Liking the PQ on UHD. Too bad it's temporary.

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.
I use a CC and got 846 automatically in Lynn. I just came across it scrolling thru the HD channels last night. Had no idea they were adding a HD channel.

Anyone know if it's possible to have Comcast switch me from WJAR-NBC (810) HD to WHDH (807)? I get both 7 and 10 in SD, but they switched everyone in the area from 807 to 810 a few months back for HD.

A woman I work with that lives in Weymouth bought an HD set and when she got the DVR had 810 and not 807 like everyone else in Weymouth. She called Comcast and they switched her to 807.

Wondering if anyone had any experience w/something similar before I spend an eternity on the phone w/Comcast?

I only care because WJAR has a lot of problems w/lip sync and not flipping the HD switch. Plus they multiplex the NBC-Plus Weather channel taking up some of the bandwidth.

Thx!

Anyone know if it's possible to have Comcast switch me from WJAR-NBC (810) HD to WHDH (807)? I get both 7 and 10 in SD, but they switched everyone in the area from 807 to 810 a few months back for HD.

A woman I work with that lives in Weymouth bought an HD set and when she got the DVR had 810 and not 807 like everyone else in Weymouth. She called Comcast and they switched her to 807.

Wondering if anyone had any experience w/something similar before I spend an eternity on the phone w/Comcast?

I only care because WJAR has a lot of problems w/lip sync and not flipping the HD switch. Plus they multiplex the NBC-Plus Weather channel taking up some of the bandwidth.

Thx!


No they can't give you 807. The reason they were able to fix the woman you work with is because she probably had a box from the wrong area & by them sending a signal to the box, it made to box reset to the Weymouth lineup.

You only have 810 due to contractual reasons. There's nothing you can do about it.

I'm assuming that NBC constantly dropping out and dropping down to SD in the middle of tonight's Olympics coverage was a problem with WHDH or NBC, and not with Comcast?

I saw all the dropouts on the Olympics too - at least, downstairs witht he set that uses the STB. Maybe it was just timing, but when I went upstairs to the set with built-in QAM tuner (and no cablecard), there weer no dropouts and it was in HD. I did not try going back and forth to see if one was clean and the other messed up at the same time. Maybe tomorrow.

By the way - can anyone tell me what digital channel UHD is? I mean the physical channel, not the STB mapped channel. For example, NBC is 807 on the STB, but 86-1 through the QAM tuner.

I saw all the dropouts on the Olympics too - at least, downstairs witht he set that uses the STB. Maybe it was just timing, but when I went upstairs to the set with built-in QAM tuner (and no cablecard), there weer no dropouts and it was in HD. I did not try going back and forth to see if one was clean and the other messed up at the same time. Maybe tomorrow.

By the way - can anyone tell me what digital channel UHD is? I mean the physical channel, not the STB mapped channel. For example, NBC is 807 on the STB, but 86-1 through the QAM tuner.


you can't get UHD w/o a cable card or stb.

I was getting the dropouts on both the Comcast cable box and on a clear-QAM tuner.

The real giveaway was that after a series of dropouts, the picture would change from HD to SD, which is not something the cable box or QAM tuner is going to do on its own. Either COmcast switched feeds (doubtful), or WHDH switched feeds (likely) or NBC switched feeds (possible).

A friend had basic and was talked into getting standard. When she sees her bill and if it is as high as I said it would be,she would take my advice and get basic with digital classic,but she wants the DCT700,not the bulky 2000s or 2500s.

Will she be able to get that particular box?
I know she is in an ADS town.
She is currently paying $13.90.
Digital classic and the box will bring it up to $24.85 a far cry from the $50.55 she would have to pay

I'm assuming that NBC constantly dropping out and dropping down to SD in the middle of tonight's Olympics coverage was a problem with WHDH or NBC, and not with Comcast?

Tonight's coverage was horrid. A friend was joking about our lawsuit happy society and said he was going to sue for being deprived of HD olympic viewing as promised due to the dropouts. LOL. Let's hope these problems are cleared up.

Thanks for mentioning that chaz, we had the exact same problem, and we were watching Over The Air. The drop to "Regular Def" was the very oddest part... and the snow (analog type snow, so odd to see on digital). Very strange. Glad to hear it didn't have anything to do with my setup!

A friend had basic and was talked into getting standard. When she sees her bill and if it is as high as I said it would be,she would take my advice and get basic with digital classic,but she wants the DCT700,not the bulky 2000s or 2500s.

Will she be able to get that particular box?
I know she is in an ADS town.
She is currently paying $13.90.
Digital classic and the box will bring it up to $24.85 a far cry from the $50.55 she would have to pay


The only way to definately get a 700 is to get it at an office. Techs mostly bring out 2500s.

The only way to definately get a 700 is to get it at an office. Techs mostly bring out 2500s.

That is the idea,but i hope the folks at the office will not be clueless about it.

Thanks for mentioning that chaz, we had the exact same problem, and we were watching Over The Air. The drop to "Regular Def" was the very oddest part... and the snow (analog type snow, so odd to see on digital). Very strange. Glad to hear it didn't have anything to do with my setup!

Speaking of strange, did anyone else notice Bob Costas head glowing on and off. I thought it was some new electonic strobe hairdo :D

Speaking of strange, did anyone else notice Bob Costas head glowing on and off. I thought it was some new electonic strobe hairdo :D

No, but I thought he had "alien" eyes.

The only way to definately get a 700 is to get it at an office. Techs mostly bring out 2500s.

Is there a difference in rental cost between a 700 and 2500 ?

Is there a difference in rental cost between a 700 and 2500 ?


no

Is anyone seeing some cable signal corruption? I'm in Nashua and I know it's the signal as I'm seeing random tiling on my analog TV on channels like HGTV and AMC. Started seeing it yesterday evening and it's very random and lasts for only a few seconds.

no

That sort of dosen't make that much sense as in Canada I think you can BUY the 700s for $40 Candaian.

She still wants one because it is compace and small and not as bulky as the 2500s.

Is anyone seeing some cable signal corruption? I'm in Nashua and I know it's the signal as I'm seeing random tiling on my analog TV on channels like HGTV and AMC. Started seeing it yesterday evening and it's very random and lasts for only a few seconds.

Yes. Bedford, NH.

Network channels were fine, but the "lesser" channels like AMC, Comedy and Bravo had occasional dropouts last night.

I, too, am enjoying the Olympics coverage on UHD. In addition, I did catch some Battlestar Galactica on Sunday night, even though it was an older episode.

One thing I've noticed with the PQ on UHD is that even though it is great, it appears to be a bit "soft". Has anyone else noticed this? It could've just been the shows I was watching.

I too will complain if Comcast removes UHD after the Olympics. I'd also gladly trade TNT-HD for it, seeing as how TNT thinks that by strecthing every SD show, people will be happy.

I, too, am enjoying the Olympics coverage on UHD. In addition, I did catch some Battlestar Galactica on Sunday night, even though it was an older episode.

One thing I've noticed with the PQ on UHD is that even though it is great, it appears to be a bit "soft". Has anyone else noticed this? It could've just been the shows I was watching.

I too will complain if Comcast removes UHD after the Olympics. I'd also gladly trade TNT-HD for it, seeing as how TNT thinks that by strecthing every SD show, people will be happy.

Is BG broadcast in 1080i or 720p ? Try setting stb to output the native format of BG and see if you notice a difference.

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.

so if I were to go the basic+digital classic (while giving up the expanded basic)...

I would get ESPN-HD for example. What does ESPN-HD show if the scheduled ESPN program is not in HD. does it go "off-air"? or does it still show in SD, which means I would get ESPN? The same question applies to all those HD channels

Also any word if tennis (ESPN2) would ever be on HD (I know ComCast doesn't even carry ESPN2HD) :mad:

Thanks

I added a 6200 a couple of weeks ago for my second TV, to the 6412 I originally had. I just got my bill, and in addition to the 9.20 for the box (and remote), I see a 2.95 "digital access fee". The three charges are on one line item (8.95 box, 0.25 remote, 2.95 digital access fee). I'd never heard of this before, anybody care to share their experiences? On a related note, if I add a "free" cablecard for my third tv, will this get added on as well, making the cable card not-so-free?

you can't get UHD w/o a cable card or stb.

So you are saying that it is supposed to be an encrypted channel, is that correct? Just thought I'd double check, since there are some digital channels that I would have thought would have been encrypted that quite often come through unencrypted. One of the HBO channels for example.

[QUOTE=hudsonmike]so if I were to go the basic+digital classic (while giving up the expanded basic)...

I would get ESPN-HD for example. What does ESPN-HD show if the scheduled ESPN program is not in HD. does it go "off-air"? or does it still show in SD, which means I would get ESPN? The same question applies to all those HD channels
[ENDQUOTE]

You would receive ESPN SD feed with grey bars on the sides.

So you are saying that it is supposed to be an encrypted channel, is that correct? Just thought I'd double check, since there are some digital channels that I would have thought would have been encrypted that quite often come through unencrypted. One of the HBO channels for example.


Yes, UHD is supposed to be encrypted.

I, too, am enjoying the Olympics coverage on UHD. In addition, I did catch some Battlestar Galactica on Sunday night, even though it was an older episode.

One thing I've noticed with the PQ on UHD is that even though it is great, it appears to be a bit "soft". Has anyone else noticed this? It could've just been the shows I was watching.

I too will complain if Comcast removes UHD after the Olympics. I'd also gladly trade TNT-HD for it, seeing as how TNT thinks that by strecthing every SD show, people will be happy.

I agree that we should keep UHD and do not like TNTHD's stretching of 4:3 material,but when they do show an HD show it looks GOOD! :)

Anyone else experiencing horrible audio level problems watching the Olympics?

I've been watching the NBC HD coverage (channel 807), both live and recorded. The audio level seems abnormally low during the program, requiring that I crank the volume. Then, when the commercials come on the volume jumps way up. I'm not just talking about the usual extra loudness of commercials which is merely annoying. This is downright dangerous, jump-for-the-volume-control-before-you-blow-your-speakers loudness, at least 10 dB difference.

I added a 6200 a couple of weeks ago for my second TV, to the 6412 I originally had. I just got my bill, and in addition to the 9.20 for the box (and remote), I see a 2.95 "digital access fee". The three charges are on one line item (8.95 box, 0.25 remote, 2.95 digital access fee). I'd never heard of this before, anybody care to share their experiences? On a related note, if I add a "free" cablecard for my third tv, will this get added on as well, making the cable card not-so-free?
"Digital Access Fee". This is one of those "Comcastic" things that you will see from time to time. It is some form of punishment for those who have already been lured into the digital transition, and now want a second/third box.

Mickey

I spoke with a CSR at Comcast yesterday to order a CableCARD for my HP LC2600N. Initially I was told the CableCARD would be free, but when they saw on my account info that I already had a DVR, they told me the CableCARD would be $2.75 per month. No mention of any "access fee", and if they try to charge one, they'll get their CableCARD back pronto.

