So I tried 1800 Comcast again and was told that cablecards are definitely $14.95/month for the first one and each additional is $6.95. On other forums I've found in most cities Comcast isn't charging anything per month for a cablecard. It just doesn't make sense they charge the same for cablecards as they do for an HD DVR. These 'rental' fees on top of paying for the digital tier of course. I guess they really want the PPV business.

That makes an HD Tivo too much $$$ since I'd be paying over $20 for the cablecards on the one unit plus a fee for Tivo of about $15.

Tenflyer:

I have had a TiVo Series 3 with 2 cablecards since last October. I've had some issues (the SA cablecards they use in Charleston don't seem to be as stable as the Motorola cablecards used in other Comcast locations) but I am mostly satisfied with the Comcast service.

I've got the bundled cable and internet "gold" package. It includes one cablecard (or cable box) in the package. The second cablecard is $6.95 last I looked. There is also a $6.95 HDTV charge.

I had much better luck dealing with Comcast by going to the Comcast office on Leeds Ave instead of the 1-800 number.

chsgas - thanks for the info. I was thinking about going to the local office so I'll definitely do that.

What I found on the Tivo forums is that most people are able to get the 2 cablecards in the single TIVO unit counted as one (since it is a single outlet) and at the most they pay $1.50/month.

I'll see what I get and let everyone know.

I really can't stand the SA HD DVR's deleting recordings for no reason, not understanding first run programs etc. I miss TIVO a lot! I assume you love the Series 3?

I really can't stand the SA HD DVR's deleting recordings for no reason, not understanding first run programs etc. I miss TIVO a lot! I assume you love the Series 3?

That must be a Comcast problem. It does not happen to me with TWC unless the disk is full and it must delete something not marked as do not delete in order to make space. And first run records work for me as they should. I also get all SDV channels and pay a lot less than a TIVO setup.

Yeah - we have had recordings disappear with only two things total recorded - no way we were out of space. First run doesn't work for anything - Entourage on HBO is the best example. Since they re-play that so many times during the week in just 4 days you'll have like 6 recordings of it. I'm easily on my 3rd DVR as well and all three have done it.

I'm ok with the DVR hardware I guess, so if I knew when Comcast was going to start putting Tivo software on their DVR's it would help me decide.

The more I look at prices if Directv had the damn locals in HD I would jump and keep Comcast for Internet (their internet service is great).

Yeah - we have had recordings disappear with only two things total recorded - no way we were out of space. First run doesn't work for anything - Entourage on HBO is the best example. Since they re-play that so many times during the week in just 4 days you'll have like 6 recordings of it. I'm easily on my 3rd DVR as well and all three have done it.

I'm ok with the DVR hardware I guess, so if I knew when Comcast was going to start putting Tivo software on their DVR's it would help me decide.

The more I look at prices if Directv had the damn locals in HD I would jump and keep Comcast for Internet (their internet service is great).

The first run flag on Comcast has been an issue all along. I've been speaking with Chris at Comcast and he tells me they are working on it. He thought they had it once, but since the end of the TV season I canceled all recordings and only had the Closer on TNT scheduled and it would record shows 7 days a week.

I see this new little HD flag show up on the screen when surfing the channels so I guess we just got another firmware update. Hopefully the first run flag has been fixed with it.

EDIT: I just tried to record How I Met Your Mother on CBS that showed on Monday and selected First Run and it didn't highlight in the guide and doesn't show up in the DVR under scheduled recordings. I think they finalllllllllly got it fixed.

Yeah - we have had recordings disappear with only two things total recorded - no way we were out of space. First run doesn't work for anything - Entourage on HBO is the best example. Since they re-play that so many times during the week in just 4 days you'll have like 6 recordings of it. I'm easily on my 3rd DVR as well and all three have done it.

I'm ok with the DVR hardware I guess, so if I knew when Comcast was going to start putting Tivo software on their DVR's it would help me decide.

The more I look at prices if Directv had the damn locals in HD I would jump and keep Comcast for Internet (their internet service is great).

Comcast Internet is tops IMHO. Getting speeds of 16Mbps/2Mbps is great normal any time of day...wonderful for work-from-home scenarios.

Comcast DVR (when I last had it) was slightly better than a paperweight. Now with D* (2 HR20-700's) and no problems to report. OTA Integration is great on these boxes and works well until HD-LIL comes to Charleston. On that front, I have heard anywhere from December to mid-year '08. I am looking at the '08 estimate so I don't get my hopes crushed if they don't go live with HDLIL in December. But we are Market #100, and D* has lit up to about the low- to mid-60's on the DMA chart. If they continue their previous 12 DMA markets per rollout, then we would be in the third or fourth batch to go live. With some reassigned space on current Sat's and pending launch of D11 scheduled for Dec/Jan, it could happen anytime after the big HD rollout set to begin in the next few days.

If it's Tivo that you want, check directly with Chris at Comcast and see if he can give you a target date (by month or quarter) and wait for Comcast integration. Buying a new Series 3 Tivo might be a bit pricey for the amount of time that it will be usable. Would hate to see anyone spend $300-700 for a unit they onyl use for a couple months and then have to scrap or sell.

If it's HD you want, look at D* and integrate an OTA ant. Lots of great HD coming in the next few days/weeks, and the OTA option that is not available with cable. Plus, all new HD on D* will be MPEG4, which all indications are that MPEG4 looks at good or better than OTA.:D

atp1313 - my main holdup w/ Directv is that I didn't want to have to run so many extra cables throughout my house. Unfortunately, I only have one cable going to each outlet and I'd need 3 (2 from D* and 1 from the Antenna) for at least a few of the outlets.

I had both D* and Comcast until recently - only used D* in one room and it was near the dish outside so cabling wasing a problem. My other issue was since I use VOIP instead of regular phone service I couldn't get the D* HD Tivo unit to successfully call into D* for updates. Not sure if their new models can use Ethernet or wireless? I need to look into that.

I love what I see D* doing w/ their HD rollout though nationally, and since it sounds like they are rolling to Charleston w/ HD locals soon I'm going to have to re-investigate.

Thanks for the info.

atp1313 - my main holdup w/ Directv is that I didn't want to have to run so many extra cables throughout my house. Unfortunately, I only have one cable going to each outlet and I'd need 3 (2 from D* and 1 from the Antenna) for at least a few of the outlets.

I had both D* and Comcast until recently - only used D* in one room and it was near the dish outside so cabling wasing a problem. My other issue was since I use VOIP instead of regular phone service I couldn't get the D* HD Tivo unit to successfully call into D* for updates. Not sure if their new models can use Ethernet or wireless? I need to look into that.

I love what I see D* doing w/ their HD rollout though nationally, and since it sounds like they are rolling to Charleston w/ HD locals soon I'm going to have to re-investigate.

Thanks for the info.
I can certainly appreciate the cabling concern. I have had D*, E* and Voom at this current house and so I have 5 cables drilled through the walls into LR and MBR. Thankfully when the cabling was initially done, it was done well so that the interior has F-Connector Plates on the walls and not just raw cable running through the walls to their final destination.

D* has been doing some testing for SWM (essentially running only one cable to each box then diplexing it out as needed at the box) but not sure of the national availability of that.

I also use VoIP (Vonage) and have no issues with STB's calling home. In fact, the new boxes (HR20's at least) have Caller ID built-in and work flawlessly with Vonage service. I also have my boxes hooked up via wireless ethernet for Video OnDemand (D* calls it DirecTV On Demand -DOD), and that works well. No archiving of shows across the network from DVR to PC, but maybe in the future... :confused: :p

And, yes, the influx of new HD is going to be great. But again, the HD-LIL is not a major factor for me as I have an outstanding antenna that gets me everything I need and all of that data is integrated into the EPG on the HR20's.

So after having been Comcast / Time Warner subscriber for over 10 years ... I have decided to move to Dish.

Got a awesome deal on two ViP722 DVRs from DISH. The installer will be here in a few days. Their user-interface (based on what I read) ought to put the Cisco boxes (err, Scientific Atlanta) to shame. Also, the 722s have 500GB hard drives and will support external USB drives.

I am excited. I may have issues with getting OTA (I am in Mt.P) ... I will worry about that later. We don't watch a lot of TV ... but when we do, its typically science and nature shows.

BTW ... could a satellite subscriber educate me on what issues I can expect during storm / rain etc ?

Thanks.

Max

Dish is great. Ive had dish and directv, i prefer sat a little more because their dvr's are better.

Rain is not too much of an issue. One of dish's sats (129) is kinda weak. Theyll install a 1000.2(110/119/129 sats) dish which is good, but I added an extra 18" dish just for 129 so I could raise the SS. It takes a hard rain to knock it out and its usually for 10 minutes or less.

So after having been Comcast / Time Warner subscriber for over 10 years ... I have decided to move to Dish.

Got a awesome deal on two ViP722 DVRs from DISH. The installer will be here in a few days. Their user-interface (based on what I read) ought to put the Cisco boxes (err, Scientific Atlanta) to shame. Also, the 722s have 500GB hard drives and will support external USB drives.

I am excited. I may have issues with getting OTA (I am in Mt.P) ... I will worry about that later. We don't watch a lot of TV ... but when we do, its typically science and nature shows.

BTW ... could a satellite subscriber educate me on what issues I can expect during storm / rain etc ?

Thanks.

Max

What kind of deal did you get?

So after having been Comcast / Time Warner subscriber for over 10 years ... I have decided to move to Dish.

Got a awesome deal on two ViP722 DVRs from DISH. The installer will be here in a few days. Their user-interface (based on what I read) ought to put the Cisco boxes (err, Scientific Atlanta) to shame. Also, the 722s have 500GB hard drives and will support external USB drives.

I am excited. I may have issues with getting OTA (I am in Mt.P) ... I will worry about that later. We don't watch a lot of TV ... but when we do, its typically science and nature shows.

BTW ... could a satellite subscriber educate me on what issues I can expect during storm / rain etc ?

Thanks.

Max

To put it in perspective, the rains that we have had the last two afternoons have done nothing to my sat signals (in Goose Creek). Granted, I have D* not E*, but the angles and elevations are similar enough to draw a fair comparison. Basically, the rain fade you can expect to be bad is with one of those spring/summer storms that is so intense the radar paints it purple or black. Green and yellow rains do nothing, and red has to be perfectly in line between your dish and the sat to cause a temporary (and I mean 5-10 seconds) of frozen image/audio drop. Hail can screw you up for a few minutes, but if the weather is so intense that it is garbling your sat signal, you probably shouldn't be watching television...you should probably consider turning everything off and unplugging it, or maybe seeking shelter. ;)

Thanks Thomas ... that makes me feel good.

No problem. Just make sure you are also placing the dish in a location that will not have any obstructions: tree branches, bushes, vines, neighbor's kids' bikes/toys, etc.

Here is a handy little tool for sighting the best site for your new dish: http://www.dishpointer.com/

Yeah - back in the day when D* used just the small 18" dish rain fade was a problem. Up in DC ice was an issue sometimes as well. The new 24-36" 3 or 5 LNB dishes rairly lose signal, as atp1313 says it takes a major rain storm to cause interruption.

For anyone looking at satellite right now, as umenon said Dish network is offering crazy deals. I called D* yesterday to see if they match and they come close ($99 for the HD DVR). I think I can get that down to $0 like Dish. I've read where others have been able to. The more I read about what D* is doing w/ the 100 HD channels etc. I think I need to go in that direction.

Yeah - back in the day when D* used just the small 18" dish rain fade was a problem. Up in DC ice was an issue sometimes as well. The new 24-36" 3 or 5 LNB dishes rairly lose signal, as atp1313 says it takes a major rain storm to cause interruption.

For anyone looking at satellite right now, as umenon said Dish network is offering crazy deals. I called D* yesterday to see if they match and they come close ($99 for the HD DVR). I think I can get that down to $0 like Dish. I've read where others have been able to. The more I read about what D* is doing w/ the 100 HD channels etc. I think I need to go in that direction.

I think you will find that the best deal right now is going to be the Sunday Ticket with free Premiere Package for 4-6 months. But if you don't want NFL-ST, just try working it so you get the dish, receiver, and programming for $99, and then see if they can credit back $10/month for 10 months, which will essentially give you the install and service for free (and then whatever programming package you choose at normal cost per month).

But if you go the way of E*, keep in mind that D*'s big HD push will benefit E* subs as well, as E* will find themselves behind the 8-ball if they don't add more HD themselves. It might take a few months more, but a lot of this HD is already available on E* or will be eventually. Damn, competition is a good thing!! :D

I'm wondering since I'm a current D* subscriber (my account is just on hold until I get the upgrade), If I can get the ST deal. I thought that was for new subscribers only. I'm going to give it a shot. I have had ST for the last 7 or 8 years, and this year was going to be the first w/o it. If I can get the deal you list it is a no brainer.

And I was able to get the HD DVR plus upgrade no cost - can't complain there. All it took was a 2nd call to save the extra $99. Amazing...

umenom
You should have no problem with OTA, you are only 15-17 miles from towers (up hwy 17)
I am 71 miles and have vey little problem.
The 722 and 622 will record 1 ota and 2 HD or SD from sat all at same time.

I'm wondering since I'm a current D* subscriber (my account is just on hold until I get the upgrade), If I can get the ST deal. I thought that was for new subscribers only. I'm going to give it a shot. I have had ST for the last 7 or 8 years, and this year was going to be the first w/o it. If I can get the deal you list it is a no brainer.

And I was able to get the HD DVR plus upgrade no cost - can't complain there. All it took was a 2nd call to save the extra $99. Amazing...

Pretty sure ST deal is for NEW subs only. Maybe you get lucky, but most returning subs I have heard talk about it have only been able to talk down the CSR to a free SuperFan upgrade with ST at regular cost ($250ish). Good Luck!

umenom
You should have no problem with OTA, you are only 15-17 miles from towers (up hwy 17)
I am 71 miles and have vey little problem.
The 722 and 622 will record 1 ota and 2 HD or SD from sat all at same time.

Yep, E* Dvr is limited to one OTA recording at a time, but has the advantage of being able to record THREE shows at once. Great deal for Thursday nights ;)

Dish is great. Ive had dish and directv, i prefer sat a little more because their dvr's are better.

Rain is not too much of an issue. One of dish's sats (129) is kinda weak. Theyll install a 1000.2(110/119/129 sats) dish which is good, but I added an extra 18" dish just for 129 so I could raise the SS. It takes a hard rain to knock it out and its usually for 10 minutes or less.

ElwayLite has a good point about 129, If the installer can not get a good signal from 129 what he did with second dish works very good.
If you find 129 is to low(trees) a second dish at 61.5 will also work for the HD chs.
I have many trees and use 61.5 it is about 90 deg from the main sats and up at a 45 deg ( az is 152)

umenom

The 722 and 622 will record 1 ota and 2 HD or SD from sat all at same time.

