Would AtlantaDave, Brermike, or others in the Alpharetta/Johns Creek area confirm whether any of their analog channels have been removed to accommodate the new HD channels? If their analog lineup is intact, then Comcast must be doing something else to add these HD channels (and this would mean that when the analog channels are deleted, then yet more HD and/or SD channels could be added...).

Would AtlantaDave, Brermike, or others in the Alpharetta/Johns Creek area confirm whether any of their analog channels have been removed to accommodate the new HD channels? If their analog lineup is intact, then Comcast must be doing something else to add these HD channels (and this would mean that when the analog channels are deleted, then yet more HD and/or SD channels could be added...).

I got a flier in the mail saying that the analog channels (aside from the the basic 28) were going to be removed in early May. We got our HD channels the first week in May, so I'm guessing that is what happened. I can't really scientifically confirm this but maybe someone else can.

Would AtlantaDave, Brermike, or others in the Alpharetta/Johns Creek area confirm whether any of their analog channels have been removed to accommodate the new HD channels? If their analog lineup is intact, then Comcast must be doing something else to add these HD channels (and this would mean that when the analog channels are deleted, then yet more HD and/or SD channels could be added...).

I'm not sure where the bandwidth is coming from in terms of channels being eliminated. On one of our TV's which had no cable box and was connected directly via the coax cable in the back, I checked this past Saturday and all channels 2-78 in Analog were still there. I have since added a DTA from Comcast to the TV so I will still be able to view the channels between 26-78 after they are (ultimately?) migrated to Digital. So, as of last Saturday afternoon (which was several days after the new HD channels were added in Johns Creek), all analog channels were still available here.

Maybe implementation of the Docsis 3.0 (protocol, standard or whatever it is called) in Comcast's network in Johns Creek provided the additional bandwidth. I am not a techie, but maybe this is at least part of it. Docsis was referenced in some earlier posts on this forum.

I've been curious where the bandwidth came from as well. I'm in North Alpharetta and get the new HD channels (at least the ones that I get in SD with Digital Starter), as well as 2-78 in analog. So they didn't get the bandwidth from analog conversions, which should allow for many more HD stations at a future date :)

I'm in the fiber-to-the-home industry, so I'm far from an expert with cable. However, I don't think DOCSIS 3.0 adds more bandwidth to the line. In fact I would expect that some of the "TV channels" would be switched to "data channels" to allow for the fatster internet speeds.

Chris

AtlantaDave and Chris, thanks. That’s what I was looking for. What that tells me is that Comcast is using some technology other than removing analog channels to get the bandwidth for the new HD. Could be the DOCSIS 3.0 protocol… I’m wondering if Comcast isn’t opening up the spectrum above 750 MHz. 50 MHz divided by 6 MHz (each channel) results in just over 8 frequency channels…which happens to be really close to the number of HD channels Comcast added (assuming 3 HD channels per frequency). It would be interesting to see what frequencies these new channels are being carried on (although that is no guarantee as Comcast could be moving existing channels to the new frequencies and then putting the new HD on “old” frequencies). It’s an interesting mystery and will be interesting to see how it all works out in the end. Bottom line, though, I concur with Chris, before all is said and done Comcast is going to have a lot of HD channels, especially after the analog channels are removed.

However, having said that, and not wishing to rain too hard on this parade, but...

I don’t see too many “must see” HD channels. E! HD? Style HD? I sure hope that Comcast can save some spectrum by cramming four HD channels onto one frequency…QVC HD, ESPN News HD, Fox Business HD, CNBC HD, Weather Channel HD, Fox News HD, and a few existing channels (CNN HD comes to mind) would qualify. I think we all could tolerate some macroblocking on these channels. Gee, I wonder if QVC HD will be in clear QAM?

Of the "new HD channels" list, FX HD is a decent add, and my wife will likely appreciate Lifetime HD, Lifetime Movies HD, and Hallmark HD (although she actually does most of her viewing and recording on SD, that may change now that she has a WS HDTV in the kitchen – Mother’s Day present). G4, Spike, and MGM HDs all look like decent adds, although I suspect G4 and MGM won’t get added to Digital Starter.

I don’t see the need for Cartoon Network in HD – How many HD cartoons are out there? Nickelodeon HD and Disney Extreme HD (WTH is DE HD?) are sorta OK but do the kiddies really “need” HD at this point? How many parents are going to spend $6.95 a month for HD content for the kids' TV? (“When I was a kid, we didn’t have HD TV…we didn’t have color TV…we were lucky to have TV at all!”)

What is the difference between Travel HD and Travel and Leisure HD?

And where, in fact, is WPBA HD?

Other than Speed HD there appears to be a dearth of sports. (I don’t consider ESPN News to be a “sports channel” – it is a sports news channel.) Note to Comcast – if you would add Big Ten HD and the B10 overflow channels I would subscribe to the sports package. Keeping NFLN would be a bonus but not required.

Looks to me like Comcast is primarily picking up “cheapie” HD channels to bolster their HD channel count and facilitate “spectrum camping” by the content providers. I’m sure the addition of these HD channels will be another excuse to raise rates come next year.

However, having said that, and not wishing to rain too hard on this parade, but...

I don’t see too many “must see” HD channels. E! HD? Style HD? I sure hope that Comcast can save some spectrum by cramming four HD channels onto one frequency…QVC HD, ESPN News HD, Fox Business HD, CNBC HD, Weather Channel HD, Fox News HD, and a few existing channels (CNN HD comes to mind) would qualify. I think we all could tolerate some macroblocking on these channels. Gee, I wonder if QVC HD will be in clear QAM?

Of the "new HD channels" list, FX HD is a decent add, and my wife will likely appreciate Lifetime HD, Lifetime Movies HD, and Hallmark HD (although she actually does most of her viewing and recording on SD, that may change now that she has a WS HDTV in the kitchen – Mother’s Day present). G4, Spike, and MGM HDs all look like decent adds, although I suspect G4 and MGM won’t get added to Digital Starter.

I don’t see the need for Cartoon Network in HD – How many HD cartoons are out there? Nickelodeon HD and Disney Extreme HD (WTH is DE HD?) are sorta OK but do the kiddies really “need” HD at this point? How many parents are going to spend $6.95 a month for HD content for the kids' TV? (“When I was a kid, we didn’t have HD TV…we didn’t have color TV…we were lucky to have TV at all!”)

What is the difference between Travel HD and Travel and Leisure HD?

And where, in fact, is WPBA HD?

Other than Speed HD there appears to be a dearth of sports. (I don’t consider ESPN News to be a “sports channel” – it is a sports news channel.) Note to Comcast – if you would add Big Ten HD and the B10 overflow channels I would subscribe to the sports package. Keeping NFLN would be a bonus but not required.

Looks to me like Comcast is primarily picking up “cheapie” HD channels to bolster their HD channel count and facilitate “spectrum camping” by the content providers. I’m sure the addition of these HD channels will be another excuse to raise rates come next year.


WPBA HD is still missing in action. Maybe in most markets there aren't more than one different PBS station with different programming - so they just don't carry both here in HD. Wish they did. WPBA is good.

860 is Travel Channel HD (same programming as SD version)
891 is Travel On-demand (480i, not HD)

Agree that addition of the additional HD channels represents a catch up on some of the second tier analog and digital channels. I myself would like a few more movie channels in HD.

http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2009_05_may/20090519_COMCASTADDSESPNUANDESPN360.COMTOLINEUPWITHCONTENT.h tm

Comcast will add ESPN/U and ESPN360, does anyone know if these will be available on Clear QAM?

http://www.espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2009_05_may/20090519_COMCASTADDSESPNUANDESPN360.COMTOLINEUPWITHCONTENT.h tm

Comcast will add ESPN/U and ESPN360, does anyone know if these will be available on Clear QAM?

ESPN360 is actually ESPN360.com which is a web site with lots of live streaming video sports. It's not a cable channel.

WPBA HD is still missing in action. Maybe in most markets there aren't more than one different PBS station with different programming - so they just don't carry both here in HD. Wish they did. WPBA is good.


I would guess that by June 12 the "must carry" rule will force them to provide WPBA-HD. WPBA only broadcasts 1 OTA digital channel and it is HD. When the analog SD is shut off what else can Comcast provide?

Its not clear to me what the FCC "must carry" rule requires for stations with multiple subchannels (like WGTV), but it seems unambiguous for WPBA.

I would imagine WPBA will start broadcasting in SD digital soon, think of all the old people that watch public television that don't have HD!

The delay by Comcast in adding HD channels in Atlanta. The latest excuses are the shift to all digital needed to free up bandwidth or something, right?
My neighborhood (Brookhaven) has had access to ATT's U-verse for 6 months or so, and I was hoping that would speed Comcast along in adding more HD channels.
Other than 823 MLB HD, I think it's been 15 months since Comcast has added any in my area?
Really really far behind DirecTV and now u-verse (although I know they each come with their other issues too).
I don't suppose anyone knows about any updated timeline for us...

I talked to Comcast today and new HD channels are coming to all of Atlanta by the end of the summer. The customer rep said she expects that new HD channels should arrive in a few weeks.

Looks we are getting 22 new HD channels. Some areas of Atlanta have already received them, like Johns Creek.

Here is a complete list of the new HD channels that we ALL will have by summer's end:

817 - WE HD
818 - Green Planet HD
819 - Biography HD
820 - QVC HD
821 - ESPN News HD
828 - E! HD
829 - Style HD
831 - Fox Business HD
832 - The Weather Channel HD
836 - CNBC HD
837 - Fox News HD
843 - FX HD
855 - Lifetime HD
860 - Travel HD
862 - Cartoon Network HD
863 - Nickelodeon HD
866 - Disney Extreme HD
871 - TVONE HD
872 - Bravo HD
873 - Fuse HD
875 - Speed HD
876 - G4 HD
878 - Spike HD
891 - Travel & Leisure HD
894 - MGM HD
896 - Hallmark HD
897 - Lifetime Movies HD
898 - IFC HD
899 - Encore HD

The complete list HD channels will be (new and existing)
801 HDTV Special Events^
807 TBS HDTV^
820 QVC HDTV^
828 E! HDTV^
832 Weather Channel HDTV^
833 TLC HDTV^
834 CNN HDTV^
836 CNBC HDTV^
837 Fox News HDTV^
838 A&E HDTV^
840 Discovery HDTV^
841 TNT HDTV^
842 USA Network HDTV^
843 FX HDTV^
844 HDTV Theatre^
846 ESPN HDTV^
847 ESPN 2 HDTV^
848 FSN South HDTV^
849 Golf HDTV^
850 Palladia HDTV^
852 History HDTV^
854 ABC Family HDTV^
855 Lifetime HDTV^
856 AMC HDTV^
857 Food Network HDTV^
859 HGTV HDTV^
860 Travel Channel HDTV^
861 Animal Planet HDTV^
862 Cartoon Network HDTV^
863 Nickelodeon HDTV^
864 Disney Channel HDTV^
870 NBC Universal HDTV^
871 TV One HDTV^
872 Bravo HDTV^
874 Sci Fi Channel HDTV^
875 Speed HDTV^
878 Spike HDTV^
896 Hallmark Movie Channel HDTV^
897 Lifetime Movie Channel HDTV^

Here is a link to the Comcast list of Channels (Johns Creek area):

http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx?print=1&CGID=6317

Guide is showing that the Braves should be on FOXHDSS channel (848) but I have the bars and tone on it and the game is on the SportsSouth SD channel (53). Even if they aren't in HD it looks so much better in digital on the HD channel. Does anyone know if this is an issue with SF and will all the games there be in SD instead of on the HD channel or did someone forget to flip a switch to turn the HD channel on for the game?

Guide is showing that the Braves should be on FOXHDSS channel (848) but I have the bars and tone on it and the game is on the SportsSouth SD channel (53). Even if they aren't in HD it looks so much better in digital on the HD channel. Does anyone know if this is an issue with SF and will all the games there be in SD instead of on the HD channel or did someone forget to flip a switch to turn the HD channel on for the game?

I'm sure the game was only done in SD. The opening credits at the beginning didn't mention HD, and they do when there is a HD simulcast.

As far as the guide, on my Comcast STB 848 shows as FSNSH and had "off air" which in fact it was.

THe FOXSDSS you mention is sourced from the Tribune Media Service that drives Comcast's Fancast, Tivo, Titantv, etc. Its frequently incorrect, and doesn't properly combine the FSN and SPSO HD simulcasts.

Received a letter from Comcast this weekend indicating Central Cobb is going all digital. Stated by July 12th for my area.

Received a letter from Comcast this weekend indicating Central Cobb is going all digital. Stated by July 12th for my area.

Got the same letter in Marietta 30064. I just ordered the DTAs via there website for self-install and mail shipment. Confirmations says the DTAs should arrive in 5 days.

Guide is showing that the Braves should be on FOXHDSS channel (848) but I have the bars and tone on it and the game is on the SportsSouth SD channel (53). Even if they aren't in HD it looks so much better in digital on the HD channel. Does anyone know if this is an issue with SF and will all the games there be in SD instead of on the HD channel or did someone forget to flip a switch to turn the HD channel on for the game?

Todays (tonights) game with be SD but tomorrow's game is suppose to be in HD. I'll try to stay up to 10pm to see if its in HD.

Got the same letter in Marietta 30064. I just ordered the DTAs via there website for self-install and mail shipment. Confirmations says the DTAs should arrive in 5 days.

Hmmm. I haven't gotten a letter yet. Are the DTA's free? According to Comcast website, it suppose to be:

http://www.comcast.com/digitalnow

Hmmm. I haven't gotten a letter yet. Are the DTA's free? According to Comcast website, it suppose to be:

http://www.comcast.com/digitalnow

First two are free. Each DTA after the first two is $1.99. There was an * about taxes and such so will have to wait to see the overall change in my first invoice. I got a third DTA.

I haven't received a letter yet in Dunwoody. Hoping it happens sooner rather than later! My friends are switching to U-Verse by the droves, and I am getting jealous of their service!

Free for one year.

I thought the first two were free for the duration, not one year.

I've been curious where the bandwidth came from as well. I'm in North Alpharetta and get the new HD channels (at least the ones that I get in SD with Digital Starter), as well as 2-78 in analog. So they didn't get the bandwidth from analog conversions, which should allow for many more HD stations at a future date :)

I'm in the fiber-to-the-home industry, so I'm far from an expert with cable. However, I don't think DOCSIS 3.0 adds more bandwidth to the line. In fact I would expect that some of the "TV channels" would be switched to "data channels" to allow for the fatster internet speeds.

Chris

Not doubting you, but are you checking via the converter or via a cable ready TV. Because at least where I live (dunwoody) they removed a few stations out of analog a couple of months back. They still show up in the 2-78 range on a converter but they are clear qam channels. They just played it smart and took out channels that people won't necessarily miss like TV Guide and some public access stations to keep too many people from noticing. I'm not in a digital only location yet but I figure its a matter of time as my modem's ip address has changed a couple of times in the past couple of weeks. It was almost static for a while.

When comcast goes "all digital" does that mean the unencrypted QAM channels will disappear too?

Not doubting you, but are you checking via the converter or via a cable ready TV. Because at least where I live (dunwoody) they removed a few stations out of analog a couple of months back. They still show up in the 2-78 range on a converter but they are clear qam channels. They just played it smart and took out channels that people won't necessarily miss like TV Guide and some public access stations to keep too many people from noticing. I'm not in a digital only location yet but I figure its a matter of time as my modem's ip address has changed a couple of times in the past couple of weeks. It was almost static for a while.

I am in Dunwoody also and waiting for the change. With the roll out of the extra HD channels, they are going to have to do something.

The thing about U-verse is that you can only watch/record 2 HD channels and 2 SD channels. If you have a DSL modem, that drops to 1 HD channel.

They just played it smart and took out channels that people won't necessarily miss like TV Guide and some public access stations to keep too many people from noticing.

I doubt they pulled any public access stations. See below.

When comcast goes "all digital" does that mean the unencrypted QAM channels will disappear too?

Not likely. The FCC's "must-carry" rules say that if the subscriber does not have the equipment to view those channels after the conversion to all-digital, then the operator (i.e. cable company) must provide it for free. So if they provide the local stations in unencrypted form and you have a TV with a QAM tuner, then they have met the requirement. Or if you don't, then they must provide the converter for free.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Must-carry

Good luck reading through all that (especially the actual FCC regulations), it's rather dense.

My 3 DTAs arrived on Friday and I hooked them up on Sunday. All 3 were Pace brand and very simple to connect. Remotes can easily be programmed to work the TV’s power and volume controls. After install, each of the analog channels (2 -78) were still there and a few above 78. Did not have time to see what they were or if they were duplicates. Picture is clearer since it is now a digital feed, but scanning channels is as slow as any set-top box I’ve used. The one nice feature is that the station designation is displayed with the channel number. Overall, I am pleased considering this opens the door for more HD channels in the near future.

any news on if any of the other headends not in alpharetta will be seeing all of the new HD channels some of the folks up there are? i'm in north decatur on the stone mountain headend

I'm in Alpharetta and I just looked at comcast.com for HD channel lineup. It shows the premium movies channels have moved to the 600's. Lots of new ones added also. Can anybody confirm reception. I'm still at work.

Here's the list:
600 HBO HDTV^
601 HBO 2 HDTV^
602 HBO 2 West HDTV^
603 HBO Signature HDTV^
604 HBO Signature West HDTV^
605 HBO Family HDTV^
606 HBO Family West HDTV^
610 Starz HDTV^
611 Starz Edge HDTV^
612 Starz Kids & Family HDTV^
613 Starz Comedy HDTV^
620 Showtime HDTV^
621 Showtime 2 HDTV^
622 Showtime 2 West HDTV^
623 Showtime Showcase HDTV^
624 Showtime Showcase West HDTV^
625 Showtime Extreme HDTV^
626 Showtime Extreme West HDTV^
630 Cinemax HDTV^

I have 8 new HD channels showing up in my guide here in Johns Creek, in addition to the 20+ we received last month. So far, on these 8, there is no picture yet ...


815 WGN HD
822 CBSCS HD
824 BIG10 HD
825 BET HD
826 CMTV HD
851 VH1 HD
853 MTV HD
868 Comedy Central HD

I have 8 new HD channels showing up in my guide here in Johns Creek, in addition to the 20+ we received last month. So far, on these 8, there is no picture yet ...


