Atlanta, GA - Comcast [Text View] - Page 12

HomieG

02-06-08, 07:52 PM

I've been getting my HD locals via my Pioneer QAM tuner, but I really wanted to get ESPN-HD. So I got a cablecard on tuesday from Comcast and after several activation attempts it started to work.

I pick up the local channels from 803-816, but nothing higher.
I signed up for the digital starter package and my understanding was that I would get ESPN-HD, discovery-HD, etc with this package. I've gone back and forth with Comcast on this. Some folks say I should be getting these channels, others say I need the "HDTV package".

Anyone know the real answer?

thanks,
Nishan

It's not totally clear in the Comcast Atlanta Feb 1, 2008 new pricing, but I can see where you would need digital starter package ($52.50/month) plus the HDTV package ($6.95/month).

Yes, the channel listing clearly shows those other HD channels as part of digital starter, but the fine print says "HDTV service may require certain levels of service or subscription to premium channels for some programming." So to me that says you need HDTV service plus digital starter. And HDTV service has a separate price listing.

I think they should have put a footnote on the HDTV channels under digital starter saying that HDTV service is required, but heh, this is Comcast, why expect perfection...yet they do have a footnote saying "HDTV required"...duh!

Not the answer you probably want, but it does look to be the correct one, you need to subscribe to both parts, digital starter plus the HDTV service.

ChazzMatt

02-06-08, 08:02 PM

HomieG

02-06-08, 08:27 PM

ChazzMatt

02-06-08, 08:35 PM

Have you tried to look at the locals 806 and 809 (WXIA and WGCL, respectively) on the QAM tuner on the TV without the set-top box or HD-DVR and seeing if they break up without the box? This would help isolate it to the box (if it stops digitizing without the box), or the incoming signal (if it digitizes with or without the box).

No, haven't done that -- the QAM stuff. I did switch over and look at them in SD, on channels 006 and 009 and those look fine.

When I get off work tomorrow morning (I work overnights), I'll check that out. I figure it has to be something with the box if no one else is complaining about it.

To be honest I don't watch a lot of local TV. I watch a lot of CNN, Sci-fi, History, etc. And I watch WSB in the mornings for local news but that's about it for local TV. Luckily the Super Bowl was on Fox instead of CBS (one of the bad channels).

nishan

02-06-08, 08:56 PM

Not the answer you probably want, but it does look to be the correct one, you need to subscribe to both parts, digital starter plus the HDTV service.

HomieG - thanks for the reply. I did a bit more looking for info on the Tivo forums, and it looks like my cable card was not paired by the first installer. That seems to be why it is picking up local channels but not the encrypted HD channels like ESPN.

I called back again tonight, and initially the rep said that you do need the HDTV package. After checking with his supervisor, he said you do not. My understanding now is that the HDTV package includes a HDTV tuner for TVs that lack an internal tuner.

The tech is coming back out to pair the cablecard on friday. We'll see what happens.

NF

HomieG

02-09-08, 11:07 AM

The tech is coming back out to pair the cablecard on friday. We'll see what happens.

How did this turn out?

Nismo4564

02-10-08, 10:50 AM

In West Cobb I lost 2.1 but I found ABC on 98.3 (which I don't remember it being on before, but could be wrong). For me that means both 2.1 and 5.1 have since moved to 98.3 and 98.804 in the last 2 months. 11.1 is also on one of the 100.XXX channels as well. Either they are moving to make things a pain for us or have no clue what they are doing (I'm guessing second)

A For those of you with the Moto 6200 box, does that just have the 1 tuner? I would assume the firewire just outputs whatever the composite (other connection) outputs. Still trying to decide if it's worth extra $$ for just a handful more HD channels.

I live in West Cobb as well and lost ABC-HD and FOX-HD on the QAM. I did a few scans they have not showed up as of late. I hate running the scans though because I got a plasma with image retention stuff but it is not as bad now.

Digitalden

02-10-08, 10:58 AM

Yeah I have been missing ABC and Fox for over 2 weeks now. They went away when 2-2 came online.

Nismo4564

02-10-08, 12:55 PM

Yeah I have been missing ABC and Fox for over 2 weeks now. They went away when 2-2 came online.

Sucks though hopefully they will come back soon. ABC RTN is not bad has some pretty good old shows but it is standard definition.

Help from anybody:

If I were to buy a motorola hdtv dvr cable on ebay per say would I still need to notify them that I got the new box or should it just be plug and play? The rest of the rooms in my house have a box but are not high def tvs setup. But since the comcast channel changes it would smart for me to get a cable box to receive the extra HD channels since I pay for them.

ChadD

02-10-08, 07:26 PM

Help from anybody:

If I were to buy a motorola hdtv dvr cable on ebay per say would I still need to notify them that I got the new box or should it just be plug and play? The rest of the rooms in my house have a box but are not high def tvs setup. But since the comcast channel changes it would smart for me to get a cable box to receive the extra HD channels since I pay for them.

I believe the HDTV boxes each have a unique address and have to be authorized by Comcast to receive any encrypted programming, so I don't think it would work without notifying them.

ChazzMatt

02-10-08, 08:22 PM

I have a new Sony KDS-60A3000 -- 60" HDTV TV I bought last month. ALL the HD channels look great except for 806 and 809, two of the local stations. Whereas 803 and 804 look GREAT.

I get EXTREME digitizing on 806 and 809. The video breaks up like there's interference, whether it's local content or network content. Those two are unwatchable. Anyone else have this problem? I have the Motorola DCH-3416 HD DVR, if that makes a difference.

Have you tried to look at the locals 806 and 809 (WXIA and WGCL, respectively) on the QAM tuner on the TV without the set-top box or HD-DVR and seeing if they break up without the box? This would help isolate it to the box (if it stops digitizing without the box), or the incoming signal (if it digitizes with or without the box).

PROBLEM SOLVED.

Here's what I ended up doing... I unplugged the cable box/DVR for about 5 minutes. Then plugged it back in and turned it on. Fixed the problem! So it must have been some sort of HDMI handshaking problem.

Only thing I couldn't understand is why it was just with 2 local HD channels and not all of them? Very strange. But now I have those two channels back.

Tybee

02-12-08, 03:43 PM

i noticed while watching LOST last night that WSB *STILL* isn't able to send out 5.1....hasn't it been a while since their encoder went bad? you'd think a major affiliate in the #9 market in the country could get that fixed faster.

Noticed this last week as well. It really, really aggravates me. Who do we contact to complain?

nishan

02-12-08, 07:01 PM

How did this turn out?

It turned out great!

It took the tech about 10 minutes to setup the pairing on the cable card. I now get all the digital starter HD channels including locals, espn, discovery, sci-fi, etc.

The cable card was free and the digital starter package is the same price as my prior basic extended cable. So the question is, why did I wait so long.

A word of warning though...you have to be persistent. Several customer service reps refused to believe that digital starter includes HD channels. The 2nd tech actually left the house without even trying because he claimed that I shouldn't be receiving HD. The third tech was the cablecard "expert" and he was great.

Nishan

HomieG

02-12-08, 08:02 PM

Noticed this last week as well. It really, really aggravates me. Who do we contact to complain?

It may help to contact ABC themselves in NY, 'cause it's pretty obvious the local affiliate doesn't care...not that the network will, but it's worth a shot!

hyperverbal

02-13-08, 07:35 PM

Comcast HD Channels in (Atlanta/Sandy Springs) 30342 with standard cable on a New Sharp Aquas

28.10
80.1
80.11
80.11? I think i wrote that down twice. :confused:
80.12
80.2
80.3
80.4
80.5
80.6
80.7
80.8
80.9
81.1
81.2
81.3
81.5
81.6
81.7
81.8
81.9
82.9
83.8
85.12
85.13
93.1
98.1
98.2
98.3
100.17
100.55
100.56
101.1
101.3
104.10
104.2
104.9
108.1
108.2
112.2
116.4
116.5

HomieG

02-13-08, 08:43 PM

Comcast HD Channels in (Atlanta/Sandy Springs) 30342 with standard cable on a New Sharp Aquas

28.10
80.1
80.11
80.11? I think i wrote that down twice. :confused:
80.12
80.2
80.3
<snip

All HD or all digital? (Not all digital channels are HD).

DanB

02-19-08, 11:33 PM

Which one is GPTV (PBS)? I havent been able to tune GPTV-HD since I bought my Sharp.

Comcast HD Channels in (Atlanta/Sandy Springs) 30342 with standard cable on a New Sharp Aquas
(snip)

Karl Beem

02-21-08, 07:56 PM

Why is it taking so long for the TitanTV and TV Guide listings to have the new Comcast HD channels?

frostlich

02-22-08, 06:52 PM

Nismo4564

02-23-08, 09:50 AM

HomieG

02-23-08, 01:15 PM

OK, so I have the digital starter package, HD package, and sports package turned on last May. I opted to use MY cable card that came with my Panny 42" plasma. I don't get the set top box. So far, so good.

Today, I decided I want a box for my new home theater. I figure I have one coming...so it should be a matter of going down town to pick up the box. This is where the fun starts:

1) 800-Comcast tells me $6.95/month for the box.
2) LiveChat tells me box(HD version) is free based on my subscription. Just go local to pick it up. Sounds logical to me.
3) Local FIRST tells me $6.95/month, then when I check out, wants to bump it up to $14.95/month!!!

I make it very clear that:
1)I own my cable card
2)I have NO set top box at this time

I decline the set top box at $14.95 and leave the store bent because of my wasted time and frustration.

I call back 800-Comcast and the CSR was too confused to tell me the real deal is. Her supervisor was in a meeting, but is "sure to call me back." HA!

Anybody know what the real deal is with this?

It's probably because even though you own the cable card, they still consider it the "first" digital decoding device, which is included in the digital starter monthly price. They still control that cable card, meaning the authorization for you to receive and decode certain channels based on the monthly package you subscribe to. In fact their rate card specifically states that the packages "include one converter or one cable card and one remote, if necessary." They don't give a flip if you own the card or not, it's the authorization for subscription that they're probably including for you.

If you give up the cable card, then I think they'd provide a set-top box at no additional charge for your "first" TV. Otherwise, as a STB being 2nd device for you (if you keep the cablecard authorized for your 1st TV) they will charge for the 2nd device, I think $6.95 for the box (since it's an HD STB), plus $5.99 for an additional digital outlet. Doesn't add up to exactly $14.95, but it's close.

In any event, the cablecard is the first "free" device, and they're going to charge you for anything additional, irrespective of you owning the cablecard.

I wish the FCC and local governments would restrict the cable companies for charging that fee for an additional "digital" outlet. Years ago they used to do that for each analog outlet, but several years ago, I believe the FCC ruled they could not do that. Perhaps someday the same will happen for the digital outlet.

BTW, how were you able to buy a cablecard?

frostlich

02-23-08, 06:47 PM

BTW, how were you able to buy a cablecard?

The "cable card" is the card that came included with my purchase of my 42" Panasonic Plasma I purchased last year. I don't know if they still include them or not. Downside with going that route, is now I see that I'm missing some channels that are supposed to come with my Digital Starter Package.

If Comcast is deciding to charge per digital outlet, I'll start looking direct TV. The ONLY reason I haven't switched so far is that direct TV does the same exact thing(charge per box). However, Direct TV has a better selection (NFL package) for my needs.

Frankly, I hate comcast. They dug up the front of my lawn 3 times last summer(without my permission) because the cable they installed 6 years ago failed(my subdivision is only 6 years old), and they kept screwing up the replacement install. Couple that with their ditch diggers using my backyard as a bathroom, and I think the hate is justified. The bonus on this is now that I want to have a sprinkler system installed, it's a PITA because of where they buried their 3rd set of cables.

Rant over. Sorry.

HomieG

02-23-08, 07:24 PM

The "cable card" is the card that came included with my purchase of my 42" Panasonic Plasma I purchased last year. I don't know if they still include them or not. Downside with going that route, is now I see that I'm missing some channels that are supposed to come with my Digital Starter Package.

If Comcast is deciding to charge per digital outlet, I'll start looking direct TV. The ONLY reason I haven't switched so far is that direct TV does the same exact thing(charge per box). However, Direct TV has a better selection (NFL package) for my needs.

Frankly, I hate comcast. They dug up the front of my lawn 3 times last summer(without my permission) because the cable they installed 6 years ago failed(my subdivision is only 6 years old), and they kept screwing up the replacement install. Couple that with their ditch diggers using my backyard as a bathroom, and I think the hate is justified. The bonus on this is now that I want to have a sprinkler system installed, it's a PITA because of where they buried their 3rd set of cables.

Rant over. Sorry.

Are you sure you have a cablecard in the cablecard slot? I've never heard of a TV that came with the card, and it would be rather unusual that a TV came with one. I guess it's possible, but just wanted to deleniate that many TV's come with a slot for a cablecard, but that doesn't mean there's a card in there. Interesting indeed if there is!

