Is anyone else having audio sync problems on PBS-HD? It has been seriously out-of-sync all day for me; all other channels are fine (including GBH-World and Create).
Yeah, I had the same problem, couldn't watch it was so bad. Also saw a lip-sync problems with the FOX-25 news last night after 24. It was the same on both ch 825 and ch 13. Had to change the channel.

Good to know it wasn't just me; no need to debug my setup.

I wonder if this was a Comcast problem or a station problem?

Yeah, I had the same problem, couldn't watch it was so bad. Also saw a lip-sync problems with the FOX-25 news last night after 24. It was the same on both ch 825 and ch 13. Had to change the channel.

FOX 25 has that problem a lot when they're showing SD material. I notice it the most w/Seinfeld on 825. I didn't notice any lip sync issues w/24 however.

Just wanted to report that in my town of Shirley, MA (served by Westford, MA head-end) is now fully ADS. I noticed that all channels now have the DD symbol when switching channels. Previously only channels 4,5,7,12,13 were ADS, and that was only during certain times of the day.

The cost of HD on Comcast will go up Feb.1. The rental for an HD Box is going up from $7.95 a month to $8.95 a month.Dont know if HD with DVR is going too. Comcast better add more HD soon. We need Verizon FIOS to get up and running soon. Comcast Internet did not go up. Sure that was due to Verzion DSL being avilable in most of the area.

The cost of HD on Comcast will go up Feb.1. The rental for an HD Box is going up from $7.95 a month to $8.95 a month.Dont know if HD with DVR is going too. Comcast better add more HD soon. We need Verizon FIOS to get up and running soon. Comcast Internet did not go up. Sure that was due to Verzion DSL being avilable in most of the area.

HD with DVR went DOWN. ($14.70 from $15.00)

FIOS will only run in select areas folks who make a lot of money and in most communities will remain a pipe dream.

As for more HD I'm as open to that as you are,

FIOS will only run in select areas folks who make a lot of money and in most communities will remain a pipe dream.


I am not sure if that's true that Verizon picks towns to deploy FIOS in the way you make it sound. But it's not realistic to expect instant complete coverage for new technology like that. How long did Comcast take to have digital cable and HSI in every town in its terrories? We didn't even have it until 2 or 3 years ago. Had to live with dialup for longer than I wanted.

But, yes, I have FIOS now. :)

HD with DVR went DOWN. ($14.70 from $15.00)

FIOS will only run in select areas folks who make a lot of money and in most communities will remain a pipe dream.

As for more HD I'm as open to that as you are,

Verizon is OT on this forum, but I live in Middleboro and I don't think this town qualifies as "well-heeled" in any way, shape, or form, and the whole town is lit up. I know people who have FIOS already and the town is hashing out a contract for TV services. The big road block will be Verizon's choice to leave out all the developments with underground wiring. That has to be fairly significant at this point...

I am not sure if that's true that Verizon picks towns to deploy FIOS in the way you make it sound. But it's not realistic to expect instant complete coverage for new technology like that. How long did Comcast take to have digital cable and HSI in every town in its terrories? We didn't even have it until 2 or 3 years ago. Had to live with dialup for longer than I wanted.

Deploying a new service over existing lines is a great deal easier than running new fiber AND deploying a new service. I don't expect FIOS to be available in a majority of the towns in the area for quite some time, unfortunately.

I am not sure if that's true that Verizon picks towns to deploy FIOS in the way you make it sound. But it's not realistic to expect instant complete coverage for new technology like that. How long did Comcast take to have digital cable and HSI in every town in its terrories? We didn't even have it until 2 or 3 years ago. Had to live with dialup for longer than I wanted.

But, yes, I have FIOS now. :)

I remember the case. For nearly 2 years i could say EVERY Comcast community at that time within 30 miles had HSI EXCEPT mine.
However at the time we finally got it in 1999,there were around 1 million tops with HSI.
Digital cable came the next year.

I assume Comcast WILL BE able to compete.

Just wanted to report that in my town of Shirley, MA (served by Westford, MA head-end) is now fully ADS. I noticed that all channels now have the DD symbol when switching channels. Previously only channels 4,5,7,12,13 were ADS, and that was only during certain times of the day.
I'm also on the Comcast head end out of Westford, and noticed the full ADS now. Must have happened in the last week (finally). Picture quality for the remaining low channel numbers is much improved over the gawd-awful analog reception I was getting on my 6412 Phase II.

Not quite full ADS in Westford...Check out channels in the 20's (ie. Nick, Disney, etc...). Some are still analog in Westford.

Not sure when it happened exactly but Salem is now full ADS. I dont believe we were last week, although its possible i may have not noticed, the former analogs look so much better now.

i have verizon fios in framingham. just waiting for it on tv.

one thing I noticed in a recent ad was that they are not requiring one to get digital classic on order to get on demand.

So what are they going to do offer On Demand as part of limited basic? (I know when I had problems transferring my account they locked my box so I could get just the locals but on demand was available)

Hey guys,
I just lost our local HD channels from comcast this past Sunday, right before 24 started. It was working before fine, as I have a built in qam tuner in my LG DLP. But now, all I get are the basic analog channels. Did comcast start encrypting their local HD channels in Boston?

ADS update for WATERTOWN:

On 12/26, I did a count of the channels that had switched over - 13 of 72 active channels in the 2-99 range. I just recounted, and it's all the way up to ... 18.

Well, it's something.

Comcast added CMT to digital channel 282 in Bristol County ,hopefuly MHD will not be far behind along with ESPN2 -HD and UHD.

Just read in another thread that CBS-4 WBZ-DT will be going HD for their newscast starting in March. Thats great news for us because I believe this was the one area we have been missing while enjoying our local HD channels. Hopefully the other stations will follow soon.

NESN sports TV nets high-tech studios
By Jesse Noyes
Saturday, January 21, 2006

The New England Sports Network is hustling to some new digs in Watertown and beefing up its high-definition offerings.
The cable sports channel plans to move its facilities from inside Fenway Park to the Boston suburb by the end of February, more than tripling its real estate space. The new headquarters boasts 40,139 square feet compared to the current 12,500 square feet.
The station said it would maintain studio space at Fenway Park and at TD Banknorth Garden for coverage of local sporting events.
The space in Watertown will also have two high-definition studios, large LCD screens and NESN plans to move from a tape-based to digital control room, allowing the station to eventually produce all of its in-house programming in HD, including pre- and post-game shows and its marquee Sports Desk.
NESN already broadcasts most of its game coverage in HD format, a spokesman said.
The local joins other networks preparing for a digital revolution by producing original material in HD-equipped studios. Earlier this week MTV Networks launched MHD, an all HD channel showcasing concerts and videos in greater detail. The channel’s cutting-edge studio is located high up in the mountains of Vail, Colo.
NESN plans to boost the number of its HD offerings from 176 to more than 1,200 programs a year, broadcasting over 3,300 hours of content in the high-tech format.

Wow! Maybe this will lead to a full-time HD channel slot on Comcast.

Mickey

Wow! Maybe this will lead to a full-time HD channel slot on Comcast.

Mickey

Most likely on channel 851.

I also noticed that some Redsox and Bruins game are on at the same time and in HD, how is NESN going to pull this off or are they going to move the Bruins game to UPN once Redsox start?

I think it's time for NESN2HD LOL

I also noticed that some Redsox and Bruins game are on at the same time and in HD, how is NESN going to pull this off or are they going to move the Bruins game to UPN once Redsox start?

I think it's time for NESN2HD LOL

The Bruins game would stay on NESN with the Sox game going to CN8 and 882.

I think I'm losing it. I started noticing last week or so that sometimes the HD channels - movie channels and INHD tonight - are slightly "studdering". I can't tell if it's something done to the signal or a play back issue. The thing is that the network HD channels and the FOX football game now look fine. The Sopranos, INHD tennis, and the Bogeyman have this "issue". It's bugging the crap out of me cause I'm fixated on it now! :) Anybody notice this? (ever?) I have a P3 6412 box - which in itself is a POS. The is my second one and it's hanging if I leave it on overnight. Sigh. Why do things seem to be getting worse instead of better?

larry

BTW - how do you get to the diag menu/screen on the 6412?

I think I'm losing it. I started noticing last week or so that sometimes the HD channels - movie channels and INHD tonight - are slightly "studdering". I can't tell if it's something done to the signal or a play back issue. The thing is that the network HD channels and the FOX football game now look fine. The Sopranos, INHD tennis, and the Bogeyman have this "issue". It's bugging the crap out of me cause I'm fixated on it now! :) Anybody notice this? (ever?) I have a P3 6412 box - which in itself is a POS. The is my second one and it's hanging if I leave it on overnight. Sigh. Why do things seem to be getting worse instead of better?

larry

BTW - how do you get to the diag menu/screen on the 6412?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6976601&&#post6976601 for the diag screen...

On Demand: 5.1 WS?

I remember a few months back having the availability of movies (not Premium channels' movies) also being available in WideScreen with 5.1 Surround. This was a step-up from regular On Demand. Obviously Id like to have large OD content for HD - but to include those who are not quite there yet - I'm sure they enjoyed the WS.

What happened to it? Any chance its coming back?

On Demand: 5.1 WS?

I remember a few months back having the availability of movies (not Premium channels' movies) also being available in WideScreen with 5.1 Surround. This was a step-up from regular On Demand. Obviously Id like to have large OD content for HD - but to include those who are not quite there yet - I'm sure they enjoyed the WS.

What happened to it? Any chance its coming back?

I noticed the lack of WS On Demand Paid movies too. It was a bummer watching Batman Begins 4:3 2.0 DD. Starz in the only movie channel that lists movies in WS which helps.

What bothers me is that the commercials on TV show the On Demand movies in 16:9 format leading you to think they are WS.

I keep meaning to call Comcast to ask what happened and if they are going to bring back WS content. Maybe I'll get to it this week.

I don't order movies anymore because of the WS isssue and I want Comcast to know they are losing revenue from me because of that. I may have to go back to NetFlix to get current movie releases.

Anyone know why no Bruins on OLNHD on INHD1 tonight, it's not on NESN either they have basketball. :confused:

Anyone know why no Bruins on OLNHD on INHD1 tonight, it's not on NESN either they have basketball. :confused:

I was planning on having a few fruiends over to see it. However it seems to be on the'Regular" OLN .

INHD1 has a deal with NBATV as well as OLN. When there is a conflict (games on both stations) NBA games are live and NHL games are on later on tape delay.

As reported in the AVS Programming forum, WB and UPN will merge programming in September. It appears that in the Boston market, the current WB-56 channel will become the new CW network outlet since 56 is owned by the Tribune Company and Tribune stations will get priority in their major markets with the new deal. Since we currently get both WB-56 and UPN-38 in HD via Comcast, we will get the new CW channel in HD (856). But that does raise the question as to what happens to 838 (UPN-HD) in September?

Mickey

As reported in the AVS Programming forum, WB and UPN will merge programming in September. It appears that in the Boston market, the current WB-56 channel will become the new CW network outlet since 56 is owned by the Tribune Company and Tribune stations will get priority in their major markets with the new deal. Since we currently get both WB-56 and UPN-38 in HD via Comcast, we will get the new CW channel in HD (856). But that does raise the question as to what happens to 838 (UPN-HD) in September?

