Same problem as FAiello last I checked.

Mits RPTV WS65869, STB Motorola DCT 6200 with firmware 7.10, Mits D-VHS HS-HD2000U.

I called Comcast last night. They are aware that something is wrong and they said they are working on it.

The gentleman I spoke with was professional and courteous, I'm glad we're dealing w/Comcast now instead of AT&T.

This is a firmware issue.

FAiello and D, unplug your RPTVs from the Firewire network and try recording. If you can, use component or DVI to your TVs.

The Mits 2000 only outputs HD via 1394; it has no digital decoder in it.

I'll unplug all and try again tonight.

2003 Mits2000U. I disconnected the PM on my Mits 65" from cable and re-connected my OTA antenna. I can still record OTA HD so my VCR is OK. But Comcast won't let me record anything in HD through the PM whether from the 6200 or directly from the cable. Guess I'll have to settle for this much. I connected the cable directly into my VCR and programmed it to record in SD.

I forgot the Mits DVHS has no decoder. That could be the problem.
The TV probably isn't DTCP/5C compliant while the DVHS is.

If the 6200 worked properly it shouldn't matter, but apparently if even a single non-compliant DTCP device is on the chain the 6200 turns off 5C=1 channels.

To confirm this, disconnect your TV (and all other Firewire connections) from the 6200, and try to record a channel you have problems with. Then reconnect to your TV and playback the recording.

Dave...you can't record if the TV is disconnected. The Mits NetCommand controls the VCR for HD recording.

The TV is 5C, it least if I recall the Mits info properly it is.

The TV can display via 1394 from the 6200, that is the way I view HD from the 6200.

Originally posted by DaveFi
I forgot the Mits DVHS has no decoder. That could be the problem.
The TV probably isn't DTCP/5C compliant while the DVHS is.

If the 6200 worked properly it shouldn't matter, but apparently if even a single non-compliant DTCP device is on the chain the 6200 turns off 5C=1 channels.

To confirm this, disconnect your TV (and all other Firewire connections) from the 6200, and try to record a channel you have problems with. Then reconnect to your TV and playback the recording.

The TV is not the problem because I can view the premium and HD channels through firewire but I just can not record them.

My TV (WS65807) w/promise module displays only non-encrypted stations thru 1394 now, but won't tape anything.

Benji, you must have got a different version of 7.10 than I did. I hope they can solve these problems quickly.

Yeh..I got the "screw you customer" version.

The TV is not the problem because I can view the premium and HD channels through firewire but I just can not record them.DTCP shouldn't prevent you from watching, just recording.

Humor me and try it anyways.

This thread is helpful to more than just us.

DaveFi,

I will try disconnecting the TV tonight and see if it will record.

As long as they get it fixed by Saturday at 7:05 pm I'll have no problem ;)

Originally posted by FAiello
DaveFi,

I will try disconnecting the TV tonight and see if it will record.

The only way I can get the Mits DVHS to start recording is with the firewire connected to the TV because the TV controls the DVHS. So I started the recording and then pull the firewire out before I got the "Error CP" but no I still got the error. So it did not work.

The Mits DVHS doesn't have recording controls like buttons on the deck itself? That truly sucks.

If I push the buttons on the deck it will record in S-VHS thru S-Video input and not D-VHS thru firewire. This unit only works with a Mits TV.

I disconnected the 1394 and re-connected it.

I'm able to view via 1394 but cannot record.

Forget it. I thought the Mitsubishi decks had standalone controls like every other VCR. I suppose not.

I guess you guys are stuck until there's a fix because there's no way to run them without using your TVs.

On a positive note, I connected the cable to my VCR and programmed the VCR for the analog stations. I now have it all set for VCR-plus. I actually get a somewhat better picture this way than directly from the 6200 box. And did anyone notice that the 7.10 firmware apparently cured the problem with the audio popping sound on the analog stations? Now if they can just restore our ability to firewire record...

Ok, I want my TNT-HD please..............then i woke up:(
I have D* and Comcast and they both let me down today!

All of these people that are going to watch the Lakers/Wolves in HD... grrrrrrr.

Chris

is the sox on NESN tonight in hidef on 882?
I thought UPN had all friday games...

Originally posted by dag16
is the sox on NESN tonight in hidef on 882?
I thought UPN had all friday games...

Just came to ask the same question. Its better then SD but it doesnt look HD. Is this some stretched 480p?

Yes it is a stretched standard def feed... It looks better because I assume it's upconverted, or because of the fact that they probably still use the high quality HD cameras, even for the SD feed. This should be blacked out in our area... the NESN feed of the UPN 38/CBS 4 games is only for areas that cannot receive 38 or 4...

As for me, I'd rather watch on 38-1 OTA DT with sidebars... I cannot stand stretching.

Is that you Brett?

It's baaaaack! NESN is switching to SD before the breaks again. after complaints they actually stopped doing it a while back and just let the sidebars come up. looks like somebody didn't get the memo. now we get that nasty delay and audio pop with the switching back and forth again. i can't stand it! write and complain if u hate this like me:
(617) 536-9233
groy@nesn.com
sports@nesn.com

Using antenna with Comcast?
I just converted to Comcast from Direct TV for my HD. Under my old Direct TV set-up, I could pick up HD signals over the air from my antenna just by hitting the antenna button. My TV (Pioneer SD533) does not have a built-in HD tuner.

I had Comcast install an A/B switch so I could continue to use the antenna (as a back-up, for UPN-HD, etc.) but I get no signal on the antenna side.

Can I get HD off the antenna using the Comcast box? If so, how?

Thanks.

Originally posted by lwhitman
Using antenna with Comcast?
I just converted to Comcast from Direct TV for my HD. Under my old Direct TV set-up, I could pick up HD signals over the air from my antenna just by hitting the antenna button. My TV (Pioneer SD533) does not have a built-in HD tuner.

I had Comcast install an A/B switch so I could continue to use the antenna (as a back-up, for UPN-HD, etc.) but I get no signal on the antenna side.

Can I get HD off the antenna using the Comcast box? If so, how?

Thanks. The Comcast box is a cable only tuner. There is no OTA tuner built in.

Originally posted by Benji
The Comcast box is a cable only tuner. There is no OTA tuner built in.

Thanks Benji.

Is there no way for me to use my antenna then? Can I add a tuner to my TV or are there other options?

lwhitman,
You can still use your D* receiver for OTA HD if you still have it.

larry

Hi all, some things to report on the firewire recording issues:
I noticed that when I turned on my JVC 30K DVHS, it took 20-30 seconds before the firewire sync'd and I had a picture. I was able to record without problems from HBOHD, SHOHD, StarzHD and MaxHD. I then noted that order of operations makes a difference. If the cable box is on then you turn on the VCR, there is a long sync period. If the VCR is on already then the cable box is turned on, there is no sync period. THe picture comes in right away.
FYI
FREAK!

metallica- I'm having similar problems to my 30K. What I find really annoying is that all the SD Digital channels are flagged as "copy once", which seems a bit of overkill.

If I have my PC hooked up to it on a cold start/reboot the 6200 itself will reset and I'll lose programming info.

It's fairly clear the DTCP/5C protection doesn't work exactly as it should. I'm fairly certain that it's only supposed to block recording to the uncompliant DTCP device and not to everything on the Firewire network.

Bump!

Anyone get the 6208? Its been too quiet around here!

I ran another test yesterday with the radio shack VCR remote. I had it record something just to see if the picture would kick in ok. I set it to record from HBO and the first 40 seconds was grey screen then the picture kicked in so I will expect ~1min dead time at the start of all recordings.

FREAK!

Did anyone notice random "blurring" in the broadcast of CSI: Miami last night on CBS HD? Both my wife and I noticed the image blur for a few seconds, and then clear itself back up. I have the 6200. :)

-JR

Originally posted by FAiello
You getting INHD2 was a fluke, I have never been able to get any premium channels from my Mits intergated QAM tuner except when Comcast first started with HD, I was able to get SHO-HD and HBO-HD for about one week then it was scrambled.

I was able to get INHD2 for the entire baseball season on my LG-3100A until Benji posted about it last week. Comcast must be listening... ;)

Originally posted by sbourgeo
I was able to get INHD2 for the entire baseball season on my LG-3100A until Benji posted about it last week. Comcast must be listening... ;)

If Comcast is listening then maybe they could forget to turn on the 5C this saturday night at 11pm :)

Originally posted by happystick
Is that you Brett?
Nope.... but you're close.

