so what is the latest on that? is it up to comcast to enable that feature?

and if you can't wait you can always spend the $1000 on HD TiVo and spend another $750 at weakness and get a dual-300gb drive with a whopping 77 HD hours. throw your LOTR Trilogy on that and then some.

Some of us can't put up an antenna- but Comcast offers really good services now anyways.

Motorola is talking about enabling the external drive feature, and they'll have to in order to compete. No reason why they shouldn't. If Comcast doesn't offer it on their boxes, somebody else will on a box we can purchase.

I think there's no arguing that most of us would rather have 2 or 3 big external harddrives than 100 DVHS tapes.

I doubt that anyone who is serious about archiving would entrust their carefully built HD library to one or two hard drives.

I believe that the majority of us want an HD DVR for time shifting and if it also provides archiving to tape via firewire, all the better for those that want that.

That said, I wish I were wrong and that the majority feel the way you do and will pass on the 6208 and wait for a dual tuner unit with much more capacity. That would only improve my chances of getting the 6208, which I will grab in the first nanosecond that it becomes available to me.

Has anyone heard anything on exactly when Comcast will make Discovery-HD available in Eastern Mass.?

Mickey

I doubt that anyone who is serious about archiving would entrust their carefully built HD library to one or two hard drives.You are assuming too much. I didn't say I'd put my entire library on harddrive, that's what tapes are for- backup. I would store the material I really want on tape (eventually HDDVD), and everything else on the harddrive.

Another bonus to this setup is that the external harddrives for STBs are seen the same as the internal ones, so there is no DTCP restrictions applied to them- only to the recordings made from them.

I would have to say I would be up for the external HD thingy too. These tapes take up a lot of room and it would be cool to daisey chain drives together to have big time space.
FREAK!

Originally posted by MickeyGee
Has anyone heard anything on exactly when Comcast will make Discovery-HD available in Eastern Mass.?

Mickey probably when they can the analog premiums in july. then not only discovery-hd will come online but i suspect many other channels as well...

DaveFi,

I didn't assume anything. DVR's are for time shifting and the majority of time shifters don't need anywhere near the 200+ hour capacity you were talking about.

While I agree that the 8 hour HD capacity of the 6208 is limited for even the majority of time shifters, external drives are not necessarily the best solution either.

Currently, the D* HD-Tivo and E* 921 are already available with 25 hour HD capacities using a single internal drive. And that's roughly the same capacity that was sold to millions of happy SD DVR customers in previous years.

I think that 25 hous of HD is probably the sweet spot for time shifters and would still allow room to store 3 or 4 of your favorite movies permanently to show off your expensive HD investment when friends or relatives drop by.

Edv,
I owned the 921. 25hours is a nice amount when you are then able off load it or shift it to another HD. I was pissed when E* dumped dishwire as I was all ready to record like crazy. I had about 4-5 movies I was saving for DVHS. It would be very cool to have big capacity so that you could have a sort of HD server to store a bunch of movies.
FREAK!

Anyone getting the Sox pregame on InHD2? It's looks like they forgot to flip the switch (again).

I really hope they move NESN-HD to its own channel next month.

i second that!!! AND hopefully the hardheads at NESN will follow ESPN's lead and STOP stretching 4:3 content. few things make me more irritated than stretch-o-vision. it's just not right. and i was told that there is no switch flipper, its'all programmed ahead of time.

They've finally flipped it over. This whole thing seems like shoestring, 2-bit operation.

If there's not a person as flipper, then there's an idiot programming the switching.

Nice. Now the game is starting, and they are showing stretched SD.

Fantastic.

Fixed now. I can stop my bitching.

Looks like it's still stretched. :( Not only that, when I try to go to 881, it freezes the box and picture.

-JR

I didn't assume anything. DVR's are for time shifting and the majority of time shifters don't need anywhere near the 200+ hour capacity you were talking about.Right. Just like I said I wanted 200+ hours of storage.

why is it stretched tonight?

I think they are having technical difficulties.It happens.

Originally posted by Defraggerman
I think they are having technical difficulties.It happens.

This is @##(* great. I'm looking forward to a nice HD broadcast after the road trip - at most I'd only get to see 2 since the Thursday game is at 1. We all lose the Friday game due to general ineptitude and weekend games during the afternoon are sometimes tough to catch due to daytime errands.

What do I get to see? Stretched 4:3 material, a blacked out feed to INHD and Jerry and Don doing a plug for HD broadcast to Showcase Cinemas. They'd better not be getting the HD feed either....:mad: :mad: :mad:

I was thinking the same thing, are the people at the movie theater getting a HD feed tonight? What a waste if their not! Imagine getting all excited about seeing HD for a first time and you see this crap stretched 4:3 and you paid to see it!

Originally posted by SonyHD
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.?

I would assume NESN and Fox sports NE would stay on analog/Extended basic.

Originally posted by avic
yes showtime hd is on the fritz, same thing with 'die another day.'

and it screwed up again with "Abandon".

I have an old Tivo connected to the RF output and receded this mornings screening (Ithe picture isn't that great but it still recrds and in letterbox format as well) :) but it froze after 20 minutes :(
and i got only a frozen picture and sound. I deleted that file immediatly.

I tried cataching tonight's 7:15 show but it also froze after 20 minutes.

It is a scope film so there is no desire to catach it On Demand

the other channels are OK

They just flipped the switch at the bottom of 7th after the Grand slam!

Originally posted by JuiceRocket
Looks like it's still stretched. :( Not only that, when I try to go to 881, it freezes the box and picture.

-JR

881 is being blacked out as it is the national feed, subject to local blackout in Minnesota and New England. The local feeds are on NESN and NESN-HD.

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
They just flipped the switch at the bottom of 7th after the Grand slam! Nice NESN very nice. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by jckessler
881 is being blacked out as it is the national feed, subject to local blackout in Minnesota and New England. The local feeds are on NESN and NESN-HD.

Actually since the game is from boston the INHD1 feed is actually NESN but without the NESN logo and such.

The only reason for the INHD1 blackout is so we would have to watch NESN ads.

The folks downstairs got a larger HDTV. (larger meaning larger then mine) 42" to my 26" (OTOH they paid 1300 while I only paid 570 for mine (16:9,too))

After showing MY HD box I convinced them to get HD (They don't get any movie channels so no HBOHD Cinemax HD StarzHD or ShowtimeHD for them)

however they have a DVI input so on my recommendation they got a DVI cable instead of the component cables.

They just LOVED the HD setuff but through the DVI cable,all standard channels were in 4:3 letterbox (The set owner likes her screen filled,she dosen't mind black bars on top and bottom for movies but not on the sides.

I reconnected the RF cable and when they choose the RF input (ch 3) the standard channels are all stretched. -They get no digital channrels over 99 in Stereo but they can live with it.

To watch an 800+ channel they go to DVI and just enjoy:)

tell them to get the platinum package, lots of hd movies from hbo, sho, max, tmc, stz...

Originally posted by avic
tell them to get the platinum package, lots of hd movies from hbo, sho, max, tmc, stz...

I have that package but they do not want it downstairs.

anyone heard any news as to when Discovery HD Theatre comes to town?

Logic seems to indicate that Ch 839 would be the place?

My questions are
a)Am I right?
b)When do we get it?
c)What ELSE in coming?

The word I hear is july sometime after a bunch of stuff is switched from analog to digital to free the bandwidth.
FREAK!

I there an official 6208 thread? I did a search but couldn't find one...I thought I'd seen one somewhere.

Cable guy came in today to "install" the 6208. He came in, took it out of the box, and handed it to me. I sat down, plugged it all in, and watched him fumble around on the remote. After a few moments, he told me that he'd just gotten training on it this morning, and didn't remember how to do anything.

He called to ask another person how to set it up...but got nowhere. I finally just told him to take off, there was really nothing he could do, and he had no idea how the box worked.

Can someone let me know why having him deliver a box, open it for me, and then leave after a max of 5 minutes in my apt. cost me an install fee? Time to call Comcast and get that fee removed from my bill.

-JR

Jeez, that's ridiculous. They may as well let you pick one up at the depot....as a matter of fact, I wish they would! ;)

Do you have it working yet?

JDLIVE - It seemed to work. I sat down, plugged everything in, then he turned it on and we stared at HORRIBLE SD PQ. He started looking at the remote...so I asked if I still had all the same channels. He said yes...but didn't really do anything, so I took the remote from him and changed to 882, which looked fantastic.

There was about 5 seconds of odd pixelation, but I think I've read that has been occurring with the DVR box. The HD channels looked good, but the SD channels definitely looked WORSE than on my previous box, the 6200. I quickly browsed through a few, and from what I could remember, 2 or 3 were almost unwatchable.

I asked if I had to wait for anything to download or for the box to update, but he just said that everything should be fine and took off. Like I mentioned, he was really there for roughly 5 minutes. Most of that time was spent unwrapping the box the STB came in.

