Originally posted by avic
CC floor reps in my exp are surprisingly unknowledgeable. the channels that were out in boston were back on late this morning and they are monitoring the issue. hope it's taken care of for good.

Thanks for the update avic! :)

-JR

pats and sox both SD tonight in bos. :confused:

Originally posted by avic
hot off the presses, new digital lineup for those interested in new/addt'l service.

My long term hope: they put the digital classic channels in one range within the 200s and the digital premier in a separate block, not a block within classic and some others scattered. I am far too lazy to figure out what channels I do/don't have in the 200s in the guide to watch any of them.

What?

Why no NESN-HD?

Sorry, just realized it was Friday. :(

Originally posted by avic
pats and sox both SD tonight in bos. :confused:

Call me crazy, but the 7.15 upgrade seems to have improved SD PQ on the Sox games at least. The biggest differences I notice are MUCH better clarity and no more need to use a separate input (S-Vid) to watch the WSBK Friday Night games so I can read the status bar. Previously, the component input cut the bar in half making it unreadable. Some may have actually enjoyed that but I like to see the score, inning, pitch counts and radar in case I'm multitasking....

I never tried the DVI input since I haven't seen anything that justifies the $$ to use that input on my Toshy CRT...I'm holding out for one of the DVD players that upscale to 1080i with a DVI output...

Jim, the screen position moved a bit (scanrate change?) with the upgrade but there's really no improvement in PQ, at least for the SD channels.

I still can't get over how bad the SD scaling in these boxes are- the higher you go, the worse it gets. 480i @ 720p looks terrible.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Jim, the screen position moved a bit (scanrate change?) with the upgrade but there's really no improvement in PQ, at least for the SD channels.

I still can't get over how bad the SD scaling in these boxes are- the higher you go, the worse it gets. 480i @ 720p looks terrible.

Interesting...this may be a case of the way my set (which upconverts everything to 1080i) handles the signal. I have my override set to 480p and it just seems that the WSBK Sox (which is about all I watch in SD) broadcasts look better.

i get the "best" SD PQ with 480 override off, sending everything as 1080i with no conversion needed. if i had display with 'smart stretching' then 480i/p would be my choice but the best my hitachi can do is stretch the sides which makes me dizzy on camera pans. so i deal with the sidebars since my sd viewing is limited anyway.

...and the kids at motorola still refuse to answer my emails asking why the native video output option was removed with subsequent firmware upgrades. it was once an option on the 5100's. only excuse i've heard, and not from them, is that the setting confused owners without a display capable of converting incoming video to its native rez so they got no video with this setting.

Hi everyone,

I purchased a Sony 34" XBR960 today at Tweeter to take advantage of both the tax-free holiday and their private sale. I saved 10% on the TV and 5% in tax. I also purchased their Comcast HDTV kit since it came with both free movie coupons, a free installation coupon, and a $50 rebate after the service was installed.

I will be signing up for Comcast's HDTV service within a couple weeks since the TV doesn't deliver until the 24th. I just had a couple questions for anyone out there in MA with possibly both Comcast's HDTV service and a 960.

1. I found out the 960 has no DVI input. Would you then recommend connecting the 6200 cable box to the TV via a DVI-to-HDMI cable or a component cable?

2. Any tips or suggestions on how I should set the cable box or TV to take full advantage of all of this? I wanted to make sure I get the most out of this.

Thanks!

Originally posted by tennberg
Hi everyone,

I purchased a Sony 34" XBR960 today at Tweeter to take advantage of both the tax-free holiday and their private sale. I saved 10% on the TV and 5% in tax. I also purchased their Comcast HDTV kit since it came with both free movie coupons, a free installation coupon, and a $50 rebate after the service was installed.

I will be signing up for Comcast's HDTV service within a couple weeks since the TV doesn't deliver until the 24th. I just had a couple questions for anyone out there in MA with possibly both Comcast's HDTV service and a 960.

1. I found out the 960 has no DVI input. Would you then recommend connecting the 6200 cable box to the TV via a DVI-to-HDMI cable or a component cable?

2. Any tips or suggestions on how I should set the cable box or TV to take full advantage of all of this? I wanted to make sure I get the most out of this.

Thanks!

To this day, I haven't heard of any advantage of using a DVI connection over component to view HD, at least on a CRT. I've heard that PQ improves on LCD/Plasma (one, the other, or both I forget) but that's not applicable in your case...

If anyone out there has a different experience, I'd be interested. I have DVI input on my Toshy but haven't bothered with the cable yet.

I bought a DVI cable for my CRT RPTV since my TV only has 2 component inputs, and I have three sources (Cable HDTV, OTA HDTV, and DVD) and I haven't noticed much difference between DVI and component.

I purchased my DVI cable online for $20 or so. No reason to pay $100 or whatever CC or BB wants for it.

And here the tips you requested:

http://www.cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dctset-up.htm

miatasm,

Thanks for that link. It was helpful, but also produced more questions.

I will be connecting the Motorola 6200 cable box to my Sony 34" XBR960 via component video cables. (I thought the TV had DVI on the back, but I've read that even a DVI to HDMI (which the TV does have) cable won't produce much improvement, if any, over component.)

In the user settings you showed, there is an option for DVI/YPbPr output. It seems you can only set it to output either 480i, 480p, 720p, or 1080i to the TV. Since each TV station will be outputting programming in either 480i for SD programming or 720p or 1080i for HD programming, is there a way to set the cable box to output the correct incoming video signal to the TV, or does any incoming signal, regardless if its SD or HD, get output to the TV in one of the methods above? I hope that's clear.

Now, the cable box (6200) will be hooked up to my TV via component video and to my receiver via coaxial audio. My receiver has a DD decoder built-in. With this type of audio connection, I should still be able to hear audio on channels that is not coming in as 5.1 or even Pro Logic, correct?

Thanks. I'm sure as the 24th gets closer, I will have even more questions.

unfortunatelly there is no "native" video option on the YPbPr/DVI output setting. you'll have to decide for yourself what looks good on your display. everyone has an opinion, let your eyes choose.

using an optical or coax cable, audio will be sent as it comes in to your receiver, whether it's DD or not so long as your audio settings on the STB are set correctly, so yes to your ?

btw, ALL of this and more is in miatasm's site, just look through it carefully for more detail.

Thanks avic,

Avic is correct

FYI: Comcast and NFL Network, the first channel fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of professional football, have reached a significant multi-year agreement to make NFL Network available as part of Comcast’s Digital Cable service. Beginning this month, NFL Network will be added to Comcast’s Digital Plus lineup. Hopefully later, it will be part of the HDTV line up as well.

Why give in now ? Comcast should of help out for Sunday Ticket access ! If they add an HD version of the NFL Network then I will be somewhat happy.

Originally posted by dozens
Why give in now ? Comcast should of help out for Sunday Ticket access ! If they add an HD version of the NFL Network then I will be somewhat happy.



Well as long as Direct TV has an exclusive contract with the NFL, they have to wait I guess

Agreed, but now the NFL gets it cakes and can eat it to. If the Comcast waited for ST agreement to end they could of forced D* not to have exclusive access.

I am on the 'list' for the Moto 6208 box. They are currently quoting a 2 week wait. My Samsung 6163W HLP is coming at the end of the month and it is going to be a race to see which makes it first.

I told Comcast to just give me the box and don't have an installer come out. They wouldn't do it

Note that the NFL Network is part of a digital sports tier that costs $4.95 a month. Now if they added HDNET/Movies, BravoHD+ and TNT-HD to an HD tier for $4.95 that is something I could really go for. (I shouldn't say that since in time maybe we'll get them for no additional cost).

Rich N.

Where is the TV Guide Channel? My 6200 interface is full of ads directing me to tune to it for updated Olympics info, but for the life of me, I can't find it in my lineup. HELP!!

Hey, how much are you guys being charged for the 6200 box? The CSRs have told me both $10/month and $7/month, nobody seems to know. They also said you can have only one 6208 box. For $10/month, I might as well have another 6208 box for just $5 more...

Originally posted by new2hometheater
I am on the 'list' for the Moto 6208 box. They are currently quoting a 2 week wait. My Samsung 6163W HLP is coming at the end of the month and it is going to be a race to see which makes it first.

I told Comcast to just give me the box and don't have an installer come out. They wouldn't do it


ACTUALLY, IT MAY BE UP TO A MONTH

Originally posted by spearse
Hey, how much are you guys being charged for the 6200 box? The CSRs have told me both $10/month and $7/month, nobody seems to know. They also said you can have only one 6208 box. For $10/month, I might as well have another 6208 box for just $5 more...

It's 7.25 for HD converter and $15.25 for hd+dvr. If you plan on replacing a analog or dgtl converter for either one, it's not as bad. For a regular dgtl being replaced, it's $1.75 more a month or $9.75 (dvr)

Originally posted by CMG1976
Well as long as Direct TV has an exclusive contract with the NFL, they have to wait I guess

One more year.

2005 is when I believe cable will be abble to access Sunday Ticket

Originally posted by hibricc
Where is the TV Guide Channel? My 6200 interface is full of ads directing me to tune to it for updated Olympics info, but for the life of me, I can't find it in my lineup. HELP!!

This is because we don't get it.

With TV guide interactive,what do you really need it for?

Hi all,

I picked up a Sony 34" XBR960 over the weekend at Tweeter and it is being delivered on the 24th.

I just called Comcast today to set up an appointment to install HDTV. They are going to be here on the afternoon of the 28th.

When I asked the guy what the model number of the cable box I would be getting was, he said I would either be getting the 5100 or 6200, depening on what the service center had in stock at the moment. I put in a request for the 6200, but he said there was no guarantee I would get it.

I was under the impression that anyone getting HDTV these days in the Boston area would be getting the 6200 cable box. What has been your experience with this? Do both cable boxes produce the same exact picture and sound quality?

Assuming I get the 5100, would there be a way to eventually exchange it for a 6200?

Thanks!

Anyone Else??? Recieved a Comcast offer for a free DVR box for one year. They are dropping the $7.25 a month and no charge for the DVR. The CSR couldn't tell me which DVR box it was, one or two tuners. Swapping boxes Wednesday morning. What's the catch?

