonda, a WGTV staffer who posts over on the ATLDTV Yahoo forums, provided a list of some of the upcoming stuff in HD on WGTV:

PIONEERS OF TELEVISION Wednesdays, 1/2-1/23 at 8:00 PM
ANDREW JACKSON: GOOD, EVIL AND THE PRESIDENCY 1/2 at 9:00 PM
NATURE "The Desert Lions" 1/6 at 8:00 PM
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW Mondays at 8:00 PM beginning 1/7
GREAT PERFORMANCES 1/7 at 9:00 PM

I can get 5-808 but I still cant get 5-816 on clear QAM yet.

Comcast has always told me that they have to come out and install the DVR. How do you accomplish this?

I went to my local Comcast office about six weeks ago and was able to pick up three HD DVR boxes and set them up myself. Pleasantly surprised that this is now an option locally.:)

I went to my local Comcast office about six weeks ago and was able to pick up three HD DVR boxes and set them up myself. Pleasantly surprised that this is now an option locally.:)

That's nice to know. I had asked them a year ago if I could come pick up my own DCT-3416 and they said no, requiring a tech visit.

I got a 19" HD set for the bedroom for Christmas, and am toying with the idea of a second box in there. But I think my wife would balk at that, especially since I worked so hard to convince her that with a little HDTV with a QAM tuner and/or antenna, she wouldn't have to put up with the expense and/or aesthetic indignities of a DVR in the bedroom. ;)

Here's a question for you QAM aficionados, as I'm just becoming acquainted with it: My wife was told by the salesman at CC that it was possible to tune to an HD channel (or any channel) on the DVR in the living room and leave the box on, then find that channel in QAM on the set in the bedroom. So far I have not been able to accomplish this. I have found the range of channels where I can monitor my neighbors' OnDemand selections (too many cartoons and bad movies, not enough porn), and am able to watch my own OnDemand programs in the bedroom that way. But I really wish I could watch channels in the bedroom through this method. Any tips?

Here's a question for you QAM aficionados, as I'm just becoming acquainted with it: My wife was told by the salesman at CC that it was possible to tune to an HD channel (or any channel) on the DVR in the living room and leave the box on, then find that channel in QAM on the set in the bedroom. So far I have not been able to accomplish this. I have found the range of channels where I can monitor my neighbors' OnDemand selections (too many cartoons and bad movies, not enough porn), and am able to watch my own OnDemand programs in the bedroom that way. But I really wish I could watch channels in the bedroom through this method. Any tips?

The 2nd part, about tuning OnDemand on the DVR and then watching in the bedroom is correct.

The first part about tuning and HD channel on the DVR making that then available in the bedroom is not. But you should be able to get at least the local stations DTV/HD signal in the clear on the bedroom QAM tuner, independent of the DVR.

I went to my local Comcast office about six weeks ago and was able to pick up three HD DVR boxes and set them up myself. Pleasantly surprised that this is now an option locally.:)
What office did you pick up from? Anyone done the same thing form the office in Alpharetta?

This may be my only option after two failed attempts by Comcast to install a DCT-6208 despite having told them I wanted a DCT-3416.

Cusotmer service has been particularly annoying as they have told me 'there is no way' that they can check in advance what boxes that they have in the wearhouse before the service call. This means they have wasted my time twice and they've paid for two unecessary truck rolls.

I just noticed that tonight's Thrashers game is on FSNS HD, according to this site. (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/) I assume this will be the Hurricanes broadcast (which would probably mean blackout in Atlanta), because I didn't know any Thrashers games were slated to be in HD on this station. Anyone know differently?

I'm getting my new HDTV this weekend. Just called Comcast to upgrade to full Digtal package from Digital Starter -- and was told I did not need to do that. Comcast rep said starting last week customers can now access the 8xx channels even with the Digital Starter package. Really? She said yes.

I also told her I wanted to upgrade my old set top box to the DCH 3416 to get DVR. She said I could bring my old one to the store and swap it out myself, taking the new one home. If installer comes it would cost me $30 service visit. Guess I'll figure it out myself!

Wow. Being able to stay on the Digital Starter package saves me money.


EDIT:

just checked my mailbox and Comcast has sent the 2008 rates and program guide. Has all the new channels, effective 2/1/08. See the 800s, spans two columns -- bottom left and top right:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/niceguys_2007/comcasthd.jpg

I just noticed that tonight's Thrashers game is on FSNS HD, according to this site. (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/) I assume this will be the Hurricanes broadcast (which would probably mean blackout in Atlanta), because I didn't know any Thrashers games were slated to be in HD on this station. Anyone know differently?