If I understand things properly, one can only currently receive the local channels via OTA. If this is the case then I see a downside of wanting to watch more than one network show at the same time. Am I missing something?

I'm with Comcast now and have thought about satellite, but I don't like some of these limitations (ie above) and the lack of high speed internet like Comcast.

Thanks guys for the very helpful comments / advice.

Will keep you posted on how it goes. Install is next Saturday.

Do you Echostar guys notice any compression artifacts ?

On Comcast, Discovery HD used to look really bad at times ... especially when the camera pans quickly across a scene ... probably low frame rate / high compression.

Max

If I understand things properly, one can only currently receive the local channels via OTA. If this is the case then I see a downside of wanting to watch more than one network show at the same time. Am I missing something?

I'm with Comcast now and have thought about satellite, but I don't like some of these limitations (ie above) and the lack of high speed internet like Comcast.

The networks in HD are from ota ,the SD networks from sat.
If his TV can rec. HD from ota he can watch 1 HD from ota, record 1 hd from ota and record two networks from sat. That is 4 at same time

I keep up with the Greenville, SC thread and just noticed that one of the stations (WSPA) has gone HD with the local news broadcast.

Any idea if and when the local Charleston channels plan on switching their newscast to HD? Also, when will they be able to broadcast weather alerts and "scrolls" in HD so they will not have to switch to SD when showing those alerts?

I keep up with the Greenville, SC thread and just noticed that one of the stations (WSPA) has gone HD with the local news broadcast.

Any idea if and when the local Charleston channels plan on switching their newscast to HD? Also, when will they be able to broadcast weather alerts and "scrolls" in HD so they will not have to switch to SD when showing those alerts?

There was some discussion of this very topic a page or two back. Apparently WCSC (Channel 5) has acquired the hardware to allow for HD scrolling/weather & emergency overlays (chirons I think they are called) without having to switch to SD. Don't remember seeing a time frame for implementation, or whether or not this was a harbinger of local-origination HD programming. But if they have the tools, I can't imagine them waiting too long to use them.

Anyone have a recommendation for a OTA antenna. I live on James Island off of Harborview and wonder what reception is like. I assume all the HD local channels are in UHF?

Channel Master 4228 is the best,

CM 4228, hands down.

Anyone have a recommendation for a OTA antenna. I live on James Island off of Harborview and wonder what reception is like. I assume all the HD local channels are in UHF?

I can get all with a Zennith Silver Sensor on JI with no problems.

Thanks for help. Sounds like I shouldn't have much trouble picking up OTA local channels. Are all the Charleston area channels in HD UHF channels? If so, if someone has time could you list these in a reply? I am getting my first HDTV on Monday but my D* isn't being updated (dish/receiver) until next Sat. So the OTA option is all I'll have for a few days.

EDIT:
Found a site with the channel listings (http://radiostationworld.com/Locations/United_States_of_America/South_Carolina/tv_information.asp?m=cha).

Has anyone else had success tuning over-the-air HD channels in the Northwoods area and can recommend a type of antenna, mounting height, etc?

I live in N. Charleston by Northwoods mall. A few months ago I built an antenna for my DVR, and for about two days I received all local HD stations in near perfect clarity: ~6 stations. The next day, nothing but an occasionally pixilated screen on NBC. Since then I have had several extended periods of time with perfect signals interruped by much longer periods of time with no usable signal (it is after all, all or nothing with HD). I've stuck with Comcast since I can at least receive NBC, CBS, ABC, and UNIVISION in HD. But I'm tired of paying the bill and would like to try over-the-air again.

Any idea what might be causing the interference?

Hello:

I have built a Vista HTPC, but have not purchased any TV tuners because I have no idea where to begin. I am signing up with Comcast for their Extended Basic Cable package. I don't need thousands of channels at the moment and because I built the computer myself, I won't have access to CableCard support (that pisses me off, but it's completely off topic) so adding all the extra channels won't help anyway.

I want to record TV shows through my HTPC (I want it to work exactly like my Tivo Series 2, but allow me to receive / record local HD channels). Here are my questions. Answer as many or as few as you would like.

1.) Has anyone purchased a HD Homerun unit, and if so, how well does it work receiving HD OTA signals?

2.) Any recommendations for Analog Dual Tuner cards for my HTPC?


Basically, I just need to know where to begin. This process should not be hard. It's just a pain in the a$$ because we're forced to McGyver a solution for something that should otherwise be painless.

Any help, advice, tips, solutions, etc. would be GREATLY appreciated. Although I won't be able to test anything until I return home (I am in Australia until October 8th), I have frequent access to e-mail (harry.ragsdale@gmail.com) and this forum and will be checking it often.

Thanks in advance!

1.) No

2.) Not sure Vista requires an analog tuner. If so why would you want one? All local stations here have a digital signal and analog is history in Feb of '09.. I have MCE 2005 and had to spend $70 for one ONLY to make MCE work. I never use analog.

Do a lot of reading starting here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=26

I have:

OTA only no cable/sat
Hauppauge PVR 150 analog tuner (satisfy MCE only)
Fusion HDTV5 PCIe tuner
Very satisfied, excellent tuner
http://www.fusionhdtv.co.kr/ENG/Support/
MCE 2005, 500gb HD, Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13
Are you aware an hour of HD can use well over 10Gb space?


Never had TIVO and use only the MCE not Fusion capabilities. I can watch an existing recording and make a new one at the same time, pause and continue live TV as well as FF and reverse. Additional tuner cards would provide additional channels at the same time. I don't know what more I would want (but I'm sure there is more :D).

I am very happy with this setup but I did a LOT of research to get here. Even though I have OTA only I conveniently record more of what I want to watch then I actually have time to watch and there is no monthly bill;).

It will not be painless!:(

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

I just had a similar experience for the NASCAR coverage -- very courteous and got it "flipped" within seconds of my call!!

I want to record TV shows through my HTPC (I want it to work exactly like my Tivo Series 2, but allow me to receive / record local HD channels). Here are my questions. Answer as many or as few as you would like.

1.) Has anyone purchased a HD Homerun unit, and if so, how well does it work receiving HD OTA signals?

2.) Any recommendations for Analog Dual Tuner cards for my HTPC?


1...I've got the HDHR in my system in Mt Pleasant. I've got both tuners OTA with a splitter and a simple UHF loop antena. Works great. It's tuned by SageTV. www.sagetv.com. The HDHR has been painfree since the initial setup.

2...I also have the Happaugue 500 card for recording analogue cable, and the analogue output from the SA cable box.

In addition, from time to time we make certain changes in the services that we offer in order to better serve our customers.
The following changes/launches are planned:

Bonus with Digital Converter
Now Available - American Auctions Network – Channel 1120

Bonus with Basic Cable and HD Converter
October 1, 2007 – TBS HD – Channel 838
October 1, 2007 – HGTV HD – Channel 834
October 1, 2007 – Food Network HD – Channel 835
October 1, 2007 – History HD – Channel 837
October 1, 2007 – CNN HD – Channel 839

Bonus with HD Converter and Subscription
October 1, 2007 – Cinemax HD – Channel 906
October 1, 2007 – The Movie Channel East HD – Channel 916

Digital Serviceable Areas
October 15, 2007 - Fox Business Network - Channel 145

So I got my first HDTV delivered to me yesterday. Using an OTA antenna I get the local Charleston NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, and MyTV all fine. However, FOX comes in terribly. It will look fine for 20 seconds then pixalization goes nuts, then will look fine again. Has this always been the case? If not, any suggestions to picking up the FOX signal without hurting my other HD OTA reception?

What ant do you have?
Try turning it a little at a time, What Tv
Give more info

What ant do you have?
Try turning it a little at a time, What Tv
Give more info

The Antenna is an RCA ANT706A
The TV is a Samsung LN-T4671F.

I'm amazed at how good NBC, ABC and CBS HD channels are, but like I said, the FOX channel looks great for a few seconds and then pixilates a ton.

----------------
UPDATE: I moved the antenna to the east by about 5 degrees and now FOX is coming in fine. MyTV (whatever channel that is) pixilates a little now, but I'd rather have FOX than MyTV anyway so it's no loss. I realize that I could get a better OTA antenna but like how low profile this one is.

Turning the antenna just a smidge can make all the difference in the world. With you being able to get the other 4 stations cleanly, this would be the only issue I can think of. All local networks (not counting low power independent stations) broadcast from the same tower farm in Awendaw, so if you get one, you should get all. But the others might be coming in just off-axis as well. So minor tweaks should fix it.

Can you be a little more specific on your locale than "Charleston"? Neighborhood name or major cross roads nearby would help us to help you.
-OR-
Have you tried checking out your location with antennaweb.org? They still show WTAT as being broadcast from the same relative angle as WMMP, but they are actually on the same tower as WCSC.

Good luck...keep us posted.

UPDATE: I moved the antenna to the east by about 5 degrees and now FOX is coming in fine. MyTV (whatever channel that is) pixilates a little now, but I'd rather have FOX than MyTV anyway so it's no loss. I realize that I could get a better OTA antenna but like how low profile this one is.

Great...glad it was that simple.

The Antenna is an RCA ANT706A
The TV is a Samsung LN-T4671F.

I'm amazed at how good NBC, ABC and CBS HD channels are, but like I said, the FOX channel looks great for a few seconds and then pixilates a ton.

----------------
UPDATE: I moved the antenna to the east by about 5 degrees and now FOX is coming in fine. MyTV (whatever channel that is) pixilates a little now, but I'd rather have FOX than MyTV anyway so it's no loss. I realize that I could get a better OTA antenna but like how low profile this one is.

NEVER buy an ANT on how it looks, get one on how well it works

NEVER buy an ANT on how it looks, get one on how well it works

Couldn't agree more, but I had to have the nice looking one fail before convincing the bank (wife) in investing in a more expensive antenna. She doesn't understand that you don't buy a $2500 tv and then go cheap on the cables and antenna. She also hasn't caught on to the new receiver I bought so I could have optical out of the tv to the receiver. My previous 10 year old receiver didn't have optical in so it had to go.

Back to the Grind...

It looks I have missed a number of posts. I was out on vacation for about 11 days.

Adamuncw & tenflyer - I had my voice mail forward call to the operator. Call me at the office when you get a chance. I have a couple of questiions on each of your post. I will be in from 8:30 to 5:30 all week. My number is 843-266-3050.

Lancer - It is indeed fixed. The First run flag will now work when you set it for your programs.

If I have missed anyone else please feel free post again, call me at the office or shoot me a message.

Chris

Couldn't agree more, but I had to have the nice looking one fail before convincing the bank (wife) in investing in a more expensive antenna. She doesn't understand that you don't buy a $2500 tv and then go cheap on the cables and antenna. She also hasn't caught on to the new receiver I bought so I could have optical out of the tv to the receiver. My previous 10 year old receiver didn't have optical in so it had to go.

An HD movie With 5.1 should take care of your problem. They don't necessarily broadcast DD 5.1 with HD but that will change more and more as we get to the end of the old analog.

Just in case anyone cares, as of this morning, DirecTV is now offering 21 new HD channels! :D:D:D:D:D And they will be turning on about 50 more in the next few weeks.

All the bugs appear to be worked out and the PQ is AWESOME!! The MPEG4 is coming through at full resolution (1920x1080) on all the new channels and with only 4 channels per transponder, the bandwidth is darn near wide open too.

So if you have the new boxes and slimline dish from D*, fire it up and enjoy! If you don't have DirecTV, give 'em call, and tell them I sent you...we all benefit with the referral program ;) Seriously, if you want to save $50 on install/programming, PM me and I will give you the necessary info to give D* for the discount. :D

Anyone have the phone number for the local Directv installer? I have an appointment set up for Sat. AM for my 5lnb dish and HD DVR install/setup, but want to see if he/she can do the install a day earlier. Directv said they don't show any openings but that they can't see the installers schedule so there might be times available. They "tried" to call the installer but could not reach him/her. So I would like to call them directly.

You need a disclaimer like - I approved this pimping of HD-Lite message. :eek:

Anyone have the phone number for the local Directv installer? I have an appointment set up for Sat. AM for my 5lnb dish and HD DVR install/setup, but want to see if he/she can do the install a day earlier. Directv said they don't show any openings but that they can't see the installers schedule so there might be times available. They "tried" to call the installer but could not reach him/her. So I would like to call them directly.

DirecTV's local install company is MASTEC http://www.mastec.com/

Satellite TV - Home Installations
Zach McGuire
Group President
806 Douglas Road
Coral Gables, FL 33134
305-447-6400
305-447-6448 Fax
services@mastec.com


Good Luck! :)

You need a disclaimer like - I approved this pimping of HD-Lite message. :eek:

I would feel the need for a disclaimer if one were needed, but since the signals being beamed down are NOT HD Lite, then no disclaimer needed. ;)

Thanks ATP!

Anyone else here have a series 3 TiVo? I picked one up Monday at Best Buy. Any issues with the cablecards? Comcast installed a few hours ago and so far so good.

I've had a TiVo Series 3 for almost a year. I have some random infrequent issues due mainly to the SA cablecards from Comcast.

what kind of issues and how did you resolve them? thanks.

The only problems I've had was with the cablecards and install from Comcast. The techs were nice but cablecards were relatively new for them last October.

The biggest issue I've had was I couldn't receive some HD channels on one of the cablecards and the Comcast techs kept saying it was the TiVo. I kept trying to tell them it was the authorization setup at the headend. I finally was able to get someone to listen and since then I've only had very very infrequent issues with the cablecards resetting.

I can't recall missing any recordings since the authorization was corrected on one of the cablecards 6 months ago.

I've had a Series 2 for 4 years so the TiVo user interface wasn't new.

One thing I'm doing now is replacing the 250 GB HD with a 750 GB HD to get almost 100 hours of HD recording.

Thanks chsgas. I actually had that exact problem yesterday after the cable guy left. I noticed one of the cards wasn't showing HD content. I did the "test channels" in the cable card menu and confirmed this. I was on the phone with customer support and while on hold, it started working. The CSR said she didn't do anything, so I guess it just took a bit for the cable card to fully initialize.

Upgrading the hard drive sounds like a good idea, I think I'll go order one now!

Can anyone tell me how the HD network channels (CBS, ABC, NBC, Fox) work on DirecTV? Does the HD programming come in on the same channel as the local channels, or do we get the HD programming from some other affiliate?

Right now, your D* receiver would need OTA for local HD. D* offers locals in SD, but it will be awhile before we get locals in HD.

To further explain: we are DMA Market #100. D* has lit up essentially market 1-65 (with some exceptions). They have up to this point made no firm announcements on when any additional HD-LIL will be rolled out, but you can bet on mid- to late-2008 for that...their new bird has to be launched in Dec/Jan and activated (probably March '08) before they do any significant HD-LIL additions. And up to this point, they were rolling out 12 markets per shot, so you would need to figure that if they began rolling out new HD-LIL in March with 12 more DMA's, we would be in the third or fourth wave of rollouts. In other words, go ahead and spend a few bucks on a nice/decent antenna and don't hold your breath waiting.