Mickey

I would imagine that WSBK (both digital and analog) will become an independent station and possibly sold. It does put in question whether it's worth in keeping on comcast HD without HD network content and no Red Sox.

-Ken

I'm curious how this merge will affect the status of WSBK-TV as a "Superstation"; like TBS/WGN/WWOR, etc. -- without a "major" network behind them now (soon....), will they - assuming they remain on the air - maintain adequate viewership to stay financially afloat?? (All Sumo Wresting- All the Time...??;))

are we going to lose an unencrypted HD channel because of this UPN/WB "merge"?

I would imagine that WSBK (both digital and analog) will become an independent station and possibly sold. It does put in question whether it's worth in keeping on comcast HD without HD network content and no Red Sox.

-Ken

I would try to get the sox back and perhaps spome Celtics and Bruins too.
With no network affilation they could bring back the movie loft with uncut movies :)

I would try to get the sox back and perhaps spome Celtics and Bruins too.
With no network affilation they could bring back the movie loft with uncut movies :)

Ya but would they be in HD or would we get another TNT-HD channel where very little is actually in high def. I say we drop it in favor of another national HD channel, such as Universal, ESPN2, HDnet, or something along those lines.

Any word on new channels? Universal?
FREAK!

I would try to get the sox back and perhaps spome Celtics and Bruins too.
With no network affilation they could bring back the movie loft with uncut movies :)
chitchatjf......
Now you're talking!! I loved "Movie Loft"....and I'd KILL for "pipes" like Dana Hershey's....now THERE's a radio voice if I ever heard one!! :D

I'm curious how this merge will affect the status of WSBK-TV as a "Superstation"; like TBS/WGN/WWOR, etc. -- without a "major" network behind them now (soon....), will they - assuming they remain on the air - maintain adequate viewership to stay financially afloat?? (All Sumo Wresting- All the Time...??;))

WGN (which I thoiught would be added to the Comcast lineup herer but hasn't as of yet) has to black out WB/CW programming. WWOR is no longer a Superstation, but with both it and SBK going indy that could change.

.

UPN + the WB = the CW: Underdog networks will merge
By Jesse Noyes
Wednesday, January 25, 2006 - Updated: 01:17 AM EST

CBS Corp. and Time Warner Inc. will merge the WB and UPN television networks into the CW Television Network this fall, a move that could draw more eyes to one local station while sending another into a mad rush to fill prime-time programming.
In a bid to boost lackluster ratings, UPN and the WB will sign off the air in September and combine to form the CW, a 50-50 venture between UPN owner CBS and Time Warner, which owns part of the WB. The new network, which launches this fall and will carry a mix of the WB and UPN’s top shows, will largely skew toward a younger crowd of viewers.
In seven markets where the two networks overlap, one station will run the CW, and the other will have to search out new content to fill primetime slots.
In Boston, the CW will run on WB 56 (WLVI-TV), which is owned by The Tribune Co. The merger will leave the CBS-owned WSBK-TV (Ch. 38) as an independent station without network programming.
“We get to cherry pick the best shows,” said WB 56 spokeswoman Kristen Holgerson, adding that the addition of CW programming will not change the station’s local programming or its 10 p.m. newscast.
Though the deal could bolster WB 56’s ratings, UPN 38 faces the challenge of replacing 10 hours of lost programming that now airs between the critical hours of 8 and 10 p.m. weekdays.
“For these stations that have lost the network it’s a big deal,” said former UPN Chief Executive Lucie Salhany.
Local stations that suddenly found themselves without original content will have to lean heavily on films and syndicated programming, which could be a blow to their viewership, she added.
“They’re going to lose some of their young viewers, and they’re going to lose some of their dollars,” Salhany said.
UPN 38 spokeswoman Ro Dooley Webster downplayed that notion yesterday, saying in a statement that the station has a “wealth of outstanding programming options to work with” and “local programming options to consider.”

...UPN 38 spokeswoman Ro Dooley Webster downplayed that notion yesterday, saying in a statement that the station has a “wealth of outstanding programming options to work with” and “local programming options to consider.” [/B]
Glad to see they are putting on a brave face as certain disaster looms. And without the Friday night Red Sox games (no longer on UPN-38) they will have to dig deeply into those well-worn syndicated sitcoms. So its back to Dana Hersey and Gilligan.

Mickey

WBCW-TV call letters woudl be available for CW 56. as it will eventally have to become CW41.

UPN was a joke without Star Trek (thought Everybody Hates Chris IS a good show.)

FOX 25 has that problem a lot when they're showing SD material. I notice it the most w/Seinfeld on 825. I didn't notice any lip sync issues w/24 however.


I have also noticed these issues and it is driving me nuts. PBS (802) is almost always out of sync as well as NBC WJAR (810). Some of the other HD channels have occasional problems, but nothing as serious as 810 and 802. ESPN HD (849) is probably the only channel that seems perfectly in sync to me.

I've called Comcast a few times and they claim that they've never heard of the problem before.....

Has anyone gotten any answers from them as to what can be done to fix this? I currently have the Motorola 6200 DCT box.

Why no Celtics in HD tonight?

Why no Celtics in HD tonight?

I was wondering the same thing.

everytime the NFL network get around to actually broadcasting the game of the week in HD like they say and its on a celtics night we lose. such BS! all celtics games are suppose to be in HD. anyone who was anyone who watches football seen that football game sunday. really sucks!

everytime the NFL network get around to actually broadcasting the game of the week in HD like they say and its on a celtics night we lose. such BS! all celtics games are suppose to be in HD. anyone who was anyone who watches football seen that football game sunday. really sucks!

Just the home games.

Guess who produces the HD games for FSN? NESN!

no kidding just the home games. anyone who watches the celtics knows that. :(

hhmmmm let me guess......

no kidding just the home games. anyone who watches the celtics knows that. :(

hhmmmm let me guess......

I think they left tonight's game off 882 to spare us all from having to watch the C's blow yet another game in the last quarter in full HD detail... :rolleyes:

NK..... this year is bad. they should be leading the conf by 15-20 games and instead wont make playoffs. these close losses are getting old.

UPN was a joke without Star Trek
And Star Trek is done (for now). No new series in the foreseeable future, although one might crop up in a few more years.

I missed "LOST" last night, unfortunately I didn't set my dvr. I thought comcast had lost, csi, survivor etc. available on demand for $1.99 ? I looked through the on demand menu and could not find any sign of them. Anyone here in the Boston area have these available on Comcast ? I know where to find them (illegally) online, but I don't want to temp a lawsuit.

Thanks,

Ken

I think I'm losing it. I started noticing last week or so that sometimes the HD channels - movie channels and INHD tonight - are slightly "studdering". I can't tell if it's something done to the signal or a play back issue. The thing is that the network HD channels and the FOX football game now look fine. The Sopranos, INHD tennis, and the Bogeyman have this "issue". It's bugging the crap out of me cause I'm fixated on it now! :) Anybody notice this? (ever?) I have a P3 6412 box - which in itself is a POS. The is my second one and it's hanging if I leave it on overnight. Sigh. Why do things seem to be getting worse instead of better?

larry

BTW - how do you get to the diag menu/screen on the 6412?

I noticed brief periods of no audio during the "George Lopez Show" last night (ABC). I have a 6412P2 so I am thinking it might not be hardware related and more of a backend problem.

Anyone with a QAM turner noticed a lineup change, ie have channels moved to different frequencies ?

I am currently a satellite subscriber. Based on their new HD offering, I am considering switching back to Comcast.

What is the lowest level of service I can subscribe to but still get the HD package? I'm guessing I need to get a digital package to get all of the HD channels. I definitely want NESN HD (my biggest reason for coming back to Comcast).

TIA for any help, Rob

I am currently a satellite subscriber. Based on their new HD offering, I am considering switching back to Comcast.

What is the lowest level of service I can subscribe to but still get the HD package? I'm guessing I need to get a digital package to get all of the HD channels. I definitely want NESN HD (my biggest reason for coming back to Comcast).

TIA for any help, Rob

You're gonna LOVE this. Basic cable gives you the HD locals. Digital classic gets you ESPN HD,TNT HD, Discovery HT HD INHD1 and 2 including NESN HD.

You do not need to get extedned basic in order to get digital cable.

Right now nESN HD is generally restricted to the games,but full time NESN HD will possibly be coming soon.

I missed "LOST" last night, unfortunately I didn't set my dvr. I thought comcast had lost, csi, survivor etc. available on demand for $1.99 ? I looked through the on demand menu and could not find any sign of them. Anyone here in the Boston area have these available on Comcast ? I know where to find them (illegally) online, but I don't want to temp a lawsuit.

Thanks,

Ken

just the CBS stuff,and only because WBZ is an OnO.

You do not need to get extedned basic in order to get digital cable.
I'm not sure what you mean by this. Doesn't the digital classic include standard cable at one price (like $55). Then get the HD package on top of that?

Sorry for the confusion. The Comcast website is not 100% clear to me.

Digital classic gets you ESPN HD,TNT HD, Discovery HT HD INHD1 and 2 including NESN HD.


Don't you need the HD package to get those stations you have listed above with the digital classic package or has that changed?

I just noticed today that the PQ I'm getting here in suburban Boston (Framingham area)
is much,much sharper and vivid on all of the non-HD channels.I've made no adjustments to my Sony 34XBR960 and am using a cablecard.PQ on HD is as good as ever.
Might this be due to a changeover to ADS which,BTW,I don't understand that well (if somebody wants to explain it to me)? Thanks!

I've got severe macro blocking on analog channel 41, Fox News.....anyone else?

I'm not sure what you mean by this. Doesn't the digital classic include standard cable at one price (like $55). Then get the HD package on top of that?

Sorry for the confusion. The Comcast website is not 100% clear to me.

There is no "HD" package.
HD locals are considered part of limited basic.
HD premiums are considered part of the premium channel (You have to GET HBO to get HBO HD)
Other hD channels are part of Digital classic.

Although you cannot order it that way on the website,you do NOT need to get extended basic in order to get digital cable
Digital classic,limited basic and a DVR can be had for around $30 a month INCLUDING equipment and all the NON premium HD channels.

Don't you need the HD package to get those stations you have listed above with the digital classic package or has that changed?

What HD package? An HD box or cable card,yes.

I just noticed today that the PQ I'm getting here in suburban Boston (Framingham area)
is much,much sharper and vivid on all of the non-HD channels.I've made no adjustments to my Sony 34XBR960 and am using a cablecard.PQ on HD is as good as ever.
Might this be due to a changeover to ADS which,BTW,I don't understand that well (if somebody wants to explain it to me)? Thanks!
The better PQ on the non-HD channels is likely due to the ADS conversion. ADS stands for Analog Digital Simulcast. ADS is part of the digital transition. Eventually, the analog channels will be phased out leaving only the digital versions of all channels which will be viewable via digital cable boxes, digital TV's, or digital-to-analog converters (for those who don't want to rent a digital box and only have an analog TV set).

Mickey

There is no "HD" package.
HD locals are considered part of limited basic.
HD premiums are considered part of the premium channel (You have to GET HBO to get HBO HD)
Other hD channels are part of Digital classic.