Tony

I spoke with a CSR at Comcast yesterday to order a CableCARD for my HP LC2600N. Initially I was told the CableCARD would be free, but when they saw on my account info that I already had a DVR, they told me the CableCARD would be $2.75 per month. No mention of any "access fee", and if they try to charge one, they'll get their CableCARD back pronto.

Tony


Then why are you getting one at all if you were told in advance that there will be a charge?

You are wasting your times 2x, 1 for the install & 2 for the removal, plus install charges.

You will be charged for the CableCard since its the 2nd digital device. Its a charge you can't avoid

Then why are you getting one at all if you were told in advance that there will be a charge?

You are wasting your times 2x, 1 for the install & 2 for the removal, plus install charges.

You will be charged for the CableCard since its the 2nd digital device. Its a charge you can't avoid

Since I was also thinking of adding a cablecard for my other tv and I already have a DVR, does that mean they will also charge a access fee besides the monthly charge like one of the post above or does that just apply to the stb's?

Since I was also thinking of adding a cablecard for my other tv and I already have a DVR, does that mean they will also charge a access fee besides the monthly charge like one of the post above or does that just apply to the stb's?

The 2.95 is the access fee or digital replication fee. If you have a STB then each additional cable card or STB will have this charge. I am not sure if you have just cable cards (ie more then one) if you get the digital replication fee.

Hopefully a day will come (soon) that lets customer install their own cable cards. It seems silly to have to pay a tech to come out and dial up comcast and read them three numbers.

The 2.95 is the access fee or digital replication fee. If you have a STB then each additional cable card or STB will have this charge. I am not sure if you have just cable cards (ie more then one) if you get the digital replication fee.

Hopefully a day will come (soon) that lets customer install their own cable cards. It seems silly to have to pay a tech to come out and dial up comcast and read them three numbers.

Thanks Dozens, that still better than what it cost for a second STB so I will definitely still get the cablecard.

has anyone noticed that the NBC Olympic HD feed lags 1-2 seconds behind the regular feed. Is this some scientific reality (or my funky QAM tuner)?

Then why are you getting one at all if you were told in advance that there will be a charge?

You are wasting your times 2x, 1 for the install & 2 for the removal, plus install charges.

You will be charged for the CableCard since its the 2nd digital device. Its a charge you can't avoid
I think you mis-read my post.

I'm quite happy to pay the $2.75/month that I was quoted by the CSR, but will not pay another $2.95/month access fee on top of that. If there are two fees they should be up front about it.

Tony

I think you mis-read my post.

I'm quite happy to pay the $2.75/month that I was quoted by the CSR, but will not pay another $2.95/month access fee on top of that. If there are two fees they should be up front about it.

Tony
Ok, well let me clear up the confusion, there is no charge for the cable card, but if its the 2nd digitial device you then pay the access fee, which I believe is $2.45. That is the only charge associated with a cable card.

has anyone noticed that the NBC Olympic HD feed lags 1-2 seconds behind the regular feed. Is this some scientific reality (or my funky QAM tuner)?

hudsonmike:

I've noticed this lag with any channel that broadcasts in both SD and HD.

For example, when the Sox are on NESN (50-something) and then on NESN-HD (882), there is a several second delay between the SD feed and the HD feed. If it's a really important game and the neighbors are watching the SD feed, you pretty much know what's about to happen in the game.

Same thing with NBC, ABC, CBS, etc. I've found it can be anywhere from 1 to 4 seconds.

hudsonmike:

I've noticed this lag with any channel that broadcasts in both SD and HD.

For example, when the Sox are on NESN (50-something) and then on NESN-HD (882), there is a several second delay between the SD feed and the HD feed. If it's a really important game and the neighbors are watching the SD feed, you pretty much know what's about to happen in the game.

Same thing with NBC, ABC, CBS, etc. I've found it can be anywhere from 1 to 4 seconds.

Add a few more seconds if you hasve a DVR like I.

However I'm in a building where there is only one tenant next to me and they're not home much.

Ok, well let me clear up the confusion, there is no charge for the cable card, but if its the 2nd digitial device you then pay the access fee, which I believe is $2.45. That is the only charge associated with a cable card.
Thanks for the clarification.

Tony

I spoke with a CSR at Comcast yesterday to order a CableCARD for my HP LC2600N. Initially I was told the CableCARD would be free, but when they saw on my account info that I already had a DVR, they told me the CableCARD would be $2.75 per month. No mention of any "access fee", and if they try to charge one, they'll get their CableCARD back pronto.

Tony

When I was told this, I asked Comcast what the logic was behind the charge. Why is the CC free if no DVR, but if I have a DVR on the same set allowing them lease revenues and ppv revenues then I have to pay for the CC? They could not answer. I told them to take the DVR back because the CC PQ was that much better than the 6412. Now they put themeselves in a lose/lose position-no dvr rental fees, no ppv fees, no cc fees.

COMCASTIC!

When I was told this, I asked Comcast what the logic was behind the charge. Why is the CC free if no DVR, but if I have a DVR on the same set allowing them lease revenues and ppv revenues then I have to pay for the CC? They could not answer. I told them to take the DVR back because the CC PQ was that much better than the 6412. Now they put themeselves in a lose/lose position-no dvr rental fees, no ppv fees, no cc fees.

COMCASTIC!
You would think at that point they would be glad to give you the CC.

You would think at that point they would be glad to give you the CC.

You would think so. Anyway, their loss my gain.

Hey, did you go to the superbowl party at Gannon's this year? I used to attend with my father (Orille) but had to work that night.

has anyone noticed that the NBC Olympic HD feed lags 1-2 seconds behind the regular feed. Is this some scientific reality (or my funky QAM tuner)?

When analog video is converted to MPEG video for digital broadcast. All the little one's and zero's get piled into a digital gas tank called a buffer. They're held there to meet some unknown magic number, then sent out to your STB. I've seen instances where the program was buffered two or three times and the delay became 7 to 8 seconds. I watched Super Bowl 38 with three sets (analog cable, HD cable & HD OTA) My head is still spinning over that.

A friend of mine used to live right next to Fenway - we could see down into the park from her window. It was always very strange to watch the game on TV, and hear the park yelling just before something great (or terrible) happened on TV. But mostly fun.

A friend of mine used to live right next to Fenway - we could see down into the park from her window. It was always very strange to watch the game on TV, and hear the park yelling just before something great (or terrible) happened on TV. But mostly fun.
Ah...memories....!!
When I attended (the now long-defunct) Grahm Jr. College in Kenmore Square....my dorm was the old St. George Hotel...We used to climb up onto the roof and watch the Sox.....No tickets, no crowds, no $6 beer.... :D

You would think so. Anyway, their loss my gain.

Hey, did you go to the superbowl party at Gannon's this year? I used to attend with my father (Orille) but had to work that night.
No, I stayed home and suffered. Wanted Seattle because of the two ex-Patriot kids.

I can't believe that i've had UHD and didn't even notice it till I read today here. Haven't been on here in awhile.

My 6412 recently started tuning on and off by itself and its geting annoying. Anyone been having any problem with 6412 revIII?

Are we sure UHD is gone after 2/27? I see guide data 3/1 and beyond.

FREAK!

Are we sure UHD is gone after 2/27? I see guide data 3/1 and beyond.

FREAK!

The fact that it is on 846 and not 882 increases the chance.

I am in Reading and FIOS-TV became available yesterday. For $30 less per month, I could get a comparable Internet/TV package with 3 boxes, one being a HDTV/DVR. The programming actually offers a few more movie channels that you have to pay extra for on Comcast, ie Starz, Encore etc.

I called Comcast and asked if they wanted to keep me as a customer, what could they do for me for an incentive. They lowered my Internet from $42.95 down to $29.95 and lowered my Basic/extended cable from $49.40 down to $29.95 indefinitly. This saves me a little more than what I would have received with FIOS-TV.

Keep checking when FIOS-TV is available in your town and take advantage of the discounting from Comcast.

I still may try the FIOS package down the road once I hear from others what the quality and packages are like.

I am in Reading and FIOS-TV became available yesterday. For $30 less per month, I could get a comparable Internet/TV package with 3 boxes, one being a HDTV/DVR. The programming actually offers a few more movie channels that you have to pay extra for on Comcast, ie Starz, Encore etc.

I called Comcast and asked if they wanted to keep me as a customer, what could they do for me for an incentive. They lowered my Internet from $42.95 down to $29.95 and lowered my Basic/extended cable from $49.40 down to $29.95 indefinitly. This saves me a little more than what I would have received with FIOS-TV.

Keep checking when FIOS-TV is available in your town and take advantage of the discounting from Comcast.

I still may try the FIOS package down the road once I hear from others what the quality and packages are like.

I know they will NEVEr have Fios in my area. :(

Are we sure UHD is gone after 2/27? I see guide data 3/1 and beyond.

FREAK!

Cable box message this morning from Comcast, saying that the Olypmics are available on UHD, but only through 2/26. I don't recall the exact wording, but the grammar/punctuation seemed to indicate that that DID mean that the channel would be gone at that date, not just the Olympics...

Cable box message this morning from Comcast, saying that the Olypmics are available on UHD, but only through 2/26. I don't recall the exact wording, but the grammar/punctuation seemed to indicate that that DID mean that the channel would be gone at that date, not just the Olympics...

The olympics yes as for the channel of that was the case then why put it where they did?

Its not like theres any Bruins games

Anyone else having serious lip synch issues on the hd channels.It's really annoying.

Simulcast is gone here in Peabody. Is it because of UHD?

Simulcast is gone here in Peabody. Is it because of UHD?

Gone? Not in Lawrence,and we het UHD as well.

Anyone else having serious lip synch issues on the hd channels.It's really annoying.
I noticed this problem on PBS HD last night. Made the programs almost unwatchable.

The cable guy stopped by today to install a CableCARD in my new HP LC2600N LCD TV. Installation went smoothly; it took about 20 minutes, of which 15 were spent by the installer waiting for someone at the office to punch in the authorization info. Picture quality is great, and I do like the fact that the TV now shows the same channel numbers as the set-top box (instead of channel.subchannel for the digital channels).

Tony

Panasonic Plasma with Cable Card.
What determines whether the video on HD channels is 1080i or 720p? And can I control this? In general, at the least in my case, it appears that 1080i looks better.
abc 5HD and ESPNHD are 720p and cbs 4HD and Discovery HD are 1080i.
It seems this quality difference started happening after my cable card was reset by Comcast because of a loss of audio on some channels.

I noticed this problem on PBS HD last night. Made the programs almost unwatchable.

Almost? half a second to perhaps a full second off is watchable (but not pleasant) PBS the other day seemed like 3-5 seconds off.

Anyone getting a line of static (very thin) at the top of your screen on FOX HD?

That is the only channel doing this.

