Anyone actually receiving Science Channel HD on 877 correctly? I called Comcast again and they are just completely clueless. Their CSRs don't even know that the channel was added, let alone why it's showing as "Not Authorized".

Anyone here able to offer me any help?

I can't really help, but I'm able to view the Science Channel HD just fine on 877. I'm using a Tivo HD with cable cards.

Anyone actually receiving Science Channel HD on 877 correctly? I called Comcast again and they are just completely clueless. Their CSRs don't even know that the channel was added, let alone why it's showing as "Not Authorized".

Anyone here able to offer me any help?

Yes, I am seeing Science HD 877 with my HD set top box. And I have the Digital Starter package. So, I can't get National Geographic HD 839 -- says "Not Authorized" -- because it doesn't come with my package (you need Digital Basic or higher). But I do see the new Science HD fine.

Sounds lilke it's time for a service call.

Want to see something funny? On Comcast's website, typing in my address, the new HD channels show up if you ask to see "ALL" channels, but they do NOT show up if you only want to see the HD lineup. :confused: That's Comcast!

ALL CHANNELS
# Channel Name Interests Features

1 ON DEMAND Help & Services
2 WATC (Ind. 57) Atlanta News & Info
3 WSB (ABC 2) Atlanta News & Info
4 WAGA (FOX 5) Atlanta News & Info
5 Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters (AIB)*
6 WXIA (NBC 11) Atlanta News & Info
7 WPCH (Peachtree TV/Ind. 17) Atlanta News & Info
8 GPTV (PBS 8) Atlanta News & Info
9 WGCL (CBS 46) Atlanta News & Info
10 WUPA (CW) Atlanta News & Info
11 WHSG (TBN 63) Monroe News & Info
12 WPXA (ION) Rome/Atlanta News & Info
13 WATL (WB 36) Atlanta News & Info
14 WUVG (Univision 34) Athens Multicultural
15 WGN (Ind. 9) Chicago News & Info
16 WPBA (PBS 30) Atlanta News & Info
20 QVC Lifestyle
21 Access News & Info
22 Access News & Info
23 Access News & Info
24 Access News & Info
25 Access News & Info
26 Access News & Info
27 TV Guide Network Help & Services
29 Home Shopping Network Lifestyle
30 C-SPAN News & Info
32 The Weather Channel News & Info
33 The Learning Channel Children & Family
34 CNN News & Info
35 CNN Headline News News & Info
36 CNBC News & Info
37 Fox News News & Info
38 A&E Lifestyle
39 TBS Superstation Children & Family
40 The Discovery Channel Children & Family
41 TNT Lifestyle
42 USA Network Movies
43 FX Lifestyle
44 Versus Lifestyle
45 Comcast Sports SE Sports
46 ESPN Sports
47 ESPN2 Sports
48 Fox Sports Net Sports
49 The Golf Channel Sports
50 MTV Music
51 VH1 Music
52 History News & Info
53 Turner South News & Info
54 ABC Family Children & Family
55 Lifetime Lifestyle
56 E! Lifestyle
57 Food Network Lifestyle
58 truTV News & Info
59 Home & Garden TV Lifestyle
60 Travel Channel Lifestyle
61 Animal Planet Children & Family
62 Cartoon Network Children & Family
63 Nickelodeon Children & Family
64 Disney Channel Children & Family
65 TV Land Children & Family
66 AMC Movies
68 Comedy Central Lifestyle
69 Turner Classic Movies Movies
70 Bravo Lifestyle
71 TV One Multicultural
72 BET Lifestyle
73 Telemundo Multicultural
74 Sci-Fi Lifestyle
75 Speed Channel Sports
78 Spike TV Lifestyle
79 Oxygen* Lifestyle
104 C-SPAN 2* News & Info
106 Fox Business Network News & Info
107 Current TV (fka NWI) Lifestyle
108 Fox Reality Lifestyle
120 MSNBC News & Info
121 ESPNews Sports
122 ESPN Classic Sports
124 Fox Soccer Channel Sports
125 CSPAN 3 News & Info
127 Tennis Channel Sports
128 The Game Show Network Children & Family
129 Style Lifestyle
130 BBC America Lifestyle
131 Discovery Health News & Info
132 The Science Channel Children & Family
133 Discovery Kids Children & Family
134 G4 Tech TV Lifestyle
135 Noggin Children & Family
136 NASA
137 Hallmark* Lifestyle
138 National Geographic News & Info
139 Encore Wam Children & Family
140 Independent Film Channel Movies
142 Encore Movies
143 Encore Drama East Movies
144 Encore Love East Movies
145 Encore Mystery East Movies
146 Encore Westerns East Movies
147 Encore Action East Movies
148 ShopNBC Lifestyle
149 Jewelry Television by ACN Lifestyle
150 Leased Access
155 Movie Plex Movies
162 MTV 2 Music
163 Urge TV Music
164 VH1 Classic Music
165 VH1 Soul Music
166 CMT Pure Country Music
167 MTV Jams Music
168 CMT*
170 Great American Country Music
182 The Africa Channel Multicultural
183 Indie Plex Movies
184 Retro Plex Movies
185 FEARnet ON DEMAND HD ON
189 Gospel Music Channel Music
195 Soap Net Lifestyle
198 Oxygen* Lifestyle
199 WE: Women's Entertainment Lifestyle
202 Lifetime Movie Network Movies
206 CNN International News & Info
207 Bloomberg News & Info
210 Outdoor Channel Lifestyle
211 NBC Weather Plus (WXIA)* News & Info
212 Weatherscan News & Info
218 History Channel International News & Info
219 The Biography Channel News & Info
220 The Military Channel News & Info
221 Discovery Times Children & Family
248 WSB-DT (Retro Television Network)*
249 WUVM-LP (Azteca America)* Multicultural
250 WUVG-DT (Telefutura)*
253 Discovery Home Lifestyle
254 DIY Lifestyle
255 Fine Living Lifestyle
256 Fit TV Lifestyle
261 The Word Network News & Info
262 Inspirational Life News & Info
263 Daystar* News & Info
264 EWTN Lifestyle
265 Family Net Lifestyle
266 Toon Disney Children & Family
267 The N Children & Family
268 Nick 2 Children & Family
269 Nicktoons Network! Children & Family
270 Boomerang Children & Family
271 PBS Kids Sprout Children & Family
275 BET on Jazz Music
276 BET Hip Hop Music
277 BET Gospel Music
280 Sundance Movies
281 FMC Movies
284 Fuse Lifestyle
288 Logo
289 NFL Network Sports
290 Fox College Sports Atlantic Sports
291 Fox College Sports Central Sports
292 Fox College Sports Pacific Sports
293 NBA TV Sports
294 GOL TV (English) Sports
296 NHL Network Sports
301 HBO Movies
303 HBO 2 East Movies
304 HBO Comedy East Movies
305 HBO Signature East Movies
306 HBO Zone East Movies
307 HBO Family East Children & Family
309 HBO Latino East Multicultural
311 HBO West Movies
321 Starz Movies
323 Starz Edge Movies
324 Starz InBlack Movies
325 Starz Kids & Family Movies
326 Starz Cinema Movies
327 Starz Comedy Movies
331 Cinemax West Movies
341 Cinemax East Movies
343 More MAX East Movies
345 Action MAX East Movies
346 Thriller MAX East Movies
347 Cinemax W East Movies
348 OuterMAX East Movies
349 @MAX East Movies
350 5 StarMAX East Movies
361 Showtime Movies
362 Showtime Beyond Movies
364 Showtime Too Movies
366 Showtime Showcase Movies
368 Showtime Extreme Movies
369 Showtime Family Zone Children & Family
370 Showtime Next Movies
371 Showtime Women Movies
381 The Movie Channel Movies
383 The Movie Channel Extra Movies
384 Flix Movies
390 KTN - Korean Television Multicultural
393 TV Japan Multicultural
400 Pay-Per-View Previews Pay-Per-View
401 - 402 Events Pay-Per-View
403 Events/Nascar in Car Pay-Per-View
404 - 408 iN Demand Movies Pay-Per-View
440 Hot Choice Pay-Per-View
441 Hot Network Pay-Per-View
441 Club Jenna Pay-Per-View
442 Hot Zone Pay-Per-View
442 SPICE:XCESS Pay-Per-View
443 Playboy Pay-Per-View
444 Playboy en Espanol Pay-Per-View
445 fresh! Pay-Per-View
446 shorteez. Pay-Per-View
449 The Erotic Network (TEN) Pay-Per-View
451 - 456 ESPN Game Plan Sports
451 - 456 ESPN Full Court Sports
470 NBA Preview Sports
471 - 481 NBA League Pass/MLS Direct Kick Sports
482 NBA TV Sports
500 Canal SUR
501 CNN en Español Multicultural
502 Canal 52MX Multicultural
503 Telemundo
504 Gol TV
505 ESPN Deportes Multicultural
506 Fox Sports en Español Multicultural
507 Cine Mexicano
508 Cine Latino
509 TVE International Multicultural
510 Discovery en Español Multicultural
511 History en Español
512 Toon Disney Children & Family
513 VeneMovies
514 MTV tr3s Multicultural
525 Mexico 22
526 Once TV
527 EWTN en español
528 iSorpresa!
529 mun2 Multicultural
529 mun2
530 WUVG-DT (Telefutura) Multicultural
531 Galavision
532 WUVM-LP (Azteca America) Multicultural HD ON
533 TV Chile Multicultural
534 TV Colombia Multicultural
543 Playboy HD ON
771 - 784 NHL Center Ice Sports
771 - 784 MLB Extra Innings Sports
801 HDTV Special Events# High-Definition TV
803 WSB (ABC) HDTV# High-Definition TV
804 WAGA (FOX) HDTV# High-Definition TV
806 WXIA (NBC) HDTV# High-Definition TV
807 TBS HDTV# High-Definition TV
808 WGTV (PBS) HDTV# High-Definition TV
809 WGCL (CBS) HDTV# High-Definition TV
810 WUPA (CW) HDTV# High-Definition TV
813 WATL (MyNetwork) HDTV# High-Definition TV
834 CNN HDTV# High-Definition TV
838 A&E HDTV# High-Definition TV
839 National Geographic HDTV# High-Definition TV
840 Discovery HDTV# High-Definition TV
841 TNT HDTV# High-Definition TV
842 USA Network HDTV# High-Definition TV
844 HD Theater# High-Definition TV
846 ESPN HDTV# High-Definition TV
847 ESPN2 HDTV# High-Definition TV
848 FSN South HDTV# High-Definition TV
849 VERSUS/Golf HD# Sports
850 MHD# High-Definition TV
852 History Channel HDTV# High-Definition TV
854 ABC Family HDTV# High-Definition TV
857 Food Network HDTV# High-Definition TV
859 HGTV HDTV# High-Definition TV
861 Animal Planet HDTV# High-Definition TV
864 Disney Channel HDTV# High-Definition TV
870 NBC Universal HD# High-Definition TV
874 Sci Fi Channel HDTV# High-Definition TV
876 MOJO # High-Definition TV
877 Science Channel HDTV# High-Definition TV
879 NFL Network HDTV# High-Definition TV
880 HBO HDTV#
885 Cinemax HDTV# High-Definition TV
890 Showtime HDTV# High-Definition TV
895 Starz HDTV# High-Definition TV
901 Sounds of the Seasons Music
902 Today’s Country Music
903 Classic Country Music
904 Bluegrass Music
905 Hip-Hop and R&B Music
906 Classic R&B Music
907 R&B Soul Music
908 R&B Hits Music
909 Rap Music
910 Metal Music
911 Rock Music
912 Arena Rock Music
913 Classic Rock Music
914 Adult Alternative Music
915 Alternative
916 Retro-Active Music
917 Electronica Music
918 Dance Music
919 Lite Hits Music
920 Adult Top 40 Music
921 Hit List Music
922 Kidz Only!
923 Party Favorites Music
924 Showcase Music
925 90's Music
926 80's Music
927 70's Music
928 Solid Gold Oldies Music
929 Smooth Jazz Music
930 Jazz Music
931 Blues Music
932 Reggae Music
933 Soundscapes Music
934 Easy Listening Music
935 Big Band & Swing Music
936 Singers & Standards Music
937 Show Tunes Music
938 Contemporary Christian Music
939 Gospel Music
940 Classical Masterpieces Music
941 Light Classical Music
942 Pop Latino Music
943 Musica Urbana Music
944 Salsa Merengue Music
945 Mexicana Music
946 Rock en Español Music
947 Americana Music
948 Opera Music


SEE? When you filter for just HD Channels, they don't show up. You can say "all channels", "digital starter", "premium", "HD channels" -- you can filter for whatever package or features you are considering. There's Comcast's HD Channels line-up below. Where are the 3 new channels? This may be why the Comcast telephone people are confused. But yet the new HD channels show up under the ALL channels listing! Go figure.


HD CHANNELS ONLY
# Channel Name Interests Features
801 HDTV Special Events# High-Definition TV
803 WSB (ABC) HDTV# High-Definition TV
804 WAGA (FOX) HDTV# High-Definition TV
806 WXIA (NBC) HDTV# High-Definition TV
807 TBS HDTV# High-Definition TV
808 WGTV (PBS) HDTV# High-Definition TV
809 WGCL (CBS) HDTV# High-Definition TV
810 WUPA (CW) HDTV# High-Definition TV
813 WATL (MyNetwork) HDTV# High-Definition TV
834 CNN HDTV# High-Definition TV
838 A&E HDTV# High-Definition TV
839 National Geographic HDTV# High-Definition TV
840 Discovery HDTV# High-Definition TV
841 TNT HDTV# High-Definition TV
842 USA Network HDTV# High-Definition TV
844 HD Theater# High-Definition TV
846 ESPN HDTV# High-Definition TV
847 ESPN2 HDTV# High-Definition TV
848 FSN South HDTV# High-Definition TV
849 VERSUS/Golf HD# Sports
852 History Channel HDTV# High-Definition TV
857 Food Network HDTV# High-Definition TV
859 HGTV HDTV# High-Definition TV
861 Animal Planet HDTV# High-Definition TV
870 NBC Universal HD# High-Definition TV
874 Sci Fi Channel HDTV# High-Definition TV
876 MOJO # High-Definition TV
879 NFL Network HDTV# High-Definition TV
880 HBO HDTV#
885 Cinemax HDTV# High-Definition TV
890 Showtime HDTV# High-Definition TV
895 Starz HDTV# High-Definition TV



Next time you call, tell them to look under ALL channels to find the new HD channels, not the HD line-up. ;)

Anyone actually receiving Science Channel HD on 877 correctly? I called Comcast again and they are just completely clueless. Their CSRs don't even know that the channel was added, let alone why it's showing as "Not Authorized".

Anyone here able to offer me any help?

Same thing going on with me. I called them and they did a reset over the phone and it didn't help. The CSR knew about the channels, etc.. and tried a reset on my 2 boxes, but nothing.

I usually have better luck talking to the gals in the Comcast office here in Peachtree City. I'm going to give them a shot at it on Monday.

Off topic, are they allowing any self installs on the VOIP phone setups?

They offered $20 a month on the phone..full featured etc....my Dad has it and it seems to work fine. I just don't have time to schedule an apointment with them.

Off topic, are they allowing any self installs on the VOIP phone setups?

I don't know about anyone else, but when they did my install it seemed to be more involved than just plugging stuff in and turning it on.

