Originally posted by Paul Hives
What's the big deal with $30 bucks. Pay the fee, have the guy bring the box and leave it at that.

The big deal is that at one point you didn't have to pay $30 at all. Also, I just got the 6804 single tuner, for me to upgrade, I have to spend another $30 bucks. I have spent a total of $90 so far. ($30 for the inital HD box install, $30 for the single-tuner DVR, now another $30 for a dual-tuner DVR.)

I wish that D*TV received local HD channels, then I would give the finger to Comcast. Overcharging bastages!

Originally posted by oleus
anyone else in atlanta having problems with their analogs and On Demand? i'm seeing my digital channels and HD channels great on all my receivers, but OnDemand isn't functioning on any of them, and several of the basic analog channels are looking wretched. it's probably just my house but i thought i'd ask.

My lower analog channels (say 2-20) are really bad through my 6208. When I bypass the box and just use the TV's tuner, it's much better. I'm hoping the 6412 I get today will be better in that regard, but I'm not holding my breath.

As for On Demand, mine is working fine. Do you have any signal boosters or amplifiers in your house? Many amps do not support the bi-directional signal required for VOD. Here's a booster that does support VOD: http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/signal_booster/

I have this one, and it helps. But like I said, my lower analogs are still terrible when going the the cable box.

Originally posted by Darkhound
I wish that D*TV received local HD channels, then I would give the finger to Comcast. Overcharging bastages!

D* is launching a new satellite next year that is supposed to gave them the capacity for 500 local HD channels.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/aboutus/headline.dsp?id=09_08_2004A

After my "Ditch the Dish" discount expires, and when D* gets HD locals in ATL, it'll be time to switch.

Originally posted by MadDogMike
D* is launching a new satellite next year that is supposed to gave them the capacity for 500 local HD channels.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/aboutus/headline.dsp?id=09_08_2004A

After my "Ditch the Dish" discount expires, and when D* gets HD locals in ATL, it'll be time to switch.

Only if I could get broadband via D*TV (non-satellite based). I still need to rely on Comcast for internet.

Just got the 6412. Light years better than the 6208.

Those who have it...did they bring you a new remote? The guy swore up & down that there was no new remote. Then, as he left, he finally gave me the manual. On page 8 it shows the new remote. Just like the old one, except the very bottom section has 5 new buttons. They control the swapping of tuners and PIP functions.

The exact same thing happened when I got the 6208. They told me there was no DVR remote, and just use my old remote. So now I have to call Comcast AGAIN, and have them bring out the new remote. What a PITA.

I got the 6412 with an old remote, too. You can't do PiP with this remote.

BTW, why does this 6412 get so extremely hot (even when off)?

I should have searched the forum before I posted my question. Most questions about the 6412 have already been answered on this thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=464986&perpage=20&highlight=program%20remote%20swap&pagenumber=1

From what I read there, the PIP feature is not activated on Comcast's 6412s. So, all the old remote is missing is the 30-second skip ahead (Advance) function, and the "Swap" function to switch tuners.

Here's how to program your old remote to do those functions:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/printpost.php?postid=4636291

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/printpost.php?postid=4654286

I used the "HD Zoom" button for the "Advance" function and the 'TV/VCR" button for the "Swap" function. Works great! As far as I know, neither of those buttons did anything anyway.

Originally posted by Darkhound

I wish that D*TV received local HD channels, then I would give the finger to Comcast. Overcharging bastages!

While I agree the $30 each time sux (actually, they've charged me that plus $15 each time), it's still a whole lot cheaper than what you'll pay for a D*TV DVR that will record HD. Last I heard cheapest you could get an HDTIVO for was $800+, and that's your only option. Too much for me.

Originally posted by ChrisATL
While I agree the $30 each time sux (actually, they've charged me that plus $15 each time), it's still a whole lot cheaper than what you'll pay for a D*TV DVR that will record HD. Last I heard cheapest you could get an HDTIVO for was $800+, and that's your only option. Too much for me.

That's true, and that is the reason (along with HD locals) that I switched from E* to Comcast. However, E*'s dual-tuner HD DVR has dropped to $549, and now D* is addng locals in HD. I expect that process to continue, and the hardware price to continue to drop. Comcast is a deal, as long you as you're getting that $25 off per month. After that expires, it will be time to give a hard look to what else is out there.

The $30.00 charge is really not that much, but it is the principle of the matter. On Sat. 12/4 I swapped one of my two 6208’s at the Marietta office. I got the last box on the shelf so was unable to swap the second one. One week later I tried to swap the second box and was told it no will now cost me $30.00, I have wasted my time for the day, and will have to waste at least 3 hours in 3 weeks to have the 2nd box swapped at their convenience. Besides, I was promised that once I got the 6208’s I would not have to use the install service because they would have already verified that my home wiring was adequate for the DVR STB’s. I even requested to a supervisor that they waive my install fee and after 5 minutes of pleading my case, got nowhere. I even asked “Do you question my claim that Comcast promised I could swap the box”, and she said “no” that she knows people where promised the ability. I asked her if she intended to break that promise and she hesitated then said her hands were tied.

The problems Comcast has stated are real, but it appears it is Comcast’s own fault. Every issue I have read about on the other message boards starts with “I got my STB from Marietta/Alpharetta office but it appears I am on a different head-end than the STB I got”. If Comcast only gave the correct STB’s to the customers and asked the customer to call before swapping boxes so availability could be verified, then there should have been little to no problems.

There really isn’t much I can do at the moment, especially since the 6412 service is much better then the 6208’s, and Comcast is the only place I can go for good HD service. However, I hope Comcast is watching these boards to see the frustrations that are arising. If they are, please remember, you have my money now, but don’t always count on it if this is the type of inflexible service you intend to provide. It won’t be long before a good dual tuner CableCARD DVR is available and then you can have your 2 boxes back (at least $10.00 per box above the CableCARD price), and they do not have VOD capabilities so there will be no possibility of extra services from my house. In addition, if I have to take that coarse of action, you will get your Internet service back too, as Earthlink provides a service just as good and the only reason I went to Comcast in the first place was because I know that in the future the STB’s will have services integrated with the Internet. Besides, as just posted, D* plans to have local HD mid next year, and maybe I won’t need any Comcast services. Overall Comcast is the best TV/internet service available to me and I have been spending $150.00 per month for the last few years and have had only minor problems since the AT&T buyout. However, if I’m not treated like a good customer when I do have a problem or require a service upgrade that will make me a happier customer, then I have the right, and the ability, to find another provider.

I just got a Sony 60XS955 and am planning on adding Comcast digital cable. I have a cable card connection, but know that will be a problem for my 2 Tivos. Will it be easier to work with the cable box or try to get a dual tuner DVR from Comcast? The only thing REALLY bothering me is no ABC HD. :( I have an OTA antenna (cheap Terk indoor), but no luck with that so far. Didn't go for anything better since I had planned to go with digital cable anyway. Too many tall trees around here seem to effect sat. reception for others, too.

Two HDTivos $1900+

Two Comcast HD-DVRs? $10 per month more than HD alone.

Rich N.

Well, for me, I would be happy to give up Comcast for D*TV when D*TV gets local HD. I know I would probably have to give up HD PVR because I am not going to pay $900+ for a HD recorder. Yet, I am paying $10 a month for 5 channels (I don't get premium channels).

I have just been upset with Comcast service. In particular, with the knowledge of the people installing the equipment. I don't feel I should pay $30 an install if he doesn't know what he is doing. Comcast had to come out here twice for the last install. They told my wife when they installed the DVR that if we wanted to record something, that she would have to go buy something from Radio Shack. Come to find out he brought out a standard HD box, not a HD-DVR.

Oh well, I will see what will happen a year from now when D*TV have there satellites in the air, and my "Ditch the Dish" discount is over with.

Darkhound -

i am in 100% agreement with you. i had to switch to Comcast when we found out i'd have to have 3 dishes on our new place to get all the channels with directv (too many trees so the triple lnb would not work).

at first i was floored with how good comcast HD was, but over the 6 months i've had comcast, the customer service has been so bad it overshadows the HD content. especially when it comes to the "service technicians" - not only do they rarely know what they are doing, they are often rude and incoherent. i don't like training these guys on the job. I even heard the dispatcher my last "technician" called into make fun of the "guy with 2 hdtv's wanting us to wait on him". i don't know if it's like that in all areas but here in atlanta it seems horrible. even the phone csr's are clueless and often give mixed signals - the ONLY WAY i have been able to get straight answers is via email but this is unacceptable

i'm currently having problems with OnDemand (none of my 4 receivers can access any ondemand programming) and i have strange recording phenomona on my 6412's (i'm getting phantom 0-minute recordings, dated 12/31/1989, that are undeletable and crashing the box/deleting other programs!)....both oof these issues are throwing Comcast for a loop and they are basically telling me on both counts they can't help me.

this is unacceptable, and i'll probably be going the 3-dish route very soon. i have NEVER encountered such bad service before......the thing is, they have so many customers, i doubt they would even care.

The nadir of Comcast customer service for me came when the tech they sent out was trying to radio the office to find out what a prior tech had done (the notes didn't make sense); he got the prior tech, who said over the radio for all of us to hear, "that m-----f---er gets on my nerves--he expects HD to work all the time, and I ain't got time for that. He's an *******." This was over a walkie-talkie, of course, so I heard every word and filed a complaint, but from what I understood, nothing was done.

Originally posted by cliffbig
he expects HD to work all the time, and I ain't got time for that.

Uh... isn't this why we pay $60-$100+ a month to Comcast for? Paying that much money, I would EXPECT it to work all the time!"

Sheeesh...

yeah even as clueless as the techs are, most of them have beeen pretty polite, but i have heard some of the worst crap when they call the dispatcher or another tech.....clliff that is disgusting what you overheard but unfortunately it doesn't surprise me one bit.

yeah, why would we expect HD to work all of the time? it's like the current problem i'm having with OnDemand - it's been out on all 4 of my receivers for over a week, and now they're claiming it's a headend problem that a technician can't fix (i'm in the stone mountain headend, but i think others in the same headend aren't having the same problem as me). now every time i call about OnDemand they say i'm overloading the servers with ondemand requests. that makes no sense.

Check to see if your county has a Cable Commission that will act on your behalf to solve these problems; in the worst days of my dealings with Comcast, I went to the Cobb County website and found the link for cable complaints, and once I filed the complaint through the county, I heard from someone higher up at Comcast who saw to it that the problem was solved. Thankfully, I haven't had to go that route in a while.

Will we see ABC-HD in Atlanta on Comcast anytime in the near future?

