Toshiba modem - upgrade them for greater speed

My rented cable modem from Comcast went on the fritz and the tech came to replace it today. I was one of the original ATT/Roadrunner cable modem people and at the time they were handing out Toshiba (black case) modems. The tech told me that these older modems could not be software upgraded to take advantage to the recent speed increases. The swap for a new RCA (white case) modem resulted in a significant speed increase for my system. If you are an old time user, check your modem and get it upgraded

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

-Ken

The DCT700s ARE CHEAP!
In Canada they can be purchas4d and I believe the cost is around $50 Canadian which means at $5 mo you buy it every 8 months or so.

A Free or inexensive box would be an incentive to go digital on thise analog sets.

It will eventaully have to happen ,and I think it would be better sooner then later.

See the thing is since I lived as a poor college student not that long ago, the problem lies in that in many houses/apartments/etc there is one or less cable box, but the signal is split out to multiple tvs. My current place I have 3 tvs, my last one I had 4 and in both instances I was barely able to justify the cost of the service I had, let alone if it was going to cost me an extra 5.95 per tv above what I was paying. (and the extra tvs aren't a luxury, its the fact we had multiple people crammed into one tiny apartment that need the distraction so we don't kill each other) Had comcast charged us boxes for each tv we would just walk away and I think thats the case for a huge percentage of comcast's customers. They would absolutely lose more customers than they would gain by adding hd channels. Fact is hd is still a very much niche market and they dont have a whole lot to gain by bending over backward for hd customers. And they have an awful lot to lose by going 100% digital. Maybe if you could purchase an extremely cheap non-proprietary digital tuner it might be a possibility, but then comcast will lose revenue because they will rent less real cable boxes.

Poor college kids need their comedy central... heh..

See the thing is since I lived as a poor college student not that long ago, the problem lies in that in many houses/apartments/etc there is one or less cable box, but the signal is split out to multiple tvs. My current place I have 3 tvs, my last one I had 4 and in both instances I was barely able to justify the cost of the service I had, let alone if it was going to cost me an extra 5.95 per tv above what I was paying. (and the extra tvs aren't a luxury, its the fact we had multiple people crammed into one tiny apartment that need the distraction so we don't kill each other) Had comcast charged us boxes for each tv we would just walk away and I think thats the case for a huge percentage of comcast's customers. They would absolutely lose more customers than they would gain by adding hd channels. Fact is hd is still a very much niche market and they dont have a whole lot to gain by bending over backward for hd customers. And they have an awful lot to lose by going 100% digital. Maybe if you could purchase an extremely cheap non-proprietary digital tuner it might be a possibility, but then comcast will lose revenue because they will rent less real cable boxes.

Poor college kids need their comedy central... heh..

I agree. I also have 3 TV's, 2 of which are strictly analog. I am certainly not willing to pay another $10-12 per month just to retain my current level of service.

But there is another factor too. All those cable-ready VCR's out there would suddenly become almost useless, since they lack digital tuners. People would have to get DVR service to replace them, and suddenly you are talking about a whole lot more than $5-6 per month.

Digital-only service is almost certainly inevitable, but it won't be anytime soon IMHO. Not until Comcast stands to gain more customers than they lose.

Toshiba modem - upgrade them for greater speed

My rented cable modem from Comcast went on the fritz and the tech came to replace it today. I was one of the original ATT/Roadrunner cable modem people and at the time they were handing out Toshiba (black case) modems. The tech told me that these older modems could not be software upgraded to take advantage to the recent speed increases. The swap for a new RCA (white case) modem resulted in a significant speed increase for my system. If you are an old time user, check your modem and get it upgraded

For most people a simple reboot of the modem will get them new increased speeds. As long as modems have been brought up here is a quick tip I learned about Comcast and the IP blocks they assign. Though they usually do rotate the blocks every six months sometimes you IP stays static for a long time. If you ever need a new WAN IP go into your router (not the modem) and clone your MAC address. Reboot both modem and router and you will have a new WAN IP address (note* if you go back to your original MAC addy you will get back the original IP you started with).

I agree. I also have 3 TV's, 2 of which are strictly analog. I am certainly not willing to pay another $10-12 per month just to retain my current level of service.

But there is another factor too. All those cable-ready VCR's out there would suddenly become almost useless, since they lack digital tuners. People would have to get DVR service to replace them, and suddenly you are talking about a whole lot more than $5-6 per month.

Digital-only service is almost certainly inevitable, but it won't be anytime soon IMHO. Not until Comcast stands to gain more customers than they lose.

NTSC tuners will already become useless in 2009.

I stilll say $5 is a bit much for the DCT700s. I would say $1 or perhaps even FREE!

I had a power outage (about 1.5 hrs) in my Derry, NH condo yesterday and I discovered that my 6412 DVR box had been completely erased, including my series recordings schedule. I had been having very erratic performance from the hard drive recently (balky and freezing playback), so this may be e a result of another problem in combination with the outage. Has anybody alse experienced a complete memory wipeout from a power failure?
-ezgoin

Alot of times during outages you have power spikes. I would venture to guess that a spikewould cause exactly that type of damage. Power strips can help but not allways. The best protection would be whole house sruge protectors but that is another topic.

I had a power outage (about 1.5 hrs) in my Derry, NH condo yesterday and I discovered that my 6412 DVR box had been completely erased, including my series recordings schedule. I had been having very erratic performance from the hard drive recently (balky and freezing playback), so this may be e a result of another problem in combination with the outage. Has anybody alse experienced a complete memory wipeout from a power failure?
-ezgoin

We had the same power outage on Derryfield Road in Derry but it was about a 1-2 minute outage. All my DVR stuff is fine. Just the guide went away again. (A real PiTA if you ask me) all the scheduled recordings were intact just with no info on the program.

I called VZ yesterday and ordered FiOS internet. They told me 3-6 months before TV arrives. :eek:

I also have a Panamax 1000+ Surge strip/conditioner for all the power to my gear.

NTSC tuners will already become useless in 2009.

They will still be useful for cable subscribers that do not want cable boxes at every tv in their home. While cable companies are moving channels from analog to digital many of them have said they have plans to keep at least some analog service well beyond the timeframe of the FCC mandate for all digital broadcast (which does not apply to cable companies basic/expanded basic or verizon's fios small analog tier).

I had a power outage (about 1.5 hrs) in my Derry, NH condo yesterday and I discovered that my 6412 DVR box had been completely erased, including my series recordings schedule. I had been having very erratic performance from the hard drive recently (balky and freezing playback), so this may be e a result of another problem in combination with the outage. Has anybody alse experienced a complete memory wipeout from a power failure?
-ezgoin

All may NOT be lost. I had the same problem about 2 weeks ago when we lost power. Someone on the 6412 thread told me to try unplugging for 30 seconds and sure enough everything came back.

Saw some NESN HD studio shots on 882 in the pre-game tonight (first time I've seen them). Not bad for a local operation.

Bob have to agree. NESN's HD studio looked sharp on TV. I hope Comcast is getting ready to add the channel full-time, because it appears all the other cable operators are doing so.

Bob have to agree. NESN's HD studio looked sharp on TV. I hope Comcast is getting ready to add the channel full-time, because it appears all the other cable operators are doing so.


What cable company carries NESN HD fulltime?

See the thing is since I lived as a poor college student not that long ago, the problem lies in that in many houses/apartments/etc there is one or less cable box, but the signal is split out to multiple tvs. My current place I have 3 tvs, my last one I had 4 and in both instances I was barely able to justify the cost of the service I had, let alone if it was going to cost me an extra 5.95 per tv above what I was paying. (and the extra tvs aren't a luxury, its the fact we had multiple people crammed into one tiny apartment that need the distraction so we don't kill each other) Had comcast charged us boxes for each tv we would just walk away and I think thats the case for a huge percentage of comcast's customers. They would absolutely lose more customers than they would gain by adding hd channels. Fact is hd is still a very much niche market and they dont have a whole lot to gain by bending over backward for hd customers. And they have an awful lot to lose by going 100% digital. Maybe if you could purchase an extremely cheap non-proprietary digital tuner it might be a possibility, but then comcast will lose revenue because they will rent less real cable boxes.

Poor college kids need their comedy central... heh..


thanks, finally someone agrees with me ! 65% of comcast subscribers are analog, and then many digital subs also have analog sets (like I do). The conversion to all digital will be a very slow process unfortunately.

What cable company carries NESN HD fulltime?

Adelphia, Beld, Cablevision, Charter, Eastern Connecticut Cable Television, Norwood Light Electric & Broadband, RCN, Selco, Time Warner (several DMAs)

thanks, finally someone agrees with me ! 65% of comcast subscribers are analog, and then many digital subs also have analog sets (like I do). The conversion to all digital will be a very slow process unfortunately.
which is why the DCT700s for FREE could help speed things along.

My city had a 40 channel system in the late 80s. HBO was available without a box on channel 14 and I woiuld say a good 50% got HBO.

When they upgraded to a 65 channel plant a box was needed for EVERYTHING above broadcast basic. The box had no real features except a tuner and accessability (Channels could be turned on and off from the office)

When they upgraded to SCeintific Atlanta boxes wuith a guide i was first in line.

When the Internet came on I coud have been first in line but my birthday was coming up and i sarranged for installation on that day.

When digital cable first came to town i was first in line.

Wehn I odered my HD set i called for HD service before i even had the set,setting installation for the first day available after I got my set delivered.

@When DVRs came out I was first in line. :)

They will still be useful for cable subscribers that do not want cable boxes at every tv in their home. While cable companies are moving channels from analog to digital many of them have said they have plans to keep at least some analog service well beyond the timeframe of the FCC mandate for all digital broadcast (which does not apply to cable companies basic/expanded basic or verizon's fios small analog tier).

I heard that some companies are putting in D/A converters at a hub location in houses (where the cable enters the house) so if you have a digital box (HD/DVR/etc) the splitter would simply pass the cable to those jacks (bypassing the converter) and if you have analog gear the cable would hit the D/A converter and then pass on to the analog stuff.

Anyone else hear about this scenario?

I've only heard of Verizon FIOS doing that. Since they're using fiber it's a digital signal so one of the boxes they install uses a D/A converter for the 'basic' channels...anyone know of cable companies doing this?

Probably not a surprise to most members of this forum:

Comcast to pay $1M in settlement with AG's office
Boston Business Journal - 3:39 PM EST Thursday
Comcast Corp. agreed to pay $1 million, change its advertising practices and improve its customer service as part of a settlement following a two-year investigation by the Massachusetts attorney general's office.

The Philadelphia company holds more than 75 percent of the Massachusetts cable television market.

"In many communities, Comcast is the only game in town for cable television service," Attorney General Thomas Reilly said in a prepared statement. "This settlement will insure that consumers get the information they need, up front, to make informed decisions on price, programming, and services."

Reilly accused Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) and predecessor company AT&T Broadband of unfair practices, including:

Advertising limited-time offers of free or reduced rate digital cable packages without adequately disclosing to consumers what the actual price of those services would be during and after the promotional period.
Promoting higher-priced digital packages without disclosing to consumers that they could purchase less expensive digital cable packages.
Overstating the number of channels available on digital cable packages by failing to distinguish among video, music, and pay-per-view channels, and overstating the capabilities or benefits of on-demand and digital video recorder services.
Hiding material terms and conditions from consumers in difficult-to-read fine print.
Advertising free installation, but then charging consumers for installation, and requiring them to redeem coupons or vouchers to receive an installation credit.
Charging a $5 monthly rental fee for a converter box and remote control, even for consumers who did not need the converter box and remote to get their programming.
As part of the settlement, Comcast will contribute $500,000 to the Local Consumer Aid Fund and in-kind services totaling $250,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs and the Crittenton Women's House.

"We do not agree with the attorney general's claims, however, we have already begun to make several changes to our customer service and advertising practices because we are always looking for ways to build on our successful record in Massachusetts," stated Comcast spokesman Shawn Feddeman.

In his statement, Feddeman said that Comcast' has invested over $1 billion to upgrade its network since its entry into the market and has garnered a 90 percent satisfaction rating by its customers.

The agreement with the attorney general also stipulates that Comcast's customer service representatives provide a supervisor when requested and maintain a customer account system that can update customers about the history of past complaints.

...In his statement, Feddeman said that Comcast' has invested over $1 billion to upgrade its network since its entry into the market and has garnered a 90 percent satisfaction rating by its customers. ...



90% customer sat. Is that good? I never received my survey!

90% customer sat. Is that good? I never received my survey!

I got called for one a couple of months ago. I've had several customer calls for both TV and internet in the last year for different reasons and rated them highly across the board. I had great service calls, very helpful reps and next day service for repairs and replacements. Not everyone has a bad time!

Yeah, I'm pretty satisfied with them in most respects, other than a bill that's pushing $180/month.

Probably not a surprise to most members of this forum:



"In many communities, Comcast is the only game in town for cable television service," Attorney General Thomas Reilly said in a prepared statement. "This settlement will insure that consumers get the information they need, up front, to make informed decisions on price, programming, and services."

Reilly accused Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) and predecessor company AT&T Broadband of unfair practices, including:

Advertising limited-time offers of free or reduced rate digital cable packages without adequately disclosing to consumers what the actual price of those services would be during and after the promotional period.
Promoting higher-priced digital packages without disclosing to consumers that they could purchase less expensive digital cable packages.

This looks like one of the reasons why we are able to get digital service without having to spend $40 on extended basic.