My install guy made a series of calls back to the hub, and then I had to get on the phone and confirm some stuff. Your experience may vary though.

You will get a fancy new modem with the cable and some phone jacks built in, and it'll handle all your internet/phone stuff. I have mine split 3 ways and run fax as well. Works great.

BTW - It's now the next day, and I still can't get SCIHD on 877.

NOT AUTHORIZED!

The CSR said they may have to send somebody out... and I think we all know that Comcast sending people out should be the last resort. I suppose if it's not working by Monday I'll get one of these jokers out here to look at it.

Any word on those other 2 channels that were showing up on the QAM? TLC and what not? I know my wife would really enjoy some John & Kate + 8 in HD!

Anyone actually receiving Science Channel HD on 877 correctly? I called Comcast again and they are just completely clueless. Their CSRs don't even know that the channel was added, let alone why it's showing as "Not Authorized".

Anyone here able to offer me any help?

I'm in North Fulton and 877 is working fine here.

I am also getting the "not authorized" screen for 877 SCIHD. Funny though, this morning when "infomercials" were on this channel, it came thru loud and clear.

Has anyone seen any true HD content on ABC Family and Disney HD? Looks like everything is 4:3 (mercifully not stretch-o-vision).

I am in East Cobb. Had an odd issue yesterday with bad signal and a lot of breakups/no channels. That appears to have been fixed as of today (I made no trouble call).

I just keep telling myself it's Comcastic!

I am also getting the "not authorized" screen for 877 SCIHD. Funny though, this morning when "infomercials" were on this channel, it came thru loud and clear.



Here's where some of the problem may be. I think some of us who are SEEING the Science HD channel may just be lucky? It soon may be cut off for us?

I have Digital Starter tier. I just looked in the 2008 Channel Line-up mailed out earlier this year. The SD Science Channel 132 is NOT Authorized for me, just like SD National Geographic. They are both Digital Basic tier and higher. Likewise, the HD version of National Geographic is also not authorized for me. I can't see HD Nat Geo 839. So why am I seeing the HD version of Science Channel on 877? Shhh.... Don't tell Comcast!

All 3 of them are working fine on my 6412.

I have found that sometimes new channels when they are first added to the lineup take a while to actually come up. Since all 3 of them are part of the Digital Starter package, you may have to call Comcast to have them reset your box.

Science Channal is not part of the Digital Starter tier. It's Digital Basic.

I'm in North Fulton and 877 is working fine here.

I am also getting the "not authorized" screen for 877 SCIHD. Funny though, this morning when "infomercials" were on this channel, it came thru loud and clear.

Has anyone seen any true HD content on ABC Family and Disney HD? Looks like everything is 4:3 (mercifully not stretch-o-vision).

I am in East Cobb. Had an odd issue yesterday with bad signal and a lot of breakups/no channels. That appears to have been fixed as of today (I made no trouble call).

I just keep telling myself it's Comcastic!

Science on 877 working here in Sandy Springs

We have the "triple play" package which includes Digital Basic HD (just about all HD except NFL HD and HBO and Cinemax HD). We get the Science channel in SD (channel 132), so I don't understand why the Science channel in HD would somehow be considered an "extra" and not already subscribed.

Judging from previous comments it sounds as though others have made Comcast aware there is an issue. I will give it about a week and if Science HD does not become available I will call up Comcast and ask why not. My main issue is that the Science channel SD version is rather poor quality, with a grainy/blocky picture. Since the channel has interesting content I would rather have a better picture.

Does anyone have any idea when TLC HD is scheduled to come on line?

We just received a new cable box (Motorola DCH3416) and it has TLC. I have Comcast HD in Atlanta (midtown/vinings).

We just received a new cable box (Motorola DCH3416) and it has TLC. I have Comcast HD in Atlanta (midtown/vinings).

You're very lucky. I live in Acworth and still don't have it. I have the DCH 3416 also.

Well, I have the proper package for getting ScienceHD.

We started out on the Triple Play basic package, and I've upgraded 2 times now, so we have the Digital Preferred I believe. I get HBO, Starz and Encore as well as National Geographic all with the HD versions, so there's no reason I wouldn't be getting Science Channel based on that - I get the SD version just fine.

So I guess I'm just gonna wait about a week and see if anything changes. If not, looks like another call in + box reset, and if that doesn't do it, I'll have somebody come out.

Lindros... I have the 3416 also, what channel are you getting TLC HD on? Somebody said earlier it was like 833?

I really wish they were more consistent with these rollouts. My father-in-law has DirecTV with the HD package and they got like 8 new channels in a single week, and he immediately had access to them. Not saying I wish we had DirecTV, but still, they gotta get on the ball here.

I am also getting the "not authorized" screen for 877 SCIHD. Funny though, this morning when "infomercials" were on this channel, it came thru loud and clear.

Has anyone seen any true HD content on ABC Family and Disney HD? Looks like everything is 4:3 (mercifully not stretch-o-vision).

I am in East Cobb. Had an odd issue yesterday with bad signal and a lot of breakups/no channels. That appears to have been fixed as of today (I made no trouble call).

I just keep telling myself it's Comcastic!

Also in East Cobb & also no SCIHD

As far as I can tell, Disney's only shows in HD are Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, and Bunnytown. For some reason the guide says that some other shows are in HD when they are not.

ABC Family has a few prime-time, original programming shows in HD & that's about it.

Science HD also showing as 'not authorized' for me. Vinings headend. No biggie since I never watched anything on the SD version, but might want to if it's HD.

I've seen a few cartoons in HD on Disney (non-stretched). ABC Family has a few shows that I've seen in HD as well. But the majority of the stuff isn't HD on either channel. Kinda makes me wonder why add them in the first place?

At least they look better than the SD counterparts.

*I doubled checked with the father-in-law, neither one of those channels have much full-screen HD content on DirecTV either.

I was getting Science HD on channel 246 in Cherokee County (former Adelphia), but today it says "not authorized". I don't know which Digital package I have, but it was the minimum needed so I could get HD.

Even though I was getting the Science channel, the guide said DSCHD. I guess they will need to change that.

Looks like Comcast has now added:

833 TLCHD (The Learning Channel in HD)
856 AMCHD (American Movie Classics in HD)

These are appearing on my Comcast DCT-6412 cable box and the Comcast guide.

I saw SCIHD working for the first time last night after the the Hawks game.

Looks like Comcast has now added:

833 TLCHD (The Learning Channel in HD)
856 AMCHD (American Movie Classics in HD)

These are appearing on my Comcast DCT-6412 cable box and the Comcast guide.

These are on my guide too, but they are not authorized.

On a side note, 877 is now authorized, so I have that going for me. :)

These are on my guide too, but they are not authorized.

On a side note, 877 is now authorized, so I have that going for me. :)

I haven't checked the TLC action... but it makes me happy that it's there.

On a positive note, I'm getting SCIHD now too! One small victory at a time.

But seriously... can Comcast get their stuff together and just roll out a block of channels all at the same damn time please? :)

I haven't checked the TLC action... but it makes me happy that it's there.

On a positive note, I'm getting SCIHD now too! One small victory at a time.

But seriously... can Comcast get their stuff together and just roll out a block of channels all at the same damn time please? :)

NO NO NO not all at one time.

You can see the problems that they have rolling out a few at a time. I can just imagine the mess that would occur if they rolled out a block of channels.

These are on my guide too, but they are not authorized.

On a side note, 877 is now authorized, so I have that going for me. :)

Same here in Marietta. SCIHD 877 now working, and AMCHD 856 and TLCHD 833provisioned on the guide but show as "Not Authorized".

I guess it's baby steps at Comcast.

On a side note, I have watched a few movies on AMC HD in the qam, and I like it.

Looks like I lost my qAM AMC-HD, SCI-HD and TLC-HD here in Marietta. I haven't rescanned but no picture and one now comes up "Not Authorized". Any one else?

Haven't checked the qam tonight, but all the HD channels are coming in. No more unauthorized ones in my neck of the woods. I'm not surprised that Comcast took them down, as they are now up on the boxes.

Looks like I lost my qAM AMC-HD, SCI-HD and TLC-HD here in Marietta. I haven't rescanned but no picture and one now comes up "Not Authorized". Any one else?

I'm not surprised that Comcast took them down, as they are now up on the boxes.

Yeah, they were "in the clear" while being tested, but now that they are going to the HD DVR paying customers Comcast has shut the "freebie" gate. :( That's why I decided to get the HD DVR, because I realized there would only be a limited amount of HD channels available on QAM. Stuff like ESPN would be encrypted -- and these channels also?

Looks like I lost my qAM AMC-HD, SCI-HD and TLC-HD here in Marietta. I haven't rescanned but no picture and one now comes up "Not Authorized". Any one else?

All of them are now on the iGuide and can be received on my DVR. It looks like Atlanta now has all of the HD channels available from Comcast. Not the best lineup, but at least we get all we can.

Let's hope they start to solve the bandwidth problem as well, so we can not only get more quantity, but also quality. I did notice they moved one analog (AIB from channel 5 to 295) into the digital tier, probably to make room for these 3 channels.

One of two things is going on now.. Either I'm becoming jaded to the quality of HD, or some of the channels really are not as clear as they used to be. USA HD last night showing NCIS was especially noticeable. I've seen it on the channels more recently added than the "long timers" we have.

Anyone else noticing this?

I know there is a national discussion on the HDTV programming board, but I don't I've noticed it here in Atlanta until now.

My Science HD channel is now "not authorized" -- but just as I expected. I'm on Digital Starter, so it's like National Geo HD channel -- not available unless I have the next level up, Digital Basic. Oh well. It's not worth it to me to pay $15 more for just 2 more HD channels.

I was viewing it for a few days in the guide but about the time TLC HD appeared, then Science went unauthorized. Guess Comcast was tidying up the details. That's OK, I was half-expecting it, except Comcast is so inconsistent in other things (like where they place the HD channels in the guide) you can never really tell what they are going to do. :p

Is there anywhere someone can find what channels come with what package. I believe I have the Digital Basic, but I get the ONE MOMENT PLEASE on several channels that I know are included.

run down to your Comcast office, they have the latest list. Here is one from a few months ago which I think is fairly good. Doesn't have Science Channel which is with NatGeo on DB.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13039559&postcount=2779

Did anyone (former Adelphia) who gets PeachtreeeTV HD on channel 241 have problems with the Braves game last night? Mine kept breaking up and the sound was off more than it was on. I ended up watching it in SD.

All other HD channels were okay.

Fox Business News was available in-the-clear QAM. Has it been moved somewhere else, or is it now encrypted?

Does anyone know when WPBA (channel 30) will be added to HD on Comcast? They're actually starting to show a decent amount of HD OTA now.

Does anyone
get actual PSIP data on Comcast? I'm trying to decide if my anger should be directed towards TiVo or Comcast. My ATSC/QAM tuner reports no ratings or channel/program data over cable on digital channels. OTA these items are present on the same program at the same time.

Before 01JAN2008 the major networks were properly PSIP mapped (2.1,5.1, 11.1 and 46.1) but lately it has been a 'shell game' or 'hide and seek' proposition to locate where the latest Comcast whim of the moment has placed channels.

Cable providers are required by FCC mandate to pass PSIP, Closed Caption, Nielsen Data and Rating Information. Based on my recent testing, only Closed Captioning information seems to be passed down the line by Comcast.

I'm in the Gwinnett Mall area on the Stone Mountain headend...

Well, I'm now getting all the channels I'm supposed to get.

SCI, TLC, AMC, DIS, FAM all in HD and working properly.

I guess my only complaint, and some of you have pointed at this, is that most of the content on these "new" channels isn't great. I really don't understand the deal with SCI and TLC's use of almost-full-screen. Animal Planet does this too and it drives me nuts.

At least everything works. Now if they could just scale the content a little better...

I guess my only complaint, and some of you have pointed at this, is that most of the content on these "new" channels isn't great. I really don't understand the deal with SCI and TLC's use of almost-full-screen. Animal Planet does this too and it drives me nuts.

Yeah, it took me a little while to get used to it, but I actually like it better than just using pillars and 4:3. It's not stretch-o-vision, since they keep the aspect ratio correct, but they zoom in slightly to fill more of the screen without chopping too much off the top and bottom.

One of two things is going on now.. Either I'm becoming jaded to the quality of HD, or some of the channels really are not as clear as they used to be. USA HD last night showing NCIS was especially noticeable. I've seen it on the channels more recently added than the "long timers" we have.

Anyone else noticing this?

I know there is a national discussion on the HDTV programming board, but I don't I've noticed it here in Atlanta until now.

I noticed it over 3 months ago, when Comcast Atlanta added new channels. Pixelation, loss of sound and just an overall crappy looking picture compared to what we had before. The picture looks dull and doesn't have the "pop" that it used to

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT30UW80N0I

I just got comcast cable about 2 weeks ago and had ABC on 98-3 for a couple days, but then it just disappeared.

Is there a QAM channel list I can get anywhere?

I just got comcast cable about 2 weeks ago and had ABC on 98-3 for a couple days, but then it just disappeared.

Is there a QAM channel list I can get anywhere?

http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels

I have a stupid question. Generally I consider myself pretty well-versed in the HD and HT world. But this one has me stumped. Why do "good" network TV shows in Comcast HD have such variance in quality? I don't mean why do stretched shows on TBS HD look bad compared to other HD shows, I understand that of course. What I mean is stuff like this - yesterday I was flipping through the channels and saw Ugly Betty was on. Not a show I regularly watch, but the image quality was so good I was floored. It just jumped off the screen and really popped. I found myself watching it just because the quality was so good. No noise or artifacts, the picture was crystal clear. Later I watched (one of my favorites) Lost on the same channel. While it looked good, it didn't look nearly as good. Some noise, faces were not as crisp or clear, etc. Is this due to different camera types or directing styles? Are they purposely going for a photorealistic look for a show like Ugly Betty and a more busy and choppy look for Lost? Another example is American Idol and Hells Kitchen on Fox. American Idol is like Ugly Betty, it is fantastic video quality. Hells Kitchen then comes on and the drop in quality and clarity is strikingly apparent. Yet another would be The Office vs. Law and Order. The Office always looks good in HD (but not great like UB and AI) and Law and Order always looks atrocious in HD. Any thoughts on this? Am I just mad?

Thanks!

The answer is, as you said, director style. Comedies like Ugly Betty and the Office normally have a crisper vibrant happy feel where as drama's like Lost and Law and Order normally go for a darker, more muddier tone. Everyone has different opinions on if this is effective but I personally wouldn’t feel the same effect if in the middle of a law and order dramatic moment if I was caught up in the vibrant clarity and colors bouncing out of the screen.

Now some of this is dependent on network channel and the feed they get as well, but in your comment you mentioned comparing shows on the same channel so I know that’s not what you were getting at.

-Chris

I have a stupid question. Generally I consider myself pretty well-versed in the HD and HT world. But this one has me stumped. Why do "good" network TV shows in Comcast HD have such variance in quality? I don't mean why do stretched shows on TBS HD look bad compared to other HD shows, I understand that of course. What I mean is stuff like this - yesterday I was flipping through the channels and saw Ugly Betty was on. Not a show I regularly watch, but the image quality was so good I was floored. It just jumped off the screen and really popped. I found myself watching it just because the quality was so good. No noise or artifacts, the picture was crystal clear. Later I watched (one of my favorites) Lost on the same channel. While it looked good, it didn't look nearly as good. Some noise, faces were not as crisp or clear, etc. Is this due to different camera types or directing styles? Are they purposely going for a photorealistic look for a show like Ugly Betty and a more busy and choppy look for Lost? Another example is American Idol and Hells Kitchen on Fox. American Idol is like Ugly Betty, it is fantastic video quality. Hells Kitchen then comes on and the drop in quality and clarity is strikingly apparent. Yet another would be The Office vs. Law and Order. The Office always looks good in HD (but not great like UB and AI) and Law and Order always looks atrocious in HD. Any thoughts on this? Am I just mad?

