I doubt Channel 38 will be showing anything in HD off the bat. HD syndication rights are a tricky thing, thats why you don't see anyone but TNT run syndicated shows of any consequence. (INHD and UHD shows don't count since they are all cancelled, 20 year old, or forgotten shows) Enterprise is cancelled, but its still star trek and any affiliation or inside track with paramamount probrably died with UPN, as technically channel 38 is a competitor now with the CW56. So while 38 might still run Enterprise, they will have to pay a pretty penny for the HD feed and I'm not sure if it will be fiscally responsible for the station to go that route...

Though then again, it might be a statement 38 might like to make. "we play with the big boys" but I doubt it. It doesn't make any buisness sense to me to cater to a tiny slice of the population. My gut says we just lost an HD channel.

From the impression I got the HD feed of Wheel and Jep shouldn't cost any extra.
The reason I mentioned Enterprise is because they have the ability to play an HD program on a tape delay basis ans opposed to just grabbing a live feed.

Personally I think they shouod have gone nthe My Network route.

This is a great summary of the HD lineup with the various plans. Does basic+digital classic get any additional SD channels (CNN?) or just the HD channels listed below? As far as I can tell, none of this information is available on comcast.com.

Thanks,

-Argus

HD lineup and what is needed to get each channel:

These channels require LIMITED Basic:

802 WGBH-DT (PBS HD channel)
804 WBZ-DT (CBS) *
805 WCVB-DT (ABC) *
807 WHDH-DT (NBC) *
809 WMUR-DT (ABC) *
825 WFXT-DT (Fox) *
838 WSBK-DT *
856 WLVI-DT (CW) *

These channels require Digital Classic

833 TNT-HD *
839 Discovery Home theatre HD
846 Universal HD
849 ESPN HD *
881 INHD
882 INHD2

These channels require enchanced cable (Standard cable plus digital box)

850 ESPN 2 HD *
851 NESN HD *

This channel requires enhanced cable AND digital Classic

828 MHD

These channels are premium services and require a subscription to the underlying preimum channel:

868 Cinemax HD *
870 HBO HD *
875 Starz HD *
877 Showtime HD *

Channels that are * are simucasts of SD channels and may not be in HD all the time.


Call comcast to get the Digital classic and limited basic package.

This is a great summary of the HD lineup with the various plans. Does basic+digital classic get any additional SD channels (CNN?) or just the HD channels listed below? As far as I can tell, none of this information is available on comcast.com.

Thanks,

-Argus

2 WGBH-2 (PBS) Children & Family
3 CN8 News & Info HD ON
4 WBZ-4 (CBS)
5 WCVB-5 (ABC)
6 New England Cable News News & Info HD ON
7 WHDH-7 (NBC)
8 Public Access
9 WMUR9 (ABC)
10 RCTV Educational Access
11 WENH-11 (PBS) Children & Family
12 WLVI-56 (WB)
13 WFXT-25 (FOX)
14 WSBK-38 (UPN)
15 WBPX-68 (PAX)
16 WGBX-44 (PBS) Children & Family
17 WUNI-27 (UNI) Multicultural
18 WZMY
19 WNEU-60 (Telemundo) Multicultural
20 WMFP-62 (IND)
21 WUTF-66 (Telefutura) Multicultural
22 Government Access
23 WYDN-48 (Daystar) Lifestyle
70 HSN Lifestyle
71 QVC Lifestyle
96 WWDP46 (Shop NBC) Lifestyle
202 Flix Movies
209 WGBH World++ Lifestyle
210 National Geographic Channel Music HD ON
211 style. Lifestyle HD ON
212 Independent Film Channel Movies
214 TV One Multicultural
215 Women's Entertainment Lifestyle HD ON
217 'GBX Kids++ Children & Family
218 PBS Kids Sprout Children & Family
219 G4 News & Info HD ON
220 NickToons Children & Family
221 Discovery Kids Children & Family
222 Toon Disney Children & Family
223 Noggin Children & Family HD ON
224 Nick GAS Children & Family
226 Discovery Health News & Info
227 The Science Channel News & Info
229 Trinity Broadcast Network Lifestyle
234 Jewelry TV by ACN Lifestyle
235 Black Family Channel Children & Family
236 The Word Network Lifestyle
237 WGBX Create++ Lifestyle
238 EWTN Lifestyle
241 BBC America News & Info HD ON
244 SoapNet Lifestyle
245 Weatherscan Local News & Info
248 ESPNews Sports
271 fuse Music
273 MTV 2 Music
274 Current TV News & Info
275 VH-1 Soul Music
277 VH-1 Classic Music
282 CMT Music
296 WLVI - The Tube Music
297 NBC Weather plus

You need to map the tv guide to ch 97 to look for the TVGOS data. By default the tv is set to ch 2, but with ADS in place its now 97. How to do it is a different thing all together.

Dear L Supreme: I researched how to do it, i.e. Forcing TVGOS Host Channel to a non default (analog) host channel, from a fellow AVS Forum Member
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The "Force Host Channel" code: This code has recently been discovered by someone in the AVS forums, and appears to be able to "force" the unit to look for a host on a channel of your choosing. This can be useful in situations when there are multiple host stations in a particular area, and you want to set the system to use the strongest station. WARNING: This should only be used during initial setup, or when the guide info has been completely reset. The host channel must be BLANK, as reported in the "753..." menu above. Unexpected results can occur if the system already has a host channel and this code is used. USE THIS CODE AT YOUR OWN RISK. ONLY A FEW PEOPLE HAVE TRIED THIS SO FAR, SO PLEASE DON'T SHOOT THE MESSENGER IF IT MESSES THINGS UP. The procedure to use this code follows:

1. Tune to the station (either OTA or cable) that you want to use as the host.
2. Press <GUIDE> - move the cursor over the SETUP item on the top menu bar, then press <DOWN>, followed by 963214785. If the code is received properly, the "Info" message just below "Change System Settings" should disappear.
3. Don't touch anything. The screen should disappear after 5 minutes. Once it disappears, turn off the unit and leave it alone overnight to magically download the guide.
4. on the following day, check the host channel with the "753..." menu described above. If it shows the host channel you tuned to in Step 1, you have successfully changed it! If not, try resetting the guide info and start over.

To anyone who has an install recently, how is Comcrap with bringing an HDMI cable? I am moving in a few weeks, my new plasma is getting delivered the day I move into my new condo. The cable "install" is the next day. I requested that they bring an HDMI cable instead of component when I called, but you know how that goes. I will have my components there for a back up.

Well, it went about as expected. The tech showed up without an HDMI cable despite the fact that it was actually noted on the work order. Once there, I basically had him take a break while I set up the box via components. He insisted I had to hook the audio cables to the monitor, even though it has not speakers, and the cable box is hooked up to my receiver with an optical input.

In the end it was OK he did not bring the cable. I had to go by the local office anyway to swap out the box which was used, scuffed and clicked audibly from 10 feet. I picked up a new box and HDMI cable. All is well, and the new set is beautiful.

Oh yeah, $28 install fee? Ummmm, I believe there will be no charge.

Anyone else experiencing Audio dropouts and stuttering lately, been happening since the weekend and wanted to know if it was just a local issue.

Comcast VoIP phone service?

I can save $40 a month by switching to this service. I currently have high speed and digital cable, both are heavily used. Does Comcast uncap or increase my bandwith when I sign up? What do users think of the quality of service?

The way the Sox are going these days, I wonder if we could get Comcast to swap Food Network HD for NESNHD. I'd much rather watch the team of cooking babes on Food then the disaster before our eyes in HD at Fenway.

I just watched the latest disaster in HD on ESPN2HD. I was raised in Oakland. All night the announcers were amazed that the A's could be in first place with such an anemic offense. The Sox are just having a bad year. It happens. Sometimes injuries, like Nixon, Veritek and Wakefield, (and now Ramirez and Oritz) are just too much to overcome.

I have no doubt that next year they will reload and be right with the Yankees. So you may want to reconsider your suggestion.

Besides, I'm sure that Comcast will carry FOODHD relatively soon (within a year?)

Rich N.

Anyone else experiencing Audio dropouts and stuttering lately, been happening since the weekend and wanted to know if it was just a local issue.


ESPNHD and TNTHD are constantly dropping out on me. Is there a fix to this that I don't know about? Or do they plan on taking these channels away from those of us who don't subscribe to extended basic?

YES!!!! I thought it was just me. Although, I'm wondering if my recent installation of digital phone may have caused this. I'm experiencing the problems on ABC and CBS when it is NOT local. And I'm only experiencing it on my old digital box, the one that TiVo controls, and not on my new digital box where I watch HD.

I find that this is often a result of marginal signal strength at your premises. I've noticed that the higher frequency channels are more susceptible to this (and the only way you know the frequency is to get the box into maintenance mode, since there's no correlation between the cable company's channel number and what frequency they're sending it out on).

A while back, I was having enormous problems with Showtime HD and TNT HD. Getting into the maintenance menus showed a really poor SN on those channels. Stands to reason, because being some of the higher frequencies on the Comcast I subscribe to, you expect the problems to start there, since coax has higher losses at higher frequencies.

So, after trying everything I could, I called Comcast out. They came in, came to the same conclusion as me, and replaced the wiring starting with a new cable jack in the wall, new cabling to the TVs, new splitter, and new cables from the splitter to the Cable Box and TiVo (I have two TiVos on that tap, one connected to the cable box, one doing analog). That alone bought me a 6 db improvement on the "bad" channels, which was good enough to eliminate the dropouts.

It kinda bugs me that Comcast is delivering such a marginal signal to my place - I mean, if they had about 6 db more of "headroom" on their delivered signal, I would have never seen a problem, but it did point out just how sensitive this whole setup can be to the in-house wiring. I mean, I was already using RG-6 and high quality splitters (shoot - one of them was Comcast supplied), but the guy was able to show me what a huge difference can be made.

Likewise, I was getting dropouts on the living room setup on those channels, and just re-tightening all the connections got it back.

All of this happened just on those specific high frequency channels. I wasn't seeing any problems at all on the other channels I'm receiving because, as I said, everything's operating right at that hairy threshold, and the lower frequency channels were getting a good enough SN that I didn't see any problems with them.

Other issues are that if you have a marginal signal, then add a splitter to the connection, you've just pushed your marginal signal back into the realm of bad, since the splitter does at least 3 db of damage to the signal.