So what is the deal. Did they start the rollout? I'm supposedly near the top of the list but I have heard nothing.

Originally posted by sbourgeo
I was able to get INHD2 for the entire baseball season on my LG-3100A until Benji posted about it last week. Comcast must be listening... ;) Oooops!

Originally posted by Benji
Oooops!

Bugger! :D

I already posted that the 6208 was delayed.

As far as the DTCP issues go, this is something Motorola is going to have to fix.

As far as the DTCP issues go, this is something Motorola is going to have to fix. [/B][/QUOTE]


Okay, now what do we do!!!!!! I got a letter from Comcast stating that Motorola and Mitsubishi need to get on the same page, and there is nothing that Comcast can do on the local side other than hope it is fixed on the next code spin.

I called Mitsubishi and they just raised their hands and said everything should work as both my TV and DVHS are 5C compliant.

I called Motorola and they said that Comcast need to make the changes them self, changing the 5C settings of the DCT6200.

I hope someone from Comcast is reading this and they can do something for their customers that are having the recording problems. I have been talking to one person at Comcast that I know is working hard at trying to resolve this issue but he is not at the proper level and needs to talk to the engineering department, hopefully someone from engineering who knows about 5C DTCP will be able to resolve this issue soon.

All movie channels are moving to digital. Hopefully we'll see more HD soon.

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2004/05/26/comcast_nudges_customers_to_digital/

gents:

we know that there's some DTCP problems going on. that's annoying, for sure.

but what is the status of HDCP? my understanding was that HDCP got flipped on for the DVI output "accidentally". has it been rectified? or is my understanding wrong?

tia,
doody.

All But HBO East. Figure Discovery HD ,WB56, UPN 38 in July after the move. Maybe TNT-HD ,Bravo HD (Olympics-NBC) in the fall. Also more In -Demand with maybe HD In -Demand

Originally posted by mgpt6
All But HBO East. Figure Discovery HD ,WB56, UPN 38 in July after the move. Maybe TNT-HD ,Bravo HD (Olympics-NBC) in the fall. Also more In -Demand with maybe HD In -Demand

FYI, as noted in another thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=400111), none of the Bravo Olympics coverage will be in HD.

Originally posted by mgpt6
All But HBO East. Figure Discovery HD ,WB56, UPN 38 in July after the move. Maybe TNT-HD ,Bravo HD (Olympics-NBC) in the fall. Also more In -Demand with maybe HD In -Demand

A poster on a thread in Programming stated that there was a contract (for HD carriage) in place between Comcast and Tribune Broadcasting (owner of a bunch of WB stations) covering all their stations. I checked, and Tribune owns WB56. So I'd guess that's a pretty sure thing.

Originally posted by doody
gents:

we know that there's some DTCP problems going on. that's annoying, for sure.

but what is the status of HDCP? my understanding was that HDCP got flipped on for the DVI output "accidentally". has it been rectified? or is my understanding wrong?

tia,
doody.


Doody,

I don't think it has been rectified. There were few post some pages back on work around it, which seems to work. I usually power the STB box on first and give it a few seconds. I then turn on my TV (with DVI input) and it seems to take care of the "HDCP" problem. I've notice that if I turn the TV before STB, or right after after turning on the STB, I get the dreaded "HDCP" message. For whatever reason, those few seconds delay seems to solve the problem.

Of course if you find all this waiting and changing the macros on your remote control annoying, do what I did... went back to using Component input.



AS

Originally posted by BobColby
A poster on a thread in Programming stated that there was a contract (for HD carriage) in place between Comcast and Tribune Broadcasting (owner of a bunch of WB stations) covering all their stations. I checked, and Tribune owns WB56. So I'd guess that's a pretty sure thing.


If Comcast is signing a contract with Tribune, I wonder what the possibility of us getting WGN-HD (owned by Tribune) that broadcasts Cubs and White Sox home games here in New England...

Um, why is ESPN News on INHD2 right now ?

Originally posted by dozens
Um, why is ESPN News on INHD2 right now ?

Someone keeps forgetting to turn the channel back over to INHD after a NESN HD game is over (NESN shows ESPN News). And this one was an afternoon game!

It has happened today again. The lazy people at Comcast NE turn on the switch for the NESN HD game but then go to sleep. They never bother to switch off the SD feed after the game. This happens for the afternoon games also.

This happens almost every time. Come on Comcast. Clean up your act.

My guess is that the switch is automated, and they want to be absolutely positively sure that they don't cut off an extra innings game.

Hopefully NESN-HD will get its own channel once Starz, Cinemax and Showtime move to digital in July.

what is up with the guide this morning? on hbohd there is only data for part of the day then 'tba' well into tuesday?
FREAK!

Originally posted by FBGJR
If Comcast is signing a contract with Tribune, I wonder what the possibility of us getting WGN-HD (owned by Tribune) that broadcasts Cubs and White Sox home games here in New England...

The Cubs from WGN-HD would be great. But we'd have a high price to pay to get it. My system carried WGN in the 80's but dropped it. I was told the cost of carrying the channel became prohibitive because it increased the cable system's copyright royalty liability. The royalty cost is based on the system's gross revenue and the total number of distant superstations carried. This made having both WTBS and WGN too expensive. I assume it was even too much to pass on the cost to customers.

Has Comcast/NESN forgotten to throw the switch again? The pregame is not on 882, nor is the game listed in the guide.

Comcast must be using an original home schedule to do the switching. Today's game is an unscheduled make up. this may be why they switch Channel 882 to NESN during the Friday night games and FOX network saturday games. The funny thing is last night the guide was listing Channel 882 as Baltimore at Boston.

Just came back from lunch; game is on.

I really hope they give NESN-HD its own channel soon.

Originally posted by jckessler
My guess is that the switch is automated, and they want to be absolutely positively sure that they don't cut off an extra innings game.

That would be a likely explanation if this only happened for a couple of hours after the game. But when you have an afternoon game and 882 is still broadcasting stretched NESN SD well past midnight, something else must be involved.

ESPN has exclusive rights to RED SOX broadcasting so nesn had to go with stretched SD.

ESPN has exclusive rights to RED SOX broadcasting "today"so nesn had to go with stretched SD.

Originally posted by CMG1976
ESPN has exclusive rights to RED SOX broadcasting so nesn had to go with stretched SD.

This is not true. The game is on in HD on 882. ESPN does not have exclusive rights to any regular season games except those on Sunday nights. If ESPN had exclusive rights, there would be no game at all on NESN (i.e. there would not be stretched SD under any circumstances). Weekday games on ESPN are usually (if not always) blacked out in the teams' home markets.

Thanks for the info I thought ESPN had the rights to today's game just like WSBK having Friday nights

Today the game was over by 5:00pm. The Comcast people have not flipped the switch yet again. Its 'NESN StretchOVision' on 882.

Originally posted by jckessler
Just came back from lunch; game is on.

I really hope they give NESN-HD its own channel soon.

I really don't see this happening until they get more HD programming, right now they are only doing Sox and Bruins home games in HD, with an occasional HD road game here or there...so why have, say when the Sox are on the road for a week or two, a HD station that would be showing SD games? That's what ESPNHD does most nights and there are many complaints about it.

Originally posted by joeinma
I really don't see this happening until they get more HD programming, right now they are only doing Sox and Bruins home games in HD, with an occasional HD road game here or there...so why have, say when the Sox are on the road for a week or two, a HD station that would be showing SD games? That's what ESPNHD does most nights and there are many complaints about it.

Well, NESN-HD has its own channel on many other cable systems. I agree that the content probably doesn't justify having a separate channel just yet, but the incovenince (forgetting to turn InHD2 to NESN sometimes, leaving NESN on for 12 hours after the game ends, blocking off InHD2 programming during the game) may justify it. Putting NESN on its own channel would just make things simpler for everyone.

I don't have Comcast, but I can tell you that RCN lists NESN HD on channel 170 and its always there. I am thinking of switching to Comcast just because they have the sports packages and because they have INHD and Gol TV. Grant it Gol TV is only available in Spanish right now but the rumor is that they will include the English version in the new Sports Tier come the Fall (already available in the Baltimore area), along with NBA TV and perhaps the NFL Network. Hopefully Comcast will also add HDNet soon.

Has anyone received their June cable bill from Comcast -New England yet? Does it have any new info on channels changes included?

Has anyone received their June cable bill from Comcast -New England yet? Does it have any new info on channels changes included?