I thought I'd seen, possibly in this thread, that it took a few hours for their box to update...I'm hoping that will fix the PQ issue I was seeing for the SD channels.

I had to get to work, so I left right after the cable guy did, I didn't get a chance to look at any settings in the STB or even try out the DVR. I get to do that tonight when I get home. :) I called Comcast and they waived my upgrade fee.
-JR

I wouldn't have let him leave until he addressed the SD PQ issues in some meaningful fashion.

I mean, you're obviously paying for him to be there.

anyone else still having SHOWHD problems?!

I haven't had any issues with any HD channels recently! (knock on wood)

Hey guys I need help on this thread, we Bostonians are getting picked on again! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=416183

Originally posted by avic
anyone else still having SHOWHD problems?!

on and off

At least it is not just MY set.

if you are having problems with ShowHD please call Comcast and speak with an HD rep so that they can look into and correct the problem.

804 now has grey side bars, how annoying. who controls that wbz or cbs?

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
Hey guys I need help on this thread, we Bostonians are getting picked on again! http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=416183

No surprise, seeing how you fired the first shot:

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
What the hell is YES?
What crappy team do they show on this?

^^sarcasm, do not take this the wrong way:D


at least Boston has this up on you!


why don't you NJ people get your own team!


Man, what did you expect?:rolleyes:

It looks like there is a special list of preferred customers. A few weeks backs I reported to this thread that I called in to get the 6208 on a Friday and was told I could have it installed the following Monday, which seemed unbelievable givent eh posts on this thread. So I called back to double check and the CSR referred me to a special department that deals with 6208. This person told me no way, it would be several weeks since there was a wait list. Oh well, I said put me on the list.

About a week later I got a call from the local Comcast office and they asked why I chose not to get the 6208 and to call her back!!! (She gave a local number and an extension). Well my wife did not give me this message until last night, so I called the person at Comcast back today. She told me that we were on a list of “preferred” customers and as a result we had access to stuff most other customers did not. As a result we could get the DVR anytime we wanted since we were not subject to the dreaded waitlist. So I now I have an appointment set for this coming Tuesday to get the 6208 installed. She also told me that there is an install charge, which would have liked to waive but she had no code in computer to waive it so she instead gave me a bunch of movie stations for free for a month.

BTW I asked how we got on this list and she told me that it was because we have a certain level of service (digital silver package and internet service) and because we have always paid on time, sort of a reward to good customers. She also told me to always call her specifically and not the general Comcast number for any changes to service since she could provide us with all the perks that preferred customers get.

Crazy, huh?

I will be taking down my D* dish soon because they want to much to upgrade to HD. I have had Sunday Ticket for 5 years now and wanted to watch in HD or not at all. Anyway, will Comcast buy my dish :) Is there anyway to get credit out of them as an existing customer ?

http://www.comcast-ne.com/dump_the_dish.html

Originally posted by rahulp
It looks like there is a special list of preferred customers. A few weeks backs I reported to this thread that I called in to get the 6208 on a Friday and was told I could have it installed the following Monday, which seemed unbelievable givent eh posts on this thread. So I called back to double check and the CSR referred me to a special department that deals with 6208. This person told me no way, it would be several weeks since there was a wait list. Oh well, I said put me on the list.

About a week later I got a call from the local Comcast office and they asked why I chose not to get the 6208 and to call her back!!! (She gave a local number and an extension). Well my wife did not give me this message until last night, so I called the person at Comcast back today. She told me that we were on a list of “preferred” customers and as a result we had access to stuff most other customers did not. As a result we could get the DVR anytime we wanted since we were not subject to the dreaded waitlist. So I now I have an appointment set for this coming Tuesday to get the 6208 installed. She also told me that there is an install charge, which would have liked to waive but she had no code in computer to waive it so she instead gave me a bunch of movie stations for free for a month.

BTW I asked how we got on this list and she told me that it was because we have a certain level of service (digital silver package and internet service) and because we have always paid on time, sort of a reward to good customers. She also told me to always call her specifically and not the general Comcast number for any changes to service since she could provide us with all the perks that preferred customers get.

Crazy, huh?

I SHOULD BE ON THAT LIST!

I have digital Platinum,Internet,AND Phone
I call it the "Comcast Kisses my ass" package. :>

OTOH I would rather wait until thew two tuner DVR comes out. I will be first in line for that. :>

Originally posted by avic
http://www.comcast-ne.com/dump_the_dish.html

Looks like it is for new customers but I will give it a shot.

Is it just me or has the game not been switched yet on NESN/INHD2?

-JR

Friday night games are on UPN38. No HD.

Ah, thanks jc. :)

-JR

Originally posted by metallicafreak
The word I hear is july sometime after a bunch of stuff is switched from analog to digital to free the bandwidth.


July 13 is the date for that.

I need some help here...I had a Comcast tech at my home yesterday to look into the the firmware issue..

He had no idea where to look for the current firmware...mine is 7.07 on a 6208..

He ended up calling his "COACH" and he was informed that all 6208s carry 7.07 and 6200 carry 7.10

Is this really true...or just another way for comcast to avoid too many questions??

My 6208 has 7.10. The firmware version is under menu system. Look for cable box or setup.

Getting Jealous with other Comcast systems raving about Discovery HD. July 14 th cant come soon enough.

Getting Jealous with other Comcast systems raving about Discovery HD. July 14 th cant come soon enough.

Getting Jealous with other Comcast systems raving about Discovery HD. July 14 th cant come soon enough.

Getting Jealous with other Comcast systems raving about Discovery HD. July 14 th cant come soon enough.

QUOTE:
___________________________________________________________
I need some help here...I had a Comcast tech at my home yesterday to look into the the firmware issue..

He had no idea where to look for the current firmware...mine is 7.07 on a 6208..

He ended up calling his "COACH" and he was informed that all 6208s carry 7.07 and 6200 carry 7.10

Is this really true...or just another way for comcast to avoid too many questions??
___________________________________________________________

Some Comcat areas have 7.07 and some have 7.10. There was a bug in 7.10 that causes the pixelization on the HD-DVRs and they backed off the rest of the areas until a patch is deployed. Patiently waiting.....

not to mention the HDCP mess.

Originally posted by deskjockey
QUOTE:
___________________________________________________________
I need some help here...I had a Comcast tech at my home yesterday to look into the the firmware issue..

He had no idea where to look for the current firmware...mine is 7.07 on a 6208..

He ended up calling his "COACH" and he was informed that all 6208s carry 7.07 and 6200 carry 7.10

Is this really true...or just another way for comcast to avoid too many questions??
___________________________________________________________

Some Comcat areas have 7.07 and some have 7.10. There was a bug in 7.10 that causes the pixelization on the HD-DVRs and they backed off the rest of the areas until a patch is deployed. Patiently waiting.....


So I am not the only one....I guess i'll have to wait and see that happens!!

I am one of those with 6208 at 7.10. The pixelation is pretty annoying, and lasts up to 20seconds.

Anyone notice gray blocks mainly on HBO-HD the last few days?

I was going to say it only happens with my JVC 30K turned on, but I noticed it with the DVHS off as well.

haven't noticed hbo just cbs 804, they were black then grey then black this morning now grey again. how friggin annoying, i can't stand grey bars, they're too distracting. now we're left with no choice on the hd channels. which goes back to my unanswered question anyone know who generates the grey bars? affiliate or network?

Originally posted by JDLIVE
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. ;)

An older film recently played on Showtime THe American President in 4:3 mode.

I know this title is in Scope as I have the DVD.

OTOH HBnOWidescreen and Cinemax are starting to show Scope films on HD IN SCOPE.

Why does Showtime present Dead Like Me on On Demand AND Showtime SD in 4:3 when it is a 16:9 series I do not know?

Grey bars are good. Grey is a mix of RGB, so the tubes wear evenly. Otherwise they don't get as much use on the outsides of your widescreen TV. This only applies to certain sets that are vulnerable.

CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY 6208.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
OTOH HBnOWidescreen and Cinemax are starting to show Scope films on HD IN SCOPE.

HBO is "starting" to show movies in OAR? That's news, everything I've read and seen from them indicates just the opposite, that they are doing more cropping and anything in OAR is an old transfer that slipped through before they started hacking.

Why does Showtime present Dead Like Me on On Demand AND Showtime SD in 4:3 when it is a 16:9 series I do not know?

Everything SD is 4:3 AFAIK. Dead Like Me is 16:9, I suppose they could letterbox it, but I would expect you'll have to wait for HD on demand since the only on demand we have now is SD.

Originally posted by onkyoguy
So I am not the only one....I guess i'll have to wait and see that happens!!

You are not the only one. After a week of back and forth will a very helpful CSR (no sarcasm I mean it) who had been informed I should have 7.10 and tried everything to get it on my box, someone finally corrected themselves that the Needham, Newton, Waltham, and a few others would be on 7.07 for another "6-8 weeks". Looks like several more weeks of broken FireWire output for me.