And now that you say your missing some channels you should be getting, that makes me wonder even more. Without a cablecard, you'd still get about 10 HD channels and at least that many more off the digital tier, plus you'd be seeing the unencrypted OnDemand channels (40 or so of those). If there was a cablecard in the slot and it was authorized, you'd be getting about 200 or more channels.

Comcast hasn't just decided to start charging extra per outlet, they've been doing that for quite a while. And mind you that's just for the "outlet" which doesn't include an extra cost for a set-top box or cablecard.

Sorry to hear about your sprinklers, but trust me, DirecTV installers are also mostly jokers.

frostlich

02-23-08, 07:48 PM

Are you sure you have a cablecard in the cablecard slot? I've never heard of a TV that came with the card, and it would be rather unusual that a TV came with one. I guess it's possible, but just wanted to deleniate that many TV's come with a slot for a cablecard, but that doesn't mean there's a card in there. Interesting indeed if there is!

And now that you say your missing some channels you should be getting, that makes me wonder even more. Without a cablecard, you'd still get about 10 HD channels and at least that many more off the digital tier, plus you'd be seeing the unencrypted OnDemand channels (40 or so of those). If there was a cablecard in the slot and it was authorized, you'd be getting about 200 or more channels.

Comcast hasn't just decided to start charging extra per outlet, they've been doing that for quite a while. And mind you that's just for the "outlet" which doesn't include an extra cost for a set-top box or cablecard.

Sorry to hear about your sprinklers, but trust me, DirecTV installers are also mostly jokers.

Here's a link describing the TV I bought, 42px600u...although I bought it from BeachCamera, this link indicates the same as I bought...with cable card. Not all came with the card. I've never been able to get ON Demand. Which before now I never cared to:

http://shopmiracle.stores.yahoo.net/pa22.html

As far as direcTV? I know, most I've dealt with are clowns, and I'd never allow them to perform the install(I will do it/have done it myself).

Comcast didn't ruin my lawn with my install. They ruined it replacing a MAIN feed for the entire street. Mind you, they didn't really replace the cable, so much as they abandoned the previous one, and tore up my lawn 3 times to put the new one in. They encroached further toward my house-about 4 feet from the sidewalk. After the 3rd time they came back to dig up the lawn again because their subcontractors screwed up, I was understandably pissed.

If Comcast is charging per outlet for digital service, call me as of now enlightened. I will likely go to direcTV. While I'm at it, I'll check on their "right of way" thru my front yard. If they've encroached unlawfully, they'll either have to pay daddy or dig it back up and remove it. Either way, they've got a very dissatisfied customer, and can count on losing $135 a month. Maybe not enough to make a big difference, but the won't get another cent from me.

HomieG

02-24-08, 09:54 AM

Here's a link describing the TV I bought, 42px600u...although I bought it from BeachCamera, this link indicates the same as I bought...with cable card. Not all came with the card. I've never been able to get ON Demand. Which before now I never cared to:

http://shopmiracle.stores.yahoo.net/pa22.html

As far as direcTV? I know, most I've dealt with are clowns, and I'd never allow them to perform the install(I will do it/have done it myself).

Comcast didn't ruin my lawn with my install. They ruined it replacing a MAIN feed for the entire street. Mind you, they didn't really replace the cable, so much as they abandoned the previous one, and tore up my lawn 3 times to put the new one in. They encroached further toward my house-about 4 feet from the sidewalk. After the 3rd time they came back to dig up the lawn again because their subcontractors screwed up, I was understandably pissed.

If Comcast is charging per outlet for digital service, call me as of now enlightened. I will likely go to direcTV. While I'm at it, I'll check on their "right of way" thru my front yard. If they've encroached unlawfully, they'll either have to pay daddy or dig it back up and remove it. Either way, they've got a very dissatisfied customer, and can count on losing $135 a month. Maybe not enough to make a big difference, but the won't get another cent from me.

I read the link and personally I think it's very misleading. I see where it states "HDTV Tuner with CableCARD." Yet in another place in that link it says "CableCARD interface" which would mean it has a slot, not necessarily that it has the actual card. Have you ever pulled the card from the slot to confirm there really is one in there? Did you provide the card ID info to Comcast for them to authorize it? The cablecards can easily be inserted and removed in the rear of the TV.

I'm assuming from what you've posted that you're saying the TV came with a cablecard out of the box, not a cablecard that Comcast or another cable provider installed for you.

Respectfully, I am not implying that this is impossible, it's just doubtful, and you've raised my curiosity about a new TV coming with an installed cablecard out of the box. That would be a first that I've read in the AVS forums. Anyways, I'd just really like to know if there really is an actual card in that slot. And I'm wondering if you've really been receiving most, if not all, of the Digital Starter channels, even the HD ones, because many of the HD Digital Starter channels are encrypted. But then again, perhaps it's none of my business.

About Comcast, I switched back to them from having been with DirecTV for a long while. I really hated cable for many reasons, and still do. I had to set my expectations for Comcast customer service so low in the first place to be able to switch back, and they haven't disappointed. While things have been pretty reliable for the past approx. 2 years with them, when things go bad, it takes way too much time and energy to get them to fix it, and of course, they make us feel like dummies when we call in the problems. Funny how they just really need to look in the mirror to see the dummies :)

I live pretty close to you in PTC. Fortunately in PTC there's a direct contact at City Hall that get's through to the necessary powers that be at Comcast, and soon afterwards, things get fixed. I did find that the overall picture quality was much, much better with Comcast than with DirecTV, both in SD and HD. It was noticeably better, but that was also before DirecTV turned on their MPEG-4 HD, which I've heard good things about. If I were a big NFL fan I'd probably have stayed with DirecTV. Funny we're "talking" about this because I am seriously thinking about dumping Comcast anyways. We really view so few channels, and most of them are the locals. I receive the locals perfectly with my OTA antenna in the attic. So soon I may go with a TiVo HD, OTA reception, and a Blu-Ray player with Netflix (or other) subscription.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Just out of curiousity, I'd love to know if there really is an actual cablecard in that TV of yours, and perhaps know if it's a Motorola, Scientific-Atlanta or other manufacturer label on it.

frostlich

02-24-08, 12:43 PM

...
I live pretty close to you in PTC. Fortunately in PTC there's a direct contact at City Hall that get's through to the necessary powers that be at Comcast, and soon afterwards, things get fixed. I did find that the overall picture quality was much, much better with Comcast than with DirecTV, both in SD and HD. It was noticeably better, but that was also before DirecTV turned on their MPEG-4 HD, which I've heard good things about. If I were a big NFL fan I'd probably have stayed with DirecTV. Funny we're "talking" about this because I am seriously thinking about dumping Comcast anyways. We really view so few channels, and most of them are the locals. I receive the locals perfectly with my OTA antenna in the attic. So soon I may go with a TiVo HD, OTA reception, and a Blu-Ray player with Netflix (or other) subscription.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Just out of curiousity, I'd love to know if there really is an actual cablecard in that TV of yours, and perhaps know if it's a Motorola, Scientific-Atlanta or other manufacturer label on it.

Sorry to come off so steamed. As you can understand, dealing with Comcast can get a person that way.:o

The card is motorola. It came with the Panny, as I remember taking the card out of the slot and inspecting it upon arrival of my TV. Didn't think much of it at the time, as it was my first flatscreen. It may have been a mistake on someone's part that it was in there. Looking now at my owners manual, even it says 'consult your cable co for availability of 'CableCard'. Of course, there's always the chance I received a returned stock TV(and somebody forgot to remove the card before returning it) and not a new one:eek: If that's the case, they did a great job repacking it. ON install, the comcast tech did have to come to the house, call a number, and activate the card. He did take some info off the card. Perhaps that is what is lending to the headache...they just don't believe my tv came with the card. Understandable, now that I know nobody else's tv comes with a card.

In any case. I am receiving most of the Starter package, including HD according to the guide and "info" indicating the channel is being received in 1080i or 720p. The HD channels are clearly visually better. What I am missing is Fearnet, HDPPV, and any OnDemand services. A few others as well. Somebody told me I need a comcast remote in order to get these channels. No, they never furnished me with a remote. Not sure if they were supposed to or not.

In the mean time. It may well have paid off in the long run. For starters, I will roll back my service to digital basic. I'll check out some comparable direct TV setups before I make the switch.

Of course, I may just go back to doing what I was doing a few years back. OTA receiver and netflix(this time with BR). Also, I may check out appleTV as well. It's still new, but looks promising. Thanks.

ChrisHman

02-25-08, 04:55 PM

FYI as expected WGCL will once again multicast all games of the NCAA Basketball Tournament this year. No word yet on the setup for the initial weekend (1HD/3SD vs 4SD).

climber109

02-26-08, 02:34 PM

I am no longer getting TBS SD, TBS HD, or WPBA HD over unencrypted QAM. However, I am now getting HDTheater unencrypted on channel 19 :). Also, NBC WeatherPlus has moved to channel 108.

slowbiscuit

02-27-08, 04:02 PM

Yep, I can confirm that TBS is no longer in clear QAM on the Vinings headend.

fox1541

02-27-08, 04:15 PM

ChrisHman

02-27-08, 04:22 PM

but does that mean they can move the locals whenever they want?

Yes they move channels around often. Like you I have to do a hard rescan and locate manually. Quite the pain.

climber109

02-27-08, 04:43 PM

Since the FCC mandates that they carry local channels over QAM, any idea if that means they have to keep it where it is?

It sucks that they removed TBS and NBC Weather Plus moved (Don't really care about Weather Plus), but does that mean they can move the locals whenever they want?

Actually, the FCC only mandates that the local channels that they carry are available to every subscriber. So if they happen to carry HD locals over QAM, they cannot be encrypted.

I found the actual FCC document stating this online: http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/OSEC/library/legislative_histories/1451.pdf. Check out pages 14-15. They contain some interesting information about signal quality, positioning, and availability.

The document says that disputes about channel positioning shall be resolved by the FCC, but it wasn't clear, at least to me, about what the positioning requirements are.

As for TBS, they never seemed to show any real HD content anyway. It was always stretched SD. So instead of a channel with no HD content, we now get HDTheater which has nearly 24/7 HD content.

fox1541

02-27-08, 04:45 PM

Yes they move channels around often. Like you I have to do a hard rescan and locate manually. Quite the pain.

Including the actual locals? (ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS)

Wouldn't that fall under unfair practice and be enforceable by the FCC?

edit:
climber109,
I posted this before seeing your post.. maybe there's a case for channel positioning since it affects those of us not leasing Comcast equipment,

emo2001

02-27-08, 08:35 PM

Just today I seem to have lost a number of channels. I have a CableCard and most channels are giving the "Weak Signal" messages. There are a few SD and a few HD channels working. Anyone with a similar experience? I live in Marietta area...

Lochenvar

02-27-08, 09:59 PM

climber109

02-27-08, 11:07 PM

I lost TBS-HD as well. Still have PBS and NBC Weather plus (yeah?). The rest of my unencrypted come in fine here in Marietta. Couldn't find HDTheater. Anyone know which channel it is? Kind of a pain to rescan.

HDTheater is on QAM channel 19 for me. Which PBS channels are you getting? I used to get both WPBA-DT and WGTV-DT on QAM channel 5, but now I just get WGTV-DT.

Picspop

02-28-08, 09:20 AM

02-28-08, 10:15 AM

I'm on the Stone Mtn. headend. Lost WPBA-DT last Thursday. Lost TBS also, but that doesn't matter. Found HDT on 19-844, but I'll bet they'll encrypt that soon. They raised the rates, claiming that they offer more channels, but then they take channels away. If I have to put up an antenna to get WPBA, I might not need cable at all.

Same for me on Stone Mtn headend.

On my HDhomerun a scan on channel 5 used to show

SCANNING: 79000000 (us-bcast:5, us-cable:5)
LOCK: qam256 (ss=95 snq=53 seq=100)
PROGRAM: 808: 0.0
PROGRAM: 816 0.0
PROGRAM: 849: 0.0 (encrypted)

and I got both HD pbs stations fine on mythtv. Now it shows.

SCANNING: 79000000 (us-bcast:5, us-cable:5)
LOCK: qam256 (ss=95 snq=53 seq=100)
PROGRAM: 1: 8.1 WGTV-HD (no data)
PROGRAM: 808: 0.0
PROGRAM: 849: 0.0 (encrypted)

so I only get GTV.

Strangely my other QAM tuner (in an Olevia HD TV) didn't pick up either PBS before as 5-XX, and doesn't pickup GTV now either . The newly added 5-1 reference to 8-1 doesn't show either.

02-28-08, 10:24 AM

I'm seeing rather bad macro blocking on SCIFIHD, 874 on the Stone Mountain headend. The particular example I notice is on the Friday night Stargate Atlantis. Virtually all the motion bursts are badly blocked.

I don't watch it live, so I am not in a position to look at the signal levels during the broadcast. At other times when I do check the signal levels on 874 they look fine, with few errors.

Anyone else seeing this?