Yep, going to look at the schedule, the Hurricanes broadcast is on FSN South and the Thrashers broadcast is on SportSouth. I absolutely DO NOT UNDERSTAND why every sporting event from Philips can't be broadcast in HD, it's clearly set up for it, and then of course why Thrashers games being broadcast in HD by affiliates such as FSN South or FSN Florida aren't available to us in HD like Hawks and Braves games have been intermittently... the Atlanta HD sports situation really sucks :mad:

Guess I'll figure it out myself!

Nothing to figure out. :) Just connect the coax from the outlet, connect a HDMI or a set of component cables to your TV or switch, and plug the DVR into a power source. Once it's powered up, press the menu button on the front panel and select the output resolution (720p or 1080i depending on your set's native resolution and preference) and how you want to handle the 4:3 content.

Nothing to figure out. :) Just connect the coax from the outlet, connect a HDMI or a set of component cables to your TV or switch, and plug the DVR into a power source. Once it's powered up, press the menu button on the front panel and select the output resolution (720p or 1080i depending on your set's native resolution and preference) and how you want to handle the 4:3 content.


Thanks. The Sony Bravia native resolution is 1080p, so I would choose set top box 1080i, I guess and let the TV do the rest.

For 4:3 content, I know I don't want total stretch to fill the screen. I've seen that and it looks wierd, not proportioned right. I assume there's a couple of letterbox options to choose from? Sorry, I've seen it at friends' houses, but never actually done it myself!

just checked my mailbox and Comcast has sent the 2008 rates and program guide. Has all the new channels, effective 2/1/08. See the 800s, spans two columns -- bottom left and top right:



I JUST got this in the mail too -- will these channels be available via QAM? I just bought an hdhomerun (networked QAM tuner), but if these channels (I've ALLWAYS wanted discovery hd!) aren't avail in qam...I may just ditch HDHR :(

I JUST got this in the mail too -- will these channels be available via QAM? I just bought an hdhomerun (networked QAM tuner), but if these channels (I've ALLWAYS wanted discovery hd!) aren't avail in qam...I may just ditch HDHR :(

They are QAM but encrypted except for the OTA channels (and TBS probably by oversight), so those are the only ones your HDHomeRun will get.

They are QAM but encrypted except for the OTA channels (and TBS probably by oversight), so those are the only ones your HDHomeRun will get.

dang...looks like I may end up getting rid of it then -- I'd be missing out on too many hd channels!

Thanks. The Sony Bravia native resolution is 1080p, so I would choose set top box 1080i, I guess and let the TV do the rest.

For 4:3 content, I know I don't want total stretch to fill the screen. I've seen that and it looks wierd, not proportioned right. I assume there's a couple of letterbox options to choose from? Sorry, I've seen it at friends' houses, but never actually done it myself!


Pretty simple as well. You have an option for "4:3 Override" and you can set it as follows:

- OFF = SD content will be upconverted by the DVR to the same resolution as the HD content (ie..720p or 1080i). DVR doesn't do the best job at deinterlacing or upconverting, but this option prevents the TV from switching between resolutions when you change channels between SD and HD, resulting in a momentary pause.

- 480i = SD will be output as 480i (some TVs will not accept 480i over HDMI)

- 480p = DVR will deinterlace SD content and send to TV as 480p

- STRETCH - DVR will stretch 4:3 content to 16:9 and distort the aspect ratio. Some people with Plasmas like this, but I think it's an abomination. Most TV's also have a setting that allows you to do this to a 4:3 input.

I'm getting my new HDTV this weekend. Just called Comcast to upgrade to full Digtal package from Digital Starter -- and was told I did not need to do that. Comcast rep said starting last week customers can now access the 8xx channels even with the Digital Starter package. Really? She said yes.

This is good news. What's the Digital Starter monthly rate starting 2/1/08?

This is good news. What's the Digital Starter monthly rate starting 2/1/08?

New price is $52.50.

I had two comcast DVR's on one TV, and got tired of dealing with the IR conflict issue. So I ordered a Tivo HD to replace one of the Comcast boxes.

I'm wondering about how this will effect my Comcast bill. Right now they charge me $11.95 for the DVR + an extra $5.99 for Digital A/O. Digital A/O used to be called an outlet fee, and at various times I got them to credit it since I only had one outlet, but it always came back.

Is there anyone in this situation? My questions are:

1) Is Comcast in Atlanta giving out M-Cards for HD Tivos (as opposed to two single cards).

2) What is the charge for the Cable Card(s) if you already have one of their boxes.

3) Do they still get the extra $5.99 for the Tivo on the same TV as their box?

Did anyone notice in the recent 2008 mailer from Comcast that the picture of the HD-DVR is different from the Motorola boxes?

As such, I called Comcast and they told me that the Scientific Atlanta SA8000 is available. Does anyone know much about these? There are several web resources with mixed reviews; however, I cannot find any information specific to Comcast (Atlanta, GA) users.