Originally posted by ozzzie3
Anyone Else??? Recieved a Comcast offer for a free DVR box for one year. They are dropping the $7.25 a month and no charge for the DVR. The CSR couldn't tell me which DVR box it was, one or two tuners. Swapping boxes Wednesday morning. What's the catch?

Sounds excellent to me! :) The duel tuner box is not yet out, you'll be getting the 6208, single tuner, 80 gig HD. Enjoy!

-JR

Originally posted by chitchatjf
This is because we don't get it.

With TV guide interactive,what do you really need it for?

I've actually never needed it... just curious to check out this Olympic guide they've been touting all over my interface. No great loss, I guess....

Originally posted by chitchatjf
This is because we don't get it. We do get it in Boston...it's on channel 8. If you don't have it where you are you're not missing much and I wouldn't depend on them for my Olympics schedule, there are so many BETTER sources, i.e. internet, and even the IPG, under main menu you can select Olympics and it will display what 's on.

Originally posted by dozens
Why give in now ? Comcast should of help out for Sunday Ticket access ! If they add an HD version of the NFL Network then I will be somewhat happy.

As of right now, I don't think the NFL Network needs a full HD channel, because not everything is in HD, only certain shows like their Game of the Week show. So maybe they will use one of the INHD channels to show their HD events like INHD has been used for other events?

Originally posted by avic
We do get it in Boston...it's on channel 8. If you don't have it where you are you're not missing much and I wouldn't depend on them for my Olympics schedule, there are so many BETTER sources, i.e. internet, and even the IPG, under main menu you can select Olympics and it will display what 's on.

Thanks for the info, guys. Based on what you're all saying, we've probably talked about it more than it deserves. ;)

Originally posted by tennberg

I was under the impression that anyone getting HDTV these days in the Boston area would be getting the 6200 cable box. What has been your experience with this? Do both cable boxes produce the same exact picture and sound quality?

Assuming I get the 5100, would there be a way to eventually exchange it for a 6200?

Thanks!

I would think if you requested one with firewire, which they are now required to supply, that might do the trick. ;)

has anyone been able to figure out how many Patriots games we will be seeing in HDTV this year?

I figure we have a bare minimum of 6 for the ABC, ESPN and FOX games, and then whatever they show out of the remaining 10 on CBS. i just don;t know how many CBS will show.

Originally posted by macd23
has anyone been able to figure out how many Patriots games we will be seeing in HDTV this year?

I figure we have a bare minimum of 6 for the ABC, ESPN and FOX games, and then whatever they show out of the remaining 10 on CBS. i just don;t know how many CBS will show.

Nobody knows for sure, as CBS will be picking their HD games as the season progresses. (See this thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=432654) )

But unless the Pats lose their first 6 games and fall out of it early, I hope to see most of their CBS games in HD.

/RANT ON/

I know that this is a bit off topic, but is anyone else sick of the SONY commercial that is being shown about every 15 minutes on NBC- HD (807) during the Olympic coverage..........Its really beginning to annoy me... I know that they are sponsoring NBC - HD's coverage but it seems to me that they are missing their target audience as probably 95% of the people watching already have an HDTV.......and are not likely to buy another one in the near future.

/RANT OFF/

Originally posted by sheakt
/RANT ON/

I know that this is a bit off topic, but is anyone else sick of the SONY commercial that is being shown about every 15 minutes on NBC- HD (807) during the Olympic coverage..........Its really beginning to annoy me... I know that they are sponsoring NBC - HD's coverage but it seems to me that they are missing their target audience as probably 95% of the people watching already have an HDTV.......and are not likely to buy another one in the near future.

/RANT OFF/

AMEN TO THAT!

Plus the NBC's feed isn't really that great. On fast-motion I see plenty o' artifacts...multicasting like PBS?

greetings all. i just did some searching through this thread and it looks like 7.15 has "solved" some DVI/HDCP problems. however it's not clear exactly which problems. there seemed to be TWO.

one is that the mere presence of HDCP was confusing systems and required weird turn-on sequences and the like. this seems to be fixed.

another problem was that at some point, with one of the firmware upgrades, motorola flipped on HDCP for everything - effectively forcing anybody without an HDCP capable display of going analog - regardless of whether the source material was flagged.

has the latter been fixed? or partially fixed? any info appreciated.

doody.

Originally posted by macd23
has anyone been able to figure out how many Patriots games we will be seeing in HDTV this year?

I figure we have a bare minimum of 6 for the ABC, ESPN and FOX games, and then whatever they show out of the remaining 10 on CBS. i just don;t know how many CBS will show.

Even with CBS only doing one game each week in HD (plus the occaisonal Saturday game in Dec), the Pats were on CBS in HD four or so times. I'd only expect that number to increase with CBS doing three games/week now.

another problem was that at some point, with one of the firmware upgrades, motorola flipped on HDCP for everything - effectively forcing anybody without an HDCP capable display of going analog - regardless of whether the source material was flagged.

has the latter been fixed? or partially fixed? any info appreciated.
That's the way HDCP is supposed to work.

But unless the Pats lose their first 6 games and fall out of it early, I hope to see most of their CBS games in HD.

Don't worry, that won't happen.

That's the way HDCP is supposed to work.

?? Are the OTA network HD signals flagged for HDCP? If not, then the cable feeds from them shouldn't be either. Or, what am I missing (besides implementation decisions)?

larry

?? Are the OTA network HD signals flagged for HDCP? If not, then the cable feeds from them shouldn't be either. Or, what am I missing (besides implementation decisions)?Comcast has turned HDCP on, so you can't use it with a non-compliant display. Stupid, yes, as there's no way to record a DVI output anyways, but there you go.

I have a quick question for your folks. I'm just getting into this whole HD business and am not quite sure what I'm doing. I had heard about the 6208 and jumped all over ordering it when I realized it was available despite lack of advertisement. But now I hear there will be a version that's so much better available in a couple of months.

Do any of you anticipate that I will have trouble getting the new box from Comcast when it rolls out? Or will they just give it to me with no problem? I need an answer for this because the cable guy is coming over tomorrow to deliver the box.

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by DaveFi
That's the way HDCP is supposed to work.

sorry - i probably worded that badly.

HDCP is supposed to be turned on IF the incoming signal is secure. one of the motorola firmware revisions apparently turned HDCP on for ALL digital output.

my understanding is that Comcast is not currently encrypting ANY channel with HDCP, so the boxes should be passing the signals out until such point that Comcast is required or requested to encrypt various signals.

IF the boxes are HDCP encrypting everything AND the incoming signal in question is NOT encrypted, then that is decidedly not how HDCP is supposed to work.

my understanding was that motorola was going to "fix" this in a future firmware revision.

Comcast has turned HDCP on, so you can't use it with a non-compliant display. Stupid, yes, as there's no way to record a DVI output anyways, but there you go.

i've heard told this was motorola's "error" not comcast's and that comcast wanted it fixed. is this not the case?

so your understanding dave is that EVERYTHING is still being HDCP encrypted REGARDLESS of whether it should be or not?

any info appreciated.

doody.

Omeed:

I have had the HD-DVR 6208 for several months. I would not worry about being able to exchange it. While it may delay getting the new one (customers without the 6208 might get first-crack at the dual-tuner 6412) the 6208 is single-tuner with a much-maligned user interface and I'm sure that Comcast will want everyone to use the better box to be closer to HD-Tivo capability.

Get it and enjoy recording HD now. New stuff tends to be delayed anyway and you'd be missing out.

Rich N.

Originally posted by macd23
has anyone been able to figure out how many Patriots games we will be seeing in HDTV this year?

I figure we have a bare minimum of 6 for the ABC, ESPN and FOX games, and then whatever they show out of the remaining 10 on CBS. i just don;t know how many CBS will show.

I expect 16!

I'm going to bet that the Cards-Pats game will not be in HD.

so your understanding dave is that EVERYTHING is still being HDCP encrypted REGARDLESS of whether it should be or not?Yes. HDCP is on for everything, and this is something Comcast has decided to do.

I will see if I can find out more.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Yes. HDCP is on for everything, and this is something Comcast has decided to do.

I will see if I can find out more.

any further info appreciated. that's rather insane of them to do since there's no upside for them to do that. especially the re-transmitted local OTA stuff. i kinda doubt that CNN is beating up cable companies to flip HDCP on ;). maybe HBO and its ilk, but i don't really know.

i know VOOM turned on HDCP a few months ago. i believe they did likewise - they just turned it on for everything. pissed off a ton of customers.

unfortunately many of the early-adopter HDTV folks don't have HDCP-capable displays.

doody.

Originally posted by raidbuck
Omeed:

I have had the HD-DVR 6208 for several months. I would not worry about being able to exchange it. While it may delay getting the new one (customers without the 6208 might get first-crack at the dual-tuner 6412) the 6208 is single-tuner with a much-maligned user interface and I'm sure that Comcast will want everyone to use the better box to be closer to HD-Tivo capability.

Get it and enjoy recording HD now. New stuff tends to be delayed anyway and you'd be missing out.

Rich N.

Yeah, guess so. I'll just use this one and complain that my neighbors have it if they want to delay giving it to me. Just got my TV in and Discovery HD looks awesome.

DaveFi, Thanks. I knew it had to be something like that - either it was something "too hard" to do "correctly" in the firmware or a mandate (or both). Does that prevent recording to the D-VHS decks via firewire? (I haven't been paying attention).

larry

Originally posted by DaveFi
Yes. HDCP is on for everything, and this is something Comcast has decided to do.

I will see if I can find out more.

No... the Motorola released Firmware is what enabled HDCP. Comcast has no control over the HDCP functionality of the box.

Originally posted by Omeed
I have a quick question for your folks. I'm just getting into this whole HD business and am not quite sure what I'm doing. I had heard about the 6208 and jumped all over ordering it when I realized it was available despite lack of advertisement. But now I hear there will be a version that's so much better available in a couple of months.