You can always try and apply for waivers for DNS feeds in HD, but you are not likely to get approved by the local networks as they all are broadcast in very high power and therefore have significant reach. You would need to be perfectly positioned in the boonies to get the waivers.

Right now, your D* receiver would need OTA for local HD. D* offers locals in SD, but it will be awhile before we get locals in HD.

So how does that work? If I have an HD DVR from DirecTV, will I be able to record OTA channels in HD with it?

I got my D* HD DVR and new dish installed yesterday. During the install, the installer told me that the target date for local Charleston HD channels (ABCHD, CBSHD, NBCHD, ...) to be carried by D* is October 17th, or in 18 days from now.

I got my D* HD DVR and new dish installed yesterday. During the install, the installer told me that the target date for local Charleston HD channels (ABCHD, CBSHD, NBCHD, ...) to be carried by D* is October 17th, or in 18 days from now.

Well, that would be a HUGE SURPRISE!! :D I had not seen one hint that this would occur before next summer. If true, great...but as with CSR's, installers are not always the best informed or they may think they are discussing something else. No offense, but since these guys are all contractors for D* and not employees, they generally don't have the latest (correct) info.

Don't get me wrong, I hope he's right. But the additional HD-LIL suffered a bit of a blow during the run-up to national HD roll-out this past few weeks as it was discovered that some of the spot beam transponders on D10 were not operational or were not functioning properly. Maybe they got the issues resolved....fingers crossed!!

So how does that work? If I have an HD DVR from DirecTV, will I be able to record OTA channels in HD with it?

Regardless of HD-LIL schedule or functionality, the D* HD-DVR (HR20-100 or HR20-700) will integrate the local channel guide into the EPG. You will have full ability to record any combination of up to 2 signals at one time. In other words, you can record:
2 Sat Channels, or
2 OTA Channels, or
1 Sat and 1 OTA Channel.

Plus, if you have your DVR networked, you will soon be able to record two shows at once, AND download video on demand (called Direct-On-Demand). The DOD is still in Beta testing right now, and I can tell you, it will be good. I have had it now for about a month, and it is off to a great start. The content is lacking on HD, but everything else is pretty good. You can get past seasons of some network shows (more to follow later), movies of all genres, and concerts at the push of a button. You can even start watching as it is downloading. Granted, it is not as fast as cable VOD, but the faster the internet connection you have, the better the download time (as you would imagine). And some of the shows are pre-downloaded via Sat signal to a reserved space on the DVR's drive called SHOWCASE. Not fabulous stuff, but it does automatically download the current weekend's NFL highlights in one nifty package...if that's your thing. ;)

Very cool about the DOD. I've heard about it and it seems like it will be very cool. As for the installer and Locals in HD on 10/17, yeah I agree with you. That info has to be taken with a grain of salt. He told me the original goal was for the locals to go live for the Superbowl last year, but as with everything else associated with the new sats, they are just now rolling them out. I'm not taking down my OTA antenna yet, but I'll be upgrading on 10/17 if it does happen.

I must say I'm pretty bummed out about not getting the networks in HD. I wasn't aware of this when I signed up for DirecTV (I even seem to remember asking specifically if we'd get the networks in HD when I signed up and that the response was "yes," but perhaps I'm mistaken). I'm only able to pick up Fox and NBC OTA with my current antenna (which is a small loop UHF indoor antenna). ABC and CBS don't come in at all.

I must say I'm pretty bummed out about not getting the networks in HD. I wasn't aware of this when I signed up for DirecTV (I even seem to remember asking specifically if we'd get the networks in HD when I signed up and that the response was "yes," but perhaps I'm mistaken). I'm only able to pick up Fox and NBC OTA with my current antenna (which is a small loop UHF indoor antenna). ABC and CBS don't come in at all.

In West Ashley, you should be able to add a simple antenna (such as the Silver Sensor) for very little money. You are only about 20 miles from the tower farm in Awendaw, and being in West Ashley, all the signals will be coming in-line...in other words, you don't have to worry about being really specific in your aiming of the antenna. If you get one, you should get all. Swing by Sears, WalMart, RadioShack, o wherever and get a SS...you will be happy you did. And the benefit is for only $20-30, if it doesn't work, you can take it back and go to the next antenna up. No need right now to spend $$$ for an antenna that might be overkill. Plus, as the leaves fall off the trees, the signal strength will only improve.

Very cool about the DOD. I've heard about it and it seems like it will be very cool. As for the installer and Locals in HD on 10/17, yeah I agree with you. That info has to be taken with a grain of salt. He told me the original goal was for the locals to go live for the Superbowl last year, but as with everything else associated with the new sats, they are just now rolling them out. I'm not taking down my OTA antenna yet, but I'll be upgrading on 10/17 if it does happen.
Even after they release the HD-LIL, I will probably still keep my antenna up, JIC. But it should help my signal on those windy days. My signals on all channels was a little choppy this weekend with the breezes coming in off the water.

In West Ashley, you should be able to add a simple antenna (such as the Silver Sensor) for very little money. You are only about 20 miles from the tower farm in Awendaw, and being in West Ashley, all the signals will be coming in-line...in other words, you don't have to worry about being really specific in your aiming of the antenna. If you get one, you should get all. Swing by Sears, WalMart, RadioShack, o wherever and get a SS...you will be happy you did. And the benefit is for only $20-30, if it doesn't work, you can take it back and go to the next antenna up. No need right now to spend $$$ for an antenna that might be overkill. Plus, as the leaves fall off the trees, the signal strength will only improve.

Thanks for the advice. I'll pick up a Silver Sensor and see how that works out.

Thanks for the advice. I'll pick up a Silver Sensor and see how that works out.
Keep us posted... :)

Just to let you all know, Comcast has added TBSHD on channel 421. Chris George, sorry to steal your thunder.

Great for Comcast, just in time for the playoffs, I know, its not a coincidence, but I am very pleased. I couldn't see how I would get a D* install before Wednesday:D

Speaking of Comcast, I can't wait until my DirecTV installation is complete so I can walk into their office and cancel my service. Comcast has provided me with the worst customer service experience I've ever had. They've never gotten a bill right once (in the 6 months I've had them), and my cable goes out constantly for hours or days at a time. I must say they're a great advertisement for the satellite companies, though.

Speaking of Comcast, I can't wait until my DirecTV installation is complete so I can walk into their office and cancel my service. Comcast has provided me with the worst customer service experience I've ever had. They've never gotten a bill right once (in the 6 months I've had them), and my cable goes out constantly for hours or days at a time. I must say they're a great advertisement for the satellite companies, though.

Sorry you feel that way (and I have had long stretches where I felt that way too, and not just with Comcast). It may be too late to fix anything, but Comcast is I think currently the only local provider to have a rep on these boards. Chris has been quite helpful with all things Comcast related as discussed on this forum for some time now. He might be interested in hearing your concerns so that they can fix them for others in your area (as far as outages go). The billing problem may just be you. ;)

Sorry you feel that way (and I have had long stretches where I felt that way too, and not just with Comcast). It may be too late to fix anything, but Comcast is I think currently the only local provider to have a rep on these boards. Chris has been quite helpful with all things Comcast related as discussed on this forum for some time now. He might be interested in hearing your concerns so that they can fix them for others in your area (as far as outages go). The billing problem may just be you. ;)

I doubt I'd be able to convince them to lower their prices, improve their on-demand system, or keep our cable from going out constantly. I used to live in Summerville where I had Time Warner, and I got much better service for a much lower price. I guess I got spoiled by having a cable company that didn't require me to call at least once a month with some type of complaint.

By the way, has anyone purchased a Silver Sensor antenna in West Ashley lately? I want to stop somewhere after work to pick one up. I've looked on the web sites for Radio Shack, Best Buy, Sears, and Wal-Mart, but it appears none of them sell the model that was recommended.

Speaking of Comcast, I can't wait until my DirecTV installation is complete so I can walk into their office and cancel my service. Comcast has provided me with the worst customer service experience I've ever had. They've never gotten a bill right once (in the 6 months I've had them), and my cable goes out constantly for hours or days at a time. I must say they're a great advertisement for the satellite companies, though.

I feel your pain. I have to call customer service at least twice a month because of outages in my area. I'm on James Island.

Just to let you all know, Comcast has added TBSHD on channel 421. Chris George, sorry to steal your thunder.

No Problem. The Channel did go up this morning. There are plans to add a few more before the end of the year.

Speaking of Comcast, I can't wait until my DirecTV installation is complete so I can walk into their office and cancel my service. Comcast has provided me with the worst customer service experience I've ever had. They've never gotten a bill right once (in the 6 months I've had them), and my cable goes out constantly for hours or days at a time. I must say they're a great advertisement for the satellite companies, though.

Paulisme

Sorry you fell that way and it seems like you have already made up your mind to make the move. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.

I extended that to all the Comcast customer in the Forum. Let me know if I can be of help.

Chris George
Comcast
843-266-3050
chris_george@cable.comcast.com

I feel your pain. I have to call customer service at least twice a month because of outages in my area. I'm on James Island.

Several years ago (about 2000-2003) I lived on James Island (Lawton Bluff area) and also had horrible up-time with internet from Comcast. It got so bad that I actually kept a spreadsheet of all outages, calls to CSR/Tech Support, and On-site tech support visits to "fix" the problem. I ended up having lengthy discussions with the General Manager at the time (after threats to take this up with the Franchise Authority) and we essentially worked out a "per diem" refund situation where I ended up only paying for the service that I actually could use when the system was working. It sucked to not be "always on" as the high speed internet was being called back then, but through hard work and determination on my side, we at least reached a workable agreement.

When I moved to Crowfield in 2003, I immediately began looking to get any provider but Comcast since I had been through so much hassle over the previous 2-3 years. Unfortunately, Comcast is the only provider in Crowfield, so I didn't have a choice. But let me tell you, the difference between Comcast on James Island and Goose Creek is worlds apart. My situation on James Island must have been in the extreme. My service has been rock solid, with only the rarest of issues. Plus, they have vastly improved their throughput speeds and life is good.

So while life may suck for you with Comcast now in West Ashley/James Island or wherever you are, that may not be the case across their system. It sucks terribly that you find yourself in that situation, but the grass is greener over on this side of the fence. ;)

Link to e-mail I received this morning at work and a piece of it below. The channels showed as logos, so couldn't paste the entire section, but what I wonder is TW only requires Basic Cable, while Comcast requires you to have digital cable. Anyone know why this is? Also, one would think if the only requirement is basic cable, couldn't they in theory offer all their HD, except the premium or extended tier HD "free in clear" for QAM users? Two of the three HD TV's I have are QAM capable, but no Cable Card, and I'm just hoping to one day have the ability to get additional HD channels without a huge set top box in the way or the added cost of set top box (not sure if cablecards are cheeper to rent, but I would expect they are).
http://www.timewarnercable.com/SouthCarolina/products/HDTVAvailableChannels.html

Available Channels in HD

If you're thinking about high definition, it's time to turn to Time Warner Cable. You'll get the best lineup of HDTV programming available. For a complete lineup of HD channels available in your area, click here.

Select sporting events are also available in HD on channels 813 or 814, click here for more details.


FREE with Basic Cable subscription*

Link to e-mail I received this morning at work and a piece of it below. The channels showed as logos, so couldn't paste the entire section, but what I wonder is TW only requires Basic Cable, while Comcast requires you to have digital cable. Anyone know why this is? Also, one would think if the only requirement is basic cable, couldn't they in theory offer all their HD, except the premium or extended tier HD "free in clear" for QAM users? Two of the three HD TV's I have are QAM capable, but no Cable Card, and I'm just hoping to one day have the ability to get additional HD channels without a huge set top box in the way or the added cost of set top box (not sure if cablecards are cheeper to rent, but I would expect they are).
http://www.timewarnercable.com/SouthCarolina/products/HDTVAvailableChannels.html

So...26 HD channels is now considered "the best lineup of HDTV programming available" ?? What about the 30+ that D* and E* have right now? Not to mention the additional ~40 channels that D* will be adding this month...or the additional HD that D* will be adding in the last two months of the year to bring the total to close to 100? Not sure what E* is planning to launch as an answer to D*'s big HD roll-out, but come on, 26 channels and they claim it's "the best lineup of HDTV programming available"??? They need a new marketing department...the current one is filling up with bullcrap... ;) :rolleyes:

But seriously, Cable Co's need to figure out how they can catch up...and soon before everyone jumps ship to go with the Sat Co's.

Unless one just chooses to be HD-Lite, rain-fade, pizza pan free.

Unless one just chooses to be HD-Lite, rain-fade, pizza pan free.
True, that's how it has been, but those days are winding down. HDLite is a thing of the past, at least with the new round of MPEG4 channels just launched. They are coming through at 1920x1080...no downrez on that like the 1440x1080 MPEG2 channels (which are still being broadcast...so there is a mix of HD Lite and HD Heavy). No rain fade for me except in those situations where you probably shouldn't have your home theater plugged in, much less looking for rain fade. And there are obviously people who simply cannot have a dish attached to their home/apartment/etc, and for them cable might be the best option.

But this ad didn't say anything about "the best lineup of HD compared to any other cable provider in the area". When you make blanket general statements like that, you better be willing to deal with sarcasm and questions as I pointed out. :)

Once you get past the Networks, CNN, the ESPNs, the Turners, HBO, Showtime, PBS and a few others you get into the fringe channels with limited appeal. Not enough to call the pizza pan man for many people. ;)

Oh, quite true. But then we are entering into the "one man's trash is another man's treasure" area. There will be plenty of HD channels that I will pass right over, but at least I will have the choice to watch or not watch. :D

HD-Lite, rain-fade, pizza pan

At a price. :D

Chris @ Comcast ... without revealing your HD strategy .. can you assure current Comcast customers (like myself) that you will add enough HD channels by the end of the year to keep us from jumping ship to other providers (like DirecTV).

Thanks for your valuable help //

Also ...

When will the Charleston market get CNN-international and 24-hr Bloomberg ?

Chris @ Comcast ... without revealing your HD strategy .. can you assure current Comcast customers (like myself) that you will add enough HD channels by the end of the year to keep us from jumping ship to other providers (like DirecTV).

Thanks for your valuable help //

Cable is inherently more appealing to me than satellite. With DirecTV, I now no longer get local channels in high-def, I have to have two cables run to each DVR in order to record one show while watching another, I had to pay a lot up-front for the dishes and installation, and I had to sign a 2-year contract. With cable, you get all the locals in high-def, one cable for each DVR, no up-front fees, and no contract. Unfortunately Comcast's customer service is such a nightmare that it was enough to push me over the edge. With the highest prices in town, I expect the best service. I got the opposite. My bill was never correct from one month to the next, I get debited when I should have been credited for erroneous fees, my cable went out constantly and Comcast refused to send a technician out the same day to fix it (we live on a street of 6 people which was never enough to constitute an outage), and dealing with customer service here in Charleston was like talking to a robot. I just got tired of taking the abuse.

