I just watched for more than 5 minutes and all the new channels
seem ok. The movie on INHD2 doesn't look
bad for being made in 1987.

Sorry to hear you have issues, Dave.

larry

Intermittent glitchiness here, not often enough to spoil it for me.

I'm not that much of a sports guy either, but that US Open match was pretty great. Looking forward (45 minutes) to the Sox game, too.

Well, the switch from INHD2 to NESN-HD had a small glitch, but Fenway looks AMAZING in HD :) :)

Problem is it seems I'm the only one in my area to post here so it's hard for me to verify if it's just me.

Hopefully my problems will be resolved soon.

Same thing here. Momentary panic when my INHD2 was showing a frozen still of the movie on INHD1, but it snapped to NESN and looks great. 825 for Fox, was that scheduled to come on? Nice fringe benefit. Now for CBS!

The way digital cable mpeg switching works, and the way the DCTs handle it, whenever the switch happens, your picture will freeze and stay that way. You then have to go off the channel and come back to it for it to update to the new PID information.

Is that the glitch you were talking about (happened to me)? Or was it something else?

Nope that was it! All is well. Not to nitpick, but I notice a few focus problems with the cameras, like on Walker's hit to the gap. I'm assuming they are getting used to them

Fox (825), INHD1 (881) and INHD2 (882) are all working here in Jamaica Plain.

Once CBS and the Discovery Channel come along I will finally be happy with Comcast's HD service.

Seems to have evened out for the moment. I was having a pixelation nightmare for an hour or so. Could be just a localized problem. Anyone know how they assign bandwidth to the HD channels- as I've said before, my analog reception is dismal.

CBS would be nice- hopefully they'll add WSBK at the same time as WBZ. Then all that's left is WLVI. Discovery-HD is nothing special. You'll get bored with it pretty fast. I watched it at a friend's house- there's not much on.

HDNet would be the thing- but I don't expect that to happen any time soon. Bravo-HD would probably come before, and that will be fine with me.

I had a chance to talk with one of Comcast's engineers about their HD stuff (was out and about back when HD first launched in Feb/Mar seeing how things were in some customer's homes with an installer) and according to contractual agreements, they don't change the stream in any way. They aren't allowed to compress it according to him, so they just send on what they get.

From Watertown:

Fox 825 coming in fine -- looking forward to see how it looks on Sunday.

INHD and INHD2 showing up in the guide, but I'm getting 'not authorized' when I switch to those channels. Called Comcast, they said they're working on it.

-Kord

(edit, mistakenly had fox as 813 originally)

Red Sox on INHD2 - Nice introduction :cool:

Might I suggest that everyone who frequents this board and is enjoying tonight's HD broadcast of the Red Sox take the time to fire an email to NESN and Comcast to thank them for this amazing undertaking. NESN is truly pioneering in this move. I don't know how they could even begin to calculate ROI on this investment at this point in the transition. I know it is jockeying for position in the market, but it is a wonderful gift anyway. Comcast also deserves credit for making this possible, and for all of the abuse they get when things aren't done right they should share in the credit--they got this one right.

Also, what could be better than Don, Jerry, a NESN rep, and a Comcast rep, all plugging this as a special night and telling Joe-Six-Pack what he is really missing. Some of you will say that they could have done a better job, but this is more promotion than HDTV usually get.

All 3 new channels on here...Fenway, MNF and Full Metal Jacket. Wow, this is sweet! :D NESN picture and sound are great!

I don't understand your question...."How they assign bandwidth to the HD channels?"

Do you mean where in the frequency spectrum are the HD channels assigned?

Fox (825), INHD1 (881) and INHD2 (882) are all working and looking good here in southern NH.

I have DirecTV and man am I envious of you guys right now. I feel it's too late in the season for me to make the switch right now, probably next season.

At first I was really looking forward to getting a DirecTV HD Tivo (coincidentally due out about the same at as the 2004 MLB season), but seeing the Red Sox in HD may just take precedence...

and I really love my Tivo so that's saying alot ;)

A few pixilation problems - but all in all the Sox on NESN is terrific - definitely has the wow factor. About 4 weeks ago I dreaded the fact that I couldn't get the satellite signal for HD so I reluctantly switched back to Comcast. Now I'm one huge happy camper. As mentioned earlier, the ROI must be significant for Comcast, but on the telecast tonight it was stated that Comcast has the exclusive for these games and the regular season Bruins games. Wonder how long this exclusive lasts. I would not want to be a DirecTV or RCN customer right now.

RedSoxinHD - I too had DirecTV Tivo, which I miss alot, but HD does make up for it. Also, I figure that in 3-6 months, Comcast will have the new Motorola box that has PVR capabilities - it may even have the two tuners.

It does have 2 tuners.....

Originally posted by robtg
RedSoxinHD - I too had DirecTV Tivo, which I miss alot, but HD does make up for it. Also, I figure that in 3-6 months, Comcast will have the new Motorola box that has PVR capabilities - it may even have the two tuners.

Tivo has done great things with their interface, that's what I really like about it, hopefully the Motorola will be able to compete...

but I guess that's more of a topic for the HDTV Recorder Forum ;)

As an RCN customer with HDTV who's been following this thread, I have only one thing to say:

Screw you!

Seriously, though, I'm jealous as hell. I'm hopeful RCN will follow suit before too long. Enjoy the Sox in HD!

The picture is stunning. Some of the best sports HD I have seen. Lots of HD cameras. And Don and Jerry are plugging HD to the hilt. I must have died and gone to HD heaven. Great production, NESN!

Hey,

New poster, thanks to all for the info over the last few months it helped my setup (back in June) tremendously to know how to setup my MOT5100.

On to the game tonight, all I can say is WOW. I thought NESN would be the last to join the HD fold, being a regional network and all. Looks great, hopefully the promotion pushes more HDTV subscriptions and leads to more HDTV programming.

Not to be greedy, but since they're wiring the Fleet Center to show Bruins games, I hope they can simulcast the Beanpot in HD this year. Anyone know email addresses for Comcast/NESN so I can send congratulatory emails?

Do you mean where in the frequency spectrum are the HD channels assigned?That's exactly what I meant, because these 2 channels are the only "QAM" channels I have problems with.

Here in Arlington, I'm getting all the channels... Except INHD1 (showing full metal jacket) keeps pixilating and breaking up.

The sox game on INHD2 is perfect, so I don't think it's my set or my wiring.

Originally posted by DaveFi
That's exactly what I meant, because these 2 channels are the only "QAM" channels I have problems with.

Its hard to pin-point the "exact frequency" they are modulated on in your cable system, but all of the digital carriers are in the same range which usually starts around 550 mhz (give or take / about ch78) and runs all the way up to 750 mhz (ch 116) and up. This whole range contains almost all of your digital QAMs. They are spaced at 6mhz intervals. My local Comcast has all of the HD channels low in the Digital QAMs (ch78 to about ch 84).

If your area is the same you would normally have problems with most of the surrounding channels. But because its just the 2 new ones, I would have to say that all of your channels signals are on the low side (because of your wiring), The rest of your channels are probably on the border of going offline and since these channels are new, the local CSO may still have to tweek the signal over the next couple of days.

I hope it gets better for you. Your alternative is to get that in house wiring replaced.

Just sent a message to sports@nesn.com -- which is their feedback email -- It looks great to me. Also - sorry about jumping the gun on Fox with my previous message - it disapeared soon after on 813, but is now live on 825.

My experience seems to be a bit different - didn't have too much trouble earlier with the InHD channels, but starting a little after 8 PM the game got increasingly unwatchable - around 9 I had to give up and switch to regular NESN. But it was amazing when it worked.

Anyone else have severe problems in this time period?

Have to agree with BobColby. In Newton it was great until around the 8th inning. Had similar problems during that period on 881 too. Things seemed to clear up again around 10PM.

I didn't have any problems down here in Hanover, the whole game was crystal. I think Watertown and Newton have the same plant so there might be some issues with your headend more than NESN-HD itself.

But this is an odd situation lots of HD choices tonight!

I watched most of the game and it was basically perfect. I didn't notice
any problems at all.

larry

Misc pixelation throughout the game which became unwatchable by the 7th inning. Switched to regular NESN. :-(

I hope it gets better for you. Your alternative is to get that in house wiring replaced.Well, there's the problem when you're dealing with such a huge company like Comcast. There really is no CSR to speak to who knows what's going on (problem-wise) in your community.

So with these two particular channels, I don't know if it's a wiring problem or not. One tech informed me (quite rudely) of my situation and threatened to charge me for a service call on the spot. So I really can't have service calls at all anymore. When the 4 guys and their supervisior came to install HD they looked at my picture and just shrugged their shoulders. And I'm paying almost $100/mo for this. After a certain amount of time (10yrs)of banging your head against a wall you begin to have a headache.

I'm hoping I get some help with this soon. I really don't want to shell out the money to fix something that's not my responsibility.

btw...this may sound strange, but wet leaves actually have an impact on UHF signals, so depending on your line-of-sight to the towers, distance to the towers, and what time the rain moved into your area last night...

Lots of variables in the equation.