Toots,

Thanks for the quick reply. Ugh. I really hate getting Comcast in, since it means waiting up to 4 hours (or more). I just had them in with the digital phone,which from your experience sounds like the cause of my problem, since it's yet another split (I have a Tivo set-up similar to yours).

Is there anything else I can do besides tightening my connections? And how do you get into the mode that helps you determine signal strength?

Power off, immediately hit SELECT, then choose option 4 for the signal strength/frequency.

I think.

Someone, somewhere in here has a guide.

HD CHRONICLE TONIGHT!

Sorry for the late notice, just found out.

They seem to be doing this more often lately.

HD CHRONICLE TONIGHT!

Sorry for the late notice, just found out.

They seem to be doing this more often lately.

Just channel surfed into this myself. Looks good.

Must be a lot of a happy and satisfied Comcast customers out there because this thread has been awfully quiet lately. :D

Must be a lot of a happy and satisfied Comcast customers out there because this thread has been awfully quiet lately. :D
Or people like me. I am about to buy my 2nd HDTV and have decided to go OTA with the new set as an experiment. If all goes well it will be goodbye to Comcast and their Comcastic pricing.

Mickey

Well...for me Comcast went "Poof!!" on Monday....having just moved in conjuction with our HBO series ending we figured we'd give OTA a shot as an experiment.

Or people like me. I am about to buy my 2nd HDTV and have decided to go OTA with the new set as an experiment. If all goes well it will be goodbye to Comcast and their Comcastic pricing.

Mickey

Actually all you need is a Qam tuner and basic cable to receive the locals in HD. I got a LG-LST3510 cheap on e-bay and it has a beautiful picture. You can also pick the locals up with a built-in Qam tuner which many sets have now. Might be the way to go if your looking to save money instead of OTA.

Must be a lot of a happy and satisfied Comcast customers out there because this thread has been awfully quiet lately. :DMe for one.

Yeah, other than the size of the monthly bill, and maybe a couple quibbles over the SN ratio, I'm fat dumb and happy with my Comcast service here.

VoIP request again!

Does Comcast increase your bandwith when you get digital phone service? Will digital phone impact my cable or internet speed in any way? I can't get a straight answer to this question from this board or Comcast. I want VoIP, but don't want to mess with my cable or download speed.

Why is the volume level on NESNHD so much higher than the other HD channels? It is annoying when switching.

VoIP request again!

Does Comcast increase your bandwith when you get digital phone service? Will digital phone impact my cable or internet speed in any way? I can't get a straight answer to this question from this board or Comcast. I want VoIP, but don't want to mess with my cable or download speed.

They use the same modem for digital phone and Internet service so what ever speed your getting now will be the same with VoIP installed. Since you already have an internet connection it will not effect your cable as well because you already have the feed going there and they will not need to use another splitter which would result in a -3db signal loss to the rest of your system. But even with that the loss of PQ is hardly noticeable because they did it to mine and my picture is still outstanding. Also the sound quality of the phone service is way better than Verizon IMHO.

Why is the volume level on NESNHD so much higher than the other HD channels? It is annoying when switching.

Maybe NESN master control only monitors the MPEG audio instead of the AC3 audio used for Motorola set tops. From the volume differences I've heard with many other digital channels. It looks like NESN is not the only one overlooking the AC3 stream.

anyone know if any of the local newcasts plan on going HD anytime soon?

The plan WAS for Ch 4 to do so this past spring.

The plan WAS for Ch 4 to do so this past spring.

I'm sure it'll be soon enough whether or not anyone really cares. I was recently out in the LA area and not only are all the major local newscasts in HD, you are contantly being reminded of the fact by billboards and a pile of other marketing vehicles.

It's like they think that more people will watch the local news simply because it's in HD.

That's prolly because local nooz Ken/Barbie dolls are usually raging narcissists, and they naturally assume you'll want to see them in higher resolution.

That's prolly because local nooz Ken/Barbie dolls are usually raging narcissists, and they naturally assume you'll want to see them in higher resolution.

Actually, they're probably scared to death of it. There's nowhere to hide all those flaws anymore!

One channel that has turned into a "sleeper" for me has been UHD. I've DVR'd some pretty good uncut movies at various times ("Army of Darkness" and "The Omen" are a few that come to mind), and even though tennis is tedious to watch at times, watching it in HD on UHD has been a MAJOR improvement, and it's about time that the US Open finally is shown in HD for the whole tournament.

I currently have DirecTV (Standard Def) and a Comcast Cable Modem with Basic Cable. I'm interested in getting more HD content and don't feel like upgrading the dish. The $25/month Dish buyback option looks pretty attractive for 16 months.

Has anyone else tried this? If so, I have a few questions:

1) Since I already have basic cable (for my cable modem), I'm technically a Comcast Cable customer. Will this make me ineligible for the buyback program (even if I upgrade to the Standard+Digital packages?). If I am ineligible, I guess I could just cancel basic cable and then resign up (perhaps in my housemate's name).
2) Comcast websites contradict themselves about whether Dish buyback eligibility requires Digital Classic or Digital Plus -- anyone know?
3) Will Comcast want to take the dish -- will the cable guy climb up on the roof to get it or do I have to do that?

Thanks for any advice.

-Argus

I currently have DirecTV (Standard Def) and a Comcast Cable Modem with Basic Cable. I'm interested in getting more HD content and don't feel like upgrading the dish. The $25/month Dish buyback option looks pretty attractive for 16 months.

Has anyone else tried this? If so, I have a few questions:

1) Since I already have basic cable (for my cable modem), I'm technically a Comcast Cable customer. Will this make me ineligible for the buyback program (even if I upgrade to the Standard+Digital packages?). If I am ineligible, I guess I could just cancel basic cable and then resign up (perhaps in my housemate's name).
2) Comcast websites contradict themselves about whether Dish buyback eligibility requires Digital Classic or Digital Plus -- anyone know?
3) Will Comcast want to take the dish -- will the cable guy climb up on the roof to get it or do I have to do that?

Thanks for any advice.

-Argus

1. since your upgrading you are eligible
2. minimum requirement is std & plus
3. you have to take the dish down & give it & the receivers to the tech

1. since your upgrading you are eligible
2. minimum requirement is std & plus
3. you have to take the dish down & give it & the receivers to the tech


When I did this the csr told me they just wanted a receiver. I tried to give it to the installer, but he didn't want it.

jay

What are the chances Comcast adds NFL Network in HD tomorrow or Saturday? I assume this would be already known...either that or are they televising NFL Network games on one of the INHD channels on a part-time basis?

When I did this the csr told me they just wanted a receiver. I tried to give it to the installer, but he didn't want it.

jay

Last I knew they were taking the dish unless it was still attached to the house, but it could have changed or the tech didn't feel like lugging the dish with him. To be on the safe side, have both prepared.

Thanks for the quick reply L Supreme.

I have a few more questions:
1) If I sign up for HDTV, what model cable box (with or without DVR) will I get? (I'm in Cambridge)
2) Can the box be used to capture MPEG2 via Firewire to my MAC/PC? If so, what channels will I be able copy to my computer via Firewie with Digital Plus? Is this the same as the unencrypted HDTV QAM channels I get with basic cable, or does it include more HD/SD channels?
3) It looks like HD-DVR would be $6/mo more than the regular HD box ($15 instead of $9.20). Can the DVR record ALL content? Does either of these cable boxes have dual tuners to allow simultaneous recording and watching live TV?

Thanks,

-Argus

What are the chances Comcast adds NFL Network in HD tomorrow or Saturday? I assume this would be already known...either that or are they televising NFL Network games on one of the INHD channels on a part-time basis?

They started doing the latter a couple of weeks ago (on 881). There was no change to the program guide, you just had to tune in and try your luck.

Another HD Chronicle Friday

Description here. (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/9769540/detail.html)

HD OnDemand Update

There's been a small change to the menu, which now has three submenus (Free Movies, Movies, Discovery). Only two Discovery programs so far.

Also, I just saw a Comcast commercial promoting the upcoming Starz HD OnDemand showing of the Narnia movie.

Another HD Chronicle Friday

Description here. (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/9769540/detail.html)


Yay! Advance notice.

DVR Here I come :)

HD OnDemand Update

There's been a small change to the menu, which now has three submenus (Free Movies, Movies, Discovery). Only two Discovery programs so far.

Also, I just saw a Comcast commercial promoting the upcoming Starz HD OnDemand showing of the Narnia movie.

2 more then in Lawrence :(

You need to map the tv guide to ch 97 to look for the TVGOS data. By default the tv is set to ch 2, but with ADS in place its now 97. How to do it is a different thing all together.

Dear L Supreme: It took weeks of painstaking diagnostics & reporting to TVGOS (Thanks RL @ TVGOS) but TVGOS will NOW work with Cablecard in NYC Cablevision area. TVGOS got Cablevision to send the data stream for TVGOS to the host channel 14. As I understand it was a digital station but was reverted to analog so that TVGOS could become operational. I'm getting listings that I was unable to receive before the "fix". So all of U who said it was Cablevision's fault were RIGHT!
PS 4 those of U who want to bypass TVGOS & STILL manually record programs enter 00000 for your zip code during the setup & U will B able 2 bypass TVGOS. Enjoy!!!

What are the chances Comcast adds NFL Network in HD tomorrow or Saturday? I assume this would be already known...either that or are they televising NFL Network games on one of the INHD channels on a part-time basis?
I doubt we will see a full-time NFL Network in HD channel on Comcast anytime soon. My guess is you will only see the few regular season games they broadcast later in the year, and on one of the InHD slots.

Mickey

How many folks feel they should dump WSBKDT (for now)?

Besifes after Thursday night Sept 14th at 10pm there will nbe NO HD programming for quite some time.

Thanks for the quick reply L Supreme.

I have a few more questions:
1) If I sign up for HDTV, what model cable box (with or without DVR) will I get? (I'm in Cambridge)
2) Can the box be used to capture MPEG2 via Firewire to my MAC/PC? If so, what channels will I be able copy to my computer via Firewie with Digital Plus? Is this the same as the unencrypted HDTV QAM channels I get with basic cable, or does it include more HD/SD channels?
3) It looks like HD-DVR would be $6/mo more than the regular HD box ($15 instead of $9.20). Can the DVR record ALL content? Does either of these cable boxes have dual tuners to allow simultaneous recording and watching live TV?

