[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?

Is your DVI cable 18 pin or 24?

[QUOTE=grampy]

Is your DVI cable 18 pin or 24?

24 pin

Edit: Correction, just got home and checked myself, its an 18 pin cable, should I try a 24-pin cable? I'll pick up one tomorrow if you believe this will solve the problem.

I'm a Comcast customer in Boston, just bought a Samsung TX3082-WH widescreen HDTV. Got the Comcast HD box this morning, it's a Moto 5100/6200 (it's the non-DVR box) with a DVI output. I connected the DVI output to my TV's HDMI input using a Comcast supplied DVI-to-HDMI cable. When I switch the TV to play from the HDMI, I see the picture for a brief moment, then it goes to snow. Then the picture for a sec, then snow, picture, snow, picture snow.

I've gone to the set-top box setup menu (turn off the box, hit 'menu' on the remote) and tried every setting under the sun. Nothing works. Using the component cables between the set top box and the TV looks fine. It's just the damned DVI to HDMI connection that's flaky. Jiggled the connectors, etc. Nada.

I will try a different cable as soon as I can get one, but does anyone have any clues or suggestions at all? At my wits end here!

[QUOTE=L Supreme]

24 pin

Edit: Correction, just got home and checked myself, its an 18 pin cable, should I try a 24-pin cable? I'll pick up one tomorrow if you believe this will solve the problem.

Yes, try that. You had me stumped when you said it was 24

I'm a Comcast customer in Boston, just bought a Samsung TX3082-WH widescreen HDTV. Got the Comcast HD box this morning, it's a Moto 5100/6200 (it's the non-DVR box) with a DVI output. I connected the DVI output to my TV's HDMI input using a Comcast supplied DVI-to-HDMI cable. When I switch the TV to play from the HDMI, I see the picture for a brief moment, then it goes to snow. Then the picture for a sec, then snow, picture, snow, picture snow.

I've gone to the set-top box setup menu (turn off the box, hit 'menu' on the remote) and tried every setting under the sun. Nothing works. Using the component cables between the set top box and the TV looks fine. It's just the damned DVI to HDMI connection that's flaky. Jiggled the connectors, etc. Nada.

I will try a different cable as soon as I can get one, but does anyone have any clues or suggestions at all? At my wits end here!

So far there seems to be a problem with 18 pin DVI connections. The DVI-HDMI Comcast provides are only 18 pin. Until a new firmware comes in you're not going to be able to use that cable.

Not an HD question, but channel list in my town in Bristol County lists the Tube; WLVI's sub-channel on Ch.296 , but I am not able to get it in my home. Any ideas? Have 5100 box.

Not an HD question, but channel list in my town in Bristol County lists the Tube; WLVI's sub-channel on Ch.296 , but I am not able to get it in my home. Any ideas? Have 5100 box.

Do you get 856?

Do other people in your community get it. As a broadcast subchannrl,It is considered part of limited basic.

So far there seems to be a problem with 18 pin DVI connections. The DVI-HDMI Comcast provides are only 18 pin. Until a new firmware comes in you're not going to be able to use that cable.

Just checked. It's definitely a 24 pin cable. SIGH.

Any other ideas?

Just checked. It's definitely a 24 pin cable. SIGH.

Any other ideas?

Get a DVR & use a HDMI connection or use component cables.

I live in Eastona nd stillwaiting for the new guide to appear. Has any body kept score of the roll-out so far? Wondering if there is trend from North Shore to South Shore with this roll-out. Also, does anyone know if we will be getting the "Comcast Central" feature in this area?

thanks,

no new guide in lynn yet, but saugus has it

Nothing here in Watertown.

I live in Eastona nd stillwaiting for the new guide to appear. Has any body kept score of the roll-out so far? Wondering if there is trend from North Shore to South Shore with this roll-out. Also, does anyone know if we will be getting the "Comcast Central" feature in this area?

thanks,

Lawrence got the "improved" guide on the 12th

NO Comcast Central here.

The fact that digital is available withOUT having to get extended basic may be a factor here.

chitchatjf: I get WLVI-HD and WJAR-HD. Do not get WSBK-DT or WHDH-DT. WLVI-HD is on 856 on my 5100 Moto box.

So far there seems to be a problem with 18 pin DVI connections. The DVI-HDMI Comcast provides are only 18 pin. Until a new firmware comes in you're not going to be able to use that cable.

Why would Comcast provide a cable that can't be used? At this point I'm not really looking forward to the switch from Adelphia to Comcast.

Where can I find a list of the QAM channels for comcast?

Thanks

Where can I find a list of the QAM channels for comcast?

Thanks

HD Channels

84-1 PBS
84-2 WB 56
85-5 UPN 38
86-1 ABC 5
86-2 NBC 7
87-1 Fox 25
87-2 CBS 4

Why would Comcast provide a cable that can't be used? At this point I'm not really looking forward to the switch from Adelphia to Comcast.

Prior to the firmware update they had worked. Seems like a front counter rep was unaware of it.

Correction:

84-1 PBS
84-2 CW 56
85-5 TV 38
86-1 ABC 5
86-2 NBC 7
87-1 Fox 25
87-2 CBS 4

Correction:

84-1 PBS
84-2 CW 56
85-5 TV 38
86-1 ABC 5
86-2 NBC 7
87-1 Fox 25
87-2 CBS 4


Great. Thanks.

What about the other stations in the XXX.X format? I know I have some in the 111.X (I'll make a list tonight if possible)? Are those just digital stations that aren't necessarily in HD? I remember seeing a WHDH all weather station around the 86.1 range.

Great. Thanks.

What about the other stations in the XXX.X format? I know I have some in the 111.X (I'll make a list tonight if possible)? Are those just digital stations that aren't necessarily in HD? I remember seeing a WHDH all weather station around the 86.1 range.

Yes digital stations non HD, you may even pick up some On-Demand stations. do a scan and delete what you do not want.

[QUOTE=grampy]

Yes, try that. You had me stumped when you said it was 24

I can confirm the DVI 24 pin cable also doesn't work with firmware 16.20. Any ideas how long before the firmware fix is available? Who can I address my complaint to at Comcast?

[QUOTE=L Supreme]

I can confirm the DVI 24 pin cable also doesn't work with firmware 16.20. Any ideas how long before the firmware fix is available? Who can I address my complaint to at Comcast?

No I don't. This is being addressed by Motorola.

Right now at the most there are 21 HD channels on the Comcast lineup.

By the end of 2007 there will be AT LEAST 30.

HDNet and HDNetMovies WILL BE AMONG them,and I would not doubt them being NEXT.

I also see Fios in more communities and Comcast WILL lower some prices in an affort to better compete.

Get a DVR & use a HDMI connection or use component cables.

Is this a problem with the HDCP activity in the box. A suggestion I heard was to turn off your cable box and your television. Turn on your television first, then turn on the cable box and the HDCP handshake should work.

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.


LSupreme - so this means that changes are underfoot....Your unspoken comment leads me to believe that INHD2 will be a goner in Boston...hmmm .....but what wil replace it....

-Ken

LSupreme - so this means that changes are underfoot....Your unspoken comment leads me to believe that INHD2 will be a goner in Boston...hmmm .....but what wil replace it....

-Ken

I see Boston as one of the last holdouts if INHD2 as a network is to merge into INHD.
Per has they could use the slot to set a different channel (INHD Movies perhaps)

I noticed during the Pats game this Sunday that the audio kept on switching for DD to non DD. Was this a feed problem or my setting problem? Thanks

i believe the audio problem is with cbs. it happens when they go to a studio report, the feed switches to 2.0, and when switched back to the game it goes back to 5.1. annoying, but i believe it's the network and not you :D

Hi all,

I've tried to find this info in the old posts and I know it's been discussed, but I'm looking to
upgrade my 6412 (series 2? with the DVI, not HDMI) and I wanted to see what the best box to upgrade to would be. The main reason I'm upgrading is because I just bought a
Slingbox (Pro version) and the menus do not show up on the Slingplayer (I use DVI to the
TV, so apparently my current box won't output to the Slingbox connection).

The question is, do i want to get the new 3416 or the 6412 series 3? Are both available
from the Comcast offices (I have checked yet, going to go by tomorrow)? I know the 3416
has a larger hard drive, but are there any other differences? I've hesitated on changing
anything since my current 6412 works fairly well (doesn't overheat, not too loud...only
complaint is that the menus get stuck for a few seconds every once in a while, which I
know is a common problem) and I don't want to mess up a good thing. :) But now that I
am using the Slingbox, I want to be able to see the menus (still waiting for the HD cable
to hook it up properly, but it's not available yet).

- Michael

Is this a problem with the HDCP activity in the box. A suggestion I heard was to turn off your cable box and your television. Turn on your television first, then turn on the cable box and the HDCP handshake should work.

Tried this, and every single other permutation I could think of. Cable box on first, then TV. TV on first, then cable. Pulled the plug on the cable box, pulled plug on TV. Inserted TV plug, then cable box. Etc etc. Nothing worked. *MAD*.

If this truly is a firmware issue, I'm just stunned.

Right now at the most there are 21 HD channels on the Comcast lineup.

By the end of 2007 there will be AT LEAST 30.

HDNet and HDNetMovies WILL BE AMONG them,and I would not doubt them being NEXT.

I also see Fios in more communities and Comcast WILL lower some prices in an affort to better compete.
Wow, there's some great news. :)

Any idea on tier/pricing structure changes once this happens?

Tried this, and every single other permutation I could think of. Cable box on first, then TV. TV on first, then cable. Pulled the plug on the cable box, pulled plug on TV. Inserted TV plug, then cable box. Etc etc. Nothing worked. *MAD*.

If this truly is a firmware issue, I'm just stunned.
Believe it. This is a copy of bfdtv's post in the HDTV Reception forum: The latest Comcast firmware update for the Motorola 341x/641x kills HDMI/DVI compatibility with most displays. Some Comcast systems have chosen to delay the update, or roll back to the previous software, until the problem is fixed; other Comcast systems have chosen to proceed with the software update despite the DVI/HDMI problems.

Expect a fix for the issue in the December/January timeframe. Until then, you'll have to use component. The alternative is to buy your own CableCard box like the Tivo Series3. I guess we can only hope for a quick update.

Wow, there's some great news. :)

Any idea on tier/pricing structure changes once this happens?

Chitchatjf is by no means an expert, he is just being dopey hopeful.

For 9 more HD channels, Comcast will need to move 4 analog channels to digital only. Since HBO, Cinemax ,etc went digital only a couple of years ago, havent seen any other migration. There must be 4 channels that dont have contract problems or signifact viewership to go to digital only from the expanded analog tier.