Snappy

DaveFi,
What is it you're paying $100/mo for? Cable?

Snappy

Sox game was stunning down here in the Hartford CT area as well! Thank you NESN and Comcast for realizing that CT is NOT a Yankees state :D

Just another data point that in Chelmsford had the same problem with pixilation that others are seeing. I just sent an email to Comcast support about it, I'll let folks know what they say.

Pretty banner night for HD - having to choose between football, baseball, and a movie in HD! Lets hope the days of watching the same demo repeat itself on PBS are a thing of the past...

CBS is the final piece in the puzzle...

SamTheFish

Yep. TV+Cablemodem= ~$100.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Discovery-HD is nothing special. You'll get bored with it pretty fast. I watched it at a friend's house- there's not much on.

While I might be inclined to agree with you personally, as far as my wife is concerned watching Trading Spaces in HD will be the 'killer app' that finally convinces her that all of my expensive home theater equipment was worth the investment.

My wife thought it was worth it when I would actually sit down and watch "ER" with her - I never liked that show until now: "wow, look at how realistic that blood looks!"

- Sam

Ch 1 now says "On Demand"

Interesting...

DaveFi sounds like you finally have VOD there.

It's all SD though, and I have been unimpressed with the offerings, but I also have never ordered PPV movies. A few are even widescreen. Now if they were HD offerings I'd consider it...

They're offering some free stuff. I'd never even consider paying to watch a movie in SD. Actually, now that I look at it, there's alot of free stuff there- some of it's pretty interesting.

Ah damn, INHD isn't watchable at all. Anyone think a Bidirectional CATV Amplifier might help? I don't have any other options at this point.

Originally posted by DaveFi
One tech informed me (quite rudely) of my situation and threatened to charge me for a service call on the spot.

Ahhhh, that sounds like the Comcast that I know and love.

I've been fooling around with the VOD, and under The Cutting Edge, they have the Anime Network even though Comcast doesn't offer the channel here.

I'm in anime heaven! There must be well over 100 full episodes of varying shows- some really good ones. Is this service always going to be free? The video is very compressed but it's free.

Now if only the 5100 box did a better job- it really sucks at SD, interlaced is a bit better than upscaling, but not by much.

Bah... quiet your pie hole DaveFi... us poor suckers up here in the Southern NH area don't have VOD yet and aren't supposed to have it until the end of the year. :) I would love to get all that Anime. AS for a bi-directional cable amp, the cable techs usually have them, though sometimes they will charge 45 bucks for em.

Well, you aren't missing that much. It's really hard to watch that compressed SD stuff after watching HD. I'd say it's not even VHS level quality. It's all dubbed anyways. DVD is much better overall experience. Still, free is free.:)

Spriggan in on INHD tommorow night btw- too bad I can't really watch it.:(

Ratshack has some cheaper bi-directional amplifiers. I'll have to see what happens.

Response from Comcast re: 881 + 882:

Thank you for your inquiry.

We are experiencing some problems with channels 881 and 882 at this
time. Our engineers are aware of the issue and are working to resolve
it.

We apologize for the poor reception/blockiness and hope to have it
repaired very shortly.

If there is anything else we can help you with, please contact us.
Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,

Craig
Comcast Electronic Customer Care

- SamTheFish

OK, now I have a query about VOD. We actually do have it with RCN, but it may be a bit different than Comcast. The only TV shows that are available are some of the shows on HBO. And I watched a Beyoncé Knowles concert that even Beyoncé herself didn't know was going to be on TV. What kinds of things do they have on Comcast VOD?

That, and the PBS HD channel that RCN carries is not HD, but digital, and it's the same thing as channel 2.

Thank's Sam. At least I know I'm not crazy. I wonder if it's as bad for anyone else tho. Apparently my wiring is so bad I need a really good signal. I'll wait a little longer before I start doing things.

Red Sox game was awesome!!!

One Question:

The bug for the score was too far in the middle it seemed.

It needs to be in the left corner in my opionion. (I'm being picky)

Is the reason it is in the middle because they can't have two separate bug systems for regular TV and HDTV broadcasts?

Or can they put it wherever they want on HD and they are choosing to put it in the middle.

Just curious.

InHD-1 had the Yankee game from Baltimore while InHD-2 was showing the Red Sox. The Comcast Sports Net production seemed slightly better, perhaps due to better lighting at Camden Yards. In any case, it was great flipping back and forth between two HD games during a playoff race.

The Yankees game on InHD looked much better than the Sox game produced by NESN. The Yankees game was produced by Comcast SportsNet. The Sox game looked too dark. It was fun switching between the two HD games.

almost all my HD channels now with some degree of pixilation. all started monday when they added the new channels. hope they figure it out soon, i could't watch the games, pixilation was to frequent.

Pixellation was much less of a problem with tonight's game, a few breakups and a few seconds of black screen, but overall very good.

Originally posted by DaveB99
Red Sox game was awesome!!!

One Question:

The bug for the score was too far in the middle it seemed.

It needs to be in the left corner in my opionion. (I'm being picky)

Is the reason it is in the middle because they can't have two separate bug systems for regular TV and HDTV broadcasts?

Or can they put it wherever they want on HD and they are choosing to put it in the middle.

Just curious.

NESN chooses to place the graphic in the middle left of the screen so that they can center-cut the HD broadcast, downconvert it, and use it for the SD broadcast. It is annoying indeed. CBS-HD seems to be the only network that has a clue about how annoying the scoreboard is in that position. CBS actually puts the scorboard in the top left of the HD broadcast AND and the top left of the SD broadcast. Thank you CBS! If only ABC/ESPN and others would follow your lead.

I agree, that scoreboard position is very distracting.

Sheesh, they do something so well, ( beautiful HD broadcasting ), and
then screw it up with something like this!

I sent a congratulatory email to sports@nesn.com after
seeing the RedSox game the other night, and had to include a mention
about it. Also, saw a similar thing on INHD tennis.

Hopefully, they and others will figure out that it's about the PICTURE, and
will do everything they can to make it right, like removing those stupid station logos.

Don

Wah its about the picture...wrong its about the cost.

Given the choice would you rather have the score bug centered or not have an HD feed at all.

The picture is still good, get over the score being a bit off the left hand side, the underlying picture is still good.

As for the screen bugs, I could do without INHD's.

Also what is with Comcast not cutting back to INHD2 after the Sox games? If they were to show the replay of the game in HD that would be one thing, but the last two nights when NESN was still on 882 the game was in stretch mode.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Spriggan in on INHD tommorow night btw- too bad I can't really watch it.:(

The DVD for that movie is a compression nightmare. It would be interesting to see a decent HD broadcast of it. I'm sure it will be dubbed, but the dub is actually very well done, superior in intelligibility to the awkward subtitles.

(The movie will suck no matter how good the presentation, unfortunately.)

Is anyone else still having the pixilation problem on the HD channels???? Comcast is sending a tech out tomorrow to the house despite having told him that other customers were having the same issue and that it started Monday with the new additions. Am i wrong? Any new info?

I haven't had any major pixilation problem, I had maybe a slight bit durring the sox game, but I watched a lot of HD yesterday and didn't notice anything too far off.

Are you getting small areas or blocking of huge screen areas? Its possible that something local to you changed enough that you might need an amp.

I'm happy to report no problems with any of the Comcast HD channels here in Derry, NH.

I'm still getting some pixillation problems but not as bad as the first night. I'm going to give them a day or two then email again and ask what's up if it isn't fixed. They've been very responsive and informative so far with email requests...

SamTheFish

Last night I got home (Watertown) to find 881 and 882 working, but with _severe_ errors -- i.e. pretty much a flickering checkerboard of white on black.

I removed the -3.5db 2-way splitter that I was using to get PIP, and instead ran the coax line straight to the cable box. (My house unfortunately has a _lot_ of upstream splitters in it).

After doing this, I could get both 881 and 882 properly, but would still get compression errors maybe 5% of the time.

I'm going to try to pick up one of the powered signal amplifiers from RadioShack and see if I can go back to the split configuration. I read somewhere else that it should eliminate the issue.

-Kord

Originally posted by jdoe7890
The Yankees game on InHD looked much better than the Sox game produced by NESN. The Yankees game was produced by Comcast SportsNet. The Sox game looked too dark. It was fun switching between the two HD games.

Yeah, was nice to have more than one HD program to watch. While I agree that the Yankee game was brighter, when I switched my TV over to my "HD" settings the Sox game looked better. I suspect the differing IRE level between HD and normal broadcast is causing some if not all of the difference here. I don't know the details and I'm not an expert, but I have to bump the brightness somewhat for most HD programming in a similar manner to what I did on the Sox game, especially Law & Order.

Make sure any amplifier you get is bi-directional for the full 1000mhz. I have a $80 paperweight now since my +18db amp. wouldn't pass the signal both ways. Put one of Comcast's amps on (+15db) and it works fine. I also had a lot of blocking happening before the new amp, but that was due to a bad splitter.

