Hi everyone,

Did I miss something or did Comcast stop sending channels 804, 805, and 807 in 16:9? my Sony KP 51WS500 would show those channels full screen. Now they're 4:3

I live in SE Mass...is there a reason why Comcast will not add the Prov HD channels to their lineup? There are times that they offer different football coverage than the Boston Stations. For example, Sunday had the Patiots on Both CBS Sations but on the Fox station, Boston had a movie and Prov had the Giants.

Do I need an OTA tuner since we won't see bot in HD for a long time?

Originally posted by fredbro
Hi everyone,

Did I miss something or did Comcast stop sending channels 804, 805, and 807 in 16:9? my Sony KP 51WS500 would show those channels full screen. Now they're 4:3 you're not going to get 16:9 unless the broadcast is in HD otherwise you'll have black or grey sidebars.

Originally posted by DeathOpie
Just moved about 20 miles from southern VT to western MA. I had Adelphia and now have Comcast. I've been very disappointed in Comcast. I lost ABC-HD for one, so no more Monday Night Football in HD. Also the guide for Comcast sucks with all the ads, you can only see about an hours worth of info. I got an HD DVR but you can only record one thing at a time and you can't watch anything else while you're recording. I never got the Adelphia HD dvr so I'm not sure if their's was the same. We do have ON DEMAND, which is nice, but Adelphia was getting that too.

You must be way out there in western MA because HD ABC (805) is part of the Comcast line-up in every town I am aware of. The two-tuner DVR's are on the way (Q1 2005) and the software is supposed to be improved with iGuide. If you still think Comcast sucks, you may be a good candidate for a dish if you are out in the boonies.

Is there the slimmest, slightest chance that Comcast will bring me a 6412 this Saturday for my DVR install?

Originally posted by LarryJoe
You must be way out there in western MA because HD ABC (805) is part of the Comcast line-up in every town I am aware of. The two-tuner DVR's are on the way (Q1 2005) and the software is supposed to be improved with iGuide. If you still think Comcast sucks, you may be a good candidate for a dish if you are out in the boonies.

ABC HD is available in all Comcast Western Mass towns on 805. Adelphia has the same Motorola DVR as Comcast, though I'm not sure if they are using TV Guide or something else for their guide.

Hey avic,

any ETA on the new ipg? tia.

jason

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
ABC HD is available in all Comcast Western Mass towns on 805.

No. It is not.
It would be like importing nearby network affiates,which is not done as a rule.

so anybody try HD ONDemand yet? About a dozen titles on there now. i think i'll wait for movies though since most of the current programs can be found free on DiscHD.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
ABC HD is available in all Comcast Western Mass towns on 805. Adelphia has the same Motorola DVR as Comcast, though I'm not sure if they are using TV Guide or something else for their guide. Adelphia uses the SA8000HD DVR - dual tuner. Love mine!;)

Originally posted by avic
so anybody try HD ONDemand yet? About a dozen titles on there now. i think i'll wait for movies though since most of the current programs can be found free on DiscHD.

avic:

Is this new? I didn't even know HD OnDemand was available. I'll definitely check it out late tonight.

I'm jerry-rigging my TV and 6208 tonight to be able to record Lost on 805 on the cable box and watch the first hour of the Sox game on Fox through the TV coax input. Hopefully it turns out well.

I'm getting HDOnDemand now. Only 7 titles now, and 5 are IMAX films. $6 each. Price seems reasonable. I'd hope they'd eventually charge no more for HD than SD.

If they can start getting new releases in HD, I might try it out.

Why would anyone pay $6 for an imax film that is free on INHD ? I would only pay for new pay per view titles.

-Ken

agreed, they're testing out the system, maybe free titles would have been a better way to do it BUT eventually there will be many titles to choose from and imo $6 is reasonable for a new-release HD film. you wont get that at blockbuster anytime soon. and when HD-DVD's eventually do make it to our local BB's i think we can expect to pay more than for their SD versions.

IMHO its all about the bottom line. Insted of putting on new OTA HD stations they are playing with HDOnDemand. I agree with Avic that in the testing phase it should have been free. Not that $6 is unresonable but I do feel that Comcast nickles and dimes their customers. IMHO a progressive scan DVD player and Netflix will win over their $6 fees for new releases but thats just me.
BTW what is everyones take on the fee for HD and or DVRHD Combo, when I have talked to coworkers about that magic day that eveyone is on HD they balk at paying higher fees for a cable box. Will Comast charge everyone more for the cable box rental? Are they willing to alienate their customer base and make CableCARD technology more attractive (and they way it is setup now it would be a finincial loss for Comcast, No Ondemand revenue, at least for the time being)?

Sorry a bit of a rant..

Comcast is better than TWC in one respect, TWC has an HD tier that is another add-on, where we pay a mere $2 more for a HD box (non-dvr).

I will pay $6 for new PPV movies, not for old IMAX

Cablevision on Long Island just made a friend of mine get a digital box, tried to make them pay $10 more. They balked and got the digital box for no extra charge. I think this is what will happend because the cableco cant afford to lose customers to dish.

-Ken

Originally posted by avic
so anybody try HD ONDemand yet? About a dozen titles on there now. i think i'll wait for movies though since most of the current programs can be found free on DiscHD.

How long has HD VOD been available ? Did you get a message about it or just stumble upon it ?

First HDVOD - Now the College Sports network...this is why we have no LVI-DT:

COMCAST NEW ENGLAND LAUNCHES CSTV: COLLEGE SPORTS TELEVISION, THE FIRST 24-HOUR COLLEGE SPORTS NETWORK
Network's 33-Game CSTV Friday Night Hockey Schedule Features #2 Boston College, #6 Maine, #8 New Hampshire, Harvard and Boston University
College Sports TV To Present #8 New Hampshire at #3 Michigan Hockey Friday
BOSTON and NEW YORK, October 13, 2004 - Comcast New England has launched CSTV: College Sports Television, (www.collegesports.com) the first 24-hour college sports network, providing college sports fans throughout the region with the broadest, deepest coverage of college sports. College Sports TV is now available in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and the Hartford, Connecticut area on Channel 261 as part of the Comcast Digital Cable sports tier lineup.

"We are excited about bringing the added value of College Sports TV to our Digital Cable customers," said Kevin Casey, Senior Vice President for Comcast's New England region. "In addition to CSTV's full slate of college sports coverage, fans will be able to enjoy extended highlights of college football games, to watch at their convenience, with Comcast ON DEMAND."

"New England is passionate about college sports, and we are pleased to team up with Comcast to bring CSTV, the new home of college sports, to fans here," said Brian Bedol, president and CEO. "There are no lockouts, strikes, agents or signing bonuses in college athletics. We are committed to televising more college sports than anyone else, from the perspective of the student-athlete, student, alumni, coach, and the college sports fan in general."

College Sports TV will televise #8 New Hampshire at #3 Michigan this Friday (8 p.m. ET) as part of its 33-game CSTV Friday Night Hockey game-of-the-week series, which also features North Dakota at Boston College, Boston University at New Hampshire, Yale at Harvard, Boston College at Boston University and Maine at New Hampshire. The network will also televise the last game at Boston University's Walter Brown Arena (Minnesota at BU, January 2), as well as the first game in BU's new Agganis Arena the following night featuring the same two teams.

CSTV's hockey on-air roster includes legendary play-by-play man Mike "Doc" Emrick, who has called seven Stanley Cup Finals, three Winter Olympics and five NHL All-Star Games, 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. Olympic star Mike Eruzione, Billy Jaffe, Adam Wodon, Dave Starman and Ellen Weinberg.

College Sports TV televises regular season and championship event coverage from every major collegiate athletic conference, including the Big East, Ivy League and Atlantic 10. Since launching in April 2003, College Sports TV has televised more than 5,000 hours of original programming, including more women's sports coverage than any other network. It televises more than 35 men's and women's college sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, wrestling and volleyball.

For more information about Comcast's product and services, call 1-800-COMCAST or visit the company's Web site at www.comcast.com

How much room does HDVOD take up in bandwidth? I think WLVI is probably something else. Or maybe it's coming. Here's hoping - way too windy last night to get good reception.

Chris

Originally posted by jason978
Hey avic,

any ETA on the new ipg? tia.

jason next week was the plan but it's been pushed to November again as they have found another bug. :rolleyes:

avic,

is this the ipg for the 6208 that has been delayed, or just the 6412?

thanks
chris

Personally I'd much rather have CSTV than LVI-HD since there is what...maybe 8hrs a week HD on LVI?

CSTV is at 261 so it is a single digital channel, its not like they threw it down on an old analog.

Folks need to remember HD is still a *small* part of the subscriber base, and they have to add channels that the majority want, obviously there is a decent level of demand for CSTV and college sports since ESPN is going to add ESPNU this spring.

hammer, it's the same one that ALL of us will use including non-dvr boxes.

I could care less about CSTV.. it's on the digital tier so it's taking up next to no bandwidth. HDVOD is the one taking the bandwidth.

WLVI is actually broadcasting almost all of their prime time stuff in HD. That's good stuff. If we had that "only 8 hours of HD" attitude, we would have never got were we are now.

Chris

HDVOD is actually using the same bandwidth as SD VOD most likely. The beauty of VOD is the ability to designate bandwidth and use it to stream any kind of video service.

sorry avic, i thought you said in an earlier post it was a bug with the dual tuners but wouldn't affect the main rollout, just the 6412 release.

My Bad

Chris

Is there any news about TNT-HD comming to comcast. The NBA season is about to start!!!

According to this article in multichannel news, we are getting TBS on demand this weekend.

Comcast Corp. and TBS know it’s an on-demand world.

The MSO will launch TBS On Demand on its Comcast On Demand service this weekend with a sneak preview of the network’s upcoming reality series, The Real Gilligan’s Island.

TBS On Demand will also feature episodes of original TBS reality series such as The Mansion -- with the VOD offering including specially produced 30-minute Mansion Expansion -- as well as the upcoming He’s a Lady.

“Utilizing the VOD platform fits perfectly with TBS’ strategy of exploring new ways to deliver a branded viewing experience, and offering complementary programming such as the casting calls for The Real Gilligan’s Island takes VOD to a new level, letting viewers see what only the director and production crew traditionally see,” Turner Network Sales executive vice president of sales and marketing Coleman Breland said in a prepared statement.

Comcast VP of marketing for new video products Page Thompson added, “We’re very excited to work with TBS to show how networks can use the power of the On Demand platform to promote their linear network programming.”

According to this article in multichannel news, we are getting TBS on demand this weekend.Yay?

Oh, SD VOD. Boooo!

According to this article in multichannel news, we are getting TBS on demand this weekend.Yay?

Oh, SD VOD. Boooo!

So when are we going to get UPN on HD? Would be nice to get Enterprise in HD...