Panasonic Plasma with Cable Card.
What determines whether the video on HD channels is 1080i or 720p? And can I control this? In general, at the least in my case, it appears that 1080i looks better.
abc 5HD and ESPNHD are 720p and cbs 4HD and Discovery HD are 1080i.
It seems this quality difference started happening after my cable card was reset by Comcast because of a loss of audio on some channels.

That is determined by the provider and there's no way you can change it. With the settop box, you can change the output to either 720p or 1080i and the box will convert it for you. With the cable card, I don't think there's anything you can do as it doesn't have the capacity to scale/convert the signal.

I have the 6412 and wish it would just pass through the native signal.

The last couple of nights the strangest thing seems to be occurring. Watching Hi-Def channels I lose the audio during commercials! Now I am not sure I should complain but it is annoying. It happens on 804 805 etc. If I go to the analog equivalent this does not occur. During MNF last night when the broadcasters switched to the player introduction(when the players introduce themselves) there was not audio. Then Madden was clear a bell, well the audio was back, Madden on the other hand...
Any ideas?

I have just run into this problem. I recently moved my 6412 to a different room and am now using the digital audio out for the first time. For commercials that my receiver indicates are dolby digital I have no audio (except for the subwoofer). Other commercials are fine (non 5.1). Once back to main programming the audio is back. I had the older non DVR box (5101?) in this room previously and did not have this problem. Weird. So I'll repeat JTMav's question, any ideas?

That is determined by the provider and there's no way you can change it. With the settop box, you can change the output to either 720p or 1080i and the box will convert it for you. With the cable card, I don't think there's anything you can do as it doesn't have the capacity to scale/convert the signal.

I have the 6412 and wish it would just pass through the native signal.

I assumed Comcast converted everything to 1080i

I assumed Comcast converted everything to 1080iWhy do you assume that?

I suppose the only way to get a native signal for every channel is to have a device that supports Firewire input. It changes resolutions on my DVHS depending on the channel.

Is anyone noticing that the lag is back with the guide? Last night, first thing this am and now after work the same thing. The box locks then a few min later the flury of commands catch up.
Now in the past Ive read about the box updating the guide and the more you use it the worse this is... But
If that was true for this time, then why would it happen first thing in the am when the box has been idle for 7 or so hours?
I gotta say its pretty frustrating to have the same issue creep back all the time. I dont care if its Moto or Comcast that is at fault. I am the consumer paying out the nose for a service that comcast is selling and they cant seem to solve this issue. Almost ever other firmware update this happens. It sounds alot like lazy engineering on someones part.
Its starting to remind me of Symantec with their promises of "oh that is fixed in the next version" but never is.
OK rant over now..

I gotta say its pretty frustrating to have the same issue creep back all the time. I dont care if its Moto or Comcast that is at fault. I am the consumer paying out the nose for a service that comcast is selling and they cant seem to solve this issue. Almost ever other firmware update this happens. It sounds alot like lazy engineering on someones part.


I agree it is frustrating but in all likelihood it is neither motorola's or comcast's fault since tv guide develops the iguide application :) Comcast does have a stake in tv guide so I guess they can take some of the blame.

Panasonic Plasma with Cable Card.
What determines whether the video on HD channels is 1080i or 720p? And can I control this? In general, at the least in my case, it appears that 1080i looks better.
abc 5HD and ESPNHD are 720p and cbs 4HD and Discovery HD are 1080i.
It seems this quality difference started happening after my cable card was reset by Comcast because of a loss of audio on some channels.

Thats the biggest benefit with cable card, you get the native format and the PQ is only limited by the quality of your display. The STB forces a format change probably to make changing channels faster, rescanning the horizontal line rate each channel slows things down a little..

Why do you assume that?

I suppose the only way to get a native signal for every channel is to have a device that supports Firewire input. It changes resolutions on my DVHS depending on the channel.

I rememebr reading oit somewhere. May had been here.

Anyway MY display dosen't supoport 720p.

I have a MOTO 3412 box. Is this a good one?

I am new to this

It has it's quirks, but it gives much better SD PQ than analog models (if you have ADS).
To avoid all nagging problems, leave the 3412 set to "on", and just turn on/off your tv. (All the on/off does is control the output. The box is always on.)
If you get stuttering video on SD, just swap between two SD channels.
If you turn on the box and the screen is blank, enter the DVR & play a recorded show for 1 second, then go back to live.

Leaving the 3412 set to "on" avoids almost all problems.

Here is the link to the discussion on this box.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142

Anyone getting a line of static (very thin) at the top of your screen on FOX HD?

That is the only channel doing this.

baseball, the "static" you refer to is actually data that is in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the orginal SD analog video. For instance, Closed Captioning is on VBI line 21 and Nielsen data is on line 22. When fed into the upscaler, this data makes it through the scaler and the m-peg encoder as an active line of video if things aren't adjusted correctly. This is agravated by the pixel mapping of LCD and plasma TV sets, which I suspect that you have. Panasonic TVs are especially susceptible. The TV maker blames the broadcaster, the broadcaster blames the TV set maker.

Is anyone noticing that the lag is back with the guide? Last night, first thing this am and now after work the same thing. The box locks then a few min later the flury of commands catch up.
Now in the past Ive read about the box updating the guide and the more you use it the worse this is... But
If that was true for this time, then why would it happen first thing in the am when the box has been idle for 7 or so hours?
I gotta say its pretty frustrating to have the same issue creep back all the time. I dont care if its Moto or Comcast that is at fault. I am the consumer paying out the nose for a service that comcast is selling and they cant seem to solve this issue. Almost ever other firmware update this happens. It sounds alot like lazy engineering on someones part.
Its starting to remind me of Symantec with their promises of "oh that is fixed in the next version" but never is.
OK rant over now..

Did it ever go away? Comcast s*cks...

With a number of program guides now listing UHD,I think that channel Universal HD is now here to stay.

My friend Joan called to switch from Standard service to Digital plus with Basic (no extended) She called last night at 740. The person she talked with said they only took orders Monday-SAturday from 8am to 730pm and she would have to call back.

This dosen't make sense.

I have a MOTO 3412 box. Is this a good one?

I am new to this

Unless you need HDMI I say the 6412p2 is the best box to get, it is the most mature set of hardware. With ADS almost everywhere now the the advantage of P3 & 3412 for analog picture improvements is a non-factor. Of course when P3 & 3412 support HD PIP (no idea when) then I will be exchanging my P2.

With a number of program guides now listing UHD,I think that channel Universal HD is now here to stay.

I wouldn't be so sure. It's listed in online guides for my area and we will be losing it after the Olympics is over to get INHD2 back. I'm not saying you might not be keeping it, just that the guides aren't a good indicator of it sticking around.

baseball, the "static" you refer to is actually data that is in the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the orginal SD analog video. For instance, Closed Captioning is on VBI line 21 and Nielsen data is on line 22. When fed into the upscaler, this data makes it through the scaler and the m-peg encoder as an active line of video if things aren't adjusted correctly. This is agravated by the pixel mapping of LCD and plasma TV sets, which I suspect that you have. Panasonic TVs are especially susceptible. The TV maker blames the broadcaster, the broadcaster blames the TV set maker.

awesome explanation! thanks! I can live with it, but I was going crazy wondering why it was happening!

Unless you need HDMI I say the 6412p2 is the best box to get, it is the most mature set of hardware. With ADS almost everywhere now the the advantage of P3 & 3412 for analog picture improvements is a non-factor. Of course when P3 & 3412 support HD PIP (no idea when) then I will be exchanging my P2.


Pardon my ignorance, but what is ADS? I am using component, not HDMI. No PIP which would be great, I love the swap feature though and the duel tuners.

I wouldn't be so sure. It's listed in online guides for my area and we will be losing it after the Olympics is over to get INHD2 back. I'm not saying you might not be keeping it, just that the guides aren't a good indicator of it sticking around.

That is because there isn't room and you have to have UHD on 207.

IN my area INHD is still on 882,and UHD is on 846.

ADS = Analog/Digital Simulcast.

It means that the old analog channels (non-premiums, channel number less than 100) are still on the cable in analog mode for compatibility with "cable ready" TV sets and VCRs, but they're also broadcast in digital form for the Cable Box and/or any QAM/Cable Card compatible digital receiver to pick up. They're still SD channels, but at least have less noise (and more digital artifacts).

That is because there isn't room and you have to have UHD on 207.

IN my area INHD is still on 882,and UHD is on 846.

No, UHD is on 208. 207 is INHD2 and is down for UHD to be shown.

Again, just saying online guides or whatever showing listings is not an accurate indicator that the channel is sticking around after the Olympics.

No, UHD is on 208. 207 is INHD2 and is down for UHD to be shown.

Apparantly CT has a different channel lineup than MA. MA has UHD on 846 and still has INHD1 & 2. Proving that there IS bandwidth available.

No, UHD is on 208. 207 is INHD2 and is down for UHD to be shown.

Again, just saying online guides or whatever showing listings is not an accurate indicator that the channel is sticking around after the Olympics.

You're in Canton CT I'm in Lawrence MA

I say we'll still have UHD come Monday :)

Did it ever go away? Comcast s*cks...

That doesn't sound very Comcastic.

I live in Boston. Is the cable card the way to go with Comcast? Corect me if I am wrong, but cable card means

1) no dvr
2) no on demand
3) no guide (unless my TV has one)

I live in Boston. Is the cable card the way to go with Comcast? Corect me if I am wrong, but cable card means

1) no dvr
2) no on demand
3) no guide (unless my TV has one)

You forgot 4.) No fees :D

That doesn't sound very Comcastic.
LOL no its not. The lack of concern and eagerness to pass the buck is also not very comcastic. It will just be another factor to consider when FIOS has video services.
I work in the IT services industry and when one of my customers have an issue that may be related to a 3rd party software or hardware problem it is still on my shoulders because we want to keep the customer happy, apparently Comcast does not have that philosophy.

You forgot 4.) No fees :D

And 5.) Better PQ.

What fees would I save? DVR fee? Is the card free?

What fees would I save? DVR fee? Is the card free?

It is like a no rental fee cable box (as your TV tuner becomes the "Box" )

how much better is the PQ? I have component cables hooked up, but I may try to get some high end cables if I stay with the box. I love the PQ now, especially on hd

I just realized something.

There have been no new movies on on demand for the past two weeks.

No new titles under just in and titles that were supposed to debut today and last friday are not yet listed.

Iwas looking forward to checking out Red Eye in HD (as it is a Dreamworks title)

Perhaps 846 MAY be going away :(

I just realized something.

There have been no new movies on on demand for the past two weeks.

No new titles under just in and titles that were supposed to debut today and last friday are not yet listed.

Iwas looking forward to checking out Red Eye in HD (as it is a Dreamworks title)

Perhaps 846 MAY be going away :(


Ok I'm confused, what does no new on demand movies have to do with UHD ?

-Ken

Ok I'm confused, what does no new on demand movies have to do with UHD ?

-Ken

Bandwidth

Anyways UHD is on 679.75 equivalant to channel 105 if it were to be presented in the clear.

