There is some sense to the ESPN2 HD on Standard only. HBO HD requires getting HBO. This makes sense,though gfor me I consider HBO HD as the service i am subscribing to with the HBO SD multiplex and on demand as a bonus.

However,we HAVE been and continue to get ESPN and TNT HD withOUT having to get ESPN and TNT SD.

I am well aware that ESPN charges $2+ per subsriber for ESPN1 SD and around 70 cents for ESPN2 SD.

The $6.20 we pay for Digital classic does NOT include ANY money going to Disney for ESPN HD.

I don't get MTV or VH-1 (and with the lack of music programming on these channels,I really do not care to) though i DO GETtheir multtiplex channels (MTV Hits (THe REAL MTV) MTV2,MTV Jams,MTV espanol (soon to become MTV3) VH1 soul and VH1 classic)

Somehow, I'm guessing that ala carte is just going to work out to make my service cost more and deliver less.

I am in favor of ala carte, btw. I'd love to get rid of all those sports channels and a bunch of other stuff, but I'm still guessing that the packages that include everything are going to work out cheaper.

(And I don't even want to say what my monthly cable bill is, which was getting to be a real issue during those two months that I was out of work.)

I believe that if/when they give NESN-HD its own full-time channel (851), you will also lose that.

Mickey


I figure it is just a matter of time unfortunately. WIll have to make some tough decisions then.

Question:

I keep seeing this $99 for all 3 services for a year deal.

I currently get the OLD digital phone service.High speed internet,and Digital Silver with DVR but NO extended basic (I do get extended basic in the bedroom on a cable ready set)

Because of the mess of having to pay a separate bill for Phone (using my checking account, TV Cable/Internet goes on my American Express) I would be open to the idea of getting that $99 package (I would keep my DVR and Digital Silver AND may even get a box for that second set (DCT700))

Although i technically do get HSI I do NOT get the current digital voice and I do NOT get the Enhanced cable :)

I know for at least four year I had gotten what I call Comcast kisses my ass package (Digital platinum with premiere pack AND standard cable plus HSI and phone (Two lines at that time))

Any chances of my getting that package deal I know i may have to pay for the switchover from Digital phone to Digital voice and someone might have to come over to offically remove the extended basic filter on my den set (though they could turn on the Extended basic from the office)

Question:

I keep seeing this $99 for all 3 services for a year deal.

I currently get the OLD digital phone service.High speed internet,and Digital Silver with DVR but NO extended basic (I do get extended basic in the bedroom on a cable ready set)

Because of the mess of having to pay a separate bill for Phone (using my checking account, TV Cable/Internet goes on my American Express) I would be open to the idea of getting that $99 package (I would keep my DVR and Digital Silver AND may even get a box for that second set (DCT700))

Although i technically do get HSI I do NOT get the current digital voice and I do NOT get the Enhanced cable :)

I know for at least four year I had gotten what I call Comcast kisses my ass package (Digital platinum with premiere pack AND standard cable plus HSI and phone (Two lines at that time))

Any chances of my getting that package deal I know i may have to pay for the switchover from Digital phone to Digital voice and someone might have to come over to offically remove the extended basic filter on my den set (though they could turn on the Extended basic from the office)


you wouldn't be able to get the $99 its only for people that never had any of the services before.

à la carte can't get here soon enough.I agree with toots that you probably don't mean that. It'll just be more "price for value". I suspect that with à la carte many of the individual stations within a "tier" will cost upwards of 50%-60% of the cost of the tier.

Can someone tell me what channel ESPN2HD is? I have the simple Cablecard with the Basic + Digital Classic 18 dollar thingy.

Thanks for the help.

I agree with toots that you probably don't mean that. It'll just be more "price for value". I suspect that with à la carte many of the individual stations within a "tier" will cost upwards of 50%-60% of the cost of the tier.

Any alternate choice is better then no choice.

Can someone tell me what channel ESPN2HD is? I have the simple Cablecard with the Basic + Digital Classic 18 dollar thingy.

Thanks for the help.


Since you dont have expanded you don't get it, but its located on channel 850

theres more on the way trust me on that one

Can you elaborate? Any timeline ?

Any alternate choice is better then no choice.Even that may not be true, given the nature of consumer pricing. Would you rather buy A+B+C at $30 (the only choice offered); or have a choice between A+B+C at $35 or each of A, B, and C at $15 each? Clearly, anyone who wants two of these choices, and has even a slight interest in the third, will prefer "having no choice." With more than three channels in a tier, the "cost of choice" becomes even more extreme.

Don't assume that a la carte will simply add choices: Expect that the currently available choices will, at a minimum, change, and at a maximum, be eliminated.

Can you elaborate? Any timeline ?


sorry, thats all i can say

Well, I was excited...now I'm not. I think the only thing keeping me on Comcast at this point is HBO (which we were going to drop with Sopranos/Big Love ending...but then we got hooked on Entourage)

I was gonna drop at the same time, but then they announced the next season of all-c**ks**ker-all-the-time TV (Deadwood).

In fact, what would keep bringing me back, or at least continuously forestall my cancelling the premium channels, would be another season of The Wire, but I assume that's just too much to hope for.

Since you dont have expanded you don't get it, but its located on channel 850

Ahhh, right, bummer that...well, I'll just have to keep watching it in HD on DirecTV for now, until the Tivo Series 3 comes out, and I move my entire paradigm over to Comcast, increase my package (so to speak), get a 2nd cablecard, and start getting all the fun stuff in the extended package.

Thanks though for the info. I shall await the impending destruction of my DirecTV package, and decommisioning of my HD Tivo.

Cheers!

One more reason I will switch to Verizon FIOS when their TV service is available in my area.

I have never had excitment turn to disappointment as quickly as when I realized ESPN2 HD was not available. I get home on Friday afternoon after a long week of work and turn on the TV. Flipping through the channels I see channel 850 ESPN2HD!!! Only when I turn to that channel it is not available.

After reading through some of the posts, it seems that you must subscribe to extended basic in order to get ESPN2 HD. Is it actually ESPN2 HD or did they put the standard ESPN2 on channel 850 just so it would be easier to flip back and forth between ESPN HD and ESPN 2? I know Weatherscan is not an HD channel (845) and the NFL network has 2 stations (265 and 715).

If it is really true that you must subscribe to extended basic to receive ESPN 2 HD, that is BS. What makes ESPN 2 so special? I get TNT and ESPN withouth subscribing.

you wouldn't be able to get the $99 its only for people that never had any of the services before.

Looks like there really is no real incentyive to keep the digital phone which 18 months ago was $44 for two lines with everything and now is $36 with just one line without everything.

Unless FIOS becomes available,there is NO way i will give up HSI and since I lack an ATSC tuner,I need the box. :)

I have never had excitment turn to disappointment as quickly as when I realized ESPN2 HD was not available. I get home on Friday afternoon after a long week of work and turn on the TV. Flipping through the channels I see channel 850 ESPN2HD!!! Only when I turn to that channel it is not available.

After reading through some of the posts, it seems that you must subscribe to extended basic in order to get ESPN2 HD. Is it actually ESPN2 HD or did they put the standard ESPN2 on channel 850 just so it would be easier to flip back and forth between ESPN HD and ESPN 2? I know Weatherscan is not an HD channel (845) and the NFL network has 2 stations (265 and 715).

If it is really true that you must subscribe to extended basic to receive ESPN 2 HD, that is BS. What makes ESPN 2 so special? I get TNT and ESPN withouth subscribing.

Tecnically TNT HD and ESPN1 HD are supposed to be only for those who have extended basic.

In many areas extended basic is required to GEt ANYTHING including HD locals.

Tecnically TNT HD and ESPN1 HD are supposed to be only for those who have extended basic.

In many areas extended basic is required to GEt ANYTHING including HD locals.

Thankfully, this is not the case here...18 bucks/month and no STB, just simple Cablecard, is how I gets me my Red Sox in HD...that's all I need it for, but the rest is very nice to have....YEEEEEEHAAAAAA!!!! DirecTV gives me the rest of what I need (for now).

So, I go to 1 less game in the bleacher seats per month, and it's more than paid for itself!

Tecnically TNT HD and ESPN1 HD are supposed to be only for those who have extended basic.

In many areas extended basic is required to GEt ANYTHING including HD locals.

I have a feeling Comcast is heading in this direction. There has to to be some cost in getting all the new HD channels and making everyone get Extended Basic might be one way to offset that cost. Since I already have it I rather see it stay this way instead of a separate HD package at an additional cost.

What do you mean "Tecnically TNT HD and ESPN1 HD are supposed to be only for those who have extended basic."? Tehnically, I pay $8.25 a month for the HD package which includes TNT HD and ESPN HD. I was under the impression when I signed up for the HD package that all the available HD channels would be included, outside of the premium channels.

What do you mean "Tecnically TNT HD and ESPN1 HD are supposed to be only for those who have extended basic."? Tehnically, I pay $8.25 a month for the HD package which includes TNT HD and ESPN HD. I was under the impression when I signed up for the HD package that all the available HD channels would be included, outside of the premium channels.

You pay for the HD BOX! There IS NO HD package per say.

OK so why is there no channel 850 yet?

I got mine in Hudson this afternoon. Noticed it right before my P3 box reset itself nd took me ~10 minutes before I could poke through the menus.

Unable to add the channel in TitanTV yet, but should happen soon enough

There's no HD package, but you get TNT, DISC, ESPN1, UHD and INHD1/2 thrown in if you take an extra tier (like Digital Clasic or up).

What will be interesting to see is how they will handle MTV-HD, National G-HD, and some forthcoming channels the same way. Like others, I don't want to pay $50 more for just 1 or 2 channels I watch infrequently.

I was gonna drop at the same time, but then they announced the next season of all-c**ks**ker-all-the-time TV (Deadwood).

In fact, what would keep bringing me back, or at least continuously forestall my cancelling the premium channels, would be another season of The Wire, but I assume that's just too much to hope for.


The Wire has been picked up again for this year. I think I read somewhere that they are close to adding another year as well.

JAY

I have a feeling Comcast is heading in this direction. There has to to be some cost in getting all the new HD channels and making everyone get Extended Basic might be one way to offset that cost. Since I already have it I rather see it stay this way instead of a separate HD package at an additional cost.

It may had been as part of the contract for ESPN2HD. They may had gotten ESPN1 HD as a "seperate service" part of digital Classic but ESPN2 hd at no charge with ESPN2SD.

I do not see any ESPNU rolling around.

The Wire has been picked up again for this year. I think I read somewhere that they are close to adding another year as well.

JAY

Most excellent. Thanks for the info.

(I always liked The Wire, and before that, Oz, much better than I ever liked The Sopranos.)

You pay for the HD BOX! There IS NO HD package per say.
I am not so sure. I had extended basic and HD box and did not get Discovery, Universal,ESPN HD. I had to add Digital Classic to get these Channels.
I like extended basic TNT,TBS, news channels CNN,FOX and Kids channels etc are worth the price for me.

Anyone else getting audio delay on ABC-HD for the WC game? :(

Yes, the audio is off, but given some areas aren't getting the game on their local in HD I won't complain too much. I bet its a network issue.

I just switched to the ABC-HD feed OTA in Providence no issues, so this is a Boston problem, because their OTA is also delayed.

Least I know where to complain now then...