Originally posted by Tsunamii
IMHO its all about the bottom line. Insted of putting on new OTA HD stations they are playing with HDOnDemand. I agree with Avic that in the testing phase it should have been free. Not that $6 is unresonable but I do feel that Comcast nickles and dimes their customers. IMHO a progressive scan DVD player and Netflix will win over their $6 fees for new releases but thats just me.
BTW what is everyones take on the fee for HD and or DVRHD Combo, when I have talked to coworkers about that magic day that eveyone is on HD they balk at paying higher fees for a cable box. Will Comast charge everyone more for the cable box rental? Are they willing to alienate their customer base and make CableCARD technology more attractive (and they way it is setup now it would be a finincial loss for Comcast, No Ondemand revenue, at least for the time being)?

Sorry a bit of a rant..

When I got MY DVR I KEPT my 6200,hooking it up to my mother's 1985 26" console whose cable tuner only goes up to 48, has no remote, and goes to channel 2 when turned on.

It is worth the extra $1.90 or so because the tuner works faster and I get letterbox downconversions of the HD programs even on RF.

I could have had a THIRD HD box but my third set has only standard (I am content with that and do not feel ready to spend an addtional $9 mo)

Originally posted by spearse
So when are we going to get UPN on HD? Would be nice to get Enterprise in HD...

one analog channel that we need to get "rid of" is HBO1 on channel 72.

(Let the two or three people who still have an analog converter/descrambler know that HBO is now on ch 301 {Personally I consider HBO to be on Ch 870 }and offer a free swap and 90 days of HBO at ther older rates.)
Toss in HBOs 2 through 7 plus HBO on demand.

My votes for other analog channels to "get rid of" (Medford-specific):

Ch. 56 (BCTV/EWTN) - Already listed under digital Ch. 238

Ch. 58 (TV Guide Channel/RAI) - Who needs a TV Guide channel when we already have the on-screen guide? Also, RAI is available as an international channel under digital Ch. 679

Ch. 65 (Product Information Network) - I mean, really....

Ch. 72 (HBO analog) - Completely agree with chitchatjf

Ch. 95 (Shop NBC) - The channel comes in so poorly anyway...

Ch. 18 (WNDS) - PQ is horrible compared to other analog channels and the only thing I think of when thinking of WNDS is that weather guy

Ch. 23 (Daystar) - They always seem to play the same program

Ch. 15 (Educational Access) and Ch. 16 (Governmental Access) - They always seem to play running messages like "Check your smoke alarms" or "This month is National Plant Awareness Month - Go look at a plant!"

Ch. 20 (WMFP) - I believe this shows a variety of a Shop-at-Home network.

That right there would allow Comcast to remove 10 analog channels and add some digital channels or an HD channel or two in its place. I'm looking forward to the day (hopefully soon) when every channel on Comcast will either be a digital or HD channel.

Originally posted by tennberg
My votes for other analog channels to "get rid of" (Medford-specific):

Ch. 56 (BCTV/EWTN) - Already listed under digital Ch. 238

-Channel 238 is EWTN full time-

Ch. 58 (TV Guide Channel/RAI) - Who needs a TV Guide channel when we already have the on-screen guide? Also, RAI is available as an international channel under digital Ch. 679

-What about basic only customers that don't buy digital TV?-
-RAI on channel 679 is a full time premium service ($9.95/month) The program on channel 58 is just a 2 hour highlight show-

Ch. 65 (Product Information Network) - I mean, really....

-Comcast gets a piece of the action, I mean really-

Ch. 72 (HBO analog) - Completely agree with chitchatjf

-in due time-

Ch. 95 (Shop NBC) - The channel comes in so poorly anyway...

-Broadcast "Must Carry"-
-The poor picture quality may be caused by FM radio interference. Channel 95 is at 91.25 MHz-

Ch. 18 (WNDS) - PQ is horrible compared to other analog channels and the only thing I think of when thinking of WNDS is that weather guy

-Must carry-

Ch. 23 (Daystar) - They always seem to play the same program

-Must carry-

Ch. 15 (Educational Access) and Ch. 16 (Governmental Access) - They always seem to play running messages like "Check your smoke alarms" or "This month is National Plant Awareness Month - Go look at a plant!"

-Channels 3, 15 & 16 exist because of Medford's contract with Comcast and the National Cable Television Associations standards to provide Public, Educational and Government access. Medford gets funding for these channels and the money can be used for non access needs.

Ch. 20 (WMFP) - I believe this shows a variety of a Shop-at-Home network.

-Must carry-

That right there would allow Comcast to remove 10 analog channels and add some digital channels or an HD channel or two in its place. I'm looking forward to the day (hopefully soon) when every channel on Comcast will either be a digital or HD channel.

they can add more HD at the moment without hacking away those analogs, which they wont/can't. it's more involved than bandwidth now. we'll likely see WB-HD before year's end and may get a few other surprises pending continuous talks. more HD channels and more HDVOD selections will come just not as fast as we'd like. to their credit they've done a lot in a year, go back a few dozen pages and you'll read us complaining about no ESPN-HD or CBS-HD!

Definitely true. What I find exciting is that there ARE changes in the wind, although with problems such as waiting for the new guide, the 6412, new channels. But it's better than a static amount of nothing going on. Just need a few more things to actually happen and I can come back to cable completely and ditch my directivo.

avic
Your right on the money about CBS HD. To Comcast's credit they have done allot. I talked to a CSR the other day about changing service levels and was told the of all things Nickelodeon HD was about to be put on. Have you heard that? I would much rather see UPN but like you said we were saying that about other stations in the past also.

I wonder what happened to the 30 or so new HD channels we were supposed to have by the end of the year? We'll be lucky if we get 1 more.

The potential for HD PPV is interesting, but the projected price of $7 for a movie turns me off. No way I'll be buying one of those, especially when I can't record it.

Nickelodeon HD makes sense in one way, I bet the "lesser" hd channels are worried about placement with a lack of bandwidth. They are more likely to give away their HD service now to make sure they have space on the system later. HDNET etc on the other hand are somewhat in demand so they are trying to squeeze as much $$ as they can. Since comcast doesn't charge extra for the HD content (other than the box rental) they don't want to lose money on HD. TWC which has more of an HD selection charges extra for their HD Tier.

-Ken

Originally posted by Tsunamii
avic
Your right on the money about CBS HD. To Comcast's credit they have done allot. I talked to a CSR the other day about changing service levels and was told the of all things Nickelodeon HD was about to be put on. Have you heard that? I would much rather see UPN but like you said we were saying that about other stations in the past also.

I do not believe there even IS a Nickelodeon HD.

The KEY factor to getting mega bandwisth is Comcast being able to insert LOCAL ads on digital channels.

Once that is done i see EVERYTHING ABOVE broadcast basic going to digital only.

Expanded basic channels could move to the 100 channel range and channels 2-99 would be reserved for basic broadcast

-CN8 would be ON CHANNEL 8

- UHF broadcast channels would be on the channel number corrisponding with its UHF channel # (25 on 25 38 on 38 ect)

This would keep ALL the must carrys and offer room for more digital programming/VOD stuff /other stuff

chitchatjf, I never heard of HD Nic either. You have to take into account its what a CSR said. She very well could have been confused or misinformed.

Originally posted by DaveFi
I wonder what happened to the 30 or so new HD channels we were supposed to have by the end of the year? We'll be lucky if we get 1 more.


Today Comcast has 22 HD channels in the region. The article where they said 30 HD channels didn't say Comcast WILL have 30 HD channels, they said Comcast is planning on having 30 HD channels. No guarantees. And also, I don't consider an informal interview by a columnist to be an Official Announcement. If Comcast wanted to make an Official Announcement they would have done so through their own methods of communication and I'm sure you would have seen it advertised.

Everywhere:
HBO HD
SHO HD
MAX HD
STARZ HD
INHD1
INHD2
ESPN HD
NESN HD
NFL HD
DISCOVERY HD

Eastern MA:
WCVB HD
WHDH HD
WGHB HD
WFXT HD
WBZ HD

Western MA:
WWLP HD
WGBY HD
WTIC HD
WFSB HD

Connecticut:
WTNH HD
WEDH HD
WVIT HD

I wouldn't call NESN-HD a channel yet.

Dave

Who has NFL HD?

Originally posted by FAiello
Who has NFL HD?
The NFL Network's Game of the Week (two games) are shown in HD each Wednesday and Thursday night on INHD-2.

Mickey

Originally posted by D_Doherty
I wouldn't call NESN-HD a channel yet.

Dave

While NESN-HD and NFL-HD aren't full time channels, neither are they offering HD content full time. However, they are STILL High Definition offerings by Comcast. Without them, we wouldn't have our Red Sox in HD, our Bruins (well aside from the strike) in HD, or our Game of The Week NFL highlights.

I know its a ways off, but ESPN2-HD is coming in Jan. I assume that will show up automatically?

Well, 16 months ago (about) comcast had zero HD channels. Now I have about 16. That averages out to 1 channel per month. My guess is more is coming in the next few months and we made have 30 or so by the end of next year (weather channel is going HD, TNT HD, TBS HD, WB HD, UPN HD, HDnet, HDnet movies, ESPN-HD)... that's already 8 more HD channels to move up to 24 and I'm sure more are coming...

Patience people. I know it seems slow, but I think things are actually moving along pretty quickly. I guess if you owned you HD TV in 2000 and basically got no HD for 2 years, your patiences is built up! :) I have been happy with Comcast. Do they have everything? No, but we also don't pay any extra for HD.... yet.

Chris

The Weather channel in HD ? I can't see any benefit for them to go HD ?

I can't see any benefit for them to go HD ?

I think the biggest thing would be radar images. They can go down to the town level. Probably very important for extreme weather situations like hurricances and such... of course, you won't have power, but....

at the moment i'd be satisfied with iGuide and/or the 6412 but i'd say within a year Comcast will have most if not all available HD channels and we'll be able to say we were there when...

I could picture once Comcast starts getting HD channels like HDNet, HDNet Movies, TNT HD, etc., they may create a tier package for their HD services. One package (the $7.50 or so for the HD box and nothing more) would include ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, Fox, WB, INHD, INHD2, and, if it comes out, UPN. The other package (maybe a few dollars more?) would include, say, Bravo HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, etc. Those subscribing to premium movie channels already (HBO, Cinemax, Showtime) would get the corresponding HD channels for free. I will say I do enjoy now paying the extra $2 per month for HD services, though I do also pay an extra $9 or so for the DVR capability.

Originally posted by JDLIVE
I know its a ways off, but ESPN2-HD is coming in Jan. I assume that will show up automatically?

Most likely on ch 850.

Don't be surprised if we get this day and date of sign on.