Probably not. WSB is owned by Cox Communications, one of the most greedy and customer-unfriendly companies in the biz. While the cable companies owned by Cox argue that they shouldn't have to pay any extra to carry HD locals in those markets, they take the opposite point of view in the places where Cox owns television stations--such as WSB, the ABC affiliate in Atlanta. They are asking for exorbitatnt contract fees, and otherwise they are denying ABC-HD to cable viewers. I recommend that you write advertisers letting them know that their ads are not reaching an affluent, desirable deomographic; file FCC complaints that WSB is not serving the public interest because they're denying this service to many of their customers; and call the office of Greg Stone, general manager of WSB, very frequently and file complaints.

Heads-up re WSB HD:

This is from today's San Francisco Chronicle:

Void near end?: For months, Comcast customers with high-definition TV have been frustrated by the lack of the HD signal for KTVU (Channel 2). The void has resulted from a dispute between Cox Broadcasting, KTVU's parent company, and Comcast.

A source familiar with the negotiations says there is reason to believe the impasse is near an end. The source said it's "possible" KTVU's HD signal will be available on Comcast by Jan. 9, the date of Fox's first NFL playoff telecast. The source said it's "likely" KTVU-HD will be available by Feb. 6, the date of the Super Bowl on Fox.

For the sake of both Comcast and KTVU, "likely" better be "definitely." If the source is accurate, this is a positive development for WSB HD carriage on Comcast in Atlanta. In fact, I would be very surprised if there were an agreement for KTVU HD which did not include an agreement for WSB HD.

(See the post immediately previous to this one for more information.)

Let's hope this is a sign that the impasse is ending. I make a point of letting companies that do a great deal of local advertising know that they can't reach me on WSB-TV right now because their digital signal isn't carried on cable and I can't receive it via antenna. And now that WSB-DT is increasingly unviewable by OTA customers who used to receive an adequate signal, their digital broadcast is even more marginalized. Let's hope that they've seen the light and we'll find a surprise on Comcast 803 in the next week or so!

SonomaSearcher, thanks for the info. If that is accurate that is music to my ears. WSB HD in Atlanta for playoff games would be a late x-mas gift.

i'm skeptical that we will have WSB here in atlanta in HD on comcast anytime soon. i hope i'm wrong.

Originally posted by oleus
i'm skeptical that we will have WSB here in atlanta in HD on comcast anytime soon. i hope i'm wrong.

On the bright side, Comcast recently ceased their Digital SD PPV channels, going solely with On-Demand for the pay stuff (since they were essentially duplicated services between On Demand and scheduled PPV).

This could conceivably free up channel space for some more HD channels.

We still lack UPN HD, PBS HD, and ABC HD amongst the OTA channels

and it would be nice to also see TNTHD, Universal-HD, HDNET, etc ...

- litz

I did notice that there is a new HD channel (807 I believe) and it looks like TBS. Any word to whether this is gonna be TNT HD eventually?

Originally posted by udoknow
I did notice that there is a new HD channel (807 I believe) and it looks like TBS. Any word to whether this is gonna be TNT HD eventually?

We probably get TBS-HD for the fact that WTBS is a local station for us in Atlanta. It may be awhile to get TNTHD since it is an actual "cable" station, not broadcast.

We will see...

What a waste.... Who actually watches TBS....

Originally posted by udoknow
What a waste.... Who actually watches TBS....

TBS isn't so bad... I just want to know what HD content that TBS is putting out. All the sitcoms they show were taped in SD 4:3 format.

I did watch Men In Black in HD tho, it wasn't so bad. Maybe they will start showing movies in HD.

Sweet lovin.... hot of the presses of Endgadget.com (http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000430026331/)


DirecTV @ CES - HD local channels second half 2005

With 13 total satellites already up or planned for use by 2007, DirecTV will be launching high definition local channels in the second half of 2005 in twelve markets. The first cities will be New York, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Washington DC, Detroit, and Tampa. HD locals will be transmitted with MPEG4 AVC HD transmission (the first live demo will be shown on the CES floor), but users will need a new satellite receiver to receive those MPEG4 AVC feeds and perhaps a new satellite dish (they completely dodged the new dish question).

No more crappy Comcast customer service for me!

Has anyone lost reception of the new TBS channel (807)?

Gus

Hi guys - I am moving to Atlanta in about a week and was going to sign up with comcast. They wanted 30 bucks (or so) to install an HD box - 3 bucks for Cable Modem - 5 bucks for the HD-STB and 10 bucks for the HD-DVR - and refused to give me any deals. They would install cable for free, but not HD despite the fact that I have all the cables myself. Is there anyone that managed to get a better deal with them? Any "Magic" person to talk to on a local level? If that is the best they will do I will probably just go with Voom for $1 instead... can't see how that would fail......

Originally posted by mhdiab
Hi guys - I am moving to Atlanta in about a week and was going to sign up with comcast. They wanted 30 bucks (or so) to install an HD box - 3 bucks for Cable Modem - 5 bucks for the HD-STB and 10 bucks for the HD-DVR - and refused to give me any deals. They would install cable for free, but not HD despite the fact that I have all the cables myself. Is there anyone that managed to get a better deal with them? Any "Magic" person to talk to on a local level? If that is the best they will do I will probably just go with Voom for $1 instead... can't see how that would fail......

Actually, I think most people in this area pay $45 ($30+$15). The $15 is for change of service, so I guess you avoid that by starting with digital.

The best part of their service is the HD-DVR. Are you sure Voom offers this in their $1 package ? Playing back recorded HD while skipping commercials is the only way to go IMHO. The HD-DVR is free, and the $10 a month is for the service.

They do offer a $25 per month rebate (for 16 months) if you are giving up a satellite service. Maybe you can argue that you are giving up service in your previous town and thus qualify for this rebate.

By the way, your cable modem service is cheaper if you also subscribe to cable TV.

Originally posted by gsiokis
Has anyone lost reception of the new TBS channel (807)?

Gus

I lost this during a cable change. When the guide reloaded, 807 had no picture.

It stayed this way for several days, and on an unrelated problem Comcast pinged my account. This restored 807, but didn't solve the other problem, which turned out to be a signal strength issue.

thanks buzgz

yep....it came back the other day.....

Gus

Has anyone heard when Comcast will be converting their analog channels (2-80) to digital?

Gus

Originally posted by gsiokis
Has anyone heard when Comcast will be converting their analog channels (2-80) to digital?

Gus

I hope they don't if it means that I will be forced to pay for their digital package instead of their basic package.

My cable bill is about $26 a month for basic cable and the HD receiver.

Does anyone know if you are able to get the hd/pvr with comcast basic cable? I was told you had to have a digital package. Thanks!

Originally posted by ji9988
Does anyone know if you are able to get the hd/pvr with comcast basic cable? I was told you had to have a digital package. Thanks!

Yes, you can get the HD PVR with Comcast basic cable. I pay for basic cable and $10 a month for the HD PVR. You will only get the broadcast HD stations (WB, CBS, WTBS, FOX). I figured that isn't too bad considering you don't need to pay for the digital cable package.

Anyone know if there's any news at all on a resolution of the cox <-> comcast issue over WSB-DT's carriage on cable?

I've just about reached the point where I'm ready to toss in the towel, trying to receive WSB-DT in any kind of usable form OTA. It's becoming apparent that it just isn't possible on the north side of the Marietta square.

So with no way to receive it, and the fact that I live FAR too close to the city to ever have a hope of a waiver, I have no way to reliably get digital ABC without it carried on cable.

Anyone know anything? I'm sure I can't be the ONLY person having this kind of a problem ...

- litz

Originally posted by litz
Anyone know if there's any news at all on a resolution of the cox <-> comcast issue over WSB-DT's carriage on cable?


Anyone know anything? I'm sure I can't be the ONLY person having this kind of a problem ...

- litz

I've heard nothing new. When was the last time you wrote WSB and Cox?

Until Neilson starts including HDTV in their ratings it costs Cox nothing to withold WSB-DT from Comcast.

Cable companies shouldn't be allowed to own local TV stations. I doubt the current FCC board is going to do anything about this.

I gave up and put an antenna in my attic. I live so close to WSB that I had to tilt the antenna up about 20 degrees!

litz,

Do you live on the wrong side of a hill or have trees/buildings in the way?

I live near Lower Roswell and Terrell Mill and use a Radio Shack Double Bow Tie. Sometimes I need to find the strongest multipath reflection, but I can always get WSB. I also have a Silver Sensor which does not work well.

Thare is a lot of signal strength here. CB Gengrich has gotten good reception as far away as Jasper (this side of the hills) using the AHDTV loaner antenna.

Tom

Signal strength isn't the issue, it's quality of reception.

I can get multipath reflections just like you can, often with perfect lock.

And the signal is utterly unwatchable. Breakups, dropouts, galore.

The EXACT SAME signal was *perfect* up until the end of november. Then signal strength dropped before receivable levels.

Last week when the transmitter was repaired signal strengths were back to previous levels, but I can't get anything usable out of it.

It's like total garble is getting sent out, or at least something that the MyHD is incapable of rendering accurately.

At any rate, it just goes to prove a point that until and unless OTA is more of a "plug and play" solution, HD is going NOWHERE except on cable or satellite.

There's simply no way Joe Sixpack is going to buy a TV at circuit city and spend four straight weekends attempting to get the thing to work.

He's either going to take it back or subscribe to cable HD.

And since Cox refuses to allow WSB on Comcast (or Charter) that is going to severely affect adoptibility. Joe Sixpack, after all, is going to be VERY unhappy he can't watch football on monday nights on his big TV.

THAT is what sells advertising and tv sets, not excellent dramatic shows like LOST.

- litz

I have found that my MyHD is not a robust tuner. Nowhere near as good as my Samsung SIRT-150 which is only a second generation receiver. In fact right now the MyHD gets no WSB-DT while the Samsung does.

You are correct in that until cable carries all the channels most people will just get frustrated. I know many people who are happy with the Comcast lineup. 5 ota stations plus Braves-HD. Plus DiscoveryHD, INHD and INHD2 and sometimes ESPNHD. Everyone complains that they don't carry WSB, WUPA and WPBA (when they hear that they carry PBS-HD).

Maybe when MNF is back they'll have WSB.

It took me almost two years to find the sweet spot for my antenna.

Litz,

What kind of antenna are you using? Is it high up enough to clear nearby objects? Have you tried using http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/Address.aspx to help select and point your antenna?

Edit:
Just reread your post. WSB did an upgrade to their digital encoder around the time you had your problem. Hmmmm.

Here's what I received this week from Comcast when I asked about getting ABC (WSB) and ESPN2 as HD channels. Ho hum. :rolleyes:

----------------------------------------------------------
Dear <customer>,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us regarding your interest in
ABC/ESPN 2 HD. We appreciate knowing which networks appeal to our
customers, and we use that information whenever we add networks to our
line-up.

We currently do not have any agreement with ABC/ESPN 2 HD to broadcast
their signal. We have forwarded your comments to our development and
marketing team for additional review and consideration on future
changes.