Overstating the number of channels available on digital cable packages by failing to distinguish among video, music, and pay-per-view channels, and overstating the capabilities or benefits of on-demand and digital video recorder services.
Hiding material terms and conditions from consumers in difficult-to-read fine print.
Advertising free installation, but then charging consumers for installation, and requiring them to redeem coupons or vouchers to receive an installation credit.

I have generally always have had my installations for FREE.
I remember one time this was MANY years ago where i was charged a $15 installation fee,even though i went to the office picked up the boxes and installed them myself.
Charging a $5 monthly rental fee for a converter box and remote control, even for consumers who did not need the converter box and remote to get their programming.

and $9 a month for the HD boxes,but only $15 for the DVR AND HD!. :)

Hello,

I just read the post above not surpised based on the last hour I spent between Comcast chat and the 800 # trying to upgrade my service. I got a lot of good info. on this website and decided to pull the trigger on the following:

- DVR/HD STB
-Digital Plus Package
-Basic Cable

Here are my results tring to order this:

Chat room - Was great until I told them I wanted to downgrade my service from standard cable to basic service and they then told me I had to call the 800 #

800# - very friendly and understood what I wanted. However she insisted that with the package above, I would only receive broadcast stations in HD and not TNT HD, DIscovery HD, ESPN HD, INHD or INHD2 becasue I didn't subsribe to the "minimum service level"

Did I say something wrong here when trying to order or has something changed in HD channels provided with Basic Service? Is it becasue of where I live (Easton)?

Needless to say I didn;t place my order tonight as I did not feel comfortable with what she was telling me. I plan on calling back tomorrow but in the meantime.......
HEEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPPP.......

WHat else I was told.......

1. Motorola 6412 box comes with HDMI connection - True or False?

2. Installation for 6412 box is $22.45 - True or False and is this necessary? Can;t I just pick up the box at my local office and plug it in? How hard is it?

1. Motorola 6412 box comes with HDMI connection - True or False?

2. Installation for 6412 box is $22.45 - True or False and is this necessary? Can;t I just pick up the box at my local office and plug it in? How hard is it?


1. TRUEFALSE, phase 3 & 3412 have HDMI, but phase 1 & 2 6412s have DVI only

2. Yes, you can pickup the box at the office, but to downgrade to basic costs $12.85 so at most you can save almost $10 by doing it yourself.

2. Yes, you can pickup the box at the office, but to downgrade to basic costs $12.85 so at most you can save almost $10 by doing it yourself.


They charge you to downgrade......now I have heard it all.

They charge you to downgrade......now I have heard it all.


Its not a downgrade, its the charge for a tech to go out there & put on the filter for basic. If you had basic & wanted to go to expanded the same charge applies, due to someone coming out to do the work.

Hello,

I just read the post above not surpised based on the last hour I spent between Comcast chat and the 800 # trying to upgrade my service. I got a lot of good info. on this website and decided to pull the trigger on the following:

- DVR/HD STB
-Digital Plus Package
-Basic Cable

Here are my results tring to order this:

Chat room - Was great until I told them I wanted to downgrade my service from standard cable to basic service and they then told me I had to call the 800 #

800# - very friendly and understood what I wanted. However she insisted that with the package above, I would only receive broadcast stations in HD and not TNT HD, DIscovery HD, ESPN HD, INHD or INHD2 becasue I didn't subsribe to the "minimum service level"

Did I say something wrong here when trying to order or has something changed in HD channels provided with Basic Service? Is it becasue of where I live (Easton)?

Needless to say I didn;t place my order tonight as I did not feel comfortable with what she was telling me. I plan on calling back tomorrow but in the meantime.......
HEEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPPP.......

WHat else I was told.......

1. Motorola 6412 box comes with HDMI connection - True or False?

2. Installation for 6412 box is $22.45 - True or False and is this necessary? Can;t I just pick up the box at my local office and plug it in? How hard is it?

They may be confusing with the fact that HBO HD is only offered to those who subscribe to HBO,which technically for the next few days is everybody.

TNT HD, Discovery Home Theatre HD,Universal HD, ESPN HD and INHD 1 and 2 are considered part of Digital CLASSIC,which is part of Digital plus.

They charge you to downgrade......now I have heard it all.
They *tried* to charge me something like $1.99 when I cancelled my HSI (I switched to Verizion FiOS). I politely declined to pay that bogus fee, and offered to cancel my digital cable TV service if they didn't agree that it was really tacky trying to charge me to discontinue a service for which I had paid ~$40/month for quite a few years.

Tony

They *tried* to charge me something like $1.99 when I cancelled my HSI (I switched to Verizion FiOS). I politely declined to pay that bogus fee, and offered to cancel my digital cable TV service if they didn't agree that it was really tacky trying to charge me to discontinue a service for which I had paid ~$40/month for quite a few years.

Tony


1.99 is the charge to make an electronic transactions. just like when banks charged to use thier atm machines, its nothing that was never done.

do you complain the same way when other companies charge you for making transactions or do you accept it from them?

1.99 is the charge to make an electronic transactions. just like when banks charged to use thier atm machines, its nothing that was never done.

do you complain the same way when other companies charge you for making transactions or do you accept it from them?
When my bank started charging what I felt were unjustified fees, I switched banks, there are plenty of choices out there. This is not the case with cable TV.

1.99 is the charge to make an electronic transactions. just like when banks charged to use thier atm machines, its nothing that was never done.

do you complain the same way when other companies charge you for making transactions or do you accept it from them?

I Absolutly complain. When automation of services started and let’s stick with the ATM it was too save the bank money on tellers. After they started saving money on tellers and converting their customers to ATM's they decided why not make more and charge for this service even though we did it to save our selves money on the investment of a human, that you have too train and give benefits and they still call in sick.
Ill throw out the BS card on this one. It is total BS smoke and mirrors just like the excise tax on telephones levied by the Feds to finance the Spanish-American war. The last I checked the war is over but the tax isn’t.
Now I do pay that tax but that doesn’t justify it. And just because the bank charges you a fee does not make it right. Saying hey we are screwing you just like everyone else is, so why are you complaining is part of a corporate culture that is a cancer on consumers.

I don't want to see a flame-war started here about the $1.99 change fee. I can see both sides of the story. If the fee wasn't in place I would be tempted to go with a Silver package and switch premium channels based on their current HD lineup base on the lineup over the next couple of days. I can do this now but it will cost 2 bucks per switch. On the other hand it seems silly for me to have to go to customer service center to change my services when it could be done easily over the phone. It wastes my time and forces comcast to have more "tellers" at there service centers and makes the lines longer.

"I don't want to see a flame-war" agreed. L Supreme , dont get me wrong I appricate all the info you bring and you bring alot of it. I know alot of people that say well that is the way it is and thats, thats. I just feel laying down and taking it is part of the reason we see fees creeping into every facet of our lives as far as finance. How am I going to keep close to the index with high fees, lol?

HBO is on for free this weekend.

Hello,

I just read the post above not surpised based on the last hour I spent between Comcast chat and the 800 # trying to upgrade my service. I got a lot of good info. on this website and decided to pull the trigger on the following:

- DVR/HD STB
-Digital Plus Package
-Basic Cable

Here are my results tring to order this:

Chat room - Was great until I told them I wanted to downgrade my service from standard cable to basic service and they then told me I had to call the 800 #

800# - very friendly and understood what I wanted. However she insisted that with the package above, I would only receive broadcast stations in HD and not TNT HD, DIscovery HD, ESPN HD, INHD or INHD2 becasue I didn't subsribe to the "minimum service level"

Did I say something wrong here when trying to order or has something changed in HD channels provided with Basic Service? Is it becasue of where I live (Easton)?

Needless to say I didn;t place my order tonight as I did not feel comfortable with what she was telling me. I plan on calling back tomorrow but in the meantime.......
HEEEEEELLLLLLPPPPPPP.......

WHat else I was told.......

1. Motorola 6412 box comes with HDMI connection - True or False?

2. Installation for 6412 box is $22.45 - True or False and is this necessary? Can;t I just pick up the box at my local office and plug it in? How hard is it?

Update: Instead of calling the 800# I decided to visit my local Comcast office to place this order. I am happy to report that I got everything I asked for and I am only getting charged the reduction from standard to basic service. I t was interesting to note that the customer service rep. said that you cannot call the local office as they want to dedicate their time to talking face to face with customers. Interesting approach but it seems to work wel and I'll certainly stop in more oftenl. I was even given an HDMI cable today as well as the manual for the DCT3400 DVR Is this less buggy than the 6412 or basically the same?) so I could get aqcuainted with it and my upgrade is not happening for another 2 weeks. Nice!

It is total BS smoke and mirrors just like the excise tax on telephones levied by the Feds to finance the Spanish-American war. The last I checked the war is over but the tax isn’t.
I think a more appropriate analogy for this thread would be the tolls on the Mass Pike, which were supposedly to pay off the bonds used to build the roadway. Those bonds were paid off ages ago, but a tiny loophole in the original wording of the plan allows them to keep soaking us commuters forever.

1.99 is the charge to make an electronic transactions. just like when banks charged to use thier atm machines, its nothing that was never done.

do you complain the same way when other companies charge you for making transactions or do you accept it from them?
I complain about ANY bogus fee, regardless of who tries to charge it.

The comparison with an ATM is a bit of a reach. My credit union doesn't charge me anything to use their ATM, and will in fact re-imburse me up to $5/month for foreign network ATM charges. If I had called Charter or Adelphia to cancel one of my Comcast services I could understand a "transaction fee", but not when someone at Comcast has to click the mouse a few times. The local newspaper didn't charge me a transaction fee when I switched from every day to weekend-only delivery. I didn't object to the installation fee when Comcast sent someone out to the house to install a CableCARD since that did actually involve a truck roll.

Frankly, it's this "nickle and dime me to death" attitude of Comcast Corporate that is going to lose them customers once reasonable options are available. Know why I cancelled my Comcast High Speed Internet service once Verizon FiOS was available? It wasn't because of poor technical service on Comcast's part - my connection was more-or-less rock solid. The extra upload speed is nice, but didn't really factor in. In the end it came down to COST.

I spoke with a couple of different people at Comcast and sent a few e-mails, pointing out that it seemed every week there was a new "half-price" offer for HSI. I suggested that Comcast should consider offering their loyal customers a similar "thanks for being a good customer" discount once in a while. I was basically blown off each time I called or e-mailed. The common theme was that discounts were offered to attract new customers - not retain existing customers.

If that's the business model Comcast wants to use, that's fine, but they are going to wonder one of these days why they're losing so many customers when comparable options are available.

Tony

I complain about ANY bogus fee, regardless of who tries to charge it.

The comparison with an ATM is a bit of a reach. My credit union doesn't charge me anything to use their ATM, and will in fact re-imburse me up to $5/month for foreign network ATM charges. If I had called Charter or Adelphia to cancel one of my Comcast services I could understand a "transaction fee", but not when someone at Comcast has to click the mouse a few times. The local newspaper didn't charge me a transaction fee when I switched from every day to weekend-only delivery. I didn't object to the installation fee when Comcast sent someone out to the house to install a CableCARD since that did actually involve a truck roll.

Frankly, it's this "nickle and dime me to death" attitude of Comcast Corporate that is going to lose them customers once reasonable options are available. Know why I cancelled my Comcast High Speed Internet service once Verizon FiOS was available? It wasn't because of poor technical service on Comcast's part - my connection was more-or-less rock solid. The extra upload speed is nice, but didn't really factor in. In the end it came down to COST.

I spoke with a couple of different people at Comcast and sent a few e-mails, pointing out that it seemed every week there was a new "half-price" offer for HSI. I suggested that Comcast should consider offering their loyal customers a similar "thanks for being a good customer" discount once in a while. I was basically blown off each time I called or e-mailed. The common theme was that discounts were offered to attract new customers - not retain existing customers.

If that's the business model Comcast wants to use, that's fine, but they are going to wonder one of these days why they're losing so many customers when comparable options are available.

Tony

They'll adjust pricing to competitve level when they have to, and not a minute before. Then again, let's say one competitor comes along and offers great "new customer" deals too, but raises to competitor's rate levels thereafter. We need three companies fighting for our dollars, but anything is better than one.

They'll adjust pricing to competitve level when they have to, and not a minute before. Then again, let's say one competitor comes along and offers great "new customer" deals too, but raises to competitor's rate levels thereafter. We need three companies fighting for our dollars, but anything is better than one.
True but some like the AG view this as unfair and deceptive. Comcast knows all too well about this, seeing they just settled with MA for their advertisments. The one thing I hate about most settlements is the party at fault never has to admit they are at fault rather they just pay the fine. I hate that, I think it is more in the comsumers favor too make compaines admit they were wrong.

Whats with all the rants, has this turned into a beat-up Comcast tread? I come here to get up to date information and technical advice from good people like Avic and L Supreme who are kind enough to offer their insider knowledge to us and can't say enough how much it is appreciated. I'm sure they have no control over their pricing policys and would rather have this tread stay as a good place to come for valued feedback. Yes it is unfair on how they go about some things but if thats what really bothers you, then maybe you should look for another provider who you feel might not screw you as much. After all, they all do it to us unfortunately.

Whats with all the rants, has this turned into a beat-up Comcast tread? I come here to get up to date information and technical advice from good people like Avic and L Supreme who are kind enough to offer their insider knowledge to us and can't say enough how much it is appreciated. I'm sure they have no control over their pricing policys and would rather have this tread stay as a good place to come for valued feedback. Yes it is unfair on how they go about some things but if thats what really bothers you, then maybe you should look for another provider who you feel might not screw you as much. After all, they all do it to us unfortunately.