Although you cannot order it that way on the website,you do NOT need to get extended basic in order to get digital cable
Digital classic,limited basic and a DVR can be had for around $30 a month INCLUDING equipment and all the NON premium HD channels.Just talked to a sales rep at Comcast and got the following:
Digital Plus with standard cable(this includes all the HD channels except the premium movie channels) and HD DVR all for about $45 a month. This includes the $25/month discount for 16 months for the dish buyback promotion. Even after the promotion, it will be less than Dishnetworks equivalent package with HD (which doesn't include any NESN HD broadcasts!). Oh ya, dishnetwork wants $299 for the privilege to lease their new HD DVR!!!

Buh Bye Dish, welcome back Comcast! :D

Do CableCards affect Picture Quality?

A couple of weeks ago I lost the audio on two Hi Def channels, so they (Comcast, Easton MA) had to reset the cable card. Since then, the picture quality on my Panasonic Plasma has been poor, even on the Hi Def channels, but worst on SD, compared to what it was prior to this reset.
Any thoughts? Thanks

I missed "LOST" last night, unfortunately I didn't set my dvr. I thought comcast had lost, csi, survivor etc. available on demand for $1.99 ? I looked through the on demand menu and could not find any sign of them. Anyone here in the Boston area have these available on Comcast ? I know where to find them (illegally) online, but I don't want to temp a lawsuit.

Thanks,

Ken

You can get it from Itunes for $1.99 and watch on your computer.

Ok - so does this mean that they've totally given up broadcasting the home Celtics games on FSN-HD?

Ok - so does this mean that they've totally given up broadcasting the home Celtics games on FSN-HD?


no, this gae 7 the game on 2/1 are not broadcasted in hd according to the fsn gd schedule

http://fsnnewengland.com/FSN%20HD.jsp

So I got a JVC HM-DH5u D-VHS VCR, and I've hooked it up to my 6412 with firewire, and it's looking like all the broadcast channels are coming through in HD, but every single non-broadcast HD channel is getting downcoverted by the VCR to 480i, as the VCR is treating everything as copy-protected. This includes TNTHD, DHDTV, INHD1, and INHD2.

Does this mean that Comcast is setting all of these channels to "Copy Never"? Searching back through this thread I see some discussion about copy protection settings back in November, but nothing more recent, and nothing specifically about the channels I mentioned above. I've also read some comments about Comcast in other areas of the country setting these values wrong. Any ideas?

Ok - so does this mean that they've totally given up broadcasting the home Celtics games on FSN-HD?
No just last nights and the next LA Cippers game will not be HD all others will be but...on March 1st,12th both Celtics and Bruins are in HD at almost the same time 30 minute difference. On March 22nd, April 5th the Sox and Celts are on almost at the same time.

I think it's time for NESNHD to get it's own channel on Comcast, other cable companies already give them there own slot.

Just look at April 4th B's and Sox are both schedule for NESNHD games at the same time :eek:

Although you cannot order it that way on the website,you do NOT need to get extended basic in order to get digital cable
Digital classic,limited basic and a DVR can be had for around $30 a month INCLUDING equipment and all the NON premium HD channels.

Just so I am clear does this mean all of the following:

1. I would get up through Ch. 26 as listed on Comcast's Digital Classic Channel Lineup per their website

2. I would get everything over Ch. 98 on Comcast's Digital Classic Channel Lineup per their website

3. I would get all of the HD channels listed on Comcast's Digital Classic Channel Lineup per their website except the movie channels.

4. The HD channels I would get would include NESNHD which means every Red Sox games in HD. :)

...Does this mean that Comcast is setting all of these channels to "Copy Never"? ...

Not that anybody answered my question in this thread :( but it looks like I got the answer in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7016597). It appears that Comcast in Somerville at least has set the "Image Constraint Token" incorrectly so that all HD channels that are not set to "Copy freely" are downresed (downrezzed?) to 480i over Component.

I gather nobody else in the Boston area is doing D-VHS archiving of the shows filling up their 6412s? :-) I'm just curious if anybody else has tried to call Comcast to get them to flip the "Image Constraint Token".

Just so I am clear does this mean all of the following:

1. I would get up through Ch. 26 as listed on Comcast's Digital Classic Channel Lineup per their website

2. I would get everything over Ch. 98 on Comcast's Digital Classic Channel Lineup per their website

3. I would get all of the HD channels listed on Comcast's Digital Classic Channel Lineup per their website except the movie channels.

4. The HD channels I would get would include NESNHD which means every Red Sox games in HD. :)

It stops at 23.
Limited basic consists of local broadcast stations, (SD AND HD) ,access channels (public,eduacational and gov.) CN8,NECN,HSN,QVC,and thr PBS multiplex channels.

TNTHD,ESPNHD,Discovery HTHD and iNHD1 and 2 (NESN HD games are on the INHD2 channel) are part of digital classic.

TNTHD,ESPNHD,Discovery HTHD and iNHD1 and 2 (NESN HD games are on the INHD2 channel) are part of digital classic.

So what exactly would you gt for $30 a month then? NESN is part of extended basic and not a digital classic channel so wouldn' that mean that you need extended basic in order to get NESN HD. I was at my neoghbor's house yesterday and he has digital cable, DVR, extended basic but yet does not have TNTHD, INHD1, INHD2/NESNHD and was told by Comcast that he would have to pay a few extea $/mo for those particular HD channels in addition to the HD locals he is already receiving. Sounds like an HD package to me even though it might not be called as such. Seems confusing.

So what exactly would you gt for $30 a month then? NESN is part of extended basic and not a digital classic channel so wouldn' that mean that you need extended basic in order to get NESN HD. I was at my neoghbor's house yesterday and he has digital cable, DVR, extended basic but yet does not have TNTHD, INHD1, INHD2/NESNHD and was told by Comcast that he would have to pay a few extea $/mo for those particular HD channels in addition to the HD locals he is already receiving. Sounds like an HD package to me even though it might not be called as such. Seems confusing.

Does he have an HD set? That may be the case. The non DVR HD box costs $8.95 a month compared to the $4.50 for a SD box.
ALL DVRs are HD compatable.
NESN's HD games are currently seen on INHD2.

There mya come a time when you will need extended basic to get TNT HD and ESPN HD but right now NO!

Many areas require at least Standard cable AND digital claissc before even considering HD locals.

So what exactly would you gt for $30 a month then? NESN is part of extended basic and not a digital classic channel so wouldn' that mean that you need extended basic in order to get NESN HD. I was at my neoghbor's house yesterday and he has digital cable, DVR, extended basic but yet does not have TNTHD, INHD1, INHD2/NESNHD and was told by Comcast that he would have to pay a few extea $/mo for those particular HD channels in addition to the HD locals he is already receiving. Sounds like an HD package to me even though it might not be called as such. Seems confusing.

Basic Cable + Digital Classic= All HD Channels ( except the Premiums like HBO, Showtime, etc.) for around $30.00 a month.

Interesting tidbit about Comcast's recently announced price increases: depending on your town and level of service, particularly if you do not get "Expanded Basic" service, your monthly bill to Comcast could actually go DOWN!

My most recent Comcast bill included detailed information for the new fee structure. This varies slightly for every single town that Comcast has an agreement with. Most of Comcast's fee increase is in the Expanded Basic service, and in many cases, the Basic only fee is dropping slightly.

In my town of Lincoln, near Boston, the OLD pricing was as follows:
Basic Service $11.30
Expanded Basic $32.70
Standard Cable (Basic plus Expanded) $44.00
Franchise Fee $1.67
Total for Standard Cable $45.67

NEW pricing
Basic Service $10.90
Expanded Basic $36.00
Standard Cable (Basic plus Expanded) $46.90
Franchise Fee $1.45
Total for Standard Cable $48.35

Of course, YMMV, depending on the town. For example, in Littleton, MA, the Basic Service fee is increasing slightly. But in my case, since I don't get Expanded Basic Service, my bill is actually going down. Yee-ha! :D

So what exactly would you gt for $30 a month then? NESN is part of extended basic and not a digital classic channel so wouldn' that mean that you need extended basic in order to get NESN HD. I was at my neoghbor's house yesterday and he has digital cable, DVR, extended basic but yet does not have TNTHD, INHD1, INHD2/NESNHD and was told by Comcast that he would have to pay a few extea $/mo for those particular HD channels in addition to the HD locals he is already receiving. Sounds like an HD package to me even though it might not be called as such. Seems confusing.

The reason NESN HD does not require extended basic is because it doesn't have its own channel. 882 is INHD2, NESN HD programs are pre-emptions of that network's schedule. INHD2 viewers who lack extended basic are in effect getting a freebie when watching NESN HD. Conversely, if you don't have the level of service nessessary to get INHD2, you won't get 882 even if you do have extended basic.

If NESN HD gets its own channel one of these days (as will become increasingly likely as they expand their schedule of HD shows), it may very well require extended basic.

It stops at 23.
Limited basic consists of local broadcast stations, (SD AND HD) ,access channels (public,eduacational and gov.) CN8,NECN,HSN,QVC,and thr PBS multiplex channels.

TNTHD,ESPNHD,Discovery HTHD and iNHD1 and 2 (NESN HD games are on the INHD2 channel) are part of digital classic.

Thanks chitchatjf. Would I get any of the digital classic channels listed over channel 98 or not with digital classic and basic cable?

Still trying to figure out why my friend had "Channel not available" for TNTHD, DIscoveryHD, INHD1, INHD2/NESNHD. He has a DVR and he thinks he is getting digital classic. I could aonly check by confirming that he had all the channels between 24-98. This makes no sense to me.

The reason NESN HD does not require extended basic is because it doesn't have its own channel. 882 is INHD2, NESN HD programs are pre-emptions of that network's schedule. INHD2 viewers who lack extended basic are in effect getting a freebie when watching NESN HD. Conversely, if you don't have the level of service nessessary to get INHD2, you won't get 882 even if you do have extended basic.

If NESN HD gets its own channel one of these days (as will become increasingly likely as they expand their schedule of HD shows), it may very well require extended basic.

Not nevcessarily. ESPN HD and TNT HD come in :)

Thanks chitchatjf. Would I get any of the digital classic channels listed over channel 98 or not with digital classic and basic cable?

Still trying to figure out why my friend had "Channel not available" for TNTHD, DIscoveryHD, INHD1, INHD2/NESNHD. He has a DVR and he thinks he is getting digital classic. I could aonly check by confirming that he had all the channels between 24-98. This makes no sense to me.

Epie you seem to be going around in circles, chitchat has already answered your question a number of times and I left a simple equation for what you get when you put those packages together. By the sound of things I doubt your friend has a digital tier. IF he has the DVR, I believe they will still pass thru the locals in HD because they are OTA and maybe thats where the confusion is coming from. With Digital Classic you will get all those channels listed above but you also don't need Extended Basic ( 24-98 ) to get them.

FSN-NE and NESN should be in the basic package also since they are local channels, and NESN stated no more Redsox on free tv unless FOX has a Saturday game.

Epie you seem to be going around in circles, chitchat has already answered your question a number of times and I left a simple equation for what you get when you put those packages together. By the sound of things I doubt your friend has a digital tier. IF he has the DVR, I believe they will still pass thru the locals in HD because they are OTA and maybe thats where the confusion is coming from. With Digital Classic you will get all those channels listed above but you also don't need Extended Basic ( 24-98 ) to get them.

I know, sorry to be a pain just a lot of conflicting info. out there from Comcast. I think his situation is interesting though. He is not getting digital cable and he kept doubting whether or not the OTA HD channels truly looked like HD. QUestion" If you sent an analog signal through the HD/DVR STB instead of digital would there be noticeable difference in video quality for OTA signals w/o the digital classic package?