Radioshack has a few bidirectional cable amplifiers, and I'll probably pick one up myself. They have a 30-day return policy.

http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F010%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1195
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F010%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1196
http://www.radioshack.com/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CTLG&category%5Fname=CTLG%5F003%5F010%5F001%5F000&product%5Fid=15%2D1197

I have the cable modem and the 5100. Ideally I'd connect to my VCR and PC-HDTV card as well. I did notice the gain goes down from 14db 1 connector to 10db 2 connector to 7db for the 4-connector model. Does this matter? It doesn't seem that the gain is adjustable for each seperate input. Couldn't I just buy the $30 one and split it 4-ways?

And they all are about the same price as the Comcast one ($45). The nice thing about getting one from Comcast is that if it blows out, frys due to a lightning strike or something, they replace it for free.

But you might want to test with a Ratshack one and then if you have Comcast coming in anytime soon have them install one then.

I'm glad I found this thread.:cool:

I am enjoying the new HD stations and was in sports heaven last night with the Sox and Yankee games on in HD. No PQ problems at all.

However - I was wondering if anyone else is getting an extreme sound level difference between some HD stations - especially the new Fox station (which isn't true HD). When I blast through the channels the volume for Fox is enough to pop a tweeter or two.:mad:

You could buy a single port RS amp & split it four ways. That is why the signal gains are different for each amplifier. The splitting is being done "inside" the amp rather than outside. So your loses will be the same either way.

Also notice on the return path that it attenuates the signal 4db. This is may cause problems with VOD (if you have VOD) & other return capable cable equipment, like your cable modem. If you get the amp DO NOT connect your cable modem up to it. The are much more susceptible to attenuation on the return path.

Meff is correct in saying it would be better to get one through the Cable Co. for $45. It will be fully supported by your Cable Co., it only loses about .5-1 db on the return path, and when they come out to install it, they should check to make sure your signal is OK, in most cases you may not need an amp. Amplifiers, in alot of cases make problems much worse, especially when they are used to "fix" bad/cheap cable, fittings, splitters daisy chained, ect.

As a rule of thumb If you have less than 5 cable outlets an amplifier is most likely not nescessary. Try using my Drop loss form below to see if this helps to determine how much signal you have. Any Questions you can always PM / e-mail me......

The sound issue is being mention on almost every thread about the new channels (ESPN, FOX, ect.), it is definatly a problem, but unfortunatly not one your Cable Company cannot do anything about. This is from the broadcaster, Cable Cos do not & cannot modify, in any way, the content from the broadcaster. Best thing is to contact the broadcaster.

Anyone getting left-channel audio static w/ tonight's Sox game?

Only seems to be affecting 882.

-Kord

Edit: gone now.

They will come out to install it and charge a $50 service charge for a problem they should fix for free. I don't intend on paying them a plug nickel more than I have to. Read my above posts about my 10yr adventure.

I purchased the Ratshack 2-1 amp, and it seems to be more than adequate. My analog picture hasn't improved (you can only fix so much) but INHD seems watchable for the moment. VOD works fine.

For now........

That's why I said "for the moment". When you get no service you can only do so much.

From the IN-BAND STATUS stats it seems to make a big difference. I go from POOR/POOR to a FAIR/GOOD with the gain turned up a bit. This tells you how bad my connection is-

SNR:30.4 dB
AGC:58%

I won't even bother telling you what it was before.

As an added bonus they were closeing out some powerstrips with noise suppression so I gave it a shot. My ground loop problem seems to be fixed. If only everything else were that easy.

wow you guys lost me a page ago. i have a comcast supplied splitter, from the wall one cable going to the box and the ther othee to the TV for PIP. is this what you are talking about?

i had not seen pixilation before at all until monday when they added the new HD channels and now the whole screen breaks up continously on all the HD channels except 802, go figure. is this a coincidence or related to the additions?? and if anyone can, please explain the amp thing for me. thanks!

Those of you having pixelation problems on all your HD channels after the addition of the new ones... one towns do you live in? Up here in Manchvegas everything looks fine, as well as friend's houses in Billerica, Woburn, and Dover NH. Perhaps you are all in the same area and it could be a localized headend problem?

fenway

watching the game and flipping thru the other HD channels, pixilation is not as bad but still there, especially with any fast movement on the screen. can't wait to hear what the tech has to say tomorrow when he gets here, should be interesting since the last one had to let me set things up and had no idea what a component cable was.

Originally posted by DaveFi
They will come out to install it and charge a $50 service charge for a problem they should fix for free. I don't intend on paying them a plug nickel more than I have to. Read my above posts about my 10yr adventure.


Should only be a $16 service call and $45 for the splitter, thats all it was for me. Of course I got the serivce call removed because they never set my 5100 box up 100% right in the first place since the box couldn't communicate correctly.

If the pixelation only happens during rapid movement, that's probably a source issue, not a Comcast problem.

source issue?
other folks here are still having same trouble as well. comcast says they are aware of the problem and are "working" on it. and pixilation occurs even without movement.

I haven't had any pixelation issues on the new channels since they came up a few days ago. I do have a Comcast supplied splitter/amp.

I had some work done today by someone who knows his stuff- INHD is still glitchy so the problem probably is at the head-end. I will now cease and desist all Comcast bashing.:)

If they say they are working on it (which is a much more insightfull response than I got) they probably are. My responses were along the lines of "What's that?".:D

PIXILATION UPDATE: Tech was scheduled for 11a-1p but instead received a call from Comcast saying no one would come because the problem is on their end affecting a lot of boston-area customers and that the CSR should not have scheduled it. Duh. He also said he had information from the repair team on site that the problem was to be fixed by 2:30pm. I was skeptical but I've been sitting here going through the HD channels which as of Noon were still pixilating like crazy but now all clear on all of them consistently! Just glad they figured it out and hope whatever they did fixed it those of you having the same problem.

Originally posted by DaveFi
From the IN-BAND STATUS stats it seems to make a big difference. I go from POOR/POOR to a FAIR/GOOD with the gain turned up a bit. This tells you how bad my connection is-

SNR:30.4 dB
AGC:58%

I won't even bother telling you what it was before.


I picked up the RadioShack 2-1 amp yesterday also, saw results that almost match exactly what DaveFi describes above.

My SNR went from mid 20s to high 20s, and my AGC went from 99%ish to 50%ish .

With one amp out to the TV and one to the cable box, I get both INHDs (and all other HDs) without any obvious distortion.

-Kord

It is kind of interesting to watch the numbers change as you adjust the gain. It's still a bit glitchy for me- the error count is >200 range for both INHD1/2 (before it was >2000), lower for the other HD channels.

Still, even with the amp those aren't very good numbers. You really shouldn't need the amp at all.

Anyone else mind sharing their IN Band Status numbers for INHD?

Mine are

SNR - 33.2
AGC - 50%

but I'm in the Philly region....

Mine's close with the amp.

I just noticed something odd- GBH-DT uses QAM 64 and not 256 like the other HD channels.

NESN RedSox re-broadcasts, why in stretch mode? Who's responsible, Comcast or NESN?

Comcast is at fault, the channel should go back to INHD2 after the game is over and is not. If they are going to do that they should just allocate another channel (851?) and leave it up 24/7 instead of offering INHD2 like what part time.

Originally posted by avic
NESN RedSox re-broadcasts, why in stretch mode? Who's responsible, Comcast or NESN?
I would think that NESN tapes the games for re-broadcast, and the tapes are not HD. So that would be an NESN issue.

it's a NESN issue but sounds like Comcast can flip a switch and fix the problem. though meff has the best solution. HD programming is still limited and we don't need to see stretched games/infommercials on INHD2! i wrote them both, hopefully they'll listen.

Most likely the switching is automated, and because of the variance in game end time, they probably let it run for a few hours beyond the scheduled end game time. I doubt they have some button pusher up until 1am waiting for the game to end and switch it back.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
Most likely the switching is automated, and because of the variance in game end time, they probably let it run for a few hours beyond the scheduled end game time. I doubt they have some button pusher up until 1am waiting for the game to end and switch it back.


I wish it were automated the first night as of 1:30AM the feed was still stretched NESN. I can totally understand not having someone up at each headend, but I would think this is something that could be done from master control.

Either way, since they replays don't come in HD there is no reason for NESN to remain on INHD2 past the post game show.

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Jeff
Comcast Electronic Customer Care

I doubt they have it automated to switch based on a que from NESN that the broadcast is at an end. Current MPEG standards have definitions for such ques, but I haven't seen nor heard of any such definitions being used yet. So they probably schedule from X time to X time and it switches automatically like that. I've never seen hide nor hair of any product that can do dynamic queued switching. Though I'm sure that, since the need it getting larger for such a thing (more HD content/programming but not enough bandwidth) a solution will be developed. Only time (and money) will tell.

Hi, the upconverted SD rebroadcast on 882 looks better than the analog NTSC broadcsast on 51 for those who watch "Sox in 2" rebroadcast of the game.

Quick update from Watertown --

I've started getting the video errors on 881 and 882 again, even with the amplifier.

Comcast sent a technician out who took a bunch of readings, ran a new wire to the house, etc. Still no dice.

I'm hoping this is upstream, but people around here seem to be getting no issues on 881/882 -- is this still the case?