I am currently using a Motorola DCT-6412...and like to use it in conjunction with netwroked ReplayTVs. Unfortunately the Motorola boxes are VERY tempermental with IR Blasters used to change their channels. As such, I was hoping for a new solution (like a new DVR). However, from what I read elsewhere about the Scientific Atlanta SA8000...it cannot run HD and SD signals simultaneously (liek the current Motorola 6412)...which I need to "pipe it in" to my ReplayTV as well.

When will we be able to network these Comcast Set Top DVRs???!!!

Anyhow...if anyone has info on these Scientific Atlanta boxes in our market...please post some info.

Thanks!
Teatro Jon

New price is $52.50.

Thanks. I just got the mailer today. The HD-DVR monthly price is also going up another $2 to $14/month.

I am now on Digital Basic, and that's going up over $5/month.

Lately I've been thinking about dropping cable altogether, and using my OTA antenna and an HD TiVo. Now with AT&T having naked DSL available in the area, I could use that for internet.

Looks like Comcast is helping me make my decision with this rate increase...

Did anyone notice in the recent 2008 mailer from Comcast that the picture of the HD-DVR is different from the Motorola boxes?

As such, I called Comcast and they told me that the Scientific Atlanta SA8000 is available. Does anyone know much about these? There are several web resources with mixed reviews; however, I cannot find any information specific to Comcast (Atlanta, GA) users.



Normally, the headend is what determines what brand of STB/DVR you can use. Unless something has changed, an area is either a Moto or SA area. It would be unusual to be able to use both.

Hey guys, I'm kinda new to this, but I'm looking at some OTA comcast stuff w/out any boxes or converters...so far GPTV HD is 5.3, and 98.1 is Fox HD. I believe that 98.3 is ABC HD.

Now, if someone could use what little info I have and please tell me how I can get CBS and/or NBC in HD, that would be AWESOME.

Thanks a ton!

I'm getting my new HDTV this weekend. Just called Comcast to upgrade to full Digtal package from Digital Starter -- and was told I did not need to do that. Comcast rep said starting last week customers can now access the 8xx channels even with the Digital Starter package. Really? She said yes.

This sounds like misinformation, or at least a partial misunderstanding (either on your part or on hers). You could ALREADY access many 8XX HD channels with Digital Starter, including all of your locals, TBS, maybe a few others. But to get ESPN HD, all the Discovery HD channels, etc. you had to go up a tier. I'd be (pleasantly) surprised if they changed this policy and made it easier and cheaper to access their full suite of HD channels, but since cable companies aren't exactly in the habit of making things both easier and cheaper for their customers, color me skeptical.

This sounds like misinformation, or at least a partial misunderstanding (either on your part or on hers). You could ALREADY access many 8XX HD channels with Digital Starter, including all of your locals, TBS, maybe a few others. But to get ESPN HD, all the Discovery HD channels, etc. you had to go up a tier. I'd be (pleasantly) surprised if they changed this policy and made it easier and cheaper to access their full suite of HD channels, but since cable companies aren't exactly in the habit of making things both easier and cheaper for their customers, color me skeptical.

I was surprised too, but its in writing in the flyer that I just received, with new pricing, channels,etc effective February.

All the 8xx with the exception of National Geographic HD. HBO, STARZ, SHOWTIME are now in digital starter.

It is true! Just called and downgraded my service from Basic to Starter and still have all my HD Glory. Saving a couple of dollars so I feel a little better.

I was wondering how my Father in Law was able to get HD without going to the $61.XX plan in December. He was 100% confident that his rate was $49.99. Guess they made the change without conveniently notifying us except three (3) weeks before our rates increase.

Mongo

HD newbie here.

I just connected a Motorola DCH3200 box from Comcast to a Samsung 4665 LCD (via HDMI). The HD channels (8xx series) are only marginally better than the non-HD counterparts. Do I need to do something else to get the image better?!?

The motorola is showing 1080i, but my lcd is 1080p, if that means anything.

This sounds like misinformation, or at least a partial misunderstanding (either on your part or on hers). You could ALREADY access many 8XX HD channels with Digital Starter, including all of your locals, TBS, maybe a few others. But to get ESPN HD, all the Discovery HD channels, etc. you had to go up a tier. I'd be (pleasantly) surprised if they changed this policy and made it easier and cheaper to access their full suite of HD channels, but since cable companies aren't exactly in the habit of making things both easier and cheaper for their customers, color me skeptical.

Dude, just go back and look at my post -- I had proof.
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/niceguys_2007/comcasthd.jpg


See all the "DS" notations in the 800 tier? :D Means "Digital Starter". And the "B" means "Basic" which Digital Starter also receives.

But yeah, normally I would be very skeptical of the cable company giving you something for lesser price. They must be very worried about the satellite companies.

What office did you pick up from? .

Sorry for the delay, I have not been checking the forum recently. This was from the Grayson office.