Within six months, Comcast plans to convert analog channels that are being used for some pay- per-view services in Boston to the digital format as the first step in going all digital, Alchin said. The move will allow the company to double the number of high-definition channels for TV viewers in that area to about 24, he said.

That makes you way more competitive than satellite. They would struggle in any individual market to deliver two dozen channel in high-definition format, he said.

In three years, Comcast will start replacing its customers' remaining analog set-top boxes with digital ones.

I just got called by Comcast and the guy said the HD DVR is ready and told me it would be $15.99 for installation and $7 more for the service! He did not know which model# the stb is but said it has 30 hours of recording. They are coming 6/10/04 between 3-5 pm. Did anyone else get called? Its been too quiet around here!

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
I just got called by Comcast and the guy said the HD DVR is ready and told me it would be $15.99 for installation and $7 more for the service! He did not know which model# the stb is but said it has 30 hours of recording. They are coming 6/10/04 between 3-5 pm. Did anyone else get called? Its been too quiet around here!

I was just called also, although I was told it would be $8 more per month. It was definitely the single-tuner model; the dual-tuner version is not available until the fall. I asked if I would have to pay the installation fee twice if I upgraded when the dual-tuner model is available, and she said nobody knows. I decided to hold off for now.

why would you hold off? what if the dual tuner is held off longer than expected? I need recording capabilities now!

Just checked my comcast voicemail on my comcast digital phone service and there was no message :( I am hoping they call me.

Any from Arlington on here? If so, are you on HRC? Thanks!

Chris

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
why would you hold off?

Because I am not willing to pay the installation fee twice. If I can be assured I can upgrade without paying the installation fee again, I'll go ahead and order it, but not until then. Of course, I'd really prefer not to pay an installation fee at all...

what if the dual tuner is held off longer than expected? I need recording capabilities now!

I've lived without it this long, I can wait a few more months.

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
I just got called by Comcast and the guy said the HD DVR is ready and told me it would be $15.99 for installation and $7 more for the service! He did not know which model# the stb is but said it has 30 hours of recording. They are coming 6/10/04 between 3-5 pm. Did anyone else get called? Its been too quiet around here!

Can you avoid that install fee by swapping the box out yourself at the local Comcast location?

-JR

The frequency in Arlington is IRC. Also for those with questions on DVR, you cannot pick up DCT 6208 converters at the walk in ctr and they only have about 3500 converters available in New England and almost 5000 requests for them. HD converters record 50 hrs of dgtl programs, 30 grs of analog & 7-8 hr for HD shows (depending on the bit rate from the networks).

finally! install scheduled for tomorrow.

Originally posted by CMG1976
........they only have about 3500 converters available in New England and almost 5000 requests for them. Here's hoping 1500 of those feel the same way jdbnh does.

Yeah no kidding because I want one now.
Xbox, how long ago where you put on the waiting list?
FREAK!

Very recently, I don't know the exact date but go back a few pages here and you'll know when!

Also I made a mistake about it being $7 more for the service, it is $8. I just got excited and came on here to let everyone know!

Avic, if you had anything to do with me getting one, I thank you very much! If you need a favor for anything let me know!

Also, scorchedangel and therob006, if you guys had something to with I also thank you both! You guys are a great help!

Got "THE CALL" today... DVR install schd for Sat. They didn't mention install fee or increase in monthly feel for that matter.... If they bill me will contest install fee......

espn's premiere of the new HD sportscenter looked great and it looks like they finally got rid of stretch-o-vision; the sd broadcasts now have the HD sidebars, hope they keep it that way. nesn should do the same when Comcast maps them their own HD channel in the fall.

Originally posted by avic
espn's premiere of the new HD sportscenter looked great and it looks like they finally got rid of stretch-o-vision; the sd broadcasts now have the HD sidebars, hope they keep it that way. nesn should do the same when Comcast maps them their own HD channel in the fall.


I too saw that last night - what an improvement! I'll take the sidebars (even with the fancy schmancy border) over stretch-o-vision any day...

So does this mean that the new ESPN production facility is done? If so, have any more announcements come out regarding increases their HD game broadcasts?

Did anyone receive a call in and around Waltham for the DVR Box???

Also...can anyone suggest a local TV and sound calibration service?

While setting up my install for the 6208 I asked if the next generation Moto box will be available in the fall and would I pay an additional install fee. The answer was that Comcast would be switching to a Scientific Atlanta SA 8000 in the fall and no additional install fee would be charged.

Thought this may be of some interest here.

JTMav

That is interesting...
Got my call. Box to be 'installed' friday. I jumped on their 19.99 for 6 months net access at the same time.
FREAK!

Originally posted by YesJim
So does this mean that the new ESPN production facility is done? If so, have any more announcements come out regarding increases their HD game broadcasts?

I would think the limiting factor there is the scarcity of HD production trucks. I read a press release from some company (forgot the name) yesterday that is supposed to be the leader in the field. Out of their fleet of 47 trucks, a couple are HD. The release was to announce that they would build two more in '04, and three in '05. This is going to be a long process, IMHO.

You right, Bob, a long time if the networks have to pay for multiple mobile units. One would think that local "arenas" would have to start installing HD broadcast gear and cameras that any network could use if live HD sports are going to be more than once or twice per week per network. Although is the problem is the source of the gear, then it doesn't matter who pays for them.

larry

I just got called for the 6208 here in Southern NH. Install Friday.

Also just got notice today that I got selected for Patriots Season Tickets.

It's been a pretty good week!

you bastard! How long were you on the waiting list???
FREAK!

Has anyone gotten a call and not been home ? Does comcast leave voicemail and a number to call back ?

Originally posted by metallicafreak
you bastard! How long were you on the waiting list???
FREAK!

8 years. I had moved to San Francisco and just moved back 6 months ago. I called to update my address yesterday and was offered tickets :-)

I got my 6208 installed this morning and am using a DVI cable and see a slight improvement in picture quality. They used my install as a training session for 2 technicians as they hadn't installed a 6208 yet. I called last Thursday, was never on a list and said they'd be here between 9-11 and got here at 8:45.
The supervisor said Discovery HD should be on tap by the end of July. The tech also said that I should get 30 hours on HD and 50-60 on SD. I did a test recording of Bruce Almighty in HD while I was at work which was 105 minutes. It said I used 15% of space. So if my math is correct its just under 11 hours of capacity in HD.

Damn! 8 years? Guess I have a long way to go. Been on this list 1 season so far. I figured it would be a while.
I don't see why they would need to train to hook it up. It is just a box swap.
FREAK!

Its not training to hook it up, its probably training on the functionality of it, since the Guide & Menu is a little different & some of the standard functionality is different from the original Gemstar Guide......don't forget not all customers are all that savvy with new technology so they have to be told how things work. If Comcast didn't train the techs then the forums would be complaining about that.......

Even then tech was not correct about the hours.......

30 hrs analog
30-50 SD (digital cable)
7-11 hrs of HD
15 sec instant replay SD
3-4 sec instant replay HD
1 hr buffer SD
15 min buffer HD

I started the DCT DVR info pages see below......

Originally posted by dozens
Has anyone gotten a call and not been home ? Does comcast leave voicemail and a number to call back ?

No, they don't, and my caller ID box lists them as "unknown caller". I usually don't pick up for "unknown callers", but I had a hunch it might be them so I picked up the third time that happened yesterday afternoon and sure enough it was them. i'm scheduled for Fri morning.

Came home from work yesterday - had a message on the machine saying my box was in. Called back and they scheduled me for 8-11 this morning.
Stan

They left a message on my voice mail with a number to call back. I spoke to Linda who was very nice.
FREAK!

Got the call twice yesterday and missed it...called sales at night and asked them to leave an email for the guy who called...

he did call today to schedule the install for tomorrow....

Is it possible to upgrade the hard drive on it??

I wouldn't suggest cracking open the box... you break it, you buy it... and from my understanding they aren't cheap.

Originally posted by onkyoguy


Is it possible to upgrade the hard drive on it??

I wouldn't after all you don't own it like a TIVO or Replay, you just "rent" it like any other cable box......

How does the HD playback look after it's been recorded?

-JR

The HD recordings on the 6208 looks very good, the same or nearly so as watching live.

Watching on DLP.

Rich N.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
I wouldn't suggest cracking open the box... you break it, you buy it... and from my understanding they aren't cheap.

what is your understanding on how non-cheap they are? i've never seen them listed for sale anywhere.

given what a DISH 9000 costs, it might be way more cost-effective to go cable with a 6208 and upgrade the HD (for example).

doody.