-Kord

I'm also in Watertown and I'm seeing the same intermittent breakups on 881 and 882, so I expect that it is an upstream issue.

But when it's not breaking up it looks great!

- Rich

Originally posted by RichSim
I'm also in Watertown and I'm seeing the same intermittent breakups on 881 and 882, so I expect that it is an upstream issue.

But when it's not breaking up it looks great!

- Rich

Well, that's somewhat of a relief then. I'll just complain lightly and regularly and hope they eventually fix the issue.

It does look great when it works -- the Sony undersea piece that's on now is incredible.

-Kord

We just got something in the mail from Comcast about VOD, and it looks pretty good. It may be better than RCN's. We have also had calls from Comcast saying that they want us back. But it might be because the CSRs don't always know what's going on with the technicians.

I have the same problems even with the amp. The amp can only do so much. The In-Band stats look decent enough, although the error count is in the >400 range.

The amp apparently makes a big difference for digital. I wonder why that is? Shouldn't it already be amplified outside for my multi-unit apartment?

WGBH-DT had Soundstage in Dolby5.1. Glad they can do it now. INHD channels look real good ,also ESPNHD of BC game looked real good. Wish BC had looked as good.

881 and 882 look good now, my pixilation problems seem to have gone away... hopefully they fixed it.

881 not working here this evening, anyone else?

Yeah, 881 is out. Purposely because of the baseball game?

We'd be blacked out since it was the Sox tonight on the national feed.

Getting digital cable and a HDTV box on thursday(mits 48" delivered weds). Anything I should keep in mind for thursday's appointment with comcast?

I live in brighton, ma (near bc)

Ah, that makes sense. I forgot both channels would have the same game. I thought it was a technical problem because when I selected that channel, I'd just get a frozen screen from whatever channel I was watching at the time. That was the same situation I had a few weeks ago when I lost ESPNHD for a couple days.

GashPrex-

For my appointment I was taken back by how inexperienced the guy was installing the new boxes - I was the first HD house he had done. I had to explain to him the difference between the red audio cable and the red video cable on the 5 connections.

The biggest lesson learned from my appointment:

Don't let the guy leave until you're certain everything is working to your satisfaction. In my case he had hooked the audio cables to the wrong input on my TV, I had no sound! I caught him right as he was walking out the door. If you're planning on using the digital sound output I'd have the optical cable ready for that too so you can test it.

In the end I was the one who figured out what was wrong. These guys get paid for how many jobs they do, not by the hour, so there's a real incentive for them to bolt! :)

Update from Watertown -

I emailed Comcast stating that 881/882 were still not fixed, and asking for verification that the issue was on their end.

They replied saying that they weren't aware of any issues, and suggested I schedule a service appointment.

I did, and the guy came yesterday. He took one reading and one look at the picture / tiling artifacts (they were severe when he stopped by), and said that it's definitely an upstream problem. It's not clear if it's INHD, Comcast, or somewhere in between that is the problem, but it's definitely nothing to do with the house or wiring, and the amp doesn't solve it.

The primary cause of the problem is that Comcast pushed 881/882 out the door before getting it fully working. He said to give it some time (a month) and if it's still a problem, to contact support again. As I'd rather have partially-working stuff early (vs. fully-working stuff late), I don't have a huge problem with that.

-Kord

I've had zero issues with the signal here in Taunton- on any of the HD channels from day one. I've had more issues with my DCT2000 boxes (still have one on my non HD set) thatn I have with my DCT5100.

Agree wholeheartedly with samTheFish regarding Comcast installers.
In my situation if I had not had specific knowledge I would not have HD installed at that appointment. My installer had only done one HDTV install before. Nice guy but.................
Knowing this would probably happen I had all the equipment out, cables connected to the input sources, etc. He still wasn't sure what to do so I guided him on where to plug everything in. Once we had it running we had no standard definition signals (although the HD looked spectacular). He had to call in area Comcast support. Once that guy arrived they were still stumped. They were getting frustrated and about to give up the install. I had to guide them thru the cable box menu until we figured it out (I knew it was something simple). The box had a default 4:3 override of 480i (which was going into a 480P TV input).

The more you know the better off you'll be............................some of these guys (most of which are sub contractors) are skilled at wiring & standard cable but not much else right now.
.............no one wants to wait this long & invest this many $'s for HD and not have the install completed at that appointment.....................

I didn't let the guy touch my equipment. I connected
all the cables from the 5100 to my receiver and
plasma. He just had the 5 connector combo
component/analog_audio cable. I supplied the
optical cable and my own component cables.
It's a good idea to read the 5100 FAQ ahead
of time so you know how to set the HD output
and 480i override correctly. Letting the 5100
change 480i feeds to anything else is a mistake.
The 5100 deinterlacer leaves something to be
desired.

larry

Everything on the analog side of teh 5100 is lacking IMHO. I'd personally prefer it to upconvert to 1080i on all signals.

Anyone having trouble with HBO (870)? It has been sitting on a One Moment Please screen for the last couple of days after working flawlessly since getting it a few months ago. Showtime HD shows the same thing, even though I am not subscribed - typically it would say something to the efefect of Not Authorized. All other HD channels are fine. I don't want to call and be forced to sit around for an appointment if it is happening to others and an upstream problem.

HBO's been fine for me since the initial installation. Carnivale is beautiful!

-Kord

BTW, someone previously had mentioned about costs of basic cable.. and HDTV avalablity with the various packages.

I spoke to comcast yesterday to downgrade my service from Oct 1st to broadcast only ($12.62/mth in Westford, MA). With that I can't get ESPN HDTV.

but if u get Digital Classic for additional $4.95/month - u get ESPN HD as wel l inHD1/HD2 also.

Interestingly, I just wanted STARZ and broadcast. But then i would've had to pay some $2.50 for cable box maintainence fee.. which is in additon to the $7.25 for HDTV box rental.
But if i get the Digital Classic for $2 more, i don't have to pay that fee.

so it looks like if all u r interested is in broadcast cable and HDTV.. then
Broadcast+DigitalClassic+HDTV setup box is all u need.

hope that helps someone in a similar situation who is trying to make sense of the available options for HDTV users. ;-)

HBO and MAX VOD have been added. None HD yet.

INHD has been glitch free for the last few days.

Tcable,
Nothing can help the analog channels! :)
For digital SD channels, 480i into my display
looks much better than 480i->1080i converted by
the 5100. Alot probably depends on the type
of display and its electronics.

larry

I agree- on my mitsu TV with 480i I can at least do some tweaking with the TV, though upconverted SD still usually blows 480i out of the water:)

I think the main difference is that when viewing upconverted 480i through component inputs on a digital TV, you are bypassing the TV's internal COMB filters. After experimenting with the various combinations of inputs through my Mitsu (known for their quality video filters), I've come to the conclusion that the best non-HD (analog or digital channel) picture results from using the composite video out of the 5100 into my composite video input. It even looks better than using the S-video connections, which also bypass the TV's internal filters. A good quality coax cable also helps.
-Eric

After the firmware update the other night I think the upconversion looks better. I output at 720p.

I have an HD installation appointment for the 30th.
It will be connected to my PT L300u.
I already have cable on three TV's in my house and this would make the fourth. Should I be sure they install an amplifier or is it not necessary?
Also can I just use an optical cable from the HD Box to my receiver for the sound? My receiver is 15 feet from where the cable box will go so I'm sure I will need to supply the audio wire.
Just want to be prepared.

Four TV's shouldn't need an amp. That is if the are wired correctly. They should all be Home Runs to one location, done with good wiring (RG6 is good) and the proper splitters/fittings.

They will most likely not have 15ft of any wiring let alone an Optical cable 15ft long so make sure you have that ready. Equipment pulled out and accessible would be nice for them also.

Considering I have no idea what a "PT L300u" is I can't give you any more info than that.

BTW that is one minor complaint I have with this and other forums, I frequent this forum alot, but get turned off of a posting when someone posts just the model number of their equipment, like we all know what the model numbers are. I know this is a fairly technical forum with alot of very technical members, But unless you are talking about a specific feature of your particular piece of equipment, in a forum dedicated to that product, it seems it would be better "described & generalized for the masses" if you just said "57" Sony" or "Sharp Front projector", ect.

Its nothing againt you, Croberto. Your post just reminded me to say something. Again its just a minor pet peeve of mine.

I just played with 480 override on the 5100 into my P50
Fujitsu plasma. Override off: upconverted to
1080i looks pretty good, but I can't adjust
the screen size. 480p looks bad, and 480i
looks as good as 1080i, maybe a tad softer,
(it was only a 30 second test), but I do have to
crank the brightness down. Digital SD still beats
DirecTV.

larry

Thanks for the response miatasm and don't worry about ripping into me.=)
I see your point it's just that I have spent 99.9% of my time in the last 6 months in the Projectors under $5,000 forums. In there the PT L300u (Panasonic LCD projector) is well known.
I'll be ready on Tues with wires in hand. Surprised I don't need an amp though.

Originally posted by DaveFi
After the firmware update the other night I think the upconversion looks better. I output at 720p.


firmware update? what version do you have now then?