Here's the Chronicle news I've been waiting for.

Just saw an ad on 805. Starting tomorrow Chronicle goes all-HD.

Tomorrow's show is entitled "HD Day", and will focus on this development:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/10121281/detail.html

Chitchatjf is by no means an expert, he is just being dopey hopeful.

It is just a prediction.

For 9 more HD channels, Comcast will need to move 4 analog channels to digital only. Since HBO, Cinemax ,etc went digital only a couple of years ago, havent seen any other migration. There must be 4 channels that dont have contract problems or signifact viewership to go to digital only from the expanded analog tier.

I know of 45 channels that I think should go digital only. :)

It is just setting a transitional period during which those with just extended basic can get their boxes so they can keep those channels.

I would say if they had about 1-1.5 million of the DCT 700s six months ought to do it.

Has anyone in Mass successfully swapped a 120GB Moto DVR for the new 160GB model. (Specifically "swap" as opposed to a new install.) Just want to know if Comcast is allowing this and if the new boxes are readily available now.

Mickey

I noticed during the Pats game this Sunday that the audio kept on switching for DD to non DD. Was this a feed problem or my setting problem? Thanks

I get this alot during all CBS football broadcasts - NFL and SEC College games. It's not just when they go to studio reports. It also happens alot during the play. It's very annoying b/c when the audio format changes my receiver will drop out for 2-3 seconds while it locks onto the signal. I would think that CBS would know what they are doing by now :mad:

It is just a prediction.
Oops - I missed the word "prediction" in the post title. :o

Damn!

Oops - I missed the word "prediction" in the post title. :o

Damn!

Yeah you have to be careful with Chitchatjf, he likes to speculate (wish) for all kinds of stuff and even makes up channel numbers for these speculations.

-Ken

Yeah you have to be careful with Chitchatjf, he likes to speculate (wish) for all kinds of stuff and even makes up channel numbers for these speculations.

-Ken

I was on the NOSE with locations of Discovery HD Theater,TNT-HD,ESPN2-HD and NESN-HD.

Universal HD was a surprise. I had expected 835

Has anyone in Mass successfully swapped a 120GB Moto DVR for the new 160GB model. (Specifically "swap" as opposed to a new install.) Just want to know if Comcast is allowing this and if the new boxes are readily available now.

Mickey

Just go to your local office and say your existing box is not working correctly. They will never deny you an exchange.

Here's the Chronicle news I've been waiting for.

Just saw an ad on 805. Starting tomorrow Chronicle goes all-HD.

Tomorrow's show is entitled "HD Day", and will focus on this development:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/10121281/detail.html

and it was GREAT!

Indeed, question 2 -> When will WCVB go full HD (news etc)!

and it was GREAT!

Chronicle in HD was great, I was suprised to find out that they have already produced some 40 shows in HD. My DVR is now set for Chronicle every night!

-Ken

Chronicle in HD was great, I was suprised to find out that they have already produced some 40 shows in HD. My DVR is now set for Chronicle every night!

-Ken

ditto!

Milford got the improved guide some time on the 25th.
To describe my reaction as "UNderwhelmed" would be giving it too much credit.

Great. Thanks.

What about the other stations in the XXX.X format? I know I have some in the 111.X (I'll make a list tonight if possible)? Are those just digital stations that aren't necessarily in HD? I remember seeing a WHDH all weather station around the 86.1 range.

I recently got a new TV for the bedroom, that has a QAM tuner. In Milford I also get
84-1 PBS
84-2 CW 56
85-5 TV 38
86-1 ABC 5
86-2 NBC 7
87-1 Fox 25
87-2 CBS 4

But nothing in the 111.x frequency. I do get On-Demand programming in the 81-x and 91-x frequency.
I have been able to watch some of my own On-Demand shows using my box down stairs, and hunting them out on the upstairs TV.
However, if you have little eyes at home, consider your self warned. You can also get your neighbors requests.

Milford got the improved guide some time on the 25th.
To describe my reaction as "UNderwhelmed" would be giving it too much credit.

On top of that, the update reset the options the I had setup in the service menu. It f'd things up to the point that my wife called me at work in a panic b/c she thought the TV was broken. Just PITA.

Chronicle in HD was great, I was suprised to find out that they have already produced some 40 shows in HD. My DVR is now set for Chronicle every night!

-Ken

Damn. I had a hockey game last night. I wanted to watch that so badly and I'm jealous my wife got to see it. I used to watch chronicle pretty regularly, or at least when my wife gets siick of watching Simpsons reruns on Fox at 7:30, I'll most certainly start watching again starting tonight!

Damn. I had a hockey game last night. I wanted to watch that so badly and I'm jealous my wife got to see it. I used to watch chronicle pretty regularly, or at least when my wife gets siick of watching Simpsons reruns on Fox at 7:30, I'll most certainly start watching again starting tonight!


I agree. I couldn't even tell you the last time I watched Chronicle but the show last night had incredible HD footage of New England. I will also be taping now on a regular basis. Great stuff! Thanks for that heads up BobColby!

C'mon, let's be honest:

When you get your first HD setup, even grass growing looks great in HD.

C'mon, let's be honest:

When you get your first HD setup, even grass growing looks great in HD.


True, but it is usually not New England grass that you are seeing ;)

We have the updated guide in Maynard. Along with lagg. My STB was working smooth until that update. Now its like I am back 2 years. Back to a system that locks up and laggs when using DVR. Thanks Comcast....

Alright I'm not able to get HD off my Comcast cable - which I'm jacking directly from the wall. Therefore I'm obviously not using a STB.
My TV (JVC HD-56FN97) has dual inputs w/ ATSC/QAM capabilities, but for some reason I get the analog channels (Standard Cable I guess ~80 channels or so) but no HD channels!! I run the cable to a splitter and then connect it to both antenna inputs.
I live in the Newton area, so I'm wondering if anyone else is having this issue or if it's the cable that's not carrying or encrypted the signal?

RE-> QAM, here in Boston proper atleast, we do get channels in the 80's, 90's, 100,110, and 120

All of the hd (and alot of ondemand) in the 80's, 90's (one had TNT, but its gone, back to encryptiville), lots of ondemand there too.

100 and 110's = all encrytped (SD probably), 120s have SD locals and public access channels.

Edit: Theres a Gem in there though, on one of the channels in the 120's, its a placeholder ->

"EMERGENCY ALERT" (then a line break) "STAND BY FOR AN AUDIO MESSAGE"

Though, no audio message, but still a bit freaky! (yellow text, blue background if your interested)

Here's the Chronicle news I've been waiting for.

Just saw an ad on 805. Starting tomorrow Chronicle goes all-HD.

Tomorrow's show is entitled "HD Day", and will focus on this development:

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/chronicle/10121281/detail.html
Two things: (1) I wonder if Comcast will add the HD Chronicle shows to On Demand; and (2) I wonder if WCVB will be the first Boston station to go HD for their local news shows?

Mickey

RE-> QAM, here in Boston proper atleast, we do get channels in the 80's, 90's, 100,110, and 120

All of the hd (and alot of ondemand) in the 80's, 90's (one had TNT, but its gone, back to encryptiville), lots of ondemand there too.

Damn you're lucky.. I can't seem to pick up any of them! :mad:

Damn you're lucky.. I can't seem to pick up any of them! :mad:
Is the tuner set to scan the analog and digital ? Mine will do both or just analog, so I don't need to split the coax. The on screen display shows the frequency it's currently scanning. It's a long process, maybe 10 minutes ?

So what's the big deal with the new guide? I called Comcast to ask what the new features were. All the rep said was that it was more user friendly. I asked him to name one thing that was more user friendly. He went away to check and came back and said that some menus were now nested. Am I missing something? Why did they do this? So far the best new feature I have found is that you can have more than one set of "favorites".

For what its worth, I'm using a QAM card inside the PC, so its quite a bit more flexible (and its cheap too, only ~$60!)

Is the tuner set to scan the analog and digital ? Mine will do both or just analog, so I don't need to split the coax. The on screen display shows the frequency it's currently scanning. It's a long process, maybe 10 minutes ?
My TV (JVC HD-56FN97) has 2 inputs - ATSC/Digital Cable & UHF/VHF. Therefore I have to split the cable.
In addition, mine scans both sources or just either one. Still can't pick it up. Maybe Comcast isn't broadcasting it on my line... I should inquire, but then my currently free Standard cable will get yanked... :o
I thought the minimum was to have Basic cable before they broadcasted HD, so I should be getting HD w/ the Standard cable - unless the previous people at this place told them they didn't want it! ;)

So what's the big deal with the new guide? I called Comcast to ask what the new features were. All the rep said was that it was more user friendly. I asked him to name one thing that was more user friendly. He went away to check and came back and said that some menus were now nested. Am I missing something? Why did they do this? So far the best new feature I have found is that you can have more than one set of "favorites".


When I push "my dvr" I no longer go straight to my recorded programs. Instead I go to a submenu of 4 items: my recordings, scheduled recordings, set a recording, and series priority.

My wife likes this change. I'm rather indifferent towards it.

Suntzu, you mention that you live in the Newton area, If you live in Newton or Needham, the system is "HRC" channel assignments. Check to see if the JVC can receive HRC channels. HRC channels are 1.25 mHz lower in frequency than standard channel assignments.

Suntzu, you mention that you live in the Newton area, If you live in Newton or Needham, the system is "HRC" channel assignments. Check to see if the JVC can receive HRC channels. HRC channels are 1.25 mHz lower in frequency than standard channel assignments.
Interesting point... I never thought of that and honestly I don't know if my TV picks up HRC. Let me check w/ JVC & on the JVC forum here...
Additionally, I just scanned the Lincoln/Omaha, NE HDTV thread, and it seems people there are also having problems. According to them, upon calling Comcast, they were informed that it might be their coaxial cables!!

Hey, is anyone experiencing closed-captioning problems with the 6412? I can't get any closed-captioning on the following channels:

220 NickToons
223 Noggin/The N
272 MTV Hits
273 MTV2
275 Vh-1 Soul
276 CMT Pure Country
277 Vh-1 Classic
280 MTV Jams
281 Logo
282 CMT

It works fine on my other digital boxes, and I hooked the DVR up to another TV, and the same thing happened there. Is it just this model?