Ahhh, right, bummer that...well, I'll just have to keep watching it in HD on DirecTV for now, until the Tivo Series 3 comes out, and I move my entire paradigm over to Comcast, increase my package (so to speak), get a 2nd cablecard, and start getting all the fun stuff in the extended package.

Thanks though for the info. I shall await the impending destruction of my DirecTV package, and decommisioning of my HD Tivo.

Cheers!

I was planning on getting a Tivo Series 3 as well, but the uncertain status of Cable Card support with the cable industry will probably cause me to hold off. Hopefully we have the Tivo software available soon on the Motorola DVRs.

I am not so sure. I had extended basic and HD box and did not get Discovery, Universal,ESPN HD. I had to add Digital Classic to get these Channels.
I like extended basic TNT,TBS, news channels CNN,FOX and Kids channels etc are worth the price for me.

Those channels are part of digital classic.

What I am saying is that there is no HD only tier per say.

My question is is there someone with JUST enchanced basic and an HD box who is NOT getting ESPN2 HD?

Is the Sox game this afternoon going to be on INHD2? Or it will only be in SD? INHD2 is still showing some movie right now.

Fox/825. Currently rain-delayed, so they're doing Oakland-Yankees (hopefully just until we get under way).

Okay, I hope someone can help me. My wife is legally deaf. We need Closed Captioning. I have a Comcast Motorola 6412 HD DVR, a Samsung HL-S5087W DLP, a Samsung HT-Q40 DVD player, and a Pioneer TiVo Series 2. I have the Motorola STB hooked up to the television via HDMI, and both the DVD player and the TiVo are hooked up to the television via component video cables. (The television is hooked back up to the HT via digital audio.) Samsung is telling me that I cannot get Closed Captioning with HDMI or component video. Composite video looks like crap.

I can get closed captions working through the Motorola STB, but the Pioneer TiVo doesn't appear to have this capability. Any ideas?

Is ESPN2 channel 850 working in Beverly yet? I have a cablecard and not getting it. May need to reset my TV but want to check before calling clueless comcast or unplugging the set (lamp based rptv).

thanks.

chaz

Okay, I hope someone can help me. My wife is legally deaf. We need Closed Captioning. I have a Comcast Motorola 6412 HD DVR, a Samsung HL-S5087W DLP, a Samsung HT-Q40 DVD player, and a Pioneer TiVo Series 2. I have the Motorola STB hooked up to the television via HDMI, and both the DVD player and the TiVo are hooked up to the television via component video cables. (The television is hooked back up to the HT via digital audio.) Samsung is telling me that I cannot get Closed Captioning with HDMI or component video. Composite video looks like crap.

I can get closed captions working through the Motorola STB, but the Pioneer TiVo doesn't appear to have this capability. Any ideas?Can I ask why you need a seperate Tivo if you already have the Comcast DVR?

Is ESPN2 channel 850 working in Beverly yet? I have a cablecard and not getting it. May need to reset my TV but want to check before calling clueless comcast or unplugging the set (lamp based rptv).

thanks.

chaz

Yes, but like L Supreme said, you need to have extended basic to get it. Don't know if thats your situation or not.

Is anyone watching the As vs Yankees game on Fox? I'm just curious if this is supposed to be in HD. Close ups look ok, but field shots look like SD

Is anyone watching the As vs Yankees game on Fox? I'm just curious if this is supposed to be in HD. Close ups look ok, but field shots look like SD

To me even the close ups look soft, the pq of this game was terrible. Maybe they had sent most of their good stuff up to Fenway for the Sox game that was rained out. Then again this is Fox were talking about who are not known for stellar HD broadcast.

Yes, but like L Supreme said, you need to have extended basic to get it. Don't know if thats your situation or not.

Well, I get ESPN on 849 and all the non pay hd channels plus HBO on 870.

Well, I get ESPN on 849 and all the non pay hd channels plus HBO on 870.

But do you have extended basic? if not then thats the reason why you might not be getting it. For some reason Comcast tied ESPN2hd in with having Extended basic unlike the other HD channels.

But do you have extended basic? if not then thats the reason why you might not be getting it. For some reason Comcast tied ESPN2hd in with having Extended basic unlike the other HD channels.

Not sure. Do I need extended to get HBO?

Can I ask why you need a seperate Tivo if you already have the Comcast DVR?More HD space. There's no way we'll keep up with television well-enough to manage to stay within the 15 hours on the HD.

In the end, the answer for me will be to switch to a Comcast STB that supports Closed Captioning from within, like the Motorola 6412, 3412, or 5100. Of those, I believe only the 5100 is IR-compatible with the TiVo, so I'll exchange my older box for a 5100 on Monday.

Next problem:

I have my Samsung HL-S5087W DLP hooked up to my Samsung HT-Q40 Home Theater System via optical audio cable. I've got sound, but at MAX volume on the Home Theater System it is only mildly loud, and not nearly loud enough for my wife (even after we get the Closed-Captioning working she will need volume so can hear the music and effects). Any ideas?

Not sure. Do I need extended to get HBO?

Do you get all the channels between 23 & 99? If no, you have basic, therefore no ESPN2HD (850).

Do you get all the channels between 23 & 99? If no, you have basic, therefore no ESPN2HD (850).

Do you have a reason WHY they are choosing to do this? Is this a sign of things to come? (TNT and ESPN1 HD going to Enhanced basic only?)

I am giving some thiought to pulling off the digital phone.

I will NOT give up HSI (as I doubt I will be able to get FIOS.) and I do NOT have an ATSC tuner

I'll probably get flamed for this, but I think its about time for Comcast to do this. I do carry extended basic becuase I actually watch some of the channels there even in SD :eek: Look at it this way, there is still a cost for Comcast to obtain TNTHD, ESPNHD more than likely that money comes out of the pool for extended basic rather than the digital classic money. So in some ways folks that were doing the broadcast basic+digital classic were getting a discounted/free ride and are the most vocal in wanting Comcast to add more channels.

Comcast has to get the money to pay the providers somewhere, so they are clearly making the decision to link it with extended basic rather than digital packages and I think thats a good idea since I'm sure 90% if not more of their subs carry extended basic anyhow, so rather than increase a digital package which would upset people they link it to the package most have and will continue to have and pay for.

I'm honestly getting tired of reading this thread with folks complaining about what channels we have, don't have etc. and always want more. Remember HD still is not outselling SD in sets and probably is what maybe 5% of the subscriber base? J6P rules and honestly there will be analog sets out there long beyond 2012 so Comcast is smart to serve those customers.

Unplugged set and plugged back in. I now have 850, so I guess I do have expanded.

To me even the close ups look soft, the pq of this game was terrible. Maybe they had sent most of their good stuff up to Fenway for the Sox game that was rained out. Then again this is Fox were talking about who are not known for stellar HD broadcast.


There are NO fox games in HD in the regular season for MLB. What you're seeing is 480i widescreen. I'm glad they atleast do that instead of 4:3 but it's a far far cry from HD. Unfortunately for most people Widescreen = HD, but with Fox on MLb it's not.

I'll probably get flamed for this, but I think its about time for Comcast to do this. I do carry extended basic becuase I actually watch some of the channels there even in SD :eek: Look at it this way, there is still a cost for Comcast to obtain TNTHD, ESPNHD more than likely that money comes out of the pool for extended basic rather than the digital classic money. So in some ways folks that were doing the broadcast basic+digital classic were getting a discounted/free ride and are the most vocal in wanting Comcast to add more channels.

Comcast has to get the money to pay the providers somewhere, so they are clearly making the decision to link it with extended basic rather than digital packages and I think thats a good idea since I'm sure 90% if not more of their subs carry extended basic anyhow, so rather than increase a digital package which would upset people they link it to the package most have and will continue to have and pay for.

I'm honestly getting tired of reading this thread with folks complaining about what channels we have, don't have etc. and always want more. Remember HD still is not outselling SD in sets and probably is what maybe 5% of the subscriber base? J6P rules and honestly there will be analog sets out there long beyond 2012 so Comcast is smart to serve those customers.


flamer flame flame flame flame

In many areas Enchanced basic and digital classic would be required to get even HD LOCALS!

When I put in my no 850 sucks posts,I did not say I would not be willing to pay a small surcharge in order to get the channels (Espn 1and 2 and TNT)

OTOH HBO HD is only avaulable with an HBO subscription,which I have (Entourage here I come) :)

There are NO fox games in HD in the regular season for MLB. What you're seeing is 480i widescreen. I'm glad they atleast do that instead of 4:3 but it's a far far cry from HD. Unfortunately for most people Widescreen = HD, but with Fox on MLb it's not.

Holy crap I wondered why it was so bad. How can Fox do every NFL game in HD and not one baseball game in this day and age. What do they do put the Cameras away in storage for the summer. Talk about a mickey mouse network. At least I only watch the Sox and their 99% in HD, I guess that other 1% is when Fox is carrying the game. Today was suppose to be one of those games and that was the only reason I had it on but they didn't end up showing it because of the rain delay and we got the Yanks, A's instead. So I guess we lucked out since NESN ended up doing it and it was in HD but the outcome could have been better. :(

In many areas Enchanced basic and digital classic would be required to get even HD LOCALS!I don't think anyone is saying that the HD locals should require enhanced basic, but rather just anything other than the must-carries.

my 6412 is going kaka kookoo this morning. anyone else?

Holy crap I wondered why it was so bad. How can Fox do every NFL game in HD and not one baseball game in this day and age. What do they do put the Cameras away in storage for the summer. Talk about a mickey mouse network. At least I only watch the Sox and their 99% in HD, I guess that other 1% is when Fox is carrying the game. Today was suppose to be one of those games and that was the only reason I had it on but they didn't end up showing it because of the rain delay and we got the Yanks, A's instead. So I guess we lucked out since NESN ended up doing it and it was in HD but the outcome could have been better. :(

It was suppsoed to be a doubl;eheaded with NESN only doing the second game.

It was suppsoed to be a doubl;eheaded with NESN only doing the second game.

There was no second game. The one we saw was the game Fox was suppose to carry in that Widescreen SD BS they put out but NESN did it instead in HD. Thats why I had said we lucked out.

There was no second game. The one we saw was the game Fox was suppose to carry in that Widescreen SD BS they put out but NESN did it instead in HD. Thats why I had said we lucked out.

That WAS the "second" game.

That WAS the "second" game.

No, the "second" game was played today at noon. I know because my roommate had tickets to that game, and had to go today instead. Today's scheduled 2:00 game was pushed to 5:00 (i.e. starts in 10 minutes). I had to manually program those two games because the DVR schedule was *not* updated as of 11:00 AM today.

These Red Unifoms are doing a number on my TV, Is it a problem with NESN? The first game was really bad, as the sun goes down its looking a bit better, but I had heavy pixelation in the red uniforms. Especially in close ups and movement. I've tried every adjustment to color picture hue sharpness and nothing helped s I was wondering if it was a problem with the station.

Pedrojunkie:

I noticed the same thing... I have a 1080p Samsung DLP, I think I remember hearing that Red is the hardest color for the colorwheel to produce normally. It looked OK, but not spectacular.

2 other things about these NESN HD broadcasts on INHD2 that I notice:

1) does anyone get dolby digital sound? it always goes to Pro Logic, I get DD on many other channels, namely TNTHD, ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, PBSHD on a consistent basis. Is this something we can look forward to when NESNHD gets it's own channel (I guess this would be a question for people who have tried other services that currently have NESNHD). That should then resolve the "low volume" issue on the channel, I notice that the DD broadcasts are a little bit louder and clearer!