Also, a new question related to this package. Would I be locked out of any on-demand programming for anything associated between channels 23-98?

I ordered Adelphia HD installation for this Saturday. I asked Customer Service abouot the output cable type from the HD box and was told that it was an RCA or Phone type cable. I asked about DVI or HMDI...he said that those outputs are disabled on their boxes. Is this true? Was he trying to describe a component output? How is the HD signal if this is true? Please advise....I need to decide whether to order their HD or not. Thanks.

Wayne

I know, sorry to be a pain just a lot of conflicting info. out there from Comcast. I think his situation is interesting though. He is not getting digital cable and he kept doubting whether or not the OTA HD channels truly looked like HD. QUestion" If you sent an analog signal through the HD/DVR STB instead of digital would there be noticeable difference in video quality for OTA signals w/o the digital classic package?

Also, a new question related to this package. Would I be locked out of any on-demand programming for anything associated between channels 23-98?

Nope :)

If they were to do so they would be labeled Free with subscription.

OTOH they say Standard is required to get movieplex which is nothing but an Encore preview channel (I get digital plus,so I get all the encore channels)

FSN-NE and NESN should be in the basic package also since they are local channels, and NESN stated no more Redsox on free tv unless FOX has a Saturday game.

Do you mean in the same mannor as NECN and CN8? Watch the basic bill go up a few bucks (and the standard fee to go down to accomidate)

Actually at one time NESN and FSN-NE (when it was Sportschannel) were PAY channels! Sportschannel went to extended basic in 93-94 or so while Comcast kept NESN as a pay until 2000 or so.

Personally I think Cspan cspan2 and cspan 3 should be part of basic.

Tonight's "Chronicle" will be in HD!

Subject is Digital Photography.

Hello, this may have been mentioned before, but I cannot find it.
I have comcast cable and I have a mythtv box that I'd like to use for just the analogue channels (2-60 or so). However, I can only tune basic channels. The rest are scrambled over coax. Is this the way it should be? Comcast says I need the dig box to decode them, but I pay for them, and I can see them (so they ARE analogue) so they are basically just scrambled as if I dont pay for them. As a side note, I COULD tune them for a few days this weekend, so it is possible.
Any hints/tips/ideas? Should I just try to talk to some comcast manager?

Tonight's "Chronicle" will be in HD!

Subject is Digital Photography.

NOW you tell me :(

Update: the 1:05 rebroadcast Letterbox 4:3. :(

Hello, this may have been mentioned before, but I cannot find it.
I have comcast cable and I have a mythtv box that I'd like to use for just the analogue channels (2-60 or so). However, I can only tune basic channels. The rest are scrambled over coax. Is this the way it should be? Comcast says I need the dig box to decode them, but I pay for them, and I can see them (so they ARE analogue) so they are basically just scrambled as if I dont pay for them. As a side note, I COULD tune them for a few days this weekend, so it is possible.
Any hints/tips/ideas? Should I just try to talk to some comcast manager?

You don't tell us what community you are from. Comcast as a rule doesnt scramb;le analog channels anymore. Do you get Standard cable or Basic cable?
If basic,then Comcast has installed a filter a trap that prevents the reception of analog extended basic channels.

Need some help. Last night I was switching from a hi def channel to an analog and the analog channel was mico blocking. If I channeled up to another analog channel it would stop. Is this a hardware problem (DVR 6412) or lack of ADS. I live in Reading. Thanks Steve

NOW you tell me :(

Update: the 1:05 rebroadcast Letterbox 4:3. :(


Why is that ? The chronicle hd broadcast looked great, so why rebroadcast it 4:3 ???


Ridiculous.

-Ken

p.s. - I guess no UHD for the olympics :-(

You don't tell us what community you are from. Comcast as a rule doesnt scramb;le analog channels anymore. Do you get Standard cable or Basic cable?
If basic,then Comcast has installed a filter a trap that prevents the reception of analog extended basic channels.
I'm in Boston (fenway area) and I have standard cable. It works just fine through my dct box (and i get all channels that I pay for unscrambled), but through the coax, it is scrambled.

I'm in Boston (fenway area) and I have standard cable. It works just fine through my dct box (and i get all channels that I pay for unscrambled), but through the coax, it is scrambled.

Boston has a different lineup then other cities in the area. I would sya just grin and bear it and get another DCT box.

A different lineup? I dont understand. These channels are available over analogue. I got them all to tune (25-60) last weekend, and now they are scrambled. So they CAN be tuned over analogue... so what's the problem?

I just read in multichannel news (a subscription service so I can't repost the article) that Comcast plans to include Boston in their initial rollout of OCAP.

"Comcast Corp. pledged deployments in Philadelphia, Boston, Denver and Union, N.J."

Most of the larger MSO are targetting the beginning of '06 for these rollouts. Things should get pretty exciting around here in a couple months.

Has anyoen heard any updates on the timing of the OCAP rollout?

Natick/Fram has finally gone all digital. Expanded basic is no longer analog.

Natick/Fram has finally gone all digital. Expanded basic is no longer analog.
Maybe I'm a bit unsure what this means. So if you just plug the coax directly into the back of your tv and not through a digital box, can you still SEE a picture for channels 25+? Or is it a blue screen? Or are you talking about channels above 60 only?

p.s. - I guess no UHD for the olympics :-(

I hear you - you know how much beer my brother would have given me if he was able to watch all the hockey in High def???? Dang....

Maybe I'm a bit unsure what this means. So if you just plug the coax directly into the back of your tv and not through a digital box, can you still SEE a picture for channels 25+? Or is it a blue screen? Or are you talking about channels above 60 only?Nevermind. They might have been doing technical stuff in my area, but it certainly seems as if they're moving in that direction. Natick is still HRC/IRC for cable, which is an oddity.

Irish, as you have been told, Boston/Brookline analog expanded basic is scrambled. Plus, the Boston/Brookline system is the HRC frequency plan.

Mallego

Natick/Fram has finally gone all digital. Expanded basic is no longer analog.

Same here in Watertown. And we seem to get everything last in this area, so this process must be about to wrap up.

...p.s. - I guess no UHD for the olympics :-(
Over in the Programming forum, JWhip is reporting that Comcast will show UHD coverage on InHD-2 during the Olympics.

Mickey

Has anyoen heard any updates on the timing of the OCAP rollout?

Define OCAP?

Define OCAP?

It specification references two very large existing documents, MHP and GEM and itself is over 625 pages long. Google is your friend here. The specification is define by Cable Labs. One its goals is to remove the propriety nature of STBs and headend equipment allowing boxes to be sold retail.

Same here in Watertown. And we seem to get everything last in this area, so this process must be about to wrap up.

I am in Natick now, so I should see this when I get home. I am moving to Wayland in a month...anyone know if ADS is done there as well?

Over in the Programming forum, JWhip is reporting that Comcast will show UHD coverage on InHD-2 during the Olympics.

Mickey

There have also been a couple of reports of the actual channel showing up in some areas. My guess is that they've signed some kind of deal but don't have the bandwidth to implement in most places yet (it could be much worse - many Comcast systems have been unable to add TNT, which rolled out last May).

Good news.

Hopefully we have enough bandwidth here for them to add UHD channel permanently.

There have also been a couple of reports of the actual channel showing up in some areas. My guess is that they've signed some kind of deal but don't have the bandwidth to implement in most places yet (it could be much worse - many Comcast systems have been unable to add TNT, which rolled out last May).
A dedicated HD channel would be best. But we also need channel space for: ESPN2-HD, NESN-HD, MHD (MTV), to go along with UHD (Universal). And I'm sure there are a couple of others.

Mickey

Irish, as you have been told, Boston/Brookline analog expanded basic is scrambled. Plus, the Boston/Brookline system is the HRC frequency plan.

Mallego

what would a clear QAM tuner pickup in Boston (as opposed to MetroWest - Hudson). More channels, less channels?

Natick extended basic analog is still there, it's just (finally) being blocked by the box. I suspect this is a precurser to them going all digital.

Not sure if we have enough bandwidth currently for UHD to be added as a full time channel. Would be nice though. I'd really love to watch Monk and Battlestar Galactica (besides the Olympics) in HD.

A dedicated HD channel would be best. But we also need channel space for: ESPN2-HD, NESN-HD, MHD (MTV), to go along with UHD (Universal). And I'm sure there are a couple of others.

Mickey

I've got my fingers and toes crossed for UHD if at least for hockey. Of course I'd love to see BSG in HD - Scifi looks very grainy on my set. I think I'll live witout RealWorld 32 in High-def :)

A dedicated HD channel would be best. But we also need channel space for: ESPN2-HD, NESN-HD, MHD (MTV), to go along with UHD (Universal). And I'm sure there are a couple of others.

Mickey

MHD = ch 828
UHD = ch 835 (though when it was Bravo 857 would be the ticket)
ESPN2HD = ch 850
NESN HD = ch 851

AND ON CH 883,the "H" channel with its film counterpart on 884.

Define OCAP?
Define OCAP?

Here's the link explaining OCAP

http://www.ctam.com/ocap/

Hope this helps

I dont know if this has been mentioned yet.but are the celtics games still televised in HD on comcast? all i ever see is fsn promoting the HD gameson adelphia cable.

I dont know if this has been mentioned yet.but are the celtics games still televised in HD on comcast? all i ever see is fsn promoting the HD gameson adelphia cable.


it will be on 882 tonight. the reason it wasn't there for 2 games last week was because it wasn't scheduled by FSN.

Somehow I missed the announcement of the merging of UPN and WB into CW. Do we know which of the two Boston stations will be the CW and if it will be carried in HD on Comcast? I don't see why it wouldn't be, but you never know.
I checked on Boston.com which says CBS' UPN affiliates have signed on but on http://www.bostonsportsmedia.com/ it says that WB 56 will become CW and UPN 38 will become independent. Weird! Isn't UPN 38 owned by CBS?

Somehow I missed the announcement of the merging of UPN and WB into CW. Do we know which of the two Boston stations will be the CW and if it will be carried in HD on Comcast? I don't see why it wouldn't be, but you never know.
I checked on Boston.com which says CBS' UPN affiliates have signed on but on http://www.bostonsportsmedia.com/ it says that WB 56 will become CW and UPN 38 will become independent. Weird! Isn't UPN 38 owned by CBS?

This is the case.As WB56 is already in HD on Comcast,then CW56 should be in HD.

I forsee SBK being sold,perhaps to Univision. They will move Univision to 38 and make 27 a shopping channel.

I just got reconnected to Comcast yesterday. I got the DVR box and the tech said that it was the very latest model (I believe that it is because it has an HDMI connection in addition to a DVI). Two questions:

1. How do I watch a different show than the one it is recording? The brochure with the unit shows a remote with PIP controls, which allows viewing channels other than the one being recorded. The remote that I was given does not have any PIP controls.

2. Is there a way to program one of the DVR buttons on the remote to make a 30 second skip ahead function? I thought i had read this somewhere but i can't find it now. I had a dishnetwork DVR and loved this particular feature for skipping through commercials.

Thanks for any help. Rob.

I just got reconnected to Comcast yesterday. I got the DVR box and the tech said that it was the very latest model (I believe that it is because it has an HDMI connection in addition to a DVI). Two questions:

1. How do I watch a different show than the one it is recording? The brochure with the unit shows a remote with PIP controls, which allows viewing channels other than the one being recorded. The remote that I was given does not have any PIP controls.