You cannot open the box- it is not your property. If you do you'll not only have to pay for it, but risk losing your cable service altogether. External harddrive support might be added somewhere down the line- the boxes do support it. Also, we should be able to purchase our own boxes in the next year or so.

As for digital broadcasts, they are exactly the same off the harddrive as broadcast- so if you're seeing something different, then you have a technical issue.

Originally posted by raidbuck
The HD recordings on the 6208 looks very good, the same or nearly so as watching live.

Watching on DLP.

Rich N.

Thanks for the info! :)

-JR

I noticed this morning that FOX-DT is now true HD my Mits QAM tuner has always displayed "SD 16:9" this morning is displayed "Standard HD" same as PBS, ABC, NBC, and ABC.

I lost sound on ESPN HD right after the blackout for the Sox game

Anyone else had a problem??....I live in Waltham

Originally posted by FAiello
I noticed this morning that FOX-DT is now true HD my Mits QAM tuner has always displayed "SD 16:9" this morning is displayed "Standard HD" same as PBS, ABC, NBC, and ABC.
My guess is that this is just a local station upconvert. I don't believe Fox is actually broadcasting any HD material at this time.

WFXT-DT is sending out everything @ 720p, although there won't be HD until Sept.

To those of you getting the 6208 now: Has anyone tried to see if Comcast will let you pick one up and install it yourself?

Mickey

doesn't hurt to try but my understanding is that you can't get one unless they call you. and they call you if you were on a list which was populated by the online form on their website. if u do get called then they will set up an install appointment.

I tried to call Comcast today and see if I could get a 6208. The guy explained that there was already a waiting list, and put me on it. He said that I should get a call the first week of July.

He explained that the ones out now were part of a soft rollout/beta-testing, and Comcast was going to monitor them closely to assist with any troubleshooting, etc.

He also mentioned that in early July they will be releasing a dual dvr or something, I wish I remember what he said...but I don't. :( He told me that they were only releasing a few 6208's because they were going to be beta-testing them alongside the new "dual" stb.

I hope that...helps? :)

-JR

Ok, I just got my 6208 installed and the guide is much better than the 6200, looks better and more responsive! Recording looks the same as the live broadcast!

I have one problem, INHD2 is pixelating and freezing up every time I tune to the channel! The tech said my signal isn't that good, he said its at C-13 or something like that! He said if there was any problem within the next couple of days to call and set up an amplifier to boost the signal! Never heard of that but i'm not familiar with signal strenght on cable. He asked if I had any problems with 6200 and I said no but I did have trrouble with the 5100 when comcast rolled out HD in my area.

Anyone else have any issues with INHD2 before I hit the panic button tomorrow and call to have a tech come out!

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
Ok, I just got my 6208 installed and the guide is much better than the 6200, looks better and more responsive! Recording looks the same as the live broadcast!

I have one problem, INHD2 is pixelating and freezing up every time I tune to the channel! The tech said my signal isn't that good, he said its at C-13 or something like that! He said if there was any problem within the next couple of days to call and set up an amplifier to boost the signal! Never heard of that but i'm not familiar with signal strenght on cable. He asked if I had any problems with 6200 and I said no but I did have trrouble with the 5100 when comcast rolled out HD in my area.

Anyone else have any issues with INHD2 before I hit the panic button tomorrow and call to have a tech come out!

Try pressing the Replay button and then a second later the Live button to see if the pixellation disappears immediately. I am guessing that you are referring to pixellation upon tuning the channel.

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
Ok, I just got my 6208 installed and the guide is much better than the 6200, looks better and more responsive! Recording looks the same as the live broadcast!

I have one problem, INHD2 is pixelating and freezing up every time I tune to the channel! The tech said my signal isn't that good, he said its at C-13 or something like that! He said if there was any problem within the next couple of days to call and set up an amplifier to boost the signal! Never heard of that but i'm not familiar with signal strenght on cable. He asked if I had any problems with 6200 and I said no but I did have trrouble with the 5100 when comcast rolled out HD in my area.

Anyone else have any issues with INHD2 before I hit the panic button tomorrow and call to have a tech come out!

I think this is a "known" problem. When changing HD channels there can be tiling. I read taht if you pause the live tv for a few seconds then resume you will see a normal picture. The problem has something to do with the live buffer and switching HD channels.

My comcast reception is terrible today on all the HD channels. Definitely excessive pixelation and even audio dropouts. At first, I thought it was a NESN problem (on 882) but it is happening on all the channels. Anyone else having this problem tonight. I have not had this problem before.

Best Regards,
- Hal

I am also having pixelation and sound issues with HD channels...

Response time between changing channels has gone up significantly..Is the hard drive causing the delay??

I did record the Sox game for an hour and the playback was flawless..

Hi,
Live in the Seacoast of NH area. Just got a Pioneer 50" Plasma (PDP-503CMX) and HDTV with Comcast. I have the optional PDA-5002 card since the screen normally doesn't have any DVI-d inputs. But I still can't use the damn thing unless I use S-Video because the PDA-5002 card doesn't have HDCP but comcast boxes output that way! PLEASE HELP, I've looked around the internet and found no solutions to this problem, does anyone have advice?

Thanks...

If the DVI connection isn't HDCP compatible... there is no work around. It plain won't work. I'd take that PDA card back and tell them to either give you an HDCP compliant card or (I dunno if this is possible) but give you a component video card. If this is a fairly recent HDTV, I'm surprised that their DVI isn't HDCP compliant.

I just get pixelation and freezes right when I tune to a HD channnel, after a few seconds it goes away and the picture is fine. The hard drive sounds like its doing something when you change channels! The guide is fast and nicer looking than 5100 and 6200 but when you change channels its not as fast but its no big deal!

Can you report any issues here if you are having the pixelation problems when changing channels! It seems it does it mostly on the INHD channels.

There is a known bug with 7.10 on the 6208s that causes tiling on the HD channels for the first 10-30 seconds. It'll clear up and get back to normal though. Supposedly its going to be fixed in the next firmware release.

I am back to 7.07 after they installed the 6208...

Is it more of a buffer issue thru the hard drive which is why it takes time to fix the pixels and sound...???

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
There is a known bug with 7.10 on the 6208s that causes tiling on the HD channels for the first 10-30 seconds. It'll clear up and get back to normal though. Supposedly its going to be fixed in the next firmware release.

Thanks thats good to know! I thought I might have a faulty box!


onkyoguy

My 6208 came with 7.10, i'm surprised yours came with 7.07!

Avic how are you liking your new box?:)

So pixilation is 'normal' with 7.10 then? The installers are here now and are checking all wiring from the pole in..Should I just kick them out then? InHD1 and 2 were very bad. The other premiums were not too bad.

FREAK!

thats what I was having and still having problems with!
After about 10 seconds the picture is normal!

Also ask the tech if there are promo deals!
They gave me Digital gold for free for 3 months!:D

I just called comcast and asked about the DVR for the very 1st time. I was told i could get one installed Monday between 9-11AM.

So it looks like there is absolutely no wait, at least in the Beverly, MA area.

Originally posted by rahulp
I just called comcast and asked about the DVR for the very 1st time. I was told i could get one installed Monday between 9-11AM.

So it looks like there is absolutely no wait, at least in the Beverly, MA area.

Interesting. When I called they put me on a massive waiting list. I called yesterday. I'm in Boston, maybe that's why? I'll call again today and see what happens, you never know. :)

*update* I just called, and again was put on a waiting list. The woman let me know that they were trying to keep the release "quiet", since the manufacturer hadn't supplied enough boxes for release. ;)

-JR

Well, install is done. I ghave the pixilation too. Is there an ETA on the Fix? It isn't a big.
FREAK!

Anyone else notice analog channels look worse with the new DVR box. I thimk my 5100 looked better 2-99. Also slooooooow channel surfing

Originally posted by doabbs
Hi,
Live in the Seacoast of NH area. Just got a Pioneer 50" Plasma (PDP-503CMX) and HDTV with Comcast. I have the optional PDA-5002 card since the screen normally doesn't have any DVI-d inputs. But I still can't use the damn thing unless I use S-Video because the PDA-5002 card doesn't have HDCP but comcast boxes output that way! PLEASE HELP, I've looked around the internet and found no solutions to this problem, does anyone have advice?

Thanks...

Hi Doabbs,

As ScoopHD said, if the card is not HDCP compliant, you cannot get around it. The PDA5002 is not HDCP compliant. You can replace it with Aurora A303 or A304 card and you will have DVI with HDCP.