Thanks!

It's also production values and cost. These shows are not owned by the network, they are distributed by the network but are owned by different production companies. (Well, Fox may own American Idol, I'm not sure). Anyway, there's no one standard they have to follow for HD. There is a more established standard for SD: "network quality" is a great SD show. For HD, you can upconvert and it's still "HD". :cool: Some of these production companies may not want to invest in all the equipment necessary to make a pristine HD image.

I know at the network I work at we had to invest much money, much time in equipment and training people for HD. We broadcast in HD -- and we have native HD shows and we have upconversion HD shows. As time passes we will have more native HD shows. You can't just snap your fingers and make all cameras, all edit bays, all field units suddenly HD. EVERYTHING has to be replaced, all technical people have to be re-trained.

Ah, thanks all for the explanations. Makes total sense.

Did anyone else see the promo during Friday night's Braves game on Sportsouth that mentioned that Saturday's game would be available in HD on Sportsouth (channel 848). I was under the impression that only home games would be in HD, except for national broadcasts and a few PTV road games. If true, this is good news.

Did anyone else see the promo during Friday night's Braves game on Sportsouth that mentioned that Saturday's game would be available in HD on Sportsouth (channel 848). I was under the impression that only home games would be in HD, except for national broadcasts and a few PTV road games. If true, this is good news.


According to the 848 program guide on the stb, both the Saturday game in Pittsburgh and the Thursday game in Philadelphia will be on 848. Thats it for away games as far as the program guide goes.

Fox Business News was available in-the-clear QAM. Has it been moved somewhere else, or is it now encrypted?

Anyone know the answer to this?

According to the 848 program guide on the stb, both the Saturday game in Pittsburgh and the Thursday game in Philadelphia will be on 848. Thats it for away games as far as the program guide goes.

Has anyone seen a list of road games that will be broadcast in HD?

I'm sure there is a logical explanation for this........why spend the money to transport, set-up, and use the HD equipment for just one game of the Pittsburgh series and just one game of the Philadelphia series. Doesn't this require even more equipment, when some of the games are done in HD and some in SD? Wouldn't it be more economical to do them all the same?

SportSouth probably wasn't transporting their own HD equipment. It's my understanding that generally the home broadcaster does most of the camera work (this may differ for channels like YES or NESN that broadcast every game in HD) and just passes that to the away broadcaster for adding graphics and announcers. FSN Pittsburgh was no doubt filming all 4 games in HD. So if the bandwidth is available at the main FSN facility, they can pass the HD feed to us. I imagine they try to rotate which away broadcasts get that bandwidth to be fair, so we might only get one or two a month. Once FSN's new facility is up and running there should be a lot more bandwidth and hopefully we'll get all the games in HD when the home broadcaster is producing it that way.

Saw the wierdest thing this morning. The Today Show on channel 806 was really choppy and juddery. It was only this channel, I checked ABCHD, DISHD and ESPNHD as well as non-HD NOG and they all looked fine. Never seen this before. It was like a weird stutter in the signal coming across making all of the movements look choppy...kind of like the movement in GTA4. Will check NBCHD tonight to see if it was just the channel or that particular show. But I watch that every morning and have never seen it before.

you probably have to reset your hdmi connection. this used to happen all the time on one of my boxes. unplug the hdmi cable from your box for a minute then re-connect. see if that helps. you may want to unplug your box while you do this just in case.

I just got comcast cable about 2 weeks ago and had ABC on 98-3 for a couple days, but then it just disappeared.

Is there a QAM channel list I can get anywhere?

I have the same problem. In the mornings I get ABC and FOX HD just fine but as soon as prime time hits they disappear.
Is it because I don't have a cable box and I'm taking the cable straight to the TV?
NBC and CBS HD come in just fine all hours of the day.

I emailed WSB to ask about the Dolby Digital 5.1 issue. They responded and said it should be fixed in June.

I emailed WSB to ask about the Dolby Digital 5.1 issue. They responded and said it should be fixed in June.

Did they say what year? :)

Anyone else unable to see 802 (Peachtree TV HD) for the Braves game tonight? Its black on my end and all Comcast can tell me is that they are working on it. :(

Is anyone getting all 3 of WGTV's channels on Comcast?

OTA they have the HD and two SD. One of the SD's is a simulcast of the HD, the other is alternate programming.

On QAM I see

SCANNING: 79000000 (us-bcast:5, us-cable:5)

PROGRAM: 1: 8.1 WGTV-HD (no data)
PROGRAM: 2: 8.2 WGTV-SD (no data)
PROGRAM: 3: 8.3 WGTV-SD (no data)
PROGRAM: 802: 0.0
PROGRAM: 808: 0.0


Nothing actually comes in on 5-1,2,3.

5-808 is of course the HD feed (8.1) and 80-205 is the SD simulcast (8.2), but I don't see 8.3 anywhere. (5-802 is Peachtree/Braves)

I want 8.3 since it reportedly plays Washington Week live on Fridays, rather than dead on Sunday.

Any ATL folks pull content off their DCTs with FireWire? Mine has been working fine for several years, now I don't get any audio in the TS streamed out of the 1394 port. Also there is no video on the screen when I am trying to pull a stream off the 1394 port. Could Comcast have broke the firewire port in a recent firmware update?

I use a DCT3412 w/firewire out to a Myth box. No problems with records, just tried one now as a test. Have you powered off both ends, and possibly moved the firewire cable to the other port just to see? If still no worky, get them to swap the box, it's probably isolated. Have you tried known good channels (like the locals) which we know don't have any content protection?

I emailed WSB to ask about the Dolby Digital 5.1 issue. They responded and said it should be fixed in June.

Yay! Just in time for Lost (and pretty much anything else I'd want to watch on ABC) to be over!

:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Anybody else have really bad quality on Fox and ABC HD channels last night (Tues)? It was so strange.. I have the HD Tivo (cablecard) in the living room and both stations were stuttering and the audio and video were horrible. We switched tuners and it was still messed up. We changed channels and only those two had issues.

Here's the odd thing... we have a comcast dvr in the bedroom. When we checked those channels on there, they were fine. Could it be screwy on cablecard only? We've never had this happen before. The last thing recorded on one of those channels on the Tivo was AI the previous week.

Edit - I checked them out last night and now instead of a really bad signal, I get a no signal error. Again, the STB shows it fine. Odd!

I have a stupid question. Generally I consider myself pretty well-versed in the HD and HT world. But this one has me stumped. Why do "good" network TV shows in Comcast HD have such variance in quality? I don't mean why do stretched shows on TBS HD look bad compared to other HD shows, I understand that of course. What I mean is stuff like this - yesterday I was flipping through the channels and saw Ugly Betty was on. Not a show I regularly watch, but the image quality was so good I was floored. It just jumped off the screen and really popped. I found myself watching it just because the quality was so good. No noise or artifacts, the picture was crystal clear. Later I watched (one of my favorites) Lost on the same channel. While it looked good, it didn't look nearly as good. Some noise, faces were not as crisp or clear, etc. Is this due to different camera types or directing styles? Are they purposely going for a photorealistic look for a show like Ugly Betty and a more busy and choppy look for Lost? Another example is American Idol and Hells Kitchen on Fox. American Idol is like Ugly Betty, it is fantastic video quality. Hells Kitchen then comes on and the drop in quality and clarity is strikingly apparent. Yet another would be The Office vs. Law and Order. The Office always looks good in HD (but not great like UB and AI) and Law and Order always looks atrocious in HD. Any thoughts on this? Am I just mad?

Thanks!

No... you're not mad, but maybe you should be :)

Seriously though, I think that although the director's vision and filming style do play a part in the particular quality of an HD show, that's not the whole story.

At some point or another I think we've all seen the affects that Comcast's compression technique has on our programming. I know for a fact it's a Comcast thing because I was just at my in-laws watching HistoryHD on their DirecTV box, and it looked amazing, as did the rest of their HD lineup.

Until Comcast figures out a way to handle the bandwidth of HD programming instead of stuffing 3 channels into 1 stream, then I think we're going to see variable quality from network-to-network, and show-to-show.

I guess another factor in all this is the output broadcast of the network station. Have you tried watching some primetime shows with just the regular antenna? I noticed channel 11 (WXIA) news has a lot of pixelated graphics and they're not as sharp as say, channel 2 news. This is something I've noticed on both OTA and with the Comcast box. I think it's safe to say that the way they're handling compression is at their discretion, and no "standard" of broadcast quality is being held up.

Any ATL folks pull content off their DCTs with FireWire? Mine has been working fine for several years, now I don't get any audio in the TS streamed out of the 1394 port. Also there is no video on the screen when I am trying to pull a stream off the 1394 port. Could Comcast have broke the firewire port in a recent firmware update?

What kind of box are you using?

The only thing I've been able to do is use the Firewire & my MacBook to record content onto the computer itself. It comes out in the Motorola MT2 format, but I'm able to get audio & video when I view it on VLC media player.

I'd also like to know how to get pre-recorded content OFF the box, if anyone can shed some light on that, it would be appreciated!

Has anybody heard anything about Comcast adding The Weather Channel in HD?

Does anyone have any idea when the Tivo software is coming to our area? Everytime I ask anyone at Comcast I get "its coming soon".

I'd also like to know how to get pre-recorded content OFF the box, if anyone can shed some light on that, it would be appreciated!Not possible. The content providers don't want you to get stuff off of the Moto DVR's. Same reason why the Ethernet and eSATA ports are disabled.

Has anybody heard anything about Comcast adding The Weather Channel in HD?

Don't hold your breath. I read in the AJC a few weeks back that Comcast has reached an agreement with The Weather Channel, but there are no rollout plans.

Not possible. The content providers don't want you to get stuff off of the Moto DVR's. Same reason why the Ethernet and eSATA ports are disabled.

I kinda see your point... but why leave the Firewire port operational?

I mean, I'm able to use software to schedule, and record on my laptop using my non-DVR Motorola box, which means I'm not paying another $7/month to have a second DVR - AND - I get to "keep" the shows.

Aside from getting content OFF the box (or in my case, bypassing the box), the Firewire really doesn't serve any other purpose to the end-user. And they're definitely not letting us connect external hard drives so that we can record even more shows.

The FCC mandates that Firewire be enabled for recording, but as you see that only works for live shows, not ones recorded by their DVR. And even with Firewire the content providers can protect any show/channel at any time and Comcast will then flag it so you can't capture. Check out 5C copy protection if you want to know more. Luckily for us the only flagged channels in the ATL over Firewire (that I know of) are the premiums like HBO and SHO not otherwise included in the digital preferred package.

But everytime you record w/Firewire you have to tie up the STB and make sure no one else tunes another channel, which sucks. Many folks just put up with the craptacular Moto just because it's the easy way out, but it's so limited and buggy.

No... you're not mad, but maybe you should be :)

Seriously though, I think that although the director's vision and filming style do play a part in the particular quality of an HD show, that's not the whole story.

At some point or another I think we've all seen the affects that Comcast's compression technique has on our programming. I know for a fact it's a Comcast thing because I was just at my in-laws watching HistoryHD on their DirecTV box, and it looked amazing, as did the rest of their HD lineup.

Until Comcast figures out a way to handle the bandwidth of HD programming instead of stuffing 3 channels into 1 stream, then I think we're going to see variable quality from network-to-network, and show-to-show.

I guess another factor in all this is the output broadcast of the network station. Have you tried watching some primetime shows with just the regular antenna? I noticed channel 11 (WXIA) news has a lot of pixelated graphics and they're not as sharp as say, channel 2 news. This is something I've noticed on both OTA and with the Comcast box. I think it's safe to say that the way they're handling compression is at their discretion, and no "standard" of broadcast quality is being held up.

You know what's funny. I've noticed that the quality varies per week also. For example, last week's Battlestar (don't get me started on how bad the episode was) was the first one on Sci-Fi HD that looked HD. And the Lost finale looked utterly fantastic when previous episodes were from good to great HD quality.

The FCC mandates that Firewire be enabled for recording, but as you see that only works for live shows, not ones recorded by their DVR.

Maybe I am completely misunderstanding you, but I am able to use firewire to "transfer" to my PC recorded shows that have been saved on the DVR. I do it similarly to recording live shows: start playback on the DVR then start firewire capture on the PC.

Joe

My bad, I never tried that and just assumed that you couldn't do it. So I have to take back what I said - you CAN use firewire to transfer recordings to the PC without lossy conversion.

If you don't mind capturing via component out, this might also be a solution (for $250);
http://www.hauppage.com/site/products/data_hdpvr.html

It's just been released and is a little buggy but is another option to get HD off of the STBs.

On an unrelated note, has anyone had Comcast install CableCARDS in a Tivo S3 or HD recently? I just ordered a Tivo HD from amazon and was wondering if the M-cards were available now (so you only need one card) and if there's been any problems with channels not getting authorized on the Tivos. Am also curious if I'll have to rent one of the cards if I have to get two of the S-cards - the price guide for 2008 says that a 2nd card in the same device is $1.50 a month but I've heard others say that they haven't been charged.

Maybe I am completely misunderstanding you, but I am able to use firewire to "transfer" to my PC recorded shows that have been saved on the DVR. I do it similarly to recording live shows: start playback on the DVR then start firewire capture on the PC.

Joe

Umm... no. But that's what I was trying to find out.

You absolutely CAN use your PC as the recording-device over Firewire, and keep all the shows on your hard drive in Moto format.

At this time there isn't really a solution available that lets your "transfer" stuff you've already recorded from your box to the computer. Sucks.

The FCC mandates that Firewire be enabled for recording, but as you see that only works for live shows, not ones recorded by their DVR. And even with Firewire the content providers can protect any show/channel at any time and Comcast will then flag it so you can't capture. Check out 5C copy protection if you want to know more. Luckily for us the only flagged channels in the ATL over Firewire (that I know of) are the premiums like HBO and SHO not otherwise included in the digital preferred package.

But everytime you record w/Firewire you have to tie up the STB and make sure no one else tunes another channel, which sucks. Many folks just put up with the craptacular Moto just because it's the easy way out, but it's so limited and buggy.

Thanks for clearing that up.

But...

You can actually record from HBO. When I first installed the software, I needed a test, and I flipped on HBO, and much to my dismay The Lakehouse was on. Annnnyways - I hit "record" and it started immediately. Also, played back properly in 1080i.

The only limitations I have so far, is that I cannot record On-Demand, and I can't pull previously recorded shows OFF the box.

On an unrelated note, has anyone had Comcast install CableCARDS in a Tivo S3 or HD recently? I just ordered a Tivo HD from amazon and was wondering if the M-cards were available now (so you only need one card) and if there's been any problems with channels not getting authorized on the Tivos. Am also curious if I'll have to rent one of the cards if I have to get two of the S-cards - the price guide for 2008 says that a 2nd card in the same device is $1.50 a month but I've heard others say that they haven't been charged.