No one has said they feel that people like Avic and L Supreme have controle over pricing and have not directed any of this at them. I think its awesome what they do for the board and ive said it before and ill say it again. Thank-you for all of yoru insite and help over the past.
It is kind of hard to go and get other service when Comcast is the only game in town for many of us. The Topic listed here is under "Local HDTV info and Reception" id say it falls under info, so deal with it. I hate to start a flame war so Ill leave out what I feel you sound like in your thread.

Question on Comcast Packages. I was looking to get the cheapest package that included HD so I can get NESN-HD and watch the Red Sox in HD. Today I was told I need to subscribe to Digital Classic and HD to get NESN-HD. I called previously(months ago) and the rep told me Basic with HD. This is a big price difference, anyone know the truth?

Reason I am looking is I am a Directv customer right now, can't get NESN-HD so I am investigating a low price cable to do it.

Any help is appreciated.

pgilber

I did the same thing 1 months ago. be sure to get your $25 off each month for the dish buy bakc program

i believe you need digital classic

I asked same question today of Comcast and was told only standard package w/ HD was needed. $60.90 w/ STB and $51.71 w/ Cablecard.

Anyone know what RCN is offering for packages w/ NESN-HD? Annoying that they don't have pricing on their website.

No one has said they feel that people like Avic and L Supreme have controle over pricing and have not directed any of this at them. I think its awesome what they do for the board and ive said it before and ill say it again. Thank-you for all of yoru insite and help over the past.
It is kind of hard to go and get other service when Comcast is the only game in town for many of us. The Topic listed here is under "Local HDTV info and Reception" id say it falls under info, so deal with it. I hate to start a flame war so Ill leave out what I feel you sound like in your thread.

You say you did not want to start a flame war but thats pretty much what you did. I am not a Comcast employee but feel you kind of jumped all over L Supreme for his sarcasm post about the $1.99 charge. If he is not willing to forward any new information to this tread , it's post like yours that will probably play into his decision. I for one hope he still contributes to this thread with the above topic not withstanding and realizes theres a lot of folks in this forum that look forward to his insight on the state of our local Comcast. If these fees bother you then you have every right to complain and protest them to the appropriate channels at Comcast instead of stating them here to people who can do nothing about them.That is the point I was making and hope we can get back on topic with post that are revelant to what the OP intended this thread to be, a source of information that is useful to all who are interested.

a lousy 1.99 ..wtf

I asked same question today of Comcast and was told only standard package w/ HD was needed. $60.90 w/ STB and $51.71 w/ Cablecard.

Anyone know what RCN is offering for packages w/ NESN-HD? Annoying that they don't have pricing on their website.


Your quoted prices seem high. Here is what I just did (thanks to info. in this forum):

Basic Service - $10.50
DVR/HD Box - $9.95
Digital Plus Package - $11.20

This will include NESN-HD as well. I could have saved another $5 and went with just Digital Classic but I like the additional programming that the next digital tier adds. I ordered this no problem from my local Comcast office as I was having trouble placing the order over the phone with the service rep. It is not a typical order.

Your quoted prices seem high. Here is what I just did (thanks to info. in this forum):

Basic Service - $10.50
DVR/HD Box - $9.95
Digital Plus Package - $11.20

This will include NESN-HD as well. I could have saved another $5 and went with just Digital Classic but I like the additional programming that the next digital tier adds. I ordered this no problem from my local Comcast office as I was having trouble placing the order over the phone with the service rep. It is not a typical order.

So what channels do you NOT get with this - compared with the "Standard Cable" package?

$32?

You sure?

So what channels do you NOT get with this - compared with the "Standard Cable" package?

These are the channels you do not get:

A&E
ABC Family
American Movie Classics
Animal Planet
BCTV / EWTN / INSP
Bravo
Cartoon Network
CNBC
CNN
CNN Headline News
Comedy Central
Court TV
Cspan
Cspan 2
Disney Channel
E!
ESPN 2
ESPN Classic
ESPN SD
Fox News Channel
Fox Sports NE (but you do get Home Celtic games)
Fx
Game show Network / leased access
Golf channel
Hallmark channel
HGTV
History Channel
Lifetime
Movieplex
MSNBC
MTV
NESN SD
Nickeloden
OLN
SciFi channel
Spike TV
TBS
The Discovery Channel
The Learning Channel
The Weather Channel
TNT SD
Travel channel
TV food Network
TV Land
USA
VH-1

Lodef, then we can agree to disagree. I am not the one who started the talk about the fee in the first place, I simply responded to a thread I was reading. There was no attack on anyone and if took it that way, well you took it the wrong way. There are plenty of non technical Comcast related threads here so I'm not sure I get your point. Some of us like to question why we pay higher fees, what it is for and what it means for current and future service.
I am not now and have not in the past attacked L Supreme, again L Supreme brings allot to the table but without talk about prices how many people here would have not know cheaper alternative to service like a tier buy through? Well if you read the threads allot of people ask about it. Should we stop talking about that also? I just try to look at things objectively and not emotionally, maybe you should try the same. This is not an attack on Comcast but consumers coming together to talk about their service and get the best service and price they can.

Your quoted prices seem high. Here is what I just did (thanks to info. in this forum):

Basic Service - $10.50
DVR/HD Box - $9.95
Digital Plus Package - $11.20

This will include NESN-HD as well. I could have saved another $5 and went with just Digital Classic but I like the additional programming that the next digital tier adds. I ordered this no problem from my local Comcast office as I was having trouble placing the order over the phone with the service rep. It is not a typical order.

Wow - that would be nice. But are you certain Basic includes NESN HD? When I look at the channel lineup for Basic on comcast site it does not include NESN, but Standard does.

Also on comcast site Digital Plus shows as $56.46/mo, and the channel lineup says "w/ std cable". What am I missing??

Thanks - This looks like a great option. Just has me very confused, which I'm sure is some marketer's intention.

Also on comcast site Digital Plus shows as $56.46/mo, and the channel lineup says "w/ std cable". What am I missing??


If you do not want extended basic then substract the cost of it from "standard" cable. The website does not break it down, it assumes everyone wants basic+extended (ie standard).

I asked same question today of Comcast and was told only standard package w/ HD was needed. $60.90 w/ STB and $51.71 w/ Cablecard.

Anyone know what RCN is offering for packages w/ NESN-HD? Annoying that they don't have pricing on their website.
Yes exactly what I was told... I am still confused.

Wow - that would be nice. But are you certain Basic includes NESN HD? When I look at the channel lineup for Basic on comcast site it does not include NESN, but Standard does.

Also on comcast site Digital Plus shows as $56.46/mo, and the channel lineup says "w/ std cable". What am I missing??

Thanks - This looks like a great option. Just has me very confused, which I'm sure is some marketer's intention.

Yes, dozens post above is correct. You get all HD stations with the package I described above except fo premium HD stations like HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, etc. Included is INHD2/NESN-HD channel. I think it is a great deal and thanks this site, I found out about it :)

pgilber

I did the same thing 1 months ago. be sure to get your $25 off each month for the dish buy bakc program

i believe you need digital classic
Well I am not ripping out my Directv, but he did offer a reduced rate for 16 months. I just am not paying 40-60 bucks a month for one channel. There has to be a cheaper package they can give.

Yes exactly what I was told... I am still confused.

Your confusion lies in Comcast terminology. Someone else can correct me if I use the wrong wording here but it is something like:

Basic Service + Expanded Basic = Standard Cable.

So....You need to tell them you don't want Standard Cable, you want Basic Cable w/o the Expanded Basic.

They are quoting you packages with Standard Cable included and hence your confusion.

Your confusion lies in Comcast terminology. Someone else can correct me if I use the wrong wording here but it is something like:

Basic Service + Expanded Basic = Standard Cable.

So....You need to tell them you don't want Standard Cable, you want Basic Cable w/o the Expanded Basic.

They are quoting you packages with Standard Cable included and hence your confusion.
Ahhh ok, so ripping out the expanded should reduce the cost somewhat then. Then all I need to is to add HD with a Cablecard right?

Ahhh ok, so ripping out the expanded should reduce the cost somewhat then. Then all I need to is to add HD with a Cablecard right?

Yes! If you go cablecard route I believe you are adding the cost of the card and the cost of the "HD package" in that case. I was going to do this as well but when I ran the numbers and heard cards could be a little flaky. Why not add a DVR/HD box for just $9.95/mo.? Lot of bang for your buck.

Lodef, then we can agree to disagree. I am not the one who started the talk about the fee in the first place, I simply responded to a thread I was reading. There was no attack on anyone and if took it that way, well you took it the wrong way. There are plenty of non technical Comcast related threads here so I'm not sure I get your point. Some of us like to question why we pay higher fees, what it is for and what it means for current and future service.
I am not now and have not in the past attacked L Supreme, again L Supreme brings allot to the table but without talk about prices how many people here would have not know cheaper alternative to service like a tier buy through? Well if you read the threads allot of people ask about it. Should we stop talking about that also? I just try to look at things objectively and not emotionally, maybe you should try the same. This is not an attack on Comcast but consumers coming together to talk about their service and get the best service and price they can.

Tsunamii you are right about not being the one who started that post but as I pointed out you were quick to jump in along with a few others. I have no problem talking about prices or fees in this thread and have done so myself in the past. But with the post in question ( 1.99 fee) you directed your response and protest to one particular person ( L Supreme) and theres nothing he can do about it. Sorry but thats how I perceived it and again if you want to complain theres ways and means to do it, just don't call out anyone individual on these boards to do so.
I hope you understand what I'm trying to say and move on to more important topics.

Yes! If you go cablecard route I believe you are adding the cost of the card and the cost of the "HD package" in that case. I was going to do this as well but when I ran the numbers and heard cards could be a little flaky. Why not add a DVR/HD box for just $9.95/mo.? Lot of bang for your buck.
I don't want another STB in my entertainment center just for NESN-HD, already have a Directv H10 STB. If I can make it cheap I will go for it, but not if they run me up in the 50+ dollar range.

Listen Lodef, L Supreme ened his comment with a question mark.

"1.99 is the charge to make an electronic transactions. just like when banks charged to use thier atm machines, its nothing that was never done.

do you complain the same way when other companies charge you for making transactions or do you accept it from them? "

I responded to it as did others. I see his point but just because others do somthing does not make it, in fact, right and I will not stand by and let someone tell me otherwise.
Have you ever been in a Buisness meeting where someone spouts somthing you think is wrong but you dont say anything because you dont want to hurt his fealings or make them angry? Well if you do that, then I wouldnt want you on my team because it does nothing to make things better and everyting to make things worse. Put down your pom poms, serisouly you have went way over board on this. It already was a dead issue until you brought it back up. L Supreme is a big boy, if he has a problem with what anyone said im sure he would say somthing and does not need you to jump to his defense (as if there was an attack in the first place).

OK Ignore on....
New topic: I saw this on the web

"Starting Wednesday, March 22nd, Comcast will be teaming up with IFC to offer up about two dozen movies per year at the same time they are released in theaters"
Good stuff....
http://www.tvenvy.com/index.php/tvenvy/article/comcast-to-offer-independent-films-3206308/

Your confusion lies in Comcast terminology. Someone else can correct me if I use the wrong wording here but it is something like:

Basic Service + Expanded Basic = Standard Cable.

So....You need to tell them you don't want Standard Cable, you want Basic Cable w/o the Expanded Basic.

They are quoting you packages with Standard Cable included and hence your confusion.

Thanks, epie! This is starting to make some sense ... seems they are hiding options from us.

So what then is the point of a digital package like Digital Classic or Plus?

Wow - that would be nice. But are you certain Basic includes NESN HD? When I look at the channel lineup for Basic on comcast site it does not include NESN, but Standard does.

Also on comcast site Digital Plus shows as $56.46/mo, and the channel lineup says "w/ std cable". What am I missing??

Thanks - This looks like a great option. Just has me very confused, which I'm sure is some marketer's intention.

I think one thing that confuses this is that unlike Discovery/TNT/HBO/etc...there is no NESN-HD (there are rumors that this could change soon). INHD2 is pre-empted for Sox/Bruins/Celtics HD games. Since INHD and INHD2 are included at no extra charge the games are there as well. You just need an HD box or CableCard to view them (I don't think a built in QAM tuner is enough, but I could be wrong).

Thanks, epie! This is starting to make some sense ... seems they are hiding options from us.

So what then is the point of a digital package like Digital Classic or Plus?

This gets you the HD channels.

Listen Lodef, L Supreme ened his comment with a question mark.

"1.99 is the charge to make an electronic transactions. just like when banks charged to use thier atm machines, its nothing that was never done.

do you complain the same way when other companies charge you for making transactions or do you accept it from them? "

I responded to it as did others. I see his point but just because others do somthing does not make it, in fact, right and I will not stand by and let someone tell me otherwise.
Have you ever been in a Buisness meeting where someone spouts somthing you think is wrong but you dont say anything because you dont want to hurt his fealings or make them angry? Well if you do that, then I wouldnt want you on my team because it does nothing to make things better and everyting to make things worse. Put down your pom poms, serisouly you have went way over board on this. It already was a dead issue until you brought it back up. L Supreme is a big boy, if he has a problem with what anyone said im sure he would say somthing and does not need you to jump to his defense (as if there was an attack in the first place).