Krandor

02-28-08, 03:49 PM

Tybee

02-28-08, 06:08 PM

Not sure where to post this, as I couldn't find an Atlanta U-Verse (AT&T IPTV) thread, and I thought it would interest most folks here.

Anyway, by sheer coincidence, the contractor I recently hired to do a number of small construction jobs on my home just happens to also be a contractor for AT&T to do U-Verse installation as they begin to roll out service here in Atlanta. The downside is they keep him pretty busy, and he's already had to miss several workdays at our house (par for the course with most contractors, sadly) :rolleyes:. But once he discovered that I was interested and somewhat tech savvy, he was very forthcoming with information:

- Currently he's doing installations for AT&T employees and some test market folks in Marietta and Alpharetta.

- AT&T plans to begin advertising the service in the Atlanta market in April and it will become available in some parts of the city around that time.

- Older neighborhoods will receive the service using existing CAT-5 cable running into the house. New neighborhoods are being fitted with fiber-optic cable.

If you have any questions you want me to ask him, let me know ASAP!

Lochenvar

02-28-08, 10:52 PM

I never have gotten WPBA here in Marietta. My Sony says "Cannot decode signal". WGTV-DT is still there.

HDTheater (19.844) says "Not authorized"

I have yet to see 2.1 or 5.1 back up, although I found them higher up in the 98.XXXs Still trying to decide if it's worth it to get the HD box for a few of the shows I watch on the encrypted channels. Perhaps they'll give me a deal since I'm out of my honeymoon (cheap) period.

84lion

03-08-08, 07:37 PM

In East Cobb - Anyone else with On Demand outage and no guide data?

---Fixed as of 9 March, AM---On Demand works (slow) and guide data on.

pcgraffy

03-10-08, 12:14 PM

Does anyone know if Raycom is planning to broadcast the SEC Tournament in HD?

I know the ACC is in HD, but I haven't seen anything on the SEC.

buditan

03-10-08, 07:44 PM

Does your Aquos also find blank Digital Channels on Comcast?

Comcast HD Channels in (Atlanta/Sandy Springs) 30342 with standard cable on a New Sharp Aquas

28.10
80.1
80.11
80.11? I think i wrote that down twice. :confused:
80.12
80.2
80.3
80.4
80.5
80.6
80.7
80.8
80.9
81.1
81.2
81.3
81.5
81.6
81.7
81.8
81.9
82.9
83.8
85.12
85.13
93.1
98.1
98.2
98.3
100.17
100.55
100.56
101.1
101.3
104.10
104.2
104.9
108.1
108.2
112.2
116.4
116.5

jon1964

03-10-08, 08:20 PM

I had dinner with someone who sells equipment to TV stations about a week ago.
This person was dealing with Channel 46 (WGCL) and said if they remembered correctly WGCL wants their news to go HD by September 2008. They are currently in the process up converting.

commodore_dude

03-10-08, 08:54 PM

Does anyone know if Raycom is planning to broadcast the SEC Tournament in HD?

I know the ACC is in HD, but I haven't seen anything on the SEC.

No, though to be fair though SEC basketball just doesn't have the draw of ACC throughout their territory so I'm not surprised they pick ACC if they must pick one. It is silly though that we can get the SEC baseball tournament in HD but no Raycom basketball or football...

McDonoughDawg

03-11-08, 03:08 PM

No, though to be fair though SEC basketball just doesn't have the draw of ACC throughout their territory so I'm not surprised they pick ACC if they must pick one. It is silly though that we can get the SEC baseball tournament in HD but no Raycom basketball or football...

I believe the 2007 SEC Tourney was in HD. I'm almost positive it was on 801 last year. I haven't heard anything this year.

pcgraffy

03-12-08, 09:57 AM

I believe the 2007 SEC Tourney was in HD. I'm almost positive it was on 801 last year. I haven't heard anything this year.

I thought I remembered the same thing about last year.

Tybee

03-12-08, 11:01 AM

Message from Comcast on my box this morning:

"GPB is now available on channel 806. It will no longer be available on channel 816." That's funny. I thought 806 was NBC? :rolleyes:

Meanwhile it IS still available on 816 as of this morning...Wish they'd add WPBA in that slot, since they do seem to be running some HD content, even if it's not as much as GPTV.

McDonoughDawg

03-12-08, 05:58 PM

vyper331

03-13-08, 09:52 AM

Does anyone know about Comcast getting Peachtree TV in HD? I would really like to watch the Braves in HD. My antenna doesn't pick it up in my area :(

oleus

03-13-08, 12:49 PM

doesn't comcast already carry the Peachtree TV digital signal?

climber109

03-13-08, 04:22 PM

doesn't comcast already carry the Peachtree TV digital signal?

They carry the SD version on channel 80 but they do not currently carry the HD version.

JudgeSmails

03-13-08, 04:37 PM

Hey folks! I'm a new Atlanta Comcast HD customer. I was a die-hard and loyal DirecTV user for gosh, almost 10 years. After a year of DirecTV raising my rates (3 times), trying to force new leased equipment on me when I owned all my own boxes and being unable to get HD on DirecTV due to the forest in my backyard (yet DirecTV still charged me $300 for equipment and an upgrade I never received) I decided to go Comcast. Mind you, my memories of the cable company are from when I was a kid and they were the netherspawn of TV reception services. But after a few years of using and really, really liking Comcast High-Speed Internet I decided to make the plunge since I wanted HD service.

I've now got the HD-DVR and have had the Comcast HD service running now for two weeks or so. I won't go into a discussion on the DVR itself as I know that has another thread already. But I wanted to post some of my questions and comments on the Comcact HD Cable TV service:

- Overall I have been very pleased. I have had no system outages or issues, the service is easy to use for both me (techie) and the rest of my family (non-techie).

- While I like the number of HD channels and knew what they had going in, I would still like to see more. Especially when some (ahem, looking at you Sci-Fi channel) offer such limited shows in HD. I didn't know what Mojo or Universal HD were going in but I find I really like their HD programs.

- I find that the cable HD broadcasts on ESPN, ESPN2, CNN are by far the best. Their HD programs seem the most clear and consistent. Universal HD and Mojo would be second tier.

- For the locals, the HD quality seems spotty. But I don't know if thats the cable service or the network. For example, on NBC the Today Show and Arena Football on NBC both look very good. But Law & Order and some other dramas generally look like crap. Last night's L&O was the worst HD show I have ever seen. Lots of noise and macro-blocking through the entire episode. But it seemed to get better near the end...very strange.

- TNT and TBS HD seem to be HD-Lite. Looks better than SD but not nearly as good as the other HD channels.

Anyway, just my two cents. Thanks.

oleus

03-13-08, 06:06 PM

They carry the SD version on channel 80 but they do not currently carry the HD version.

hopefully this will change when baseball starts back up!

McDonoughDawg

03-14-08, 02:22 PM

doesn't comcast already carry the Peachtree TV digital signal?

In Peachtree City, Peachtree TV is on Ch 7, TBS is on ch 39 and 807. The 807 channel shows absolutely ZERO HD programming. So far, a total waste of bandwidth. After the divisional baseball games were over last fall, they have been a HUGE disappointment.

Oh, 1 other gripe, why not show the Pac-10 Tourney on 848 like the guide claims. I know last night, 3/13, they were not showing anything other than that test pattern, but the guide was showing it should have been there. Is no one monitoring what is going on?

vyper331

03-14-08, 03:44 PM

I was just talking with a Comcast rep over their live chat and this is what I was told:

"At this time, no official launch or update has been released on Peachtree TV in HD. I will be happy to forward your interest in the channel directly to the marketing department."

Boo! :( :confused:

pcgraffy

03-17-08, 04:57 PM

Here's the schedule (http://www.cbs46.com/download/2008/0317/15621166.pdf) for the CBS46 NCAA Multicast for Thursday. Just like last year, no games will be shown in HD. Instead, all games will be available in SD.

wally_27513

03-19-08, 04:25 PM

Just got a call from Comcast offering a DVR for $6.95 /mo for 6 mos, free installation and then $13.95 /mo. Caller couldn't give me a model number. Pretty good deal.

Karl Beem

03-22-08, 08:44 PM

Signal is breaking up.

Karl Beem

03-22-08, 09:19 PM

Signal is breaking up.

I was on hold for 40 minutes with Comcast - no response.

Karl Beem

03-23-08, 05:22 PM

CBS breaking up again!?!

ChrisHman

03-23-08, 10:30 PM

No problems here with any of the CBS channels setup for March Madness, both OTA and Comcast. Could be a signal issue.

JudgeSmails

03-24-08, 09:04 AM

Karl Beem

03-24-08, 09:43 AM

Comcast is coming out Tuesday. ESPN is breaking up right now. This problem may have started during the tornado weather.

Karl Beem

03-25-08, 10:16 AM

So I'm awaiting Comcast - my DVR is automatically switching between ESPN and C-Span. When it goes to C-Span, it displays EAS and can't be switched out.:confused:

McDonoughDawg

03-25-08, 12:19 PM

Tell you what, I was shocked at how piss poor the quality of the CBS HD feeds is for the tourney games. I think that's CBS in general though and not Comcast. Their football feeds often look like junk too.

I'm quite sure what you were seeing is the results of the "Multi-Cast" that CBS 46 in Atlanta was doing. NONE of the first games on Thurs/Friday were in HD. There is not enough band-width to pass them as HD.

I did see some HD over the weekend.

JudgeSmails

03-25-08, 12:28 PM

I'm quite sure what you were seeing is the results of the "Multi-Cast" that CBS 46 in Atlanta was doing. NONE of the first games on Thurs/Friday were in HD. There is not enough band-width to pass them as HD.

I did see some HD over the weekend.

Ah, thank you. I figured it was something because for basketball the NBA HD feeds on the other channels are fantastic. Too bad I don't like the NBA :) I'll check out some of the Sweet 16 games this weekend and see if it is improved.

vyper331

03-25-08, 01:32 PM

Does anyone know when this is coming to our area? Our software now is junk!

climber109

03-25-08, 02:46 PM

So I'm awaiting Comcast - my DVR is automatically switching between ESPN and C-Span. When it goes to C-Span, it displays EAS and can't be switched out.:confused:

Odd, I'm having a similar problem. I was watching a movie with my SD box and the movies kept exiting out to C-SPAN. The box became frozen on C-SPAN for about a minute and then went back to the last regular channel that I had been watching. I resumed the movie, but this repeated itself several times.

Karl Beem

03-25-08, 02:54 PM

Odd, I'm having a similar problem. I was watching a movie with my SD box and the movies kept exiting out to C-SPAN. The box became frozen on C-SPAN for about a minute and then went back to the last regular channel that I had been watching. I resumed the movie, but this repeated itself several times.

It happened to the Comcast guy when he was with a previous customer. There was no problem with my setup. Very preplexing.

dabassmonkey

03-26-08, 07:24 PM

Anybody know anything about where (or if) Comcast will carry the Braves Peachtree TV games in high def?

I've seen ads for the PCH games that say they'll all be in high def and that DirecTV's MLB Extra Innings package would carry them but haven't heard anything about Comcast.

Outside Atlanta, CSS is going to carry the Peachtree TV games to the rest of the Braves territory so I'm hoping maybe they'll put them on 801 like I've seen in the past with other CSS broadcasts like the SEC baseball tournament that were made in high def.

AtlantaDave

03-26-08, 07:55 PM

pcgraffy

03-27-08, 05:19 PM

I emailed the Peachtree TV people regarding whether their Braves telecasts would be available in HD on Comcast in Atlanta. I received the following reply.
_______________________________________
Thank you for your correspondence. We appreciate hearing your views and welcome your suggestions.

Currently, Comcast Cable has opted not to carry our HD signal. They are currently in the process of deciding whether they will carry Peachtree TV in HD, so you may want to contact them directly to make them aware of your thoughts on the subject

Sincerely,
Peachtree TV

That response doesn't make much sense. If they have opted not to carry the HD signal - then they wouldn't still be in the process of deciding, would they?

I think Comcast will find a way to have the games on 801 or 848 (or they could even bring back 755).

I believe the first PTV game is tomorrow night's exhibition game at Turner Field.

pcgraffy

03-27-08, 07:34 PM

Is anyone getting the West Virginia/Xavier game on Channel 811? This link (http://www.cbs46.com/download/2008/0325/15702852.pdf) indicates we should be getting it, but 811 isn't even up on the guide at this point.

AtlantaDave

03-28-08, 11:28 AM

That response doesn't make much sense. If they have opted not to carry the HD signal - then they wouldn't still be in the process of deciding, would they?

I think Comcast will find a way to have the games on 801 or 848 (or they could even bring back 755).

I believe the first PTV game is tomorrow night's exhibition game at Turner Field.

I later emailed Comcast in Atlanta about this, and they pointed me to MLB extra innings as the way to watch the Peachtree TV Braves games in HD. That's a lot of money to pay just to see the Braves on TV, especially for someone who lives in Atlanta.