815 WGN HD
822 CBSCS HD
824 BIG10 HD
825 BET HD
826 CMTV HD
851 VH1 HD
853 MTV HD
868 Comedy Central HD

Finally Comedy Central in HD! :) If it's not in the HD tier, it doesn't exist for me. :p I've missed Daily Show the past 1. 5 years... but any SD channels just looked too crappy on my 60" Sony HDTV so I stopped watching anything not in the 800 tier.

Wow, Comcast is really tearing it up... if I'd known this was going to happen at the beginning of the year I might have picked them over Dish... now they just need to extend the new HDs to Norcross!

Something is going on in Norcross! I just lost channels 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 & 39.

Well, those channels just came back. But while they were out, I managed to get through to Comcast on the phone. The kid told me I needed to go to Best Buy to get a CECB! The Comcast rep doesn't know the difference between cable and the OTA digital transition! Then he said he'd have to send a truck roll to find those channels for me. I demanded to speak to a supervisor. She insisted on scheduling a truck roll. No wonder cable rates are so high.

If Comcast adds the Big 10 overflow channels in SD for football Saturdays in addition to the HD I will no longer have an excuse to not get the sports pack!

I have 8 new HD channels showing up in my guide here in Johns Creek, in addition to the 20+ we received last month. So far, on these 8, there is no picture yet ...


815 WGN HD
822 CBSCS HD
824 BIG10 HD
825 BET HD
826 CMTV HD
851 VH1 HD
853 MTV HD
868 Comedy Central HD

I'm in Johns Creek and have the 20+ from last month, but those 8 new ones and the 6xx ones do not yet appear in my grid; however, the HD premium channels are now also appearing on the programing grid as 7xx channels, with the same programming as their existing 8xx counterparts.

701 - HBO HD (same as 880)
710- Starz HD (same as 895)
720- Cinemax HD (same as 885)
730 - Showtime HD (same as 890)

Recently, on the Comcast web site, I looked at the channel listing, and it showed BOTH the 7xx and 6xx numbers - so I don't know what is going on. Maybe some sort of transitional phase.

I'm in Johns Creek and have the 20+ from last month, but those 8 new ones and the 6xx ones do not yet appear in my grid; however, the HD premium channels are now also appearing on the programing grid as 7xx channels, with the same programming as their existing 8xx counterparts.

701 - HBO HD (same as 880)
710- Starz HD (same as 895)
720- Cinemax HD (same as 885)
730 - Showtime HD (same as 890)

Recently, on the Comcast web site, I looked at the channel listing, and it showed BOTH the 7xx and 6xx numbers - so I don't know what is going on. Maybe some sort of transitional phase.

Yes, something must be transitioning. The 8 new ones still aren't displaying any video, but I can tune to them. Usually the channels don't show up in my guide (on Tivo HD) before there is video. So I'm not sure what exactly is going on. Either way, it is exciting for us Johns Creek folks and I'm sure eventually the rest of Atlanta to know more and more HD content is coming.

I managed to get through to Comcast on the phone. The kid told me I needed to go to Best Buy to get a CECB! The Comcast rep doesn't know the difference between cable and the OTA digital transition!

Oh my god, that is awesome. Can you imagine how many other customers he screwed up with that kind of information?

Yes, something must be transitioning. The 8 new ones still aren't displaying any video, but I can tune to them. Usually the channels don't show up in my guide (on Tivo HD) before there is video. So I'm not sure what exactly is going on. Either way, it is exciting for us Johns Creek folks and I'm sure eventually the rest of Atlanta to know more and more HD content is coming.

Just thought of something funny. Maybe we'll also get the first HD adult channel. I'm kidding, but you never know what Comcast will do.

Oh my god, that is awesome. Can you imagine how many other customers he screwed up with that kind of information?

That's pretty sad. I had a similar experience when I called Comcast to ask about an HSI issue. The woman I spoke to on the phone literally didn't have a clue. I was asking about my upload speeds, and her responses were strange, so I reiterated that I was discussing uploads and not downloads, and she admitted to me that she didn't know what that meant.

She had me do the obligatory reboot of my EMTA and some other nonesensical stuff that had nothing to do with the issue I was describing, and I asked if she was serious that she didn't know the difference between upload and download speed. She was, and was working HSI tech support for Comcast. How the hell can that happen?

I am now receiving TVGOS data on Comcast channel 97 (CBS analog). Michael, thanks for laying the groundwork on getting Comcast's attention. I spoke to an engineer yesterday and informed him that it appeared Stone Mtn headend was providing VBI but Vinings wasn't....and voila, TVGOS listings are now available. The engineer did say that channel 97 analog would go away once they can provide the digital signal so who knows what new problems that will cause. I believe my Panasonic can only handle analog VBI.

Grrrrr! I have lost my TVGOS data once again and have verified that there is no VBI Host available. Is anyone else experiencing this? Perhaps it's a repeat of the previous issue and is isolated to the Vinings headend.

I've got a Comcast 3416 and used to have a widescreen tv and now have widescreen again...

I might just be going crazy, but I could swear that the Comcast menu used to be widescreen and reach from edge to edge. Is this a setup item hiding somewhere? HD programming is coming in 16:9 and seems fine, so I think this is just a menu thing.

Thanks,

Carlos

Grrrrr! I have lost my TVGOS data once again and have verified that there is no VBI Host available. Is anyone else experiencing this? Perhaps it's a repeat of the previous issue and is isolated to the Vinings headend.

I never even got mine back in the first place. And I've been too busy to work the problem upstream, but I did want to get it looked into before Friday, because after Friday everybody will think it has something to do with the analog shutdown.

I'm in downtown Atlanta ... I mean really downtown, like near Centennial Olympic Park. Does anyone know what headend serves that area?

Update: it's Vinings.

I've got a Comcast 3416 and used to have a widescreen tv and now have widescreen again...

I might just be going crazy, but I could swear that the Comcast menu used to be widescreen and reach from edge to edge. Is this a setup item hiding somewhere? HD programming is coming in 16:9 and seems fine, so I think this is just a menu thing.

Thanks,

Carlos

Nope. The Motorola box menus have never supported 16:9, much to our chagrin. You'd think it'd be an easy thing to implement, but apparently not. :rolleyes:

I never even got mine back in the first place. And I've been too busy to work the problem upstream, but I did want to get it looked into before Friday, because after Friday everybody will think it has something to do with the analog shutdown.

I'm in downtown Atlanta ... I mean really downtown, like near Centennial Olympic Park. Does anyone know what headend serves that area?

If it's not too difficult to get behind your Comcast box, it should have a sticker on the back indicating the headend. Mine does (Stone Mountain). I'm gonna guess you're Vinings, but no idea for sure. Would be interested to know.

I've got a Comcast 3416 and used to have a widescreen tv and now have widescreen again...

I might just be going crazy, but I could swear that the Comcast menu used to be widescreen and reach from edge to edge. Is this a setup item hiding somewhere? HD programming is coming in 16:9 and seems fine, so I think this is just a menu thing.

Thanks,

Carlos

My guess is that your settings have changed and you want to stretch the screen for non-HD channels (which includes stretching the Comcast menu). I have a Motorola 6416 and have also had a 6412. Here is how you change the settings:

Turn the cable box power off then hit MENU (MENU, not the Enter or OK key)

My preferred settings are:
TV Type 16:9
YPbPr OUTPUT 1080I (yours may be 1080P)
4:3 OVERRIDE OFF

The important setting for your case is the 4:3 OVERRIDE. When I am watching a non-HD channel I don't want the screen stretched so I use the OFF setting. Set yours to your own preference.

Grrrrr! I have lost my TVGOS data once again and have verified that there is no VBI Host available. Is anyone else experiencing this? Perhaps it's a repeat of the previous issue and is isolated to the Vinings headend.

Is anyone on the Vinings headend getting TVGOS VBI (analog) EPG data?

I have a contact who is acting like WGCL never carried it, which I'm pretty sure is wrong. You guys who were seeing it on channel 97 ... that's WGCL, right?

i'm on the stone mountain headend, still no movement in the guide or signs of new channels.


on another note - recently sports south HD has been having really bad breakups on all of my receivers. any other braves fans noticing this?

I noticed that last night when I was watching the Braves at a house with Comcast, didn't see the same problem when I was watching the extra innings at my house on Dish... wondering if it has something to do with testing the new channels? Has anyone in an area with the new channels available noticed this problem?

Is anyone on the Vinings headend getting TVGOS VBI (analog) EPG data?

I have a contact who is acting like WGCL never carried it, which I'm pretty sure is wrong. You guys who were seeing it on channel 97 ... that's WGCL, right?

Several weeks ago I was getting VBI data for TVGOS on Comcast analog channel 9 (WGCL). Now it is not working again! I am able to see a trickle of VBI packets on analog channel 9 on my LG LST-3410a in test mode, but not a flood of packets as I was seeing when the TV Guide schedule was fully populated. As of today and the last couple of weeks, the TV Guide schedule has not been populated.

I hope WGCL and Comcast are aware of the situation with analog TVGOS on Comcast analog channel 9.

(I am on the Vinings headend.)

I have 8 new HD channels showing up in my guide here in Johns Creek, in addition to the 20+ we received last month. So far, on these 8, there is no picture yet ...

815 WGN HD
822 CBSCS HD
824 BIG10 HD
825 BET HD
826 CMTV HD
851 VH1 HD
853 MTV HD
868 Comedy Central HD

All of the channels above except 822 are now on the Comcast grid in Johns Creek and have programming.

The following also just appeared on the grid:
711 Starz Edge HD (no programming as yet
713 Starz Kids HD (no programming as yet)
715 Starz Comedy HD (has programming)

All of the channels above except 822 are now on the Comcast grid in Johns Creek and have programming.

The following also just appeared on the grid:
711 Starz Edge HD (no programming as yet
713 Starz Kids HD (no programming as yet)
715 Starz Comedy HD (has programming)

I can confirm this as well on my Tivo HD. I have noticed some occasional compression issues on some of the new channels. Perhaps after the digital conversion on Friday, Comcast will apply more bandwidth to their HD channels.

Comcast service upgrade coming to the "Northeast Cobb" service area 8/11. I am in Woodstock, 30189. Does this include the 50Mb Internet speed increase they have been advertising?

Cheers,

jr

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Comcast cable company said it will delay rolling out its “enhanced” high definition service to customers in Sandy Springs until July so customers won’t be confused by the Federal Communication Commission’s switching this week of TV broadcast signals from old-fashioned analog to digital.

The company already switched its cable service in Winder and North Fulton. Comcast said the change enables customers to get certain high-definition channels they cannot get now on their basic service, and will require the customers have new conversion boxes installed on their TVs.

The “enhanced” service requires a digital cable box and a digital adapter. One digital cable box and two digital adapters are provided for no charge. Additional cable boxes cost $5.99 each a month. Additional adapters cost $1.99 each per month.

.
—Jeffry Scott



Find this article at:
http://www.ajc.com/n/content/business/stories/2009/06/09/comcast_cable_hi_def.html

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Comcast cable company said it will delay rolling out its “enhanced” high definition service to customers in Sandy Springs until July so customers won’t be confused by the Federal Communication Commission’s switching this week of TV broadcast signals from old-fashioned analog to digital.

The company already switched its cable service in Winder and North Fulton. Comcast said the change enables customers to get certain high-definition channels they cannot get now on their basic service, and will require the customers have new conversion boxes installed on their TVs.

The “enhanced” service requires a digital cable box and a digital adapter. One digital cable box and two digital adapters are provided for no charge. Additional cable boxes cost $5.99 each a month. Additional adapters cost $1.99 each per month.

.
—Jeffry Scott



Find this article at:
http://www.ajc.com/n/content/business/stories/2009/06/09/comcast_cable_hi_def.html

I guess they are implying that the citizens of Sandy Springs are more prone to confusion than the people in Winder and North Fulton.

Nah, it just means that this week and next is a baaad time to try to roll out anything involving "television" and "digital", as it'll get confused with the DTV shutdown this Friday. See also the post above where even a Comcast CSR got them confused!

It's just prudent planning to slow down during the massive speed bump ahead ...

Also maybe they should slow down since it sounds like the compression issues are in both areas that haven't converted yet and those that have... so they may want to figure that out before they roll out to the rest of Atlanta :)

I guess they are implying that the citizens of Sandy Springs are more prone to confusion than the people in Winder and North Fulton.

I dunno. We stay pretty confused ourselves here in North Fulton.

In reality, Comcast wants to avoid confusion to its own employees.

By the way, CBS CS HD just showed up on 822, so now all those new 8xx channels are working. (CBS CS in HD is a good thing for former Memphians like me who enjoy watching Memphis Tiger basketball.)

Has anyone yet determined if these new HD channels are due to Comcast using new frequencies (850 MHz system upgrade) or due to deletion of the analog expanded basic channels, or a combination of both? I believe some folks in Johns Creek had stated they had new HD channels but retained their analog expanded basic channels.

Based on the NFL Network deal and HD sports adds, it would seem reasonable that Comcast would like to complete this upgrade prior to end of August for all of metro Atlanta. I believe the notice we recently got indicated that central (east) Cobb would be completed mid-July.

On another note, I recall reading in a separate thread that Turner Classic Movies either now has or soon will have a HD feed. Hopefully Comcast will pick this up.

How well/easy do the new digital adapters work on non-HD Tivo?

Thanks,

How well/easy do the new digital adapters work on non-HD Tivo?

You should ask over in the Tivo thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=879469); that's actually an S3/HD thread but they'll probably know. There's an excellent (and very long) FAQ at the beginning of that thread but after a quick scan I didn't see a mention of SDV tuner compatibility.

I noticed today we now have 812 ION & 816 WPBA.

Gosh Comcast is really taking its sweet time about this.
Why don't they put it on "messages" on box when they add HD channels?
I'm expecting too much aren't I?

I noticed today we now have 812 ION & 816 WPBA.

Gosh Comcast is really taking its sweet time about this.
Why don't they put it on "messages" on box when they add HD channels?
I'm expecting too much aren't I?

Yep, Just spotted them myself.

It's about time that WPBA HD was avaiable. I like its programming better than WGPB. The picture on ION HD is really crisp, so maybe it will be a good addition.

I noticed today we now have 812 ION & 816 WPBA.

Gosh Comcast is really taking its sweet time about this.
Why don't they put it on "messages" on box when they add HD channels?
I'm expecting too much aren't I?

These are both OTA stations so as of tomorrow they would be obligated to carry their digital signal by the must carry rule. They really waited to the last second.

These are both OTA stations so as of tomorrow they would be obligated to carry their digital signal by the must carry rule. They really waited to the last second.

Hasn't WPBA been OTA digital for a while, now?

Hasn't WPBA been OTA digital for a while, now?

Yes, but they were still broadcasting their analog signal, and the FCC must carry rule gave Comcast a choice of which to carry. As of 6/9 there are no more OTA analog broadcasts.

I am in Dunwoody, and ION HD is showing up on channel 812. No other new HD stations.

Up in Cherokee county, our channels are different.

I checked and got ION HD (239) and WPBA (238).

Still no WGN, CBSCS, .....

Up in Forsyth county, HD channels start at 201. Gotta love Comcast recycling old Adelphia equipment. A garbage Scientific Atlanta with the ugliest program menu ever. If you hit info for a show, and the description is too long, there is no way to read the rest of the description. As far as HD channels, I haven't seen squat added.

201 - FSS HD
202 - ESPN HD
203 - ESPN 2 HD
204 - TNT HD
205 - Discovery HD
206 - VS HD
207 - Golf HD
208 - NBC Universal HD
209 - MTV HD (just concerts and such, not the usual MTV programing)
210 - A&E HD
211 - FOODTV HD
212 - HomeandGardenTV HD
213 - Nation Geographic HD
214 - MLB HD
215 - HBO HD
216 - CIN HD
217 - Show HD
218 - Starz HD
219 - NFL HD
220 - USA HD
222 - HISTORY HD
223 - CNN HD
224 - Discovery HD
225 - TLC HD
226 - Animal Planet HD
227 - SciFi HD
229 - AMC HD
231 - WSB HD (local abc)
232 - NBC HD (local nbc)
233 - CBS HD (local)
234 - FOX HD (local)
235 - WATL HD
236 - WUPA HD
237 - TBS HD
238 - WPBAD HD
239 - Ion HD WPXAD
240 - PBS HD
241 - Peachtree TV HD
244 - FAM HD
245 - Disney HD
246 - Science HD

Yes, that order of channels makes perfect sense. :rolleyes:

Well after listing all those, I see a few new ones.

what new ones, that is my lineup

Maybe I just haven't looked around that much lately, but I haven't seen Ion HD or Science HD before. Probably because of the way the channels are ordered. Cable HD channels, then your HBO Starz, etc some more cable and then locals. Guess I never checked out what was after locals.

I can confirm ION HD is on in Johns Creek on 812. Also, it looks like a second PBS HD station turned on as well on 816. Not really sure what's different between that and 808 but the programming looked different.

Yes, but they were still broadcasting their analog signal, and the FCC must carry rule gave Comcast a choice of which to carry. As of 6/9 there are no more OTA analog broadcasts.

Actually it's as of 6/12 -- by end of today -- there will be no more OTA analog broadcasts.

I can confirm ION HD is on in Johns Creek on 812. Also, it looks like a second PBS HD station turned on as well on 816. Not really sure what's different between that and 808 but the programming looked different.

Just curious: Are you a new Atlanta resident? There have been two PBS stations here for decades. GPB (8 and 808) is Georgia Public Broadcasting. 16 and 816 are PBA -- Public Broadcasting Atlanta.

Glad they FINALLY picked up the HD version of the latter. Now even more HD PBS (and local interest) content to feed my DVR. :D

Just curious: Are you a new Atlanta resident? There have been two PBS stations here for decades. GPB (8 and 808) is Georgia Public Broadcasting. 16 and 816 are PBA -- Public Broadcasting Atlanta.

Glad they FINALLY picked up the HD version of the latter. Now even more HD PBS (and local interest) content to feed my DVR. :D

Not a new resident. I didn't realize those two channels had different content until now. I haven't really watched much on either of those channels. Either way, they are now both in HD so maybe I'll watch them more ;)

Up in Cherokee county, our channels are different.