Is anyone having problems with the DVI output not working consistently? At least every 2 days when turning on the box and tv I have lost my DVI. Only by un-plugging the box (6208) and plugging it back in do I get a picture. It's not too bothersome except that I have to wait a couple of hours for the guide to download.

Originally posted by JDLIVE
HBO is "starting" to show movies in OAR? That's news, everything I've read and seen from them indicates just the opposite, that they are doing more cropping and anything in OAR is an old transfer that slipped through before they started hacking.

I have only had HD for a few weeks. I know Charlie's Agnels 2 was in full scope on Cinemax. Logic would seem to indicate that it will be the same on HBO. At one time they used to simucast Sopranos on HBO2 in pan/scan while the main channel was letterboxed. They do not do that any more.
I know the 1.85:1 programming isn't pan/scanned. :)



Everything SD is 4:3 AFAIK. Dead Like Me is 16:9, I suppose they could letterbox it, but I would expect you'll have to wait for HD on demand since the only on demand we have now is SD.

They letterbox Queer as Folk!

Hey Guys- I've been trying to dig through this enormous thread, but I could use a little help - I just got an HD set a few weeks ago but haven't gotten HD cable yet (the wife was so pissed about me getting the TV that she wouldn't let me upgrade the cable package) - I live in boston with Comcast ... do they offer a HD DVR? I wasn't able to find out much on their web-site....if not, do they plan to ever offer one? I've been using a TIVO, so I'm spoiled and probably can't go back to life without a DVR - I'm dying to watch something other than HD-PBS which I'm pulling off the air.....I really appreciate the help....

Originally posted by mabittin
I live in boston with Comcast ... do they offer a HD DVR? I wasn't able to find out much on their web-site....if not, do they plan to ever offer one?

Not officially, but you can call and ask to be put on their "waiting list" for beta-testing the box. :)

I hope that helps!

-JR

Comcast CSR are so tight lipped about new HD channels in Boston. Anyone have any better luck in finding out what new HD channels are coming?

Originally posted by chitchatjf
Logic would seem to indicate that it will be the same on HBO.


I don't think HBO and logic belong in the same sentance. ;)

Comcast CSR are so tight lipped about new HD channels in Boston. Anyone have any better luck in finding out what new HD channels are coming?They are "tight lipped" because they don't know. Even the engineers usually don't find this stuff out until they're adding them.

Click here for info on Discovery HD and Comcast.
http://www.cmcsk.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=118591&p=irol-newsArticleNoPrinterFriendly&t=Regular&id=583222&

It is now the end of June and still no 7.14, any idea when we may see it?

Originally posted by FAiello
Click here for info on Discovery HD and Comcast.
http://www.cmcsk.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=118591&p=irol-newsArticleNoPrinterFriendly&t=Regular&id=583222&

That dosen't say anything that we do not already know.

What we want to know is when it will come to Boston and on what channel.

My hunch says mid to late July on Ch 839.

there are enough credible inside sources monitoring and sharing info here so be assured we will be the first to know when they know 'something' is going to happen.

Have patience grasshopper.

OnDemand from Discovery as well. Seeing as OnDemand is a big flop, I wonder why Comcast keeps adding content? Althought it would be nice to see HD OnDemand...

big flop?! says who? please back up your claim with some hard facts. ondemand is great with thousands of new titles to be added including HD content in the fall. everyone i know loves it and uses it often, including grandma.

I have used it only once but will probably use it alot more once it goes HD.

the HD subscribers are not a good sample to draw from when looking at usage. we are still the tiny minority compared to 4:3 SD subscribers and to them the PQ looks just like it would on any live digital channel.

Originally posted by FBGJR
Is anyone having problems with the DVI output not working consistently? At least every 2 days when turning on the box and tv I have lost my DVI. Only by un-plugging the box (6208) and plugging it back in do I get a picture. It's not too bothersome except that I have to wait a couple of hours for the guide to download.

This is a known issue and is a problem with the comcast box handshaking with the HDCP technology in your TV. Instead of unplugging your box you can simply unplug the DVI cable and immediately plug it back in. Your other option is to switch to component inputs (Red, Green, Blue) which some people claim is just as good as DVI.

Comcast knows about this but the more people that call and complain the more it gets escalated. Hopefully they will release a firmware upgrade to the boxes soon that will address this issue.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Have patience grasshopper.

OnDemand from Discovery as well. Seeing as OnDemand is a big flop, I wonder why Comcast keeps adding content? Althought it would be nice to see HD OnDemand...

I agree with avic, a lot of people use on demand and it seems to be a huge success with everyone I know. I have a friend who checks the damn thing every day for new content.

Originally posted by FBGJR
Is anyone having problems with the DVI output not working consistently? At least every 2 days when turning on the box and tv I have lost my DVI. Only by un-plugging the box (6208) and plugging it back in do I get a picture. It's not too bothersome except that I have to wait a couple of hours for the guide to download.

that will be fixed with 7.14

Originally posted by doabbs
This is a known issue and is a problem with the comcast box handshaking with the HDCP technology in your TV. Instead of unplugging your box you can simply unplug the DVI cable and immediately plug it back in. Your other option is to switch to component inputs (Red, Green, Blue) which some people claim is just as good as DVI.

Comcast knows about this but the more people that call and complain the more it gets escalated. Hopefully they will release a firmware upgrade to the boxes soon that will address this issue.

I would advise against unplugging the DVI cable, it has alot of pins and you could easily break on.

Originally posted by dozens
I would advise against unplugging the DVI cable, it has alot of pins and you could easily break on.

As long as you use care as you would with any piece of high end electronic equipment you won't have a problem. It's much better than having to wait for the guides to redownload. I've been using this work around for a couple weeks now with no problems, there are much fewer pins than say your standard VGA cable and it's pretty hard to mess up a good quality DVI cable. I still think this is the safest/quickest way to resolve this issue.

big flop?! says who? please back up your claim with some hard facts. ondemand is great with thousands of new titles to be added including HD content in the fall. everyone i know loves it and uses it often, including grandma.I don't remember where I read it, but it definitely stated that hardly any of Comcast's customers use the OnDemand features. It's a very low number- I'll try and dig it up. They're re-evaluating right now.

I am not a big fan of OnDemand partly because the video quality is so low, even for SD. HD should remedy that.

I use on demand all the time. PPV and otherwise.

i'd be very interested in reading that article dave. ondemand is a fairly new technology for the average customer to get used to and use frequently so any data is premature. in fact, it's only been available in our neighborhood for a few months so i don't know what u mean by re-evaluating but they can't possibly be thinking of abandoning ondemand at this early stage. the service itself hasn't reached its potential. with more content and more choices usage will increase. as for the quality, again for most 4:3 tv's(most consumerss) it looks very good, better than the vcr and as good as dvd.

hello,

I have perused the thread but I could not find this info, probably missed it. How much extra does the 6208 box cost over the 6200, per month. Also, how far does the guide go out(days, weeks?) thanks,

Jason

The only issue I know of that would cause OnDemand to be reevaluated is a pending patent law suit. Apparently someone owns the rights to the technology behind OnDemand, but no licensing arrangement exists.

I know that's vague. I read it on a news site (MSNBC) a few weeks ago...

Originally posted by jason978
hello,

I have perused the thread but I could not find this info, probably missed it. How much extra does the 6208 box cost over the 6200, per month. Also, how far does the guide go out(days, weeks?) thanks,

Jason

9.95/month..................& 14 days

Originally posted by jason978
hello,

I have perused the thread but I could not find this info, probably missed it. How much extra does the 6208 box cost over the 6200, per month. Also, how far does the guide go out(days, weeks?) thanks,

Jason

In my area the 6208 is $9.95 also but if you remove the 6200 (or 5100 here) and replace it with the 6208 you also take away the $5 monthly charge for the non-DVR unit so the incremental cost is only $4.95.

Tonight's Sox/Yanks game is listed as HD on ESPN. But, does anyone know if this gets blacked out in Boston? The NESN broadcast is scheduled for SD tonight.

Mickey

Weeknight baseball on ESPN is blacked out in the markets of the two teams playing, so unless Comcast screws up, we won't get it.

Originally posted by jckessler
Weeknight baseball on ESPN is blacked out in the markets of the two teams playing, so unless Comcast screws up, we won't get it.
That really bites.

Originally posted by jckessler
Weeknight baseball on ESPN is blacked out in the markets of the two teams playing, so unless Comcast screws up, we won't get it.

This sucks A**

Can someone in the Boston area tell me what is the cheapest package you can get from comcast and still have most of the hd programming. Im lookin to cut back on my comcast bill which is about $160 a month with the internet and digital phone. Im gonna move the internet and phone over to verizon and Im lookin to scale back how much my cable bill will be. I don't watch a hell of a lotta tv but I love the HD programming. Is there a package that I can get that will still have the local hd's plus espn and the inhds for under $50 a month. If you guys could tell me what kind of packages you currently have and what comcast lables these packages as well as the cost I would greatly appreciate it. I'd like to have all the info before I call a CSR that will as usual not be of any help.