2) Does anyone notice the crappy picture when they zoom in sometimes? It's almost like they have 1 camera @ 720p, or they are just zooming too much with that 1 camera. I guess by crappy I mean that the colors are dull and not nearly as vibrant as the other cameras.

1) sound is not 5.1

2) They use one crappy SD camera in the mix. God only knows why (well, and the manager too I suppose).

That's crazy, with the amount of $$$ the sox have (being part owners of NESN), you would think this would be fixed ASAP, you would also think they would get a deal with Comcast ASAP with all the bandwidth problems they are trying to figure out. I wouldn't mind seeing UHD go away in favor of NESNHD.

Are you saying that on RCN or DISH or FiOS the games are not in dolby digital either?

On another note, put my vote in for MTV-HD, I can't wait to see the hot chicks on Laguna Beach in HD!!! :) Not to mention Dolby Digital music videos (not that they play many of those anymore)

Good to know it wasn't just me, I have a direct view CRT 1080i.

The thing that kills me is that the sd camera in centerfield is one of the most used cameras of the telecast. Its used between pretty much every other pitch to show the batter stepping out and adjust his gloves etc. I wish I knew the reasoning, does the model camera NESN owns not take a zoom lens capable of that distance? Does the switcher they use only handle x HD cams? Theres got to be some reason because you'd think HD at the park is more important than HD on Yawkey way for the Pregame show. or Shots of Hazel in the studio...

I have no idea man, it's always been this way though. When they broadcasted national on the Monday yankees/sox game, ESPN's broadcast was SOOOOOOOOO much better than NESN's. To top it all off, from what I hear, ESPN is 720p. Go figure, they need to dump some money on a new camera, maybe they paid the price for becoming early adopters, but it's time to fix that stupid camera!

NESN only does stereo audio, or perhaps DOlby ProLogic matrix surround. They need to add Dolby Digital 5.1. NESN hopefully will be full time on Comcast.
Any chance we may see NGeo-HD and MTV-HD this summer on Comcast??

I'm just hoping NESNHD is one of the 11 selected HD RSN's that E* is adding this fall, or the other 10 in Spring 07. That way I don't have to worry about losing NESNHD is Comcast gives them their own channel.

2) Does anyone notice the crappy picture when they zoom in sometimes? It's almost like they have 1 camera @ 720p, or they are just zooming too much with that 1 camera. I guess by crappy I mean that the colors are dull and not nearly as vibrant as the other cameras.

I have been complaining of this for 2 years now to no avail. Most people here are content with this as long as they get the game in HD. It does bother some people more than others and I happen to be one of those. To me it just makes no sense. Someone said they think it's the super slo-mo camera and they don't have one of these in HD yet. But I believe if it is, then don't use it for regular close ups and only for the slo-mo replay. Thats something I could live with which would of course result in the game being displayed mostly in HD the way it should be. Sorry but thats my rant for the day.

I have been complaining of this for 2 years now to no avail. Most people here are content with this as long as they get the game in HD. It does bother some people more than others and I happen to be one of those. To me it just makes no sense. Someone said they think it's the super slo-mo camera and they don't have one of these in HD yet. But I believe if it is, then don't use it for regular close ups and only for the slo-mo replay. Thats something I could live with which would of course result in the game being displayed mostly in HD the way it should be. Sorry but thats my rant for the day.

I sent an e-mail to NESN last year asking about this as well as asking about why and if an HD camera was in the future plans.

Never got a reply.

Is anyone watching the As vs Yankees game on Fox? I'm just curious if this is supposed to be in HD. Close ups look ok, but field shots look like SD

The regular season Fox games are in Widescreen SD (480p) format, not HD. They don't feel the 3 or 4 HD trucks they would need (since the games are regional) are worth it. So no HD until the playoffs for Fox (although I guess they could have one national game at some point0.

Rich N.

Yea, I've noticed the camera problem for a couple of years as well. They are such a jackpot you would think it would be fixed by now. Oh well, I guess we can only hope for better service in the future.

I had sent an email to them about DD sound, and no response either (it was actually quite polite).

Is the consensus that other services (RCN, FiOS, DiSH) do not get DD on NESNHD? (I'd really like to blame this on Comcast downgrading the Audio to stereo!)

They are right down the street in Watertown now, I should just go down there and put in my 2 cents :)

Is the consensus that other services (RCN, FiOS, DiSH) do not get DD on NESNHD? (I'd really like to blame this on Comcast downgrading the Audio to stereo!)

Video bitrate can be shaped and compressed fairly easily. But one thing that most companies cannot do very easily is modify audio. For Comcast to modify the audio coming from NESN they would have to complete demultiplex the NESN HD signal, run it through some kind of audio processor, then reencode it using an expensive HD encoder. All that to possibly save 100k on the bitrate. Comcast (and nearly every cable, fiber, DVB company out there does not modify audio without doing a full reencode of the service. Doubly so for HD since its an expensive (and inefficient) proposition.

I noticed this week that my QAM tuner is receiving NESN-HD/INHD2 but without any audio. Anyone else notice this?

Mine, too.

At least it was a week ago.

I'm moving to a new Somerville address and am having Comcast activated (I currently have RCN). I also have a new Panasonic plasma TV. Since its QAM tuner can get the local HD channels from Comcast (but *not* their multiplex channels, I gather? -- seems strange), and since there are only a handful of additional HD channels on Comcast (most of which I don't watch anyway), I don't think I want to pay extra for an HD STB.

So what non-HD STBs have decent video outputs for an HDTV? All the models I know of only have composite video -- no good. There is a DVR model, the Moto 3080, that has S-video output, but that isn't much better. I'm not even sure it's available here yet anyway. I don't need another DVR (I have a standalone model), but I'll take one if it has the right outputs.

So are there any non-HD STBs with component, DVI, or HDMI options? (My TV has only one RF input, which I'd be using for the QAM tuner.)

I'm moving to a new Somerville address and am having Comcast activated (I currently have RCN). I also have a new Panasonic plasma TV. Since its QAM tuner can get the local HD channels from Comcast (but *not* their multiplex channels, I gather? -- seems strange), and since there are only a handful of additional HD channels on Comcast (most of which I don't watch anyway), I don't think I want to pay extra for an HD STB.

So what non-HD STBs have decent video outputs for an HDTV? All the models I know of only have composite video -- no good. There is a DVR model, the Moto 3080, that has S-video output, but that isn't much better. I'm not even sure it's available here yet anyway. I don't need another DVR (I have a standalone model), but I'll take one if it has the right outputs.

So are there any non-HD STBs with component, DVI, or HDMI options? (My TV has only one RF input, which I'd be using for the QAM tuner.)


Non-HD STB would not have any HD connections.

So are there any non-HD STBs with component, DVI, or HDMI options?.
Non-HD STB would not have any HD connections.

Assuming that's the case, what about S-video, then? I don't know what STBs Comcast carries. (And component video is not strictly an HD connection, as it does have non-HD applications.)

Assuming that's the case, what about S-video, then? I don't know what STBs Comcast carries.


All boxes have s-video output except for the the dct-700, the small digital box.

I'm moving to a new Somerville address and am having Comcast activated (I currently have RCN). I also have a new Panasonic plasma TV. Since its QAM tuner can get the local HD channels from Comcast (but *not* their multiplex channels, I gather? -- seems strange), and since there are only a handful of additional HD channels on Comcast (most of which I don't watch anyway), I don't think I want to pay extra for an HD STB.

So what non-HD STBs have decent video outputs for an HDTV? All the models I know of only have composite video -- no good. There is a DVR model, the Moto 3080, that has S-video output, but that isn't much better. I'm not even sure it's available here yet anyway. I don't need another DVR (I have a standalone model), but I'll take one if it has the right outputs.

So are there any non-HD STBs with component, DVI, or HDMI options? (My TV has only one RF input, which I'd be using for the QAM tuner.)

I live in Cambridge, and assuming the policies are similar, I pay all of $5 or $6 for the box. I get HDMI/DVI, component, s-video and composite all at once. Also have optical and RCA digital audio.

I'm not sure the quality of SD via component is any better than via s-video, but I can tell you the sound is much better on all channels, HD or SD, via digital outs.

I have the DVR option, mostly because there is no other HD recording solution today and it gives me two tuners, all for $10 extra a month. As soon as the Tivo 3 looks viable, I'll probably switch to that.

Hey, I'm about to upgrade to the HD package through Comcast and I'm wondering what the deal is with NESN-HD? Is it it's own channel or do they just play the games on INHD? Or do they pretty much just play NESN-HD on the INHD channel??

Rumor has it its going to become Full Time Real Soon Now (TM). And there is already a lively debate here about whether NESN HD will follow ESPN 2 HD's path of becoming an Expanded Basic service. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

There is no HD package per say, you just need a digital package and a box/cablecard to get it. There is no extra charge that is 'HD' That being said, if you don't have extended basic, its possible you won't get NESNHD when/if it gets its own channel.

It will certainly be expanded only, just wait until they remove NESN from people that don't have boxes leeching cable off of other paying subscribers

My guess is they will follow Boston Comcast's path in the suburbs where you can't get NESN without a cable box either. Notice how it is on 195 and channel 13 in Boston. I think they will be removing channel 13 over the next few months.

Hazel Mae in HD .............. yes.

Rumor has it its going to become Full Time Real Soon Now (TM). And there is already a lively debate here about whether NESN HD will follow ESPN 2 HD's path of becoming an Expanded Basic service. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

As long as NESN HD is still NOT on Direct TV and or dish network there is some logic in not requiring extended basic.

NESN-HD is now on 851 and MTV-HD is on 828

NESN-HD is now on 851 and MTV-HD is on 828

Confirmed in Chelmsford, MA

Confirmed in Chelmsford, MA

Same in Lawrence,but bothy still not authorized on non Standard settings

My cable bill will be going uop $40,but i may end up shutting down the phone

Update: They tried hitting the box wbut with no luck. A Saturday 3-5 appointment takes the filter off.

NESN-HD is now on 851 and MTV-HD is on 828


Same in Arlington, MA.

Are you sure 828 is MTV HD because so far (the last 4 videos) have been country music videos.

Are you sure 828 is MTV HD because so far (the last 4 videos) have been country music videos.

It's a mix of music from MTV, VH1 & CMT.

Do both channels require expanded-basic-tier?

Do both channels require expanded-basic-tier?

It is beginning to look that way. I could see it for nESN but not MHD.

Do both channels require expanded-basic-tier?

I have now 17 HD channels without the premiums with expanded basic. Maybe L Supreme can let us know if it is required or if we still have bandwidth left for more channels to be added.

It makes sense for MHD; other than the basic MTV channel, aren't all the others in the expanded tier anyway? Basic access gives you access to the basics, but MHD is an extra above basic.

It makes sense for MHD; other than the basic MTV channel, aren't all the others in the expanded tier anyway? Basic access gives you access to the basics, but MHD is an extra above basic.

MHD is a totally different channel from MTV. If they are choosing to put it in enchanced basic then that is one thing. They canNOT take the HD locals away from Limited basic.

Do both channels require expanded-basic-tier?

NESNHD requires expanded, MHD requires both expanded & classic.

NESNHD requires expanded, MHD requires both expanded & classic.

Thanks L Supreme, your input is always appreciated. I guess this means if your used to watching the Sox on INHD2 and don't have Expanded Basic, you will not be able to recieve it anymore. Good thing I got it ( Expanded ) back a couple of months ago.