The PIP controls are not active. If your remote has a SWAP button, you can use that to change to the other tuner and watch a different channel.

2. Is there a way to program one of the DVR buttons on the remote to make a 30 second skip ahead function? I thought i had read this somewhere but i can't find it now. I had a dishnetwork DVR and loved this particular feature for skipping through commercials.

Here is the exact procedure to program a swap or 30 second skip to the remote.


1) Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2) Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3) Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice
4) Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button
5) Type in the code 00173 (for 30 second Skip).
6) Press whatever button you want to map the skip function to.

Here is the exact procedure to program a swap or 30 second skip to the remote.
Thanks a ton for the info. I actually don't have a swap button. Do you have the code for that? I would assume that the procedure is the same as for the 30 second skip.

Nevermind, just found it. But thanks again.

I just found this link under another thread. It has the instructions for several commands that you can remap buttons with.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

I am in Natick now, so I should see this when I get home. I am moving to Wayland in a month...anyone know if ADS is done there as well?
Wayland is all ADS now as well!

I understand that comcast and Universal have come to an agreement to carry UHD on systems that have bandwidth availalble. Anyone know if we in the Boston area fall into that category ? Avic! where are you !!

-Ken

I've got my fingers and toes crossed for UHD if at least for hockey. Of course I'd love to see BSG in HD - Scifi looks very grainy on my set. I think I'll live witout RealWorld 32 in High-def :)

HD would probably get me to watch BSG.

BTW, MHD has stated that there will be no reality programming on that channel, just music. It's not just "MTV-HD", it's drawing from the music-related programming of MTV, VH1 and CMT.

Wow, I just looked for his last post. Avic has really been gone a long time.

The big question is when will we be getting UHD?

and if full time 835 or 857 or elsewhere?

The big question is when will we be getting UHD?

and if full time 835 or 857 or elsewhere?Ah, so you've been following this thread?;)

I doubt Wayland is ADS, they're probably just blocking the extended basic channels on the box (if you've always got them for free). This is what they're doing now in Natick. It is probably a run-up to ADS.

Ah, so you've been following this thread?;)

I doubt Wayland is ADS, they're probably just blocking the extended basic channels on the box (if you've always got them for free). This is what they're doing now in Natick. It is probably a run-up to ADS.

I know Lawrence has been FULL ADS for some time,perhaps since September.

Framingham is ADS. While the DD symbol doesn't show up on each channel, when I go into the Diagnostics menu it shows QAM 256 for the channel I am watching from 2 through 79. I don't know why the DD symbol doesn't show on all of the channels, it does on certain ones like 4, 7, 12, 14 but not on others.

I noticed a difference in picture quality a few weeks ago but didn't think anything of it because the DD symbol wasn't showing but channels like SciFi and USA were so much better. Then, last week I looked in the diagnostics menu and saw the QAM 256 for these channels. So they are digital.

Their whole pricing scheme is whacked. I don't get expanded basic channels but I still get stuff like NICK2 because I'm paying for the Digital Silver package to get HD.

Milford is also fully ADS.

FYI...College hockey doubleheader tomorrow nite on NESNHD for the Beanpot torney starts a 5pm and 2nd game at 8pm.

Their whole pricing scheme is whacked. I don't get expanded basic channels but I still get stuff like NICK2 because I'm paying for the Digital Silver package to get HD.

No you save around $40. :) My TV bill before taxes and including equipment is around $50. (Basic cable,digital silver,and a DVR)

People with just standard cable pay around $50!

Nick2 is actually the west coast feed.

Their whole pricing scheme is whacked. I don't get expanded basic channels but I still get stuff like NICK2 because I'm paying for the Digital Silver package to get HD.

I've also been awed by the pricing scheme. Cablecard has a small monthly fee if used in conjunction with DVR, which provides Comcast with revenue stream and PPV revenues. I cancelled DVR out of principal and have a free cablecard amidst the many warnings of, "but you won't have on demand PPV". Isn't that Comcast's loss?

No you save around $40. :) My TV bill before taxes and including equipment is around $50. (Basic cable,digital silver,and a DVR)

People with just standard cable pay around $50!

Nick2 is actually the west coast feed.Actually, it's more like $50 because they are giving me Digital Silver for $10 for 3 mons. Afterwards I'll go back to Digital Classic.

I am also getting the Gamer's Invasion (8mbps) net package for free for 3 mos. That one will have to go too.:(

Their whole pricing scheme is whacked. I don't get expanded basic channels but I still get stuff like NICK2 because I'm paying for the Digital Silver package to get HD.

One thing you have to remember about these pricing schemes is that alot of them are dependant on varying ages of agreements. Basic and Expanded Basic cable have been around for a very long time and generally fall under different pricing agreements between the cable companies and the video providers. Digital comes along and all new agreements are drawn up to carry these additional channels. So its going to affect pricing. As convoluted as it can be for the customer, imagine the army of finance people the cable company needs to sort through it all.

Also, many providers don't see channels like Nick and Nick2 of being the same content quality, so they will charge different prices for it.

Many people think ala carte is the answer to this pricing knot... but it really isn't. If ala carte gets pushed into play by law, then yeah, the cable companies will be required to support it. But ultimately it will be the consumer who ends up losing. If a bunch of people who don't watch MSNBC stop paying for it, those few that DO watch it might end up losing it completely because the cable company is not bringing in enough revenue to support it. Packaging allows cost averaging and spreads the cost for services out amongst many people. Ala carte would likely force the consumer to pay MORE for the services they want.

Nick2 is just a 3hr delayed West Coast feed. Otherwise no difference.

Please, let's not talk "a la carte" here, as it opens another can of worms. There's already a long thread in the Programming forum.

I do hope we get UHD though, at least that would be something.

I noticed a difference in picture quality a few weeks ago but didn't think anything of it because the DD symbol wasn't showing but channels like SciFi and USA were so much better. Then, last week I looked in the diagnostics menu and saw the QAM 256 for these channels. So they are digital.

I just looked myself - and I see the DD on one of the tuners - not both. But when both are tuned to the same channel and I look in diagnostics, I QAM 256 just checked the recording of BSG and I think it looks better than previous. :)

Nick2 is just a 3hr delayed West Coast feed. Otherwise no difference.

Please, let's not talk "a la carte" here, as it opens another can of worms. There's already a long thread in the Programming forum.

I do hope we get UHD though, at least that would be something.

Good point Dave... I'll shut my yap :)

.

Many people think ala carte is the answer to this pricing knot... but it really isn't. If ala carte gets pushed into play by law, then yeah, the cable companies will be required to support it. .

Allowing folks to bypass Extended basic with ANY digital package is a step in the right direction.

For the same $50 folks pay for 70 channels of SD programming I get access to On demand,around 50 different SD channels,the locals on both SD AND HD,a movie channel (HBO right now) AND a DVR (Equipment rental and DVR service is iNCLUDED!)

For many folks the question is usually "What's on TV?" My question is usually "What do I want to put on TV?"

Allowing folks to bypass Extended basic with ANY digital package is a step in the right direction.

For the same $50 folks pay for 70 channels of SD programming I get access to On demand,around 50 different SD channels,the locals on both SD AND HD,a movie channel (HBO right now) AND a DVR (Equipment rental and DVR service is iNCLUDED!)

For many folks the question is usually "What's on TV?" My question is usually "What do I want to put on TV?"That won't last. If you're not paying for analog SD Extended Basic it will soon be gone, and good riddance! That will free up more bandwidth for more HD programming.

I do hope they will start offering more free HD OnDemand services soon as well.

Either way, as more competitors come a' callin' like Verizon Fios, AT&T Lightspeed, they'll have no choice.

That won't last. If you're not paying for analog SD Extended Basic it will soon be gone, and good riddance! That will free up more bandwidth for more HD programming.

I do hope they will start offering more free HD OnDemand services soon as well.

Either way, as more competitors come a' callin' like Verizon Fios, AT&T Lightspeed, they'll have no choice.

Why do you say it won't last? In some areas they are actually encouraging basic and digital "
* Standard Cable (Basic Cable plus Expanded Basic Cable) must be purchased in order to receive Channels 2 through 98 with any Digital Cable Package. Customers who subscribe to Basic Cable only will receive up to 26 channels in addition to those included with the Digital package of their choosing."

The big question is WHEN will they start making digital a requirement for service beyond broadcast basic.

My idea would be to phase out Digital Gold,and offer Digital Platinum plus Premere pack AND sports pack for $39.99

I meant anyone who was getting their analog stuff for free.

Getting a bit nervous we won't get UHD here...

After getting my latest Comcast bill with all these tacked on charges and BS fees, I couldn't take it, I took the advice of some here (thank you) and went against what the tech's and liars (or misinformed to be charitable) at comcast told me -I'd lose half my HD channels, and I dropped expanded cable in favor of basic. I kept digital classic and my HD box........the results:

before

Expanded Basic ($49.40) + Digital Classic ($6.20)+HD Box ($~9) + BS fees

after

Basic ($10.50) +Digital Classic ($6.20) +HD Box (~$9) + BS fees


And guess what, I've still got PBS HD, ABC HD, NBC HD, CBS HD, FOX HD, WLVI56 HD, Discovery HD, ESPN HD, TNT HD, INHD1, INHD2.........Bottom line, the HD, which is ALL I care about is still there and Ive saved $40 a month.......Thanks to those here and the honest comcast rep who said he could easily flip me to basic (rather than the liar who told me they'd have to send someone out to the pole and charge me huge fees to switch). Anyone else who ONLY Cares about HD, make the switch and save some money! What kept me from doing this sooner was the assurances of half a dozen comcast people that if I dropped expanded basic, I'd LOSE the HD VERSIONS TNT, ESPN, DISCOVERY, INHD1 and IND2, which clearly is not the case!!

I only miss Fox News and occasionally, cnn......any word on a la carte?

MACD

Will look at the same thing on next billing cycle. Just want some decent HD content and don't watch much else.

I meant anyone who was getting their analog stuff for free.

Getting a bit nervous we won't get UHD here...

I have two sets. Onew is my HD monitor and is connected to the box.

The second set is a split off the internet (I had it connected to the hosue antenna but the cable installer put a split on it. No filter.

I have only watched one episode of South park and maybe a few looks at the weather channel or maybe an occational comparing the nESN feed with the NESN HD feed.
Even if i had it I know I wouldnt watch it enough to justify the $40.

Meanwhile just as nervious as you about UHD.

After getting my latest Comcast bill with all these tacked on charges and BS fees, I couldn't take it, I took the advice of some here (thank you) and went against what the tech's and liars (or misinformed to be charitable) at comcast told me -I'd lose half my HD channels, and I dropped expanded cable in favor of basic. I kept digital classic and my HD box........the results:

before

Expanded Basic ($49.40) + Digital Classic ($6.20)+HD Box ($~9) + BS fees

after

Basic ($10.50) +Digital Classic ($6.20) +HD Box (~$9) + BS fees


And guess what, I've still got PBS HD, ABC HD, NBC HD, CBS HD, FOX HD, WLVI56 HD, Discovery HD, ESPN HD, TNT HD, INHD1, INHD2.........Bottom line, the HD, which is ALL I care about is still there and Ive saved $40 a month.......Thanks to those here and the honest comcast rep who said he could easily flip me to basic (rather than the liar who told me they'd have to send someone out to the pole and charge me huge fees to switch). Anyone else who ONLY Cares about HD, make the switch and save some money! What kept me from doing this sooner was the assurances of half a dozen comcast people that if I dropped expanded basic, I'd LOSE the HD VERSIONS TNT, ESPN, DISCOVERY, INHD1 and IND2, which clearly is not the case!!