Hey, is anyone experiencing closed-captioning problems with the 6412? I can't get any closed-captioning on the following channels:

220 NickToons
223 Noggin/The N
272 MTV Hits
273 MTV2
275 Vh-1 Soul
276 CMT Pure Country
277 Vh-1 Classic
280 MTV Jams
281 Logo
282 CMT

It works fine on my other digital boxes, and I hooked the DVR up to another TV, and the same thing happened there. Is it just this model?

not sure but what the networks all have in common is that they all come from the same source Viacom

When I push "my dvr" I no longer go straight to my recorded programs. Instead I go to a submenu of 4 items: my recordings, scheduled recordings, set a recording, and series priority.

My wife likes this change. I'm rather indifferent towards it.That's the only change I've been able to find as well. I'd rather have it go right to a list of my recordings because I don't use the Comcast remote and the damn recording box is at the very end of the selections now.

Oh, in the guide the programs list HD after them, but as to their accuracy, they're no more accurate than what's listed at Titan.TV, etc...

So much for improvements.

not sure but what the networks all have in common is that they all come from the same source Viacom
Well, you could check it out yourself!! Do you have a 6412??

And I know it's not the source because I told you it works fine on my other digital boxes. And the idiots at Comcast told me that it's the TV, when in fact, I even took the DVR into another room and tried it on another TV, and the same thing happened there. So how can it be the TV? Can someone who has a 6412 just test this out, please??!!!

Looks like another long season for the Bruins, their losing games just like last year. :(

That's the only change I've been able to find as well. I'd rather have it go right to a list of my recordings because I don't use the Comcast remote and the damn recording box is at the very end of the selections now.

Oh, in the guide the programs list HD after them, but as to their accuracy, they're no more accurate than what's listed at Titan.TV, etc...

So much for improvements.
Also multiple Favorite list option is now available.

For you guys with 16.20. Are you using the HDMI output as there had been reports that this did not work with 16.20. Thanks. :)

For you guys with 16.20. Are you using the HDMI output as there had been reports that this did not work with 16.20. Thanks. :)
No, I'm using the RCA cables.

I am using HDMI and it is extremely unreliable with 16.20. I was having really good luck with the former 12.31 firmware. Supposedly, there will be a further tweak in Dec-Jan to correct the funky HDMI behavior. Call me stubborn, but I want to stick with the HDMI as loong as I can stand it.

Leave it to Comcast to create a problem that has already been corrected.

16.20's Firewire is kind of screwed up now as well with Samsung's TVs. I have to keep on unplugging my 3412. Nice job.

For you guys with 16.20. Are you using the HDMI output as there had been reports that this did not work with 16.20. Thanks. :)

No problems with 16.20 HDMI here.

I am using HDMI and it is extremely unreliable with 16.20. I was having really good luck with the former 12.31 firmware. Supposedly, there will be a further tweak in Dec-Jan to correct the funky HDMI behavior. Call me stubborn, but I want to stick with the HDMI as loong as I can stand it.

Leave it to Comcast to create a problem that has already been corrected.



No time frame for the fix from what I have heard. Trying to figure out work arounds other then going component.

No problems with 16.20 HDMI here.

Ditto. It is working flawlessly. I am running a 3416.

Ditto. It is working flawlessly. I am running a 3416.

I have 16.20 and am using the DVI port with a DVI-to-HDMI cable. I get one second of a clear picture followed by 3 seconds of high-def static, over and over. This was described in an earlier post as a known problem with this firmware rev.

So, you think the closed-captioning problem might be with the firmware as well?

I think I am going to my local office to see about a 3416 (currently have 3412 with 16.20 -hdmi issue). I had heard that the 3416 had updated processor and or system memory (any truth to that does anyone know)?

160gb drive doesn't hurt either, but that is not a real motivating factor for me.

I think I am going to my local office to see about a 3416 (currently have 3412 with 16.20 -hdmi issue). I had heard that the 3416 had updated processor and or system memory (any truth to that does anyone know)?

160gb drive doesn't hurt either, but that is not a real motivating factor for me.
i upgraded from the dct-6200 to the dct-3416 and either my eyes are playing tricks on me , but the PQ looks worse

on my 5087w and newly aquired 3416 box i get a weak signal message using hdmi before the picture pops up, anyonne else have this?..

PQ seems to be there but not as good as my 6200 box

Thank goodness for Cablecard. Comcast/Motorola never test any of the HD boxes well. There are always sloppy programming bugs and ridiculous issues that would be resolved if either of them had a QA department that knew what they were doing. I hear Comcast pays over $1,000 per box. They are really getting ripped off and passing that cost down to the consumer.

They pay less than $500 per box.

They had no 3416s in my area when I went down to see about one.

My 3412 just locked up again after the new update, so after I unplugged it I lost all my recordings!!!!! POS!!!!! I can't believe I'm paying for this kind of service.

They had no 3416s in my area when I went down to see about one.

My 3412 just locked up again after the new update, so after I unplugged it I lost all my recordings!!!!! POS!!!!! I can't believe I'm paying for this kind of service.

Call them and demand a partial credit on this month's bill. I do it regularly when the Comcraptic issues get too severe, and they won't do much to help. I now have the number of a CSR supervisor located in NH who I call directly when my problems don't get solved.

We pay too much to accept this suckitude.

Call them and demand a partial credit on this month's bill. I do it regularly when the Comcraptic issues get too severe, and they won't do much to help. I now have the number of a CSR supervisor located in NH who I call directly when my problems don't get solved.

We pay too much to accept this suckitude.Ironically this is the second 3412 I've had. Since the firmware update things have gone from bad to god awful. It's just not usable anymore. I might ask to get a 6200 back and see if that helps.:(

They pay less than $500 per box.

and the DCT700s are only $30-40 a piece TOPS!

I got a 3416 today and although nothing about it appears to diffierent as far as the 'guts' go, at least it has the 160gb drive. Guess what! I can't yet get it to work on hdmi.

The guy at the local office says it has to do with interoperability with some models of TV. I have a fringe brand (Panasonic!) plasma that perhaps Comcast has never heard of!

I've been away from this forum for a while, and I have a question.
Comcast in Boston downloaded some new software to my 3412.
How does this affect the 3412's operation?

After today's storm our power was out for about five hours. The 3416 seems to have completely reset itself, all recordings are gone and it has also lost all of my series information. I'll have to set up everything again from scratch.

Just wanted to know if Comcast channel 825 in New Hampshire is working today as of 1pm for the Giants Bucs game. I'm getting the One Moment please message on this channel which I've never got before. All other HD channels working fine and I'm also getting good signal strength on 825 as well so its really confusing me.

Just wanted to know if Comcast channel 825 in New Hampshire is working today as of 1pm for the Giants Bucs game. I'm getting the One Moment please message on this channel which I've never got before. All other HD channels working fine and I'm also getting good signal strength on 825 as well so its really confusing me.

Same deal in Cambridge. However it is available in SD.

Comcast blows...

My Panasonic plasma with CableCARD says "Poor Signal Quality" when tuned into 825 for Fox. No picture or sound. Odd.

No 825 in Chelmsford

None here either.

No 825 in Newton. Doesn't really matter, as it's a crappy game. TB is aweful. Is there a good reason we can't watch two divison leaders play? (Saints vs Ravens) I'd even prefer to watch the Falcons vs Bengals.

No 825 in Newton. Doesn't really matter, as it's a crappy game. TB is aweful. Is there a good reason we can't watch two divison leaders play? (Saints vs Ravens) I'd even prefer to watch the Falcons vs Bengals.

With Comcast is doesn't matter what you want to watch. You'll get nothing and like it! How's that for $100+ a month?

Fox HD (825) is back in Framingham.

825 is perfectly fine here in Burlington.

I called and complained. "Technicians are aware of the problem and are working on it" (825 being off the air)

Interesting -- 825 is fine, but Fox HD OTA is down.

Interesting -- 825 is fine, but Fox HD OTA is down.

I'm using my sets QAM tuner, no Fox, no CBS. I'm in Stoughton.

With Comcast is doesn't matter what you want to watch. You'll get nothing and like it! How's that for $100+ a month?

How does Comcast have anything to do with what network or the local station put on? Some people...

BTW, I pay Comcast $17.41 a month.

I'm using my sets QAM tuner, no Fox, no CBS. I'm in Stoughton.I had to do a hard reset of my box. FOX was there, the 3412 just said "Waiting to Authorize", once I unplugged it, it came back.:rolleyes:

Since some of the local NE Comcast techies are monitoring this thread, please pass along to Motorola that the latest firmware update is the worst, most buggy update ever! I can't believe anyone found this acceptable. I have to unplug my box daily any number of times, and as I said before once I even lost a a whole harddrive full of programming. Firewire is especially bad to my Samsung TV now, where before I had pretty much no problems.

How does Comcast have anything to do with what network or the local station put on? Some people...

If you bothered to read the previous posts, your question would not have been necessary. The comment was in regard to today's Giants/Tampa Bay game. It was availoable through the network and OTA. It is Comcasts suck ass network operations which made the game unavailable via HD on 825. So, as you see, this had EVERYTHING to do with Comcast.

Yes, I agree, it is ridiculous that "some people" make comments out of context.

First I want to say that this isn't Comcast's fault but this sure has been a bad day today. I just got power back about 30 minutes ago and it went out about 2:45pm. I think nearly the whole darn state of New Hampshire was without power this afternoon. This day couldn't have been any suckier lol.

With Comcast is doesn't matter what you want to watch. You'll get nothing and like it! How's that for $100+ a month?

Comcast has nothing to do with which regional game is shown on Fox.

Comcast has nothing to do with which regional game is shown on Fox.

Once again, you are missing the same point as the previous poster. I was commenting that there was no use complaining about which game was shown, because...THERE WAS NO REGIONAL GAME at 1:00pm on Fox (825). There ws a message until about 2:15pm saying "Channel Available Shortly". Plain and simple, this is because Comcast sucks! The game SHOULD have been there.

I know full well how the games are picked. Thanks

Never lost power up in Epping. Actually I surprised I didn't. But the sound was screwed up for most of the Giants/Bucs game. Came back to almost normal after halftime.

Once again, you are missing the same point as the previous poster. I was commenting that there was no use complaining about which game was shown, because...THERE WAS NO REGIONAL GAME at 1:00pm on Fox (825). There ws a message until about 2:15pm saying "Channel Available Shortly". Plain and simple, this is because Comcast sucks! The game SHOULD have been there.