MY ADVICE IS FOR EVERYONE TO COMPLAIN TO OUR FRIENDS AT COMCAST.

dabassmonkey

03-28-08, 11:30 AM

I later emailed Comcast in Atlanta about this, and they pointed me to MLB extra innings as the way to watch the Peachtree TV Braves games in HD. That's a lot of money to pay just to see the Braves on TV.

There's no way what you were told was correct. There was a story that came out on most HD news sites about two weeks ago that said Comcast would not offer any games this year on MLB Extra Innings in HD. Plus on top of that, it's for out of market games - not for people living in Atlanta who want to see the Braves.

AtlantaDave

03-28-08, 12:54 PM

There's no way what you were told was correct. There was a story that came out on most HD news sites about two weeks ago that said Comcast would not offer any games this year on MLB Extra Innings in HD. Plus on top of that, it's for out of market games - not for people living in Atlanta who want to see the Braves.

I agree it didn't make sense, so I sent another request for clarification - on which I am still waiting.

Below are their response (which shows my original question) and my reply asking for clarification.

I think we should all call and complain to Comcast about not getting those Braves HD telecasts from Peachtree availabe somewhere on one of their channels.
______________________
(email sent yesterday by me to Comcast)
Thanks for the reply

My question was whether Comcast in Atlanta would carry the WPCH Braves games in High Definition.

On which Comcast channel in the Johns Creek area will the High Definition broadcast of the WPCH braves games be carried? The web site link you gave to me was for MLB Extra Innings, and I'm interested in the Braves games in High Def, not those games for all other major leage teams..

Since Comcast carries the HD signal for all other local Atlanta stations, I had thought that WPCH's signal with the games would be carried somewhere without having to subscribe to an expensive premium package like MLB Extra Innings. Please don't disapoint me (and lots of other Braves fans with HD TV's) on this.

Thank you.

-----Original Message-----
From: xxxxxx@cable.comcast.com]
Sent: Thu 3/27/2008 7:09 AM
To: xxxxxx
Cc:
Subject: Comcast

Good Morning Mr. xxxxx,

I have received your below correspondence:

Inquiry: As a Braves fan and Comcast customer in Atlanta, I was wondering if Comcast will carry the 45 Braves baseball games being telecast in High Definition by WPCH Peachtree TV.

To answer your question, yes, our local Peachtree TV will air the local Braves games; however, they may not air blacked out games or some away games. For exact information, please utilize website www.getbaseball.com. You can also upgrade your services with the 2008 MLB Extra Innings package for a rate of $159.99 Early Bird Special, Regular season rate of $199.00, Half season for $ 129.00.

Please contact me directly at 1 888 610-0995 of you have any additional questions or would like to add on one of the mentioned packages. I would more then happy to assist you.

Thank you for being a valued customer.

Sincerely,
xxxxxx xxxxxxx
Executive Escalations
Atlanta Market
Office-(770) 559-7128

nickodemis99

03-28-08, 04:35 PM

I saw on Comcast's website that they listed the ESPN new channel 121 as HD in the channel line up guide. I am curious if this is true or not. I know ESPN is rolling out HD channel for ESPN News, so it may be correct even though its not in the 800s.

Karl Beem

03-28-08, 07:03 PM

Looking bad for tonight's games. ESPN was unwatchable this afternoon. Now 809 is breaking up.

jon1964

03-28-08, 07:53 PM

Comcast Running Peachtree TV on 802 in HD.

cornell

03-28-08, 08:00 PM

Comcast Running Peachtree TV on 802 in HD.
Nice!! Hopefully it will stay around the entire season.

AtlantaDave

03-28-08, 08:32 PM

Nice!! Hopefully it will stay around the entire season.

Typical Comcast. Even when they do the right thing, them manage not to tell anyone about it, even their own people.

Having said that, I am sooooo glad to see it.

HollandX

03-29-08, 08:51 PM

Typical Comcast. Even when they do the right thing, them manage not to tell anyone about it, even their own people.

Having said that, I am sooooo glad to see it.

LOL everything there is my EXACT reaction.

I'm so glad to see it, too. As the poster above said, I hope it sticks around from now on.

Does anyone know which Braves AWAY games will air in HD? Or is it just home games?

pcgraffy

03-30-08, 03:19 PM

Does anyone know which Braves AWAY games will air in HD? Or is it just home games?

I believe all Peachtree TV games are on HD, along with all home games on FSN/SS.

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

HollandX

03-30-08, 03:54 PM

I believe all Peachtree TV games are on HD, along with all home games on FSN/SS.

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

Nice!

I hadn't seen that schedule. Thank you.

Now Comcast just needs to add FX and ESPNEWS in HD, and I'll be happy.

Oh and move Showtime HD and Starz HD BEFORE those stupid onDemand shopping channels like 887! They break up my HD guide scrolling!

:(

ChazzMatt

03-31-08, 04:43 AM

In Peachtree City, Peachtree TV is on Ch 7, TBS is on ch 39 and 807. The 807 channel shows absolutely ZERO HD programming. So far, a total waste of bandwidth. After the divisional baseball games were over last fall, they have been a HUGE disappointment.

Here's what they should do -- Put Peachtree TV HD on 807 (not 802). And put TBS HD on 839 to stay in sync with the SD version on 39

Peachtree TV: ch 7 (SD) and 807 (HD)
TBS: ch 39 (SD) and 839 (HD).

But that would make too much sense for Comcast. So they put Peachtree HD on 802? :confused:

=======

AND when is TLC HD going to show up? Half the Comcast subscribers around the country already has it, but not Atlanta area.

McDonoughDawg

03-31-08, 11:00 AM

Last time I checked, 839 is already in use. :) National Geographic HD.

If they have a channel up and running, it's not that hard to find. I went right to it over the weekend. The Braves in HD, that is.

scitek

03-31-08, 03:30 PM

I'm getting PCHD on channel 241 here in Cartersville, but they have color bars up right now, and at other times, I've heard the audio coming through, but gotten no picture. Are they aiming to have it up and running for the home opener tonight?

BillyBeatnik

03-31-08, 04:24 PM

McDonoughDawg

03-31-08, 04:32 PM

I'm hoping so, but I'm not holding my breath.

Both of the exhibition Braves games from over the weekend were on my system in Peachtree City. Both were on Peachtree TV. Same great looking HD that we are used to getting from Turner Field. I hope they have it going again tonight.

scitek

03-31-08, 04:36 PM

Both of the exhibition Braves games from over the weekend were on my system in Peachtree City. Both were on Peachtree TV. Same great looking HD that we are used to getting from Turner Field. I hope they have it going again tonight.

Are you getting everything Peachtree TV is showing, or are you currently also getting color bars? They may only be showing Braves games in HD at the current time. I wasn't aware of the exhibition games, so I don't know if those were broadcast here in HD or not.

buckloons

03-31-08, 04:42 PM

My guess is that it will be like the Fox Sports channel; color bars all the time until there is a live hd broadcast.

McDonoughDawg

03-31-08, 05:32 PM

Are you getting everything Peachtree TV is showing, or are you currently also getting color bars? They may only be showing Braves games in HD at the current time. I wasn't aware of the exhibition games, so I don't know if those were broadcast here in HD or not.

Color bars right now. And I know of a few folks who say they saw the games over the weekend in HD.

ChazzMatt

03-31-08, 06:11 PM

Last time I checked, 839 is already in use. :) National Geographic HD.

Smile all you want to, but you are pointing out Comcast's incompetence. :p: Don't let them compound one mistake with another. Comcast screwed up when they put National Geographis on 839. Then they had no place for TBS HD, and then they had no place for Peachtree HD. See how the chain of mistakes snowballs? Don't make excuses for them. They can fix it if they want.

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.

SOLUTION:
Put Peachtree HD where it belongs on 807.
Put TBS HD where it belongs on 839.
Move National Geographic to 802 or somewhere, I don't care. Just keep the numbering system in sync.

scitek

03-31-08, 07:03 PM

I'm getting audio but no video. Anyone else having this issue?

McDonoughDawg

03-31-08, 08:30 PM

Smile all you want to, but you are pointing out Comcast's incompetence. :p: Don't let them compound one mistake with another. Comcast screwed up when they put National Geographis on 839. Then they had no place for TBS HD, and then they had no place for Peachtree HD. See how the chain of mistakes snowballs? Don't make excuses for them. They can fix it if they want.

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.

SOLUTION:
Put Peachtree HD where it belongs on 807.
Put TBS HD where it belongs on 839.
Move National Geographic to 802 or somewhere, I don't care. Just keep the numbering system in sync.

Not trying to laugh, but really, is this that big of a deal? Nat Geo was on 139, so I can see why it's where it is. Was Peachtree TV even planned/live when they went live with NatGeoHD? It hasn't been that long since they announced that Peachtree TV and TBS were splitting signals. Certainly, I can't sit here and blame Comcast. Just put them in the guide and I can do the rest.

All that said, the game is upon 802 and looks terrific. I appreciate Comcast's efforts in getting it on.

scitek

03-31-08, 08:46 PM

All that said, the game is upon 802 and looks terrific. I appreciate Comcast's efforts in getting it on.

Ah well, I'm sure we'll get the signal turned on in my area soon. I do appreciate them adding it to the lineup, though. Six months ago, I didn't even think Peachtree TV would be broadcasting in HD.

McDonoughDawg

03-31-08, 08:49 PM

Ah well, I'm sure we'll get the signal turned on in my area soon. I do appreciate them adding it to the lineup, though. Six months ago, I didn't even think Peachtree TV would be broadcasting in HD.

Cartersville is probably on a different system than most of Atlanta. I assume your power stays on after dark? :)

JudgeSmails

03-31-08, 09:01 PM

Ah well, I'm sure we'll get the signal turned on in my area soon. I do appreciate them adding it to the lineup, though. Six months ago, I didn't even think Peachtree TV would be broadcasting in HD.

I really wish they would add it to the HD Channel Guide that comes up when I use the Guide button. Since I really only watch HD channels I would have missed it if it wasn't for ya'll. Thanks!

Tybee

03-31-08, 10:12 PM

This is great. What a nice surprise to find the Braves in HD (and hopefully be able to see them this way all season). Signal looks great. Seems strange to say this, but thank you Comcast (and Peachtree TV) for making this happen.

Seeing Tom Glavine in a Braves uni again = massive nostalgia. Shame it looks like they're going to lose. :(

Rob-Atl

04-01-08, 08:18 AM

ChazzMatt

04-01-08, 10:05 AM

Hi,
Many folks (I guess with comcast set top boxes) mention channel line ups like:

"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 use a QAM tuner. Is there a way for me to make sense of "807"? What would I type in my QAM tuner to check out that channel? (Or is the map of what maps to what decided by comcast & part of the set top box?)

I was able to find the braves in 480i digital, (80-204 or 205?), but I couldn't find HD. My Fox HD for example is 98-804.

Thanks, Rob

Yeah, before I got my HDTV in January I wondered the same about the QAM tuner people. :) I wondered how I would make sense of 98.2 or however it shows up. Plus, Comcast apparently keeps moving everything around? I kept seeing yelps of "My favorite channel is now remapped!"

So, my solution was to not worry about that. The set top box guide shows all SD channels and MOST of the HD channels are the same channel number but in the 800's. Channel 3 -- WSB SD -- is 803 WSB HD. Channel 4 -- Fox SD -- is 804 FOX HD.

The system goes screwy when Comcast puts Peachtree TV on channel 7 but the HD equivalent on channle 802. But for the most part it works. And whenever they "remap" it doesn't affect the set top box people.

To answer your question -- does your TV have an automatic channel finder feature? When the Braves aren't on the air, the new Peachtree TV HD is showing up with simple color bars. The Fox Sports Channel HD (not the Fox local channel nor Fox news, but a Fox sports channel) shows up with color bars and big black bar at the bottom. That's how you can tell the two part-time HD channels apart without a set top box guide.

So, just do a digital channel finder search and the one with simple color bars is probably Peachtree HD?

ChazzMatt

04-01-08, 10:06 AM

I really wish they would add it to the HD Channel Guide that comes up when I use the Guide button. Since I really only watch HD channels I would have missed it if it wasn't for ya'll. Thanks!

That too. Even the part-time Fox sports channel is on the guide.

But I'm hoping that isn't the permanent place for it. So maybe that's why it's not on the guide yet. They should move it to 807, to be in sync with Peachtree SD on 07. THEN, put it on the guide.

ChazzMatt

04-01-08, 10:21 AM

Not trying to laugh, but really, is this that big of a deal? Nat Geo was on 139, so I can see why it's where it is.

All that said, the game is upon 802 and looks terrific. I appreciate Comcast's efforts in getting it on.

WRONG. National Geo SD is on 138.

See, why can you see putting the HD version on 839? :) Put it on 802 or 899 or anywhere else since it makes as much sense as putting it on 839. TBS HD belongs on 839, where National Geo is. Peachtree HD belongs on 807, where TBS HD is now.

Stop defending Comcast. They had a systemic method which they are now blithely ignoring.

