Charleston, SC - HDTV [Text View] - Page 20

jfschroeder

11-01-06, 11:38 AM

I don't mean to sound condescending...I simply don't know the answer to this, but...

If I can record HD programming via OTA or through my Sat (D*) and play it at a later time,wouldn't you think that the networks/affiliates would have at least the same capabilities? And can't they then retransmit that saved signal/program/recording in the same manner in which it was received?

I'm as frustrated as all of you about the state of HD (re)broadcast in the LowCountry, and as a consumer don't wish to defend them, but ...

Keep in mind the cost of professional grade hardware. To go digital has been a multi-million dollar investment for each station just for transmission equipment, with very little upfront return. When we toured WCSC last year (we need to do this again, perhaps at one of the other stations, especially WCBD!), they had an HD tape unit in the equipment room for limited recording and playback, but it was grossly expensive ($10K?), and it wasn't integrated into their control room systems. And I'll bet almost anything (I have nothing, so that's easy!) that WCSC is the most advanced HD operation in Charleston. Almost all of their syndicated programming, and the 7:00 hour is definitely that, is recorded to tape and played back on overgrown VCRs in the master control room. Commericials and promos are on disk, but not the programs. To get all of that HD means replacing everything - cameras, software, production suites, playback servers, switchers, control boards, even the monitors they use. WCBD may actually be ahead of the others because their studios and control room are the newest, but remember these guys buy equipment with 10-25 year life expectancy.

What you see with all of our stations for HD is a simple switch between an HD satellite feed and the SD output of their analog control. This means that to use any of the local origination material (commercials, graphics, anything more than a logo) they need to switch to SD. They all use automation systems to run their control rooms (basically a big playlist system), with the operator accounting for exceptions. The automation system, at least at WCSC, includes flags for switching from the HD to the SD and back, and sometimes those flags don't get set properly and the operator has to manually do the switch.

I've seen WCIV and WCSC's control rooms - in both cases the HD monitoring is a monitor over to the side, and not a widescreen one! I'm not sure they even look at the HD air signal - I know WCIV only monitors the satellite feed. The sound that the operator listens to is usually from the analog side; they have a display for the HD sound that looks like a combination of an oscilliscope and a VU meter; I doubt they would visually notice the short drops that we experience on the HD side.

Since they run both feeds through one room with one operator, my guess is that this will not significantly improve until 2009!

The best hope for quality monitoring is the station employees themselves, who may have HD equipment at home and therefore experience the same issues we do.

Another thought - the MOST important thing to all of these guys is the commercials. They are the bread and butter of the stations. Most commercial production doesn't seem to be HD. If that gets pushed to HD, the rest of the operation should follow.

(I don't work for any of the stations, but am just an A/V and computer geek.)

AndrewG

11-02-06, 10:23 AM

This is exactly what i am noticing as well. Its the only hiccup i have found as a result of the time change. Thru Knology.

I think it was fixed as of last night, however.

shuttermaker

11-02-06, 10:30 AM

I think it was fixed as of last night, however.

I noticed that as well, I was looking for it last night and it didn't happen. I didn't stay up late enough to see if it was reset to the 1am hour.

Wonder if someone from Knology is secretly keeping tabs on this thread :) .

atp1313

11-02-06, 10:43 PM

I'm as frustrated as all of you about the state of HD (re)broadcast in the LowCountry, and as a consumer don't wish to defend them, but ...

...(I don't work for any of the stations, but am just an A/V and computer geek.)

As always, it is wonderful to have some educated explanation, even if it is not "sponsored". I can certainly understand the expense involved would be restrictive to when and how the local stations can expand/upgrade. But it just seems somewhat out of sorts that we - as the end consumer - can have equipment that is so easy to use (read: Tivo and other PVR's) but that there is a bottleneck just upstream. Is there some sort of restriction on the affil. that prevents them from using something a little more "up-to-date" like a Tivo for their retransmission efforts? Is it a copyright infringement issue? I know the Series 3 (HD) Tivo is expensive (about $800) compared to a VCR (as cheap as $20 at WalMart), but the gap from HD PVR (lets just say $800) to a HD VTR (running up to $10k) is grossly out of whack.

Now obviously there is a big difference between a Yugo and a Rolls-Royce, but they are both cars with 4 tires and and engine. Is the network structure such that each affil is required to use a particular supplier? Can affil's be "creative" in their approach to rebroadcast of network-owned signals? While we might prefer to have our affil's driving Rolls-Royce's, can they choose to drive a Yugo? If they are "forced" to buy a Rolls-Royce, then obviously we will have to wait longer.

If we all chipped in and bought each of the affil's a new modest LCD HDTV that they could hook-up to their control panels, would that help? ;)

And now the next question: when D* introduces HD-LIL for the Chas DMA sometime next year (or 2008), would we likely get the HD feed of something like Jeopardy or would we still be tied down to the same situation that we face now? Are they beaming the signal back "up there" the same way that they are beaming it out to us OTA? Is that going to be a whole new round of very expensive upgrades that may delay the actual launch of LIL HD for us?

thomase

11-03-06, 12:30 AM

SA 8300 is the HD DVR that Comcast offers and yes it allows pass-through.

What do they use for HD without DVR?

mikeld999

11-04-06, 08:20 AM

I lost the audio last night on all the digital channels (101 and above). 99 and below still has audio. Anyone else experiencing this problem? :confused:

mikeld999

11-04-06, 08:27 AM

Never mind...

I rebooted my stb for about the 50th time and the audio returned. Ain't technology grand!

mikeld999

11-04-06, 08:34 AM

cbell2112

11-04-06, 08:45 AM

Mike--

I haven't noticed much difference except that it is a little slower when changing channels. The big diffence is the hard drive which is double the size. If you are recording HD then this is a huge benefit.

Comcast will let you exchange it.

Cheers!

mikeld999

11-04-06, 09:30 AM

:) Thanks for the info...

I do record HD and will exchange mine for more hard drive.

atp1313

11-04-06, 04:03 PM

Darthtom

11-04-06, 04:23 PM

And it seems to be at a much lower volume than the other locals throughout the week on most of the HD broadcasts. If I want to watch (and listen to) the UNC/Notre Dame football game right now, I have to push the volume up twice as loud as the other HD showings. If I forget to lower the volume before I change the channel, I run the risk of blowing my speakers.

Is this because their volume is so much lower or that everyone else's broadcast is so much higher? Is this worth calling WCBD about?

It is a WCBD issue. They need to adjust the audio level at the modulator. I noticed it over the last few days as well. I have also forgot to lower the volume before changing channels and the sound will blow everyone in the house away.

atp1313

11-04-06, 05:37 PM

It is a WCBD issue. They need to adjust the audio level at the modulator. I noticed it over the last few days as well. I have also forgot to lower the volume before changing channels and the sound will blow everyone in the house away.
Is that something that anyone who answers the phone in the control room would be able to do,or does it take a stroke of management's pen to get that done?

Gary J

11-04-06, 06:11 PM

Why not just call and find out?

atp1313

11-04-06, 08:44 PM

Know the number(s) off-hand? Cannot "easily" find the older post that contained all the Master Control phone numbers...if someone has them,can you please repost. I had the saved on my old computer, but alas, that hard drive fried.

Gary J

11-04-06, 08:55 PM

Know the number(s) off-hand?

Tell me you're kidding. From their website-

Our station phone number is:
(843)884-2222
Our address is
210 West Coleman Blvd
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Newsroom and Programming:
If you have comments or questions about any of our on-air programming or News shows feel free to contact us.
Phone: (843) 884-2222
Fax: (843) 884-6624
Email the News Desk or Programming Department.
Complaints and Concerns: Email Station Feedback gmfeedback@wcbd.com

atp1313

11-04-06, 09:54 PM

Tell me you're kidding. From their website-

Our station phone number is:
(843)884-2222
Our address is
210 West Coleman Blvd
Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Newsroom and Programming:
If you have comments or questions about any of our on-air programming or News shows feel free to contact us.
Phone: (843) 884-2222
Fax: (843) 884-6624
Email the News Desk or Programming Department.
Complaints and Concerns: Email Station Feedback gmfeedback@wcbd.com

:rolleyes: I meant the Master Control direct numbers,not the front switchnoard/generl purpose line. Someone several months ago (March or April if memory serves) posted a list of all four Master Control direct numbers so you could reach someone 24/7 (theoretically) and not get caught in the voice mail loop.

But thanks all the same for the effort... ;)

shuttermaker

11-04-06, 10:12 PM

WTAT Master Control
529-2250

WCIV Master Control
971-5474

WCBD Master Control
216-4904

WCSC Master Control
402-5709

atp1313

11-05-06, 12:42 AM

Excellent! Thanks Shutter. Got 'em saved to the new harddrive...

Hatfield

11-05-06, 09:57 PM

AndrewG

11-05-06, 11:11 PM

I had to call WCIV/ABC(723-4403) for the 3rd time(maybe 4th) to flip the HD switch for Desperate Housewives after Extreme Makeover/Home(Yeah. Sue me. I got into it after the wife did :grin w/ finger smiley: I feel dirty. :D ).

You'd think they'd have some sort of automated system by now that could automatically switch the feed. It's not that hard. I can program my everyday computer to record certain shows at certain times. Programming the broadcast feed to go HD shouldn't be that hard.

I think the Sunday evening guy is sleeping on the job. :D I do like the courtesy that I recieve every time I call though. A very nice girl this time. Nice people at ABC. :p
Its too bad we can't call about WCBD's ridiculous picture/audio drop that seems to occur more and more as the evening goes on. I rarely watch NBC, but watching football tonight, there must be a breakup every two to five minutes. Someone at the station must see this and be aware of the issue. I know it has been discussed, but do they have some excuse for this, are they blaming their decoders?

Andy

Darthtom

11-06-06, 07:04 PM

Wow. I am watching NBCHD via TWC. Wheel of fortune just came on. The volume was up at normal levels as it has been since turning it on. As the show came on, the audio level just started going down like I turned down the volume. That was weird. Now, the volume is low again. So, I guess I have to turn up Hero's and remember to turn it down when changing channels again tonight!

MBentley

11-07-06, 12:56 PM

I've got a problem w/ my Comcast 8300HD box. The problem is outlined here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=746936 . Basically, when I hooked up the box to the hdmi switch in my receiver it says that it's not HDCP compliant. Someone replied that I need a firmware update. Is this something I can get from the cable office?

ComcastCG

11-07-06, 01:52 PM

Chris,

I also didn't have any issues with recording and the switch but have a different time problem.

The 8300 always use to shut down at 1:15 am and if you were watching it would pop up a sign telling you to hit any button. Now I have noticed that it is shutting down at 12:15 am. It is as if the shutdown clock isn't reading the reported time. On a related note, is there a way to turn off this feature, so that it only shut down when I told it to. Or change the time to a different one.

Andy

Andy

Sorry for the delay. I was waiting confirmation. There is no way to toggle the energy saver on you cable box.

Chris

ComcastCG

11-07-06, 01:53 PM

I'm a Comcast customer and I have an SA Explorer 8000HD (HD DVR). Is the 8300 that's been mentioned in some of the posts better or offer more features? If so, will Comcast let me exchange my 8000 for one?

Mikeld999

If you would like to swap out your 8000 for an 8300 let me know. I can make sure there is one on hand for you.

Take Care

Chris George
chris_george@cable.comcast.com

islanders2

11-08-06, 06:56 PM

atp1313

11-08-06, 11:09 PM

I live on James Island, just off Harborview. Next week I’ll have a new Panasonic plasma and I’m not sure which cable service provider to choose from.

My primary concerns are price and quality.

I would like to have HD, DVR, and one or two movie channels. Showtime, HBO....

I have been told Direct TV has better SD channels than regular cable, but it depends on the city?

So, how is your SD on Comcast? Knology? As good as DTV or Dish? Or is it really not very good?

I understand satellite has some rain fade, but I would like a good reception on my new plasma, on SD for most of the time.

I would like to get a package deal, instead of a promotional price for a limited time.

Any suggestions, insights would be greatly appreciated!

I used to live in Lawton Bluff and while I was there I had - at one time or another - each of the available providers (Comcast, Knology, and DirecTV). My personal preference while there was DirecTV for video and Knology for Internet/Phone. I actually had TV with Knology and Comcast (separately) but mostly did that for the bundle discount (similar to my Comcast setup now - I haven't watched Comcast cable in over two years, but save money by having that along with my internet). At that time I did not have HD, so I can't really say anything bad about anyone's service in the arena, but I can speak to the rain fade issue. The amount of time that the signal was down/weakened by rain was minimal, and generally if it was bad enough to disrupt the TV signal, I probably should have been huddled in the center of my house with a weather radio. :p

Mind you this was about 4 years ago, but my experience with Comcast for Internet was horrible. Knology was much better. Customer service for Comcast was horrendous, but they have improved. Knology always had better customer service, but as "the new kid on the block" they had some growing pains. By now, I am fairly confident that all the land-based services would be about equal.

With DirtecTV, you have the added programming opportunities of Sunday Ticket, College Football (PPV and SportsPack Out of Market RSN's channels) and ESPN Full Court. If sports is your thing, go the way of D*.

D* does not at this time offer locals in HD (maybe in mid-late 2007), so you would need an antenna or Digital Cable (or a cable card) to get locals in HD. I always thought the analog/SD locals sucked via cable compared to OTA, but that may just be personal preference. For a small investment, you can get a decent antenna (many different recommendations have been posted, but it seems most favor the Radio Shack solutions...no need to spend a gazillion dollars and no matter what you do AVOID ANY TERK products). You are in a close enough position with very few obstacles between you and Awendaw (transmitter tower farm), so signals should be clear.

As for the HD-DVR, D* might still be issuing (for lease, not sale) the HD-Tivo boxes. The deal can't be beat, and the platform is rock solid. The HD-DVR's I have used with Comcast (and I think Knology uses the same ones...someone please feel free to correct me) have had major drawbacks compared to a real Tivo unit. The SA8000 was a paperweight and the SA8300 was only slightly better. The only good news is that you only have to shell out $5/month for the honor of cussing and screaming at your DVR (slight exageration :rolleyes: ). If you cannot get a HD-Tivo DVR from D*, you can always get a Tivo Series 3. It has the same basic functions as the DirecTivo, but can only record one satellite channel and one OTA channel at a time, or with two cable cards, it can record simultaneous digital cable signals. It also has some neat bells and whistles like media player hookups for your computer for slideshow and such and Internet access so you can program it on the road. But at $800 for the box, not including the annual programming rates, this can be pricey.