I checked and got ION HD (239) and WPBA (238).

Still no WGN, CBSCS, .....

Nothing on 238 & 239 in my small piece of Cherokee county, 30189, Towne Lake. However, I -do- have 812 & 816.

On a side note, I went to Comcast's web site and signed up for 2 digital converter boxes on Wednesday. They arrive today and I'm wondering if they will work ahead of the announced 8/11 cutover date for my area.

EDIT: Yup, they do work now after going through a registration process. 2-78 plus a few more channels on the old analog tv. :)

Cheers,

jr

Nothing on 238 & 239 in my small piece of Cherokee county, 30189, Towne Lake. However, I -do- have 812 & 816.

On a side note, I went to Comcast's web site and signed up for 2 digital converter boxes on Wednesday. They arrive today and I'm wondering if they will work ahead of the announced 8/11 cutover date for my area.

Cheers,

jr

Those Cherokee residents that are former Adelphia customers are getting the HD channels in the 200 range instead of 800. We have a different lineup.

First two are free. Each DTA after the first two is $1.99. There was an * about taxes and such so will have to wait to see the overall change in my first invoice. I got a third DTA.

forgive me for being thick, but are these DTA boxes any different than the ones being shopped at walmart/best buy for $40?

forgive me for being thick, but are these DTA boxes any different than the ones being shopped at walmart/best buy for $40?

Yes. They are -not- related to the digital broadcast tv transition.

They are related to Comcast's adding new HD digital channels. To do this, Comcast is dumping many analog channels, ie the channels you can receive without any converter box. The new small box converts some, but not all, digital channels to analog so older tv's can continue to receive channels 2 - 78 (or so).

The first two converters are free, 3 or more are $1.99 each per month.

Cheers,

jr

For you clear QAM folks out there, the new feeds of WPXA-HD and WPBA-HD are on physical channel 45 my TV shows subchannels 812 and 816 here in Woodstock.

Yes. They are -not- related to the digital broadcast tv transition.

They are related to Comcast's adding new HD digital channels. To do this, Comcast is dumping many analog channels, ie the channels you can receive without any converter box. The new small box converts some, but not all, digital channels to analog so older tv's can continue to receive channels 2 - 78 (or so).

The first two converters are free, 3 or more are $1.99 each per month.

Cheers,

jr

Thanks, just the info I was looking for.

Grrrrr! I have lost my TVGOS data once again and have verified that there is no VBI Host available. Is anyone else experiencing this? Perhaps it's a repeat of the previous issue and is isolated to the Vinings headend.

As of Wednesday, 6/10, my TVGOS data has been refreshed after disappearing for over a week. At least it's back now and hopefully to stay.

For you clear QAM folks out there, the new feeds of WPXA-HD and WPBA-HD are on physical channel 45 my TV shows subchannels 812 and 816 here in Woodstock.

I was wondering why Comcast pulled CSS off of channel 45 analog.

It would sure be nice if Comcast could find a few SD slots for the Ion subchannels.

As of Wednesday, 6/10, my TVGOS data has been refreshed after disappearing for over a week. At least it's back now and hopefully to stay.

And you're on the Vinings headend? Can you see what channel number and name you're getting it from? I need BOTH the number (e.g. analog channel 9) and name (e.g. WGCL).

Please also verify that you're still getting it after today's analog shutdown.

So it could just be my imagination, but since the switchover today, it seems like the HD picture from Comcast is better, at least on the networks. I'm seeing a lot less macro-blocking over fast motion. Of course, this likely has more to do with Comcast dropping analog channels and opening up bandwidth. Maybe they're not compressing as much?

So it could just be my imagination, but since the switchover today, it seems like the HD picture from Comcast is better, at least on the networks. I'm seeing a lot less macro-blocking over fast motion. Of course, this likely has more to do with Comcast dropping analog channels and opening up bandwidth. Maybe they're not compressing as much?

I noticed this as well. I was hoping this would be the case and the extra bandwidth would be used in such a manner. Not sure if there is less compression or not, but it looks like it to my eyes.

why dose comcast still have anolog channels did a scan this morning got 65 anolog channels in bartow county.:confused:

I scanned this morning also and you guessed it analog.

Why would Comcast not be carrying the analog feeds? Cable has nothing to do with the switch over of OTA broadcasting. They are in the process of changing over in ATL to digital for many of the channels, but this is not related to the recent June 12th stopping of OTA analog broadcasting.

And you're on the Vinings headend? Can you see what channel number and name you're getting it from? I need BOTH the number (e.g. analog channel 9) and name (e.g. WGCL).

Please also verify that you're still getting it after today's analog shutdown.

I'm on the Vinings headend and receiving VBI data on host channel 97 which is CBS WGCL. It is my understanding that Comcast created channel 97 as analog and it is still analog after the shutdown yesterday. Not sure how long they will continue this.

Why would Comcast not be carrying the analog feeds?

There are no more "analog feeds" as of 12:30 yesterday. They are taking the digital feeds and converting to analog in their plant for analog transmission to basic customers. If you install a DTA, then you get the digital transmission and convert it to analog on premise at the DTA.

Just to try to nip this in the bud before it spins itself up, neil0311 and McDonoughDawg you're both right, just talking past each other.

63rodder and titans4ever (aka The New Guys :) ), read what they're saying above. You are getting analog over the air confused with analog over cable. Heck, google for "analog cable shutdown" and you'll probably find 6.02x10^23 web pages explaining it ...

bidweld, THANKS for your info, very helpful in my troubleshooting!

Thanks, ChrisC47 that clears it up for me.

I'm just misunderstood, and sometimes confused. :)

I hope the delay they are doing in Sandy Springs will not stop work on whatever they are currently doing in Dunwoody. I recently did a new scan for the new PBS channels but lost a ton of channels in the process because the mappings are wrong. for instance 11-1 will redirect you to 46-1. I know they didn't remove 11-1 to 11-3 as on one set for a few seconds it did come up before it switched to 46-1. The switch also removed 11-1 from the channel list.

Pretty much all of the clear SD channels are messed up as well. basically they all either show Oxygen, WATC or a public access channel. The same goes with most of them as 11-1. It will show correctly for a second before its redirected to something else.

I'm on the Vinings headend and receiving VBI data on host channel 97 which is CBS WGCL. It is my understanding that Comcast created channel 97 as analog and it is still analog after the shutdown yesterday. Not sure how long they will continue this.

I'm still digging into this and making progress. One question: Comcast's lineup for Vinings customers says that WGCL is on channel 9. But you say it's on channel 97. What are you seeing on channel 9?

Just to try to nip this in the bud before it spins itself up, neil0311 and McDonoughDawg you're both right, just talking past each other.

No worries. Sorry if I misunderstood the original comment.

I'm still digging into this and making progress. One question: Comcast's lineup for Vinings customers says that WGCL is on channel 9. But you say it's on channel 97. What are you seeing on channel 9?
I am seeing WGCL on 97 which is used for the analog TVGOS info, and is mapped to channel 9. It is suppose to be there when Comcast completes the DTA program and drops all analog above channel 26 to make room for all the HD channels like they did in Johns Creek area. North Cobb is scheduled for 11/August/09 if I remember correctly.
Michael

More new HD channels on the Comcast Grid. All have programming

881 NHL Channel HD
882 NBA Channel HD (though the name on the grid is "TEAM")

732 Showtime 2 HD
740 The Movie Channel HD

I'm still digging into this and making progress. One question: Comcast's lineup for Vinings customers says that WGCL is on channel 9. But you say it's on channel 97. What are you seeing on channel 9?

Comcast cable channel 9 is the digital version of CBS WGCL. Channel 97 is a duplicate analog version and contains the TVGOS data. There are plans sometime in the future to embed the TVGOS data in the digital signal and 97 may disappear but there is no definitive date for this yet. My Panasonic plasma firmware only supports TVGOS data on analog so I'm out of luck if 97 analog ever disappears.

Comcast cable channel 9 is the digital version of CBS WGCL. Channel 97 is a duplicate analog version and contains the TVGOS data. There are plans sometime in the future to embed the TVGOS data in the digital signal and 97 may disappear but there is no definitive date for this yet. My Panasonic plasma firmware only supports TVGOS data on analog so I'm out of luck if 97 analog ever disappears.
I think you got this backward. 97 is the digital version of WGCL carring an analog stream of TVGOS from what I had been told. Channel 9 is the analog version of WGCL and will/does carries the analog TVGOS. I will check up on this next time I go to my girlfriends house. I will see which unit is using what channel for their host for the TVGOS.
Michael

Yeah, I think you're right AM. But I'm now running a test overnight and should know more in the morning. I've learned a HUGE amount about TVGOS transmission in the last 24 hours and can probably explain more tomorrow.

Yeah, I think you're right AM. But I'm now running a test overnight and should know more in the morning. I've learned a HUGE amount about TVGOS transmission in the last 24 hours and can probably explain more tomorrow.
Where did you get that info on TVGOS? Was it something that you got from Comcast? Or from Macrovision?
When I get back to Woodstock.....? (forgot the lyrics), I will verify the host channels. Seems like each device had a different host. One was 9, another 97, and another channel 2 ota( have it hooked to an antenna when we had listings problem with cable) That ( channel analog 2) should not be there, but the unit shows up to date listings. Anyway, will double check all this by the weekend and post what I find.
Michael

I am in Cherokee 30188. I have Comcast Basic. My TV's connect to the wall. I was just visiting friends in Alpharetta. They have the full digital HD package. He asked me if I'd gotten the funny little adapters for my TV's yet. I didn't know what he was talking about. He said they sent him two free adapters for his spare room TV's that use the analog only connection directly to the wall. Now those TV's get more channels, and all of its digital. He said I should get mine since two are free.

I signed into my Comcast account, but don't see anywhere to order. I came here to try and learn more but I'm still confused. Am I eligible for the free adapters even though I only have basic cable? I would really like the benefit of the digital signal, plus I'd get me damned History channel back!

My History used to be channel 52 using the TV's tuner. They killed History several months ago. My friend's new adapter gets it on 126.

The adapters are the size of a bologna sandwich. The remote is tiny too, but has the critical functions like last channel. It is dreadfully slow to change channels, but I'll survive it to get a clean digital pic. The higher the analog channel, the noisier the image.

Solderbot,

Comcast is upgrading to all digital platform on an area by area basis in Metro Atlanta. You will recieve a letter about two months before your area converts (Central Cobb happening 7/14, other areas mid august, many have not recieved letters yet). Truly "basic" cable is channels 1-20. I assume you have extended basic (through 70ish). If so yes you will need the free (2 per household) adapters to recieve above channel 20. You can go to www.comcast.com/digitalnow and check your account, but i assume your area is not yet ready for the transition.

I am in Cherokee 30188. I have Comcast Basic. My TV's connect to the wall. I was just visiting friends in Alpharetta. They have the full digital HD package. He asked me if I'd gotten the funny little adapters for my TV's yet. I didn't know what he was talking about. He said they sent him two free adapters for his spare room TV's that use the analog only connection directly to the wall. Now those TV's get more channels, and all of its digital. He said I should get mine since two are free.

I signed into my Comcast account, but don't see anywhere to order. I came here to try and learn more but I'm still confused. Am I eligible for the free adapters even though I only have basic cable? I would really like the benefit of the digital signal, plus I'd get me damned History channel back!

My History used to be channel 52 using the TV's tuner. They killed History several months ago. My friend's new adapter gets it on 126.

The adapters are the size of a bologna sandwich. The remote is tiny too, but has the critical functions like last channel. It is dreadfully slow to change channels, but I'll survive it to get a clean digital pic. The higher the analog channel, the noisier the image.
My girlfriend in Woodstock 30189 got het DTAs last week. Have not set them up yet as she has one analog dvr she needs to be able to record with. It has the IR blaster to change the box with, so perhaps this weekend I will get it set. August 11 is the date they gave for the coversion.
Michael

I find it amazing that Comcast is still telling people that you have to "upgrade to Digital", which is something like $50 a month (more) because of the DTV transition.. and getting away with it. A friend of mine just called and they argued with him that no adapters are provided for free and he MUST upgrade to still have any TV.

I find it amazing that Comcast is still telling people that you have to "upgrade to Digital", which is something like $50 a month (more) because of the DTV transition.. and getting away with it. A friend of mine just called and they argued with him that no adapters are provided for free and he MUST upgrade to still have any TV.
He must have talked to one of those commision sales person. In Woodstock they sent out a notice with your bill about the DTAs. My girlfriend has the digital starter package and I think all she pays is around $65.00 a month for it plus another $4.99 a month for an extra cable card that is for her hd dvr. She has 2 cable cards, one is free. Also, she received her DTAs last week- no cost for those. There have been several articles on the digital push as they call it both in the paper and other news mags, not to mention web sources, so he must have spoken with an outside sales person who gets paid for selling up services. He should talk with a supervisor at Comcast and let them know who this sales person was and what they tried to do.

My girlfriend has been very happy with Comcast. They have been very responsive to whatever problem she has had with the service. From TVGOS issues, to getting cable cards installed and noe the DTAs. No sweat. I have talked with them in the past on the TVGOS for her and was very surprised to get a positive result from them. They have been very pleasant to deal with. I have to give credit where credit is due.
Michael

OK, so here's the story with analog TVGOS on the Vinings headend, and it probably applies to other headends in Atlanta as well.

ANALOG TVGOS WORKS JUST FINE -- the data is coming in on a VBI line on analog WGCL on RF channel 9. I had my TVGOS device connected overnight and it synced right up. My clock synchronized, I got the 0+1+8 day schedule loads, host ID was 9, VBI counters incremented, blah blah blah. It all Just Worked.

What bidweld was saying above was quite misleading (sorry dude). RF channel 97 has a digital carrier in it; RF channel 9 has analog WGCL. Analog channels don't get remapped; you punch 9 on your analog cable device (STB or cable-ready TV), it displays channel 9, and it tunes to RF channel 9, period. No remapping. Remapping is all in the world of digital.

RF channel 97 has a digital carrier in it, and someone else will have to comment on whether it contains WGCL digital -- I expect that it does, so whatever you dial up to see WGCL in HD, it tunes to RF channel 97. IF you have a TVGOS device that can read that digital cable signal, I suppose it might be getting TVGOS via that digital signal; there are two standards for doing that, involving either PID 272/0x110 for "legacy" TVGOS data, or PID 273/0x111 for "digital" TVGOS data. This creates yet another source of confusion, because what the "legacy" data stream is doing is taking the old analog data and wrapping it in a way that can be passed via digital TV signals. By the way, you're unlikely to be able to see the above PID info unless you have test equipment that can analyze MPEG-TS in QAM or ATSC carriers.

Different TVGOS devices have different capabilities; some can only decode analog VBI TVGOS, some can also decode the "legacy" digital, and some can decode the modern digital. So when someone here says that TVGOS is working or not working for them, or even reports a host ID, that's not enough information. Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1122914)'s a whole thread that describes the different levels of support and what particular devices are capable of.

There's a number of threads here on AVSforum dealing with this, and frankly it's kind of a rats nest of info, and I'm afraid I don't have time right now to digest it and summarize or link to those threads here.

So back to the primary message here ... analog TVGOS (VBI-based) works off the Vinings headend and is appearing in the WGCL signal on RF channel 9. I don't know how long that TVGOS VBI feed will last or even how long analog WGCL will survive on these headends. The DTA activity you all are talking about in this thread could be an indicator of the imminent death of analog TVGOS, but it might not! I just don't know.

If they do shut down analog WGCL and thus take down analog TVGOS, then there are still (!) solutions involving CECBs and WGCL OTA that can be implemented. I've just learned about them in the last couple days, and once I plow through that science project I'll report here. It'll be a while though. I've spent quite enough time on this for now :)

OK, so here's the story with analog TVGOS on the Vinings headend, and it probably applies to other headends in Atlanta as well.

ANALOG TVGOS WORKS JUST FINE -- the data is coming in on a VBI line on analog WGCL on RF channel 9. I had my TVGOS device connected overnight and it synced right up. My clock synchronized, I got the 0+1+8 day schedule loads, host ID was 9, VBI counters incremented, blah blah blah. It all Just Worked.

What bidweld was saying above was quite misleading (sorry dude). RF channel 97 has a digital carrier in it; RF channel 9 has analog WGCL. Analog channels don't get remapped; you punch 9 on your analog cable device (STB or cable-ready TV), it displays channel 9, and it tunes to RF channel 9, period. No remapping. Remapping is all in the world of digital.

RF channel 97 has a digital carrier in it, and someone else will have to comment on whether it contains WGCL digital -- I expect that it does, so whatever you dial up to see WGCL in HD, it tunes to RF channel 97. IF you have a TVGOS device that can read that digital cable signal, I suppose it might be getting TVGOS via that digital signal; there are two standards for doing that, involving either PID 272/0x110 for "legacy" TVGOS data, or PID 273/0x111 for "digital" TVGOS data. This creates yet another source of confusion, because what the "legacy" data stream is doing is taking the old analog data and wrapping it in a way that can be passed via digital TV signals. By the way, you're unlikely to be able to see the above PID info unless you have test equipment that can analyze MPEG-TS in QAM or ATSC carriers.

Different TVGOS devices have different capabilities; some can only decode analog VBI TVGOS, some can also decode the "legacy" digital, and some can decode the modern digital. So when someone here says that TVGOS is working or not working for them, or even reports a host ID, that's not enough information. Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1122914)'s a whole thread that describes the different levels of support and what particular devices are capable of.

There's a number of threads here on AVSforum dealing with this, and frankly it's kind of a rats nest of info, and I'm afraid I don't have time right now to digest it and summarize or link to those threads here.

So back to the primary message here ... analog TVGOS (VBI-based) works off the Vinings headend and is appearing in the WGCL signal on RF channel 9. I don't know how long that TVGOS VBI feed will last or even how long analog WGCL will survive on these headends. The DTA activity you all are talking about in this thread could be an indicator of the imminent death of analog TVGOS, but it might not! I just don't know.