Thanks,

-Argus

1 I believe its a 5100 or 6100, you can't request a specific one, you get which is available
2 no firewire on a HD box only on DVR
3 DVR records everything except for VOD. Yes you can record one thing & watch another at the same time. you can even record 2 things at the same time & watch something out of your saved program

Dear L Supreme: It took weeks of painstaking diagnostics & reporting to TVGOS (Thanks RL @ TVGOS) but TVGOS will NOW work with Cablecard in NYC Cablevision area. TVGOS got Cablevision to send the data stream for TVGOS to the host channel 14. As I understand it was a digital station but was reverted to analog so that TVGOS could become operational. I'm getting listings that I was unable to receive before the "fix". So all of U who said it was Cablevision's fault were RIGHT!
PS 4 those of U who want to bypass TVGOS & STILL manually record programs enter 00000 for your zip code during the setup & U will B able 2 bypass TVGOS. Enjoy!!!


I thought you were in the New England Comcast area. Here its mapped to 97. I have no clue what Cablevision for their cable card TVGOS guide support.

1 I believe its a 5100 or 6100, you can't request a specific one, you get which is available
2 no firewire on a HD box only on DVR
3 DVR records everything except for VOD. Yes you can record one thing & watch another at the same time. you can even record 2 things at the same time & watch something out of your saved program

Sounds pretty capable. Anyone know what channels I am likely to be able to capture with Firewire on the DVR box to my PC? Just locals or more? I understand that anyting "copy once" will only work with a D-VHS?

Thanks,

-Argus

My understanding is that you can pull just about anything off the box over firewire, except that just about anything other than the locals will be encrypted, and good luck finding a decryption key.

I keep meaning to hook my 6100 up to my Mac Mini to play with this, but I just never get around to it.

Last I knew they were taking the dish unless it was still attached to the house, but it could have changed or the tech didn't feel like lugging the dish with him. To be on the safe side, have both prepared.When i did the dish buyback 6 months ago, the tech didn't even question it. He saw the dish on the roof and the receiver in the house and that was enough. He didn't take a thing. The comcast operator on the phone told me all i needed was my latest invoice from dish, and he didn't even look at that.

Sounds pretty capable. Anyone know what channels I am likely to be able to capture with Firewire on the DVR box to my PC? Just locals or more? I understand that anyting "copy once" will only work with a D-VHS?

Thanks,

-Argus

Just the locals, no HBO, no ESPN, no Discovery, no TNT.

I believe you are correct on the DVHS option.

anyone else has channels 804 (CBS US-OPEN tennis in HD) and 825 (Fox) out right now? (Saturday 3:30 p.m; went out about 12 p.m)

regular CBS (channel 04) still works

yup, same here, right in the middle of a shot of federer.

i'm "glad" it's not just me...i hope it comes back in time for the women's final tonight, and for the pats game tomorrow.

yeah for me it was showing some weird artifacting with TNT kind of mixed in there for a while, now it just won't change the channel. I wish they'd give us some kind of refund or something when this kind of thing happens, it's awfully annoying.

805 is out now . BC game. Before it went out, the HD was awful. Thought it was my tv.

Yep. 802-825 are out here. This sort of thing always seems to happen on the weekend. It's happening more frequently too.

Ok, now I'm glad to know it's just not me. It seems to me that all HD locals (825 and lower) make my cable box very unhappy when I change to them.

The BC game looked like crap before the outage because ABC isn't doing the game in HD to begin with. Now I'm just stuck with the same feed but zoomed to fill the screen.

Jeff.

809 is still up!

Must be the Boston antenna. Comcast receives SD signals through a micr4owave patch of some kind directly from the stations. HD feeds are OFF THE AIR!

809? I don't get that.

809 is WMUR in Manchester NH.

Ok, now I'm glad to know it's just not me. It seems to me that all HD locals (825 and lower) make my cable box very unhappy when I change to them.

The BC game looked like crap before the outage because ABC isn't doing the game in HD to begin with. Now I'm just stuck with the same feed but zoomed to fill the screen.

Jeff.


I was tweaking a new A2000 during the BC game and was thinking that I made a huge mistake with the purchase.

Are there any disadvantages to getting the card? I would be happy with the box, i guess, but the box gets so hot that I'm not really comfortable wedging this motorola space heater in with my other components.

Are there any inputs/outputs on the card itself? Will it turn the TV into a an oven? Is there any sacrifice in PQ?

Thanks

Are there any disadvantages to getting the card? I would be happy with the box, i guess, but the box gets so hot that I'm not really comfortable wedging this motorola space heater in with my other components.

Are there any inputs/outputs on the card itself? Will it turn the TV into a an oven? Is there any sacrifice in PQ?

Thanks
I tried the card about a year ago and quickly switched to the box. I had constant channel freeze-up issues and frquent pixelation. And, as you're probably aware, there is no On-Demand or program guide with the card. I have no problem with the box temp. It's luke warm to the touch.

Thanks for the info.. maybe it's just my box.. the sucker gets burning hot...that can't be good.

Thanks for the info.. maybe it's just my box.. the sucker gets burning hot...that can't be good.

Heat will affect the box, so provide as much ventilation as you can. Some people have reporting using a laptop cooler on top of it. to help move the air as there are no fans on the top where heat rises to. If memory serves there is a USB port in the back that receives power (no data) so use that to drive the fan. Search the thread for USB, and you'll find some recommended models.

You know, I heard that for the new season, both Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! will be broadcasting in HD. But I tuned into channel 838 tonight, and they were NOT broadcasting them in HD! What's up with that? But does the new TV38 have ANY programming in HD at all? Because I'm guessing that since those shows are syndicated, they're in HD on some channels across the country, but not others.

This week's HD Chronicle

is Wednesday (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/9811100/detail.html)

They do seem to be doing this every week now!

This week's HD Chronicle

is Wednesday (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/9811100/detail.html)

They do seem to be doing this every week now!

I wonder if they are still using the Sony HDV-HC1 or if they upgraded to the new professional cam.

Are there any disadvantages to getting the card? I would be happy with the box, i guess, but the box gets so hot that I'm not really comfortable wedging this motorola space heater in with my other components.

Are there any inputs/outputs on the card itself? Will it turn the TV into a an oven? Is there any sacrifice in PQ?

Thanks

I have the card and it works great. I also have both a DVR and a card in my house and to me the PQ with the card is better plus I don't need any space for it on my components Rack which is already full. There is no monthly charge for it as well which is a big advantage. So if you don't care about On-Demand, CableCard is the way to go IMHO.

So are we going to get Starz OnDemand added in time for the Starz preview this weekend? Narnia will be previewing Sept 15, and they've been advertising it constantly.

If we don't get Starz OnDemand this weekend I would say the whole point of their Narnia OnDemand Preview advertising campaign and free preview was moot, wouldn't it? (I love saying moot).

In the least, I would suggest we call up and complain about it, and maybe if they got enough complaints they might be able to add it in time (yeah, ok, we can hope...).

So are we going to get Starz OnDemand added in time for the Starz preview this weekend? Narnia will be previewing Sept 15, and they've been advertising it constantly.

If we don't get Starz OnDemand this weekend I would say the whole point of their Narnia OnDemand Preview advertising campaign and free preview was moot, wouldn't it? (I love saying moot).

In the least, I would suggest we call up and complain about it, and maybe if they got enough complaints they might be able to add it in time (yeah, ok, we can hope...).

Why are you so gun ho to complain? When was the last time a free preview was out & you didn't get that station's VOD section? Relax .........it will be there.

When does the Starz free preview start ? Friday ?

-Ken

When does the Starz free preview start ? Friday ?

-Ken

yes

Why are you so gun ho to complain? When was the last time a free preview was out & you didn't get that station's VOD section? Relax .........it will be there.It's because they are advertising specifically Starz HD OnDemand, something we don't have in our region yet. We already have plenty of SD Starz OnDemand programming available.

You know, I heard that for the new season, both Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! will be broadcasting in HD. But I tuned into channel 838 tonight, and they were NOT broadcasting them in HD! What's up with that? But does the new TV38 have ANY programming in HD at all? Because I'm guessing that since those shows are syndicated, they're in HD on some channels across the country, but not others.

Right now NO!

I believe 38 made a mistake in not doing the My Network TV thing.

The plan to but not for a few months. :(

Starz HD OnDemand Preview advertised on p3 in the Boston Herald Sept 15.:)

This week's HD Chronicle

is Wednesday (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/9811100/detail.html)

They do seem to be doing this every week now!

Well, they seem to have done a switcheroo - another (non-HD) episode is playing. Interesting that they haven't taken the incorrect link down.

Now that the Series 3 (dual cablecard) HD Tivo has been released: http://www.tivo.com/2.0.boxdetails.asp?box=series3HDDVR I am thinking of switching from DirecTV to Comcast.

Can any former or dual DTV users comment on the HD & SD PQ of Comcast compared to DTV? Does Comcast down-rez the HD channels like DTV does?

I might bring Comcast in to do a direct comparison, but if I do I would not be able to take the $400 former satellite price break, which is a nice $$ perk.

Thanks.

Now that the Series 3 (dual cablecard) HD Tivo has been released: http://www.tivo.com/2.0.boxdetails.asp?box=series3HDDVR I am thinking of switching from DirecTV to Comcast.

Can any former or dual DTV users comment on the HD & SD PQ of Comcast compared to DTV? Does Comcast down-rez the HD channels like DTV does?

I might bring Comcast in to do a direct comparison, but if I do I would not be able to take the $400 former satellite price break, which is a nice $$ perk.

Thanks.

Hey Stan,

I currently have a cablecard with Comcast going directly into my TV, and on Friday, my Tivo Series 3 arrives, along with the Comcast Tech between 3-5pm to install 2 more cablecards in the Series 3. I have been and continue to be a DirecTV Tivo subscriber as well, with an HR10-250, the HD Tivo for satellite. I was a big believer for a long time in satellite and HD thru DirecTV, until I saw the picture quality of Comcast HD with Cablecard. The picture quality is night and day different, it is so damn amazing how crisp and clear Comcast is, compared to the over-compressed, crappy HD that comes from DirecTV. And yes, I've done comparisons of the same channel, for instance ESPN-HD, on both feeds, and it is night and day. Even though I have my Anthem D2 in the mix, I have tried it with and without it in the mix, and in fact, the picture from DirecTV is actually worse when the D2 is not in the mix, going direct from HR10-250 to the TV with HDMI. As for signal strength, I am always above 96% signal strength on all satellites, so I have ruled out a satellite signal being the problem. In any case, if it were that, the picture would pixelate and things, and that never happens. It is simply a difference in sharpness, detail, and color vibrance. And it is a BIG difference indeed. I will be keeping the 1 Cablecard directly into the TV for a short time, as I want to see if the Series 3 itself introduces any loss of picture quality between the direct Comcast feed into the TV vs. the feed into the Series 3. The reviews have all indicated excellent video quality, but I'd rather see it for myself, as I transition. I have found myself becoming such an HD snob I guess, but when you see the difference, as it's easy to do, you never wanna go back to the way things were.