Thanx, Bowlsy

Originally posted by bowlsy23
Can someone in the Boston area tell me what is the cheapest package you can get from comcast and still have most of the hd programming. Im lookin to cut back on my comcast bill which is about $160 a month with the internet and digital phone. Im gonna move the internet and phone over to verizon and Im lookin to scale back how much my cable bill will be. I don't watch a hell of a lotta tv but I love the HD programming. Is there a package that I can get that will still have the local hd's plus espn and the inhds for under $50 a month. If you guys could tell me what kind of packages you currently have and what comcast lables these packages as well as the cost I would greatly appreciate it. I'd like to have all the info before I call a CSR that will as usual not be of any help.

Thanx, Bowlsy

First thing the speed is SLOWER with VErizon.
File you would get in 15 minutes will take an HOUR!

The local HD channels can be obtained for the cost of broadcast basic and an HD box.

Check the comcast web site. You MAY already be at that level. (Digital Plus) -There is digital classic but i do not think they will include INHD1 or 2.)

Originally posted by jckessler
Weeknight baseball on ESPN is blacked out in the markets of the two teams playing, so unless Comcast screws up, we won't get it.

Titan TV's web site says no,but ESPN's web site now says yes.

Personallyt oi thinkl eSPN should be blacked out but not ESPN-HD

Digital classic includes InHD1/2, BTW.

If you really just want HD programming (and nothing else) do the following:

Basic ($8-12/mo)
HDTV box rental ($7/mo) - this will get you PBS, CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX
Digital package to get more HD: Digital classic ($5/mo) includes ESPN-HD, InHD1, InHD2, and home Red Sox/Bruins games in HD. Should include Discovery-HD when added.

If you want premium movie channels in HD, subscribe to the appropriate higher level digital package (Silver, Gold, Platinum).

I've got the cable modem service, plus basic, digital classic and box rental and pay about $63/mo.

Thank you jckessler thats exactly the info I was lookin for. Can you let me know what stations you get with the basic and also what stations you also get with the digital classic. This defintely looks like the way to go!!

Originally posted by chitchatjf

The local HD channels can be obtained for the cost of broadcast basic and an HD box.

Check the comcast web site. You MAY already be at that level. (Digital Plus) -There is digital classic but i do not think they will include INHD1 or 2.)

Digital Classic does include INHD 1 and 2 as well as ESPN. I started off with just that package (and basic service), i.e. just Boston channels. Total Cost was around $20. You don't even need to have Standard cable package. Comcast does not advertise their digital Classic package, but it's out there.

Since then, I bumped up to Digital Silver with HBO. I forgot how much the increase was, maybe around another 20.

Originally posted by bowlsy23
Thank you jckessler thats exactly the info I was lookin for. Can you let me know what stations you get with the basic and also what stations you also get with the digital classic. This defintely looks like the way to go!!

Basic includes channels 2-22 analog, which are broadcast stations, community service, plus CN8 and NECN. Digital classic includes a few additional SD stations such as IFC, ESPNews, BBC America, a couple Discovery channels, National Geographic, Noggin, an a few others as well as the aforementioned HD stations.

With this package you won't get MTV, NESN, TBS, ESPN2, Weather Channel, TNT, Lifetime, VH1, Disney, etc, etc, so if you want those stations you need pay the additional $39/mo for "expanded basic."

The best source of information is the rate card from you town's cable office. They list all of the channels/level/service options, not all of which are listed on Comcast's website.

Basic includes channels 2-22 analog, which are broadcast stations, community service, plus CN8 and NECN. Digital classic includes a few additional SD stations such as IFC, ESPNews, BBC America, a couple Discovery channels, National Geographic, Noggin, an a few others as well as the aforementioned HD stations.It varies from town to town. Basic and Extended Basic are two different things- you don't need Extended Basic to get HD. In my town "Basic Cable" is $6/mo, "Extended" is like $30+. Extended is the service that has all the stuff like CNN, MTV, etc. Basic is just the local channels and public service stuff.

When I had Digital Classic it did not include BBC-A and some others that you mentioned.

Originally posted by joeinma
Digital Classic does include INHD 1 and 2 as well as ESPN. I started off with just that package (and basic service), i.e. just Boston channels. Total Cost was around $20. You don't even need to have Standard cable package. Comcast does not advertise their digital Classic package, but it's out there.

Since then, I bumped up to Digital Silver with HBO. I forgot how much the increase was, maybe around another 20.

I didn't know that. I assumed to get ANY Digital package you HAD to get Extended (except for premium channels a la carte)

Current messup

Ch 802 has This channel will be available.

Ch 825 has CH 2 ANALOG

Chs 877and 881 do NOT come in

I'm going out so no call to the office until I come back and if they are still screwed up.

Ch 2 ANALOG on Ch 825?

BTW OLN,which is currently on Ch 65 also seems to be on Ch 74 as well on BOTH the box and the cable ready tuner

Originally posted by chitchatjf
I didn't know that. I assumed to get ANY Digital package you HAD to get Extended (except for premium channels a la carte)

They certainly don't advertise this fact, but if you call up and ask for it, they will give it to you.

chitchatjf,

Yep, I'm noticing the same thing. One moment I'm eating lunch watching a cool show on Ayers Rock, next moment 'This Channel is Not Available.'
Maybe they're moving stuff around to add Discovery HD. ;)

I'm also getting Ch 2 (I assume it's the digital version of 2) on 825, and no 802 or 881.

Very strange.

Originally posted by jckessler
I'm also getting Ch 2 (I assume it's the digital version of 2) on 825, and no 802 or 881.

Very strange.

802 is actually 2-2 the PBS Demo channel. As not all Ch 2 stuff is HD yet they do not yet have 2-1.

No 825 is NOT 2-1 On my set using component inputs the guide is stretched out on non digital channels and it is strtched out on 825

BTW still no 802 or 881

and 849 has the same B game on 49 looks good but still 4:3

Why are you so certain that 825 wasn't showing 2-1? You should get stretched images on all 480i sources, digital or analog. 2-1 is sent out as a 480i signal, as are all SD digital channels.

Regardless, it's fixed here now.

now ALL the HD channels are out :(

Question about On-Demand...
I just signed up for the HBO/SHO free for a month deal, and this includes their HD and OnD counterparts. Well, last night I watched the Abyss and Abandon (my girl's choice, that movie was sub-par).

When I watched the OnD content I saw horrible, HORRIBLE, blocking and digital distortion on most scenes with fast moving video. Also, there's zero detail in dark areas. Does anyone else get this!?!?!?

Please, let me know what's up and what I can do. I worry about the coming HD on Demand if they can't get their SD movies to compress correctly! Thanks in advance.

Edit:
2nd question I'll tag on here... Just got a new box yesterday so the new setup would take (old box wouldn't change packages) and now when I watch any SD channel through my component input it's VERY VERY dark, but through S-Video it's great. All the HD channels look amazing through the Component though. Any thoughts on this one too????

When I watched the OnD content I saw horrible, HORRIBLE, blocking and digital distortion on most scenes with fast moving video. Also, there's zero detail in dark areas. Does anyone else get this!?!?!?Yes. OnDemand PQ is poor for the most part. The resolution/bit rate is pretty low even for SD. I'm not sure who picks it, but for me it's mostly unwatchable. Eventually there will be HD On-Demand, and hopefully it will be much better.

All HD channels are out right now, so it looks like they're fixing it.

I mostly watch On Demand on the small, SD TV (27").

Whenever I watch on the big screen, I do notice that the resolution and color depth is seriously compromised.

On the other hand, it is quite convenient.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
now ALL the HD channels are out :(

They are all out in Haverhill as well......

Has anyone call Comcast and ask for a cable card :) There a few rules going into effect today regarding cable does anyone what they are ?

You have a CableCard enabled TV? I guess a card would be good as a secondary display, but you definitely need the box for some things.

Originally posted by dozens
Has anyone call Comcast and ask for a cable card :) There a few rules going into effect today regarding cable does anyone what they are ?

I just called comcast about this. I was told that they do have cable cards available starting today. But that if I swapped out my cable box for a cable card I would lose the on demand functionality and I would lose the onscreen guide.

I was told that the issue is with the manufacturer of the tv. And that future sets will not have these restrictions.

How much do they want for the CableCard?

She didn't say that there would be any difference to my bill. They would swap out my current cable box for the cable card. I assum the cost would be the same as my current service.

If the cost is the same, there is not much incentive to switch...maybe that is there goal.

BTW - the cable card 2.0 spec deals with two communication needed for PPV. Not sure why the on-screen guide does work with 1.0 spec. On a related note I believe the cable companies also need to start including PSIP info so that should make up for not having the on-screen guide.