======

What happens when all 200 - 300 of the SD channels have HD equivalents? You can't put 200 - 300 channels into 800 tier? At some point Comcast is going to have to expand their system.

LabtecX

04-01-08, 10:35 AM

Anyone else have their box download this morning? I was trying to catch a few minutes of sportscenter before I went to work but my dvr box said "dl" I believe download, so I just left.

BillyBeatnik

04-01-08, 10:43 AM

Cartersville is probably on a different system than most of Atlanta. I assume your power stays on after dark? :)

Cartersville and other areas of Bartow, Forsyth and Cherokee counties are formerly Adelphia bought out by Comcast. Sometimes it seems we are treated like stepchildren. We do have a different lineup from the rest of the Atlanta area. No good reason, company policy.

buckloons

04-01-08, 11:13 AM

:( I wasn't able to get anything watchable on 802 last night - I'm on the Vinings head-end. Anyone else have similar problems? I'm starting to wonder if my signal is too weak due to the amount of TVs & unused cable outlets I have in my house.

McDonoughDawg

04-01-08, 12:24 PM

WRONG. National Geo SD is on 138.

See, why can you see putting the HD version on 839? :) Put it on 802 or 899 or anywhere else since it makes as much sense as putting it on 839. TBS HD belongs on 839, where National Geo is. Peachtree HD belongs on 807, where TBS HD is now.

Stop defending Comcast. They had a systemic method which they are now blithely ignoring.

======

What happens when all 200 - 300 of the SD channels have HD equivalents? You can't put 200 - 300 channels into 800 tier? At some point Comcast is going to have to expand their system.

Wow, sorry for the mistake. Obviously, some take this channel placement thing WAY more serious than I do. Maybe they are waiting on WAM HD. :)

As to the signal on 802, it was about as perfect as it could be in Peachtree City last night. It makes me realize how much of a waste TBS HD really is. I know they can deliver a great pic when they want to. Stretched everything isn't my idea of quality.

LabtecX

04-01-08, 12:47 PM

pizen

04-01-08, 02:27 PM

Peachtree TV has a very nice picture... but that scoreboard display needs some work.

My wife was complaining about that last night. The overlay needs to be thinner, wider, and shifted up.

AtlantaDave

04-01-08, 03:18 PM

My wife was complaining about that last night. The overlay needs to be thinner, wider, and shifted up.

Agree. I emailed our friends at Information@peachtreetv.com to complain about it. They seem to answer this email address, so it might be worth trying.

The information bar should at least be moved higher on the screen and made thinner.

svemuri

04-01-08, 04:52 PM

5-1 WGTV GPB
19-1 HDT HDTheater
31-10 Basketball
31-11 Basketball
80-1 WSB ABC
80-2 WAGA FOX5
80-3 WXIA NBC - 11
80-4 WPCH PeachtreeTV
80-5 WGTV GPB
80-6 CBS
80-7 WUPADT CW69
80-8 Rel
80-9 ION
80-10 WATL
80-11 Univision
80-12 WPBA PBA30
81-1 Rel
81-2 JTV Shopping
81-3 Public Access
81-4 FGTV Public Access Fulton
81-5 FCS Public Access
81-6 INFOM
81-7 Atlanta Homes
81-8 TVGUIDE
83-1 FOXBIZ
85-11 WGN
85-12 WATC REL
87-1 OD?
88-1 FEAR
89-1 OD
89-2 OD
90-1 OD
90-2 Music
93-1 WEATHER
95-1 PPV
96-7 Spanish
96-8 Something
98-1 WSB ABC
98-2 RTN
98-3 WAGADT FOX5
100-1 ONDEMAN?
101-1 WATLDT WOF
101-3 WUPADT CW69
104-1 CSPAN
104-2 CSPAN-2
104-9 HSN
104-10 QVC
108-1 WGCLDT CBS 46
108-2 WXIA2 Weather
108-3 WXIA NBC - 11
116-1 ONDEMAND

mwchaille

04-01-08, 04:53 PM

I live in Paulding County and have Comcast out of Dallas, GA. I cannot find the Braves Games on HDTV for Peachtree or FSN/SS. Can anyone in my area help me find the games in HD?

climber109

04-01-08, 05:07 PM

pizen

04-01-08, 05:08 PM

Agree. I emailed our friends at Information@peachtreetv.com to complain about it. They seem to answer this email address, so it might be worth trying.

The information bar should at least be moved higher on the screen and made thinner.

Email sent. Maybe I'll hear back and maybe enough people will comment that they'll adjust it.

ChazzMatt

04-02-08, 02:07 AM

Wow, sorry for the mistake. Obviously, some take this channel placement thing WAY more serious than I do. Maybe they are waiting on WAM HD. :)

As to the signal on 802, it was about as perfect as it could be in Peachtree City last night. It makes me realize how much of a waste TBS HD really is. I know they can deliver a great pic when they want to. Stretched everything isn't my idea of quality.

Actually you bring up a good question -- what does Comcast do with HD channel equivalents which are in the 100 - 300 tier? 0 - 100 is easy, they sync up with the 800 tier -- or at least that was the original plan... But what happens when both 038 (A&E) and 138 (Nat Geo) have HD channels? Comcast gave 838 to A&E and 839 to Nat Geo.

That then has caused other problems... 839 was not availble for TBS HD, which stayed on 807, which then caused Peachtree TV HD not to have a slot -- so Comcast has now stuffed them on 802.

To answer your question, I think the 0-100 tier channels should have first dibs on their 800 tier equivalent. Put the 100 - 300 HD equivalent channels in empty slots on the 800 tier. Comcast did that with 839 -- but then TBS split into two entities and now needs that 839 slot. So, Nat Geo needs to move somewhere else.

There will be other conflicts in the future as HD goes more mainstream. Everybody and their brother will start shooting in HD or at least upconverting their signal.

And yeah, TBS' "stretch-o-vision" is a waste of bandwidth. :) Sci-Fi does a good job upconverting, but TBS and TNT do not.

Tybee

04-03-08, 04:56 PM

Anyone else have their box download this morning? I was trying to catch a few minutes of sportscenter before I went to work but my dvr box said "dl" I believe download, so I just left.

Apparently something was going on, because it appears a firmware and/or guide software update occurred this week on my box. Changes I've noticed:

Some of the menu buttons are smaller/more compact.

I have a few different system and guide settings. I'm at work right now, so I can't recall exactly what they are, but I remember a couple (it's possible these have been there for a while and I just noticed them, but I've never seen them before):
- Some sort of "Live Programs" setting that professes to make the DVR aware of when a program is live -- like sports or awards shows -- and extends recording past the normal end time as necessary.
- A setting that automatically clips overlap when you record shows back to back and they run into each other.
The program search has been improved a little, with a new, less tedious method of text entry, more letter slots for longer searches, and the ability to save favorite searches. However, it's still a "Title Search," meaning that it still searches by the first word in the title rather than by keyword, which would actually make it useful. :rolleyes:
Some changes to the audio options, but I can't recall exactly what.

There may be other changes, but that's all I can remember. Anyone else get this?

HollandX

04-03-08, 05:57 PM

FYI... Tonight's Braves game on SportSouth will be available in HD on channel 802, since Comcast does not have a SportSouth HD channel.

HollandX

04-03-08, 05:59 PM

Apparently something was going on, because it appears a firmware and/or guide software update occurred this week on my box. Changes I've noticed:

Some of the menu buttons are smaller/more compact.

I have a few different system and guide settings. I'm at work right now, so I can't recall exactly what they are, but I remember a couple (it's possible these have been there for a while and I just noticed them, but I've never seen them before):
- Some sort of "Live Programs" setting that professes to make the DVR aware of when a program is live -- like sports or awards shows -- and extends recording past the normal end time as necessary.
- A setting that automatically clips overlap when you record shows back to back and they run into each other.
The program search has been improved a little, with a new, less tedious method of text entry, more letter slots for longer searches, and the ability to save favorite searches. However, it's still a "Title Search," meaning that it still searches by the first word in the title rather than by keyword, which would actually make it useful. :rolleyes:
Some changes to the audio options, but I can't recall exactly what.

There may be other changes, but that's all I can remember. Anyone else get this?

On my DVR timeline, it flashes "LIVE" when I've caught up with live TV. So I know not to keep hitting FF.

bobcnn

04-03-08, 07:38 PM

On 802 tonight, I'm getting Peachtree TV, with the Family Guy, not the Braves. I have a cablecard with broadcast basic. I have also noticed that I'm now getting A&E in the clear on 838, in addition to Discovery on 844 (which I have seen talked about here)

HollandX

04-03-08, 08:29 PM

On 802 tonight, I'm getting Peachtree TV, with the Family Guy, not the Braves.

Yup. Comcast is crazy.

802- Peachtree TV's guide listing says the Braves game, but they're showing regular Peachtree TV programming.

848- Fox Sports South HD's guide listing says Off-Air, but they're showing the Braves game in glorious HD.

McDonoughDawg

04-03-08, 09:50 PM

Yup. Comcast is crazy.

802- Peachtree TV's guide listing says the Braves game, but they're showing regular Peachtree TV programming.

848- Fox Sports South HD's guide listing says Off-Air, but they're showing the Braves game in glorious HD.

I knew the 802 Braves game tonight had to be wrong. Sports South was carrying the game, that is not a TBS owned channel. Even the radio talking heads are talking about a "find the Braves" game on local TV. They will be on 5 different networks before it is all over.

Friday should be on 802, Sunday is a national Fox game, and I think Sunday may be another Fox Sports South game.

fuzzy bee

04-03-08, 10:20 PM

After doing a scan, it looks like we have a few new channels: Disney HD, ABC Family HD, and Science HD.

neil0311

04-03-08, 10:50 PM

After doing a scan, it looks like we have a few new channels: Disney HD, ABC Family HD, and Science HD.

I don't see them on the iGuide yet, so I'm assuming that will happen within days? Do they typically light them up for testing but not add them to the guide?

Tybee

04-04-08, 10:39 AM

I knew the 802 Braves game tonight had to be wrong. Sports South was carrying the game, that is not a TBS owned channel. Even the radio talking heads are talking about a "find the Braves" game on local TV. They will be on 5 different networks before it is all over.

Friday should be on 802, Sunday is a national Fox game, and I think Sunday may be another Fox Sports South game.

As long as the game is available in HD somewhere, I don't mind having to search.

After doing a scan, it looks like we have a few new channels: Disney HD, ABC Family HD, and Science HD.

Ah! I saw that these channels (and others) were popping up on Comcast in markets around the country yesterday and was wondering if we would be getting them soon. Guess we did!

Regarding the recent DVR software update, here are the details on it from the How to use a Motorola DVR Wikibook:

Version 75.58-rel-9078

* Available for Models: All
* Available Date: 2007-11-06
* VOD Version: 05.22
* Bugfixes:
o ?
* New or updated features:
o The menu ovals are vertically shorter
o The scroll arrows on the top or bottom of a list now have the text 'More Choices' around it.
o Parental Control: Separate Movie and TV ratings locks, lock by content (Language, Violence, etc...), hide titles of both TV-MA and Adult content.
o Search can use an on-screen keyboard (still limited to 5 characters), save searches.
o If you type in a non-existent channel number, it will tune to the next available channel.
o Pressing GUIDE while the program guide is displayed will toggle between the grid and single-channel list modes.
o VOD Preview default action is to stop, not Buy.
o DVR: When scheduling a live event, you will be asked how much time to add (must be enabled in Guide setup).
o DVR: If there is a 5 minute or less program overlap, the DVR will clip the beginning of the second recording. The text (Clipped) will appear in the scheduled recording list, next to the recording dot. (must be enabled in Guide setup).
o DVR: The Swap Tuner prompt will only show if both tuners are recording. The swap will be automatic otherwise.
o DVR: When you reach the end of a recording, it will only pause. The delete popup will show after 10-15 seconds, or immediately if you hit STOP.
o Official Comcast page: New Guide Features

jganyard

04-04-08, 04:27 PM

Have the new channels showed up in the Guide or does anyone know what channel numbers they are assigned to?

climber109

04-04-08, 09:34 PM

Have the new channels showed up in the Guide or does anyone know what channel numbers they are assigned to?

I haven't seen them in the guide, but the QAM subchannel numbers usually tell you what channel number that it is assigned to.

According to the subchannels numbers, the new channels will be:

821 - Science Channel HD (QAM 102-821)
833 - TLC HD (QAM 77-833)
854 - ABC Family HD (QAM 102-854)
864 - Disney HD (QAM 102-864)
866 - AMC HD (QAM 76-866)

I wonder how long all of these channels will stay unencrypted.

jon1964

04-05-08, 10:53 PM

Tybee

04-06-08, 01:03 AM

I haven't seen them in the guide, but the QAM subchannel numbers usually tell you what channel number that it is assigned to.