Are there any HD movies still listed? If so, then there is still "bandwidth" being used for HD on demand. The bandwidth doesn't care if the movies are a day old or 5 years old.

Are there any HD movies still listed? If so, then there is still "bandwidth" being used for HD on demand. The bandwidth doesn't care if the movies are a day old or 5 years old.

It may just be using stuff that would nornmally be used for new stuff,as I do not see any.

We shall see on Monday.

It may just be using stuff that would nornmally be used for new stuff,as I do not see any.

We shall see on Monday.

Yeah, HD Ondemand is one specific frequency, so UHD would have no bearing on that at all (unless all HD ondemand was gone). If UHD is gone it will most certainly have to due with contractual issues.

-Ken

I have 4 or so new HD OnDemand titles here. Nothing I'd pay $6 for though.

Anybody having trouble watching Olympics on WHDH? I am hving a lot of pauses here in Bedford.

Me too in Hanson

The PQ of the whole Olympics is bad enough. And now this. It's extremely frustrating watching short track racing this way.

Here too in Belmont. It's not just NBC either; Forrest Gump is pausing too on ABC. The hell? :confused:

yeah it's been freezing for me all day, 805 and 807. I just got service last week too. Does this happen a lot?

Yep, freezing all over the place. Unwatchable. Get on the ball COMCAST.

Ya I for one will most likely be dumping Comcast once Verizon's cable service launches in my town. Its already available in both Woburn and now Reading. There has been nothing but positive reviews and some have said the best PQ they have ever seen bar none. As far as Comcast goes, my channels have been freezing more often and trying to watch the Olympics can be a challenge at times.

Yeah, HD Ondemand is one specific frequency, so UHD would have no bearing on that at all (unless all HD ondemand was gone). If UHD is gone it will most certainly have to due with contractual issues.

-Ken

I rebooted my box. All the new ONdemand stuff is there.

UHD is still there too :)

1:48pm Update: The LAST OLympic show on UHD has aired. It is still there and there are lists for the next 2 weeks

I think this is a keeper.

I am freezing too

More freezing than a naked person on my front lawn overnight.

Comcastic!

stopped freezing for me after Forrest Gump ended, pretty inconvient but at least I got the see the relay and the wrap up show stutter free

Questions for L Supreme

1) If Comcast were to bite the bullet and make Extended Basic digital-only, how many new HD slots do you think would open up?

2) When is your best guess as to when they would be willing to do this? Are there necessary conditions (e.g. digital cable penetration percentage) required for this to happen?

3) Would it be more likely that they will just gradually cut the number of channels in EB? Can they do that without cutting the price?

Thanks in advance!

Questions for L Supreme

1) If Comcast were to bite the bullet and make Extended Basic digital-only, how many new HD slots do you think would open up?

2) When is your best guess as to when they would be willing to do this? Are there necessary conditions (e.g. digital cable penetration percentage) required for this to happen?

3) Would it be more likely that they will just gradually cut the number of channels in EB? Can they do that without cutting the price?

Thanks in advance!

I predict that comcast will do next to NOTHING before the analog cutoff in 2009 . Many people have analog only (no cablebox). I have tons of friends with no cable box. Unless Comcast was to give out cableboxes for free (unlikely) then they would have a lot of pissed off customers. Maybe a few channels will switched off from analog, but I expect no wholesale changes. We must not forget that we (HD) customers are the MINORITY.
What if the cablecos are allowed to continue to provide analog signals to their customers after 2009 ? I predict that they will continue to provide the analog signal as a competitive advantage over satellite.

-Ken

Questions for L Supreme

1) If Comcast were to bite the bullet and make Extended Basic digital-only, how many new HD slots do you think would open up?

2) When is your best guess as to when they would be willing to do this? Are there necessary conditions (e.g. digital cable penetration percentage) required for this to happen?

3) Would it be more likely that they will just gradually cut the number of channels in EB? Can they do that without cutting the price?

Thanks in advance!

Each ananlog channel that gets shut off opens up 2 HD channels or 8 or even more SD digital channels.

I could see it possibly happening THIS YEAR!

I predict that comcast will do next to NOTHING before the analog cutoff in 2009 . Many people have analog only (no cablebox). I have tons of friends with no cable box. Unless Comcast was to give out cableboxes for free (unlikely) then they would have a lot of pissed off customers. Maybe a few channels will switched off from analog, but I expect no wholesale changes. We must not forget that we (HD) customers are the MINORITY.
What if the cablecos are allowed to continue to provide analog signals to their customers after 2009 ? I predict that they will continue to provide the analog signal as a competitive advantage over satellite.

-Ken
and goive up all that potential bandwidth? I don't think so.

I can see it happening in three stages:

Stage one:

American Movie Classics
Animal Planet
Bravo
Cartoon Network
Comedy Central
GSN
Golf channel
History Channel
OLN
SciFi channel
TV food Network
TV Land


Stage two:
A&E
ABC Family
CNBC
CNN Headline News
Court TV
ESPN Classic
Fox News Channel
Fx
Hallmark channel
HGTV
MSNBC
Spike TV
The Learning Channel
Travel channel
VH-1

stage 3:
BCTV
CNN
Cspan
Cspan 2
Disney Channel
E!
ESPN 2
ESPN SD
Fox Sports NE
Lifetime
MTV
NESN
Nickeloden
TBS
The Discovery Channel
The Weather Channel
TNT SD
USA

Each ananlog channel that gets shut off opens up 2 HD channels or 8 or even more SD digital channels.

I could see it possibly happening THIS YEAR!

Chitchat - YOU ARE DREAMING . Comcast doesn't care about your ability to get more HD channels as much as they care about $$. Tell all my analog friends they will need boxes on all their sets and they will be pretty upset. This will be a very SLOW process. I watched the analog shutoff congressional hearing and the cable companies were lobbying for the RIGHT to continue to provide analog after the 2009 OTA analog cutoff.

"After analog signals go dark, cable operators expect about 50% of their subscribers to receive digital signals. To minimize consumer disruption, cable operators want authority, at least with respect to must-carry stations, to downconvert digital signals to analog at the headend."

LINK (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA626212.html?display=Policy)

-Ken

Chitchat - YOU ARE DREAMING . Comcast doesn't care about your ability to get more HD channels as much as they care about $$. Tell all my analog friends they will need boxes on all their sets and they will be pretty upset. This will be a very SLOW process. I watched the analog shutoff congressional hearing and the cable companies were lobbying for the RIGHT to continue to provide analog after the 2009 OTA analog cutoff.

"After analog signals go dark, cable operators expect about 50% of their subscribers to receive digital signals. To minimize consumer disruption, cable operators want authority, at least with respect to must-carry stations, to downconvert digital signals to analog at the headend."

LINK (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA626212.html?display=Policy)

-Ken

I believe the cablecos did not get their way on that one.

I would agree that broadcast Basic will be analog for a very long time, but Extended could be a different story (that's why I directed my questions to the one person on here who might actually have some hard info). The fact that we are a small minority did not stop Comcast from making all the premiums digital-only. Were your friends upset to lose access to THE SOPRANOS and the uncensored SEX AND THE CITY? Are they still customers? If they could do without that, would it be a completely different reaction were they to lose THE DAILY SHOW, first-run episodes of SOUTH PARK, and THE COLBERT REPORT? (And if it comes to that, nothing is stopping Comcast from moving a few true must-haves to Basic.) How many of your friends have Extended to start with, and how many would drop cable altogether if they lost access to it?

At some point, the need to accomodate the slowly-growing HD audience will force Comcast to cause some pain to the slowly-shrinking analog base. The question is where that point is, and to answer that we need harder info than we seem to have at the moment.

Chitchat - YOU ARE DREAMING . Comcast doesn't care about your ability to get more HD channels as much as they care about $$. Tell all my analog friends they will need boxes on all their sets and they will be pretty upset. This will be a very SLOW process. I watched the analog shutoff congressional hearing and the cable companies were lobbying for the RIGHT to continue to provide analog after the 2009 OTA analog cutoff.

"After analog signals go dark, cable operators expect about 50% of their subscribers to receive digital signals. To minimize consumer disruption, cable operators want authority, at least with respect to must-carry stations, to downconvert digital signals to analog at the headend."

LINK (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA626212.html?display=Policy)

-Ken

Then what was the purpose of ADS?

Then what was the purpose of ADS?

At this point, its all idle speculation what Comcast or any other cable company is going to do? Why waste brain cells arguing over it?

ADS was put in to place to improve PQ on the HD boxes for customers and to also reduce the cost of digital boxes by removing one of the more expensive components, the analog tuner.

There might come a time when they will shut down most of their analog video... but at this point there isn't any wind of such a massive undertaking in any of the trades magazines.

I believe the cablecos did not get their way on that one.

I would agree that broadcast Basic will be analog for a very long time, but Extended could be a different story (that's why I directed my questions to the one person on here who might actually have some hard info). The fact that we are a small minority did not stop Comcast from making all the premiums digital-only. Were your friends upset to lose access to THE SOPRANOS and the uncensored SEX AND THE CITY? Are they still customers? If they could do without that, would it be a completely different reaction were they to lose THE DAILY SHOW, first-run episodes of SOUTH PARK, and THE COLBERT REPORT? (And if it comes to that, nothing is stopping Comcast from moving a few true must-haves to Basic.) How many of your friends have Extended to start with, and how many would drop cable altogether if they lost access to it?

At some point, the need to accomodate the slowly-growing HD audience will force Comcast to cause some pain to the slowly-shrinking analog base. The question is where that point is, and to answer that we need harder info than we seem to have at the moment.

I wonder what percentage of cable subs get movie channels. I bet it is pretty low. Most of the people i know get basic + extended (up through 71) and get nothing else. No movie channels, no cable boxes. When HBO went digital only they didn't notice cause they didn't have it.

I checked this morning and I still had UHD.
FREAK!

I got onea them notices from TiVo that the channel had been deleted, but I was still receiving it last I checked.

Fios local lineup:
in SD=2,4,5,7,9,11,25,27,38,44,50,56,60,66,68
in HD= 2,4,5,7,25,38,56
no NESN HD and NO FSN NE even in SD

Fios local lineup:
in SD=2,4,5,7,9,11,25,27,38,44,50,56,60,66,68
in HD= 2,4,5,7,25,38,56
no NESN HD and NO FSN NE even in SD

I was all set to call Verizon until I read this. NESN HD is why I am back with Comcast and ditched the satelite dish.

UHD still going.

It looks like NESN's Sportsdesk show is broadcasting in HD now. With the upcoming Sox HD games (along with pre and post game shows) and the Bruins HD games, isn't it time for a full time NESN-HD channel on Comcast? I would trade UHD for that in a heartbeat.

Mickey

It looks like NESN's Sportsdesk show is broadcasting in HD now. With the upcoming Sox HD games (along with pre and post game shows) and the Bruins HD games, isn't it time for a full time NESN-HD channel on Comcast? I would trade UHD for that in a heartbeat.