Noticed last Friday that NBC broke into Friday Night Lights with a breaking news bulletin. The good news is that the picture and sound remained HD and 5.1. There was a slight audio glitch (millisecond) and then the news banner came across. I'm not aware of any other local station that has that capability. Obviously I would prefer no information banner but since we know that wont happen i applaud NBC for upgrading to this new ability.

HD newbie here.

I just connected a Motorola DCH3200 box from Comcast to a Samsung 4665 LCD (via HDMI). The HD channels (8xx series) are only marginally better than the non-HD counterparts. Do I need to do something else to get the image better?!?

The motorola is showing 1080i, but my lcd is 1080p, if that means anything.

Sounds like you are set up correctly. Just keep in mind that a lot of programming on the 8xx channels is still in SD or upconverted SD. Even the quality of HD programs can vary from show to show & channel to channel. Some of the best HD I've seen recently are the HD movies shown on TNT.

I had two comcast DVR's on one TV, and got tired of dealing with the IR conflict issue. So I ordered a Tivo HD to replace one of the Comcast boxes.

I'm wondering about how this will effect my Comcast bill. Right now they charge me $11.95 for the DVR + an extra $5.99 for Digital A/O. Digital A/O used to be called an outlet fee, and at various times I got them to credit it since I only had one outlet, but it always came back.

Is there anyone in this situation? My questions are:

1) Is Comcast in Atlanta giving out M-Cards for HD Tivos (as opposed to two single cards).

2) What is the charge for the Cable Card(s) if you already have one of their boxes.

3) Do they still get the extra $5.99 for the Tivo on the same TV as their box?

Bad news ... For a year or two I had a "free" cablecard connected to the same TV with a HD-DVR. Then they started charging the A/O fee and I spent a year calling, getting it removed just to have it show back up the next month. Finally they admitted (several agents) that cablecards now require that you pay the A/O fee.

So, from what I can tell -

#1 = don't know
#2 = Cable Card is free, but $5.99 A/O fee applies
#3 = Yes

Let me know how you make out, since I gave up and took my card back.

Sorry for the delay, I have not been checking the forum recently. This was from the Grayson office.
Thanks. I was able to pick up a 3416 from the office in Alpharetta so it looks like this is a standard option now.

Sounds like you are set up correctly. Just keep in mind that a lot of programming on the 8xx channels is still in SD or upconverted SD. Even the quality of HD programs can vary from show to show & channel to channel. Some of the best HD I've seen recently are the HD movies shown on TNT.

Also keep in mind that there is considerably more HD programming in the evening than during the day. I think that HD channel that consistently looks the best is actually the Food Network - channel 857.

Some of the best HD I've seen recently are the HD movies shown on TNT.

Every time I turn on TNT they are showing some FlexView pseudo-HD junk.

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/01/tnt_stretches_for_hd.php

Discovery HD Theater consistently shows true HD content.

Every time I turn on TNT they are showing some FlexView pseudo-HD junk.

http://www.tvweek.com/news/2007/01/tnt_stretches_for_hd.php

Discovery HD Theater consistently shows true HD content.

Time for an HD 101 lesson: Some HD channels are simulcasts of their SD counterparts, while others are uniquely programmed with wall-to-wall HD.

Examples of simulcast channels:

A&E HD
Animal Planet HD
CNN HD
Discovery Channel HD
National Geographic HD
TNT HD
USA HD

The programming you see on these channels is exactly the same as their SD versions, only the HD will be passed through if (and this can be a big if) available. TNT and TBS are particularly irksome to many HD enthusiasts since they alone have decided that stretching SD content to fill a 16:9 screen is what viewers want and qualifies as HD (though they do show 16:9 content at that ratio when they have it).

Examples of unique HD channels:

HD Theater (formerly Discovery HD Theater)
Food Network HD
HGTV HD
Universal HD

These channels have distinct schedules that only include HD programming. The upside is that you will only see HD on these channels. The downside is they don't always include the shows you know and love from their SD counterparts (for instance, my dad was complaining just the other day that Iron Chef is not available on Food HD).

Last night I was trying to watch Sci-Fi HD around 11, and there was a lot of freezing/stuttering going on. Today I've been trying to watch SEC basketball on CW HD and there's a lot of pixellation at times... has anyone else noticed either of these?

I dont seem to get either of the local PBS HD channels on my Sharp Aquos set.

HD channels:
98.2 ABC, 98.1 FOX, 108.2 NBC, 112.2 TBS, 108.1 CBS, 101.1 ATL, 93.7 TWC

SD channels:
80.2 ABC, 80.3 FOX, 80.4 NBC, 80.1 TBS/Peach, 80.6 CBS, 81.8 TWC, 80.12 WPBA, 80.5 PBS

This is all new to me (only an HDTV user for a few weeks).

I dont seem to get either of the local PBS HD channels on my Sharp Aquos set.