Do any of you anticipate that I will have trouble getting the new box from Comcast when it rolls out? Or will they just give it to me with no problem? I need an answer for this because the cable guy is coming over tomorrow to deliver the box.

Thanks in advance.


Right now, Comcast is still going through it's beta testing for the 6208, it will officially be rolled out sometime in the fall as well as the dual tuners. Once I get an official word on this I will let you know. BuWhat may happen is they might go through a beta testing (another waiting list) with the dual tuners once the (single tuners)DVR's are officially available for install instead of being placed on that list. I hope I'm wrong though

I stopped getting dd5.1 out of my 6200 box and I dont know why, anyone have any suggestions? I already tried resetting the box.

I know that only select shows and movies are in 5.1, but now even when the guide says that something is supposed to be in 5.1 my receiver doesn't click over to it, which it used to do. And I know its not my receiver, cause 5.1 works fine with other sources.

No... the Motorola released Firmware is what enabled HDCP. Comcast has no control over the HDCP functionality of the box.

that's what i heard initially from a Comcast employee who wishes to remain nameless.

from what i can gather, f/w 7.10 is what flipped on HDCP. we're at 7.15 now. we're well more than three months later.

so both parties (comcast and motorola) know of the problem and motorola has revved the f/w a few times since then. and they haven't shut off the "encrypt everything!" (think: C3PO during the garbage masher scene in Star Wars - frantically flailing his arms with cluelessness) "feature".

has anybody been able to talk to anyone at comcast who actually understands this stuff? who has been able to explain why they moto/they have chosen to encrypt unencrypted feeds?

doody.

Wow, first time watching a Red Sox game on NESN and it's amazing. This purchase just became worth it.

Originally posted by Savadave
I stopped getting dd5.1 out of my 6200 box and I dont know why, anyone have any suggestions? I already tried resetting the box.

I know that only select shows and movies are in 5.1, but now even when the guide says that something is supposed to be in 5.1 my receiver doesn't click over to it, which it used to do. And I know its not my receiver, cause 5.1 works fine with other sources.

I have been having issues with this as well. For example, if I am watching a program in 5.1, and switch to an analog channel and then back, the 5.1 signal is gone. Turning the box off and on does not always allow me to reacquire the signal. I have not had a great deal of time to experiment, but the one thing that always fixes this is: pulling up the OnDemand menu, then going back to the program, this always gets the 5.1 signal back.

It is definitely an issue with the 6200, and did not happen before the 7.15 firmware upgrade.

Thanks for the OnDemand trick, that works for me as well :)

I wonder if comcast is aware of this problem? And if others have the same issue but haven't realized it yet?

Watching the Red Sox game tonight, does anyone notice the camera from behind the pitcher is more dark and red? When it goes to another camera everything gets lit up well or am I losing my mind here!

I see nothing new for new HD channels since Discovery HD ,839 , last month.

Originally posted by Omeed
Wow, first time watching a Red Sox game on NESN and it's amazing. This purchase just became worth it.
You have been assimilated. Enjoy!

No... the Motorola released Firmware is what enabled HDCP. Comcast has no control over the HDCP functionality of the box.That's not exactly correct. Comcast was aware of this and decided to go with the firmware upgrade. They do test these things out before they're deployed.

has anybody been able to talk to anyone at comcast who actually understands this stuff? who has been able to explain why they moto/they have chosen to encrypt unencrypted feeds?I am. That is why I am able to answer questions such as this, and provide what information I can. The party I am in contact with is trying to gain more information from Motorola.

On the 6412 front, apparently the iGuide software has been pushed back again. The box is all ready to go- just waiting for the software.

Originally posted by DaveFi
That's not exactly correct. Comcast was aware of this and decided to go with the firmware upgrade. They do test these things out before they're deployed.

I am. That is why I am able to answer questions such as this, and provide what information I can. The party I am in contact with is trying to gain more information from Motorola.

On the 6412 front, apparently the iGuide software has been pushed back again. The box is all ready to go- just waiting for the software.

Don't believe every thing you hear from your source DaveFi. I've heard people talking on here about having a link to someone, they say something, and sometimes they are wrong and sometimes they are right. I know one of the guys that makes it so our digital boxes continue to work, we game together and we smoke cigars together. But, even he tempers what he tells me with a "of course, this could all change".

As for Comcast "choosing" to deploy the 7.10 firmware with HDCP compliance. Sure, everyone has a choice in everything they do. But, considering the bugs that were inherent in 7.07 (and the complaints from it), 7.10 was the better firmware, and now 7.15. Bugs get fixed, Motorola adds other things to the firmware, creating more bugs etc. They deal with each problem as it presents itself. As for the HDCP DVI and older non-HDCP compliant sets... they still have Component connections to use. Comcast, and every cable company, will ultimately go with the method that fixes those problems most complained about... and I will bet that there were more people complaining about the issues in 7.07 then there are those now who can't use DVI because of old sets. You don't see me complaining... I can't use DVI. I just sit back and enjoy my HD that Comcast in the New England region has busted their butts to get up and online for us. For our viewing pleasure.

The only control Comcast has over HDCP is by not going with the firmware. Are you telling me you'd rather have the bugs from 7.07 and get your non-HDCP compliant DVI working? Somehow I doubt that. So, sit down, enjoy your HDTV programming and go on speculating about what the next HD channel they are going to launch will be.

Originally posted by Gabatta
It is definitely an issue with the 6200, and did not happen before the 7.15 firmware upgrade. On some STB's 7.15 firmware resets the audio settings in the setup menu so you have to go back in there and make sure you are set up for advanced/matrix stereo.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
So, sit down, enjoy your HDTV programming and go on speculating about what the next HD channel they are going to launch will be. I hear UPN and maybe WB will be added soon, now that the bandwidth is there, what's the hold up? Except for HDnet they could add the rest today if they wanted to. What was that list again?
UPN/WB
TMC-HD
TNT-HD
Bravo-HD
Spice-HD

From what my friend was told about WB... they can't pick it up at their Off Air HD receive site. WB is adjacent to WHDH on the spectrum and WHDH is running at 2-3x the db level of WB. From what I've seen in other topics, people South of Needham can pick up WB fine, but North is difficult if not impossible. Probably a directional antenna at their transmitter site in Needham pointing South. He has heard that they are supposed to be boosting the power and putting in an omni-directional antenna, but not date has come across.
As for other HD channels... yeah the bandwidth is there from the analog pay drops, but not everywhere (consider the Boston B-side collapse) and then there is the issue of equipment. For most companies, it is near the end of the budget year and the money is tight or non-existant for new stuff... or is already spoken for. Who knows, like my friend said, things change and we could wake up next week and have all the HD channels we want.

Originally posted by avic
On some STB's 7.15 firmware resets the audio settings in the setup menu so you have to go back in there and make sure you are set up for advanced/matrix stereo.

You are correct about 7.15 resetting the stereo preferences. However, changing to advanced/matrix unfortunately does not fix the audio problem for me.

Regarding firmware... 7.10 broke more things then it fixed. I am not sure what was wrong with 7.07 but 7.10 didn't do HDCP properly. I am happy to see that 7.15 has fixed the HDCP problems so my HDCP compliant device can work.

Regarding new HD channels. Anyone know when WFXT will be going 720p ? Hopefully before the first time the Pats play a NFC team.

The FOX network is switching on the 720p feed on Sept 12; WFXT I believe is all ready; we should start getting HD football on that date.

Does fox currently broadcast anything in HD? I haven't seen anything in my limited time surfing the 800 channels.

Oh, and is there HD on demand now for the pay channels? I don't really want to upgrade to HBO before that exists.

Originally posted by Omeed
Does fox currently broadcast anything in HD? I haven't seen anything in my limited time surfing the 800 channels.

No, 480p widescreeen it the best they do at the moment.

Oh, and is there HD on demand now for the pay channels? I don't really want to upgrade to HBO before that exists.

Nope, no HD PPV or HD on demand yet.

Ok, Comcast came in to instal my DVR box today. It was kinda funny as four cable guys came in and asked if they could do a little training seminar with the instalation on my TV. Guess they are going to be rolling out the 6208s very soon and the guy told me I should be able to get mine replaced by 6416s around October before the official rollout just like I did the 6208.

Also, it seems they are not allowed to mention TIVO for some reason.

Originally posted by Omeed
Does fox currently broadcast anything in HD? I haven't seen anything in my limited time surfing the 800 channels.

Oh, and is there HD on demand now for the pay channels? I don't really want to upgrade to HBO before that exists.

I believe fox is going HD in sepetmber, Sept 12th or something....They will be doing almost 6 NFL games a week in HD and other primetime stuff. Go check it out in the HDTV programming forum.

Talked to Comcast this morning, NFL network should be in Boston in the beginning of September.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
From what my friend was told about WB... they can't pick it up at their Off Air HD receive site. WB is adjacent to WHDH on the spectrum and WHDH is running at 2-3x the db level of WB. From what I've seen in other topics, people South of Needham can pick up WB fine, but North is difficult if not impossible. Probably a directional antenna at their transmitter site in Needham pointing South. He has heard that they are supposed to be boosting the power and putting in an omni-directional antenna, but not date has come across.
As for other HD channels... yeah the bandwidth is there from the analog pay drops, but not everywhere (consider the Boston B-side collapse) and then there is the issue of equipment. For most companies, it is near the end of the budget year and the money is tight or non-existant for new stuff... or is already spoken for. Who knows, like my friend said, things change and we could wake up next week and have all the HD channels we want.

I had assumed they got the HD channels via a direct fiber feed from the channels themselves.

Comcast receives most if not all of the Boston HD channels OTA.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
I had assumed they got the HD channels via a direct fiber feed from the channels themselves.

Some I'm sure are direct fiber feeds, others maybe not?

Originally posted by Omeed
"Guess they are going to be rolling out the 6208s very soon and the guy told me I should be able to get mine replaced by 6416s around October before the official rollout just like I did the 6208." so this installer of yours, he actually said "6416" not "6412"? i'll take the xtra 40gigs! and from what i was told, the 6208's were NOT going to be "rolled out" and they would only hard launch with dual-tuners. which are ready but now we're waiting for the iGuide! it's a barebones crap of software, how difficult can it be to get it up and loaded? :rolleyes: i'm over the 6208 beta test, ready for more space and dual tuning.