Great, now 882 is open to show more repeats of "Aussie Wine Trail". Does anyone else find it ironic that MTV doesn't broadcast in Dolby?

Crap I aleast want to see the rest of the season :(

Oh well time to return my box still have E*

L Supreme , is National Geographic HD ( NGHD) next ?

I must say, MHD was a nice surprise. Usually (as happened with ESPN2) the folks over in the Programming section find out (and start a thread) when Comcast is nearing completion on a deal. This one seems to have come out of nowhere!

Are we saying that we can no longer get NESNHD unless we have Expanded? I just started with the package "Basic Cable+Digital" package and was thrilled with my channel line-up adn HD selection for the price. So does this mean that no more Red Sox in HD with this package starting yesterday or today? I can't believe I am going to have to spend the $40 for Expanded now. Bummer.

Great, now 882 is open to show more repeats of "Aussie Wine Trail". Does anyone else find it ironic that MTV doesn't broadcast in Dolby?

Actually, 882 is just showing TBA and the channel isn't coming up (last channel freezes) in Chelmsford. Did we lose this to add the 2 new ones? I'm not too upset at the loss of INHD2, but that doesn't bode well for bandwidth to add new channels.

Still getting content on 882 here. I was assuming the schedule was just taken down to remove all those NESN pre-emptions, but maybe something bigger is up. I remember a couple of years ago that we lost 882 for a couple of weeks when another channel (Fox?) was added.

The audio is out of synch for me (Chelmsford) on NESN-HD. Very glad to see MHD (what a big suprise !!), and I still have INHD2 thank god, but the programming guide says to be announced probably due to the removal of sox content.

-Ken

Still getting content on 882 here. I was assuming the schedule was just taken down to remove all those NESN pre-emptions, but maybe something bigger is up. I remember a couple of years ago that we lost 882 for a couple of weeks when another channel (Fox?) was added.
Over on the Programming thread, there are reports that INHD-2 is being replaced by "Mojo" effective 6/18.

Mickey

Nice of Comcast to let us know about all these changes in advance. I guess that is part of the Comcastic experience, right ;)

As of right now I have Sound and Video on 882 still as well as 851 and 828 in Derry, NH

Are we saying that we can no longer get NESNHD unless we have Expanded? I just started with the package "Basic Cable+Digital" package and was thrilled with my channel line-up adn HD selection for the price. So does this mean that no more Red Sox in HD with this package starting yesterday or today? I can't believe I am going to have to spend the $40 for Expanded now. Bummer.
Normally I might side with Comcast in their never ending quest to shake the last nickel out of their loyal customer's pockets. This is America, after all. However, there is something especially unseemly about this one. Beginning this season, Boston Red Sox baseball is no longer available on the free OTA stations (with the exception of the odd game on Fox network). Tickets to the games are the highest in MLB, and sold out anyway. Now you need an upgraded cable tier to see them. Needless to say, pay-per-view is the next stop.

Mickey

Well I'm looking like a genius to the wife right now ...

I enjoyed 3 months with out expanded basic at $35.40 but lost 2 grandfathered $5.00 bundles from my cable and phone bills. $25.40 for 3 months. That was OK...

Today I had to call and add expanded basic for the full $35.40, plus another $12.85 for another service call to remove the analog trap. So, some time in November, I will have used up the savings and be paying Comcast $10 more than when I started this adventure.

Not to knock Comcast, but I'm paying $35.40, for NESN ? We never watched anything on expanded anyway. You can't possibly convince me "a la carte" is a bad thing. All $35.40 is not going to NESN yet it is all I'll watch from those channels.

Oh Ya, I don't get to see tonights game ( Couldn't be Clements game ?) because they guy doesn't come out to remove the trap until tomorrow 3-5 ?

Normally I might side with Comcast in their never ending quest to shake the last nickel out of their loyal customer's pockets. This is America, after all. However, there is something especially unseemly about this one. Beginning this season, Boston Red Sox baseball is no longer available on the free OTA stations (with the exception of the odd game on Fox network). Tickets to the games are the highest in MLB, and sold out anyway. Now you need an upgraded cable tier to see them. Needless to say, pay-per-view is the next stop.

Mickey


If you didn't have a hd set, the only way you would be able to get NESN is with expanded. So now you guys are in the same boat as the majority of customers that want NESN.

If you didn't have a hd set, the only way you would be able to get NESN is with expanded. So now you guys are in the same boat as the majority of customers that want NESN.

L Supreme, I'm sure you will get heat, but I'll take it here.

These folks were freeloading on a technicality the last year. Now they have to pay what everyone else does and they are crying like a bunch of babies.

Comcast has decided the free ride is over, build a bridge get over it or spend the money for the channels.

Oh yeah, thanks for the two new channels :)

at this pont they might as well move al lthe HD channels except local over with the "Expanded Basic" tier. I'm just frustrated in that the deals for HD viewers are going away. I can't see how a la carte can be a bad idea with these latest switches. Still confused as to why Comcast doesn;t inform their customers of these changes in advance. Seems pretty major to me.

HELP!
I am having SEVERE HD stuttering on 807, while trying to watch the US Open. It is virtually unwatchable. ESPNHD this AM had no stuttering, but the PQ was lousy at times. The Red Sox on NESNHD also has bad stuttering. My values for signal are fair, and ACG is poor. I know that I need a booster, but today is MUCH worse than normal. Until a few weeks ago, I never had HD stuttering. Is anyone else experiencing the same problems?

at this pont they might as well move al lthe HD channels except local over with the "Expanded Basic" tier. I'm just frustrated in that the deals for HD viewers are going away. I can't see how a la carte can be a bad idea with these latest switches. Still confused as to why Comcast doesn;t inform their customers of these changes in advance. Seems pretty major to me.

The fact is many other systems would require the equivalant of Enchanced cable (standard with box) AND digital classic before getting even the HD locals.

I wonder what the market for ATSC tuners are like.

Why can't NESN just be part of the local package like satelite companies? I know if I didn't want sat locals then they would not give me NESN.

Oh well I can bear SD NESN till E* hopefully adds NESN-HD in the fall.

HELP!
I am having SEVERE HD stuttering on 807, while trying to watch the US Open. It is virtually unwatchable. ESPNHD this AM had no stuttering, but the PQ was lousy at times. The Red Sox on NESNHD also has bad stuttering. My values for signal are fair, and ACG is poor. I know that I need a booster, but today is MUCH worse than normal. Until a few weeks ago, I never had HD stuttering. Is anyone else experiencing the same problems?


With all the rain we've been having, some may have crept into your lines decreasing signal quality. I had this happen to me and Comcast came out and replaced the line.

Normally I might side with Comcast in their never ending quest to shake the last nickel out of their loyal customer's pockets. This is America, after all. However, there is something especially unseemly about this one. Beginning this season, Boston Red Sox baseball is no longer available on the free OTA stations (with the exception of the odd game on Fox network). Tickets to the games are the highest in MLB, and sold out anyway. Now you need an upgraded cable tier to see them. Needless to say, pay-per-view is the next stop.

Mickey

There are tickets available for games, you just have to stand in line with everyone else. SRO tickets are available for pretty much every game.

Nothing is free....

As soon as FiOS TV is available to me, I'm gone. Comcast can stick it.

Why can't NESN just be part of the local package like satelite companies

My guess is because Comcast is paying NESN about $3-$4 per subscriber who has the channel. There was that HUGE debate a few years ago when NESN went from being A la Carte to Expanded Basic.

I'm surprised the digital class + regular basic loophole went this long, people should just be thankful it lasted as long as it did.

I couldn't be happier with Comcast right now (besides the high price), we now have 16 normal HD channels, 4 premium and it looks like NFL HD may be coming soon. If someone told me in Jan that we would get ESPN 2, UHD, NESN (on its own channel) and MTVHD by June i would have just laughed at them. Not to mention they're all at full bitrate unlike the crap Sat. companies offer for HD.

Now if we could just get 845 Weatherscan moved to some other part of the SD lineup.

Over on the Programming thread, there are reports that INHD-2 is being replaced by "Mojo" effective 6/18.

Mickey

If you're talking about the future of INHD2 thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=688099), MOJO is a block of programming on INHD, not a separate network.

If you're talking about the future of INHD2 thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=688099), MOJO is a block of programming on INHD, not a separate network.

Maybe INHD2 is being "rebranded" as MOJO TV like this website seems to show:


mojohd.com redirects to INHD

MOJO HD (http://www.mojohd.com)

...These folks were freeloading on a technicality the last year. Now they have to pay what everyone else does and they are crying like a bunch of babies...
For the record, I already subscribe to Expanded, etc. and I am receiving NESN-51 and NESNHD-851. So this doesn't hit me. I just think it smells.

Mickey

Normally I might side with Comcast in their never ending quest to shake the last nickel out of their loyal customer's pockets. This is America, after all. However, there is something especially unseemly about this one. Beginning this season, Boston Red Sox baseball is no longer available on the free OTA stations (with the exception of the odd game on Fox network). Tickets to the games are the highest in MLB, and sold out anyway. Now you need an upgraded cable tier to see them. Needless to say, pay-per-view is the next stop.Why should Comcast be any more generous than the Red Sox themselves? Comcast should unequivocally determine its prices based on value -- i.e., the price at which they'll make the most profit for their owners -- not some sense of, what? Social service?

Sorry, I just don't understand on what basis we could claim that it is an incorrect decision to charge more for something people want more.

I can't see how a la carte can be a bad idea with these latest switches.My guess is that, in order to keep things revenue neutral (which is an unequivocal requirement), a la carte will cost about 35%-55% of the cost of the tier for each channel. So if you get more than two channels in a tier, you're almost surely going to be better off with the whole tier.

I don't disagree with anything said above. Just would be nice if there was a "value" package sort of speak with COmcast. Seeme like you now need to spend at least $60+ a month to get some decent stations. The package most of us enjoyed previously may have been a "loophole" to some extent but it was good value for the money. Now there is no value package with a few decent HD channels. I am looking forward to FIOS as well.

$60?

Where?

Monthly Charge(s)
06/02 - 07/01 Standard Cable 49.15
(includes Basic $13.00 and Expanded Basic $36.15)
06/02 - 07/01 Service Discount -10.00
06/02 - 07/01 Add'l HDTV Outlet(s) 11.95
Includes HDTV Box - $8.95 Remote - $.25, Digital Access - $2.75
06/02 - 07/01 DVR Box/rem With HDTV 14.70
Includes: HD Box $4.50, Remote $.25, DVR Service $9.95.
06/02 - 07/01 Franchise Related Cost .03
(cost Associated With Local Access Programming, Facilities, Equipment OR Other Related License Requirements)
06/02 - 07/01 Digital Plus 11.20
Includes: Digital Classic, Digital Plus, Digital Music Choice, Interactive Program Guide.
Subtotal 77.03

I have no pay channels and I am paying almost 80.00 a month for 2 TV's of HD.

As I said $60+, it was off the cuff #

The "digital classic + regular basic loophole" still exists as far as SD channels are concerned. ESPN1hd, TNThd, UHd, and INHD are still part of Digital Classic (though for how long )

I know when NESN went from Pay to standard the rate for stadard only went up around $1.50 or so,so they can't really be paying THAT MUCH.

NESN was one of the last RSNs to go fully standard (not a pay channel) and Comcast was i believe the last holdout.