Mickey

If we have bandwith for both,why not? :)

Fios local lineup:
in SD=2,4,5,7,9,11,25,27,38,44,50,56,60,66,68
in HD= 2,4,5,7,25,38,56
no NESN HD and NO FSN NE even in SD

while accurate, one should note that the above is the local lineup only...

here is the potential HD channel lineup for MA (depending on package purchased):
http://www22.verizon.com/FiOSForHome/Includes/FiOSTV/NorthShore.pdf

HDTV Broadcast
802 PBS — WGBH
803 UPN — WSBK
804 CBS — WBZ
805 ABC — WCVB
806 WB — WLVI
807 NBC — WHDH
808 FOX — WFXT

HDTV National
810 TNT HDTV
811 ESPN HDTV
812 ESPN 2 HDTV
814 NFL Network HDTV
818 HD Net Movies
819 Universal HDTV
820 Discovery HDTV
821 Wealth TV HD

HDTV Premium
830 HBO HDTV
831 Cinemax HDTV
832 Showtime HDTV
833 TMC HDTV
834 Starz! HDTV

unfortunately still no NESN for now :(

while accurate, one should note that the above is the local lineup only...

here is the potential HD channel lineup for MA (depending on package purchased):
http://www22.verizon.com/FiOSForHome/Includes/FiOSTV/NorthShore.pdf

HDTV Broadcast
802 PBS — WGBH
803 UPN — WSBK
804 CBS — WBZ
805 ABC — WCVB
806 WB — WLVI
807 NBC — WHDH
808 FOX — WFXT

HDTV National
810 TNT HDTV
811 ESPN HDTV
812 ESPN 2 HDTV
814 NFL Network HDTV
818 HD Net Movies
819 Universal HDTV
820 Discovery HDTV
821 Wealth TV HD

HDTV Premium
830 HBO HDTV
831 Cinemax HDTV
832 Showtime HDTV
833 TMC HDTV
834 Starz! HDTV

unfortunately still no NESN for now :(


Interesting that hdnet movies is included, but no hdnet ?

What Channel is Sportsdesk? 882?

What Channel is Sportsdesk? 882?

Only on channel 51, but not in HD. Right now, the only NESN-HD broadcasts that Comcast shows on 882 are the Red Sox and Bruins HD games. Although Sportsdesk and the other NESN studio shows are now being broadcast in HD, Comcast will not be showing those on 882. NESN is saying that they have over 3,000 hours of HD broadcasts scheduled for 2006. That is why we now need a dedicated HD channel for NESN.

Mickey

When I was talking to the FIOS-TV rep, he assured me that NESN-HD was available and that they were in the process of finalizing the FSNE contract.

I found this on WCVB's website:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/investigative/7541951/detail.html

They are looking for folks who have had frequent problems with their DVR to go on camera and talk about the issues.

Looks like a good opportunity for anyone with an axe to grind with Comcast.

Only on channel 51, but not in HD. Right now, the only NESN-HD broadcasts that Comcast shows on 882 are the Red Sox and Bruins HD games. Although Sportsdesk and the other NESN studio shows are now being broadcast in HD, Comcast will not be showing those on 882. NESN is saying that they have over 3,000 hours of HD broadcasts scheduled for 2006. That is why we now need a dedicated HD channel for NESN.

Mickey

851 would be the logical slot.

UHD is sTILL UP!

I think we will be keeping this one :)

851 would be the logical slot.

UHD is sTILL UP!

I think we will be keeping this one :)


Yes, UHD is a permanent chnl now

Only on channel 51, but not in HD. Right now, the only NESN-HD broadcasts that Comcast shows on 882 are the Red Sox and Bruins HD games. Although Sportsdesk and the other NESN studio shows are now being broadcast in HD, Comcast will not be showing those on 882. NESN is saying that they have over 3,000 hours of HD broadcasts scheduled for 2006. That is why we now need a dedicated HD channel for NESN.

Mickey

51? I only have 13 and 195 for NESN.

How does FiOS work anyway? Does it come in thru the phone line? Will my cable outlets be useless?

Yes, UHD is a permanent chnl now

thanks L Supreme...that is indeed good news !!

-Ken

Kick ass! Thanks L Supreme!

FREAK!

Yes, UHD is a permanent chnl now

I had a feeling :)

The 846 placement gave me a clue that it might not be going away.

The continuing listings from TV Guide interactive was another clue.

I found this on WCVB's website:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/investigative/7541951/detail.html

They are looking for folks who have had frequent problems with their DVR to go on camera and talk about the issues.

Looks like a good opportunity for anyone with an axe to grind with Comcast.
Wow, they must have run out of all the good ideas. Just like most new technology, the Moto DVR is buggy. All of the new cable boxes seem buggy to me when they first come out. It seems to take 12 to 18 months to work out all the bugs, and by then, a new box has come out to replace it. If you don't like new technology, go back to your 19" Philco black and white with the rabbit ears.

Mickey

Wow, they must have run out of all the good ideas. Just like most new technology, the Moto DVR is buggy. All of the new cable boxes seem buggy to me when they first come out. It seems to take 12 to 18 months to work out all the bugs, and by then, a new box has come out to replace it. If you don't like new technology, go back to your 19" Philco black and white with the rabbit ears.

Mickey


So, you are saying that it is a good thing that every 12 to 18 months, new bug riddled technology will appear to replace old bug riddled technology?

I find it a bit disingenuous to claim that we should accept improperly functioning devices as part of the cost of embracing new technology.

The features and functions of the Comcast DVR that are causing problems for customers are far from being new cutting edge technology. Tivo pioneered much of it an eternity(in terms of the technology product cycle) ago. The problem is not one of the technology being so raw in terms of development that it is impossible to fix the problems within this current product's life cycle.

The current situation with the Comacast DVR seems to be one where none of the responsible parties are willing to step up and acknowledge their responsibility, and none of them is willing to bear the cost of fixing the issues.

QA testing and bug fixes cost money. I personally believe this is an issue of economics, and not technology.

Whether the technical problem belongs to Motorola or the guide software vendor, Comcast bears the ultimate responsibility to its customers. Comcast markets the features of the DVR to its customers, and no where in the marketing collateral is there any mention of the problems you may experience when attempting to use some of these features. Comcast customers are paying for these features and Comcast is failing to deliver the "product", as advertised, that its customers are paying for.

It seems to me that the issues will only be fixed when it costs Comcast more money to ignore the issues than to have them fixed. My fear is that the whole problem ends up as the subject of a class action lawsuit which will benefit no one but the lawyers involved. I find it hard to believe that some enterprising attorneys aren't working on this already.

So, you are saying that it is a good thing that every 12 to 18 months, new bug riddled technology will appear to replace old bug riddled technology?

I find it a bit disingenuous to claim that we should accept improperly functioning devices as part of the cost of embracing new technology.

The features and functions of the Comcast DVR that are causing problems for customers are far from being new cutting edge technology. Tivo pioneered much of it an eternity(in terms of the technology product cycle) ago. The problem is not one of the technology being so raw in terms of development that it is impossible to fix the problems within this current product's life cycle.

The current situation with the Comacast DVR seems to be one where none of the responsible parties are willing to step up and acknowledge their responsibility, and none of them is willing to bear the cost of fixing the issues.

QA testing and bug fixes cost money. I personally believe this is an issue of economics, and not technology.

Whether the technical problem belongs to Motorola or the guide software vendor, Comcast bears the ultimate responsibility to its customers. Comcast markets the features of the DVR to its customers, and no where in the marketing collateral is there any mention of the problems you may experience when attempting to use some of these features. Comcast customers are paying for these features and Comcast is failing to deliver the "product", as advertised, that its customers are paying for.

It seems to me that the issues will only be fixed when it costs Comcast more money to ignore the issues than to have them fixed. My fear is that the whole problem ends up as the subject of a class action lawsuit which will benefit no one but the lawyers involved. I find it hard to believe that some enterprising attorneys aren't working on this already.
It sounds so easy. You should start your own competing Cable company.

Mickey

I'm persontally looking for NGEO HD.

I can really live with out MTV HD and ESPN2 HD. There is not enough HD to fill ESPN, so why a second?

How do we know that UDH is a permanent channel now? If so that's terrific news. Supreme, you have any inside scoop?

By the way here is NESN HD's official site. They list NESN HD as a full-time HD channel. How come Comcast doesn't carry it, considering they are have a partnership together? It would seem to make sense. NESN will now broadcast all their in-studio shows (pregame/postgame) shows in HD! http://www.boston.com/sports/nesn/aboutus/hd/

It sounds so easy. You should start your own competing Cable company.

Mickey

Mickey, I don't want this to be personal, but wow. So much for reasoned debate.

I don't recall saying anywhere in my post that the solution was easy. I also don't think that cable box/DVR that does not continually freeze when changing channels, accessing menus, and or accessing the guide is too much to ask for at this point in the evolution of technology.

Eith this is a hardware related issue that cannot be fixed in the existing boxes or it is a bug, or combination of bugs in the software.

If is hardware, then Comcast should acknowlegde there is a problem and it can't be fixed in existing hardware, or it is software and there doesn't seem to be enough economic incentive to get it fixed.

Mickey, I don't want this to be personal, but wow. So much for reasoned debate.

I don't recall saying anywhere in my post that the solution was easy. I also don't think that cable box/DVR that does not continually freeze when changing channels, accessing menus, and or accessing the guide is too much to ask for at this point in the evolution of technology.

Eith this is a hardware related issue that cannot be fixed in the existing boxes or it is a bug, or combination of bugs in the software.

If is hardware, then Comcast should acknowlegde there is a problem and it can't be fixed in existing hardware, or it is software and there doesn't seem to be enough economic incentive to get it fixed.
I don’t disagree with a lot of what you say, just the final solution. My opinion is that if Comcast spent a lot of time and money stabilizing the hardware and software on its high-end boxes, it might lead to two unintended developments: a slower new tech cycle, and higher monthly fees. At some point Comcast may give you an option to upgrade to a box with Tivo software. When that happens we would have the option to pay more for stability or pass less for more frequent tech refreshes (but with less stability). Then maybe we can all be happy.

Mickey

Mickey, I don't want this to be personal, but wow. So much for reasoned debate.

I don't recall saying anywhere in my post that the solution was easy. I also don't think that cable box/DVR that does not continually freeze when changing channels, accessing menus, and or accessing the guide is too much to ask for at this point in the evolution of technology.

Eith this is a hardware related issue that cannot be fixed in the existing boxes or it is a bug, or combination of bugs in the software.

If is hardware, then Comcast should acknowlegde there is a problem and it can't be fixed in existing hardware, or it is software and there doesn't seem to be enough economic incentive to get it fixed.


Just to let you know. The problem is software related. Nothing has been released becasue extensive testing is being done on the fix. IMO its better to deal with the problems you know than the ones you don't.

About UHD, it doesn't matter how I know, just take my word for it. I wouldn't steer you wrong.