You would think they would want you to switch, because the STB is much more expensive.

I guess they make a ton of money with PPV. I bet when two-way Cable-Card devices come out they'll drop the price of the card.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
now ALL the HD channels are out :(

and they are back :)

CableCard is free. It reduces your bill by removing the cost of renting the Digital cable box....about $4-6 depending on your cable provider.......it doesn't offer a guide, menus, VOD, IPPV, ect. Right now its 1-way only, And there are only a couple of TV's that support CableCard, Panasonic has about 4 RPTV models if I remember correctly, I think RCA, & Hitachi also have some in the works.

The TV manufactures have the ability to put in their own Guide system if they so choose, sorta like RCA's "Guide Plus".

My thoughts are that this is just the FCC's way of preparing for the all digital cutover that MAY happen in 2007.

CableCard, I do not believe is going to make a big impact now, but as 2007 gets closer and smaller Digital televisions start being manufactured the CableCard will be good for the "Bedroom" TV's where you don't want a bulky cable box to view your encrypted digital channels like HBO, ect.

BTW

One-way TV's are labeled DCR Digital Cable Ready
Two-way TV's are labeled IDCR Interactive Digital Cable Ready

So the benefit is very little now, since you will have No Guide, Menus, VOD or PPV access, all for about a $5 savings.

Hey Folks,
Quick question, has anybody gotten any extra hd channels, I subscribe to HBO and Showtime so I get those channels no problem. But this afternoon I turned on my cable box and I'm receiving, starzs and cinemax HD. Not the regular digital channels or Indemand just HD, weird. Does anybody know if there some special going on. I'm afraid to call them, they might say "oh I'm sorry sir well fix that right away" and there goes my extra channels

Anyone?

Sounds like a mistake on their part....If I was you I would call them right away......because you are a honest person & its the right thing to do ;) :)

I'm receiving, starzs and cinemax HD. Not the regular digital channels or Indemand just HD,

Same here in Derry. The HD channels from 802 to 990 were out this morning,
so I suppose we should enjoy them while they're there!

Don

Cool,
Just so that I'm not losing my mind :)

anyone else?

Yeah, and you do realize those who can remedy the problem lurk the forum?

They'll probably fix it tommorow when they get back to work.

nope!

HBO,show time,Cinemax and Starz are clr which means Comcast most likely KNEW all the HD channels were off and are working on them :)

OTOH Ch 260 looks like TVG the horse racing channel (A sports package looks like is around the corner)
and Ch 714 GOLTV is ON!

no 838,839 or 856 yet.
(My probable guesses as to the HD homes of ch 38,Discovery,and Ch 56.

Yes they know because they are having technical problems with some headend equipment. No encryption for a while.

Enjoy it while it lasts folks.:D

I wonder if it's just my box, but I'm noticing a couple of HD stations (PBS and Fox in particular) "sticking" -- acting as though they have been momentarily paused and then jumping to the frame where they catch up. This seems to happen once or twice a minute. Has anybody else noticed this in the past few days or should I get my HD box checked?

- Mitch

A bit off topic here, but I did hear that Comcast is planning on a sports tier here in New England. Would that include Gol TV in English?
Also I read somewhere on these boards for those who might be interested that Comcast is looking into new codecs and hopefully implementing them by 2006. Some digital compression systems are MPEG 4, Windows Media 9, and Real Networks 10. Apparently the codecs are supposed to be flexibile enough so that Comcast could choose which compression system they would like to go with. I'm not sure how this would affect current STB's. This would probably give Voom some tough competition if this should happen, since this would allow Comcast to offer more HD channels as well as more VOD-HD.

Wonder what new HD adds we will get on or about July 13th. sure Discovery-Hd is one,but rest would be a guess. Wish CSR would tell us whats down the pike. Also, noticed that 714 GolTV is now part of my digital package. TVG, 260, i would have to add,must be part of Digital extra which includes Ovation, Turner Movie, Fox Movie, etc.

Yes Mitch, there is a problem with WFXT.

Originally posted by mgpt6
Wonder what new HD adds we will get on or about July 13th. sure Discovery-Hd is one,but rest would be a guess. Wish CSR would tell us whats down the pike. Also, noticed that 714 GolTV is now part of my digital package. TVG, 260, i would have to add,must be part of Digital extra which includes Ovation, Turner Movie, Fox Movie, etc.

Ovation, Trio, and Newsworld International,although still listed on the guide,are no longer part of the Comcast lineup.

I would say Discovery HD,WSBK,WLVI,NESN on its own channel,Encore and TMC.

If Bravo HD is doing SOME OLympic coverage i would say them as well.

Program note: Monday's Chronicle (ch 805, 7:30 PM) is in HD. The subject is historical re-enactors.

Thanks Bob- I don't watch local TV often so I wouldn't know unless someone posts here.

Now with no encryption/DTCP I'm getting glitch-free recordings.

http://www.comcast-ne.com/dump_the_dish.html

Couple of quick questions so I'll be short.

Anyone done this? Have they taken both the Dish and the reciever or just the reciever? Also did they want to see a copy of a bill? Did they make you lock into a 1 year contract.

Thanks
-=doabbs=-

Originally posted by doabbs
http://www.comcast-ne.com/dump_the_dish.html

Couple of quick questions so I'll be short.

Anyone done this? Have they taken both the Dish and the reciever or just the reciever? Also did they want to see a copy of a bill? Did they make you lock into a 1 year contract.

Thanks
-=doabbs=-

I have done this and they only took one of my receivers. The is no contracts to sign, you just get $25 off your bill for the next 16 months. No copy of your dish bill is necessary.

Originally posted by JTMav
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

Comcast SWITCHING to SI?

That dosen't make sense.

TI thought the boxes were incompatable with each other's networks.

Doubtfull.

The dual-tuner Motorola 6412 will be available in our area once the new iGuide software comes out (October sometime).

I'm a little dissapointed that iGuide will be used over the much superior MS TV 1.7.

where can we see a demo of iGuide? is it a gemstar product?

Yes, iGuide is the improved version of the TVGuide we're using now. It's much improved, but still not quite up to snuff with the Moxi and Microsoft software.

I'm hoping that once CableCard comes around we'll be able to purchase our own boxes and not be chained to whatever Comcast offers us.

I posted a link in the "Comcast Agressive" thread in the programming forum.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Yes, iGuide is the improved version of the TVGuide we're using now. It's much improved, but still not quite up to snuff with the Moxi and Microsoft software.

I'm hoping that once CableCard comes around we'll be able to purchase our own boxes and not be chained to whatever Comcast offers us.

I posted a link in the "Comcast Agressive" thread in the programming forum.

Are there screenshots of the "new guide" anywhere available? and... for those of us with HD, do they take advantage of better resolutions to put more on screen?

John

http://www.cablechannel.com/real/04NCTA_Aaron.ram

iGuide demo towards the end.

much improved?! after all the "research' the product is still pathetic. they dropped the ads, that's about it. from that demo looks like still no season pass feature and no time bar to know where u are in the recording or buffer. unless comcast offers moxi first, i'll be first in line when we can buy our own equipment.

I heard in the dem that the "TV Guide channel" just made a deal with comcast.

Does this mean that channel will be coming back?

Originally posted by househusband36
Hey Folks,
Quick question, has anybody gotten any extra hd channels, I subscribe to HBO and Showtime so I get those channels no problem. But this afternoon I turned on my cable box and I'm receiving, starzs and cinemax HD. Not the regular digital channels or Indemand just HD, weird. Does anybody know if there some special going on. I'm afraid to call them, they might say "oh I'm sorry sir well fix that right away" and there goes my extra channels

Anyone?

I don't subscribe to any of the premium HD channels like HBO, MAX etc, but 'm getting them all in Hampstead, NH

Thank you Comcast, for leaving Starz in the clear so I could watch LOTR TTT EE last night. OAR and everything, it looked spectacular! Made me think I should look into a DVHS deck after all.... ;)

Won't last much longer.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Won't last much longer.

I there a new firmware coming or have the figured out there problem ? BTW - What is the problem ? Did something change recently so they couldn't scramble anymore ?

new firmware is overdue, hope they release it pronto.

Originally posted by JDLIVE
Thank you Comcast, for leaving Starz in the clear so I could watch LOTR TTT EE last night. OAR and everything, it looked spectacular! Made me think I should look into a DVHS deck after all.... ;)
I agree. It was beautiful in OAR.

Mickey

They have technical problems with some headend hardware, that's why everything is wide open. I haven't heard anything about new Firmware from Motorola.

Starz is pretty good, better than SHO, even with the upconverts the content is better.

Originally posted by doabbs
http://www.comcast-ne.com/dump_the_dish.html

Couple of quick questions so I'll be short.

Anyone done this? Have they taken both the Dish and the reciever or just the reciever? Also did they want to see a copy of a bill? Did they make you lock into a 1 year contract.