NFL-HD will most likely be an enchanced basic only channel as NFL Network itself is aiming to have its SD version go from a digital tier (Digital Plus or sports Tier here) to expanded basic.

I will probobly be likely be cutting off their home phone service later this month,as my cell has excellent reception in the apartment.

Why should Comcast be any more generous than the Red Sox themselves? Comcast should unequivocally determine its prices based on value -- i.e., the price at which they'll make the most profit for their owners -- not some sense of, what? Social service?...
I agree that the Red Sox are largely to blame in all this. As far as "socal service", there was a time when Cable licenses were granted by local jurisdictions, and the local jurisdictions had some control over things like reasonable price increases, and they also imposed some public service requirements. So there is some linkage there.

In the end, the market will dictate. And when it comes to the Red Sox, people seem to have a very high tolerance for financial pain.

Mickey

I don't know what everyone is complaining about, I just got 3 new HD channels ( ESPN2-HD, MHD, & NESN-HD ) giving me a total of 17 HD channels at full bitrates and my bill hasn't changed at all. Thank you Comcast!

No Sox game for Basic? Oh well. More time with family then.

And when it comes to the Red Sox, people seem to have a very high tolerance for financial pain.

I enjoy winning, that's where my tolerance is coming from. The way I see it is I pay an extra $3-$4 on my bill for NESN to see every Sox game per month. (I would have extended basic anyways). Unfortunately, I don't think it's fair that everyone else has to pick up the bill even if they don't want it, or they can't get it by itself if they do want it. i would have no problem paying $10 a month for NESN like it used to be but I'm not going to complain if it's included in extended basic.

I still think the best solution to the packages vs a la carte is more packages. Basic, Sports, Finance, News, Kids, Teen, "Educational" (Discovery, History etc.), Drama, Comedy and then have one "premium" that includes all packages (non-HBO etc.)

Have 10 packages and let people pick and choose. Some may get screwed, many would be happier, many be screwed but it's probably better than this all or nothing system.

Why cant Comcast keep the CSRs up to date. i would have been very pleased to hear that ESPN2 ,MTV-HD and NESN -HD, full time were coming during June.

Wow!! game is on 882 tonight. Almost faked out by the message board. One last taste for basic customers?

So why is NESN-HD still on channel 882 tonight since we now have channel 851

Maybe Comcast CSR's revolted and didn't want to hear the complaints all night.

There was a message on their earlier saying

"TUNE TO 851 FOR RED SOX BASEBALL. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE IT CONTACT COMCAST"
(it was in all caps.)

OTOH, Remy just gave Comcast and NESN-HD full time a couple minute plug during the broadcast.

Since I have no interest at all in the channels that have been added, I feel little need to pay for them.

So now it comes down to just National Geo and HDNet. If I have to pay $40+ for them I'm not sure what I'll do.

I don't know what everyone is complaining about, I just got 3 new HD channels ( ESPN2-HD, MHD, & NESN-HD ) giving me a total of 17 HD channels at full bitrates and my bill hasn't changed at all. Thank you Comcast!


i agree-people will always have something to say.

bravo comcast!

Hmmmm, I'm playing the fiddle while Rome burns here...Salem, MA and still getting the Sox in HD on 882 tonight with my "loophole" package at 18 bucks/mth. Long live Basic + Digital Classic with Cablecard!!!!!

Me thinks me days are numbered...ARRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!

Long live Basic + Digital Classic with Cablecard!!!!!

Hooray!

Called comcast and the rep was as surprised at I was on NESNHD, but thinks the game, which is still showing on 882 for some reason, will not be on there long...Thinks its just for tonight or for a few more games..........I decided to bite the bullet and get expanded again to add espn2, mhd, and nesnhd.............There goes my $40 savings.....Oh well, at least I get fox news back on 41........


Anyone noticed that espn2 is frozen tonight? looks like that is also showing the sox so it must be blacked out....

Nice!!! MTVHD and NESNHD!!! Now if I could only figure out how to update my TV Guide On-Screen w/Cablecard without losing all of my channel priorities in TVGOS. Does anyone know how to do this?

Needless to say, pay-per-view is the next stop.

Mickey


If we could only get so lucky. At least then I would only have to pay for what I want to watch, rather than dozens of channels I don't.

I'm not happy at all about the NESN-HD situation, but as others have pointed out, it was pretty much inevitable. I guess I'll be paying for expanded basic six months out of the year.

I figured it out!!! For those of you with TV Guide On-Screen and Cablecard and do not want to lose your channel priorities (like I did with the ESPN2 addition), unplug the power cable from the wall outlet or surge protector of your HDTV. My TV is one of those with the cablebox inside it always on, therefore it doesn't know when to update the lineup and sticks with what it has. (Samsung) The only downside is that MTVHD is not in the TV Guide On-Screen menu yet for Comcast (at least the Boston lineup).

Didn't someone post about MTVHD not being in Dolby Digital? I'm getting DD on my receiver for that channel.

On another note, I'm noticing Dolby Digital sound on both INHD2 and NESNHD, is this an addition? On my receiver it's showing up as Pro Logic, but it sure sounds different than before. I used to only get sound out of my front 2 speakers.

MTVHD has all HD commercials and the general PQ is stellar so far on the programming and commercials I've seen on it. And *gasp* they're actually playing MUSIC (and its in DD5.1)!

did any actually get a signal for "my name is earl" tonight. I didnt, then the office was picture framed for the first half.. NBC problem or Comcast?

Both the Office and My Name is Earl were in full HD widescreen on Boston Comcast.

I talked to 6 different comcast reps. today. Most gave me bogus info. Look all most of us want are HD channels as a sepaerate package...I mean non-premium hd.

Why is ESPN-HD, ESPN2, TNT-HD part of digital cable and ESPN, ESPN2-HD, TNT part of standard.

If I have the SD extended basic version of a channel I should get the HD version with only extended basic.

If the SD station is part of digital cable, then I should get the HD version if I have digital with no extended basic....NO?

What they are doing should be illegal, but it is at minimum deceptive.

I want an HD package buy through! The channel listings on Comcrap.com actually show and HD package, but you can't buy it??


https://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx


But they do have A la carte choices avaliable is you want PLAYBOY-TV....wow that some choice!...the only available option listed.

greg

This is what I would do:

ESPNHD, ESPN2HD, and TNTHD should stay with extended basic. (if ity were up to me I would have then with digital classic as well) :)

NESN HD would probobly be extended basic as well,but would also be offered sas part of Digital Classic as long as D* and dish do NOT have NESNHD

HD locals SHOULD REMAIN PART OF LIMITED BASIC!

MHD (It is not MTV-HD) ,Discovery HD HT,Universal HD,INHD,and Mojo/INHD2 should be part of digital Classic

HDNEt and HDNet Movies should be part of the Premiere Pack (which would go up $1.00 or so) -This gives Cuban his $$$ and comcast dosent need to have an HD only tier.

HBO would show ALL Scope films in OAR only!

Anyone else notice that the Sox broadcast on 851 was about 3-4 seconds behind the broadcast on 882? I flipped to 882 and then flipped back and saw the same pitch/swing again.

MHD has some really incredible programming. Can't wait for Dave Matthews Storytellers in HD tomorrow night (check out the guide on www.mhd.tv).

Hopefully Comcast's guide will be up by then and I'll be able to DVR it without doing it by time.

Coleca, I did notice that 2 second delay between 851 and 882. Perhaps that can be corrected once they put the games on NESN HD permanently.

...MHD has some really incredible programming. Can't wait for Dave Matthews Storytellers in HD tomorrow night (check out the guide on www.mhd.tv)...
Thanks for the link. It looks like MHD has the Bruce Springsteen "Storytellers" show tonight at 10:00pm. I saw this before, and its great. If you like Bruce, you should try to catch this one.

Mickey

Thanks for the link. It looks like MHD has the Bruce Springsteen "Storytellers" show tonight at 10:00pm. I saw this before, and its great. If you like Bruce, you should try to catch this one.

Mickey

Just think, maybe now kids will figure out that the M in MTV actually used to stand for MUSIC...

Since it's been about two decades since I last watched MTV:

If it ain't music now, what are they doing on that station? (Just curious.)

I ask, because since everything looks so much better in HD, I might end up watching it just for the same reasons that I suddenly started watching sports. Can't stand the sports, but dang, it looks good.

Since it's been about two decades since I last watched MTV:

If it ain't music now, what are they doing on that station? (Just curious.)

I ask, because since everything looks so much better in HD, I might end up watching it just for the same reasons that I suddenly started watching sports. Can't stand the sports, but dang, it looks good.

MTV is more of a lifestyle channel, with a *lot* of reality (Real World, Laguna Beach, The Hills, 8th and Ocean), and shows like Pimp My ride (customizing cars).

There is very little music on it these days.

MTV2 was launched to be an all music channel as well, but it's also became a lifestyle channel, with shows like Jackass (reruns), Viva la Bam (Jackass spinoff), Andy Milonakis, the list goes on.

Thankfully, MHD is (so far) geared towards Music and designed for HD, so it showcases a lot of HD music videos, live concerts taken from MTV, VH1, and CMT (storytellers, etc), and even has a studio custom built for the channel in Vail. It should be a welcome addition to most people's HD lineup

Vail's pretty.

I am still having HD stuttering, but only on certain channels.
ESPNHD was fine today during the US Open.
When coverage switched to NBCHD, I had bad stuttering.
I installed a Motorola signal booster, and the stuttering got better, but it is still there at times.
My in-band status is as follows:
Tuner 1:
SNR: 36.0 dB Good
AGC: 62% Good
Tuner 2:
SNR: 35.7 dB Good
AGC: Good

OOB Status:
SNR: 21.8 dB Good
AGC: 11% Good.

Is there anything that I can do to gert rid of the stuttering?
Why do I get it on some channels & not others?
Do I have a bad STB?
THANKS!!!

What is the least expensive package that you have to buy to get all the HD channels? They are all I care about.

Thanks, Jay

Is there anything that I can do to gert rid of the stuttering?
Why do I get it on some channels & not others?
Do I have a bad STB?
THANKS!!![/QUOTE]

Try resetting the video card by cycling through all the output resolutions in the setup menu...then go back to your normal settings and power up..

greg

Try standard cable plus digtal clasic...like $65 bucks with one HD box. If you want all the premiums you need digital platinum for 100+

Was a lot cheaper a few days ago, when you didn't need standard. Without Standard you will not recieve MHD, ESPN2HD, NESNHD.

greg

What is the least expensive package that you have to buy to get all the HD channels? They are all I care about.

Thanks, Jay

Here is the current lineup of HD programming in the boston market:

802 PBS HD channel /WGBH
804 WBZ (CBS)
805 WCVB (ABC)
807 WHDH (NBC)
809 WMUR (ABC)
825 WFXT (Fox)
828 MHD
833 TNT
838 WSBK
839 Discovery Home Theatre
846 Universal HD
849 ESPN
850 ESPN 2
851 NESN
856 WLVI (CW)
868 Cinemax
870 HBO
875 Starz
877 Showtime
881 INHD
882 INHD2

Broadcast channels are considered part of limited basic. (around $10)
TNT,Discovery HT,Universal HD,ESPN,INHD,and INHD2 are included with digital Classic.

ESPN2 and NESN now seem to require Extended basic (around an EXTRA$40) with MHD requiring Digital Classic AND Extended basic.