Originally posted by ezgoin
...I've come to the conclusion that the best non-HD (analog or digital channel) picture results from using the composite video out of the 5100 into my composite video input. It even looks better than using the S-video connections, which also bypass the TV's internal filters.
-Eric


Anyone else find this to be the case? How can composite be better than S Video?! I'll try anything though, watching SD through the component or S video inputs is like watching a VHS recording that's been copied over and over. I've tried the 480p and 480i on the 5100, no difference.

Can someone explain why the HD channels look so clear even when 4:3 content is being shown? In other words, why can't channel 7 look as good as 807 with SD broadcasts like the news, etc?

Because your channel 807 is still a digital feed from the broadcaster. It still goes through the same modulation techniques at the Cable Co. So it will produce a better picture than analog, always. Also the box when on your channel 7 has to upconvert the information to the component outputs which is just another process that may be adding to the poor PQ.

Although I'm quite happy with the way mine looks, on my Panny EDTV Plasma.

My 5100 now has the 5.03 firmware with all the PVR features. I would think all the boxes in the Boston area got updated simultaneously?

Originally posted by DaveFi
My 5100 now has the 5.03 firmware with all the PVR features. I would think all the boxes in the Boston area got updated simultaneously?

A couple of nights ago, my 5100 box began displaying "up" and then "FR" and other two-letter combinations, finally ending up on channel 1. How can I check to see if I have these new capabilities?

Wow, you'd think they'd tell us about something like this!

The PVR features are disabled.

You can check the advanced menu by powering-off then OK. There should be a PVR STATUS and INTERACTIVE STATUS in the menu.

INHD is glitchy for me again- even with the amp my SNR is POOR. Anyone else having problems?

DaveFi,

No update here in Derry. NH.
INHD channels both look good.

Don

I just did a job in Wellesley and On Demand was working on their setup. Is this what you're talking about? It didn't really seem like "PVR" to me.

PVR is not anything like On-Demand. Its not supposed to be. From what DaveFi said it seems like they have just added the ability of the functionality of PVR to the DCT Platform. You would not be able to use any PVR functions without at least some sort of storage device. Comcast does not call "On Demand" - "PVR" and vice versa.

Geez give them a little credit.

Avic,

I watch SD (2-68) through the RF connection on Ant. A. ( from the wall )
I watch Digital (201-305) through the RF connection on Ant. B. (cable box )
I watch HD (802-882) through the component connections on DTV.

The S-video was way too soft looking no matter how I tried to adjust.
The composite connection for SD was equal in PQ to the RF connection.
I have a Mitsu VCR going via composite and it looks suprisingly good.

This is how it goes in my house. ;-)

Pick up TV remote.
Turn on HDTV.
Check which input is active. Set to Ant. B or DTV.
Pick up Cable remote.
Use TV-Guide menu to see what's on.
Pick a channel. Exit Menu.

If Digital, select channel.
If HD, select channel.
Put down cable remote, pick up TV remote.
Change input to DTV.
If SD, put down cable remote, pick up TV remote.
Change input to Ant. A.
Select channel.

Of course, we have to go through this at every 1/2 hour so
we can see what's on next. ;-)

Don

INHD1&2 are totally unwatchable now. Anyone else?

Problem with Comcast is that after you have one guy fix something, there were other guys out there yesterday fiddling with something else.:(

Thanks, went back to composite for SD, and yeah it IS better than S-video. I do have Tivo though which doesn't help but can't deal watching TV anymore without PVR. The 5100 is not supposed to have PVR capabilities, that's the future 6208 so I'm not sure what Dave Fi is referring to.

Anyway now have composite going from the STB to Tivo and out to TV so the PQ is 'better' (or at least comparable to RF) but still not great. I guess once you get used to a digital signal or HD it's hard to settle for less.

Still using component from the STB to TV for HD since the DVI connection is disabled. Or is it? Was that part of the firmware upgrade? Where in the menu do you look, mine still says 50.00 or 08.

No problems at all with INHD1&2 in the city.

Met with a comcast retail sales rep today -

DVI functions by november, he wasn't clear if it was firmware, or swapping boxes. Discovery HD hopefully by the end of the year. Trying desperatly to get football package(probably next year, or year after). No word on CBS

On demand coming real soon.

If your box has a DVI port installed, firmware will activate it.

I have On Demand already. These services vary from region to region.

My box also has a DVI port, and the new firmware lists it as NOT INSTALLED. Funny that the USB ports are active when there's no use for it- they should make getting DVI working a priority.

Hey Dave,

Have you checked to see if the other inputs were activated with your latest firmware. Like either one of the A/V inputs (front/rear)?

No, as I have no use for them. I will test them if you'ld like.

Hi,

I am in Carlisle, MA (right outside of concord.) and am having major problems with ESPN-HD tonight. (All other channels look fine.) It looks like a mosaic pattern of squares the motion is very jerky. Unfortunately, this makes the tv unwatchable. Curiously, I was watching ESPNHD earlier today and had no problems. Is anyone else experiencing this problem this evening? I am kind of bumbed out because I can images now and again and the HD image quality is outstanding.

JL

Weird.....It just fixed itself.

Sorry to bother everyone.

JL

Hi,

Has anybody experienced their HD cable box turning off TV when switching from a HD channel to any other analog/digitial channels.

I had the HD box for a month, but in the past week, anytime I've watched any of the HD channels for more than 5 minutes and then jump to any other analog or digital channel, my plasma (PIO 433 CMX) gets turned off and goes in to the stand by mode (with led indicator continually flashing red). I have to turn the power off on my cable box, A/V receiver and the Plasma (using the power on/off switch on the back...plasma remote does not work whenever this happens) and then turn everything on to get the picture again.

I was wondering if anybody had experienced this (never had problem with the digital cable box.) I don't know what is causing it and should I be worried about the cable box "frying" my plasma.

I already put in call to Comcast and they are going to come over on the week-end to replace the box...

Thanks.

Haven't heard that one before. Probably a defective box. But try one thing: go to your STB when viewing an HD channel and manually change the channel to an SD channel and see if the same thing happens. If you don't get the same problem, then you might be getting a conflict with the remote codes.

Which plugin card? 5002? I assume you have
the Moto 5100 and component output. It sounds
like the stb is sending "signal gibberish" when
changing video freqs and the Pio dosn't like it.
But if this is the case, I wouldn't think the duration
of the time on the HD channel would make a
difference. You may get better feedback in the
Plasma forum too (if you haven't been there
already).

larry

JL,
I sometimes get the same problem when switching
to ESPN-HD. I just switch to the next channel and
then back and it clears itself. It seems like the
5100 doesn't "sync up" properly going to that
channel for some reason once in a while.

larry

either i am too new with the samsung and the hd box but i have had similar problems last 2 nights i thought i must be doing something wrong as i have been turning on the cable box and the samsung at the same time with the cable remote

Thanks MickeyGee.

I already tried something similar to your suggestion of changing channels manually on the STB. I used the remote's up/down channel to change channels sequentially. That works without problem, except it is inefficient to go from 800s series to other channels.


Larry,

I use the A303 card, but since I use the component out from STB, it goes directly into the PIO's component in (input 2). The A303 card, therefore, I figured is not the cause of any conflict.

I've not posted this note on the Plasma display forum, which I may do next.


I'm hoping it is the box. Will find out when Comcast comes over with the replacement box this weekend.

Thanks again.

Ok, AS, let us know what happens.

larry

Anyone have any thoughts about tomorrow's sox game and Comcast HDTV? The TV schedule suggests that the game will be on ESPN2. Unfortunately, we do not have ESPN2 in HD. Oddly, ESPN is airing sports center at the same time so there is not some pressing conflict. Is there any way that we will be able to watch the game in HD maybe via one of INHD channels or ESPN-HD or are we stuck with crappy SD? Thoughts?

JL

Stuck with SD from everything I have read. Only the WS will be in Fox ED.

I think last night some of the studiostuff was widescreen, but the Cubs/Braves game wasn't.

Its gonna be SD upconverted on ESPN HD and stretched. No HD. NESN doesn't have rights to the playoffs, so they can't show it. Shame really... alot of people are gonna be unhappy campers.

Just got Comcast HD this week.
Is anybody else seeing problems with INHD 1&2 and PBS HD?
On these channels there seems to be... &%$% I can't even explain it well.
My 16x9 image seems to be made up of 20 long vertical rectangles. Sorry can't explain it any other way.It is only noticeable when the the camera pans horizontally. Effects PQ a lot although some footage looks incredible. Do not have this problem on the other channels. Compression I guess.
Are there any good HD movies on HBO that you suggest have to be seen as far as picture quality. So far all the movies on there over the last few days have not been good in my opinion. My DVD's look better, or is this usually the case.

Thanks!

Originally posted by Croberto
Just got Comcast HD this week.
Compression I guess.
Thanks!

No compression used for HD over Cable

I live in Lexington MA and have Directv and an OTA antenna. My OTA reception is spotty. Some HD/Digital channels (4, 5) come in fine, some (7, 25) don't come in at all.