I'll let you know how I make out on all this.

-Brian

I record off Comcast now with a Mac, and on playback, I have the option of showing the bitrate. Rest assured that all HD channels I've been able to record in this fashion (the unencrypted ones, meaning the local stations) have shown full bitrates with the exception of Fox. In the case of Fox, I'm told that the low bitrate happens at the network, rather than cable level.

Not that the transmitted bitrate really means anything, but it'd seem pretty dumb for Comcast to down-rez the signal, then send filler bits to retain the original bitrate.

So no, I haven't been able to A/B the picture between DTV and Comcast, but I can verify that Comcast is sending full bandwidth bitrate at least on the local channels.

Looks like Comcast plans to offer 35 channels by the 3rd quarter of 2007. To read more
see here:
http://www.tvpredictions.com/burke091306.htm

By the way, and speaking of TiVii (someone was):

I really want to get one of those new Series 3 TiVos. Will my local Comcast office give me any guff/resistance over installing cablecards in this non-TV device? (I know they're not supposed to, but since when does that stop them?)

Over at tivocommunity, folks indicate that FCC regulations require Comcast to give you the cable cards. Although they do have the right to charge for them.

Yes, I know they're supposed to, but I'm just trying to adjust my expectations as to whether this will go down easily, or whether I'm facing a fight. (If it's the latter, I may be more inclined to wait a bit while others do battle for me.)

By the way, and speaking of TiVii (someone was):

I really want to get one of those new Series 3 TiVos. Will my local Comcast office give me any guff/resistance over installing cablecards in this non-TV device? (I know they're not supposed to, but since when does that stop them?)


the local offices don't carry cable cards. right now its a tech only install

Ok, that's good information.

Will I get guff from the tech/main office?

Ok, that's good information.

Will I get guff from the tech/main office?

no because its already being done on the Sony DVRs. you might not come across a tech that never installed it in a Tivo, but as long as you have the manual it shouldn't be an issue.

the reps will not even ask if its going into a non-TV device.

Good to know.

I've read alarmist stuff on other boards suggesting that some techs would want to make it a problem, so that had me worried.

I VERY much appreciate the info, as well as your participation, whoever you are.

;)

Looks like Comcast plans to offer 35 channels by the 3rd quarter of 2007. To read more
see here:
http://www.tvpredictions.com/burke091306.htmHe said that last year too. Just ignore him.

I just word thay WLVI was sold today to Sunbeam Tv Corp same owner of WHDH, and looks like they will use the same studio for the news. Now will this effect their future HD brodcasts?

http://business.bostonherald.com/businessNews/view.bg?articleid=157515

the local offices don't carry cable cards. right now its a tech only install

I was just wondering - I'm finally going to get a CC for one of my tv's, but the customer service rep I just talked to said I could pick one up at the local office and install it myself.

Was he just wrong about that?

I'm also considering swapping the HD box on my other tv for an HD DVR box. Is that something I can do myself at the local office?

Thanks!

Hey Stan,

I currently have a cablecard with Comcast going directly into my TV, and on Friday, my Tivo Series 3 arrives, along with the Comcast Tech between 3-5pm to install 2 more cablecards in the Series 3. I have been and continue to be a DirecTV Tivo subscriber as well, with an HR10-250, the HD Tivo for satellite. I was a big believer for a long time in satellite and HD thru DirecTV, until I saw the picture quality of Comcast HD with Cablecard. The picture quality is night and day different, it is so damn amazing how crisp and clear Comcast is, compared to the over-compressed, crappy HD that comes from DirecTV. And yes, I've done comparisons of the same channel, for instance ESPN-HD, on both feeds, and it is night and day. Even though I have my Anthem D2 in the mix, I have tried it with and without it in the mix, and in fact, the picture from DirecTV is actually worse when the D2 is not in the mix, going direct from HR10-250 to the TV with HDMI. As for signal strength, I am always above 96% signal strength on all satellites, so I have ruled out a satellite signal being the problem. In any case, if it were that, the picture would pixelate and things, and that never happens. It is simply a difference in sharpness, detail, and color vibrance. And it is a BIG difference indeed. I will be keeping the 1 Cablecard directly into the TV for a short time, as I want to see if the Series 3 itself introduces any loss of picture quality between the direct Comcast feed into the TV vs. the feed into the Series 3. The reviews have all indicated excellent video quality, but I'd rather see it for myself, as I transition. I have found myself becoming such an HD snob I guess, but when you see the difference, as it's easy to do, you never wanna go back to the way things were.

I'll let you know how I make out on all this.

-BrianBrian,
I took a leap of faith and have Comcast coming Wednesday the 20th to install service. My Series 3 is scheduled to arrive Monday.

I have some tree issues (neighbors property) that affect me in heavy rain and I am taking advantage of the cable dish win-back for a good price, so I figure that I will do a direct comparison and determine if I keep DTV. I have an old RCA DirecTV receiver that I will give Comcast in exchange for the dish win-back credit.

Let me know how you make out with your installation and how the PQ is. You will be busy this weekend.

I was just wondering - I'm finally going to get a CC for one of my tv's, but the customer service rep I just talked to said I could pick one up at the local office and install it myself.

Was he just wrong about that?

I'm also considering swapping the HD box on my other tv for an HD DVR box. Is that something I can do myself at the local office?

Thanks!


The rep was wrong about the cable card being available at the local office, but you can swap your boxes there.

WSBK DT has just been removed as a favorite as for now the station is currentkly irelevent.

WSBK DT has just been removed as a favorite as for now the station is currentkly irelevent.


Even if they added MyTV in HD they would still be irrevelant...those shows look awful.

FYI Starz HD on Demand is up and running now...

Now that the Series 3 (dual cablecard) HD Tivo has been released: http://www.tivo.com/2.0.boxdetails.asp?box=series3HDDVR I am thinking of switching from DirecTV to Comcast.

I'm in the same boat, but I'm thinking more along the lines about keeping DirecTV and just going with Comcast for a minimal HD setup.

What is currently the most cost-effective way to get HD with Comcast? I know at one point, the cheapest entry point was to get basic cable for < $15 and then talk the CSR into just adding Digital Classic (not sure of the cost) without expanded basic. Also, will Comcast charge you for the second cablecard even though they would technically be used on the same outlet?

I will be following the TiVo S3/Comcast chatter closely, so please share your experiences. :)

Godamnit! At 12:00am in the middle of Letterman 804 starts broadcasting 825. This is not the first time this has happened and frankly I'm getting sick of it.

How many years of HD broadcasting will it take before they get it right?

I'm in the same boat, but I'm thinking more along the lines about keeping DirecTV and just going with Comcast for a minimal HD setup.

What is currently the most cost-effective way to get HD with Comcast? I know at one point, the cheapest entry point was to get basic cable for < $15 and then talk the CSR into just adding Digital Classic (not sure of the cost) without expanded basic. Also, will Comcast charge you for the second cablecard even though they would technically be used on the same outlet?

I will be following the TiVo S3/Comcast chatter closely, so please share your experiences. :)

My post of a month or so back has all the ninfo.

to sum it up.

HD locals are PART OF BASIC CABLE!

TNT,Discovery HD,UHD,ESPN 1,INHD1 and INHD2 require just Digital Classic.

ESPN 2 and NESN HD REQUIRE Enchanced cable (Fancy name for extended basic and a box)

MHD requires Enchanced basic AND Digital Classic. I believe this may be the case for any future HD channels.

Premium services are considered a part of the underlying channel (HBO-HD is part of HBO. You have to subscribe to 301-307 to get 870)

...FIOS TV just became available in my town. I called to set up an install date and they will be here on 9/25. I then called Comcast to give them a termination of service date and the service rep immediately offered a $20.00 per mo rate reduction guranteed for 1 year. This brings Comcast's monthly fee inline with FIOS. I have basic and extended cable, an hd dvr and no premium services.

Unlike many, I'm happy with Comcast's PQ. Since ADS the lower channels PQ (2-71) have improved tremendously and HD PQ has always been top notch. I've had only one STB (PH III 6412) and have had no problems, it records what I tell it to and has never missed a scheduled program. I record each program individually, there's too many variables with 'Series Recording' to make it a viabale option, nice idea but not practical. The only problem I have with the box is the occaisional command stacking.

My dilemma: stick with the devil I know or take a leap of faith. I wonder how much Comcast is making off me to give me a 20 buck per mo instant rebate without hesitation. Granted, they want to keep customers but they aren't going to offer incentives like this if it works out to a net profit loss.

I'm curious to hear what FIOS's counter offer will be...options are cool...

GreyWolf

The "HD OnDemand" menu now has ten submenus. Some of the content shows up in more than one submenu, but it's still a lot more stuff.

digital phone installed and working great!

As a long time Comcast internet and digital video customer I took the plunge into digital voice. It was painless as they replaced my modem with a new model that increased my bandwith from 6 to 8 meg, disconnected my phone line from the street and back fed the modem into my existing phone line.

I was getting up to 6 meg download with the old modem and now get 8 meg. I watched a high def on demand, downloaded computer files and talked on the phone at the same time with no problems.

So far, so good. It's $29/month for a year then $39 vs the $79 I was paying ATT and Verizon.

I just word thay WLVI was sold today to Sunbeam Tv Corp same owner of WHDHSo Channel 4 owns Channel 38, and Channel 7 owns Channel 56, now... Gotta keep this stuff straight. :)

So Channel 4 owns Channel 38, and Channel 7 owns Channel 56, now... Gotta keep this stuff straight. :)

and chanel 5 owns channel 9.

and chanel 5 owns channel 9.
And the Bush family owns the United States.

Channel 9? BNN?