I got the Tivo HD last fall and yes, they do have the M-cards here. I was dumb though and requested two cards, as the person on the phone had no clue what type of CableCARD would be installed. I now have two M-cards (of course I don't need the second). The installer (of course, they insist on an installer coming out = $$) I had was pretty clueless about the Tivos back then, but I would hope they would know better by now.

I need to call about turning in the extra card, and (see previous post) since I'm now having problems with 803 & 804 (local Fox & ABC HD). They give me a black screen or horrible picture/sound. So far, those are the only channels that I've ever had a problem with the CableCARD.

WSB in 5.1 tonight w/ no echo effect. Watching NBA Playoffs.

WSB in 5.1 tonight w/ no echo effect. Watching NBA Playoffs.

Hoping they stay in 5.1 this time!

It would be REAL nice of Comcast to actually turn on the HD WPCH for today's day game from Chicago. It's supposed to be in HD.

Hey, everybody. I'm moving from Boston to Atlanta so I'm wondering how cable works down there. In Boston I was able to get all the big networks for free in HD over my cable -- ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, CW. I just plugged in my cable and scanned and there they were in ClearQAM, not to be confused with OTA ATSC. Can I do this in Atlanta or will I need to buy something to get these channels over cable?

Comcast carries all those network affiliates in the clear at present. The channel designation varies from one headend to another, so you need to spend time seeking them out on your tuner, or find a neighbor with a list. There's also WPCH, formerly WTBS, but it shows nothing but color bars most of the time. Occasionally it runs a Braves baseball game in HD. There are two PBS channels; one is carried in HD, when available, the other was carried in HD for a few months, then dropped.

Has anyones 98-3 disappear? I cant watch the finals in HD all of a sudden. It just started yesterday. Any body else have this prob?

Anybody else have really bad quality on Fox and ABC HD channels last night (Tues)? It was so strange.. I have the HD Tivo (cablecard) in the living room and both stations were stuttering and the audio and video were horrible. We switched tuners and it was still messed up. We changed channels and only those two had issues.

Here's the odd thing... we have a comcast dvr in the bedroom. When we checked those channels on there, they were fine. Could it be screwy on cablecard only? We've never had this happen before. The last thing recorded on one of those channels on the Tivo was AI the previous week.

Edit - I checked them out last night and now instead of a really bad signal, I get a no signal error. Again, the STB shows it fine. Odd!


I'm not using a cable box but I'm still having this problem. Although last week Wednesday I was able to watch the NBA finals on ABC HD and now it no longer comes in. I just got an EyeTV 500 and it tells me that the FOX and ABC HD stations are coming in at a really low frequency (Is frequency correct?).

There are two PBS channels; one is carried in HD, when available, the other was carried in HD for a few months, then dropped.

WPBA-HD was never carried in the official channel listing (though it was available briefly in QAM and may be still for all I know, as I haven't checked it recently). It was just WGTV-HD erroneously listed twice on 808 and 816.

Wish they'd add WPBA-HD, actually, as they're showing a lot more HD lately.

I'm not using a cable box but I'm still having this problem. Although last week Wednesday I was able to watch the NBA finals on ABC HD and now it no longer comes in. I just got an EyeTV 500 and it tells me that the FOX and ABC HD stations are coming in at a really low frequency (Is frequency correct?).

I have no clue what's going on, but now we can't get any of the local HD stations via CableCARD (804, etc.). I get either a blank screen or an image so bad it's impossible to watch. I haven't had time to call about it yet as I've been told that CC support closes at 6 and I'm not even home by then. When I get the chance to call I'll post on the findings.

Any body know where the Stone Mountain head end is located?

Maybe you all have already discussed this. If that is the case - sorry.

It seems about a week ago, that WXIA-HD started showing during the primetime shows a medium gray bar across the bottom of the screen. On my 42", it is maybe a quarter inch high, or so. Also there is a white left vertical bar showing - only a couple of pixels wide. These are irksome so I turn on overscan so I don't have to look at it.

Any idea what's going on?

Thanks.

(I mistakenly posted this first in the OTA thread, so you might have seen this question there, but it really belongs here.)

Maybe you all have already discussed this. If that is the case - sorry.

It seems about a week ago, that WXIA-HD started showing during the primetime shows a medium gray bar across the bottom of the screen. On my 42", it is maybe a quarter inch high, or so. Also there is a white left vertical bar showing - only a couple of pixels wide. These are irksome so I turn on overscan so I don't have to look at it.

Any idea what's going on?

Thanks.

(I mistakenly posted this first in the OTA thread, so you might have seen this question there, but it really belongs here.)

I've seen this on a few of the local ATL HD channels via Comcast. I've had to turn off full pixel mode on my TV to make it go away.

Something else has changed with WXIA-HD - their encoding. The picture is much worse now on scene changes, with macroblocking and a temporary out-of-focus pic as the encoding catches up to the scene. Try watching 11 Alive News and you'll see what I'm talking about. Very annoying and I'm not sure what they're doing, because their pic used to be almost as good as CBS for HD, but not now.

Anyone have any info, now that Comcast has resolved their differences with the Big Ten Network, whether BTN will be offered on the Atlanta system, and whether they will have a HD channel (at least part-time to show football games...)? If BTN is offered, I assume this would be on the digital sports tier...

I haven't seen anything about it being available this far south on any tier, but if it was it would definitely be on the sports tier, the agreement stipulates Comcast can put it there outside of the Big Ten region. However, since they've never offered CBS College Sports (CSTV) in Atlanta even though many other markets have it, I wouldn't hold your breath...

I'm watching the F1 race on Fox 5 right now and there's pretty bad picture and audio breakups every few seconds. The worst problems are on the HD channel, but the SD channel has problems too. I'm watching on DirecTV, is anyone else watching on this or a different medium seeing this problem?

*EDIT*
The problem went away about halfway through the race, seems to have been tied to the storms going through Atlanta at the time (it was clear where I am so I wasn't aware anything was going on)

Has anyone else had a problem with the dvr not syncing correctly with the program times? In other words, I schedule recordings using the guide but the recording either begins too late (several mins. of beginning cut off) or ends too early.

Has anyone else had a problem with the dvr not syncing correctly with the program times? In other words, I schedule recordings using the guide but the recording either begins too late (several mins. of beginning cut off) or ends too early.
Yes...I've noticed that many times over the last few months.
I haven't quantified exactly how any minutes it is off, how often it happens or what channels are involved.
But I know it is a relatively new problem and it only seems to be off a minute or two.

After languishing with old versions of Moto DVR firmware (16.20) and an older version of the iGuide (74.53-3321), all 3 of my DVRs were updated last night to firmware 16.53 and iGuide 75.59-a25p2-2.S1.r-8.

I checked the details on Wikipedia and it looks the new versions support things like SDV and Tivo, along with other fixes and updates. About time.

After languishing with old versions of Moto DVR firmware (16.20) and an older version of the iGuide (74.53-3321), all 3 of my DVRs were updated last night to firmware 16.53 and iGuide 75.59-a25p2-2.S1.r-8.

I checked the details on Wikipedia and it looks the new versions support things like SDV and Tivo, along with other fixes and updates. About time.

Yes i got that update as well.. was close to a 20 minute download update. I was hoping that when it came back on Tivo was going to be enabled. I suppose we are going to have to wait longer still.

I also got the exact same versions you do during that update. I hope this means they are ramping up the atlanta market for that Tivo update soon.

I have seen videos from comcast tivo users from other parts of the country and the tivo menu lag seems like something I wont be looking forward to (1-2 minutes before any data gets called up on the guide). Even still I look forward to getting that tivo update. Hopefully we will get it soon. If anyone in atlanta market gets confirmation that tivo is headed out way... please be sure to post it on this thread for everyone. :)

An update to my Tivo/CableCard issues (the local channels not coming in at all) - Last week, they all of a sudden just started working. I never did get the chance to call, but the fact that this happened made me feel better that it was in fact, not my Tivo causing the problem.

All was fine & dandy until Friday night (?) and now ALL channels have some form of pixelation, with some worse than others. A few were even unwatchable. This is driving us crazy. Of course, our cable boxes and regular tv's don't show any of the pixelation so it's another CableCard-only issue it seems.

Is anybody else seeing this with CableCard?

I currently live in Vinings and just bought an HDTV but am moving to Dunwoody in mid-August, so I'm just getting what I can from Comcast in clear QAM for the time being. However, since their specials for movers are really good right now, I'm able to get an HD DVR after I move with the whole package costing less per month for the next year than what I'm paying right now. I've seen some discussion on here about the various HD DVRs that Comcast is offering but haven't had a chance to go through the whole thread. I did see some indicate they've had success putting in a request for a specific model with their work order. Any suggestions on what the best HD DVR is that they're offering in Atlanta right now? I'd like to try requesting one, especially since I have to contact them again this week to reschedule my disconnect (stupid system will allow them to schedule connection appointments a month out, but not disconnect dates). Also, what are my chances of getting them to bring out an HDMI cable to connect the box?

Thanks!

I have a HD Tivo with cable cards, and I have noticed in the last few days break up on WSB, and WAGA. PBS on 808 is unwatchable, lots of break up, and when the Braves are on Peachtree TV on 802, it is much like PBS. I went to check out the signal strenght, WSB and WAGA are around 45, 802 and 808 are more the most part zero, but sometimes jumps up to the 40's. All other channels have numbers near 100

I have comcast on 2 TVs from the cable only. (DirecTV with Tivo on the rest)
On 1 TV ( Visio ) I ran the program search and have the local QAM stations.
On another TV ( Haier ) I ran the program search and it does not find the local QAM stations. When I enter the station manually, it still does not show up - the manual for the TV doesn't address this issue.
Is there something I'm missing?

Any suggestions on what the best HD DVR is that they're offering in Atlanta right now? I'd like to try requesting one, especially since I have to contact them again this week to reschedule my disconnect (stupid system will allow them to schedule connection appointments a month out, but not disconnect dates). Also, what are my chances of getting them to bring out an HDMI cable to connect the box?

Thanks!

I don't know about the models currently offered but do you really need for them to do a connect for you? I was recently able to go to the local service office and pick up several HD boxes that I set up for my mother to avoid the installation fee for her just to have them hook up a new box. My experience is that they will provide component cables for free upon request but not HDMI. YMMV but I doubt it.

The best prices locally that I have found for HDMI cables is generally at Frye's near Gwinnett Place Mall. You have to look a couple of rows over from the higher priced HDMI cables but I have found 6 footers there for $10-15 on occasion.

Gook luck

I don't know about the models currently offered but do you really need for them to do a connect for you? I was recently able to go to the local service office and pick up several HD boxes that I set up for my mother to avoid the installation fee for her just to have them hook up a new box. My experience is that they will provide component cables for free upon request but not HDMI. YMMV but I doubt it.


I'm moving, so they have to come out to turn the cable on anyway, meaning I might as well have him connect it for me. (By "connect" I really mean "bring out and hook up so that I can unhook everything and plug it in the way I really want it", but they're already charging me for the visit, and I don't want to hassle with a delay because I had to find a weekday to run in and get my DVR.) They did want to charge me a HSI hook-up charge, but I think I got the CSR to waive that, since I'm already a customer and all my computer stuff works. If they do charge me for it, I'll probably go and bicker with them over it, since that's a really stupid fee.


The best prices locally that I have found for HDMI cables is generally at Frye's near Gwinnett Place Mall. You have to look a couple of rows over from the higher priced HDMI cables but I have found 6 footers there for $10-15 on occasion.

Gook luck

I just got my HD TV this weekend and didn't want to wait for an HDMI cable to use for my DVD player, so based on a suggestion in a forum here, I checked out Big Lots (the one on S Cobb Dr, for reference) and they had a slew of HDMI cables (can't remember if it's 3' or 6') for $12. More than monoprice, but I'm willing to pay that for convenience to get started.

Sucks that they bring component instead. If they do, I might swap the HDMI cable from the DVD player to the DVR for a few days until I can get another one from monoprice. (Also, do I have to ask them to bring event he component cable? I'm wondering since you said "upon request".)

Anyone out there able to comment on what DVRs are available now in the Atlanta area? I've seen the 3416 mentioned a lot, is that considered the best available from Comcast here now?

I currently live in Vinings and just bought an HDTV but am moving to Dunwoody in mid-August, so I'm just getting what I can from Comcast in clear QAM for the time being. However, since their specials for movers are really good right now, I'm able to get an HD DVR after I move with the whole package costing less per month for the next year than what I'm paying right now. I've seen some discussion on here about the various HD DVRs that Comcast is offering but haven't had a chance to go through the whole thread. I did see some indicate they've had success putting in a request for a specific model with their work order. Any suggestions on what the best HD DVR is that they're offering in Atlanta right now? I'd like to try requesting one, especially since I have to contact them again this week to reschedule my disconnect (stupid system will allow them to schedule connection appointments a month out, but not disconnect dates). Also, what are my chances of getting them to bring out an HDMI cable to connect the box?

Thanks!

You'll probably want the Motorola 3416. It's got the largest hard drive (160 gigs, compared to 120 for the 3412) and with the latest firmware is very stable (at least, it has been for me). I think this unit has become more or less standard around town, but you may want to go ahead and emphasize that's what you want with the CSR (and follow up with the tech to make sure that's what he/she brought) just to be safe.

The only caveat might be if your headend hasn't gone all digital (though I'm pretty sure all Atlanta headends have made the switch), in which case they might bring you an analog capable box, the 6412 or 6416.

You'll probably want the Motorola 3416. It's got the largest hard drive (160 gigs, compared to 120 for the 3412) and with the latest firmware is very stable (at least, it has been for me). I think this unit has become more or less standard around town, but you may want to go ahead and emphasize that's what you want with the CSR (and follow up with the tech to make sure that's what he/she brought) just to be safe.

The only caveat might be if your headend hasn't gone all digital (though I'm pretty sure all Atlanta headends have made the switch), in which case they might bring you an analog capable box, the 6412 or 6416.
Thanks. I guess I'll get on that once I get them to fix my disconnection date. I've tried twice now to get them to line up connect and disconnect (or at least not have the disconnection eight days before I move), and they keep telling me to try again in a few days. Anyone know any magic words I can say to get them to let me take my current digital box and just give it to the tech who connects me at the new place? The person who helped set up the transfer said I could do that, but now I'm getting calls from an outside vendor who wants to pick it up.

Sucks that they bring component instead. If they do, I might swap the HDMI cable from the DVD player to the DVR for a few days until I can get another one from monoprice. (Also, do I have to ask them to bring event he component cable? I'm wondering since you said "upon request".)



I expect that you will have to ask for the component cable and it is a crap shoot if the installer has one. If you get a friendly installer they may voluntarily give you the component cable but that is a bit iffy IMO. It is good to know that Big Lots may also be an option for inexpensive HDMI cables, you might think that Walmart would be an option but I have never seen any cheap ones there. Good luck!

I've had a 3416 and a 3412 installed at various times and on both occasions they brought component cables for hookup. Seems like HDMI would be way cheaper for them but I guess there's still a lot of older sets out there and some folks are probably not even hooking these up to HD sets.

BTW I'm much happier now that I've switched to the Tivo HD instead of the 34xx, but the Cablecard install was a real pain is the ass because they're so clueless about getting them configured correctly. Cost is about the same over 3 years as well.

Anyone know if they are going to add more channels in HD. I read in the AJC that they were going to add the Weather Channel in HD but didn't have any roll out plans. Anyone out there able to add to that? I'd be happy with just that one channel for now. It's hard to watch The Weather Channel on camera talent boast about broadcasting in HD constantly while I see nothing more than analoge SD.