Originally posted by tennberg
I could picture once Comcast starts getting HD channels like HDNet, HDNet Movies, TNT HD, etc., they may create a tier package for their HD services. One package (the $7.50 or so for the HD box and nothing more) would include ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, Fox, WB, INHD, INHD2, and, if it comes out, UPN. The other package (maybe a few dollars more?) would include, say, Bravo HD, HDNet, HDNet Movies, etc. Those subscribing to premium movie channels already (HBO, Cinemax, Showtime) would get the corresponding HD channels for free. I will say I do enjoy now paying the extra $2 per month for HD services, though I do also pay an extra $9 or so for the DVR capability.

The HD versions of ABC,CBS,NBC,PBS,WB and UPN would have to be included with LIMITED BASIC!

All DVRs come with access to HD channels (even if downconverted EVEN TO RF)
IMHO any package that includes the SD version of an HD channel should also include the HD version (like they have with $ services)

On another note, the 6208 I have right now has a relatively noisy hard dirve. From where I sit, the 6208 is about 8 feet away. During points in shows or movies with quiet periods, I hear the hard drive head writing to disc. I can also hear it sometimes during loud scenes. It is definitely noticable when changing channels.

I'm surprised that Motorola didn't go to more of an effort to either get a quieter drive for their DVR box or design the 6208 for quietest performance with maximum cooling. Since pictures of the 6412 show it to be identical to the 6208, I can only expect the 6412 to have a loud drive.

without a cabinet you'll hear it. no THX certification for u! ;)

HD on demand available on comcast check it out! When you pull up on demand scroll down to hd movies.

Originally posted by xbigjoe
HD on demand available on comcast check it out! When you pull up on demand scroll down to hd movies.

Are they still IMAX movies ? I would of been great to have HD PPV last night with the Sox game cancelled. I have DirecTv for just ST and they only have 1 HD PPV channel. I almost ordered the LB version of Kill Bill 2 but decided against it because I wasn't sure how the picture quality would be. I know if I rent the dvd I can upconvert to 720p and get a pretty good picture.

Originally posted by xbigjoe
HD on demand available on comcast check it out! When you pull up on demand scroll down to hd movies. go back a page, we've been talking about it, it's been there a few days now, nothing worth buying yet. imax depot.

Just called in to Comcast for a heavy pixelation issue when flipping around especially in the HD channels, but also happened 3 or 4 times in the middle of a program on DiscoveryHD this morning. ?Un? fortunately its one of those things that isnt constant so a tech may not see anything.

In my pre-caffeine brain, I had forgotten about the small pixelation when a scene is very fast (I mentioned 4-6 weeks ago here). should I tell the tech when he comes, or should I call back and add onto the ticket?

Also - what should I expect to see the technician do to accurately troubleshoot? I dont want to rush home from work only to have someone come who's never seen HD before.

I would expect the tech to check signal strength at several points, starting at the output of your box and working backward, all the way to the junction box on the pole.

If you canget him to actually see the problem occur, all the better. When I first got my HD box, I had a terrible pixelation problem. They actually hooked up a TV in the truck directly to the junction box on the pole and found the same problem there, even though my signal strength was supposedly "good".

After several tries, they tracked the problem down to a bad main junction about 2 blocks away and the problem has never reappeared since.

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
Just called in to Comcast for a heavy pixelation issue when flipping around especially in the HD channels, but also happened 3 or 4 times in the middle of a program on DiscoveryHD this morning. ?Un? fortunately its one of those things that isnt constant so a tech may not see anything.

In my pre-caffeine brain, I had forgotten about the small pixelation when a scene is very fast (I mentioned 4-6 weeks ago here). should I tell the tech when he comes, or should I call back and add onto the ticket?

Also - what should I expect to see the technician do to accurately troubleshoot? I dont want to rush home from work only to have someone come who's never seen HD before.

What to expect? In my case, nothing but frustration and disappointment. I've had 5 Comcast technicians out here, each who has "tested the signal strength, checked the wiring, checked the junction box, and everything has looked good." I've had 1 TriWire engineer out here to replace a lot of wiring and to him "everything should be good." I've had the 6208 replaced because "we think that might be the problem." Hours on the phone with Comcast, twice being promised I'd get a field supervisor only to get a 6 month newbie each time, and guess what? My HD channels are pixelating more now than ever.

Basically where it stands now, Comcast gave me a $46 credit on this month's bill for all the hassle I've been through. I finally got a call from a field supervisor around 4:55pm on Friday. By the time I got the message and called him back, he was nowhere to be found. He only works Monday through Friday, so there's probably yet another afternoon I have to take off from work. *sigh*

Originally posted by tennberg
What to expect? In my case, nothing but frustration and disappointment. I've had 5 Comcast technicians out here, each who has "tested the signal strength, checked the wiring, checked the junction box, and everything has looked good." I've had 1 TriWire engineer out here to replace a lot of wiring and to him "everything should be good." I've had the 6208 replaced because "we think that might be the problem." Hours on the phone with Comcast, twice being promised I'd get a field supervisor only to get a 6 month newbie each time, and guess what? My HD channels are pixelating more now than ever.

Basically where it stands now, Comcast gave me a $46 credit on this month's bill for all the hassle I've been through. I finally got a call from a field supervisor around 4:55pm on Friday. By the time I got the message and called him back, he was nowhere to be found. He only works Monday through Friday, so there's probably yet another afternoon I have to take off from work. *sigh*

You said a few posts ago that your pixellation problem goes away once you've paused the HD stream for a few seconds on your 6208. A known bug with the current 6208 software.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
You said a few posts ago that your pixellation problem goes away once you've paused the HD stream for a few seconds on your 6208. A known bug with the current 6208 software.

ScoopsHD:

I know that if I watched a recorded show that was broadcast in HD, I get no pixelation and no sound cut-outs. So there is either a problem with a live signal coming in or a problem with the way the 6208 handles a live HD/Digital stream. 6 Comcast techs, 1 TriWire enginner, and multiple CSRs have never mentioned a thing about there being a bug with the 6208 software. I figured if it were a problem with the 6208 itself, at least 1 person at Comcast would have mentioned it. If it's a known bug, everyone who has the 6208 and HD would be affected, and Comcast would be well aware of it. Yet, not a single mention of it.

If it is a known bug, what is either Comcast or Motorola doing to address the problem? Would it be fixed with either a firmware fix or software update? Will the new iGuide update include updated 6208 software?

Originally posted by tennberg
ScoopsHD:

I know that if I watched a recorded show that was broadcast in HD, I get no pixelation and no sound cut-outs. So there is either a problem with a live signal coming in or a problem with the way the 6208 handles a live HD/Digital stream. 6 Comcast techs, 1 TriWire enginner, and multiple CSRs have never mentioned a thing about there being a bug with the 6208 software. I figured if it were a problem with the 6208 itself, at least 1 person at Comcast would have mentioned it. If it's a known bug, everyone who has the 6208 and HD would be affected, and Comcast would be well aware of it. Yet, not a single mention of it.

If it is a known bug, what is either Comcast or Motorola doing to address the problem? Would it be fixed with either a firmware fix or software update? Will the new iGuide update include updated 6208 software?

Many people on this thread have commented about the problem with the 6208. If it is indeed a software bug, Comcast and Motorola are likely aware of it and will be addressing it with the iGuide release coming up in November.

I know that if I watched a recorded show that was broadcast in HD, I get no pixelation and no sound cut-outs.

tennberg - If this is true, then you don't have a signal issue. The same pixelation would be in your recording as with live TV if you had bad signal coming into the box.

Chris

Originally posted by Schlotkins
tennberg - If this is true, then you don't have a signal issue. The same pixelation would be in your recording as with live TV if you had bad signal coming into the box.

Chris

Chris:

I guess what I'm trying to say is if Comcast or Motorola knew there was a bug in the 6208, why didn't Comcast say from the start, "There is a known problem with the software on the 6208 and how it decodes incoming live HD streams." Why push out a box like that if it's a known problem and will cause service issues? Why not tell me this rather than always saying "Well, it's a decoding problem. We are working with Motorola on a fix and hope to have one out shortly."

Is this bug documented anywhere? I'd be curious to investigate it further.

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
Just called in to Comcast for a heavy pixelation issue when flipping around especially in the HD channels, but also happened 3 or 4 times in the middle of a program on DiscoveryHD this morning. ?Un? fortunately its one of those things that isnt constant so a tech may not see anything.

In my pre-caffeine brain, I had forgotten about the small pixelation when a scene is very fast (I mentioned 4-6 weeks ago here). should I tell the tech when he comes, or should I call back and add onto the ticket?

Also - what should I expect to see the technician do to accurately troubleshoot? I dont want to rush home from work only to have someone come who's never seen HD before.

When you say heavy pixellation, do you mean large (maybe 0.25inch per side) white squares that pop every so often? Occasionally clustering into a long rectangle? Over the past 2-3 weeks, that's what I've been seeing more and more often. I was wondering if it was just me. I was also wondering if I was going to have to call Comcast. But it looks like other people are seeing this problem and not really getting any help with it from Comcast.

I'll be interested to hear what happens when the tech comes to your house.

Rich

Originally posted by rgr003
When you say heavy pixellation, do you mean large (maybe 0.25inch per side) white squares that pop every so often? Occasionally clustering into a long rectangle? Over the past 2-3 weeks, that's what I've been seeing more and more often. I was wondering if it was just me. I was also wondering if I was going to have to call Comcast. But it looks like other people are seeing this problem and not really getting any help with it from Comcast.

I'll be interested to hear what happens when the tech comes to your house.

Rich

yes - by heavy pixelation, I mean large squares of the picture, sometimes they move with the picture and with the picture as it is, stuttering or no sound.

I guess what I'm trying to say is if Comcast or Motorola knew there was a bug in the 6208, why didn't Comcast say from the start, "There is a known problem with the software on the 6208 and how it decodes incoming live HD streams." Why push out a box like that if it's a known problem and will cause service issues? Why not tell me this rather than always saying "Well, it's a decoding problem. We are working with Motorola on a fix and hope to have one out shortly."

tennberg-

I don't know the answer to those questions. All I know from beta testing various devices is that the first thing you do when you are having pictures issues is to record and play it back at the same moment you experienced the pixelation live and see if it's consistent. If it's not, then it's not a signal issue and is something wrong with the particular box/device/software.

You have to remember these 6208 boxes are a beta test for Comcast and everything isn't going to work perfect. In factm if there only 2000 of these boxes, people may not know about all the probllems. My guess is you are experiencing the problem more than other people... it happens. When the 6200's came out, there were some recording issues over firewire. Some people didn't have much in the way of problems, some people did. If I were you, I'd just have a 6200 or 5100 box brought out and see what happens.

Good luck,
Chris

Originally posted by Schlotkins
tennberg-

I don't know the answer to those questions. All I know from beta testing various devices is that the first thing you do when you are having pictures issues is to record and play it back at the same moment you experienced the pixelation live and see if it's consistent. If it's not, then it's not a signal issue and is something wrong with the particular box/device/software.