I am considering adding either Comcast or RCN cable, since it doesn't appear that Directv will anytime soon be able to feed local and/or networks in HD, nor NESN sports.

Questions:

1) Am I right that it will be a long time before Directv will carry network feeds and NESN?

2) If I get cable, should I get Comcast (seems to be the leader in HDTV in the Boston area) or RCN?

Thanks,

- jkh

Ok, things are looking better now.
Last night all my channels looked fantastic and HBO HD finally wowed me.
Last night I thought Ecks vs Sever looked great, so I guess I will not be canceling HBO HD and just need to find the movies with the PQ I am expecting.

jhirshstick
i dumped the dish 2 weeks ago and went with comcast(only choice in wayland) did so because can't get ota where i live comcast is doing a great job

Originally posted by jhirschtick
Questions:

1) Am I right that it will be a long time before Directv will carry network feeds and NESN?

2) If I get cable, should I get Comcast (seems to be the leader in HDTV in the Boston area) or RCN?

Thanks,

- jkh

1.) D* will not carry local HD channels for a long time, if ever. And I don't think a regional sports channel like NESN is even on their radar. Try a search in the HDTV forum, it has been discussed.

2.) In my opinion RCN is the way to go in Boston if you can get it.

RCN vs. Comcast:

RCN: (Much cheaper than Comcast) carries 10 DT/HD channels:
PBS-DT
ABC-HD
NBC-HD
FOX-DT
HDNet
HDNet Movies
DISC-HD
ESPN-HD
HBO-HD
SHO-HD

FWIW, RCN told me they were "in negotiations" with NESN-HD and would be rolling out the channel soon as a seperate dedicated channel.

Comcast has recently stepped up and now carries 9 DT/HD channels:
PBS-HD
ABC-HD
NBC-HD
FOX-DT
ESPN-HD
INHD1
INHD2 (this channel carries NESN-HD game feeds)
HBO-HD
SHO-HD

Take your pick, either one is better than D*, and I'm sure when CBS-HD is available, both will carry it immediately.
Cheers.

Jakes is right on the money. The only thing to add is that CBS-HD is available over the air. The timing of its roll out depends on the cable companies and CBS and when the two parties reach an agreement. The agreement could happen at different times for the two systems. (RCN might negotiate less aggressively since they are a much smaller player.) It is entirely unclear which, if either, would be the first to get it.

JL

Originally posted by jl_678
It is entirely unclear which, if either, would be the first to get it.

JL

I'm actually kind of suprised that RCN doesn't have it yet. After all, they had ESPN-HD on day 1.

Sure Starz HD and Cinemax HD will come soon. Probably Movie Channel HD in early 04 on Comcast. At times INHD1 and INHD2 on Comcast have looked fantastic. Hope CBS-HD will happen before Super Bowl in Jan 04 ,not counting on much before hand. Any rumors about WB56 going on line on Comcast in Boston or the WB nationally?

Originally posted by Jakes
RCN vs. Comcast:

RCN: (Much cheaper than Comcast) carries 10 DT/HD channels:
PBS-DT
ABC-HD
NBC-HD
FOX-DT
HDNet
HDNet Movies
DISC-HD
ESPN-HD
HBO-HD
SHO-HD


Comcast has recently stepped up and now carries 9 DT/HD channels:
PBS-HD
ABC-HD
NBC-HD
FOX-DT
ESPN-HD
INHD1
INHD2 (this channel carries NESN-HD game feeds)
HBO-HD
SHO-HD
.

Comcast is $24.82 for all but the HBO/SHO premiums .
This breaks down to $12.62 for "Basic", $4.95 for "Digital Classic" and $7.25 for the Motorola DCT-5100 rental.

For comparison's sake, how much is RCN for their package(disregarding the premiums) ?

Originally posted by SuperVision2010
Comcast is $24.82 for all but the HBO/SHO premiums .
This breaks down to $12.62 for "Basic", $4.95 for "Digital Classic" and $7.25 for the Motorola DCT-5100 rental.

For comparison's sake, how much is RCN for their package(disregarding the premiums) ?

Jeez, I really couldn't tell you as I've never priced it at a "bare-bones" minimum like that before. I was refering to the comparable bundled packages, RCN vs. Comcast. I suppose I should have been clearer on that, sorry. I get cable w/ premiums & internet, and RCN was MUCH cheaper then Comcast comparitively.

No problem Jakes-just curious.

Most people don't have a choice in providers anyway but Iwas looking for some comparo #s for those who are curious .
Comcast doesn't even advertise their "Digital Classic"service , leading , I think , most people into thinking they must add digital to a full expanded basic tier($38) to get the goods. Is that what RCN does , I wonder?

A lot of us with existing satellite service looking to add programming like inHD would only be interested in the bare-bones.

I was wondering if anyone in the North Central MA area could tell me how there Comcast reception compares to a satellite equiv. I have E* right now but I have been considering switching over to Comcast because it has a cheaper HDTV solution. But, I am a little concerned that the SD quality would be worse than Satellite. Especially on the Analog feeds.

Any input from anyone making this type of transition would be most welcome.

I was wondering if anyone in the North Central MA area could tell me how there Comcast reception compares to a satellite equiv. I have E* right now but I have been considering switching over to Comcast because it has a cheaper HDTV solution. But, I am a little concerned that the SD quality would be worse than Satellite. Especially on the Analog feeds.

Any input from anyone making this type of transition would be most welcome.

Originally posted by SuperVision2010
Comcast is $24.82 for all but the HBO/SHO premiums .
This breaks down to $12.62 for "Basic", $4.95 for "Digital Classic" and $7.25 for the Motorola DCT-5100 rental.

For comparison's sake, how much is RCN for their package(disregarding the premiums) ?

If I have Expanded Basic Cable now, are you saying that this $24.82 is in addition to what i pay now (roughly $43.00) to get the above HD channels? Thanks! :)

No.

You are already paying for "basic" if you have "expanded basic."
You would need to pay for Digital Classic and the box rental (about $12/mo).

ok, I gotcha now. That sounds reasonable enough. to bad there is no channel 4 yet, then i could dump the antenna completely.

Originally posted by vidgeek
I was wondering if anyone in the North Central MA area could tell me how there Comcast reception compares to a satellite equiv. I have E* right now but I have been considering switching over to Comcast because it has a cheaper HDTV solution. But, I am a little concerned that the SD quality would be worse than Satellite. Especially on the Analog feeds.

Any input from anyone making this type of transition would be most welcome.

Well,from my perspective, in Westford, Comcast SD quality is inferior to E*, not even close. Lots of poor focus, snow,ghosting, what you would expect from analog cable.The HD quality though is outstanding,even bettering OTA in some cases. Even the digital locals using the higher band are quite pristine, again rivaling OTA through the E* 6000 receiver.

Thanks for the input SuperVision2010, that's kind of what I expected.

I'm wondering how long it will take Comcast to go completely digital? This whole issue makes it a very tough decision to make the switch.

Anybody have similar experiences?

They'll probably go completely digital within a year. Comcast ordered a bundle of those cheap Pace digital-analog converters.

That should free up lots of bandwidth.

Originally posted by DaveFi
They'll probably go completely digital within a year. Comcast ordered a bundle of those cheap Pace digital-analog converters.

That should free up lots of bandwidth.

:confused:

vidgeek,
Where I live the SD digital channels are quite
good compared to the same channels
on D* (I've never seen E*). As always, some
channels are better than others. I am cutting
back on my D* packages and using the Comcast
premium packages.

larry

Pooper,

I live in Westminster, so I imagine my signal quality should be similar to yours(I hope). I'm curious, is there a reason why you haven't fully converted to Comcast? Better service, more options etc ???

I could keep the E* and do a partial package with Comcast, but they are willing to give me a $400 ($25 per month for 16 months) trade in credit if I give them my satellite equipment. My thought was to at least take the plunge for the 16 months, and then see where the satellite providers were with HD. Maybe the options will be better by then.

I just didn't want to be totally disappointed with the analog signal. I used to subscribe to cable when it was Cablevision, and they were awful. I am hopeful that AT&T and Comcast improved much of the infrastructure when rewiring for digital. Any thoughts?

Vidgeek

Vid,
My Tivo is integrated into my D* receiver. Even though
at inferior quality, I can't give up some things. Also, D* carries
Gameplan college football package and March Madness package.

Analog SD (channels < 69? whatever you can get without stb) are still
crap. I'm pretty impressed with some of the digital SD channels.

If/when Comcast begins to offer the new Moto 6208(?) PVR,
then I'll have to think twice about Tivo. Too bad, because
I know the PVR software won't come close to Tivo.

larry

Was at a friends house in Roxbury who has a 42" plasma EDTV. The Comcast tech gave him a silver box with the DVI port working. So I helped him hook it up and to my suprise no major difference between the comcast supplied componet cables and a Monster Cable $100 DVI cable when watching HD. Not sure also if this is because it's an EDTV not HDTV and only goes up to 720p.

Anyone else (new customers I believe) have the DVI port working? I don't think this is a 6200 series box, since the 1394 firewire port was NOT enabled, so wondering if they gave it to him cuz his t.v. is DVI or is this a new thing?