There is another choice regarding the dvr unit....don't pay for it !!! It is a choice, one that I have made. I will live with my panny non-hd dvr until comcast comes out with a proper box that works.

-Ken

There is another choice regarding the dvr unit....don't pay for it !!! It is a choice, one that I have made. I will live with my panny non-hd dvr until comcast comes out with a proper box that works.

-Ken

While that is certainly a personal choice that you are free to make, it will be a cold day in hell before anyone takes either of my slightly buggy DVRs (1 6412p2/1 6412p3) away from me, unless it is to upgrade to the Panny 250 GBs coming out. I'll never watch any non-sports programming live again.

Is there an upgrade to the DCT 2244 that's non HD ? On my 3412, I like the on screen TV image in the upper right hand side while searching through the guide menu.

Thanks

Is there an upgrade to the DCT 2244 that's non HD ? On my 3412, I like the on screen TV image in the upper right hand side while searching through the guide menu.

Thanks

Both the DCT 2500 & DCT 700 have the scaled video feature.

51? I only have 13 and 195 for NESN.

How does FiOS work anyway? Does it come in thru the phone line? Will my cable outlets be useless?
There's a separate thread started for Verizon FiOS in the Boston area (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=602830&highlight=verizon+boston). To understand more about the FiOS or FTTP architechture you can refer to this document from Verizon's website (http://www22.verizon.com/about/community/tx/technology/fttp_arch.html). Information on the technology can be found here (http://www22.verizon.com/about/community/tx/technology/technology.html). Information for the services can be found here (http://www22.verizon.com/about/community/tx/technology/fios_fact.html).

thanks danalog! will check it out

Any word on full ADS in the Reading area. Thanks

L Supreme

My wife when to the Milford office today to try and swap out the box.
The answer she got was that they were only available in the Boston area, and
that they could not order one ?

nssteve, Reading has been complete since the end of January

Since I have been having issues with my DVR for over a year here are my two cents.
Comcast has a problem with one or both of the following

1) Ownership of a problem. If it is Motorola or the Guide is irrelevant. Comcast is selling a service and can’t seem to get the guide from freezing up for what ever reason. The end of the day it is their problem because they are selling the service.
2) Disseminating accurate information to their customers and internal personal. People know more here then a CSR knows when you call (depending on who gets the call).


As a customer in general not just High-tech an answer that this is new technology and there for you should put up with the bugs but you should also pay a premium is just pathetic.
When did we as customers say it is ok to be treated like this and not just from Comcast?
I monitor networks and servers for a living and I can not imagine how a call with a customer would go if I said well yes your server and go down and yes your backup data is corrupt and unusable but this is all fairly new stuff so you should expect bugs and oh by the way I am raising the cost of the service this year to pay for research into these bugs and new tech to better serve you.
Total and utter BS and if you think this type of Customer Service is ok then you need therapy.
File this under not a Raving Fan.....

Since I have been having issues with my DVR for over a year here are my two cents.
Comcast has a problem with one or both of the following

1) Ownership of a problem. If it is Motorola or the Guide is irrelevant. Comcast is selling a service and can’t seem to get the guide from freezing up for what ever reason. The end of the day it is their problem because they are selling the service.
2) Disseminating accurate information to their customers and internal personal. People know more here then a CSR knows when you call (depending on who gets the call).


As a customer in general not just High-tech an answer that this is new technology and there for you should put up with the bugs but you should also pay a premium is just pathetic.
When did we as customers say it is ok to be treated like this and not just from Comcast?
I monitor networks and servers for living and I can not imagine how a call with a customer would go if I said well yes your server and go down and yes your backup data is corrupt and unusable but this is all fairly new stuff so you should expect bugs and oh by the way I am raising the cost of the service this year to pay for research into these bugs and new tech to better serve you.
Total and utter BS and if you think this type of Customer Service is ok then you need therapy.
File this under not a Raving Fan.....

As another IT guy I could not agree more !!! Why do we put up with and pay for stuff that doesn't work properly ??

As another IT guy I could not agree more !!! Why do we put up with and pay for stuff that doesn't work properly ??

I'd like to know the answer to this. After my own dissatisfaction, I turned my STB in for a cablecard. I realize that this is not an option for all, but if demand is high for a low satisfaction product or service, they have little incentive to change.

kentv For me its because they are the only show in town and ive went through the whole satalite thing already once.
Hey I understandt things dont always work without a few bumps but!!! Its been over a year we are past our bumps stage (IMHO).

L Supreme, Some of the 2-99 channels do not have the D in the guide. Do I have to reboot, unplug or have a ping sent. Thanks

Why do we put up with and pay for stuff that doesn't work properly ??

Because we're consumers.

Because Comcast has bought and paid for more congresscritters than any of us have.

Because for most of us, it's the only game in town.

Because we've all grown used to everything being in a continual state of "beta."

Because everyone, from designer to consumer, given the choice between "works well" and "cheap" picks "cheap."

toots, good points. I for one bring these things up to my local town cable committie and to Comcast Corp. I am the complaning customer that does not go away. I have been comped back for a few months here and there but as long as the masses sit back and take it we get just what they are serving. It reminds me alot of a 2 party polical system that is closer to broke then fixed and no one wants to do anything about it.
Now if I could get these damm NT to Unix password synch errors fixed id be much happier :)

L Supreme, Some of the 2-99 channels do not have the D in the guide. Do I have to reboot, unplug or have a ping sent. Thanks


That's not the most accurate way to check if the chnl is digital becasue sometimes it doesn't show.

Check the inband status on the box.

go to any chnl below 99
power box off
hit select on box
then go to D04 In Band Status
the mode should say 256 QAM

L Supreme, Thanks I will try tonight.

I saw this in my bill today:

Please note: Effective April 5, 2006, there are changes to our digital lineup. Encore Drama and WAM will be replaced with Indieplex and Retroplex.

I checked the starz website,and there still will be a Encore Drama and Wam.
If Comcast has to dump to digital channels to get 2 other digital channels then what about the bandwidth for all the new HD channels? :)

EXPANDED BASIC SHOULD start going digital ONLY!

What is the best STB to have right now?

Is it just me or is Verizon's FiOS TV and Internet service going to kick the crap out of Comcast? Verizon's all fiber-optic network is going to have huge pluses in the technology area and they'll pretty much will be able to put on every network, as long as the contracts are not a problem. With Comcast not only do they appear to be at almost max capacity, but they've had problems negotiating contracts with various networks (HDNet). At the very least I hope Verizon really puts forth a huge marketing push in touting their FiOS televison and internet service in the various markets they'll be going into.

Anybody knows when?

Is it just me or is Verizon's FiOS TV and Internet service going to kick the crap out of Comcast? Verizon's all fiber-optic network is going to have huge pluses in the technology area and they'll pretty much will be able to put on every network, as long as the contracts are not a problem. With Comcast not only do they appear to be at almost max capacity, but they've had problems negotiating contracts with various networks (HDNet). At the very least I hope Verizon really puts forth a huge marketing push in touting their FiOS televison and internet service in the various markets they'll be going into.

Verizon will have the advantage of being fully digital - you won't be able to get service unless you have a box connected to each TV from what I've heard. That alone will allow them to go HD crazy if they so choose.

Regarding the discussion of Comcast's poor implementations, I would assume that these services and products are geared towards John Q Public. I don't think the folks on this forum really represent that. Personally I've had the DVR for 6 months and besides the command delay issue (which has been gone for quite some time now) the thing works just like I'd expect it to. However, I don't do a ton of recording and don't use schedules or series recordings beyond 1 show. When I do record it seems just fine.

My point is that Comcast may not have these things working like a true Tivo because the average consumer hasn't experienced what people here do. It's no excuse for shoddy performance, but say they do satisfaction surveys and the average user likes the service, then what motivation do they have to improve things? That's why this forum is important - people here push the envelope and pave the way for John Q Public by implementing the latest technology early, which in essence means we're all lab rats...

Verizon will have the advantage of being fully digital - you won't be able to get service unless you have a box connected to each TV from what I've heard. That alone will allow them to go HD crazy if they so choose.

Actually you don't need a box everywhere...somewhere in the chain...i believe in one of the boxes they install just inside the house it will convert the basic lowest tier channels to analog so that you don't need to have a cable box in your bedroom just to fall asleep to Conan....wish I could find the reference info about this.

All this FIOS discussion should probably be in the Boston, MA - Verizon thread :)

Speaking of the Comcast DVR, will they EVER fix the blasted bug where the set-top box comes up stuck in mute mode if you turn the box on just after it starts a recording? I was about ready to pitch the stupid box out the window last night when I was 30 seconds late turning the box on for "ER".

Tony

Speaking of the Comcast DVR, will they EVER fix the blasted bug where the set-top box comes up stuck in mute mode if you turn the box on just after it starts a recording? I was about ready to pitch the stupid box out the window last night when I was 30 seconds late turning the box on for "ER".

Tony

There is a way out of this with the remote. You must program a code, called "Box Mute"

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button again blinks twice.
4. Hit (Do Not Hold) the "Setup" button
5. Enter in 00141 (for Box Mute)
6. Press whatever button you want “Box Mute" to be. (I use "fav", right next to the TV mute)

This only mutes / unmutes the cable box volume.

Well it took me 3 calls but I dropped expanded basic ($35.40), keeping
basic and Digital Silver. At least I hope they got it right.

First CSR had no problems with it, and just needed to schedule
an appointment for someone to come in the house to install a filter.

When my wife got home, the regular cable box had no video and a not
authorized message on the digital channels, the HD DVR was working fine.
She called and was told expanded basic could not be removed. The CSR
consulted with a manager and still insisted it wasn't an option. She offered
us Digital classic for $1 for 4 months instead, but expanded basic was turned back on.

I called again from work, and got a third CSR. She was very helpful, and seemed surprised the second CSR didn't know this is an option. She was also confused about why a signal was sent out to my box in the first place. The filter is the only thing blocking expanded basic. She resent a signal to my box, and corrected my bill again. She did however attempt to tell me that I wouldn't receive HD TNT, ESPN, NESN because I don't have expanded basic. I told her to check her facts. She called my wife back after 5 minutes to make sure we were getting all the channels we should be.

I can't imagine what my next bill is going to look like with the subtraction, addition and later subtractions of services. I just know this is going to take another call.

I know I've seen it in writing here, but I'm not going to be really comfortable until I sit down on opening day and actually see the Sox in HD.

There is a way out of this with the remote. You must program a code, called "Box Mute"

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button again blinks twice.
4. Hit (Do Not Hold) the "Setup" button
5. Enter in 00141 (for Box Mute)
6. Press whatever button you want “Box Mute" to be. (I use "fav", right next to the TV mute)

This only mutes / unmutes the cable box volume.
Hey, it works! Now how do you un-do it so I can have my "favorite" button back???

Getting only Basic and Digital Silver w/ HBO I get TNT-HD and ESPNHD...should I also be getting a NESN HD?

There is another choice regarding the dvr unit....don't pay for it !!! It is a choice, one that I have made. I will live with my panny non-hd dvr until comcast comes out with a proper box that works.