He said 6416 from what I remember. I suppose i could have misheard, but he could have also misspoke.

It was kinda funny as they were poking around in it's various service menus. Apparently there is an area where it stores the charges that should be applied to your account come bill time. Apparantly they have been having problems with people forgetting to wipe out old boxes before giving them to new customers, and the new customers end up being charged at bill time.

Is there anything I can do to get myself a 6208? Last time I went to my local comcast center to get a new 6200 (my old one got damaged), I asked the guy if there was any way I could get a 6208 and he flat out said "No, sorry, thats just for beta testers." I'm in the Melrose/Wakefield area, which is about 10 minutes away from Boston.

So any tricks on getting myself one of these? :)

Savadave- You're probably better off just waiting for the 6412. It won't be long now.

Call comcast and just tell them you want to order DVR. Don't ask. That's what I did.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Savadave- You're probably better off just waiting for the 6412. It won't be long now. october is a long time if u don't have anything. BUT maybe comcast will surprise us all and start deploying 6412/16's before labor day and in time to record fox-hd in sept. ;)

That would be awesome. I need the ability to record a game and watch other stuff at the same time. That way my girlfriend can never complain about me watching sports.

Just checked back in with Comcast and they have no idea on when they can deliver and install the moto pvr. I've been on the list for 10 days. Has anyone else been successful in getting a box in the past few weeks?

They had no idea on what model they would be installing

I called last month and was added to the waiting list, haven't heard a peep from them since. :(

Originally posted by new2hometheater
Just checked back in with Comcast and they have no idea on when they can deliver and install the moto pvr. I've been on the list for 10 days. Has anyone else been successful in getting a box in the past few weeks?

They had no idea on what model they would be installing


New2Home

Just got my box Wenesday (6208?). Comcast called me out of the blue, one year free of charge, they even dropped the $7.25/month for the box, seems to work fine, not TIVO but it works. Still waiting for the catch.

ozzie3. Where are you located ?

Norwood, MA

Thanks,
I'm off to the phones.

Originally posted by new2hometheater
Has anyone else been successful in getting a box in the past few weeks?



a coworker who lives in Bridgewater, MA on the southshore just scheduled an install for monday aug 23....it depends on your location and how many boxes they have available...don't worry, you'll have it soon. the fact they are low on boxes in some areas should be a good sign that people are signing up in droves.

Originally posted by new2hometheater
Just checked back in with Comcast and they have no idea on when they can deliver and install the moto pvr. I've been on the list for 10 days. Has anyone else been successful in getting a box in the past few weeks?

They had no idea on what model they would be installing


Only took 5 days to get mine. Ive had it for about 4 weeks now. I'm on the north shore.

Jason

Originally posted by new2hometheater
Just checked back in with Comcast and they have no idea on when they can deliver and install the moto pvr. I've been on the list for 10 days. Has anyone else been successful in getting a box in the past few weeks?

They had no idea on what model they would be installing


Only took 5 days to get mine. Ive had it for about 4 weeks now. I'm on the north shore.

Jason

My brother lives in Peabody and he got his yesterday and he wasn't on any list either! Seems they are rolling them out in some areas!

I just emailed comcast about when we might have upn38 and wb56 in HD. There reply was that they are still negotiating rights to broadcast these signals. Anyone have any more insight into this ? I would love to see Star Trek - Enterprise and a few others in HD.

-Ken

Originally posted by kenvt
I just emailed comcast about when we might have upn38 and wb56 in HD. There reply was that they are still negotiating rights to broadcast these signals. Anyone have any more insight into this ? I would love to see Star Trek - Enterprise and a few others in HD.

-Ken

56 is a done deal. The current HD antenna farm cannot pick up a ch 41 signal :(

Seasons 1-3 of Enterprise would have been just letterboxed.

Season 4 is a different story :)

Originally posted by chitchatjf
Seasons 1-3 of Enterprise would have been just letterboxed.

Season 4 is a different story :) Actually the Enterprise HD broadcasts began with this past Season 3 on UPN. It was their HD debut, along with the now cancelled Jake 2.0. Hope we get UPN-HD before the October 8th two-part premiere, Storm Front; that would be awesome. C'mon Comcast, add 'em!

Curious. Can't you get 56.1 & 38.1 over the air?

Bruce

I could get them OTA if I wanted to buy an OTA tuner, which I don't want to do at the moment. I spent all I had on the widescreen TV.

-also-

What does it mean above that the current antenna farm can't pick up 41 ? Whose antenna farm ?

Thanks,

-Ken

Comcast's antenna farm. They pick up most of the HD stations OTA and retransmit them via cable.

WB is at low power.

Over the past couple of days while watching Discovery HD, I was experienced lot of macroblocking (or is it micro?) all over my screen? All other HD channels seemed to be fine. Did anybody else experience it?

I also experienced a weird audio problem last night around 8:00 pm. The sound out of my rear surround speakers sounded like a badly scratched 45 LP was being played, although my other speakers sounded fine. I swapped my rear speaker with my front speaker and rear surround sound was still "scratched up". Although it did eliminated the issue of a potential "broken" speaker. Additionally, I noticed this was happening only on certain channels: Ch 12 (SD WB56); 807 (NBC HD) and 881 (INHD1). I randomly checked some of the other SD channels and all of the HD channels and they did not have this audio problem. I had the same problem few months back, except at that time it was only SD WB56 and it lasted for couple of days and disappeared.

Anybody care to venture as to what may be causing this audio problem - is it audio feed from Comcast or something with my receiver?

Thanks.

I've seen it on Discovery and ESPN more often recently. I just change to another channel and then back and it's gone.

Thanks JDLIVE.

If the problem with Discovery HD pq still exists tonight, I'll try that and see if works.

Originally posted by avic
Actually the Enterprise HD broadcasts began with this past Season 3 on UPN. It was their HD debut, along with the now cancelled Jake 2.0. Hope we get UPN-HD before the October 8th two-part premiere, Storm Front; that would be awesome. C'mon Comcast, add 'em!

Season 3 would only had been upconverted.

Season 4 being SHOT IN HD well that is a different story.

Last season was in HD. Not upconverted.

ALL seasons are in HD format, which will be awesome when HDDVD comes out. this is the first season shot with an HD camera (sony 900) but seasons 1-3 were shot on film and entirely mastered in the 24p HD format. and you shouldn't notice a difference this season, the digital picture will be "timed" (color-corrected) to perfectly emulate film and thus match the look of the show to date. but it's SD 4:3 for us anyway unless COMCAST comes through!

Last season was actually aired by WSBK-DT in HD. That was not the case for previous seasons, even if the show was produced in HD prior to that.

Originally posted by ashridharani

Over the past couple of days while watching Discovery HD, I was experienced lot of macroblocking (or is it micro?) all over my screen? All other HD channels seemed to be fine. Did anybody else experience it?




Originally posted by JDLIVE
I've seen it on Discovery and ESPN more often recently. I just change to another channel and then back and it's gone.

i am seeing random macro blocking breakups on espn, discovery, and sometimes hbo and inhd. if i change the channel and go back it usually dissipates.

i started seeing this a few weeks ago on inhd...i was told over the phone it was a bad box...a day later we had a tech out installing reg cable in another room and told him the issue and he put a new splitter on the house, which resolved it for a few hours and it started happening again....i was going to call the cable company back and request a new box, but is this happening to a lot of others???? is it something in their signal???

[QUOTE]Originally posted by macd23
[B]i am seeing random macro blocking breakups on espn, discovery, and sometimes hbo and inhd. if i change the channel and go back it usually dissipates.

I only saw this problem over the past couple of days, although last night they all seem to be working fine. Will see if it continues to happen...

Originally posted by jckessler
Last season was actually aired by WSBK-DT in HD. That was not the case for previous seasons, even if the show was produced in HD prior to that. Which is why I said in my previous post that it was UPN's HD premiere last year. end of OT on that. :rolleyes:

No macroblocking to report on any channel. plenty of microblocking with PBS and NBC's olympic coverage but we know to expect that.

I've recently begun to see the macro blocking on INHD's and Discovery.

I am getting Comcast HD tomorrow. They said I can hook it up with either Component or DVI. Does that means I am getting the new box? Also, I get the following email from them about the channels. I don't see these channels you listed here:

Originally posted by avic
I hear UPN and maybe WB will be added soon, now that the bandwidth is there, what's the hold up? Except for HDnet they could add the rest today if they wanted to. What was that list again?
UPN/WB
TMC-HD
TNT-HD
Bravo-HD
Spice-HD


Comcast email:-

Eastern MA, NH and ME:
The following HDTV channels are currently available.
802 - WGBH HD (PBS)
804 - WBZ HD (CBS)
805 - WCVB HD (ABC)
807 - WHDH HD (NBC)
825 - WFXT HD (FOX)
839 - Discovery HD**
849 - ESPN HD**
868 - Cinemax-HD*
870 - HBO HD*
875 - Starz-HD*
877 - Showtime HD*
881 - INHD1**
882 - INHD2**

I got comcast HD last week, they provide a new Moto-6200 box. They only supply component cables so I went online at ebay and bought a Dell DVI cable for $8 shipped. The DVI seems slightly better than the composite, but not much. Both look great.
Cable companies must now obtain the rights for even off air channels so adding a new channel isn't always that easy.

-Ken

DVI is far better than component. it does not make sense but I tried it after a year of viewing DVI HD and DVI is best. even looks better on SD channels.

DVI is better than component only if your display device has a fixed number of pixels - it cuts out a digital-to-analog-to-digital step, since fixed pixel displays (plasma, lcd) are inherently digital.

For an inherently analog display, meaning just about anything with one or more CRTs in it (direct view TV, rear-projection CRT set), it's really a matter of whether the D-A decoding in the set or set-top-box is better. If the set's is better, use DVI; if the set-top-box's is better, use component. How do you know? Look at the picture and decide for yourself.