If they do shut down analog WGCL and thus take down analog TVGOS, then there are still (!) solutions involving CECBs and WGCL OTA that can be implemented. I've just learned about them in the last couple days, and once I plow through that science project I'll report here. It'll be a while though. I've spent quite enough time on this for now :)

My intention wasn't meant to be misleading and you obviously have done a lot more research than me. However, the fact remains that my host channel in TVGOS is 97 and my listings have been populated. This is on a 4 year old Panasonic plasma using Version 8 of TVGOS which I understand doesn't have digital capability. So logically, I assumed that Channel 97 was analog.

... my host channel in TVGOS is 97 and my listings have been populated. This is on a 4 year old Panasonic plasma using Version 8 of TVGOS which I understand doesn't have digital capability. So logically, I assumed that Channel 97 was analog.

Aha, there's the rub. Your plasma almost certainly does have an ATSC tuner (per the FCC mandates from a few years ago), which makes it likely that it does take the TVGOS from WGCL's digital signal, specifically one of the data streams (PIDs) that I mentioned above. TVGOS v8 implementations may have digital capability -- it depends on the actual version (e.g. 8.1.65) in the unit and which unit. See the thread I linked to above, which doesn't specifically mention Panasonic plasmas but illustrates the variations in equipment out there.

If you're already in TVGOS debug mode and looking at the host channel, page around and look for the ATSC stats and I'll bet you'll see non-zero numbers.

If anyone from Comcast is reading this, THANK YOU for continuing to inject the TVGOS data as analog VBI into the analog channels that you are synthesizing from each local CBS affiliate's digital feed.

I checked out the TVGOS host at my girlfriends cable feed units. The 250 with both ota and cable, plus card still shows host as analog 2, and clock set as 1:0-97. The Pioneer plasma shows cable 0:0-9 ( the analog version) and clock set as same. This is the analog WGCL version on the cable. It will still be there after the digital upgrade were they will be dropping the upper analog channels from 26 on. The 500 (cable with card only) shows 1:0-97 and clock as 0:0-9. This unit is the only one having trouble with listings. I am only getting about the 1st 10 or 15 in the grid to fill in for more that a day at a time. These will be up to day 8. The rest show no listings. Only complete for 1 day at a time with full channel listings. Not sure what is happening here. Will run some more analysis this weekend.
The analog panasonic model 85? has all listings, but I do not have the codes to get into the TVGOS diagnostic screens.
Michael

I find it amazing that Comcast is still telling people that you have to "upgrade to Digital", which is something like $50 a month (more) because of the DTV transition.. and getting away with it. A friend of mine just called and they argued with him that no adapters are provided for free and he MUST upgrade to still have any TV.

Not sure about what you mean. I've received two letters in the mail informing me that Comcast is removing some of the analog tier and that I can get a STB or (2) DTAs for absolutely nothing.

No one is forcing any upgrades or "getting away" with anything. No good deed goes unpunished. I think Comcast has handled this very well and given people who only have analog a very fair deal.

According to the mailer we received, East Cobb will lose Extended Basic analog channels on 11 August.

I find it amazing that Comcast is still telling people that you have to "upgrade to Digital", which is something like $50 a month (more) because of the DTV transition.. and getting away with it. A friend of mine just called and they argued with him that no adapters are provided for free and he MUST upgrade to still have any TV.

Comcast hasn't done that with us, and in fact the recent mailer provided a web address and ID number to order two DTAs. Having said that, contract personnel who work for Comcast often are rather...inexperienced, to put it very nicely.

No one is forcing any upgrades or "getting away" with anything. No good deed goes unpunished. I think Comcast has handled this very well and given people who only have analog a very fair deal.

Analog service was the one trump card that Comcast could play against any other provider. They have elected to go for the big money with HD and PPV subscribers. It is a business decision on their part and for their sake I hope it works for them. Folks who want a basic cable channel package may find satellite or U-Verse (assuming they're one of the few that are eligible to get it) or other service utilizing STBs provides better value than Comcast. I don't know that I would classify Comcast's transition to all digital a "good deed." There are no doubt many folks who have happily paid their bills for decades and have several old TVs, VCRs, DVD recorders, etc. hooked up to receive analog cable. We have three sets that we use regularly to receive analog cable. After the two DTAs, each additional DTA is $1.99 a month, not a huge amount but some folks might question the fairness of the deal considering the $1.99 a month is a new additional charge. Comcast certainly could have instituted a better clear QAM numbering system for folks using clear QAM tuners, but of course this would make it easier not to use STBs, which wouldn't be beneficial to Comcast. Overall I would say digital delivery benefits the provider far more than the consumer, at least in the value and ease of use department. The benefit to the consumer is a (sometimes) better SD picture and more channels, especially HD channels. Of course more channels still must be paid for.

Comcast hasn't officially transitioned my neighborhood to digital yet, and hasn't offered DTA's. But they have moved WPBA from channel 16 to the digital tier, thereby depriving me of a local broadcast channel except on the set connected through their STB. I feel this is a significant loss of service without a fee reduction.

Comcast hasn't officially transitioned my neighborhood to digital yet, and hasn't offered DTA's. But they have moved WPBA from channel 16 to the digital tier, thereby depriving me of a local broadcast channel except on the set connected through their STB. I feel this is a significant loss of service without a fee reduction.

Where are you located? Have you checked to see if you can order DTAs or a STB? I was able to do so even before the letter came informing me about them removing the analogs. If you can, then order them and you're all set. If not, I would assume you'll be able to get them very soon.

Anyone know why we just got ION in HD, which is a useless channel, but WPCH is only lit up in HD to show the Braves and shows a test pattern on 802 the remaining times?

Isn't it a broadcast channel? They are dedicating the bandwidth to it anyway, so why not show it 7/24/365?

Yesterday, I recorded two bowling matches and one Nascar race.
When I tried to watch the bowling matches(ESPNHD), first one froze video only with sound working correctly.
Second bowling match, didn't get past first 5 minutes of watching, video froze with sound working correctly.
Nascar Race(TNTHD) played back correctly.
In both cases, cycling power did not help. FF & RWD did not help.
The DVR is DCT 6416, S/W:75.59 -a25p2-2.s1.r-8: F/W: 16.53

Any ideas on problem other than swapping out DVR?

Thanks.
Comcast Cable, Marietta, GA 30064 area

Anyone know why we just got ION in HD, which is a useless channel, but WPCH is only lit up in HD to show the Braves and shows a test pattern on 802 the remaining times?

Isn't it a broadcast channel? They are dedicating the bandwidth to it anyway, so why not show it 7/24/365?

WPCH does have some other HD content, and they will be getting the SEC football games that WATL had last year with the new ESPN deal, so hopefully Comcast will just make it full-time by September...

Yesterday, I recorded two bowling matches and one Nascar race.
When I tried to watch the bowling matches(ESPNHD), first one froze video only with sound working correctly.
Second bowling match, didn't get past first 5 minutes of watching, video froze with sound working correctly.
Nascar Race(TNTHD) played back correctly.
In both cases, cycling power did not help. FF & RWD did not help.
The DVR is DCT 6416, S/W:75.59 -a25p2-2.s1.r-8: F/W: 16.53

Any ideas on problem other than swapping out DVR?

Thanks.
Comcast Cable, Marietta, GA 30064 area

I normally record the Newshour on PBS. Now that we have 2 PBS HD stations I've tried recording either one and get freezes and a lot of digital noise on 808 and just different artifacts on 816. It seems when I was watching 808 live the other day it was perfect, suggesting it's the DVR. I wonder if erasing and formatting the entire DVR hard drive would assist in cleaning things up (I'm pretty sure there's a way to do this). I'm in Poncey-Highlands on the Vinings headend.

WPCH does have some other HD content, and they will be getting the SEC football games that WATL had last year with the new ESPN deal, so hopefully Comcast will just make it full-time by September...

It should be noted too, according to wikipedia (so it's probably is wrong) Ion is 720p 30fps. Wasted bandwidth yes, but probably a little less than the other locals in bandwidth. And it seems like they didn't pick up any of the subchannels as well.

Michael and ChrisC47,
I've noticed that all the Host Channels on my Sony DHG's and my LG DVR indicate that the Host Channel is 19-0. I'm getting full 8 day listing and I'm OTA only. Since WGCL is still broadcasting in analog that looping DTV transition video, do you think the TVGOS info is still being sent on the analog channel? I guess I was expecting to see 19-1 as the Host Channel after the transition. Am I wrong to assume that? Thanks.
Chris

I normally record the Newshour on PBS. Now that we have 2 PBS HD stations I've tried recording either one and get freezes and a lot of digital noise on 808 and just different artifacts on 816.

I record and watch the NewsHour via WPBA HD every night and it's always pristine. WGTV might be fine too but WPBA had a better signal when I set this up a year ago so I stay with them.

I've noticed that all the Host Channels on my Sony DHG's and my LG DVR indicate that the Host Channel is 19-0. I'm getting full 8 day listing and I'm OTA only. Since WGCL is still broadcasting in analog that looping DTV transition video, do you think the TVGOS info is still being sent on the analog channel? I guess I was expecting to see 19-1 as the Host Channel after the transition. Am I wrong to assume that? Thanks.
Chris

So you've got OTA only connected to your devices? I'm just verifying since this is the Comcast thread.

Good point about the TVGOS continuing during the nightlight phase; I supposed they might still be feeding it. However, it's actually not clear to me whether WGCL ever had pure analog (VBI) TVGOS. I think Gemstar only had a national agreement with CBS for digital TVGOS via their ATSC carrier, and that analog TVGOS died with PBS analogs dropping (including WGTV dropping theirs on Feb 17th in this market). Anyway, the nightlight analog carrier is due to be shut down on the 26th (Friday) so that variable will go away soon enough.

You say host=19, and that's WGCL's ATSC carrier RF channel. Therefore your device must be getting it digitally. I'm afraid I don't know much about the -0 vs -1 in the debug display. Note that the digital TVGOS data will just be another PID in their 19 multiplex, not necessarily associated with a particular service (-1), so the -0 or -1 might not be referring to service number at all.

Michael and ChrisC47,
I've noticed that all the Host Channels on my Sony DHG's and my LG DVR indicate that the Host Channel is 19-0. I'm getting full 8 day listing and I'm OTA only. Since WGCL is still broadcasting in analog that looping DTV transition video, do you think the TVGOS info is still being sent on the analog channel? I guess I was expecting to see 19-1 as the Host Channel after the transition. Am I wrong to assume that? Thanks.
Chris
19 is the actual RF for 46.1, so it will not show any -number after it. Also, if you are OTA only, then the local OTA forum might have a little more info, but an even better place would be the TVGOS or Sony DHG forums in dealing with host channels.
I am not showing a host at all on both my DVRs, but still get the full 8 days of listings.
I do not think that analog 46 was ever carrying the analog TVGOS, only the digital stream. Before the cutoff, I got the analog via channel 2 (analog).
Michael

Solderbot,

Comcast is upgrading to all digital platform on an area by area basis in Metro Atlanta. You will recieve a letter about two months before your area converts (Central Cobb happening 7/14, other areas mid august, many have not recieved letters yet). Truly "basic" cable is channels 1-20. I assume you have extended basic (through 70ish). If so yes you will need the free (2 per household) adapters to recieve above channel 20. You can go to www.comcast.com/digitalnow and check your account, but i assume your area is not yet ready for the transition.

Received my letter a couple of weeks ago. I live in Kennesaw/Acworth area, just off I-75 Exit 273. Went to the Comcast.com/digitalnow (http://comcast.com/digitalnow) page and ordered an adapter.

Very easy, took a couple of minutes. Chose the mail delivery with self-install option.

We have two TVs: one big screen HDTV with HD set top box, but we have an older 19" analog TV back in the office. Sometime in the future I'm going to get a small LCD for there, but even then will need one of these adapters to watch the channels.

I live in Cherokee County, with the old Adelphia boxes. I have not gotten my letter yet, but went ahead and got my two free DTA boxes.

Weird, I'm in Marietta near Roswell (stone mountain head end) and they wouldn't even allow me to get the boxes yet. Guess that means our area is a ways off.

Weird, I'm in Marietta near Roswell (stone mountain head end) and they wouldn't even allow me to get the boxes yet. Guess that means our area is a ways off.


Well, what happens if you go to the web page to order? :confused:

Comcast.com/digitalnow (http://comcast.com/digitalnow)

In the letter they send, they give you a special number to input on that page OR you can input your Comcast account number. If you input your Comcast account number do they tell you to go away or something? Shoo! :p

Got an email Friday morning (the day after I ordered) telling me my adapter was being shipped.

Received a correction mailer yesterday stating that East Cobb will in fact lose Extended Basic analog channels on 14 July.

Ordering the DTAs went quite smooth online and they were delivered quickly. I hooked up one just to make sure it did in fact turn on, and it did, but the DTAs evidently will not pick up any channels until authorized. That's my next project once I get the other DTA hooked up.

Since WGCL shut down their night light service on analog channel 46 OTA, I have not been receiving TVGOS TV Guide data on the VBI of Comcast analog channel 9. I have not had any TV Guide listings come through on my LG DVR all weekend. When I put the LG unit in the TV Guide test mode while tuned to Comcast analog channel 9, it does not indicate any VBI packets coming through.

(I am on the Vinings head end)

Well, we were afraid that might be the case. So to create WGCL analog on RF channel 9, I guess Comcast had been taking the video from a digital WGCL feed (either OTA or direct fiber), but instead of extracting and converting the TVGOS from that same feed, they were drawing the TVGOS data from the analog signal. Too bad if true. Two weeks ago (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16669941#post16669941) it looked to me like this service might continue indefinitely.

Looks like you might have to dig into the TVGOS-CECB hack (http://www.macrovision.com/dtv/10057.htm). At some point I'm going to try it myself, but it's not risen to the top of the pile yet. I've been using manual record timers for months now on my analog TVGOS device.

I've got digital starter with the basic little set top box and a decent HDTV (so I'm missing out as long as I'm tuned to the box). Can we buy a HDTV cable STB off ebay or a buddy and start picking up ESPN etc in HD, or is there an upcharge on digital starter to get HD even if you have your own equipment?

Thanks!

Joel

Since WGCL shut down their night light service on analog channel 46 OTA, I have not been receiving TVGOS TV Guide data on the VBI of Comcast analog channel 9. I have not had any TV Guide listings come through on my LG DVR all weekend. When I put the LG unit in the TV Guide test mode while tuned to Comcast analog channel 9, it does not indicate any VBI packets coming through.

(I am on the Vinings head end)
That's odd. Did not have any problem with cable 9 this weekend in Woodstock (Stone Mountian headend). All the analog units had 8 days listings, but will re-check it when I get back out there.
Michael

I've got digital starter with the basic little set top box and a decent HDTV (so I'm missing out as long as I'm tuned to the box). Can we buy a HDTV cable STB off ebay or a buddy and start picking up ESPN etc in HD, or is there an upcharge on digital starter to get HD even if you have your own equipment?

Thanks!

Joel

The digital starter package should include the equivalent HD channels that are part of that package. I don't think there is a fee as long as you aren't using Comcast's box, but I'm not positive. I don't pay Comcast an upcharge for HD, but I use a Tivo HD and pay an extra $1.50 for the cable card. I'm not sure how it works outside of Comcast equipment or Tivo. I would think the cost would be the same for an HD box from Comcast as the standard box that you are already using. See if you can swap them out.

I've got digital starter with the basic little set top box and a decent HDTV (so I'm missing out as long as I'm tuned to the box). Can we buy a HDTV cable STB off ebay or a buddy and start picking up ESPN etc in HD, or is there an upcharge on digital starter to get HD even if you have your own equipment?

Thanks!

Joel

With VERY few exceptions (none worth even considering) there is no way for you to buy a cable box and get Comcast to activate it. You'd have to buy a Tivo or similar cablecard-equipped device to get anything beyond locals.

Received my letter a couple of weeks ago. I live in Kennesaw/Acworth area, just off I-75 Exit 273. Went to the Comcast.com/digitalnow (http://comcast.com/digitalnow) page and ordered an adapter.

Very easy, took a couple of minutes. Chose the mail delivery with self-install option.

We have two TVs: one big screen HDTV with HD set top box, but we have an older 19" analog TV back in the office. Sometime in the future I'm going to get a small LCD for there, but even then will need one of these adapters to watch the channels.




Weird, I'm in Marietta near Roswell (stone mountain head end) and they wouldn't even allow me to get the boxes yet. Guess that means our area is a ways off.


Well, what happens if you go to the web page to order? :confused:

Comcast.com/digitalnow (http://comcast.com/digitalnow)

In the letter they send, they give you a special number to input on that page OR you can input your Comcast account number. If you input your Comcast account number do they tell you to go away or something? Shoo! :p

Got an email Friday morning (the day after I ordered) telling me my adapter was being shipped.


Got the adapter two days ago, very fast shipping. Now just need to hook it up and activate it.

I have friends who are getting more channels than they are paying for right now -- with this new adapter box system they are going to be crying.

New channels showed up in Zap2It World of More listings on the 1st. The only one I can confirm active is Gran Cine -521. The rest are TMCXHD -741, SHOWXHD - 734, HBOZHD -706, HBOLAHD - 709, and HBO2HD - 703

No problems with TVGOS and Comcast cable at my girlfriends out in Woodstock. Check each machine, all had 8 days of listings and showing the correct host channel.
Michael

I'm in Sandy Springs and I have my Sony XBR6 set hooked up to cable with no box. TVGOS doesn't work any more; the screen says the channel now requires a digital converter. Any tips on getting it back? All analog stations from 32-78 went away yesterday.

I'm in Sandy Springs and I have my Sony XBR6 set hooked up to cable with no box. TVGOS doesn't work any more; the screen says the channel now requires a digital converter. Any tips on getting it back? All analog stations from 32-78 went away yesterday.
Did you not get a notice about the change? And about the DTAs? You are with Comcast I presume? If so, channel 9 was setup as the host station for TVGOS. It is working in Woodstock. It is the analog version whcih Comcast set up just for TVGOS. What is your headend? Have you checked your diagnostic screens to see what it shows for a host channel?
Michael

I have the DTAs, and we got a notice in May. I don't want to hook up the XBR6 to the DTA because we'll lose the HDTV. Can I get TVGOS without the DTA? TVGOS seems irrelevant with the DTA.

P.S. How do I know what my headend is?