Sorry Chris...I know it seems that we are ripping on Comcast, but every provider has horror stories. And I have one more "CSR/Techie not listening to the customer regarding outages" story...and yes, Chris, I did call you about this and discuss it at the time and I do not harbor any ill will....that said, here goes:

My internet went down about 11am one day, but I was not home when it happened and did not notice it was down until about 1pm when I got home from meetings, etc. When I called it in, it was classified as single report of an outage, not appearing to affect my neighbors. They would dispatch a technician the next day because they don't roll on new calls after 1 or 2pm. I'm like "Okay, fine, but while I have you on the phone, can you ping my neighbors to see if they are also affected and maybe determine if this is an area-wide/node issue, or is it just me?" The reply: "if we dedicated one technician to ping every modem on a node, at about 20-30 seconds per ping attempt, it would take 8-12 hours, and what would that accomplish?" I asked if he could narrow his ping search to my immediate neighbors...I live at 111, so maybe just ping the folks at 109 and 113. I know both have Comcast high Speed internet, and my "drop" is in my neighbors backyard. So if he is out, then maybe it can be traced back to my immediate drop, or back to the previous junction, etc. "Nope, that would violate our Privacy Policy...can't be done...you'll have to wait until your neighbors get home and call it in before it can be considered anything other than an isolated event." That's fine, except my neighbors don't get home until after 5-6, and then they make dinner, take a walk, or whatever, and by the time they check their internet, it is now 8-9pm.

I work from home and internet is my lifeline. My phone (VoIP/Vonage), web-based business, everything is affected by this outage. So I am made to wait until my neighbors (who are not as tech savvy and don't "surf" all day/all night and may not notice from one day to the next that their service is disrupted) to call in and make it an issue. Sucks, huh?

Well, I am scheduled to have someone come out at the earliest possible time (11-2) the next day. At 1:50, a truck pulls up and goes to the drop next door. Lo and behold, the drop has a fried amp which has disconnected me and all of my immediate neighbors. It takes about 5-10 minutes to replace the amp, all the while 3 other trucks are scurrying around trying to narrow the search for the bad drop in the node.

With all the technology at their fingertips, you would think that Comcast (or Knology or TWC) could simply ping selected routers/modems from their headend and determine that "gee golly, this entire street is out...maybe we should roll on it tonight". But instead, they are set up to be completely reactive to a situation, rather than proactive. A simple search of my two immediate neighbors could have saved a whole lot of wasted time and effort. Keep in mind, I was down for 24 hours, and they rolled 4 trucks to my subsection in Crowfield, when the problem could have been fixed in 15 minutes by one guy in one truck. :rolleyes:

Again, I want to emphasize this was an isolated incident in terms of my relationship with Comcast since being in Crowfield. And Chris was exceedingly geniune in his interest in listening to my woes, concerns, and suggestions. Maybe they have or might in the future implement some head-end checking efforts...I will have to wait until my service goes down again before we know... ;)

So there was a privacy issue (sounds reasonable) and they sent out 4 trucks instead of 1 (or none) and got it fixed. Shocking! :eek:

Im curious to know if your outage might have been handled better, faster, with more diligence if your home based business was subscribed to a business account instead of a residential one.

Do their business customers (higher paying customers) get better customer service?

So there was a privacy issue (sounds reasonable) and they sent out 4 trucks instead of 1 (or none) and got it fixed. Shocking! :eek:

No, they claimed it was Privacy Policy, but no personal info would have been disseminated or asked for. Something like that can be done without even mentioning that they are pinging the neighbors modems. If you look across the street to see if your neighbors lights are on when yours are off, is that considered being a peeping tom? Or is it a quick easy way to see that "hmmm, my lights are off, but my neighbors lights are on, my issue must be limited to me alone.

And sending 4 trucks to fix something instead of using 1 truck is a huge waste of company time and resources. If you need 4 items from the grocery store, does it make more sense to get everything in one trip by one person, or send everyone in your family in separate cars to get 1 item each? This is simply common sense. :rolleyes: And if this is something that happens on a regular basis, would this explain why cable bills seem to creep up? ;) :D

Im curious to know if your outage might have been handled better, faster, with more diligence if your home based business was subscribed to a business account instead of a residential one.

Do their business customers (higher paying customers) get better customer service?

Maybe I should have clarified...my business is based on James Island, but I "telecommute" from Goose Creek. I have no business license here, so wouldn't qualify for a Business account...that I know of anyway. But you are probably correct that the response would have been better if I was a business customer. :rolleyes:

Im curious to know if your outage might have been handled better, faster, with more diligence if your home based business was subscribed to a business account instead of a residential one.

Do their business customers (higher paying customers) get better customer service?

Can't answer regarding cable, but in regards to phone (Bellsouth) they send someone out that day for business outages/issues.

For those wondering what Comcast Business High Speed Internet costs. This is from a brochure they dropped by our office a few months ago in Mt Pleasant.

Workplace Standard
6.0 Mbps down by 768 Kbps up
$74.95/mo w/ 24 month contract
$95/mo w/ 12 month contract
Standard Installation only $125

Workplace Enhanced
8.0 Mbps down by 1.0 Mbps up
$144.95/mo w/ 24 month contract
$160/mo w/ 12 month contract
Standard Installation only $125

Static IP add $5/1; $10/5; $20/13

Video
Preferred Basic $69.95
$9.95 each additional outlet
$15 Digital service
$6.95 per HD receiver

$$20 Multi-product bundle discount

Does anyone know if ABC Channel 4 will be going HD with their studio remodeling?

For those wondering what Comcast Business High Speed Internet costs. This is from a brochure they dropped by our office a few months ago in Mt Pleasant.

Workplace Standard
6.0 Mbps down by 768 Kbps up
$74.95/mo w/ 24 month contract
$95/mo w/ 12 month contract
Standard Installation only $125

Workplace Enhanced
8.0 Mbps down by 1.0 Mbps up
$144.95/mo w/ 24 month contract
$160/mo w/ 12 month contract
Standard Installation only $125

Static IP add $5/1; $10/5; $20/13

Video
Preferred Basic $69.95
$9.95 each additional outlet
$15 Digital service
$6.95 per HD receiver

$$20 Multi-product bundle discount

These numbers don't seem to make a whole lot of sense...For about $50-60/month, I am getting anywhere from 12 to 16 down and up to 2 up. Why would businesses be held back like that?

atp1313 - I agree

We were looking at getting the Comcast service as a backup to our T-1 line at work but with the cost it was hard to justify.

We also wanted to get video service for the breakroom but the $70 was a bit much knowing the same service for homes was almost half that price.

Is that Video Service along the lines of television or Video Conferencing?

By the way, new HD added yesterday on D*...here are the new channels added in the past two weeks...

HD added 09-26-07:
265: A & E HD
282: Animal Planet HD
220: Big Ten HD
202: CNN HD
278: Discovery HD
206: ESPN HD
209: ESPN2 HD
501: HBO HD East
269: History Channel HD
280: Learning Channel HD (TLC HD)
544: Movie Channel HD
212: NFL Network HD
284: Science Channel HD
538: SHO Too HD
537: Showtime HD
540: Showtime HD West
267: Smithsonian HD
519: Starz Comedy HD
520: Starz HD East
521: Starz HD West
522: Starz Edge HD
518: Starz Kids and Family
247: TBS HD
245: TNT HD
604: Versus HD / Golf Channel
362: Weather Channel HD

HD added 10-03:
242 USA HD
244 SciFi HD
273 Bravo HD
504 HBO W HD
512 Cinemax HD
514 CinemaxW HD
622 YES HD
623 NESN HD
625 SNY HD
629 Comcast Sports Net Mid-Atlantic HD
640 Comcast Sports Net Chicago HD

These are in addition to the existing HD offerings such as HDNet, ESPN, Discovery Theater, etc... And shucks, these channels look GOOD! :D:D:D:D:D

atp1313 - It's just cable TV.

It's bad when D* gets Comcast HD sports channels before their local Comcast service offers it.

atp1313 - It's just cable TV.
OUCH! Why is there such a disparity? Chris...is this one you can explain?

I think even FIOS is taking a hit lately too. The MLB playoff games were on TBS HD. My buddy who lives in Dallas (Plano), TX kept telling me how good FIOS was and how Charleston is a small market and relying on D* for HD was useless. Well yesterday he called me and asks "what channel is the Red Sox/Angels game?". I told him it was TBS. He says, "how, that's not in HD?". I told him it is if you have D*.

I was also reading about how Paulisme was trashing D* and pumping up Comcast. Sure you only have 1 cable in and locals in HD with Comcast, but that's about it. Over time the D* equipment pays for itself, locals will be here soon enough, but an indoor antenna will work too. As for HD channel selection, anyone making an argument that Comcast HD is better than D* HD, hasn't seen the number of HD channels now on D*. Hands down there is no comparison. Get Comcast if you don't want a dish on your roof, but don't trash the programming and the cost. The programming on D* is better and the cost is about the same for more content.

I think even FIOS is taking a hit lately too. The MLB playoff games were on TBS HD. My buddy who lives in Dallas (Plano), TX kept telling me how good FIOS was and how Charleston is a small market and relying on D* for HD was useless. Well yesterday he called me and asks "what channel is the Red Sox/Angels game?". I told him it was TBS. He says, "how, that's not in HD?". I told him it is if you have D*.

I was also reading about how Paulisme was trashing D* and pumping up Comcast. Sure you only have 1 cable in and locals in HD with Comcast, but that's about it. Over time the D* equipment pays for itself, locals will be here soon enough, but an indoor antenna will work too. As for HD channel selection, anyone making an argument that Comcast HD is better than D* HD, hasn't seen the number of HD channels now on D*. Hands down there is no comparison. Get Comcast if you don't want a dish on your roof, but don't trash the programming and the cost. The programming on D* is better and the cost is about the same for more content.

I wasn't trashing DirecTV at all. If anything, I was criticizing Comcast, because even though for me Comcast has the programming I want, I still went with DirecTV. I agree that the equipment pays for itself, but paying a lot up front and signing a 2-year contract on a service with which I have no experience is not appealing to me. Go back a page or two and read my previous posts about Comcast and you'll see what I'm talking about.

Im curious to know if your outage might have been handled better, faster, with more diligence if your home based business was subscribed to a business account instead of a residential one.

Do their business customers (higher paying customers) get better customer service?

The last time I called Comcast customer service I asked this very question, and I was told that when a business's service goes out, they send technicians out sooner than if it were a residential account. When I spoke to the supervisor, however, I was told that wasn't true. So I posed this question to the supervisor: "So if a business had an account with you and their entire operations were dependent on the service you provide, and that service went out at 6 PM, you're telling me that they would be down until you could arrive the next day to fix their service?" The answer was "yes."

D* HD UPDATE:

332 MHD (MTV-HD) is now up...for anyone who stills cares to watch MTV :p

D* HD UPDATE:

332 MHD (MTV-HD) is now up...for anyone who stills cares to watch MTV :p

But at least you "will have the choice to watch or not watch". Thanks for proving my point. ;)

When Food HD and HGTV HD were first added to Comcast, they were available on the QAM tuner for a few weeks. I wonder if they will do the same with TBS HD. I would really like to see how the programming looks before I put down some money for digital cable.

Anyone with TWC not getting several HD channels? TBSHD, HGTVHD, and one or 2 others are down here. Also getting alot of pixelation on the HD channels that are working.

Ive called TW and a tech is scheduled between 3 and 5 PM tomorrow.

Nope, watching baseball right now.

Paulisme, I apologize. I just saw the post from yesterday and snapped. I would love to have Comcast as my HD provider, but they just aren't in the business to provide a service as good as D* at this time and it frustrates me. Charleston may be a smaller market but to offer only locals and a few channels here and there in HD when Dish and Directv have so many more, is just stupid. I'm sure Chris from Comcast has no control over it, but he should hear our complaints and report them to his supervisor. While I'm at it, I hate that I have to buy basic cable, that I don't use, in order to get broadband internet for under $60. Bellsouth with it's DSL is no different, but it's just bad business for consumers. So with that, I'll use my broadband access to say how I too have issues with Comcast. I'd dump my Comcast internet as fast as I could the day directv or anyone else can offer me broadband internet only for under $50. That day is coming as I saw a commercial for FIOS. Commit to 2 years and get the next 20 years at todays price. What that tells me is that Verizon knows that the price of internet access is going to fall and they want to lock people in for 20 years at the higher price.

Paulisme, I apologize. I just saw the post from yesterday and snapped. I would love to have Comcast as my HD provider, but they just aren't in the business to provide a service as good as D* at this time and it frustrates me. Charleston may be a smaller market but to offer only locals and a few channels here and there in HD when Dish and Directv have so many more, is just stupid. I'm sure Chris from Comcast has no control over it, but he should hear our complaints and report them to his supervisor. While I'm at it, I hate that I have to buy basic cable, that I don't use, in order to get broadband internet for under $60. Bellsouth with it's DSL is no different, but it's just bad business for consumers. So with that, I'll use my broadband access to say how I too have issues with Comcast. I'd dump my Comcast internet as fast as I could the day directv or anyone else can offer me broadband internet only for under $50. That day is coming as I saw a commercial for FIOS. Commit to 2 years and get the next 20 years at todays price. What that tells me is that Verizon knows that the price of internet access is going to fall and they want to lock people in for 20 years at the higher price.

When I switched to DirecTV, I got EarthLink DSL which for the first year is only $19.95 a month ($29.95 a month after that). It's only 3.0 Mbps which spec-wise is slower than cable, but it's worked very well for the couple of weeks I've had it. Plus I don't have to worry about my internet going out whenever my cable (or satellite) goes out. I'm assuming you don't have a landline which is why you haven't already switched.

That day is coming as I saw a commercial for FIOS. Commit to 2 years and get the next 20 years at todays price. What that tells me is that Verizon knows that the price of internet access is going to fall and they want to lock people in for 20 years at the higher price.

How is one commited for 2 years and locked in for 20? :confused:

Anyone with TWC not getting several HD channels? TBSHD, HGTVHD, and one or 2 others are down here. Also getting alot of pixelation on the HD channels that are working.

Ive called TW and a tech is scheduled between 3 and 5 PM tomorrow.

I noticed the same problem last night...every other channel seemed to be out.

On another note...when the heck is TWC going to get NFL Network?? (much less the HD version)

On another note...when the heck is TWC going to get NFL Network?? (much less the HD version)

Probably when the NFL stops demanding ESPN-like prices for a handful of live games a year. I hope TWC continues to hold out.

I am not sure I know where to start, I assumed there would be a good deal of talk once Dish launched their HD channels. Please know that I do not take anyting personally, I monitor the site to hear what everyone has to say about Comcast, TWC, Knology, Satellite and everyone else. Good, Bad, Ugly.