I only miss Fox News and occasionally, cnn......any word on a la carte?

The locals in HS they are REQUIRED to offer as part of Limited basic. :)
The fee to put the filter up is only $12.85.

There MAY come a time when they may have to block out TNT HD and ESPN HD like Movieplex a digital channel that needs Standard to get (but worthless for those with Digital plus)

I meant anyone who was getting their analog stuff for free.

Getting a bit nervous we won't get UHD here...


all I can say is we WILL get UHD :p

all I can say is we WILL get UHD :p

Great! The question is where and for how long? Will it be on its own permenent channel or just make short appearance for the winter games? I hope it's not just during the winter games for I want BSG in HD!!!

Great! The question is where and for how long? Will it be on its own permenent channel or just make short appearance for the winter games? I hope it's not just during the winter games for I want BSG in HD!!!

BSG in HD will rock... even though they are like 5 or 6 episodes behind SciFi.

OK let me get this straight...I have Directv. Because of the Football package.

But if I want NESN in HD and FSNE in HD and they are only shown on INHD, I can get the basic package..and the HD package and I will be able to watch the Sox, B's and C's..not to mention NASCAR on TNT for $25..so If I kill the HD package from D* its only a 16 dollar difference? And since I have my internet through Comcast I may save even more so the difference would be less?

Is what I am saying correct?

OK let me get this straight...I have Directv. Because of the Football package.

But if I want NESN in HD and FSNE in HD and they are only shown on INHD, I can get the basic package..and the HD package and I will be able to watch the Sox, B's and C's..not to mention NASCAR on TNT for $25..so If I kill the HD package from D* its only a 16 dollar difference? And since I have my internet through Comcast I may save even more so the difference would be less?

Is what I am saying correct?

There is NO "HD package"

TNT HD,Discovery HT HD,ESPN HD, and the INHD channels 1 and 2 including NESN and FSN in HD )(during the HD games) are all part of Digital classic.

$6.20 for digital classic plus $8.95 for the HD cable box minus the $15 savings on Internet means for about 15 CENTS more then the bost of broadcast basic you will get 13 channels of HD programming (more likely 14)

not to mention CN8,NECN,and ON Demand

I love you guys. I now get to watch the Sox in HD.

before

Expanded Basic ($49.40) + Digital Classic ($6.20)+HD Box ($~9) + BS fees

after

Basic ($10.50) +Digital Classic ($6.20) +HD Box (~$9) + BS fees

I wish my town (Wayland) offered that.

Digital Classic is $62.14 and Basic is $9.19 w/o BS fees.

The way I understand it, for me to get the HD channels (locals + NESN, TNT, ESPN, etc except HBO and Showtime) plus the "standard" analog channels 25+ I have to get digital classic and the HD/DVR box.

This could end up costing me over $70 with all the fees.

Does anyone of a different and cheaper route? My main goal is to get NESN and a couple of the kids channels (Nick, Disney, etc.) But paying $70/month just is not in the budget at this time.

Will getting just Basic and the HD/DVR option work? Or do I need to get the Standard for $50 + the HD/DVR?

Any news on that comcast / tivo deal?

Starting to think about upgrading to the DVR, as the baby really limits our tv time, so it would be good to skip commercials. People rave about TIVO, so thought that might be a good option. My wife loves the food network, so that's the only thing stopping me from dropping extended basic.

I wish my town (Wayland) offered that.

Digital Classic is $62.14 and Basic is $9.19 w/o BS fees.

The way I understand it, for me to get the HD channels (locals + NESN, TNT, ESPN, etc except HBO and Showtime) plus the "standard" analog channels 25+ I have to get digital classic and the HD/DVR box.

This could end up costing me over $70 with all the fees.

Does anyone of a different and cheaper route? My main goal is to get NESN and a couple of the kids channels (Nick, Disney, etc.) But paying $70/month just is not in the budget at this time.

Will getting just Basic and the HD/DVR option work? Or do I need to get the Standard for $50 + the HD/DVR?
* Standard Cable (Basic Cable plus Expanded Basic Cable) must be purchased in order to receive Channels 2 through 98 with any Digital Cable Package. Customers who subscribe to Basic Cable only will receive up to 26 channels in addition to those included with the Digital package of their choosing.


Basic and digital classic will get you NESN HD (the games) but NOT the regular NESN. Family channels with digital classic include PBS Kids Sprout,Nicktoons,Discovery Kids,Toon Disney,Noggin/the N,and nick GAS. Digital plus will add Encore WAM and Nick west

You want Nick east and Disney- Prepare to spend that $70. Well until the Family tier comes out.

Anyone watch the superbowl on 809 or 805 and not get DD? My Denon receiver gave me DTS:NEO6 or DPLII only. =(

I'm in Derry, NH

Comcast also has a promo on Digital Silver. For only $10 more you get 1 premium channel (I picked Starz) for 3 mos. If you wanted Digital Classic+Starz (a la cate) it would cost $20 more.

Well until the Family tier comes out.

Any thoughts on when this will happen? You seem to be suggesting that one could get Basic (10.50) + Classic ($6.20) + Family Tier ($14.95) +in my case DVR ($15) = 46.65+ tax. Which is damn close to what I pay for extended basic right now. Sold, since family tier seems to have the Food network + HGTV which are the two most important analog channels we watch.

Channels here:

http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp1/FAQ/FaqDetail_3449.html

Anyone watch the superbowl on 809 or 805 and not get DD? My Denon receiver gave me DTS:NEO6 or DPLII only. =(

I'm in Derry, NH
Pete.....
I watched (at various times) Comcast 805,809, OTA for 5 and 9 and DTV's Ch. 5 HD-LIL....ALL these sources were feeding DD5.1, except for about the first 12 minutes of the 2nd quarter; WMUR did NOT switch back to 5.1 after the local cutaway and there was NO audio from the commentators' mics (ie., no center channel or L/R fronts)....they finally got things straightened out..
Other than this slight faux pas....I don't recall losing DD5.1 on any of the sources...
BTW...I'm using an RCA HTiB with Toslink input; not a lot of bells and whistles.....but it does a nice job with decoding DD5.1.....

Any thoughts on when this will happen?


From all the press releases it will be toward the end off 2006. :(

I will also sign up if the price will be <$50.

It's just not worth it for over $70 with HD. Especially since half of the HD channels are OTA HD.

OK tell me how wrong I am ..I called Comcast today tried to get teh digital package without standard cable and he told me I would not get NESN. He said and I quote "You will not get NESN HD without a package that had NESN standard.

I just want NESN HD for short money..can I buy one freaken channel, please take my money Comcast, Im willing to pay!

I wish my town (Wayland) offered that.

Digital Classic is $62.14 and Basic is $9.19 w/o BS fees.

The way I understand it, for me to get the HD channels (locals + NESN, TNT, ESPN, etc except HBO and Showtime) plus the "standard" analog channels 25+ I have to get digital classic and the HD/DVR box.

This could end up costing me over $70 with all the fees.

Does anyone of a different and cheaper route? My main goal is to get NESN and a couple of the kids channels (Nick, Disney, etc.) But paying $70/month just is not in the budget at this time.

Will getting just Basic and the HD/DVR option work? Or do I need to get the Standard for $50 + the HD/DVR?


Dude call them and find out how much digital classic is paired with basic.....The website lists at at a really high price but coupled with basic or expanded its only $6.20/month, I confirmed by calling.

OK tell me how wrong I am ..I called Comcast today tried to get teh digital package without standard cable and he told me I would not get NESN. He said and I quote "You will not get NESN HD without a package that had NESN standard.

I just want NESN HD for short money..can I buy one freaken channel, please take my money Comcast, Im willing to pay!


DON'T LISTEN TO COMCAST. Half a dozen comcast people told me the same thing.

Basic($10.50) + Digital Classic ($6.20) + HD/DVR BOX = ALL HD channels except premium movie channels (HBOHD, MAXHD, etc)...........You will get NESN HD on INHD1 or 2, whichever hosts the sox/bruins games........You probably won't (haven't checked yet) get analog nesn channel 51 but who cares?

This is great, saving all this loot....

Is there any easy way to get a current mapping of QAM subchannel => Comcast STB channel? I bought one of the HP LC2600Ns from J&R (great deal) and would prefer to avoid making up a chart myself any time there's a change in the channel lineup.

Comcast's NE Web site is fairly low on specifics; couldn't do a search, and I couldn't find anything there.

Thanks,
Tony

Is there any easy way to get a current mapping of QAM subchannel => Comcast STB channel? I bought one of the HP LC2600Ns from J&R (great deal) and would prefer to avoid making up a chart myself any time there's a change in the channel lineup.

Comcast's NE Web site is fairly low on specifics; couldn't do a search, and I couldn't find anything there.

Thanks,
TonyNo, and I imagine the QAM channel assignments would vary from system to system. They don't exactly want to advertise you can get some HD for free.

Comcast also has a promo on Digital Silver. For only $10 more you get 1 premium channel (I picked Starz) for 3 mos. If you wanted Digital Classic+Starz (a la cate) it would cost $20 more.
Where do you see this promotion? I currently see only the option to get Digital Silver for the first month free.

From all the press releases it will be toward the end off 2006.

THanks for the feedback. The FAQ was pretty open ended, along the lines of sometime in 06. I am wondering if you will be prevented from ordering my prefered budget package of basic+classic+family tier+DVR. The FAQ says this - - which doesn't rule it out, but doesn't really confirm it for me:

Can I receive the Family Tier on one TV set in my home and receive another level of digital cable service on a separate TV?

No. Unfortunately, the service on the primary TV set and the digital cable service in other rooms is the same.

If you would like to create your own customized “Family Tier” on one particular TV set, you can use the “favorites” feature to select the channels you want and you can use parental controls to block the channels and programs you do not want.

I guess we'll see when it is released.

Where do you see this promotion? I currently see only the option to get Digital Silver for the first month free.You have to ask for these things. I just called and asked to add Starz, they told me it was $20 "a la carte'", I told them it was too expensive and then they offered me that deal.

OK tell me how wrong I am ..I called Comcast today tried to get teh digital package without standard cable and he told me I would not get NESN. He said and I quote "You will not get NESN HD without a package that had NESN standard.

I just want NESN HD for short money..can I buy one freaken channel, please take my money Comcast, Im willing to pay!

I do! :)

Right now NESN HD is on 882 and 882 is part of digital classic!

Even if they do move it to 851 I think they will still offer it to satisfy the satellite viewers would would be willing to spend $25 or so for Comcast but not $65.

i am confused.

What chitchatjf is trying to say, is when they show a NESN HD game it's on the same channel that usually runs INHD2 in your area. So all you need to do is pay for the Digital Classic package to get the NESN-HD games.

What chitchatjf is trying to say, is when they show a NESN HD game it's on the same channel that usually runs INHD2 in your area. So all you need to do is pay for the Digital Classic package to get the NESN-HD games.
But if and when Comcast gives NESN-HD its own channel (instead of showing it on InHD-2), it may disappear.