I've PIO 433 with A303. I'm assuming your 503 inputs (on the monitor itself) are same as mine. Input 2 should be component input and you can use this for HDTV. Input 1 (PC input) can also be used with component out from your STB, although you would need an adapter cable.

You can also get more information if you go to Plasma and LCD forum and read the Pio FAQs.

i heard that the "always-on HDCP" issue is a bug, but it's been weeks now, with at least one f/w upgrade (if not more) and it ain't fixed still. the cynic in me thinks that they probably flipped it on to avoid any potential legal issue with the content owners. i hope i'm wrong and they fix it, but

the aurora cards are not per se replacements for the PDA5002 card. they will accomplish your goal, but not elegantly, with picture quality potentially suffering a bit. still better than S Video, that's for sure.

as best we can tell, pioneer will not be releasing an HDCP-compatible PDA5002 replacement card. we are hosed.

doody.

Originally posted by rahulp
I just called comcast and asked about the DVR for the very 1st time. I was told i could get one installed Monday between 9-11AM.

So it looks like there is absolutely no wait, at least in the Beverly, MA area.

Sorry.. False alarm. I called Comcast back to double check I was getting the DVR on Monday. Apparently the CSR I spoke to that set up the appointment had no idea what she was doing.

As a result I too am on the dreaded waiting list! BTW the guy i spoke to who seemed to know what he was talking about said that there is no installation fee.

Originally posted by JTMav
Anyone else notice analog channels look worse with the new DVR box. I thimk my 5100 looked better 2-99. Also slooooooow channel surfing

I have heard that comment as well but I don't see a noticeable difference (at least to me) on the non-HD material. You can experiment with the 4:3 override settings to see what looks best to you, options are OFF, 480i and 480p.

Another approach is to try the Svideo for the lower channels. Some people like that better.

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
Avic how are you liking your new box?:)
love it, pixelation a bit on HD as well so hopefully they'll get 7.20? released soon. mine came with 7.10 as well. otherwise it's awesome to hit that pause button on the HD channels! guide color scheme option is a nice touch and hopefully they'll get rid of the ads at some point but i'm still dreaming of moxi.

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
Avic how are you liking your new box?:)

I'm southwest of Boston in the jurisdiction of Comcast's Foxboro office. I stuck myself on a waiting list for a Moto DVR STB a couple of months ago. On Tuesday I received a call from Comcast that the DVRs had arrived and that I could have one delivered the next afternoon. When Comcast didn't show up, I called the 800 number, and, to make a long story short, the manager that ended up with me on the phone said that the local office had scheduled the appointment on speculation that the boxes were about to arrive that day and hadn't called me when they were late because they still had hopes. I'll spare you my reaction to that story. Anyway, many apologies followed, with a promise that I would get a call as soon as they arrived, probably on Thursday. I offered to pick it up and install it myself just to make matters easier, but Comcast wanted the "technicians" to do the first installations so that they could get familiar with the unit. Yikes, none of the connections on the DVR boxes is any different from the previous HD boxes, and the DVR features are well mapped on the remote and the literature. Whatever.

Well, lo and behold, this same manager called back not long afterward to say that my DVR would definitely be delivered on Thursday morning. It was. I set it up (the 6208) and explained to the "technician"--a very nice guy, I should add--how it worked etc. Apparently, mine is the first in the area, and the 6408 is not far behind, possibly a month or so away. We both expressed a bit of shock about this strange rollout.

As some people have observed, there is some pixelliztion when switching channels due to the lag time of the hard drive. I haven't found a pattern to it as yet. Unlike at least one other person on this forum, my first impression about the picture quality of the HD channels (particularly, with INHD's Red Sox games) is that it looks better than ever, but I won't swear to it. Let's be safe and say that I don't notice any degradtion beyond the artifacts that accompany the slow setup of the channels. The TV guide inteface on this box is a little more elegant than its predecessor's--thank God. I'll post more info when I've had time to put this thing through its paces, if anyone is interested.

Ed

Picture quality will not change going from a 5100/6200 to a 6208. The digital stream (the 0s and 1s) coming in that make up the MPEG-2 stream are written to the hard drive exactly as they come in. The only differences in PQ you will notice would be with analog channels that have to be MPEG-2 encoded on the fly. So, for those of you who see a difference in HD between your 5100/6200 and your 6208... either you are optimistic (for those who think it looks better), pessimistic (for those who think it looks worse), or need a new TV because your TV is on the fritz. :)

scoops: so channels 2-99 are encoded on the fly? those are all analog still right?

Most are analog yes, I think some of the premiums that are in the 2 digits are digital. You can find out for sure by tuning to the channel, shutting off your box and going into the diags menu. Then goto current channel status and it tells you about the current channel you are tuned to. But yes, like the Replay and Tivo units, the 6208 encodes analog signals into MPEG-2 digital format pretty much on the fly.

Also, that 1-2 second delay in switching channels is the 6208 buffering the incoming stream to the hard drive. Same thing you get on a Tivo or Replay. (I have 2 Replays, a Tivo, and a 6208, so have alot of comparison).

oooh, can't turn it off while it is recording. I assume that means that it must also be on to record. That is the only bad thing I have noticed otherwise, butt kicking..
FREAK!

Setup:

40xbr800
6200 box (6208 arriving Tuesday)
Onkyo 770 HTIB
Zenith DVB318 DVD

All video bypasses the receiver and goes directly to the tv. Component and optical audio cables for the DVD and DVI / optical audio for the 6200 box.

Problem:
On the high definition channels (800's), I notice a very subtle but annoying vertical reddish bar that moves from the right to the left of the screen. It is much more noticable against a completely dark background, for example when looking at blackened HD Movie channel. I have not paid close attention to see if this happens on analog channels. My Speakers are all sheilded but it happens even with my Theater system shut off. Does anyone have any idea what this is? confused: Thanks!

Originally posted by metallicafreak
oooh, can't turn it off while it is recording. I assume that means that it must also be on to record. That is the only bad thing I have noticed otherwise, butt kicking..
FREAK! that's a problem for me since i'd like to use the 'all on' button to power tv and receiver on and off. not to mention i can't tell when the box is off since i use the time display. so i may miss scheduled recording as a result. there should be a way to bypass it somehow.

Originally posted by rahulp
I just called comcast and asked about the DVR for the very 1st time. I was told i could get one installed Monday between 9-11AM.

So it looks like there is absolutely no wait, at least in the Beverly, MA area.

B@stards. They told me no can do in Boxborough. Not available. I'll get a call .....

Freak, good luck.

on the 6208 users thread, I asked about it being powered on or off to recorded timed events. The reply was that it will turn itself on to record an event then turn itself off.
FREAK!

Originally posted by metallicafreak
on the 6208 users thread, I asked about it being powered on or off to recorded timed events. The reply was that it will turn itself on to record an event then turn itself off.
FREAK!

What 6208 thread ? There are few but any of them worthwhile following ?

not true, this new one is good.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=360043&perpage=20&highlight=6208&pagenumber=10

INHD2 is still running NESN programming from last night and looks like will continue for hours and hours even though the sox are on fox today and espn tomorrow. next nesn game wont be on until tuesday. Comcast really sucks on this, i don't see what's do difficult about switching the thing back after the game. or at least within a day of it being over.

I got put on this list this morning, CSR said they "weren't available" in Marlborough yet. I'll ask when they call about how far away the 6408 is, if it's only a month I'll probably just wait for it.

i believe it's the 6412 with the bigger drive

Originally posted by ashridharani
Hi Doabbs,

As ScoopHD said, if the card is not HDCP compliant, you cannot get around it. The PDA5002 is not HDCP compliant. You can replace it with Aurora A303 or A304 card and you will have DVI with HDCP.

I've PIO 433 with A303. I'm assuming your 503 inputs (on the monitor itself) are same as mine. Input 2 should be component input and you can use this for HDTV. Input 1 (PC input) can also be used with component out from your STB, although you would need an adapter cable.

You can also get more information if you go to Plasma and LCD forum and read the Pio FAQs.
Hi,
I ended up getting a A304 card and installed it yesterday, the DVI-d output works but only on HD channels, so I have the S-Video cable hooked up for the non HD channels. Switching back and forth is a pain though. Ashridharani, would you be willing to talk more at length about the menu settings (A303 display, A303 input, and 433 menu settings you use with Comcast HDTV to get the picture to fit right and everything?

Thanks for you help.