OK Ignore on....
New topic: I saw this on the web

"Starting Wednesday, March 22nd, Comcast will be teaming up with IFC to offer up about two dozen movies per year at the same time they are released in theaters"
Good stuff....
http://www.tvenvy.com/index.php/tvenvy/article/comcast-to-offer-independent-films-3206308/

Tsumamii only time will tell if you or my judgment is correct. And I believe it is you who stepped out of bounds about the issue. I was not the one to start this flame war but I will end it by not responing any further on this topic. ditto on the ignore

Tsumamii only time will tell if you or my judgment is correct. And I believe it is you who stepped out of bounds about the issue. I was not the one to start this flame war but I will end it by not responing any further on this topic. ditto on the ignore

Sorry everyone for sparking this. I was just curious as to what the charges were when switching services. I'm good :)

http://www.drbanks.com/pub/icon_scared.gif

Is it safe to post again?

http://www.drbanks.com/pub/icon_scared.gif

Is it safe to post again?

LOL..

Game on

"Starting Wednesday, March 22nd, Comcast will be teaming up with IFC to offer up about two dozen movies per year at the same time they are released in theaters"
Good stuff....
http://www.tvenvy.com/index.php/tvenvy/article/comcast-to-offer-independent-films-3206308/

This would be good if they were in HD. I see no mention of HD in this press release. $5.99 is a bit much for low def.

-Ken

This would be good if they were in HD. I see no mention of HD in this press release. $5.99 is a bit much for low def.

-Ken

Ya, you’re right it is a bit much but a great start. To have movies, even Indi films, available at the same time they are still in theaters is a huge leap forward.
I’m sure the theaters are all sorts of pissed over this. If all the theaters would just get over it and realize they are in a new market and they need to adjust their business model. The IMAX's and the Adult (over 21 with alcohol like the one in Framingham) theaters have the right idea on drawing people away from their home theaters. It will be a long time before home theater competes with the IMAX 7 story screen.
Hey, Hats off to Comcast to get the ball rolling for this.

Ya, you’re right it is a bit much but a great start. To have movies, even Indi films, available at the same time they are still in theaters is a huge leap forward.
I’m sure the theaters are all sorts of pissed over this. If all the theaters would just get over it and realize they are in a new market and they need to adjust their business model. The IMAX's and the Adult (over 21 with alcohol like the one in Framingham) theaters have the right idea on drawing people away from their home theaters. It will be a long time before home theater competes with the IMAX 7 story screen.
Hey, Hats off to Comcast to get the ball rolling for this.

Of course, if the movie theaters actually adopt the new standards they've been talking about with what amounts to HD resolution on the big screen and high-end surround and who knows what other hooey then maybe folks would reconsider as well...

I like movie theater popcorn. It, and the obligatory soda fountain bladder buster, are my main draws to go to the theater. But, the average theater I go to has lousy sound and often an out-of-focus picture. I'm just as happy to sit 6' away from my 55" set and watch a DVD with 6.1 surround.

I will, however, see a movie when it's an event. Even if I could have had the DVD first, there are some movies that I'd still see in the theater because... I don't know. Force of habit. Makes the whole experience more formal.

But that doesn't preclude DVD sales. To tell the truth, if the theater where I saw Serenity had DVDs of the movie on sale in the lobby, I would have definitely bought one on the way out. It seems to me that simultaneous DVD release has some positive revenue potential that could well balance the negative.

But to me, the biggest thing keeping me out of the theaters (other than the inferior picture and sound quality) is the fact that there just aren't that many movies that I'd really want to go out to see. Call me a total TV addict, but I'm having a hard time coming up with a dozen movies in the last year that I'd have rather seen than a new episode of Lost. And most of the HBO original series are a whole lot more compelling than most of what's in the theaters.

So, I pay for HBO while the local theaters don't get much of my money.

I also doubt that Comcast is going to come up with many movies that I'd be willing to pay $6 to see in 2mbps low-res if they're choosing from the same pool of movies that the local theaters are.

Of course, if the movie theaters actually adopt the new standards they've been talking about with what amounts to HD resolution on the big screen Film already has higher resolution than any of the standard HD resolutions. Now, promising to keep the projectors properly focused is something else... :)

larry

Has a single sox preseason game been shown in Hi Def this year? Last year most of them were, this year I've caught nothing........................oh well, at least the entire reg season is, and thats what counts.

Thanks, epie! This is starting to make some sense ... seems they are hiding options from us.

So what then is the point of a digital package like Digital Classic or Plus?


You can get almost every HD channel for minimal cost. I posted awhile back, but if you pair Basic + Digital Classic + HD box it gets you

PBS HD
CBS HD
ABC HD
NBC HD
FOX HD
TNT HD
DISCOVERY HD
UNIVERSAL HD
ESPN HD
WB HD
INHD1
INHD2


By doing this, I saved $40 off my cable bill (by picking BASIC as the base rather than Expanded Basic), of course I lost some analog channels like mtv and usa, nick, etc, but I only care about HD.

If this has been asked before, excuse me, but I didn't read the whole thread. Having just got a TV that has a builtin QAM tuner I can now get Comcasts unencrypted channels but is there a list somewhere that tells me what 74-4 really is?

Thanks
/Peter

Has a single sox preseason game been shown in Hi Def this year? Last year most of them were, this year I've caught nothing........................oh well, at least the entire reg season is, and thats what counts.

None were due to Celtic and Bruins games being in HD in the same time frame, which has priority over preseason.

If the C's or B's make the playoffs (god help their soul :rolleyes: ) then it will be up to Comcast. Last year the Sox were priority over B's and C's in the playoffs.

As much as the Sox are far and away #1, I would have to argue that a C's or B's playoff game should pre-empt an april or may sox game.

As much as the Sox are far and away #1, I would have to argue that a C's or B's playoff game should pre-empt an april or may sox game.
I don't think we need to worry about the C's or B's being in the playoffs this year!

Mickey

As much as the Sox are far and away #1, I would have to argue that a C's or B's playoff game should pre-empt an april or may sox game.

Comcast did bump 1 or 2 Sox games last year to NESN SD while showing the Celts in HD during the playoffs. I would assume that they would do it again this year but the way both teams are playing it will probably save them from making those decisions.

If this has been asked before, excuse me, but I didn't read the whole thread. Having just got a TV that has a builtin QAM tuner I can now get Comcasts unencrypted channels but is there a list somewhere that tells me what 74-4 really is?

Thanks
/Peter
I have not had any luck finding a published mapping between the channel.subchannel and either a particular set-top box channel number OR the channel name. I've also heard that the channel.subchannel assignments can (and do) change at times as channel lineups change.

If your set has a CableCARD slot you can have Comcast install a CableCARD, which allows you to tune the encrypted channels in your package AND also sets up a mapping between the channel.subchannel form and the channel number listed in Comcast's channel guide on the Web (i.e., your TV will then display the Comcast channel number versus channel.subchannel).

I had a CableCARD installed in my HP LC2600N (with built-in QAM tuner) about a month back and it works great. Price is very reasonable - first CableCARD is free if you don't have a digital set-top box, additional ones run about $2.50/month.

Tony

Thanks Tony,
I think I have come to the same conclusion about the mapping. I'm not sure if comcast would give me a cable card since I don't subscribe to any digital package.

Thanks Tony,
I think I have come to the same conclusion about the mapping. I'm not sure if comcast would give me a cable card since I don't subscribe to any digital package.

You can get the card w/o a digital pkg, but for the atleast $6.20 you get so much more.

Why isn't the BC Nova game in HD !!!!!!!


10 seconds after I posted they flipped the switch :-)

Anybody knows what Comcast pipes through when one subscribes to Extended Standard package? I am getting some clear QAM channels from 70 through 86 but not all. As a matter of fact, even most of the local digital channel are not in the lineup apart from ABC, NHPBS and few others.

I was under impression that Comcast sends lot more clear QAM channels whether you subscribe through Digital package or not.

- Vikas

Is Nick channel broadcast in digital? Otherwise, my kid will force me to set the TV to analog cable. This particular TV can do either digital or analog but NOT both at the same time.

Please help!!

Thanks

Anybody knows what Comcast pipes through when one subscribes to Extended Standard package? I am getting some clear QAM channels from 70 through 86 but not all. As a matter of fact, even most of the local digital channel are not in the lineup apart from ABC, NHPBS and few others.

I was under impression that Comcast sends lot more clear QAM channels whether you subscribe through Digital package or not.

- Vikas


the extended channels are passed through, but are encrypted. You won't be able to see them with just a QAM tuner, you'll need a cable card.

I have not had any luck finding a published mapping between the channel.subchannel and either a particular set-top box channel number OR the channel name.

Here's my list for Somerville, from the last time I scanned. YMMV.

116.26 Arena Rock
116.25 Classic Rock
116.24 Adult Alternative
116.23 Alternative
116.22 Metal
116.21 Rap
115.26 Sounds of the Seasons
115.25 Bluegrass
115.24 Rock
115.23 Electronica
115.22 R&B Hits
115.21 Showcase
114.26 Light Classical
114.25 Classical Masterpieces
114.24 Easy Listening
114.23 Singers & Standards
114.22 Big Band & Swing
114.21 Classic Country
113.26 Today's Country
113.25 Solid Gold Oldies
113.24 '70s
113.23 '80s
113.22 Hit List
113.21 Soft Rock
111.26 Dance
111.25 R&B & Hip-Hop
111.24 Classic R&B
111.23 Smooth R&B
111.22 Reggae
111.21 Radio Disney
111.1 League Pass
102.8 On Demand ad
100.26 Show Tunes
100.25 Party Favorites
100.24 Pop Latino
100.23 '90s
100.22 Salsa y Merengue
100.21 Musica Urbana
94.26 Contemporary Christian
94.25 Gospel
94.24 Blues
94.23 Jazz
94.22 Smooth Jazz
94.21 Soundscapes
92.24 Mexicana
92.23 Rock en Espanol
92.22 Retro-Active
92.21 Opera
87.2 CBS-HD
87.1 FOX-HD
86.2 NBC-HD
86.1 ABC-HD
85.5 UPN-HD
85.3 WGBH-create
85.2 WGBH-kids
85.1 WGBH-world
84.2 WB-HD
84.1 WGBH-HD
83.12 T (spanish)
83.11 Invitation to Life
83.10 spanish
83.9 ShopNBC
83.8 EWTN
83.7 shopping
83.5 shopping
83.1 i
82.12 WB
82.11 my TV
82.10 WGBX (44)
82.9 UPN
82.8 spanish
82.7 FOX
82.6 CN8
82.4 NBC
82.3 ABC
82.2 CBS
82.1 WGBH
79.11 EWTN
79.10 QVC
79.9 HSN
78.12 USA (no sound)
74.65 NH
74.53 Tudo Sobre
74.28 Tudo Sobre
74.16 C-SETT 15
74.11 City 16
74.2 ESPN Classic
74.1 ???

Listen Lodef, L Supreme ened his comment with a question mark.

"
New topic: I saw this on the web

"Starting Wednesday, March 22nd, Comcast will be teaming up with IFC to offer up about two dozen movies per year at the same time they are released in theaters"
Good stuff....
http://www.tvenvy.com/index.php/tvenvy/article/comcast-to-offer-independent-films-3206308/


Personally I think this is a good idea. Today IFC tomorrow a major studio or two.
sure beats the $20-25 Direct TV would like to charge.

Thanks for the Somerville listing! Unfortunately, Westford area is using different lineup. I sat down yesterday and wrote it by hand.

I will add it later in case somebody else can use it.

- Vikas

Thanks. I also get speed on 74.4 and random on demand shows at 90-1 90-2 90-3.

/Peter

Did anyone notice stuttering on 807 during The Player's Championship this past weekend?

Did anyone notice stuttering on 807 during The Player's Championship this past weekend?

Just got HD on Friday.

I noticed stuttering during the NCAA tourney, but I assumed it was related the hard drive and the DVR since the stuttering also happened during SD shows.

I can't believe how bad the Comcast DVR is! It's slower than my old 8 year old ReplayTV unit and it has less functionality.

Just got HD on Friday.

I noticed stuttering during the NCAA tourney, but I assumed it was related the hard drive and the DVR since the stuttering also happened during SD shows.

I can't believe how bad the Comcast DVR is! It's slower than my old 8 year old ReplayTV unit and it has less functionality.

I've never had stuttering on HD, only SD. Switching between two HD channels did not help. My 3412 also froze while switching tuners yesterday. I had to unplug it, and that did the trick. No loss or recorded shows. It even resumed recording a show that it was recording before I unplugged it. The guide still hadn't finished downloading as of last night.

I've never had stuttering on HD, only SD. Switching between two HD channels did not help. My 3412 also froze while switching tuners yesterday. I had to unplug it, and that did the trick. No loss or recorded shows. It even resumed recording a show that it was recording before I unplugged it. The guide still hadn't finished downloading as of last night.

I was watching Sopranos and Big Love last night on HBO HD and had the stuttering/hesitation. What I am seeing is like a slight hesitation in the picture, and then it speeds up to catch up... and during scenes where there is alot of camera movement everything hesitates and picks up over and over again. I see this on my 3412, unfortunately my 6412 I didn't record either of these shows on to see if its a box problem or was a problem with HBO.

I was watching Sopranos and Big Love last night on HBO HD and had the stuttering/hesitation. What I am seeing is like a slight hesitation in the picture, and then it speeds up to catch up... and during scenes where there is alot of camera movement everything hesitates and picks up over and over again. I see this on my 3412, unfortunately my 6412 I didn't record either of these shows on to see if its a box problem or was a problem with HBO.

I watched Sopranos off of disk and have yet to watch Big Love, both from HBO HD and did not see any stuttering with my trusty 6412p2. Sounds like it might be a firmware issue.

I watched Sopranos off of disk and have yet to watch Big Love, both from HBO HD and did not see any stuttering with my trusty 6412p2. Sounds like it might be a firmware issue.

Ugh... and I just got the 3412 to replace my old 6412 P1. Guess I'm gonna go get me a 6412.