Originally posted by BostonDIGITAL
Anyone else (new customers I believe) have the DVI port working? I don't think this is a 6200 series box, since the 1394 firewire port was NOT enabled, so wondering if they gave it to him cuz his t.v. is DVI or is this a new thing?

Can you ask your friend to check his software and firmware versions in the STB's menus and let us know what they are?

It appears that a recent firmware update in the Boston area may have turned on the DVI port on the 5100 (either that or your friend does have a 6200 with DVI activated).

6200's also need software to activate DVI.

miatasm- There was a thread over in the Hardware forum about the Pace digital-analog adapters. They're essentially very small, inexpensive adressable digital cable boxes. Comcast ordered millions of them.

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2003/0803/ID1_08.pdf

what IS the latest firmware for the 5100??? mine still says 2.48

software 51.42-2002, firmware = 05.03

The above has been reported in the Boston area and the Sacramento area.

Someone will have to get to the tech menu to tell us what the above corresponds to on the 2.XX scale.

We are also stuck on 2.48 but are supposed to get an upgrade by the end of the month.

Originally posted by jckessler
No.

You are already paying for "basic" if you have "expanded basic."
You would need to pay for Digital Classic and the box rental (about $12/mo).

Ok question, since I have just basic, basic..ie local channels only, for something like $7 a month, would I need to move up to expanded basic, before Comcast would let me add Digital Classic and a HD box?

My understanding is that you do not need expanded basic to get digital classic. I posted an email from Comcast in this thread somewhere that spells this out in detail.

You don't. I have Basic w/Digital Classic.

My box has the PVR/HDD and DVI entries (DISABLED), but I only have S/W Ver 51.22-2000 Firmware 5.03.

So it appears it's the 51.42 software that has DVI ENABLED.

DaveFi: Where are you seeing the S/W and Firmware Version, how do I get to that menu??

Menu/Cable Box/See Configuration.

thanks. seems i have S/W 50.00-1078 and Firmware 08. how do you get the upgrade? seems mine is way outdated.

The upgrade is automatic. Its handled from the Cable Operators side. Usually all boxes in their system gets upgraded at once, usually in the middle of the night to minimize customer impact.

For some reason I have it in my head that the box needs to be turned off to get upgraded. Is that correct or am I misremembering?

JDLIVE may have a point? my box is always on because tivo needs it to be for recordings, i've only turned it off to look at the menu

No, Motorola digital boxes don't need to be turned off to get code updates. All of that is sent on a channel that the box always listens to. The old analog boxes didn't have that ability so they had to be turned off every night to get guide updates and code updates and the like.

Thanks for the info. I guess I thought I was told about the need to power off more recently...I haven't had an analog box for a few years. ;) There's another thread posted that has the schedule for VOD availability by town, though it's not clear if that update also activates the DVI port or not.

Just got my install yesterday--it is connected via Component Video to my Samsung DLP HLN467. The problem is for non-HD channels, my TV says invalid or unsupported format, and I have to switch to S-Video to see anything--does anyone else have this problem?

Originally posted by kylenolan
Just got my install yesterday--it is connected via Component Video to my Samsung DLP HLN467. The problem is for non-HD channels, my TV says invalid or unsupported format, and I have to switch to S-Video to see anything--does anyone else have this problem?

I bet your DLP only accepts 480p and not 480i on that input. Set the STB's 480 override to 480p and you should be all set.

I thought the input I used accepts all resolutions 10809/720/480i/p
but I can double-check.

Will try--found instructions here:
http://www.comcast-ne.com/DCT5100_guide_April03.pdf

Thanks
-Kyle

Originally posted by kylenolan
I thought the input I used accepts all resolutions 10809/720/480i/p
but I can double-check.

Where is the override setting? Couldn't find that anywhere. Will that also cause the HD channels to get dropped down to 480p?

Thanks
-Kyle

Double check the manual. To set 480 override: turn off STB, push menu and the option will pop up on screen. This will only convert 480i signals to 480p, HDTV signals will remain output at whatever resolution you choose, 720p or 1080i.

*EDIT: I suppose you could turn off the 480 out altogether and upconvert everything to 720p or 1080i over the component cable as well.

does anyone no whether comcast will be carrying the motorola BMC9012 with moxi? from looking at it, sounds like the best solution, better than 6208, check it out:

http://www.digeo.com/prodserv/moxi_overview.jsp

Kyle,
Native res on your TV is 720P. So setting
720P and *not* setting (set to "off") 480 override should work. 480i
will be converted to 720P. If this doesn't work
there is something wrong. Once this works
you can experiment with 480 override to see
what works and gives best PQ for SD digital channels.
Forget about analog channels - there's no hope for them. :)

larry

Avic,
Don't hold your breath. I could see the Motorola/Moxie device being
a successor to the 6208. The 6208 has been available for
a while from Motorola - the BMC9012 isn't even available yet. Cable
companies don't move fast. :) Personally, I'd be happy with TiVO + 6208
type of box. But I doubt that will ever happen.... :(

larry

The Samsung DLP only accepts 480p/720p/1080i on its component input. You need to set the "480 override" on your 5100 to 480p (see the FAQ) in order to view the non-hd stuff.....You could set it to "off" but then you would have bars on the sides of all of your non-hd material.

kyle

sounds like it is the famous component # 1 issue on the Samsung...it does 480i & inputs 2 & 3 dont. Generally, input 1 is used for DVD players.
With that in mind:

setting the moto box to (pwr off..menu):
widesreen 16:9
720P
OFF

works well, the 720P guarantees that the HD signal will only be scaled no more than once. Make sense?
For example, if the Moto box is set at 1080i & receives the 720P HD signal it will convert that to 1080i...then the Sassing will convert the 1080i signal to 720P. Thats scaling Twice

But argument is let the Samsung scale the signal (it is better at it?), but you are forever changing the Moto box settings, depending on the HD channel signal.

(I think the World Series will be 720P)

Also, aspect sizes will vary with different settings (try 480P instead of OFF.. the Moto box will convert the non_HD 480i to 480P & the Samsung then converts that to 720P.
Then, of course, set the aspect on the Sam correctly.

experiment
May the HD be with you...

Mr miatasm said it clearer
but the first line should read

480p/720p/1080i on its component TWO & THREE inputS

again, only component 1 does 480i

STRONGLY recommend reading the MOTO FAQ in his signature

Originally posted by PooperScooper
Avic,
Don't hold your breath. I could see the Motorola/Moxie device being
a successor to the 6208. The 6208 has been available for
a while from Motorola - the BMC9012 isn't even available yet. Cable
companies don't move fast. :) Personally, I'd be happy with TiVO + 6208
type of box. But I doubt that will ever happen.... :(

larry

unless you have charter:

http://www.sparkpr.com/news_detail.php?n_id=204

seems like a lot of people (as myself) have HD comcast the Samsung HLN

strongly recommend reading:

unofficial guide to samsung hln series dlp sets v2.1
by Arun Gupta

click here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=256065&highlight=samsung)

As a Pittsburgh, PA Comcast subscriber. Is there a way to know if they have enabled DVI.

mds

Plug in a DVI cable to the box and your TV and see if it works?

Not really other than connecting one to your display. But expect DVI to be enabled in December......

avic,
Yea, I saw that too on the moxie web site. "ordered" is the key word.
Not "received", not "deployed".... :)
I'll be happy with the 6208 just to be able to record HD. One step at a time...

larry

does anyone in boston still have S/W 50.00-1078 and Firmware 08? what do you have? sounds like i've missed the last 2-3 updates. besides activating dvi did these improve the SD PQ?

DVI is not active

it is for some, reported here and other forums with 51.42-2002

the FAQ states:
"The ports you see are for future use. As of now, the IR Blaster port, DVI-D video output, Smart Card, Composite Video & Audio inputs, USB ports, & Ethernet (Cable Modem) are all NOT active. "

on my 5100:
firmware: 05.03

"interface settings" reports that:
USB, smart card & IR blaster are installed
and 13994, 10bT, parallel & DVI not installed


so, has anyone implemented the USB, smart card & IR blaster ports yet?

And what would you use those ports for? I don't ever expect to see the USB ports enabled- not unless they plan on offering basic websurfing. The smartcard? Well, who knows. It's not a cable-card, but it would be cool to be able to order something by just sticking your CC in the slot.

What would be nice is if they enabled the cable modem in these boxes because they're just a waste of space.

avic, that is the S/W and firmware revs I have on my 5100.

Have a Motorola DCT-5100 on Comcast in Fairhaven, MA
Software is 50.00 1078 and FIrmware is 00

Should I be worried? Seems quite out of date based on the posts I have seen here. If so should I be calling Comcast

Thanks in advance for any help

AFA Firmware updates. Please read the last question of the FAQ.

miatasm, that site is a bit outdated now, no update since june. the latest firmware is newer than what's on there.

Hi caught Pats/Giants on Fox 825. Picture was good for 480p better than analog but not quite ESPN 1080i

ESPN uses 720p for HD, which is fine but their SD stretch mode is painful. FOX "825" is a joke, even their "widescreen" has to go, they need catch up soon and broadcast TRUE HD!