I would like to know if last nights' football game, Dallas vs. Wash. was as bad for you as it was for me? I have a new A2000 and that game suffered from motion blur. I am trying to determine the cause. 1. It could have been a poor quality feed from the network.
2. The A2000 is inferior with sports motion.
3. My Comcast signal strength is sub-par.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Blazing download speeds with Modem upgrade

Not to seem like too much of a Comcast Fanboy, but I'm loving the internet speed boost with the increase in the cap limit from 6 to 8 meg and the installation of the new modem. Running speed tests at various sites yields 4-8 meg speeds and I was downloading video files from Microsoft and consistantly getting download speeds of 1200-1400 kbs a second. It is cool to download a 140 meg file in just about a minute.

The phone works fine and testing watching two different high def channels, heavy modem use and phone calls didn't seem to stomp on each other.

Ralph

I would like to know if last nights' football game, Dallas vs. Wash. was as bad for you as it was for me? I have a new A2000 and that game suffered from motion blur. I am trying to determine the cause. 1. It could have been a poor quality feed from the network.
2. The A2000 is inferior with sports motion.
3. My Comcast signal strength is sub-par.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

I would chalk it up to poor quality network feed. The Dallas game looked far inferior to the Pats game on my setup.

I would like to know if last nights' football game, Dallas vs. Wash. was as bad for you as it was for me? I have a new A2000 and that game suffered from motion blur. I am trying to determine the cause. 1. It could have been a poor quality feed from the network.
2. The A2000 is inferior with sports motion.
3. My Comcast signal strength is sub-par.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

You can also check out this thread.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=724890

Channel 9? BNN?
Channel 5 owns WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH (broadcast channel 9), an ABC affiliate.

When the NFL Network’s new eight-game, Thursday-Saturday package kicks off on Thanksgiving, Comcast will air the games on a digital tier available to fewer than one third of its subscribers. The league has been seeking carriage on basic cable, which would be available to nearly all of the operator's 23.3 million subscribers.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6372251.html

I wonder which digital package they speak of? Digital Classic I hope ? Since 50% of comcast customers are still full analog I would think only classic would have enough subs to be a full third of their customers.

-Ken

Channel 5 owns WMUR-TV, Manchester, NH (broadcast channel 9), an ABC affiliate.Ah, NH. That's not Boston! :D

When the NFL Network’s new eight-game, Thursday-Saturday package kicks off on Thanksgiving, Comcast will air the games on a digital tier available to fewer than one third of its subscribers. The league has been seeking carriage on basic cable, which would be available to nearly all of the operator's 23.3 million subscribers.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6372251.html

I wonder which digital package they speak of? Digital Classic I hope ? Since 50% of comcast customers are still full analog I would think only classic would have enough subs to be a full third of their customers.

-Ken

As of now NFL Network is either plus or the sports pack

Ah, NH. That's not Boston! :D

Many folks may get 809!

That is WMUR-DT :)

As of now NFL Network is either plus or the sports pack

Actually it is also the Spanish pack too.

Digitakl Classic may end up sufficent,as I have a friend with Digital plus and no extended basic who gets digital plus JUST FOR NFL Network

Actually it is also the Spanish pack too.

Digitakl Classic may end up sufficent,as I have a friend with Digital plus and no extended basic who gets digital plus JUST FOR NFL Network

forgot about that one

I would like to know if last nights' football game, Dallas vs. Wash. was as bad for you as it was for me? I have a new A2000 and that game suffered from motion blur. I am trying to determine the cause. 1. It could have been a poor quality feed from the network.
2. The A2000 is inferior with sports motion.
3. My Comcast signal strength is sub-par.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.


Loved the NBC Sunday Night game. Did not like ESPN's Monday Night game as much however. I have an A2000 as well, so I do not believe it is the display's fault.

For the past 3 or 4 weeks the SD picture on channels 804 and 838 has been "jumping" or "flashing" on my display (Panasonic CT34WX50). HD, and what I believe to be the SD signal from the network, are fine on 804, but when they go local, the picture starts jumping. Of course there hasn't been any HD on 838 lately. I know that WBZ and WSBK are owned by CBS, so I'm guessing they transmit together - is there something in their signal that my display doesn't like? Is anyone else having this problem? All the other 800 tier channels are fine in both HD and SD. Thanks.

forgot about that one

she would be willing to get the sports pack.

I( wonder how comcast will be "getting away" with that one?

Is anyone having any problems getting Encore's HD On Demand to work? I get a error saying I need a subscription, I have the Platinum pack and Encore is included in it.

Thanks

Is anyone having any problems getting Encore's HD On Demand to work? I get a error saying I need a subscription, I have the Platinum pack and Encore is included in it.

Thanks

Same here.

a)Digital classic, Digital plus,and non sports channels in premiere pack would all become part of the new "Enhanced cable" package. I would offer it for around $40.

b)All channels ABOVE broadcast Basic would REQUIRE A BOX! 100% DIGITAL!

c)DCT 700s would be offered at a LOW price -perhaps FREE.

d) MORE HD!

I must say I am liking the expaned menu for HD ON DEMAND. The availability of HD movies under Starz is a pretty nice selection.

I must say I am liking the expaned menu for HD ON DEMAND. The availability of HD movies under Starz is a pretty nice selection.
Yes, it is quite nice.

My only complaint is that the audio seems to drop out semi-frequently. So far, I've watched three of the Starz HD On Demand films currently available, and have experienced numerous audio dropouts during all three of them.

What I'm wondering is, has anybody in the Boston area been able to watch any Starz HD On Demand movies without any audio dropouts at all? How has your experience been?

a)Digital classic, Digital plus,and non sports channels in premiere pack would all become part of the new "Enhanced cable" package. I would offer it for around $40.

b)All channels ABOVE broadcast Basic would REQUIRE A BOX! 100% DIGITAL!

c)DCT 700s would be offered at a LOW price -perhaps FREE.

d) MORE HD!

And how would you make up for the lost revenue ? Remember Comcast is a public company and needs revenue growth to keep it's share price high. We can all wish for more more more but Comcast isn't going to do that unless it helps their bottom line.

-Ken

And how would you make up for the lost revenue ? Remember Comcast is a public company and needs revenue growth to keep it's share price high. We can all wish for more more more but Comcast isn't going to do that unless it helps their bottom line.

-Ken

Blow Fios out of the water!

Yes, it is quite nice.

My only complaint is that the audio seems to drop out semi-frequently. So far, I've watched three of the Starz HD On Demand films currently available, and have experienced numerous audio dropouts during all three of them.

What I'm wondering is, has anybody in the Boston area been able to watch any Starz HD On Demand movies without any audio dropouts at all? How has your experience been?

I'm in Nashua, New Hampshire which isn't that far away from Boston and I had audio stuttering issues about every minute or so give or take a little until I got an amp which fixed the problem. I had this issue a few months before when The Fifth Element was on HD On Demand in the Free Movies section. Once I got the amp this same movie played back perfectly and all other movies after such as Bad Boys HD, Men In Black HD, Narnia, Incredibles and Die Hard:WAV have worked perfectly with no picture or audio issues.

Also as a side note I'm also getting the no subscription error with all movies under the Encore HD On Demand section and its been this way for days and yes I do order Encore as I get everything they have. For about two hours a couple of days ago all of the Starz HD On Demand movies did the same exact thing but they started working again and I was hoping the Encore would follow suit but after a couple days I'm not holding my breath yet.

a)Digital classic, Digital plus,and non sports channels in premiere pack would all become part of the new "Enhanced cable" package. I would offer it for around $40.

b)All channels ABOVE broadcast Basic would REQUIRE A BOX! 100% DIGITAL!

c)DCT 700s would be offered at a LOW price -perhaps FREE.

d) MORE HD!
e) And all customers would get a pony!

e) And all customers would get a pony!

Can I get a horse instead?

All I'd ever get is the output.

My Comcast service ($130/mo) does not always provide great HD, resulting in motion blur/distortion during sports action. Was told to get an OTA antenna. What is the antenna of choice for the Dedham area? Does it help? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

Moderately OT: I just got a moderately decent OTA antenna ($39 at CC) and hooked up my HDTV. OTA, analog, we get horribly staticy reception, even only 11 miles from Boston. I hit the button to search for frequencies and then checked out the DT channels. Awesome. How can anyone not want to go digital? I just cannot fathom that.

Does Comcast play the weekly FSN College FB HD game on INHD2?

Does Comcast play the weekly FSN College FB HD game on INHD2?

Nope!

Whats in HD on 838, seems nothing. What a waste of a channel. Why not just drop it and free up the bandwidth.

Looks like Comcast plans to offer 35 channels by the 3rd quarter of 2007. To read more
see here:
http://www.tvpredictions.com/burke091306.htm

This says 15 HD channels wll get added!!!

Yeah right

My Comcast service ($130/mo) does not always provide great HD, resulting in motion blur/distortion during sports action. Was told to get an OTA antenna. What is the antenna of choice for the Dedham area? Does it help? Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

From what I understand, this is not an issue with Comcast, as they don't re-encode the signal, its a problem with the Boston stations, which don't use enough bandwidth to get good picture quality (esp. problematic with the 1080i stations).

Is anyone having any problems getting Encore's HD On Demand to work? I get a error saying I need a subscription, I have the Platinum pack and Encore is included in it.

Thanks

I haven't seen that issue, but if you don't have your box output to 1080i there is a known issue.

Pete

Hi folks,

This might have been discussed already, but whenever I am watching HD on Comcast and a scene with a lot of "white" comes on, my tv signal starts to freak out. It returns to normal as soon as a darker scene returns. This happens on both the DVR Moto box in my family room and on the non-dvr Moto box in my HT.

What is up with this? Is this a known issue with the Moto boxes?

Thanks
-Hal

That sounds more like an issue with the television itself. Can you hook your television up to an OTA antenna and check?

Well, I can pull my old OTA tuner out of the box and give it a shot. But, this happens on my plasma in the living room and on my 64" RPTV in the basement. Not sure if it happens on my projector yet.

And Letterman goes out once more. Maybe the folks at Comcast like Leno?

Has anyone else noticed the quality of the HD channels been going downhill lately. I have been experiencing a lot of drop outs, stuttering, macroblocking and pixelation. Even on stations like NESN and ESPN where the PQ is usually excellent I have seen this. As well as on NBC last night with Leno and Conan there were a lot of instances and there seems to be a 1-2 second audio drop out every now and then on all the channels. Hope this is not a sign of things to come. :(

I was noticing some audio dropouts on NBC last night during the L&O franchises.