-KenSpeaking of a box with software that may work, any new news on the Comcast/Tivo "box"?

larry

Getting only Basic and Digital Silver w/ HBO I get TNT-HD and ESPNHD...should I also be getting a NESN HD?

Currently, there is no dedicated NESN-HD channel. When NESN is broadcasting a HD program, its shown on one of the INHD channels, either 881 or 882.

ahh...ok I suspected as much

ok, I have dig platinum, basic and expanded basic. What do I loose if I drop expanded basic?
FREAK!

roughly channels 20 to 70 if you have a similar lineup to mine

24 Disney Channel
25 Nickelodeon
26 ABC Family Channel
27 Travel Channel
28 MTV
29 VH-1
30 FX
31 TBS
32 Home & Garden TV
33 TNT
34 E! Entertainment
35 USA Network
36 Lifetime
37 A&E
38 The Learning Channel
39 Discovery Channel
40 Court TV
41 Fox News
42 CNN
43 CNN Headline News
44 C-SPAN
45 C-SPAN2
46 CNBC
47 The Weather Channel
48 ESPN Classic
49 ESPN
50 ESPN2
51 NESN
52 Fox Sports Net
53 MSNBC
54 CMT
55 Spike TV
56 BCTV/EWTN/INSP
58 History Channel
59 AMC
60 Cartoon Network
61 Comedy Central
62 Sci-Fi Channel
63 Animal Planet
64 TV Land
65 QVC
66 Food Network
67 Hallmark
68 GSN/Leased Access
69 The Golf Channel
95 Outdoor Life Network

There is a way out of this with the remote. You must program a code, called "Box Mute"

This only mutes / unmutes the cable box volume.

THANK YOU! Really appreciate the tip!

Tony

Free HBO preview March 17-21st

So today is the first NESN Sox Spring Game, at 1pm......I don't see it listed on INHD1 or INHD2, I assume its not in HD?

Disappointing.

Currently, there is no dedicated NESN-HD channel. When NESN is broadcasting a HD program, its shown on one of the INHD channels, either 881 or 882.

It's just 882 that they use for local sports HD broadcast, Comcast uses the 881 channel with NBA, NHL, or other for games that are shown nationally on their system.

No Red Sox in HD. Just have SD broadcast on 51. 882 (INHD) has a movie, No HD Sox Come on COmcast....................

L Supreme or anyone with actual experience - If I drop extended basic will I still get channel 97 (or whatever the analog pbs channel is for ADS headends) ? I will need to for TVGOS guide data.

No Red Sox in HD. Just have SD broadcast on 51. 882 (INHD) has a movie, No HD Sox Come on COmcast....................
I don't believe NESN is broadcasting today's Red Sox game in HD, only tonight's Bruins game is in HD. From their web site:
March 4
1 p.m. Red Sox Preseason Baseball: Boston vs. Pittsburgh
7 p.m. Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres (HD)

L Supreme or anyone with actual experience - If I drop extended basic will I still get channel 97 (or whatever the analog pbs channel is for ADS headends) ? I will need to for TVGOS guide data.


yes, you will still get that.

Has anyone noticed that some HD channels are breaking up this morning? I see it on Discovery HD and InHD. I just moved and got a 3412...hope it isn't the new box.
Interestingly, when I first got the box, most of the DVR functions did not work. I had to power cycle it to get it fully functional. Now I just need it to finish downloading guide data!

Does anyone know the cheapest package that will add HBO (and HD version) to my channels? I had originally gotten the free trial when I moved and then when I asked they were trying to tell me the only package had like 20 extra channels and was like $18.95 a month or something. I only want HBO (for Sopranos).

Wonder if the ATT-BellSouth merger will cause more mergers in cable after Comcast/Adelphia and TWC/Adelphia is done in May? Suspect in Telco , Qwest- Verzion merger.
Glad , UHD is still on Comcast- New England. Good PQ and Dolby 5.1 .
We need full time NESN-HD and hope ESPN2-HD and Music TV-HD isnt too far behind on Comcast.Would like to see 3or 4 Expanded Analogs go to Digital soon.

Does anyone know the cheapest package that will add HBO (and HD version) to my channels? I had originally gotten the free trial when I moved and then when I asked they were trying to tell me the only package had like 20 extra channels and was like $18.95 a month or something. I only want HBO (for Sopranos).

For just HBO, 7 channels,Ibelieve its $19.95

For just HBO, 7 channels,Ibelieve its $19.95

I would invest the extra $6.25 for Digital plus though.

Channels I would like to see added: NESN HD, ESPN2 HD, HDNet/HDNet Movies, NFL Network HD, RealMadrid Television (English-language version / Sports Tier), VOOM's 15 HD channel, and MTV HD. The most important out of the bunch IMO is to have NESN HD up on a full-time basis. The rest I would really love to see added to Comcast's channel lineup, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. Verizon's FiOS is rumored to be getting all of the above, probably due to the fact that their fiber-optic infrastructure allows them the flexibility to do so.

Channels I would like to see added: NESN HD, ESPN2 HD, HDNet/HDNet Movies, NFL Network HD, RealMadrid Television (English-language version / Sports Tier), VOOM's 15 HD channel, and MTV HD. The most important out of the bunch IMO is to have NESN HD up on a full-time basis. The rest I would really love to see added to Comcast's channel lineup, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. Verizon's FiOS is rumored to be getting all of the above, probably due to the fact that their fiber-optic infrastructure allows them the flexibility to do so.

Assuming there is any bandwidth left, why would you want to give NESN a whole HD channel ? I understand the pre and post games shows will be in HD along with some other content, but wouldn't it be better to leave the games and the pre/post shows on the INHD channel ? In this way we could have some completely different content (MHD, HDNET, NFL-HD etc.) ? It's not like your missing much the INHD pre-emption, that stuff is repeated endlessly anyway.

-Ken

yes, you will still get that.

So can I assume blocking extended basic is done at the DAC and not with a hardware filter somewhere on the line into my house ?

So can I assume blocking extended basic is done at the DAC and not with a hardware filter somewhere on the line into my house ?


Blocking extended is still done by a filter unless you are in Boston, ie Dorchester, Roxbury

Blocking extended is still done by a filter unless you are in Boston, ie Dorchester, Roxbury

So this hardware filter stops at the frequency for channel 96 and allows 97+ to pass.

So this hardware filter stops at the frequency for channel 96 and allows 97+ to pass.


Yes

Yes

Actually the Extended basic blocker filter only blocks out analog feeds for channels 24-69.
A friend just got one uput back up and hers only goes from 24-56.
This could be because channels 57-69 will be going digitial only soon.

L Supreme, Burlington and Woburn still do not have full ADS. Any ideas when the these cities will be converted to full ADS.

This could be because channels 57-69 will be going digitial only soon.

Not likely, QVC is in this mix and QVC losing half of their potential audience would not make Comcast happy since they are one of QVC's owners. The other interesting thing is the Hallmark channel which was only added a year ago was ADDED to analog when it could have been added as a digital channel. Why ? Probably becuase Hallmark required analog carriage.

-Ken

Over the weekend I got my new KD-34XBR960N hooked up and working in full HD glory. Currently I have the cable going to this tv split so it goes to the Comcast box and directly into the TV. This question is related to the connection right into the TV. I ran the search function within the TV to find channels on that direct cable connection and it returned several hundred entries. While browsing through them, it appears that several of the channels are pulling up other customer's OnDemand content.

A friend of mine with a simliar setup said that he has noticed this before also. There have been times when he's seen them rewind and watch parts of a movie again. I am wondering if this is a common thing to see and if anyone knows why this is happening?

Please excuse me if this has been discussed before, I've searched the forums and couldn't find any reference to it.

Thanks.

Jeff.

L Supreme, Burlington and Woburn still do not have full ADS. Any ideas when the these cities will be converted to full ADS.


According to my resources, both communities have been completed.

According to my resources, both communities have been completed.

Thanks. I see the dolby sign on some of the channels and do not see the sign on other channels. I have checked and it does say 256QAM . But the channels with the doby sign look in general better than the ones which do not show the sign. Any ideas ? In other cities like Lowell , I see the sign on all the channels.

Thanks. I see the dolby sign on some of the channels and do not see the sign on other channels. I have checked and it does say 256QAM . But the channels with the doby sign look in general better than the ones which do not show the sign. Any ideas ? In other cities like Lowell , I see the sign on all the channels.

What box do you have? If its a DVR, go to a channel w/o the DD icon & check if both tuners are missing the icon.

Because Comcast broadcasts these programs unencrypted, digitally, and your TV's tuner picks it up. Probably won't last forever.

Does anyone know if this broadcast is directed towards someone nearby or could it be coming from anywhere within the Comcast customer base?

Am I correct in stating that when you pick something to watch OnDemand, you are returned a channel which your box automatically tunes to? That channel is open to a certain range of households and can be viewed by anyone in that range.

As a nerd I'm just curious as to how the system works.

Thanks,

Jeff.

Channels I would like to see added: NESN HD, ESPN2 HD, HDNet/HDNet Movies, NFL Network HD, RealMadrid Television (English-language version / Sports Tier), VOOM's 15 HD channel, and MTV HD. The most important out of the bunch IMO is to have NESN HD up on a full-time basis. The rest I would really love to see added to Comcast's channel lineup, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. Verizon's FiOS is rumored to be getting all of the above, probably due to the fact that their fiber-optic infrastructure allows them the flexibility to do so.

I might be in the minority here, but I would not like to see any channels added if it will decrease PQ because of lack of bandwidth. We already heard those HD-lite nightmare stories with D* and E* and don't want to see Comcast go down that road. I rather be patient and wait longer if have I have too because even now I feel I have enough HD to keep me occupied most of the time especially with sports , but it's the PQ I enjoy the most and don't ever want to see it compromised for quantity over quality. Just my 2 cents.

Ditto.

(Stated in the pre-partisan sense.)

Over the weekend I got my new KD-34XBR960N hooked up and working in full HD glory. Currently I have the cable going to this tv split so it goes to the Comcast box and directly into the TV. This question is related to the connection right into the TV. I ran the search function within the TV to find channels on that direct cable connection and it returned several hundred entries. While browsing through them, it appears that several of the channels are pulling up other customer's OnDemand content.

A friend of mine with a simliar setup said that he has noticed this before also. There have been times when he's seen them rewind and watch parts of a movie again. I am wondering if this is a common thing to see and if anyone knows why this is happening?

Please excuse me if this has been discussed before, I've searched the forums and couldn't find any reference to it.

Thanks.

Jeff.

Don't complain, consider it a bonus for now. I have had this feature for a couple of years now and was hoping nobody would bring it up. Now Comcast knows so we are about to lose our bonus.

Not likely, QVC is in this mix and QVC losing half of their potential audience would not make Comcast happy since they are one of QVC's owners. The other interesting thing is the Hallmark channel which was only added a year ago was ADDED to analog when it could have been added as a digital channel. Why ? Probably becuase Hallmark required analog carriage.