While we do not have agreements with all programmers that would allow us
to carry their HD programming, we continue to have discussions with a
number of them in the hopes of reaching an agreement to carry their
signals. Comcast is continually working to enhance that offering. Most
recently we have reached an agreement with ESPN to broadcast their HD
programming.

To find out what channels are available in HDTV format in your area
please go to www . comcast . com (url filter post issue)
From this page please look under Customers First and select My Channel
Lineup. Then enter your zip code and follow the prompts to retrieve
HDTV lineup specific to your area. If the HDTV channels are not listed
their click on the 'What's in my Area?' link at the top of the page and
enter your address then click on 'Check Availability'. On the Next
screen under the section 'High-Definition TV' click on the white arrow
in the red box.

We take all requests for new networks very seriously, and we carefully
consider the overall impact of adding each network. While we cannot
honor every request, we do take each request into consideration in
planning future changes to the line-up.

Thank you for your patronage.

Sincerely,

Eric
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

Originally posted by litz
Signal strength isn't the issue, it's quality of reception.

I can get multipath reflections just like you can, often with perfect lock.

And the signal is utterly unwatchable. Breakups, dropouts, galore.
- litz

Whenever I get blocking, breakup and dropout, it has always been a signal strength issue.

You might try an inline amp. I did and it solved my problems. If it doesn't work, take it back.

I had the US Digital OTA receiver and was only able to pickup ABC HD (quite well) WB, and UPN here in Duluth. So i went ahead and ordered the dual tuner comcast HD DVR solution.

The only thing that I don't like (other than the box is really only in a proof of concept form compared to the 8300 STB from Scientific Atlanta) is that the HD does not look as good as the HD I was getting off the air. Don't get me wrong it looks much better than SD, but the sharpness just doesn't compare. I remember watching the Orange Bowl off the air and it was AMAZING. However even the INHD and HD Discovery channels don't look as crisp as what I was getting off the air... It's a bit disappointing. I don't know if it is the motorola box or if it is Comcast lowering the bitrate on the broadcast.


Matt

m_snoby,

My OTA HD and Comcast HD qualities are identical, both are amazing.

If those are the only three stations you get OTA, then you can only do a direct comparison between Comcast WB and OTA WB.

The consensus in the HD community is that Comcast does not lower the bitrate.

Originally posted by m_snoby
I had the US Digital OTA receiver and was only able to pickup ABC HD (quite well) WB, and UPN here in Duluth. So i went ahead and ordered the dual tuner comcast HD DVR solution.

The only thing that I don't like (other than the box is really only in a proof of concept form compared to the 8300 STB from Scientific Atlanta) is that the HD does not look as good as the HD I was getting off the air. Don't get me wrong it looks much better than SD, but the sharpness just doesn't compare. I remember watching the Orange Bowl off the air and it was AMAZING. However even the INHD and HD Discovery channels don't look as crisp as what I was getting off the air... It's a bit disappointing. I don't know if it is the motorola box or if it is Comcast lowering the bitrate on the broadcast.


Matt

My pictures are identical OTA and Comcast as nearly as I can tell, and both are excellent. I have switched back and forth between the two tuned to the same program numerous times and can't tell the difference. It is my understanding that there are no bandwidth constraints for either OTA or cable. Now satellite is bandwidth constrained.

Has anyone heard if they plan to offer a DVI HD box soon? I apologize if this is somewhere in the 50 odd pages of this thread. Thanks!

Originally posted by buzgz
My pictures are identical OTA and Comcast as nearly as I can tell, and both are excellent. I have switched back and forth between the two tuned to the same program numerous times and can't tell the difference. It is my understanding that there are no bandwidth constraints for either OTA or cable. Now satellite is bandwidth constrained.

I agree that Comcast HD is comparable in PQ to OTA HD for me at least. You might check your Comcast box settings to insure that you have the right output setting for HD that matches your display capabilities best. Also, do you have any splitters before the cable reaches your box?

Originally posted by mtodde
Has anyone heard if they plan to offer a DVI HD box soon? I apologize if this is somewhere in the 50 odd pages of this thread. Thanks!

All of Comcast's HD boxes have DVI, as far as I know. At least both of the DVR's do. Just type "DVI" in the "search this thread" box above.

I don't have the DVR...when I got this unit in March the DVI output did not work. Thanks for the answer & the search tip...after reading through the results it sounds like I need to make a call to Comcast.

If I get an antenna can I hook that up to the Comcast STB in any way? Thought that might be a way to get ABC-HD

In regards to quality - I just moved from BHN and before that TWC (each one for a year) and both of them had better pq than what I have on Comcast. The other thing I don't like is the guide and the way the menu works and how slow it is compared to what I am used to. Still HD is awsome :)

No, the Comcast STB has no way to accept antenna input. You will need a separate box if your TV doesn't have an HD tuner, and use a separate input into your TV.

Rich

Thanks Rich - appreciate the response.

One other problem I have is with one of the tuners on the HD-DVR. The one tuner works fine, but when I switch to the second I have tons of glitches and it applies both to HD and to the SD signal. I changed between my component cables and the DVI and problem exists on both inputs. Right now I am recording on the channel that is providing the problems to check if they are there with a recording as well.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Originally posted by mhdiab
Thanks Rich - appreciate the response.

One other problem I have is with one of the tuners on the HD-DVR. The one tuner works fine, but when I switch to the second I have tons of glitches and it applies both to HD and to the SD signal. I changed between my component cables and the DVI and problem exists on both inputs. Right now I am recording on the channel that is providing the problems to check if they are there with a recording as well.

Has anyone else had this problem?

Yes, I had this problem and it turned out to be a signal strength issue. To check this, tune both tuners to the same HD channel that is giving you trouble on one tuner. Turn the DVR off and press the "select" button within two seconds.

This will bring up the diagnostics screen. Go to d04 to check the SNR and AGC. This screen will tell you if you have a signal strength issue on the "bad " tuner. It will probably indicate "poor" if it is a signal strength issue.

Originally posted by buzgz
Yes, I had this problem and it turned out to be a signal strength issue. To check this, tune both tuners to the same HD channel that is giving you trouble on one tuner. Turn the DVR off and press the "select" button within two seconds.

This will bring up the diagnostics screen. Go to d04 to check the SNR and AGC. This screen will tell you if you have a signal strength issue on the "bad " tuner. It will probably indicate "poor" if it is a signal strength issue.

If signal strength is the issue, wouldn't that affect both tuners equally?

WSB HD coming soon to your Comcast system.

Excerpt from announcement our local Cox-owned Fox affiliate's website this afternoon, PT:

HDTV offers six times the picture clarity of traditional analog, providing the clearest picture available today. The agreement between Cox Broadcasting, Comcast and Charter Cable provides carriage of the digital signals of COX Broadcasting television stations including stations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Seattle.

Congrats, you now have ABC HD.

maybe i am slow....explain how that excerpt suggests we are getting ABC on comcast in atlanta?

The agreement between Cox Broadcasting, Comcast and Charter Cable provides carriage of the digital signals of COX Broadcasting television stations including stations in the San Francisco Bay Area, Atlanta, Pittsburgh and Seattle. There it is, I put it in bold. Who do you think owns Atlanta's ABC affiliate?

Well, I'll be damned. This is excellent news. Thanks!

That is great...too bad it comes AFTER football season is over. Still I'm looking forward to Alias in HD!

sonoma -

believe it or not i didn't know cox owned WSB....now i do!

i misunderstood what the hangup with comcast/abc was....

How fast do you think Comcast Atlanta will act to get us WSB HD?

http://www.ktvu.com/station/4133387/detail.html

San Fran Cox station says THursday 8pm!! Wow, heres to hoping these agreements really are true for wsb...

-Chris

now i can start watching LOST and ALIAS is hd - this is huge!!!

By the way, Cox's corporate HQ is in the Atlanta area and Cox also owns the paper there, is it called the Constitution-Journal? Why not stop by on your lunch hour and give them a high-five? :)

Originally posted by mtodde
That is great...too bad it comes AFTER football season is over. Still I'm looking forward to Alias in HD!

That's a "glass half empty" point of view. :p

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
By the way, Cox's corporate HQ is in the Atlanta area and Cox also owns the paper there, is it called the Constitution-Journal? Why not stop by on your lunch hour and give them a high-five? :)

Your in-depth knowledge of Atlanta is scary....have you ever lived here by chance?

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
By the way, Cox's corporate HQ is in the Atlanta area and Cox also owns the paper there, is it called the Constitution-Journal? Why not stop by on your lunch hour and give them a high-five? :)

Atlanta Journal-Constitution.... A mouthfull locals short to AJC.


www.ajc.com

Good news. I'll starting looking for WSB-DT on cable.

Originally posted by DDisney
If signal strength is the issue, wouldn't that affect both tuners equally?

No. This is most likely a signal to noise ratio (SNR) problem. When the signal level is marginal, the tuner that produces the most noise will give trouble first. And, of course, one tuner is certain to be more noisy than the other.

If the signal level is so low as to give trouble on both tuners and many channels, this is usually caught and corrected at installation.

Originally posted by buzgz
No. This is most likely a signal to noise ratio (SNR) problem. When the signal level is marginal, the tuner that produces the most noise will give trouble first. And, of course, one tuner is certain to be more noisy than the other.

If the signal level is so low as to give trouble on both tuners and many channels, this is usually caught and corrected at installation.

Interesting, thanks for the explanation.

I wonder how long it will take them to get ABC HD up and running on Comcast. The way they have been adding channels lately, I doubt if they will be able to get things going before March. We finally started getting guide information for TBS HD #807 last week, and I've had it for at least a month without any HD content.

Here's to hoping it's sooner than later.

Oh, and Cox's corporate headquarters is in Dunwoody off Peachtree-Dunwoody Road just north of I-285. They have their name on their building, so it's kind of hard to miss.

I sent am email to WSB today citing the recent Cox/Comcast agreement and asking when it would be available in our area. I haven't heard anything back from them yet though. I assume they would make an announcement just like the Bay Area station did once they plan on having it available.

Vinings head end has channel 803 listed in the guide as of 4:07pm. Upon selecting it says not authorized. But its close. Oh so close.

-Chris

It's official! (I work there)

WSB HD will start January 28 at 8 a.m.

excellent!

kick ass

now i just wish i had been watching LOST! i gave uyp hope of LOST in hd and decided to wait for the dvd's.....is that a show i can just jump into?

Well, I haven't watched WSB since June '03. Back then I decided not to watch that TV station or listen to their radio station until they got wsbdt on Comcast. I didn't want to read the AJC either but that was harder because it was just laying there around the house (others here read it).

I guess they finally felt the pressure of losing a customer. I wonder how Nielsen figured out I was not watching anymore. :) Regardless, I can't wait to watch Alias again, which is the show I got all the HDTV equipment for in the first place.