You have to remember these 6208 boxes are a beta test for Comcast and everything isn't going to work perfect. In factm if there only 2000 of these boxes, people may not know about all the probllems. My guess is you are experiencing the problem more than other people... it happens. When the 6200's came out, there were some recording issues over firewire. Some people didn't have much in the way of problems, some people did. If I were you, I'd just have a 6200 or 5100 box brought out and see what happens.

Good luck,
Chris

I was under the impression that these 6208 boxes are no longer "beta", as they are now avaiable for any Comcast customer throughout Massachusetts. You don't beta-test something by making it available to all of your customers. I do know there was a period when it was only offered to certain customers. However, Comcast was in an article in the Globe saying how they were offering the 6208/DVR combo for all customers.

Once I get a hold of the field supervisor tomorrow, I'll discuss everything with him to see what he thinks or what insight he can offer. I'll post an update on that tomorrow.

Here is the demo for the Comcast-customized iGuide (http://comcast.com/newguide/flashdemo.html) coming soon. demo here uses the new 6412 remote and you can select a dual-tuner demo when playing the dvr section. can't wait! :)

Tennberg:

Putting something out with bugs in it is the way of the world now. You need look no farther than Microsoft with Windows. It's now more important to get your product out than it is to put it out correctly. They needed the DVR in the marketplace to stem the tide against the satellite and tivo.

-Ken

Excatly. I'm not saying it's a great situation your in.. I'm just trying to help. The 6200's all didn't have the firewire working properly and that wasn't a limited rollout so you maybe my beta words weren't correct. You don't have a signal issue and you've had two 6208s and they both didn't work. My guess is the box has a problem that your setup magnifies. Probably is some kind of buffering issue of writing to the hard drive and displaying at the same time.

In any case, if I were you, I'd get a 6200 box out there next time a tech visits. Watch it for a few days and see if you get the problem. If not? Well, it's the 6208 box in general and hopefully the new box takes care of the issue.

Chris

Avic,

Thank you very much for posting that. It showed one of the main things I've been really wanting to see and that is the status bar during playback of a recording to see where I am within the show. I'm excited about getting this unit in here and finally being able to record HD with my other mix of programs that we do on DTivo.

Originally posted by avic
Here is the demo for the Comcast-customized iGuide (http://comcast.com/newguide/flashdemo.html) coming soon. demo here uses the new 6412 remote and you can select a dual-tuner demo when playing the dvr section. can't wait! :)

My question is will there be an extra charge for the two tuner DVR?

HD without a comcast box?

Can anybody out there tell me if I'll get HD from comcast without an HD box?

I'm in Weymouth and I'm currently a boxless analog subscriber (Comcast). I just bought the Sanyo HD32744 (has HD tuner built in). My plan was to use an antenna to receive HD, but I'm wondering if I upgraded my comcast sevice to digital, if I could receive the HD channels without using a cable box. Comcast tells me no, but I've gotten some mixed information from them which leads me to believe most of the people I talk to there don't know what they are talking about.

So to restate my question, will I receive HD channels if I upgrade to digital but don't use a comcast box?

Don't quote me on this, but I believe if you TV has a QAM tuner, you should be able to get the networks no problem... DO you have QAM? If so, just try and do a scan. I'm not sure if comcast is putting filters out on those station frequencies or not.

Chris

Yes, my TV does have QAM, so I know it is capable of receiving HD channels from digital cable. I guess what I'm really looking for is the answer to your last statement - I'm not sure if comcast is putting filters out on those station frequencies or not.

Anybody know the truth here?

Originally posted by upNdown
HD without a comcast box?

Can anybody out there tell me if I'll get HD from comcast without an HD box?

I'm in Weymouth and I'm currently a boxless analog subscriber (Comcast). I just bought the Sanyo HD32744 (has HD tuner built in). My plan was to use an antenna to receive HD, but I'm wondering if I upgraded my comcast sevice to digital, if I could receive the HD channels without using a cable box. Comcast tells me no, but I've gotten some mixed information from them which leads me to believe most of the people I talk to there don't know what they are talking about.

So to restate my question, will I receive HD channels if I upgrade to digital but don't use a comcast box?

Does the signal even change when you "upgrade to digital"--aren't they already sendding the digital signal? I think tthey just change your box when you switch to digital. I think you should be able to get the QAM channels without changing anything--have you tried just plugging the wire into your TV?

Originally posted by upNdown
Yes, my TV does have QAM, so I know it is capable of receiving HD channels from digital cable. I guess what I'm really looking for is the answer to your last statement - I'm not sure if comcast is putting filters out on those station frequencies or not.

Anybody know the truth here?

They don't physically filter the frequencies. Only those channels that are also broadcast OTA come through unencrypted, though, so while you can get your network affils this way, you won't get ESPN-HD, Discovery HD, either INHD channel, or any premiums.

Unless your TV also has a slot for a CableCARD. If it's a CableCARD/OpenCable-compliant tuner, you can get a PCMCIA form factor card from Comcast that (with the right Digital package) will get you those channels as well.

kylenolan, apparently the signal does change when you upgrade to digital. I just moved into this house (my parents moved out) and simply kept their old analog account active. Before I returned my comcast digital box (from my previous address) I tried plugging it into a TV there, and it didn't pick up any channels at all. And when I tried the existing cable on my new TV, the tuner picked up all the analog channels, but the digital tuner didn't pick up anything. Now my parent have had analog cable without a box for over 10 years, so maybe that has something to do with it, but I can tell you with confidence, that there is only analog coming into that house right now. I don't know what Comcast will have to to if I chose to upgrade to digital - whether they just flip a switch somewhere or whether they'll have to run a new line to the house.

Dennis, thanks for the info - I primarily concerned with the OTA channels anyway at present. I was going to rig up an antenna, but there are some non-HD digital channels that my wife misses, so I may upgrade to the basic digital package and kill two birds with one stone.

Maybe I am just spoiled by the beautiful PQ provided by NESN for regular season games, but I thought the PQ on FOX last night was disgraceful. Strangely enough, I thought the Patriots game on FOX yesterday looked pretty good. Why such a difference??

Since getting my system fully installed, I have been equally as happy to watch in HD at home. I gave many of my season tickets away in the regular season. However, tonight I am much happier that I will be watching from behind the Sox dugout. I won't have to watch the horrible FOX picture.

I will say that the 5.1 sound is not bad. Unfortunately I had to listen on WEEI AM radio because Tim McCarver and Joe Buck are babbling idiots.

Originally posted by upNdown
kylenolan, apparently the signal does change when you upgrade to digital. I just moved into this house (my parents moved out) and simply kept their old analog account active. Before I returned my comcast digital box (from my previous address) I tried plugging it into a TV there, and it didn't pick up any channels at all. And when I tried the existing cable on my new TV, the tuner picked up all the analog channels, but the digital tuner didn't pick up anything. Now my parent have had analog cable without a box for over 10 years, so maybe that has something to do with it, but I can tell you with confidence, that there is only analog coming into that house right now. I don't know what Comcast will have to to if I chose to upgrade to digital - whether they just flip a switch somewhere or whether they'll have to run a new line to the house.

That could be any number of things, right down to the actual wiring (old splitters/filters blocking higher frequencies, for example.) Doesn't really mean that Comcast isn't sending the same basic signal to the house. That's part of the reason Comcast still requires a visit from a tech for digital service upgrades.

The digital boxes still need to be provisioned, as far as I know, and I'm not sure if the provisioning somehow ties the box to a locality (i.e. we expect to see this box in this cluster of boxes over here, not that cluster over there.) That wouldn't explain your set's QAM tuner not seeing anything, though.

Originally posted by upNdown
Yes, my TV does have QAM, so I know it is capable of receiving HD channels from digital cable. I guess what I'm really looking for is the answer to your last statement - I'm not sure if comcast is putting filters out on those station frequencies or not.

Anybody know the truth here?

No they don't and they're not supposed to.

ABC News now,The GBX digital channels (create,world,and kids) and the HD locals are considered part of LIMITED BASIC!

The QAM tuner SHOULD be able to get them!

QAM should be available but what may be happening if Comcast/AT&T/MediaOne hasn't been out in years is that there are old filters on the line. The filters may be on the pole or in the residence. These filters may be blocking the frequencies you need.

Why don't you plug it in and see what you get if you have a QAM tuner?? It's free!

Originally posted by Gabatta
Maybe I am just spoiled by the beautiful PQ provided by NESN for regular season games, but I thought the PQ on FOX last night was disgraceful. Strangely enough, I thought the Patriots game on FOX yesterday looked pretty good. Why such a difference??

Since getting my system fully installed, I have been equally as happy to watch in HD at home. I gave many of my season tickets away in the regular season. However, tonight I am much happier that I will be watching from behind the Sox dugout. I won't have to watch the horrible FOX picture.

I will say that the 5.1 sound is not bad. Unfortunately I had to listen on WEEI AM radio because Tim McCarver and Joe Buck are babbling idiots.
Gabatta - Couldn't agree more. The PQ from NESN is the BEST HD has to offer. If everyone could view those games, they would rush out and upgrade to HD. Watching Fox it is brutal, on a relative basis (well at least it is better than the widescreen nonHD stuff they did in the divisional series).

Joe Buck is a moron

Originally posted by chitchatjf
My question is will there be an extra charge for the two tuner DVR?

Others have posted on the board that the 6412 will cost the same as the 6208. It is a very good deal to me.

Rich N.

Anyone out there using a CableCard yet? I'm curious what they are charging for it. It seems some part of the country have to pay the same price as a STB and some are getting it for free.....

Chris

My tv is compatible with Cable Card, but I am already getting addicted to the 6208 (godforbid the 6214). What else do you lose between the Cable Card and the moto box aside from the DVR functionality?

Cablecard is 1 way - so no OnDemand.

Schlotkins, I did plug it in and I got no digital channels at all. But I know for sure the TV has QAM, there are two lengthy threads on these boards dedicated to this TV. I think what D_Doherty suggested is probably the truth, but the only way I'll get Comcast out to the house to remove the filters is to upgrade to digital. That is probably what I'll do, but before I go sending comcast any more money, I'm going to see how a cheap set-top antenna does at receiving HD.

Originally posted by rookiewill
My tv is compatible with Cable Card, but I am already getting addicted to the 6208 (godforbid the 6214). What else do you lose between the Cable Card and the moto box aside from the DVR functionality? If you get the CableCard + the 6208, you will then have two tuners for HD and digital cable. So you could record an HD (or digital) show on the 6208 while simultaneously watching a different HD (or digital) show via your HDTV's CableCard tuner.

You could do this without the CableCard, but your HDTV's internal QAM tuner would only get your the unencrypted HD and digital channels (i.e., the local HD channels). The CableCard allows you to receive all the encrypted channels (as authorized by your cable subscription).