Originally posted by avic
Which is why I said in my previous post that it was UPN's HD premiere last year. end of OT on that. :rolleyes:

No macroblocking to report on any channel. plenty of microblocking with PBS and NBC's olympic coverage but we know to expect that.

With the usual confusion (hashed over and over) between macro and micro-blocking, I'll assume that the picture noise noticed on PBS and NBC's Olympics coverage during fast-motion images is called microblocking based on Avic's message.

PBS used to be the crown king of this issue due to their practice of multicasting (NBC's too) but now I'm seeing the same thing on the INHDs and Discovery as well. It's not constant, but these 2 HD-only networks had none of this happening as recently as 2 weeks ago.

What happened?

comcast is looking into it, if you're experiencing same, please post channels and your location.

Originally posted by kenvt
I got comcast HD last week, they provide a new Moto-6200 box. They only supply component cables so I went online at ebay and bought a Dell DVI cable for $8 shipped. The DVI seems slightly better than the composite, but not much. Both look great.
Cable companies must now obtain the rights for even off air channels so adding a new channel isn't always that easy.

-Ken

The rights for at LEAST 56 perhaps 38 plus I believe at least TMC and Encore are already there. It is a matter of getting the signal and which channel to put it on (where the box will pick it up and what channel to map it to)

Fhvn, MA

Seeing it on most HD channels(especially Discovery)...........experienced little or none prior to 7.15 firmware upgrade

Originally posted by avic
comcast is looking into it, if you're experiencing same, please post channels and your location.

What's really gone to crap for me in the Newton/Needham section are the analog channels. Analog is usually just fuzzy, but not blocky. Now it looks like the equivalent of watching a low bitrate 320x240 MPEG 1 video fullscreen on a 17" monitor. My wife was watching USA last night and it was practically unwatchable. Same with NBC (analog) a couple nights ago. I don't watch < 802 very often so it is probably more frequent and more channels than just that.

Originally posted by kaadray
What's really gone to crap for me in the Newton/Needham section are the analog channels.

Tough to say if the analog channels are worse in Boston, as they were so terrible to begin with. I do not see a difference with the new firmware. The only thing I will watch on the analog side are Red Sox away games. It will be a joyous day when Comcast goes all digital.

Does comcast have the bandwidth or ability to go all digital?


Thanks,

Bruce

Just curious from a boston resident....I'm just getting a plasma and moving to hdtv. Currently have direct tv (w/out HD) and was planning to move to comcast. Do you comcast users think I should stick with direct tv (which has all of the additional costs of buying the equipment)?

alot of Red Sox games are in HD on INHD.

Main differences:

Comcast has:
Cinemax-HD
Starz-HD
InHD1/InHD2
Home Red Sox and Bruins games in HD (NESN games only)

DirecTV has:
HDNet
HDNet movies
Bravo-HD (soon)
Sunday Ticket

Originally posted by Gabatta
Tough to say if the analog channels are worse in Boston, as they were so terrible to begin with. I do not see a difference with the new firmware. The only thing I will watch on the analog side are Red Sox away games. It will be a joyous day when Comcast goes all digital. the analog channels are much worse and this is even with a direct cable feed bypassing the box, always had a strong signal, i'm having a tech come check it out. so not a firmware issue at least for me.

<<
Main differences:

Comcast has:
Cinemax-HD
Starz-HD
InHD1/InHD2
Home Red Sox and Bruins games in HD (NESN games only)

DirecTV has:
HDNet
HDNet movies
Bravo-HD (soon)
Sunday Ticket
>>

one more for Direct TV is HD-TIVO

just curious, are any of you experiencing bad audio/video lip synch issues on espnHD?

i was watching sportscenter and it was blatant......i don't really see this on any other channel, so i am ruling out my display and audio setup........i was wondering if its a local issue or what....

Originally posted by scorpion74
<<
Main differences:

Comcast has:
Cinemax-HD
Starz-HD
InHD1/InHD2
Home Red Sox and Bruins games in HD (NESN games only)

DirecTV has:
HDNet
HDNet movies
Bravo-HD (soon)
Sunday Ticket
>>

one more for Direct TV is HD-TIVO

Comcast also has

PBS-HD (2)
CBS HD (4)
ABC HD (5)
NBC HD (7)
FOX HD (25)
as well as the HD versions of the "movie" channels if you subscribe

Originally posted by sheakt
Comcast also has

PBS-HD (2)
CBS HD (4)
ABC HD (5)
NBC HD (7)
FOX HD (25)
as well as the HD versions of the "movie" channels if you subscribe

I would assume that anyone with D* and HD would be getting an OTA setup. Since UPN-HD and WB-HD aren't available on Comcast, this could be potentially another D* advantage.

Originally posted by jckessler
I would assume that anyone with D* and HD would be getting an OTA setup. Since UPN-HD and WB-HD aren't available on Comcast, this could be potentially another D* advantage.

There are a GOOD number of folks who do the BOTH dance.

BROADCAST BASIC from Comcast (Including HD locals) AND Direct TV !

The only thing in HD on 38 is Enterprise and the reason we do not have 56 yet is that 56's Digital signal isn't strong enough yet.

You CAN'T get the Pats on Sunday Ticket.

I kept DirecTV because of:

DirecTiVo.
Sunday Ticket (with tons of HDTV games).
OTA HDTV: 2, 4, 5, 7, 25, 38, (56 ... if it came in).
D* HDTV: HDnet, HDnet Movies.
East/West coast feeds of many kids channels.
Higher picture quality on analog channels.

I added the cheapest Comcast HDTV package because:

Package keeps my Broadband price down by $15.00.
InHD, InHD2 with some Red Sox & Bruins games.
Comcast DVR for HDTV.

Having BOTH is nice ... especially if you have Internet from Comcast anyway.

P.S. - I truely *HATE* channel 38's Friday night baseball taking away HDTV from NESN ... that's always the night I would get to watch it, and when I see it isn't in HDTV, I'm usually so mad that I watch something else.

And you have to deal with those stupid gray sidebars too RS... Know the feeling

"P.S. - I truely *HATE* channel 38's Friday night baseball taking away HDTV from NESN ... that's always the night I would get to watch it, and when I see it isn't in HDTV, I'm usually so mad that I watch something else."

I feel the same way and totally agree. how the hell does 38 get these games anyway ?

Sox probably don't want all of their games on pay TV.

The real solution is to give the HDTV feed to WSBK.

Tonight is glorious for sports in HD... Red Sox on NESN-HD, Yankees on INHD and preseason football on ESPNHD !!

-Ken

Originally posted by macd23
just curious, are any of you experiencing bad audio/video lip synch issues on espnHD?

I have not checked today, but I was getting this same issue last night while watching SpotsCenter.

I seen it too today.

I've been getting the Macroblocking to a severe extent on and off on DiscoveryHD since it turned on. I'm in Somerville, MA on a MOT5100.

Originally posted by RScogland
I kept DirecTV because of:

DirecTiVo.
Sunday Ticket (with tons of HDTV games).
OTA HDTV: 2, 4, 5, 7, 25, 38, (56 ... if it came in).
D* HDTV: HDnet, HDnet Movies.
East/West coast feeds of many kids channels.
Higher picture quality on analog channels.

I added the cheapest Comcast HDTV package because:

Package keeps my Broadband price down by $15.00.
InHD, InHD2 with some Red Sox & Bruins games.
Comcast DVR for HDTV.

Having BOTH is nice ... especially if you have Internet from Comcast anyway.

P.S. - I truely *HATE* channel 38's Friday night baseball taking away HDTV from NESN ... that's always the night I would get to watch it, and when I see it isn't in HDTV, I'm usually so mad that I watch something else.

I have the same as you and I also agree on the friday games, disappointment!

I assume everyone else was having problems with the yankees game on 881?

I was looking forward to watching the Sox and then the Yanks during commercial breaks but it was all ruined!

What was funny was having the ESPN HD football feed at the same time as the NESN one. NESN is SO MUCH BETTER! I seriously hope ESPN doesn't have many Pats games. Give them all to CBS I say.

Is there a way that I can remove channels from the Comcast channel list so that I don't have to flip through channels that I don't care about or subscribe? I'm a chronic channel flipper and I'm annoyed at flipping though the music channels that I don't care about and the basketball channels that have no content.

I would also like to remove the porno channels so my kids don't see the hot and Spice networks. I have been able to hide the title so that they just say 'adult programming' but it really bugs me to have them as a choice at all.

Well, to partially answer your question, I marked all the HD channels as favorites, so I can just keep hitting the "FAV" button on my remote and cycle through them. You can add what ever else you want to fav but it won't hide them.

-Ken

Originally posted by new2hometheater
I would also like to remove the porno channels so my kids don't see the hot and Spice networks. I have been able to hide the title so that they just say 'adult programming' but it really bugs me to have them as a choice at all. You can't remove the channels from the guide, but you can use the "Lock" feature to prevent them from being ordered and also to block the program descriptions. You need to set up a four digit numeric code to control access.

Sounds like you already may have figured out how to do that.

What digital package do you need just for the NBA TV channel?

Thanks,
Chris

Originally posted by Bacffin
And you have to deal with those stupid gray sidebars too RS... Know the feeling

Believe it or not, I actually prefer watching stretched NESN :eek: on 882 to the gray bars on CBS4.

You need either the sports (4.95) or premier (6.95) pckg as the a la carte (as long as you have some type of dgtl pckg classic, plus etc......)





Originally posted by Schlotkins
What digital package do you need just for the NBA TV channel?

Thanks,
Chris

Originally posted by hibricc
Believe it or not, I actually prefer watching stretched NESN :eek: on 882 to the gray bars on CBS4.

dosen't look stretched to me.
Remember outside the Boston TV market the game is still on NESN SD and Ch 882 looks as clear and hi def on Friday as any other night.

Ch 804 also sends out a pretty decent signal but still 4:3. :(

the friday night game was NOT blacked out on NESN 882 in the Boston DMA tonight (guess they may not care since it was on WBZ not on UPN, that or someone forgot.) but it was most definitely stretched 4:3 which should be outlawed! and man if u can't tell the difference between HD and stretched 4:3 then either your set or eyes need calibration! ;) now the question is what to watch Sox or Pats?! both @1080i Saturday Night! :D

Unlike other Fridays when the game is only available on CH38's analog station, last night's game was available on CH04's digital channel (804).