Thanks
-=doabbs=-


Just to confirm this more clearly, you must provide them with dish/receiver. If the you leases the satellite equipment, you must provide proof that they have cancelled your satellite service with the provider and/or provide proof that they have returned their dish equipment to that provider prior to installation.

Comcast will roll out the Motorola 6412 in the fall, Scientific Atlanta 8000 cannot record HDTV programs, so there's no way they're going to be using them

Originally posted by CMG1976
Scientific Atlanta 8000 cannot record HDTV programs, so there's no way they're going to be using them not true, SA's 8000HD (http://www.sciatl.com/customers/source/4004400.pdf) can but we'll be using the Moto 6412 with iGuide here.

anyone know what the scoop is for Tuesday?

nothing new in the 800s

and the analog scrambled feeds (which I assume hardly anyone is using) are still there.

music lineup has changed a wee bit and we GAINED a channel

The analog scrambled feeds won't go away until Tues, and nothing can be added until they disappear. One music channel takes up practically no bandwidth, so it probably doesn't mean much if anything.

I don't think there have been any official announcement other than the July 13 date, but I'd be surprised we don't get Discovery-HD soon after those analog channels go away.

I just got a letter yesterday from Comcast saying there will be changes made in August. The A and B will be combined and there will additional HD channels added as well. Did anyone else receive it? I would scan it and post it but as usual my wife misplaced it along with other things (my things):(

Well, they stated we would have approx 30 new HD channels by the end of the year, so this is probably part of that.

Not sure if we'll get 30 actual channels tho- probably just more services like HD VOD.

Everytime NESNHD signs on for a game it seems to stay on NESN stretchovision until 3am.

Of course this may change when NESN gets its own channel.

i was told that it was programmed that way in case the game went into xtra innings for up 10 hours. they want to make sure they don't cut it off in the 43rd inning. :rolleyes:

I live in Tewksbury and am interested in getting dvr. I don't have an HDTV, but I was wondering if the dvr is now public. Can't I just get the 6208 and set the output to 480i? How much more would that cost over regular digital cable that I have now?

The DVR will work just fine for SD content and output. Don't know the incremental cost. $10/month total?

larry

Originally posted by PooperScooper
The DVR will work just fine for SD content and output. Don't know the incremental cost. $10/month total?

larry

and I think the HD channels can be downconverted as well. OK they won't look AS GOOD and it will be in letterbox format.

spider the 6208 is being used as a beta test for DVR. the public release may not happen until late fall. depends on when moto can get the 6412 to comcast. u can call up and try to get one but most have been turned down. ask to be put on the waiting list. good luck. keep in mind it's only a single-tuner whereas the 6412 is dual and has a larger capacity hdd. but if u don't have an HD display and are just looking for an SD DVR, then don't wait for comcast get a TiVo if u can afford it. the software is ages ahead. only reason i have the comcast DVR is because, unlike TiVo, it can time-shift/record HD content.

No Change in Comcast as of 1am edt. Analogs to go still there

No Change in Comcast as of 1am edt. Analogs to go still there

The analog channels were gone at 6am this morning.

So, we're definitely waiting for discovery HD. In addition, some areas are getting HD on demand, but I'm not holding my breath on that!

Chris

Anyone know if the All-Star game will be in HD on Fox tonight ?

Check the HD programming section, there's a large thread about the All Star game.

Originally posted by Schlotkins
So, we're definitely waiting for discovery HD. In addition, some areas are getting HD on demand, but I'm not holding my breath on that!

Chris What areas??

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=420969

i've been reading that but i thought chris meant local areas. now that analog is gone maybe we're next. some markets already have lots of HD VOD titles apparently. prices will be an issue, i'm sure davefi wont buy any. ;)

For a very recent movie, $6 isn't too far out of line. It's probably $2 of gas to get back and forth to blockbuster twice and $4+ for the standard DVD. As long as it's a straight HD transfer, I'll take the HD VOD every time.

Chris

and no late fees. now for that firmware release...

When will Comcast introduce Discovery-HD to the Boston region since now the analog premium channels are gone.

no one knows for sure. and a definitive answer would require a good inside source, which this forum seems to no longer have. nothing stopping them at this point from adding it though.

BTW I believe the AllStar game was in TRUE HD.

Right now ALL the digital channels are in the clear.

If I was to connect a QAM tuner,what "channels" would we get them on.

Originally posted by FAiello
The analog channels were gone at 6am this morning.

Which analog channels are gone? Did they eliminate the B side already, some of the A or both? The letter I got yesterday said the changes would be made in August. Letter says the 10th and channel change chart says the 3rd. Did they go early or is this something else. One of the changes on the chart shows 56(FSW) replaced with TVLand but that hasn't happened.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
BTW I believe the AllStar game was in TRUE HD.
Nope not 720p here. For us just another another FOX-widescreen event. The ones who did get it in HD were impressed (see below). oh well...NFL in Sept.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=422651

The game was not in HD:(

Originally posted by chitchatjf
BTW I believe the AllStar game was in TRUE HD.

Right now ALL the digital channels are in the clear.

If I was to connect a QAM tuner,what "channels" would we get them on.

The all star game was not in HD on FOX25.

Originally posted by avic
Which analog channels are gone?

Here they've removed analog Starz, Showtime, Cinemax, TMC, Encore.

The only analog premium left is HBO.

Originally posted by avic
Which analog channels are gone? Did they eliminate the B side already, some of the A or both? The letter I got yesterday said the changes would be made in August. Letter says the 10th and channel change chart says the 3rd. Did they go early or is this something else. One of the changes on the chart shows 56(FSW) replaced with TVLand but that hasn't happened.

As I understand it, the A/B thing is City of Boston only (legacy of previous system owner). Has anyone outside of Boston proper gotten any letters?

The analog channels might not be tunable with the cable box but I believe they are still there. I was playing around with my LG 3510, which has a QAM tuner and I was able to see some SD shows that I did not see listed in the guide from the cable box. Which might explain why Discovery HD has not shown up yet.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
BTW I believe the AllStar game was in TRUE HD.

Right now ALL the digital channels are in the clear.

If I was to connect a QAM tuner,what "channels" would we get them on.

My Mits QAM tuner indicated that FOX-DT channel is now coming in as HD, before is would indicate 16:9 SD. With a QAM tuner you will get all of the HD channels right now because they are in the clear, but who know how long that will last.

WFXT is upconverting everything to 720p. They haven't shown any HD material to date.

Originally posted by jckessler
WFXT is upconverting everything to 720p. They haven't shown any HD material to date.

I'll second that. The PQ during the game was at times flat out atrocious compared to the NESN HD broadcasts or even the ESPN HD baseball games.

to clear it up after a call to comcast i was told the analog *premium* channels (except HBO) were removed Tuesday but the entire B trunk wont go away until August 10th. When that happens there will be minor changes to the lineup mapping 2 new* channel numbers and moving others:
NESN = 13*
TVLand = 56
HSN = 61
HBO(analog) = 62
TVOne = 75
WE = 215*

Originally posted by jckessler
WFXT is upconverting everything to 720p. They haven't shown any HD material to date. you shouldn't be expecting HD from FOX yet. they're not going HD until the 'splicer' system is all set, they are still testing. we wont get true HD (720p) until sep 14.

Originally posted by avic
to clear it up after a call to comcast i was told the analog *premium* channels (except HBO) were removed Tuesday but the entire B trunk wont go away until August 10th. When that happens there will be minor changes to the lineup mapping 2 new* channel numbers and moving others:
NESN = 13*
TVLand = 56
HSN = 61
HBO(analog) = 62
TVOne = 75
WE = 215*

Perhaps We may be going digital as well. (currently on 66 analog elsewhere)

I think we're supposed to be getting WGN on analog.

In addition to all the premiums (except HBO) these Analog channels will only be available in Digital as of Aug 10:

FSW
Celticvision
FUSE
WE

I have Comsat basic cable now. It's the one with only the broadcast channels. It was tacked on to reduce my HSI bill.

What channels can I receive if I just put a HDTV tuner card like Fusion III QAM? Do I have to subscribe to one of the digital packages to get anything?

Normally, Comcast only broadcasts channels you could recieve OTA in the clear, but they claim to include those channels in even the most basic package. The (vague) wording is at the bottom of this page:

<http://www.comcast.com/Benefits/CableDetails/Slot4PageOne.asp>

Good news for you. I am in the same boat in Arlington.

I have a HDTV with QAM tuner.

I can get all 4 networks. ESPN-HD, 1 HBO, 2 INHD, 1 Showtime, PBS-HD, 4 PBSs, and no less than 40 music channels. I think some of the "pay" channels will go away once Comcast "fix" the equipment problem (I read that from a thread in this forum).

EDIT: Spoke too fast. All "pay" channels have just went dead (scrambled) as of 8:30pm tonight. Only the major networks and PBS are still on.