This is good.! I don't know the details of the deal but I bet there's no reason to thank Cox for this. I wish I could find out if I'm wrong or not.

yep...I see it on my tv listing .....we are almost there!

I have one 6412 as well as a 2244 from Comcast here in Atlanta. Now that
WSB HD is available the storage on one 6412 is not going to do, and I
want to trade up the 2244.

I endured the useless $30 house visit to get the first 6412, at a time
some people ignored the party line and picked one up at a cable store.

Has anyone managed to do a box swap over the counter lately?

The reply to my earlier email to WSBTV

"Thanks for asking,
ABC's high-definition (HDTV) programming will be available to Comcast customers in metropolitan Atlanta through Comcast Cable's HDTV service, beginning Friday, January 28, 2005, at 8 a.m.

Thanks for watching,
WSB-TV "

I still don't have it in my channel guide...I'll check again tomorrow night with my fingers crossed.

I need to call Comcast too so I can upgrade my box. Is the 2244 the latest unit?

What is the difference between the 6412 and the 2244?

never heard of the 2244. the 6412 is still a pretty new box for comcast, i'm surprised there's another.

I think some of you have misinterpreted my note asking about cable store upgrades.

The 2244 is the old sdtv digital stb (no hdtv, no dvr). Its the standard box you get with the digital package. I had two of those and upgraded one to a 6412 when they first came out. Now that WSB HD is available I want to upgrade the other 2244 to a 6412 to get more DVR storage.

I was hoping to hear that some one had done that over the counter at one of the comcast cable stores recently and avoided the useless $30 home installation. Their offficial line is that the cable stores don't have DVR's, although at some times in the past that has been false.

Yes, from what I have been told by Comcast is that you can only get the DVRs via installations. These installations cost $30 a pop. No way you can get around it. (Trust me, I have tried after paying $90 for 3 different installs!)

Thanks for the clarification km. I have an older HD box with the DVI output disabled. I think it is the 5100.

It Works!!

Originally posted by DasLonghorn02
It Works!!

Yes it does! Woo Hoo! I can't wait for Alias now!

I was watching everything on WSB on 803 in HD last night here in Norcross....looked good and the guide was even up tp date. Good job Comcast!

I noticed it was there, but it said I had to subscribe to that channel. Not sure why.

w i just wish i had been watching LOST! i gave uyp hope of LOST in hd and decided to wait for the dvd's.....is that a show i can just jump into?

Yes they are running reruns right now - missed a few, but definately worth it.

Thanks for the info about the Tuners - been out of town, but will try this Monday morning and see if that is it.

Originally posted by rupertpupkin
It's official! (I work there)

WSB HD will start January 28 at 8 a.m.

Actually, it was available on channel 803 last night for me, though there was no HD programming. Good to see this finally happen for Atlanta area Comcasters.

Now if we could just get them to carry the new PBS HD broadcasts. That is the one channel locally that I care about but cannot pick up via my OTA setup.

I also noticed ABC HD on 803 about 8pm last night and almost fainted!! I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. My OTA is becoming more and more obsolete as Comcast keeps adding channels to the HD lineup!! The only other channels I get on my OTA that I can't get on Comcast is PBS HD and UPN HD. Not too bad though!!!

Originally posted by Payton3485
I also noticed ABC HD on 803 about 8pm last night and almost fainted!! I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. My OTA is becoming more and more obsolete as Comcast keeps adding channels to the HD lineup!! The only other channels I get on my OTA that I can't get on Comcast is PBS HD and UPN HD. Not too bad though!!!

Yes, I am just about ready to sell my OTA equipment since I can't pick up PBS HD with my antenna and don't really care about UPN.

Can anyone find WSB or WTBS with a Fusion card?

They are supposed to be Channel 98 (111mhz) but neither channel shows up. Fusion says "no signal".

Anyone had any luck?

I moved from Dish to Comcast yesterday. Just how long should it take for them to activate my premium (HBO, SHO, etc.) channels?

I called three times yesterday after my installation and received three different explanations on why my channels weren't showing up and when they would appear. A day and a half later, I'm still watching basic cable. Grrrrr.

on normal cable? or HD cable?

I've heard of cases where it takes 2-3 days for HD changes to propagate, if they are busy (and we ARE in the middle of an ice storm) ...

Basic cable should propagate instantly. You haven't made enough of a nuisance of yourself to the people in the call center yet, then.

Stay on the line, and insist on speaking to superivor-types until you get some one that can fit it. It's a software chance they make right on the computer.

If they give you lip about "have to get someone at the head-end to fix it" then they're feeding you a line of bull ...

If it was something at the head-end, the entire node would be seeing the same problem.

- litz

A Comcast tech left me a bad cable a few months ago, and I could get all channels except my premiums. Could you have a bad cable or connector? Just an idea...

Well, as of 11h00pm last night, the tech still hadn't closed out the work order, according to one of the CSRs.

During one of the phone calls, they told me one of my receivers was listed as belonging to someone else (yet inactive), but they would/could activate my premiums on the other receiver immediately.

Yeah, that didn't happen. I guess it's time to call again.

the last 2 technicians that came to my house for "installs" forgot to properly close out workorders, keeping me from my subscriptions. one called in the wrong serial number, the other one set up my account to have no HD access (digital cable only). It was crazy how long i had to spend on the phone to fix this!

just be persistent.

I have had a number of customer service issues. The credits they gave were not worth the frustrations I went through...I had over $250 in credits for poor service last year.

you have to stay on the phone with them until the issue is resolved. If they tell you to wait 10 minutes, you stay on the PHONE ten minutes. If you hang up the line, you just get lost in the queue ...

- litz

Woo-hoo, we have a winner! I finally got through to someone helpful today. Actually, this lady was one of the friendliest and most helpful CSRs ever. She stayed on the phone with me (her suggestion, at that) until we resolved all my issues. I finally have my premiums!

Thank you, unnamed Comcast hero!

Thanks buzgz!
The SNR was listed as fair - I swapped the coax and it brought it up just a bit. Will call Comcast tomorrow and get it fixed.

My wife just surfed to 803 and I looked up from my computer and saw Desperate Housewives in HD and yelled so loud it scared my wife and she got angry... until she realized why I yelled! Of course I wish I hadn't missed another season of MNF, but at least it will be there next year.

Thank you Comcast!

At long last we finally have channel 803. Alas, it is too late for Monday night football, but look on the bright side, we have 8 months to work the bugs out until MNF comes back. As much as I hate to admit it, I was exploring options to possibly move back to the dish when they started carrying local HDs (promised for this summer).

Gosh this saves me so much work, headache, etc, etc, etc. AND, I get to keep my cable modem to boot!

Now, if only we could figure out a way to get NFL Sunday ticket I'd be set.

Ok...now we need to start talking about the other HD channels we don't have yet...(TNT, Universal, etc...)

Comcast is coming out Saturday to install my HD DVR! Thanks to all in this thread I learned about it and have ordered it. I'm giving up the digital box in my bedroom since I hardly watch the TV so it will be a wash in terms of cost...

I got a weird problem. When watching Battlestar Galactica, (and recording) and only this show, I have closed captioning in spanish. I have CC set at blocked, so A) why is it there and B) why is it in Spanish?

Appreciate if anyone has any idea.

Thanks,

Originally posted by gsiokis
Ok...now we need to start talking about the other HD channels we don't have yet...(TNT, Universal, etc...)

Likeliest are ESPN2HD and UniversalHD it seems. TNT-HD isn't on the horizon. HDNET is in negotiations but has been for quite some time.

Of course, I could be wrong.....

Rich N.

TNT-HD isn't on the horizon

Why aren't they? This sucks since they have so much Basketball

Just what I've heard on other threads. There are just no positive vibes from the folks here who have inside information about new channels (I'm not one) and TNT-HD. The only ones that seem to have a chance are ESPN2HD and Universal HD.

From my view, not having ESPN2HD is just silly, but I don't have to negotiate for it, so there may be more problems than my simple mind can comprehend. Universal HD could be part of a new agreement about all the NBC family of channels. TNT-HD doesn't have enough content that Comcast feels it will be in a competitive disadvantage by not including (and paying extra) for it.

Since Comcast doesn't have an HD Tier they have to absorb the cost of new channels.

They are probably just basking in the excitement of the Sinclair settlement right now anyway. Most people think that new channels, if at all, are several months away.

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
The only ones that seem to have a chance are ESPN2HD and Universal HD.

... Most people think that new channels, if at all, are several months away.

Rich N.

We would like to see Battlestar Galactica in HD instead of noisy analog.

I started reading from about page 40 and really enjoyed it. I'm in the Brookhaven area and just got a Sony 50we655 and Comcast HD-DVR. A few questions:

1. Any way to add recording capacity to the 6412? (15 hours of HD is what we get correct?)
2. Do any of the inputs work on the 6412? If so, Could I hook my OTA to the TV with built-in tuner, run it out of the TV back to the 6412, and record an HD UPN or PBS show?
3. Do I need a DVD-D or DVD-I cable for my 6412?
4. Comcast wants to charge me $2.95 per month for a channel guide? What is that? Is it worth it?

Thanks!

There are seperate threads for the Motorola 6412. Lots of good information there.


Atlanta gets the one with iGuide software not MSTV.

1. Not that I know of. At least not yet.

2. I haven't tried any of the inputs, but I've read that none of them are enabled.

3. No. There is no point in paying for a $$$ HDMI adaptor for your WE655. All the Sony Grand Wega IV sets convert HDMI back into analog component anyway.

4. Good question. I assumed it was one of those hidden fees. Anyone tried to cancel that service?

Originally posted by Andrew535

4. Comcast wants to charge me $2.95 per month for a channel guide? What is that? Is it worth it?


4. Good question. I assumed it was one of those hidden fees. Anyone tried to cancel that service?

It is a printed guide that is published monthly. I cancelled it when I got my first bill without any problems. It was not worth paying for IMHO.

Originally posted by mtodde
It is a printed guide that is published monthly. I cancelled it when I got my first bill without any problems. It was not worth paying for IMHO.


Ahhh. There was a coupon for a free on demand movie in last month's. If they keep that up, I'll keep paying.

Is the Duke UNC blacked out in the Gwinnett area? Right now, it is just ESPN News.

Originally posted by gadog98
Is the Duke UNC blacked out in the Gwinnett area? Right now, it is just ESPN News.

It was televised on PAX-12 locally and blacked out on ESPN.

Originally posted by dlp3719

1. Any way to add recording capacity to the 6412? (15 hours of HD is what we get correct?)


You can buy a D-VHS deck or have a computer set up to record digital video. Then, basically, you play what you have on your DVR and record it elsewhere. That lets you then free up space on your DVR.
Instructions are on various other AVS Forum threads. Try the Official Comcast 6412 - iGuide Discussion thread in the HDTV Recorders area.