According to the subchannels numbers, the new channels will be:

821 - Science Channel HD (QAM 102-821)
833 - TLC HD (QAM 77-833)
854 - ABC Family HD (QAM 102-854)
864 - Disney HD (QAM 102-864)
866 - AMC HD (QAM 76-866)

I wonder how long all of these channels will stay unencrypted.

Hmm...Not seeing any of these in the iGuide yet, and tuning to them directly doesn't work either. Hopefully they'll add them soon.

radavisgb

04-06-08, 06:04 AM

scitek

04-06-08, 10:54 AM

Hey, I noticed that TBS HD is now broadcasting shows in HD. Tyler Perry and a few movies have broadcast in HD rather than that tacky stretch-o-vision. Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of stretch-o-programs, but I noticed that "Legally Blond" was in HD tonight and the logo on the lower right is no longer stretched either.

Progress...

I came here to mention this. Both The Perfect Score and The Prince & Me 2 were in 16:9 this morning, not stretched.

Also, what channel are the Braves on today? I can't find them anywhere in my guide...and TBS is broadcasting a Red Sox game? WTF?

EDIT: It's on Sports South. I take it there's no HD option yet for them.

BillyBeatnik

04-06-08, 11:15 AM

I came here to mention this. Both The Perfect Score and The Prince & Me 2 were in 16:9 this morning, not stretched.

Also, what channel are the Braves on today? I can't find them anywhere in my guide...and TBS is broadcasting a Red Sox game? WTF?

EDIT: It's on Sports South. I take it there's no HD option yet for them.

It should be carried in HD on Fox Sports Net South, even though it will say Off Air. The last game on Sports South was in HD on Fox Sports Net South. That should be channel 201 if you are formerly Adelphia. Peachtree TV broadcasts their Braves games in HD on 241, even though the guide shows nothing.

McDonoughDawg

04-07-08, 12:48 PM

For some reason, History HD and Animal Planet HD are on each other's channel. :)

Tybee

04-07-08, 03:51 PM

Roger Weiner

04-07-08, 07:14 PM

It should be carried in HD on Fox Sports Net South, even though it will say Off Air. The last game on Sports South was in HD on Fox Sports Net South. That should be channel 201 if you are formerly Adelphia. Peachtree TV broadcasts their Braves games in HD on 241, even though the guide shows nothing.

Thanks for the info. Yesterday I was planning/hoping to watch Smoltz vs. Santana in hidef on my Sony 52XBR5. I knew that Sportssouth network sends out a 720p signal but all I could find on Comcast was Sportssouth SD. I called customer service and asked why Sportssouth is sending a hidef signal but I’m not able to view it. The customer service rep gave me some prepackaged answer on how Comcast is upgrading their hardware and hopefully in the next six months they will be able to deliver Sportssouth in HD but at this time there was nothing they could do about it. I had looked through the cable guide before calling looking for the game; all I saw was the SD channel. The HD channel said either ”No programming or off the air.” Looking for additional information I turned to this forum and saw your post. Sure enough, you were right and there was the game in magnificent HD on channel 848 FSNSH. One question, how is it that you could be so right and at the same time the Comcast customer rep be so wrong? I think we know the answer to that. Anyways, thanks a lot.

RW

cornell

04-07-08, 08:27 PM

Tonights game in Colorado looks horrible on the SD Sports South channel for me...Guess they aren't putting this away game on the FSN HD channel :(

Roger Weiner

04-07-08, 10:23 PM

Tonights game in Colorado looks horrible on the SD Sports South channel for me...Guess they aren't putting this away game on the FSN HD channel :(

It does look terrible. I remember reading / hearing that all the Braves home games on either Sportssouth or Peachtree TV will be in HD. Guess we will have to suffer through the away games. On the other hand, Yankees vs. Rays on ESPN and Kansas vs. Memphis on WGCLD look great.

HomieG

04-08-08, 07:14 AM

Did Comcast move the HD/digital signals for WUPA and WATL? I was able to get them on the following QAM channels, but they haven't been there for a few days:

WATL-D was on 101.1
WUPA-D was on 101.81

Anyone know where they are now?
(Fayetteville/PTC area).

climber109

04-08-08, 09:30 AM

In my area, WATL and WUPA moved to channel 19.

weeber24

04-08-08, 10:08 AM

Has anyone tried recording History HD (852) to a PC via firewire recently? For the past week, everything I've tried to record from it has been corrupt and when I try to playback stuff I've recorded I get horrible hard drive grinding noises.

I've done a scan of the hard drive and all sectors came back clean. Everything else records and playsback fine. I can only think that it's something particular to HistoryHD.

AtlantaDave

04-08-08, 04:03 PM

It does look terrible. I remember reading / hearing that all the Braves home games on either Sportssouth or Peachtree TV will be in HD. Guess we will have to suffer through the away games. On the other hand, Yankees vs. Rays on ESPN and Kansas vs. Memphis on WGCLD look great.

I think I saw some Comcast blurb where 105 of the 162 games would be in HD. That includes all games on Fox and all games (including road) on Peachtree TV. According to my math, that means that 57 (about half, presumably mostly road)) of the games on FSN and SportsSouth will be in standard (non-HD) definition.

pcgraffy

04-08-08, 04:47 PM

I think I saw some Comcast blurb where 105 of the 162 games would be in HD. That includes all games on Fox and all games (including road) on Peachtree TV. According to my math, that means that 57 (about half, presumably mostly road)) of the games on FSN and SportsSouth will be in standard (non-HD) definition.

This spreadsheet (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/files/mlblocal329.xls) spells it out. Credit to hdsportsguide.com for putting this together.

Here's the way it breaks down:

2 games on ESPN in HD (last Sunday and Friday 9/12 at NYM) in HD. There will likely be a couple more Sunday night games added as well.

9 games on FOX in HD.

45 games on PTV in HD. (10 road and 35 home).

13 games on FSNS in HD (out of 25 total). All home games in HD, all road games in SD.

29 games on SS in HD (out of 81 total). All home games in HD, all road games in SD.

The game on TBS on 4/20 is also on SS, so it's included in the SS numbers.

That adds up to 98 games in HD.

McDonoughDawg

04-08-08, 05:04 PM

It does look terrible. I remember reading / hearing that all the Braves home games on either Sportssouth or Peachtree TV will be in HD. Guess we will have to suffer through the away games. On the other hand, Yankees vs. Rays on ESPN and Kansas vs. Memphis on WGCLD look great.

I've noticed this for many of the SS programs in SD. Make sure you're not using any kind of stretch/zoom on it, that helps.

Actually, the game looked fine on my 20" analog flat screen on my porch. :)

04-08-08, 05:26 PM

That adds up to 98 games in HD.

I'll bet the difference between this and the 105 that Comcast advertised is that a few of the FSNS road games in Florida are in HD. I seem to remember that from last year.

pcgraffy

04-08-08, 05:44 PM

I'll bet the difference between this and the 105 that Comcast advertised is that a few of the FSNS road games in Florida are in HD. I seem to remember that from last year.

I bet Comcast double-counted a few somewhere.

Roger Weiner

04-08-08, 10:24 PM

This spreadsheet (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/files/mlblocal329.xls) spells it out. Credit to hdsportsguide.com for putting this together.

Here's the way it breaks down:

2 games on ESPN in HD (last Sunday and Friday 9/12 at NYM) in HD. There will likely be a couple more Sunday night games added as well.

9 games on FOX in HD.

45 games on PTV in HD. (10 road and 35 home).

13 games on FSNS in HD (out of 25 total). All home games in HD, all road games in SD.

29 games on SS in HD (out of 81 total). All home games in HD, all road games in SD.

The game on TBS on 4/20 is also on SS, so it's included in the SS numbers.

That adds up to 98 games in HD.

Great spreadsheet, thanks

neil0311

04-08-08, 11:26 PM

Man, I got spoiled living in Boston watching the Sox. Every single game was in HD on NESN. I just assumed every team had the same type of local coverage. It's 2008, right?

Why should road games make a difference? Is there a single stadium in MLB that isn't set up for HD? All of the Sox road games were in HD.

pcgraffy

04-09-08, 08:58 AM

Why should road games make a difference? Is there a single stadium in MLB that isn't set up for HD? All of the Sox road games were in HD.

Every stadium is set up for HD, but the local/regional stations still have to travel with their own equipment.

NESN doesn't just use the home team's equipment when on the road - they have to bring all of their equipment along, and I assume it's much more expensive to make this happen in HD>

commodore_dude

04-09-08, 02:21 PM

A lot of this has to do with FSN building a new facility that will greatly expand their ability to pass on HD feeds, so we'll then be able to benefit from away games that are being broadcast locally by their FSN affiliate (I have seen a handful of Braves and Hawks games on FSN South in HD in the past year that were away games, I believe all were being produced by FSN Florida).

bobcnn

04-09-08, 05:49 PM

I seem to have lost PBS. 816 went away a few days ago, not 806 is blank.

fuzzy bee

04-09-08, 05:54 PM

I seem to have lost PBS. 816 went away a few days ago, not 806 is blank.

I lost the unencrypted QAM version a week or so. Not very happy :(

Picspop

04-09-08, 08:06 PM

I lost WPBA on channel 5-816 about a month ago. Still getting WGTV on 5-806, though.

HomieG

04-10-08, 07:11 AM

I seem to have lost PBS. 816 went away a few days ago, not 806 is blank.

Have you tried 5.808?

Tybee

04-10-08, 11:06 AM

Have you tried 5.808?

Yeah, WGTV is 808 in the channel guide, so I'd think that QAM would reflect that. They dropped 816 (which was just a mirror of 808) from the channel guide a week or two ago, so it makes sense that they'd correct the QAM at the same time.

Still waiting for those new QAM HD channels (TLC HD, ABC Family HD, etc.) to show up in the guide. Are you guys still seeing them in QAM?

fuzzy bee

04-10-08, 11:08 AM

Still no unencrypted WGTV-HD as of last night. I was still getting the new channels, though.

04-10-08, 11:57 AM

Still no unencrypted WGTV-HD as of last night. I was still getting the new channels, though.

I have two clear channel QAM tuners. My HDHomerun gets 808, my TV's QAM doesn't. There must be something wierd about how they are transmitting 808.

climber109

04-10-08, 11:57 AM

Still waiting for those new QAM HD channels (TLC HD, ABC Family HD, etc.) to show up in the guide. Are you guys still seeing them in QAM?

Yep. AMC, ABC Family, and Disney don't show much HD, but TLC and The Science Channel are very nice.
I'm also enjoying (though not in HD) the Fox Movie Channel over QAM.

McDonoughDawg

04-11-08, 10:07 AM

DVR has crapped out. I think I'm on the Vinings Headend in Peachtree City. Anybody else with this problem? I get nothing when I try and access the DVR .....:(

neil0311

04-11-08, 10:41 AM

DVR has crapped out. I think I'm on the Vinings Headend in Peachtree City. Anybody else with this problem? I get nothing when I try and access the DVR .....:(

Same problem with all 3 of my Moto 341x units. You can still access via "Menu" and "DVR" but the "MyDVR" button no longer functions properly. Good news is the On Demand is now functioning again after 5 days.

McDonoughDawg

04-11-08, 12:56 PM

JudgeSmails

04-11-08, 03:25 PM

Same problem with all 3 of my Moto 341x units. You can still access via "Menu" and "DVR" but the "MyDVR" button no longer functions properly. Good news is the On Demand is now functioning again after 5 days.

Ha, my OnDemand has been out for around 5 days also. The wife called mid last week and the Comcast rep (after rebooting the box from Comcast and having us unplug it) said it was just our box and not the system. They were going to send a tech to come out and a) swap out the box or b) mess with the lines. As both options scared me (my box is pretty good compared to others I've seen/heard about) I decided to hold off in the hopes that it was the system. I'll try it again now that you're seeing it work.

bobcnn

04-12-08, 02:54 PM

Have you tried 5.808?

Still no 808. I think it was there for a bit yesterday. I have basic cable with a tivo using cablecards. But I am getting A&E on 838 and Discovery on 844 in the clear.

slowbiscuit

04-12-08, 09:28 PM

Is anyone here using the Moto DCH3200 STB for the HD channels? I want to swap out my crappy 3412 DVR with a simple HD STB (no DVR) that has HDMI output. I'm trying to see if the box is available from Comcast here because the CSRs say there is no other STB with HDMI. I can record the stuff I want with Firewire to my Myth box, well at least until they start protecting the cable channels that is.

LeRoyK

04-14-08, 06:42 AM

slowbiscuit, I picked up a DCH3200 from the Marietta office (near the Big Chicken) last Thursday. I needed to call to get all of my channels and clear the White screen from OnDemand, but the box works fine and has an HDMI port. I get all of the same channels as my DCH3216 DVR.

Lochenvar

04-14-08, 10:19 PM

LeRoyK, newb question, but how much are they charging you for the HD box and did you just go into the store and get it or did you have to go through phone customer service. I am doing qAM now but they are adding a bunch of decent encrypted channels. I'm reluctant to waste a day waiting for them to come and mess up my setup, but if I can pick up a box for $7/mo on my own, it may be worth it.