Originally posted by stephenju
I have Comsat basic cable now. It's the one with only the broadcast channels. It was tacked on to reduce my HSI bill.

What channels can I receive if I just put a HDTV tuner card like Fusion III QAM? Do I have to subscribe to one of the digital packages to get anything?

You can recieve unecrypted digital channels with a QAM tuner card. To see if a channel is unencrypted--

Select a channel --> turn box "off" --> press "select" --> arrow down to "current channel status" --> press "select" --> the top line of the page will either say -- ENC for "encrypted" or -- CLR for "in the clear" or "unencrypted" .......

how about Charter??

Originally posted by avic
In addition to all the premiums (except HBO) these Analog channels will only be available in Digital as of Aug 10:

FSW
Celticvision
FUSE
WE

Perhaps in Boston but elsewhere all channels except We are already digital only.
One thing I have noticed OLN is now on Ch 74 as well as 65.

Originally posted by stephenju
I have Comsat basic cable now. It's the one with only the broadcast channels. It was tacked on to reduce my HSI bill.

What channels can I receive if I just put a HDTV tuner card like Fusion III QAM? Do I have to subscribe to one of the digital packages to get anything?

Local broadcast channels.

That is the idea,and a good one.

Other systems require a Digital package to get aNY HDTV and REQUIRE Extended Basic to get ANY Digital.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
Perhaps in Boston but elsewhere all channels except We are already digital only. yes of course in boston, our analog lineup is very different from yours. seems there's one for every town. we're just now getting rid of the antiquated B trunk.

Avic:

xboxjunkie said his letter said something about new HD channels in August, but it had been misplaced so he couldn't quote it. Can you tell us exactly what yours said on that subject?

Originally posted by FAiello
My Mits QAM tuner indicated that FOX-DT channel is now coming in as HD, before is would indicate 16:9 SD. With a QAM tuner you will get all of the HD channels right now because they are in the clear, but who know how long that will last.

This morning all premium channels are encrypted again and back to 5C=1. This means no more recording with my Mits DVHS on these channels. Come on Comcast, you were suppose to fix the 5C and Mits DVHS problem in June what's going on?

Looks like Comcast fixed their hardware problem. I can no longer receive HBO, SHO, etc.

Originally posted by BobColby
Avic:

xboxjunkie said his letter said something about new HD channels in August, but it had been misplaced so he couldn't quote it. Can you tell us exactly what yours said on that subject? "these changes will allow us to bring you exciting new technologies and services including additional HD channels and VOD services."

It doesn't say this will all happen in August, only that the B channels will be removed on Aug 10 in order to prepare for these new services.

Not only that, but the VOD channels are 5C=1 as well (they weren't before).

I noticed Starz and Cinemax went back to unavailable for me a few days ago.

I've been thinking of purchasing the FusionHDTV3 QAM card for use on Comcast in Arlington. My cable box is the SciAtl 3100HD. From what I can gather from this thread, I'd only be able to pick up CBSHD, FOXHD, WBHD, CSNHD, ABCHD, NBCHD, PBS, INHD1, and INHD2?

I presume that my current cable box is responsible for decrypting HBOHD which I subscribe to? It wouldn't be sent unencrypted to me simply because I subscribe to it would it?


Ron

Probably no INHD. You can go cheaper and just buy a firewire cable and hook it from your cable box to your PC. Get the same channels.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Probably no INHD. You can go cheaper and just buy a firewire cable and hook it from your cable box to your PC. Get the same channels.

I thought you can only record shows with the Firewire setup, not view it in real time?

This is the analog lineup in Lawrence as of July 15.
With a few exceptions (WMUR in particular) this is the general lineup on most Comcast systems in the area. New Hampshine systems change a few broadcast channels slots around (WUNI on channel 8,Manchester has WMUR on channel 12) and replaces WBPX with WNPX Ch 21 (but generally on cable channel 15)

2 WGBH Boston (PBS)
3 CN8
4 WBZ Boston (CBS)
5 WCVB Boston (ABC)
6 NECN
7 WHDH Boston (NBC)
8 Public Access
9 WMUR Manchester (ABC)
10 Educational Access
11 WENH Durham (PBS)
12 WLVI Boston (WB 56)
13 WFXT Boston (Fox 25)
14 WSBK Boston (UPN 38)
15 WBPX Boston (Pax 68)
16 WGBX Boston (PBS) (GBH-44)
17 WUNI Worcester (UNI) (27)
18 WNDS Derry (50)
19 WNEU Merrimac/Boston (Telemundo) (60)
20 WMFP Lawrence (Shop)(62)
21 WFUB Marlboro (telefutura) (66)
22 Government Access
23 WYDN Worcester (Relig) (48)
24 Disney Channel
25 Nickelodeon
26 ABC Family
27 Court TV
28 MTV
29 VH-1
30 Fx
31 TBS
32 HGTV
33 TNT
34 E!
35 USA
36 Lifetime
37 A&E
38 The Learning Channel
39 The Discovery Channel
40 MSNBC
41 Fox News Channel
42 CNN
43 Headline News
44 Cspan
45 Cspan 2
46 CNBC
47 The Weather Channel
48 ESPN Classic
49 ESPN
50 ESPN 2
51 NESN
52 Fox Sports NE
53 Hallmark channel
54 Travel channel
55 Spike TV
56 BCTV / EWTN / INSP
57 Bravo
58 History Channel
59 American Movie Classics
60 Cartoon Network
61 Comedy Central
62 SciFi channel
63 Animal Planet
64 TV Land
65 OLN
66 WE
67 TV food Network
68 Game show Network / leased access
69 Golf channel
70 HSN
71 QVC
72 HBO
96 WWDP Norwell (Shop) (46)
98 International channel

Channels 2-23, 70,71,96,and of course channels 802,804,805,807,and 825 are considered broadcast basic.

Originally posted by stephenju
I thought you can only record shows with the Firewire setup, not view it in real time?

Depends what you mean by real time. If you can accept a 5 second delay while it is initially buffered to disk, you can watch it "live". The only thing preventing watching it live w/o caching to disk is someone combining the code.

that channel lineup couldn't be more different than what we have in boston and surrounding areas but no need, for me, to post them all. we all know what we have. and even that will change soon.

Depends what you mean by real time. If you can accept a 5 second delay while it is initially buffered to disk, you can watch it "live". The only thing preventing watching it live w/o caching to disk is someone combining the code.You can watch a live Firewire stream off your cable box to WinXP using VLC MediaPlayer. Instructions are here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=353608

This will not work with 5C protected channels.

7.15 has been released and dowloaded on some customers' STB's. So let's go Comcast NE, hit us!

"I believe it came over last night (Comcast/South Jersey). The DCT clicked off and started a 10-15 minute download around midnight last night. I didn't take a good look at it until tonight when I checked the config and noticed the 7.15 FW and S/W Ver: 21.03-1226-44...also got DiscoveryHD Theater overnight as well.
The main reason I checked the config was the improved PQ on both SD and HD. I have been reading about the hopes to improve SD handling, among other things, in future updates so I figured last nights DL must have been responsible for the increased PQ...also noticed that the 3-5 second delay and microblocking that has been occurring regularly when switching to INHD/INHD2 is gone..."

Originally posted by avic
7.15 has been released and dowloaded on some customers' STB's. So let's go Comcast NE, hit us!

Roger that! I ran over to my STB this morning after seeing this, hoping to see a nice fancy 7.15 in my info section...sadly not yet, but hopefully soon! :D

-JR

They typically do this over a two day period... at least the last couple of times.

Chris

I thought 7/15 was the magic date- anything change in that? Thanks.

There has been no announcement as to when Disc-HD will be added. 7/13 was the date the analog channels were deleted, which freed up necessary bandwidth. It could happen tomorrow, or next month.

not that it will happen here but in NJ it was added along with the firmware update 2 days ago...we shall see.

For anyone who is wondering, Discovery HD Theater will be launched on 7/20 and is located on Channel 839 in MA/NH/ME. The channel is not launching in CT at this time. I guess they needed a week to actually add the channel, but that's the date. Pass it on

Originally posted by avic
that channel lineup couldn't be more different than what we have in boston and surrounding areas but no need, for me, to post them all. we all know what we have. and even that will change soon.

Perhaps you are referring to former Cablevision systems in Boston and Brookline.

Virtually EVERYWHERE else in the area the lineup I have listed is generally it.
(for example MTV is on Ch 28 Discovery is on Ch 39 (which seems to be WHY Discovery HD Theater will be on channel 839,just as I predicted.

Originally posted by CMG1976
For anyone who is wondering, Discovery HD Theater will be launched on 7/20 and is located on Channel 839 in MA/NH/ME. The channel is not launching in CT at this time. I guess they needed a week to actually add the channel, but that's the date. Pass it on

Any OTHER channels or is that it for now?