Ultimately, you should pick one cable provider, try it and if you don't like it, you aren't under contract and can change your mind. With satellite (D* or E*) you will likely need to sign at least a one year contract for any deals. And my fellow posters will all have different opinions. Just take our advice, think it over and go with your gut. No one is perfect (yet) so there will always be some grumblings.

atp1313

11-08-06, 11:12 PM

Oh, and if you choose D*, I can refer you and we can both get a discount using their Customer Referral System. Let me know...I would be happy to help you get set up. :)

I also forgot to mention that with Comcast, I am getting my internet at 8MBps speed. Not sure if Knology if offering that speed yet. They might still be running at 3-4MMps.

islanders2

11-09-06, 09:37 AM

I used to live in Lawton Bluff and while I was there I had - at one time or another - each of the available providers (Comcast, Knology, and DirecTV). My personal preference while there was DirecTV for video and Knology for Internet/Phone. I actually had TV with Knology and Comcast (separately) but mostly did that for the bundle discount (similar to my Comcast setup now - I haven't watched Comcast cable in over two years, but save money by having that along with my internet). At that time I did not have HD, so I can't really say anything bad about anyone's service in the arena, but I can speak to the rain fade issue. The amount of time that the signal was down/weakened by rain was minimal, and generally if it was bad enough to disrupt the TV signal, I probably should have been huddled in the center of my house with a weather radio. :p

Mind you this was about 4 years ago, but my experience with Comcast for Internet was horrible. Knology was much better. Customer service for Comcast was horrendous, but they have improved. Knology always had better customer service, but as "the new kid on the block" they had some growing pains. By now, I am fairly confident that all the land-based services would be about equal.

With DirtecTV, you have the added programming opportunities of Sunday Ticket, College Football (PPV and SportsPack Out of Market RSN's channels) and ESPN Full Court. If sports is your thing, go the way of D*.

D* does not at this time offer locals in HD (maybe in mid-late 2007), so you would need an antenna or Digital Cable (or a cable card) to get locals in HD. I always thought the analog/SD locals sucked via cable compared to OTA, but that may just be personal preference. For a small investment, you can get a decent antenna (many different recommendations have been posted, but it seems most favor the Radio Shack solutions...no need to spend a gazillion dollars and no matter what you do AVOID ANY TERK products). You are in a close enough position with very few obstacles between you and Awendaw (transmitter tower farm), so signals should be clear.

As for the HD-DVR, D* might still be issuing (for lease, not sale) the HD-Tivo boxes. The deal can't be beat, and the platform is rock solid. The HD-DVR's I have used with Comcast (and I think Knology uses the same ones...someone please feel free to correct me) have had major drawbacks compared to a real Tivo unit. The SA8000 was a paperweight and the SA8300 was only slightly better. The only good news is that you only have to shell out $5/month for the honor of cussing and screaming at your DVR (slight exageration :rolleyes: ). If you cannot get a HD-Tivo DVR from D*, you can always get a Tivo Series 3. It has the same basic functions as the DirecTivo, but can only record one satellite channel and one OTA channel at a time, or with two cable cards, it can record simultaneous digital cable signals. It also has some neat bells and whistles like media player hookups for your computer for slideshow and such and Internet access so you can program it on the road. But at $800 for the box, not including the annual programming rates, this can be pricey.

Ultimately, you should pick one cable provider, try it and if you don't like it, you aren't under contract and can change your mind. With satellite (D* or E*) you will likely need to sign at least a one year contract for any deals. And my fellow posters will all have different opinions. Just take our advice, think it over and go with your gut. No one is perfect (yet) so there will always be some grumblings.

Thanks for the reply! That is very helpful, as I had an easier time remodeling my kitchen than choosing a provider.

I’m leaning towards satellite now for the price and higher quality on SD.

Is there any advantage for D* over E*?

I’m thinking I may want to just go SD, as there are not many HD channels available, for the $15-$20 increase.

So, from what I can tell, D* has a good base channel package… their middle one for $50. While E* has one for $5 less but doesn’t offer the same channel listing. And I don’t want to go over $50 for a base channel selection at this time.

They both have a good promotional package, but with this there is a 2 year commitment for D* and 1.5 for E*. Also E* doesn’t have any contract commitment for SD cable.

I also have a UK9 Panasonic that doesn’t have a built in tuner, so if I want to pick up OTA, I would need another tuner for the SD D* or E*?

thanks again! I’ll keep the referral discount in mind, although I might have to list my dad for D*.

Gary J

11-09-06, 10:15 AM

I’m leaning towards satellite now for the price and higher quality on SD.

I do not know what your cable SD would be like but satellite SD is so overly compressed as to be borderline unwatchable. Given a limited amount of bandwidth they have chosen to offer more channels versus better picture quality.

oljim

11-09-06, 10:18 AM

Not sure about your statement that E does not have any contract commitment for SD cable, are you talking about local network from Sat or what.

jfschroeder

11-09-06, 11:31 AM

As always, it is wonderful to have some educated explanation, even if it is not "sponsored". I can certainly understand the expense involved would be restrictive to when and how the local stations can expand/upgrade. But it just seems somewhat out of sorts that we - as the end consumer - can have equipment that is so easy to use (read: Tivo and other PVR's) but that there is a bottleneck just upstream. Is there some sort of restriction on the affil. that prevents them from using something a little more "up-to-date" like a Tivo for their retransmission efforts? Is it a copyright infringement issue? I know the Series 3 (HD) Tivo is expensive (about $800) compared to a VCR (as cheap as $20 at WalMart), but the gap from HD PVR (lets just say $800) to a HD VTR (running up to $10k) is grossly out of whack.

Now obviously there is a big difference between a Yugo and a Rolls-Royce, but they are both cars with 4 tires and and engine. Is the network structure such that each affil is required to use a particular supplier? Can affil's be "creative" in their approach to rebroadcast of network-owned signals? While we might prefer to have our affil's driving Rolls-Royce's, can they choose to drive a Yugo? If they are "forced" to buy a Rolls-Royce, then obviously we will have to wait longer.

If we all chipped in and bought each of the affil's a new modest LCD HDTV that they could hook-up to their control panels, would that help? ;)

And now the next question: when D* introduces HD-LIL for the Chas DMA sometime next year (or 2008), would we likely get the HD feed of something like Jeopardy or would we still be tied down to the same situation that we face now? Are they beaming the signal back "up there" the same way that they are beaming it out to us OTA? Is that going to be a whole new round of very expensive upgrades that may delay the actual launch of LIL HD for us?

The disconnect between professional and consumer electronics pricing can be astounding. I think some of the details that cause this are:
- remote / console / automation control systems - the box needs to be able to be integrated into the station automation system; even if the DVR is in the control room, it needs to be started/stopped by computer; they play back a program in chunks, inserting commercials and promos at appropriate intervals, but the recordings are all separate. Also, the box needs to be able to be controlled on the switcher console with remote buttons.
- rackability - should be a minor factor, but it seems like this always adds $
- connections - pro gear frequently uses different connections than the stuff we use - e.g. they use different video and audio connections, including a variation of SP/DIF that consumers don't see. In a lot of cases, the cable lengths are also longer than consumer applications.
- serviceability - it's better for a station if some or all of the guts of a box are replaceable onsite. This means stuff like replaceable, slide mounted logic cards and drives.
- faster drives / longer MTBF - as with server-level computer gear, they want to use large/fast drives, hot-swappable, with long mean-time-between-failure. This translates to fast SCSI arrays, although there are lots of choices.

Bottom line is that the affiliates are using Rolls Royce-type equipment, and really can't use the Yugo except in the short run.

As always, the world of cars has parallels. It's like the difference between consumer and commercial vehicles, or between sports cars and race-cars!

As for the D* HD carriage - to my knowledge, they will only relay what the station broadcasts. If WCBD isn't relaying the program in HD, D* won't be able to substitute in the HD version [I wish they could!]. I don't know how D* and E* get their signals from the locals, but it is a relay arrangement (i.e. they don't switch in and out of the network feeds, although that might make sense...). Additionally, since Wheel and Jeopardy are syndicated, each station chooses what time to air the program, so there isn't a national feed for the sats to use, even though the HD program is distributed by satellite. Satellite fed syndicated programs are typically delivered to the stations at a specific time, and the stations record them for later use. The industry is working on internet delivery of syndicated HD content, but the very large storage and transfer time cause issues on both ends.
-JFS

islanders2

11-09-06, 11:55 AM

Does Comcast have a good reception for analog? Is the digital package worth the $15? I know that is kind of subjective. But Comcast is slightly higher in price.

ComcastCG

11-09-06, 02:49 PM

AndrewG

11-09-06, 05:08 PM

Obliviously, we do not have the NFL package but we do have the NFL network which will begin airing games on Thursday nights.

Chris, two questions here. 1.) Are you going to have the NFL network in HD when it is broadcasting games, since all there games will be in HD. Will it be simulcast on the INHD channel. 2.) What is up with NBA games that are shown in the guide on INHD. They are never available to me, is this some kind of package?

Thanks,

Andy

atp1313

11-09-06, 05:44 PM

The disconnect between professional and consumer electronics pricing can be astounding. I think some of the details that cause this are...
-JFS
As always, a very thorough post/explanation. I knew there was a reason (or resaons) they don't use off the shelf equipment, but nice to hear the details. I really need to go on one of those tours I have heard talked about. Seems I could really learn/benefit from it. :p

Is there any advantage for D* over E*?

If you are going for HD as the primary reason for choosing D* vs E*, then E* will likely be the better choice. Right now, they offer more HD channels since they absorbed the old VOOM system (boy do I miss Voom!!! :( )

However, D* is well ahead of E* in terms of perparation for more HD in the near future. D* has recently launched some additional sat's for the expansion of their LIL-HD coverage. once that is done, everything will be MPEG4, meaning better compression,which leaves room for more national HD feeds. Since we ranked (the last time I looked into it) at 100 on the national DMA list, we are still months away from getting LIL-HD. I think they are somewhere in the 50-60th DMA range.

Once we get LIL-HD (and possibly earlier than that) the national HD feeds will increase. What was said earlier about over-compression is true for all Sat options. Unless and until there is some federal mandate for them to offer "true HD", they will continue to compress their signals.

islanders2

11-09-06, 07:28 PM

Thomas,

I hear ya! Round and round on the HDTV… it never stops.

The D* installer was out here today to see what kind of reception I could get here. I saw the two dishes and where they would be mounted.

The only problem I’m having is access to DSL, or I would go with D*, for the package deal.

So for now I’m leaning towards Comcast for the internet upgrade package and Vonage.

Thanks again for all the replies!

I’ll give you a call next week Chris!

John

atp1313

11-10-06, 10:16 AM

The D* installer was out here today to see what kind of reception I could get here. I saw the two dishes and where they would be mounted.

The only problem I’m having is access to DSL, or I would go with D*, for the package deal.

So for now I’m leaning towards Comcast for the internet upgrade package and Vonage.
Unless you do a lot of RV'ing where you would need high speed internet access, I would stay away from the D* internet service. First of all, you have to purchase the equipment. Secondly, it is not as fast as Comcast or Knology. If memory serves, it is only slightly faster than DSL. I would defintiely recommend Comcast for the Internet, but then I work from home and need all the speed I can get (and Comcast has a monopoly in my 'hood :rolleyes: ). Hell, if someone were to offer 10MB or higher speeds, I would sign up for that...speed is important for me in my business.

You mentioned the multiple dishes...this is another down side to D* for locals. When we get our LIL-HD, it will all be through one dish...looking forward to that. My rooftop looks like I work for the CIA or NSA or some other unknown spook agency.

So if bundling saves you money, Comcast/Knology might be better overall. But if you want more channels and out-of-market RSN's, then D* or E* is your best bet. If you want NFL Sunday Ticket, you have only one choice: D*.

As for Vonage, I use that and it works beautifully. I higly recommend it for anyone who has high speed internet. The price can't be beat,and I do not see any remarkable difference between standard landlines and VoIP.

islanders2

11-10-06, 01:08 PM

Unless you do a lot of RV'ing where you would need high speed internet access, I would stay away from the D* internet service. First of all, you have to purchase the equipment. Secondly, it is not as fast as Comcast or Knology. If memory serves, it is only slightly faster than DSL. I would defintiely recommend Comcast for the Internet, but then I work from home and need all the speed I can get (and Comcast has a monopoly in my 'hood :rolleyes: ). Hell, if someone were to offer 10MB or higher speeds, I would sign up for that...speed is important for me in my business.

You mentioned the multiple dishes...this is another down side to D* for locals. When we get our LIL-HD, it will all be through one dish...looking forward to that. My rooftop looks like I work for the CIA or NSA or some other unknown spook agency.

So if bundling saves you money, Comcast/Knology might be better overall. But if you want more channels and out-of-market RSN's, then D* or E* is your best bet. If you want NFL Sunday Ticket, you have only one choice: D*.

As for Vonage, I use that and it works beautifully. I higly recommend it for anyone who has high speed internet. The price can't be beat,and I do not see any remarkable difference between standard landlines and VoIP.

Hi Thomas,

I have been so busy, I haven’t had time to respond. But that is a lot of valuable insight, advice, you have provided!

I don’t mind the dishes too much. They would be on the back of the house. But if I don’t sign up for the HD, I will get small dish installed. And if I want to upgrade, then I have to pay for a new dish upgrade? The installer didn’t know and getting a straight answer for one of D* sales reps is a shot in the dark.

There are too many base package deals for E* and D*. So if I want all the standard channels, it would be the same a C*. Although maybe I don’t need all the standard channels? Also the HD on Sat is higher, so the price is all about the same. Which leaves PQ and all that extra equipment, upgrade confusion.

I hope I can get a good PQ from C*. I think I’ll give them a try, because of the internet package deal.

AndrewG

11-10-06, 01:50 PM

As for Vonage, I use that and it works beautifully. I higly recommend it for anyone who has high speed internet. The price can't be beat,and I do not see any remarkable difference between standard landlines and VoIP.

Agree, I have had it for three years, and it is totally seemless and the price can't be beat. Signed my mother up for it as well. If you didn't tell someone, they can't tell the difference.

Andy

ComcastCG

11-10-06, 02:25 PM

Andy

I am looking into the NFL Network games being on INHD. As soon as I get an answer I will let you know. As of right now, below is a list of the games that are going to be carried on Comcast Channel 180.

GAMES DATE
Broncos vs. Chiefs November 23
Ravens vs. Bengals November 30
Browns vs. Steelers December 7
49ers vs. Seahawks December 14
Cowboys vs. Falcons December 16
Vikings vs. Packers December 21
Chiefs vs. Raiders December 23
Giants vs. Redskins December 30

As for the NBA games on INHD, Those games are a HD simulcast from the game shown on NBA TV. Unfortunately, we don’t carry NBA TV in our channel line up.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Chris

AndrewG

11-10-06, 06:28 PM

Andy
As for the NBA games on INHD, Those games are a HD simulcast from the game shown on NBA TV. Unfortunately, we don’t carry NBA TV in our channel line up.