Just moved into to the Comcast area... I noticed a good bit of HD channels, more so than what I had with Charter.

I'm trying to hook up my toshiba lcd with a built in qam tuner. Seem to be getting only 2 hd channels, TNT HD and the local Fox waga HD feed. Anyone else out there getting any luck grabbing HD channels with a qam?

Odd side note - these hd-channels are showing up as channel 0... instead of the usual xxx-xx. I have about six of these 0 numbered channels.

Second side note - jon1964. They just added TWC-HD to the charter line up, and it looks awesome! Live studio shots look incredible.

You're getting TNT-HD with the cable plugged directly into your TV's QAM tuner? I'm in Vinings, and I'm getting the following in HD in the clear (I'm moving in under three weeks and getting an HD DVR at the time, so that's why I'm just making due with what I can get in the clear.):

WSB (ABC) 98-1
WXIA (NBC) 11-1
WAGA (Fox) 98-3
WGCL (CBS) 46-1
MyATL 19-3
CW 19-2
SportsSouth (?) 111-3 (A lot of the time it's a 480i test pattern, but I've seen some HD sports programming on there. Might have been a neighbor's On Demand, too, I guess.)

I would be willing to bet that my TV (Toshiba 42RV530U) is remapping WXIA and WGCL from whatever it's actually coming in on and can't figure out if Comcast is just failing to send the appropriate info to get the other networks to remap or what.

Correction, it is not TNT-HD... It was actually TBS-HD. Got confused with the constant TNT advertising.

My tv is a Toshiba 32hl67. Might do a channel re-scan and see if I can pick up any of those other ones you are getting. Is there any obvious reason why I am not receiving all the local channels? I Just found a batch of encrypted channels I cant pick up... all in the 19-x range.

I'm not sure why you're unable to pick up at least the locals. Those are supposed to be sent in the clear, from what I've read. I've been unable to find TBS or WPCH (the one that should be in the clear) sent in the clear on my system. I'd do the rescan. Might also try putting your zip code in here (http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels) to see what you should in theory be picking up on digital channels. The one problem is that some of those channel number formats don't seem to jive with what I'm getting from my TV, so I'm not sure if it's the TV or a difference in what Comcast is doing.

Try looking for WPCH on channel 5-802.

Not getting any recognizable signal on 5-802. (Signal strength meter drops to nothing.) I'm also not able to get either GPB or PBA30 in HD in the clear. I'm not sure if Comcast is carrying both of their HD feeds (I've seen mixed reports on if they're even both functioning with HD at the moment) at all, but I figure at least one of them should be on.

Comcast carries WGTV in HD on 5-808. They do not carry WPBA in HD.

just found peachtree tv hd on 5-1. Just tried 5-802... and it sends me to Peachtree HD. Good deal.

I am getting some type of digital hd feed for GPB on 5-2.

mtkeller, I'm getting some odd error with that link you have me. I throw my zip in there, but I get errors. Tried Firefox and IE.

just found peachtree tv hd on 5-1. Just tried 5-802... and it sends me to Peachtree HD. Good deal.

I am getting some type of digital hd feed for GPB on 5-2.

mtkeller, I'm getting some odd error with that link you have me. I throw my zip in there, but I get errors. Tried Firefox and IE.
Huh. I can't get anything on 5-1, 5-2, 5-802, or 5-808. Anyone having success with those channels in the Vinings area?

vmo23, have you tried a ZIP close by you? It's working for me in Firefox using 30339 as the ZIP.

Anyone have any info, now that Comcast has resolved their differences with the Big Ten Network, whether BTN will be offered on the Atlanta system, and whether they will have a HD channel (at least part-time to show football games...)? If BTN is offered, I assume this would be on the digital sports tier...

BTN is on channel 297 as of today. I don't see any overflow channels or HD yet, I imagine those are of a lower priority outside the Big 10 footprint (although it would be nice to have the overflow channels, I assume that they'll just put Ohio State/Michigan/Penn State on if they only keep one channel :))

Hey question... I'm looking at grab another Comcast HD DVR for a new TV. Do I have to pay both the $13.95 for "DVR Service/HDTV Ready" AND the $5.99 for "Digital Service A/O" or just the $13.95? I'm confused.

The A/O fee is included in the $13.95 DVR price, so it's $13.95 for each.

The A/O fee is included in the $13.95 DVR price, so it's $13.95 for each.

Thats not my experience. They have been insistent with me that one A/O fee is in the package. If you have one DVR its $13.95, if you have two the second is $13.95+A/O fee, even if they are on the same outlet and TV.

thats not my experience. They have been insistent with me that one a/o fee is in the package. If you have one dvr its $13.95, if you have two the second is $13.95+a/o fee, even if they are on the same outlet and tv.

+1

Has anyone had any luck recently with walking into a Comcast office and adding/picking up cablecards in person?

I need another couple for a second or replacement tivo (haven't decided yet), but if can't just pick up a couple and am told I'm going to have to schedule yet another install with an 8-hour window, I'd just as soon pull my two current ones out of my S3 and shove them into my THD and reactivate them over the phone.

Thats not my experience. They have been insistent with me that one A/O fee is in the package. If you have one DVR its $13.95, if you have two the second is $13.95+A/O fee, even if they are on the same outlet and TV.
Typical Comcast, you never know what the price is gonna be half the time. I told them I wanted the HD DVR and they never charged the A/O fee (I already had a box with starter). But I think it might be because I got in on a $39.99 digital preferred package for a year.

Has anyone had any luck recently with walking into a Comcast office and adding/picking up cablecards in person?

I need another couple for a second or replacement tivo (haven't decided yet), but if can't just pick up a couple and am told I'm going to have to schedule yet another install with an 8-hour window, I'd just as soon pull my two current ones out of my S3 and shove them into my THD and reactivate them over the phone.
Can't pick them up here, and the install window should be 3-4 hours (was for me). Doesn't cost much, like $17.50 or so. Now, getting them to actually PROVIDE the cards and get them working was a whole nother story...

Yeah, this would be my fifth attempted cablecard install for a single Tivo, so I'm not going to hold my breath for either functional M or S cards within a 3 or 4 hour window on any given day for a second unit.

So has anyone picked up any in person?

What part of 'can't pick them up here' did you not get? You cannot pick up Cablecards from Comcast offices in the ATL, no matter what a CSR tells you. Go try it.

Perhaps you are not aware of this, but for a long time you could indeed pick them up in person-- that's why I asked. If the policy has changed, that's fine, but there's no need to be a jerk. :rolleyes:


VVV Edit: lol, yes, that's exactly it. Wah.

I'm sorry that 'being a jerk' equates to 'telling you what you don't want to hear'.

Wah.

Anyone know where I might get a real answer as to what the headend is for North Cobb, zip 30189?
Michael
Found out from my grilfriend that it is northeast Cobb. Found it on the work order, idot tech said it was Stone Mountian.
Michael

I apologize if this has been asked before, but I'm sick of just getting the big 4 stations in clear QAM. I have a Myth box to do recording, so I don't need the DVR, but I'd like to get a cable box to get additional HD channels.

Which cable box should I get? I'd love to have HDMI out, but component out wouldn't kill me. Firewire is a must though.

How much more am I looking at paying? Right now I just have extended basic analog cable. It looks like the digital starter package is similar. I understand I will pay $7 for the HD box, but do I have to pay anything extra for the HD channels? I've never gotten a straight answer from a Comcast CSR. It's not really worth it if so...

Does Firewire out work for encrypted channels? (ESPN, etc.) If not, just having an extra HD tuner for the networks will be nice.

Firewire out works on my non-dvr non-hdmi box for every HD channel but History HD. Considering all of the stretched 4:3 on there, that doesn't really bother me.

I apologize if this has been asked before, but I'm sick of just getting the big 4 stations in clear QAM. I have a Myth box to do recording, so I don't need the DVR, but I'd like to get a cable box to get additional HD channels.

Which cable box should I get? I'd love to have HDMI out, but component out wouldn't kill me. Firewire is a must though.

How much more am I looking at paying? Right now I just have extended basic analog cable. It looks like the digital starter package is similar. I understand I will pay $7 for the HD box, but do I have to pay anything extra for the HD channels? I've never gotten a straight answer from a Comcast CSR. It's not really worth it if so...

Does Firewire out work for encrypted channels? (ESPN, etc.) If not, just having an extra HD tuner for the networks will be nice.
You're in the same boat I was in earlier this year. I also have a Myth box for the clear QAM HD locals and wanted to get and DVR all the other HD channels that they've added. At first I tried the Comcast 3416 DVR and it sucked, just way too limited compared to the Myth box.
Then I decided to get a HD box with Firewire as you are thinking. The problem was, I couldn't get Comcast to GIVE me a HD STB, all they had was DVR's. So I had to take another HD DVR (3412) until they audited my account and started charging $14/mo. for it. Firewire did work for all channels but was flaky at times. Sometimes it just wouldn't record. And then one of my kids would change the channel while it was recording and I'd lose the recording (yes, I could use the Comcast DVR to record but it only has 20 hours of HD space available which is way too limiting).

So my answer a couple of months ago was to get a Tivo HD to go with my Myth box. Now I have 4 HD tuners (2 for locals only) and this setup works great. I have to pay $6.95 for an additional digital outlet for the Tivo but no cablecard charge since I only needed one M-card (BIG hassle to get them to install the card though). Gets all the channels on the preferred tier that I have, and is night-and-day better than either the Comcast DVR or a Myth Firewire solution. Does cost more upfront though.

If all you want is digital starter with an HD box, you'll get all the HD channels (ESPN etc.) when you pay $7/mo. for the HD box, assuming they have one to give you (if not, they will eventually charge $13.95 for the DVR they give you). I got in on a 1-year promo for preferred at $39.99/mo. though, you have to ask them about the deals they have and might have to threaten to cancel.
The current boxes do have HDMI out but component looks just as good IMO.

Ok, I am still confused on this. I have been contemplating going the HTPC route, so I can do some custom rezs for my CRT pj. Here is my confusion, as I have been reading forever it seems like.:) If I plug Comcast into a tuner card like AverTV Combo, then will I get only the analog channels 1-99 or analog and digital channels 1-300 or somewhere in between? I know I would get the local HD channels, but I am not that concerned with them. The local HDs would be a bonus, but not the reason for me go the HTPC route.

You'll get all the analog channels 2-78 and the local HD channels ONLY if you get a card that can handle both analog and digital QAM channels. You won't get anything else in digital, because they're all encrypted (NatGeo, BBC America, i.e. anything that's not in expanded basic).

If all you want is digital starter with an HD box, you'll get all the HD channels (ESPN etc.) when you pay $7/mo. for the HD box, assuming they have one to give you (if not, they will eventually charge $13.95 for the DVR they give you). I got in on a 1-year promo for preferred at $39.99/mo. though, you have to ask them about the deals they have and might have to threaten to cancel.
The current boxes do have HDMI out but component looks just as good IMO.

At first I got a DCT6200, but I couldn't get it to work, so I took it back and got a DCH3200 with HDMI out. That box works perfectly, however almost everything from the HD channels are encrypted. I have a QAM card, and while this will be a passable second tuner, I was hoping to get the channels I paid for.

channel 803 WSB-DT is clear
channel 804 WAGA-DT is clear
channel 806 WXIA-DT is clear
channel 807 TBSHD is encrypted
channel 808 GPBHD is clear
channel 809 WGCL-DT is clear
channel 810 WUPA-DT is clear
channel 813 WATL-DT is clear
channel 821 SCIHD is encrypted
channel 833 TLCHD is encrypted
channel 834 CNNHD is encrypted
channel 838 A&EHD is encrypted
channel 839 NGCHD is encrypted
channel 840 DSCHD is encrypted
channel 841 TNTHD is encrypted
channel 842 USAHD is encrypted
channel 844 HDT is encrypted
channel 846 ESPND is encrypted
channel 847 ES2HD is encrypted
channel 848 FSNHD is clear
channel 849 VSGLF is clear
channel 850 MHD is encrypted
(at this point the script failed, but you get the picture.)

QAM != Firewire. You should be able to record all of the channels with Firewire on Myth, although it will probably not work right 100% of the time.
You don't need a box to get QAM HD channels in the clear, but you're limited to the locals and a few others as I mentioned before. You MUST use a box to get all the others, and that means recording with Firewire and all the limitations that go with it.

QAM != Firewire. You should be able to record all of the channels with Firewire on Myth, although it will probably not work right 100% of the time.
You don't need a box to get QAM HD channels in the clear, but you're limited to the locals and a few others as I mentioned before. You MUST use a box to get all the others, and that means recording with Firewire and all the limitations that go with it.

I guess it was my fault that my phrasing wasn't that clear.

I have had a QAM card for years. I get the networks only. I knew that going in.

Via Firewire, the channels above are what I get. That was from a script that I found that will scan via the Firewire bus and report back whether the channel is in the clear or has the 5C bits on. I get basically the networks only in HD.

I was slightly miffed to not get anything better via Firewire, but like I tried to say, I'll accept that and just use it as a second HD tuner. I just don't understand how some people get everything and some like me just get the networks. For an encryption system to be effective, it would need to be set at the head end or earlier. So I don't understand why there's a disparity, unless some of the older boxes just pass everything through the Firewire port without honoring 5C (unlikely, but possible).

Personally, I wouldn't trust the script, specifically because IMO Firewire tuning & getting a stream from the box is not all that reliable on Myth. Tune each channel in Live TV and check the backend logs while doing so.
Did you set Firewire for broadcast (not P2P) and 200mbps in the Myth tuner setup? Can you reliably tune with 6200ch and then get a good stream with firewire_tester? Head over the HTPC - Linux chat section here if you think it might be a Firewire issue.

But you might be right, it might be head-end specific. I was able to record all the channels (and others here have reported same), so it is odd that you can't do the same on Comcast here.

Does anyone know whether the UGA/CMU game on Saturday at 3:30 will be on both 848 and 48, or just in SD on 48?

You would think that Comcast would do their best to get it on in HD, based on the time requirements they could fit it in before the Braves game at 7...

If they run the Braves over the Georgia game, I'll be convinced they are idiots. The answer is easy, just let the UGA game play out, and then switch to the Braves.

FSN South just broadcast the top of the 1st inning of the Braves vs. Marlins twice before proceeding to the second half of the inning. How does that happen? Is this "live" broadcast just a tape loop? Is there really a game going on anywhere? Is this just a video game with really good graphics?

FSN South just broadcast the top of the 1st inning of the Braves vs. Marlins twice before proceeding to the second half of the inning. How does that happen? Is this "live" broadcast just a tape loop? Is there really a game going on anywhere? Is this just a video game with really good graphics?

The game was at 1:00 in the afternoon. If you are watching it at 7:30 PM, it is a repeat.

Anyone else getting Palladia HD on channel 850?

I don't really know what the hell this channel is, but I'm not complaining about anything new or HD :)

Anyone else getting Palladia HD on channel 850?

I don't really know what the hell this channel is, but I'm not complaining about anything new or HD :)
Palladia is just a new name for the channel previously known as MHD.

Can someone help me out here? I am trying furiously to find WUPA/CW HD and I cannot. 19-2, which I saw on the page before, is some other channel. I am in town in 30309.

Thanks

19-2 is WATL, but 19-810 is WUPA on the Comcast Vinings headend. Might be different for yours.