While it wasn't HD by any means, the digital channel was much better than the analog channel or the stretched 882 channel on my RP 46 TV.

Originally posted by avic
the friday night game was NOT blacked out on NESN 882 in the Boston DMA tonight (guess they may not care since it was on WBZ not on UPN, that or someone forgot.) but it was most definitely stretched 4:3 which should be outlawed! and man if u can't tell the difference between HD and stretched 4:3 then either your set or eyes need calibration! ;) now the question is what to watch Sox or Pats?! both @1080i Saturday Night! :D

you probobly have a mega sized moniter.
I only have a 26
and I have also seen ESPNHD in the STretchovision days

I could tell the difference EVEN on my 26

Originally posted by avic
..... now the question is what to watch Sox or Pats?! both @1080i Saturday Night! :D Which is the reason why the 6412 is the DVR we really want :o

Is the Pats game in HD tonight ?

Originally posted by dozens
Is the Pats game in HD tonight ?

Yes it is, and Brady is showing us he is ready to take to a whole new level this year...

Hi everyone,

I am getting my Sony 34" XBR960 delivered tomorrow from Tweeter (Sunday) and am having Comcast install their HD box next Saturday.

Someone on this thread pointed me to someone's page that described the Motorola HD cable boxes. One of the pages described how there was an output component setting that switched everything coming out to either 480i, 480p, 720p, or 1080i. They also went on to mention there was no "native" setting.

Since the major TV networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, WB, UPN) do not all use the same HD format, do you find yourselves constantly changing this setting on your cable box to match the format for the network? Or do you just leave it on one setting and watch all HD signals in that format?

Further, will there be any firmware upgrade on the 5100/6200 cable boxes that enable a "native" setting, so you're always watching the incoming HD signal in the format it was sent in?

Thanks!

General rule is to set the box to the closest native rate of the set (which I am assuming is 1080i for your set). Many sets do not support all native rate settings, particularly 720p. Would not hold breath on update, but I think you'll notice little difference between channels. Set the box to 720p and watch ABC hidef & then try 1080i.

motorola refuses to offer the native option saying it will confuse users. :rolleyes: i leave the stb's scaler @ 1080i since that is my and most displays' native rez. btw the cbs pats broadcast was stellar! proving once again, at least to me on my 51", that 720p pales in comparison to 1080i, yes even in sports.

On page one of the Sunday Globe, Comcast has announced general availability of their DVR (probably the 6208). This looks like confirmation that the 6412 will be delayed further.

Mickey

here is that Article (http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2004/08/29/comcast_to_market_new_video_recorder?mode=PF)

Originally posted by tennberg

Further, will there be any firmware upgrade on the 5100/6200 cable boxes that enable a "native" setting, so you're always watching the incoming HD signal in the format it was sent in?

Thanks!

Send an email to Motorola asking for this feature. I have read that Motorola removed the ability to do native because it was too confusing for "us" when we have a display that doesn't work with all HD formats.

I have a scheduled appt. this coming Saturday for Comcast to install either their 5100 or 6200 cable box. I'm going to call them tomorrow and mention the Globe article to see if they could install the 6208 box instead. FYI, I live in Medford.

A couple things I liked in the article:

"Comcast is also overhauling its on-screen program guide to give subscribers a one-stop venue to scroll through lists of live content, on-demand content, and shows they have recorded with the DVR."

"Comcast will charge $9.95 a month for the system with no upfront installation charge."

That second quote kinda sucks since I bought the Comcast HDTV starter kit with 15 free on-demand movies, $50 mail-in rebate, and *free installation*.

Originally posted by dozens
Send an email to Motorola asking for this feature. I have read that Motorola removed the ability to do native because it was too confusing for "us" when we have a display that doesn't work with all HD formats.

I thought comcast upconverted it all to 1080i

I have a XBR800 and personally 720p is too soft on stations broadcasting it. 1080i looks best.

I saw how a number of viacom Digital plus channels are now on digital classic

Does this mean WSBK DT is around the corner?

Originally posted by rudolpht
General rule is to set the box to the closest native rate of the set (which I am assuming is 1080i for your set). Many sets do not support all native rate settings, particularly 720p. Would not hold breath on update, but I think you'll notice little difference between channels. Set the box to 720p and watch ABC hidef & then try 1080i.

I would say just the opposite :) If you have the time set the resolution to what the channels is sending and let you display do the conversions. The components in the display have to be better/newer then components in the STB.

From the article...
Both the Motorola 6208 cable box going on sale this week, and future versions, will work only with digital cable subscription packages, which cost at least $10.45 a month more than standard analog cable. The units also bring in the 14 high definition format channels delivered over the Comcast cable system locally, which are available for an extra $2.05 on any plan.

Will these boxes actually be forsale ? I have read reports of canadien users adding a bigger hard drive to a 6208.

Have not seen NFL network on my Comcast system near Brockton. Also, no new HDTV since Discovery-HD in July. When will we see more HD? Bandwidth was opened up back in July.

there's a whole thread just for that million$ question, i'll save you the trouble: Nobody Knows!

Just because they freed up analog channels, doesn't mean its going to be for more HD content. They could be launching more SD content or have the bandwidth earmarked for other uses. Its more than just us few on this board that have digital cable and want something more on it.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
I thought comcast upconverted it all to 1080i

Comcast just passes whatever the station is sending. ABC, FOX, ESPN all send 720p, the rest are 1080i. The Motorola box can output 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i depending on how you set the box.

I spoke to Comcast today and mentioned the Globe article to them about the 6208 being available across all of MA. They said it was and I could set up an appointment for it.

I already had an appointment this coming Saturday for them to install either the 5100 or 6200 HDTV cable box, and asked them to switch that so the technician would bring the 6208.

They made some story about how they would ened to check their technician schedule (since it seems they need one technician to install the 5100/6200 and another to install the 6208). They said they would put a "note" on the account and I may or may not get the 6208 this Saturday. They said only the Marketing people could do that, and that she could not transfer me to them since she didn't know their number.

I made a stink about it, which apparently helped me to get transferred to the right department. The guy then tried to switch the time on the installation. I mentioned it was already set for this Saturday from 9 to 11 for the HD install. So, he fixed that reluctantly.

Hopefully, they will stick to this, and I will be getting the right box this Saturday. I'll let you all know how it works out.

I have the 6200 currently. For the last two months I have tried to get the 6208 DVR box to no avail.

After I read the Globe article, I made a call and they said they would get back to me. Within 24 hours they did (just a few mins. ago) and told me they would come install it tomorrow. It is $16 a month, but they obviously take the old box back so the net increase is about $8 a month.

There's a silly $16 install charge. (I wish I could just plug it in myself.)

I presume these boxes also have the updated firmware (or will dl it) so the DVI problem remains fixed.

Lets see what happens.

-P

Went to their web site, which said the DVR ain't available in Bedford NH.

Called their support number. There was a special "Press 1" menu option at the top of the voice-mail tree for the DVR.

The guy explained the rather byzantine pricing to me, and setup an appointment for tomorrow afternoon.

We'll see.

If you go to www.boston.com you'll see the TiVo logo with text below it stating, "Comcast brings TiVo Home".

Is there anyone left in the media with a brain?

Called the support number 888-633-4266

Getting it installed on this wed in backbay
Comcast is charging $15 for installation .
$16 monthly ( means $8 extra if you are already paying for 6200 box )

According to the rep the dual tuner will be out end of year.

Ditto on calling the support number for Western Mass. Coming Tues 9/7

comcast is sch a joke charging $15 install fee. tell them to drop it off and you all in with the #'s. they do let you do that and you can save $15. even better is if you complain they will easily take off the $15 install fee.

They said no installation fee.

Same here.
I checked the boards here and saw that I could call today. I called at 5pmish and was scheduled for the install for TOMORROW!!!! Yes~!!
And for me it is also an extra 8 bucks a month I believe they said 15.95 a month. Plus without even asking they are waving the installation fee.

I called today and she told me I had to be put on a waiting list. Maybe I will give them a call back tomorrow.

Good point. While it is nice to be able to record and all (especially HDTV, to which Tivo has no match unless it is DirecTivo and even then it is expensive).... this box is NO TiVo. I own one and TiVo is vastly superior, UI and service wise.

That said, if Comcast goes to the MS software, they could kill TiVo. The buy in cost is a big barrier to many folks.

Originally posted by D_Doherty
If you go to www.boston.com you'll see the TiVo logo with text below it stating, "Comcast brings TiVo Home".

Is there anyone left in the media with a brain?

Originally posted by toots
They said no installation fee.

Hmm... maybe I should call back and see if I can get it removed....

controller2k:

Once I get a 6208 box, would I need to return it to get MS DVR software on it, assuming Comcast goes with that? I take it there's no chance it could be donwloaded to the box?

Also, would they be more for putting it on the 6412 (dual-tuner) unit? According to that Globe article, Comcast hopes to have it out within 4 months.

As to the first question, I have no idea really.

I do know that the MS Foundation software is designed to run on the 6208 box as it is. Perhaps they could write a firmware that would download a new entire software the way TiVo does, but I'm not sure.

I wouldn't be looking for that MS software for a long while from what I have read around here.

-P

Originally posted by tennberg
controller2k:

Once I get a 6208 box, would I need to return it to get MS DVR software on it, assuming Comcast goes with that? I take it there's no chance it could be donwloaded to the box?

Also, would they be more for putting it on the 6412 (dual-tuner) unit? According to that Globe article, Comcast hopes to have it out within 4 months.

learn to love your coming iGuide (http://michigan.mybrighthouse.com/services/customer_care/resources/iGuide%20PDF) which ALL digital boxes will be using. if u want a dual-tuner dvr you can swap for it later this year.

More like iGarbage.

If TiVo could get their software on these boxes they'd make a killing. It is so vastly superior it is not even funny.