Ugh... and I just got the 3412 to replace my old 6412 P1. Guess I'm gonna go get me a 6412.

Its not going to be easy, just giving you a heads up.

What is the best box to have???

The dct2000 is rock solid and has a wealth of diagnostic information :)

Its not going to be easy, just giving you a heads up. Can I sublease my P2 ?

Anyone know how long it should take to download the guide data on a new box? Saturday, I swapped my 6412 PI for a 3412 because my 6412 died.

When I plugged it in, obviously it had no guide data, but it did have all the premium channels, when I only subscribe to HBO. It ran for a couple days until Monday when it seemed as though they hit the box and zapped the pay channels (except HBO). The guide data which wasn't complete yet (still couldn't set my series pass for "The Office") went along with the channels. So it has been about 36 hours since they zapped the box and still an incomplete guide.

Should it really take this long? Is it a function of the 3412, or is something wrong?

Thx

Anyone know how long it should take to download the guide data on a new box? Saturday, I swapped my 6412 PI for a 3412 because my 6412 died.

When I plugged it in, obviously it had no guide data, but it did have all the premium channels, when I only subscribe to HBO. It ran for a couple days until Monday when it seemed as though they hit the box and zapped the pay channels (except HBO). The guide data which wasn't complete yet (still couldn't set my series pass for "The Office") went along with the channels. So it has been about 36 hours since they zapped the box and still an incomplete guide.

Should it really take this long? Is it a function of the 3412, or is something wrong?

Thx

Unfortunately, that's about par for the course, at least if it is like the 6412 in that respect.

I was watching Sopranos and Big Love last night on HBO HD and had the stuttering/hesitation. What I am seeing is like a slight hesitation in the picture, and then it speeds up to catch up... and during scenes where there is alot of camera movement everything hesitates and picks up over and over again. I see this on my 3412, unfortunately my 6412 I didn't record either of these shows on to see if its a box problem or was a problem with HBO.


I had the same thing happen on my 3412 (installed 3/23) during the Sopranos and a few other shows on HD channels ... even non HD programming like Scrubs on 807.

I watched Sopranos off of disk and have yet to watch Big Love, both from HBO HD and did not see any stuttering with my trusty 6412p2. Sounds like it might be a firmware issue.

Unfortunately for those 6412p3 and 3412 leasers I did not encounter any stuttering when I watch my recording of Big Love from Sunday night.

I'm not sure if I'm seeing the same issue as you guys ... I wouldn't describe it as stuttering. But I am definitely experiencing some random break-ups on my HBOHD channel. It seems to be the only channel affected. It was so bad that the channel was unwatchable last week so I had a tech come out. He tried two different boxes and eventually found one where it seemed to be working. However I am still noticing occassional breakups (usual a line of noise across the screen and the sound cuts out) even with the new box. Sucks to watch the Sopranos with this annoyance.

I'm not sure if I'm seeing the same issue as you guys ... I wouldn't describe it as stuttering. But I am definitely experiencing some random break-ups on my HBOHD channel. It seems to be the only channel affected. It was so bad that the channel was unwatchable last week so I had a tech come out. He tried two different boxes and eventually found one where it seemed to be working. However I am still noticing occassional breakups (usual a line of noise across the screen and the sound cuts out) even with the new box. Sucks to watch the Sopranos with this annoyance.
Did the Tech test your signal strength?

Mickey

Free SHO preview this weekend.

Did the Tech test your signal strength?

Mickey

Yep, he said it was fine.

My stuttering/hesitation/frame-dropping issue was fixed with a new box. The two boxes from my old house were fine for the whole time. When I moved and wanted to add HBO at the same time, those boxes wouldn't get HBO, so I got two new boxes. One of the new ones locked up continuously so it was replaced. The other had a very loud high pitched whine, so it was replaced. That was the one with the stuttering, so it was replaced. And these two work!!! (so far!) I guess the moral of the story is, if you get something that "just about works" ... do NOT go for perfection. If you have a phantom 1989 recording, just keep it.

a)The Showtime FREe preivew whas started. 877 is on as well as 36x. Showtime on demand stuff is listed as just FREE. Other premium channels is listed as Free with subscription.

b)Newer HD on demand films are listed as $3.99

My stuttering/hesitation/frame-dropping issue was fixed with a new box. The two boxes from my old house were fine for the whole time. When I moved and wanted to add HBO at the same time, those boxes wouldn't get HBO, so I got two new boxes. One of the new ones locked up continuously so it was replaced. The other had a very loud high pitched whine, so it was replaced. That was the one with the stuttering, so it was replaced. And these two work!!! (so far!) I guess the moral of the story is, if you get something that "just about works" ... do NOT go for perfection. If you have a phantom 1989 recording, just keep it.
Does this represent a typical Comcast customer experience? If so, then Comcast has managed to lower the bar to a level that should enable competition to siphon off a significant number of subscribers (to the extent that true competition exists).

Mickey

Thanks for the Somerville listing! Unfortunately, Westford area is using different lineup. I sat down yesterday and wrote it by hand.

I will add it later in case somebody else can use it.

- Vikas

It would be helpful to me to have the listings for the Westford area, so when you have time, Vikas, please post them here. Thanks!

Ok, here is my question. I have the Moto 3412.

The status bar is in the middle of the screen at the bottom, and takes up about 2/3's of the width. I have my box set to 16:9 with 480p 4:3 override. I also have it to 1080i.

When I change from HD to SD, the status bar goes from regular size to full side to side width for only a split second. Then it goes back to normal size.

When I change from SD to HD, the bar goes from regular size to about half its normal size for a split second, and then goes back to normal.

Is this normal? I also have "searching for subscription alot when I change the channels. Is this normal????

I have Comcast coming in a week to unlock my Yamaha receiver volume and to program my SD box to my Polaroid TV too.

Anyone know?

Things just get more and more interesting with my 6412.

First it was just the random resets, after which it takes a couple of days to get the guide info completely back. Then a blank (undeleteble) entry shows up in my "My DVR" menu, which if you select play on it causes a complete freeze up, fixable only by pulling the cable out. Then came the reset that blew away one of my saved programs.

Tonight was another first, the DVR schedule will not show me the programs I have set up for Sunday (even though if you go to the individual show you can see that it's still set to record). That's right, it goes from Saturday right to Monday and beyond, as though Sunday did not exist (normally if there's no shows on a certain date, it will list the date with a "no programs" message). Guess it won't be long before I make that call.

Anyone in the Natick/Framingham area know of two guys I could hire to throw away my old entertainment center and put my HDTV on a shelf? I can't do it (bad back) and the guy in my development who was supposed to do it was a no-show.

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Yep, he said it was fine.

Argh! My HBO-HD issues were horrible last night during the Sopranos. Not only did I have the occassional break-ups that I am used to, but on 3 occassions I got green sqiggly ines all over the screen. Terrible! I'll give Comcast one more chance to come out and fix it or I'm gonna have to find a new provider. For the obscene amount of money I give these guys, this is unacceptable.

I also noticed my DVR box didn't record the sound as 5.1 but only as 2.0, what is up with that?

Red Sox pregame show in HD. Looks very good. :)

I got $10.00 off my cable bill just calling in to complain about lack of HD and all the offers I'm getting for HD from Dish.

=)

Bruins and Redsoxs tommorrow both in HD on NESN, but at the same time will we have a temp 851 and full 882.

Bruins and Redsoxs tommorrow both in HD on NESN, but at the same time will we have a temp 851 and full 882.
How did you hear about the temp 851?

Mickey

I canceled expanded basic back in March (after 3 calls to get it right).
However my savings was not the full $35.40. I lost a $5 bundle discount on
my cable and another $5 bundle discount on my phone. I still get the $15 discount on Internet. Is anyone else still getting the $5 bundle discounts ?

Yes, I did get yesterdays Red Sox game on 882, but for some reason I checked SD NESN on 51, and I still get that also ? The filter that was installed is not blocking that channel.

I canceled expanded basic back in March (after 3 calls to get it right).
However my savings was not the full $35.40. I lost a $5 bundle discount on
my cable and another $5 bundle discount on my phone. I still get the $15 discount on Internet. Is anyone else still getting the $5 bundle discounts ?

Yes, I did get yesterdays Red Sox game on 882, but for some reason I checked SD NESN on 51, and I still get that also ? The filter that was installed is not blocking that channel.


The $5 bundles are grnadfathered, so by going down to basic, you've lost them for good.

Did you get 51 on the set with the HD box or a set without. If its a set w/o a box then yes, the filter is not functioning properly. If its the HD box, it should go away shortly & say not authorized.

I'm going to be moving this summer but staying in the "comcast family" as I'm going a couple of towns over. Are there any procedures in place regarding simply moving the box itself as I have an HD DVR with a fair amount of material and series settings on it or am I going to be forced into returning the box and waiting on a new one?

The $5 bundles are grnadfathered, so by going down to basic, you've lost them for good.

Did you get 51 on the set with the HD box or a set without. If its a set w/o a box then yes, the filter is not functioning properly. If its the HD box, it should go away shortly & say not authorized.

Loosing the $5 discounts is not a big deal, I'm still saving $25 for channels I never watched in the first place. I was just checking to make sure they we're removed correctly. I've only had the discounts since January 05 when I redid TV and Phone services because I was having problems with grandfathered packages from the AT&T day's.

When I checked 51, it was available with an 3412DVR and also an older 2244. There are 2 or 3 other channels that also are available. Most of them say not authorized.

On our set in the bedroom without a box, all expanded basic channels are coming in. I never noticed it before because we never watched any of those channels, and have the TV tune them out.

Yes, someone came out to put the filter on, because my wife had to unlock the gate to let him get to the box.

B's game is on CN8 but no HD :(

The $5 bundles are grnadfathered, so by going down to basic, you've lost them for good.

Did you get 51 on the set with the HD box or a set without. If its a set w/o a box then yes, the filter is not functioning properly. If its the HD box, it should go away shortly & say not authorized.

I had a $5 discount on the phone. It just suddenly disappered in January. I don't think they offer it anymore. Im paying $35 for ONE line . Three years ago I was payuing $44 for tWO LINES!

The reason why he may be getting 51 is because of the all digital linup and the digital version of it is on a frequency that is not blocked by that analog extended basic trap.

I had a $5 discount on the phone. It just suddenly disappered in January. I don't think they offer it anymore. Im paying $35 for ONE line . Three years ago I was payuing $44 for tWO LINES!

The reason why he may be getting 51 is because of the all digital linup and the digital version of it is on a frequency that is not blocked by that analog extended basic trap.

Yeah the $5 discount off the phone service was discontinued last year. They are trying to push customers over to Digital Voice, I am just about ready to go back to Verizon for my phone line.

Hi All,

I just upgraded my Comcast service to HD last week and just purchased a Westinghouse 1080p 42" LCD monitor. I am connected between monitor and 3412 box via HDMI. I have had analog cable forever so this is all new to me. I have noticed a few things that I was hoping to get some help/confirmation on:

1. Watching Red Sox in HD last few days (WOW!) and noticed that on certain screen shots, in particular the camera shots when the ball is hit into the outfield and their is fast panning showing baserunners, I notice alternating light grey vertical bands on the monitor. The mfr. claims that this is probably because of a non-HD camera used for these particular shots and the monitor is upconverting to 1080i (or something like that). Could their be any truth to this? I must admit that I don;t notice it all the time. Does anyone else see this when watching Red Sox games?

2. Related to item 1, Westinghouse suggested I change the input on my 3412 to 780p which may reduce this effect. Once again, is there any truth to this? If so how would I do that? I assume I need to get into the service menu on the box. How would I do this?

3. I seem to always have to stretch SD content by switching between "standard" and "fill" on Westinghouse menu. Is there a way to make all SD content which comes through 3412 to automatically "fill" to fit 16:9 but leave HD content in "fill" mode (seems to not crop the picture) when it comes through 3412?

Thanks for the help! Also really happy with Basic+Digital+DVR Package. This is more than enough TV for us plus getting all those HD channels. I think it is a great deal.

Thanks!

Yeah the $5 discount off the phone service was discontinued last year. They are trying to push customers over to Digital Voice, I am just about ready to go back to Verizon for my phone line.

Digital voice is a joke. IMHO. I may even DROP land line phone service altogether,considering cell phone reception is full strangh in my apartment.

Hi All,

I just upgraded my Comcast service to HD last week and just purchased a Westinghouse 1080p 42" LCD monitor. I am connected between monitor and 3412 box via HDMI. I have had analog cable forever so this is all new to me. I have noticed a few things that I was hoping to get some help/confirmation on:

1. Watching Red Sox in HD last few days (WOW!) and noticed that on certain screen shots, in particular the camera shots when the ball is hit into the outfield and their is fast panning showing baserunners, I notice alternating light grey vertical bands on the monitor. The mfr. claims that this is probably because of a non-HD camera used for these particular shots and the monitor is upconverting to 1080i (or something like that). Could their be any truth to this? I must admit that I don;t notice it all the time. Does anyone else see this when watching Red Sox games?

2. Related to item 1, Westinghouse suggested I change the input on my 3412 to 780p which may reduce this effect. Once again, is there any truth to this? If so how would I do that? I assume I need to get into the service menu on the box. How would I do this?

3. I seem to always have to stretch SD content by switching between "standard" and "fill" on Westinghouse menu. Is there a way to make all SD content which comes through 3412 to automatically "fill" to fit 16:9 but leave HD content in "fill" mode (seems to not crop the picture) when it comes through 3412?

Thanks for the help! Also really happy with Basic+Digital+DVR Package. This is more than enough TV for us plus getting all those HD channels. I think it is a great deal.