Oh yeah, I just ran out on the Triple play so I believe I have the Digital Enhanced still, but being they will not send me a PIN so I can log on to see my ebill, I'm getting a bit frustrated. Thanks.

jayntguru

04-14-08, 11:04 PM

LeRoyK

04-15-08, 07:22 AM

It is my understanding that the HD box will cost me $7/mo for the box + $6/mo for the second outlet. I have a HD DVR on my primary TV. I have not seen the bill yet. It is my understanding that all of the digital packages include one outlet.

slowbiscuit

04-15-08, 12:29 PM

Lochenvar

04-15-08, 09:07 PM

steve_lostmt

04-16-08, 04:08 PM

Yes, you can self-install, or at least you could a month ago when I went to the Comcast office in Marietta and picked up a DVR.

DDisney

04-16-08, 04:48 PM

Thanks all.

No self-install huh? I don't see what they need to do besides plug in a box and tell home to turn it on. OH well. Maybe I can change out my regular SDTV box for HD for a mere $7/mo. I assume the HD box is just as good as my standard box for SD.

I did a self install for my mother recently when she switched to HD. Picked up two HD boxes plus two SD boxes at the local Comcast service center in Grayson. They will give out component cables if you ask, you can ask about HDMI but I would not count on that. Fry's has some reasonably priced HDMI cables but you have to look past the higher priced ones.

DDisney

04-16-08, 04:53 PM

Yep that's true, adding an HD box is $6.95 for HD service plus $5.95 for additional outlet. I don't know if they charge the extra $6.95 for each HD box or if it's a single charge per month for the HD channels though.

I am pretty sure that they will charge $6.95 per month for each HD box that is not a DVR. If you get a DVR or HD/DVR it will be $13.95 per month per box. And of course this is on top of the additional outlet fee for each box past the first one.:eek:

Lochenvar

04-16-08, 09:44 PM

Excellent. May have to go to my Marietta office and swap out my reg box for HD. So the DCH3200 is the one to get? I currently use my own HTPC for DVRing and the new Hauppauge component capture looks mighty nice.

ChazzMatt

04-16-08, 11:24 PM

If you are using electronic billing, they have a legal obligation to get you the bill in a timely manner. There is much money, laws and time around this. Remind them of that and they should play fairly.

To my knowledge, they will not allow a self HD install.

They allowed it with me. I changed from analog box to HD. Swapped it out at the Big Chicken store the week after I upgraded from 27" CRT to 60" Sony Bravia 1080p.

Swapped out the box and it had HDMI output. Comcast supplied component cables but I went and bought my own HDMI cable.

jayntguru

04-16-08, 11:46 PM

Oh well, when I did mine I argued with them about it, and the stupid &^%^$$ wouldn't let me do it any other way. This was last fall. The guy they sent out ended up screwing up my internet and it took 3 service calls (including many reschedules) and a call to their CFO (# avail by internet with a little searching) to get me going again.

I strongly dislike Comcast, but hey, what are you going to do? Live with slow internet (supporting the remake of the baby bells, a la' ATT)? Bleh.

ChazzMatt

04-17-08, 07:40 AM

slowbiscuit

04-17-08, 08:41 AM

I am pretty sure that they will charge $6.95 per month for each HD box that is not a DVR. If you get a DVR or HD/DVR it will be $13.95 per month per box. And of course this is on top of the additional outlet fee for each box past the first one.:eek:Absolutely ridiculous if true. I can understand the extra outlet charge and a one-time charge for HD channels, but not if they charge another $6.95 for every HD STB you have.

Just another reason why monopolies suck.

04-17-08, 09:42 AM

Absolutely ridiculous if true. I can understand the extra outlet charge and a one-time charge for HD channels, but not if they charge another $6.95 for every HD STB you have.

Just another reason why monopolies suck.

I can understand the extra HD STB charges. That hardware is more expensive than the cheap SD boxes they use (probably not $6.95 worth).

My pet peeve is actually the outlet charge. They charge it even if there are no extra outlets. The just add it on for each box. I have a DVR and a cable card on one TV and they treat it as 2 outlets.

jganyard

04-17-08, 10:08 AM

I get a monthly credit on my bills for the A/O fee. Been that way ever since I signed up for one of their Triple Play packages. I have 2 DVRs... one I pay nothing for since it's considered the first box and the second I pay $13.95 + $5.99 A/O - $5.99 A/O credit.

Will be turning in the extra DVR soon for a regular HD non-DVR box and I expect to keep the monthly A/O credit.

Meinken

04-17-08, 10:32 AM

A friend at work told me he gets TLC HD on his QAM -- and people here seem to confirm it -- yet it's not showing up in the 800 tier program guide? I'm the one paying more money for set top box and HD DVR! Where's my TLC HD? :mad:

Sure he can't get ESPN HD because it's encrypted, but still he's getting an HD channel I should be getting!

It should be on 833. For what is Comcast waiting?

Actually, its TLC, AMC,Science,ABC Family and Disney HD that are currently on unencrypted QAM. I'm hoping its a test setup and that they will appear soon. Calling Comcast is worthless as the reps don't even know what QAM is and have told me in the past that the only way to get hd is with a STB.

ChrisHman

04-18-08, 11:40 AM

JudgeSmails

04-18-08, 03:27 PM

Roger Weiner

04-18-08, 04:57 PM

Question for the folks here. Prior to getting Comcast HD the only HD I had was OTA locals (occassionally when the weather gods liked me and moved some trees), HD-DVD and XBOX. On those inputs (OTA, 360 and HD-DVD) I never saw something I now see via the Comcast HD box. Sometimes, HD channels have a slight "line" that appears at the top of the screen. It is wavy and looks like a white line. It only appears on some shows. For example, American Idol and ESPN never have it. But Scrubs and Hell's Kitchen always do. I'm thinking it is something related to the feed...something with Comcast and how they send over SD shows on HD channels. It is often a problem on non-SD shows on the HD channels, but sometimes on the HD shows as well. Anyone else see this? I know its not my TV or cables, as they work perfectly via other input methods. I want to make sure its just crappy Comcast and not my box. Thanks!

It is some sort of calibration signal that you normally do not see with CRTs. There are more electronic explanations of this in various calibration threads and throughout this forum. On my TV, a Sony 52XBR5, I got rid of it by changing the screen selection in the DISPLAY CONTROL from full pixel(1080) to either normal or +1. Not knowing what TV you have, you should look around in your screen settings for a similar control.

suavesito

04-18-08, 05:27 PM

LabtecX

04-18-08, 06:25 PM

ChrisHman

04-19-08, 03:21 PM

WSB broadcasting in 5.1 today for the NBA Playoff game. This is the first time i've seen 5.1 for WSB in months. Perhaps they got the issue fixed.

HomieG

04-19-08, 04:38 PM

WSB broadcasting in 5.1 today for the NBA Playoff game. This is the first time i've seen 5.1 for WSB in months. Perhaps they got the issue fixed.

Thanks for the heads up about this. Indeed it is in 5.1. It's been what, some 6 months or so since we've seen this. Hopefully they'll pay more attention to it from now on. I did mention this to someone at WSB radio last week, who happens to be in Engineering. Who knows if that had something to do with this. I'll ask him!

ChrisHman

04-19-08, 05:14 PM

fuzzy bee

04-20-08, 03:15 PM

Actually now that i listen to it, the center channel has the same echo effect that was the reason it was taken down in the first place. Doesnt affect commercials only live events. Would be a shame if this is new equipment and is experiencing the same effect.

Wow - I'm noticing this right now, as well. This is horrible on the ears.

Roger Weiner

04-20-08, 05:52 PM

Thanks comcast for losing the HD signal in the eight inning of the Braves game today. Braves were ahead by 1 run, trying to sweep the Dodgers when the signal was lost. Missed the big inning, it came back for the post game interviews. Great service for $100.00/month. I just keep staying disgusted with comcast but I have a poor line of sight for satellite......and they keep trying to get me to sign up for phone and internet. Ha Ha

pcgraffy

04-20-08, 09:00 PM

McDonoughDawg

04-20-08, 09:10 PM

neil0311

04-20-08, 09:14 PM

Just thought I'd mention that the Hawks and Celtics are on TNT-HD and the PQ looks pretty good. I'm not sure if TNT was affected by the compression changes, but I can't complain.

04-20-08, 10:14 PM

ChazzMatt

04-21-08, 07:25 AM

These three new HD channels are the first ones to have 3 on one QAM channel. As a result they will be downrezzed and not full bandwidth.

This has been talked about in the main forum page. I'm wondering if they are testing these channels before unveiling to try and maximize quality. Its the only reason i can think of to hold off putting channels that have been available for weeks on QAM.

A news article from today. Mentions Comcast prominently as the 3-in-1 channel crammer.

In reading the numbers, keep in mind that a good over-the-air HDTV signal is 20Mbps and that a Blu-Ray DVD is 48Mbps:

HD enthusiasts crying foul over cable TV's crunched signals

Apr 21, 12:28 AM (ET)

By CHRIS WILLIAMS

http://ak.imgfarm.com/images/ap/Compressed_HD.sff_NYOL588_20080421002628.jpg

Brent Swanson sits in front of a screen projection in his basement home theater in Minneapolis on Thursday, April 10, 2008. He and other HD viewers question whether they are getting the quality they paid for, as cable providers pack more HD channels into a limited bandwidth. (AP Photo/Janet Hostetter)

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - In Brent Swanson's basement home theater, there should be nothing drab about "Battlestar Galactica." He's got a high-end projector that beams the picture onto a wall painted like a silver screen, and speakers loom in the corners, flanking two big subwoofers.

Yet when he tuned in Sci Fi HD for a recent episode filmed in high definition, the image was soft and the darkest parts broke up into large blocks with no definition. Explosions, he said, were just dull.

"It kind of looked like they took the standard definition and just blew it up," said Swanson, a 33-year-old graphic designer and videographer who subscribes to Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) (CMCSA)'s TV service. "I couldn't really tell if what I was seeing was really better than what I saw on regular television."

As cable TV companies pack ever more HD channels into limited bandwidth, some owners of pricey plasma, projector and LCD TVs are complaining that they're not getting the high-def quality they paid for. They blame the increased signal compression being used to squeeze three digital HD signals into the bandwidth of one analog station.

The problem is viewers want more HD channels at a time when many cable and satellite providers are at the limits of their capacity, said Jim Willcox, a technology editor for Consumer Reports magazine.

"They have to figure out a way to deliver more HD content through their distribution networks," he said.

Compressing the signal is cheaper than costly infrastructure upgrades to increase capacity. Satellite TV providers - including DirecTV Group Inc. and Dish Network Corp. (DISH) (DISH) - also have the option of launching satellites to boost the number of HD channels on their systems.

While information is nearly always lost when signals are compressed and then uncompressed, the process can theoretically be made unnoticeable to eyes and ears - and Comcast says it should be.

But some viewers say they can see it. Willcox said complaints about compression have been showing up on Web forums, including the AV Science Forum, a site for serious audio visual enthusiasts.

"It's not exclusively Comcast, although Comcast, being the largest cable provider, is probably the largest target," he said.

Derek Harrar, a Comcast senior vice president in charge of video, said the company recently began using new technology on some channels to compress three HD channels into the bandwidth of one analog station. Other channels continue to get the previous 2-to-1 compression.

In a posting on the AV Science Forum, Ken Fowler of Arlington, Va., compared Comcast signals with those on Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) (VZ)'s all-fiber-optic network, which doesn't have the same capacity limitations. Fowler found the higher-compressed HD stations, including Sci Fi, Animal Planet, the Discovery Channel, the Food Network and A&E, fared particularly poorly.

He analyzed the signals by recording them on a digital recorder, then transferring them to a personal computer for analysis. He found there was much less data, measured in bit rates, flowing to some channels than others.

For example, Discovery's bit rate was 14.16 megabits per second on Verizon's FiOS system but only 10.43 Mbps on Comcast; A&E HD was 18.66 Mbps on FiOS compared with 14.48 Mbps on Comcast. The FiOS system didn't offer Sci Fi HD, which Fowler's testing showed at 12.59 Mbps on Comcast.

He found the signals from the major networks and ESPN weren't getting the increased compression. (can't speak for ESPN, but the FCC prohibits the local stations from being compressed on cable.)

In an interview, Fowler said he reran his analysis about two weeks ago and found "basically the same thing."

Philadelphia-based Comcast wouldn't identify specific signals that are 3-to-1 compressed, and a Sci Fi channel spokeswoman referred questions back to Comcast.

Harrar said the company works to make sure any new compression technology is invisible to consumers, but Comcast is "constantly monitoring our network and making adjustments" for best picture quality. The company has been rolling out the new compression technology at different times around the country.

In fact, postings on the AV Science Forum from early April suggest the Comcast network has improved in some places.

And there are other reasons a high-definition picture can appear subpar: The source image might not have been recorded in HD, or the television's settings, the viewing angle and even the ambient lighting in the room could be the cause.