HD channels:
98.2 ABC, 98.1 FOX, 108.2 NBC, 112.2 TBS, 108.1 CBS, 101.1 ATL, 93.7 TWC

SD channels:
80.2 ABC, 80.3 FOX, 80.4 NBC, 80.1 TBS/Peach, 80.6 CBS, 81.8 TWC, 80.12 WPBA, 80.5 PBS

This is all new to me (only an HDTV user for a few weeks).

I noted that WGTV was not available last night. Nor is it appearing today. No signal in the clear QAM, and no signal through the Comcast DVR.

However--- I am getting it just fine OTA. Hello Comcast...oh, it's a weekend, and nobody's home. I forgot...

Last night I was trying to watch Sci-Fi HD around 11, and there was a lot of freezing/stuttering going on. Today I've been trying to watch SEC basketball on CW HD and there's a lot of pixellation at times... has anyone else noticed either of these?It happens to me frequently; mainly on the HD network channels- NBC, ABC, etc. Painful.

I was at the Braves Winter Fanfest this weekend at the World Congress Center. FSN South, SportSouth and Peachtree TV were all advertising all over the place that all their games would be broadcast in HD. Don't quite know how it'll work yet on Comcast but at least everything is apparently going to be originating in HD leaving the ballpark.

I was at the Braves Winter Fanfest this weekend at the World Congress Center. FSN South, SportSouth and Peachtree TV were all advertising all over the place that all their games would be broadcast in HD. Don't quite know how it'll work yet on Comcast but at least everything is apparently going to be originating in HD leaving the ballpark.

I assume they mean all home games. I seriously doubt Peachtree TV would have the capability to show any road games in HD.

If we were able to get all 81 home games in HD, that would be a step in the right direction.

I assume they mean all home games. I seriously doubt Peachtree TV would have the capability to show any road games in HD.

If we were able to get all 81 home games in HD, that would be a step in the right direction.

Peachtree TV was handing out some stuff out with their broadcast schedule on it. It includes some road games and it says everything will be broadcast in HD. The first road HD game is Friday Night April 25th vs the Mets.

Fox was on 98-2. Recoded a whole lot of nothing yesterday with my MyHD card.

Rescanned that channel and it is now on 98-4. There is a banner for "Retro TV" channel coming to 98-2.

Just what we need, lets cram more sub channels on there so the bit rate can be dropped down to pixelization hell.

I'm seriously considering getting an antenna for local HD.

Considering cable's reputation, can compress the signal to their heart's content, move the channels at will, and that the best source for HD content (besides HD DVD/Blu Ray) is OTA, an antenna is probably the best choice for local channels.


Fox was on 98-2. Recoded a whole lot of nothing yesterday with my MyHD card.

Rescanned that channel and it is now on 98-4. There is a banner for "Retro TV" channel coming to 98-2.

Just what we need, lets cram more sub channels on there so the bit rate can be dropped down to pixelization hell.

I'm seriously considering getting an antenna for local HD.

Peachtree TV was handing out some stuff out with their broadcast schedule on it. It includes some road games and it says everything will be broadcast in HD. The first road HD game is Friday Night April 25th vs the Mets.

You didn't happen to get a copy of this information that you could scan and post, did you?

Fox was on 98-2. Recoded a whole lot of nothing yesterday with my MyHD card.

Rescanned that channel and it is now on 98-4. There is a banner for "Retro TV" channel coming to 98-2.

Just what we need, lets cram more sub channels on there so the bit rate can be dropped down to pixelization hell.

I'm seriously considering getting an antenna for local HD.

I'm sure I'll be corrected if this is wrong, but if the sub-channel is present, it doesn't matter if you're using over the air or not, the signal will still be degraded.

When is Comcast going to offer TLC in HD? It's available for others (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TLC_(TV_channel)):

A High Definition simulcast of TLC launched September 1, 2007. It is currently available on Dish Network, DirecTV and Insight Communications.

Obviously this is not a real question but more rhetorical rant -- unless COMCAST executives read this forum. :) My wife loves shows on that network, and that's about the only SD we still have to watch.

I'm just tired of satellite subscribers getting the first HD channels (like CNN), then cable subscribers getting the same content much later. What's the hold up? CNN went on DirecTV with much fanfare in September, then silently showed up in Comcast channels like 3 months later. TLC STILL isn't there.


http://dhd.discovery.com/simulcast/simulcast_print.html

Considering cable's reputation, can compress the signal to their heart's content, move the channels at will, and that the best source for HD content (besides HD DVD/Blu Ray) is OTA, an antenna is probably the best choice for local channels.