-Ken

QVC is on channel 71. Hallmark is in my area on channel 53,has been there for a few years,and would not be on the "first tier" of channels to go digital only.

Also Hallmark in many area is on a digital channel.

Analog is so 20th centrury!

Thanks. I see the dolby sign on some of the channels and do not see the sign on other channels. I have checked and it does say 256QAM . But the channels with the doby sign look in general better than the ones which do not show the sign. Any ideas ? In other cities like Lowell , I see the sign on all the channels.

Some people (myself included) have this trouble with one of the tuners. The receiver shows that its receiving it in digital (if the programming is) Alternative is put both tuners on the same channel. Turn the box off and go into setup (exact directions are in here a few pages ago) and on D03 or D04, there is a QAM status. it should be 256. Sheck it for a few channels. You'll likely seen that youdo indeed have digital, but the IGuide/software just isnt displaying it.

Toying with switching from D to Comcast in Plymouth. What HD channels will I get less the OTA channels. Have a CM4228 for locals.

Anybody else local make the switch in an attempt to improve HD pic quality???

Thanks....................

Toying with switching from D to Comcast in Plymouth. What HD channels will I get less the OTA channels. Have a CM4228 for locals.

Anybody else local make the switch in an attempt to improve HD pic quality???

Thanks....................

TNT HD --------------------- 833
Discovery HD Theatre --- 839
Universal HD -------------- 846
ESPN HD ------------------- 849
INHD ------------------------ 881
INHD2/NESN/FSN --------- 882

Make it, I did. Getting a rebate every month for 16 months from Comcast.

I believe that Plymouth is an Adelphia town , at least for a few more months. Try asking in their thread.

Any news at all of new channel additions in the pipeline?


Also, as I expected, UHD is here to stay correct?

[QUOTE= Also, as I expected, UHD is here to stay correct?[/QUOTE]

Message on my box yesterday saying it's permanent.

Here in Bristol County as well.

yeah I found the rumors it was going away to be a bit of a stretch...Comcast would have to be fools to do that.

yeah I found the rumors it was going away to be a bit of a stretch...Comcast would have to be fools to do that.

well the cablebox message also said that it was a temporary channel. I just love the communication from Comcast (and thank gawd for AVSForum!) They tell us a week after the olympics started that they were adding the channel for the Olympic hockey. Then 2 weeks after the Olympics End they tell us that the channel is a permanent addition! For those that dont know of AVS, who knows how much info they are missing.

If Comcast adds the following channels, they just might find one loyal customer here: NESN HD, ESPN2 HD, HDNet/HDNet Movies, RealMadrid Television (English-language version / Sports Tier), Setanta Sports USA, and if possible VOOM's HD Networks (15 total right now). Of course they'll need plenty of bandwidth to add all those channels. Perhaps Comcast ought to take a page out of Verizon's play book and make sure that all of their towns that they serve are wired for fiber-optics. If not they should start soon or else they will lose the edge in the technology department (bandwidth) to their new rival.

well the cablebox message also said that it was a temporary channel. I just love the communication from Comcast (and thank gawd for AVSForum!) They tell us a week after the olympics started that they were adding the channel for the Olympic hockey. Then 2 weeks after the Olympics End they tell us that the channel is a permanent addition! For those that dont know of AVS, who knows how much info they are missing.


This is why HDTV is fledgling....The marketing is woeful......How much marketing savvy does it take to realize that they ought to be advertising the addition of a great new HD channel all over their site, billboards, commercials etc? Yet they pay some executives big bucks to drop the ball time and again. Without AVS I'd have had no idea........I told half a dozen comcast HD customers at work and they were surprised to even see the channel.

What does Comcast do when there are too local teams on HD at once??? They ALL share 882.

What does Comcast do when there are too local teams on HD at once??? They ALL share 882.

The home team will always have preference. If it's between pre-season Sox and Celts/Bruins, they will broadcast the latter. Once Sox regular season starts and if either Celts/Bruins are in playoffs, Comcast decides which one they'll carry. Thats how they did it last year and unless NESN gets a dedicated channel which would solve a lot of the conflicts, they will probably do it the same way. But heres a link that shows whats on with a pre-determined schedule in our area.

http://www.roachxp.com/

well the cablebox message also said that it was a temporary channel. I just love the communication from Comcast (and thank gawd for AVSForum!) They tell us a week after the olympics started that they were adding the channel for the Olympic hockey. Then 2 weeks after the Olympics End they tell us that the channel is a permanent addition! For those that dont know of AVS, who knows how much info they are missing.

The first announcement did NOT say anything aboyuut UHD "going away" after the Olympics.

The channel assignment locally gave me the hint that it might not be just temporary at least in our area.

If Comcast adds the following channels, they just might find one loyal customer here: NESN HD, ESPN2 HD, HDNet/HDNet Movies, RealMadrid Television (English-language version / Sports Tier), Setanta Sports USA, and if possible VOOM's HD Networks (15 total right now). Of course they'll need plenty of bandwidth to add all those channels. Perhaps Comcast ought to take a page out of Verizon's play book and make sure that all of their towns that they serve are wired for fiber-optics. If not they should start soon or else they will lose the edge in the technology department (bandwidth) to their new rival.

I can't wait for Verizon Fios TV, They already have ESPN2, HDNet and HDNet Movies. I also read that they'll be carrying NESN HD full time. Comcast just does not have the bandwidth to carry these channel without dropping something else.

The home team will always have preference. If it's between pre-season Sox and Celts/Bruins, they will broadcast the latter. Once Sox regular season starts and if either Celts/Bruins are in playoffs, Comcast decides which one they'll carry. Thats how they did it last year and unless NESN gets a dedicated channel which would solve a lot of the conflicts, they will probably do it the same way. But heres a link that shows whats on with a pre-determined schedule in our area.

http://www.roachxp.com/
Perfect, thanks! First season for me!

I can't wait for Verizon Fios TV, They already have ESPN2, HDNet and HDNet Movies. I also read that they'll be carrying NESN HD full time. Comcast just does not have the bandwidth to carry these channel without dropping something else.

Doug, where did you read this??

The first announcement did NOT say anything aboyuut UHD "going away" after the Olympics.

The channel assignment locally gave me the hint that it might not be just temporary at least in our area.

I never save them but I remember the phrase "temporarily added"

Any word on when we can see the new tivo guide? Are we talking next fall/winter?

Did anyone else notice during lastnights Bruins game that the main camera shot from center ice, balcony level was not HD. At first I thoght it was out of focus but then it stayed the same thru the whole game. Whats NESN thinking, here they are bragging how all their material including intermission and post and pre game shows will be in HD and then take away the most important Camera angle in the Garden from being in high resolution, full glory HD. :mad:

Did anyone else notice during lastnights Bruins game that the main camera shot from center ice, balcony level was not HD. At first I thoght it was out of focus but then it stayed the same thru the whole game. Whats NESN thinking, here they are bragging how all their material including intermission and post and pre game shows will be in HD and then take away the most important Camera angle in the Garden from being in high resolution, full glory HD. :mad:
How funny, I too thought it was out of focus. Very disappointing

Anyone else disappointed with comcast's web site? Not only are new channels not announced, but I just checked my channel line up in Beverly and Universal HD is not only missing, but a search of the site shows no info. at all. If you were running the show, wouldn't you be pumping up your service? I know it's been brought up before, but needed to rant.

Thanks.

Any word on when we can see the new tivo guide? Are we talking next fall/winter?

The time to market on this integration is just disgraceful.

Anyone else having a problem with 807 freezing and cutting out?

Anyone else having a problem with 807 freezing and cutting out?

Big time, but experience has usually shown this to be a problem with the affiliate/network and not Comcast.

Basically, NBC suffers from this A LOT.

This is a problem with Comcast, as it's happening with all the locals...AGAIN!

It happens way too often, especially on the weekends...

This is a problem with Comcast, as it's happening with all the locals...AGAIN!

It happens way too often, especially on the weekends...

I agree. I will be demand a partial service refund this month (again). I am also having issues with OnDemand garbling mid program.

A quick story to highlight the lack of level 1 support for comcast.
I was at a friends yesterday and he said his cable was broken. I asked what was going on and he said its no problem, he had talked to Comcast and they said it was the cable box and they were going to send out a tech. I again asked what was happening. I was told the picutre was showing a double image, shadow type thing.
Ok... first thing tech support didnt do.
Put in a DVD and see if its the TV or Cable box.
It was the TV not the cable but how does any level 1 support tech miss things like this? It troubleshooting 101. The only thing that would make sence is that they are trying to drop a service charge on him for the onsite work to put in a dvd and say the same thing. How does a company hire such poor quality techs to not even hit the basics?

I agree. I will be demand a partial service refund this month (again). I am also having issues with OnDemand garbling mid program.

I remember when I first had my box put in a year or so ago and had issues with my service. After talking to Corp in CT I got the line that after they figured out what was freezing up everyone’s box they were going to issue a blanket credit to everyone. I argued more so I got one then rather then wait for their mysterious blanket credit. Well it’s over a year later the problems are still here and I never saw a blanket credit issued to me or anyone. So is it Comcast continuing lack of skills with communication or is it an out and out lie they tell customers? Everyone understands tech issues happen but to lies and miscommunications are a cancer @ Comcast. Like all Cancers it will have its toll on Comcast. They have been lucky that they are the only show in town for allot of people and I for one think they have become complacent and comfortable in their market. All bad signs for Comcast, IMHO.
Comcast, keep raising my cost of service and tell me about the investment in tech that you have been doing as a justification. While that is a justification, it is only one if you can get your new technology to work consistently. Consistency is the key to good customer service and customer retention. I guess you guys are missing that part in business school.

Comcast has to free up more band width for digital SD and HD uses by more at least 5 analog channels to digital only. If Verzion gets to deploy FIOS in many Boston towns, Comcast is in plenty of trouble.

Comcast has to free up more band width for digital SD and HD uses by more at least 5 analog channels to digital only. If Verzion gets to deploy FIOS in many Boston towns, Comcast is in plenty of trouble.

I see channels 57-69 going digital only one of these days.

If it were up to me everything above broadcast basic would be digital only (and I mean EVERYTHING- local broadcast and PEG channels ONLY on ananlog You want CN8,NECN , the shop channels or Cspans (IWhich i would make part of limited basic) You need a box!) the DCT700s would be CHEAP! and we would have everything HD under the sun.

I see channels 57-69 going digital only one of these days.

If it were up to me everything above broadcast basic would be digital only (and I mean EVERYTHING- local broadcast and PEG channels ONLY on ananlog You want CN8,NECN , the shop channels or Cspans (IWhich i would make part of limited basic) You need a box!) the DCT700s would be CHEAP! and we would have everything HD under the sun.

Yeah all your investors would revolt and you would be out of business.

-Ken

Looking ahead on the 882 schedule, I noticed that Sportsdesk *will* be shown Friday night.