With the 6412, you could have three HD tuners. Record two programs while watching a third or ... [use your imagination, for example, think PIP]

yikes, hadn't considered that one. There goes another $10/month for this addiction

Anyone have a Mits xxx25 and a 6200 series box that can use the firewire ports from the cable box to the TV?

I'm looking to get a new DLP set and I haven't found anyone with one that can answer my question.

Thanks

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
Just called in to Comcast for a heavy pixelation issue when flipping around especially in the HD channels, but also happened 3 or 4 times in the middle of a program on DiscoveryHD this morning. ?Un? fortunately its one of those things that isnt constant so a tech may not see anything.

In my pre-caffeine brain, I had forgotten about the small pixelation when a scene is very fast (I mentioned 4-6 weeks ago here). should I tell the tech when he comes, or should I call back and add onto the ticket?

Also - what should I expect to see the technician do to accurately troubleshoot? I dont want to rush home from work only to have someone come who's never seen HD before.

Tech just left. he said that upto 45 seconds of the pixelation (Like one would see on a dirty DVD) is normal when first switching to a channel with the 1 tuner DVR box. Pixelation while watching a show is not. He referred to it as a glitch in the box and not beta-testing on Motorolla's part. It should be fixed in the 2 tuner boxes.

The small pixelation during fast scenes wasnt happening while he was here. I hope I'm describing it well to see if others have the same issue. He checked the signal strength, etc.. after watching an analog channel, but not a HD. Which I think when I did, wasnt as good. He also replaced a splitter. I already still see pixelation when flipping, but fingers n toes crossed and thinking good thoughts to the Cablebox and lottery fairies...

Kaiser:

Did the tech make any comment on whether or not the "bug" in the 6208 would be fixed for the 6208? Or is Comcast simply ignoring that bug and hoping it doesn't crop up in the 6412, and hoping all 6208 users move to the 6412?

I have noticed on a couple shows/movies in HD where it seems as if part of the screen becomes "watery" during fast motion. It's hard to describe. I blame it on the MPEG decoder in the 6208, could be something else though.

He beleives that the problem cannot be fixed within the Comcast realm, but with a the 6412 (thank you for reminding me on the model numbers) Presumably most users of the 6208 would want to upgrade to the 6412 with the more storage and better iGuide.

I got the impression that Motorola fell into the same trap as Microsoft and many many PC Game vendors and sucumbed to consumer pressure to put "something" in the market. Rather than taking the time to put out something perfect. Unlike PCs tho, you cannot release patches to fix those errors. But he did mention that they are continously sending out firmware updates.

Perhaps "watery" is a better way of describing my other issue than small pixelation. but yes - hard to describe....

Anyone notice problems on Fox with the Sox game tonight. My screen has been jumping around quite a bit

Originally posted by rookiewill
Anyone notice problems on Fox with the Sox game tonight. My screen has been jumping around quite a bit

Yes. I notice that both today and yesterday.

I am using DVICO Fusion 3/T

Originally posted by rookiewill
Anyone notice problems on Fox with the Sox game tonight. My screen has been jumping around quite a bit

I've noticed it too.

there is no pixelation bug on the 6208 with 7.15, that was fixed. fast-motion artifacts are usually from the source, i.e compression issue. PBS suffers from this with their multicasting. if you are pixelating or breaking up it could be a signal strenght issue. i have had 0 pixelation problems since the 7.15 fix was implemented.

note: 6412 will run on same firmware. also the 6412 does not have a "better iGuide." all boxes including non-DVR's will run the same iGuide software.

Originally posted by avic
there is no pixelation bug on the 6208 with 7.15, that was fixed. fast-motion artifacts are usually from the source, i.e compression issue. PBS suffers from this with their multicasting. if you are pixelating or breaking up it could be a signal strenght issue. i have had 0 pixelation problems since the 7.15 fix was implemented.

There's certainly something wrong with the 6208 with 7.15. A number of people have reported, and I see myself, pixelation when watching "live" that does not appear in recordings or if watching just slightly behind live. These can't be signal problems, since if the box is actually getting uncorrected errors in the signal those errors would be present in recordings as well.

Whether this is a firmware issue or an application-layer (TVGuide Interactive/iGuide) issue is another question.

You are right that fast-motion artifacts are usually a compressor-side, rather than a decompressor-side, issue, usually influenced either by a too-narrow motion estimation window or, more often, inadequate bit rate (thus PBS's multicast problems.)

So what is actually up with the jumping picture during the FOX sox games?? It started Saturday night and has gotten worse every game since. Last night was incredibly annoying.

Anyone call?

dennis: i use and abuse my 6208 and haven't had any pixelation problems since the fix and others haven't either so it makes it more difficult to diagnose your problem. i will check again but i don't believe moto is aware of any pixelation bug or working on a fix for such.

larry: check the programming forum

Still nothing new on the new HD channel front. Now in Q4. Havent had any pixelation problems with old Moto5100.

I'm getting the odd jumping picture, I'm guessing it's a feed issue from Fox itself.

I also still get the pixelation issue. I'm not sure if it's the box or the signal, it occurs on pretty much every HD channel I have, but has not occurred on any SD channels.

It definitely is annoying, especially when guests come over to be "wowed" by HD, only to see massive blocks chug across the screen. :(

-JR

juice do u have a 6208?

I'm getting the jumping in the baseball playoffs on my 6200. It's definately fox's crappy HD feed.

-Ken

Dennis:

Same issue here. I recorded a couple shows in HD, and 0 pixelation and 0 sound cut-outs on those recordings. So there is definitely a problem with the way the 6208 is handling a live HD feed.

avic:

It is definitely not a signal strength issue. 6 Comcast techs and 1 TriWire engineer have all said I am getting more than enough signal strength issue into my apartment. So I am led to believe there is still an outstanding issue with the 6208 and firmware 7.15 and/or the current software install of the guide.

Juice:

Sorry to hear you're still getting the pixelation problem. I'll keep updating in here to let you know what's being done.

Originally posted by kenvt
I'm getting the jumping in the baseball playoffs on my 6200. It's definately fox's crappy HD feed.


FOX S*CKS!!!

Definitely FOX as a few of my buds with the dish have been having the same issue.

I had no problem with 825 on my 6208.

I even reset it so it outputs 480P on the regular digital and analog channels and get a better picture overall on those channels.

The scaler in my Sony Wega RPTV is so good the analog channels look better when I have my 6200 set to 480i. I let the tv do the converting.

-Ken

Update:

So I left a voice mail for one of Comcast's field supervisors two days ago who finally had gotten word of my pixelating/sound cut-out problems. If you recall, this is after having the HD service for almost 2 months and having been promised twice that a field supervisor would be at my apartment, only to get two newbie techs each time, and then calling Comcast to have them suddenly change their story to "Oh, we didn't mean a field supervisor would actually be at your apartment. We meant the case was sent via e-mail to a field supervisor for his review."

I'm beginning to think field supervisors are these mystical people at Comcast who everyone seems to talk about but no one has actually ever met. If anyone knows anyone at Comcast or if anyone on this forum works for Comcast, I'd appreciate any help you might offer. I keep getting so far with Comcast to only realize I'm actually going nowhere.

Originally posted by avic
juice do u have a 6208?

Roger that. The pixelation has always been there since I've received the 6208. It's a daily occurrence, I'm pretty used to it, but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it.

Anytime someone comes over to our place to watch HD, I immediately let them know they're going to see random pixelation, and it's a fault of the cable/cable box and not the TV.

-JR

juice sorry to hear that. the only pixelation i had was when changing HD channels then it would settle down after a few seconds. that bug was fixed with 7.15. as far as random pixelation well i've rarely experienced that. so for you when this happens if you rewind the program and watch the buffer is it ok? just wondering if it's a signal-strength or dvr issue.

Hey avic,

Exactly, when I rewind and watch the buffer it runs fine. I posted my signal strength numbers in the "official 6208" thread, and although it appeared my "recoverable error" # was high, other aspects of the feed seemed fine.

I'm not sure what I could say to Comcast to fix it. When the last rep came, he said that my signal strength was fine, which it, on a whole, appears to be, at least that's what the numbers are saying. I know if a rep came, for the 15 minutes we'd look for pixelation, it wouldn't show up. Murphys Law. ;)

-JR

I get the same think. Periodic freeze then pixelation. a quick pause and play ends it. Rewing and play I do not see it happen so not a signal strength issue.
FREAK!

it's not a signal strength issue, if the buffer shows no pixelation. clearly your issue is dvr-related. does it only happen on the HD channels? it's not happening to all of us with the 6208 so it may be your box and not a bug. maybe the hdd is bad, can't hurt to swap out the box, that or wait for the 6412. in the meantime for your world series parties just buffer the game for 30secs.

Originally posted by avic
it's not a signal strength issue, if the buffer shows no pixelation. clearly your issue is dvr-related. does it only happen on the HD channels? it's not happening to all of us with the 6208 so it may be your box and not a bug. maybe the hdd is bad, can't hurt to swap out the box, that or wait for the 6412. in the meantime for your world series parties just buffer the game for 30secs.

And make sure no one is watching a straight digital or even an analog feed down the hall and yelling or booing before you see the play! :)

any idea if the new ipg will let you pause a recording like a vcr. or maybe the 6412?

jason

Originally posted by jason978
any idea if the new ipg will let you pause a recording like a vcr. or maybe the 6412?

jason

jason:

You can pause a show you recorded on the 6208 just like you would on a DVD player or VCR. You can even rewind and fast forward. Is that what you were wondering?

if you're asking whether the new ipg will turn your regular cable box into a dvr then the answer is no. the ipg is just software. in order for your box to function "like a vcr" it has to have a hard drive. you'd need to order dvr service from comcast and they would replace your regular cable box with a dvr box like the 6208(now) or 6412(soon).

I have the 6208 now.

no, ill explain better. With a VCR i would record a TV show(press record button) then pause the recording process during commercials( press pause button). so when I went to rewatch it, it would have no commercials.

with the 6208 there doesn't seem to be any way to pause the recording process, just stop it completly. when you press pause when you are recording something it pauses the playback, not the recording process. That make sense?

Jason

can't do that with any DVR.

I noticed that in the lstings INHD2 is "To be announced" after Oct 31st.

I checked the iNHD website and there IS programming there.

I am not sure what this could mean.

A fulltime NESN/FSN channel?

Bandwidth for WSBKDT/WLVIDT?

Do they ever have listings a week out? I doubt it means anything at all. No way they put a full time NESN-HD channel right now, esp. without the NHL season.

Originally posted by jckessler
Do they ever have listings a week out? I doubt it means anything at all. No way they put a full time NESN-HD channel right now, esp. without the NHL season.

yes they do and beyond.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
I noticed that in the lstings INHD2 is "To be announced" after Oct 31st.

I checked the iNHD website and there IS programming there.

I am not sure what this could mean.