Premium HD channels are considered part of a subscription to the Corrisponding channel (HBO-HD is part of HBO)

I put in a request to get enchsanced cable (so Ican get NESN HD back,and get ESPN2Hd,MHD,and what looks like any other HD channel over basic)

I am aware that the extended basic filter only blocks analog channels 23-69 AND we have ADS!

I asked them to put a hit to my box no dice. :(

I tried connecting it to the Internet splitter (which was installed when I got my internet service BY COMCAST,NOT ME) which has NO filter

I called them back and asked for a hit STILL NO DICE :(

I am not sure what is going to happen tomorrow. (I have a 3-5 appointment for the removal of the filter on my den set)

since the channels are ALL digital Why can't they just hit my box?

I was thinking that they may be using analog channel 66 for sendback signals to have th ebox talk with the system for the enchanced cable channels but I had a hit placed iwhen I had the box in the bedroom.

dish network and Verizon DSL is beginning to look good here.

dish network and Verizon DSL is beginning to look good here.Your experience with Comcast actually provides you no insight into how your experience with Dish Network and Verizon would be. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.

Your experience with Comcast actually provides you no insight into how your experience with Dish Network and Verizon would be. Out of the frying pan, into the fire.

dish is not an option as I live in an aprtment building with no outside access. direct TV has sent me something to the extent of Please subscribe to us.

Verizon would require me to get thier phone service. and the speeds would be much slower then bwhat I am accustomed to .

FIOS will likely NEVER come to my area.

I put in a request to get enchsanced cable (so Ican get NESN HD back,and get ESPN2Hd,MHD,and what looks like any other HD channel over basic).

Chitchatjf, I did the same exact thing on Thursday, and had a 3-5 appointment on Friday to remove the trap. I caught HD NESN on 882 Thursday.

When the trap was installed in March it did not correctly block the expanded channels on a TV not using a cable box, or even SD NESN with the cable box. I posted that info some time in March. Not a big deal because we never watched them anyways.

Friday, when the trap was removed I still got Not Authorized with the cable box and no expanded channels at all on the non boxed TV. A call to Comcast was no help, and was told I'd be called back or visited between 4-7. Some time after 5, I checked again and was receiving expanded channels with the 2 cable boxes but still no expanded with the non cabled TV. When Comcast called back I told them I was happy enough for a while and not to rush someone out, but they suggested 3-5 Saturday.

When the trap was installed in March it did not correctly block the expanded channels on a TV not using a cable box, or even SD NESN with the cable box. I posted that info some time in March. Not a big deal because we never watched them anyways.

About a year or year and a half ago I switched from Extended Basic to Limited or whatever Comcast calls it. I payed $24 to unsubscribe and Comcast sent tech to outside my place probably to install some filter (trap?). It was before simulcast or Comcast just started to roll it out. After that event I could tell that signal in Extended channels was still there, you could hear sound and picture was appearing for a split second before changing to colorful mosaic. It is not the case anymore. There is solid black screen, no sound and NOT AUTHORIZE sign as use to be on digital channels. I am just curious what happened with Extended service. Is there no analog signal anymore? Do I need to pay another $24 to remove that filter to come back to Extended service or it's already done. Is Comcast switching between two Basics from office now? I am reading this thread pretty regularly but don't remember this topic was discussed. I apologize if I missed it.
Alexander

Chitchatjf, I did the same exact thing on Thursday, and had a 3-5 appointment on Friday to remove the trap. I caught HD NESN on 882 Thursday.

When the trap was installed in March it did not correctly block the expanded channels on a TV not using a cable box, or even SD NESN with the cable box. I posted that info some time in March. Not a big deal because we never watched them anyways.

Friday, when the trap was removed I still got Not Authorized with the cable box and no expanded channels at all on the non boxed TV. A call to Comcast was no help, and was told I'd be called back or visited between 4-7. Some time after 5, I checked again and was receiving expanded channels with the 2 cable boxes but still no expanded with the non cabled TV. When Comcast called back I told them I was happy enough for a while and not to rush someone out, but they suggested 3-5 Saturday.

what bugged me was the fact that I had reconnected the box (Hd-DVR) to my bedroom TV (which has NO filter) and asked them to send down a hit again. It still didn't work though i doubt they really sent that hit down.

I remember back in Feb 2004 I picked up a DVR at the office and installed it myself. They still wanted to make an appointment to come by.

Also when I moved a few months later and insisted on bringing the box and my own cable modem with me :
The Cable/internet guy was 1/2 hour late :(

He installed cable and that worked fine The internet seemed to take a little longer He said the system had to reset and i should be online within an hour.

I went out for a bite and came back to find my internet still not on Not only that my cable TV box was screwed up.
Although i do not have extended basic i am supposed to have Digital Platinum and do not get any digital signals except those offered with Basic


I called and was on hold for 1/2 hour. They said they would fix both Internet and TV and get me online within 1/2 hour.

That was 3:30 8pm I am still not online. and no TV beyond local channels (I did get local HD of course)

I waited until 9pm to call back so I do not use any more daytime minutes on my call

I called and it seemed to get the internet running but no dice on the box
Well After about an hour or so running the Net,it suddenly seemed to go dead :(

I powered down my PC and cable modem allowed them to reset and then tried it again. I got the comcast setup page. OK I used their software disc, reset up my account and bingo back in business.

i made one last call around 1am to bitch again about the TV ,but the person who I talked with was able to fix it for me.

I got my on time credit and for a few months had Platinum for the cost of Digital plus

They also tried to charge me for ANOTHER month of service at the old address.,and it took a few weeks to get that straightened out.

I thought i was just transferring my account, . They said nO you have to cancel your old account and start a new one. despite being in the same city

Well at least they let me keep my email address.

Here is the current lineup of HD programming in the boston market:

802 PBS HD channel /WGBH
804 WBZ (CBS)
805 WCVB (ABC)
807 WHDH (NBC)
809 WMUR (ABC)
825 WFXT (Fox)
828 MHD
833 TNT
838 WSBK
839 Discovery Home Theatre
846 Universal HD
849 ESPN
850 ESPN 2
851 NESN
856 WLVI (CW)
868 Cinemax
870 HBO
875 Starz
877 Showtime
881 INHD
882 INHD2


At the risk of completely alienating myself from everyone else here:

You know, that's a pretty decent lineup.

At the risk of completely alienating myself from everyone else here:

You know, that's a pretty decent lineup.

It is but my beef is in pulling NESN off of Digital classicd withOUT giving a 30 day advance notice.

I can see the logic in it,along with ESPN2,ESPN,and TNrt,.but MHD is a seperate channel (not an HD version of MTV)

I would nOT do dir4ect TV because of HD Lite but if it were possible i might consider Dish.

Well, my DVR has really done it now. It's reset plenty of times before, but the menus, "My DVR" etc have usually come back within 15 minutes (the big hassle is that it's taken a couple of days for the schedule data to rebuild for the full two weeks). Sometime before 1:00 it reset, and still nothing - no recorded programs, no program guide, it's not recording the game, no pause/rewind, it still thinks the time is 12:00 midnight on 1/1 (the only screen I can get is a Setup menu that doesn't let you set the date/time), and the tuner-switch function I programmed into the TV/VCR button doesn't work.

I can't touch it again until the game is over, but after then I haveta call Comcast. Anything I should check on the diagnostic menu (assuming I can get that up) before I make the call? Has anyone had this happen to them?

UPDATE: Pulling the plug fixed it. Before that, 'tho, there were some interesting diagnostic readings. The DVR was not enabled, and info on the second tuner was unavailable.

When the trap was installed in March it did not correctly block the expanded channels on a TV not using a cable box, or even SD NESN with the cable box. I posted that info some time in March. Not a big deal because we never watched them anyways.

The tech (not a contractor) came out at 4. When he opened up the box on the outside of the house we could both see the trap still in place ? The contractor that came out on Friday must just have tightened the connection up instead of removing the trap. That's why it started to block the channels all of a sudden.

Guess I should just be grateful everything works now. My only complaint would be the price ($35 for expanded basic) that I have to pay to get the one channel I want, NESN HD. The quantity of Comcast's HD lineup and the quality of their signals is very good in my opinion.

Well they just left.

The box had to be rebooted and I lost my favorites and had to reset the color guide to thye one I like but it works :)

Red Sox WON 5-3 and the Us went 1-all against Italy.

At the risk of completely alienating myself from everyone else here:

You know, that's a pretty decent lineup.

Definitely improving. And though I'm not a big music station fan, the MHD channel is very good quality HD. Find myself with it on a lot while I work around the house. I even sat to watch the Bruce Springsteen show last night, which was quite good.

Could we possibly be making grounds towards HD content availability????

It is but my beef is in pulling NESN off of Digital classicd withOUT giving a 30 day advance notice.


Well, in theory they didn't pull NESN off, they pulled the simulcasts off INHD2. I know its nitpicking but we didn't have NESNHD before the other day. It is kinda crappy but I am fairly sure you were in the minority that lost games. Most folks unless they are 'smarts' on the forums here wouldn't know how to request the package setup you had.

At the risk of completely alienating myself from everyone else here:

You know, that's a pretty decent lineup.

i agree. to all those leaving comcast-don't let the door hit you on the way out.

what makes you think that verizontv will be better?


wwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa comcast sux waaaaaaa--(artie lang voice)


if it isnt one thing it's another.



peace and namaste.

There is no reason to expect any notice for changes, especially changes that align the offering with its long-standing marketing materials.

I really don't mind that they pulled (or stop simulcast, or dumped, or whatever) NESN from INHD2. Bargains can only last for so long. :)

I don't mind paying more for what I really want, either. But $30 something for 1 channel (OK, 2 counting ESPN2HD. I don't really watch anything related to MTV) is just too much. Actually, the only thing that keeps me on Digital Classic now is ESPNHD for when fall comes, there'll be football games on it. Other than that, I can be just as happy with the bare bone Basic.

Now a HD-only, non-premier tier really makes sense. How much you guys think is reasonable for a tier that includes all non-premier HD channel?

BTW, speaking of football in HD. When will we have NFL-HD? Is there any Comcast market that has it?

Now that'd be the reason for me to shell out that $30-something for expended basic. :)

I really don't mind that they pulled (or stop simulcast, or dumped, or whatever) NESN from INHD2. Bargains can only last for so long. :)

I don't mind paying more for what I really want, either. But $30 something for 1 channel (OK, 2 counting ESPN2HD. I don't really watch anything related to MTV) is just too much. Actually, the only thing that keeps me on Digital Classic now is ESPNHD for when fall comes, there'll be football games on it. Other than that, I can be just as happy with the bare bone Basic.

Now a HD-only, non-premier tier really makes sense. How much you guys think is reasonable for a tier that includes all non-premier HD channel?

I would think a majority of subs already have Extended Basic. Why upset the base with a separate HD charge on top of what they have now. Don't think this will happen, besides you can still receive HD channels ( Locals ) with just basic and a HD-STB. So for those who want ALL HD stations, you'll just have to pony up the extra money like the rest of us have for Extended and enjoy!

I would think a majority of subs already have Extended Basic. Why upset the base with a separate HD charge on top of what they have now. Don't think this will happen, besides you can still receive HD channels ( Locals ) with just basic and a HD-STB. So for those who want ALL HD stations, you'll just have to pony up the extra money like the rest of us have for Extended and enjoy!