Let me know if you need anything else.

Chris

Why is that? I read on the NBATV website that they have contracts with Comcast for carriage of NBA-TV. Do the local Comcast affiliates have different contracts than the national corporate agreements?

While I asking, what about Universal HD. It wasn't much but it was HD and it appears to be on a lot of other Comcast affiliates as seen in the other sections of the AVS forum. It seems like we are losing HD channels instead of adding them.

Thanks,

Andy

Darthtom

11-11-06, 01:50 AM

Agree, I have had it for three years, and it is totally seemless and the price can't be beat. Signed my mother up for it as well. If you didn't tell someone, they can't tell the difference.

Andy

To some degree I have to agree with you. The Vonage quality is great. I had them a couple of months and it worked pretty good. Sounded better than my land line. The problem I had with them was their customer service. There is a LONG story about it but I will try to keep it short...

Vonage could not seem to get their act together with getting my phone number transferred to them. For over three or four months I had to pay Vonage and my old Carrier (Old carrier was costing me $70) per month. Together, I paid $100 a month for phone service. When I complained to Vonage they promised a free month and then refused to give it to me. One customer service rep actually told me, "You are using our service so just get over it!" There was much more to it and the attitude was BAD. Of course, I told him that I had teens at home and if I wanted attitude, I would talk to them... I was not going to pay someone for that kind of attitude. I canceled the service right there and went to mypeople.com They offer pretty much the same service but with a lot more features and the same price. I have had a couple of issues with them but they always go above and beyond to correct and compensate for any problems.

Bottom line.... Vonage ran by JERKS in NJ and MyPeople ran by friendly people in Alabama. For me, the better customer service is worth everything.

I am glad that you have been happy with Vonage, but they lost me with the many a^&*(^&* that I had the displeasure of dealing with. Vonage can kiss my ... well, you know!

atp1313

11-11-06, 09:09 AM

To some degree I have to agree with you. The Vonage quality is great. I had them a couple of months and it worked pretty good. Sounded better than my land line. The problem I had with them was their customer service. There is a LONG story about it but I will try to keep it short...

Vonage could not seem to get their act together with getting my phone number transferred to them. For over three or four months I had to pay Vonage and my old Carrier (Old carrier was costing me $70) per month. Together, I paid $100 a month for phone service. When I complained to Vonage they promised a free month and then refused to give it to me. One customer service rep actually told me, "You are using our service so just get over it!" There was much more to it and the attitude was BAD. Of course, I told him that I had teens at home and if I wanted attitude, I would talk to them... I was not going to pay someone for that kind of attitude. I canceled the service right there and went to mypeople.com They offer pretty much the same service but with a lot more features and the same price. I have had a couple of issues with them but they always go above and beyond to correct and compensate for any problems.

Bottom line.... Vonage ran by JERKS in NJ and MyPeople ran by friendly people in Alabama. For me, the better customer service is worth everything.

I am glad that you have been happy with Vonage, but they lost me with the many a^&*(^&* that I had the displeasure of dealing with. Vonage can kiss my ... well, you know!

I also had some problems when I first signed up. They could not get the old number transferred from AT&T. It took several months to get everything straight, and during that time they gave me a temporary number to use. I literally used it once to check the quality. With each month that the number was not transferred and I was being charged by AT&T and Vonage, they tried to get me to pay. When they tried to tell me that I had the service and I should be charged, I pointed out that I had not placed more than one call for less than 5 minutes,so charge me for that. Once the logic prevailed, they comp'ed my entire service for any time prior to my old number being transferred. It was rough for a while, but worth the wait. We were also paying $70+/month and the savings was great. The features are great (the Simu-Ring is great for work and having voicemail emailed to me is awesome too). So I guess it all boils down to how you interact with the CSR's and how responsive they are to your needs. Sounds like you got the bottom of the CSR barrel, and for that we can all appreciate your frustration. I was a little more fortunate in my Customer Service dealings...and again, the outcome was worth the frustration.

But if you are willing to get a new number,the process take 5 minutes and you are good to go. :p

leverage7

11-13-06, 10:17 AM

Hello,

I just recently upgraded to the Comcast Digital Package. I was wondering how the ESPNPPV channels work, can you buy one game at a time or is this only a package deal with ESPN full court? I live out of town from the team that I follow and I saw the game listed for this coming week and when I click to buy it says it is too early to purchase yet. I am wondering if I can just buy this game or if I have to call and order a full package?

Thanks for the help!

atp1313

11-13-06, 11:36 PM

I am thinking that maybe this Xmas I might make the HD-DVD/BluRay plunge...any ealry adopters out here who can share some insight on performance, quality, supply of movies, etc? Not so much worried about price as that will continue to go down as it becomes more prolific, but will welcome your thoughts on that as well.

shuttermaker

11-13-06, 11:58 PM

I support the HD-DVD movement. Less initial cost, equal quality between the two. The big box stores seem to be pushing the BD format, for whatever reason.

Both formats are supported by Netflix. I bought my Toshiba HD-A1 from Best Buy. Got it for 60 bucks less than regular sale price with my reward zone coupons.

Ive only purchased 1 HD DVD, "Full Metal Jacket". Everything else ive seen has come through Netflix.

Good place for info http://www.highdefdigest.com/

atp1313

11-14-06, 12:01 AM

atp1313

11-14-06, 12:03 AM

I guess the next big question is aside from Fox going exclusively with BD, and Universal going exclusively with HD-DVD, is there an equal market for movies in either format? Are they released simultaneously in both formats?

shuttermaker

11-14-06, 12:19 AM

The picture quality is superb. You will have to do some reading of course but, there are different movie studios supporting different format camps. Some studios are releasing in both formats.

The following studios are releasing content in the HD DVD format:

* Universal
* New Line Cinema
* Warner
* Paramount
* Buena Vista

The following studios are *not* releasing content in the HD DVD format:

* Disney (including Touchstone, Miramax)
* Sony Picture (including MGM/Columbia Tristar
* 20th Century Fox

The following studios are releasing content in the Blu-ray format:
- Buena Vista
- Disney
- Fox
- Lionsgate
- MGM
- Paramount
- Sony
- Warner Bros

The following studios are *not* releasing content in the Blu-ray format:
-Focus Features
-New Line Cinema
-Universal
-Weinstein

atp1313

11-14-06, 12:25 AM

How often do you find yourself saying "damn, if only I had the other format" when choosing movies to buy/rent?

shuttermaker

11-14-06, 12:37 AM

Actually, never. The HD-A1 and the XA1 are both excellent upconverting units. Regular DVDs look better than ive ever seen them on this player. The only time i have an instance of wishing would be when I would have like to have had the patience to wait for a dual format player. However, there isnt one at the moment and I dont expect there to be one for quite some time.

I wanted to jump in the HD pond early so i went with the HDDVD player. Im very satisfied with the A1 that i got. It upconverts reg DVDs beautifully.

Personally, I have a feeling that the HD DVD camp will win this war against BD.

atp1313

11-14-06, 01:22 AM

Just from what I have reading the last day or two, I would agree on the HD-DVD dominance. Just like VHS vs Beta, VHS had the distribution and lower cost available to more people sooner, and that played a huge role in the demise of consumer betamax players. For anyone who ever saw Beta side-by-side with VHS could clearly see that Beta was better, but the cost was too high and the selection was microscopic. So, sorry Beta, you lose.

Given the several month head start on getting the HDDVD players and media on the market has got to have some weight. The other trick is who can convert their existing library/catalogue to HD faster. It's not just the new stuff, but like you mentioned, your first (and only) purchase was Full Metal Jacket. One of my personal fave's, but shows the point...you need to build forward AND backward in developing your catalogue to retain some of the "old-timers" who want to be early adopters but can't stomach some of the newer movies.

Gary J

11-14-06, 08:33 AM

Actually, never. The HD-A1 and the XA1 are both excellent upconverting units. Regular DVDs look better than ive ever seen them on this player.
Thereby making the case for saving the expense of a HD player that plays half the $25 HD movies out there and using an upconverting player or letting your HDTV do the upconvert. Actually Engadget reported yesterday a dual chip has just been developed and you may see a universal player in the next couple of months at the consumer electronic shows.

atp1313

11-14-06, 09:31 AM

Actually Engadget reported yesterday a dual chip has just been developed and you may see a universal player in the next couple of months at the consumer electronic shows.
Now that would be worth the price of admission...this is the first I had heard about the universal player in all my looking. Every site I read was completely down on the idea and was saying "don't hold your breath...it will never happen". One of the main reasons they gave was the physical dimensions of the two formats are slightly off. HDDVD opted for same size as DVD, but dual-sided; BD opted for more space on one-sided discs, thereby causing it to be slightly bigger.

There were reports of there possibly being (in my children's future) a dual deck version of a "universal" player, but not a single tray universal. Is this what you are referring to...the dual deck?

shuttermaker

11-14-06, 09:33 AM

JMO, it aint gonna happen. Before we see a universal player, one of these formats will fall by the wayside.

Gary J

11-14-06, 10:51 AM

JMO, it aint gonna happen. Before we see a universal player, one of these formats will fall by the wayside.
Read (http://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20061106/tc_cmp/193501891) all about it.

shuttermaker

11-14-06, 11:04 AM

Broadcom Corp. has already shipped the industry's first dual HD/BD decoder chip, designed into the first-generation Toshiba HD-DVD player and into Samsung's Blu-ray Disc player. Broadcom will also make its next-generation platform--a much more highly integrated system-on-chip that is scheduled for announcement soon—comply with both formats, while adding support for BD's latest profile.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Very Interesting. I have a first generation Toshiba A1. Wonder if a future firmware update might enable dual format use? Or am i not reading that correctly.

r.jones

11-14-06, 01:54 PM

I've got the HD-A1 and it is sweet. There's a good chance you have never seen HD this good. You will probably be safe with the HD-DVD format. BR supporters will tout the 50 gig
disc size but the truth is you have more capacity with a 30gig HDDVD using VC-1 codec as opposed to a 50 gig BR using MPEG2. Look at Sony's track record with any A/V format from the past. HD DVD hardware and software is outselling BR hands down!

atp1313

11-14-06, 03:46 PM

Read (http://news.yahoo.com/s/cmp/20061106/tc_cmp/193501891) all about it.
That was a good "recent" article. Before that the latest report I could find was dated in July. Knowing how technology changes, that is why I wanted some personal insight from you guys....thanks!

While the article has good points about the emergence of dual drive devices, I think there was one line that was spot-on: "Many consumers will hold off buying a next-generation DVD player until the universal player hits the market." Now that I have read this article,I may choose to be one of those who holds off. Obviously having dual drive capabilities would cover the bases, I will likely have to pay more for a dual drive unit. So we are kind of stuck in a self-defeating cycle...pay a decent price now (~$500) for one format and hope it "wins" the format battle,or wait and spend upwards of $1000 for a dual drive that may not be here for another year.

To "sorta" quote Dire Straits: I Want My High Definition DVD!

But I don't want to waste money to get only some of the available titles. For instance: I really want to see The Matrix in HD; I really want to see X-Men in HD. Problem is, they are on competing exclusive formats.

Ugh...I hate being an almost early adopter!! :)

By the way, I was reading in several articles that the drives would be required to have an Anti-Piracy "flag" system that wouldmake sure only true HD could be played through HDMI. For those of you with the BD/HD systems, areyou using anything other than HDMI? My TV does not have HDMI/DVI,only Component connections. Will I get to really see true HD?

Althought, this might make a perfect excuse to get a new TV... :p

r.jones

11-14-06, 10:58 PM

For the time being the Anti-Piracy "flag" system is not activated on any of the releases, so you get 720P, 1080i or1080P through both the component and HDMI. It is possible that it won't be activated for some time. Don't want to upset those with component only sets. You will only get to use the upconversion of SD DVD through HDMI.

atp1313

11-15-06, 12:12 AM

That's good news for now. At least I know I can wait another year before getting a new TV. It is 2 years old and I swore to my wife that I would keepit at least 3 years, barring any catastrophic failures. ;)

Now if I can make the decision to go HD-DVD/BD, then we will be all set. They prettymuch all come with component connections, right?

r.jones

11-15-06, 12:29 AM

Yes they have component.

ComcastCG

11-15-06, 03:34 PM

lancer1991

11-15-06, 08:02 PM

Scmedic

11-15-06, 08:43 PM

Hey Comcast guy...I sent you a PM with number of service and HD related questions yesterday? Any chance you might have an answer or two? Thanks in advance!

AndrewG

11-15-06, 11:42 PM

Here is some info on a new HD channel for Comcast, whether or not we'll get it who knows. It also gives a little insight on the INHD2 station and just goes to prove that it still exists in many markets, apparently our market thought it be more entertaining to add MyTube and MtvHD.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=751387

From the Programming forum today....

NGC HD, A&E HD and FSN HD just went live on Comcast Detroit.

Along with UHD but we had that before, just getting caught up with everyone else..

And another member claims that Hartford Comcast is saying December 14th for NGC HD and A&E HD. Any word here Chris.

And if you are out there Chris, did you see my question about NBA TV and local Comcast?

Thanks,

Andy

AndrewG

11-16-06, 09:55 AM

From what I understand, and Chris advise me if I am wrong, Comcast Charleston has an upgraded system, either 750 or 850 Mhz and should have the bandwidth capability of other upgraded Comcast systems. As I quoted below, in Detroit (and apparently, Baltimore and Hartford at least) there are new stations added and at least 3 more full time national HD channels available than there is for Charleston. Obviously some don't apply (see my comments in green below) but the National channels should be available here.

My question for Chris and Comcast is, Should we anticipate getting these new stations as well, or is bandwidth being used for more on-demand and PPV than these other regions.

Thanks, Andy

This makes 21 HD channels available in the Detroit area from Comcast, including all the OTA channels, and 4 of the 5 premium movie channels available.