What's up with the Hallmark channel? I have Digital Starter so I should get it but my TV doesn't like the signal from the box. No picture but sound is OK. Larry

What's up with the Hallmark channel? I have Digital Starter so I should get it but my TV doesn't like the signal from the box. No picture but sound is OK. Larry

sometimes you have to re-set the box. I have to do this occasionally with channels 803 and 806.

Turn off the set top box, UNPLUG it from the electrical outlet for like 5 minutes, then plug it back in and turn it back on. Any glitchy channels should be cleared up. Will take a few minutes for the channel guide to download current information, but eventually it will.

So my project is to swap out my old Moto 6412 for a Moto 3416 with the larger hard drive. Comcast online tech support told me that I can do this at my billing center without charge, as long as they had the 3416 on the shelf. I called the number listed for my billing center to ask if they had the 3416 in stock (before unplugging the unit and dragging it into the store). Wherever the operator was, she asked what store I was calling about, and then told me that they don't have any real time inventory visibility, but that the Douglasville store hadn't reported that they were out of them, so they SHOULD have one.

After unplugging the DVR and throwing it in my trunk, dashing across town at lunch time, and being told that they did NOT have any 3416s on the shelf, I identified the IMPORTANT part of the customer service response correctly but one day late. So I asked for a number that I can call at the store to check their stock before I make the same run again. According to the clerk, I, the customer, can't have the direct number to call the store that is supposed to be my service center. Excellent.

Soooo... Does anyone have the number to someone with the ability to answer questions or route me to someone who can within the Comcast - Atlanta infrastructure?

Or in the alternative, can anyone recommend a good Tivo setup to alleviate my dependance on Comcast equipment and service?

Forget the craptacular Moto, go to tivo.com and get a refurb Tivo HD for $179. Add 3-year service for $299 and you'll come in cheaper per month than the Moto. Tons more features, the box doesn't fight against you, and all you lose is OnDemand.

Oh yeah, good luck with the Cablecard install, you'll probably need it. And make sure you get an M-card, not a couple of S-cards. Search for Tivo in this thread to find the stories of folks here (including myself) who've ditched the Moto junk for something that works a lot better.

Forgot to add, that deal about box availability is true, you can't get them to check inventory anywhere so you have to drive to the store and hope. Really good customer service, eh?

Forget the craptacular Moto, go to tivo.com and get a refurb Tivo HD for $179. Add 3-year service for $299 and you'll come in cheaper per month than the Moto. Tons more features, the box doesn't fight against you, and all you lose is OnDemand.

Thanks for the push in the right direction, slowbiscuit. I'm working on talking my wife into the Tivo HD to try it out in our bedroom, (and then moving it down to the living room to replace the Moto once she gets comfortable with it). I may end up keeping the Moto to put in the bedroom, though, since we are only getting charged $10/month for it, which I think they'll still bill us for HD content anyway. Need to check my latest statement.

I'll dig for the M card install tips once the Tivo arrives. Thanks again!

p.s. - I wonder if it is too late to trademark "Comcast Support" so that a). they can't use it, and b). it could be used by the suppport group for customers scarred by their experiences with the company.

We're getting FX HD and Speed HD by the end of the year. http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6589820.html

FINALLY for FX HD. Been DYING for that.

Oh, we're also FINALLY getting Mark Cuban's HDNet and HDNet Movies.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6593185.html

Kinda stoked for HDNet and HDNet Movies (though lord knows when they'll actually show up here). Speed and FX......not so much.

Still waiting for Weather HD.

We're getting FX HD and Speed HD by the end of the year.

Yeah, but what year? The article says that deployments will "pick up" in the 4th quarter but that most subscribers won't have them until the end of 2009.

Yep, just because Comcast says they've reached an agreement doesn't mean we'll get the channel anytime soon. They signed an agreement for the Weather Channel soon after it went HD in June, for example, but no sign of it here.

And I would expect the HDNet channels to be on the extra-cost Sports and Entertainment Tier.

Greetings - I searched and tried to find this answer but gave up after 15 minutes.

If you've been there and done this, please tell me:

1) If HDMI output from my Comcast (Moto) box can be captured w/o HDCP.

I simply want to greatly increase the amount of HD recording capacity. My preference is to store the programs on a PC or attached storage.

I'm also considering the Hauppauge HD-PVR 1212 which accepts component video input.

Peace.

I have never heard of using the HDMI port to expand storage. I am currently using the HD-PVR and it works really well. Just make sure your computer can handle playing the HD-PVR format.

I have no clue what's going on, but now we can't get any of the local HD stations via CableCARD (804, etc.). I get either a blank screen or an image so bad it's impossible to watch. I haven't had time to call about it yet as I've been told that CC support closes at 6 and I'm not even home by then. When I get the chance to call I'll post on the findings.


Has anyone else been experiencing this problem? This past Tuesday I was able to watch FOX HD (which I haven't had a signal for months) After watching "House" I flipped to another channel, came back to the FOX HD channel and it was gone. FOX and ABC HD are still no longer available.

Gone from what, clear QAM? Cablecard? Comcast HD DVR?

Both work fine on both my Tivo HD (Cablecard) and in clear QAM.

I have my cable running directly into my Panasonic HD TV. It does not run through a DVR or a Motorola cable box.

My father has a new Panny TH-C50HD18 plasma connected via HDMI to a Moto DCT-3412 Phase I DVR. He is on the Vinings headend (or whatever headend supports Vinings, zip 30339) and is reporting, as of last Thursday, sudden "tinny audio" on certain channels at certain times of the day. He watches Fox, CNBC, NBC, etc. during the day, mainly.

The Panny doesn't appear to be the problem from my limited testing--I can't replicate the issue on Comcast, and the Panny speakers appear to be fine on other HDMI sources (e.g., DVD running a sine wave sweep). He's adamant that it's the Panny, but it doesn't make sense to me, and I'd rather not have to lug is back to Costco on his behalf only to find out it's a Moto box issue or, more likely, a source issue.

Has anyone been experiencing *any* kind of audio anomalies on Comcast recently? Not dropped sound, but rather tinny sound, like your speaker tweeter is perf'd? He says it will happen for a few hours, then disappear, mysteriously. It's almost impossible for me to troubleshoot remotely...

I'm having some problems with my tivo hd flickering using comcast. Im wondering if the channel map is mapped to the wrong standard, do you guy sknow if norcross area using IRC/HRc or standard frequencies?

I have my cable running directly into my Panasonic HD TV. It does not run through a DVR or a Motorola cable box.

I've seen this happen with my Samsung TV. I use my PC to record through the firewire from my cable box, so I sometimes use my TV to tune the HD networks. So far, I've only had NBC-HD (11-1) drop out on me. It'll be there working fine, then it won't, it won't even be available on my TV's channel list and I can't force it even when I try to manually input the numbers on the remote. It's almost like the signal is gone or encryption has been turned on. But after several minutes it always comes back

I haven't seen this issue with the other networks.

I've seen this happen with my Samsung TV. I use my PC to record through the firewire from my cable box, so I sometimes use my TV to tune the HD networks. So far, I've only had NBC-HD (11-1) drop out on me. It'll be there working fine, then it won't, it won't even be available on my TV's channel list and I can't force it even when I try to manually input the numbers on the remote. It's almost like the signal is gone or encryption has been turned on. But after several minutes it always comes back

I haven't seen this issue with the other networks.


That's weird. NBC is the one consitent HD channel that always works for me along with CBS. I wish someone here had some input. Comcast is absolutely no help when I ask them.

I'm the one (quoted above) who has been having problems getting the local HD channels via CableCard on my TiVo HD. It's been months and I still get nothing for ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox. I do get CW (go figure?). All along they come in fine with two other moto boxes in the house. I haven't had a chance to call since I'd literally have to take off work to do it (I was informed that the person who handles CableCard leaves at 6pm). I know, I suck. I guess I just kept hoping it would fix itself, lol. Anyway, now that the new fall shows are on I'm getting aggravated so maybe I can call soon. I'm getting tired of watching Heroes in SD!

See below:

From: Bradshaw, Gerald
Sent: Thursday, October 16, 2008 5:53 PM
To: ATL-Call Center Mgmt
Subject: COPY PROTECTION ON HBO AND HBO HD!!!!!
Importance: High

HEADS UP!!!!

We are going to activate copy protection on HBO and HBO HD today. We plan on starting at 4p. It may take up to 20 minutes to complete and verify.

Any unpaired CableCARD will show black screen or some message driven by the host device noting to call your cable company – or something to that affect. The fix for this is to gain the host information from the customer’s set and input into the billing system.

If an agent should receive this type of call and has verified that the customer has a cable card, please ask them to provide the customer with the following contact information.

1.866.761.0211 (option 4).
Operational hours are Monday-Friday 9:00am-8:00pm EST., and Saturday 11:30AM-8:00PM EST.


For Separable Security boxes a CCV hit completes the validation process. Unfortunately, a non-responding box will not validate. A truck roll will be required to correct the problem. VOD does not work on NRBs, so that is another method to verify if it may be a NRB.

We have scheduled a CCV hit for tonight for all boxes on the running list.

Please let us know if further clarification is required.

Thom Rowland



Gerald Bradshaw
Director of Customer Care
4700 North Point Parkway
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Office: 770-559-7173

anyone see any pixelation or drop outs on the CW one tree hill feed this week?

Hadn't seen this posted anywhere yet, I was visiting family with Comcast and noticed that CBS College Sports is finally available on channel 109. I don't think Comcast has an agreement for the HD channel yet, but all I've seen on there in HD so far is Navy football games.

Yeah I saw it show up on my TivoHD too. More important IMO would be getting ESPNU to see some of the missing Tech games (like today's). Don't understand why they haven't picked this one up yet.

Does anyone know why MOJO HD listings have disappeared from my onscreen menu? Everything is TBA into infinity, and the channel is no longer even identified.

I didn't watch much on that channel, but now I don't know what might be airing unless I actually turn to it. It may as well no longer exist.

Does anyone know why MOJO HD listings have disappeared from my onscreen menu? Everything is TBA into infinity, and the channel is no longer even identified.

I didn't watch much on that channel, but now I don't know what might be airing unless I actually turn to it. It may as well no longer exist.

It's working on mine. I'm probably on a different system than yours though. I live in Cherokee County and I get my service from Canton. This was formerly Adelphia and Comcast took it over. MOJO HD is on channel 206 on my system.

on 10/31 or 11/1, from my understanding. Anyone know if they are going to replace it? TWC, ESPNNews maybe??:rolleyes:

Does anyone know why MOJO HD listings have disappeared from my onscreen menu?

Mojo was owned by 3 cable company's and they decided to shut it down. Here is the message from Zane Lamprey about 3 sheets. My favorite show on the channel.



SAVE THREE SHEETS!!!


OK, as you probably have heard by now, MOJO HD is going off the air as of December 1st. The big surprise, however, is that another network hasn't swooped in to grab it. What's up with thaaaat?

We have 15 NEW episode completed and 5 more in the works. Can you imagine not ever being able to see them?! So, a grass-roots campaign has been started to SAVE THREE SHEETS. Some radio stations have gotten involved, but the power really is with you.

Here are some networks that would make sense. Send them emails. Tell your friends. Spread the word. Inundate the them! Call your local radio station to have them get the word out! Blog about it! Don't let the most fun show on TV end up on the web!

Feel free to send people to my MySpace page. MySpace.com/ZaneLamprey
I'll put the following info on my page...

Here's Spike's email address (they also have an HD channel):
feedback@spike.com

Here's Comedy Central feedback form:
http://www.comedycentral.com/help/questionsCC.jhtml

Here's the Trave​l Chann​el form (they also have an HD channel):​
http://www.travelchannel.com/About/Viewer_Relations

Here's the form for Discovery Channel (they also have an HD channel):
http://extweb.discovery.com/viewerrelations

Here's the form for E!:
https://www.hostedsupport.com/Support/i ... Flag=FALSE

Don't let me become "that guy who used to host that drinking show"!!!

Cheers!

Zane

ZaneLamprey.com

Ah, thanks all for the MOJO HD info.

I have Comcast HD-DVR service and for the past week I have been unable to get 807 (TBS HD) and 841 (TNT HD). Both channels display the message: "One Moment Please This channel should be available shortly"

All of my other HD channels are tuning just fine.

Is anyone else seeing this problem in Atlanta?

I'm getting clicks and pops on some of my cbs hd recordings. The price is right for instance has done it all week.

Have you guys noticed on the The CW that audio disappears in commercials sometimes?

I've noticed that problem on CBS all week.

I've been getting audio drop-outs for a few days on CBS

I have Comcast HD-DVR service and for the past week I have been unable to get 807 (TBS HD) and 841 (TNT HD). Both channels display the message: "One Moment Please This channel should be available shortly"

All of my other HD channels are tuning just fine.

Is anyone else seeing this problem in Atlanta?

Last time that happened, I turnd OFF the cable box, unplugged it for about 5 minutes, then plugged it back in and turned it back on. Took a few minutes for the program guide to repopulate but all my channels were viewable.

The cable box just needed to reset and the way to do that is UNplug the power from the wall for a few minutes. Just turning it off isn't enough.

Did anyone record one tree hilll on 810 last night? Can you verify at the 54minute mark to the 55minute mark if the video went black and disappeared for 1 second and then came back?

I'm the one (quoted above) who has been having problems getting the local HD channels via CableCard on my TiVo HD. It's been months and I still get nothing for ABC, NBC, CBS, or Fox. I do get CW (go figure?). All along they come in fine with two other moto boxes in the house. I haven't had a chance to call since I'd literally have to take off work to do it (I was informed that the person who handles CableCard leaves at 6pm). I know, I suck. I guess I just kept hoping it would fix itself, lol. Anyway, now that the new fall shows are on I'm getting aggravated so maybe I can call soon. I'm getting tired of watching Heroes in SD!

Ok, I feel really, really dumb about this one.. I called while home from work one day and they scheduled a guy to come out this past weekend. The problem was running the cable through the surge protector on our UPS. I didn't set up the tv in that room, so I wasn't even aware it was run that way. It was stripping out just those frequencies apparently (so odd that it was just those locals). I felt so dumb! It didn't make sense that it would be in the cable because it worked for a few weeks in the summer and then stopped again - so of course I thought it was on their end. I guess they switched frequencies temporarily or something? Who knows!

Oh well - at least it works now and I can watch the broadcast networks in HD again! Yay! :)

Last night, I noticed that analog channels 27 (TV Guide) and 52 (History channel) were missing. Anyone else notice this? I have not called Comcast yet thinking this is just a glitch.

Cheers,

jr

Last night, I noticed that analog channels 27 (TV Guide) and 52 (History channel) were missing. Anyone else notice this? I have not called Comcast yet thinking this is just a glitch.

Cheers,

jr

I don't know about last night, but they are there now.

Last night, I noticed that analog channels 27 (TV Guide) and 52 (History channel) were missing. Anyone else notice this? I have not called Comcast yet thinking this is just a glitch.

Gone here too on the southside of Atlanta as of the time of this post. My TiVo said that Channel 27 was deleted from the lineup on November 12.

I used to get WATL-DT on QAM channel 19.2 (in the clear). Does anyone know if it moved, and where to?

My History Channel are gone from all my tv's. I can still pick it up though my cable box but not analog channel. I hope this does not last long.

History channel was moved to digital, and is on channel 126 now. It's no longer on analog. Can't find a notice on last month's bill about it - knowing them they probably put it in the paper so few would know about it. TVGuide was moved to digital channel 177.