In my case, I rack it up to Comcast delivering a signal that's barely acceptable. By that, I mean that if you look at the signal strength, S/N, etc on the tuned digital channels or on the cable modem, all of the numbers are at the rock bottom range of what's acceptable.

Doesn't take much to push that over the line.

Does anyone else experience that teh sound levels seem to vary a lot on HD channels evenon the same show. It seems to happen when switching between the show and the commercials. I don't mean that the commercials are louder (of course they are!). I mean that when the show returns the sound level is not the same as before the commercial. Sometimes it is quite soft and I have to turn up the volume and then when the commercial hits - Bam! it's loud.

Also I noticed lip synch problems more often lately as well. Is there some audio gremlin running around Comcast?

Those issues are more likely to be due to things happening at the network itself, or within your own equipment, not with respect to anything Comcast or Comcast's equipment might do.

Anyone experience this?-- When I turn on my TV and its channel happens to be an HD channel, the image is split into 3.. to fix i just change the channel...

odd.

Anyone experience this?-- When I turn on my TV and its channel happens to be an HD channel, the image is split into 3.. to fix i just change the channel...

odd.
Yeah, seems to happen when I power up my TV after I've turned on the cable box. If I power up the tv first, it doesn't happen.

Yeah, seems to happen when I power up my TV after I've turned on the cable box. If I power up the tv first, it doesn't happen.

Thanks.

I think it's related to the "powering on" of the DVI ouput.. my cable box is always on since TiVo is using the component outputs and never has a problem until the TV turns on.

oh well, interesting stuff. :)

Has anyone else noticed the quality of the HD channels been going downhill lately. I have been experiencing a lot of drop outs, stuttering, macroblocking and pixelation. Even on stations like NESN and ESPN where the PQ is usually excellent I have seen this. As well as on NBC last night with Leno and Conan there were a lot of instances and there seems to be a 1-2 second audio drop out every now and then on all the channels. Hope this is not a sign of things to come. :(


Thank you, I thought it was my TV. hd picture for the Pats game on NBC was horrible.

Smallville premiered last night and was Pro-Logic only. Gilmore Girls was the same deal. WB used to use DD 5.1 on WLVI didn't it? Does CW not provide it, or is WLVI just not doing it anymore?

As you know many places seem to have HD sets but do not take advantage of the HD signals.

Places that do that seem to use a dish for programming.

Has anyone seen a place WITH HD? :)

As you know many places seem to have HD sets but do not take advantage of the HD signals.

Places that do that seem to use a dish for programming.

Has anyone seen a place WITH HD? :)
The Cask 'N Flagon next to Fenway Park shows plenty of HD programming on its flat panel TVs. They seem to use Comcast as their provider as I have seen the OLN HD (now Versus) hockey games that air on INHD1.

Anyone experience this?-- When I turn on my TV and its channel happens to be an HD channel, the image is split into 3.. to fix i just change the channel...

odd.

That happens to me every once in a while, only since I changed to using a DVI switch.

Smallville premiered last night and was Pro-Logic only. Gilmore Girls was the same deal. WB used to use DD 5.1 on WLVI didn't it? Does CW not provide it, or is WLVI just not doing it anymore?

I watched Smallville off the DVR tonight. It appears that the CW is not broadcasting the shows in 5.1 but when it switches over to local commercials, WLVI sends out DD 5.1. The IPod commercial was in HD and 5.1. Weird...exactly the opposite behavior of Fox 25.

Next Week's Two New HD Chronicles!

Wednesday, Oct 4 (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/9946899/detail.html)

Thursday, Oct 5 (http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/9946909/detail.html)

What's interesting here is that neither of these would appear (from the descriptions) to be the kind of "scenic New England" type shows that they used to reserve HD for. So it seems the technology is gradually filtering down to their "everyday" shows. Wonder how long before they're all-HD?

BTW, they've been known to switch shows on short notice, so keep that in mind.

What's the status of getting Versus (OLN HD channel), and FSNE HD? Is Comcast ready to roll these out before the Bruins and Celtics regular seasons' begin?

Anyone in the Western/Central West 'burbs get the 3416s yet? According to a thread in the Recorders Forum they have the boxes with the larger HDs on the South Shore already.

If so I'll take my box in and exchange it for a larger one. I do hope they'll upgrade the software soon though. It sucks.

Any idea when more channels will go to diigital only from analog to free up band width?

What's the status of getting Versus (OLN HD channel), and FSNE HD? Is Comcast ready to roll these out before the Bruins and Celtics regular seasons' begin?

I tried to see if FSNE is going to be doing more Celtics games in HD this year so far they have not decided on a schedule yet. Maybe like last year half the home game in HD.

This year they have INHD2 all to themself until Redsox and Bruins HD games start to conflict each other then we'll have B's in HD on INHD2 and Sox on NESNHD, nut that only in April.

I tried to see if FSNE is going to be doing more Celtics games in HD this year so far they have not decided on a schedule yet. Maybe like last year half the home game in HD.

This year they have INHD2 all to themself until Redsox and Bruins HD games start to conflict each other then we'll have B's in HD on INHD2 and Sox on NESNHD, nut that only in April.

Yea, hopefully the Bruins will make the play-offs this year so we do have a conflict of scheduling. :D

Any idea when more channels will go to diigital only from analog to free up band width?

I know of 45 channels that SHOULD!

Anyone in the Western/Central West 'burbs get the 3416s yet? According to a thread in the Recorders Forum they have the boxes with the larger HDs on the South Shore already.

If so I'll take my box in and exchange it for a larger one. I do hope they'll upgrade the software soon though. It sucks.

I am in Randolph, MA and swapped out my 6412 for the 3416 at the Randolph office. This was because I wasn't able to record other than a current program.

A couple of points/questions:

1. Channel 7's HD channel is given 810, not 807. On 845, I get what appears to be a religious channel, not weatherscan. Also, channel 6 says it's channel 6(WLNE) but it is showing the weather Channel. Same with ch.10, states WJAR but it is also showing the Weather Channel. NECN is channel 8.

2. What are the capacities of the 3416?

Gary

Hi Folks,

I have one of the Moto DVR's. For some reason, on my 16x9 plasma, I am getting Black Bars on the top an bottom of the picture during HD programming. It was not always like that and something has changed, but I can't fingure out what it is. When I look at regular programming or bring up the guide or info bar, the black bars disappear. So, it is not an aspect ratio or zoom problem with the TV. When I press the memu button with the power off, the menu says the box is configured for 16x9. Can anyone tell me how to resolve this issue? Sorry if this has been covered before.

Regards
-Hal

Hi Folks,

I have one of the Moto DVR's. For some reason, on my 16x9 plasma, I am getting Black Bars on the top an bottom of the picture during HD programming. It was not always like that and something has changed, but I can't fingure out what it is. When I look at regular programming or bring up the guide or info bar, the black bars disappear. So, it is not an aspect ratio or zoom problem with the TV. When I press the memu button with the power off, the menu says the box is configured for 16x9. Can anyone tell me how to resolve this issue? Sorry if this has been covered before.

Regards
-Hal

your probably on your antenna input instead of component/dvi/hdmi input.

...2. What are the capacities of the 3416?
I believe the 3416 has a 160GB hard drive, while the 6412 has a 120GB hard drive.

Mickey

your probably on your antenna input instead of component/dvi/hdmi input.

OMG, that was it. DUH... I forgot I even had my tuner connected via s-video via the receiver.

Thanks,
-Hal

Has anyone done a side by side comparison of these two boxes? What are all the feature differences and is it worth exchanging for? Any new technology in the 3416 besides more GB?

Thanks,
epie

I don't believe there are any differences, except for the size of the hard drive.

I watched Smallville off the DVR tonight. It appears that the CW is not broadcasting the shows in 5.1 but when it switches over to local commercials, WLVI sends out DD 5.1. The IPod commercial was in HD and 5.1. Weird...exactly the opposite behavior of Fox 25.

Interestingly enough, Veronica Mars was DD 5.1. I wonder why a former UPN show is but the former WB ones are not 5.1?

This has probably been discussed before, but...

What resolution camera's does Fox use for its MLB Playoff games? They sure don't look high def to me, even though they are widescreen.

This sure makes me appreciate the NESN Sox coverage.

Fox has a history of upconverting a standard def feed from some or all of the cameras. I hate Joe Morgan also.

Could it be the difference between Fox 720p and NESN 1080i? Not sarcastic, genuinely curious.... and I hate Morgan, too, though he's better than McCarver.

I don't know about Fox sports, but a lot of their "Hi Def" programming ends up taking about half the disk space as a comparable ABC (also 720p) program. Likewise, the playback bitrate is often about half what it should be.

I just don't think that most Fox "hi def" is really that high.

FYI: There is a free preview of Showtime starting today until Tuesday

While watching the Bruins opening night debacle on NESN last night I kept seeing the picture flicker during on ice action. I also saw this on the OLN game Weds night between the Canes and Sabres but none of the other channels were exhibiting this and seems to be only Hockey related. At first I thought it was my plasma ( Hitachi ) because they been known to have this issue, but when I checked my Phillips CRT it was doing the same thing so I know it's not the TV's but in the feed. Did anyone else notice this? I'm curious because I did not see this in last years telecasts.

Thanks for the head up L Supreme. A couple of decent movies to DVR over the weekend...

...at least they're available in Wakefield.

The HDMI port failed on my 6412 PIII and I received a 3416 as a replacement. It has a 160GB hard drive, 40 gigs more than the 6412...

I've had it for a few days and no glitches so far but the occasional 'command stacking' latency bug is still alive and well ;-)

I am in Randolph, MA and swapped out my 6412 for the 3416 at the Randolph office. This was because I wasn't able to record other than a current program.

A couple of points/questions:

1. Channel 7's HD channel is given 810, not 807. On 845, I get what appears to be a religious channel, not weatherscan. Also, channel 6 says it's channel 6(WLNE) but it is showing the weather Channel. Same with ch.10, states WJAR but it is also showing the Weather Channel. NECN is channel 8.

2. What are the capacities of the 3416?

Gary


Call Comcast. They can send a hit to your box to fix it. Sounds like your box was originally programmed from further south where we are stuck w/WJAR (810) for NBC instead of WHDH. The same thing happened to a co-worker in Weymouth w/a new box until she called Comcast and they reset the box for her w/the correct lineup.

Without getting any response, I guess no one watches the Bruins anymore. Oh well.
FWIW the second game was not nearly as bad with the flicker but it definitely was still there.