199 National Geographic HD
200 A&E HD
201 Fox Sports Net Detroit HD I guess similar to the very parttime feed for Braves' Games?
202 ESPN HD
203 ESPN2 HD
204 TNT HD
205 Discovery HD
206 INHD (MLB, Versus NHL, NBA HD, NFL Network) What about NBA-TV here in Charleston?
208 Universal HD Had it for some time during Olympics then it was gone
209 MHD
215 HBO HD
219 Cinemax HD
223 Showtime HD
227 Starz HD
231 ABC HD WXYZ-DT
232 NBC HD WDIV-DT
233 CBS HD WWJ-DT
234 FOX HD WJBK-DT
235 My Network TV HD WMYD-DT Not applicable (as is CW) in Chas. since not broadcast in HD
236 The CW HD WKBD-DT
240 PBS HD WTVS-DT

Hatfield

11-17-06, 01:42 PM

islanders2, here's a thread that compares the HD pic quality b/w E* & D* that might help your decision:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=704350

I have E* HD package and DSL through Bellsouth and love it. I wanted more HD so E* was the choice for me. The channels I get for sports are adequate for me. I'm not a "huge" sports fan.

The way I see it,
E*-more HD(Voom), better pic quality(see above thread), 1 dish
D*-sports, more HD on the way due to more satellites(but who knows when that'll be)

I'll also add that rain-fade is negligible. I was DVRing 3 episodes of Band of Brothers on HBO Signature during the huge rainstorm the other night(the one that caused horrific tornadoes in NC) and when I went ot watch it, it only cut out maybe 4 minutes.

atp1313

11-18-06, 10:41 AM

Media Week Link (http://www.mediaweek.com/mw/news/cabletv/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003408626)

Is this taking the place of INHD, or will it be added alongside INHD?

islanders2

11-19-06, 10:40 PM

Thanks for the information, but I went with Comcast HD package. I called Chris and he answered my questions.

The PQ is very good. On HD it is perfect. For digital almost as good as HD. And standard isn’t bad. The only thing that bugs me is having to zoom the screen for SD, to get rid of the black bars on the side.

I like the channel selection. I would want all the basic channels for E* or D*. So it would be the same price as C*, if not more. I don’t see how the PQ could improve. Perhaps a little for some SD, but not much if at all.

I also like the cable internet.

I talked with all of the three providers, C* D* E*, and the D* E* were either misinformed on the price and availability of the service, or were very pushy, telling me what I should be doing. I didn’t get that with Comcast.

Here is the price breakdown,

Comcast digital, $60 HD and DVR $10... on demand.... internt $42 (no commitment)

Direct TV digital $60 HD DVR $10 satellite radio, Bell South DSL ten dollars off (2 year commitment for HD)

Dish TV digital $55 HD DVR $15 no break on internet (commitment?)

Knology was the same a Comcast, but I think they use a little rink dink cable.

shuttermaker

11-20-06, 12:31 AM

Knology was the same a Comcast, but I think they use a little rink dink cable.

What does that mean?

Gary J

11-20-06, 07:58 AM

I think most people get used to black bars pretty quick and prefer it to distorted zoom or missing picture area.

shuttermaker

11-20-06, 08:53 AM

I think most people get used to black bars pretty quick and prefer it to distorted zoom or missing picture area.

Agreed...or at least that speaks for me.

atp1313

11-20-06, 11:51 AM

I think most people get used to black bars pretty quick and prefer it to distorted zoom or missing picture area.
My only concern with the side bars is the possible burn-in/fade-in that happens when there is no data displayed on that portion of the screen. It may be slightly distorted, but it is better in the long run for the life of the TV and it's lamps/screen/pixels (whatever type you happen to have).

Knology was the same a Comcast, but I think they use a little rink dink cable.

Knology has from day one been running on a fiber-optic network. Comcast has been in the area longer and has been converting their older copper core trunks to fiber. So from the ground up, Knology is more advanced. I don't know what the conversion process is for Comcast, but I am sure they are catching up or are completely caught up. But Knology's infrastructure is anything but rinky-dink.

And I could be wrong here (and I am sure others will correct me), but before we as consumers can enjoy FIOS "ultra" high speed internet, the entire infrastructure must be fiber. That would put Knology in front on that race. I haven't seen or heard anything about either provider offering (or planning to offer) FIOS, so it may be a moot point for a few more years.

And when it is available, I will be first in line. My brother-in-law has it in DC and HOLY SH*T, you can really fly on the 'net. As a business owner who works exclusively on-line, this would/will make a huge difference for me in terms of my overall productivity. I hope it comes to town at some point in my life... :rolleyes:

islanders2

11-20-06, 01:24 PM

Gary J

11-20-06, 01:37 PM

atp1313

11-20-06, 01:53 PM

I didn’t realize K* was fiber optic. Perhaps they should have mentioned that on their rink dink website, or someone could have mentioned that back when I posted my origial question about cable providers?

Yes, I understand what fiber optic is, and the fact the US is 10th in the world internet access speed.

Don’t you love it when only one fragment is extracted from your original post?

Kind of makes you think you got better things to do.
I only extract parts of previous posts simply to reduce the scroll time. If we all replied with full quotes, it would take forever to scroll through this site.

As for Knology not mentioning their fiber status, I am surprised that they don't. For me (and I hope a lot of other informed consumers) this is valuable information. Failure to market this info to the public shows how the upper-level folks might not "get it" that there are differences between companies beyond who carries FOX-HD or NBC-HD. This is also a reason I doubt that we will see FIOS in this area anytime in the next decade. :o

shuttermaker

11-20-06, 02:10 PM

Pulled from the Knology website....

http://www.knology.com/content/aboutus.cfm?menuLevel2=history

They may be small in stature but, im very happy with their service....and fiber optic feed.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

atp1313: How nice would it be for Verizon to buy out Knology to seed and strengthen their presence in a nice size area of the southeast U.S. ?

ComcastCG

11-20-06, 02:21 PM

atp1313

11-20-06, 02:23 PM

atp1313: How nice would it be for Verizon to buy out Knology to seed and strengthen their presence in a nice size area of the southeast U.S. ?
Let's see...they are in DC now. That would put their sprawl (logically) in the following order of size vs. geography:
Richmond
Raliegh/Durham/Chapel Hill
Charlotte
Atlanta
Jacksonville
Miami

Damn, they missed us! ;)

All those in favor of FIOS, begin holding your breath......now!

atp1313

11-20-06, 02:30 PM

Hey Andy, Thomas and other Comcast subscribers,

With technology moving toward HD, It is the goal of Comcast to provide more HD Channels and content to our HD Subscribers. Therefore, you should expect to get more in HD.

With that said, I don’t have a complete clear cut date or an answer to which channels it may be. As I receive the directive to launch a channel, we get it turned around as soon as possible. This goes for SD and HD channels. I do know we get a great deal of requests for NGC, A&E and the Food Network in HD. As well of a number of other requests for SD channels. It is a balance that every market goes through. Which channels should be launched in which markets to make senses for both SD and HD customers? i.e. NBA SD vs Universal HD vs NGC HD vs insert any other channel.

I can tell you I have seen the request for VS in HD. If there are no major set backs we should have it up and running by the end of January.

Take Care

Chris
Chris_george@cable.comcast.com
843-266-3050
Thanks for the update. I think we all understand that you and others in your position can't say anything until the channel is essentially live, but we do like to complain/question. If we didn't raise these comments, there may not be the drive to expand into new channels and markets.

If you guys get the Tivo partnership set up, I will switch. I am fairly picky and will do everything in my power to never again use anything non-Tivo. The SA8000/8300 was a joke and shouldn't be used as anything other than a paperweight. :)

It's amazing that people like me are willing to pay more to get less so long as we have our creature comforts. I am not loyal to the company (C*, D*, E*, V*, K* - I have had them all!!) but I am loyal to the products and support. So show me the Comcast/Tivo partnership in action, and that you have more HD than D*, and I will call you right away. I am no longer under commitment to D*, so whenever you can make it happen... ;)

shuttermaker

11-20-06, 02:40 PM

atp1313

11-20-06, 03:02 PM

Today, The Knology Network is currently serving

Columbus, GA
Huntsville, AL
Lanett, AL
Valley, AL
Montgomery, AL
Panama City, FL
West Point, GA
Augusta, GA
Charleston, SC
Knoxville, TN.
Pinellas County, FL.

I would think Verizon might find some of those Knology areas appealing.
Possibly, but my point is that they would want (from a logical bottom-line point of view) the most possible subscribers per capita. That would put this list somewhat at odds with reality. Though the propsect of being able to flip close to 100% of the current subscribers overnight would have its appeal.

Just to put it into perspective for cable as a share of the US "eyeballs" from the most recent DMA list I could find (using a very quick Google shearch, so there is likely more recent data):

Columbus, GA 127th
Huntsville-Decatur 84th
Lanett (Not Listed so lower than 210th-Unless this is a suburb of a larger city)
Valley (Not Listed so lower than 210th-Unless this is a suburb of a larger city)
Montgomery 116th
Panama City 157th
West Point 132nd
Augusta 115th
Charleston 101
Knoxville 58th
Pinellas County (Not Listed so lower than 210th-Unless this is a suburb of a larger city)

vs.

Richmond - 60
Raleigh - 29
Charlotte - 27
Atlanta - 9

So my point is that these collected cities only represent a small portion of the "gettable" market out there around the southeast. Focus on the bigger cities (Charlotte, Atlanta, Raleigh, etc), then branch out to the 'burbs. Knoxville looks pretty decent at 58th, but you would need to go through Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte, & Ashville to get there. I don't think they do too much skipping around anymore.

shuttermaker

11-20-06, 03:04 PM

Point taken.

*gulp* ..now holding my breath

atp1313

11-20-06, 03:10 PM

Lol

atp1313

11-20-06, 03:11 PM

Wait, is your life insurance paid up...?

AndrewG

11-20-06, 03:21 PM

Don't you love it when someone assumes a "little rink dink cable" from the looks of a website?

True, funny thing about Knology's web site, it may not have the flash of others, but at least you can get the current channel lineup. The Comcast site still has ESPN in Charleston ton 173. A lot of folks in the programming forum us their Comcast site to keep up with newly added channels, as it is updated all the time. Not so here.

If I recall, Knology has a better HD lineup since with UHD, and HDNet and HDNet movies.

Andy

ROOMFR2

11-20-06, 09:08 PM

Has anyone else noticed a drop in the siginal for them ?? I went from the mid 80's to the mid 40's. Help in summerville !

ElwayLite

11-21-06, 04:18 PM

I'm switching back to Comcast this weekend from Directv due to lack of HD Locals. I'm kinda out of the loop on Comcast, have they added a new HD DVR or is it still the 8300HD?

shuttermaker

11-21-06, 04:20 PM

I'm switching back to Comcast this weekend from Directv due to lack of HD Locals. I'm kinda out of the loop on Comcast, have they added a new HD DVR or is it still the 8300HD?

What are your plans for the DirecTV equipment?

ElwayLite

11-21-06, 04:38 PM

I have an R15 and HR20(both leased). I am placing the account on suspension for 9mo's to see if D* improves the lineup over the coming year.

The R15 is being sent back and the HR20 will be in the closet right now. I'm leaving my 5 lnb dish in place.

ElwayLite

11-22-06, 08:10 AM

Another question:

Does anyone know if the SATA connection is enabled on the 8300HD so an external drive can be connected?

shuttermaker

11-23-06, 09:08 AM

Did anyone happen to catch WCSC this morning from 9:00am to 9:02am ? There was some sort of glitch that showed "Jeopardy" in HD. After the first 2 minutes they corrected the feed to begin broadcast of the Thanksgiving Day parade.

Strange for two reasons. Jeopardy was shown on CBS and, It was in HD. It must have been a network glitch instead of a WCSC affiliate glitch.

Jeopardy looked real good for 2 minutes. Wish WCBD could provide Jeopardy in HD at its 7:30 weekday timeslot.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING LOWCOUNTRY !

shuttermaker

11-23-06, 09:09 AM

Another question:

Does anyone know if the SATA connection is enabled on the 8300HD so an external drive can be connected?

Last I heard....NO.

ElwayLite

11-23-06, 09:35 AM

Last I heard....NO.

Well that's no fun. When I get it installed Saturday I'll give the software number to the guys in the 8300 SATA post and see what the word is.

ComcastCG

11-24-06, 09:31 AM

I'm switching back to Comcast this weekend from Directv due to lack of HD Locals. I'm kinda out of the loop on Comcast, have they added a new HD DVR or is it still the 8300HD?

It is still the 8300HD /DVR. As for the SATA question, I will need to research it.

ElwayLite

11-24-06, 09:32 AM

Thanks!

bbarrie

11-24-06, 12:24 PM

Andy

I am looking into the NFL Network games being on INHD.
Chris

The NFL network game was indeed broadcast on INHD last night (despite no mention in the grid) and it looked pretty good.

thanks Comcast

HDSC

11-24-06, 10:33 PM

I have been a comcast customer for 15> years and a DTV customer for 10> years, they both have their strengths and weaknesses. I think that customers are harder to keep than to sign If you keep expressing your concerns/requests they will be heard in a positive note. They will not spend 10mil on a 5 mil return but they will spend 5 mil on a 10 mil return. The technology changes every day. Market demand always drives the protocol. So chose a protocol that will generate money for the company and they will follow.

atp1313

11-25-06, 10:31 AM

:rolleyes: I was one of those fools that woke up at 3:30am yesterday and stood in line for a new Plasma TV. It turns out all the hassle was worth it. It is now installed and looks great. But I know it can look better. I got it at CC and when I got the extended warranty, they handed me a calibration kit. My DVD player is a POS and won't play the DVD. Part of me thinks it's the DVD player; part of me thinks it's the disc. Since it would cheaper to buy a new calibration disc than a new DVD player, can anyone recommend a good calibration DVD? As good as this tv looks now, I know it can be tweaked, and I am anxious to do it ASAP.

Thanks for any advice...

shuttermaker

11-25-06, 10:45 AM

atp1313

11-25-06, 03:30 PM

Thanks...I actually have and use the Spyder for my LCD computer monitor. I didn't even think about that. And I think this is what my brother-in-law uses for his RPTV. I will ask him about it. But I am still open to other suggestions.

ElwayLite

11-25-06, 03:39 PM

I used the Avia to get my 42" panny EDTV plasma set well last year, just used it last light night to calibrate my new sony 46" HDTV LCD RPTV, very good dvd for getting it close. You'll probably tweak it from there but it really helps getting it set.

atp1313

11-25-06, 07:59 PM

I may still get the Spyder for extremely tight configuration, but I finally got the CC configuration DVD to work (so it must be my DVD player that is on its last breath) and there was a remarkable improvement over the settings I was using.