In many NON Comcast systems the equivalant of Extended basic AND digital Classic is required to get EVEN Locals in HD.

The reason I bit the bullet was because of the likelyhood that enchanced basic would be required for HD channels in the future.

In many NON Comcast systems the equivalant of Extended basic AND digital Classic is required to get EVEN Locals in HD.
Shhh.... Don't give them any idea, please. :)

The reason I bit the bullet was because of the likelyhood that enchanced basic would be required for HD channels in the future.
Well, if they really do that, I'd hope FIOS-TV is available in my town by then. I'll just pick the provider better suits my need. Right now, there's not much of choice. :(

Knowing the two suppliers, Comcast and Verizon, it is almost assured that their offerings will be pretty comparable values. Comcast's telephone offerings weren't enough to get us to change from Verizon: I cannot imagine that Verizon's television offerings will be enough to get us to change from Comcast.

Shhh.... Don't give them any idea, please. :)


Well, if they really do that, I'd hope FIOS-TV is available in my town by then. I'll just pick the provider better suits my need. Right now, there's not much of choice. :(

HD locals are considered part of the $10 basic tier. This is a Comcast rule nationwide.

As for digital buy through,who knows,but with Fios although they too have a limited basic ,the FULL standard service is required in order to get anything else,and i believe HD locals are part of their HD Tier.

BTW, speaking of football in HD. When will we have NFL-HD? Is there any Comcast market that has it?

Now that'd be the reason for me to shell out that $30-something for expended basic. :)

Right now NFL Network is on 265,and part of digital Plus or the Sports Tier.

A condition to carry those games they will be carrying in the fall MAY be to move it to the equivalant of extended basic,so it may end up as an enhanced basic service a la Movieplex on 200 in order to keep it digital only.

I do see NFL-HD in our future,though. :)

i agree. to all those leaving comcast-don't let the door hit you on the way out.

what makes you think that verizontv will be better?


wwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa comcast sux waaaaaaa--(artie lang voice)


if it isnt one thing it's another.



peace and namaste.

Comcast sucks.

Hey, when I did that, it was refered to as "thread farting."

A condition to carry those games they will be carrying in the fall MAY be to move it to the equivalant of extended basic,so it may end up as an enhanced basic service a la Movieplex on 200 in order to keep it digital only.

I do see NFL-HD in our future,though. :)

Good. That will give me the excuse to give in to the expended. Still reluctantly, though. :)

Well, my DVR has really done it now. It's reset plenty of times before, but the menus, "My DVR" etc have usually come back within 15 minutes (the big hassle is that it's taken a couple of days for the schedule data to rebuild for the full two weeks). Sometime before 1:00 it reset, and still nothing - no recorded programs, no program guide, it's not recording the game, no pause/rewind, it still thinks the time is 12:00 midnight on 1/1 (the only screen I can get is a Setup menu that doesn't let you set the date/time), and the tuner-switch function I programmed into the TV/VCR button doesn't work.

I can't touch it again until the game is over, but after then I haveta call Comcast. Anything I should check on the diagnostic menu (assuming I can get that up) before I make the call? Has anyone had this happen to them?

UPDATE: Pulling the plug fixed it. Before that, 'tho, there were some interesting diagnostic readings. The DVR was not enabled, and info on the second tuner was unavailable.Now you get a day of studdering HD while the the guide downloads. Although, I haven't reset my box since the new firmware was downloaded.

larry

Knowing the two suppliers, Comcast and Verizon, it is almost assured that their offerings will be pretty comparable values. Comcast's telephone offerings weren't enough to get us to change from Verizon: I cannot imagine that Verizon's television offerings will be enough to get us to change from Comcast.

With FIOS-TV being available in my town, my extended basic went from $47.90 down to $29.99 and HSI went from $42.95 to $29.99 also. Comcast is starting to run scared. Even with those discounts, when FIOS-TV offers NESNHD, I will switch and it will still be cheaper than Comcast with their discounting.

Mmm... Competition is good.

But there's one advantage Comcast has: CableCARD. I just plain hate extra boxes. And the extra cost that comes with it. When I first found out of CableCARD, it's like a dream come true! One less box. One less set of remote codes. One more available digital input to the TV. Better PQ. And the free rental (for the card) is just icing on the cake.

Hmm... I am not so fired up for FIOS-TV all of sudden...

Why do you think FiOS TV won't support CableCARDs? Verizon does offer CableCARDs in at least some of their TV markets.

Tony

Let just get one thing straight....Comcast does not offer its customers what they want . We have to order it all to get the few stations we want. If you want it all, then you are happy for $$$ a month. I think it is time for Comcast to start offering a choice of packages, instead of grouping packages in a way that makes it impossible to get what you want for a reasonable price.

examlpe: sports fan...

ESPN-HD, TNT-HD.....Digital tier
ESPN2-HD, NESN-HD....Standard Cable + Digtal Cable

They are all part of standard cable for non HD TV's???

And digital cable channels are just part of regular cable for most other cable and Sat. companies, instead of shelling out another $15 per month.

But there's one advantage Comcast has: CableCARD. I just plain hate extra boxes. And the extra cost that comes with it. When I first found out of CableCARD, it's like a dream come true! One less box. One less set of remote codes. One more available digital input to the TV. Better PQ. And the free rental (for the card) is just icing on the cake.

Hmm... I am not so fired up for FIOS-TV all of sudden...

Well, you'd better hope Comcast doesn't follow the path of some other cable companies and start using switched digital service. That technology doesn't work with Cablecards.

Why do you think FiOS TV won't support CableCARDs? Verizon does offer CableCARDs in at least some of their TV markets.I guess I just didn't research on that topic enough and assumed so. Bad, assumption, bad! :)

That's a good news. Does it work the same way Comcast's CC does in that a coax cable from the ONT to my TV is all it needs? Other than the tech visit to plug in the CC that is. Or does it still require installation of box(es) in my house?

Well, you'd better hope Comcast doesn't follow the path of some other cable companies and start using switched digital service. That technology doesn't work with Cablecards.I have mixed feeling to the switched video thing. On one hand, it definitely increase the effective bandwidth which translates (hopefully) into more HD channels. On the other hand, I have to have a box. Oh well. Too early to worry about it now. I'll just enjoy my el cheapo TV service for now.

Here is how i would do it in a way to be fair to Extended basic subscribers and those who have gotten HD tier buy through

MHD,Discovery HT HD,UHD,INHD1,INHD2 - Digital Classic

TNT,ESPN,ESPN2,NESN - Extended basic (no digital classic required)

HDNet,HDNet Movies - Premiere pack (One can dream) :)

and while we're at it,DCT700 cable boxes would be FREE!

I think it is time for Comcast to start offering a choice of packages, instead of grouping packages in a way that makes it impossible to get what you want for a reasonable price. You say that as if one implies the other. The price you consider reasonable for the services offered, besides being a subjective and therefore variable element, may not resemble how much you value the services offered. Comcast's fiduciary responsibility will drive it in a different direction that how, perhaps, you'd prefer it be driven. In any repackaging, Comcast is going to end up with just as much money as they're getting now. All repackaging would do is shift some of the expense from some customers onto others. For all you know, you could be one of the customers who would end up paying more, especially if you partake of services for which the average viewer (in other words, not necessarily you) is comparatively less price sensitive.

Definitely improving. And though I'm not a big music station fan, the MHD channel is very good quality HD. Find myself with it on a lot while I work around the house. I even sat to watch the Bruce Springsteen show last night, which was quite good.

I tii find it to be a very enjoyable channel. What I miss tho is Channel guide information. All I see is "MTVHD Programming" I have to go to their website so see the show lineup. Its not the end of the world, but would be nice. I also cannot add it and ESPN2 to Titan TV. Has anyone else tried?

Burlington town just approved the Verizon FIOS TV franchise. Should be available in a couple of weeks. What a coincidence. My comcast bill went up 40$ today.
Welcome Verizon FIOS TV.

Wow, is it me or did NESN replace that stupid SD camera in the mix. The broadcast tonight looks phenomenal.

Can you get the Sox in HD via Verizon FIOS?

Burlington town just approved the Verizon FIOS TV franchise. Should be available in a couple of weeks. What a coincidence. My comcast bill went up 40$ today.
Welcome Verizon FIOS TV.

It really isn't THAT much cheaper if at all.

It will most likely only be available in upscaple ciommunitys porobobly in single family homes only.

I could care less about what Verizon offers. To me their service S#^ks. I once went a week without phone service because of their ineptness. Besides like chitchatjf says it really isn't that cheaper. But I do welcome the competition because it will only make Comcast lower their rates and I have no problem with that.

Well, you'd better hope Comcast doesn't follow the path of some other cable companies and start using switched digital service. That technology doesn't work with Cablecards.

Help me to understand please. Aren't cablecards federally mandated?

From another person enjoying the cheap STB alternative (w/ beter PQ).

Thanx.

Yeah cablecards are mandated, but they're also mooted if the vendor goes with switched video.

"Mooted"?

It really isn't THAT much cheaper if at all.

It will most likely only be available in upscaple ciommunitys porobobly in single family homes only.
Wrong on all points.

Most posts I've read in other forums indicate that folks are saving about 20% with Verizon; I certainly did with broadband, and expect to do so once TV is introduced. If nothing else I expect Comcast's prices to drop and their price increases to moderate once competition is introduced.

I'd hardly call all parts of Nashua "upscale", and from observing where Verizon has worked and is working, there doesn't appear to be any "redlining" or "cherry picking" occurring.

Verizon is starting to roll out technology for multiple dwelling unit (MDU) installations in several states.

Tony

I'm am admittedly in an upscale community, but am in a multi-family home and FIOS internet is available to me. Town's cable commission is still negotiating the tv franchise, but I expect that to also be an option multi-family home or no. I've also seen FIOS advertised as available in some apartment complexes in the Boston area.

It certainly makes sense to go after the condo/apartment buildings, since it does seem to maximize the number of customers per foot of wire.

You say that as if one implies the other. The price you consider reasonable for the services offered, besides being a subjective and therefore variable element, may not resemble how much you value the services offered. Comcast's fiduciary responsibility will drive it in a different direction that how, perhaps, you'd prefer it be driven. In any repackaging, Comcast is going to end up with just as much money as they're getting now. All repackaging would do is shift some of the expense from some customers onto others. For all you know, you could be one of the customers who would end up paying more, especially if you partake of services for which the average viewer (in other words, not necessarily you) is comparatively less price sensitive.
Comcast Boston subscribers have to "rent" ($5-10) a box for every TV.... All Extendend Basic channels are scrambled. Boston also has to pay extra ($10) for Speed channel that the burbs get part of Standard. Comcast Boston also charges a $25 downgrade fee to put a filter on your line, which they don't even really do.

chitchatjf:

"Here is how i would do it in a way to be fair to Extended basic subscribers and those who have gotten HD tier buy through

MHD,Discovery HT HD,UHD,INHD1,INHD2 - Digital Classic

TNT,ESPN,ESPN2,NESN - Extended basic (no digital classic required)

HDNet,HDNet Movies - Premiere pack (One can dream)

and while we're at it,DCT700 cable boxes would be FREE!"


Now that seams reasonable to me!, but I'm not a cable executive.
Go Verizon! $15 DSL is the best deal in town. Go Fios!