The OTA HD signal streams for both WSB (2-1) and WAGA (5-1) do not take up the full 19.39 Mbit/s bandwidth available on each respective channel using 8-VSB modulation. OTA WAGA has a sub-channel re-broadcasting a 4:3 (lower resolution) version of the main HD channel at 5-2 taking a small portion of that station's bandwidth. Likewise, OTA WSB also has a sub-channel at 2-2 broadcasting a 4:3 black screen for now until RetroTV comes on line taking a small portion of that station's bandwidth.

Comcast uses 256-QAM modulation channels on their systems with each channel capable of up to 38.78 Mbit/s. So if you do the bandwidth math, Comcast when they re-broadcast the WSB and WAGA HD channels on their QAM channel 98 has more than enough room to add a few more sub-channel(s) on 98 without re-compressing the WSB and WAGA HD signal streams. Thus they were able add the RetroTV sub-channel on their QAM channel 98 with room to spare.

When is Comcast going to offer TLC in HD?

I believe this and NHL Network are the only two full-time HD channels Comcast offers that we don't get in Atlanta (not counting HDNET), so we're not doing all that bad :) Still, I would certainly expect them to add that, along with hopefully mapping 816 properly soon. It sounds like they'd better come up with a provision to get Peachtree TV on in HD as well, and I'd hope SportSouth too if there's a possibility of say a Hawks game being broadcast in HD on FSN South at the same time as a Braves game on SportSouth...

It sounds like they'd better come up with a provision to get Peachtree TV on in HD as well, and I'd hope SportSouth too if there's a possibility of say a Hawks game being broadcast in HD on FSN South at the same time as a Braves game on SportSouth...

I was at the Braves FanFest this weekend and at the Peachtree TV booth, they were giving out HD schedules for the Braves games that would appear on PchTree TV. I asked and was told that the Peachtree TV HD games would be broadcast on 807 on Comcast. I hope they are right.

You didn't happen to get a copy of this information that you could scan and post, did you?

https://campus.fsu.edu/bbcswebdav/users/cjl03c/Image.jpg

I was at the Braves FanFest this weekend and at the Peachtree TV booth, they were giving out HD schedules for the Braves games that would appear on PchTree TV. I asked and was told that the Peachtree TV HD games would be broadcast on 807 on Comcast. I hope they are right.

I'm not sure how, unless they're going to move TBS HD somewhere else and make that Peachtree TV HD... since TBS isn't broadcasting the games anymore (not like there would be something on TBS in HD that I'd be sad if they preempted for :))

I wonder if any of the Braves games shown on Sports South will be in available in Atlanta in HD. Will they be on the FSNHD channel?

All of the SportSouth home games last year were HD on 755, don't know if they'll just insert them on FSN South HD, Mojo, or go ahead and map 853 like they should have to begin with...

Thank you once again Comcast for deleting everything on my 3412 DVR. Why the hell do I have a DVR if you delete everything on it at least once per year?

Last night we had our shows saved there. Today, they're all gone. Pfffttt. Soon it will be a TiVo and OTA and pfffttt to Comcast.

Anyone else lose their recorded/saved shows in the last day?

Originally Posted by Meinken
I was at the Braves FanFest and at the Peachtree TV booth, they were giving out HD schedules for the Braves games that would appear on PchTree TV. I asked and was told that the Peachtree TV HD games would be broadcast on 807 on Comcast. I hope they are right.


I'm not sure how, unless they're going to move TBS HD somewhere else and make that Peachtree TV HD.

Exactly. Peactree SD is on 07 and TBS SD is on 39.
Yet TBS HD is on 807, whereas it SHOULD be on 839 to correspond with its SD channel.

I hope Comcast is inferring they will fix that mistake before baseball season. :) And that a "new" Peactree HD will be on 807 which will have the Braves in HD.

Thank you once again Comcast for deleting everything on my 3412 DVR. Why the hell do I have a DVR if you delete everything on it at least once per year?

Last night we had our shows saved there. Today, they're all gone. Pfffttt. Soon it will be a TiVo and OTA and pfffttt to Comcast.

Anyone else lose their recorded/saved shows in the last day?

My stuff on my 3416 is still there. I've had it for a couple of weeks now since I got my 60" Sony and I've been figuring out how it works. I've got half a dozen shows saved on the DVR. As of last night when I went to bed they were still there.

Ever since Comcast added the new HD channels, I've been experiencing choppiness, freezing, stuttering, all of the above. Not on all HD channels, but some days are worse than others. I figured its new so gave it some time, but it's still happening. I do have CABLECARD, maybe its a CABLECARD only issue. I called Comcast, of course they are completely clueless. Anyone else with this problem?
I did remove all the splitters, but no change whatsoever. I even removed the main house splitter, didn't make any difference. It must be some other kind of problem.

Last night I was trying to watch Sci-Fi HD around 11, and there was a lot of freezing/stuttering going on. Today I've been trying to watch SEC basketball on CW HD and there's a lot of pixellation at times... has anyone else noticed either of these?