I know full well how the games are picked. Thanks

Don't know the point your trying to make because you do not know the reason why there was no picture. If it was because of Technical issues then there is nothing you could do and blaming Comcast has no merit since it was probably the fault of the local Fox affiliate in Boston for what ever reason. ( there were high winds yesterday ) only a guess. And if anyone wants to know what games are suppose to be on each week , you should check out this thread in the HDTV Programming forum.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=740958

Once again, you are missing the same point as the previous poster. I was commenting that there was no use complaining about which game was shown, because...THERE WAS NO REGIONAL GAME at 1:00pm on Fox (825). There ws a message until about 2:15pm saying "Channel Available Shortly". Plain and simple, this is because Comcast sucks! The game SHOULD have been there.

I know full well how the games are picked. Thanks

Check the OTA thread - there were issues with the OTA Fox-HD signal yesterday as well. I'm guessing there was some wind damage at the Boston Fox transmitter that affected some areas and not others. That's the only way to explain that some people got the cable feed back before their OTA started working again (unless not all cable companies get their Fox feed from OTA). Maybe their transmitter is sectorized (i.e. different power levels pointing in different directions due to FCC regs) and not all sectors were affected at all times.

Once again, you are missing the same point as the previous poster. I was commenting that there was no use complaining about which game was shown, because...THERE WAS NO REGIONAL GAME at 1:00pm on Fox (825). There ws a message until about 2:15pm saying "Channel Available Shortly". Plain and simple, this is because Comcast sucks! The game SHOULD have been there.

Doesn't sound like that's Comcast's problem. And regardless, the poster wanted to see Baltimore/NO, so he still wouldn't have been able to watch that game due to the choice made by FOX.

Not sure the new guide is fully baked. Tried to set up a recording last night and the box rebooted! Also not seeing any guide data for UHD when I browse by channel.

Who cares, it's done and over with, move on :)

Anyone experiencing problems with Comcast in the Boston Area. I am in Framingham. For some reason, I can not watch any of my recorded shows under the DVR section (and if I try to watch them I have to power down the box and start again to watch regular TV)...

My STB is the DCT3416 I

It turns out I just needed to unplug the STB, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and power it up.

The ComCast Rep did tell me that they are having problems with the remote control (I was commenting that it is not very responsive) and that they might be doing a re-call on them.

I received my current bill from Comcast today and it says INHD2 will be removed from the HD lineup on December 14 and to look for an exciting new channel to replace it.
Will the new channel be offered in the Limited Basic + Digital Classic lineup, or is it going to be offered only to those who have Standard Cable and up?

I received my current bill from Comcast today and it says INHD2 will be removed from the HD lineup on December 14 and to look for an exciting new channel to replace it.
Will the new channel be offered in the Limited Basic + Digital Classic lineup, or is it going to be offered only to those who have Standard Cable and up?


I wonder who knows what the new channel could be. :rolleyes:

I saw NOTHING in my bill.

I still have a hunch it could be something that begins with H.

I'd be surprised if it was HDNET. I'll put my money on Lifetime HD.

I wonder who knows what the new channel could be. :rolleyes:

Hey L supreme - Not nice to tease us !

My guess for the next HD channel is Natl Geo.

Mickey

I received my current bill from Comcast today and it says INHD2 will be removed from the HD lineup on December 14 and to look for an exciting new channel to replace it.
Will the new channel be offered in the Limited Basic + Digital Classic lineup, or is it going to be offered only to those who have Standard Cable and up?


INHD2 is going away and will be replaced with National Geographic HD, or so I'm told.

In regards to the HDMI/DVI problem, I was recently in my diagnostic screen and realized that is said:

HDMI/DVI Enabled: No Active: No

Anyone else have this? I got to the screen by pressing power off and then ok/select. Its under the d11 selection. I assume N/A means not available. As in the reading is not available.

Picked up a new 3416 last wednesday to replace a 6412 with a stuttering hard drive (Exeter NH).

Kept the failing 6412 for the last week while we watched the recordings on it, and set up the new 3416 on the kitchen TV so it could take over the recording duties.

What a difference! The 3416 is sooo much quicker to respond to remote key presses. The HD is 70% full now too, and it's still speedy.

Last night we watched the last of the remaining recordings on the 6412 and I replaced it with the 3416 on the projector. If the HD picture is softer at all, it's negligable. If I hadn't read here that there was a slight difference, I probably wouldn't have noticed it.

Taking the 6412 back to the CC office tomorrow. They'll only charge me for the extra box for the number of days I had two. My local CC office rocks. They've always been nothing but helpful.

Also, ever since I brought the 3416 home it has been getting all of the movie channels (I subscribe to none). I know this is common and will disappear, but it will be a week tomorrow and I'm still getting free movies. :)

Also, ever since I brought the 3416 home it has been getting all of the movie channels (I subscribe to none). I know this is common and will disappear, but it will be a week tomorrow and I'm still getting free movies. :)

That's how they get you hooked!

That's how they get you hooked!

I had all the channels for two full weeks before they shut them off.

-Ken

I see what's happening with UHD, the reason there is no data when browsing by HD channel is that none of their programs are tagged as HD! Maybe a problem with the guide data source? I see the same thing on titantv.com, nothing shows up there as HD either.

INHD2 is going away and will be replaced with National Geographic HD, or so I'm told.

Boooo. I'll take Food Network HD over National Geographic any day...

can they just drop 38HD at the same time and give us both? ;)

-C

I hope it's National Geographic HD for NGC is included in Basic + Digital Classic while Food Network is not. :)

Anyone else notice tonight's Celtic game is not in the guide for 881/882. With InHD going away, I wonder if 852 is coming as a part time channel. The 06-07 Schedule on FSN New England's website still says all home games this season are in HD.

As reported by other Comcast customers, I have also lost my HDMI output (happened on Sunday Oct 29). DCT3412 I. Right around the time of the firmware/guide update.
:( Comcast is of no help (claims the update had nothing to do with it) and that I could 1) schedule a service call or 2) swap the box
Of course both would probably be useless and I would lose all DVR recordings

Looking for some advice from the forum members? Should I sit tight and await a firmware update or swap the box? Or something else?


Thanks in advance...........................

Anyone else notice tonight's Celtic game is not in the guide for 881/882. With InHD going away, I wonder if 852 is coming as a part time channel. The 06-07 Schedule on FSN New England's website still says all home games this season are in HD.


I think the Celtics are going to be on 881 tonight since 882 is going away. The guide may not have been updated yet because its TVGI that controls the listings, not Comcast.

FMD - Did you try pulling the power cord, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in and power it up - that seems to be a quick fix for many problems (I was told by a ComCast Rep to try that first whenever you have a problem that you were not previously having).

FMD - Did you try pulling the power cord, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in and power it up - that seems to be a quick fix for many problems (I was told by a ComCast Rep to try that first whenever you have a problem that you were not previously having).

Be aware this will erase all recordings and you will have to download all the guide info again.

Be aware this will erase all recordings and you will have to download all the guide info again.

This will NOT erase your recordings, but it will erase the program guide.

Ditto - about not erasing your recordings - it does not..

As for the guide - they said in the 1st 45 minutes it should download the first 3 hours of guide content, and the rest should be updated in 24 hours. I noticed that even in the first few minutes, even though the guide was not updated, my scheduled recording still showed the little record symbols on all the proper channels and the proper times.

I'm glad to know this won't erase recordings - thanks for pointing this out. I'm sorry for sounding a false alarm.

Anyone else with a 3412 notice how Firewire is screwed up/glitchy after the new firmware? I just want to be sure I'm not the only one.

game on 882

4 point loss

FMD - Did you try pulling the power cord, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in and power it up - that seems to be a quick fix for many problems (I was told by a ComCast Rep to try that first whenever you have a problem that you were not previously having).

Thanks. Unfortunately this didn't work for me. Also tried unplugging the HDMI cable suggested by Comcast which didn't work either. I'll try again tonight

A&E HD on 837 the next HD channel ??

A&E HD on 837 the next HD channel ??

Kenvt, where did you get that hypothesis? I haven't heard any rumors of A&E HD on Comcast.

Thanks,

Rich N.

Kenvt, where did you get that hypothesis? I haven't heard any rumors of A&E HD on Comcast.

Thanks,

Rich N.

He is just pulling a Chitchatjf on that one. :D

Kenvt, where did you get that hypothesis? I haven't heard any rumors of A&E HD on Comcast.

Thanks,

Rich N.
FWIW. There is a rumor over in the HD Programming thread about A&E-HD coming. Someone said they read about this in a newpaper in Oregon today.

Mickey

FWIW. There is a rumor over in the HD Programming thread about A&E-HD coming. Someone said they read about this in a newpaper in Oregon today.

Mickey

LSupreme, we get the news faster over at the HD programming forum than the insiders here :)

As reported by other Comcast customers, I have also lost my HDMI output (happened on Sunday Oct 29). DCT3412 I. Right around the time of the firmware/guide update.
:( Comcast is of no help (claims the update had nothing to do with it) and that I could 1) schedule a service call or 2) swap the box
Of course both would probably be useless and I would lose all DVR recordings

Looking for some advice from the forum members? Should I sit tight and await a firmware update or swap the box? Or something else?


Thanks in advance...........................

I have a 3412 I and also use HDMI. I had the guide update about a week ago and HDMI still works fine for me.

As reported by other Comcast customers, I have also lost my HDMI output (happened on Sunday Oct 29). DCT3412 I. Right around the time of the firmware/guide update.
:( Comcast is of no help (claims the update had nothing to do with it) and that I could 1) schedule a service call or 2) swap the box
Of course both would probably be useless and I would lose all DVR recordings

Looking for some advice from the forum members? Should I sit tight and await a firmware update or swap the box? Or something else?


Thanks in advance...........................

I also have a 3412 and using HDMI to HDMI. My picture came in great for the Celtics game. Too bad they lost.

Kenvt, where did you get that hypothesis? I haven't heard any rumors of A&E HD on Comcast.

Thanks,

Rich N.

Yeah I got this from the HD programming forum. It was in a Oregon newspaper. I wonder how much HD A&E has anyway ?

-Ken

I just got my bill. It said NOTHING about INHD2 going away or any channel to replace it.

Few days ago I switched Motorola 6412 box to 3416 (the old one was problematic with DVR and viewing from buffer). Shortly after that on ABC HD my plasma TV started to behave weird - cracking static sound when switching from regular programming to commersials and back, and yesterday night it was especially bad - it did shut down panel twice. Only hard reset (unpluging) of PDP revives it back. The set top box itself was not affected. I did not noticed this on other networks (I did not check all of them for long enough). My PDP worked flowlessly untill now. Looks like it is not isolated problem http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8809535#post8809535 and I don't believe it is a coincedence. Something wrong with ABC signal and how new settop box handles it. Comcastic should be in my place tomorrow. Anybody noticed anything on ABC yesterday? Any idea what to ask for? Alex

I just got my bill. It said NOTHING about INHD2 going away or any channel to replace it.