WUPA-HD (69) was moved to 29-810 and WATL-HD (36) was moved to 29-2 in clear QAM. Go figure.

If I'm reading the results from my HDHomerRun correctly, they changed from channel 19 to channel 29.

WUPA-HD (69) was moved to 29-810 and WATL-HD (36) was moved to 29-2 in clear QAM. Go figure.

Thanks slowbiscuit. That worked here (southside, Jonesboro head-end).

History channel was moved to digital, and is on channel 126 now. It's no longer on analog. Can't find a notice on last month's bill about it - knowing them they probably put it in the paper so few would know about it. TVGuide was moved to digital channel 177.

Yup, I found the new locations. Curiously, I still get History on digital 52 as well as 126. The change I really don't understand is moving TV Guide to digital only. It was the only place to get a channel listing on analog. But then again, no one ever accused Comcast of being smart.

I can't wait for U-verse to reach my subdivision to give Comcast some much needed competition.

Cheers,

jr

Last night, I noticed that analog channels 27 (TV Guide) and 52 (History channel) were missing.


So this means that we could be looking at the addition of 3 to 6 additional HD channels soon. Anyone know which and when?

Yup, I found the new locations. Curiously, I still get History on digital 52 as well as 126. The change I really don't understand is moving TV Guide to digital only. It was the only place to get a channel listing on analog. But then again, no one ever accused Comcast of being smart.

I can't wait for U-verse to reach my subdivision to give Comcast some much needed competition.

Cheers,

jr

I'm guessing that history on 52 on your digital box has just been remapped from 126. I get it that way on my boxes.

It's gone from Analog..

Apparently, Augusta picked up FX HD, Speed HD, and Fox News HD - anybody think we'll get those as well? I'd like FX HD.

Any word on Comcast giving us more channels over unencrypted QAM?

I've been getting audio drop-outs for a few days on CBS

I've also been noticing audio drop outs.. I think I've noticed a few on other channels (but I record everything so it could have been a show on CBS), but CBS seems to be the worst.. I've watched a few 30 minute shows where I've noticed about 5 or 6 drop-outs.

Anyone know what's going on? Is it Comcast doing this, CBS or local CBS station?

I've also been noticing audio drop outs.. I think I've noticed a few on other channels (but I record everything so it could have been a show on CBS), but CBS seems to be the worst.. I've watched a few 30 minute shows where I've noticed about 5 or 6 drop-outs.

Anyone know what's going on? Is it Comcast doing this, CBS or local CBS station?

I don't think it is Comcast. I have seen posts about this in the OTA thread also. I haven't noticed the problem for a few days though.

Any word on Comcast giving us more channels over unencrypted QAM?

That would be nice, but why on earth would they do that, when they can and will charge monthly fees for even a SD-only box?

Last night, I noticed that analog channels 27 (TV Guide) and 52 (History channel) were missing. Anyone else notice this? I have not called Comcast yet thinking this is just a glitch.

Cheers,

jr

I broke down , and called them and they said yes they are gone along with the weather channel (which I currently still get) I am in Cartersville.

Which brings me to this.

After learning this I googled comcast, and came up with this forum, I also ran across several articles alluding to comcast completely phasing out analog, in the near future.

So my question is , does this mean I will have to give them an additional 6 bucks a set just to be able to watch television at all, on anything other than the main set? We already have 3 hdtvs But there are still 3 sets in the house that are still analog, plus only the set in the living room has a cable box (and HD channels)

I was planning on waiting until this set dies, but If I am going to have to get a box regardless of whether or not I have a high def set, then I may have to upgrade sooner than I planned.

No, it does not. Comcast in converting Portland to digital, and part of that is putting expanded basic in clear QAM. So if you have digital sets with QAM tuners, you won't need boxes. If you have analog sets, they're going to provide a couple of DTAs (digital terminal adapters) for free and extras are $2 a month. These DTAs do nothing other than convert clear QAM to analog - they don't decrypt (so no preferred or premium channels) and they don't do OnDemand and PPV. There is some talk that they may later go back to the FCC for a waiver allowing them to provide decryption on these boxes, which would be bad if that meant that they'll put expanded basic back on the encrypted tier.

They're planning on rolling this out over the next couple of years to all cities, and will only be leaving the basic cable package on analog. The (nice) tradeoff is that we'll get a lot more HD channels in future, as well as expanded basic in clear QAM. Well, assuming that the content providers don't get cold feet about it that is.

The other unanswered question is how much HD will be in the clear other than the locals we get today.

they said yes they are gone along with the weather channel (which I currently still get)

I hope they meant the local-only weather channel which migrated to digital-only a couple years ago. If they mean the basic weather channel (on ch. 32, I'm in Marietta) I will be most displeased. Note to Comcast: the more channels you move from analog to digital-only the more competitive U-Verse and DirecTV or Dish look. Analog is the one trump card you can still play and you are throwing it away.

if you have digital sets with QAM tuners, you won't need boxes. If you have analog sets, they're going to provide a couple of DTAs (digital terminal adapters) for free and extras are $2 a month. These DTAs do nothing other than convert clear QAM to analog - they don't decrypt (so no preferred or premium channels) and they don't do OnDemand and PPV.

It would be nice if they put the equivalent of expanded basic on clear QAM - but then analog-only sets still need QAM converters. That also includes VCRs, DVD recorders, etc. I am still using a late 1980s Sony XBR 27" downstairs that is still performing well (knock wood) and a newer 32" Sony XBR2 upstairs. We also use analog sets in the bedroom and kitchen. I don't want separate converters for these units. I sure don't want to pay $2 a month for additional DTAs. Unless the DTAs (which so far appear to be so much vaporware...I haven't seen any spec sheets or even reviews of these animals) do a block conversion of digital to analog or have timers, they are useless for VCRs and DVD recorders. At least U-Verse throws in a WHDVR.

I hope they meant the local-only weather channel which migrated to digital-only a couple years ago. If they mean the basic weather channel (on ch. 32, I'm in Marietta) I will be most displeased. Note to Comcast: the more channels you move from analog to digital-only the more competitive U-Verse and DirecTV or Dish look. Analog is the one trump card you can still play and you are throwing it away.


Maintaining analog won't help Comcast get the customers they really want, those who want more HD, more packages, and give Comcast more money. To get more HD, which before long even the mid-level consumers are going to be clamoring for, they need to start dumping analog channels. Comcast is using a good strategy for dumping analog if they start moving channels that people want to see. I went digital when they moved the Hallmark channel, not because I wanted the channel, but because it was free and got me the on-screen guide (crappy as it may be) and OnDemand. Moving things like TWC and History will get more customers to move to digital, freeing up more room for HD.

I disagree completely. They should move the crap channels to digital first, because they don't have a cheap solution (DTAs) ready here for digital. What you're suggesting will force customers to spend $6/month for addtional boxes on TVs they want to see these channels on. Or consider satellite instead.

They have to be very careful about 'encouraging' folks to go digital. The FCC is now breathing down their necks about this exact tactic.

I disagree completely. They should move the crap channels to digital first, because they don't have a cheap solution (DTAs) ready here for digital. What you're suggesting will force customers to spend $6/month for addtional boxes on TVs they want to see these channels on. Or consider satellite instead.

They have to be very careful about 'encouraging' folks to go digital. The FCC is now breathing down their necks about this exact tactic.

This was basically my point. There are a bunch of shopping channels, WGN, "Access" channels (must these be part of Analog?), and some other "niche" channels that I believe could go digital only before choosing stuff like the Weather Channel. Considering some of the HD choices I am hearing bandied about I don't believe much would be gained by dropping analog to obtain space for digital HD. (Do we really need CNN or Weather Channel in HD?)

Personally, I believe HD has been and is way oversold. Sure, it's nice, but the majority of our family's viewing is still SD. We still have SD TVs in the kitchen, bedroom, and rec room, and have no intention of buying into a replacement HDTV for any of these sets anytime soon. What I don't want is a recurring monthly fee and "dumb" converter box.

Comcast sees HD and I believe the $ signs pop in their eyes. HD is still not a mainstream market and in this economy people are going to go for the cheapest solution - which is not going to be cable. Comcast may love the high-rolling HD devotees, but I believe they are not the majority. Grandma pays her cable bill regularly and forms the backbone of Comcast's system - and probably doesn't care about HD to any great degree.

HD is the future, period.

Yeah, and a lot of the HD channels left to be provided are the crappy ones. 84lion is on the mark here - you folks that have unlimited money to spend on all your TVs are willing to say to hell with everyone else, apparently.

I have two HDTVs in my house, but I don't want to see all the folks with analog left behind without a cheap (or free) solution.

Yeah, and a lot of the HD channels left to be provided are the crappy ones. 84lion is on the mark here - you folks that have unlimited money to spend on all your TVs are willing to say to hell with everyone else, apparently.

I have two HDTVs in my house, but I don't want to see all the folks with analog left behind without a cheap (or free) solution.
I agree ,my biggest problem with all of this is there still is no standard.
My parents got a 19 inch for my sister, and a 32 for their living room, and their is still letter boxing all over the place. I know its a moot point with the mandate in feb, but to have to shell out 300 bucks for a tiny 19 inch when I had seen analog sets for a filth of that price not that long ago, is not motivating me to get into it, and while watching the rents 32 inch in hd is more enticing, being disabled and on a fixed income, I am not really motivated to buy at current prices, it reminds me of the portable dvd players with 10 inch screens that cost more than full laptops with dvd capability.
The problem is entry level, entry level is like 300 bucks for a tiny screen. I am going to try and wait until analog sets are completely phased out, and hope my current set last that long, but considering my daughters set already has a huge white stripe down the middle, and the rents set has some sort of vertical pixel discoloration, I am not very motivated to buy especially at the entry level price.
its like cars I had a 20 year old vehicle that I got following my divorce, and it sounds exactly the same running as a brand new car, so other than those who can afford to waste money, I am not motivated to do it. other than the coercion factor of the mandate.

Nobody is being forced to buy more expensive TV's. Did they force Color TV's down folks throat? Did they make you start using AC in your homes and cars? How about electricity? It wasn't forced on anyone. In fact, none of these are.

You could still live off the grid with an outhouse if that's what you choose to do.

anyone else have issues using HDMI from a comcast motorola box and a weird line of cropped pixels on the left side of the screen? it's hard to deecribe but with zero overscan it affects the left 5% of the screen and it's like a vertical strip that is offset from the rest of the image and appears slightly lighter. the only remedy is unplugging the box, but the next time the handshake happens between my projector and the box the weird artifact is back. any help appreciated.

fyi i have tried other cables and switching inputs to my projector, it's definitely coming from the cable box.

Any word on Comcast giving us more channels over unencrypted QAM?


Probably not, because how could they make any extra money? :p

They do the unencrypted QAM while they are testing new HD channels, but once officially in the program guide they are usually encrypted. The only HD channels they HAVE to offer unencrypted are the OTA channels you could pick up with a rooftop antenna (due to FCC regulations). Any extra HD unencrypted channels just be thankful for, but unlikely there will be any permanent new ones.

Probably not, because how could they make any extra money? :p

They do the unencrypted QAM while they are testing new HD channels, but once officially in the program guide they are usually encrypted. The only HD channels they HAVE to offer unencrypted are the OTA channels you could pick up with a rooftop antenna (due to FCC regulations). Any extra HD unencrypted channels just be thankful for, but unlikely there will be any permanent new ones.

That said, is 808 unencrypted for anyone? Also, does anybody know when the other PBS (that should be 816) is going to get to our Comcast HD lineup?

Anyone know where Comcast has now put The Weather Channel in-the-clear QAM?

Anyone know where Comcast has now put The Weather Channel in-the-clear QAM?

I don't think it's there anymore. I still can find the constant radar/weather channel version that they run on 212 digital in the QAM, the assigned number in QAM escapes me.

That said, is 808 unencrypted for anyone? Also, does anybody know when the other PBS (that should be 816) is going to get to our Comcast HD lineup?

WGTV is clear QAM on 5.808.

Anyone else getting snaps, crackles and pops in the audio track on the NBC HD channel? It's coming through HDMI from my Moto 3416 -> Onkyo 606 -> Samsung 46A550. I get the same sound quality through the Onkyo as I do with the AVR off and running the TV speakers. I haven't routed the signal around the Onkyo completely to rule that out, and I haven't looked, or rather listened for it on any other TV in the house (lazy, and spoiled by the A550) but I first heard the poor sound quality during the Macy's Parade on Thanksgiving and noticed it again during Heroes last night. I don't watch a lot of NBC, but now that I've heard it, I notice it immediately. I'll try to experiment a little tonight to see if I can pin down the problem, but any feedback would help.

Anyone else getting snaps, crackles and pops in the audio track on the NBC HD channel?

I experienced the same issue on both the T-day parade and last night's Hero's. I have a 3412 connected to a Yamaha 1600 via a optical cable. Considering the connections are different, the issue must be with NBC, WXIA, or Comcast.

Thanks, Bill. That makes me feel much better about not having to replace any of my toys this year!

Also heard it on Sunday Night Football as well. Rears only. I'm through optical as well.

Apparently, Augusta picked up FX HD, Speed HD, and Fox News HD - anybody think we'll get those as well? I'd like FX HD.

I'm hoping we get Weather HD, but it looks like the three you listed are the latest channels that are getting added in most markets around the country. Violently opposed to one (see if you can guess) and indifferent toward the other two.

I experienced the same issue on both the T-day parade and last night's Hero's. I have a 3412 connected to a Yamaha 1600 via a optical cable. Considering the connections are different, the issue must be with NBC, WXIA, or Comcast.

I watched Heroes on my DVR last night and heard it in my rear speakers. Glad to hear I'm not alone.

FX would be nice...for the movies...

News in HD, blah....it's just news....I don't watch CNNHD, nor will I watch FOXNEWSHD...but I know many do...

Frequent reader and infrequent poster here...

I will be visiting Atlanta soon and need some recommendations for the best places to watch and evaluate HDTVs. I've got the big box stores in Knoxville, but know very little about Atlanta. If there are some higher end places that do a good job with setup, etc., I'd sure appreciate hearing about them.

Thanks very much!

Joe in Knoxville

In reading the Comcast threads for other markets, I came across an item in the Hartford, CT thread that Comcast is starting to deploy DTA boxes in some markets in preparation for migration to nearly all digital channels. DTA in Comcast's terminology is a "Digital Transport Adapter". A post in the Hartford thread points to a link on another board about the DTA boxes...

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21518134-Digital-Transport-Adapter-Unboxing-Photos

Along with the deployment of the DTA boxes, Comcast is starting to un-encrypt the Digital Starter package channels so these simple/cheap DTA boxes can tune into those channels.

As a side benefit, people with QAM tuners (built into most HDTV's) will be able to receive these now un-encrypted Digital Starter package channels.

So the big question is when will this start to be deployed by Comcast in Atlanta? Why is Comcast in Atlanta still encrypting their Digital Starter package channels then?

In my case, I already pay for these channels in analog. I have QAM tuners on my HDTV's. Why should Comcast still encrypt the digital version of these Digital Starter package channels?

- hs

hdtv_atl, great post! That DTA appears next to worthless. All it is is a tuner (with only RF out!). Since there appears to be no timer, the thing is useless for unattended VCR or HDD/DVD set recordings, unless all you want is one thing while you're out...hopefully Comcast will keep local (network) channels on analog for the forseeable future so our VCRs will have some functionality.