Thanks for the suggestions guys...enjoy the rest of your Turkey Day weekend!

wally774

11-26-06, 12:09 AM

ElwayLite

11-26-06, 07:15 AM

joemat

11-26-06, 04:30 PM

direct tv is your best deal. just get a good antenna for your locals with an amp. and you get everything with a one time cost. If you want more info if can email you what I got and where i got the parts to do it. It was for about $200 but the signal is great.
joemat@bellsouth.net

atp1313

11-27-06, 12:08 AM

Hi, I'm new to the forum, having just upgraded to an HD set. I currently have Directv and wondered if anyone knows when they plan to make local Charleston stations available in HD? If it's not going to be anytime soon, I might switch to Knology since it looks like they carry local HD. Thanks for any advice. Wally

Charleston is ranked about 100th (give or take a few spots) on the national DMA list (Designated Market Areas, or something like that). This is the list that D* is essentially using as the checklist for which markets to launch HD-LIL in next. At last check, they were launching in the 60 in August. They are only going live with approx 12-24 markets per quarter. At best, that would put Charleston as going live for LIL sometime around Spring/Summer '07. There are many variables at play with each market launch, so the exact date cannot be stated with any certainty. As mentioned just before this post, you will do well to keep D* (if you are overall pleased with their service) and simply add an antenna that will get the locals in HD. Of course you can still get SD-LIL's through D* until they go live. You can also try for a DNS waiver, but you will not likely get this as all the networks here are pretty much pushing a full power signal and they may not let you go. But if you live far enough away, they may provide the waiver.

I am personally willing to wait for the HD-LIL launch for Charleston since I get all the locals in HD via OTA. But if you want to switch, it is certainly understandable. Just make sure you get a service that will provide all the HD available. And if you do choose to go, you may also want to simply put D* "on hold" for a few months and see how things develop. They can keep your account "active" for I think up to 10-11 months for a small monthly fee (I think about $5). This will save you any future reconnect/new service fees from D*.

Good luck, keep us posted if you have any new or other questions, and welcome to the forum. :)

ElwayLite

11-27-06, 09:26 AM

It is still the 8300HD /DVR. As for the SATA question, I will need to research it.

Any word on the SATA being activated? Main reason I want to know is I travel alot and will be recording many HD programs.

ComcastCG

11-28-06, 09:00 AM

Any word on the SATA being activated? Main reason I want to know is I travel alot and will be recording many HD programs.

I receievd a call back last night from our Product Manager in Philly . The external SATA connection is enabled on the 8300. He is going to SA this week to find out which External hard drives it supports. As soon as I get more answers I will post them.

Thanks

Chris

KTrout

11-28-06, 10:21 PM

Hey now.

Know I haven't been around much but I did want to pass on a bit of news that I got recently. Unfortunately, we'll be very soon losing a great friend to local HD as Chief Engineer Eldon Brown will be leaving WCSC as of December 1. He has decided to hang up his engineering hat and try something completely different in another state that he's really wanted to do for some time now.

As some of you may know, Eldon worked very closely with us as WCSC was bringing on HD here locally and even opened up the studio and tower facilities for tours etc to let us in on how everything works. He really had our best interests at heart and is a large reason why WCSC was really on top of their game from the beginning.

He had to replace his computer at work and lost a lot of email addresses in the process but wanted to make sure that he did say goodbye to a lot of you here on the forum.

He will be missed.

HDSC

11-28-06, 10:57 PM

Eldon was a great supporter and an asset to the Charleston area HD in our "wow, we have a signal" days. I am in contact with him and know that he and his wife are looking forward to their new endeavor. All he needs to do is start a consulting business for all the Channel 5 questions that will pop up in the future, to subsidize his new business. Thanks Eldon for all your dedication and help as you flipped the first switch in our HD community.

tc1

11-29-06, 08:58 AM

My first experience with HD began spring of this year and is OTA only. Must say that WCSC quality and reliability has been far beyond ALL of the other local stations in every respect! Good luck and Thank You to Mr Brown.

Tom

Scmedic

11-29-06, 05:16 PM

atp1313

11-29-06, 07:43 PM

According to the Comcast guy who was here last weekend....

40+ HD channels will be out this spring sometime, although he wouldn't say what they were..

Wow! Would love to see that lineup. Mix those HD channels with the soon-to-be-released Comcast/Tivobox and I might switch.

Speaking of which,any news in the pipeline about the Comcast/Tivo combination?

ComcastCG

11-30-06, 03:19 PM

AndrewG

11-30-06, 10:50 PM

According to the Comcast guy who was here last weekend....

All channels from 2-99 are going to be deleted, and become digital channels starting in the 100's in the next month - month and a half...

40+ HD channels will be out this spring sometime, although he wouldn't say what they were..

I did get him to admit to Speedvision HD. :)
No way is this possible. That would mean that everyone would need a box to decode all or any channels. This is really the problem with an all digital conversion. Maybe he was talking about a digital simulcast of all the analog stations in anticipation of an eventual conversion. But not only would they need some warning and lead time to the removal of analog channels for all of their analog only folks, but they would need to roll out very inexpensive digital converters.

On the other hand I hope they are attempting conversion to all digital, because analog channels are the bandwidth hogs that are preventing more HD channels.

Amped

12-01-06, 12:29 AM

Comcast HD Subscribers

The NFL game tonight will be in HD on INHD channel 206. The feed will start at approx. 7:30PM. You will notice the channel name may say "INHD2". It is not the INHD2 channel. It is an alt. feed of INHD but we can not have 2 channels of the same name in our system. Therefore, the INHD2 name.

We did test the game last week on the same channel. If all goes well again tonight, we will carry the remaining 6 NFL games on the NFL Network (Channel 180) on the INHD Channel 206.

Enjoy The Game and please provide feed back.

Chris

It's disappointing that you have to pre-empt an entire HD channel to show the NFL network games. Tonight, in particular, the game was fairly boring and I may have rather watched INHD programming. Why not use the BravesHD channel or give us back INHD2 entirely?

And doesn't the NFL Network broadcast a dedicated HD channel anyway? Can't BravesHD be replaced with it during football season?

islanders2

12-01-06, 01:00 AM

Don't you love it when someone assumes a "little rink dink cable" from the looks of a website?

My point was that I went to their website, and specifically asked for information here, when I was choosing a cable provider. I had a few people offer some information, but no one said anything positive about Knology, or that they were fiber optic.

I noticed it was a very thin cable and assumed it was inferior to the very thick Comcast line.

And it wasn’t until I remarked on this that so many people climbed out of the woodwork here, when they could have offered any kind of advice when I needed it.

Edit: I even called them and specifically said I was looking and both cable providers and both satellite providers, and what they had to offer over the others.

Looks like you are the one who doesn't get it.

islanders2

12-01-06, 01:12 AM

[QUOTE=atp1313]I only extract parts of previous posts simply to reduce the scroll time. If we all replied with full quotes, it would take forever to scroll through this site.

Your post were informative but after I made a long and informative post, after weeks of research I had a number of people, strangers pounce on the last line, when they didn't lift a finger to offer that excat info when I needed it.

I usually try to say, "I agree with most of your post, but...." or something like that without having to make a full quote.

Cheers

Scmedic

12-01-06, 07:49 AM

No way is this possible. That would mean that everyone would need a box to decode all or any channels. This is really the problem with an all digital conversion. Maybe he was talking about a digital simulcast of all the analog stations in anticipation of an eventual conversion. But not only would they need some warning and lead time to the removal of analog channels for all of their analog only folks, but they would need to roll out very inexpensive digital converters.

On the other hand I hope they are attempting conversion to all digital, because analog channels are the bandwidth hogs that are preventing more HD channels.

Actually, that is exactly what he said... "all subscribers were to get a box.."

Analog will be gone completely...All digital by FCC mandate by 2009.

Gary J

12-01-06, 08:02 AM

Actually, that is exactly what he said... "all subscribers were to get a box.."

Analog will be gone completely...All digital by FCC mandate by 2009.
Better re-read that mandate. TWC has no plans to eliminate analog even in 2009.

Gary J

12-01-06, 08:10 AM

Looks like you are the one who doesn't get it.
Ok we are sorry you did not get the right answers because you did not ask the right questions. Will do a better mind-reading job next time.

kjpjr

12-01-06, 08:20 AM

Even TWC won't have a choice in this one. They will have to follow the rules or not be a cable company any more -- we could only hope!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10563834/

Scmedic

12-01-06, 08:23 AM

Thanks Gary J. I did re-read it, and I see that it still says no analog by 2009. Thanks though.

Gary J

12-01-06, 09:35 AM

Even TWC won't have a choice in this one. They will have to follow the rules or not be a cable company any more -- we could only hope!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10563834/
The same article says "cable operators would convert digital signals back to analog for the major broadcast stations". DianaTWCSC said (when she was still here) they have no plans to eliminate analog stations.

shuttermaker

12-01-06, 09:43 AM

I have no faith in that 2009 deadline. Id bet it will be pushed out further.

zul0996

12-01-06, 09:44 AM

The same article says "cable operators would convert digital signals back to analog for the major broadcast stations". DianaTWCSC said (when she was still here) they have no plans to eliminate analog stations.

I wouldn't make Diana's word the last one from TWC. She didn't always tell us everything, only everything she could.

islanders2

12-01-06, 10:16 AM

I still don’t what kind of line K* has to my house. I’m at the end of the street, in cul-de-sac, and it looked like a RJ6 for at least 500’’, while the C* line looked like a new power line going across the cul-de-sac.

I have very good PQ with C*, good features, professional installation (they ran the line just the way I wanted) and will stay with them if they follow through with promises of all digital and 40 HD.

They support my older Mac, but I’m not impressed with the 1-99 analog on my new HDTV. I assumed they would phasing that out soon and would be rolling out more HD.

I would also want to be assured a new service provider has a better PQ, but I’m fine for the next year and like C* support and additional features.

islanders2

12-01-06, 10:25 AM

Ok we are sorry you did not get the right answers because you did not ask the right questions. Will do a better mind-reading job next time.

(This was my original post. Perhaps you need stronger reading glasses.)

I live on James Island, just off Harborview. Next week I’ll have a new Panasonic plasma and I’m not sure which cable service provider to choose from.

My primary concerns are price and quality.

I would like to have HD, DVR, and one or two movie channels. Showtime, HBO....

I have been told Direct TV has better SD channels than regular cable, but it depends on the city?

So, how is your SD on Comcast? Knology? As good as DTV or Dish? Or is it really not very good?

I understand satellite has some rain fade, but I would like a good reception on my new plasma, on SD for most of the time.

I would like to get a package deal, instead of a promotional price for a limited time.

Any suggestions, insights would be greatly appreciated!

AndrewG

12-01-06, 12:17 PM

Actually, that is exactly what he said... "all subscribers were to get a box.."

Analog will be gone completely...All digital by FCC mandate by 2009.

The all analog will be gone will be gone by 2009 is an FCC mandate for OTA broadcasts. This is to force the digital conversion of broadcast TV and to free up those frequencies for resale to Cell phone providers, etc, who will pay big bucks. It is good for us because it is forcing a transition that might have been slower. But of course this doesn't necessarily affect cable companies. For one, the cable stations that are not OTA (everything except networks) are not affected by this. But it is likely the cable companies are receiving a digital satellite feed of these stations anyway and converting them to rebroadcast to their subscribers. Chris, could you tell us if this is true?

But they could continue as Gary said, to convert any digital station to analog and use analog transmission over cable lines. It really isn't very efficient bandwidth wise, but I think the cable companies have a lot (and I mean a big majority) of people who use at least one TV (if not most or all of the TVs) without a converter box. They are using analog cable only. I have a feeling that the Cable Cos know there will be a lot of complaining from a large base about needed to rent additional boxes. If Comcast (TWC, Knology, etc) can provide boxes, for very low rent (or no rent, more likely building the cost into monthly subs) then they can convert. But I can't imagine that Comcast is ready for the transition in a month or two. They would have to have hundreds of trucks rolling with thousands of boxes.

Can you imagine all the folks who would have problems attaching the boxes themselves? They would need installers to roll to many or most houses. MAybe they have some great plan, which a huge number of installers, but it would seem that both the transition to digital and the new hookups would have to come in stages.

Again, I hope that tech was onto something and they are converting soon and have 20 new HD stations, but I wouldn't bet on it over the next few months.

Andy

oljim

12-01-06, 12:18 PM

The 2009 deadline is only for TV stations, cable and sat. are not covered by the cutoff

Satori84

12-01-06, 12:43 PM

Even TWC won't have a choice in this one. They will have to follow the rules or not be a cable company any more -- we could only hope!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10563834/

Let's be clear: the FCC analog shutdown mandate actually relates to Over-the Air terrestrial broadcasts only. There will be an impact on CATV plants, of course. When, for example, WCIV analog goes off the air, the present analog signal on TWC channel 4 would go away and if TWC wants to continue serving legacy analog sets without a STB, they will have to convert the WCIV-DT primary channel signal as now seen on TWC channel 815 to analog NTSC and put that on ch 4 to replace it. If they correctly navigate the "must carry/retransmission consent" maze, that is!)

My guess is that for a few years after the shutdown at least it would be more practical for TWC and other CATV MSO's to continue to serve their customers' legacy sets with a more-or-less intact analog portion of the band (e.g. ch 2-78). Rolling out millions of STB's in a short period would be difficult and costly. And I doubt the proposed $60 STB you will be able to get with the voucher will have QAM capabilities anyway, probably only ATSC. Eventually the CATV MSO's may be shopping for a cheap (maybe QAM only??) STB to enable a phase-out of the legacy analog channels.

The immediate impact of the FCC shutdown then, whenever it finally occurs, would be to the relatvely small minority who receive analog TV with an antenna. Cable distribution is a closed system and while being subject to certain other FCC regulations there is presently no regulatory requirement for them to convert to digital. Satellite is already effectively all-digital, and a STB is needed for each set receiving a different channel.

All that being said, there are of course good engineering and business reasons for CATV systems to plan to evolve to all-digital distribution eventually. One already cited above is better utilization of the finite bandwidth, for more "TV" channels or other business opportunities (think for example VOIP telephone, on-demand services and Internet, already deployed on many TWC systems). But they are not subject to the same timetable as OTA broadcasters.

Mike

PS: I see while composing two others said more or less the same thing. Sorry for overlapiong sentiment...

Gary J

12-01-06, 12:55 PM

All that being said, there are of course good engineering and business reasons for CATV systems to plan to evolve to all-digital distribution eventually. One already cited above is better utilization of the finite bandwidth, for more "TV" channels or other business opportunities (think for example VOIP telephone, on-demand services and Internet, already deployed on many TWC systems).
Although mitigated somewhat by new technologies such as SDV (Switched Digital Video).

AndrewG

12-01-06, 03:23 PM

Comcast HD Subscribers

The NFL game tonight will be in HD on INHD channel 206. The feed will start at approx. 7:30PM. You will notice the channel name may say "INHD2". It is not the INHD2 channel. It is an alt. feed of INHD but we can not have 2 channels of the same name in our system. Therefore, the INHD2 name.