Here's a report on the channel's fate. No info on a replacement.

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6388356.html?display=Breaking+News

The only good thing about A&E HD would be HD re-runs of 24...I'm not sure if they do that though. They tend to have 24 marathons on their regular channel though.

The only good thing about A&E HD would be HD re-runs of 24...I'm not sure if they do that though. They tend to have 24 marathons on their regular channel though.

Hmmm...here is another reason why Comcast may soon offer A&E HD (837 :D ). A&E just signed up the sopranos to begin in January (HD too) !

Linky (http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6388410.html?display=Breaking+News)

-Ken

Sorry if this has been covered (couldn't find it), I have two (2) 6412'S. The newer works fine but on the older when getting into ON DEMAND and searching free movies I keep getting "Communications error, META-6" and knocks me out. Would a call (suggested) to Comcast fix this?

Thanks!

hopefully I'm not OT here .. but NBC is always crappy here in Brockton. The only way I can describe it is "ghost bands" flickering and rolling horizontally on the screen. This happens especially with the Patriot's "field cam" shots. I'm sure it's not the TV because I never see this on the other HD channels. Also, The Office and Earl, same problem.

When I replay from DVR , I see the same ghost bands in the same spots. I suspect it's a feed issue.

Anyone else get this or is my TV haunted?

my info .. Zenith 42 plasma, 3412 box, Component connect out, coax audio

Sorry if this has been covered (couldn't find it), I have two (2) 6412'S. The newer works fine but on the older when getting into ON DEMAND and searching free movies I keep getting "Communications error, META-6" and knocks me out. Would a call (suggested) to Comcast fix this?

Thanks!

If you have no disruption when viewing the digital channels and only have the META 6 issue. Try removing the power cord from the set top box, reconnect and wait 20-30 minutes for the interactive TV Guide application to reload.

hopefully I'm not OT here .. but NBC is always crappy here in Brockton. The only way I can describe it is "ghost bands" flickering and rolling horizontally on the screen. This happens especially with the Patriot's "field cam" shots. I'm sure it's not the TV because I never see this on the other HD channels. Also, The Office and Earl, same problem.

When I replay from DVR , I see the same ghost bands in the same spots. I suspect it's a feed issue.

Anyone else get this or is my TV haunted?

my info .. Zenith 42 plasma, 3412 box, Component connect out, coax audio

I am not getting any ghosting, but I was not as impressed with the HD quality of the Pats game last night (I am in Framingham). I think this is an NBC thing...

hopefully I'm not OT here .. but NBC is always crappy here in Brockton. The only way I can describe it is "ghost bands" flickering and rolling horizontally on the screen. This happens especially with the Patriot's "field cam" shots. I'm sure it's not the TV because I never see this on the other HD channels. Also, The Office and Earl, same problem.

When I replay from DVR , I see the same ghost bands in the same spots. I suspect it's a feed issue.

Anyone else get this or is my TV haunted?

my info .. Zenith 42 plasma, 3412 box, Component connect out, coax audio

No Ghosting but Audio/Video totally out of sync; also I'm watching 810 (Providence feed) and it seem this channel is always out of sync.

how long is this free preview of all the pay stations going to last?

how long is this free preview of all the pay stations going to last?

For me it lasted about 1 week.

For me it lasted about 1 week.


Why does comcast NEVER tell me about these free previews, Usually they only last the weekend and every damn time it ends up being sunday afternoon that i find out its going on, You figure they have the "messages" folder and you figure they would at least message you saying that its happening

Why does comcast NEVER tell me about these free previews, Usually they only last the weekend and every damn time it ends up being sunday afternoon that i find out its going on, You figure they have the "messages" folder and you figure they would at least message you saying that its happening

I agree. It is very annoying. Usually my messages consist of an upcoming boxing match or some other PPV event. Knowing when free previews are would seem like a no brainer.

IF I had them, they are gone. Sigh....

IF I had them, they are gone. Sigh....


Did you check HBO-HD? As of last night, I had it.

Sorry if this has been previously covered, but...
-is it true that the only way you can get a box with a hdmi connection is to also have dvr?
The rep told me so, and gave me a dvi box with a dvi/hdmi converter. i asked if there was a hdmi hd box w/o dvr, (allowing a single cable connection for a bedroom tv..) and was told no, i had to pay for dvr, which i have on my main tv.

also- when i hook up this converter, the sound goes out.

i'd appreciate any thoughts.

Sorry if this has been previously covered, but...
-is it true that the only way you can get a box with a hdmi connection is to also have dvr?
The rep told me so, and gave me a dvi box with a dvi/hdmi converter. i asked if there was a hdmi hd box w/o dvr, (allowing a single cable connection for a bedroom tv..) and was told no, i had to pay for dvr, which i have on my main tv.

also- when i hook up this converter, the sound goes out.

i'd appreciate any thoughts.

I have a Moto 5100 digital cable box from Comcast, no DVR inside. It has a DVI out that I hook through a DVI to HDMI cable.

Ralph

also- when i hook up this converter, the sound goes out.

i'd appreciate any thoughts.

The sound went out b/c you are using a DVI output on the cablebox. It only puts out video. The converter just lets you plug an HDMI cable into it. The converter does not allow it output sound.

The sound went out b/c you are using a DVI output on the cablebox. It only puts out video. The converter just lets you plug an HDMI cable into it. The converter does not allow it output sound.

thanks for the response- but i understood that dvi connection only carried video and no sound. i tried to hook up the sound using the rca outputs, but there is no signal. is it that the box will only output either digital or analog signals, rather than a combination of both?

That shouldn't be the case. DVI only carries video, it has to co-exist with RCA audio. I have a Moto 6412 running DVI video and RCA audio. I also have a digital audio cable going from my cable box to my receiver.

FWIW, I talked to a "Senior Customer Care Representative" today, and he said that they've been told that there should be two new HD channels before the end of the year, and that they're making preparations to add a number of new HD channels for 2007.

Does anyone know what the cost of a second DVR would cost and are there duplicate fees associated with it. I already have a DVR and cablecard and pay the $2.95 fee with that and was wondering if they would do the same with a second DVR unit or will it cost more.

FWIW, I talked to a "Senior Customer Care Representative" today, and he said that they've been told that there should be two new HD channels before the end of the year, and that they're making preparations to add a number of new HD channels for 2007.

Could they BOTh happen to start with the letter H? :)

I remember talking with one of the agents about having a second DVR. I think she told me it would be an extra $17.95 -- much more than "the first one". They do seem to discourage excess consumption of their most sophisticated equipment (presumably because they have less of it laying around).

Hello all,

Is there any way to get closed captioning on the HD channels over the S-Video or Composite cable? I have the HD channels recording on my ReplayTV, but I don't see any captions. I thought I turned them on and I see them on my projector via the component outputs.

I remember talking with one of the agents about having a second DVR. I think she told me it would be an extra $17.95 -- much more than "the first one". They do seem to discourage excess consumption of their most sophisticated equipment (presumably because they have less of it laying around).

Price is actually $17.45 which makes sense actually. Here is the reason why:

$4.75 for box rental
$9.95 for DVR service
$2.75 for additional outlet charge which is for all equipment, not just DVRs.

So the difference between the first and any others would be $2.75. I remember my friend had two boxes with D* and they charged him an extra $4.99 per extra box.

FWIW, I talked to a "Senior Customer Care Representative" today, and he said that they've been told that there should be two new HD channels before the end of the year, and that they're making preparations to add a number of new HD channels for 2007.

From what I understand, INHD2 is being dropped and National Geographic HD will replace it. No other HD changes coming this year. INHD2 is merging with INHD according to their web site.

Hi all,

sorry if this is not the right forum for these questions. If it is not I would appreciated if you could point me to the right direction/forum.

I live in the Framingham area and currently I have Comcast Basic Cable. I am expecting my new HD tv next week. The new tv will have NTSC and ATSC/QAM tuners as well as cablecard slot.

these are my questions (again, sorry if this is not the right place):

1. Will I be able to get any HD local channels using my existing basic cable service?

2. If not, is the only think I need to get is the HD option ($9.20). Is this require Set Top Box? Can I use cableCard something like this is required?

3. I call Comcast and they try to hook me up with their digital cable service. They told me that the only way to get HD is to get the Digital Service. I told them that I don't care about pay per view or on demand but they insisted.

4. Finally, Is cableCard a good option? I like the idea of not having anything extra (set top boxes, remotes etc) and I don't care of the service I am loosing (like on demand or pay per view) but I am concern about the support that Comcast will give (they guy I talk to the phone had no idea what a cableCard is)

Thanks for your help

Hi all,

sorry if this is not the right forum for these questions. If it is not I would appreciated if you could point me to the right direction/forum.

I live in the Framingham area and currently I have Comcast Basic Cable. I am expecting my new HD tv next week. The new tv will have NTSC and ATSC/QAM tuners as well as cablecard slot.

these are my questions (again, sorry if this is not the right place):

1. Will I be able to get any HD local channels using my existing basic cable service?

2. If not, is the only think I need to get is the HD option ($9.20). Is this require Set Top Box? Can I use cableCard something like this is required?

3. I call Comcast and they try to hook me up with their digital cable service. They told me that the only way to get HD is to get the Digital Service. I told them that I don't care about pay per view or on demand but they insisted.

4. Finally, Is cableCard a good option? I like the idea of not having anything extra (set top boxes, remotes etc) and I don't care of the service I am loosing (like on demand or pay per view) but I am concern about the support that Comcast will give (they guy I talk to the phone had no idea what a cableCard is)

Thanks for your help

Cable card will look the best, but IMHO the loss of INdemand would be a killer for me. There is now a bunch of good HD stuff indemand including some decent movies.

-Ken

p.s. - You will get the HD locals with basic, if you want Discovery HD, NESN-HD etc you will need a digital package

I remember talking with one of the agents about having a second DVR. I think she told me it would be an extra $17.95 -- much more than "the first one". They do seem to discourage excess consumption of their most sophisticated equipment (presumably because they have less of it laying around).

Yikes!, I'll say thats discouraging. Maybe I'll pick up one of those Sony DVR's cheap off e-bay and use a cableCard with it. Does anyone have any experience with those units and is using it on a Comcast system? Any input would be appreciated.

Hi all,

sorry if this is not the right forum for these questions. If it is not I would appreciated if you could point me to the right direction/forum.