I have the DTAs, and we got a notice in May. I don't want to hook up the XBR6 to the DTA because we'll lose the HDTV. Can I get TVGOS without the DTA? TVGOS seems irrelevant with the DTA.
I would think you should be able to still get TVGOS as channel 9 is the analog Comcast feed. Call Comcast and ask to speak with an engineer about it. I spoke with Kevin (I think ) when we had some issuse in Woodstock. They also can tell you what headend you are on.
Michael

Finally figured it all out. It was working but I had to edit all the channel information to assign the correct channel information to the Guide. It works great, except for a few channels that don't seem to appear on the guide info like RTV and the NBC US feed.

Thanks.

Finally figured it all out. It was working but I had to edit all the channel information to assign the correct channel information to the Guide. It works great, except for a few channels that don't seem to appear on the guide info like RTV and the NBC US feed.

Thanks.
That sounds good. Glad it is working. Did you mean RTN? the retro channel?
If so, it is listed as WSBR. And for the NBC sports feed, there is not a channel that I have found in the editor which matches it. Maybe some day when all the bugs are ironed out, TVGOS will have time to clean up these.
Michael
Checked and found out it is RTV now. Had not paid attention to the change.

That sounds good. Glad it is working. Did you mean RTN? the retro channel?
If so, it is listed as WSBR. And for the NBC sports feed, there is not a channel that I have found in the editor which matches it. Maybe some day when all the bugs are ironed out, TVGOS will have time to clean up these.
Michael
Checked and found out it is RTV now. Had not paid attention to the change.

So WSBR is RTV?

So WSBR is RTV?
WSBR is 2.2 OTA. I think that stands for retro. You can remap your Comcast channel number to that and you will get listings. I do not remember what number Comcast is using for that. With clear QAM it was 98.248, but with a cable box or card it is just a 3 digit number.
Michael

WSBR is 2.2 OTA. I think that stands for retro. You can remap your Comcast channel number to that and you will get listings. I do not remember what number Comcast is using for that. With clear QAM it was 98.248, but with a cable box or card it is just a 3 digit number.
Michael

Not using cable box, just the QAM. Thanks. I'll see if I can find the call letters in the guide. I think 98.248 is right.

Speaking of QAM, I have a problem with the scan on cable once it scan the channel it automatic remove the scramble channels, it starts removing the local HD channels and then gets locked up on 14-1. This start after the showdown of the analog channels. I have a samsung plasma. I checked the channels listed after the scan and find that 14-1 is listed over 20 times in the listed. What would cause it to multple this one channel? Has anyone else had this problem with 14-1.?

In north cherokee county (Canton) our HD channels are in the 200s. Today I found a second CBS HD station on 809 like the regular Atlanta line-up. Can anybody else with the north cherokee line-up confirm this? I am hoping this is a step in the right direction.

Well, today was the day Comcast supposedly dropped analog in my area (NW Cobb - Marietta/Kennesaw) and increase HD (FoxNews, Bravo, etc.). Unfortunately now new HD, either the mailer was wrong or someone dropped the ball. I just chatted with support and they were useless. Nice, but useless. Said they only have a channel listing that matches my current ones w/o th new ones and they asked me to check back in 48 hours to see if "their system has a new record of channels in my area". I'm thinking maybe the switch was delayed as I noticed the date of the 14th was changed to the 21st on the tvs at my gym which is right around the corner. Bummer!

Well, today was the day Comcast supposedly dropped analog in my area (NW Cobb - Marietta/Kennesaw) and increase HD (FoxNews, Bravo, etc.). Unfortunately now new HD, either the mailer was wrong or someone dropped the ball.

They were only scheduled to drop the analogs yesterday. None of the mailings or other information said they would immediately, the same day, replace the analogs with HD channels. Give it a little time.

In East Cobb the analog channels above 30 were still on this afternoon.

When Comcast does away with the analogs, I would think the additional channels, including HD, would be added rather quickly. It wouldn't make much sense to leave the spectrum empty for any extended period.

In East Cobb the analog channels above 30 were still on this afternoon.

When Comcast does away with the analogs, I would think the additional channels, including HD, would be added rather quickly. It wouldn't make much sense to leave the spectrum empty for any extended period.

I checked and found the same. I agree we'll see new HD soon, but was just making the point that it could be a few days. I wouldn't be surprised if they said 7/14 for analog removal but will wait a few days to give stragglers time to get their DTAs delivered and setup.

I noticed a scroll over a show that was recorded that indicated 7/21 instead of 7/14.

All of the new HD channels are up as of 7.15 in north Sandy Springs. Don't have time to list them now, but they appear to be the same ones mentioned a couple pages back.

Anyone have news on Dunwoody getting new HD channels? I've been waiting (impatiently) for a while now, and am nearly fed up.

Anyone have news on Dunwoody getting new HD channels? I've been waiting (impatiently) for a while now, and am nearly fed up.

I am there with you. Looks like everyone is getting the new channels except Dunwoody.

I haven't even gotten a notice in the mail about them reducing my Analog stations. I am assume they'll have to reduce the number of analog stations before they can start adding new HD channels. I tried to sign up online for the DTA box and it wouldn't let me, so I guess we'll have to wait and see.

When I talked to Comcast two months ago, they said we would have new HD channels by the end of the summer along with ESPNU. End of the summer being August.

If you ask, they will take off $10 your bill for 6 months to retain you as a customer. Tell them you are leaving for Direct TV or something

Anyone have news on Dunwoody getting new HD channels? I've been waiting (impatiently) for a while now, and am nearly fed up.
I just got a notice in the mail today from Comcast that they'll be transitioning channels 30 to 78 to digital on September 15th. I live near the intersection of Ashford-Dunwoody and Nancy Creek. The notice stated that customers are entitled to two free DTA boxes or one digital box for the transition.

I'm looking forward to more HD channels in a couple of months.

I just got a notice in the mail today from Comcast that they'll be transitioning channels 30 to 78 to digital on September 15th. I live near the intersection of Ashford-Dunwoody and Nancy Creek. The notice stated that customers are entitled to two free DTA boxes or one digital box for the transition.

I'm looking forward to more HD channels in a couple of months.

I just got the notice in the mail today also. Looks like we'll be getting new HD channels on Sept 15th.

I hope they hook us up with ESPNU before then. The comcast rep I talked to a month a go said ESPNU would be ready by football season.

What is the model number of the current non-dvr HD cable box that Comcast is using in the area?

In north cherokee county (Canton) our HD channels are in the 200s. Today I found a second CBS HD station on 809 like the regular Atlanta line-up. Can anybody else with the north cherokee line-up confirm this? I am hoping this is a step in the right direction.

Im in forsyth, but I believe I have the same set up as yours, espn 202, espn2 203, tnt hd 204, etc.

I also see cbs HD on 809 just as you described. After a quick look I didn't find any other new channels.

I just got a notice in the mail today from Comcast that they'll be transitioning channels 30 to 78 to digital on September 15th. I live near the intersection of Ashford-Dunwoody and Nancy Creek. The notice stated that customers are entitled to two free DTA boxes or one digital box for the transition.

I'm looking forward to more HD channels in a couple of months.

Anyone know if this would extend to Norcross as well? My parents are really annoyed that they're paying the same as folks in Johns Creek and getting half the HD...

Anyone know if this would extend to Norcross as well? My parents are really annoyed that they're paying the same as folks in Johns Creek and getting half the HD...

Have they gotten a letter from Comcast in the mail yet stating that they are dropping channels above 30 and they will need to get a digital box? Before Comcast can roll out new HD channels they must switch the channels 30 and above over to digital.

I received the letter on Saturday. I think Norcross would also be upgraded but I don't know. The letter mentioned North Dekalb as the area that is being upgraded to digital.

I just got my letter today. September 15th is definitely the day that the transition of many analogs to the digital tier is happening, which I assume will coincide with new HD channels. Very excited, I just wish it were happening sooner! Last I talked to Comcast, I was assured it would be happening by the end of July, but I suppose at least I know its coming for sure now.

I've ordered two DTAs for my non-HD sets in my bedroom and gym. Not looking forward to hooking these up to my old Series2 TiVos....

OK, what happened? :confused:

I've been out of the country for two weeks, I get back and I'm expecting to see more HD channels in the 800 tier. Nada, nothing.

I live in Acworth/Kennesaw area and was promised changes by July 11th.

It's now July 21.

I know Johns Creek went like a month or two ago and Norcross is going in September, but we were promised July 11th! :mad:

I was just told by a Comcast customer service rep. that Norcross is not scheduled to transition to digital until November.

OK, what happened? :confused:

I've been out of the country for two weeks, I get back and I'm expecting to see more HD channels in the 800 tier. Nada, nothing.

I live in Acworth/Kennesaw area and was promised changes by July 11th.

It's now July 21.

I know Johns Creek went like a month or two ago and Norcross is going in September, but we were promised July 11th! :mad:

Delayed till the 21st. I would expect to see more HD coming Wed or Thur after the switch.

OK, what happened? :confused:

I've been out of the country for two weeks, I get back and I'm expecting to see more HD channels in the 800 tier. Nada, nothing.

I live in Acworth/Kennesaw area and was promised changes by July 11th.

It's now July 21.

I know Johns Creek went like a month or two ago and Norcross is going in September, but we were promised July 11th! :mad:

I posted this same question and people yelled at me. Apparently the letters we got (which I read the exact same way you did) in fact did not promise HD on the 11th. It just promised the switch to all digital and the fact that new HD is in our future...but not on the 11th. I was hoping today would be the day since I think they post-poned our area to the 21st for the all digital switch. I've been very pleased with Comcast lately (yes, I know, its a rare thing to read but after the endless hell DirecTV put me through Comcast has been aces) but this has me peeved. I've "talked" with the online reps twice and they couldn't help me as they said "try again in 48 hours" and "we have no record of new HD for your area yet and will not know when, try again in a few days". The email response I got back was even worse. This is soooo annoying, stick to a date damnit!

Can anyone in Johns Creek confirm if after the digital switch Comcast is still squeezing 3 HD channels into 1 QAM frequency? I know they are doing this for a few channels (AMC + 2 others in one) prior to the switch and on larger sets the picture quality suffered. I'm hoping that with the analog spectrum gone they can go back to 2 HD per QAM.

Delayed till the 21st. I would expect to see more HD coming Wed or Thur after the switch.

I posted this same question and people yelled at me. Apparently the letters we got (which I read the exact same way you did) in fact did not promise HD on the 11th. It just promised the switch to all digital and the fact that new HD is in our future...but not on the 11th. I was hoping today would be the day since I think they post-poned our area to the 21st for the all digital switch. I've been very pleased with Comcast lately (yes, I know, its a rare thing to read but after the endless hell DirecTV put me through Comcast has been aces) but this has me peeved. I've "talked" with the online reps twice and they couldn't help me as they said "try again in 48 hours" and "we have no record of new HD for your area yet and will not know when, try again in a few days". The email response I got back was even worse. This is soooo annoying, stick to a date damnit!

Thanks for both your replies. OK, then I hope the HD changes are this week for my area.

I've been a Comcast supporter after spending years being nickel and dimed and lied to by BellSouth (now AT&T). For the past 3 years, I've been happy with Comcast internet and cable. But in the past year DirecTV and now AT&T are beating Comcast in HD offerings, so I hope they get the competitive spirit and catch up!

Here in East Cobb all the Extended Basic channels above 30 now have a "nightlight" message that they are digital. So the process has in fact started, the question is how long it will take to put the HD channels on.

OK, what happened? :confused:

I've been out of the country for two weeks, I get back and I'm expecting to see more HD channels in the 800 tier. Nada, nothing.

I live in Acworth/Kennesaw area and was promised changes by July 11th.

It's now July 21.

I know Johns Creek went like a month or two ago and Norcross is going in September, but we were promised July 11th! :mad:


UPDATE:

This afternoon the post office delivered the 2 weeks worth of accumulated mail that had been held since I was out of the country.

In that stack is a letter from Comcast --dated July 10 -- stating the digital changeover is now happening August 11. August 11? The day before they were supposed to pull the analog channels (30-78) they delay it by a month? :confused:

Additionally, in that stack was a cardboard mailer also stating the date is August 11.

Anybody know anything else about this? First it was July 11, then July 21, now August 11? :mad:

UPDATE:

This afternoon the post office delivered the 2 weeks worth of accumulated mail that had been held since I was out of the country.

In that stack is a letter from Comcast --dated July 10 -- stating the digital changeover is now happening August 11. August 11? The day before they were supposed to pull the analog channels (30-78) they delay it by a month? :confused:

Additionally, in that stack was a cardboard mailer also stating the date is August 11.

Anybody know anything else about this? First it was July 11, then July 21, now August 11? :mad:

I'm assuming you're talking about the Kennesaw area in Cobb. 7/14 was the date. Comcast sent a letter that was in error that said 8/11, and then they sent a postcard correcting the error.

As of today, they have shut off the extended basic analogs as promised. Now it's just a matter of how long until the frequencies are reprovisioned for HD or whatever else.

I'm assuming you're talking about the Kennesaw area in Cobb. 7/14 was the date. Comcast sent a letter that was in error that said 8/11, and then they sent a postcard correcting the error.

As of today, they have shut off the extended basic analogs as promised. Now it's just a matter of how long until the frequencies are reprovisioned for HD or whatever else.

I am talking about the Kennesaw/Acworth area, but the letter says the cut off date is August 11, not TODAY (July 21). I can scan the letter and post it if you want proof. ;) But it says,

"Effective August 11, 2009 all Expanded Basic cable channels (30-78) will be transmitted exclusively in digital format."

I just turned on my office TV, which is CRT hooked straight to cable jack and all the expanded basic channels are still there. I live just off I-75 Wade Green Exit.

I'm not complaining about the analog cut off. Bring it on! I want my extra HD channels. But Comcast doesn't seem to be able to do anything right with this switch. :rolleyes: Maybe my subdivision will be August 11.

I am talking about the Kennesaw/Acworth area, but the letter says the cut off date is August 11, not TODAY (July 21). I can scan the letter and post it if you want proof. ;) But it says,

Chazz, many in our area got the letter saying 08/11 and then received ANOTHER letter after that saying the 08/11 was in error. The last letter received said the 08/11 was in error and 07/11 was the date. But then once 07/11 passed we found out that some channels had a crawl saying the new date was 07/21. So its a cluster all the way around.

Chazz, many in our area got the letter saying 08/11 and then received ANOTHER letter after that saying the 08/11 was in error. The last letter received said the 08/11 was in error and 07/11 was the date. But then once 07/11 passed we found out that some channels had a crawl saying the new date was 07/21. So its a cluster all the way around.

Yep. Even today I on the office CRT hooked straight to cable jack, still getting all the expanded basic channels. So, no analog cut off. Must be August 11 after all for my subdivision?

I have the adapter box but I have not installed it yet on that :)TV because I want quick verification when Comcast cuts off the analog. Then I know the HD channels are coming for the big screen TV in the living room!

Yep. Even today I on the office CRT hooked straight to cable jack, still getting all the expanded basic channels. So, no analog cut off. Must be August 11 after all for my subdivision?

Could be your area is in fact different. Here in West Cobb we lost the expanded basic analogs earlier this week. I can confirm they are no longer available.

At least you guys are getting notices. Here in Decatur, I've yet to see a single card indicating the switch to digital or new HD channels, so who knows when we'll see them.

My part of West Cobb ( Barrett Pkwy @ Dallas Hwy ) has had the analogs above 30 removed. However, now that I see what they are doing, i.e. broadcasting a this channel is now digital message, the analog spectrum has not yet been freed. I am assuming that we will get the HD the same day they stop broadcasting the analog message which should be one to two weeks

My part of West Cobb ( Barrett Pkwy @ Dallas Hwy ) has had the analogs above 30 removed. However, now that I see what they are doing, i.e. broadcasting a this channel is now digital message, the analog spectrum has not yet been freed. I am assuming that we will get the HD the same day they stop broadcasting the analog message which should be one to two weeks

I'm right down the street from you and what you stated is what I'm seeing and assumed. Where did you hear they would stop broadcasting the message in 1 - 2 weeks?

I'm right down the street from you and what you stated is what I'm seeing and assumed. Where did you hear they would stop broadcasting the message in 1 - 2 weeks?

Probably Aug 11, like my letter says. :p

==============

And I'm still getting all the analog channels clear on the office CRT TV. No message or anything.

I live just off I-75N, on Wade Green exit. It's Kennesaw with an Acworth zip code if that makes any sense. :) We are a pocket of Acworth surrounded by Kennesaw. I tell people we live in Kennesaw to save explanations.

When WPBA (analog 16) went digital it took awhile for the "nightlight" message to go away. Can't recall exactly how long but I believe it was more than two weeks. The August 11 date actually sounds about right. It will probably take Comcast awhile to move channels around in preparation for the HD additions.

How's about everyone fix a nice big margarita or other elixir of your choice, chill out, and enjoy the weekend. If the new HD you want comes on, watch it! If not, get out and recreate, hit the workplace next week, fix another margarita, rinse and repeat. Even my high school teacher said everything comes to the man who waits. I like HD but I do most of my TV watching (while exercising) on a late 1980s-vintage 27” Sony XBR that still looks great but is decidedly low-def. HD is certainly nice but not a requirement to enjoy TV.

I'm right down the street from you and what you stated is what I'm seeing and assumed. Where did you hear they would stop broadcasting the message in 1 - 2 weeks?

The 1 to 2 weeks is only an assumption ( i.e. educated guess ) based on what others are posting in this and other forums. I can't see them leaving the nightlight messages on for more than two weeks and HD seems to be coming immediately after. I'll just keep waiting patiently as I know we are in the end game now.

I live just off I-75N, on Wade Green exit. It's Kennesaw with an Acworth zip code if that makes any sense. :) We are a pocket of Acworth surrounded by Kennesaw. I tell people we live in Kennesaw to save explanations.

HA! That is exactly what I tell people. We are a pocket of Kenneseaw surrounded by Marietta. So I tell people Marietta to save explanations. Too funny.

And I've decided to just sit back, relax, drink a beer and wait for 08/11 before I bother Comcast again.

HD is certainly nice but not a requirement to enjoy TV.