Here is a post from another thread that supposedly programs a button on the 6214 remote to do 30 sec. skipping.. GREAT for blasting through recorded commercials. Should work for us in Atlanta as my understanding is Comcast uses iguide. I'm supposed to get my 6214 tomorrow...

Hope the link works. If not, I've pasted the text below. Thanks to scottmd1us for the post.
RTV Thread Post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5188274#post5188274)


Actually you can do a 30 second skip ahead. I use it all the time and blow through commercials in 4 quick clicks.

1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.

I know this probably varies based on location, but in general how is the PQ of the analog stations on Comcast and the 6412? I ask becsue I amd fed up with dish Netowrk and dont; want to go to Directv until they have their MPEG4 HD-PVR so I need a stop-gap. They have a nice deal for satellite users they will give me $25 discount per month for 16 months on One of their digital packages. Problem is they still have over 40 channels in Analog! Last time I tied cable (over 11 years ago) the signal sucked, so I am nervous especially now that I have a 57" Hitachi compared to a 32" CRT 11 years ago. In general how does the Analog stack up compared to say the over-compressed Dish Network channels?

Originally posted by kluken
I know this probably varies based on location, but in general how is the PQ of the analog stations on Comcast and the 6412?

It does vary. Our neighborhood has some very old equiptment.

Analog PQ is generaly good. Fox is terrible. This could be because we are very close to the transmitter and even closer to the CBS towers.

Picture quality falls off above 60. By 74 the picture is full of snow.

Digital is fine. HD is great.

Quality can also depend on the wiring. I've never had any problems with PQ in my den, but upstairs I have had issues with reception above channel 70. After Comcast replaced some splitters and connectors for the HD service the upstairs pq was great.

Also, I had to have them fix buried cables that got dug up. The first time, 10 -15 years ago, the splice job was something I could have done. When Comcast had to splice it again last summer the connector was definitely industrial strength. (Of course you can see what they did because it takes a while to get them to re-bury the new cable.)

I beg to differ with the two answers you already got to your question. Those two answers are the first time I have ever seen anyone say picture quality of analog channels through the 6412 are fine. The analog-to-digital converter in the 6412 is low quality. Comcast didn't want to spend much on it for various reasons. However, Comcast is going all digital, advertising it will happen this year.

They installed my HD DVR on Saturday and I connected a decent DVI cable today. There was a noticeable upgrade in picture quality over the component video (with a great cable too) on my Hitachi 51S500. It is hard to believe that I am acutally happy with Comcast for a change!

Originally posted by nielloeb
I beg to differ with the two answers you already got to your question. Those two answers are the first time I have ever seen anyone say picture quality of analog channels through the 6412 are fine. The


Depends on what you are comparing too. Here is my list from worst to best:

Analog TV using the antenna in my attic.
Comcast Analog through our TiVo. Fox is unwatchable.
Comcast Analog through the 6412
Comcast Analog through our TV
Comcast Digital through the 6412

OTA HD, Comcast HD using our TV tuner and Comcast HD over he 6412 all look about the same to me. I might be able to see something if I could A/B.

Originally posted by tombarry
Quality can also depend on the wiring. I've never had any problems with PQ in my den, but upstairs I have had issues with reception above channel 70. After Comcast replaced some splitters and connectors for the HD service the upstairs pq was great.

Also, I had to have them fix buried cables that got dug up. The first time, 10 -15 years ago, the splice job was something I could have done. When Comcast had to splice it again last summer the connector was definitely industrial strength. (Of course you can see what they did because it takes a while to get them to re-bury the new cable.)

Well my outside cable got dug up like 9 years ago when I went to Directv, so they need to drop new cable and the tap is right at the top of my property. And I will only be driving a single 6412, so a straight run from their tap to my 6412 then 6412 will be DVI to my Hitachi 57S500. Since I don;t have to commit I may just give them a try, if the analogs look like crap then out they go.

Here is a post from another thread that supposedly programs a button on the 6214 remote to do 30 sec. skipping

Punah - Thanks a bunch - this worked like a charm :)

Separate question - does anyone know why there are no HD on demands available or is that only in my area? Most other Comcast areas seems to have a "decent selection" (see thread on front page).........

here in atlanta, we get some IMAX features with OnDemand HD pay per view....but with all of the fantastic IMAX that INHD 1&2 show, i can't see too many people ordering them.

I've been recording the IMAX stuff with the 6412 DVR...even less reason for PPV on them.

same here, mtodde. the ONDEMAND hd ppv material is also copy protected so archiving to dvhs is impossible. with INHD you can build a library of virtually every IMAX feature available since they've aired at least 30 different ones in the 6 months i've had the channel.

Originally posted by nielloeb
Comcast is going all digital, advertising it will happen this year.

Comcast won't get rid of analog. They are trying to simulcast the analog signals on the digital tier this year. They would have to provide the non-digital subscriber base with a separate box (since many folks just hook the cable directly into their analog TVs) which people may not want to do. So eliminating analog is still significantly in the future. This is too bad beacuse of the bandwidth that would free up for more HD channels.

Rich N.

Originally posted by oleus
with INHD you can build a library of virtually every IMAX feature available since they've aired at least 30 different ones in the 6 months i've had the channel.

How/where are you storing all this HD content?
Pls. describe your eqpt. config.

As mentioned before in this forum, you can move things from the 6412 to a D-VHS deck or computer. Search for "D-VHS."

punahou -

i am using a dvhs deck hooked up via forewire to my 6412's. makes perfect copies, totally legal.

ps to Neil Loeb - if you're still participating in this thread i just sent you a PM

later

"Actually you can do a 30 second skip ahead. I use it all the time and blow through commercials in 4 quick clicks.
1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip or swap function to.
I did that and then learned the funtion to my Home Theater Master, but if you dont have another remote, you can just learn it to an unused key on your Comast Remote and be done with it."

I just tried this and it worked great. However I used a button that I needed for the skip ahead..ie the #1 button now does a skip ahead even when I try to change a channel to 41 or 10, ect.

Anyone know how to undo this/ reset this so I can use another button that I don't need for other uses..

Thanks,
Jason

Originally posted by mhdiab
I got a weird problem. When watching Battlestar Galactica, (and recording) and only this show, I have closed captioning in spanish. I have CC set at blocked, so A) why is it there and B) why is it in Spanish?

Appreciate if anyone has any idea.

Thanks,

Yo no Se.


sorry, I had to do it!

Originally posted by raidbuck
Comcast won't get rid of analog. They are trying to simulcast the analog signals on the digital tier this year. They would have to provide the non-digital subscriber base with a separate box (since many folks just hook the cable directly into their analog TVs) which people may not want to do. So eliminating analog is still significantly in the future. This is too bad beacuse of the bandwidth that would free up for more HD channels.

Rich N.

What makes you think there are bandwidth restrictions on cable? I am under the impression that while satellite is bandwidth limited, there are no restrictions on OTA or cable.

It depends upon the physical characteristics of the cable system. In most Comcast areas there is sufficient bandwidth but some areas have older systems that do limit the number of channels Comcast can add.

Comcast is still adding SD digital channels, but not HD ones. Obviously they already have agreements for the SD ones.

At least, that's what the techies on this forum are always saying. Hopefully a professional can explain it better. I do know that an analog channel takes up as much room as multiple HD channels and many SD digital channels.

Rich N.

Yo no Se.

Funny, but the freaking problem is still there and with the DVR being 80% full I really don't want it swapped........

I am trying to get abc on comcast without the cable box. Does anyone know the channel?

803, I believe.

Yeah i saw that advertised, but I don't get it there. I have a built-in digital tuner card and so my channels come up different. But thanks for the reply.

I just starting to see this past week that most of the HD
Audio is out of sync. Is this something that's just started or am I just now seeing it. Anybody else in Atlanta notice this.
It looks like a badly dubbed program

Originally posted by hdiesel1977
I am trying to get abc on comcast without the cable box. Does anyone know the channel?

With the direct cable feed into my tuner on Comcast I see ABC on 98.3

i am also seeing/hearing slightly out of sync audio on both of my 6412's....seems to mostly effect dolby digital 5.1 movies.

Originally posted by mats038
With the direct cable feed into my tuner on Comcast I see ABC on 98.3


Thanks!

Is anyone else having issues with WGCL-HD (ch.809)? My 6412 DVR tried to record CSI and Without a Trace and neither recording would play. When I attempted to manually tune to 809, the screen would freeze on whatever channel I was tuning _from_.

As of about 7:00am this morning (3/11) the problem still existed.

Thanks,
-MrB

Originally posted by mrbelk
Is anyone else having issues with WGCL-HD (ch.809)? My 6412 DVR tried to record CSI and Without a Trace and neither recording would play. When I attempted to manually tune to 809, the screen would freeze on whatever channel I was tuning _from_.

As of about 7:00am this morning (3/11) the problem still existed.

Thanks,
-MrB

I had the same problem last night. It appears that as of 4:35 PM it still exists. Does anyone have a built in tuner so we can see if it is a Comcast or WGCL problem?

I have a built in tuner and WGCL-HD Thursday and today the screen was just blank no reception. But it did clear up for CSI and Without a Trace.
Then the problem came back today, so there is an issues with WGCL-HD on comcast. Winston

The ACC tournament final is in HD on ESPN, but in Atlanta we only get it in non-HD on 813.

What's up with that ?

I know many will be upset w/ what this may bring down the road, but i
personally am extatic about seeing 3 games at once on my local cable
provider. Cheers to CBS for this opportunity!!

http://www.cbs46.com/global/Story.asp?s=3063998

Originally posted by ChrisHman
I know many will be upset w/ what this may bring down the road, but i
personally am extatic about seeing 3 games at once on my local cable
provider. Cheers to CBS for this opportunity!!

http://www.cbs46.com/global/Story.asp?s=3063998

I wonder if the games shown on their HD channel will actually be in HD. I doubt it, but it would really be great if they are in HD

I, too was waiting to watch games on ESPN HD this past weekend (ACC Tournament) but the channel went blank. So I called to find out since it was on 813 that they were blacking out ESPN HD. They told me no that they were experiencing video difficulties...yeah, right! Back to back days and only during the ACC games.

Anyone know if they were truly blacking out the ESPN HD games?

Thanks,
Gus

Originally posted by gsiokis
I, too was waiting to watch games on ESPN HD this past weekend (ACC Tournament) but the channel went blank. So I called to find out since it was on 813 that they were blacking out ESPN HD. They told me no that they were experiencing video difficulties...yeah, right! Back to back days and only during the ACC games.

Anyone know if they were truly blacking out the ESPN HD games?

Thanks,
Gus

Yup, Jefferson Pilot has the rights to ACC games in this area so we get the crummy SD version instead. This has happened before when there was an ACC HD game on ESPN HD, Carolina/Duke I believe. Ironic that the areas in which ACC basketball has the most fans are limited to the JP SD version while the rest of the country gets to see these games in glorious HD.