If your not listening your not learning.

I also open the door for anyone in the site to call or email me directly when they need something from Comcast.

Everyone in this forum is the future of television viewers. Meaning you all are ahead of the technological curve. Television providers (Cable, D* etc) can all learn from joining in this forum.

Let's see if I can answer some questions.

We do plan to launch more HD channels by the end of the year with more coming in the first quater next year. There is a difference between Business and Residential. We look to provide the fairest prices, best service and highest quality product.

These answers may seem a bit vague but it is difficult to answer one individual question in writing when there is most likely a number of questions that I could answer through conversation. Again I always open my phone line (843-266-3050). It is direct and I am in Charleston (James Island).

Chris

I am not sure I know where to start, I assumed there would be a good deal of talk once Dish launched their HD channels. Please know that I do not take anyting personally, I monitor the site to hear what everyone has to say about Comcast, TWC, Knology, Satellite and everyone else. Good, Bad, Ugly.

If your not listening your not learning.

I also open the door for anyone in the site to call or email me directly when they need something from Comcast.

Everyone in this forum is the future of television viewers. Meaning you all are ahead of the technological curve. Television providers (Cable, D* etc) can all learn from joining in this forum.

Let's see if I can answer some questions.

We do plan to launch more HD channels by the end of the year with more coming in the first quater next year. There is a difference between Business and Residential. We look to provide the fairest prices, best service and highest quality product.

These answers may seem a bit vague but it is difficult to answer one individual question in writing when there is most likely a number of questions that I could answer through conversation. Again I always open my phone line (843-266-3050). It is direct and I am in Charleston (James Island).

Chris

Thanks for the reassurances...sorry if this all kind of hit at once, but those of us who are "ahead of the technological curve" as you say predicted this chatter about HD, but had to wait until DirecTV rolled it out before the volume could be raised as high as it is now. Now that it is out, everyone who doesn't have D* wants the same channels that D* is offering (or just some select channels). This is the nature of competition in the marketplace...and it is good. As Gordon Gecko said in "Wall Street": Greed is good. I have all of this HD, but still I want more. As D* customers get more, customers with other companies will ask (demand) that their provider of choice catches up. Whoever is deaf to their clients' demands, will soon find out what it is like to lose hundreds/thousands/millions of customers. And to Comcast's credit (whether by choice or mandate from your supervisors), they are listening...or at the very least are present for the discussion.

For those of you with some other cable provider in the area, call them up and try to get someone like Chris to join the discussion. TWC customers used to have Diana who was very attentive and active in this forum. I don't think I have seen a "new Diana" since she left for another market. If there are TWC/Knology reps here, sorry if I overlooked you. ;)

But at least you "will have the choice to watch or not watch". Thanks for proving my point. ;)

Okay, you win ;) :p I am not as young and hip as I used to be, I guess. MTV doesn't appeal to me anymore...I guess I shouldn't have added that comment. :D

... I wonder if they will do the same with TBS HD. I would really like to see how the programming looks before I put down some money for digital cable.

adubleya - I can tell you that at least on D* in MPEG4, the PQ is excellent!! Not sure how the signal is sent through cable, but as I see it, it looks great. But that is just referring to the HD content. I haven't watched TBSHD when they were showing SD upconvert programming, but it's bound to be better than the regular SD channel.

adubleya - I can tell you that at least on D* in MPEG4, the PQ is excellent!! Not sure how the signal is sent through cable, but as I see it, it looks great. But that is just referring to the HD content. I haven't watched TBSHD when they were showing SD upconvert programming, but it's bound to be better than the regular SD channel.

Unfortunately TBS does the same thing as TNT when showing SD content; they stretch it. Are they really fooling anyone? It looks horrible.

Big Disclaimer...this is my personal opinion... ;)
I prefer the TNTHD "Stretch-O-Vision" of SD content over the SD TNT channel. Primarily because the picture is sharper and has more detail even if it is not HD. I don't watch much on TNT to begin with, but my wife is a big "Buffy" and "Angel" fan and she records them off the HD channel now. But she used to record them off the SD channel. And with both of those shows having dark themes (visually), the PQ on the upconvert is better for seeing in the shadows than the SD channel. So what if the people or objects on the out thirds of the screen have warped heads/bodies... The only time it throws me off is when the camera does a wide sweep of the scenery and everything is warped on the side, stretches to the middle, and then warps again on the other side...it kind of makes feel like I have vertigo. :eek:

Big Disclaimer...this is my personal opinion... ;)
I prefer the TNTHD "Stretch-O-Vision" of SD content over the SD TNT channel. Primarily because the picture is sharper and has more detail even if it is not HD. I don't watch much on TNT to begin with, but my wife is a big "Buffy" and "Angel" fan and she records them off the HD channel now. But she used to record them off the SD channel. And with both of those shows having dark themes (visually), the PQ on the upconvert is better for seeing in the shadows than the SD channel. So what if the people or objects on the out thirds of the screen have warped heads/bodies... The only time it throws me off is when the camera does a wide sweep of the scenery and everything is warped on the side, stretches to the middle, and then warps again on the other side...it kind of makes feel like I have vertigo. :eek:

My point is that they should show programs in their original aspect ratio rather than warping the picture. Better picture quality and OAR are not mutually exclusive. People who bought widescreen TVs used to be videophiles who like to watch programs with their aspects unaltered. Perhaps HDTVs are ubiquitous enough now that the common viewer would rather have a distorted picture than "black bars."

If the PQ (lighting/detail) of an upconvert were to remain as it is and be kept as 4:3, I would be okay with that.

MTV doesn't appeal to me anymore...

I've been watching MHD off and on since TWC added it, and find their "playlist" much more varied, maybe even more eclectic, than the SD MTV channel. I've seen concert footage from big country stars, and even a few mainstream pop artist music videos.

It can be quite entertaining, but when the loud stuff slanted to the under 30 crowd comes on I switch to something else. The TWC program guide is helpful in sorting out the more adult programs, and I have time shifted a few with the DVR to enjoy at leisure. Give it a try now and then; you might be pleasantly surprised.

Mike

My point is that they should show programs in their original aspect ratio rather than warping the picture. Better picture quality and OAR are not mutually exclusive. People who bought widescreen TVs used to be videophiles who like to watch programs with their aspects unaltered. Perhaps HDTVs are ubiquitous enough now that the common viewer would rather have a distorted picture than "black bars."

Betweeen the SA 8300 box and our Pioneer TV, we have about a dozen different combinations of stretch and zoom to play with. Not one of them is a reverse stretch or "squish" mode, however. If one existed we could restore the proper aspect ratio to a stretched program, if desired. The processor chips could certainly do that, but the designers never envisioned having that need, I guess.

Betweeen the SA 8300 box and our Pioneer TV, we have about a dozen different combinations of stretch and zoom to play with. Not one of them is a reverse stretch or "squish" mode, however. If one existed we could restore the proper aspect ratio to a stretched program, if desired. The processor chips could certainly do that, but the designers never envisioned having that need, I guess.

Actually, even a "squish" mode wouldn't work because of the way the stations stretch their programming. Their method is to stretch the edges of the picture more, since they assume things on the edges of the screen are less important, while keeping the center of the image less stretched so the distortion isn't so obvious at the assumed focal point of the viewer. The result is this weird perspective where you feel like the image is being "wrapped around" you, and when the camera pans, it's very disorienting as the objects on the screen get strecthed and squeezed as they change positions on the screen. I don't know who thought this was a good idea; probably someone who figured TV watchers feel ripped off if they're not using their entire screen.

I've been watching MHD off and on since TWC added it, and find their "playlist" much more varied, maybe even more eclectic, than the SD MTV channel. I've seen concert footage from big country stars, and even a few mainstream pop artist music videos.

It can be quite entertaining, but when the loud stuff slanted to the under 30 crowd comes on I switch to something else. The TWC program guide is helpful in sorting out the more adult programs, and I have time shifted a few with the DVR to enjoy at leisure. Give it a try now and then; you might be pleasantly surprised.

Mike

I've found that MHD has a lot of programming I like, too. It's not overrun by reality shows and screaming kids in a studio. There are very few commercials and a lot of good concerts. You should note that MHD is an amalgam of MTV, VH1 and CMT, so they have quite a mix of styles represented.

I've been watching MHD off and on since TWC added it, and find their "playlist" much more varied, maybe even more eclectic, than the SD MTV channel. I've seen concert footage from big country stars, and even a few mainstream pop artist music videos.

It can be quite entertaining, but when the loud stuff slanted to the under 30 crowd comes on I switch to something else. The TWC program guide is helpful in sorting out the more adult programs, and I have time shifted a few with the DVR to enjoy at leisure. Give it a try now and then; you might be pleasantly surprised.

Mike

MHD is the combined programming of MTV, VH1, and GAC (or is it CMT). Regardless, this will be launching on D* soon as well. The MTVHD is just MTV programming: Real World, Jackass, or whatever else they are showing these days.

I will give MHD a shot when it goes live since it is more slanted to music of various tastes rather than "pre-scripted reality" shows.

MHD is the combined programming of MTV, VH1, and GAC (or is it CMT). Regardless, this will be launching on D* soon as well. The MTVHD is just MTV programming: Real World, Jackass, or whatever else they are showing these days.

I will give MHD a shot when it goes live since it is more slanted to music of various tastes rather than "pre-scripted reality" shows.

MHD was launched a couple days ago. Channel 332.

MHD was launched a couple days ago. Channel 332.

Yeah, I was just coming back to correct my earlier post. I had misread the launch info as MTVHD (coming by end of year) and posted incorrectly. Sorry about that. Now that I know it's not MTV, maybe I will go check it out :D ;)

2 TWC techs just left. My case of 9 HD channels not working seems to be a Summerville problem originating out of Columbia. They said a "net tech" has been dispatched to try and solve the problem.

Seems that there were 2 other service calls today at 2 other residences that were having the same problem. We are all in a 5 to 10 mile radius of each other.

Probably when the NFL stops demanding ESPN-like prices for a handful of live games a year. I hope TWC continues to hold out.

Easy for you to say...not me, I agree it may be expensive, but all they have to do is put it in a tier where the customer simply pays more for the service -- rather they are making the choice for me by "holding out" thinking it is in my best interest. Sounds a little like the WTAT deal...and see where that got us (a bunch of ticked off customers waiting during the hold out that simply delayed paying the price). At least the local sports bar gets my money while I watch the game there:)

Easy for you to say...not me, I agree it may be expensive, but all they have to do is put it in a tier where the customer simply pays more for the service

Easy for you to say but it's the NFL that will not allow it to be in a tier, not TWC. Do the research.

Easy for you to say but it's the NFL that will not allow it to be in a tier, not TWC. Do the research.

With DirecTV, you have to subscribe to at least the CHOICE package to get NFL Network. That's the third package up...wouldn't that count as a "tier"? Anyone who wants the NFL Network on D* has to pay more than the base rate. It's not like TBS, which is available to all packages, so it would seem that they must have cut a special deal with D* to let them put their channel on a more specialized (read: expensive) "tier". ;)

I just switched over to D* from Comcast. I did it for the lower price with phone, dsl, DTV.

My bill for C* was 133 for internet and HD DVD with all the non premium channels.

then my phone with bellsouth was $27 basic service. total $160

I'm getting the same service with unlimited long distance, caller id, etc... for about $135. (I haven't received my first bill)

Comcast offered the phone service for about $33 on top of my $133.

So far the DSL is faster than my Comcast was. I got the 6m speed and it's only going at 1.5, so I'll probably drop down to 1.5. (this will be $135 or $145 for th 6.0)

One advantage of BellSouth is the underground line. In the event of a hurricane at least your phone works.

The Comcast installer was more professional.

You also have a dish on your roof.

Anyway Chris was really helpful. I was with Comcast for a year, and later I'll definitely use them again if they can have the best service and the same price.

When I called to cancel they offered to match the price but I had already switched over. Plus they should have done this sooner. They also aren't keeping up with the HD.

there is also a $275 from BellSouth.

otherwise there is no long time commitment to Comcast. And so far D* hasn't finished the installation in 2 weeks. They need to add a second line, etc.

hope this helps

Easy for you to say but it's the NFL that will not allow it to be in a tier, not TWC. Do the research.


Wish I had your kind of time (to do research), but thanks for the insight. Like I said, suppose I will give my money to the local bar for now:D

Wish I had your kind of time (to do research), but thanks for the insight. Like I said, suppose I will give my money to the local bar for now:D

You could just get directv and a case of beer.

You could just get directv and a case of beer.

True, but loyal to a fault...actually lazy (it is a lot of work to switch) -- I am intrigued by Direct (esp the deal with Sunday Ticket), but two things hold me back: 1) Cable Internet beats DSL and 2) the need for a box (and fee) for every TV -- and I have six.

But one day TWC will probably touch a nerve and I will jump like I did where I used to live when they dropped FX (NASCAR races were being broadcast on FX then). I went to Dish then...pretty happy except for the deal where a box was needed for each TV.

... I am intrigued by Direct (esp the deal with Sunday Ticket), but two things hold me back: ... 2) the need for a box (and fee) for every TV -- and I have six.

But one day TWC will probably touch a nerve and I will jump like I did where I used to live when they dropped FX (NASCAR races were being broadcast on FX then). I went to Dish then...pretty happy except for the deal where a box was needed for each TV.

Keep your eyes and ears open for a possible new residential "ultra" package offered by DirecTV. Essentially it is the Premiere Package with HD-DVR for multiple rooms for a flat fee. The flat fee is essentially equivalent to having three boxes already on your account. So for those homes that have more than three TV's, you immediately begin saving money on TV's 4, 5, 6, etc.

Can't remember what the planned name was going to be, but this is different from the announced Titanium Package from last year which was up to 10 HD DVRs, Super Level Tech Support (24/7 response and tech visits same or next day) plus all programming that is possibly available on D*. Big limiting factor on that one was it cost like $7000-$10000/year. But it did included every premium and PPV and I think international programming as well. I think you would have to be a shut-in to get the advantages on that one :D

True, but loyal to a fault...actually lazy (it is a lot of work to switch) -- I am intrigued by Direct (esp the deal with Sunday Ticket), but two things hold me back: 1) Cable Internet beats DSL and 2) the need for a box (and fee) for every TV -- and I have six.

But one day TWC will probably touch a nerve and I will jump like I did where I used to live when they dropped FX (NASCAR races were being broadcast on FX then). I went to Dish then...pretty happy except for the deal where a box was needed for each TV.


Yeah, too bad DTV needs a receiver for each room, because I'm saving at least $30 a month on just one in the living room. The HD DVR for D* is also much more functional than C* which you had to through three steps simply to erase or record. Same for the menu.

My DSL is noticeably faster surfing the web than the cable. Everything loads within a second. I haven't tried downloading anything yet. YMMV.

The additional HD programming with D* is nice. But, at this point, I'm also going with whoever gives the best deal, because I don't care about TV that much! I also don't mind a two year commitment.