Mickey

Where NESN-HD and UHD finally end up, is the only reason I haven't cut back to Basic and Digital Silver.

UHD just showed up in South Jersey on Comcast according to an item posted in another forum.

But if and when Comcast gives NESN-HD its own channel (instead of showing it on InHD-2), it may disappear.

Mickey

Not necessarily. They added TNT-Hd and that's still around :)

Like i said in the earlier post,it would make sense to keep NESN-HD on Digital Classic as it may be some time (years) before it is on the dishes.

UHD just showed up in South Jersey on Comcast according to an item posted in another forum.

Speaking of UHD,WHERE IS IT?

No 835 or 857 yet? :(

Speaking of UHD,WHERE IS IT?

No 835 or 857 yet? :(


wrong #'s, something in between

What does NJ have to do with our area?:confused:

What does NJ have to do with our area?:confused:

It is the first report I have seen of it showing up anywhere on Comcast. Sorry, I thought it might be an interesting tidbit of info.

-Ken

It is the first report I have seen of it showing up anywhere on Comcast. Sorry, I thought it might be an interesting tidbit of info.

-KenNothing wrong with it, but in the other forum they list it appearing in a few places already.

The UHD thread in the Programming section has it showing up all over the place. Sometimes on its own channel, sometimes taking over the channel used by INHD2. No idea which of those two scenarios is going to play out here. If the former, it may only be temporary (for the Olympics), if the latter it probably is just for those two weeks.

wrong #'s, something in between

I assume NESN-HD FULL TIME would appear on 851.

Where will UHD be?

Update: Found on 846.

I think this is a keeper.

Anyone have news on anything new and exciting on the horizon for Comcast:

- New HD channels?
- New DVR boxes with larger HDs??
- Enabling of external HD port on 6412???
- Launch of Tivo interface for DVR????
- Expanded HD on demand?????

ANYTHING good? Or just more price increases??

Anyone have news on anything new and exciting on the horizon for Comcast:

- New HD channels?
- New DVR boxes with larger HDs??
- Enabling of external HD port on 6412???
- Launch of Tivo interface for DVR????
- Expanded HD on demand?????

ANYTHING good? Or just more price increases??

Just more price inceases.

Just checked my channels, UHD on 846. I think it just showed up as programming after a few hours is TBA as if the data has not loaded yet!
SWEET!
When is battlestar on? Fridays?
FREAK!

UHD on 846 in Lynn as well!!!

UHD 846 in Framingham up and running!

Just checked my channels, UHD on 846. I think it just showed up as programming after a few hours is TBA as if the data has not loaded yet!
SWEET!
When is battlestar on? Fridays?
FREAK!

Sundays at 8 and 11

846 in East Bridgewater also. Now, when do we get ESPN2???

What a nice morning surprise ... 846 UHD in Arlington, MA as well -- just in time for Knight Rider! ;)

UHD 846 up in Lowell too!

Universal HD started working in Waltham this morning.

theres no need to say that your town got UHD today cause all MA/NH & the majority of CT go it today

Is it in the clear or it scrambled? Just wondering if I should have my tv's QAM tuner rescan. I would assume that it is not in the clear for those of us who aren't digital subscribers.

Is it in the clear or it scrambled? Just wondering if I should have my tv's QAM tuner rescan. I would assume that it is not in the clear for those of us who aren't digital subscribers.


Its scrambled, you need classic to get it.

Its scrambled, you need classic to get it.

and a moto stb or cable card...

Now, hopefully we get to keep it longer than the Olympics...

Now, hopefully we get to keep it longer than the Olympics...

something tells me we will. :)

Never mind, I just verified this using the channel lineup comparisons on Comcast's web site. </>


I currently have DirecTV and Comcast basic service (just to get the discount on cable internet). Just got an HDTV and I've decided to go with Comcast HD/DVR rather than D* because Comcast has TNT-HD (gotta have my racing).

I've been reading the threads about adding the Digital service to basic rather than take the extended basic, and I think that's what I want to do. But I just want to be clear on what I'm giving up by doing that. Am I only giving up the non-OTA channels between 2 and 98? Are the channels listed as 200 and above going to be part of the Digital xxxx package that I choose? And OnDemand will be available still?

Thanks for clearing up my confusion. :D

yes, you are correct. with basic and digital classic you get...

on demand..yes
locals in sd and hd..yes
c-span, necn, cn8, home shopping..yes
nesn-hd sox, hd-briuns, hd fsn celtics, tnt-hd, espn-hd, discovery-hd, universal hd!!, 4 wgbh multiplex digital locals & pbs-hs national..yes!
rest of 2 thru 99..no
200+ ..yes, except if part of a premium package.

I currently have DirecTV and Comcast basic service (just to get the discount on cable internet). Just got an HDTV and I've decided to go with Comcast HD/DVR rather than D* because Comcast has TNT-HD (gotta have my racing).

I've been reading the threads about adding the Digital service to basic rather than take the extended basic, and I think that's what I want to do. But I just want to be clear on what I'm giving up by doing that. Am I only giving up the non-OTA channels between 2 and 98? Are the channels listed as 200 and above going to be part of the Digital xxxx package that I choose? And OnDemand will be available still?

Thanks for clearing up my confusion. :D


You can keep the basic cable that you have, chnls 2-23 aprox. Then add classic, which adds the HD versions of TNT, ESPN, DISCOVERY and UHD, INHD1 & INHD2 plus VOD & 33 other chnls in the 200s. This will increas your cable bill by the cost of a hd box $9.20 & digital classic $6.20.

Since you have basic ative you can just go to the local office to get the box & do it yourself if your prefer to do it yourself.

and a moto stb or cable card...


If using a cablecard, do you have to reprogram the channel list for this new channel, UHD, to be added/appear, or, does it appear automatically?

Thanks

If using a cablecard, do you have to reprogram the channel list for this new channel, UHD, to be added/appear, or, does it appear automatically?

Thanks

Was just about to post same question. Nothing new showing up here in Beverly.

MHD = ch 828
UHD = ch 835 (though when it was Bravo 857 would be the ticket)
ESPN2HD = ch 850
NESN HD = ch 851

AND ON CH 883,the "H" channel with its film counterpart on 884.


So....what is the current ETA for these channels, say, in Medford? Will current HD subscribers on the Digital Gold package be getting all these additional HD channels?

So....what is the current ETA for these channels, say, in Medford? Will current HD subscribers on the Digital Gold package be getting all these additional HD channels?

Those were just estimates as to hcannel placements.

UHD turned up on 846.

yes, you are correct. with basic and digital classic you get...

on demand..yes
locals in sd and hd..yes
c-span, necn, cn8, home shopping..yes
nesn-hd sox, hd-briuns, hd fsn celtics, tnt-hd, espn-hd, discovery-hd, universal hd!!, 4 wgbh multiplex digital locals & pbs-hs national..yes!
rest of 2 thru 99..no
200+ ..yes, except if part of a premium package.

not cspan :(

Those were just estimates as to hcannel placements.

UHD turned up on 846.

You say UHD turned up on 846. Is this already active? If I go home tonight, will I see UHD on 846 (along with the other HD channels mentioned)?

The one thing I am really looking forward to is Battlestar Galactica in HD, even if it's a few weeks behind as the Sci-Fi airing is awful in its picture quality.

You say UHD turned up on 846. Is this already active? If I go home tonight, will I see UHD on 846 (along with the other HD channels mentioned)?

The one thing I am really looking forward to is Battlestar Galactica in HD, even if it's a few weeks behind as the Sci-Fi airing is awful in its picture quality.

The other channels MHD,ESPN2HD,NESN HD fulltime,and HDNEtand HDNet movies are just estimates as to where i believe they would go.

We do not have them yet.

UHD WILL be on 846.

Yep. UHD is on here in West Natick/Framingham on 846. Weeeeeee!:D:D:D:D
No huge logos on the movies (Take that INHD!).


OK, HDNet is next...(I can dream can't I?)

The other channels MHD,ESPN2HD,NESN HD fulltime,and HDNEtand HDNet movies are just estimates as to where i believe they would go.

We do not have them yet.

UHD WILL be on 846.


We may NEVER have some of these channels, you may be giving others (Tennberg) false hope.

-Ken

846 UHD is live and fantastic here in Salem. A happy day, I will kill Comcast if they take it away in 3 weeks.

So is UHD sticking around after the Olympics? It should considering they didn't have to remove other channels to make space for it.

so, do you need to get a certain package or channel to get UHD? When I switch to 846, it says I am "Not Authorized".

I get the full HD lineup with DVR, and I am on the Digital Gold (Old) package, so I get three premium channels for the price of two (Starz, HBO, and Cinemax).

I live in Medford, if that helps.

Tennberg, my father still has one of the old AT&T packages and can't get it. His plan is much cheaper, still has 95% of the Digital Classic channels, gets all of the HD channels but doesn't get UHD. You may have to "upgrade" to a newer plan

No UHD in Foxborough. I called customer service, and the guy told me an email was sent out saying UHD would be active from 2/9 to 2/27. He also told me that they were rolling out the channel box by box, so it may be a day or two before I get UHD.

I do have the program information already though, just also get the "not authorized" box. I have digital platinum. I hope I was misinformed about the "test run", but I did ask him to confirm that before I hung up.

No UHD in Foxborough. I called customer service, and the guy told me an email was sent out saying UHD would be active from 2/9 to 2/27. He also told me that they were rolling out the channel box by box, so it may be a day or two before I get UHD.

I do have the program information already though, just also get the "not authorized" box. I have digital platinum. I hope I was misinformed about the "test run", but I did ask him to confirm that before I hung up.

If you are getting Not Authorized then your box doesn't have the Digital Classic package on it. Digital Classic is required to get UHD. Do you get INHD1 and INHD2?

If you are getting Not Authorized then your box doesn't have the Digital Classic package on it. Digital Classic is required to get UHD. Do you get INHD1 and INHD2?

Yes, I get every HD channel. I have Digital Platinum (and Basic/Expanded Basic). I get every Digital Classic channel. I didn't think what the rep told me made that much sense, since I was getting the program guide info.

If you are getting Not Authorized then your box doesn't have the Digital Classic package on it. Digital Classic is required to get UHD. Do you get INHD1 and INHD2?

I get every HD Channel with the exception of Showtime HD (as I don't get Showtime). I do get INHD1 and INHD2.

I called Comcast and the guy had no idea why I wasn't getting it. He sent a ping to the box but that didn't do anything. He said he was going to research it and then call me back.

Yes, I get every HD channel. I have Digital Platinum (and Basic/Expanded Basic). I get every Digital Classic channel. I didn't think what the rep told me made that much sense, since I was getting the program guide info.

Do you know if you have the current platinum or the grandfathered version? If its the grandfathered version that may be the reason.

Do you know if you have the current platinum or the grandfathered version? If its the grandfathered version that may be the reason.

I thought I had the grandfathered version, but looking at my bill, it's the same as the current prices. Is there any other way for me to tell?

I thought I had the grandfathered version, but looking at my bill, it's the same as the current prices. Is there any other way for me to tell?

not by the bill, you'll have to call & ask

If you are getting Not Authorized then your box doesn't have the Digital Classic package on it. Digital Classic is required to get UHD. Do you get INHD1 and INHD2?