We did test the game last week on the same channel. If all goes well again tonight, we will carry the remaining 6 NFL games on the NFL Network (Channel 180) on the INHD Channel 206.

Enjoy The Game and please provide feed back.

Chris

The game did look good, but even I forget to look when you see something else in the guide. I guess what you said above makes sense with the two channels, but I know you are missing a large HD audience when the guide doesn't say "NFL Football" Not everyone realizes the simulcast of the game in HD on INHD2. It would be nice to switch with another channel (BRAVESHD as mentioned above would seem to be a good place) so the guide can be correct. As my wife said last week, "How did you know Wrestling Ernest Heminway was a football game?"

But thanks for the update, nice to know you are out there reading and keeping us updated.

Andy

mtiffee

12-01-06, 09:47 PM

Comcast HD Subscribers

The NFL game tonight will be in HD on INHD channel 206. The feed will start at approx. 7:30PM. You will notice the channel name may say "INHD2". It is not the INHD2 channel. It is an alt. feed of INHD but we can not have 2 channels of the same name in our system. Therefore, the INHD2 name.

We did test the game last week on the same channel. If all goes well again tonight, we will carry the remaining 6 NFL games on the NFL Network (Channel 180) on the INHD Channel 206.

Enjoy The Game and please provide feed back.

Chris

You added ESPN2HD during the World Cup- now it's a standard fixture. Why can't you add NFL Network HD for the next 6 weeks, or replace BravesHD. NFL Network broadcasts other shows in HD during the week like NFL Replay that we could enjoy vs a black channel.

I agree, not having it listed in the guide is confusing- adding a channel would be much less confusing. How about opening up some more bandwidth too? It is sports with lots of action- the MPEG2 artifacts are horrible.

ElwayLite

12-01-06, 10:35 PM

I receievd a call back last night from our Product Manager in Philly . The external SATA connection is enabled on the 8300. He is going to SA this week to find out which External hard drives it supports. As soon as I get more answers I will post them.

Thanks

Chris

Thanks Chris! Did you see the previous post about going all digital here? Is that fact or fiction?

b4z

12-02-06, 12:48 PM

I have Comcast.

My channel 231 WCIV has been down for several days now.
Any of you guys having a problem?

mikeld999

12-02-06, 01:21 PM

I have Comcast.

My channel 231 WCIV has been down for several days now.
Any of you guys having a problem?
I've been having the same problem...

Satori84

12-02-06, 01:32 PM

Thanks mikeld999 and b4z...thought something was wrong with our gear!

Last night I wanted to watch/DVR Polar Express but WCIV (ch 815 on TWC here) was missing in action. It's still out today, so I guess WCIV-DT is off the air, or their feed to Comcast and TWC is off line. Anyone in Charleston area receiving WCIV-DT off-air?

Mike

atp1313

12-02-06, 01:39 PM

I have Comcast.

My channel 231 WCIV has been down for several days now.
Any of you guys having a problem?
My 4-1 OTA is down too. Seems to have happened around the time of the windy weather yesterday. Hopefully someone can reset the transmitter ASAP...would like to watch some football as we speak...

KTrout

12-02-06, 02:30 PM

Chris,

Thanks for the heads up on the NFL Network games being shown on INHD.
I think it's more important that COMCAST is broadcasting the HD feed rather than on what channel it's being shown.

atp1313

12-02-06, 03:58 PM

I spoke to the WCIV Newsroom a short time ago and they are aware of the digital feed and are working to repair/replace the dead transmitter. No ETA on the repair...

Amped

12-02-06, 07:19 PM

I spoke to the WCIV Newsroom a short time ago and they are aware of the digital feed and are working to repair/replace the dead transmitter. No ETA on the repair...

So much for watching the ACC championship and UCLA/USC games on HDTV. :mad:
Will the cable company apply a credit/refund to my account for not providing all of the services I am paying for?

ElwayLite

12-02-06, 07:46 PM

So much for watching the ACC and PAC10 football championship games on HDTV. :mad:
Will the cable company apply a credit/refund to my account for not providing all of the services I am paying for?

I understand your anger but you should really take a reality pill and come back to earth. You cannot hold the cable company at fault when the problem is with the party who provides the feed.

You still have the SD feed, go watch the game instead of posting nonsense.

If you are mad at anyone call WCIV and see how far you get.

b4z

12-03-06, 01:22 PM

LuvThatHDTV

12-03-06, 02:11 PM

Ya' know, it's kind of interesting.

If the transmitter for the analog channels was down it would be fixed in a matter
of minutes to hours.
I guess HD is just a red headed stepchild and an annoyance to most TV stations.

Nicely put....I wonder if any local stations stock any spare parts for their HD equipment?
And does anyone else notice the issues with WCSC 5.1 DD audio, especially during the football games? Where the sounds jumps around a lot?

tc1

12-04-06, 08:59 AM

The leading edge is the bleeding edge :eek: . There may not be any noticable improvment until 2009. But with constantly falling prices and advancing technology it could be a little faster. I have no proof but I think the great majority of people think that you have to have cable and pay additional over basic in order to view HD and have DD sound. If the manufacturers would make a point that this is not correct it would improve their sales. Meanwhile after each Christmas our numbers and voices will increase.

One upside is I have been introduced to some interesting new entertainment on other channels because what I normally watch is screwed up. Note to WCIV for this past week, :p. Old analog is still an option but I've become spoiled.

nharmon91

12-04-06, 04:04 PM

I live in Summerville and am wondering if there is anywhere around here that does ISF Calibration. Anyone know?

Hatfield

12-04-06, 06:18 PM

I just sent WCIV this feedback to their General Manager and will post up if I get a response.
They better have it back up by Wed. for Daybreak or I'm going postal. :mad:

Since your transmitter out in Awendaw has been down for 3 days or so, I've missed a few ABC shows. This hasn't been a big problem until last night when my wife and I couldn't watch "Desperate Housewives" or "Brothers & Sisters." We can watch "Desperate Housewives" online through ABC's website, but "Brothers & Sisters" episodes are not on their website.
Are you going to re-air these episodes since a large number of your customers watch WCIV through a digital antenna such as myself and were unable to watch them?
I and the HDTV Club of Charleston at www.avsforum.com would love a response to this question as well as maybe a schedule of when you might re-air other popular shows that were unable to be broadcast due to the technical problem.
Thank You,
"Hatfield"

AVSForum HDTV Club of Charleston
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=221319&page=164&pp=30

Gary J

12-04-06, 06:34 PM

Going to be a little tough to re-air Desperate Housewives.

shuttermaker

12-04-06, 07:16 PM

I believe both of those shows were repeats. So, you probably saw them on their first airings.

atp1313

12-05-06, 01:13 AM

Good point...as far as timing goes for Channel 4 going "digitally dark", it could have been worse (IMHO).

Primetime HD Programming for the current week
SUNDAY
Housewives - repeat
MONDAY
What About Brian - yeah, what about him...?
TUESDAY
Big Day (NEW) - never heard of it
Help Me Help You (NEW) - Ted Danson is still alive?
Boston Legal (NEW) - would hate to miss this show...one of my fav's
WEDNESDAY
Lost - off until February
Day Break (NEW) - not on my Tivo Wishlist
THURSDAY
Ugly Betty - I don't get it, but it's a repeat anyway
Grey's Anatomy - repeat
Men in Trees (NEW) - so is she gay or straight this year? just kidding
FRIDAY
NO HD PRIMETIME SHOWS
SATURDAY
Holidaze - another christmas special
Grinch - In HD? Really? Did they redraw the cartoon?

Sorry if I stepped on any toes...my point is that the major players for ABC this week are mostly on vacation. Of all the times to have technical difficulties, they sure picked a good week...oh, and Bowl games don't start up again for about two weeks, so they have a little time... :rolleyes:

Hatfield

12-05-06, 07:08 AM

I believe both of those shows were repeats. So, you probably saw them on their first airings.
DOH! Shows everyone my wonderful investigative skills. :D
Now I can tell my wife so she can stop gnawing my ear off with "but it's a serial, Sweety, and we missed an episode. Your TV sucks. Can't we go back to Comcast?" :rolleyes:

Thanks for the heads up.

And thanks for the schedule, atp1313. Now, I have something to show her too.

But again, they better have it up for Daybreak although I guess I can catch it online if need be. I thought I'd hate Daybreak for "cutting in" on Lost and it's sounding too much like Groundhog Day, but it is a really neat show. I recommend everyone catch up online and check it out.

cgking114

12-05-06, 08:47 AM

DOH! Shows everyone my wonderful investigative skills. :D
Now I can tell my wife so she can stop gnawing my ear off with "but it's a serial, Sweety, and we missed an episode. Your TV sucks. Can't we go back to Comcast?" :rolleyes:

Thanks for the heads up.

And thanks for the schedule, atp1313. Now, I have something to show her too.

But again, they better have it up for Daybreak although I guess I can catch it online if need be. I thought I'd hate Daybreak for "cutting in" on Lost and it's sounding too much like Groundhog Day, but it is a really neat show. I recommend everyone catch up online and check it out.

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the analog signal still up. I know it is a minor inconvenience, but something is better than nothing. Things happen sometimes that are beyond peoples control and this is one of them. We just need to be patient. If they could have fixed it by now they would have I am sure. I don't like it anymore than the rest of us but it is what it is.

atp1313

12-05-06, 11:02 AM

Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't the analog signal still up. I know it is a minor inconvenience, but something is better than nothing. Things happen sometimes that are beyond peoples control and this is one of them. We just need to be patient. If they could have fixed it by now they would have I am sure. I don't like it anymore than the rest of us but it is what it is.
Good point...but for those of us who watch TV on our schedule (to borrow the Tivo slogan), changing your Season Passes/Wishlists to reflect the occasional "out-of your-hands" technical problem is cumbersome and annoying. I know I can, but then I have to go back and remember to change it back to the digital OTA channel in the Season Pass when the problem is fixed. If you are one of those people who still watches "live" TV, then the switch is merely a temporary inconvenience. For those who Tivo everything, it is slightly more than a minor inconvenience. Now if the Tivo was smart enough to recognize that there was no signal received on channel 4-1 and automatically reverted to channel 4 (or the cable equivilant), that would be great. But I don't even begin to pretend to understand how they (Tivo) could make this happen in their software.

And how long does it take to replace/repair a digital transmitter? Are we talking about a $5 Radio Shack switch, or a massive generator-sized unit that has to be trucked in on a flat bed escorted by those silly little pickups with the blinking yellow lights on the roof?

shuttermaker

12-05-06, 11:24 AM

And how long does it take to replace/repair a digital transmitter? Are we talking about a $5 Radio Shack switch, or a massive generator-sized unit that has to be trucked in on a flat bed escorted by those silly little pickups with the blinking yellow lights on the roof?

LOL

Im guessing the delay is probably due to availability of correct parts. Then maybe, a qualified technician may need to be scheduled to come and swap the part. Maybe the part runs 6 figures in price? I guess there could be any number of reasons.

dolemite77

12-05-06, 12:45 PM

On to more important issues...

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs tonight on CBS. Will it be broadcast in HD like it was last year?

Hatfield

12-05-06, 02:15 PM

VideoNut2006

12-05-06, 04:26 PM

Hatfield

12-05-06, 04:58 PM

WCIV is back up as of 4:58pm.

ElwayLite

12-05-06, 05:26 PM

WCIV is back up as of 4:58pm.

Great! I noticed last night that the Comcast guide didn't even show anything.

I was hoping it would come back up so I could watch Daybreak in HD.

Scmedic

12-05-06, 05:44 PM

Hey guys...Any of you local guys feel like helping a guy calibrate his TV? I'm very new at it, and don't want to screw up the service menu!

Please email me @ gmoore34 (@) gmail.com

Thanks all!

nharmon91

12-05-06, 08:37 PM

Hey guys...Any of you local guys feel like helping a guy calibrate his TV? I'm very new at it, and don't want to screw up the service menu!

Please email me @ gmoore34 (@) gmail.com

Thanks all!

Buy a dvd or hire someone, its worth it.

Scmedic

12-05-06, 08:42 PM

Hatfield

12-05-06, 10:00 PM

Well, thank you for that insight... Is there a local place to get the DVD? I was hoping for some neighborhood help...

Hiring someone is not in my budget....As you can tell by my name..NOT a high paying profession.. :)
Where are you? I can lend you the Avia Calibration DVD if you need it.

Also, what TV do you have? Most likely someone on AVS has posted directions on how to tweak your TV to perfection. I followed UMR's tweaks for my Sony GWIV 2 years ago without a DVD. It's a bit scary at first, but just don't save anything until you KNOW what you're doing. You can usually cancel any changes without saving if you mess up.

Personally, I wouldn't feel comfortable messing with someone else's TV especially in the service menu. If I were to help you and somehow mess it up, I'd hope you'd kick my arse. :D It's best you either do it yourself or hire someone. Just my opinion.

I think Audio Warehouse employed the only ISF qualified tech in Charleston, but I haven't investigated for a while.

Hope this helps.

Scmedic

12-06-06, 05:53 AM

Yeah, I'd love to borrow the DVD from you and see what I could do. Unless you could burn me a copy...

send me an email and let me know when you get a chance. :)

aerochip

12-07-06, 05:01 PM

Hello All, I am new to the forum and thought that I should post a recent experience of mine after this forum provided some very good insight as to the nature of the problem, which was this:

I am a new Comcast subscriber in Charleston after years of Dishnetwork (more on this later). The setup is a Westinghouse W4207 LCD, Yamaha RX-V1600 and DVD player and Infinity TSS1100 setup. I just got the TV and was all excited about having a clean HDMI setup, so I proceed to hook up the 8300HD with HDMI through the receiver and to the TV, and guess what, I have audio, but no video and the HDCP warning message comes up, great. So, I searched the forums and decided that I would take a chance and call Comcast. Their phone rep had no idea, so I schedule a tech to come look at the problem. The tech comes over and I explain the problem. He has no idea at all what I am talking about, so I ask him to call someone who can help, which he does, some guy named Charlie. Charlie sends an update to the box and said something about going from version 2 to version 13, which he said won't be released until January. After some re-configuring of the HDMI inputs on the receiver and changing the audio output on the 8300HD, the HDMI signal is now receiving perfectly through the receiver. There is also no problem with the turn on sequence.