Thanks!


1) I can't confirm 100% but yes they sometimes have an SD cam that they use during games. I believe this may vary depending if they're at Fenway or not.

2) I think they mean for you to change the output setting of your 3412 to 720p - this depends on the native resolution of your LCD and somewhat on your personal taste. Check it out and see what you like better

3) I think you're stuck with your stretch modes. Basically you need to set the 3412 to 16:9 which means that's what it's broadcasting whether in HD or not. When you're watching HD your TV should run Native aspect which of course is 16:9. Funny enough on my Toshy CRT I can't change stretch modes when viewing HD - it displays the 16:9 sent my the cable box. I have a default stretch mode for SD. Looks like your set will require you to tweak the mode whether HD or not. Sounds like a job for a Harmony remote with a macro programmed!

1. Watching Red Sox in HD last few days (WOW!) and noticed that on certain screen shots, in particular the camera shots when the ball is hit into the outfield and their is fast panning showing baserunners, I notice alternating light grey vertical bands on the monitor. The mfr. claims that this is probably because of a non-HD camera used for these particular shots and the monitor is upconverting to 1080i (or something like that). Could their be any truth to this? I must admit that I don;t notice it all the time. Does anyone else see this when watching Red Sox games?

2. Related to item 1, Westinghouse suggested I change the input on my 3412 to 780p which may reduce this effect. Once again, is there any truth to this? If so how would I do that? I assume I need to get into the service menu on the box. How would I do this?


If you want the best picture then you need to do some research. You need to figure out if the deinterlacer in your LCD is any good, check around AVS and see what others thinks and try to determine the deinterlacing chip. If it is a newer model tv then it is probably better then what is the 3412. If that is the case then you will need to change the output of 3412 to match the incoming signal, 720p for ABC, FOX & ESPN and 1080i for everthing else (I think). Doing this will pass the "native" signal out of the 3412 and let your LCD do all the heavy lifting.

If you want the best picture then you need to do some research. You need to figure out if the deinterlacer in your LCD is any good, check around AVS and see what others thinks and try to determine the deinterlacing chip. If it is a newer model tv then it is probably better then what is the 3412. If that is the case then you will need to change the output of 3412 to match the incoming signal, 720p for ABC, FOX & ESPN and 1080i for everthing else (I think). Doing this will pass the "native" signal out of the 3412 and let your LCD do all the heavy lifting.

Thanks everyone for the thoughts so far, please keep them coming. Particularly, interested in Red Sox viewing and the two games so far. Trying to figure out if I have a defective monitor as well.

As for "native passthrough", how do I know which HD stations pump out 720p v. 1080i? Is there a table somewhere? My monitor native resolution is 1920x1080.

...Watching Red Sox in HD last few days (WOW!) and noticed that on certain screen shots, in particular the camera shots when the ball is hit into the outfield and their is fast panning showing baserunners, I notice alternating light grey vertical bands on the monitor. The mfr. claims that this is probably because of a non-HD camera used for these particular shots and the monitor is upconverting to 1080i (or something like that). Could their be any truth to this? I must admit that I don;t notice it all the time. Does anyone else see this when watching Red Sox games?
Have not watched enough this year yet to see it, but last year they did have one or two SD cameras in use. If the problem is always seen from the same camera angle, then its the camera. Also, you might see some motion artifacts on certain shots when the camera is panning quickly.

Mickey

Have not watched enough this year yet to see it, but last year they did have one or two SD cameras in use. If the problem is always seen from the same camera angle, then its the camera. Also, you might see some motion artifacts on certain shots when the camera is panning quickly.

Mickey

Thanks. Does the 3412 have a "native passthrough" setting?

Thanks. Does the 3412 have a "native passthrough" setting?
As far as I know, today's generation of Moto boxes are not doing native pass-through.

Mickey

1. Watching Red Sox in HD last few days (WOW!) and noticed that on certain screen shots, in particular the camera shots when the ball is hit into the outfield and their is fast panning showing baserunners, I notice alternating light grey vertical bands on the monitor. The mfr. claims that this is probably because of a non-HD camera used for these particular shots and the monitor is upconverting to 1080i (or something like that). Could their be any truth to this? I must admit that I don;t notice it all the time. Does anyone else see this when watching Red Sox games?
It's most likely because of the fact that they're not at Fenway, but the two games in Texas so far have looked absolutely terrible from all angles - not even close to the 1080i picture from years past. To me, it looks only marginally better than the 16x9 480p broadcasts that FOX does on Saturdays. The difference is especially noticable in the post game shows, when they go back and forth from the studio cameras to the in-game shots. The PQ from the studio looks so much better that it's completely obvious that there's something up with the in-game cameras.

Hopefully this isn't something that continues.

As for "native passthrough", how do I know which HD stations pump out 720p v. 1080i? Is there a table somewhere? My monitor native resolution is 1920x1080.

Fox, ABC and ESPN are 720p, everything is 1080i, I believe. Showtime might be 720p, I no longer subscribe but seem to remember it may have been another exception.

It's most likely because of the fact that they're not at Fenway, but the two games in Texas so far have looked absolutely terrible from all angles - not even close to the 1080i picture from years past. To me, it looks only marginally better than the 16x9 480p broadcasts that FOX does on Saturdays. The difference is especially noticable in the post game shows, when they go back and forth from the studio cameras to the in-game shots. The PQ from the studio looks so much better that it's completely obvious that there's something up with the in-game cameras.

Hopefully this isn't something that continues.

Wow - it hasn't looked THAT bad to me. I didn't want to mention to Epie how the home games are some of the best looking HD broadcasts I've seen period, but yeah there's a little difference in PQ, especially during fast-motion pans.

Thanks everyone for the help so far. Can anyone tellme what the optimal settings should be on the 3412 set-up menu and tell me how to access it?

Thanks everyone for the help so far. Can anyone tellme what the optimal settings should be on the 3412 set-up menu and tell me how to access it?


With the tv onand 3412 off, press the menu button.
Set the Component / HDMI to either 720p or 1080i.
Try the 4:3 settings & see what looks best.
I suspect that you had the HD outputs set to SD.
The Sox game looked incredible on my set (Samsung 1080p, 3412 set to 1080i).

With the tv onand 3412 off, press the menu button.
Set the Component / HDMI to either 720p or 1080i.
Try the 4:3 settings & see what looks best.
I suspect that you had the HD outputs set to SD.
The Sox game looked incredible on my set (Samsung 1080p, 3412 set to 1080i).

Thanks. Currently my settings are HDMI, 1080i and 4:3 override. Are these the best settings to leave my box at? I find myself stretching my SD using TV menu to fill the screen everytime when I watch SD programming. Wasn't sure if there way to simplify this process or if I will always be switching back and forth between standard and stretch modes. All new to me so not sure what most people typically do. Especially since my monitor has a natvie resolution of 1080.

Also, do you hit "menu" again when you are done to save settings? I assume you hit "menu" right on the box and not the remote, correct?

Droped out here too.

this sucks

yeah my post is ahead of what i responded to!

LOL called comcast, they have a prerecorded sox message!

it is back

Thanks. Currently my settings are HDMI, 1080i and 4:3 override. Are these the best settings to leave my box at? I find myself stretching my SD using TV menu to fill the screen everytime when I watch SD programming. Wasn't sure if there way to simplify this process or if I will always be switching back and forth between standard and stretch modes. All new to me so not sure what most people typically do. Especially since my monitor has a natvie resolution of 1080.

Also, do you hit "menu" again when you are done to save settings? I assume you hit "menu" right on the box and not the remote, correct?

Hit power, not menu. Use the box, not the remote.
I don't stretch the 4:3, I have a DLP and I don't have to worry about burn in.
The right settings are the ones that look best on your TV.

Well were not off to a good start with the game dropping out on 882 last night, I hope Comcast gets their act together and fixes the problem. BTW it was a great game, Papelbon looks like the real deal and just might be the best closer in the league this year.

As much as I like to pick on Comcast, we don't know if this was a NESN problem or Comcast. The game did come back on in HD and I watched the end in HD. The really odd thing is that the program guide showed that the post game show would be on 882, but it was cut off at 11:30 for whatever was being shown on INHD2.

-Ken

Gee, I just assumed it was a 3412 problem and started swearing at the box.

A few comments

a)Like a lot of folks,I do believe the time has come for NESN HD to be FULL TIME. Ch 851 would be the logical slot.

b)INdieplex and Retroplex have been added to the Digital plus package. I know these are SD services but they chose to replace Encore drama and Encore Wam,. Does this mean there is NO ROOM for new services? :(

A few comments

b)INdieplex and Retroplex have been added to the Digital plus package. I know these are SD services but they chose to replace Encore drama and Encore Wam,. Does this mean there is NO ROOM for new services? :(

....and I thought Comcast was being nice and just adding two new channels.

Comcast and being nice shouldn't be used in the same sentence. Two pretty much useless channels were added. Indie films, Don't we already have Sundance for that, and Retroplex, ooh movies from before I was born or ever care to watch. No interest.

FiOS TV can't get here soon enough.

Got a tip that there will be more HD by end of 2006......

I have to admit, the Masters looked better than ever yesterday in HD.

Got a tip that there will be more HD by end of 2006......

Yah, I would certainly hope so! If not, that would be pretty depressing....

Any details?

Soon to be Boston Comcastian here. I'm a bit disappointed in the lack of popular national HD channels on Comcast that even bandwidth-limited Directv offers, most notably ESPN2-HD (knock it for not being all HD, all the time, but I'll take my sports in HD whenever I can get it :))

I'm particularly hopeful in Comcast getting the NFL Network in HD, especially since they're going to have ~8 regular season games this upcoming season.

on top of those, I'd like to see the following:

HDNet/ HDNet Movies
National Geographic HD
VOOM channels
MHD
and the new HGTV-HD and Food Network HD when they launch.

Is Universal HD still coming in? Or has it been dropped? I have read that subscribers have it, but it's still not listed on the available channels page, last I looked.

The boston area has UHD now. Not sure why it is not listed on the web yet unless they do not want the rest of the country to find out we have it around here.

Maybe up to 3x times the current amount by end of 2006.

Just curious if anyone notices any vertical banding when watching Red Sox this week. In particular, from cameras behind homeplate when a batter hits the ball into the field.

Maybe up to 3x times the current amount by end of 2006.
How about a couple of channels now as a down payment?

Mickey

Maybe up to 3x times the current amount by end of 2006.

Did they give you any info as to how this is going to be accomplished?

A poster over in Programming mentioned switched video (http://www.bigbandnet.com/news/inTheNews/2005/news_053105a.php) as one technique that could be used to expand HD capacity. Time Warner is doing this, I wonder if Comcast is investigating the possibilty?

Got a tip that there will be more HD by end of 2006......

Long, long overdue. Give us our money's worth Comcast!

I posted this a couple of days ago, but the post disappeared. I hope this is the right forum.

I live in Brighton/Oak Square area. We have the 6412 Phase 1 box.

I'm getting massive amounts of drop outs and stuttering. By stuttering I mean the picture will freeze (but not always break up) and the audio will drop. This will last a couple of seconds.

This happens with live shows and on recordings. It happens with standard def channels (like Comedy Central) and HD channels.

During playback on many recordings I did this last week the picture would go to black and the playback would stop.

This is happening A LOT! Not just a few times, but many times in quick succession.

It's happening with both tuners.

Any idea what might be going on? My roommate claims that some cable installer told him this happens because the area is "over subscribed". I think that's BS.

I posted this a couple of days ago, but the post disappeared. I hope this is the right forum.

I live in Brighton/Oak Square area. We have the 6412 Phase 1 box.

I'm getting massive amounts of drop outs and stuttering. By stuttering I mean the picture will freeze (but not always break up) and the audio will drop. This will last a couple of seconds.

This happens with live shows and on recordings. It happens with standard def channels (like Comedy Central) and HD channels.

During playback on many recordings I did this last week the picture would go to black and the playback would stop.

This is happening A LOT! Not just a few times, but many times in quick succession.

It's happening with both tuners.

Any idea what might be going on? My roommate claims that some cable installer told him this happens because the area is "over subscribed". I think that's BS.

I had the same problem with my 6412 Phase 1 box. My wife's 6412 Phase 3 box didn't have the problem. I upgraded my 6412 P1 to a 3412 and haven't had the problem since.

I had the same problem with my 6412 Phase 1 box. My wife's 6412 Phase 3 box didn't have the problem. I upgraded my 6412 P1 to a 3412 and haven't had the problem since.
Thanks for the reply, SccopsHD. Had your box worked fine, and then this problem just "happened"?

I've had the 6412 since the launch of the service, back when you need to ask specifically for the box because they weren't advertising it.

I've always had a problem of a momentary drop out, usually just once in a show. But now it has gotten much, much worse.

A poster over in Programming mentioned switched video (http://www.bigbandnet.com/news/inTheNews/2005/news_053105a.php) as one technique that could be used to expand HD capacity. Time Warner is doing this, I wonder if Comcast is investigating the possibilty?

boy I hope not. If they do this, it might kill compatiblity with the new cablecard series 3 Tivo, and I was definitely leaning towards one of those.

although, if they roll out the tivo software on the current boxes....

Thanks for the reply, SccopsHD. Had your box worked fine, and then this problem just "happened"?

I've had the 6412 since the launch of the service, back when you need to ask specifically for the box because they weren't advertising it.

I've always had a problem of a momentary drop out, usually just once in a show. But now it has gotten much, much worse.

Mine always had a problem from the start, but got progressively worse over time until it got to the point it would happen multiple times per show.