I live in the Framingham area and currently I have Comcast Basic Cable. I am expecting my new HD tv next week. The new tv will have NTSC and ATSC/QAM tuners as well as cablecard slot.

these are my questions (again, sorry if this is not the right place):

1. Will I be able to get any HD local channels using my existing basic cable service?

2. If not, is the only think I need to get is the HD option ($9.20). Is this require Set Top Box? Can I use cableCard something like this is required?

3. I call Comcast and they try to hook me up with their digital cable service. They told me that the only way to get HD is to get the Digital Service. I told them that I don't care about pay per view or on demand but they insisted.

4. Finally, Is cableCard a good option? I like the idea of not having anything extra (set top boxes, remotes etc) and I don't care of the service I am loosing (like on demand or pay per view) but I am concern about the support that Comcast will give (they guy I talk to the phone had no idea what a cableCard is)

Thanks for your help

Basic as in $10 local channels or basic as in $50 standard? Big difference.

HD locals are considered part of the $10 limited basic service. Without a cable card or box these channels are somewhere in the 80s or so.

A cable card turns your TV tuner into a box for decryption and channel mapping purposes.

MHD requires Standard cable AND Digital classic

TNTHD, Discovery HD, UHD, ESPN1HD, and INHD require Digital classic but NOT standard. This could be subject to change.

ESPN2HD and NESNHD require Standard cable but not digital classic.

Premium HD channels come with their underlying channels (HBO HD is only for those who get HBO)

I would recommend at LEAST Digital classic with the cable card,and if you already have standard,I would recommend you keep that.

Yikes!, I'll say thats discouraging. Maybe I'll pick up one of those Sony DVR's cheap off e-bay and use a cableCard with it. Does anyone have any experience with those units and is using it on a Comcast system? Any input would be appreciated.

I have a Sony DHG-HDD250 and I really think it works great. The only minor headache was setting up the TV Guide syestem and its channel listings, but once I got that done it's been a breeze to use.
Have you read through the thread about the Sony HD DVR's? Lots of good information is to be found there.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711&pp=60

You should be able to pick one up at the Sony outlet shop in Wrentham. The last time I was there, the 250 GB models were below $300 and the 500 GB recorders were less than $400. You can call ahead of time to find out what is in stock and they'll be happy to hold one for you if you're interested.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
Sony Factory Outlet
Premium Outlets Blvd.
Suite 400
Wrentham, MA
(508) 384-1175

From what I understand, INHD2 is being dropped and National Geographic HD will replace it. No other HD changes coming this year. INHD2 is merging with INHD according to their web site.

I know INHD2 is being dropped (and I hope the buzz is right on the replacement), but I couldn't find any official merger announcement (I looked after I read this) on inhd.com. Can you provide a link to the exact page? TIA

Here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8834486&&#post8834486

Here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8834486&&#post8834486

I've seen that (it's from Multichannel News). The poster I'm responding to said "on their web site" - i.e. inhd.com, and I couldn't find an announcement there. Maybe the poster thought that MN article came from inhd.com.

I posted this in the Sony A10 owners thread as well..

I just moved into a new place in Lunenburg and currently am just using Comcast digital cable (basic package) with the coax being fed right into the back of the TV. I used to have a DVR at my other place.. btw, SD cable looks sooo much better with a signal going straight to the TV!

Anyways, I ran the auto program channel function (which took about 45 minutes) and I found that I picked up more than I expected I would! I have a bunch of XX.X channels which include all major network HD feeds and I also am seeing what I believe to be other people's On Demand programming! Anything from HBO to straight up hardcore porn. It's pretty rediculous, but I'm not complaining. None of the other TV's in my house can pick these stations up because they can't tune to a station with a decimal. Sometimes it's not really worth watching the On Demand stuff because I never know what and when things will be on. Sometimes it pauses or fast forwards. I'm just excited that I pick up the major network channels in HD with the basic cable package.



On another note, I have been experiencing sporadic signal loss on my channels and also no connectivty on my cable modem recently. Thing is, my HD channels still come in crystal clear. It's very weird. Someone from Comcast came out to say since the house is wired with RG59 instead of RG6 I will experience these issues from time to time. Which to me is BS since most of the time everything works fine.

Basically, you should never use RG-59 on a 1GHz system like Comcast's. RG-59 might be ok for the lower frequencies, but as you push it higher into the spectrum, it becomes disproportionately lossy.

And something else to consider: A while back, I was suffering from some loss of reception on some of the higher frequency HD channels. The only way you can tell which are the higher frequency digital channels is via the maintenance menu on the cable box, since there's no hard mapping between frequency and digital channel number.

The Comcast tech came in and replaced the cabling and splitters from the wall to cable box, and replaced the wall jack. I had been using RG-6 and 1GHz splitters, but when he replaced MY stuff with HIS stuff, I saw the SN jump 6db according to the same maintenance screen. It made the difference between poor/unreliable and rock solid.

I wouldn't be so fast to call BS.

I have standard cable with Comcast and am looking to get an HDTV soon. I've read these forums and from what I understand I can pick up local HD ('in the clear') with a QAM tuner (which the set I'm looking at has). My question is this, and one I haven't been able to get a clear answer on: Is the quality of "in the clear" HD channels (NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, etc) good or as good as those over the air. I've read that there is greater compression from the cable company than from using a decent antenna. Just wondering if this is true and to what extent (ie; are some channels better than others). Thanks!

As close as I can determine from monitoring the bitrate of the individual programs, Comcast in the Boston area does NOT do any sort of re-compression. It looks like we're getting the full bandwidth as transmitted by the local station.

Any idea when comcast will begin in Plymouth??? I've gotten mailings about my internet billing changing but am curious about the cable switch. Thinking maybe switching from D* to CATV.

Since most of us here get Discovery HD I thought you might want to hear about this !!


NASA, in cooperation with Discovery HD Theater and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, will broadcast for the first time from space live in high-definition next Wednesday, November 15. Two live HDTV broadcasts will feature Expedition 14 Commander Michael Lopez-Alegria on the International Space Station, with Flight Engineer Thomas Reiter serving as camera operator aboard the 220-mile-high laboratory. The broadcasts will be carried by Discovery HD Theater and NHK. Discovery HD Theater will carry the special broadcast live at 10:30 a.m. CST and will be shown at Discovery Channel stores.

.

Basically, you should never use RG-59 on a 1GHz system like Comcast's. RG-59 might be ok for the lower frequencies, but as you push it higher into the spectrum, it becomes disproportionately lossy.

And something else to consider: A while back, I was suffering from some loss of reception on some of the higher frequency HD channels. The only way you can tell which are the higher frequency digital channels is via the maintenance menu on the cable box, since there's no hard mapping between frequency and digital channel number.

The Comcast tech came in and replaced the cabling and splitters from the wall to cable box, and replaced the wall jack. I had been using RG-6 and 1GHz splitters, but when he replaced MY stuff with HIS stuff, I saw the SN jump 6db according to the same maintenance screen. It made the difference between poor/unreliable and rock solid.

I wouldn't be so fast to call BS.


thanks for the insight, Toots. i just called BS because i can only imagine how many houses out there are wired with rg-59. i have a hard time believing that all those home owners are paying to get their house recabled with rg-6 in order to receive clear signal. also, i stated i do not have any issues with my HD signal at the moment. it only seems to be a problem with the lower analog channels and my internet.

On another note, I have been experiencing sporadic signal loss on my channels and also no connectivty on my cable modem recently. Thing is, my HD channels still come in crystal clear. It's very weird. Someone from Comcast came out to say since the house is wired with RG59 instead of RG6 I will experience these issues from time to time. Which to me is BS since most of the time everything works fine.

My house was wired with RG59 and the signal quality sucked. I bought some high frequency RG6 at You Do-it Electronics in Needham and ran the wire from station to station. I then hired a Comcast tech off the clock for $30 per hour to use his expensive crimping gun and signal strenght meter to make sure that everything was perfect. It was well worth the $40 for the cable, three hours of work and the $45 that I paid the Comcast tech.

I have a Sony DHG-HDD250 and I really think it works great. The only minor headache was setting up the TV Guide syestem and its channel listings, but once I got that done it's been a breeze to use.
Have you read through the thread about the Sony HD DVR's? Lots of good information is to be found there.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=537711&pp=60

You should be able to pick one up at the Sony outlet shop in Wrentham. The last time I was there, the 250 GB models were below $300 and the 500 GB recorders were less than $400. You can call ahead of time to find out what is in stock and they'll be happy to hold one for you if you're interested.

Wrentham Village Premium Outlets
Sony Factory Outlet
Premium Outlets Blvd.
Suite 400
Wrentham, MA
(508) 384-1175

Thanks for the response, ya I did check out that thread and theres a lot of good and bad with those units. I can see why they discontinued them but like you said , you have had good luck with yours so it was worth it for you. I think I'm going to wait it out and see what the new tivo's will offer and just work off the 1 DVR for now.

Hi,

I'm having issues picking up the digital and HD stations on my TV. I have an Olevia 542i that has built in NTSC/ATSC/Qam tuners, so I figured I wouldn't have any issues picking up al teh stations, including the HD feeds from the local networks. I am actually on the Boston University network, which is provided by Comcast Cable.

I only pick up like half of the analog signals and none of the digital signals. Please advise!!! Thanks!

Hi,

I'm having issues picking up the digital and HD stations on my TV. I have an Olevia 542i that has built in NTSC/ATSC/Qam tuners, so I figured I wouldn't have any issues picking up al teh stations, including the HD feeds from the local networks. I am actually on the Boston University network, which is provided by Comcast Cable.

I only pick up like half of the analog signals and none of the digital signals. Please advise!!! Thanks!

Talk with the folks at BU

Talk with the folks at BU

Sorry, I forgot to mention that my last HDTV I had (Olevia 432) with teh same tuners picked up all teh stations just fine.

Thanks for yoru reply, though.

Edit - Solved my problem. Thaanks

Is anyone else experiencing odd problems with updated software on 6412? I find random weird DVR problems with my recorded problems. The problems have been 1) wrong program recorded 2) Recording stopping before end of program 3) The whole screen going blank in middle of program. Also, although the menus were always quirky and sometimes took a while to catch up with my commands, it is now much much worse. Sometimes something as simple as a rewind 15 secs will have a very long lag before it actually does it. Also the display screen along the bottom can stay on for minutes and doesn't go away even if I hit exit or whatever. All these symptoms are new, I think, since the new update of the software.

Also, although the menus were always quirky and sometimes took a while to catch up with my commands, it is now much much worse. Sometimes something as simple as a rewind 15 secs will have a very long lag before it actually does it. Also the display screen along the bottom can stay on for minutes and doesn't go away even if I hit exit or whatever. All these symptoms are new, I think, since the new update of the software.