A fulltime NESN/FSN channel?

Bandwidth for WSBKDT/WLVIDT?
The timing of that coincides with the start of the Celtics regular season. The Celtics home games are supposed to be in HD this season. Comcast will need to make room somewhere to show those games. So it may be on INHD-2.

Mickey

Anyone know what Comcast should be charging for HDTV boxes? I have a 6208 for $15.50 but a second 6200 they are chariging $9.25. For that price I might as well get a 2nd 6208 instead of a 6200.

Also, both INHDs are dropping out audio every 30 seconds or so. I wonder if it's because they are at the highest frequencies and I'm getting rolloff there. Anybody else?

Originally posted by spearse
Anyone know what Comcast should be charging for HDTV boxes? I have a 6208 for $15.50 but a second 6200 they are chariging $9.25. For that price I might as well get a 2nd 6208 instead of a 6200.

Also, both INHDs are dropping out audio every 30 seconds or so. I wonder if it's because they are at the highest frequencies and I'm getting rolloff there. Anybody else?

That is about right.

I would not be surprised if they limit it to one DVR per household.

I was told yesterday they have released the DVR to the local offices; previously they had to be installed by technician.

With the Red Sox playing almost every night for the last week I finally got around to watching last week's episode of Lost. I noticed a couple minutes into it that the audio was slightly ahead of the video, this seemed to have gotten worse as the show went on. Did anyone watch it live and if so were there lip sync issues ? Are these kind of problems a hardware issue or most likely a bad feed ?

I finally watched last week's Lost last night as well, and also found the lip-sinc to be way off. I tried doing FF, REW, and Pause to try to fix it (used to work with an original standalone TiVo) but it did nothing. I did notice that some commercials were right on, but the show continued to be off.

By the way, I based my fantasy basketball draft on the Celtics being in HDTV ... I got Pierce, Payton, and Davis. I didn't watch much basketball last year ... is there a chump channel that will take HDTV broadcasts and do a "special presentation" to reduce them to SDTV, or will all home games be good?

Originally posted by dozens
With the Red Sox playing almost every night for the last week I finally got around to watching last week's episode of Lost. I noticed a couple minutes into it that the audio was slightly ahead of the video, this seemed to have gotten worse as the show went on. Did anyone watch it live and if so were there lip sync issues ? Are these kind of problems a hardware issue or most likely a bad feed ? ASK HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4560800#post4560800)

avic:

I apologize for this being off-topic, but I will be brief. I too recorded last Wednesday's episode of Lost and finally watched it. No lip-sync issues at all, perfect recording.

Update:

The field supervisor finally called me back and I explained the whole situation to him. I also mentioned that recorded HD shows do not exhibit pixelation or sound cut-outs. His reply was "Hmm..interesting." So I went on to say it seems to me to be a issue with the way the 6208 decodes/handles a live HD stream, to which he replied "Hmm...interesting. I've never heard of that." *eyeroll*

Honestly, either Comcast is completely ignorant and unaware of this problem, or they are deciding to keep quiet about it until they can release a software/firmware fix for it. At this rate, I'm going to have to keep calling Comcast each month for a credit toward my account.

dozens, I too noticed the synch issues on Lost. I used to have these issues but have not in a long time. If you were seeing it also I would guess it was the feed and not your box.

Tsunamii

Originally posted by Tsunamii
dozens, I too noticed the sync issues on Lost. I used to have these issues but have not in a long time. If you were seeing it also I would guess it was the feed and not your box.

Tsunamii

I dunno, tennberg stated above he did not have a problem watching the recording. Maybe it has to do with whether the audio was 5.1 or stereo.

Well I have not had the synch issue before or after that episode of Lost. It is hard to believe that the issue is inside my house with wiring or settings.

Originally posted by avic
it's not a signal strength issue, if the buffer shows no pixelation. clearly your issue is dvr-related. does it only happen on the HD channels? it's not happening to all of us with the 6208 so it may be your box and not a bug. maybe the hdd is bad, can't hurt to swap out the box, that or wait for the 6412. in the meantime for your world series parties just buffer the game for 30secs.

It only happens on HD channels. It can be as random as the entire screen freezing and breaking up over a period of about 1-4 seconds, or simply a couple of blocks of info not appearing on screen.

I'll probably just wait for the 6412, I've become so used to it that the only time it is really annoying is when guests come over, and, for their first time see HD, only to see it break up randomly.

Buffer the game?! Sacrilege! :D

-JR

Comcast -Dallas area added WB affilate there. Still nothing new in Boston. No new adds since Discovery HD in July.

sorry you're having such a problem with it. no pixelation at all with mine and now that i reprogrammed the 6208 remote with skip feature, it's even better.

Question for you all: I currently have a few recordings on my 6208 that I'd like to keep until they come out on DVD (tentatively January or February). If the 6412 is released before then (any new dates set yet?), would there be a way to transfer the recorded shows from the 6208 to the 6412?

Thanks.

Question for you all: I currently have a few recordings on my 6208 that I'd like to keep until they come out on DVD (tentatively January or February). If the 6412 is released before then (any new dates set yet?), would there be a way to transfer the recorded shows from the 6208 to the 6412?No.

If they are from broadcast sources I suggest you transfer them to your PC over Firewire and burn your own DVDs. If they are Copy Once, you're SOL.

DaveFi:

Couple questions for you or others. I apologize if any of them are off-topic:

1. What is "Copy Once"? Would that be a copy protection the broadcaster put in the original broadcast or is that a function of the DVR? The two things I'm looking at copying were a broadcast of the Late Show with Letterman and the Farscape mini-series on Sci-Fi (out in mid-Jan '05 on DVD, so I may wait on those).

2. Off-topic: Is there a site that shows how to quickly/cheaply copy recordings from the 6208 to either a Mac or PC via FireWire?

Thanks!

1. DTCP is protection that's enabled in our boxes by Comcast. All broadcast channels are "Copy Freely" meanining you can copy them to your heart's delight. Everything else is either "Copy Once" (HBO, SHO, etc) or "Copy Never" (PPV).

Copy Once can be saved to DTCP enabled devices- right now only DVHS, and soon to be HD DVD. You cannot make copies of the copies. You also cannot send a Copy Once flagged program to a non-DTCP enabled device (ie:PC)

2. Check out the HDTV Recorders forum.

Originally posted by jckessler
Do they ever have listings a week out? I doubt it means anything at all. No way they put a full time NESN-HD channel right now, esp. without the NHL season.

When I checked my 6208 guide today, all the other HD channels (including 881) had full program listings out to 11/12. 882's listings stop at 6:45 AM on 11/1. I'm betting something is happening - finally.

I think the listing for INHD2 is behind because they are probably going to start showing Celtics games on INHD2, and they don't want to publish bogus schedules. INHD2 on their own website has listings out past Nov.9.

-Ken

Originally posted by DaveFi
1. DTCP is protection that's enabled in our boxes by Comcast. All broadcast channels are "Copy Freely" meanining you can copy them to your heart's delight. Everything else is either "Copy Once" (HBO, SHO, etc) or "Copy Never" (PPV).

Copy Once can be saved to DTCP enabled devices- right now only DVHS, and soon to be HD DVD. You cannot make copies of the copies. You also cannot send a Copy Once flagged program to a non-DTCP enabled device (ie:PC)

2. Check out the HDTV Recorders forum.

I had read somewhere that HBO on demand is supposed to be copy never,but i had no problem copying Season 6 Pt2 of Sex and the City .

I was also able to copy a PPV ONdemand movie.

Granted this was downconverted to DVD-R unsing the S-Video and standard audio outputs.

Originally posted by tennberg
DaveFi:


2. Off-topic: Is there a site that shows how to quickly/cheaply copy recordings from the 6208 to either a Mac or PC via FireWire?

Thanks!

Look for the MacOS FireWire recording thread in the HDTV Recorders section. Some of the software comes with the OS and the rest is available here:

MacOS FireWire (http://home.comcast.net/~macpvr/)

Granted this was downconverted to DVD-R unsing the S-Video and standard audio outputs.DTCP covers digital over Firewire not analog.

Originally posted by DaveFi
DTCP covers digital over Firewire not analog.

GOOD! :)

iGuide upgrades will begin next week. however, 6208's will not be getting it. 6412's, with iGuide pre-loaded, will be launched in the weeks to come and no later then X-mas.

Anybody else see this strange behavior during the ALCS or World Series? My boss reported that often, a black box would appear on the screen with something related to 'NET5' in it, i.e. 'MLB ON FOX NET5', 'H@FOX NET5', etc. He has a Sony D* receiver (and Sony CRT projector), and saw this behavior both on WFXT OTA and on FOX-E (ch 89?) on D*.

Strangely, another coworker had the same problem via Comcast Analog cable! I think he said he has an Advent TV, and it was showing the same black message box.

They both had to use the remote to change channels, etc. to get rid of the message. I assume this is a tag from Fox's distribution system that somehow gets displayed. I haven't heard anyone else mention this.

Avic : So I should see the iGuide soon on my 6200 ?

-Ken

yup. starting next week all boxes except DVR's.

chitchatjf- If you're into archiving HD you might consider picking up a refurbished JVC DVHS deck. They can be had in the $200-$250 range, and you can use blank SVHS tapes ($3-$4). Well worth it until recordable HD DVD is available.

Good news about the iGuide and 6412s. I will be going for the 6412 as soon as it's available.

Originally posted by avic
yup. starting next week all boxes except DVR's.

Any idea why the DVR's (6208 to be specific) are being left out. I thought from what I read in earlier posts the latest problems with the I-Guide were with the 6412, not the 6208)

Any idea why the DVR's (6208 to be specific) are being left out. I thought from what I read in earlier posts the latest problems with the I-Guide were with the 6412, not the 6208)Because the 6208s are being phased out. Everyone with a 6208 will get a 6412.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Because the 6208s are being phased out. Everyone with a 6208 will get a 6412.

Will Comcast be contacting us existing 6208 folks to make the switch, or will it be up to us to take the initiative and bug them to do it.

What is the difference in monthly charge between a 6200 and a dvr unit ?

-Ken

DVR is $10/mo.

6412 is closer than you think.

Originally posted by efeatherston
Will Comcast be contacting us existing 6208 folks to make the switch, or will it be up to us to take the initiative and bug them to do it.

When I called them about a month or so ago, they said that they would contact the existing 6208 customers and that it would probably happen before the release of the 6412 to new customers......

--K

Originally posted by avic
iGuide upgrades will begin next week. however, 6208's will not be getting it. 6412's, with iGuide pre-loaded, will be launched in the weeks to come and no later then X-mas.

avic:

Good to hear. I'll definitely ask the field supervisor tomorrow about how soon I could get a 6412 (maybe they'll feel bad about all I've been through with their service and get me high on the list). I'm anxious to see if the 6412s are free of the same "bug" that has affected some of the 6208s, causing the same pixelation problems I've been having for nearly 2 months.