Oh boy. Huge problems tonight. Lots of drop-outs. At first I thought it was my new TV's tuner, but I noticed the Comcast box is doing the same thing.:(

yep. Really bad tonight. Just comcastic...

I really find this level of service terrible, considering I spend so much for TV. I'm going to give them a call tommorow and tell them to shape up. This drop-out problem has been going on far too long and it almost always happens on the weekends.

Two problems I experienced tonight. One, my MLS Direct Kick package. On channels 606 and 607 those games were blacked out on the package. And while watching the Revs game tonight on 856 it frozed quite frequently. Interesting however was that I did DVR it and when I replayed it back (fast forwarded) I didn't notice any feezes or pauses.

Oh boy. Huge problems tonight. Lots of drop-outs. At first I thought it was my new TV's tuner, but I noticed the Comcast box is doing the same thing.:(
DaveFi, is this drop-out problem like what I wrote about a few messages up? Has it been going on for a little over a week now?

Again, I'm getting frequent stuttering, where the picture "freeze frames" and the audio cuts out. On a bunch of recorded material from Comedy Central and G4TV the recording would go to black and playback would end.

I have the 6412 with Comcast. I just got home. All of the programs I had saved (only 3 I think) are gone. Also, it appears the dual tuner has stopped working - can't swap, and when I tried to set 2 recordings for tomorrow night at 9pm, it said there was a conflict. All of my scheduled recordings are gone as well. It's almost as if someone came in while I was gone, and replaced my unit. I'm very angry. Any ideas? Thanks.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Try unplugging the unit and plugging it back in.

Two problems I experienced tonight. One, my MLS Direct Kick package. On channels 606 and 607 those games were blacked out on the package. And while watching the Revs game tonight on 856 it frozed quite frequently. Interesting however was that I did DVR it and when I replayed it back (fast forwarded) I didn't notice any feezes or pauses.

There are not supposed to be ANY blackouts on MLS Direct kick.

I thought WLVI's MLS coverage was still in SD.

Same here WLVI 856 keep freezing last night during Revs game, but OTA it was fine. I have only seen blackouts on INHD when they Revs vs other teams in HD. :mad:

Guys,

I am having major problems. I am on my second 3412 box.

The first one would only show a picture if I went into my DVR, played something, and stopped it. That was the ONLY way I could get a picture. Otherwise, I'd see my menus, just no picture.

So, got my new box. After 24 hours, it is now shutting off on its own every 15-45 min. Any ideas?

It shuts off completely, then the screen reads 88:88 on my box, then I get a line, and then it comes on again. Keep in mind, I am doing nothing new.

Try unplugging the unit and plugging it back in.

I went to the status screens to make sure the temperature wasn't too hot - as soon as i did that, this awful clicking sound started. I unplugged it and plugged it back in, and the clicking sound continued. I'd guess the hard drive is failing....Unfortunately, I had to go out of town for two days, so that means no HD recording for me until I can get the box replaced.

Hello,

I have had my 3412 box for about a week now and I have always noticed that the drives seem to be constantly churning. Suddenly yesterday the box got a lot quiter and everything still seems to work fine. Is there such thing as a break in period for new boxes? Not sure why it got so much quieter but I'm not complaining.

Guys,

I am having major problems. I am on my second 3412 box.

The first one would only show a picture if I went into my DVR, played something, and stopped it. That was the ONLY way I could get a picture. Otherwise, I'd see my menus, just no picture.

So, got my new box. After 24 hours, it is now shutting off on its own every 15-45 min. Any ideas?

It shuts off completely, then the screen reads 88:88 on my box, then I get a line, and then it comes on again. Keep in mind, I am doing nothing new.
If you go to the "Official Comcast 3412 & 3416 STB Discussion" you should see this problem mentioned.

I think the answers involved "surge suppressors"/UPS and if you are using one then plug the box directly into the wall.

I think the justification for the answer was that the box is pretty delicate when voltage varies and you need a "special" surgre suppressor/UPS to combat this.

If you plug directly in to the wall and still get the problem then there is a problem with the box.

Guys,

I am having major problems. I am on my second 3412 box.

The first one would only show a picture if I went into my DVR, played something, and stopped it. That was the ONLY way I could get a picture. Otherwise, I'd see my menus, just no picture.

So, got my new box. After 24 hours, it is now shutting off on its own every 15-45 min. Any ideas?

It shuts off completely, then the screen reads 88:88 on my box, then I get a line, and then it comes on again. Keep in mind, I am doing nothing new.

Your first problem is solved by never turning the box off. There is really no reason to turn it off in the first place as the box isn't actually off it just isn't outputting a signal. It's a VERY common issue and is true with the 6412 series as well. When it does happen, the fix is exactly what you were doing.

Would someone please explain the differences between the 6412 and the 3412? Thanks.

Would someone please explain the differences between the 6412 and the 3412? Thanks.

There are two to my knowledge

a)3412 lacks an analog tuner,and can only be used in digital simulcast systems (such as ours) This means all channels are digital.

b)I believe the 3412 has an RF output.

Terrible freezing issues with the guide and general interface on my 6412 last night. It almost made my system unusable. I look forward to the day when there is another option. Comcast just does not seem to care. As my grandmother always said: every dog has their day... (and Comcast's is coming :D ).

There are two to my knowledge

a)3412 lacks an analog tuner,and can only be used in digital simulcast systems (such as ours) This means all channels are digital.

b)I believe the 3412 has an RF output.

Also 3412 has HDMI connection and 6412 is DVI

Also 3412 has HDMI connection and 6412 is DVI

6412p2 is DVI 6412p3 is HDMI.

What's up with ch. 845 - Weather in HD? That's sort of weird. I wish it were some other channel like National Geographic or somethng.

What's up with ch. 845 - Weather in HD? That's sort of weird. I wish it were some other channel like National Geographic or somethng.

I wouldn't mind Weather in HD myself. Weatherscan is one of my favorite SD digital classic channels,but i think it is only a report,like 715 is a report of 265.

I was sort of hoping for 883 (where i woiuld put HDNet) :)

There is absolutely nothing "HD" about this channel (845), and when you select the HD menu on the program guide, it's not listed as an HD channel.

I'd have to guess that this is either some weird mistake or they're running a test of some sort - regular 45 is CSPAN2, so I don't think they're getting THAT ready.

Maybe testing something new. Got info from a Comcast employee that they were going to add new stuff at 720-750 mHz. ADS was around 693 Mhz.

I wouldn't say there is nothing HD about it, it's widescreen...anyone figure outif it's an actual HD signal?

Not that it matters for a radar map :)

I wouldn't say there is nothing HD about it, it's widescreen...anyone figure outif it's an actual HD signal?

Not that it matters for a radar map :)

It's 4:3 on mine. You might want to check your settings to make sure you're not stretching 4:3 content (like the local news). I see no difference at all between the "regular" channel on 245 (now I know where the 45 comes from) and 845.

It most definitely is not an HD signal. When tuning into 845 my display indicates/switches to 480p (the SD default from my box). I think the big question is why have they added 845? Is it a simulcast of the Weatherscan channel or are they just mapping 845 to the Weatherscan channel? And, does this mean that something HD will be added to 845? Questions, questions, questions.

It's 4:3 on mine. You might want to check your settings to make sure you're not stretching 4:3 content (like the local news). I see no difference at all between the "regular" channel on 245 (now I know where the 45 comes from) and 845.

doh...it has been forever since I switched to a channel outside the 800s :)

Looks like NESN is still using the SD camera shot this season from the Fenway scoreboard on close ups of players in the batters box. How can a Network brag about HD this and HD that and then not even have all cameras in HD during a game ? Do they think were that stupid that we can can't tell the difference when it's so obvious. Please NESN stop using it and ruining the enjoyment of an otherwise stellar broadcast.

Looks like NESN is still using the SD camera shot this season from the Fenway scoreboard on close ups of players in the batters box. How can a Network brag about HD this and HD that and then not even have all cameras in HD during a game ? Do they think were that stupid that we can can't tell the difference when it's so obvious. Please NESN stop using it and ruining the enjoyment of an otherwise stellar broadcast.

Does the use of the one lodef camera really "ruin" your enjoyment of the broadcast ?

Does the use of the one lodef camera really "ruin" your enjoyment of the broadcast ?

Yes, especially if theres no reason to be using it. If your going to advertise a product as being in HD then thats what you should get with no exceptions. And in case you haven't noticed, that camera angle is used quite frequently during the course of a game unfortuantly. :mad:

Why on earth are they using an SD camera? At first, I thought maybe the cruddy quality from that angle was resulting from a digital zoom (as opposed to optical)...

Yes, especially if theres no reason to be using it. If your going to advertise a product as being in HD then thats what you should get with no exceptions. And in case you haven't noticed, that camera angle is used quite frequently during the course of a game unfortuantly. :mad:

ESPN does the same thing, it's either a camera is out of service for that location, or they can't fit one inside that small space.

I can't stand that camera either, very disappointing to still have it this year. They use for every stinkin batter too. I don't think it's in the scoreboard though. the angle is very similar to the centerfield camera they use for the pitch. I think it's the super slow-mo camera they have, which is SD and much worse than a HD slow mo replay.

Does anyone have a name and address of a person at NESN that I could write a letter(on actual paper) to.

Jason

Looks like NESN is still using the SD camera shot this season from the Fenway scoreboard on close ups of players in the batters box. How can a Network brag about HD this and HD that and then not even have all cameras in HD during a game ? Do they think were that stupid that we can can't tell the difference when it's so obvious. Please NESN stop using it and ruining the enjoyment of an otherwise stellar broadcast.

I sent them an e-mail last season complimenting their coverage and asking if this camera was going to be replaced with HD.

No reply was sent nor was receipt acknowleged.

I can't stand that camera either, very disappointing to still have it this year. They use for every stinkin batter too. I don't think it's in the scoreboard though. the angle is very similar to the centerfield camera they use for the pitch. I think it's the super slow-mo camera they have, which is SD and much worse than a HD slow mo replay.

Does anyone have a name and address of a person at NESN that I could write a letter(on actual paper) to.

Jason

It's good to know I'm not the only one this bothers. I was also hoping they wouldn't be using it again this season but I guess that was only wishful thinking. Maybe if we get enough people to complain about it they will stop using it. I'm going to send them an e-mail as well and let them know how I feel.

Can I pick up a dvr box at the local comcast office or do they still require a visit to my house ?

Thanks,

Ken

Can I pick up a dvr box at the local comcast office or do they still require a visit to my house ?

Thanks,

Ken

you can pick it up

A few comments

a)Like a lot of folks,I do believe the time has come for NESN HD to be FULL TIME. Ch 851 would be the logical slot.

b)INdieplex and Retroplex have been added to the Digital plus package. I know these are SD services but they chose to replace Encore drama and Encore Wam,. Does this mean there is NO ROOM for new services? :(

Has anyone seen icons for the retroplex and indieplex channels? I have done several web searches and I can not seem to locate anything.

Troy

you can pick it up

One other question, can i get one with DVI or is everything HDMI now ?

you can pick it up

On a related note, can you pick up or have a CableCard sent to you? Have people had enough problems with CableCard that paying extra for the STB is worth it, or is the CableCard good enough? I'm willing to live without on-demand if I can avoid having another box.

I can tune in the unencrypted channels now without either but I don't seem to get the TV Guide onscreen information my TV supports. Will this come through if I get a CableCard?

EDIT: The online chat person told me I could pick one up, but the telephone help person told me I needed to schedule an install. Any bets as to whats happens if I show up at the office?

Thanks

I've gone to the office in the past, it's hit or miss wether they have what you want in stock.

They don't stock cable cards at the Manchester, NH office. I had to schedule an install and the installer had enough difficulty getting through to the activation operator, that I wouldn't want to have dealt with it myself anyway. The card works perfectly in my Sharp Aquos.

One other question, can i get one with DVI or is everything HDMI now ?


HDMI, if you get one with a DVI connection, go out & play the lottery that night. :)


On a related note, can you pick up or have a CableCard sent to you? Have people had enough problems with CableCard that paying extra for the STB is worth it, or is the CableCard good enough? I'm willing to live without on-demand if I can avoid having another box.

you have to setup an appt for a cablecard, no diy yet.

Anyone else seeing the Sox game skipping?

What is the best cable bundle I can get so I get as many HD channels as possible and not pay alot a month. Also, what channels will I lose?

basic only (no extended) + digital classic. You will lose all channels above 27 I think. You end up with all HD channels and the basic broadcast channels. You must call to get this, you cannot get this online.

thanks

I called them this morning to ask for exactly that, but the rep won't give me the Basic + Digital Classic + HD STB arrangement. He believes that I won't be able to get the ESPN HD, DISCOVERY HD, INHD/2 etc. What can I do to get this arrangement?

Alex


Just tell them thats what you want. You WILL get those chnls.

* Standard Cable (Basic Cable plus Expanded Basic Cable) must be purchased in order to receive Channels 2 through 98 with any Digital Cable Package. Customers who subscribe to Basic Cable only will receive up to 26 channels in addition to those included with the Digital package of their choosing..

Translation: since ESPN HD,TNT HD, Discovery HT HD, Uniuveral Hd and the INHDs are considered part of Digital Classic you WILL get those channels.


High-Definition (HD) channels, including local signals, are subject to availability. A High-Definition (HD) television set (not provided), cable box and remote control are required. A High-Definition or Digital Cable box is required to receive Digital Cable channels. **

HD local broadcast signals are included with Basic Service subscription and HD cable box !

Translation: If they want you to get Enchanced cable (the fancy name for standard with a box) to get HD locals,they CAN'T!