-P

[P.S. doesn't the dual turner version have more recording time?]

I don't know if they'd make a killing, but at least they'd make a minor maiming with people who're already fans of the TiVo software.

To most other people, it'd probably just constitute an increase in the monthly DVR rental fee (for features that most people don't know they want), since TiVo ain't gonna give the software to Comcast for free.

I'm sure Comcast has to pay for iguide, right? (Well, we do in the fee). Why not pay for TiVo? I think there is a lot of info on this on tivocommunity.com, and some direct comparisons to this box and the TiVo here:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?postid=2193823#post2193823

Called and they are comming this Friday with 6208.

They just came to my house. No one at Comcast or the techs can seem to get me the channels I paid for (the only channels the box gets are the free/analog ones).

Also has an old firmware on it - 7.10, even though it was a brand new box.

On Demand doesn't work either - not authorized.

I'm waiting for them to fix the problems. I assume the new FW will be downloaded when they can address the box.

They came and went. Entirely uneventful. Installed teh 6208 in the living room, moved the old living room 5100 to the bedroom to replace a DCT-2000.

All boxes seem to be able to receive what I've paid for. The 6208 looks an awful lot like the 5100, 'cept for more I/O, and more goodies in the box's menu.

I set up one record event to record some crap tonight. It'll be SD from the HD channel. Can't think of anything HD-ey that I want to record tonight.

Makes me miss TiVo software already.

No chance to play with it further - had to get back to work.

getting mine a week from tomorrow.

likes toots I'm moving the 6200 to replace a 2000.

dumping Tivo for the comcast HD DVR

Originally posted by chitchatjf

dumping Tivo for the comcast HD DVR

Is Comcast cheaper then Tivo ? For the sake of argument lets rule out recording HD.

SA Tivo = 12.95
Digital STB = ?

6208 = ?

What is the full cost of the 6208 with remote ? Is it cheaper then 12.95 + the cost of rental of a digital STB ?

Will the i-guide still have a basic timer function to change the 6200 to a channel at a specified time ? I have a Panasonic DVR and this is how i record shows. I don't do that much time shifting so I dont wish to spend $$ on the 6208.

-Ken

Doh, should have set up Father of the Pride tonight on NBC. I'm really itching to see how Pride comes out on HD since it's a brand spanking new CGI show so hopefully they would have taken HD into account when making it. It'd probably be a really good test for it HD-wise.

I can't wait to get mine installed on Saturday :).

Originally posted by dozens
Is Comcast cheaper then Tivo ? For the sake of argument lets rule out recording HD.

SA Tivo = 12.95
Digital STB = ?

6208 = ?

What is the full cost of the 6208 with remote ? Is it cheaper then 12.95 + the cost of rental of a digital STB ?

ALL comcast DVRs are HD compatable!

yes

I am aware of that fact. There is no SA HD Tivo so if you need to record HD there is only one choice. If you want to record SD which option is cheaper ?

I got my box today. What a pain. It took over 2 hours for the download. The installer was quite nice but left and came back because he as I was tired of waiting. So tonight Father of the Pride started and I recorded it. Very odd though. I was watching basically the opening credits but when I hit record it actually skipped a minute. I didn't have a clock so I don't know if it started early. So a bit disappointed that it cut off the beginning.
The quality of HD was amazing. I have this in the bedroom on a 30" LCD that is also HDTV. I thougth the picture in the bedroom rivaled my Proscan 38 in the LR. I'm too tired to go see how my HD Tivo did. I figure for just 8 bucks more a month its worth it to be able to have some kind of DVR in the bedroom. Much cheaper than 1000 bucks for a second HDTivo.

Hampton NH
Ordered the 6208 this evening and they are coming to install on 9/7.

I asked but they would not waive the installation fee.

I'm having the 6208 installed this Saturday morning. I was initially going to have the 5100 or 6200 installed on Aug. 28, but the delivery date for my TV kept getting pushed back.

The TV finally arrived at my apartment on the 29th (this past Sunday), so I pushed the HDTV install date to this Saturday. When I had set up the initial installation, I had inquired about DVR or even being put on a waiting list, but they said they couldn't do that and DVR was not even available in my area.

What a difference a week makes. The day after that Globe article, I called Comcast and told them I wanted the 6208 box on the same installation date. After a bit of haggling (they wanted to change the date, said I coudln't be guaranteed I'd get the 6208, blah blah), they finally agreed to do it.

Couple questions for everyone: I bought the Comcast HDTV starter kit from Tweeter. It comes with a free installation coupon, so I don't have to worry about that. It also says I'm supposed to get a $50 mail-in rebate once the HDTV box is installed. Any truth to this? Has anyone received the form for this rebate? I'm hoping Comcast follows through on this.

Follow up to my earlier experience:

Yesterday a tech came to install the box. He knew nothing of it "it is my first install of a DVR" but tried to be helpful all the same.

It installed fine but I wasn't getting any channels other than basic and it had the old firmware.

He left and was going to bring my old box back because the people at his office were saying it was "defective or something".

While he was gone, I called the 800-comcast number and asked to speak to a tech. The first one was useless - told me it would take 24 hours for my 'channels to download'. The 2nd time I called they specifically referred me to a "HDTV tech" who called me back within the hour. This tech was very knowledgable. He immediately sent a reset to the box which forced it into a download. It downloaded for about 1/2 hour. (This had -never- happened on this new box until this point).

After the d/l was complete, it reset, I had all my channels -and- the new 7.15 firmware.

[Note: You need a HDTV tech for help! (or a DVR tech). They HDTV tech told me that you will not necessarily get one when you call - if they are busy you will booted back to a standard tech who may not understand the box. You can ask to be called back by a HDTV tech, which I did... and it was worth it.]

They need to train everyone on everything if you ask me.

Thoughts:

It is NO Tivo. But it isn't bad for what it is. The new UI on the box is much faster than my older 6200. It is a bit better too, with places that list HDTV shows and the like. In fact, it is better in all respects except it doesn't show what is in 5.1 sound anymore; you have to check your receiver.

Channel changing is faster. Not a bad box.

The HDTV recording is unbelievable. I know it is only 10 hours or so, but since I own a TiVO on a normal TV for my basic shows, 10 hours is more than enough for special HD content. It records perfectly; a literal copy of the original broadcast complete with 5.1 sound if available.

At a net cost of $8 a month (over a normal HDTV box), it is cheaper than TiVo. And you have to love the hardware cost ($0).

Besides the questionable UI, the only thing this thing needs desperately is a larger HD. The 80-GB drive it has in there now only holds 10 hours of HD (I assume at about 8GB an hour.) They should have -at least- a 200GB drive in there... they are cheap enough and that would hold a respectable 25 hours or so. A 400 GB drive would hold 50 hours - but that won't happen for a while. :)

It also needs dual tuners, which I know is coming.

All in all, not bad at all if one wants a HD DVR and doesn't use DirecTV. Competitively priced with TiVo and no up front hardware cost.

As a replacement for SDTV TiVO? I doubt it. The buy in cost is cheaper but the TiVo is a much, much better piece of software.

Originally posted by dozens
I am aware of that fact. There is no SA HD Tivo so if you need to record HD there is only one choice. If you want to record SD which option is cheaper ?

With the exception of HDTV, of which only the $1000 + $13/mo HD DirecTivo can complete:

If you're talking strictly PRICE, and not ease of use (performance seems smililar)

Comcast DVR: $16/mo - no hardware cost. (Includes DVR, box, remote, HDTV, DVR)

Comcast Digital STB w/Tivo: $100 min. for a 40 hour (@ basic quality) TiVo box, $5 ish a month for STB, $13/mo for TiVo = $18/mo (rounded up).

I'm not sure of the exact basic STB cost, but I think its about $5.

So yes, the DVR is cheaper than TiVo on all counts.

And with SDTV digital channels, the DVR will hold a respectable 80 hours at the quality it was broadcast at, which is a good deal.

See a previous post of mine for a link to a detailed comparison between the Comcast DVR and the TiVo service.

Originally posted by controller2k
With the exception of HDTV, of which only the $1000 + $13/mo HD DirecTivo can complete:


Actually only $4.99/month with D*, free if you sub to the $90 package.

There is also the LG 3410 when can record unscrambled HD channels for free and it too has guide data.

Originally posted by controller2k
Follow up to my earlier experience:

Yesterday a tech came to install the box............
Good summary. Thanks.

Has anyone been successful recently in getting Comcast to allow you to do a self-install with the 6208? Since many of the installers don't seem to know what they are doing, doesn't it make sense to allow us to install the box to our system and then getl the HDTV Tech on the phone and have them do the software reset/download? Am I being too logical here?

Mickey

Mickey,

You are way too logical. My installer wanted to leave the 6200 box outputting 4:3 until I made him understand that he had to switch to 16:9 so the HD programs would look correct.... I could have don a better job myself with NO experience....

-Ken

I've always had them just install it on a disposable 19" non-HDTV on the porch and then move it to the correct tv's when they were done. Although the last guy still managed to knock out my internet access.

I have just read reports that the NFL Network is available to some comcast customers today. Anyone see it in NE yet ?

dozens:

Where did you read that? Is it just for HDT subscribers? Digital?

On a similar topic, I wish Comcast would bring the Game Show Network to their line-up. Is it just me, or is it really completely missing?

Originally posted by tennberg
dozens:

Where did you read that? Is it just for HDT subscribers? Digital?

On a similar topic, I wish Comcast would bring the Game Show Network to their line-up. Is it just me, or is it really completely missing?

As for Game show in most towns it is on Ch 68 (well sometimes, most of the time they have this leased access crap)

According to my sources... NFL Network should be on on the 3rd on 265 barring any unforseen problems. (They like to qualify things because they don't like tempting Murphy).

Originally posted by chitchatjf
As for Game show in most townsbut not Medford it is on Ch 68 (well sometimes, most of the time they have this leased access crap)

I checked 68 last night and it's CSPAN-2 here in Medford. I browsed through all how-ever-many-hundred channels and did not see Game Show Network. I take it that it's simply not offered by Comcast.