I hope we get the local HD soon on D*.

Easy for you to say but it's the NFL that will not allow it to be in a tier, not TWC. Do the research.

With Comcast, the NFL channel is only available in the sports tier that costs $5 per month. So it can be offered in a tier.

Comcast is the only major cable company that caved.

With Comcast, the NFL channel is only available in the sports tier that costs $5 per month. So it can be offered in a tier.

That's what I thought, too. But since I don't have C*, I couldn't really comment.

Comcast is the only major cable company that caved.

Wait, are you saying the NFL caved by agreeing to let Comcast add the NFL Network to a special tier? :confused:

Word is C* is paying a lot for their deal.

So it's possible, but it is more like extortion? :p ;)

Question for satellite folks that have a the two-room DVR box - how does one physically connect the second TV (which is in the other room) to the DVR ? I suppose one has to run A/V cables to the other room ?

I ask because when I was shopping for a Comcast alternative ... Dish Network kept trying to sell me on the "HD-DVR that can connect to 2 TVs" concept.

Running A/V cables across the house seems kinda odd ... not to mention the impact on quality.

I am not sure I know where to start, I assumed there would be a good deal of talk once Dish launched their HD channels. Please know that I do not take anyting personally, I monitor the site to hear what everyone has to say about Comcast, TWC, Knology, Satellite and everyone else. Good, Bad, Ugly.

If your not listening your not learning.

I also open the door for anyone in the site to call or email me directly when they need something from Comcast.

Everyone in this forum is the future of television viewers. Meaning you all are ahead of the technological curve. Television providers (Cable, D* etc) can all learn from joining in this forum.

Let's see if I can answer some questions.

We do plan to launch more HD channels by the end of the year with more coming in the first quater next year. There is a difference between Business and Residential. We look to provide the fairest prices, best service and highest quality product.

These answers may seem a bit vague but it is difficult to answer one individual question in writing when there is most likely a number of questions that I could answer through conversation. Again I always open my phone line (843-266-3050). It is direct and I am in Charleston (James Island).

Chris

Thanks, Chris. Good to hear.

Max
A Comcast Customer

I hope we get the local HD soon on D*.

Oct. 17th is the target date per my D* HD upgrade installer of 2 weeks ago.

Oct. 17th is the target date per my D* HD upgrade installer of 2 weeks ago.

While I love my D*, and I am not a naysayer, I am a realist. And expecting locals in HD (HD-LIL) for Charleston on October 17th just doesn't seem realistic. I hope I am wrong, but unless D* completely drops their previously shown method/schedule for flipping on HD-LIL, we would be looking at mid- to late-2008.

This is one time where I hope I am proved wrong. :D;)

Question for satellite folks that have a the two-room DVR box - how does one physically connect the second TV (which is in the other room) to the DVR ? I suppose one has to run A/V cables to the other room ?

I ask because when I was shopping for a Comcast alternative ... Dish Network kept trying to sell me on the "HD-DVR that can connect to 2 TVs" concept.

Running A/V cables across the house seems kinda odd ... not to mention the impact on quality.
Yeah, for now on D* you have to run a second set of cables to the other TV. Obviously not very easy if the TV is on the other side of the house. If it is just through one wall though, not too bad to do. I haven't done it yet but plan to for two of my HD DVR's. The costs for HDMI cables are now pretty reasonable for 35 ft lengths. This assumes that you would be using component on one TV and HDMI on the other as an example though. At least I think that is how it would have to work - I don't believe HDMI splitters (to two or more TV's) work very well.

I'm interested on the D* plans for whole house/networked DVR's, that will change all of this but that could be a long way away.

Comcast: you suck.

What in the World is going on at Comcast? Does anyone who works there have any idea as to what is going on? I have been given so much bad information from so many people in the last few days it's mind boggling. Since I work in television, people ask me all the time which service provider to get, who has the best quality, etc. I used to always recommend Comcast. NO LONGER.

While I was on the road working this past weekend, one of my cable cards stopped decoding some of the encrypted HD channels- probably the same problem that chsgas was talking about a few pages back when I asked about CC and S3 success. The CSR on the phone said she sent a signal to my box. I asked, "my box or my cable cards". I have a digital box in the upstairs bedroom, and 2 cable cards in my TiVo S3. She said she couldn't tell what it was. She set up a service call said that's all she could do and to wait and see if it fixed it. Thanks. Now neither of my cable cards were working. In the Cablecard menus on the diagnostic screens it showed "Waiting for Authorization." After 20 minutes I called back and the CSR said to just wait a bit longer. After another 20 minutes I called back and the CSR said she didn't see any cable cards on my account. She asked for the serial numbers. I gave them to her but she said she didn't know what to do with them. She didn't know anything about cable cards she said. At some point I explained they're both in the same TiVo so I can have dual tuner, she had no idea what I was talking about. She asked for the S/N of the box that came with the cable cards, I said there is no box, they're in a TiVo. This confused her even more. Comcast: do you even train your employees to understand basic concepts like cablecards and dual tuners, and what they're for? Or do you just train them to follow troubleshooting flowcharts? She then said she didn't know and setup a service call but she did manage to get me an earlier appointment, by a day. How does that work? Why didn't CSR #1 set me up with an earlier appt.?

So it's now Sunday evening, I've made 3 phone calls, and have no cable cards working in my TiVo. I can't miss Dexter, and I certainly can't watch it upstairs in SD! :D Fed up, I take matters into my own hands. I called Dispatch directly (their number is on the Internet) and told him to please activate my cable cards. I easily provided him with my serial numbers, host ID and Cable Card ID's required and within 5 minutes I was watching TV again. He then said my account looked messed up so he transferred me to a very helpful CSR named Shannon. She knew what was going on. She said I was being double billed for the CC's and fixed everything. The one bad cable card eventually went bad again so I kept the tech appt. for Mon.

The techs showed up yesterday and replaced the one bad card. Listening to the tech talk to dispatch on the phone back and forth it seemed the person on the other end of the phone was either getting bad info, or was lost. The tech had to explain things over and over and they ended up changing both cable card settings. When they left, it appeared that both cable cards were working fully although when I went into the "test channels" menu of one of the cable cards, it said "no channels available". Although the tech could tune to the channels and said don't worry about it.

Well sure enough, today that cable card is having issues with some of the HD channels. Today, I called CSR and she said all she could do was setup a tech to come out on FRIDAY. It's Tuesday. I'm working this weekend so needed it done today or tomorrow. She couldn't do that, but she said I could go to the Comcast office and exchange the cable card. SWEET! I'll go do that. But before I go, I wanted to make sure it was the cable card and not just an activation problem. I called dispatch again and asked them to hit my cards. He did, and I did see things light up on both cable cards. There is a EMM display in the cable card diagnostics. EMM stands for Entitlement Management Messages. They're basically messages the cable company sends the cards to tell them it's OK to decode channel X. My EMM count was at 0 - which is why I wasn't getting some of the encrypted HD channels. (I wonder how many at Comcast know what that is? It took me 5 minutes to learn that this morning) It shot up to 43. But after a few minutes, back to zero on that one card.

So I drive down there, 20 minutes. Wait in line. "Sorry Sir, we don't have cable cards at the store. I don't know why the CSR told you that, they were wrong." Are you kidding me? But here's the best part, she said she would set up a service call... for tomorrow at 8AM!! What happened to Friday? So 50 minutes of my time and $5.00 in gas wasted.

I'm so sick and tired of the run around at Comcast. If I just didn't buy this TiVo S3 I'd be getting D*. If they can't get this working soon I just might bite the bullet and Ebay this thing. I knew going in that cable cards were trouble and it takes a bit to get them working, but I wasn't expecting this kind of poor customer service to go along with it. Thanks for letting me vent, but I don't feel any better.

PS- Did I mention that when they installed the cards, they disactivated my cable box upstairs? I also didn't mention that when they replaced the cable under my house, they sent some guy, who they later admitted was his first day on the job, who cut FOUR HOLES IN MY WALL, and then refused to fix them. Geeze, why am I still with Comcast?

Is there an executive summary version?

Yes, read the first line.

Yes, read the first line.

Sorry you are having trouble with C*. When you decide to switch to D*, let me know and I will save you money through the referral program. ;) Just PM me when/if you are interested.

But hopefully, for your sake/sanity, C* gets the fix done right now that the issues have been aired. And be sure to PM Chris at Comcast (ComcastCG)...he'll see your post, but maybe you can be proactive and get him working with/for you on the fix.

Comcast: you suck.

mtiffee, I was in the same boat as you a week ago. I decided to drop Comcast for DirecTV. I ordered two HD DVRs and one standard box. After a week of using DirecTV, this is the state of my service: I have one broken DVR (it stopped working after about an hour of usage), no second lines for recording one show while watching another (I've tried repeatedly to set up a service call with the installers with no success), and my local stations just stopped working last night. I've resigned myself to the notion that horrible customer service is just a way of life. I tried to watch the movie Idiocracy last night to remind myself that it could be worse, but it didn't help. The future is now.

But hopefully, for your sake/sanity, C* gets the fix done right now that the issues have been aired.

I really hope so too. I'm not looking for miracles, but for the $190.00/month I give them, I'd just like some consistently solid, knowledgeable, and quick customer service. Above that, I wish Comcast had an "expert" line where you can reach people who have more knowledge about their service than you do.

edit: Mr. Price, if I do go D*, i'll drop you a line- Thanks.

I really hope so too. I'm not looking for miracles, but for the $190.00/month I give them, I'd just like some consistently solid, knowledgeable, and quick customer service. Above that, I wish Comcast had an "expert" line where you can reach people who have more knowledge about their service than you do.

In all honesty, that is one of the things Chris has tried to do here. It may not be the best resource at 10pm on a Sunday night, but for non-emergency or recurring issues that can't seem to be nailed down by "simple" calls to CSR's, he's your guy. But I think if you call in, and fairly quickly ask that your call be escalated, you will at least get the CSR Team Leader, if not the Supervisor. They are in those positions (hopefully) because they do know more and can better assist you. The most important thing is to be polite...be strong, but be polite.

My wife is a call center supervisor for one of the local utilities and we have great fun discussing some of her calls, but in all honesty, she is there to help the customer, no matter how trivial she may personally think their problem is. This is after all a business. You pay their paychecks and they should feel like they are beholden to you...or at least make you think that they feel that way. ;)

If you can get TWC I will save you more money through a better referral program and come shine your shoes.

If you can get TWC I will save you more money through a better referral program and come shine your shoes.

Good one!! :D Oh well, you win...I have my limits :p

Well, it's been 2.5 hours and the comcast guy is still here. Now they've managed to dis authorize both of my cards, so I have zero working cards now. It would help if the tech would read the correct numbers to the dispatch person, I've had to correct him at least 3 times now. This is his second cable card install, his first was last night. You would think on the 3rd service call they would send someone knowledgeable with cable cards, but that would put the "service" in service call. One of the people the tech talked to said there was no HD service on my account. A second tech showed up and said you don't need HD service on your account with cable cards, it's already there. More disinformation.

Now the tech is talking to his supervisor. The tech wants to fix the problem and try and get dispatch to enter the correct numbers and verify everything and I can hear the supervisor trying to convince the tech to leave my house with a broken box and go to his other jobs. The supervisor is saying that cable cards are new and maybe he should "throw in the towel." I pay $190.00 a month for this.

Well the tech left to go to his 8AM appointment but said he was coming back.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the fence, D* launched several new HD channels this morning:
231-1 FoodNetworkHD
255 MGM-HD
276 NationalGeographicHD
355 CNBC-HD

:D

yeah, lemme guess, in beautiful MPEG 4 too right?

Well the tech left to go to his 8AM appointment but said he was coming back.

Feeling your pain. I would think as they successfully installed Robus' last year they would be good at it. Here's his last link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8519411#post8519411) at success. Maybe he remembers who the installer/supervisor was.

Good luck.

yeah, lemme guess, in beautiful MPEG 4 too right?
yep ;)
NGC rocks!! :D ....haven't tried the others yet. They were infomercials when I last checked this morning.

Edit: CNBC looked good, but it was stock market chat and I wasn't interested, so moved on. But it was full screen (3/4 display on left for the talking heads combined with 1/4 on right for market trends, etc) all with full screen crawl(s).

yep ;)
NGC rocks!! :D ....haven't tried the others yet. They were infomercials when I last checked this morning.

Edit: CNBC looked good, but it was stock market chat and I wasn't interested, so moved on. But it was full screen (3/4 display on left for the talking heads combined with 1/4 on right for market trends, etc) all with full screen crawl(s).

I imagine that the CNBC shows, Mad Money, etc... will be in HD. At least I hope so.

I could be mistaken, but I thought CNBC HD was just CNBC SD in a PIP with additional info filling up the 16x9 frame.

Could be...I never watched the channel before HD launch so don't know what is/might be SD upconverts. The talking heads looked good, though just about everything shot in SD but presented in HD looks better than SD on SD...assuming there is no stretch-o-vision in play. ;)

Well, goodbye TiVo- I will miss you. The S3 was returned to Best Buy, fully refunded. TiVo is refunding my $199 transfer fee for my lifetime service subscription transfer from my S2 to the S3. I picked up a SA 8300 from Comcast to hold me over while I'm on the road. I work the Penn State football game for ABC this weekend, Grand Slam of Golf for Turner in Bermuda next week, then to THE Ohio State next weekend for ABC. When I get back, I'll be contacting you Mr. Price, unless I have time sometime in between. Thanks everyone for listening to my ranting. I'll sleep better tonight knowing Dexter will be recorded this Sunday while I'm gone. Comcast, you'll soon be gone.

Well, goodbye TiVo- I will miss you. The S3 was returned to Best Buy, fully refunded. TiVo is refunding my $199 transfer fee for my lifetime service subscription transfer from my S2 to the S3. I picked up a SA 8300 from Comcast to hold me over while I'm on the road. I work the Penn State football game for ABC this weekend, Grand Slam of Golf for Turner in Bermuda next week, then to THE Ohio State next weekend for ABC. When I get back, I'll be contacting you Mr. Price, unless I have time sometime in between. Thanks everyone for listening to my ranting. I'll sleep better tonight knowing Dexter will be recorded this Sunday while I'm gone. Comcast, you'll soon be gone.

I can sympathize with your frustrations but, damn....you have a helluva fun job, at least it sounds that way.

Well, goodbye TiVo- I will miss you. The S3 was returned to Best Buy, fully refunded. TiVo is refunding my $199 transfer fee for my lifetime service subscription transfer from my S2 to the S3. I picked up a SA 8300 from Comcast to hold me over while I'm on the road. I work the Penn State football game for ABC this weekend, Grand Slam of Golf for Turner in Bermuda next week, then to THE Ohio State next weekend for ABC. When I get back, I'll be contacting you Mr. Price, unless I have time sometime in between. Thanks everyone for listening to my ranting. I'll sleep better tonight knowing Dexter will be recorded this Sunday while I'm gone. Comcast, you'll soon be gone.