I watch mainly sports and movies and on the 61" Samsung in our family room, and they look best in HD. I'm not sitting around checking the guide every 10 min looking for new HD, but it would be nice if Comcast gave an outside date that these new channels would be added, rather than the endless speculation.

Does anyone have any idea what's going on with QAM lately?

There doesn't seem to be any sort of up-to-date information about what channels are available and the ones I manage to find seem to jump around quite a bit.

The most recent example is that 46.1 no longer exists. My tuner used to pick it up from the cable coming out of the wall, but now it's gone. I still get 2.1, 5.1, 11.1 etc. but for some reason CBS just vanished.

Anyone have an updated QAM list?

The most recent example is that 46.1 no longer exists. My tuner used to pick it up from the cable coming out of the wall, but now it's gone. I still get 2.1, 5.1, 11.1 etc. but for some reason CBS just vanished.

Anyone have an updated QAM list?

No QAM list, but I did find CBS HD (46.1) on something like 108.40 or something like that when I rescanned. Even if you get a QAM listing, Comcast seems to reshuffle the deck every few weeks, so someone would need to maintain it. Now that I type that, I recall someone linking to a site that was doing it. I'll dig for the link and post it if I can find it.

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us

tracks the clear qam listings nicely.

Suuhhhweeeet! The channels are here, the channels are here! Not working right yet but they are in the guide. Saw FXHD and FBNHD when using the HD button.

End of last week, my sister who lives in the western part of Kennesaw (way down Barrett Parkway) called me because 4 of their TVs no longer get Comcast cable. :cool:

Their main TV in the living room is newish 36" LCD HDTV with HD set top box -- and it was fine -- but all the other LCD TVs in the house are connected straight to cable jack and were not getting a signal anymore. She wanted to know if they needed converter boxes and could she use the spare FCC coupons I had left over for our parents TVs? :rolleyes:

By the time I got the message and called her back, they had figured it out (but she was still a little confused about the FCC coupons). Her husband had ignored all the Comcast letters these past few months -- and all my warning emails on the subject -- because their household was "digital ready". :p

So, Saturday he went down to Comcast and got 2 free adapter boxes. I told her he better go get two more (which will increase their monthly cable bill a few dollars) if they wanted TV in those other rooms. She asked me if there was "any way" around that. No.

====

And I can't wait for August 11 when my neighborhood is scheduled to change!

Suuhhhweeeet! The channels are here, the channels are here! Not working right yet but they are in the guide. Saw FXHD and FBNHD when using the HD button.

I wished they hadn't killed some of the older channels during the upgrade, though. I can't get A&E HD, for instance.

Central Cobb Conversion:

All Channels now available:
817 - WE HD
818 - Green Planet HD
819 - Biography HD
820 - QVC HD
821 - ESPN News HD
822 - CBS College Sports HDTV
824 - Big Ten Network HD
825 - BET HD
826 - CMT HD
828 - E! HD
829 - Style HD
831 - Fox Business HD
832 - The Weather Channel HD
836 - CNBC HD
837 - Fox News HD
843 - FX HD
851 - VH1 HD
853 - MTV HD
855 - Lifetime HD
860 - Travel HD
862 - Cartoon Network HD
863 - Nickelodeon HD
866 - Disney Extreme HD
868 - Comedy Central HD
871 - TVONE HD
872 - Bravo HD
873 - Fuse HD
875 - Speed HD
876 - G4 HD
878 - Spike HD
881 - NHL Network
882 - NBA TV HD
894 - MGM HD
896 - Hallmark HD
897 - Lifetime Movies HD
898 - IFC HD
899 - Encore HD

in Sandy Springs last night. Does anyone know if they brodacast in HD? If so, is Comcast going to broadcast it in HD?

in Sandy Springs last night. Does anyone know if they brodacast in HD? If so, is Comcast going to broadcast it in HD?

Yes, they do broadcast in HD.

And with the SEC's new TV deal with ESPN, there are going to be many more SEC football and basketball games on ESPNU. I would be shocked if Comcast adds only the SD channel. I would hope the HD channel would be up by Labor Day (ie the beginning of football season).

Central Cobb Conversion:

New:
817 - WE HD
818 - Green Planet HD
819 - Biography HD
820 - QVC HD
821 - ESPN News HD
831 - Fox Business HD
836 - CNBC HD
837 - Fox News HD
843 - FX HD
866 - Disney Extreme HD
872 - Bravo HD
873 - Fuse HD
875 - Speed HD
894 - MGM HD
896 - Hallmark HD
897 - Lifetime Movies HD
899 - Encore HD

Still not available:
822 - CBS College Sports HDTV
824 - Big Ten Network HD
825 - BET HD
826 - CMT HD
828 - E! HD
829 - Style HD
832 - The Weather Channel HD
851 - VH1 HD
853 - MTV HD
855 - Lifetime HD
860 - Travel HD
862 - Cartoon Network HD
863 - Nickelodeon HD
868 - Comedy Central HD
871 - TVONE HD
876 - G4 HD
878 - Spike HD
881 - NHL Network
882 - NBA TV HD
898 - IFC HD


By "still not available," do you mean they're showing up in the guide but not available yet? Or that they haven't shown up at all? Because the channels on that first list are significantly less compelling than those on the second list. Living in a Red State, it's easy to suppose that the Fox News channels would get priority, but it probably has more to do with with those being cheaper channels to carry. Regardless, there are a lot more channels on that second list that interest me more. Wondering if we'll get different stuff ITP.

By "still not available," do you mean they're showing up in the guide but not available yet? Or that they haven't shown up at all? Because the channels on that first list are significantly less compelling than those on the second list. Living in a Red State, it's easy to suppose that the Fox News channels would get priority, but it probably has more to do with with those being cheaper channels to carry. Regardless, there are a lot more channels on that second list that interest me more. Wondering if we'll get different stuff ITP.


Not available meaning they arent on the guide yet. But they are available in John's creek, which did the conversion a month or two back. So i would hope and assume they are coming.

The first thing my wife did when I told her the channels were here this morning was check 855 (Lifetime) and it worked. I will check the rest later, but would guess that they were still in transition last night.

Central Cobb Conversion:

New:
817 - WE HD
818 - Green Planet HD
819 - Biography HD
820 - QVC HD
821 - ESPN News HD
831 - Fox Business HD
836 - CNBC HD
837 - Fox News HD
843 - FX HD
866 - Disney Extreme HD
872 - Bravo HD
873 - Fuse HD
875 - Speed HD
894 - MGM HD
896 - Hallmark HD
897 - Lifetime Movies HD
899 - Encore HD

Still not available:
822 - CBS College Sports HDTV
824 - Big Ten Network HD
825 - BET HD
826 - CMT HD
828 - E! HD
829 - Style HD
832 - The Weather Channel HD
851 - VH1 HD
853 - MTV HD
855 - Lifetime HD
860 - Travel HD
862 - Cartoon Network HD
863 - Nickelodeon HD
868 - Comedy Central HD
871 - TVONE HD
876 - G4 HD
878 - Spike HD
881 - NHL Network
882 - NBA TV HD
898 - IFC HD


Based on what I've read elsewhere, I think this will give (when your area gets it) everyone in ATL just about all the HD channels available in Comcast's other cities. The only additional ones I know of are MSNBC HD, ESPNU HD and Tennis Channel HD which are in a couple of other cities in the US - so we'll probably have them in the near future.

I myself would like to see Turner Classic Movies go HD. Cablevision in NYC is carrying TCM in upconverted HD, rather than native HD - because TCM's studio facilities have not been upgraded to HD status and many movies would have to be re-converted to HD digital format. Word is that even after the upconversion without remastering, the upconverted movies look better in HD, so maybe Comcast will roll this it out in the future.

All channels now available. Previous post updated.

ESPNU SD on 298 as mentioned previously, though not on my package (digital starter).

Can someone who has capability see if they are squeezing 3 HD channels into one QAM and therefore downrezzing the picture?

Thanks.

hmmm, not seeing them in Lawrenceville yet, should I?

Douglasville is still in the HD dark, and I haven't gotten any communications from Comcast indicating that they have a plan to upgrade our HD lineup any time soon. On the good side, I won't need to get any boxes to make my existing TVs work...

I'm assuming everyone has seen that NFL Network has obviously changed packages. It was on a "sports" package, and now it's coming in clear on my system. I think they moved Espn Classic to the "sports" package.

Also thanks for the heads up on EspnU on 298.....

I'm in Peactree City. The newbies haven't made it to here yet, but I assume we are in the queue.

I live in the City of Atlanta (NW), and have received no word at all about the conversion...my friend clued me in though so I went ahead and ordered my box for the 1 non-HD TV. I called Comcast and they didn't know when we were getting our new HD channels...anyone have any insight?

I live in the City of Atlanta (NW), and have received no word at all about the conversion...my friend clued me in though so I went ahead and ordered my box for the 1 non-HD TV. I called Comcast and they didn't know when we were getting our new HD channels...anyone have any insight?

I live in the city and originally got a note giving the July 14th conversion date, but later received a postcard saying the conversion had been postponed to a later unspecified date, I have not heard anything else since.

I live in the City of Atlanta (NW), and have received no word at all about the conversion...my friend clued me in though so I went ahead and ordered my box for the 1 non-HD TV. I called Comcast and they didn't know when we were getting our new HD channels...anyone have any insight?

I am in the same boat. I am in NW Atlanta, and a friend of mine that lives across the bridge in Cobb (about 2 miles away) just received the new channels on Monday. Any word on when we should be expecting them?

No easy was of knowing except look for the letter, and if comcast.com/digitalnow lets you order a box you are least scheduled for the near future (a month or two ahead is when they let us order).

I definitely ordered (and received) a box, so I guess that's a good sign

So still no split FSN South/SportSouth? That's going to be an issue on a couple of Saturdays this fall with FSN South picking up a night SEC game in HD and Braves broadcasts on SportSouth in HD... I would say they'd just throw the overflow on 801 but since CSS is also picking up SEC night games I imagine they'll want those in HD as well :)

I definitely ordered (and received) a box, so I guess that's a good sign

You will also start seeing scrolls on analog tv's telling you what the date is. Happened about 2 weeks before it happened for us, but wont show up on any TV's w/ boxs.

So still no split FSN South/SportSouth? That's going to be an issue on a couple of Saturdays this fall with FSN South picking up a night SEC game in HD and Braves broadcasts on SportSouth in HD


SportSouth/FSN has been in HD for a while now on channel 848 in Cobb, but only for the Braves games. I would assume they will light it up full time at some point.

SportSouth/FSN has been in HD for a while now on channel 848 in Cobb, but only for the Braves games. I would assume they will light it up full time at some point.

Full time isn't the problem (although it would be nice, I enjoyed that when I had DirecTV), I'm talking about when both FSN South and SportSouth have a game in HD at the same time, which will be an issue once we get to having overlaps between baseball, college football, basketball and hockey. Last year it caused a few Pac-10 or Big 12 games to not be broadcast in HD, but that's nothing compared to what will happen if they have to choose between a Braves game and an SEC football games!

Ok, it's official. I'm lost. I live in Woodstock and have received the transition letters. We got our two DTA's a few weeks ago, but haven't hooked them up yet.

We have a TiVo HD and a Comcast HD DVR elsewhere in the house - and all the other TV's are analog. I know those analog TV's will need the DTA to get the other channels or be stuck with basic.

Here's where I get lost.. We just got a computer monitor/TV for my husband. He is currently receiving clear QAM channels on it. We're new to using QAM, so please pardon the confusion. Will we need to hook up one of these DTA's to it? And, if so, will he still get those HD channels?

Also... as a side question - a friend of ours is using QAM on his TV. He's only paying for basic, but apparently the filter isn't working and he's getting full standard cable. Will he be SOL when his area is converted as well?

Ok, it's official. I'm lost. I live in Woodstock and have received the transition letters. We got our two DTA's a few weeks ago, but haven't hooked them up yet.

We have a TiVo HD and a Comcast HD DVR elsewhere in the house - and all the other TV's are analog. I know those analog TV's will need the DTA to get the other channels or be stuck with basic.

Here's where I get lost.. We just got a computer monitor/TV for my husband. He is currently receiving clear QAM channels on it. We're new to using QAM, so please pardon the confusion. Will we need to hook up one of these DTA's to it? And, if so, will he still get those HD channels?

Also... as a side question - a friend of ours is using QAM on his TV. He's only paying for basic, but apparently the filter isn't working and he's getting full standard cable. Will he be SOL when his area is converted as well?

Good questions!

Here's the answer as I understand them -- but I may be wrong. So others feel free to jump in.

Your friend who is getting QAM and full cable are the type of people Comcast is targeting in this deal. OTHERWISE you would not need digital boxes for digital TVs -- you would just need digital adapters for analog TVs. ;) But Comcast is finally stressing that ALL -- ALL -- ALL TVs will need some kind of box -- either a full-fledged set top box or one of these digital adapter boxes. From now on you cannot just hook the jack straight to the TV without some kind of box. (and cable card qualifies as an "internal" box). There will be a electronic Comcast device between your TV and the cable line.

Why? To prevent filters from not working or not being installed. Comcast will be able to track every TV using cable and you will see what is authorized according to your billing plan.


Now for your husband's monitor.... Yeah, I think you should have to hook a digital box to it. But I'm not sure about the HD channels you would receive.

ChazMatt,

I think you have correctly summed up what Comcast wants. But this may not happen for a while yet.

In the meantime for QAM devices that are HD capable, put off connecting a DTA. If you connect a DTA, you will lose the HD that is now coming through in via Clear QAM. At this time, all of the other channels tuned by the DTA are being delivered via Clear QAM.

So my recommendation (for now) is to forgo the DTA for devices equipped with a QAM tuner. The drawback is that the channel numbers will not be the same ones you see in the rest of the house. The positive is that HD programming on our local channels will be available.

The only solutions for HD devices from Comcast amount to a pretty large increase to your monthly bill, even after the first device.

ChazzMatt,

Do we know for sure if Comcast is going to encrypt the "basic" non-local, non-HD channels when they go all-QAM (i.e. Discovery, CNN, CNBC, TLC, etc)? Right now they aren't. Is Comcast saying they will be doing that when they are all-digital?

they may not immediately encrypt the the expanded basic channels, but why wouldnt they. when analog cable first rolled onto the scene, homes were not prewired and tv werent cable ready. so the cable company got to charge you for running the wires to every room and for every tv that required a box to get access to their programming.

people got smart and prewired their new homes or rewired their old ones and then the ce companies made analog cable ready tv's. the cable comps lost revenue but to combat that they raised prices..

now we are at the onset of a digital migration/conversion for cable wich gives them back the control ( and $$$) they once had. "the competion requires a box to get access so why not us" that probably the train of thought they are on.

as it stands, you can have a prewired house, an ATSC/QAM tv, an ATSC/QAM DCR tv, a TRU2WAY tv, aTRU2WAY stb, a TRU2WAY sbb, a TIVO, MOXI etc etc and you will not be able to get (extremely difficult) any programming unless

A: you subscribe to their service and they put it onto clear unencrypted QAM..
B: you subscribe to their servive and if encrypted have a Cable Card (QAM-DCR or TRU2WAY) or their STB (which the newer ones have CC in them) or a consumer STB that supports Cable Card (TIVO,Sony etc ) or TRU2WAY (Samsung) or SBB (Sony)

you can thank the cable theives for that..... you may not have been in an area where that goes one buy i have.. only 1 in a 12 unit apt that paid , but everybody had cable. imagine their surpise when all that they can tune into is broadcast nets, home shopping and public access......

for the honest customer all we can hope for is better inernet, better and more hd, and maybe even a price cut on the base subscrition considering all the new stb, dta, and CC rental fee's they get to collect.

SBB = Set Back Box
QAM-DCR = Digital Cable Ready= any cable card tv (or QAM tuner, 1 way host device)

Samsung tru2way device
http://www.samsung.com/us/consumer/detail/detail.do?group=audiovideo&type=digitalsettopbox&subtype=hdtvtuners&model_cd=SMT-H3090/TWC

Sony set back box for newer sony Bravia tvs
http://www.adbglobal.com/?q=node/376

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665090966&tab=featuresTab#features

ChazzMatt,

Do we know for sure if Comcast is going to encrypt the "basic" non-local, non-HD channels when they go all-QAM (i.e. Discovery, CNN, CNBC, TLC, etc)? Right now they aren't. Is Comcast saying they will be doing that when they are all-digital?

Comcast isn't being too specific. To the media, they keep repeating the same talking points over and over without giving new information. But they have said you WILL need an adapter box or set top box to see anything past the basic tier. Having a "digital" TV hooked straight to the cable jack won't work anymore. So, that eliminates QAM, doesn't it?

In fact, read this straight from Comcast:

Q: What about TVs with QAM tuners - can they get signals directly from the cable? (NEW)

A: No. "They would need a digital adapter, a standard set top box (DCT) or a CableCard in order to view the channels," Kipp said. "The first CableCard is free with each additional CableCard costing $1.79 per month." This is because the signals will be scrambled/encrypted, and a device from Comcast is needed to descramble them.

=========
more info: state of Washington (Seatttle, etc) went through this with Comcast earlier this year. Here's a FAQ from the local newspaper with information from Comcast. I bolded the important questions and answers.

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/brierdudley/2008/12/08/some_faqs_on_comcast_digital_s.html


December 8, 2008 4:10 PM

FAQs on Comcast digital switcheroo (update 5 - more QAM and Ch. 25-Cspan2)

Posted by Brier Dudley

People had a lot of great questions after reading today's column about Comcast switching its service in Washington to digital, a move that's going to require nearly every customer to add boxes to every one of their TVs.

The switch will happen on Jan. 14, 2009, according to a draft version of Comcast's press announcement. But spokesman Steve Kipp today said that date is incorrect and perhaps refers to a conversion date in Oregon. It will happen in Washington later in 2009 but Comcast isn't providing a specific date yet.

Here's what the "DTA" converter boxes look like, with a TV and in the kit from Comcast, in pictures provided by the company:


http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/brierdudley/adapter_nextto_tv-thumb-309x335.jpghttp://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/brierdudley/adapter_in_kit-thumb-309x206.jpg


Here are some questions and answers. I forwarded additional questions to Comcast's spokesman and will update this list if I get a response.