I keep on getting sound drop outs on my 3412 and it keeps locking up. Maybe I'll try swapping it out for a 3416. They both suck I know.

Without getting any response, I guess no one watches the Bruins anymore. Oh well.
FWIW the second game was not nearly as bad with the flicker but it definitely was still there.

Sorry I'm late but I also had this problem on NESN HD during the first Tampa Bay Lightning game against Boston. The funny thing is that one TV had the issue while my other TV didn't. My tube CRT HDTV had a flicker during this game while all other channels were fine. Also my signals were fine on this TV without a doubt. But the same exact game on my LCD HDTV had not one flicker whatsoever. So from this point in time I have no clue what was going on.

I've been seeing a lot of audio issues as well recently. Not dropouts, but the volume drops significantly. It seems to happen almost everytime I access the online guide, and remote control response is very, very slow.

Now that the new seasons of Dr. Who and BSG are going, this problem I've had forever is getting really annoying - on many SD cable channels (like SciFi, TLC, G4), the music/effects channel is louder than the voice if I use digital audio. Analog audio is ok, but sounds a lot flatter. Can anyone tell me if this is a known problem with Comcast or with specific channels, or if it's likely a problem with my 6412 or my receiver? Any fix?

I assume if it's a problem with the source, and these sources are only in stereo, there's nothing I can do. If it is a problem with surround encoding, making the rear channel louder than the front, I'd think I could fix it at the receiver but I haven't found a way to do so. Do SD basic cable channels transmit surround (DD or Pro Logic)?

If you turn off DD, does the problem go away?

Could someone please explain how to change source to 720p from 1080i? Dvr is 3412.

Could someone please explain how to change source to 720p from 1080i? Dvr is 3412.
You can change the box output to 720. With the TV on, turn off the box power and then press Menu on the box. This should give you the set up menu. Switching usually doesn't produce a noticable difference, but there is no harm in trying.

Mickey

It makes a noticable difference if your TV can't do 720p.

(just thread farting/being snarky for no good reason)

It makes a noticable difference if your TV can't do 720p.

(just thread farting/being snarky for no good reason)
So then, if your display is 1080i, you would leave the box set to the default (1080i)? Or are you talking about a 480p (ED) display?

Mickey

Does anyone know if they're going to have Celtic games in HD this season?

Does anyone know if they're going to have Celtic games in HD this season?

Yes the Home games will be, not sure about the away games.

New font on the program guide

New font on the program guide

Wow. Is that the "new program guide enhancement" Comcast referred to in the recent message they pushed through to boxes? I'm underwhelmed.

It is not a good idea to make the assumption that the first thing one poster notices after the update is the only thing that the update included. :rolleyes:

It is not a good idea to make the assumption that the first thing one poster notices after the update is the only thing that the update included. :rolleyes:

I was obviously being facetious. :)

You must be using the word "obviously" in a manner I'm not familiar with, as I couldn't tell the difference between what you wrote and what someone who was not being facetious would have written, if they were cavalierly jumping to conclusions. :)

Sorry for the confusion.

Could someone please explain how to change source to 720p from 1080i? Dvr is 3412.

If you watch HD On Demand this isn't a good idea. It will look like crap. You have to have 1080i output even if your TV is 720p or 768p for LCD whatever.

I noticed this when HD OnDemand came out. The picture looked horrible and had lines running through it. I switched from 720p to 1080i on both my sets and it worked flawlessly after that.

Hi - I'm trying to get PIP working on my Samsung HL-R5078W and I only seem to get odd # channels from the integrated Cablecard tuner. This TV is from 2005, so it is possible that this feature just wasn't implemented correctly at the time...I do not have a Comcast cablebox, but the TV has an integrated Cablecard HD tuner. I can use PIP with channels 97, 903, 908 (TV Guide Channel), 909, 910 (CW), 922, and 947 (QVC). I only noted the channel names that were obvious...

I guess my question is why are only these channels showing up, and not the entire Comcast lineup?

I can post on a forum for my TV, but it seems that this might have to do with Comcast???

Thanks for any help!!

I was thinking of stopping at the Broadway office in Southie this afternoon. Anybody have the new box?

Hi - I'm trying to get PIP working on my Samsung HL-R5078W and I only seem to get odd # channels from the integrated Cablecard tuner. This TV is from 2005, so it is possible that this feature just wasn't implemented correctly at the time...I do not have a Comcast cablebox, but the TV has an integrated Cablecard HD tuner. I can use PIP with channels 97, 903, 908 (TV Guide Channel), 909, 910 (CW), 922, and 947 (QVC). I only noted the channel names that were obvious...

I guess my question is why are only these channels showing up, and not the entire Comcast lineup?

I can post on a forum for my TV, but it seems that this might have to do with Comcast???

Thanks for any help!!

I notice this with my Sony; only certain channels will do PIP, even SD.
I have not looked too much into.

I was thinking of stopping at the Broadway office in Southie this afternoon. Anybody have the new box?

I had a Comcast install last week, and the tech brought along a brand new 3416 dvr. This was in Roslindale.

Hey all, I'm not at home, but I'm seeing word about Comcast starting to push down the new iGuide software. Has anyone on here gotten anything yet?

One comment here (http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/13/comcast-updates-digital-set-top-boxes/) seems to indicate some parts of the area have received it.

Hey all, I'm not at home, but I'm seeing word about Comcast starting to push down the new iGuide software. Has anyone on here gotten anything yet?

One comment here (http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/13/comcast-updates-digital-set-top-boxes/) seems to indicate some parts of the area have received it.


Its being done one region at a time. You'll get it sometime this month.

Its being done one region at a time. You'll get it sometime this month.
Will this be the version that doesn't work with HDMI? (16.20) :(

See
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142&page=64&pp=30
for more info on 16.20

Hey all, I'm not at home, but I'm seeing word about Comcast starting to push down the new iGuide software. Has anyone on here gotten anything yet?

One comment here (http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/10/13/comcast-updates-digital-set-top-boxes/) seems to indicate some parts of the area have received it.

Lawrence got it Wednesday night. I was expecting a new start page with views of selected channels.

Does anyone know if they're going to have Celtic games in HD this season?


I'm wondering if the games will be moved to channel 881 due to the pending demise of iNHD2.

http://fsnnewengland.com/0607Schedule.jsp

I notice this with my Sony; only certain channels will do PIP, even SD.
I have not looked too much into.

Has anyone else noticed this? Has Comcast integrated PIP with the cable box/remote yet? I noticed that they added buttons to the bottom of it which suggests that they may implement PIP using the dual HD tuners.

Are there any other ways of getting this to work correctly with Comcast/Boston/Cablecard setup?

I'm wondering if the games will be moved to channel 881 due to the pending demise of iNHD2.

http://fsnnewengland.com/0607Schedule.jsp

I was hoping for channel 852 myself. :)

I was hoping for channel 852 myself. :)

Yea, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for FSNE-HD on 852 and OLN-HD on 853...

Yea, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for FSNE-HD on 852 and OLN-HD on 853...

VS HD would be on 865 and there is no notice of a full time HD channel for VS

I'm shooting for HDNEt on 883 and HDNET movies on 884. (We have seen NO notice of INHD2 leaving in Boston.)

The only thing I'm really hoping for at this point is NFL Network in HD (at least part time) in time for the Thursday night games (starting on Thanksgiving).

After that, I'd like to see Food Network HD, National Geographic (if it's anything like Discovery HD!), then the HDNets. Anything after that (VS, VOOM channels, HGTV-HD, etc) would be icing on the cake.

The only thing I'm really hoping for at this point is NFL Network in HD (at least part time) in time for the Thursday night games (starting on Thanksgiving).

After that, I'd like to see Food Network HD, National Geographic (if it's anything like Discovery HD!), then the HDNets. Anything after that (VS, VOOM channels, HGTV-HD, etc) would be icing on the cake.

NFl HD will be here part time for all the games

Yea, it seems like we are getting VS-HD part time on 881. There was a hockey game a few days ago in HD on there.

No WJAR -HD tonight, NBC Weather Plus was off too.
Hope will we see some new HD channels soon. Hope that Comcast will move more channels in 2007 to digital only to free up more bandwidth.

The only thing I'm really hoping for at this point is NFL Network in HD (at least part time) in time for the Thursday night games (starting on Thanksgiving).

After that, I'd like to see Food Network HD, National Geographic (if it's anything like Discovery HD!), then the HDNets. Anything after that (VS, VOOM channels, HGTV-HD, etc) would be icing on the cake.

NGC-HD is not like DiscorveryHD. It is a simulcast of the SD channel. Most of the shows they acquire now are in HD. However, because it is a commercial channel you will have the typical number of commercials per hour instead of DHDT's one break with commercials before and after.

Thank heaven for DVRs.

Rich N.

NGC-HD is not like DiscorveryHD. It is a simulcast of the SD channel. Most of the shows they acquire now are in HD. However, because it is a commercial channel you will have the typical number of commercials per hour instead of DHDT's one break with commercials before and after.


ah bummer. Well, then with that and the news of part time NFL HD, all I need to be happy is Food Network HD! It's pretty much the only SD channel my girlfriend and I log a lot of time on at the moment (save SciFi, but just for Doctor Who and BSG). Make it happen Comcast!

Ive got one comment about the new program guide.

There's sometghing missing.

I need to get the box with more HD space.

What's missing from the new guide? (I don't have it yet)

I need to get the box with more HD space.

What's missing from the new guide? (I don't have it yet)

http://www.comcast.com/newguide/

3416s have arrived in the Wilmington area.

Ive got one comment about the new program guide.

There's sometghing missing.

Comcast has two promo pages up:

http://www.comcast.com/improvedguide

http://www.comcast.com/newguide

Note that the first page does not mention "Comcast Central." This page seems to more accurately describe the service update that most of us in the Boston area have received.

Does anyone have any information on why not everyone is getting the "Comcast Central" feature?

Comcast has two promo pages up:

http://www.comcast.com/improvedguide

http://www.comcast.com/newguide

Note that the first page does not mention "Comcast Central." This page seems to more accurately describe the service update that most of us in the Boston area have received.

Does anyone have any information on why not everyone is getting the "Comcast Central" feature?

That is what I want to know.