Disney: THANKS!

anyone having problems with 803? Lost's audio is pushing out a bunch of snap, crackle and pop.

Gus

Disney: THANKS!

anyone having problems with 803? Lost's audio is pushing out a bunch of snap, crackle and pop.

Gus

Yeah. Lost was unwatchable last night due to Audio problems

same here. completely unwatchable because of the audio.

Can someone tell me the latest HD devices provide by Comcast and the features included? I am specifically looking for this type of info?

- 1080i and 720p output available via component and dvi
- DVR (what's the maximum storage)
- 5.1 audio output via coax and/or optical
- the ability to allow output only HD channels (not block, but only scroll
through a limited subset of channels)

Any other features of substance would be appreciated.

This site may help answer some of your questions..The DCT 6412 is the latest HD/DVR model that I know of right now for comcast.

http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dvrdct.htm

I am familiar with the hardware. I am trying to find out which features have been enabled.

anyone getting the third CBS multicast channel on Comcast (supposed to be channel 999) for the NCAA tourney? I'm not.

just checked....i have it

Originally posted by Visual-truth
Can someone tell me the latest HD devices provide by Comcast and the features included?

In Atlanta, Comcast is offering the Motorola Dual-Tuner DVR High-Definition Set-Top DCT6412.

Go to the following page to see details: http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6412.asp

What is NOT active: Picture-in-Picture; Front and rear panel L/R audio and video inputs; Two USB connectors; Ethernet connection.

Also, the Firewire output is basically a "read-only" output. What I mean by this is you can't hook up an external hard drive for extra online storage, but you can hook up a D-VHS deck or computer to record whatever the 6412 is outputting at the moment (i.e. you have to manually record onto an external device). Note some D-VHS decks seem to have trouble holding onto the signal. Also, it's unknown whether a DVD recorder can record the Firewire output of the 6412 because we simply haven't heard from anyone who has tried.

nielloeb

So I can expect the following features to be active on a 6412:

- 1080i and 720p output available via component and dvi
- DVR (what's the maximum storage)
- 5.1 audio output via coax and/or optical
- the ability to allow output only HD channels (not block, but only scroll
through a limited subset of channels)

DVR (what's the maximum storage)

approx est.

45-75 Hrs SD

11-15 Hrs HD

45 min Buffer SD

10 min Buffer HD

I was receiving 3 different games at the same time this weekend. 009 was one game, 809 was the HD game, and 999 was a digital feed of a 3rd game. Of course, the HD 809 channel had the best picture hands down.

i have noticed that i get no audio on either of my two 6412's on the recently added CNNI (cnn international). the same goes for a couple of the religious channels and an international spots channel (I only noticed this doing a scan of the channels) . the audio is fine on my regular digital cable box.

what could be causing this? the digital audio signal totally dops out, and my audio receivers show NO signal coming in with these few stations (it's not just silent, thee is NO audio info coming in).

anyone know what could be causing this? i know CNNI has been like this for weeks.

Originally posted by oleus
i anyone know what could be causing this? i know CNNI has been like this for weeks.


CNNI works fine on our 6412. I have no idea what your problem could be.

Have you tried calling Comcast?

andrew - what kind of audio are you using? analog or digital?

i want to try and toubleshoot this myself before calling into comcast. that's usually and unpleasant experience.

Originally posted by jbock
approx est.

45-75 Hrs SD

11-15 Hrs HD

45 min Buffer SD

10 min Buffer HD

Just as I was going to switch from Dish Netwrok I see this. Well my 921 can buffer about 6 min of content regardless of source. I could maybe live with 30 min, but only 10 min on HD? Thats just bad. I guess I'll stick with Dish for a while longer.

Originally posted by oleus
same here. completely unwatchable because of the audio.

Fortunatley it was a repeat I had seen, but the problem was on my OTA throuhg my 921 as well, so must have beena WSB or ABC issue.

I have the Motorola 6412 DVR/STB. Will this unit allow me to select a scan rate of either 720p or 1080i?
Right now, my Pio monitor shows that it's 1080i.

I can't find a setting on the back of the box, and haven't seen anything in the box set up via remote.

Thanks

To access the cable box HD settings menu turn your TV power off and press menu on the cable box..this should bring up what your looking for..

Originally posted by kluken
Just as I was going to switch from Dish Netwrok I see this. Well my 921 can buffer about 6 min of content regardless of source. I could maybe live with 30 min, but only 10 min on HD? Thats just bad. I guess I'll stick with Dish for a while longer.

I don't know where jbock got his buffer times from, but I can say that I have personnally seen at least 70 min of buffer for SD and over 30 minutes of buffer for HD on my 6412. Though I know there must be a fixed limit, I am wondering if it is the lessor of a shows length and the amount of available space. I really have no idea what the exact buffer amounts are just that I have seen more than what jbock posted.

So I can expect the following features to be active on a 6412:
- the ability to allow output only HD channels (not block, but only scroll
through a limited subset of channels)

I don't understand this. You have various channels available depending on the package to which you subscribed. I have analog channels through channel 78 or so, some digital channels up to about channel 267, some HD channels, and music channels. I can scroll through all possible channels by simply hitting the up and down channel arrows on my remote. This often gives me a channel notice saying I have not subscribed to that channel, so I can't view it. You can also program the 6412 through your remote to use the "Favorites" button on your remote. This lets you press that button to scroll through only the channels you programmed into that button. You would use this to avoid scrolling to channels that will just give you a message saying you aren't subscribed. It also lets you scroll through only those same channels in the on-screen TV Guide.

Originally posted by nielloeb
I don't understand this. You have various channels available depending on the package to which you subscribed. I have analog channels through channel 78 or so, some digital channels up to about channel 267, some HD channels, and music channels. I can scroll through all possible channels by simply hitting the up and down channel arrows on my remote. This often gives me a channel notice saying I have not subscribed to that channel, so I can't view it. You can also program the 6412 through your remote to use the "Favorites" button on your remote. This lets you press that button to scroll through only the channels you programmed into that button. You would use this to avoid scrolling to channels that will just give you a message saying you aren't subscribed. It also lets you scroll through only those same channels in the on-screen TV Guide.

It may be that you have a different software version. When I hit the menu button, I have a button for HD...when you select it you can browse HD only channels by time or channel.

Just noticed last night that Comcast has started converting analog channels to digital channels.

Looks like channels 2, 11, 15, 16, 20, 29, 30, 31 and 64 have been converted.

Anyone else notice this?

I verified this when I checked the Current Channel Status Screen in the Diagnostic Menu.

Also the Dolby Double D symbol appears in the info screen for both tuners.

Originally posted by billo4357

Looks like channels 2, 11, 15, 16, 20, 29, 32, 31 and 64 have been converted.
.

I checked it on my box, and it agrees with your list except I think you mean to type "30" instead of "32".

Thanks KM, you are right.
I guess my fingers were faster than my brain. I made the change in the original message

Did anybody else have problems with the sound and picture on 803 last night for Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy? Both were unwatchable on HD as the sound would get really low, then cut out, and the picture would cut out from time to time too. I watched both in SD without any problems. Anybody else experience this?

Yes, but I wouldn't blame Comcast this time. I saw the same problems when I checked the WSB-DT over the air broadcast last night. Was it because of the storms or a bad feed to the WSB tower? Same net effect, watch the analog.

Originally posted by billo4357
Just noticed last night that Comcast has started converting analog channels to digital channels.

Looks like channels 2, 11, 15, 16, 20, 29, 30, 31 and 64 have been converted.

Anyone else notice this?

I verified this when I checked the Current Channel Status Screen in the Diagnostic Menu.

Looks like more channels being converted today to digital:

So far 7, 10, 12, 13 and 14 have been converted.

I just ordered the upgrade from the HD box to the dual tuner HD box.
Is there no way to avoid the $29.50 installation fee?

What is the fuss over changing analog channels to digital? I assume you are refering to the signals tuned by my 6412. I have 5 other TVs that get the analog channels because I am too cheap to pay $5 each for a digital box.

The analog (no Comcast box) signals look nicer on my Sony XBR 400 that the same channels from my 6412. How should I expect the picture quality to change as the digital/analog signals become digigtal/digital? I hope they don't get worse.

The analog (no Comcast box) signals look nicer on my Sony XBR 400 that the same channels from my 6412. How should I expect the picture quality to change as the digital/analog signals become digigtal/digital? I hope they don't get worse.

My analog cable (2-80) reception on the 6412 also looks worse than regular coax directly (I use a splitter and switch inputs when I have to watch basic analog)...but many of the non-HD digital channels look pretty good..

There are advantages from a digital source signal including smoother PQ and higher bandwith signal transfer...Muticasting to digital should allow me to quit having to switch inputs when watching basic cable now. Still, no matter what, some station programming is just better than others ..and, for HBO, Showtime, etc. movies, some are just better quality than others..IMO, many of the older movies don't look as good as the newer ones.

Just my 2 cents..

rupertpupkin: Good luck....Back in Nov they (Comcast) allowed you to pickup and do a self-install (I was one of them). Today, you have only one choice and that is to have Comcast do the install.

ANYONE: Has anyone been having problems with some of the "new" digital channels (old analog) and some of the HD channels the last couple of weeks. I seem to be getting intermittent cutouts, blocking, lack of signal, etc......Thoughts?

Gus

Originally posted by gsiokis

ANYONE: Has anyone been having problems with some of the "new" digital channels (old analog) and some of the HD channels the last couple of weeks. I seem to be getting intermittent cutouts, blocking, lack of signal, etc......Thoughts?

Gus
I've only been on Comcast for the past 10 days and I always seem to have audio problems on ABC. CBS is coming in nicely as does DHD, INHD, and INHD2.

You mean the bad ABC feed isn't "normal?" That's good news. I was getting worried about Monday Night Football...

BTW, the analog channels are absolutely worthless on a 110" screen. Long live digital! (What's with the digital conversion prioritization? They already converted QVC to digital -- wow.)


Pete.

So the game yesterday was on TBS, but it was not in HD. Are they only doing the home games in HD for the Braves? Anybody know?

Originally posted by rupertpupkin
I just ordered the upgrade from the HD box to the dual tuner HD box.
Is there no way to avoid the $29.50 installation fee?

Not likely. You will also be the lucky recipient of a fee to change the service on your account, about $15 I believe.

Pete: Don't know but I called Comcast the other day about the signal problems and they sent out a tech who checked everything out. He pretty much stated the obvious - "great signal and I can't find anything wrong." Man, I feel like the person with car that acts up only when the owner drives it around town and works great when the mechanic checks it out. Although, he did state that he thought my problems are related to the Analog to Digital conversion that is ongoing....Hmmmm....boy I guess I could have figured that one out on my own. ;-)

PEET: I think ONLY the HOME GAMES are in HD and on channel 755.