Q: What, again, is happening?

A: Comcast is switching channels above 29 to digital format and requiring all televisions to have some sort of cable box to receive those channels. For "expanded basic" customers who don't currently have cable boxes, the company will provide a free box. It will also provide two free adapters that expanded and digital customers can use on additional TVs that don't currently have a box. Limited basic customers -- who only receive channels 2 to 29 -- won't be affected.

Q: What about Channel 25 - C-Span2? (NEW)

A: According to Kipp, Channel 25 "actually is a digital channel and runs unencrypted and can be picked up with a QAM tuner, CableCard or a set top box."

Q: Will picture-in-picture work if a DTA is attached? (NEW)

A: No - PIP won't work with a DTA box attached. In Kipp's words: "Picture in picture will not work with the digital adapter. This is similar to any set top box. So it would be the same for all Verizon FiOS and satellite customers who require their customers to utilize a set top to watch all of their programming."

Q: Is it possible to put a single DTA box on the incoming cable, instead of units on each set? (NEW)

A: Kipp said yes, it would be possible for Comcast to do this outside the house, but it's not going to. (Editorial comment: Maybe this is something for creative amateur cable technicians to try at home.) In Kipp's words: "It is technically possible to put one device on the pole outside the house that could, in theory, act as one box for all the televisions in the house. We didn't pursue this option because it wasn't economically feasible, given that our main goal was to make this change with little or no extra cost to the customer."

Q: Will this affect setups with a Media Center PC connected to a TV? (NEW)

A: Sometimes. Kipp's still gathering info on this, but said Microsoft is now working on it with Comcast. His answer: "From what I understand so far, there are some situations where the digital adapter would work with a media center and some where it would not ... In any event, please keep in mind that each customer also will receive a much more advanced digital set top box at no extra charge in addition to the two digital adapters. The advanced set top box should work with a PC Media Center. In addition, we are working with Microsoft on this issue."

Q: What about TVs with QAM tuners - can they get signals directly from the cable? (NEW)

A: No. "They would need a digital adapter, a standard set top box (DCT) or a CableCard in order to view the channels," Kipp said. "The first CableCard is free with each additional CableCard costing $1.79 per month." This is because the signals will be scrambled/encrypted, and a device from Comcast is needed to descramble them.

(A caveat here: Kipp noted Thursday that Channel 25-C-Span2 is unencrypted and can be received with a QAM tuner, even without a converter device. Also unencrypted, and therefore available with just a QAM tuner in your TV, are Limited Basic channels KCTS Creates, Channel 112; KING-5 Weather Plus, Channel 115; KCPQ Accuweather, channel 116; KIRO Retro Television Network, Channel 117; KCTS V-ME, Channel 119, and "leased access" channel 79. Those network stations are also available now, for free over the air, if you have a digital tuner.) (NEW)

Q: What about public access channels above 29?

A: Comcast must still offer a handful of public access channels in analog format, per its franchise agreements. Tony Perez of Seattle's cable office said that in Seattle, those channels include 75 (KCTS Plus) 76 (UW 2 TV); 77 (SCAN, the public access channel) and perhaps a few more. (See the caveat above).

Q: What about Canadian public television channel 99 (CBUT)?

A: It will remain available to "limited basic" customers, spokesman Steve Kipp said in an email: "In addition to C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, the local broadcast channels and the local government and education channels, the Limited Basic lineup includes: Northwest Cable News, ION, Discovery Channel, KMYQ, KBCB, KHCV, QVC, HSN, KWDK, Hallmark Channel, KTBW, TVW, Univision, The Weather Channel and CBUT."

Kipp said the limited basic channel numbers won't change: "As for channel locations here, they will remain the same so the Limited Basic channels that are in the 75 to 99 range would remain the same."

Q: Will the new small DTA devices work with a TV's remote, or require their own remote?

A: Only with its own remote, Kipp said: "It will work with its own remote at this time. However, it would not surprise me, given the large number of these boxes that will be out in the marketplace across the country, that a universal remote wouldn’t be developed quickly that would work with this device." I'll bet programmable remotes such as the Harmony will also figure out the DTA codes fairly soon.

Q: Will the DTA work with my TiVo?

A: Kipp just passed on this response: "Yes - the DTA is compatible with TiVo devices, pending a software update from TiVo that should be available for TiVo customers next week. The DTA will work with TiVo units in the same manner that existing digital set tops work with TiVo today. Comcast is working closely with TiVo to ensure that TiVo has all the necessary info to ensure a smooth transition for TiVo customers."

Q: A reader asked about per outlet charges. Will that apply to each TV with a Comcast box and new monthly fees per TV in the house?

A: Kipp's response: "Outlet charges would not apply in this case, since the digital adapters and the digital set-top box are offered at no extra charge."

Q: Why is Comcast doing this?

A: That's the billion dollar question. Comcast says it's switching channels above 29 to digital format to free up spectrum for additional high-definition channels and faster Internet service. The company is also steadily phasing out the "expanded basic" tier of service, nudging customers toward digital packages. By putting more cable boxes into homes, the company's also extending the reach of its pay-per-view service and program guide.

Q: What if I'm using a CableCard device on my TV, computer or TiVo?

A: You won't need an additional box if your set has CableCard, which is the equivalent of a very small cable box. (I'm still waiting for Comcast to clarify how the converters will affect setups with the cable going directly into a TiVo or PC.)

Q: What else is changing?

A: As part of the switch, Comcast will give "expanded basic" customers music services and additional channels: Sprout, Discovery Kids, Bloomberg Television, G4, C-SPAN 2 and C-SPAN3, Science Channel, WEtv, KCTS Creates, Q13 Fox First Forecast, Retro-Televison, V-Me and Lifetime Movie Network.

Q: Is this different from the digital converter boxes that the government is promoting and subsidizing with $40 coupons?

A: Yes. Those digital boxes will enable older "rabbit ear" analog TVs to continue receiving over-the-air broadcast signals after broadcasters go all digital on Feb. 17. If you're a Comcast customer, you'll still need one of its devices to get cable channels above 29.

Q: I thought newer TVs with digital tuners wouldn't need any sort of converter box?

A: That was the general message, until Comcast started making this switch. Now it's a two-part message: Newer TVs with digital tuners won't need any sort of converter to receive over-the-air broadcast signals. However, they will require a Comcast device to receive channels above 29 from the cable company.

Q: How much will the Comcast converters cost?

A: Comcast will provide two per household free. Additional units will cost $1.99 per month. Expanded basic customers who don't currently have a standard cable box will also receive one of those for free.

Q: I'm a DirectTV customer. How am I affected?

A: You're not. This change only applies to Comcast customers.

Q: Regarding the Feb. 17 transition to digital over-the-air broadcasting, hasn't that already happened?

A: Yes, partially. Many stations started broadcasting digital signals over the air earlier than required. They're now broadcasting both digital and analog signals. Analog broadcasts will end Feb. 17.

Q: Where can I get more information about this stuff?

A: Comcast is advising customers with questions to call 1-888-COMCAST. More information about the separate, federal Feb. 17 switch to digital over-the-air broadcasting is available at www.dtv2009.gov. The city of Seattle is also answering questions at its Cable Hotline: 206-684-8498.

From what I go from an engineer a while back, I was told that only your old analog tvs would need the DTAs to receive channels above 29. Everything below 30 would be analog and would not need a box to receivie. But those channels would also be only SD and not HD. I will try to reach him again on the clear QAM question, but from what I understood at the time, if I had a digital tuner in my tv, dvr,etc.. a box would not be needed. Maybe they decided to change all this?? since I last spoke with him. Only way to really know is after they throw the switch. Not sure much we can do about it, since our own government is running rough-shoud over us taking all out freedoms and choices away. Why should cable be any different?
Hey, those out in Johns Creek and other areas who are getting the new HD cable channels, can you still tune in the locals in HD clear QAM with out a box? What about other channels? We would like to know.
Thanks,
Michael
Also, almost forgot: Ilyce Glink said Friday on her show that should would be checking into this and would let us know on her show Sunday as well as on her web site. Not sure when she airs and I think this is her site; thinkglink.com

Hey, those out in Johns Creek and other areas who are getting the new HD cable channels, can you still tune in the locals in HD clear QAM with out a box? What about other channels?

Yes and Yes.

Hey, those out in Johns Creek and other areas who are getting the new HD cable channels, can you still tune in the locals in HD clear QAM with out a box? What about other channels?
Yes and Yes.

Comcast says what you are saying is NOT true -- or at least will not remain true. They have not finished all the Atlanta upgrade yet.

Straight from Comcast's own website: You will need a Comcast device to watch anything over channel 30, even with QAM tuner.

Go down and read #4 and #32. It's VERY clear.


http://www.comcast.com/DIGITALNOW/FAQs.aspx?map=all_faq_map

1. What is happening to my service?
Comcast is upgrading its Expanded Basic Cable* channel lineup to digital-quality signals on all TVs connected to Comcast. These new changes will allow Comcast to offer over 1000 HD choices and access to over 10,000 On Demand titles. In addition, these upgrades allow us to complete additional changes that will deliver much faster Internet access speeds and smarter phone service.
(*Expanded Basic Cable package includes 30 to 50 channels, including many of the most popular cable channels, like Disney, ESPN, MTV and Fox News1.)

Note 1: Not all channels are available in all markets.

2. Why is this happening now?
Comcast is investing in new technology that will deliver digital quality today and enable new choices as soon as possible. Among those new choices will be over 1000 HD choices and access to over 10,000 On Demand titles that are just becoming available now, as the number of HD TV sets increases exponentially year after year and TV networks and other programmers produce more HD programming.

3. Who will be affected?
Customers may be affected if they:
Subscribe to Comcast Standard Cable or Digital Cable; and,
Have a TV connected to a Comcast service without a Digital Set Top Box.
Customers who subscribe to Comcast Basic Cable are not affected.


4. What if I don't do anything?

Any TV connected directly to Comcast service without a digital device will eventually lose access to some of the channels it currently receives. You’ll keep the 15-30 Comcast Basic Cable channels, (local broadcast TV stations, plus local government, education and public access channels) but you'll lose all Expanded Basic channels, like Disney, CNN, Lifetime and 30 to 50 others.

5. Why doesn't Comcast already know how many TVs I have?
Comcast knows how many TVs use Comcast set top boxes. However, many customers connect their cable-ready TV sets directly to Comcast service without notifying the company. These homes may have several TVs receiving Comcast service legally, but Comcast has no record of them.

6. How do I know if I have On Demand?
If you can tune to Channel 1 and see the Comcast On Demand menu, then you have access to thousands of free programs any time of the day or night.


7. What is On Demand?
Comcast On Demand on Channel 1 provides a library of thousands of movies and shows ready to watch when you are–from blockbuster movies to kids’ programming to network shows. And most are free. Simply go to Channel 1, and use your remote to find your favorites.

8. What is the difference between a Digital Set Top Box and a Digital Adapter?
A Digital set top box (sometimes known as a digital converter box or digital receiver) processes digital-quality signals and offers access to On Demand, our On-Screen Program Guide and 45 commercial-free music channels. A digital adapter (also known as a DTA), simply provides digital-quality signals.

9. What is Digital Cable?
Digital Cable refers to the technology used to transfer signals over the Comcast fiber optic network. It is the same technology built into most TV sets sold over the past few years. It delivers higher-quality picture and sound.

10. What is Limited Basic Cable?
Limited Basic provides you with a range of basic channels including local broadcast stations (such as ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS), and exclusive local government and education channels. For specific channels in your area, visit our Channel LineUp page.

11. What is Expanded Basic Cable?
Expanded Basic Cable package includes 30 to 50 channels, including many of the most popular cable channels, like Disney, ESPN, MTV and Fox News2.)

Note 2: Not all channels are available in all markets.

12. What is Analog Cable?
"Analog" refers to the technology used to transfer some signals over Comcast's network. It is the same historic technology built into most televisions in use today, although virtually all new televisions sold over the past few years are based on digital technology.

13. What if I already have Comcast Digital Cable?
Any TVs that already receive Comcast Digital Cable* are all ready—you don’t need to do anything. However, even if you have Comcast Digital Cable on one TV, any other TV connected directly to Comcast service without a digital device will eventually lose access to some of the channels it currently receives.
(* via a Comcast Digital set top box, or a Comcast provided CableCardTM)

Note: You will be able to see 15-30 Comcast Basic Cable channels, (local broadcast TV stations, plus local government, education and public access channels), but will lose all Expanded Basic channels, like Disney, CNN, Lifetime and 30 to 50 others.

14. What if I need to change my order?
If you haven’t yet received a confirmation on-screen summarizing your order, simply press the “previous” button to go back to the main recommendation screen and make whatever changes you’d like. If you’ve already received an on-screen confirmation, then call 1.877.634.4434 to speak with one of our representatives. Be sure to mention that you’ve just placed your request for new digital equipment.

15. When will I receive the new equipment?
Your confirmation will show the shipment dates and estimated shipping time. You can track shipping using the information shown on that page.

16. What if I need help installing the new equipment?
When you receive the new digital equipment, you'll also receive instruction on how to install it. There are also videos available online to see how to complete the installation. If you still need assistance, please call us at 1.888.634.4434 so we can help troubleshoot via phone.

17. Do I need to set my TV to a specific channel?
Set your TV and the adapter both to channel 3, unless instructed otherwise. (Some areas of the country use channel 4)

18. I need different equipment than what I ordered. How can I get new equipment?
If you need additional equipment, or if you’d like to exchange what you have for something different, please call a representative at 1.877.634.4434.

19. The remote control isn't working right. I can't control my TV.
Verify that you’ve programmed the remote control for your TV using the steps and codes included in the Comcast DTA Remote guide. Verify that your batteries are working; replace if necessary.

20. How do I turn off my new digital adapter?
Your new digital adapter will remain on—but you can use your new Comcast remote to turn your TV on or off at any time.

21. How can I use the picture-in-picture feature on my TV that’s connected to a digital adapter?
The picture-in-picture feature on an analog television will not work with your new digital signals.

22. Can I record my favorite programs on my VCR using a DTA?
Yes you can continue to record programs on your VCR using your digital adapter.

23. Can I record Limited Basic channels without digital equipment?
Yes, you can continue to record Limited Basic channel programs without digital equipment by following the VCR manufacturer instructions.

24. With equipment from Comcast, can I program my VCR to record my favorite shows?
You will not be able to program your VCR to record different channels at different times when your TV is connected to a digital adapter. To record different programs at different times, you will have to change the channel on your adapter.

If you have a Digital set top box, you can program your Digital set top box along with your VCR to record different channels at different times by following the instructions found in FAQ #27 below.

25. How can I use the Digital set top box and VCR to record future programs?
To record a future program:

Set top box instructions:
Select the program you want to record from the TV listings.
Press OK/Select to bring up the Program Information screen with the Quick Menu.
Select the Record icon from the Quick Menu/
Select Record Future Program.
Once the set top box is set, a message displays reminding you to set up the VCR.
VCR Instructions:
Turn on your VCR and tune to channel 3 or 4 (depending on your manufacturer’s instructions).
The VCR needs to be programmed to record channel 3 or 4, as the set top is controlling the channel to be recorded, not the VCR
When the program starts, the set top box will automatically tune to the program so that your VCR can record it.

*Please note: The steps above apply to standard-definition set top boxes, with the exception of the Motorola DCT2000. To check to see if you have this device, click here.

26. How does the Digital Migration affect a media center PC that is used with Comcast Cable service?
A set top box or digital adapter will be required in order for a media center PC to receive Comcast’s Expanded Basic channels or a higher level of service. The installation is the same as the installation for a set top box or digital adapter on an analog television.

Note: Media center PCs that use a cable card do not require a digital adapter.

27. How do I connect a set top box or digital adapter (DTA) to a Media Center PC?
To connect a set top box or a DTA to your Media Center PC, you will need the following equipment:
2 coaxial cables

IR control cable

Remote sensor/IR Blaster

To connect to your Media Center PC:
Connect one end of one of the coaxial cables to the cable jack in the wall
Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the cable input connection on your set top box. This connection is usually called: CABLE IN, IN FROM WALL, or INPUT. If you are unable to locate this connection, refer to the instructions for your set top box.
Connect one end of the other coaxial cable to the cable output connection on your set top box. This connection is usually called: CABLE OUT, OUT TO TV, or OUTPUT.
Connect the other end of this coaxial cable to the TV IN jack, located on the back of the Media Center PC.
Make sure the remote sensor is located near the set top box and then connect the remote sensor to the USB port on the back of your Media Center PC.
Locate the remote receiver. This is the area on the front of your set top box where you aim the remote control to change channels, and sound levels.
Remove the small piece of paper covering one side of the IR control cable. This will expose an adhesive (sticky side) on that side of the IR control cable.
Using the adhesive, attach the IR control cable in front of the remote receiver on the front of the set top box.
Connect the plug of the IR control cable to the back of the remote sensor for the Media Center PC.
Press the green Start button on the remote control (this will open the Media Center Start menu) and then select Settings.
On the Settings page, select TV, then select Set Up TV Signal to begin the TV Signal Setup Wizard.

28. If I currently have Comcast Cable service and I receive broadcast high-definition (HD) channels, how will this be affected by using a digital adapter?
The digital adapter does not support HD signals. Comcast offers HD set top boxes for a monthly service fee, which provides access to over 1,000 HD choices. If you wish to keep access to broadcast HD channels, you can continue to receive the Limited Basic channels (including broadcast HD) without Comcast equipment; however, Expanded Basic channels or higher channel tiers would not be accessible.

As another alternative, some HD television sets have multiple RF inputs and in this case, you could use a splitter on the incoming cable feed. Detailed instructions for setting this up can be found here.

29. How do I connect a digital adapter (DTA) to my high-definition television (HDTV) so I can continue receiving broadcast HD channels?
To continue receiving broadcast HD channels with a feed directly to your HDTV, you will need:
DTA
Splitter
Coaxial cable (x5)
A/B switch
To install:
Connect one end of a coaxial cable at the wall
Connect the other end of that coaxial cable to the IN of a splitter
Connect a coaxial wire to the OUT of the splitter and to the IN of an A/B switch
Connect a coaxial wire to the OUT of the splitter and to the IN of the DTA
Connect a coaxial wire to the OUT of the DTA and to the IN of an A/B switch
Connect a coaxial wire to the OUT of the A/B switch and to the IN of the television
To watch Limited Basic or broadcast HD channels, set the switch for the A/B Switch to the correct setting (for example ‘B’). To watch any Expanded Basic/Starter channels in digital format, set the switch for the A/B Switch to the correct setting (for example ‘A’).