I have a couple of questions, can anyone help me so I don't I have to sit at my pc all day and scroll through 146 pages of replies.

I'm buying an HD set this week and can't decide between widescreen or 4:3.

BOSTON SPECIFIC
Are the sox games on NESN in full 16:9 or 4:3?

HD PROGRAMING
Are prime time shows on the major statios (4,5,7) in 16:9 or 4:3?

If I stretch a 4:3 show to full screen on a 16:9 set will it still be in HD, just with some distortion?

Thanks,
Dave in Waltham

If you are buying HD, buy widescreen. Standard spec for HD content is 16:9.

Dave:

Definitely buy widescreen. Red Sox home games on NESN are in HD, most scripted network shows are too (but not reality or late-night except for Leno). More and more shows will be HD over time, and those will show up letterboxed on a 4:3 set.

If you stretch a 4:3 picture to 16:9, it will look awful. A 4:3 program on an HD channel looks better than it would look on a non-HD channel, but if you stretch it it will look worse (ESPN finally figured that out). If the picture was composed for 4:3 originally, then that is how it looks best.

Thanks for the quick responses.

This is what I watch:

1 Almost every sox game (football in fall)
2 ESPN
3 Simpsons/Sienfeld re-runs on fox
4 Some prime time tv (occassional King of Queens and so forth)
5 DVDs
0
I'm going to get either the 32 4:3 Sanyo at Walmart or the 30 16:9 Sanyo at Walmart.

Is a 30 widescreen too small to take advantage of programming that's out there now?

Depends on on your room size! If your tv set will be 10 feet or more for viewing, the larger the better! I sit 14 feet from tv and I got a 51 inch tv! 16x9 is the only way to go!

If you get the 32" 4:3 model the bottom of the page at the following site will show you what the picture and black bars will look like Aspect Ratios (http://www.thedigitalbits.com/articles/anamorphic/aspectratios/widescreenorama.html) . The picture on the left would include Red Sox HD home games, King of Queens and other prime time network HD shows and most DVD's. So the actual picture measured diagonally would be only around 30 inches.

The picture on the right would be any DVD or broadcast movie that was shot in a super widescreen format and shown in it's original aspect ratio.

On the other hand, if you get the 30" widescreen model, then Red Sox away games and your older sitcom reruns will have black or grey pillar bars on the sides.

If you can get Comcast Digital HD in your town, the lineup is excellent and can include ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, ESPN, INHD, INHD2, HBO, SHO, MAX, STARZ and soon, Discovery HD

I have had my new 6208 since last Tuesday and have had 2 problems. When turning the box and tv on the first time each day, I get no picture on the DVI input, only the analog input. Once I unplug the box and plug it back in it works. Kind of a pain as I lose the guide info as it has to download it again. Also, occaisonally on the Analog channels I get nothing but snow and just have to turn off the box and turn it back on. Anyone else having this problem?

Originally posted by doabbs
Hi,
I ended up getting a A304 card and installed it yesterday, the DVI-d output works but only on HD channels, so I have the S-Video cable hooked up for the non HD channels. Switching back and forth is a pain though. Ashridharani, would you be willing to talk more at length about the menu settings (A303 display, A303 input, and 433 menu settings you use with Comcast HDTV to get the picture to fit right and everything?

Thanks for you help.


Hi Doabbs,

If you want to PM me and I can walk you through what my set-up is...which hopefully may be be a good starting point for you.

anyone with a 6208 able to access ondemand premium channels? i still cannot and comcast is looking into it with no answer so far. i've read others resporting same.

I thought all NESN games were in HD, not just games at Fenway.

Are there any programs broadcast in HD with the 4:3 ar?

BTW, I do have Comcast right now and I'll have to get the box to enjpy NESN in HD, right?

Sorry for all the newb questions, it's just that I'm really close to buying one or the other (WS or 4:3) and until today I was thinking 4:3 all the way.

I was taking gaming into effect, but I'm probably going to send my 27" sony analog to the second bedroom/video game room.

right now my couch is about 7-8 feet from the TV.

aaarrrggghhhh, why can't I make up my mind???!!!!

If you have an Xbox, the Xbox supports resolutions up to HD (if the game does) and widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio.

No such thing as 4:3 HD......HD is 16:9 only.....30" Wide screen is perfect for 7-8 ft away......DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT BUY A 4:3 TV..... if your even remotely serious about watching HD....4:3 material on an WS HDTV doesn't have to have bars on it.....most TV's will allow for a non-linear stretch to fit the 16:9 format with minimal picture distortion.......DON'T BUY A 4:3 You will regret it........

Was it just me or did the sox game on espn look a lot better than typical espn HD productions? It was a lot cleaner than most programming I've seen on espn HD.

Originally posted by sixdoubleseven
I thought all NESN games were in HD, not just games at Fenway.

Are there any programs broadcast in HD with the 4:3 ar?

BTW, I do have Comcast right now and I'll have to get the box to enjpy NESN in HD, right?

Sorry for all the newb questions, it's just that I'm really close to buying one or the other (WS or 4:3) and until today I was thinking 4:3 all the way.

I was taking gaming into effect, but I'm probably going to send my 27" sony analog to the second bedroom/video game room.

right now my couch is about 7-8 feet from the TV.

aaarrrggghhhh, why can't I make up my mind???!!!!

I've got a 30" Toshy HD set and have very similar viewing habits (a little more emphasis on SPORTS but lots 'o movies too). I agree with MIATASM that WS is the way to go at this point. HD material on the 30" looks fantastic at your viewing distance (and I personally don't mind it a little further away if I have company!). Most current sets have decent stretch modes for the non-HD stuff to make it workable - they stretch the edges of the picture and leave the middle close to normal - although I can't speak for Sanyo's stretch modes.

The non-HD material on just about every HD TV will look worse than an older quality analog set but with HD on the rise it's worth it. DVD's look great especially 1.85:1 aspect films and the 2.35:1 full cinema pics have smaller bars to deal with than on a 4:3 set.

As mentioned elsewhere, bigger IS better but if you're like me and have either space issues (or issues with spending > $1500 for a set) a 30" is a good replacement for a 27" box.

Thanks to all for the advise. I figure I can buy the 30" ws and test it out for a week or so, and if I find it too small, I'll return it and pick up the 32 4:3.

For anyone who's interested, Wednesday's Chronicle (7:30 on 805, on the theme of spring) will be in HD.

Originally posted by avic
anyone with a 6208 able to access ondemand premium channels? i still cannot and comcast is looking into it with no answer so far. i've read others resporting same.

Yup! I didn't realize it until you mentioned it!:(

My plan was to drop HBO after the Sopranos and Deadwood but now that I have 6208 I think I will keep a premium channel. My question is which one ? I only watch HD tv now :) So the fact the Comcast has 7 HBOs doesn't matter. I am thinking of switching to Starz, I heard the LOTR:TTT is coming on 6/20. Anyone know if it will cost money to switch my premium channel ? I have the Digital Silver package.

I don't believe they charge to switch premium channels but I may be wrong!
When they installed my 6208 this past week, they gave me Digital Gold free for 3 months! You should call and ask, wouldn't hurt!

I had the problem of losing premium on-demand channels after a box swap (5100->6200) and it happened again with 6200->6208. I had to go through several CS calls and home visits because they couldn't figure it out and kept blaming something or someone else (the box is bad, the on-demand people are bad etc.). Finally, the installer got sick of no one being able to fix it and got ahold of someone who knew what do. Supposedly they had to

"entirely remove my digital gold service and the new box from my account together, and then re-add them together _on the same workorder_"

and it worked. I called up this time around when it was broken again, and asked them to do what they did last time - she looked it up and it worked this time as well.

on July 13 one can hope that Golf Channel goes to Ch 99 and that should free up the analog spce from CH73-94 for digital uses... in most Boston area head ends. Also, do you think Comcast will bid on Aldelpia's properties in East Mass. and NH?

they tried that with my box, i had a grandfathered package which they thought may have been causing the problem with the newer codes. they upgraded the account to platinum and sent a hit to the box, it did a "Dl" and when it was done it had reset the user settings and now showed all the premium channels i subscribe to BUT still no ondemand premiun access, even 24 hrs later. for those of you experiencing same issue, i was told they hope to have it worked out by tomorrow.