I am a longtime DirecTV subscriber, and I want to watch FSNE in HD (not available in HD at DirecTV) so I wanted to give Comcast a try....so I ordered the HD DVR to be installed today in a spare room, and I asked specifically for HD DRV that has a working HDMI. The tech showed up and didn't have the HD DVR with HDMI, he said he has one with a DVI conversion. Is there any problems using this? Can I get DD5.1 thru this setup? Its not a big issue to me, as this isn't our main viewing room, I'm just curious if there's anything I"m missing out on. When I called Comcast to ask about how long the wait would be for an HDMI-working DVR, the rep told me there aren't any more and there won't be anymore. I know the Tivo HD DVR is coming soon to Comcast. ...is this why there mightnot be any more right now?

Thanks for your help.

I am a longtime DirecTV subscriber, and I want to watch FSNE in HD (not available in HD at DirecTV) so I wanted to give Comcast a try....so I ordered the HD DVR to be installed today in a spare room, and I asked specifically for HD DRV that has a working HDMI. The tech showed up and didn't have the HD DVR with HDMI, he said he has one with a DVI conversion. Is there any problems using this? Can I get DD5.1 thru this setup? Its not a big issue to me, as this isn't our main viewing room, I'm just curious if there's anything I"m missing out on. When I called Comcast to ask about how long the wait would be for an HDMI-working DVR, the rep told me there aren't any more and there won't be anymore. I know the Tivo HD DVR is coming soon to Comcast. ...is this why there mightnot be any more right now?

Thanks for your help.

Not sure why you were told that, but all new DVRs that come in have HDMI. If you really want one with HDMI, best bet its to get it from your local office.

Not sure why you were told that, but all new DVRs that come in have HDMI. If you really want one with HDMI, best bet its to get it from your local office.

It stinks how SOME people can be quite stupid. :(

Well the tech showed up and didn't have a DVR, just a plain HD box. Oh, well, I'll have to swap it at the local office.

I had one other question - I'd like to order only the minimum package(s) I need to watch the Celtics in HD. The Comcast woman I spoke to tonight said I need the expanded service plus digital classic, which another tech can setup tomorrow from outside at the street tomorrow. This hasn't been the best day, but....

Is that the minimum package(s) I need?

Thanks for your help.

Well the tech showed up and didn't have a DVR, just a plain HD box. Oh, well, I'll have to swap it at the local office.

I had one other question - I'd like to order only the minimum package(s) I need to watch the Celtics in HD. The Comcast woman I spoke to tonight said I need the expanded service plus digital classic, which another tech can setup tomorrow from outside at the street tomorrow. This hasn't been the best day, but....

Is that the minimum package(s) I need?

Thanks for your help.

You need INHD1 which is expanded...even if it moves to FSNE-HD then you will still need this package.

You need INHD1 which is expanded...even if it moves to FSNE-HD then you will still need this package.

Correction, you need expanded to get FSNE. To get INHD1 & 2, as of now, the current minimum is classic.

Well I got the new update last night on my 6412 (DVI) (In Cambridge) - no comcast central, nothing really worth writing home about... EXCEPT.. constant reboots if I use the program guide. I'll be swapping it out this weekend I hope. Is the 3416 any different besides the HD space? I've been reading up and haven't noticed much else..

For the sake of clarity...

You need Expanded Basic to get FSNE-SD.

You only need Basic and Classic to get INHD and INHD2, which is where the Celtics' HD home games are found.

I just looked at the links for the new/improved guide features. The changes will make the guide work nearly identical to the way Dishnetwork works, which is what i missed most about dishnetwork when i switched to Comcast. Even though the changes seem minor, for those of us that used to use Dish, they will be a welcome addition. Way to go Comcast.

Although, now that I'm thinking about it, i have the 30 second skip programmed to the favorites button. I hope this doesn't screw up the way the new guide will work. Hmmmm, guess I'll have to wait and see when I get the new guide.

I just got the new iguide last night. I'm not positive it happened at the same time, but my firmware has been updated from 12.31 to 16.20 as well.

(Roslindale)

My hi def box (non-dvr style) stopped working, when I came home from work, it was flashing 8's and "DVI", then switching itself on and off. Component cables still work when I unplug the DVI cable from the box. Is this a result of the new upgrade that's going out? Comcast sent a signal to the box, but its still happening. I can stop by local office and swap boxes tomorrow, but I don't have confidence this will solve the problem. Anyone else experiencing this?

Questions for L Supreme

1) I read here a few months ago that households were restricted to one HD box (presumably due to scarcity). I'm going to be replacing my old bedroom TV at some point, so I was wondering if this was still in effect.

2) I'm reading that a number of those Comcast regions that still have INHD2 (including the Philly "home" region) are dropping it in mid-November. Have you heard anything about Boston's plans in this regard?

Thanks in advance for any information you might have on these.

Bob, you can get another box.

Is anyone having Comcast outage problems this evening?

I have no TV at all, analog or digital channels (separate tuners). Internet is fine.

I'm in Clinton.

Is anyone having Comcast outage problems this evening?

I have no TV at all, analog or digital channels (separate tuners). Internet is fine.

I'm in Clinton.
Dead as a doornail here in Ashburnham. Called Comcast and the recording said they were aware of it and they would call me back when service was restored.
All my recordings were gone and series scheduling appeared to be gone as well.

I finally gave up and called (on hold for 15 minutes as usual) - confirmed the outage.

At least it's back on now. Great - missed Lost, Jericho, and The Nine. Oh well, Jericho was probably destined to be axed from my schedule anyway. Lost I can get on iTunes.

Questions for L Supreme

1) I read here a few months ago that households were restricted to one HD box (presumably due to scarcity). I'm going to be replacing my old bedroom TV at some point, so I was wondering if this was still in effect.

2) I'm reading that a number of those Comcast regions that still have INHD2 (including the Philly "home" region) are dropping it in mid-November. Have you heard anything about Boston's plans in this regard?

Thanks in advance for any information you might have on these.



1) There is no longer a limitation.

20 Yes I do know about it, but I'm not at liberty to say at the moment. When the time comes I'll let you guys know.

Dead as a doornail here in Ashburnham. Called Comcast and the recording said they were aware of it and they would call me back when service was restored.
All my recordings were gone and series scheduling appeared to be gone as well.

Recordings GONE?

When I moved last year,I TOOK my DVR from my old apartment to my new apartment (I was moving within the same city,and had some recordings I* wanted to save)

I had no cable or internet the first night in my new apartment,but was able to watch a few shows off the DVR! :)

No outages of any kind in Lawrence :)

Ok at least im able to watch the TV this morning but as i said all my scheduled recordings. series recordings, and recorded programs are not showing up.
Im also seeing "To Be Announced" for a lot of the stations in the Guide.
It looks like everything is there up until Noon today and then i start seeing this.
Ive looked through the Wiki and is that the only way to force an program guide update or can i just power cycle the STB?
Wiki Link (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets)
Edit: Was just reading through the forum and elsewhere, and it appears that it may take up to 24 hours for the complete guide data to be updated.
What happened to the marvels of modern technology, high speed internet, putting a man on the moon? Never mind that last comment i just watched Apollo 13 the other night and i have a greater appreciation for duct tape.

Great - missed Lost, Jericho, and The Nine. Oh well, Jericho was probably destined to be axed from my schedule anyway. Lost I can get on iTunes.
For those not subscribed to Itunes or who dont want to pay $2 to watch it on your PC. The torrents or usenet have it all.
Was able to grab last nights episode of Lost using the Utorrent client (highly recommended w/no spyware/adware) and using this website (http://www.allmyepisodes.com/Tv_Shows.aspx) found a torrent worth using and had it in about an hour.
The same thing can be found on usenet with a little searching.
Not the same watching it on my 18" LCD as it is on my Samsung 50" DLP but itll have to do. My 3412 has been somewhat reliable but i miss the days of my Replay TV.

Out in Fitchburg as well last night except.... I was able to get channel 809 (WMUR). Was able to watch Lost (phew). Did not lose anything in the DVR.

Im also seeing "To Be Announced" for a lot of the stations in the Guide. It looks like everything is there up until Noon todayThat indicates that the box lost power. Program guide data is stored in volatile memory, so has to be reloaded after loss of power. The "next few hours" of program data is put out much more frequently than the "next couple of weeks".

I had the same condition earlier in the week, and even called Comcast about it. They said they would reinitialize the box and it should bring the whole guide data down within 10 minutes. I think they didn't know what they were talking about. AFAIK, there is no way either we (from our end) or the front-line techs (from their end) can "send" the whole guide data. I think that's programmed at the head-end, and isn't something front-line techs can mess with. It took me 48 hours before I got the full two weeks, and I definitely got it "all at once". At the 36 hour point I noted that I still had only a few hours of program data. Then, not long after the 48 hours point, I noticed that I had it all.

I recommend you put the Motorola box on an UPS, if you encounter power outages with any regularity.

My hi def box (non-dvr style) stopped working, when I came home from work, it was flashing 8's and "DVI", then switching itself on and off. Component cables still work when I unplug the DVI cable from the box. Is this a result of the new upgrade that's going out? Comcast sent a signal to the box, but its still happening. I can stop by local office and swap boxes tomorrow, but I don't have confidence this will solve the problem. Anyone else experiencing this?

Picked up a new box this morniing, still have the same problem. Any ideas? Is anyone else experiencing this problem? Its the DCT6200 box.

Hey L Supreme, any plans for ch 838, there is no HD on it and you could just as well watch the SD ch so to me it is a waste of bandwidth. I know you can't say much but is there any plans to replace it with something else. A yes or No answer will be fine. Thanks.

Picked up a new box this morniing, still have the same problem. Any ideas? Is anyone else experiencing this problem? Its the DCT6200 box.


What type of connection are you using? If DVi can you try component cables?

Hey L Supreme, any plans for ch 838, there is no HD on it and you could just as well watch the SD ch so to me it is a waste of bandwidth. I know you can't say much but is there any plans to replace it with something else. A yes or No answer will be fine. Thanks.

As of now I haven't heard anything abot what's being done with 838. Since its only being offered in the Boston DMA, its probably a low priority.

But the Boston DMA's pretty big, isn't it? I mean, I get 838 clear up in Bedford (functionally Manchester) New Hampshire.

[QUOTE=L Supreme]What type of connection are you using? If DVi can you try component cables?

I was using DVI connection until last night when I started getting the flashing DVI (it actually looks like "du1") problem. Component does work, but DVI is better on my 50 in. DLP. DVI had been working fine for the past two plus years, now suddenly its not. What can I do to get it working again?