I've had terrible problems with the menus being extremely slow. My biggest peeve is with the 30 second skip. I used to be able to press the button 8 times in rapid succession and blast through a commerical break. Now I have to wait until the first 30 second skip performs before I hit the button again. Because of the delay I end up skipping into the next segment of the show. This may sound minor, and in the scheme of life it is, but as it pertains to the topic of this thread it is very annoying.

Every aspect of the guide is now slow and unresponsive, but the above example is the most annoying manifestation of it.

The last several weeks while watching football on CBS-HD, I am experiencing problems with the audio switching from surround to stereo in the middle of the broadcast. This is particularly annoying with my Panny receiver because every time it switches I can hear the relays "click."

Has anyone else noticed this? Is this a problem with the local CBS or the national broadcast?

I have the same problem with CBS. It's very annoying with my HK receiver b/c every time the sound format changes there is a 2-3 second drop out.

I think I've seen this mentioned in the HD TV threads and is an issue with the CBS broadcast, not our local Comcast transmission.

Did anyone else experience sounds issues during the FSNE HD broadcast of the Celtic's game last night on INHD2? The audio was going in and out for me. All the other HD channels were fine. I did have something else recording on the other tuner on the DCT6412. Maybe this new firmware upgrade has some quirks.

I think it is fair to say that there is a known audio flaw with CBS's NFL broadcasts. If they don't recognize it, then they are deaf. This has been the case ever since I remember. I'm not quite sure why they can't figure this one out.

NFL games on NFL Network get attention from Congress

By JOSEPH WHITE - AP Sports Writer
2006-11-14 18:45

WASHINGTON (AP) -The NFL is about to start airing live regular-season games on its own network, and that has Congress a bit curious.

``We're intrigued, to put it mildly, what the NFL has in mind,'' Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., said Tuesday at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Specter grilled NFL executive vice president and general counsel Jeffrey Pash during the 90-minute hearing on sports programming. The hearing focused on how live games on the NFL Network could affect cable and satellite rates and whether the games raise any antitrust issues in connection with the Sports Broadcasting Act.

The NFL Network will air eight live games this season, starting Thanksgiving night when the Denver Broncos play the Kansas City Chiefs. Some broadcast companies, including Time Warner, have balked at paying the higher fee the league is charging to carry the network because of the games.

Time Warner chief operating officer Landel Hobbs testified that the NFL Network's rates are ``out of whack'' when compared to viewership ratings.

Pash responded that the NFL Network has indeed increased its fees, but he cited the popularity of the league's product as justification. He said other NFL Network carriers - including DirecTV, EchoStar, Comcast and Cox - have not passed along the price increase to their customers. However, Comcast wants to start offering the network as part of a premium sports-tier package, which has sparked a legal challenge from the NFL.

Pash also noted the NFL is the only major pro sports league that broadcasts all of its games on free, over-the-air television in participants' local markets. The NFL Network games will be aired by local stations in the participating teams' markets, using the same arrangement that exists with ESPN telecasts on Monday nights.

``There's been a mass migration away from broadcast television with one exception - the NFL - and we still have every game on broadcast television,'' Pash said.

Pash said the NFL Network's offerings do not run afoul of antitrust laws because they are ``pro-competitive'' and expand choices for consumers. As for Specter's concern about ``what the NFL has in mind'' for the future, Pash said it will be several years before there can be another significant change in how games are broadcast.

``For the next six years we've got contracts with the broadcast networks,'' Pash said. ``We've got a contract with ESPN that goes out eight, so it's not like we're going to do this, this week, and next week we're going to do three times as much. This is where we are for the foreseeable future. We'll see if it works or not. We'll see if there's consumer acceptance. We'll see if there's consumer response. If these games don't get wide distribution, if they don't get good ratings, ratings commensurate with what our other games get, if they don't get strong advertiser support, we'll have to look at an alternative.''

Hey folks, our membership in the exclusive We've Got Everything Club has been temporarily revoked. Comcast Detroit just added NGC HD and A&E HD (yesterday). No reports of other cities yet. My guess is that this won't happen here at least until INHD2 goes away.

I just got back from a 3 week business trip and i went to watch the last 3 Prison Break shows and they all have freezing problems and will not even finish playing was FOX having problems or is my DVR shot.

FAiello: I think you are experienceing the same thing I posted about recently. I think that the new software upgrade for the 6412 has some serious bugs including messing up the DVR. I have experienced unexplained halts and freezing as well. I haven't called Comcast yet but i guess I need to. I just hate to be put on long hold only to be told that there is no known problem.

From TVWeek.com

http://www.tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=11076

November 15, 2006

Comcast to Launch New HD Channel

By James Hibberd

Comcast is about to announce the creation of new high-definition cable channel combining content from its Versus and Golf Channel brands.

Beginning in January, the new network will simulcast Golf Channel programming by day and Versus (formerly OLN) content by night. Comcast, which owns both networks, plans to call the channel Golf Channel/Versus.

The channel will join Comcast's lineup of networks consisting of E!, Style, Golf Channel, Versus, G4 and regional sports outlets. Comcast has a commitment from DirecTV to start carrying the new channel some time next year. Comcast will gradually begin rolling out the new network on its own systems starting in January, a Versus executive said.

Golf Channel/Versus will represent an unusual entry among HD networks. Most cable brands launch either a simulcast HD network (such as ESPN and TNT), or a stand-alone channel that combines content from several brands (such as Discovery HD Theater and MTV's MHD).

By mixing content from two channels, yet airing as a simulcast during different times during the day, Golf Channel/Versus aims for the best of both worlds.

"We think this is the simplest, easiest and best way to go right now," said Marc Fein, senior VP of programming and production for Versus.

Mr. Fein said Comcast decided to combine the channels because that solution gives bandwidth-strapped carriers more incentive to offer the HD service—which is free to cable and satellite operators that currently run Versus and Golf Channel.

By running a simulcast feed, Comcast hopes to decrease viewer confusion, Mr. Fein said.

"If you want to watch the hockey game, you can see it in either standard definition or HD at the same time," he said.

Under the Versus brand, the channel will initially offer HD hockey, boxing, bull riding and field sports, which will air from 7 p.m. to midnight. Executives still haven't decided whether Versus's tentpole event, the Tour de France, will be available in HD, as the network relies on a feed from an overseas partner, Mr. Fein said.

"There have been good conversations; it is possible," Mr. Fein said.

Golf Channel programming will include an exclusive HD airing of the PGA Tour and hundreds of hours of play from other tournaments, and will run from noon to 7 p.m.

On Comcast's cable systems, the new channel will take the place of INHD 2, which is being combined with INHD in January after being slowly phased out on several systems.

TelevisionWeek's HD Newsletter first reported that INHD 2 might be shut down in July.

But INHD 2's owner, iN Demand Networks, which is partly owned by Comcast, has repeatedly denied the network was going away.

Last month, Rob Jacobson, iN Demand's president and CEO, told TVpredictions.com that the networks would be combined. iN Demand did not return a call seeking for comment.

Golf.

I can't wait.
:|

The question I have for AVIC or anyone else that knows, what is CC strategy to add HD channels in the near term, since I have surmised that the ADS rollout has used up all available bandwidth. Hopefully, they will begin to eliminate some of the niche type programming that only 1 in 1000 people watch and redeploy that BW to more mainstream HD content. And clearly, no one really needs 8 different full time Home shopping channels or cartoon channels. I hope they are working on who watches what and get stats that prove no one ever tuned into HSN for more than 15 seconds at a time and make that POS go dark.

As follow up question, assuming that ADS = Analog Digital Simulcast, implies that all the analogs will eventually have digital counterparts but the analog is still being broadcast. Does this mean we have to wait until NTSC goes dark to rid ourselves of these redundant analog versions to free up some more bandwidth?

The question I have for AVIC or anyone else that knows, what

Avic ? Wow there is a name from the past....I don't think he's been here for months !!!

I think you will see that comcast SLOWLY removes analog channels and repurposes the bandwidth for HD. Some areas have seen channels like EWTN move from analog channels to digital tiers (with some complaints as well).

It is also likely from comments I have seen that a small number (basic) of channels will remain on analog AFTER the analog shutoff as a customer service measure.

-Ken

According to LonghornXP over at the Satellite Guys Forum:

"I just found out that Comcast of New England will for sure be adding A&E HD and National Geographic Channel HD by years end. I've also been told that they feel that a national contract for HDNet and HDNet Movies will also be done before years end. My contacts feel very very sure that HDNet is a done deal and is just a matter of crossing the "T"s and dotting the "I"s. I also did find out that HDNet and HDNet movies will most likely be added as part of the new upcoming Sports and Entertainment package..."

The question I have for AVIC or anyone else that knows, what is CC strategy to add HD channels in the near term, since I have surmised that the ADS rollout has used up all available bandwidth. Hopefully, they will begin to eliminate some of the niche type programming that only 1 in 1000 people watch and redeploy that BW to more mainstream HD content. And clearly, no one really needs 8 different full time Home shopping channels or cartoon channels. I hope they are working on who watches what and get stats that prove no one ever tuned into HSN for more than 15 seconds at a time and make that POS go dark.

As follow up question, assuming that ADS = Analog Digital Simulcast, implies that all the analogs will eventually have digital counterparts but the analog is still being broadcast. Does this mean we have to wait until NTSC goes dark to rid ourselves of these redundant analog versions to free up some more bandwidth?

For a while it was mostly some locals,Disney and Cspan1 and 2. They had to figure a way to include the local ads in. I believe we have had FULL ADS for some time now.

According to LonghornXP over at the Satellite Guys Forum:

"I just found out that Comcast of New England will for sure be adding A&E HD and National Geographic Channel HD by years end. I've also been told that they feel that a national contract for HDNet and HDNet Movies will also be done before years end. My contacts feel very very sure that HDNet is a done deal and is just a matter of crossing the "T"s and dotting the "I"s. I also did find out that HDNet and HDNet movies will most likely be added as part of the new upcoming Sports and Entertainment package..."

which means the cable bill will be going up by around $10 or so. (so much for getting a second box)

which means the cable bill will be going up by around $10 or so. (so much for getting a second box)

I want HDNET as bad as Chitchatjf, but if it's bundled with some sports package for an extra $10 they can stick it. Sorry Mr. Cuban .

-Ken

bye bye NFL network

I want HDNET as bad as Chitchatjf, but if it's bundled with some sports package for an extra $10 they can stick it. Sorry Mr. Cuban .