Ahhhhh, Fox HD on Clear QAM is not coming in right now - during the GB NYG game!! I used to get it on 98.804. ABC HD on Clear QAM is also not coming in 98.3. Anyone else having this problem.

I'm watching Fox on open QAM right now.

WTF, none of my 98.xxx channels are working. I wonder what's up on my end. My other open QAM channels are working fine.

I was at the Braves FanFest this weekend and at the Peachtree TV booth, they were giving out HD schedules for the Braves games that would appear on PchTree TV. I asked and was told that the Peachtree TV HD games would be broadcast on 807 on Comcast. I hope they are right.

The state of local sports programming in Atlanta is terrible. In the Boston area (where I moved from in Aug.), all of the televised Red Sox games (except national games on Fox and ESPN) were in HD on NESN, carried by Comcast. Same went for Bruins and some Celtics games.

Here, it seems you're lucky if you can even find the game on, and if you can, even luckier if it's in HD. Of course, since the GA college football games are all in HD, maybe the demand just isn't there for hockey and baseball. It does seem that in GA college sports are followed much more closely than pro.

Ever since Comcast added the new HD channels, I've been experiencing choppiness, freezing, stuttering, all of the above. Not on all HD channels, but some days are worse than others. I figured its new so gave it some time, but it's still happening. I do have CABLECARD, maybe its a CABLECARD only issue. I called Comcast, of course they are completely clueless. Anyone else with this problem?
I did remove all the splitters, but no change whatsoever. I even removed the main house splitter, didn't make any difference. It must be some other kind of problem.


same boat as you guys....ever since all of the new HD channels, a lot of my pixelizes a lot. not using a cablecard.

When I called comcast support, they pretended they never heard about this issue. I searched other forums and we are certainly not alone. I wonder if anyone was able to resolve this issue or knows what the issue is. I mean I'm all grateful and everything for the new HD channels, but some channels are very painful to watch.

same boat as you guys....ever since all of the new HD channels, a lot of my pixelizes a lot. not using a cablecard.

Some of the newer HD channels come thru with lower bit rates. ESPNHD is 18 Mbps, while FSNHD is 14 and SciFiHD only 12Mbps. I've observed pixellation with SciFi.

[freezing/stepping] happens to me frequently; mainly on the HD network channels- NBC, ABC, etc. Painful.
I have always had it on the CW, and now with the new channels USA seems to have it very frequently. I called Comcast out initially, and they just gave me the same claptrap they always do about my signal being too high. 4 service calls and they still can't deal with the high strength of my signal. It's truly absurd. Considering their history of success and that they make me pull out the HT furniture and disconnect half the setup I'm inclined to simply live with it, though it is very frustrating. Oh, how I wish for a southern exposure or some fiber.

Yea, I had it a lot on the CW too, and also on WATL. Both using in-the-clear QAM. The HD-DVR would correct the errors, and there's a diagnostic menu where that could be seen. But Comcast still is on the hook to deliver a watchable signal even in-the-clear. Just had to keep escalating it...and eventually they really did get it fixed here on the Southside. I told them I wouldn't charge them for the QA if the got it fixed...

Hello all -

I currently have Comcast in East Cobb. I'm receiving the unencrypted QAM on my LCD and over 3 tuners (one HDHomerun, one Dvico Fusion) on my MythTV system. I'm considering upgrading my cable to two digital boxes - one in our family room, and one in the basement to feed the MythTV server using firewire. Since I already have the MythTV system, I'd prefer to not have the Comcast DVR. It appears, though, that I'm going to have to have a service call to get the non-DVR HD box with firewire. Is this correct?

Hello all -

I currently have Comcast in East Cobb. I'm receiving the unencrypted QAM on my LCD and over 3 tuners (one HDHomerun, one Dvico Fusion) on my MythTV system. I'm considering upgrading my cable to two digital boxes - one in our family room, and one in the basement to feed the MythTV server using firewire. Since I already have the MythTV system, I'd prefer to not have the Comcast DVR. It appears, though, that I'm going to have to have a service call to get the non-DVR HD box with firewire. Is this correct?

Anyone? or have I effectively killed this thread? :p

Some people have had luck picking up Boxes from the local stores (one off Cobb Parkway near the Chicken). Worth a shot before you schedule the call and pay for them to come out.

I currently have Comcast in East Cobb.

I also live in East Cobb. Could you tell me what QAM channels you are picking up in the clear? I would like to buy a reasonably priced QAM-capable receiver, assuming there are enough digital channels to receive.

I have seen a link to a site that provides a listing of I-T-C QAM channels but many of the channels don't appear to be identified. I guess I am trying to figure out if it would be worthwhile to get a QAM tuner...

non-DVR HD box with firewire

I didn't know Comcast had such an animal. I thought that only the DVR boxes had firewire out...