Gus

I just had starz added to my account (there is a starz promotion right now). My 6412 gets the standard def starz channels, but not the HD one (channel 895). There is no authorization error, just a blank screen once the title bar disappears,

The diagnostic menu shows good signal on the channel. The box has been power cycled and the comcast csr hit it again with no change. Hbo-hd works fine as do the free hd stations.

Does starz-hd work for others?

Originally posted by km
I just had starz added to my account (there is a starz promotion right now). My 6412 gets the standard def starz channels, but not the HD one (channel 895). There is no authorization error, just a blank screen once the title bar disappears,

The diagnostic menu shows good signal on the channel. The box has been power cycled and the comcast csr hit it again with no change. Hbo-hd works fine as do the free hd stations.

Does starz-hd work for others?

km: What's the Starz promotion?


Pete.

Originally posted by pforsstrom
km: What's the Starz promotion?


Pete.

3 Months free Starz with Digital Plus.

I think it depends on how agressive the CSR is exactly how it applies. I think its meant for people who have digital starter as incentive to upgrade to digital plus ($5 extra). The CSR I talked to after failing to sell me the upgrade, gave it to me anyway.

Even though the I-Guide did not show this as scheduled, the Masters
is currently being broadcast in hi-def along with 5.1 sound on
Comcast channel 809.

Bill

I just had comcast installed this week, with HDTV and 6412 DVR. The HD channels are increadible. The Masters looked awesome. I am a bit disappointed in a couple of things:

1) Analog channels look horrible, but I guess I won't have to suffer long since the digital conversion is taking place. Plus, I probably won't watch anything that isn't on one of the HD channels.

2) I CAN'T believe that Apprentice and Survivor aren't broadcast in HD. That kills me.

3) I really wish HGTV and FOODTv were in HD. I like those channels a lot.

These are minor complaints, more so just obvservations. Overall, I am very pleased with the HD channels.

Ray

It doesn't appear discovery broadcasts in Dolby Digital. I'm not sure if this is true for every show. Has anyone seen DD on DHD? Does anyone get it consistently.

Speaking of DD. Once every few days my 6412 kicks out of Dolby Digital mode and sends only Prologic. A power off and power on seems to fix this. Has anyone has similar problems. It's conceivable it's my Denon 5800 receiver, but I don't think so. Thanks.

Pete.

Originally posted by rayl
I just had comcast installed this week, with HDTV and 6412 DVR. The HD channels are increadible. The Masters looked awesome. I am a bit disappointed in a couple of things:

1) Analog channels look horrible, but I guess I won't have to suffer long since the digital conversion is taking place. Plus, I probably won't watch anything that isn't on one of the HD channels.

2) I CAN'T believe that Apprentice and Survivor aren't broadcast in HD. That kills me.

3) I really wish HGTV and FOODTv were in HD. I like those channels a lot.

These are minor complaints, more so just obvservations. Overall, I am very pleased with the HD channels.

Ray

Welcome to the world of HD.

As for your issues, yes, SD and especially SD Analog is not good via the Comcast cable box, but you seem to be well on the way to being an HD addict like me. I don't even surf outside the HD channels except for SD local PBS and ESPN2. I'm actually thinking of giving up most analog and digital channels (I think with the basic and digital classic services I still get all the HD, but just not many other non-broadcast channels).

As for Food and HGTV there are new HD channels coming in the next year or so (supposedly a new lifestyles HD channel) that will be great for you. Of course, having Comcast you won't get it for at least a year after it starts. But DiscoveryHD and PBSHD have those types of shows occasionally.

I don't know why reality shows are not in HD. I guess taking HD cameras around the world costs more than the networks want to pay. Some of the scenery would be really great. Of course, since I'm an HD addict I don't watch them.

Rich N.

Originally posted by pforsstrom
It doesn't appear discovery broadcasts in Dolby Digital. I'm not sure if this is true for every show. Has anyone seen DD on DHD? Does anyone get it consistently.

Speaking of DD. Once every few days my 6412 kicks out of Dolby Digital mode and sends only Prologic. A power off and power on seems to fix this. Has anyone has similar problems. It's conceivable it's my Denon 5800 receiver, but I don't think so. Thanks.

Pete.

I do see Dolby Digital on Discovery HD fairly often, but not everything is DD. I am going into my Rotel with an Audioquest digital coax and it changes from DD to PLII to DD based on the individual program.

I would guess you are going in via either coax or fiber...if not, and I don't mean to insult you, you won't get true Dolby Digital via analog interconnects with your cable box...if you have a DVD player with built in decoders you can still do DD/DTS coming out of the player analog.

If you've got a Denon 5800 I expect his is old hat, but just in case...

Originally posted by rayl
I just had comcast installed this week, with HDTV and 6412 DVR. The HD channels are increadible. The Masters looked awesome. I am a bit disappointed in a couple of things:

1) Analog channels look horrible, but I guess I won't have to suffer long since the digital conversion is taking place. Plus, I probably won't watch anything that isn't on one of the HD channels.

2) I CAN'T believe that Apprentice and Survivor aren't broadcast in HD. That kills me.

3) I really wish HGTV and FOODTv were in HD. I like those channels a lot.

These are minor complaints, more so just obvservations. Overall, I am very pleased with the HD channels.

Ray

I agree that some of the analog channels look like crap via the 6412, but those that have been converted are not too bad.

Some folks use the Svideo out from the 6412 to view the SD channels. I just don't bother with that myself.

The only 'reality' show currently in HD is American Idol on Fox. Looks pretty good too. There are rumblings about some HGTV and/or Food Network plans for HD in the future but I don't know too many details about that. Check in the general HD section of avsforum for more info on this.

My biggest complaint is the slowdown of adding more HD channels. We have 807 listed as TBS HD but of course they have no broadcasts in HD currently. I would have preferred that Comcast used the bandwidth for this channel to carry the local PBS HD channel but that is from channel 30, not GPTV from channel 8.

Anyone know why tonights home Braves game was not on channel 755? Do they only carry the games on TBS?

Originally posted by DDisney
I agree that some of the analog channels look like crap via the 6412, but those that have been converted are not too bad.
.

Actually, I would highlight the opposite. Some of the converted channels look worse than when there analog. For me at least ,CH13 (WATL) looks awful since they replaced the analog with the digital simulcast version. It's dark and muddy.

Of course since you can get the HD version of the SD as 813, it doesn't matter much for ATL.

Originally posted by Treeroot
Anyone know why tonights home Braves game was not on channel 755? Do they only carry the games on TBS?

It was on 755 in HD when I checked it last night. Some folks reported on the Yahoo Groups ahdtv forum that they were not getting this on the Vinings headend. I am on the Stone Mountain headend and had no problems when I switched over to check this out but did not watch the game from the beginning to determine if there was an earlier problem.

Speaking of DD. Once every few days my 6412 kicks out of Dolby Digital mode and sends only Prologic. A power off and power on seems to fix this. Has anyone has similar problems. It's conceivable it's my Denon 5800 receiver, but I don't think so. Thanks.

I experience this same exact problem. I have a Harman Kardon 680 but I don't think it's the receiver that's the problem. This can get really annoying when you can't power off the box because you're recording something so you have to suffer through whatever you're watching without DD. Has anybody else experienced this or have any suggestions?

Originally posted by DDisney
It was on 755 in HD when I checked it last night. Some folks reported on the Yahoo Groups ahdtv forum that they were not getting this on the Vinings headend. I am on the Stone Mountain headend and had no problems when I switched over to check this out but did not watch the game from the beginning to determine if there was an earlier problem.

I live in Midtown and tonight's Turner South game (4/12) is not on 755 in HD either.

all the HD 755 games have been on here in Decatur (stone mountain headend) since last week.

as for the dolby digital dropping out, bith of my 6412's have been doing this at least once a week for months. the only way to fix it is to turn the box off.

I got the Turner South HD game on 755 last night as well. I'm in Norcross and I think I'm on the Stone Mountain Head end as well.

I not getting the game in HD on 755 in Buckhead...

WTF !!??!!!

I might be missing something really obvious here, and if so forgive me. Is there a way to have the guide on the dual tuner DVR to display in 16:9?

I have the output set to 720p and I get the actual programming formatted correctly, but the guide itself is still just a 4:3 block in the center of the screen, working as intended or simple setting change that I overlooked?

I live in Marietta, have the 6412 STB/DVR. Anyone else notice that NBC HD programing is grainy? Also, "24" on FOX does not look great.. All else on Fox HD looks good.

I have a Pio 4312/4304 monitor with NR of 720P

The Masters was outstanding!!

I find that now that WATL Ch13 is being digitally simulcast, that its quality is poorer than the analog version. If nothing else its very dark.

I'm not talking about the HD version on 813. I'm comparing the now digital 13 through a 6212 or 6208, compared with the analog 13 right off the cable.

Does anyone else see this?

I'm not really concerned about 13 , since I could always watch the up-converted 813. What I am worried about is what the quality of the other SD channels that don't have HD versions will look like when all the analog is converted.

I'm not talking about the HD version on 813. I'm comparing the now digital 13 through a 6212 or 6208, compared with the analog 13 right off the cable.

Could someone please explain to me what is going on with the digital "simulcast"?

I live in Buckhead and have yet to see any channels re-broadcast on any other stations(other than the HD versions which are in 4:3 for 90% of the day). I certainly haven't noticed a difference in PQ on the regular low band analog stations.

What, if any, are the channels for the digital simulcast ?

Thanks,
JB

NBC's hour long dramas in HD sure do look grainy to me, as well. Nothing close to the picture quality of CBS's hour long dramas (CSI and Cold Case in particular).

24 is my favorite show, and you're right....it's one of the more dull looking HD programs out there. Earlier this season it looked really good, now it just looks average.

Originally posted by jbock


What, if any, are the channels for the digital simulcast ?

Thanks,
JB

So far the following is what I have noticed:

2, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 29, 30, 31 and 64.

Oleus ; thanks for the reply. Guess I shouldn't have complained.

Just got home from playing golf, no HD and sd is worse than ever!

I'm in Marietta, any one else having problems?

Ken

Overall PQ is down. Plus the non-HD channels regularly lock up on my 6412. They offered to send someone out but I declined. Next time I get frustrated I will have a tech here.

i thought HD pq was down but didn' t want to complain. could the new digital simulcasts of some analogs really be eating into our HD channels?

I called Comcast, and got the following advice which seemingly corrected my problems, although all on my street with Comcast had issues.

The rep said to plug my 6412 directly into the wall plug, bypassing my surge protector. She "hit" both my HD boxes, and the problem decreased thru Sunday evening.

She said it would take 24 hours to totally clear up!!??

Not sure if the fix is legit, but it worked last nite. She said the surge protector may cause problems with signal. Make sure your monitor is plugged into surge pro., STB into wall outlet. She said Comcast is responsible if the box gets fried.