The main reason for switching to Comcast was to get locals and networks in HD and not having to buy lots of extra hardware and spend the effort to figure out over the air HD. But, I have a couple of issues with the new setup, first, the 8300HD DVR function is aweful, and second, Dish has lots more HD channels. While Dishnetwork was an initial pain to setup, one box ran two rooms (master bed and living) so we had access to all recorded events in either room. Also, the user interface, show information, everything on the Dish DVR was so much more user friendly than the Comcast DVR. I am seriously thinking about switching back to Dish for this reason alone. Can anybody give me any insight as to which over the air HD antenna and installation (inside/outside/amplified) would receive locals for a location that is near the intersection of Clements Ferry and 41?

I also have intermittent, straight, white/grey, horizontal lines at the very top of my screen when watching SD content, has anybody else had this problem?

Gary J

12-07-06, 06:49 PM

Sounds like you have a grounding problem. When you figure out the DVR you will find the HD picture superior to the overly compressed signal from DishNetwork.

Robsibis

12-07-06, 09:57 PM

I settle down on the couch to watch the Steelers v. Browns in HD tonite and find no game in HD. The game is being broadcast on the NFL Network and is supposed to be simulcast on 206 in HD. I have a cablecard and can watch the game in sd on the nfl network channel 180 but cannot get the HD feed on 206. I get the Richard Pryor movie. I call Comcast and am told that the game is indeed being simulcast on 206. After a lengthy discussion with the service rep. She insists that the game is in HD on 206 and because I have a cablecard I cannot receive the signal. She said that is similar to PPV. However here is the kicker. Last week I got the Ravens v. Bengals in HD on 206. I basically got the digital cable just to watch the games on the NFL Network. Any suggestions? Anybody else getting the Steelers v. Browns in HD on 206 with a cablecard. Any help would be appreciated. Comcast seems to think I am crazy.

oljim

12-08-06, 08:34 AM

aerochip
All you need is a CM4228 UHF ant, no need for amp.

aerochip

12-08-06, 09:50 AM

GaryJ, Thanks for the suggestion, will look into the grounds.

oljim, thank you also, I guess I could put that ugly thing in my attic.

Hatfield

12-08-06, 10:01 AM

Yeah, I'd love to borrow the DVD from you and see what I could do. Unless you could burn me a copy...

send me an email and let me know when you get a chance. :)
I can lend you my copy whenever you want. I live in Old Mt. Pleasant behind Mama Brown's BBQ which is on the way out to Sullivan's Island.
I could burn you a copy, but since it's a calibration DVD I don't think we should risk any data loss/deterioration. And it's illegal. :p I'll lend you the master.
Get back to me and we can arrange to meet up. I'm free most days.
Later

Hatfield

12-08-06, 10:04 AM

GaryJ, Thanks for the suggestion, will look into the grounds.

oljim, thank you also, I guess I could put that ugly thing in my attic.
aerochip, I switched from Comcast to Dish w/ a Channel Master 4228 up in the attic. Couldn't be happier. I've discussed it in length throughout this thread. You'll have to search.
I liked the "close-to-home" customer service of Comcast, but the 8300 just ticked me off. And having the ability to use one DVR SAT box for multiple rooms was also a bonus. The HUGE choice of Dish HD channels also won me over especially when you can integrate your local HDs into the SAT's guide.
Hope it all works out.

oljim

12-08-06, 10:55 AM

I would rather have a ugly ant. on my house than a ugly picture on my TV

patrickbryant

12-08-06, 11:19 AM

I just want to send Kudos out to Comcast service technician: Josh Woodrow.
He helped me with a HD signal problem at my house last night. At the end of his shift he went the extra mile to help me out and knew exactly what he was talking about. Good Job Comcast.
PB

ElwayLite

12-10-06, 03:22 PM

ComcastCG,

Did you ever find out if the SA83000 external hard disk connection was enabled?

thanks.

atp1313

12-10-06, 05:31 PM

ComcastCG,

Did you ever find out if the SA83000 external hard disk connection was enabled?

thanks.
I believe he said it was, but that he was checking on the compatability of different drives with that unit. His post was on the previous page I believe. :)

ElwayLite

12-10-06, 06:59 PM

Man,

I've been too busy, I even replied to his post and forgot. Hopefully he'll hear soon what drives can be used, that's my first project after Christmas.

ComcastCG

12-11-06, 02:24 PM

ComcastCG,

Did you ever find out if the SA83000 external hard disk connection was enabled?

thanks.

It is enabled. I was awaiting a list of compatible drives from SA. There is some chatter in the forum from the SATA THREAD regarding the 8300.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=516559

Let me know if you need anythig else.

Chris

ElwayLite

12-11-06, 02:27 PM

Thanks Chris. I have been researching that forum as well and will be adding the drive after the new year to gain some extra HD storage.

ComcastCG

12-13-06, 05:01 PM

ElwayLite

12-13-06, 05:05 PM

Hello Everyone

I will be out of the office beginning on Friday, December 15 returning Wednesday, December 27. My internet access will be limited.

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Holiday.

Chris

Thanks for all the help Chris.

Have you heard anything about new HD channels coming in late 06 early 07? Seen some rumors on other BB's.

lancer1991

12-13-06, 09:33 PM

Anyone watch any of the HD of Comcast on Demand? I went through it several nights ago and noticed a couple of National Geographic shows. Went and watched the one on Dubai and it wasn't in HD. Thought it was kind of odd to offer it on the HD portion, but not be in HD. Is it because we don't have this station?

On a side note, does anyone know what the upload/download rates are suppose to be on Comcast Cable? Just doesn't seem as fast as my Time Warner connection at my office, and that is a standard account, not a hyped up one.

Thanks.

ElwayLite

12-13-06, 09:59 PM

On bandwidth test's i get about 2700 down and 400 up.

RFrank

12-14-06, 06:38 PM

Is anyone as irritated as I am over the NFL Network - Time Warner issue? Sounds just like TWCs issue with Sinclair...ughh!!! What makes this worse...I can't even watch the game this Saturday at all...at least with FOX I could watch it in SD.

I don't get it...really, charge me more if you need to, but at least offer the programming!!

shuttermaker

12-14-06, 07:52 PM

Just because its offered doesnt actually mean you can watch the games. I have it thru Knology but, the games are blacked out.

ComcastCG

12-15-06, 08:58 AM

I know we have 1 HD channel coming in late January. It is going to be Versus/Golf Network in HD. We should be adding more HD channels near the end of the first quarter beginning of second quarter but I don't have a definite list of channels or an exact time frame.

The Internet Speeds should be 6M Down x 364 K Up. If you get the additional speed tier it is 8M Down x 768K up. If you are having problems with your speeds, we should definitely get someonoe out there to take a look at it. I will be in the office today until mid afternoon then I am heading to Pennsylvania for the holdiays. If you can't reach me at 266-3050 to set up an appointment, the call center number is 554-4100.

As for the NG content in HD. I need to take a look at it to see wht is going on.

ElwayLite

12-15-06, 09:02 AM

robus

12-18-06, 04:39 PM

ElwayLite

12-18-06, 07:08 PM

What's up with Universal HD - searching the archives I see that a one point we had Universal HD, but then it went away. There's some dicussion on the net about Comcast divisions around the country are adding Universal HD - are we going to get it back?

Thanks,

Robert.

Before I moved to Charleston I was in Mobile, Al. We had comcast and were able to view universal hd for about 3 weeks, then one day it was gone.

lancer1991

12-18-06, 09:16 PM

I just picked up a Vizio VX20L to go in the kitchen and it has a QAM tuner, but can only get 750 (NBA pass preview channel) and 242 (the Tube). I have Comcast and from looking at previous post, I should get the locals.

Anyone know what else I should be looking at to make it work? This TV remote doesn't have an "." button on it like my Sony in the LR because I've seen mention about 116.1 as one of the channels.

ElwayLite

12-18-06, 09:58 PM

Does is have a "-" button. My Panasonic had a dash instead of the decimal point.

lancer1991

12-18-06, 10:14 PM

Does is have a "-" button. My Panasonic had a dash instead of the decimal point.

It shows a dash below the "9", but not sure if that is to help one decipher that it is a "9" or not. It is not actually a button, just shown below the actual button.

EDIT: Okay, tried it and it does work as a decimal, but didn't get anything on 116.1, .2, or .3 as someone had suggested back in September.

fdrebin

12-19-06, 08:12 AM

Before I moved to Charleston I was in Mobile, Al. We had comcast and were able to view universal hd for about 3 weeks, then one day it was gone.

I think we only had Universal HD for the Olympics, because when they were over it was gone.

cgking114

12-19-06, 09:05 AM

It shows a dash below the "9", but not sure if that is to help one decipher that it is a "9" or not. It is not actually a button, just shown below the actual button.

EDIT: Okay, tried it and it does work as a decimal, but didn't get anything on 116.1, .2, or .3 as someone had suggested back in September.

I know that 102-2 is NBC but I haven't been able to get the other ones either. I have heard that FOX and PBS are in the 77's but I can't get them.

lancer1991

12-19-06, 09:17 AM

I know that 102-2 is NBC but I haven't been able to get the other ones either. I have heard that FOX and PBS are in the 77's but I can't get them.

Did your TV pick up these stations automatically while doing a scan or did you
have to manually input them? I'm starting to wonder if there is something wrong with the TV. I've ran the channel scan several times and each time it will only grab 2 digital stations, 750 and 246.

cgking114

12-19-06, 09:36 AM

Did your TV pick up these stations automatically while doing a scan or did you
have to manually input them? I'm starting to wonder if there is something wrong with the TV. I've ran the channel scan several times and each time it will only grab 2 digital stations, 750 and 246.

It piced them up automatically but you can try and enter it manually and see if it works. Now my TV did not pick up 116 or 77 digital, but i entered them manually and still did not get them. 102-2 I can get.

lancer1991

12-19-06, 12:00 PM

It piced them up automatically but you can try and enter it manually and see if it works. Now my TV did not pick up 116 or 77 digital, but i entered them manually and still did not get them. 102-2 I can get.

Thanks. I'll try to manually put them in, but couldn't get any 116.anything nor 77.anything, but don't think I tried 102-2.

My understanding is that all the locals should be picked up. I definitely would think so if I'm getting this NBA pass preview channel. With Chris George at Comcast not around I don't know if there is anyone I dare speak with as previous poster couldn't get anyone there to admit to the QAM anyways.

I guess I'm frustrated with these TV manufactures setting up TV's to do things like this and limit the capabilities of multiple cable (coax) connections and then the cable companies saying go jump in a lake and not provide the information properly to the consumer. This TV is in my kitchen, I don't want to have a set top box, I want bare minimum but would like to get HD. I probably watch 1/3 of my TV there between breakfast and dinner and the rest in the living room, so I'd like to have a good picture as SD through HDTV's is horrible and this TV is picking up a bunch of snow on SD FOX (channel 6 on Comcast).

EDIT: Just tried to talk with the TV manufacturer to see if it was a TV issue and he recommended talking to the cable company. I did and spoke with a very nice lady, who didn't have a clue what I was talking about, but would ask someone tomorrow and get back with me.

cgking114,

Is Comcast your cable provider?

cgking114

12-21-06, 08:52 AM

Thanks. I'll try to manually put them in, but couldn't get any 116.anything nor 77.anything, but don't think I tried 102-2.

My understanding is that all the locals should be picked up. I definitely would think so if I'm getting this NBA pass preview channel. With Chris George at Comcast not around I don't know if there is anyone I dare speak with as previous poster couldn't get anyone there to admit to the QAM anyways.

I guess I'm frustrated with these TV manufactures setting up TV's to do things like this and limit the capabilities of multiple cable (coax) connections and then the cable companies saying go jump in a lake and not provide the information properly to the consumer. This TV is in my kitchen, I don't want to have a set top box, I want bare minimum but would like to get HD. I probably watch 1/3 of my TV there between breakfast and dinner and the rest in the living room, so I'd like to have a good picture as SD through HDTV's is horrible and this TV is picking up a bunch of snow on SD FOX (channel 6 on Comcast).

EDIT: Just tried to talk with the TV manufacturer to see if it was a TV issue and he recommended talking to the cable company. I did and spoke with a very nice lady, who didn't have a clue what I was talking about, but would ask someone tomorrow and get back with me.

cgking114,

Is Comcast your cable provider?

Yes it is. I think it may be the tuners in some TV's as I hear some people can get it and some can't.

AndrewG

12-21-06, 02:39 PM

I was picking up my mother this morning to take her to the airport and was playing with her TV and noticed that she had MHD and AEHD on her Time Warner cable in Wescott (summerville). These new channels which I take as MTVHD (the same as on Comcast, in Charleston ) and A&E HD which was showing 24. I hadn't heard anything about this and of course I don't see the TWC that often. Is this old news, or just a lack of DianaTWC giving us the updates.
Andy

Gary J

12-21-06, 03:53 PM

Old news as of yesterday and Diana is in a different job in a different state.

lancer1991

12-21-06, 08:51 PM

Has anyone heard when Comcast is going to fix the problem with the new show flag for the DVR? We talked about it a while back and I believe Chris George said he'd look into it, but my DVR is still loading up with repeats and have to go through and delete shows daily because it keeps recording during these repeat weeks.

I'm sure you TW users are sitting back and laughing at us Comcast users as your systems work as they should.

On a note to my issue with getting the "in the clear QAM" of the local HD stations, it's now been two days and no answer so I called them again and the guy I spoke with had the initial lady I spoke with call me back. She has no update yet and here's the kicker, it sounds like she has forwarded it to a marketing person (at least that is what I swear she said). I did reference her to this link (http://www.comcast.com/customers/faq/FaqDetails.ashx?ID=2664) that kind of refers to what they should be providing. It just doesn't say QAM and appears to be dumbed down.

StanDSRC

12-21-06, 09:23 PM

Relative to new HDTV receivers that have NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners to receive local HDTV signals on their cable system:

Comcast CS folks have told me that it is not possible to receive the local HDTV signals without a Comcast STB. This makes no sense to me because: 1) the new set I have tried has a QAM demodulator, 2) I believe Comcast would deliver the local OTA HDTV signals in-the-clear just like they deliver the SD channels, and 3) the must-carry rules would apply to the local HDTV signals just like they apply to SD channels. If they do not, then what happens in 2009 when everything goes digital??

The receiver I tried (Panasonic (TH42PX60U) finds many digital channels, displays a list of these channels numbers but is only able to display one (NBC at ch 102.9) of the five (5) local HDTV channels; two others found which are displayable were ch 246 and ch 750(NBA barker channel). Operating this receiver with an OTA antenna provided very good reception for all five local HDTV sources but I really don't want to install a new antenna and A/B switch to go between cable and OTA. I also don't want to install a cable STB because I don't have room for it and I don't want the additional expense.