Anyway, two more days until the 6208 arrives. Can't wait.

Originally posted by MickeyGee
Good summary. Thanks.

Has anyone been successful recently in getting Comcast to allow you to do a self-install with the 6208? Since many of the installers don't seem to know what they are doing, doesn't it make sense to allow us to install the box to our system and then getl the HDTV Tech on the phone and have them do the software reset/download? Am I being too logical here?

Mickey

When I first called, the extemely rude sales rep (Dave Mcmeniner, or something similar) told me I had to put down $100 deposit because these boxes are very expensive. I said I never herd of that and he said "well its because I don't steele it." (WHAT THE F$@$&)

The conversation continued and then said "We can go through this around circles sir but bottom line you're not getting one if you don't give $100 credit card deposit because we don't want you steeling our boxes."

I then asked for his name and his reply "Yeah, whatever, my name is...." and then hung up the phone, as if he's doen this before. I hope the convo was recorded.

Called back and the much nicer sales rep said I'll have it in two days (no install fee).

I worked there and the calls are recorded but randomly for coaching purposes.

can anyone comment on the ease of use of the dvr functionality? i know it's not tivo but does it have any of the keep until i delete, need space, etc. file management concepts or is it just a vcr with a hard disk instead of a tape?

It's very easy to use.

Turn to the channel you want to record, and press the record button. When you want to stop recording, hit the stop button. It will prompt an are you sure message, and there you go.

If you try to turn the channel while recording, it will prompt you, letting you know that if you do, it will stop recording.

All recordings are filed by the name of the show that you've recorded, and will sit on your DVR as their own file, completely independent of each other. When you look at your recordings, the amount left on the HD is displayed. I've yet to fill the disc, so I'm not sure if it prompts you with a low disk warning.

-JR

Originally posted by BostonDIGITAL
When I first called, the extemely rude sales rep (Dave Mcmeniner, or something similar) told me I had to put down $100 deposit because these boxes are very expensive. I said I never herd of that and he said "well its because I don't steele it." (WHAT THE F$@$&)

The conversation continued and then said "We can go through this around circles sir but bottom line you're not getting one if you don't give $100 credit card deposit because we don't want you steeling our boxes."

I then asked for his name and his reply "Yeah, whatever, my name is...." and then hung up the phone, as if he's doen this before. I hope the convo was recorded.

Called back and the much nicer sales rep said I'll have it in two days (no install fee).
I should be shocked, but I'm not. Comcast does have some good people, including the knowledgable Tech who installed my 5100 originally. They also have an assortment of undertrained, un-helpful people. The inconsistency we see is more a sign of poor management than anything else.

Obviously, this is why I asked the self-install question in the first place. The less interaction with Comcast, the happy I am.

Mickey

Originally posted by MickeyGee
I should be shocked, but I'm not. Comcast does have some good people, including the knowledgable Tech who installed my 5100 originally. They also have an assortment of undertrained, un-helpful people. The inconsistency we see is more a sign of poor management than anything else.

Obviously, this is why I asked the self-install question in the first place. The less interaction with Comcast, the happy I am.

Mickey

Right, forgot to include they're just supposed to "drop off" the box when they come per my instructions. We'll see if that really happens when I get it. I'll probably have to call back and have then hard-hit the box to get the current firmware.

Got an appt for Tuesday a.m. So much for having my name on the "list to be notified when it is available." No mention of any install fee, so I'll be sure to call and complain if it shows up on my bill. ;)

Originally posted by i080054
can anyone comment on the ease of use of the dvr functionality? i know it's not tivo but does it have any of the keep until i delete, need space, etc. file management concepts or is it just a vcr with a hard disk instead of a tape? For any scheduled recurring programs you can specify the number of copies to keep (up to seven, or all) and how to delete (as needed for space or manual delete).

This is handy for the evening news which I've programmed to keep only 1 copy and delete as needed for space.

Considering the fact that satellite customers have and continue to plunk down $1000 up front for an HD DVR and that Comcast has finally made the 6208 available for general release in New England, it’s amazing to see the number of posts in here grousing about a crummy $15 installation charge

well the money comcast already makes off us with basically no choice but to overpay for packages we do not want I think installing a new box that I could do myself is a rip!

agree with edv, it's not a beta release any longer, why should comcast waive the installation fee? if u are not satisfied with the installation itself AFTER it happens then call in and request a waiver. doing so before the install is unreasonable. and tip your installer if he or she does a good job!

Comcast should waive the install charge..because..

they said they would in the Boston Globe.

"The Comcast digital video recorder, built around a large hard drive, will be able to store 50 hours of regular programming or 10 hours of high-definition format shows, while also letting people pause and rewind shows as they are broadcast live. Comcast will charge $9.95 a month for the system with no upfront installation charge, a steep discount from TiVo, which charges at least $99 for a stand-alone recorder plus $12.95 for monthly service."

http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2004/08/29/comcast_to_market_new_video_recorder?mode=PF

If you missed it.

Not that I'm arguing either way, but something printed in the glob ain't exactly a legally binding contract between you and Comcast.

Called Comcast 800 number yesterday and requested a DVR. She could only put me on the waiting list. Just got a call from Comcast - Sept 8 installation w/installation fee (what's the big deal?). Actually, I'll save money 'cause I can now cut back more on satellite Tivo. I asked about the dual tuner model and she said January.

larry

Anyone having problems with 881 and 882? I'm getting nothing on either channel right now. Want to watch the Sox!!

All of the other HD channels are coming in fine.

No 881 or 882. Moto 6208 install tomorrow.15.95 install fee.

COMCAST IS HAVING A PROBLEM WITH BOTH INHD 1 & 2. FOR WHAT REASON? WHO KNOWS

Working now. Thankfully.

Originally posted by tennberg
I checked 68 last night and it's CSPAN-2 here in Medford. I browsed through all how-ever-many-hundred channels and did not see Game Show Network. I take it that it's simply not offered by Comcast.

Anyway, two more days until the 6208 arrives. Can't wait.

I did say NOT Medford

Broken 6208

My 6208 lasted one day before the recording function just died. It works like a standard 6200, but the recording functions don't work. I left it unplugged for a day to try a hard reset, but to no avail. I wonder how long it will take for a new box

Does the 6208 have networking capabilities so that you can record on one box and watch it on another? If so, can it do it through the coax line or does it need cat-5?

Thanks.

In today's globe (sports section), Bill Griffith confirmed that the NFL Network should be activated today on channel 265 for Digital Plus subscribers. Also confirmed that some NFL Network content will be available on the On Demand service. In addition, he said that two Games of the Week will be available in High Definition.

Mickey

From this morning's Boston Herald

NFL Network comes charging in
By Greg Gatlin
Friday, September 3, 2004

Are you ready for the football!?

Are you ready for it 24/7?

Comcast will add the NFL Network to its Digital Plus cable TV lineup today. NFL Network is almost a football fanatic's dream come true, only it can't offer live regular-season games this season due to existing league national broadcast and cable deals.

It is, however, offering 54 preseason games, along with highlights, classic moments from NFL films and programs taking viewers inside the locker rooms.

It will also air replays of games after the broadcast and press conferences from around the league.

Comcast is also offering digital-cable customers on-demand extended highlight packages of regular-season games through NFL Network On Demand.

NFL Net will be available to all Comcast Digital Plus cable subscribers throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire starting today on Channel 265. It will launch in Connecticut next week.

NFL Network has already scored deals with satellite and cable operators including DirecTV, Charter Communications and Insight Communications. Its kickoff on Comcast comes as the league's popularity hits all-time highs with sports fans.


FYI - NFL Network was up and running in Revere on channel 265 as of this morning.

Does the 6208 have networking capabilities so that you can record on one box and watch it on another?No.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
I did say NOT Medford

Does Comcast then offer different channel choices depending on where in MA you are? Does Boston get GSN on channel 68?

I checked a listing of Comcast channels last night on their website and didn't see GSN listed. How does one get this?

P.S. - I was simply saying what 68 was here in Medford. It was not an oversight to your initial reply.

Does anyone know if the Patriots season opener will be broadcast in HD? If so, which channel would it be on?

Thanks!

according to titantv.com it will be in HD on ABC.

-Ken

mucho OT lately! for questions regarding analog lineups please contact comcast and have them mail or email you a lineup card as they vary depending on your location. NFL network is not an 'HDTV with Comcast' service.

Originally posted by tennberg
Does anyone know if the Patriots season opener will be broadcast in HD? If so, which channel would it be on?

Thanks! always check the programming area, LOTS of info on the entire NFL HD season.

From today's globe:

"Comcast subscribers with digital plus service in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine should be able to tune in to Channel 265 this morning and find the NFL Network.

One way Comcast will maximize its carriage of the channel is by placing the channel's highlight shows in the cable company's "On Demand" service, with a special "button" for the NFL Network. Plans are to use the channel to show expanded highlights of regular-season games, to replay NFL Films features, and two "Games of the Week," both in high definition, that will become available the Wednesday following the weekend's action."

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2004/09/03/ratings_say_red_sox_are_team_to_watch/

Will Comcast be getting the Games of the Week in high definition? Not clear from this article.

Just finished getting the 6208 installed, very quickly done though the guide data will take forever and a day to update. Played around with it a bit, definitely not as fluid and easy to use as Tivo for things. But for the cost and being able to now record HD whenever I want, it's worth the couple of bucks a month.

Gimme real season pass capability and the dual tuner (that I was again was told will be out in January - but that New York is rolling them out NOW) and it's bye bye tivo.

Yeah, I'm really looking forward to being able to timeshift HD material.

Their release time was just perfect for me: I wasn't really in the mood to make any changes until the beginning of the fall season.

I'm setting up a home theater using an InFocus 7205 projector and
Stewart Firehawk screen. I plan to upgrade my Comcast Standard
to Digital Classic in order to get HDTV. I'm thinking of purchasing
the LG 3510a which combines a DVD player and a STB. Is anyone
using the 3510a with Comcast service for HDTV? If so, any problems?
I'm not sure if Comcast scrambles the signal so a STB other than
their own will work.