I look forward to your call/email/PM...

But my one most important question, and one that I think everyone hear is thinking as well, is do you get to keep the frequent flyer miles for all of these network sponsored broadcast events? :D

Enjoy Bermuda and the football games...damn I wish I had a job like that ;)

Actually, I do have a serious question about your vocation: when you are "in the truck" working these events, do you get a chance to watch and enjoy the events at all?

heck yeah I get to keep all the ff miles. one of the few perks of being away from home often. I never get to sit back and be a passive audience, but I do get to experience the thrill of a good game and the boredom of a bad one. sometimes in college hoop season I can be in 5 cities in 3 timezones in 5 days. during those weeks sometimes I leave the truck not knowing the final score.

So when is your "off season" when you get to use those miles? :P

anyone having comcast issues this afternoon? espn (403) and tnt (407) just "disappeared" and arent on the grid anymore?????

So when is your "off season" when you get to use those miles? :P

Well I try to save most of my miles for retirement. I try to plan trips around work. Work has taken me to France, Spain, Portugal, Hawaii, Scotland (St. Andrews twice, Turnberry, Troon, Carnoustie, Muirfield), London, Liverpool. I try to plan vacations around those shows- stay a week or two or come in a week or two early. Football season is a grind (leave thursday home sunday), and basketball season can be as well, so the summer is usually the "off season" from about April to August. I do the 3 British Opens in July which is 3 weeks, and the French Open in the spring which is 2+ weeks. Between that I could have weeks or months off. When I did ABC golf the season was spread out over the entire year. Sometimes we'd be gone for a week, other times we'd be gone from home for 5 weeks before traveling to the UK for the 3 Open Championships. Those were long stretches. That's also when the miles get used - to fly the girlfriend to some of the good shows. :D Better get back to work - my show can be found on ESPN in the Charleston market at 330 sat.

I have two problems that I would like to outline and see if anybody else sees these:

1. NBCHD - 432 - This channel seems to sporadically "go pixelly" for a second or two per 15 minute span. This is fine, but accompanying this is a 5 second or more silence where the audio stream tries to sync up. Normally, this happens during crucial plot points or jokes during shows like The Office.

2. Comedy Central - 53 - This standard definition channel has recently taken a backwards step into the VCR age, where it occasionally looks like a scrambled-porn channel. Fortunately, audio carries on throughout this red shifted slanty video.

Anybody else seeing these??

tfleche, as for #1, we experienced the same thing for the 8 or so months we had Comcast. I believe it was mentioned on this thread a while back that Comcast simply rebroadcasts the OTA signal sent out by the NBC affiliate, which is the reason for the poor signal. I never had problems with Comedy Central.

Any news from Comcast Charleston on new HD channels ? Its hard not to feel green when you see the satellite guys gloating over their new channels.

Max

I got my D* HD DVR and new dish installed yesterday. During the install, the installer told me that the target date for local Charleston HD channels (ABCHD, CBSHD, NBCHD, ...) to be carried by D* is October 17th, or in 18 days from now.

I just spoke to a friend of mine who is a new installer for DirecTV, he took their training class last week. He tells me that the "Locals In HD" are scheduled to launch here in Charleston on the 21st of October.

Maybe there is some truth to an early local launch. Maybe not. I will believe it when I see it but, here's to hoping. :)

What does "Locals in HD" mean ?

If it means carrying it via satellite (contrast to OTA) ... that would be great in one respect but also means that they would have to carry such channels for other markets.

Can anyone tell me the current bandwidth limit for these HD-capable satellites ?

Max

tfleche, as for #1, we experienced the same thing for the 8 or so months we had Comcast. I believe it was mentioned on this thread a while back that Comcast simply rebroadcasts the OTA signal sent out by the NBC affiliate, which is the reason for the poor signal. I never had problems with Comedy Central.

How about NBC only sending out DD2.0... anyone getting 5.1?

Sometimes on CBS and ABC. Don't recall getting it on NBC.

Fox business channel is on Comcast Charleston - channel 106

I know its not HD ... but want to offer kudos to Comcast for working this out.

Anyone else having issues with getting the HD signal from FOX 24 in Charleston. This channel never seems to come in without the signal coming and going.

How about NBC only sending out DD2.0... anyone getting 5.1?

NBC doesn't have 5.1 capabilities.

On a similar note, has anyone noticed that Pro Logic is louder on CBS than 5.1? Have to really crank up the volume when I switch it over, as my receiver doesn't have an auto mode.

Watching football on CBS (OTA) yesterday was horrible as far as audio goes. They kept fading in and out of 5.1 all afternoon. Was hoping that the problem would be resolved after the first game, but the Dallas/New England game was just as bad, if not worse. Well, maybe it was worse because of what the Pat's were doing to the 'Boys... :D

Hopefully it was a one-day issue and we won't have to deal with it again...

Any news from Comcast Charleston on new HD channels ? Its hard not to feel green when you see the satellite guys gloating over their new channels.

Max

Not gloating here, just sharing info...

* Cartoon Network (Channel 296)
* Fox Business (Channel 359)
* Fuel TV (Channel 612)
* FX (Channel 248)
* HGTV (Channel 229-1)
* Speed (Channel 607)

Regional Sports Networks:

* FSN Detroit (Channel 636)
* FSN Southwest (Channel 643)
* FSN West (Channel 652)
* FSN Prime Ticket (Channel 653)

Plus six PPV Channels: 135, 136, 137, 145, 146, 147

What does "Locals in HD" mean ?

If it means carrying it via satellite (contrast to OTA) ... that would be great in one respect but also means that they would have to carry such channels for other markets.

Can anyone tell me the current bandwidth limit for these HD-capable satellites ?

Max

Locals in HD or Locals-into-Locals HD (LILHD) is the same as the local television signals currently offered by the sat companies, except now they are (or will be) offering HD signals in addition to - or in place of - the SD signals. Generally this means that D* (in this case) would include with your local channels package the HD version of any shows coming from Charleston networks, but in a limited sense. For instance, the initial roll out of LIL-HD (or HD-LIL) for most other markets has included only the "-1" channel, but not any of the subchannels ("-2" or "-3"). And they are only focusing on the 4 major networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, & NBC). So you would not likely get PBS, WB, UPN, CW (or whatever other net's are out there via OTA right now) for some time. D* has been going back as time and space allows to offer the "lesser" networks in those markets that have had HD-LIL for a long time. Sometimes it's a matter of carriage agreements, and sometimes its just a matter of getting the major players out to as many people as possible as quickly as possible.

So even though we may be getting the locals in HD via D* in the coming weeks (fingers crossed, but not holding breath), it really only means 4 channels in HD. You will still need your antenna or cable provider to get PBS (7-1),The South Carolina Channel (7-2), PBSHD (7-3), 2-2 (music channel), 5-2 weather radar, WMMP, etc. So don't cancel any service or throw out those rabbit ears anytime soon! :D

At last count, D* offers HD-LIL service to approximately 60-65 markets across this great land. It equates to about 70-75% of the viewing public out there.

I hope this rambling explanation has helped clear the air. As for the bandwidth, I do not have the numbers on that.

You will still need your antenna or cable provider to get PBS (7-1),The South Carolina Channel (7-2), PBSHD (7-3), 2-2 (music channel), 5-2 weather radar, WMMP, etc.


What is 2-2 (music channel) ?

Last time I was using OTA, i dont remember it. That was of course 3 years ago.

Arrgh...I hate to be a newb, but what is HD-LIL? Searches on Google for "HD-LIL", "HD-LIL FAQ", "HD-LIL terminology", "HD-LIL glossary", and "locals-in-locals" turned up a bunch of hits but no actual explanation of the term.

By the way, I refuse to use "D*." It took me forever to find out it was DirecTV (and I had to ask; it's impossible to get relevant results by searching for "D*").

Arrgh...I hate to be a newb, but what is HD-LIL? Searches on Google for "HD-LIL", "HD-LIL FAQ", "HD-LIL terminology", "HD-LIL glossary", and "locals-in-locals" turned up a bunch of hits but no actual explanation of the term.

By the way, I refuse to use "D*." It took me forever to find out it was DirecTV (and I had to ask; it's impossible to get relevant results by searching for "D*").

Sorry for the acronyms...just used to doing it that way to save time. ;)

For basic HD-LIL, please also see my post about three above this one.

Essentially it's High Definition Locals-into-Locals. In other words, retransmitted local networks carried by a third party that you would otherwise be able to see using an antenna. Signal goes from local station's tower, picked up by third party's ground station, transmitted back to the third party's uplink facility, beamed up to third party's satellite, and finally beamed down to the end user. More hop's than OTA, but just about as fast.

The HD-LIL signals are only visible within a small area called a Spot Beam. The spot beams are quite large, but smaller than CONUS (Contiguous United States) signals. Our spot beam overlaps areas such as Atlanta, but the sat companies are bound by the FCC to not display the local content anywhere but within the local area, usually based on zip codes. So while the Atlanta spot beam carries HD-LIL for Greenville-Spartanburg/Asheville, Atlanta, Savannah (if/when avail), Myrtle Beach (if/when avail), Columbia (if/when avail), etc, only those people who are in the DMA as determined by Nielson and the FCC are allowed to see the networks that originate from within that local DMA. We here in Charleston are not allowed (by FCC mandate, and the National Broadcasters Assoc lobby) to see Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Atlanta, etc. Hence the term "Local into Local".

This was written very quickly (between innings) and is not the absolute best description, but I think it might help you with your questions. PM me if you need a longer explanation. :)

What is 2-2 (music channel) ?

Last time I was using OTA, i dont remember it. That was of course 3 years ago.

I might be wrong on the channel assignment, but I think that it is WCBD that has some sort of MusicTV (not MTV) that is broadcast on a sub-channel. The quality is not that great (basic SD). They used to have the Live VIPIR radar sweep on 2-2, but dropped it for this generic syndicated music video network. The radar sweep - similar to WCSC's radar except that it actually stepped through several zoom views - used very little bandwidth and therefore the primary channel (2-1) was not sharing as much of its bandwidth. Now the music channel is taking away more bandwidth from the main channel and causes the main channel HD to not look as good as it could.

WCBD 2-2 is now MyTV the music ch went dead, gone

Shows you just how much I watch the 2-2 subchannel ;) And to think that when/if D* sends me my HD-LIL I will not get that channel... :(

FYI -- Fox Business Network - is on Channel 145 for TWC.

Comcast: you suck.


It could have been worse. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/10/17/AR2007101702359.html)

Well, no local HD's on D* today or yesterday. Still hoping for the 20th to be the date otherwise I'm going antenna shopping.

Comcast actively hinders subscribers' file-sharing traffic, AP testing shows

http://wire.jacksonville.com/pstories/20071019/209976475.shtml

Comcast actively hinders subscribers' file-sharing traffic, AP testing shows

http://wire.jacksonville.com/pstories/20071019/209976475.shtml

Legal, I guess, but kind of harsh.

Comcast actively hinders subscribers' file-sharing traffic, AP testing shows

http://wire.jacksonville.com/pstories/20071019/209976475.shtml

I noticed this when I first got Comcast. ********** uploads were extremely slow. Just get a client like uTorrent that randomizes your ********** port and uses encryption to fool the Comcast's filters. It works like a champ.

I noticed this when I first got Comcast. ********** uploads were extremely slow. Just get a client like uTorrent that randomizes your ********** port and uses encryption to fool the Comcast's filters. It works like a champ.

Apparently AVS Forum has the same censorship policies as Comcast. I was trying to say B1tT0rr3nt in my previous post. I didn't realize it was such a dirty word.

WCBD 2-2 is now MyTV the music ch went dead, gone

I think that was actually WMMP 36-2 and WCBD 2-2 is the CW network.

Greetings all...a bit of a problem here...I just got my new D* HD-DVR+ (HR20) with the silly B-Band converters. For some reason, I can get wither locals via OTA or B-Band, but not both thru my diplexer? According to the ratings on the diplexer, it should pass all the affected frequencies. And it seems to work fine for locals when the B-Band converter is removed from the circuit, but shows none of the new B-Band HD channels. Conversvly, when the B-Band converter is in the circuit, I get NO OTA locals. HELP!!! I really don't want to call D* and wait two or more weeks for someone to fix. I realize HD locals are sorta on the way (Tomorrow???), but I want the flexibility of both for storms, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nuwanda

Greetings all...a bit of a problem here...I just got my new D* HD-DVR+ (HR20) with the silly B-Band converters. For some reason, I can get wither locals via OTA or B-Band, but not both thru my diplexer? According to the ratings on the diplexer, it should pass all the affected frequencies. And it seems to work fine for locals when the B-Band converter is removed from the circuit, but shows none of the new B-Band HD channels. Conversvly, when the B-Band converter is in the circuit, I get NO OTA locals. HELP!!! I really don't want to call D* and wait two or more weeks for someone to fix. I realize HD locals are sorta on the way (Tomorrow???), but I want the flexibility of both for storms, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nuwanda

From my understanding, you cannot diplex your OTA with the new dish. However I have heard that it is possible but you must diplex the antenna after the lines go thru to B-Band. For example, you have your dish, then the line going too the multiswitch, then the two lines going to you DVR, then the B-Band converters, then the diplexer, then another diplexer at the box. I could be wrong and if anybody knows please correct me.

Anyone know where I can buy a ChannelMaster CM4221 on a Sunday in Charleston? Seems easier to buy alcohol than it is to get an antenna on Sundays.

Anyone know where I can buy a ChannelMaster CM4221 on a Sunday in Charleston? Seems easier to buy alcohol than it is to get an antenna on Sundays.

Shades,

Try Wholesale Electronics on East Bay...although I bet they are closed today. I got mine in Savannah from an electronics store there...again, not much help, but it is all I can think of...



Nuwanda

Directv HD Local Status...

So we've been hearing rumors ranging from this past weekend to next summer. My installer a few weeks ago said next summer. I poked around a little more, and maybe everyone knew this already but Greenville, SC now has them turned on, but not Columbia or here yet.

So I sent D* an email and this was the reply:

"We had hoped to be able to offer HD local channels in your area by now and I’m sorry that we haven’t been able to. Our newest HD-capable receivers have been more popular than we expected. As a result, we’ve had to slow down our timetable for offering HD locals in new markets until we feel like we’ve got enough equipment to meet the demand. I know how important HD programming is to you and I assure you that we are doing our best to bring more of it to you as soon as possible."

So... no date yet but this implies a different reason for not having them turned on yet than what I expected.

If anyone has any other, more specific info it would be appreciated. I went ahead and ordered a new CM 4220 antenna, but if I knew these things were getting turned on w/in a month or two I'll return it.

Directv HD Local Status...

So we've been hearing rumors ranging from this past weekend to next summer. My installer a few weeks ago said next summer. I poked around a little more, and maybe everyone knew this already but Greenville, SC now has them turned on, but not Columbia or here yet.