Well, good luck then. Several hits to the box and a change in just my premium packages, etc... did nothing for me. I was told half a dozen times that "It'll be fixed in the next day or so" - about three weeks worth of time. Apparently whatever they did to fix it is atypical - the CSRs that looked it up this time around both said "Oh that's what they did - that's strange". But it works. For whatever reason they had to specifically mess around with the subscription and box codes together, on and off, not just one or the other which they had always tried to do before.

seems they need to find a permanent fix or they'll have a big problem on their hands come DVR hard launch. but i'll mention what u said if they don't have it working by tomorrow.

Comcast signed a deal with Discovery HD!:D
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=411507

but do we have enough bandwidth for it is the ?

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
I don't believe they charge to switch premium channels but I may be wrong!
When they installed my 6208 this past week, they gave me Digital Gold free for 3 months! You should call and ask, wouldn't hurt!

I called and asked and was told it would $1.99 to switch for about 30 second of work :) I can see the need for charging, otherwise people could switch daily but maybe Comcast should consider 1 free switch a month.

When do the premiums (minus HBO) go digital only? July sometime?

That's probably when we'll get Disc-HD.

Adapter question:

Does anyone know of any adapters that can either be plugged onto the end of a DVI connection or into the back of the TV to make the connection HDCP compliant?

I know that you can replace the entire video card in some TVs, however I am curious if an adapter does exist that can do that instead.

If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

Originally posted by scorchedangel
Adapter question:

Does anyone know of any adapters that can either be plugged onto the end of a DVI connection or into the back of the TV to make the connection HDCP compliant?

I know that you can replace the entire video card in some TVs, however I am curious if an adapter does exist that can do that instead.

If anyone can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

I would not expect you find such a device. If they exist then you could also use it to hook up to your PC and capture video and defeat the whole purpose of HDCP.

FYI, OnDemand now works on my 6208!

Is bandwidth an issue here in Boston?

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
FYI, OnDemand now works on my 6208!

Is bandwidth an issue here in Boston?

I believe bandwidth is an issue here. When they initially added CBS, they had to remove InHD2 for a couple weeks until they removed two HBO analog channels. After this, they added InHD2 back, plus Cinemax-HD and Starz-HD, taking up 3/4 of the available space. They've also added 3 PBS digital channels, NBA-TV, Some foreign language stations such as Gol-TV, so I expect that they're all out of bandwidth again.

Analog Starz, Cinemax, Showtime, and TMC are supposed to become digital only in July, according to a Globe article a few weeks ago. That should free up enough space to add 8 HD channels, 40 SD channels, or some combination thereof.

Originally posted by jckessler
When do the premiums (minus HBO) go digital only? July sometime?

That's probably when we'll get Disc-HD.

I agree....it's listed on this month's bill. I think it is July 15.

Originally posted by dozens
I would not expect you find such a device. If they exist then you could also use it to hook up to your PC and capture video and defeat the whole purpose of HDCP.


I guess thats true. Couldn't you also then say for example change the video card on your PC to be HDCP compliant and still be able to copy the content to your PC and then elsewhere?

Still a little hazy on the specifics of this and its exact workings.

Originally posted by scorchedangel
I guess thats true. Couldn't you also then say for example change the video card on your PC to be HDCP compliant and still be able to copy the content to your PC and then elsewhere?

Still a little hazy on the specifics of this and its exact workings.

Have you found a HDCP compliant video card ? I doubt they exist as well.

Had a message light on the box this morning with the OnDemand premium general announcement. They've corrected the problem of losing ondemand premium when switching STB's.

Originally posted by dozens
Have you found a HDCP compliant video card ? I doubt they exist as well.

Thus far I have only seen them when built for an individual TV type. Haven't seen any for computers yet though I haven't looked around a whole lot.

I thought that there was something in the programming's coding that would allow or disallow you to record depending on whether its a premium, pay per view, or general broadcast. I would think that the adapter would then disallow any kind of streaming onto the net or saving to a hard drive. I could be entirely wrong with all of this. Please correct me if I am.

I just got off the phone talking to someone at Comcast.

He told me that all 6208s are being installed with FW 7.07

Does anyone have 7.10 installed on their DVR??

I live in the Waltham area..

He also mentioned a FW upgrade in a few weeks???

mine came with 07.10. and i believe firmware is dependant on your area not the box. as far as a new firmware version, they're working on one to correct the HDCP "handshake" issue 07.20(?) if that is what he was referring to.

7.10 here in Boston
FREAK!

Got my 6208 today :) which is nice, just one quesiton. With my 5200 when I changed to say 805, it would display what audio mode (5.1/Stereo/Digital) I noticed thats missing now, or is there a setting I can change that I have missed. My worry is that I am not configured correctly, but a quick look over all the settings seems to match my 5200 settings..

nope looks like they left that out with this software, though my receiver displays what mode it's being fed. and it looks like the ondemand preview function is gone as well.

According to yesterday's bills, On July 13, analog Starz, Cinemax, Encore, TMC and Showtime will be removed.

This will open up 30Mhz of bandwidth, which can hold 10 HD channels or 50-60 SD channels.

Originally posted by jckessler
According to yesterday's bills, On July 13, analog Starz, Cinemax, Encore, TMC and Showtime will be removed.

This will open up 30Mhz of bandwidth, which can hold 10 HD channels or 50-60 SD channels.

Thats very good to hear!

Does that mean an additional 10 HD channels to what we already have?

Yep. There were already plans in place to have ~30 HD channels by the end of this year.

do that many even exist?

Originally posted by dozens
Have you found a HDCP compliant video card ? I doubt they exist as well.

The new ATI X800 claims to be "HDMI compliant and HDCP ready". I remain skeptical as well, though. :)

Originally posted by DaveFi
Yep. There were already plans in place to have ~30 HD channels by the end of this year.

Yeah, but from what I've been reading over in Programming, Comcast doesn't seem to be moving too aggressively to line up agreements to use that space. If HDNet, Bravo and TNT (no big loss there) are all nowhere near a deal, what will they put there?

From agreements in place they could probably add Encore, TMC, UPN38 and WB56 (owned by Tribune Broadcasting, which has an agreement). With Discovery, that's 5 out of the 10. And supposedly another 8 by year's end? Perhaps they're counting PPV/VOD streams as "channels", or maybe they just want to have the capacity in place for when something they want comes along.

Now as far as I heard Comcast will be doing away with a lot of the analog networks to dgtl feed later this year making room for much more HD/DTV programs. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone. here's the link for the info

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/business/article/0,1299,DRMN_4_2863847,00.html

yes, that's what we've been talking about. and colby i bet they are counting HD VOD as channels otherwise i don't see how they'll reach their said goal.

HD VOD will be cool- hopefully free, or at least affordable. $8 for a PPV movie is just way too expensive.

heard nothing in my neck of the woods.

Putting Starz,Max, Sho and TMC on digital only is long overdue.

Just so you'll know, the national Discovery rollout has started - Baltimore County, MD seems to be the first.

Here's a lineup I could see happening :

300 HBO HD
308 HBO West HD
320 Starz HD
326 Encore HD
360 Showtime HD
370 Showtime West HD
380 TMC HD
802 WGBH -DT
804 WBZ - DT
805 WCVB - DT
807 WHDH - DT
811 WENH DT (PBS Demo channel)
825 WFXT - DT
838 WSBK DT
844 WGBX DT
856 WLVI DT
871 TNT HD
872 Discovery Theatre HD
873 ESPN - HD
874 Bravo HD
881 INHD1
882 INHD2
883 HDnet
884 HDNet Movies
885 NESN HD /Fox Sports NE HD

Originally posted by BobColby
From agreements in place they could probably add Encore, TMC, UPN38 and WB56 (owned by Tribune Broadcasting, which has an agreement).

Hoping to get 38. I LOVE my Enterprise.


With Discovery, that's 5 out of the 10. And supposedly another 8 by year's end? Perhaps they're counting PPV/VOD streams as "channels", or maybe they just want to have the capacity in place for when something they want comes along.

We shall see.

is there a time limit on how long can an ondemand program can be paused for? i get an error message just after about 5 minutes and have to restart from beginning. is this normal?

OnDemand will stay paused for 5 minutes before it releases. If it was a movie you ordered, goto Saved Programs in the OnDemand main menu and you can pick up where you left off. If its a subscription program like HBO/SHO/etc, then you have to restart from the beginning.

yep we got Discovery HD here in Bmore. THey seem to play the same five shows every five hours none of them of in 5.1. But, thats not a complaint just an observation. Just glad to see another HD channel...that makes 13 for us

5 minutes is too short for a bathroom or snack run! it should be something like 10. the auto saved programs for movies is a great idea but should be applied to all ondemand shows. and btw the new software does have an icon for ondemand previews, i had just looked at a few movies that didn't have any.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
OnDemand will stay paused for 5 minutes before it releases. If it was a movie you ordered, goto Saved Programs in the OnDemand main menu and you can pick up where you left off. If its a subscription program like HBO/SHO/etc, then you have to restart from the beginning.