You'll get all the locals with clear QAM (in HD where available) plus WeatherScan, WeatherPlus, Weather Channel, and CSPAN1/2. And the usual worthless junk like all the shopping channels and the other community channels.

I think Comcast is using the Moto DCH-6200 HD STB now, which does have firewire enabled. I called about the new HD lineup last weekend because I think if you only have Digital Starter (or expanded basic analog) now you can add an HD STB for an additional $6.95 a month and get ALL the HD channels that they offer, effective 2/1. Prior to this year you had to be on Digital Basic to get all the HD channels which cost another $12 a month.

I also have a Myth box to get all the clear QAM channels but a firewire enabled STB to get the rest is mighty tempting if it will only cost another $7 a month. What I'm wondering is two things - I already have the included SD STB that came with Digital Starter - will I have to pay the digital extra outlet fee PLUS the $7 to get an HD STB? Or is the extra outlet fee included with the $7 charge for HD?

Also, for those that are using the 6200 for firewire - which channels are 5C protected by Comcast? I've heard before that it's only the premiums like HBO, just want to confirm that I'd be able to record all the other HD cable channels.

I also have a Myth box to get all the clear QAM channels but a firewire enabled STB to get the rest is mighty tempting if it will only cost another $7 a month. What I'm wondering is two things - I already have the included SD STB that came with Digital Starter - will I have to pay the digital extra outlet fee PLUS the $7 to get an HD STB? Or is the extra outlet fee included with the $7 charge for HD?



Regarding the charge for the HD box, this is on top of the additional outlet fee required for each box beyond the first. Not clear if you intend to replace the SD box or add an HD box to another room, but you pay an additional outlet fee only if you have more than one box. If you will have only one box and that box is HD, you will pay the HD box fee. If you have one SD (or HD) box and then get another of any type, you will pay the additional outlet fee PLUS any additional fee as appropriate (HD, HD+DVR, DVR only) if the extra box is anything other than the standard SD box.

84, I am in West Cobb but I get: ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox, TBS, CW and myATL all in the clear. You can also get a bunch of the basic digital channels as well as a few shopping channels and weather channels in low-def as well. I get them straight through my TV.

At $12/mo I wasn't sure, but if I can trade in my SD dig box and for $7 get the rest of the encrypted HD (TNT, USA, Food, etc). That might be worth it. Is the 6200 the box to get? I'm running a SageTV box currently just doing analog. Firewire would be great and it would save me the cost of an HDHR or PVR-1600 which I have been looking at.

Regarding the charge for the HD box, this is on top of the additional outlet fee required for each box beyond the first. Not clear if you intend to replace the SD box or add an HD box to another room, but you pay an additional outlet fee only if you have more than one box. If you will have only one box and that box is HD, you will pay the HD box fee. If you have one SD (or HD) box and then get another of any type, you will pay the additional outlet fee PLUS any additional fee as appropriate (HD, HD+DVR, DVR only) if the extra box is anything other than the standard SD box.Thanks, that's what I was afraid of if I add the HD STB to the one included with Starter. What a crock of BS to pay $6/mo. more on top of the $7/mo. charge for HD itself.

<OT rant>If they think they can gouge me for $6 for EVERY TV after the first to get the channels we have today w/o STBs (when they go digital-only), they're nuts. And that day is coming, folks, because they will get rid of analog expanded basic eventually. Comcast has already done this in Chicago for all but the local channels, and I will be complaining loudly to the Cobb local franchise board if they try to jack us on STB rentals here.</OT rant>

Anyone know if the PBS digital stations (WGTV & WPBA) are available on Comcast in Clayton county?

I've had this digital TV since 12/07 but have yet been able to tune in a digital PBS station from the QAM tuner (cable in the clear channels).

I've read WGTV is supposed be on 5.808 but there's no signal at all on channel 5 (or any sub channels -- 5.x).

Anyone know if the PBS digital stations (WGTV & WPBA) are available on Comcast in Clayton county?

I've had this digital TV since 12/07 but have yet been able to tune in a digital PBS station from the QAM tuner (cable in the clear channels).

I've read WGTV is supposed be on 5.808 but there's no signal at all on channel 5 (or any sub channels -- 5.x).

Interesting. I'm on the Jonesboro head end, and presumably you would be too. I get WGTV on 5.808.

Try 5.816 and see if you get WGTV there.

The only WPBA signal I've found in the clear QAM is their analog signal.

Nope, manually entering 5.808 just sends the TV to channel 5.1 (which is empty). Same for 5.816

Interesting. I'm on the Jonesboro head end, and presumably you would be too. I get WGTV on 5.808.

Try 5.816 and see if you get WGTV there.

The only WPBA signal I've found in the clear QAM is their analog signal.

How do you determine which headend you're on?

Interesting. I'm on the Jonesboro head end, and presumably you would be too. I get WGTV on 5.808.