New York-based Time Warner Cable Inc. (TWC) (TWC) has avoided many of the criticisms aimed at Comcast, although the companies are technologically similar and face the same capacity limits.

Time Warner spokesman Alex Dudley attributed it to his company's testing procedures. He said that before Time Warner rolls out new technology that may affect image quality, it sets up two identical televisions in a lab, one with the old signal and one with the new. Technicians make adjustments until the pictures can't be told apart.

"The testers are our engineers who we call 'golden eyes,' who have a proven track record of picking up subtle differences in picture quality," he said.

Verizon's FiOS doesn't compress the signal once it receives it, and Willcox said it's considered the picture quality "benchmark." However, Verizon said the system is growing but is now available only in parts of 17 states and has just over a million subscribers - compared with more than 24 million for Comcast.

He said two possible solutions are on the horizon, an improved version of compression, called MPEG-4, and something called "switched digital video."

Comcast and Time Warner Cable have introduced switched video on a trial basis across their networks. In concept, it's like on-demand videos. The company sends only the channels the viewer is watching, instead of all the channels at once.

But switched video has its own issues, including possible slower channel switching times and compatibility problems with digital video recorders.

Willcox said cable providers can't afford to ignore quality complaints. Many customers are already picky about quality after paying $800 to $3,500 for an average-size, HD-ready LCD television.

Swanson, the "Battlestar Galactica" fan, is sticking with Comcast for now.

"It hasn't gotten bad enough for me to consider changing," he said.

---

McDonoughDawg

04-21-08, 10:05 AM

Chazz, as they try to add more and more channels, this issue will get some play.

HomieG

04-21-08, 08:10 PM

Actually now that i listen to it, the center channel has the same echo effect that was the reason it was taken down in the first place. Doesnt affect commercials only live events. Would be a shame if this is new equipment and is experiencing the same effect.

Sounds like something is out-of-phase somewhere on their ABC feed. Pretty awful, hollow sound. And I'm watching it OTA. Wonder if it will take them another 6 months to fix it.

Paul Hives

04-22-08, 07:59 AM

Roger Weiner

04-22-08, 08:43 AM

It was also on Channel 53 in SD. I agree that is pretty poor that the HD signal went out, but there wasn't any reason to miss the inning completely.

For me, I would rather listen to the game on radio than watch it in SD. I am at a point where I no longer enjoy watching anything in SD. The frustrating part is that I am paying for a particular service and Comcast is not delivering what they agreed to provide. When you buy a product or a service and it is not as promised or as advertised I think you should get a refund. Unfortunately, Comcast is a monopoly and there is nothing the consumer can do about it except it and just go with over the air broadcasts.

pcgraffy

04-22-08, 09:24 AM

For me, I would rather listen to the game on radio than watch it in SD. I am at a point where I no longer enjoy watching anything in SD. The frustrating part is that I am paying for a particular service and Comcast is not delivering what they agreed to provide. When you buy a product or a service and it is not as promised or as advertised I think you should get a refund. Unfortunately, Comcast is a monopoly and there is nothing the consumer can do about it except it and just go with over the air broadcasts.

I'm sure that if you called and were willing to spend some time on the phone with them, they would refund a day's worth of the HD package. They have done that a number of times for me.

DDisney

04-22-08, 11:53 AM

New HD channels are coming to Atlanta Digital Comcast. I was doing some scaning using a LG QAM tuner and I picked up some new HD Channels. These channels are not currently available using a cablebox or cablecard only with a QAM tunner. It should not be long before they show up on the listings.

To Be Added:
The Science Channel HD 821
TLC HD 833
ABC Family HD 854
Disney Channel HD 864
AMC HD 866

This is weird, I was hooking up two new HD sets for my sister and brother-in-law on Friday using two new HD boxes that they had picked up earlier that day from Comcast in Grayson. On both new boxes they are getting the new HD channels shown above but these channels did not show up on their other HD box that they already had in place. When I got home I noticed that my boxes don't show the new channels either so I unplugged my main box so that it would reload the guide info and still could not see the new channels.

It is now several days later and none of the new channels have shown up for me but my sister still has them on her new boxes but not on the main box that was already in place. Also, for the boxes that do not show the new channels you cannot tune them directly by entering the numbers. When you enter 864 the box tunes to 870, the closest older channel to 864.

Any idea why a reload of the boxes would not cause the new channels to show up on existing boxes?:confused:

ChrisHman

04-22-08, 02:11 PM

Within the last 45 days suddenly some of the HD channels don't work. I get the "channel aailable shortly" message. The problem is intermittent, meaning sometime they work a nd sometimes they don't. Happens mostly on the lower channels (803 - 813). If any one has anything to share on this I would greatly appreciate it.

Its a signal issue. Do you have your cable line running through a surge protector? If so remove it. How many splitters is it running through between entering your building from the street and your cable box, it should be as few as possible. Lastly you can verify your signal strength by pressing the power button followed quickly by the Ok button on your remote. Go into the 3rd or 4th option down (cant remember the name) and look for SNR and AGC results. If they are listed as poor it confirms bad signal issues.

ChrisHman

04-22-08, 02:13 PM

Any idea why a reload of the boxes would not cause the new channels to show up on existing boxes?:confused:

To my knowledge no one has seen the new channels on any comcast boxes, so your story would be the first. I dont think its that your old boxes which don't have it are malfunctioning though, since no one else is reporting the channels on any boxes. Comcast has a reason for not officially rolling out these couple of channels. The reason behind it is yet to be seen.

JudgeSmails

04-22-08, 05:51 PM

It is some sort of calibration signal that you normally do not see with CRTs. There are more electronic explanations of this in various calibration threads and throughout this forum. On my TV, a Sony 52XBR5, I got rid of it by changing the screen selection in the DISPLAY CONTROL from full pixel(1080) to either normal or +1. Not knowing what TV you have, you should look around in your screen settings for a similar control.

You sir are a genius! Thanks so much! I was using Full Pixel on my TV since that is what all of the calibration setting threads said. But I guess even with HDMI that gives me this problem with the Comcast box/feed I have. So I switched it to Normal (where the TV sets it automatically as +1, - 1, etc.) and the funky line went away. I also noticed that the screen shifted a bit as well b/c the channel logo moved up a few centimeters.

ChazzMatt

04-22-08, 10:24 PM

Hey guys: I've been searching for help on my problem. Within the last 45 days suddenly some of the HD channels don't work. I get the "channel aailable shortly" message.

So far. COMCAST has sent a new box and three techs. Alas, nothing has changed.

The problem is intermittent, meaning sometime they work a nd sometimes they don't. Happens mostly on the lower channels (803 - 813).

If any one has anything to share on this I would greatly appreciate it.

I had this a couple of times, on the Fox station and the NBC station. Would say channel available shortly. Those two stations also had severe glitching when they did apprear. Sometimes the events were reversed. Severe glitching, followed by the "not available" later.

Problem was fixed when I unplugged the cable box and let it sit for about 10 minutes, then plugged it back in. Was an HDMI "handshaking" problem, I think. Anyway, letting the box sit -- without electrical power -- fixed the problem.

Roger Weiner

04-23-08, 08:21 AM

You sir are a genius! Thanks so much! I was using Full Pixel on my TV since that is what all of the calibration setting threads said. But I guess even with HDMI that gives me this problem with the Comcast box/feed I have. So I switched it to Normal (where the TV sets it automatically as +1, - 1, etc.) and the funky line went away. I also noticed that the screen shifted a bit as well b/c the channel logo moved up a few centimeters.

You are very welcome, I only learned it from reading the forums here when I was having the same issue. Glad to pass on the information I learned from the real geniuses in here.

billo4357

04-23-08, 12:25 PM

This is weird, I was hooking up two new HD sets for my sister and brother-in-law on Friday using two new HD boxes that they had picked up earlier that day from Comcast in Grayson. On both new boxes they are getting the new HD channels shown above but these channels did not show up on their other HD box that they already had in place. When I got home I noticed that my boxes don't show the new channels either so I unplugged my main box so that it would reload the guide info and still could not see the new channels.

It is now several days later and none of the new channels have shown up for me but my sister still has them on her new boxes but not on the main box that was already in place. Also, for the boxes that do not show the new channels you cannot tune them directly by entering the numbers. When you enter 864 the box tunes to 870, the closest older channel to 864.

Any idea why a reload of the boxes would not cause the new channels to show up on existing boxes?:confused:

Just thought I would let you know that today I am seeing new channels in HD. They evidently were downloaded last night.

ABC Family HD 854
Disney Channel HD 864
Science Channel HD 877

I live off Roswell Road south of I-285. I thought I was on the Stone Mountain Headend but the last work order that I had listed the headend as NORTH FULTON.

inca

04-23-08, 01:26 PM

What HD channels can I get if I just have basic, and I mean BASIC $8 cable?? I live in the DAllas area,I have a QAM tuner in my tv, will I only get abc, nbc, and those local channels?? What do I need to have to get Discovery HD, History HD, etc..??

Tybee

04-23-08, 01:58 PM

Just thought I would let you know that today I am seeing new channels in HD. They evidently were downloaded last night.

ABC Family HD 854
Disney Channel HD 864
Science Channel HD 877

I live off Roswell Road south of I-285. I thought I was on the Stone Mountain Headend but the last work order that I had listed the headend as NORTH FULTON.

Is this QAM or in the guide? The above channels (along with TLC HD and AMC HD) have been available over QAM for several weeks now, but for whatever reason have not shown up in the guide (nor can they be tuned to directly). Maybe they're finally moving them in.

erniegiro

04-23-08, 02:12 PM

Is this QAM or in the guide? The above channels (along with TLC HD and AMC HD) have been available over QAM for several weeks now, but for whatever reason have not shown up in the guide (nor can they be tuned to directly). Maybe they're finally moving them in.
I'm in Tucker and getting them in the guide, not QAM.

billo4357

04-23-08, 02:45 PM

Is this QAM or in the guide? The above channels (along with TLC HD and AMC HD) have been available over QAM for several weeks now, but for whatever reason have not shown up in the guide (nor can they be tuned to directly). Maybe they're finally moving them in.

This is through the Comcast DCT-6412 DVR cable box (I don't have a QAM tuner) and these channels also appear in the Comcast TV Guide listings.

HomieG

04-23-08, 07:46 PM

Actually now that i listen to it, the center channel has the same echo effect that was the reason it was taken down in the first place. Doesnt affect commercials only live events. Would be a shame if this is new equipment and is experiencing the same effect.

Well, that didn't take long...WSB back to 2.1 audio. Unbelievable that a major market network affiliate owned by a large media group cannot get something like their audio correct.

ChazzMatt

04-24-08, 02:36 AM

BEFORE
New HD channels are coming to Atlanta Digital Comcast. I was doing some scaning using a LG QAM tuner and I picked up some new HD Channels. These channels are not currently available using a cablebox or cablecard only with a QAM tunner. It should not be long before they show up on the listings.

To Be Added:

The Science Channel HD 821
TLC HD 833
ABC Family HD 854
Disney Channel HD 864
AMC HD 866

AFTER
Just thought I would let you know that today I am seeing new channels in HD. They evidently were downloaded last night.

ABC Family HD 854
Disney Channel HD 864
Science Channel HD 877

I live off Roswell Road south of I-285. I thought I was on the Stone Mountain Headend but the last work order that I had listed the headend as NORTH FULTON.

So, 3 of the 5 channels got added? And Science drifted down to 877?

Where's TLC HD? :mad:

ChazzMatt

04-24-08, 02:49 AM

Well, that didn't take long...WSB back to 2.1 audio. Unbelievable that a major market network affiliate owned by a large media group cannot get something like their audio correct.

FIRST, WSB has AWESOME HD cameras and lighting in their news studio. I just wish they would upgrade the traffic update camera over in the WSB Radio section. They go to that camera to do traffic updates, sharing traffic reports with WSB Radio. In the mornings it's Mark Arum. You can tell a world of difference when they go from the studio cameras (gorgeous HD) to crappy SD for the Traffic reports.

SECOND, does anyone else get annoyed by the 5.1 surround sound car commercials? A car commercial comes on and I hear loud split second horn blasts through every speakers, seems like.

Also, there's one car commercial -- Stone Mountain Toyota? -- that is 3x louder than any other spot! :eek: Knowing something about local TV I find it hard to believe WSB dubbed the spot that badly and no one has caught it. I tend to think it's a Comcast ad insert. Usally cable companies (like Comcast and Charter) negotiate the right to insert so many ads per hour as part of the re-transmission agreement with the local station. No money changes hands, but the cable companies make money by selling commercials and inserting them into the local feed. That's why in some breaks you will see a brief flash of another commmercial as Comcast's equipment screws up and doesn't start their commercial in time. They also probably dubbed the car commercial spot too loudly, not paying attention to their audio meters. I can envision a cable company doing that -- and not caring -- but not the local station (especially in a top 10 market like Atlanta).