Not e that I had the channel designation correct. :)

Originally posted by chitchatjf
Any OTHER channels or is that it for now?

Not e that I had the channel designation correct. :)

That's it for now

Originally posted by chitchatjf
Perhaps you are referring to former Cablevision systems in Boston and Brookline. Virtually EVERYWHERE else in the area the lineup I have listed is generally it. (for example MTV is on Ch 28 Discovery is on Ch 39 (which seems to be WHY Discovery HD Theater will be on channel 839,just as I predicted. u get a cookie for your 839 prediction! but what part of "boston and surrounding areas" did u not understand from my post?
boston-metro/brookline have tens of thousands of customers who *don't* have the lineup u posted. and btw we have fox25 on 25 while u have it on 13, so according to your theory foxdt should be 813 not 825. ;)

Originally posted by avic
u get a cookie for your 839 prediction! but what part of "boston and surrounding areas" did u not understand from my post?
boston-metro/brookline have tens of thousands of customers who *don't* have the lineup u posted. and btw we have fox25 on 25 while u have it on 13, so according to your theory foxdt should be 813 not 825. ;)

Cambridge,Malden,Medford,Saugus ect...

Comcast runs on EVERY city within 128 and with the exception of the few that had that AB Trunk the lineup mentionedf is the lineup.

last OT on this but some asked, for those in the city here's where the info will be posted: New Channel Lineup (http://www.comcast-ne.com/boston)

Originally posted by chitchatjf
This is the analog lineup in Lawrence as of July 15.
With a few exceptions (WMUR in particular) this is the general lineup on most Comcast systems in the area. New Hampshine systems change a few broadcast channels slots around (WUNI on channel 8,Manchester has WMUR on channel 12) and replaces WBPX with WNPX Ch 21 (but generally on cable channel 15)

2 WGBH Boston (PBS)
3 CN8
4 WBZ Boston (CBS)
5 WCVB Boston (ABC)
6 NECN
7 WHDH Boston (NBC)
8 Public Access
9 WMUR Manchester (ABC)
10 Educational Access
11 WENH Durham (PBS)
12 WLVI Boston (WB 56)
13 WFXT Boston (Fox 25)
14 WSBK Boston (UPN 38)
15 WBPX Boston (Pax 68)
16 WGBX Boston (PBS) (GBH-44)
17 WUNI Worcester (UNI) (27)
18 WNDS Derry (50)
19 WNEU Merrimac/Boston (Telemundo) (60)
20 WMFP Lawrence (Shop)(62)
21 WFUB Marlboro (telefutura) (66)
22 Government Access
23 WYDN Worcester (Relig) (48)
24 Disney Channel
25 Nickelodeon
26 ABC Family
27 Court TV
28 MTV
29 VH-1
30 Fx
31 TBS
32 HGTV
33 TNT
34 E!
35 USA
36 Lifetime
37 A&E
38 The Learning Channel
39 The Discovery Channel
40 MSNBC
41 Fox News Channel
42 CNN
43 Headline News
44 Cspan
45 Cspan 2
46 CNBC
47 The Weather Channel
48 ESPN Classic
49 ESPN
50 ESPN 2
51 NESN
52 Fox Sports NE
53 Hallmark channel
54 Travel channel
55 Spike TV
56 BCTV / EWTN / INSP
57 Bravo
58 History Channel
59 American Movie Classics
60 Cartoon Network
61 Comedy Central
62 SciFi channel
63 Animal Planet
64 TV Land
65 OLN
66 WE
67 TV food Network
68 Game show Network / leased access
69 Golf channel
70 HSN
71 QVC
72 HBO
96 WWDP Norwell (Shop) (46)
98 International channel

Channels 2-23, 70,71,96,and of course channels 802,804,805,807,and 825 are considered broadcast basic.

That may be the lineup in Western Mass, but out here (Arlington), I have these differences from your list:


9 Local
10 BET
21 WUTF
22 CMT
27 Travel
32 HGTV
40 Court TV
53 MSNBC
54 Speed
65 QVC
66 Food Network
67 Animal & Women's
71 WWDP
73 HBO2
74 HBO SGe
75 Max
76 Stz
77 Encr
79 Tmc
85 HBOfe
95 OLN
96 TBN
98 Telemundo?
99 Showtime

still 7.10 today. maybe we'll get 7.15 with the discovery add on tuesday. that's how it went down in the other markets. WB was added with discovery as well at least in one market. they have the bandwith now to add those and more today if they wanted to.

We forgot about Encore HD and TMC HD which I am sure Comcast has the rights too. Read today that WB will have shows in Dolby 5.1 as well as HD next fall. Hope WB56 will be added 7/20 or soon after.

anyone else having ondemand lag problems? getting to the main menu takes a long time or times out, if u do get in then every single menu command takes about 5 seconds to respond with "one moment please" try it and see. my neighbor is having the same issue.

Yes i'm having the same issue, everytime I scroll down a page on the movie list, it says "one moment please" for at least five seconds!

Originally posted by avic
anyone else having ondemand lag problems? getting to the main menu takes a long time or times out, if u do get in then every single menu command takes about 5 seconds to respond with "one moment please" try it and see. my neighbor is having the same issue.

Yes, big time! This has been going on for a few days now. I called Comcast Tech support about this, and they asked me to tighten all connections, when this did not work, they said they would need to come out and take a look. I am traveling on business the next few weeks, so I said no thanks. Good to know it seems to be a network problem, and not something with my box (6200) or the wiring in my building. Now I won't waste time waiting for Comcast to show up and not fix a problem (again).

was told that comcast is aware of the problem and is working on it.

6208 user here, I get the lag and sometimes it tells me the services is unavailable. Seems to have that issue maybe 1 out of ever 4 times I access the menu. Good to know that Comcast is aware of the issue and working on it. :)

-JR

The latest issue of CableWORLD at:

http://www.cableworld.com/cgi/cw/show_mag.cgi?pub=cw&mon=current

has an article on the Boston system. Here's the relevant part (emphasis added):

"Literally bringing a clearer message is high-definition service, which Waddell says is being marketed "aggressively" to sports-mad Boston. "It helps differentiate us from satellite because we have HD product that they don't have, including local broadcast feeds in hi-def, Bruins and Red Sox games in high definition," Waddell notes. "If you have an HD set you can't get those games in HD anywhere but Comcast HD. So we will continue to invest in HD content. We have plans over the course of this summer and beyond to add channels in HD and add local content. We've just come to an agreement with Fox Sports to offer the Celtics games in HD. We hope to have HD content available on demand in the near future."

Thanks, Bob. That is great news. It just keeps getting better for us. All 4 of Boston's major sports teams can now be seen in HD (at least some of the games).

Mickey

I have Firmware 7.15 and 839 (DHDTV) is on....but the typical "Channel available shortly..." is appearing....

The program list is on, so is this a premium pay channel like HBO?

Originally posted by BostonDIGITAL
I have Firmware 7.15 and 839 (DHDTV) is on....but the typical "Channel available shortly..." is appearing....

The program list is on, so is this a premium pay channel like HBO?

That was quick...10 mins later the picture came on, some show about "Bali" but it immediately went to "mute". I un-muted via the remote and still no sound.

Picture looks the same as the shows on INHD1/2. Since I have it and in Boston I assume others should have it as well.....

Originally posted by BostonDIGITAL
I have Firmware 7.15
Have you had a chance to flick through the non-HD channels since the 7.15 upgrade? If so, any improvement on the SD channel picture quality?

Originally posted by Gabatta
Have you had a chance to flick through the non-HD channels since the 7.15 upgrade? If so, any improvement on the SD channel picture quality?

I don't see much of a difference, if any. I have an older Sony HS10 so I'm not sure if that has anything to do with it. Although the scenes on INHD1/2 are spectacular so it's a very decent set.

I did notice a defference going from a 5100 to a 6200.

Still on 7.10 here but 839 is showing up on the guide but I am getting the "not authorized" messaged. I checked screen d11 and 5C = 0.

I guess I missed class on that long-ago day when someone explained how to check the firmware version and other "menu" items. Thanks in advance to anyone who wants to run that by me again.

No 839 here yet!

power button, select button gets you into diag mode. d11 is the interface screen and tells you 5C info on the last channel you were on.

Originally posted by BobColby
I guess I missed class on that long-ago day when someone explained how to check the firmware version and other "menu" items. Thanks in advance to anyone who wants to run that by me again.

No 839 here yet! just for quick firmware check: menu>setup>cablebox>see configuration=yes. and for other classess you may have missed: GO HERE (http://cjhengineering.com/DCTHDFAQ.htm)

Originally posted by BostonDIGITAL
That was quick...10 mins later the picture came on, some show about "Bali" but it immediately went to "mute". I un-muted via the remote and still no sound.

Picture looks the same as the shows on INHD1/2. Since I have it and in Boston I assume others should have it as well.....

Not in my neck of the woods yet?

Perhaps tommorow?