Is the 6412 physically the same as the 6208 in all aspects, except that it has a larger drive and two tuners? Would the iGuide upgrade require a new firmware revision? I'm thinking with newer software and perhaps newer firmware, the 6412 may be what I need.

Originally posted by DaveFi
chitchatjf- If you're into archiving HD you might consider picking up a refurbished JVC DVHS deck. They can be had in the $200-$250 range, and you can use blank SVHS tapes ($3-$4). Well worth it until recordable HD DVD is available.

Good news about the iGuide and 6412s. I will be going for the 6412 as soon as it's available.

I'm content with downconversion for now.

I will have to convert all of what is on my current DVR before the new ones come out :)

Should expect better SD reception with the 6412 as opposed to the 6208?

Should expect better SD reception with the 6412 as opposed to the 6208?No. It's not the reception, it's the upscaler in these boxes. Set your box to output analog 480i. That's your best bet.

Originally posted by tennberg
avic:

Good to hear. I'll definitely ask the field supervisor tomorrow about how soon I could get a 6412 (maybe they'll feel bad about all I've been through with their service and get me high on the list). I'm anxious to see if the 6412s are free of the same "bug" that has affected some of the 6208s, causing the same pixelation problems I've been having for nearly 2 months.

Is the 6412 physically the same as the 6208 in all aspects, except that it has a larger drive and two tuners? Would the iGuide upgrade require a new firmware revision? I'm thinking with newer software and perhaps newer firmware, the 6412 may be what I need.

rest assured your experience will be quite different with the 6412. iguide has been tested and passed with this box and we're ready. soon the media blitz will begin and even grandma will know about DVR service. and comcast is not going to knowingly hard-launch a buggy product. so just hang in a few more weeks until you swap your box in november. u should get a call soon with the offer.

Avic, how hard will it be to get a box initially? Knowing the rollout date and actually getting one are two different things.

I assume they're training the CSRs on the 6412? Problem with the 6200 was that the CSRs knew nothing about it. To them there was only one HD box.

Originally posted by avic
rest assured your experience will be quite different with the 6412. iguide has been tested and passed with this box and we're ready. soon the media blitz will begin and even grandma will know about DVR service. and comcast is not going to knowingly hard-launch a buggy product. so just hang in a few more weeks until you swap your box in november. u should get a call soon with the offer.

Update for avic, et. al.:

So it's now 1:44PM and the guy from Comcast just left. Guess what?! He was not a field supervisor! Big f*#&$n surprise! He basically came in, asked what the problem was (as if he didn't even bother checking beforehand), tested the signal strength for the eighth time, watched one of the HD channels for a while (I think he was more interested in the movie than discovering the problem), and left. All of this after I had spoken to the field supervisor not three days ago who said he was going to be here at 9AM!

I got on the phone with Comcast not 10 mintues after that and got a hold of a customer rep. She reviewed the account and said she was going to e-mail her supervisor and the field supervisor's supervisor to see what could be done. I told her that this case seems to be getting lost in Comcast's pile and that no one really seems to care about resolving it, to which she noted that the only communication between their customer care group, supervisors, and techs is through e-mail, which may explain a lof of the problems. So she gave me her field supervisor's number and said I should check back in on Monday.

Much to my surprise, I got a call not 5 minutes later from Julia, the CSR's supervisor. She went on about how terribly sorry she was that all of this was happening (it sounds better when it's done with a British accent) and how she was now my point of contact for all of this. She said I wouldn't need to call their CSR line and have to explain over and over again to a new CSR each time what the problem was. She gave me her direct line, and told me she was escalating this to their executive customer complaint department (whatever that is). She then said she would be getting all the details together Monday morning and working from there.

Here's to hoping Comcast is finally doing something about this.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Avic, how hard will it be to get a box initially? Knowing the rollout date and actually getting one are two different things.

I assume they're training the CSRs on the 6412? Problem with the 6200 was that the CSRs knew nothing about it. To them there was only one HD box. i've had better luck with CSR's, always select the HD option in the comcast phone tree. and yes they're are already being "trained" and will be taking DVR orders which will mean a 6412. and let's just say a shortage wont be an issue, especially if you're reading this since you'll no doubt be well-infomered of a launch. also, unless the plan has changed, if you have a 6208 then you should get a call for the swap offer. otherwise, keep checking back here as i'm sure sooner or later a magic date will appear.
for now it's all about iGuide next week, at least for non-6208'ers. and don't ask but only problem with that release would be a bush-kerry tie or contested election so let's just hope kerry, uh i mean someone, is the clear winner! ;)

I know the date, just want to get one on that date. No point calling and getting a "I don't know" answer.

I don't currently have a 6208, so that option is out.

Originally posted by DaveFi
I know the date, just want to get one on that date. No point calling and getting a "I don't know" answer.

I don't currently have a 6208, so that option is out.

Please do tell :)

I wasn't exactly given permission to tell, but I wasn't forbidden either.

Weeks, not months. How's that?;)

dave, we know the date, so just call that day early in the morning. there are plenty of units available. the 6412's aren't exactly world series tix.

Originally posted by kenvt
I think the listing for INHD2 is behind because they are probably going to start showing Celtics games on INHD2, and they don't want to publish bogus schedules. INHD2 on their own website has listings out past Nov.9.

-Ken

Looks like you're right. 882 schedule is back up, with some Celtics games listed, so it would seem that they just took the schedule down to make those adjustments.

Originally posted by DaveFi
I wasn't exactly given permission to tell, but I wasn't forbidden either.

Weeks, not months. How's that?;)

how about days?

I'm a 30 minute walk (do not have acar) from my local office,so I would hope i could get a swap at the office,or does someone have to come by AGAIN?

I know the BIGGEST visual difference between the 6208 and 6412s are NO RF OUTPUT on the 6412.

Originally posted by BobColby
Looks like you're right. 882 schedule is back up, with some Celtics games listed, so it would seem that they just took the schedule down to make those adjustments.
Bob,

Where are you seeing this schedule?

Mickey

Does anyone know if I can have more then one DVR ? I am thinking of shelfing my tivo. I will actually save money if I do because I am already renting a settop box for it, I also won't have to worry about it not changing channels properly. The only down side is the limited disk space (I added more to my tivo) and lack of season-pass type feature.

Originally posted by MickeyGee
Bob,

Where are you seeing this schedule?

Mickey

On the 6208, the Guide schedule goes out two weeks (pushing a red button sets a recording for whatever program is selected).

Bob

Originally posted by BobColby
On the 6208, the Guide schedule goes out two weeks (pushing a red button sets a recording for whatever program is selected).

Bob
I see. Thanks.

Mickey

I just got an HDTV last week. Comcast gave me a 6208. I am new to this forum and now see the model is being phased-out for a 6412 with I-guide. What is I-guide and what advantages will the 6412 get me?

Thanks. Boston means Middleton.

The 6412 is a dual-tuner DVR with a larger capacity hard drive. iGuide link below for more info.

Originally posted by dozens
Does anyone know if I can have more then one DVR ? I am thinking of shelfing my tivo. I will actually save money if I do because I am already renting a settop box for it, I also won't have to worry about it not changing channels properly. The only down side is the limited disk space (I added more to my tivo) and lack of season-pass type feature. just wait for the dual-tuner 6412 now days away with the larger hard drive. you can swap it for your 6208. and depending on availability at some point you can add as many 6412's as u wish to pay for. as far as "season pass" if you check out the iGuide demo below, you would know that series recording is part of the new iGuide so your tivo no longer has that advantage. toss it.

What does Comcast do with all the 6208 once they start handing out the 6412 ?

Eat 'em.

dave everyone knows they're recycled into CSR's ;)

Originally posted by dozens
What does Comcast do with all the 6208 once they start handing out the 6412 ?

Return to Motorola and ask for a 110% money back return? :D

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
Return to Motorola and ask for a 110% money back return? :D

They can be used by those who still use an RF input ,as the 6412s do NOT have an RF output!

I held off on the 6208 because of the single tuner issue and have been watching for the 6412. I have also never owner a TiVo so this will be my first DVR.

Does anyone with a TiVo have firsthand knowledge of how much louder the fan in the Moto's are as compared to the TiVo ?

Any chance the 6412 will be quieter ? It will be on an open stand so will I have to explain the noise to people who enter the room ?

Thanks.

The hunch I get is that when the 6200s start getting rthe Iguide then the 6412s are available.

I want to be able to pick it up at my local office.

I guess it's safe to say the 6412s are tentatively scheduled for the third week of Nov.

I know you guys will be camping out the night before.;)

I do hope they'll let us pick them up, but so far they haven't allowed that. I live right across the street from the Comcast warehouse, so they've used my install for training a few times.

YEAH!

I hope as well that they can be user installed vs a scheduled appointment. Thanks for the scoop!

So close yet so far.... I almost feel like I'm wishing my days away to get to this box.

you'll have to schedule an appointment to have the installer come out and swap it for you. they wont charge installation since you already have DVR service.

It's great that we're getting Celts home games, but any word on whether Comcast is getting TNT-HD? There are a lot of games that I'd like to see in HD.

Hi , I haven't been on here in a while, can someone tell me the rollout date for the 6412?

xboxjunkie,

6 posts above your post Dave states "I guess it's safe to say the 6412s are tentatively scheduled for the third week of Nov." :)

-JR

Originally posted by JuiceRocket
xboxjunkie,

6 posts above your post Dave states "I guess it's safe to say the 6412s are tentatively scheduled for the third week of Nov." :)

-JR

You know I just read the last 7 pages too:( Not enough coffee yet, thanks Juice!

I recorded last Wed episode of Lost in HD and went to watch it last night. During the whole last half I was getting pauses, hesitations, slow motion, sound drop out (no pixelations). If I rewind, the problem was still there. When I tried to re-wind the box would take 3-5 seconds to respond to the remote. If I stopped playing, regular TV and HD channels were fine. Go back to the recording, problem continued. Other recordings do not display the problem.

Does this sound like hardware/software/or signal at time of recording problem?

I had the same thing with a recording of CSI: NY. It was unwatchable. My only thought is that it was the last thing recorded when the disk was nearly full so it was not saved contiguously on the disk.

Originally posted by tjb
I had the same thing with a recording of CSI: NY. It was unwatchable. My only thought is that it was the last thing recorded when the disk was nearly full so it was not saved contiguously on the disk.

Sounds like mine. My wife was ready to kill me going 'to this HD thing'. I was at 47% used at the time.

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
You know I just read the last 7 pages too:( Not enough coffee yet, thanks Juice!

No problem, I know that feeling! :D

-JR

Just called re: the 6412, was told at least until the 1st of the year. Very frustrating because I know this is not the case. I was hoping that maybe I would get lucky and get an appointment for a swap out.