*Please note: Some HDTVs may have two (2) RF inputs. If your HDTV has two RF inputs, you have the option of taking the output connections from the splitter and connecting them directly to the RF inputs of your TV, without using an A/B switch. You will need to select alternate inputs (RF 1 or RF 2) on your TV to switch between Limited Basic/Broadcast HD or Starter/Expanded Basic channels.

30. Is my TiVo DVR compatible with the new Comcast digital equipment?
Yes, TiVo DVRs are fully compatible with Comcast digital equipment and will allow you to access all of your channels.

TiVo Series3 DVRs (including TiVo HD and HD XL) will work without a Digital set top box because they use CableCARDs to receive digital channels. Digital adapters are not needed.

TiVo Series2 and Series1 DVRs require a Comcast Digital set top box or a digital adapter to receive digital channels.

If you have questions about setting up your TiVo DVR with a Digital set top box, please check your TiVo owner’s manual. You can also visit www.tivo.com/alldigital or call 877-367-8486.

31. How do I connect my TiVo to my Comcast service?
Series1 or Series2 Single Tuner DVR:
You will need to connect your TiVo DVR to a digital adapter or a Digital set top box from Comcast to continue receiving all of your channels. Please visit www.tivo.com/alldigital or contact TiVo for instructions on how to set up your TiVo DVR with Comcast Digital set top box.

Series2 Dual Tuner DVR:
You will need to connect your TiVo DVR to a Digital set top box or a digital Adapter (DTA) from Comcast to continue receiving all of your channels. To enable dual tuner functionality, you will need to use a Comcast Digital set top box and a cable splitter (included in the Series2 DT package). Note that only one tuner will receive your complete channel lineup – your second tuner will receive only basic channels. Please visit www.tivo.com/alldigital or contact TiVo for instructions on how to set up your TiVo DVR with a Comcast Digital set top box.

Series3/HD DVRs:
If you do not already have CableCARDs installed in your TiVo DVR, you will need Comcast to provide you with:
Series3 HD DVR: Two (2) CableCARDs
TiVo HD or TiVo HD XL: Either one (1) M-Card or two (2) S-Cards


32. Will I need equipment if I have a digital TV with a QAM tuner?

At the completion of the digital upgrade, customers will need equipment on all TVs to receive any channels above the Limited Basic level of service—of course, this is now the case with most video providers, including our satellite and phone competitors. We’re encouraging all customers to avoid any service interruptions by installing and using the equipment provided by Comcast or purchased from their electronics retailer, like a TiVo or CableCardTM enabled device.

33. Will I get access to parental control on the Digital Adapter?
Comcast provides customers with the necessary tools and resources to manage content that they may deem inappropriate. In addition to our variety of packaging options, which include a Digital Family Tier level of service, this is accomplished via our digital set-top converters and the interactive guide available on those converters. By using a Digital Set Top device, a customer may set controls on what programs may be viewed through use of a PIN. Digital Adapters have a more limited functionality; they do not have a built in parental control function. They simply pass the signal to the TV required for your TV V-chip to control your family viewing. You will be able to fully set and control your TV parental locks in the same way you were able to prior to installation of a digital adapter.

If your TV has built in parental control technology, it will continue to work with the digital adaptor.

34. My TV has an embedded electronic program guide. Will I be able to continue to use this guide after I install the Digital Adapter?
Yes. The Digital Adapter will pass through the guide data necessary for your TVs programming guide.

35. Can I control my digital adapter remotely through a Slingbox?
Yes. The digital adapters are fully compatible with Slingboxes. To configure your Sling Media client to control the DTA please follow the following instructions:
Open SlingPlayer for Windows.
Make sure you are logged in to your Sling Account.
Select Setup Assistant from the Settings menu.
If prompted, enter the administrative password for this Slingbox.
Click the Configure Video Sources link.
Select the Slingbox input that you need to reconfigure.
Follow the onscreen instructions for locating the Comcast DTA.

For more information please refer to:
http://support.slingmedia.com/get/KB-1000205.html


© 2009 Comcast | Privacy Statement | Visitor Agreement

Well, if this happens, I guess that'll just make my move to OTA-only a lot easier. I can use Hulu to watch my cable shows. A little inconvenient? Yes, but it beats having to rent multiple cable boxes to record HD.

The Tivo HD w/Cablecard solves that problem nicely for me, and it's a lot better than the crappy Moto DVR that Comcast provides. Cheaper than renting that box over time too.

I don't think Comcast will encrypt the expanded basic channels until they get a separable security waiver from the FCC for the DTAs they are using. However, I think that's just a formality now, because the FCC already approved the waiver for devices that other providers are using.
Really sucks to not be able to use clear QAM to its fullest, and they are losing one of their main advantages over sat by doing this. I'm sure they've already weighed the pros and cons and reducing cable theft probably outweighs the anger that some of us feel about having to get a stupid box for every set (and the possible sub loss that goes with it).

The Tivo HD w/Cablecard solves that problem nicely for me, and it's a lot better than the crappy Moto DVR that Comcast provides. Cheaper than renting that box over time too.


Doesn't help with my 4-QAM tuner MythTV boxes :)

Hey, I've got a 2-tuner Myth box myself for all the local HDs on cable, but they're not going to encrypt the local channels (SD or HD), you know - just the expanded basic SD channels.
You never got them in HD without a box in Myth anyway.

Hey, I've got a 2-tuner Myth box myself for all the local HDs on cable, but they're not going to encrypt the local channels (SD or HD), you know - just the expanded basic SD channels.
You never got them in HD without a box in Myth anyway.

True. Which makes me wonder - how many of the new HD channels are encrypted over Firewire? Hopefully, TMS will upgrade the channels soon, and I can add them into Myth and check.

Hey, I've got a 2-tuner Myth box myself for all the local HDs on cable, but they're not going to encrypt the local channels (SD or HD), you know - just the expanded basic SD channels.
You never got them in HD without a box in Myth anyway.

You can get local HD with OTA antenna, you don't need cable -- which is a practical reason they are not encrypting local stations, besides being an FCC directive.

But Comcast has no directive or reason to make other companies' products work on their systems. Myth, computer TV tuners, etc. And they have no directive or reason to let people get more channels than they are paying for. :p

I don't see how they will lose customers. People who are getting expanded basic while paying for basic -- or sometimes just paying for internet but getting free cable (happened to a friend of mine for a year) -- are not going anywhere else. They are already only paying minimum for basic or not paying for cable AT ALL. They are not suddenly going to DirecTV because their illegal expanded basic got taken away. ;)

If you are getting some exapanded basic channels in HD with QAM, that is going away. HD cable costs more. You were getting that for free because Comcast didn't have the technology in place to stop it. I have a friend who gets some HD channels in QAM and also sees some Pay Per View movies (On Demand movies) if he taps around on his remote. He also is only paying for Comcast Internet, not even paying for cable. The filter was never installed. He's not "stealing" cable. It's just there. But it won't be any more.

Another guy I know at work has been getting free cable for 5 years. He bought a house and the cable was on. He's never gotten a bill. He's also not "stealing" cable. But that's one customer Comcast might gain when this "digital" adapter box upgrade finishes. Sure these people will still get the basic channels for free -- but they are used to more.

They will probably all call Comcast and pay for the service (and the two free digital adapter boxes) and maybe even spring for an HD set top box. This will gain Comcast customers. Sure, people will be mad because their freebies are going away, but that's not going to cost Comcast any paying customers.

I have the DTA's but the picture isn't too good on some channels and no HD. Using QAM tuner, I get the local HD channels and all the expanded basic that I subscribe to(plus some).

True. Which makes me wonder - how many of the new HD channels are encrypted over Firewire? Hopefully, TMS will upgrade the channels soon, and I can add them into Myth and check.
They're all encrypted except for the local channels - but only some of them are copy-protected, which is what you care about to get them over firewire. If they're not copy-protected (the CCI flag is 0x00) you can record them over firewire to a PC. Encryption only matters for clear QAM reception.

I have a Tivo HD and the only copy-protected channels I see are:
- the Encore channels, Movieplex and Flix
- all of the premiums
- all of the VOD/PPVs

The Encores, Movieplex, and Flix were not copy-protected until recently. I found this out when I couldn't tune them on my Tivo anymore, and I had to go through a long series of calls to get my Cablecard data ID corrected in their system before they came back.

They're all encrypted except for the local channels - but only some of them are copy-protected, which is what you care about to get them over firewire. If they're not copy-protected (the CCI flag is 0x00) you can record them over firewire to a PC. Encryption only matters for clear QAM reception.

I have a Tivo HD and the only copy-protected channels I see are:
- the Encore channels
- Movieplex and Flix
- all of the premiums
- all of the VOD/PPVs

Yep - misspoke and said encypted for copy-protected.

Is your HistoryHD copy-protected?

The following channels are available in West Cobb after the changeover using QAM Tuner:

The following channels are available in West Cobb after the changeover using QAM Tuner:

and you are not connected to any Comcast device?

Then eventually you will not be receiving those channels, according to Comcast:

4. What if I don't do anything?

Any TV connected directly to Comcast service without a digital device will eventually lose access to some of the channels it currently receives. You’ll keep the 15-30 Comcast Basic Cable channels, (local broadcast TV stations, plus local government, education and public access channels) but you'll lose all Expanded Basic channels, like Disney, CNN, Lifetime and 30 to 50 others.

32. Will I need equipment if I have a digital TV with a QAM tuner?

At the completion of the digital upgrade, customers will need equipment on all TVs to receive any channels above the Limited Basic level of service—of course, this is now the case with most video providers, including our satellite and phone competitors. We’re encouraging all customers to avoid any service interruptions by installing and using the equipment provided by Comcast or purchased from their electronics retailer, like a TiVo or CableCardTM enabled device.


I'm not Comcast so I can't say when the "completion of the digital upgrade" will be, but they've warned you.

I think the Comcast warning about clear QAM SD going away is somewhere between wishful thinking and bluff.

The FCC currently forbids encryption on devices manufactured after a certain date that don't have separable encryption. The only separable encryption currently approved is cable card, and the DTA's are after that date and don't have cable card.

It's possible that Comcast is hoping that the FCC will approve some other form of encryption that the DTA's can do, but it hasn't happened yet.

I think the Comcast warning about clear QAM SD going away is somewhere between wishful thinking and bluff.

Concur, and I'd add hyperbole to that. I could interpret the "digital device" to mean QAM tuner - in which case the unit - be it TV or DVD recorder equipped with QAM tuner, will still continue to get the "Expanded Basic" SD channels for some time.

The FCC currently forbids encryption on devices manufactured after a certain date that don't have separable encryption. The only separable encryption currently approved is cable card, and the DTA's are after that date and don't have cable card.

That's my understanding as well.

It's possible that Comcast is hoping that the FCC will approve some other form of encryption that the DTA's can do, but it hasn't happened yet.

As I understand it the DTAs are equipped with some sort of "privacy mode," I believe it's called, which Comcast cannot currently invoke if they don't have a waiver from the FCC. What I think is most likely is that eventually Comcast moves the SD Expanded Basic channels to a group of easily-trapped frequencies and goes down the list of Limited Basic customers and starts installing traps.

and you are not connected to any Comcast device?



I have a VCR with DTA, HDTV with DVR, HDTV with DTA(horrible picture),& HDTV(Great Picture) connected directly to Cable.
I am paying for the services I receive and will use QAM Tuner HDTV long as Comcast allows me, I get all local HDTV and Expanded Basic this way. I didn't get all the Expanded Basic and local HDTV with DTA connected the way Comcast told me I had to connect it. Also, DTA causes stretched video whereby connecting to Cable only allows full digital TV without stretching.

here is a link to some options that comcast has before them in regards to "seperable" encryption..

the part the was interesting to me is that if they can settle the legalspeak side of it they might be able to use a downloadable (firmware update) form of conditional access. it would allow them to be able to add or remove it at will.

if you only want "limited basic" then you get a DTA with firmware "A" that receives the clear qam stream and your qam tuner would also receive the same channels as the DTA

if you subscribe to expanded basic or above then you would get a DTA with firmware "B" and a STB or CC for your QAM-DCR or Tru2way device

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=168411&site=cdn&print=yes

As I understand it the DTAs are equipped with some sort of "privacy mode," I believe it's called, which Comcast cannot currently invoke if they don't have a waiver from the FCC. What I think is most likely is that eventually Comcast moves the SD Expanded Basic channels to a group of easily-trapped frequencies and goes down the list of Limited Basic customers and starts installing traps.
The problem here is that the FCC has already approved a waiver for certain DTAs used by other providers, so the thinking is that Comcast can get a waiver for the Pace boxes at any time if they want to (and it might already be in progress). And once they do, it's just a matter of time before they encrypt the channels. Then they don't have to worry about traps anymore, and we'll all be stuck with boxes for nice HDTVs with QAM tuners. Sucks, but we're already in that boat for non-local HD channels anyway.

Yep - misspoke and said encypted for copy-protected.

Is your HistoryHD copy-protected?
No, only the channels I listed before.

the DTA could also be a temp solution until they can get a CC-STB that is cheap enough for them to distribute into their system.

The problem here is that the FCC has already approved a waiver for certain DTAs used by other providers, so the thinking is that Comcast can get a waiver for the Pace boxes at any time if they want to (and it might already be in progress). And once they do, it's just a matter of time before they encrypt the channels. Then they don't have to worry about traps anymore, and we'll all be stuck with boxes for nice HDTVs with QAM tuners. Sucks, but we're already in that boat for non-local HD channels anyway.

And per this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081&page=309

Moderator Ken H appears to agree with you. All I can say is, if encryption is the future, I hope Comcast gets it right fairly consistenly. We recently upgraded to a new package. Tivo No.1 got the upgrade fine, Tivo No. 2 wasn't getting premium channels. This necessitated a truck roll and replacement cablecard (funny, the card worked fine for the previous package). My mom upgraded to the same package and her Tivo was messed up (getting some Digital Preferred channels, not getting some). I think they solved her problem without a truck roll.
I'm sure glad I didn't buy a clear QAM HDD/DVD recorder like I was thinking about.

Okay... I am getting HD envy reading about you all up in John's Creek and East Cobb who just had your Comcast HD world blown open, while we in town (Decatur in my case) are still living in a 20-something HD Channel world. Does anyone out there know of a time frame for Comcast to roll out their expanded HD offerings beyond where they are now? Nothing has come in the mail yet and no scrolls across the screen advising us to get a box or lose some of our favorite basic channels?

Anyone?

Okay... I am getting HD envy reading about you all up in John's Creek and East Cobb who just had your Comcast HD world blown open, while we in town (Decatur in my case) are still living in a 20-something HD Channel world. Does anyone out there know of a time frame for Comcast to roll out their expanded HD offerings beyond where they are now? Nothing has come in the mail yet and no scrolls across the screen advising us to get a box or lose some of our favorite basic channels?

Anyone?

No idea, but I have 36 HD channels active in Peachtre City, not counting any premiums...just sayin...

Okay... I am getting HD envy reading about you all up in John's Creek and East Cobb who just had your Comcast HD world blown open, while we in town (Decatur in my case) are still living in a 20-something HD Channel world. Does anyone out there know of a time frame for Comcast to roll out their expanded HD offerings beyond where they are now? Nothing has come in the mail yet and no scrolls across the screen advising us to get a box or lose some of our favorite basic channels?

Anyone?

Jon, I feel for ya man...probably won't make you feel any better, but here in East Cobb the HD is in fact on...Lotsa channels including Big Ten HD (YAY!) MGM HD, some non-HD channels, including Hallmark Movie Channel, and many others.

What was the line from that Tom Petty song? "The waiting is the hardest part." Believe me, it is worth the wait, and patience is a virtue. Hang in there!

Speaking of waiting and patience, now I just need for the Tivo guide to fill in...

I got a letter...Tucker goes digital in mid-September.

So those of you who have gotten the HD deluge: Is TCM HD among the added channels?

So those of you who have gotten the HD deluge: Is TCM HD among the added channels?

These are the new channels:


817 - WE HD
818 - Green Planet HD
819 - Biography HD
820 - QVC HD
821 - ESPN News HD
822 - CBS College Sports HDTV
824 - Big Ten Network HD
825 - BET HD
826 - CMT HD
828 - E! HD
829 - Style HD
831 - Fox Business HD
832 - The Weather Channel HD
836 - CNBC HD
837 - Fox News HD
843 - FX HD
851 - VH1 HD
853 - MTV HD
855 - Lifetime HD
860 - Travel HD
862 - Cartoon Network HD
863 - Nickelodeon HD
866 - Disney Extreme HD
868 - Comedy Central HD
871 - TVONE HD
872 - Bravo HD
873 - Fuse HD
875 - Speed HD
876 - G4 HD
878 - Spike HD
881 - NHL Network
882 - NBA TV HD
894 - MGM HD
896 - Hallmark HD
897 - Lifetime Movies HD
898 - IFC HD
899 - Encore HD

Looking at the list of new HD channels (hopefully) headed our way, it occurs to me that I'll need a DVR with a bigger HDD. Has anyone out there gotten anything bigger than the 160gb Moto 3416 from Comcast? The finance committee is not approving a Tivo HD anytime soon, so I'm hoping there is something that holds more than 20 hours of HD content coming fom Comcast in the near future.

Looking at the list of new HD channels (hopefully) headed our way, it occurs to me that I'll need a DVR with a bigger HDD. Has anyone out there gotten anything bigger than the 160gb Moto 3416 from Comcast? The finance committee is not approving a Tivo HD anytime soon, so I'm hoping there is something that holds more than 20 hours of HD content coming fom Comcast in the near future.

This is exactly the problem I have run into since the new channels showed up. Just adding The Soup and Top Chef in HD is killing my box due to the size limitations (and the crappy DVR's insistence on taping reruns as "first runs only"). Comcast really needs to offer a bigger drive ASAP!