Our local Comcast guy (Chris) has informed me that the local HDTV signals are provided in-the-clear. However, I don't believe all of them are in-the-clear. I can believe that these signals are not encrypted (too expensive for the cable company). However, the local HDTV channels can easily be blocked from viewing (hidden) by NOT transmitting certain MPEG information: the PAT (Program Association Table), the CAT (Conditional Access Table), the PMT (Program Mapping Table), the NIT (Network information Table), and the program identifier (PID). Normally, these tables are transmitted in-band, that is, within the digital channel itself. Since my receiver tunes the digital channels and displays a list of them but does not demodulate them (and produce a video and audio output), then, my theory is that, the most likely causes are 1) the PMT for the channels that can not be seen or heard are being sent out-of-band or 2)are multiplexed into an untunable channel stream or 3)they are sent within another transport stream that is identified by the CAT. Only a cable set top box would be able to handle any of these three possibilities. A new digital/HDTV receiver can not handle any of these cases because its circuitry expects PIDs and the associated tables to be sent in-band to follow digital TV standards. If the new HDTV receiver has a current CableCard I capability, then the last two cases can be handled. The receiver I have tested does not have a CableCard slot. Note: a Cablecard will cost you more than a STB!

Another problem may be the signal level but after increasing my signal level by 7.5 dB no operational difference was obtained.

I will appreciate feedback with regard to the operation of QAM tuner/demod equipped HDTV receivers to receive local HDTV signals from Comcast cable feeds.

Stan

ElwayLite

12-21-06, 09:27 PM

lancer1991

12-21-06, 10:22 PM

AndrewG

12-21-06, 11:29 PM

Old news as of yesterday and Diana is in a different job in a different state.
Like I said, I don't see TW regularly I was just surprised I hadn't seen any discussion here regarding the new stations. I knew Diana had left, that's what I meant regarding lack of updates, I assume whoever took over her job isn't as involved with this forum.

Nice for TWC but of course, Comcast has a national agreement with A&EHD and NGCHD, and no word of it being carried here.

Scmedic

12-22-06, 07:39 AM

Anyone have any of the digital channels that have worked the last day or so? I came home this morning to no channels above 99.. :(

lancer1991

12-24-06, 10:08 AM

Anyone have any of the digital channels that have worked the last day or so? I came home this morning to no channels above 99.. :(

All has been fine on Comcast. Not sure what carrier you're on. Could always try to reboot your box. On the 8300HD I believe you hold "info" "volume up" and "volume down" together until the word boot shows up on the box.

Scmedic

12-24-06, 10:51 AM

Yeah, it's been fine since then. I currently have the SA 8250HD box, and have been thinking of upgrading to the DVR...What do you think about it?

ElwayLite

12-24-06, 12:16 PM

I'm with Comcast and love the SA8300hd. The guide isn't as nice as others but it works great for me. Just added a 250gig external HDD and expanded the recording size, very nice.

lancer1991

12-24-06, 01:49 PM

Yeah, it's been fine since then. I currently have the SA 8250HD box, and have been thinking of upgrading to the DVR...What do you think about it?

Like ElwayLite said it's good minus the guide and the fact that Comcast doesn't have the "first run shows" flag right. If I remember right the box you have is good and the 8300 was an upgrade to another DVR box that had some issues. I think the box you have is comparable to the 8300 minus DVR.

Scmedic

12-24-06, 02:14 PM

Cool. I'll probably upgrade just to get the DVR and the HDMI output. My box has DVI.

lancer1991

12-24-06, 06:33 PM

Must be the schedule told the HD switch to go to standard def at 6 PM, because tonights game has been in SD since then.

Can anyone explain to me why they can't go out and buy a $400 HD TV and put it in the control room for someone to see the HD is off? Very frustrating and I understand I can call them, but really shouldn't have to. Vizio makes a 20" with a built in tuner for $400. Maybe we should take up a collection.

Edit: Back up at 6:50

Precision Power

12-25-06, 04:21 PM

(OTA DirecTV HD/DVR box)

- NBC down @ 4:20 PM on Christmas day. 40 minutes before the Dallas/Philadelphia game. I hope they get it back up.

ElwayLite

12-25-06, 11:08 PM

Luckily they got it up in time, i was getting irritated.

Precision Power

12-25-06, 11:11 PM

I never checked after the game started. It sucked not having it in HD. What time did they get it back up?

Although my brother said that my TV looks 10 times better than his in SD mode. He says he can't even watch his 65" unless its HD.

ElwayLite

12-25-06, 11:21 PM

It got back going right at the start of the game.

I don't know what ESPN is doing lately but their broadcasts just do not look as good as abc, cbs and fox. I did not include NBC because of the macroblocking they experience. ESPN almost reminds me of an upconverted movie sometimes.

ElwayLite

12-29-06, 06:02 PM

Anyone having problems with sounds on CBS HD OTA. My Comcast CBS HD has had a static background noise issue for the last 2 days. Still apparent on the game right now and wondering if its WCIV or Comcast.

On another note, ESPN HD looks horrible compared to the CBS HD game.

Gary J

12-29-06, 07:27 PM

There is something wrong with your provider or your setup because ESPNHD is consistently the best looking HD out there.

ElwayLite

12-29-06, 09:49 PM

There is something wrong with your provider or your setup because ESPNHD is consistently the best looking HD out there.

I feel bad for you if ESPN is the best looking HD you have.

Previous setup: D* with HR10/HR20 and Panny 42" Plasma (7-06 to 11-06)
ESPN and ESPN2 were not so great while Disc HD Theatre looked good. Also had OTA at the time and they blew ESPN away

Current Setup: Comcast with SA 8300HD DVR and 42" Panny/46" Sony RPTV LCD (11-06 to present)
ESPN and ESPN2 are horrible but all local HD's(not OTA) look great as well as MHD, INHD and Disc Theater.

With all but 2 channels on each tv looking great I'd have to disagree with you about equipment setup.

Even the wife was complaining which says a bunch. With ESPN's channels looking bad over two providers it says even more. At one point I thought it was the whole D* hd lite thing but that wasn't even close to being the problem.

Check this post because others have noticed it:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=731675&page=1&pp=30

ElwayLite

12-29-06, 10:01 PM

Did some googling and the matter and the consensus is that it comes and goes and noone knows why. Some posts on AVS agree there is a problem but noone has a idea on the solution or the cause.

I can agree with the fluctuation becase the Gamecocks game was horrible today but the Maryland game is not near as bad now. Someone suggested different equipment at different games might be making the difference.

ElwayLite

12-29-06, 10:06 PM

Chris (ComcastCG):

Thanks for the help on the SA8300 HD and the external hdd. I added a WD 250gig and it's working great! Now I have enough room for my HD programming.

Gary J

12-29-06, 10:12 PM

I feel bad for you if ESPN is the best looking HD you have.

You need not feel bad because all my HD looks great through Time Warner which in South Carolina transmits all HD unaltered, exactly as they receive it. Satellite as you allude to is HD Lite and if ESPN on Comcast does not look good I would take it up with them. I am currenty watching my old school (Terps) an ESPN HD and it (and they) look awesome.

ElwayLite

12-29-06, 10:30 PM

I still feel bad because Disc HD Theater blows ESPN away any day.

I find it funny that E*, D* and Comcast all compress ESPN and TW does not.

Gary J

12-29-06, 10:49 PM

I find it funny that E*, D* and Comcast all compress ESPN and TW does not.
I know TWC does not. If Comcast does I don't think funny is how I would find it.

Perhaps they will eventually implement SDV which would in effect give them more bandwidth. We just got MTV HD, A&E HD and PPV HD added. All are SDV channels.

ElwayLite

12-29-06, 10:58 PM

Just read a few articles that talked about the contracts and at what bit rate channels would be displayed. Many channels offer a lower bitrate to providers for better fees. Supposedly ESPN claims all thier contracts state 19.3mbits which is good, but I do not think that is true because the ESPN on Comcast would not look so bad.

It;s going to be interesting how providers handle the HD push since it is projected that more HD tv's will ship next year than SD tv's.

Problem is they are already behind and not moving very fast. I wonder if Comcast has SDV since they are planning to add more HD next year.

ElwayLite

12-30-06, 01:07 PM

Well,

I'm currently unsure whether the ESPN issue I have seen is an ESPN problem or a provider problem.

ESPN's current game on now (Navy vs BC) looks GORGEOUS. So the question now is it a matter of Comcast over-compressing certain games or is it an ESPN hardware issue that is game dependant.

Gary J

12-30-06, 01:13 PM

ESPN HD is gorgeous all the time on TWCSC so what do you think?

ElwayLite

12-30-06, 01:17 PM

Well, if you can honestly tell me that you watched the Gamecocks game yesterday and it looked as good as the Terps game last night, then I'll have to say Comcast is randomly messing with my ESPNHD.

Gary J

12-30-06, 01:27 PM

The Gamecocks game may have looked even a tad better with daylight and what appeared to be better stadium lighting. I don't know, maybe Comcast is doing some rate-shaping or something.

ElwayLite

12-30-06, 01:28 PM

Must be. I watched both and the USC game was embarassing while the Terps game was slightly better. The BC game looks like a CBS hd nfl game today.

Gary J

12-30-06, 01:41 PM

I have read cable companies do fool with bandwidth by rate-shaping. Sort of like satellite companies taking channels off and OTA broadcasters eliminating sub-channels during highly rated shows to give them full bandwidth. Again, TWCSC swears up and down they never do it themselves. If Comcast does it I bet they would not admit to it.

ElwayLite

12-30-06, 05:20 PM

I'm sure you're right, they would never admit to it. It's hard to prove since it comes and goes.

Steve N

01-03-07, 10:59 PM

Hi everyone. I've had the Time Warner HD service for a few months now but have always been disappointed that they don't offer FOX HD, especially now due to the BCS Championship game being carried by FOX.

After doing a little research, I found out that I could buy an HDTV antenna and pick up many network HD feeds for free. So I stopped by WalMart (bad idea to begin with?) and bought a Philips indoor 46dB amplified antenna (MANT410). When I hooked the antenna up (to the ANT1 input), I couldn't pick up any HD channels and only some SD channels would come in but not clear at all. I played around with both the VHF and UHF gain and antenna orientations but couldn't get anything. I found some information on antennaweb stating that FOX is channel 24 and the tower was at a compass direction of 95 degrees. This still didn't help.

Could someone please help me figure out what I'm doing wrong? Did I buy the wrong antenna? Am I just not getting good enough reception? Am I correct on the channel and antenna orientation for FOX HD? I'm in North Charleston off Dorchester Road just north of Ashley Phosphate. Thanks in advance for any information.

Steve

Oh yeah, my TV is a Samsung HL-S5088W if that helps.

LuvThatHDTV

01-04-07, 06:32 AM

Steve N

01-04-07, 11:23 PM

atp1313

01-05-07, 12:56 AM

LuvThatHDTV

01-05-07, 09:16 AM

Duh....maybe next time I should check the manual first. I hooked it up to ANT2 and was able to pick up some channels although there is a good bit of static. I guess this antenna just isn't big enough. Any thoughts?

Also, am I correct in thinking that FOX HD is channel 24? I haven't had a chance to watch any HD programs on that channel yet...only SD. All I really want this for is so I can watch the Florida/Ohio State national championship game on Monday night in HD.

Thanks for the help.

I think you should whip out that manual. If you're receiving HD there won't be any static. It's digital, similar to DVD or Directv. You'll have great picture or no picture or real bad macro-blocking if the signal is right on the edge of yes/no. Looking at you manual it looks like you need to basically press menu and then channel and then select antenna and then enter and then select air and then enter and then select auto program and then .....
Here's the manual online

http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/200605/20060527125706906_BP68-00588H-01Eng_0516.pdf

Fox is 40 for HD in Charleston. As ATP says, check out Antennaweb.org for the directions and channels.

tc1

01-05-07, 09:54 AM

[QUOTE=Steve N]Duh....maybe next time I should check the manual first. I hooked it up to ANT2 and was able to pick up some channels although there is a good bit of static. I guess this antenna just isn't big enough. Any thoughts?

Also, am I correct in thinking that FOX HD is channel 24? I haven't had a chance to watch any HD programs on that channel yet...only SD. All I really want this for is so I can watch the Florida/Ohio State national championship game on Monday night in HD.QUOTE]

I may be completely wrong (not the first time :D ) but it appears you might not fully understand the old technology (analog/NTSC) vs the new (DTV/ATSC). The following comments assume that with apoligies if I am in error.

Do some study on DTV, it is not "Plug & Play". Google DTV or go to Cnet.com and get at least a basic understanding of the differences. There are to many factoids to explain here.

Then :Duh....maybe next time I should check the manual first it will make more sense.

ALL local DTV channels will come in beautifully OTA and are on the familiar channel numbers with a dash and additional number such as 24-1 which is the Fox Digital not analog (24) channel. Channel 5 DTV is on 5-1.

If you can't get all locals well with the indoor ant a $25 RS outdoor UHF ant placed in the attic will do it.

All local transmitters are now in Awendaw. Not all ant web sights are up to date. Best reception can only be achieved by trial and error in the direction of Awendaw because there are a number of variables that can affect it.

atp1313

01-05-07, 10:21 AM

All local transmitters are now in Awendaw.
Isn't 36-1 (WMMP) still beaming from Mt Pleasant? And WITV (PBS) is also in Mt Pleasant, isn't it? Or did I miss the move...? :o

Not all ant web sights are up to date.
This is very true. I was simply wanting him to see all the frequency markers for each channel since they 24 (WTAT) is actually 40, etc. Might be helpful to know that he wouldn't necessarily be looking for "24" in the signal testing portion of his TV.

wally774

01-05-07, 02:53 PM

oljim

01-05-07, 03:20 PM

Only a jerk will sell you a Terk, get a good UHF ant.

lancer1991

01-05-07, 08:40 PM

I'm trying to get OTA reception and have found I can get FOX 24, WMMP 36, and often PBS 7 with great clarity, but get very poor to almost no signal for channels 2,4, and 5. I'm using a Channel Master pre amplifier with a Terk HDTV outdoor antenna. It seems strange to get Fox and PBS while not getting the others clearly since I thought they were all coming from the same general location. I just wondered if anyone else had experienced this and what you did. Thanks, Wally

One would think if you're getting FOX, you should get CBS. Where are you at? Oljim may be right about the Terk, I've never heard anything good about them. I'm able to get all on JI with a Zennith Silver Sensor on my first floor.

5,000 posts and still going strong and still trying to get issues resolved. Can't wait to see what happens when the all digital switch goes. Will all cable be in Digital? With the QAM issues I'm having will every TV require a STB? Oh, this should be fun.