Not looking forward to this...will make me take another long hard look at satellite or U-Verse, if that ever gets deployed to my address...

It will be interesting to see what happens to the Digital Starter package. If that does go unencrypted QAM I would give Comcast kudos and probably keep them.

Frequent reader and infrequent poster here...

I will be visiting Atlanta soon and need some recommendations for the best places to watch and evaluate HDTVs. I've got the big box stores in Knoxville, but know very little about Atlanta. If there are some higher end places that do a good job with setup, etc., I'd sure appreciate hearing about them.

Thanks very much!

Joe in Knoxville

Fry's Electronics - 3296 Commerce Ave, Duluth is your friend. They have 2 ATL locations I believe, but I have only been to the one out in Gwinnett county. I live in Cobb so it is a heckuva hike from my house but for a thousand dollar purchase its worth the trip. I actually bought my TV locally but went to Fry's to eyeball them all. It was the only big box store that had all of the hot sets side by side.

Also, some of the ATL Best Buys have Magnolia specialty stores within that often have the higher end models for sale side by side.

For a specialty store there are dozens in the ATL area. It all depends on where you move.

hdtv_atl, great post! That DTA appears next to worthless. All it is is a tuner (with only RF out!). Since there appears to be no timer, the thing is useless for unattended VCR or HDD/DVD set recordings, unless all you want is one thing while you're out...hopefully Comcast will keep local (network) channels on analog for the forseeable future so our VCRs will have some functionality.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the Digital Starter package. If that does go unencrypted QAM I would give Comcast kudos and probably keep them.
Based on what they're doing in other cities, the locals and other must-carry channels will all stay on analog after the digital cutover. The channels on lifeline basic, in other words. The digital starter channels will all go unencrypted, at least for the SD versions. It's up in the air whether they'll put the HD versions in the clear (I doubt it). It's also up in the air whether they will eventually implement security on the DTAs and then reencrypt those channels. They've said that they're talking to the FCC about this, I think, but initially they will be unencrypted after the cutover.

Yes, this means that they're obsoleting analog recorders for the most part, but no one should be surprised at this. At least with the cheap DTAs you won't have to buy expensive digital sets anytime soon.

Comcast is starting to un-encrypt the Digital Starter package channels so these simple/cheap DTA boxes can tune into those channels.

As a side benefit, people with QAM tuners (built into most HDTV's) will be able to receive these now un-encrypted Digital Starter package channels.

So the big question is when will this start to be deployed by Comcast in Atlanta? Why is Comcast in Atlanta still encrypting their Digital Starter package channels then?

In my case, I already pay for these channels in analog. I have QAM tuners on my HDTV's. Why should Comcast still encrypt the digital version of these Digital Starter package channels?

Reading a little deeper into the linked thread, it appears that the DTAs will be equipped with some sort of "lite" encryption. It sounded to me as though Comcast could ask for (and possibly be granted) a waiver to enable the encryption (currently not permitted by FCC), which would permit the DTAs to continue to work but would no longer make the channels in-the-clear QAM.

The other option is that Comcast could (and very well might) water-down their Digital Starter package to include only locals, shopping channels, etc. such that ESPN and similar channels would be on "Digital Full Starter" (similar to the analog Limited Basic vs. Full Basic).

I don't see Comcast giving any ground on their lucrative box rental business...and an article linked to in the linked thread indicates that the content providers (e.g.-ESPN) seem to like the idea of enhanced digital security. I see the move to unencrypted QAM for the equivalent of "Full Basic" analog to be a stop-gap measure, subject to change at any time. Meaning that the $200 digital (QAM tuner) VCR you buy might become a brick (except for the equivalent of OTA/very basic channels).

The other thing that needs to be remembered with ITC QAM is that most boxes, digital tuner VCRs/DVD recorders, etc. won't channel map - meaning that you will have to search for channels on a regular basis, especially if Comcast moves them around. That promises to be a huge problem, especially with digital tuner VCRs set up to do regular recordings.

Slowbiscuit, saw your reply as I was prepping this. Concur with what you're saying.

I have to say that I am a little suprised that cablecard issues still exist after their roll-out a few years ago. I assumed all the kinks would be worked out. Little did I know...

After years of great use out of four networked Replaytv4504's, I decided it was time to move up to HD. I am now the proud owner of four Tivo HDs (two HD's (red box) and two Series 3 (black box)). Of course, the differing needs of the two boxes confused Comcast as to how many cablecards to bring (2 multi's for the HD's (one each) and two sets, either multi or single, for the Series 3's -- a total of six cards) and of course, they brought two few. I wound up with 2 multi's and 2 singles. So I decided to have the tech install each of the multi's in the HD's and the two singles in one of the Series 3's (leaving the last Tivo for the next tech visit).

Tech (contractor) comes in, and immediately gets confused over the array of Tivos. We start the process. He calls in the numbers, and we test a few channels. I run through Guided Setup and he tunes in a few analog channels and network HD. He tells me he is late for his next job, and begins to head for the door. I try to tune to HBO (I have digital package plus HBO) and get a gray screen. He tells me that it will take a little while for the "higher" channels to download, and leaves. I wait a bit, and discover that not only do I not receive HBO, but none of the cable channel beyond basic - no CNN, TWC, Disney, Nik, etc. Only the locals in analog and in HD. Plus CSPAN -hooray.

I called 404-Comcast, and the tech told me that everything looked activated on their end, and they blamed Tivo. Said to wait 24 hours until the channels "came in", even though the Comcast boxes I still have tune everything in fine. Not quite sure what to do now. The same problem exists with all the cablecables in all three Tivos.

I tried the concern line # I found in this thread, but the office was closed. I guess I'll have to wait until Monday, unless someone can suggest what I need to tell to the clueless CSR techs.

Many thanks in advance for any help/suggestions!

I just retired a ReplayTV 5040 & bought a Tivo HD, demaximis. I first had to put up with 4 canceled appointments because they didn't have any M-cards available - which I only received one cancellation phone call. Once a tech got here, I had similar issues with the first cablecard setup. I only had channels 2-30. Heck, I had channels 2-79 with no cable card. The tech got in touch with "the Tivo guru" over direct-connect & the guru in the office finally got my full package working. I'm afraid you're stuck waiting for a tech to return to get everything going. It seems very few office techs know anything about cablecards, but at least the tech at my house knew the right guy to call.

I just retired a ReplayTV 5040 & bought a Tivo HD, demaximis. I first had to put up with 4 canceled appointments because they didn't have any M-cards available - which I only received one cancellation phone call. Once a tech got here, I had similar issues with the first cablecard setup. I only had channels 2-30. Heck, I had channels 2-79 with no cable card. The tech got in touch with "the Tivo guru" over direct-connect & the guru in the office finally got my full package working. I'm afraid you're stuck waiting for a tech to return to get everything going. It seems very few office techs know anything about cablecards, but at least the tech at my house knew the right guy to call.
There is a Cablecard support number to try:
COMCAST CABLECARD SUPPORT CENTER
1.866.761.0211

Your problem sounds exactly like mine this summer - multiple cancellations claiming lack of cards, and when they did show the M-card was not properly setup for one-way devices like the Tivo. Once they initialized it correctly, all of my channels came up. But I had to escalate it to corporate to get them to do their job. I also got the install fee waived and a $75 credit on my bill for the trouble.

Anyone have any idea when AT&T will be ready to offer service in the Decatur area let alone metro Atlanta? A few months ago I saw them paint orange lines on the street near me and they were spray painted "AT&T". But there has been no digging yet. I am soooo tired of Comcast and their weak "1,000 choices of HD" marketing campaign that comes complete with a super compressed signal. It's about as honest as a campaign as the folks who went around a few years ago selling mortagaes to people who couldn't afford them.

During the action of any sports programming or otherwise the picture gets so compressed it's worse than watching video on my iPhone.

They should be ashamed.

:eek:

U-Verse is already available in some areas of East Cobb. Wouldn't play well with my MythTV box, though.

Has anyone been experiencing *any* kind of audio anomalies on Comcast recently? Not dropped sound, but rather tinny sound, like your speaker tweeter is perf'd? He says it will happen for a few hours, then disappear, mysteriously. It's almost impossible for me to troubleshoot remotely...


I've had to scramble and hit "mute" a number of times over the past 2 weeks. CBS twice has blasted me with static, and the WB and NBC has produced some really ugly sounds out of my surrounds. The way you describe it, "tweeter is perf'd," is pretty accurate. It's a sickening sound. Motorola -> Coax -> Rotel 1068


Nobody is being forced to buy more expensive TV's. Did they force Color TV's down folks throat? Did they make you start using AC in your homes and cars? How about electricity? It wasn't forced on anyone. In fact, none of these are.

You could still live off the grid with an outhouse if that's what you choose to do.


laffo

Anyone have any idea when AT&T will be ready to offer service in the Decatur area let alone metro Atlanta? A few months ago I saw them paint orange lines on the street near me and they were spray painted "AT&T". But there has been no digging yet. I am soooo tired of Comcast and their weak "1,000 choices of HD" marketing campaign that comes complete with a super compressed signal. It's about as honest as a campaign as the folks who went around a few years ago selling mortagaes to people who couldn't afford them.

During the action of any sports programming or otherwise the picture gets so compressed it's worse than watching video on my iPhone.

They should be ashamed.

:eek:
If you don't like Comcast's compression (which isn't that bad on sports, IMO), you're really going to hate U-Verse. Much worse, as is to be expected with the bandwidth they're providing to provide 2 HD streams.

Interesting that Uverse has bad compression. I wonder if Dish is any better?

If you don't like Comcast's compression (which isn't that bad on sports, IMO), you're really going to hate U-Verse. Much worse, as is to be expected with the bandwidth they're providing to provide 2 HD streams.

Agreed. I had a contractor doing work on my house last year whose day job was doing U-Verse installs for AT&T. At the time I was similarly annoyed with Comcast and was really eager for U-Verse. He couldn't say enough bad things about it, and really helped absolve me of any interest in the service as it exists now. Comcast certainly has its warts, but at least the DVR works like I want it to.

Fry's Electronics - 3296 Commerce Ave, Duluth is your friend. They have 2 ATL locations I believe, but I have only been to the one out in Gwinnett county. I live in Cobb so it is a heckuva hike from my house but for a thousand dollar purchase its worth the trip. I actually bought my TV locally but went to Fry's to eyeball them all. It was the only big box store that had all of the hot sets side by side.

Also, some of the ATL Best Buys have Magnolia specialty stores within that often have the higher end models for sale side by side.

For a specialty store there are dozens in the ATL area. It all depends on where you move.

BrandsMart is good too. I bought my 60" Sony 1080p HDTV from there last January. Fry's is FANTASTIC, but Brandsmart is very competitive with them and you can get Fry's prices without having to drive to the other side of the city (if you don't live near Fry's).

BrandsMart is good too. I bought my 60" Sony 1080p HDTV from there last January. Fry's is FANTASTIC, but Brandsmart is very competitive with them and you can get Fry's prices without having to drive to the other side of the city (if you don't live near Fry's).

Getting WAY off topic, but I would almost rather be shot at than have to shop at a Brandsmart. I've been in their stores twice, are they are not my cup of tea.

There, my rant is over..

Haven't seen anyone else post about it in here, but I noticed when I visited my parents yesterday that Versus HD is now on 845, and Golf HD is alone on 849.

Yes, Versus was added along with Fox Sports South. I don't care. Where is HDNet Movies? MGMHD would be nice too.

Agreed. I had a contractor doing work on my house last year whose day job was doing U-Verse installs for AT&T. At the time I was similarly annoyed with Comcast and was really eager for U-Verse. He couldn't say enough bad things about it, and really helped absolve me of any interest in the service as it exists now. Comcast certainly has its warts, but at least the DVR works like I want it to.

Interesting and am glad to hear others who have heard about or have it. Thanks for the insights. Does Dish or Direct TV give a better picture? I know they have far more HD Channels than Comcast. Or is Comcast the best of the lot?

Yes, Versus was added along with Fox Sports South. I don't care. Where is HDNet Movies? MGMHD would be nice too.

What 8xx channel are you seeing Fox Sports South HD? Are you talking about 848, which is FSN HD and has been there for months? I don't see Fox Sports South HD on my TV. Maybe things are different here in Johns Creek, since I've read that the History Channel is no longer available on channel 52, but I'm still seeing it there.

What 8xx channel are you seeing Fox Sports South HD? Are you talking about 848, which is FSN HD and has been there for months? I don't see Fox Sports South HD on my TV. Maybe things are different here in Johns Creek, since I've read that the History Channel is no longer available on channel 52, but I'm still seeing it there.

I haven't checked, but I assume from the prior post that FSN South HD is now full-time, which it wasn't previously. Versus and Golf HD are now separate channels. In my area (east Cobb), History Channel is gone from analog channel 52 but should still be available on digital channel 52.

In semi-related news, I notice that WSB-HD and RTN (this is actually labeled "ABC-RTN") have been mapped to 2-1 and 2-2 in clear QAM, along with WXIA and WGCL.

Anyone have any insight to the situation with WXIA and WATL? According to the Weather Channel crawl Comcast hasn't yet renewed their agreement to carry these channels.

U-Verse has been installed for about 1/3 of our subdivision. I notice that the neighborhood AT&T boxes all have new warning stickers and now sport a "U" sticker (I suppose this means it is capable of receiving U-Verse). I am anxiously awaiting an offer from AT&T, but the rollout appears to be going slowly.

Anyone have any insight to the situation with WXIA and WATL? According to the Weather Channel crawl Comcast hasn't yet renewed their agreement to carry these channels.


Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought local channels were considered "must carry" for cable companies.

Correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought local channels were considered "must carry" for cable companies.

There's some debate about whether their HD feeds are "must carry" or not. PBS wants them to be considered must carry, but some networks (*cough* CBS *cough*) don't want them considered must carry. The FCC has yet to rule. I know that in the Fargo, ND, market, the NBC and CBS affiliates (both owned by the same company) took forever to get a deal with CableONE to carry their HD feeds. CableONE didn't want to have to pay for them, but the affiliates' owner wanted to charge. I believe that in the end they wound up agreeing to pay for them.

Atlanta Comcast folks:
HELP! I have been on the phone with Comcast to schedule an install of an additional DVR.
SURPRISE! I spoke to a guy 2 days ago but had to terminate the call because the call took over 20 minutes and I had an appointment to make.
I called back today and spoke to a gentleman who asked tha ti call back because his computer couldn't give ma a credit for 6 months, a credit he was offering me after I complained about the high cost of $13.95 plus $5.99 a month.
so I call a third time and get a lady who informs me that i have not been charged the $13.95 a month for my second DVR (only 5.99 a month) and that the collections department will be notifying me about this undercharge and begin charging me.
I hung up bummed.
I thought i would get a third DCVR for an additonal charge, but not an additonal $20 bucks a month plus an additonal $14 bucks a month for what I already have.

What are you all paying for your DVRs?
Thanks

FSN South HD still isn't full time. History Channel is still on 52, but for digital only. I really don't like how Comcast has the same channel mapped 2 or even 3 times sometimes...

What 8xx channel are you seeing Fox Sports South HD? Are you talking about 848, which is FSN HD and has been there for months? I don't see Fox Sports South HD on my TV. Maybe things are different here in Johns Creek, since I've read that the History Channel is no longer available on channel 52, but I'm still seeing it there.


Yep. My HD Tivo told me I had a new channel and I believed it. Would my Tivo lie?