-Ken

I have been eyeing the channels in the premiere pack At one time it was included with Digital platinim

Ihave seen NO notice aboput any channel changes or even INHD2

which means the cable bill will be going up by around $10 or so. (so much for getting a second box)

I got a letter stating that the digital pack I currently have was being phased out in favor of the new Sports Entertainment pack. Both were 6.95 and the new pack has MORE channels than the old one, so I called to switch over. Interestingly enough, had I not called, they would have just dropped the old pack instead of switching me over to the new one. The new pack includes TCM and other non-sports channels.

I got a letter stating that the digital pack I currently have was being phased out in favor of the new Sports Entertainment pack. Both were 6.95 and the new pack has MORE channels than the old one, so I called to switch over. Interestingly enough, had I not called, they would have just dropped the old pack instead of switching me over to the new one. The new pack includes TCM and other non-sports channels.

I have gotten the Premiere pack in the past. I will probably be getting this SnE tier,but when HDNet comes on most likely. :)

I believe those with digital Platinum (like me) can get it for $4 or is that being phased out too.

11/21 update: It is still $4. I already have it. :)

I have gotten the Premiere pack in the past. I will probably be getting this SnE tier,but when HDNet comes on most likely. :)

I believe those with digital Platinum (like me) can get it for $4 or is that being phased out too.

I didn't have Platinum, so I don't know what your price would be. It's worth calling up, as they should have the correct prices as of now.

FAiello: I think you are experienceing the same thing I posted about recently. I think that the new software upgrade for the 6412 has some serious bugs including messing up the DVR. I have experienced unexplained halts and freezing as well. I haven't called Comcast yet but i guess I need to. I just hate to be put on long hold only to be told that there is no known problem.

I called CSR and they told me to unplug the DVR for 30 sec. then plug back in. Seems to work fine now. Try it.

The impression I am getting from here and other areas is this:


NEW HD channels are coming :

AnE as part of enhanced
Comcast sportsnet (Verses/Golf channel) as part of enhanced
Nat Geo as part of classic
CN8HD as part of classic or basic
A new tier mixing the current premiere pack and Sports tier called the SnE pack
Two long awaited H channels as part of SnE

Anyone having constant sound dropouts on INHD2 for the Celtics game tonight? My preamp keeps dropping and reacquiring the DD signal.

The impression I am getting from here and other areas is this:


NEW HD channels are coming :

AnE as part of enhanced
Nat Geo as part of classic
CN8Hd as part of classic or basic
A new tier mixing the current premiere pack and Sports tier called the SnE pack
Two long awaited H channels as part of SnE

You forgot Comcast SportsHD (combination of Versus and the Golf channel) in January.

CN8HD ?

-Ken

If CN8 actually does come to HD, they better make it a decent channel, right now it is horrid. They really aught to be prioritizing FSNE to complete the big 4 sports in HD.

While I don't agree with the sportsnet channel (VS/ Golf), I understand for live hockey, etc. As I've mentioned before, I'd much rather see Food and HGTV HD over NG and A&E.

Either way, 4+ new HD channels is always a welcome improvement.

I installed a new DB35 750GB HD from Weeknees and my digital and premium channels are no longer received. Comcast indicates that they need to send a technician out this Wednesday. The cc's are supposed to be tied to the Tivo Series 3 motherboard and not the hard drive. But, this may not be the case, althought some upgraders with cable cards are having issues and some are not. http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=323639

According to the channel guide, the Thursday night game on NFL Network will be available in HD on 882.

Mickey

Yeah, I'm also not a sports guy at all, so if they bundle HDNet with a sports package I unfortunately won't take it.

Yeah, I'm also not a sports guy at all, so if they bundle HDNet with a sports package I unfortunately won't take it.

The sports pack and Premiere packs are merging. Buy one get the other free.

Premiere pack includes TCM among other channels

The sports pack and Premiere packs are merging. Buy one get the other free.

Premiere pack includes TCM among other channelsI don't want a "Premiere Pack" at all. I don't watch any of the 4:3 SD channels whatsoever. I only watch HD now so I only have:

Basic Cable $7
Digital Classic $6
HD BOX/DVR $16, etc, etc.

You get the idea. If they make me tack the $40 Premiere Digital pack on just to get all the INHD, TNT-HD, UHD stuff I'm getting now for ~$6 I don't know if I'll even bother with it.

I admit, I do want HDNet and (especially) HDNet Movies quite badly, but at what cost?

I don't want a "Premiere Pack" at all. I don't watch any of the 4:3 SD channels whatsoever. I only watch HD now so I only have:

Basic Cable $7
Digital Classic $6
HD BOX/DVR $16, etc, etc.

You get the idea. If they make me tack the $40 Premiere Digital pack on just to get all the INHD, TNT-HD, UHD stuff I'm getting now for ~$6 I don't know if I'll even bother with it.

I admit, I do want HDNet and (especially) HDNet Movies quite badly, but at what cost?

It is an a la carte tier that will run around $7. They have had TWO separate tiers but they are being merged into one "Sports and Entertainment pack". You do notice you do not get MHD, ESPN2HD or NESN HD and most likely will not get AnE HD or Verses/Golf HD.

So prepare to spend around $7 for it as that will be where the H channels will be.

139 Update: They still offer it with Platinum for $4 but Celticvision is out. The person who took my upgrade offer had no idea about any new HD channels or Tivo.

I need to take in a non-HD box to swap for an HD version. There used to be a depot in Marlboro, but that's closed. Anyone know where the closest one would be and what their hours are? A sales guy at Circuit City said there is one off Rte 30 in Framingham, is that accurate?

I need to take in a non-HD box to swap for an HD version. There used to be a depot in Marlboro, but that's closed. Anyone know where the closest one would be and what their hours are? A sales guy at Circuit City said there is one off Rte 30 in Framingham, is that accurate?
There's an office in Hudson on 577 Main St., (the eastern end of town), they're open during normal business hours.

Hey guys I have a question- I currently have Comcast for basic analog cable and High speed internet. I want to go digital with the triple play package but the CS @ Comcast said I wasn't eligible, I would have to cancel for 3 months to be considered a "new" customer and be eligible. Anyone know if they would let me get in on the $99/12 months triple play package if I threatened to switch to Dish or DirectTV?? It seems it would be advantageous and cost effective for them to keep me as a customer....

Zack

Zack,

I called and hit the cancelation number. Told them I simply couldn't afford it and was canceling my internet and switching to basic cable, which I was fully willing to do since it was the start of the summer and I'd be away. They offered me the triple play package, I turned it down, instead they took $19 off my internet bill.

Good to know! I'll try giving them a call about cancelling :)

There's an office in Hudson on 577 Main St., (the eastern end of town), they're open during normal business hours.

Thanks, that's probably closer.

Does anyone ever notice ESPN's MNF broadcast is often choppy? No problems with commercials/sound, just the actual football broadcast stutters slightly. Almost like a refresh rate issue, but maybe it's just my DLP.

ESPN-HD always seem choppy, no matter if it's Comcast, DirecTV, Dish, etc. It's gotta be them.

In related Comcast news, it's not HD, but it's kind of cool regardless:

NEW YORK, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Cable operator Comcast Corp. is about to land a video on-demand deal with Walt Disney Co. for shows such as "Desperate Housewives" and "World News with Charles Gibson," the Wall Street Journal reported on its Web site, citing people familiar with the matter.

Comcast has been seeking prime-time television programs to offer on its video-on-demand service for more than two years, the WSJ said.

The deal is part of an anticipated content transaction that Comcast and Disney may sign as early as Tuesday that covers much of the panorama of the rapidly changing digital landscape, the paper said.

The broader deal includes Comcast's purchase of Disney's broadcast and cable programming, including ABC, ESPN, and the Disney Channel, for more than $1 billion a year. It also gives Comcast rights to use Disney promotional content on its high-speed Internet portal.
SportsCenter On Demand? Can't say I'd be disappointed to see that.

Well my 6412 crapped out. I think the new software update was just too much for it. I swaped it for a 3416. So far, the 3416 is superior with no problems. I like the bigger (160gb) hard drive although even that isn't much for HD but 120Gb is way too small. Menu navigation is faster & more responsive, non-HD channels look slightly better. I haven't had any of the HDMI problems previously mentioned although I have to use an HDMI to DVI adapter so I don't really use HDMI.

If I ever get through what I have on my DVR i'm ditching my 6412. I've had enough of it. The constant sound problems and freezing is getting absurd. The new software update is terrible.

Well my 6412 crapped out. I think the new software update was just too much for it. I swaped it for a 3416. So far, the 3416 is superior with no problems. I like the bigger (160gb) hard drive although even that isn't much for HD but 120Gb is way too small. Menu navigation is faster & more responsive, non-HD channels look slightly better. I haven't had any of the HDMI problems previously mentioned although I have to use an HDMI to DVI adapter so I don't really use HDMI.
I had the exact same experience (except for HDMI/DVI which I don't use). The 3416 has been great so far.

Today's Boston Herald has an article on how Boston is the #1 market for the Concert.TV programming available through ON DEMAND.

http://theedge.bostonherald.com/musicNews/view.bg?articleid=168306

Is it me or does everytime the TV show heroes is on -it goes back and forth between HD and no HD. seems the first part of theshow is not in HD then all of a suddenit reverts into HD content. I am south of boston. just curious of anyone else experiences this (I hope its not my set-but it seems to only happen with this show every monday night). thanks
thetman

Heroes, it's the network...

I am unable to get Closed Captioning on my new HD Plasma. According to the manual, CC is not displayed when you use HDMI connection. I want to know if I can connect an analog cable in additon to the HDMI and toggle back and forth when I want CC. Does anyone know if this is possible? Or, do I have to get rid of my HDMI connector to get the CC?

I am unable to get Closed Captioning on my new HD Plasma. According to the manual, CC is not displayed when you use HDMI connection. I want to know if I can connect an analog cable in additon to the HDMI and toggle back and forth when I want CC. Does anyone know if this is possible? Or, do I have to get rid of my HDMI connector to get the CC?

Do you have a Comcast Motorola cable box? If yes when try this
- Press cable button on your cable remote to get into "cable" mode
- Press Power button, then press menu button within 2 seconds
This will take you to "service" menu. Select CC ON.

Typically, Closed Captions are applied to video before going through HDMI, DVI or component video connections. So that's pretty normal. You want to do what cnewsgrp suggested: Turn Closed Captioning on in the cable box. However, you do have to turn the box off to switch back and forth.

You can also do as you suggest -- use the A/V connections out of the cable box (instead of HDMI, DVI or component video), and use the Closed Captioning decoder in your television instead.