Actually, if you leave a movie paused for 5 minutes whether it's ppv movie or prem subscription movie it will go to saved programs. non-movies will not save if under 60 minutes

Anyone have the pricing booklet? How much does Starz cost seperately? (I don't want to deal with CS just yet)

Originally posted by DaveFi
Anyone have the pricing booklet? How much does Starz cost seperately? (I don't want to deal with CS just yet)





Starz comes with dgtl slv pckg or any other 1 prem channel to choose from of $23.95 for the pckg alone. If you have a dgtl classic (4.95) or plus pckg (9.95), you just add the difference to silver pckg. Unless you also have internet svc or dgtl phone with your svc, in which you will receive a $5 discount off dgtl silver

Originally posted by CMG1976
Starz comes with dgtl slv pckg or any other 1 prem channel to choose from of $23.95 for the pckg alone. If you have a dgtl classic (4.95) or plus pckg (9.95), you just add the difference to silver pckg. Unless you also have internet svc, in which you will receive a $5 discount off dgtl silver

Is that just a long winded way of saying you need to get digital silver package and choose starz as your premium channel ? Or do I not understand something ?

That is confusing. I already have Digital Gold w/SHO & HBO. Encore comes with that package- at least I'll get Encore-HD when they add it.

If it's > $10/mo I probably won't pick it up, although I want a copy of LOTR TTT pretty badly. Already paying way too much for TV.

Originally posted by DaveFi
That is confusing. I already have Digital Gold w/SHO & HBO. Encore comes with that package- at least I'll get Encore-HD when they add it.

If it's > $10/mo I probably won't pick it up, although I want a copy of LOTR TTT pretty badly. Already paying way too much for TV.

DaveFi- Just swap out HBO or SHO for Starz. I have Silver and replaced HBO with Starz and it cost $2. I imagine it would cost $2 to switch back it you only want Starz for this weekend

Good idea. SHO and STARZ seem to be equal on HD content anyways. I'll probably keep STARZ until the new Dead Like Me season starts up.

I didn't realize it was that cheap to switch.

Originally posted by dozens
Is that just a long winded way of saying you need to get digital silver package and choose starz as your premium channel ? Or do I not understand something ?





Well Comcast does have starz as an a la carte for $18.95 with just starz only, but other than that, you need dgtl slv or better.

Originally posted by CMG1976
Starz comes with dgtl slv pckg or any other 1 prem channel to choose from of $23.95 for the pckg alone. If you have a dgtl classic (4.95) or plus pckg (9.95), you just add the difference to silver pckg. Unless you also have internet svc or dgtl phone with your svc, in which you will receive a $5 discount off dgtl silver

not anymore in the Boston market. Otherwise I would settle for Digital gold with HBO and Sho and get starz as well.

If you want HBO,SHO AND Starz you have to get Platinum (which I admit is what I have)

Any idea when the new Sports Tier comes online? I heard its going to be channels like NBA TV, NFL Network, Fox Sports World, Gol TV (English), NESN, Fox Sports New England, Golf Channel, etc.?

My guess after July 13th, Discovery HD, NESN's own HD channel, (not share with InHD2)TMC -HD, Encore -HD, and WLVI WB56 -HD That still leaves room for a couple more with what is been free up this July. Is Fox Sports Net NE already HD, or will it next fall? Also, does anyone know is the Comcast system in Eastern Mass. 750 MHz or 866 Mhz bandwith?

TMC will be the same flicks as SHO. SHO has so little HD content is anyone actually willing to pay for it? I just switched from SHO to STARZ for TTT, after seeing there's not a single thing currently on SHO I want to watch.

There was some press release about FSN NE doing home games in HD "soon" but that was several months ago and I haven't heard anything more recently.

No idea what the total system bandwidth is around here.

The only reason I keep Showtime is boxing.

Originally posted by jckessler
There was some press release about FSN NE doing home games in HD "soon" but that was several months ago and I haven't heard anything more recently.

No idea what the total system bandwidth is around here.

I read in another thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3912746&highlight=canada#post3912746) that WFXT needed permission from the Canadian government to increase it power so it could do 720p. I guess any request that is "close" to the border requires Canada's approval.

I don't think there's any link b/w 720p and power levels, or at least I've never heard of such a thing.

I think both WLVI and WFXT are at low power due to the Canada issue, and not unwillingness of the stations to boost power. Blame Canada!

The only good thing about SHO is they are very good with OAR. If you could combine HBO's content with SHO's OAR, you'd have one good HD channel. ;)

I got a call from Comcast today, I saw it on my caller ID, but they left no message. They were supposed to call me when the new code spin 7.14 was to be released. I wonder if this was that call. Has anyone heard anything on when it is to be released? They originally told me mid to the end of June.

OAR isn't of much use when there's nothing worth watching. STARZ is odd- some OAR, some not, some upconvert, some not. I guess they haven't mayde up their minds yet.

FAiello- they were probably just doing a courtesy call. They do that and don't leave a message. No need to post everytime you see "COMCAST" on your Caller ID.:p

sounds like the new firmware upgrade is imminent (7.14) anyone in southern ma have it yet? this one fixes the 'handshake' hdcp issue and hopefully the 6208 HDD pixelation problem when changing HD channels.

Anybody else having problems with SHO-HD. Last night I noticed it not coming in or when it did it would freeze shortly thereafter. Same thing happening as I write this. Equillibrium is on.... :(

larry

Have you noticed that WGBHDT on channel 802 is NOT WGBH but the PBS HD Demo channel?

Originally posted by PooperScooper
Anybody else having problems with SHO-HD. Last night I noticed it not coming in or when it did it would freeze shortly thereafter. Same thing happening as I write this. Equillibrium is on.... :(

larry yes showtime hd is on the fritz, same thing with 'die another day.'

I watched this last night without issue! I'm over in East Boston!

Does Comcast have any plans for a SD PVR ? Or do I need to use a HD box like the 6208 ?

comcast uses motorola in this market and there is no "SD" DVR from moto. you'll be getting the 6412 when they hard launch DVR service.

Originally posted by avic
comcast uses motorola in this market and there is no "SD" DVR from moto. you'll be getting the 6412 when they hard launch DVR service.

So whatever the SD box is called (DCT 2100 or 3100) will be replaced my the 6412 ? Will it cost more to rent the current digital box ?

Same price as everyone else is paying...... $9.95/month in most markets

Originally posted by miatasm
Same price as everyone else is paying...... $9.95/month in most markets

Is this on Top of the $7.00 currently charged for the 6200?

The monthly for the 6208 is $5.25 now instead of $7.25 so the box fee went down $2 a month but to get PVR you pay $9.95 a month or a net increase of $7.95 a month.

The monthly for the 6208 is $5.25 now instead of $7.25 so the box fee went down $2 a month but to get PVR you pay $9.95 a month or a net increase of $7.95 a month.:confused:

it's a steal! still cheaper than tivo. but they better give me the microsoft ipg to make it really worth it!

How is it cheaper then Tivo ? A single Tivo cost me 12.95 a month. If I understanding correctly it will cost $5.25 + $9.95 = $15.20 a month to rent a DVR from Comcast. I will keep my tivo until it dies or I upgrade that set to HD. If the total cost was say $3 less then Tivo then I could see myself canceling my monthly service and moth-balling the box.

Originally posted by dozens
How is it cheaper then Tivo ? A single Tivo cost me 12.95 a month. If I understanding correctly it will cost $5.25 + $9.95 = $15.20 a month to rent a DVR from Comcast. I will keep my tivo until it dies or I upgrade that set to HD. If the total cost was say $3 less then Tivo then I could see myself canceling my monthly service and moth-balling the box.
The difference is that you must buy the HD-TIVO box (currently around $1,000 bucks). Paying an incremental $10 per month to Comcast to rent the 6208, it would take 100 months to spend as much. That is why it seems to be cheaper.

Mickey

These boxes are still limited in usefuilness to me untill they offer a second tuner and external storage.

LOTR TT Exended is the perfect example of something I'd like to keep on a harddrive, but at 4hrs it will eat up way too much space. Even the 120Gb on the 6412 would be too little.