In terms of Comcast calling me to swap out my 6408, I really hope this is the case, but I have no confidence that this will happen. They were supposed to contact me via email or phone when DVR was available. I called at least once a month, then they release it and never contact me.

You know, I'd rather talk to a computer than a robotic know-nothing CSR.

Is anyone eles having problems with their HD channels it seems like channels 804, 805, 807, & 839 all are coming in & out, I will get a message when it goes out saying "This channel will be available shortly" I had the same problem last night and had to watch CSI-Miami on the SD channel.

Originally posted by FAiello
Is anyone eles having problems with their HD channels it seems like channels 804, 805, 807, & 839 all are coming in & out, I will get a message when it goes out saying "This channel will be available shortly" I had the same problem last night and had to watch CSI-Miami on the SD channel.


Yes I've been having the same problem in Lynnfield - seems to be ok
now as of 10:30 pm

I received a message overnight on my STB that the "NEW" guide would be rolling-out between 11/4 and 11/18. I'm in Middleton.

I received a message overnight on my STB that the "NEW" guide would be rolling-out between 11/4 and 11/18. I'm in Middleton.

Originally posted by LarryJoe
In terms of Comcast calling me to swap out my 6408, I really hope this is the case, but I have no confidence that this will happen. They were supposed to contact me via email or phone when DVR was available. I called at least once a month, then they release it and never contact me.

You know, I'd rather talk to a computer than a robotic know-nothing CSR.

I agree - I put all my email addreses, work,cell and home phone numbers and never got a call.

Endof next week, I'll start stopping by the local office on my way home from work and asking them directly. And once they say yes, take the first appointment.

Originally posted by Kaiser-Soze
I agree - I put all my email addreses, work,cell and home phone numbers and never got a call.

Endof next week, I'll start stopping by the local office on my way home from work and asking them directly. And once they say yes, take the first appointment. They might not even know next week. These things take a while to filter down to the local level.

In my local office they really don't know much. They just sell- they don't even know about basic technical stuff on the boxes.

Originally posted by FAiello
Is anyone eles having problems with their HD channels it seems like channels 804, 805, 807, & 839 all are coming in & out, I will get a message when it goes out saying "This channel will be available shortly" I had the same problem last night and had to watch CSI-Miami on the SD channel.

Mine didn't go out until this morning. While watching the news (channel 4 in SD) at about 6:30am, the picture became very fuzzy. All channels starting at 194 and beyond had the "This channel will be available shortly" message. Does anyone know what's going on? I'm at work now so I can't check the current status.

I called back and asked to speak with an HD tech. They took my number down and had someone call me back. The HD guy new exactly what I was talking about and told me he would save my number and would personally call me back when they were ready to roll. He said they needed the iGuide roll out to go smooth and then the 6412 would hit the streets. End of month was his guestimate. He could not confirm that they would be rounding up the 6208's. This is why he offered to call me.

Originally posted by DaveFi

I do hope they'll let us pick them up, but so far they haven't allowed that. I live right across the street from the Comcast warehouse, so they've used my install for training a few times.

I don't live anywhere near the warehouse, but was used for training on the 6200. Having four extra people show up at my house was a little suprising :eek:

Originally posted by Bapon
I received a message overnight on my STB that the "NEW" guide would be rolling-out between 11/4 and 11/18. I'm in Middleton.

I got that too,and i also got it on the 6208,which means it MATY not be discountinued( There are some folks who use JUST RF for tVinputs and do not know what an RF modulator is) (I do and used it for my first DVD player [which is now connected to my Mother's TV set,which despite being ALMOST 20 years old has a 6200 -set to 4:3 letterbox!])

When I get a call for the 6412,I woill gladly switch,but I do not need the two tuner model much until we get UPN in HD.


This way I can get JOA AND Enteprise in HD (Right now JOA gets the HD treatment wheile UPN38 is recorded to my DVD-R.)

Those that can see the schedule on the 6208, could you post it for us, thanks!

Anyone notice Passion of the Christ is an offering in HD OnDemand?

Celtics game tonight isn't in HD??

Originally posted by DaveFi
Anyone notice Passion of the Christ is an offering in HD OnDemand?

$2 extra and no word on 16:9 pan scan or 2.35:1 letterbox.

Originally posted by Bapon
I received a message overnight on my STB that the "NEW" guide would be rolling-out between 11/4 and 11/18. I'm in Middleton.

Got the same message on my 22xx STB's and my 6208 STB in Haverhill.....

Also called CS today about 6412 STB and was told "by the end of the year". CSR I talked to said he was on the "BETA" team and that he didn't even have one yet...

--K

we've already stated when the 6412 will be available so please stop posting those random CSR responses, you'll get a different answer for each one u talk to and they're all usually wrong. you'll get inside and accurate scoop from us.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Anyone notice Passion of the Christ is an offering in HD OnDemand?


I watched it tonight but had problems as it flickered throughout the whole movie. I call Comcast and they credited my account.

Originally posted by FAiello
I watched it tonight but had problems as it flickered throughout the whole movie. I call Comcast and they credited my account. Was it OAR?

Originally posted by DaveFi
Was it OAR?


Yes.

Originally posted by Darth Omi
Celtics game tonight isn't in HD??

INHD2 had the NFL Network GOTW instead of the Celt's game (ok - maybe it was just as well...)

Either way, I was hoping to have the home Celts games in HD this year. Does anyone have more information as to what's going on? I was browsing the programming forum and saw several big market FSN's were broadcasting home NBA games in HD on Comcast.

Could it be that Comcast has dropped the C's games due to lack of interest?

Originally posted by FAiello
Yes. I don't think I'd be willing to spend $6 on a movie I can't record, but at least they respect it.

Are you assuming it is not recordable ? Or do you know from experience ?

Originally posted by dozens
Are you assuming it is not recordable ? Or do you know from experience ? Fairly certain that all PPV On Demand is Copy None.

I will give it a shot when (and if) something comes on I want to watch.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Anyone notice Passion of the Christ is an offering in HD OnDemand?

I read the D* HD version has english subtitles, is the Comcast version the same ?

Last Celtics game wasn't in HD. Anyone knows if tomorow we will get the game in HD? I thought that all the homes games were going to be in HD.

The first celtics home game in HD will be on INHD2 on November 10th against the Portland Trailblazers. Every home game after that will be in HD like the Red Sox were.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Fairly certain that all PPV On Demand is Copy None.

I will give it a shot when (and if) something comes on I want to watch.

Copy none through firewire or digital.

NOT analog.

Originally posted by chitchatjf
Copy none through firewire or digital.

NOT analog. Not sure about your point. When we are talking about DTCP we are talking digital. DVHS is the only way to deal with DTCP currently.

Do you really want to make a analog recording of a high-definition broadcast?

Originally posted by avic
you'll get inside and accurate scoop from us.

The new iGuide is active on my 6200 as of this evening. I want to get the DVR, but have been holding out for the dual tuner. When shold I call Comcast and request a DVR? Should I do it now, or will I just get a single tuner which needs to be upgraded. Your advice is appreciated.

Originally posted by FAiello
I watched it tonight but had problems as it flickered throughout the whole movie. I call Comcast and they credited my account.

I just tried watching it and experienced problems as well, similar to watch you experienced. I called and got a credit and the HD Tech said that it is a known problem and the VOD company is trying to fix it.

I tried hitting the record button and it had no effect so it doesn't look like it is recordable on the DVR.

Is HD OnDemand available everywhere? If so, I'm an idiot because I can't find it....

Originally posted by Gabatta
The new iGuide is active on my 6200 as of this evening. I want to get the DVR, but have been holding out for the dual tuner. When shold I call Comcast and request a DVR? Should I do it now, or will I just get a single tuner which needs to be upgraded. Your advice is appreciated. if all goes well with the iGuide deployment they will tentatively be launched around the 3rd week this month, but check back for updates.

Originally posted by JDLIVE
Is HD OnDemand available everywhere? If so, I'm an idiot because I can't find it.... scroll down the menu slections, it's also under movie category

Originally posted by dozens
I tried hitting the record button and it had no effect so it doesn't look like it is recordable on the DVR. It wouldn't be. That would defeat the purpose of PPV would it not?

When I talk about "recording" I'm talking about DVHS over firewire.

Originally posted by JDLIVE
Is HD OnDemand available everywhere? If so, I'm an idiot because I can't find it....

You need to scroll down on the On Demand page. It's not that intuitive.

Originally posted by DaveFi
It wouldn't be. That would defeat the purpose of PPV would it not?

When I talk about "recording" I'm talking about DVHS over firewire.

But we should be able to record it to the DVR right? I can understand not recording it OFF of the DVR onto DVHS or a PC with the copy protection limitations, but to not have it stay on the DVR is pretty poor.

I'm still on DirecTivo for most of my stuff and when we do the PPV stuff, we select the showings that are in the middle of the night and set it to record and save until we delete so that we can watch it exactly whenever we want. PPV isn't exactly "OnDemand" but still.

Got it....thanks.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Not sure about your point. When we are talking about DTCP we are talking digital. DVHS is the only way to deal with DTCP currently.

Do you really want to make a analog recording of a high-definition broadcast?

I do!

Well at least my recordings are saved to DVD-R and at the 2 hour speed it is manageable.

I have recorded the entire 2nd SEason of Dead like me to DVD-R most episodes FROM the HD telecast.

Originally posted by Gabatta
The new iGuide is active on my 6200 as of this evening. I want to get the DVR, but have been holding out for the dual tuner. When shold I call Comcast and request a DVR? Should I do it now, or will I just get a single tuner which needs to be upgraded. Your advice is appreciated.

No Iguide in Lawrence yet :(

Originally posted by chitchatjf
I do! -much cheaper then DVHS or firewireor swhatever.

Well at least my recordings are saved to DVD-R and at the 2 hour speed it is manageable.

I have recorded the entire 2nd SEason of Dead like me to DVD-R most episodes FROM the HD telecast.

Originally posted by Chris Beveridge
But we should be able to record it to the DVR right? I can understand not recording it OFF of the DVR onto DVHS or a PC with the copy protection limitations, but to not have it stay on the DVR is pretty poor. Unfortunately PPV is just available for viewing within a set time period (usually 24hrs) and that's it. So, no, you won't be able to save it on your PVR for later viewing.

BTW, TIVO is adopting a "temporary" viewing policy for PPV material as well.

chit- Analog might be cheaper, but not that much considering the sacrifices you make. You can get a DVHS deck in the ~$200 range now, and blank SVHS tapes ~$3. And you get to watch exactly what you saw the first time. Hi-def, Dolby Digital and all.:D

Looks like no NHL HD on NESN or ESPN2-HD. All Star Game was canceled. Also, does look like any new full time HD channels on Comcast coming in 2004. Does anyone know when Comcast can free up HBO East from analog (Ch. 72) to free up more bandwidth?