Ken

Originally posted by kenlong
I.

The rep said to plug my 6412 directly into the wall plug, bypassing my surge protector. She "hit" both my HD boxes, and the problem decreased thru Sunday evening.

Ken


Resetting the box is what fixed your problem. I don't see how a surge suppressor on the line power would make any difference.


Running the cable through a surge suppressor might interfere with the 6412's modem signal.

I've got my 6412 on a UPS, along with our TV. Doesn't cause any problems at all.

Andrew: Thanks, how long have you been on Comcast?

Originally posted by kenlong
Andrew: Thanks, how long have you been on Comcast?


We've had Comcast analog and high speed internet for nearly 4 years.

We added digital cable with DVR in December 2004.

Just noticed this afternoon that my firmware on the 6412 has been
updated to version 9.15. It must have happened last night around 1AM.
(noticed that a program I had scheduled to record was in 2 files and
missing about 10 minutes of the program).

The only changes or problems that I have noticed so far is that I had
to delete and reschedule several programs for series recording.

Bill

Looks like we are getting a new channel on 841 which is TNT-HD

Bill

Originally posted by billo4357
Looks like we are getting a new channel on 841 which is TNT-HD

Bill

Good catch. I posted this info on the programming forum under the TNT-HD topic as well. First saw it reported on the Yahoo Groups ahdtv forum.:)

Originally posted by DDisney
Good catch. I posted this info on the programming forum under the TNT-HD topic as well. First saw it reported on the Yahoo Groups ahdtv forum.:)

I hope it is HD, but right now they are showing "Angel" in a stretched 4:3 aspect.

Originally posted by billo4357
I hope it is HD, but right now they are showing "Angel" in a stretched 4:3 aspect.

The only HD that I know of that can be expected anytime soon is for the upcoming NBA playoffs. Better than nothing I suppose. Don't know if they do any movies in HD or not.

Originally posted by billo4357
I hope it is HD, but right now they are showing "Angel" in a stretched 4:3 aspect.

From the HD programming forum, here is what to expect on TNT-HD:

"A new HDTV production studio in Atlanta powers the first Turner HDTV channel. Initial sports programming in 2004 included the NBA Western Conference Finals, early round coverage of the PGA Championship, and the NASCAR Chevy Rock and Roll 400, all in HDTV. A number of original TNT dramatic productions are in HD, including TNT's series The Grid, and a movie on the life of Evil Knievel. Additionally, when Alias appears it too will be in HDTV. Although most programming is not HD (stretched and upconverted), native HD for movies and series is becoming common. Over 50 2004-2005 NBA games on TNT are available in HDTV.
NEWS FLASH: 2005 NASCAR will be in HDTV on TNT."

If you like the NBA or NASCAR then you should be pleased. I still want to see the local PBS HD channel added however.

Ali is in HD.

When did TNT-HD start on comcast? I only just noticed it when I was flipping channels this evening.

Originally posted by ChadD
Ali is in HD.

When did TNT-HD start on comcast? I only just noticed it when I was flipping channels this evening.

Showed up Friday afternoon I believe.

"ALI" was being shown in HD last night. it was edited and with commercials, but it looked phenomenal, probably better than any HD transfer i've seen on the pay stations lately. the 5.1 sounded really good too.

the movies they played later that night were all stretched.

Is it just me or does the upconverted and stretched shows on TNT-HD look better than the stuff on TBS-HD? Even if it is stretched and upconverted, at least it is clear and fills up the screen on my 16:9 TV.

I'm glad we have another Hd channel...even if they don't have that much HD stuff...

I thought all the HD stations looked particularly good last night, but I also lost all dolby digital

Originally posted by brol
I thought all the HD stations looked particularly good last night, but I also lost all dolby digital

Brol,

Losing Dolby Digital is a way of life. It happens every three days or so for me. Just reboot your receiver.

Pete.

peet -

it's not just you, the pq on tnt can be really great. have you seen any of their HD movie transfers (like ALI)?

I hooked up my LG LST-3410a HDTV tuner up to my Comcast cable in the
Buckhead area and noted what channels appear on the 3410 (see below).
As you can see many channels are available for free (unscrambled)
including some On Demand channels. However, there are blocks of
channels (93, 103, and 104) where I can receive video just fine but
can not decode the audio. Can anybody else fill in this list with
anything I have missed? Has anyone else with a consumer (non-Comcast
assigned) ATSC tuner done this? Comcast seems to have been making
changes every couple of weeks as they add more channels and tweak
their system.

- Harry


=====



79-x (was digital audio channels, now off the air)

83-1 Weather Channel - local weather info. Comcast

84-203 WXIA (NBC)
84-205 WGTV (PBS)
84-206 WGCL (CBS)
84-207 WUPA (UPN)
84-208 WHSG (TBN)
84-209 WPXA (PAX)
84-210 WATL (WB)
84-211 WUVG (UNI)
84-212 WPBA (PBS)

85-102 Fox News
85-103 A&E
85-104 ABC Family
85-105 TNT
85-106 HGTV
85-107 FX
85-108 The History Channel
85-109 Oxygen
85-111 WGN
85-112 WATC (Ind., Religious)

86-x scrambled

87-x On Demand Pay Per View (unscrambled)

88-x On Demand Pay Per View (unscrambled)

90-x scrambled

91-51 scrambled

92-1 scrambled
92-21 WAGA-DT (Fox HD)

(can not decode audio in 93 range except local commercials)
93-3 MSNBC
93-6 Infomercials

98-3 WSB-DT (ABC HD)
98-5 WTBS (TBS)

99-x scrambled (digital audio channels?)

(Music Choice channels have song listings and info. in 480p video)
100-1 Comcast On Demand Preview Channel w/E! News Headlines
100-6 Music Choice - R&B Hits
100-7 Music Choice - Electronica
100-8 Music Choice - Rock
100-9 Music Choice - Bluegrass
100-10 Music Choice - Sounds of the Season
100-11 Music Choice - Radio Disney
100-12 Music Choice - Reggae
100-13 Music Choice - Smooth R&B
100-14 Music Choice - Classic R&B
100-15 Music Choice - R&B/Hip-Hop
100-16 Music Choice - Dance
100-17 Music Choice - Rap
100-18 Music Choice - Metal
100-19 Music Choice - Alternative
100-20 Music Choice - Adult Alternative
100-21 Music Choice - Classic Rock
100-22 Music Choice - Arena Rock
100-23 Music Choice - Soft Rock
100-24 Music Choice - Hit List
100-25 Music Choice - 80s
100-26 Music Choice - 70s
100-27 Music Choice - Solid Gold Oldies
100-28 Music Choice - Today's Country
100-29 Music Choice - Classic Country
100-30 Music Choice - Big Band & Swing
100-31 Music Choice - Singers and Standards
100-32 Music Choice - Easy Listening
100-33 Music Choice - Classical Masterpieces
100-34 Music Choice - Light Classical
100-35 Music Choice - Soundscapes
100-36 Music Choice - Smooth Jazz
100-37 Music Choice - Jazz
100-38 Music Choice - Blues
100-39 Music Choice - Gospel
100-40 Music Choice - Contemporary Christian
100-41 Music Choice - Musica Urbana
100-42 Music Choice - Salsa Y Merenge
100-43 Music Choice - 90s
100-44 Music Choice - Pop Latino
100-45 Music Choice - Party Favorites
100-46 Music Choice - Show Tunes
100-47 Music Choice - Opera
100-48 Music Choice - Retro-Active
100-49 Music Choice - Rock En Espanol
100-50 ??
100-51 Music Choice - Americana
100-199 (special) WGCL-DT 46-2 (off the air now)

101-2 WUPA-DT (UPN HD)

108-10 WGCL-DT (CBS HD)
108-30 WXIA-DT (NBC HD)

(can not decode audio in 103 range)
103-101 BET (off the air now)
103-102 Cartoon Net
103-103 Comedy Central
103-104 MTV
103-105 Disney Channel
103-106 Nickelodeon
103-108 AMC
103-109 Discovery
103-110 TLC
103-111 VH1
103-112 USA

(can not decode audio in 104 range)
104-201 CSPAN-1
104-202 CSPAN-2
104-203 Animal Planet
104-204 Travel Channel
104-207 CNN
104-209 HSN
104-210 QVC

111-x scrambled (MLB Extra Innings)

Dear Comcast:
When you add a channel, you should also add a note in the message area of the box so the red light goes on and everyone knows to start watching the channel, thus improving ratings and making you more money.

Dear TNT:
Why don't you broadcast all your NBA playoff games in HD? Not enough equipment to cover all the arenas?

Originally posted by hdtv_atl
I hooked up my LG LST-3410a HDTV tuner up to my Comcast cable in the
Buckhead area and noted what channels appear on the 3410 (see below).


Your list includes many channels that are not mapped on the comcast cable box.
Besides a variety of SD channels that are not currently mapped over their analog
versions, you note WUPA-DT an HD channel not currently mapped at all (a sore point for Enterprise Fans).

Are they really transmitting all of those extra QAM256 channels and just not letting the 6412 display them?

Originally posted by km
Your list includes many channels that are not mapped on the comcast cable box.
Besides a variety of SD channels that are not currently mapped over their analog
versions, you note WUPA-DT an HD channel not currently mapped at all (a sore point for Enterprise Fans).

Are they really transmitting all of those extra QAM256 channels and just not letting the 6412 display them?


This is for the Atlanta area. The 101-2 channel which carries WUPA-DT
is a new addition and hopefully will be permanent. I have no idea
which channels listed are mapped to Comcast STBs.

It is frustrating that I cannot decode any audio on the 93, 103, and
104 channel blocks. I am surprised how many 480i SD sub-channels they
can cram on a 256-QAM modulated channel.

- Harry

Has anybody else been experiencing problems with CBS and NBC HD channels in and around Atlanta? For some reason they have been really pixelated lately and sometimes unwatchable. Even when the content is not HD (like last night's Amazing Race)?

Peet: Nope...but I did have a problem a couple of weeks ago....I think it might be related to the upgrade of the analog channels. At least that is what the Comcast tech told me......

NEILLOB: Speak and you shall have...my light came on yesterday notifying me of TNT HD

cbs and nbc have looked great for me lately on the HD stations, but i've been getting random audio drops in CBS lately, the same as we have been getting on NBC for a long time, whenever SD content in being shown.

Last night my CBS was out again. I had the DVR setup to record the CSI re-run at 9, and then CSI-NY at 10 and both of them were just blank screens when I flipped over to them.

I also notice that sometimes when I turn to a digital channel (like 121 for ESPNNews) it will come up and say the channel will be available shortly. If I switch to the other tuner though, the channel will come up. I'm having a new drop ran to my apartment this weekend because our signal is too low for our high speed internet to sync up, hopefully that will help fix the HD problems as well.