L Supreme and Chitchat are correct.

Hopefully you have a CableCard slot in your TV.

I love paying less than 20 bucks a month for HDTV.

last year I had only cable internet and basic antenna service from Comcast, I tried to add just the HD box to my basic service, for a grand total of maybe 17.00 or so per month. I could never get the box to work properly. Most channels (clear hd not extended channels) would break up, the guide would never download properly, plus other issues.

I gave up and sent the box back.

Now I have full on service and DVR etc., everything works normally, none of the problems of before.

In the end result, it turns out the basic service level blocking device out on the pole was preventing me from getting either all of the signal necessary or blocking two way comm between the old box and the system. It seems that what everyone is talking about would be prevented by this block. DO they not use the same type of block filter anymore?

last year I had only cable internet and basic antenna service from Comcast, I tried to add just the HD box to my basic service, for a grand total of maybe 17.00 or so per month. I could never get the box to work properly. Most channels (clear hd not extended channels) would break up, the guide would never download properly, plus other issues.

I gave up and sent the box back.

Now I have full on service and DVR etc., everything works normally, none of the problems of before.

In the end result, it turns out the basic service level blocking device out on the pole was preventing me from getting either all of the signal necessary or blocking two way comm between the old box and the system. It seems that what everyone is talking about would be prevented by this block. DO they not use the same type of block filter anymore?
Your original problem may have been nothing more than weak signal strength, which they may have remedied when they came back and gave you the DVR, etc. They may have fixed it at the pole, or even put an amp in your house.

How do you know for sure that it was the blocking device that caused your original problem?

So, has anyone dug up any info on why there is an SD weather channel in the middle of our 8XX channel block?

So, has anyone dug up any info on why there is an SD weather channel in the middle of our 8XX channel block?

Likely marketing reasons, better exposure. Got everyone on this forum to notice it right? :)

last year I had only cable internet and basic antenna service from Comcast, I tried to add just the HD box to my basic service, for a grand total of maybe 17.00 or so per month. I could never get the box to work properly. Most channels (clear hd not extended channels) would break up, the guide would never download properly, plus other issues.

I gave up and sent the box back.

Now I have full on service and DVR etc., everything works normally, none of the problems of before.

In the end result, it turns out the basic service level blocking device out on the pole was preventing me from getting either all of the signal necessary or blocking two way comm between the old box and the system. It seems that what everyone is talking about would be prevented by this block. DO they not use the same type of block filter anymore?

The block filter is only supposed to block ANALOG signals between channels 24 and 69.

L Supreme and Chitchat are correct.

Hopefully you have a CableCard slot in your TV.

I love paying less than 20 bucks a month for HDTV.

DO YOU NEED A CABLE CARD TO GET THIS DEAL?

I MAY GO BACK TO SATELITE FOR SD AND PAY 20 A MONTH FOR HD, STILL CHEAPER THAN THE $80 I PAY NOW.

DO YOU NEED A CABLE CARD TO GET THIS DEAL?

I MAY GO BACK TO SATELITE FOR SD AND PAY 20 A MONTH FOR HD, STILL CHEAPER THAN THE $80 I PAY NOW.
No, but you save the cost of the cable box rental.

Likely marketing reasons, better exposure. Got everyone on this forum to notice it right? :)

Well since Comast tells us of new HD channels until a week after we've had them the masses are left to scroll through the 800's looking for more channels.

Thankfully we hear about them Before they come out on here :D

It's good to know I'm not the only one this bothers. I was also hoping they wouldn't be using it again this season but I guess that was only wishful thinking. Maybe if we get enough people to complain about it they will stop using it. I'm going to send them an e-mail as well and let them know how I feel.


Which email did you use? let us know how it goes.

I just got a new tuner with the decoder and cable card slot. Just for fun I took the cable out of my comcast dvr box and plugged it into the new box with my TV.
I got 55 digital channels and some were HiDef. Do I really need the cable card? Am I missing some of the channels?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks.

I just got a new tuner with the decoder and cable card slot. Just for fun I took the cable out of my comcast dvr box and plugged it into the new box with my TV.
I got 55 digital channels and some were HiDef. Do I really need the cable card? Am I missing some of the channels?
Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks.


W/O the cable card you will not get the encyrpted channels. Chnls in 200-500, & non-local HD chnls, i.e. TNT-HD, INHD2, ESPN-HD, etc

* Standard Cable (Basic Cable plus Expanded Basic Cable) must be purchased in order to receive Channels 2 through 98 with any Digital Cable Package. Customers who subscribe to Basic Cable only will receive up to 26 channels in addition to those included with the Digital package of their choosing..

Translation: since ESPN HD,TNT HD, Discovery HT HD, Uniuveral Hd and the INHDs are considered part of Digital Classic you WILL get those channels.


High-Definition (HD) channels, including local signals, are subject to availability. A High-Definition (HD) television set (not provided), cable box and remote control are required. A High-Definition or Digital Cable box is required to receive Digital Cable channels. **

HD local broadcast signals are included with Basic Service subscription and HD cable box !

Translation: If they want you to get Enchanced cable (the fancy name for standard with a box) to get HD locals,they CAN'T!

Ok, here's my question. Can you add any premium channels to this like HBO? I CANT TAKE THIS $180 a month for cable/modem.

Ok, here's my question. Can you add any premium channels to this like HBO? I CANT TAKE THIS $180 a month for cable/modem.

Over 2 thousand $ a year for tv and modem is ridiculous. I went with a cc and ditched premium channels to get my monthly bill down to around $100. Still ridiculous though. We need competition and I am looking at fios with great interest.

I believe if you check the comcast.com website, higher tier is forced for premium channels.

I get Basic Cable + Digital Silver w/ HBO

Monthly Charge(s)
04/29 - 05/28 HDTV Box/remote 9.20
Includes HDTV Box - $8.95 and Remote - $0.25
04/29 - 05/28 Basic Service 10.90
04/29 - 05/28 Franchise Related Cost .90
(cost Associated With Local Access Programming, Facilities, Equipment OR Other Related License Requirements)
04/29 - 05/28 Digital Silver 26.20
Includes: Digital Classic, Digital Plus, Digital Music Choice, HBO, HBO Plex, Interactive Program Guide.
Subtotal 47.20

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taxes & Fee(s)
04/20 State Sales Tax .01
04/20 Access Fee 2.35
04/20 FCC User Fee .06
04/20 Franchise Fee .15
Subtotal 2.57

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance Due $ 49.77

Anyone see anything I can bump to save money and still keep HD channels and HBO? When Sopranos is over I may drop HBO as HBO-HD has been kind of disappointing.

Ok so I'm finally going to break down and get the comcast dvr. I have a few questions.

1. Does anyone think the picture quality on the 3412 is inferior to the 6412 ? I have seen a few people mention this in other board topics.

2. For various reasons the STB should always be left on ?

3. Can someone point me to where I can find info on programming the 30 second skiip.

Any other DVR tips are greatly appreciated.

Now I'm just waiting for my HDMI>DVI adapter to arrive before heading over to Lowell to swap the box.

-Ken

I get Basic Cable + Digital Silver w/ HBO



Anyone see anything I can bump to save money and still keep HD channels and HBO? When Sopranos is over I may drop HBO as HBO-HD has been kind of disappointing.

Your as low as you can go getting what you want.

I get Basic Cable + Digital Silver w/ HBO



Anyone see anything I can bump to save money and still keep HD channels and HBO? When Sopranos is over I may drop HBO as HBO-HD has been kind of disappointing.

And you still get ESPN-HD, UHD, inHD1/2 and such?

Here is what I have exactly:

Monthly Charge(s)
04/22 - 05/21 Leased Internet Modem 3.00
04/22 - 05/21 Standard Cable 49.40
(includes Basic $8.45 and Expanded Basic $40.95)
04/22 - 05/21 Add'l HDTV Outlet(s) 11.95
Includes HDTV Box - $8.95 Remote - $.25, Digital Access - $2.75
04/22 - 05/21 DVR Box/rem With HDTV 14.70
Includes: HD Box $4.50, Remote $.25, DVR Service $9.95.
04/22 - 05/21 High Speed Internet 42.95
Multi Product $15.00 Discount Included IN Rate
04/22 - 05/21 Howard Stern On Demand 9.99
04/22 - 05/21 Franchise Related Cost .41
(cost Associated With Local Access Programming, Facilities, Equipment OR Other Related License Requirements)
04/22 - 05/21 Digital Platinum 50.20
Includes: Digital Classic, Digital Plus, Digital Music Choice, HBO, HBO Plex, Cinemax, Cinemax Plex, Showtime, Showtime Plex, The Movie Channel, The Movie Channel Plex, STARZ!, STARZ! Plex, Interactive Program Guide.
04/22 - 05/21 Bundle Discount Savings -5.00
Subtotal 177.60





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Taxes & Fee(s)
04/15 State Sales Tax .03
04/15 State Sales Tax .15
04/15 Access Fee 7.07
04/15 FCC User Fee .06
04/15 Franchise Fee .07
Subtotal 7.38


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I basically want all my HD channels (ESPN, TNT, UHD, etc..), local HDs, 1 premium channel (maybe 2). I do not care about the channels in the expanded basic. Can I ditch expanded, reduce down to 1/2 premiums and still have ESPNHD 9need my football) and UHD etc?





FREAK!

And you still get ESPN-HD, UHD, inHD1/2 and such?

I basically want all my HD channels (ESPN, TNT, UHD, etc..), local HDs, 1 premium channel (maybe 2). I do not care about the channels in the expanded basic. Can I ditch expanded, reduce down to 1/2 premiums and still have ESPNHD 9need my football) and UHD etc?

Yes, and Yes....just order what I have above with the associated Digital Silver or Gold package you want.

For internet I used to have a 3.0 Mbps DSL line from Verizon (that was $29.99/month) but reduced it to the 768kbps line ($14.99) and didn't really notice much difference except for during large downloads. I only game online occasionally so I decided that I didn't really need the speed since even at 768k websites still load pretty much instantly and I get sustained downloads at about 92KB/s, so downloading couple meg files is still fast enough for me.

Looks like you could get rid of Expanded and save about $40 and if you downgrade to only 1 premium you'd cut out another $24


The question for me is when Sopranos ends do I dump cable altogether and just go OTA, and treat myself to an extra HD tuner in my HTPC....that sounds kind of nice :)

Well,
DITCHED! I dropped expanded. I will probably reduce my premiums but for now, $40 less is a nice improvement.
Thanks all
FREAK!

Over 2 thousand $ a year for tv and modem is ridiculous. I went with a cc and ditched premium channels to get my monthly bill down to around $100. Still ridiculous though. We need competition and I am looking at fios with great interest.

I believe if you check the comcast.com website, higher tier is forced for premium channels.

According to the site,yes. Offically one can easily get digital tiers without having to get enhanced cable.

dump channels 24-69 keep the premium channels and keep ESPN HD ,TNT HD and NESN HD along with Discovery HT,Universal HD, the INHD channels and HBO Cinemax,Starz and showtime's HD channels.

Checked my cable when I got home and 24-69 GONE, ESPN-HD and others still there.

Thanks guys! I am quiting my job and going to law school fulltime so every savings (w/o compromising my lifestyle) is very helpful

FREAK!

Does anyone know why Comcast does not give our area any of the OLN-HD hockey playoff games live on 881. They did show a tape of Saturdays Sabres-Flyers game Sunday morning but what gives with that, it's not like the Bruins are in to cause a conflict of interest. Is there an agreement between Comcast and NESN not to broadcast any sporting event that would pull viewers away from a NESN telcast like the Sox, thats the only thing I can think of why were not getting it.

There was a hockey game on 881 last night. The guide had baseball listed but hockey from OLN-HD was on.

Ok so I'm finally going to break down and get the comcast dvr. I have a few questions.

1. Does anyone think the picture quality on the 3412 is inferior to the 6412 ? I have seen a few people mention this in other board topics.

2. For various reasons the STB should always be left on ?

3. Can someone point me to where I can find info on programming the 30 second skiip.

Any other DVR tips are greatly appreciated.

Now I'm just waiting for my HDMI>DVI adapter to arrive before heading over to Lowell to swap the box.

-Ken


Here is a link to Wikibooks: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

Here is another:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142

The 2nd is for an AVS forum.

There was a hockey game on 881 last night. The guide had baseball listed but hockey from OLN-HD was on.

Go figure, I checked Fri, Sat, & Sun and no games. I only checked the guide yesterday and it has a baseball game like you said so didn't bother to tune in the channel and then theres a game afterall, oh well. Also the Sox were off yesterday so maybe thats why we did get the game. I hope we get more during the week becaused what I have watched so far this playoff season has been outstanding but really enjoy it even more when it's in HD.

Does anyone know how Comcast hooks up 1st generation HD televisions with no HDMI, DVI, or component - just RGB? Do they make a box that supports this. I'm considering jumping in to "pay-for" HD.

Thanks,

Mike

Does anyone know how Comcast hooks up 1st generation HD televisions with no HDMI, DVI, or component - just RGB? Do they make a box that supports this. I'm considering jumping in to "pay-for" HD.

Thanks,

Mike

Nope, its on you to find an adapter to change it from component or dvi to rgb. Comcast doesn't support RGB directly on Moto boxes.

Checked my cable when I got home and 24-69 GONE, ESPN-HD and others still there.

Thanks guys! I am quiting my job and going to law school fulltime so every savings (w/o compromising my lifestyle) is very helpful

FREAK!

you'll probably find that you'll still recieve them via analog until they can send someone around to install a filter...depends on what community you are in though