So I sent D* an email and this was the reply:

"We had hoped to be able to offer HD local channels in your area by now and I’m sorry that we haven’t been able to. Our newest HD-capable receivers have been more popular than we expected. As a result, we’ve had to slow down our timetable for offering HD locals in new markets until we feel like we’ve got enough equipment to meet the demand. I know how important HD programming is to you and I assure you that we are doing our best to bring more of it to you as soon as possible."



So... no date yet but this implies a different reason for not having them turned on yet than what I expected.

If anyone has any other, more specific info it would be appreciated. I went ahead and ordered a new CM 4220 antenna, but if I knew these things were getting turned on w/in a month or two I'll return it.


I don't think we will get our locals here until D* 11 goes up. Which means probably this summer at the earliest. They had problems with the spotbeams on the satellite that just went up and I think that has delayed any local HD they may have planned to light up. So I think you will be safe in installing your antenna. The response you received from them sounds like a canned response that they tell anybody who asks.

Shades,

Try Wholesale Electronics on East Bay...although I bet they are closed today. I got mine in Savannah from an electronics store there...again, not much help, but it is all I can think of...



Nuwanda

Thanks. Wholesale Elec. was closed yesterday so I dropped by Walmart and picked up a $12 RCA ANT146 Antenna. Best reception of OTA local HD I have received since getting my HDTV. The RCA ANT146 is an indoor antenna and I have it next to a window, but my reception levels are as high as my tv will register for some channels, including FOX HD, which I was having trouble with.

Directv HD Local Status...

So we've been hearing rumors ranging from this past weekend to next summer. My installer a few weeks ago said next summer. I poked around a little more, and maybe everyone knew this already but Greenville, SC now has them turned on, but not Columbia or here yet.
Greenville/Spartanburg/Asheville turned on quite some time ago...lucky dogs. I had never heard that provided excuse for the delays in lighting up more HDLIL here or anywhere. There were reports of SpotBeam issues on D10, but no telling what DMA(s) those spotbeam transponders were originally going to be used for. Being that we are #100 on the list, and they are only up to about #65, I have never held my breath for getting HDLIL prior to Q2-2008. The rumors that popped up here in the last week or two really came out of left field for me. First of all, unless it is written in an official D* press release, I don't take stock in what installers and CSR's have to say. If they do manage to get HDLIL earlier, it would be gravy, but go ahead and install that antenna and get the best local signal you can manage...you may need it for some time. And even after the HDLIL's are online, don't throw away the antenna JIC.

Sorry, not being a naysayer or D* hater, just looking at the world through unfiltered lenses. :p

Sorry, not being a naysayer or D* hater, just looking at the world through unfiltered lenses. :p

Not at all - appreciate the info. I'm definitely going to go ahead and put the antenna up - I'm like 8-9 miles from the towers so it is a slam dunk. I need to do this so I can disconnect my last Comcast HD DVR and go completely to Directv throughout the house. I would actually like to throw the Comcast DVR out the window - I can't believe such a huge/profitable company can put out such garbage.

I'm so much happer with the Directv programming (especially with all the HD channels now), simple pricing structure, the DVR units themselves, etc.

Now I just want that SWM so I can use one coax for dual tuners...

Greetings all...a bit of a problem here...I just got my new D* HD-DVR+ (HR20) with the silly B-Band converters. For some reason, I can get wither locals via OTA or B-Band, but not both thru my diplexer? According to the ratings on the diplexer, it should pass all the affected frequencies. And it seems to work fine for locals when the B-Band converter is removed from the circuit, but shows none of the new B-Band HD channels. Conversvly, when the B-Band converter is in the circuit, I get NO OTA locals. HELP!!! I really don't want to call D* and wait two or more weeks for someone to fix. I realize HD locals are sorta on the way (Tomorrow???), but I want the flexibility of both for storms, etc. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nuwanda
Run cable for ant diplexers will not work with the new type D dish/switch.
Diplexers suck down youe ota signal even if they did work

I would like to pass along a note of thanks to folks at Comcast for changing the way they address internet outages now. I had another dropout Tuesday that lasted more than a few minutes, and after doing all of the usual steps (rebooting/unplugging everything) I decided to call. After navigating the menu (to reach an internet techie, you need to press at varying intervals: 1,2,1,2,1,and finally 2 again) and waiting for about 3-5 minutes, "Daniel" answered and listened to my explanation of my outage. The first thing he did was tell me that he was going to ping my modem, and this is the key part, he was also going to ping several modems in my immediate area!! He was quickly able to determine that the outage was not specific to me, but to my node (or some subset therein). He noted that the first call about the outage appeared to have come in about 20 minutes before mine, and they were working on it. No ETA for repair, but a truck had been rolled or the folks at the headend were fixing from there. (I was back on about 2-3 hours after I first noticed the outage)

So compared to my last outage, this CSR handled the situation much better. If that has anything to do with previously voicing my opinions to Chris over the phone or on this forum, then it was well worth my time to do so. Could be a coincidence, but I like to think that sharing my frustration in a manner in which a suitable alternative can be found/suggested seems to have worked.

Oh, and the best part was I was on the phone with "Daniel" for no more than 2-3 minutes from when he picked up the call. Fast, friendly and efficient. So Chris, maybe you can pass along some kudos to "Daniel" and see that his approach and attitude are shared across the company. Good job!

he was also going to ping several modems in my immediate area!!

Gee that's a really heartwarming story and shows just how slow the housing market is these days but it's an invasion of privacy! :D

Gee that's a really heartwarming story and shows just how slow the housing market is these days but it's an invasion of privacy! :D

1. How does this story equate to the housing market? Odd comment... :confused:
2. How is it an invasion of privacy? I never asked for, nor did he offer, any personal information about any specific neighbors....no names, no addresses, no specific status as to their connection....nothing. He just pinged several nearby modems and saw that they came back as null. He then deduced that there was a larger problem than just my account. How is this any different than driving down the street during a power outage and seeing who has lights on in their homes. You aren't sticking your nose to the glass and peering inside, but simply seeing if their house is dark or lit. If it's dark, it may not mean they don't have power; but if their lights are on, unless they have a generator, it would lend credence to the hypothesis that maybe this house hasn't lost power and therefore their circuit is not affected by a wide-spread outage.

There is absolutely no reason to involve the ACLU on this. This is not a Privacy issue. This is not a 4th Amendment violation. This is a smart business practice. Before spending time and money to roll one truck to each outage, simply check the status of several modems in the area and send one truck to the upstream hop/node.

pass along some kudos to "Daniel" and see that his approach and attitude are shared across the company. Good job!

Cool! I'll ask for Daniel when I call to disconnect my service! :D

I think Daniel might work in a different department than cancellations. But you might get lucky... ;)

...but it's an invasion of privacy! :D

I just talked to a lawyer friend of mine and told him all the details of this event. It is his opinion that Comcast is not violating any Privacy rules with this practice of pinging modems of other users in the area. So long as no user information is divulged, the Comcast employee has the right to access the system for the purpose of maintaining or repairing service. I am sure that Comcast has some form of non-disclosure agreement that prohibits any employee from access any customer records for any purpose other than to maintain and repair service. Maybe Chris can chime in on this aspect...

But a company checking their clients' accounts to see if they have service is not a violation of privacy practices. In fact, here are some notes from the Comcast High-Speed Internet Privacy Information webpage (http://www.comcast.net/privacy/index.jsp)

PROVISION AND TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION
... We also monitor the performance of our Service and your Service connection in order to manage, maintain, and improve the Service and your connection to it. ...

Software and Configuration
... In certain cases, at your request or with or without prior notice to you, Comcast may configure your Service or Service-related equipment to resolve a technical support issue or otherwise render or deliver the Service. Comcast may perform these configurations remotely over the cable network and/or the Internet.

It sure looks to me like they have it in writing that they own the system and can do what is necessary to check its performance and functionality.

A "Ping" doesn't tell you anything beyond the fact that an address is there and alive.

Thank you for reinforcing my point.

We were doing some work today on our HD equipment, for both stations, so if you are having problems picking us up OTA you may need to rescan.

Thanks
Michael Kordek
Director of Engineering and Operations

Will the work be done in time for first pitch tonight?

EDIT: I just reread your post and saw the "were" past tense verb...so we can assume the work has been completed?

We were doing some work today on our HD equipment, for both stations, so if you are having problems picking us up OTA you may need to rescan.

Thanks
Michael Kordek
Director of Engineering and Operations


Thanks for the Heads up. Everything is good for me but it could save someone a lot of aggravation!

atp1313-I will definitely pass along your acknowlegement of Daniel's Good Work to his supervisor.

"Pinging" other modems in the area is not unlawful. We are not giving out any customer information. It is a tool that we have to monitor modems, service issues, outages, etc in the area. atp1313 covered the details in his post.

What's up with no audio on 2-1?

Been a week, what gives?

It comes and goes. They have been going down hill for a while now.

Does anyone have the latest info/status on the Directv testing of the SWM switches? My installer back in early September thought it would be out in a month or so at the time. I know they have been in field trials.

Called Directv, they suggested I find out from a local installer the latest info (kind of a weird response).

atp1313 - if anyone is going to know, I'm guessing it would be you?

Also - I can't seem to find a local number for Mastec Inc - which does most of the installs around here, I think...

All Ive seen is they are still "testing" them.

Same info here...still in testing. No concrete new to announce, but I certainly wouldn't hold my breath. Don't let that one issue be the thing that prevents you from getting D* (or anyone else working on SWM) as you may miss out on a lot of fabulous HD. ;)

See this post for "local" contact info as posted on MASTEC's site: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11734606&highlight=Mastec#post11734606

I was never able to find a closer number/contact either.

Well, I'm going for antenna #3 next week. As some may recall I was having success with a cheap $12 antenna from Walmart after the $50 RCA antenna wasn't cutting it. The newer cheaper antenna was working fine, but I then ran it through my D* HDDVR and the signal just wasn't constant enough to pick up Fox and CBS without having to move the antenna around a bit. So I just broke down and ordered a Channel Master 4221 (4-bay) antenna. I hope to mount this onto a mast that I will then put into my old D* mount that is on my roof, but was replaced by the newer D* 5 LNB dish that sits higher up on the roof. Has anyone had any success with the CM 4221 antenna?

Where are you in Charleston that you can't lock onto Fox and CBS without moving the antenna? Their towers are right next to each other (or are those two on the same tower...I can't remember off the top of my head). Which D* DVR do you have? HR20-100 or HR20-700 or Tivo-based?

Well, I'm going for antenna #3 next week. As some may recall I was having success with a cheap $12 antenna from Walmart after the $50 RCA antenna wasn't cutting it. The newer cheaper antenna was working fine, but I then ran it through my D* HDDVR and the signal just wasn't constant enough to pick up Fox and CBS without having to move the antenna around a bit. So I just broke down and ordered a Channel Master 4221 (4-bay) antenna. I hope to mount this onto a mast that I will then put into my old D* mount that is on my roof, but was replaced by the newer D* 5 LNB dish that sits higher up on the roof. Has anyone had any success with the CM 4221 antenna?

Almost 4 years ago I was a D* customer on Johns Island. I used the CM 4228 for my OTA needs. It worked to perfection. The CM 4221 is based on the same design so, i think you will be happy.

On Nov. 8th I will be switching back to D* from TWC. I still have my 4228 in storage. Glad I kept it.

Where are you in Charleston that you can't lock onto Fox and CBS without moving the antenna? Their towers are right next to each other (or are those two on the same tower...I can't remember off the top of my head). Which D* DVR do you have? HR20-100 or HR20-700 or Tivo-based?

I'm on James Is. not far from the Piggly Wiggly on Harborview. My D* DVR is the HR20-700S. I can get one channel, say CBS HD, but then can't get Fox HD to come in without the picture coming in and out. It's happened with both the slim "wing" shaped RCA outdoor antenna and the cheap indoor UHF antenna I have. I hope the new outdoor Channel Master antenna will work. I had wanted the smallest "big" antenna I could get, so this one should work. It's a 4 bay and is about 3 or 4 feet tall by about 20 inches wide. It will be about 14' off the ground and reaching up to 17'.
http://www.pctinternational.com/channelmaster/0612/images/products/antennas/outdoor/4221_Antenna_white-backgrou.jpg

Anyone know is there an issue with WCIV and their HD as the Fla St and BC game this evening is in SD and the Saturday night game has always been in HD for every game I've seen this year.

It's WCIV. That game was produced in HD. Was my Michigan / Michigan State game in HD at 3:30?

It's WCIV. That game was produced in HD. Was my Michigan / Michigan State game in HD at 3:30?

Didn't get to see anything early in the day, but they did finally get the game into HD.

It's WCIV. That game was produced in HD. Was my Michigan / Michigan State game in HD at 3:30?

Yes

Im having D* installed this week. There will be 2 dishes installed, so im told. I think i remember one of them faces the southern sky. What direction does the other face?

Im having D* installed this week. There will be 2 dishes installed, so im told. I think i remember one of them faces the southern sky. What direction does the other face?

The smaller dish which is just for locals, points to 72.5-degrees, or essentially a hair east of south (relative). The primary dish (for everything else) will point towards the SW, ranging from 99-119 degrees (99, 101, 103, 110, & 119). The smaller local dish is only needed until we get our spotbeam HD-LIL. Once they light that up, all signals, not just HD, will be coming through the 5LNB dish.

USAHD and NFLHD are up on Comcast. Channels 406 and 420.

D* came out to install. I didn't realize about the 2nd dish. I really don't want to mount 2 dishes just to get the locals in SD. I can't live without my locals in HD and don't feel like messing with OTA. I get poor HD reception inside the house, haven't tested OTA reception with a big antenna. With the hassle of D* installation and the 2 year commitment, I didn't want to go through all that and then be stuck with D* and poor reception of Local HD. Plus, 3 wires to each receiver from outside?
I'm waiting for HD-LIL, when I can have one dish. Then I'm rocking with D* and saying goodbye to Comcast. (at least for cable TV- I'll keep their blazing fast Internet).

Does anyone have just cable modem from Comcast? Can you get the locals in the clear via QAM with just Internet service?

UPDATE:

I put my new Channel Master 4221 antenna up. WOW! 100% readings on every channel. Now the question I have is, can anyone pick up stations farther north of the Awendaw towers. I guess I'm asking if anyone can pick up channels from Myrtle Beach. And if so, do I need to put in a secondary market zip code into my D* DVR for it to try and pick those channels up?

When I swapped to D* in Sept I just bought and installed the slimline. Since I have great OTA reception I felt no need to get SD locals thru D* and have a second dish.

When I swapped to D* in Sept I just bought and installed the slimline. Since I have great OTA reception I felt no need to get SD locals thru D* and have a second dish.

Even if you don't sub to SD locals thru D*, does the HR20 still incorporate the OTA signals?