Fox won't be HD until 2004. So until then ED is all you get (480P)

This is an RCN question but I think everyone looks here...anyway:

Anyone have problems with Pixelation on RCN HDTV channels? I have issues usually with HDNet and HDNet Movies as well as occasional breakups on HBO. I have already had the box replaced once and that did not help. Also, problems seem to get worse when there is a lot of traffic outside (cable connects from pole across the street). What do I need to tell RCN to do to fix this-grounding issue? Boost power? Anyone?

Thanks!

Tom

Originally posted by avic
miatasm, that site is a bit outdated now, no update since june. the latest firmware is newer than what's on there.

I know, sorta been waiting for something major to happen with the box before I updated but its about time I do.

Its going to be a whole new ball game in 04', with the 6200 series on the horizon. Thats what I was waiting for, anyway.

Last night I noticed I couldn't get ESPN-HD. All other HD
channels were fine. Power went out the night before
for a while - could this have caused some "glitch" wrt
receiving it?

thanks

larry

PoopScoop,
I couldn't get ESPN-HD last night either, yet I have had no power failure issues. Something must have been wrong with the channel last night, I didn't check it this morning though. I wanted to call Comcast, but I simply can't deal with Comcast CSR's anymore. Too much time on hold to finally speak to someone that knows nothing about HD.:(

I can confirm that ESPN-HD was down for me as well. There were no power outages in my area.

JL

Sorry if this is slightly off-topic--but on my HD Box I cannot get to the On-Demand programs for HBO, Showtime, etc. It works fine on my non-HD Digital Box, but on the HD box it says I need to subscribe to the HBO On Demand Package. I have a grandfathered MediaOne "Digital Preferred" plan, so this may be part of it. Anyone else seeing this problem?

Thanks,
-Kyle

Can you tune to regular HBO and Showtime with your 5100 HD box? If not, call customer service and they will have to hit your box to resend the authorization codes to get HBO and Showtime.

Yes, regular and HD HBO/Showtime all work fine. They tried to reset the authorization, but still didn't work. The guy suspected that it might be my grandfathered MediaOne package in combination with the Comcast-labeled box that is causing the problem. They want me to schedule an appointment for someone to come look--but this should be something that can be resolved from their end.

Will prob just try to call again and hopefully get someone who can resolve it.

The package being an old Mediaone package and your box having a sticker saying Comcast on it has nothing to do with it. That box is the same box that goes out to every person in the country that gets a 5100, the sticker is placed there so that its "branded" with the cable company that bought the box. I would call the CSRs back and if they can't seem to fix it, it should be escalated. I doubt its a field issue, more something some VOD engineer would have to figure out.

anyone have VOD active in Boston-area yet?

I've had VOD for awhile down in Hanover, haven't used it that much however.

I have VOD as well. I have only used to try out some of the free content. Does anyone know if Comcast's VOD is in HD if it is standard SDTV? I kind of assume that it is SD which is a deal breaker for me since the digital box is hooked to my projector and SD looks terrible when shown on a very large screen.

JL

HD VOD is going to be quite awhile coming I am sure. Consider this, your average digital video bitrate is 3.5 mbps. A 256 QAM modulated 6mhz band on an HFC network can do 38.8mbps. Thats about 11 VOD streams per 6 mhz band. Thats 11 customers that can have a stream active at one time on that specific HFC node group (I'm sure they have it broken down by node as thats how they break down internet and telephone). Now in that same 6mhz band, if it were HD VOD programming, each stream being the standard broadcaster bitrate of 19.2 mbps. You are now down to 2 streams per 6 mhz band... or 2 customers on a node group. If they had say 6 6mhz channels assigned to VOD for customers... that would be 66 active streams at one time on one node. If it was HD VOD programming... now you are looking at 12. Considering how fast VOD is showing up here, there must be a considerable demand for the product. I couldn't see how a company would spend such exorbitant amounts of money unless they expect some kind of return. So if the demand (no pun intended) is there, then they must obviously need all the available streams they can get. That precludes using HD VOD, they would cut their revenue on VOD to a 1/5th of what they would get on SD VOD. Not to mention that the HD push is still fairly recent, so I doubt they have the numbers with HD boxes out there that they have with regular old 2000s.

I would hazard a guess as to not see HD VOD until after 2006, when the broadcasters are mandated to go to all Digital. Thus freeing up analog bandwidth on the HFC network and thus freeing up room for more digital channels.

so no one in boston, hmmm. we're always last it seems.

question for ya: with the good old sucky 5100 do you find composite better for SD than component or do you guys use the latter for both?

Originally posted by avic
anyone have VOD active in Boston-area yet?

Have had it here in Watertown for a few weeks. Watched a couple of things. I thought I'd use it more, but I guess HD is really starting to spoil me for regular TV.

avic,
For analog SD, composite is probably the best,
but nothing can really help it. Some of the digital
SD looks quite good on component - never tried
it with anything else.

larry

any new scoop on HD additions to comcast lineup? CBS, WB, UPN, HDNet, HDNet Movies, BravoHD+, DiscoveryHD ???

interesting that they are advertising the DVR feature already. i didn't think it was available anywhre yet.

http://www.comcast.com/Benefits/CableDetails/Slot3PageOne.asp?LinkID=119

You can use either component or composite. I have a digital projector and use component for all content. It works fine on SD and great on HD. (SD just looks kind of crappy when projected on a large screen.) I have not actually tried composite and would certainly be curious to hear if it looks better. My assumption is that it would not look any better than component on SD and certainly would look much worse with HD.

JL

Although to many this is probably a minor feature compared to SD vs. HD, I did notice that some of the movies on HBO VOD were delivered in 5.1 which was a nice bonus.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
HD VOD is going to be quite awhile coming I am sure. Consider this, your average digital video bitrate is 3.5 mbps. A 256 QAM modulated 6mhz band on an HFC network can do 38.8mbps. Thats about 11 VOD streams per 6 mhz band. Thats 11 customers that can have a stream active at one time on that specific HFC node group (I'm sure they have it broken down by node as thats how they break down internet and telephone). Now in that same 6mhz band, if it were HD VOD programming, each stream being the standard broadcaster bitrate of 19.2 mbps. You are now down to 2 streams per 6 mhz band... or 2 customers on a node group. If they had say 6 6mhz channels assigned to VOD for customers... that would be 66 active streams at one time on one node. If it was HD VOD programming... now you are looking at 12. Considering how fast VOD is showing up here, there must be a considerable demand for the product. I couldn't see how a company would spend such exorbitant amounts of money unless they expect some kind of return. So if the demand (no pun intended) is there, then they must obviously need all the available streams they can get. That precludes using HD VOD, they would cut their revenue on VOD to a 1/5th of what they would get on SD VOD. Not to mention that the HD push is still fairly recent, so I doubt they have the numbers with HD boxes out there that they have with regular old 2000s.

I would hazard a guess as to not see HD VOD until after 2006, when the broadcasters are mandated to go to all Digital. Thus freeing up analog bandwidth on the HFC network and thus freeing up room for more digital channels.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
If it was HD VOD programming... now you are looking at 12. [snip] That precludes using HD VOD, they would cut their revenue on VOD to a 1/5th of what they would get on SD VOD.

[snip]

I would hazard a guess as to not see HD VOD until after 2006, when the broadcasters are mandated to go to all Digital. Thus freeing up analog bandwidth on the HFC network and thus freeing up room for more digital channels.

Valid arguments, but it leaves out a few small things to consider:

1. It costs the cable company very little to offer HD on demand. It only starts to cost them once the use of an HD signal keeps somebody else from calling up an SD signal. Using your example, if they have the ability to serve 66 SD streams, 12 HD streams, or some combination, then they lose nothing by having 2 HD streams going, as long as they don't have more than 44 or so SD signals going. Without seeing some actual statistics, I wouldn't necessarily assume that they exceed that 40 signals on a regular basis.

2. Not that I would want them to, but your example assumes that they wouldn't throttle the bit rate for on-demand material. Most people agree that SD on demand material is blockier than watching it live on the channel. They could do the same thing for HD on demand. Allocate 12 Mb/s and suddenly you can put in 3 HD paths in the place of 11 SD paths. This starts to close the gap.

3. Also, your example assumes that the cable company makes the same profit from an HD on demand as an SD on demand. I would be surprised if they didn't charge more (maybe twice as much). This helps to close the gap, though certainly it doesn't go all the way.

In short, I think that HD on demand might not be as cost effective for the cable company as SD on demand, but I don't feel like it's such a huge burden for them. If they charged $10 per on-demand movie, I imagine the demand for it would not be super-high, but they would still have the ability to advertise that they offer it. Pretty good advertising for a potentially minor setback. I think we'll see HD VOD pretty soon. They already offer it on one (or more?) of the satellite carriers. Comcast has to keep up with the Joneses.

Nathan

I'm fairly certain Comcast will offer HD VOD as soon as it's available. It's only a matter of someone providing it.

I'm fairly exited about it. SHO VOD offers pretty much every single show and movie they broadcast that month.