I also have Digital Platinum and am getting "Not Authorized", so I don't think it's a package issue. I get all the other HD channels. Sounds like it's being rolled out slowly.

UPDATE: Channel is now live here in Watertown!

The other channels MHD,ESPN2HD,NESN HD fulltime,and HDNEtand HDNet movies are just estimates as to where i believe they would go.

We do not have them yet.

UHD WILL be on 846.

Don't hold your breath on HDNet. Everything I've read suggests that Comcast and HDNet have hit an impasse, and that Comcast simply won't agree to Mr. Cuban's terms. Considering that HDNet competes directly with the INHD channels (which Comcast part-owns), it's not surprising that they're not bending over backwards to get a competitor on their systems.

I also have Digital Platinum and am getting "Not Authorized", so I don't think it's a package issue. I get all the other HD channels. Sounds like it's being rolled out slowly.

UPDATE: Channel is now live here in Watertown!

Also live now here in Foxborough! I hope they decide to leave UHD after 2/27. Especially after I get to check out Battlestar on Sunday.

Does anyone know UHD is here to stay or just for the winter games?

Does anyone know UHD is here to stay or just for the winter games?

I mentioned this in a post above. I called customer service, and the guy told me an email was sent out saying UHD would be active from 2/9 to 2/27.

Don't hold your breath on HDNet. Everything I've read suggests that Comcast and HDNet have hit an impasse, and that Comcast simply won't agree to Mr. Cuban's terms. Considering that HDNet competes directly with the INHD channels (which Comcast part-owns), it's not surprising that they're not bending over backwards to get a competitor on their systems.

Then why does Time Warner (who also owns a part of INHD) carry it?

Then why does Time Warner (who also owns a part of INHD) carry it(referring to HDNet)?

Perhaps because they charge extra for it, which Comcast is apparently unwilling to do:

""HDNet's collection of live, original and licensed high definition programming is a perfect addition to our burgeoning HD offering," said Chuck Ellis, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Time Warner Cable. "Creating a premium HDTV tier is the next logical step as we continue to deliver on our promise to provide customers with the best in choice, value and control available for high definition programming."

So, Universal HD was finally active in Medford around 11-11:30pm last night. When I was speaking to the tech earlier that evening trying to get it to work, he also said that UHD would only be active until Ferburary 27.

Can anyone comment if this is true, or if Comcast will decide to add UHD as a permanent channel? I am thrilled to see BSG in HD (when they showed the mini-series and a few episodes on NBC-HD, I was floored by the picture quality). I don't know if I could forgive Comcast for giving me BSG in HD for two weeks and then taking it away :-(

So, Universal HD was finally active in Medford around 11-11:30pm last night. When I was speaking to the tech earlier that evening trying to get it to work, he also said that UHD would only be active until Ferburary 27.

Can anyone comment if this is true, or if Comcast will decide to add UHD as a permanent channel? I am thrilled to see BSG in HD (when they showed the mini-series and a few episodes on NBC-HD, I was floored by the picture quality). I don't know if I could forgive Comcast for giving me BSG in HD for two weeks and then taking it away :-(

Well if they do take UHD away after the 27th, at least we will know that bandwidth is NOT an issue. Obviously it is all about the Benjamins.

-Ken

So, Universal HD was finally active in Medford around 11-11:30pm last night. When I was speaking to the tech earlier that evening trying to get it to work, he also said that UHD would only be active until Ferburary 27.

Can anyone comment if this is true, or if Comcast will decide to add UHD as a permanent channel? I am thrilled to see BSG in HD (when they showed the mini-series and a few episodes on NBC-HD, I was floored by the picture quality). I don't know if I could forgive Comcast for giving me BSG in HD for two weeks and then taking it away :-(

The fact that there are similar reports from all over the country leads me to wonder if Comcast signed a special Olympics-only deal with NBC, in which case none of the local regions would be allowed to carry it after the 27th. Perhaps the permanent deal is not in place. Perhaps they'll wait to see what our reaction will be once it goes away.

In which case, we should definitely react strongly. Unless, of course, you'd rather they filled that slot with something else...

The fact that there are similar reports from all over the country leads me to wonder if Comcast signed a special Olympics-only deal with NBC, in which case none of the local regions would be allowed to carry it after the 27th. Perhaps the permanent deal is not in place. Perhaps they'll wait to see what our reaction will be once it goes away.

In which case, we should definitely react strongly. Unless, of course, you'd rather they filled that slot with something else...

Filled with something else?

Let's see...

- HDNet/HDNet Movies we will never get because Comcast won't pay the fees and they're too similar to INHD/INHD2

- MHD (MTV-HD) will show content from VH1 and MTV in HD along with maybe music videos, concerts. I don't find that a huge appeal.

- ESPN2-HD is basically a mirror of ESPN-HD with probably lesser-known sports in HD. Again, not a huge appeal.

Universal HD, granted, is very similar to the content of NBC-HD. However, it draws on a huge library of content. Plus, who would turn down watching Battlestar Galactica, one of the best shows on TV today, in all its HD glory?

No huge logos on the movies (Take that INHD!).

I noticed INHD had moved their logo from the lower right to the lower left, but it's still obnoxiously bright.

Just got off the phone with Comcast. Evidently, UHD signal update was not sent to my cablecard. Had to power down so will power back up in an hour and check it. Rep said it should be fine but others with cablecard may have to call also. If auto update is not performed on the cablecard, maybe the takedown won't happen for us few cablecard users either.

edit Promised call at 2:45 did not materialize. No UHD as promised.

Com-clueless-castic!

Another edit Called and spoke to another rep. Gee, it should be working?!? We'll have to schedule a rep to come out. Are you frickin kidding me??? I have to have a rep come out to add a channel on existing service???

Com-joke-castic!

Same rep just called me back and said it's not on the channle line up for Beverly MA. I informed her it was a temporary feed for the olympics and maybe she had a note or something on it. She checked and confirmed then apologized for the inconvenience. Anyone else with a cablecard find themeselves with lots of apologies and no execution?

Unplugged set and removed cablecard while running errands for a couple of hours. 846 is now available. Glad I opted to not schedule a rep visit.

I had no problems with my CableCard and UHD. When it finally came on late last night, it came on on both my boxes and the CC.

Damn! I was hoping we would keep UHD!

You say UHD turned up on 846. Is this already active? If I go home tonight, will I see UHD on 846 (along with the other HD channels mentioned)?

The one thing I am really looking forward to is Battlestar Galactica in HD, even if it's a few weeks behind as the Sci-Fi airing is awful in its picture quality.


This is another major problem with Comcast....they add UHD and the only way I find out is by chancing upon it in this thread...Nothing noted on my bill, no messages on the box, nothing............They send a message for everything else, why not when they add another channel? Why not blare it on their website? You would think they would advertise their expanded HD lineup and yet they hide it.

Well if they do take UHD away after the 27th, at least we will know that bandwidth is NOT an issue. Obviously it is all about the Benjamins.

-Ken


Has this been confirmed? I find it very hard to believe they would take away a channel after just adding it. I think its here for good.

This is another major problem with Comcast....they add UHD and the only way I find out is by chancing upon it in this thread...Nothing noted on my bill, no messages on the box, nothing............They send a message for everything else, why not when they add another channel? Why not blare it on their website? You would think they would advertise their expanded HD lineup and yet they hide it.

Tell me about it. If I wasn't a forum reader here, I never would have known since channels evidently don't get automatically downloaded to my CC. BTW, the rep was looking over the phone and said she saw it in the NH and ME lineup, so they must get it up there as part of their list.

Filled with something else?

Let's see...

- HDNet/HDNet Movies we will never get because Comcast won't pay the fees and they're too similar to INHD/INHD2

- MHD (MTV-HD) will show content from VH1 and MTV in HD along with maybe music videos, concerts. I don't find that a huge appeal.

- ESPN2-HD is basically a mirror of ESPN-HD with probably lesser-known sports in HD. Again, not a huge appeal.

Universal HD, granted, is very similar to the content of NBC-HD. However, it draws on a huge library of content. Plus, who would turn down watching Battlestar Galactica, one of the best shows on TV today, in all its HD glory?

This could be a reason UHD may disappear at the end of the month. They want a per subscriber fee as well.
The soultion with HDnet could be to authorize a downconverted SD letterbox version of hDNet on 283 with the HD version of HDnet on 883 and HDNet movies (in Hd only) on 884.

This allows Comcast to justify the fees for HDNet (as all subscribers would get it) :) and give SD viewers a "taste" of HD programming :)

This could be a reason UHD may disappear at the end of the month. They want a per subscriber fee as well.
The soultion with HDnet could be to authorize a downconverted SD letterbox version of hDNet on 283 with the HD version of HDnet on 883 and HDNet movies (in Hd only) on 884.

This allows Comcast to justify the fees for HDNet (as all subscribers would get it) :) and give SD viewers a "taste" of HD programming :)


Mark Cuban would NEVER allow a downconverted version of HDNET ! And why are you so obsessed with the potential channel numbers anyway ?

Filled with something else?

Let's see...

- HDNet/HDNet Movies we will never get because Comcast won't pay the fees and they're too similar to INHD/INHD2

- MHD (MTV-HD) will show content from VH1 and MTV in HD along with maybe music videos, concerts. I don't find that a huge appeal.

- ESPN2-HD is basically a mirror of ESPN-HD with probably lesser-known sports in HD. Again, not a huge appeal.

Universal HD, granted, is very similar to the content of NBC-HD. However, it draws on a huge library of content. Plus, who would turn down watching Battlestar Galactica, one of the best shows on TV today, in all its HD glory?

You forgot one. If you like the parts of Discovery HD that don't have anything to do with monster trucks or home improvement, you just might enjoy the just-launched National Geographic HD. I know I would!

You forgot one. If you like the parts of Discovery HD that don't have anything to do with monster trucks or home improvement, you just might enjoy the just-launched National Geographic HD. I know I would!

I agree Bob, that (NGHD) would be a welcome addition to our channel line-up over some of the alternatives, I hope they give it serious consideration.

Mark Cuban would NEVER allow a downconverted version of HDNET ! And why are you so obsessed with the potential channel numbers anyway ?

The reason would be so that comcast would be able to justify the costs AND give SD viewers a glance at what they are3 "missing" :)

Besides as good as the programming may be,HDNet is generally an HD DEMO channel and as more HD channels come out may end up playing less and less of a factor.

The reason would be so that comcast would be able to justify the costs AND give SD viewers a glance at what they are3 "missing" :)

Besides as good as the programming may be,HDNet is generally an HD DEMO channel and as more HD channels come out may end up playing less and less of a factor.


Most comcast customers don't care what they are missing !! There are still more analog customers than digital !! Sad but true .

-Ken

From what I've seen in the last day only, I'd gladly swap UHD for TNT-HD if one of them had to go.

larry

Yep. UHD is on here in West Natick/Framingham on 846. Weeeeeee!:D:D:D:D
No huge logos on the movies (Take that INHD) I noticed that too. The logo is big when it shows up but it only stays on the screen briefly. One thing I was almost mad about was I recorded Cougan's Bluff and the recording ran out before the movie was over. Turns out I only missed 3 minutes (93 minute movie in 90 minute slot).

larry

Yeah, but according to JWhip UHD is going to go after the Olympics, which sucks. There really is no reason to currently remove it, especially when they don't appear to be replacing it immediately.

If they do remove it, I will definitely complain.