Stoneham is next in MA to get FiOS. The link is to sign up and get your voice heard to have cable competition in your community. MA people only.

http://www22.verizon.com/about/community/ma/action.html

Comcast Boston subscribers have to "rent" ($5-10) a box for every TV.... All Extendend Basic channels are scrambled. Boston also has to pay extra ($10) for Speed channel that the burbs get part of Standard. Comcast Boston also charges a $25 downgrade fee to put a filter on your line, which they don't even really do.

Now that seams reasonable to me!, but I'm not a cable executive.
Go Verizon! $15 DSL is the best deal in town. Go Fios!

Speed channel is now digital only and is part of the Premiere pack and sports tiers,it WAs on Extended at one time.

The 12.50 fee applies to service changes requiring a visit.
I put that up in the hopes that a cable EX MAY read this :)

$15 Dsl is stikll tooo slow

[QUOTE=chitchatjf]Speed channel is now digital only and is part of the Premiere pack and sports tiers,it WAs on Extended at one time.

Really, It is still on in some areas with standard cable.... At least is was in Arlington last time I checked (a month ago @ my parents house)

768k DSL is a bit slow, but I like the price. Regular montlhy bills are the worst. The money goes out whether or not you even use any of the services. With only two full time employed people in my household, I like to only pay for what I use. 2.5 cents per minute for long distance, local calls by the minute, different rates for slow and fast internet speeds. Comcast has great speed and cable offerings, but I would like to be able to buy slower/smaller package for less, because it won't be used that often. That's my problem with Comcast. They give you alot of crap you don't use, but seem to miss that one or two channels you want so you have to buy everything. On Purpose-----Definitely. That's why true competition should be allowed in any city or town. Comcast is selling phone service now, so If Verizon can stay afloat with the billions they are spending now for upgrades, we will all hopefully have a choice.

greg

I am curious about the tech visit and the charge for it. If ADS is completed, do they just have to change the account and the boxes and CC will have the changes without a visit? I understand a visit is still needed for the older TVs. But can a customer ask them not to visit if he's got all digital TVs?

I am curious about the tech visit and the charge for it. If ADS is completed, do they just have to change the account and the boxes and CC will have the changes without a visit? I understand a visit is still needed for the older TVs. But can a customer ask them not to visit if he's got all digital TVs?

While it works for digital only customers, they still need to put the filter on to prevent you from connecting the cable directly to your TV and watching the Analog channels that are still there. The filter prevents that.

They still will come out if you have unscrable standard analog cable in your area. This is done because you could still get the channels you are not paying for if you plug the cable directly into your cable ready TV.

In some areas all extended basic analogs are scramled, so they don't even bother putting filters on anymore. Also in Boston/Brookline local broadcast stations are all over the analog band from channel 2 to as high as 56, so they really can't put a filter on cause it would knock out the locals, but they still charge you to come out.

Yes, that makes sense. But what if someone whats to upgrade from Basic to Standard like most people will do now that NESNHD is gone from Basic + Digital Classic? They have the filter in place already. Can a customer ask them not to come out to remove it?

[QUOTE=chitchatjf]Speed channel is now digital only and is part of the Premiere pack and sports tiers,it WAs on Extended at one time.

Really, It is still on in some areas with standard cable.... At least is was in Arlington last time I checked (a month ago @ my parents house)

768k DSL is a bit slow, but I like the price. Regular montlhy bills are the worst. The money goes out whether or not you even use any of the services. With only two full time employed people in my household, I like to only pay for what I use. 2.5 cents per minute for long distance, local calls by the minute, different rates for slow and fast internet speeds. Comcast has great speed and cable offerings, but I would like to be able to buy slower/smaller package for less, because it won't be used that often. That's my problem with Comcast. They give you alot of crap you don't use, but seem to miss that one or two channels you want so you have to buy everything. On Purpose-----Definitely. That's why true competition should be allowed in any city or town. Comcast is selling phone service now, so If Verizon can stay afloat with the billions they are spending now for upgrades, we will all hopefully have a choice.

greg

NESN and Fox NE should be a seperate sports pack or tier, it's not fair to those not interested in sports to pay the $5 per sub that these two channels cost comcast.

-Ken

I'll make you guys laugh when I say that the condo development adjacent to mine has FIOS while mine doesn't. I don't even qualify for DSL. I am stuck with Comcast.

Yeah, I think the last time I checked, I was told that I was a few miles away from the nearest switching office, so DSL is pretty much out of the question for me, too.

Then again, given the two DSL installations I've been party to (both by Verizon), I'm pretty sure I wouldn't even want to try given the option.

I live in Wakefield and its been about three weeks since Verizon was granted a cable tv franchise. I still haven't received any information as to when it will officially be offered, but Comcast is going around my town and offering people incentives to stay. From everything I've read about FiOS, it the best technology available and will be able to offer a stunning picture with the ability to add channels at will.

Yes, that makes sense. But what if someone whats to upgrade from Basic to Standard like most people will do now that NESNHD is gone from Basic + Digital Classic? They have the filter in place already. Can a customer ask them not to come out to remove it?

I tried that. ((asking them to make a hit on my ADS system.) It didn't work.

They came to take out the filter. The box completly rebooted and I haved to reset my favorites and such.
It took a minute or two before the extended basic channels came back in.

[QUOTE=gregmp]

NESN and Fox NE should be a seperate sports pack or tier, it's not fair to those not interested in sports to pay the $5 per sub that these two channels cost comcast.

-Ken

They had that in the mid to late 90s.
Blame the dishes

[QUOTE=kenvt]

They had that in the mid to late 90s.
Blame the dishes


Nope, not the dishes fault. The Celtics and Red Sox demanded carriage on extended basic and held up the cable cos. for $$S

[QUOTE=chitchatjf]


Nope, not the dishes fault. The Celtics and Red Sox demanded carriage on extended basic and held up the cable cos. for $$S

The dishes had RSN's as part of Their package without an extra fee from day #1.

NESN was one of the last holdouts and so was Comcast.

Has anyone noticed low audio levels on MHD ,828 when they are broadcasting in 5.1 surround and normal audio level when they brodcast in stereo? PQ on 828 looks good.

yes, i agree mgpt6, i actually notice it across the board with all of the HD channels, it would be nice if they could fix that.

And I thought my receiver was going bad. I have noticed in the last week or so that when I listen to audio from HD channels through receiver I am cranking up the volume to get what I would consider "normal" levels. Wonder what happened.

For me NESN HD is extremely LOUD, It was on 882 also !!!! Anyone else have this issue ?

I've noticed this ever since I first started trying to pick them out of the ether with an antenna.

Just seems like most of the HD stations have low audio levels. Don't know why. I'm pretty sure it's a problem at the source, though, and not Comcast.

the key is to adjust the stereo volume of your stb to the same level as the Dolby Digital encoded audio before sending it to your reciever/tv. the cable box can not alter the volume of the DD audio (at least not until it is decoded). So set the volume of the cable box so that stereo = surround and then change volume on your tv or a/v reciever instead.

Was wondering if anyone has heard anything on the Verizon negotiations to carry NESN-HD? This is the only thing keeping me from going to Verizon from Comcast.

the key is to adjust the stereo volume of your stb to the same level as the Dolby Digital encoded audio before sending it to your reciever/tv. the cable box can not alter the volume of the DD audio (at least not until it is decoded). So set the volume of the cable box so that stereo = surround and then change volume on your tv or a/v reciever instead.


How do I do that ?

the key is to adjust the stereo volume of your stb to the same level as the Dolby Digital encoded audio before sending it to your reciever/tv. the cable box can not alter the volume of the DD audio (at least not until it is decoded). So set the volume of the cable box so that stereo = surround and then change volume on your tv or a/v reciever instead.

Is what you are saying that by setting to "surround" you are going to be automatically matching to the DD audio prior to sending it to the receiver. How is that possible?

If you are using a digital connection to a a/v reciever, the cable box can not control the volume of a Dolby Digital signal. It can however be adjusted for the stereo sound that is sent over the digital output. Adjust the cable box volume (in the sound setup menu, at least that's where it was last time I checked) so that when the stereo audio kicks in it is the same volume as the Dolby Digital. It's likely all you need to do is turn the cable box volume down and control everything via your tv or av reciever. I don't think this will help people that use analog outputs from the cable box.

I'll double check when I get home and post some detailed steps if need be.

If you are using a digital connection to a a/v reciever, the cable box can not control the volume of a Dolby Digital signal. It can however be adjusted for the stereo sound that is sent over the digital output. Adjust the cable box volume (in the sound setup menu, at least that's where it was last time I checked) so that when the stereo audio kicks in it is the same volume as the Dolby Digital. It's likely all you need to do is turn the cable box volume down and control everything via your tv or av reciever. I don't think this will help people that use analog outputs from the cable box.

I'll double check when I get home and post some detailed steps if need be.

My understanding is all the ADS areas have DD on ALL channels now, so won't the box be useless for adjusting volume over the digital output?

My understanding is all the ADS areas have DD on ALL channels now, so won't the box be useless for adjusting volume over the digital output?

All the channels might be pro logic, but they are not dolby digital unless the specific program is carrying a DD program. MHD switches program from DD to prologic and back all the time.

-Ken

If you are using a digital connection to a a/v reciever, the cable box can not control the volume of a Dolby Digital signal. It can however be adjusted for the stereo sound that is sent over the digital output. Adjust the cable box volume (in the sound setup menu, at least that's where it was last time I checked) so that when the stereo audio kicks in it is the same volume as the Dolby Digital. It's likely all you need to do is turn the cable box volume down and control everything via your tv or av reciever. I don't think this will help people that use analog outputs from the cable box.

I'll double check when I get home and post some detailed steps if need be.

I think this volume control is only for the analog outputs, not the digital ports.

Now it's time for:

You're watching FOX Sports, broadcasting in phenomenal 480p widescreen!

Thanks for the great PQ FOX!

A little OT, but does anyone know when we'll have the Powerboost (http://www.comcast.com/powerboost/) feature activated?

Comcast must be genuinely concerned about FIOS now.

I got a download speed significantly above 6 mbps the other night (and not just that initial overestimation that the download window gives.

A little OT, but does anyone know when we'll have the Powerboost (http://www.comcast.com/powerboost/) feature activated?

Comcast must be genuinely concerned about FIOS now.

Pwerboost has been launched in the NE region since June 1st. I do not however see the doubling of speed.

I got a download speed significantly above 6 mbps the other night (and not just that initial overestimation that the download window gives.

I've been seeing peak rates around 8 mbps for a while now.

Did the power cycle after receiving the email from Comcast last week and saw no change from my usual 8 mbps.

Did the power cycle after receiving the email from Comcast last week and saw no change from my usual 8 mbps.


make sure your modem is docsis 1.1 compliant if its not, you won't see the any changes.

make sure your modem is docsis 1.1 compliant if its not, you won't see the any changes.
SB5100 is the model and i believe its docsis 2.0 certified. Ill have to check over in the Comcast or DSLReports forums to see what the deal is.

MHD question ... We just got it in CT this past week and the guide just lists "MTVHD Programming" 4 hours at a time. Do you have any more specific program data or the same? It's annoying having to check the MHD website for program info not to mention record anything.

MHD question ... We just got it in CT this past week and the guide just lists "MTVHD Programming" 4 hours at a time. Do you have any more specific program data or the same? It's annoying having to check the MHD website for program info not to mention record anything.


the mhd website has complete listings, but only a few days in advance. My theory is that mhd cannot provide the info far enough in advance to get in the comcast program guide. MHD is not listed on titantv.com either.