Originally posted by jckessler
Have they dropped those two analog HBO channels? That might be one clue.

I saw a channel update on my Tivo last week that 2 HBO channels were dropped, not sure if that's the same two you're asking about.

It would not suprise me that over time, the only analog channels will be broadcast and local access channels. Bet that over time , CNN,MTV,Weather Channel, ESPN will go to a digital tier. Also no 804 WBZ -DT yet south of Boston as of Monday morning.

Everything will be digital in a few years, even the local analog.

Originally posted by jckessler
If Comcast had a deal with NBA-TV, we'd have been seeing a HD NBA game. Until that happens, we'll just get a black screen during the times slotted for the NBA HD games. So that's why, had no idea. They should make it more clear, I thought they were having tech issues.

In a way I'm surprised that Comcast has not forced the upgrade to digital altogether.

I'm pricing alternatives today and the Dish packages are extremely enticing. I can get locals OTA just fine, so I'm not wedded to catv for that capability. Factor in free DSS hardware (I can install that myself!) and it may be an extremely difficult to pass up proposition. I'll admittedly miss not having INHD (Bruins and RedSox home games) and ESPNHD, but I'll survive. I find that I watch other channels far more often anyhow. Considering that I could save over $30/mo at that point, I think it will be worth it.

Comparing dish pricing to Comcast's just highlights how ridiculous Comcast is. To get HBO and Showtime on Comcast, you need to subscribe to digital gold which is $34/mo. This doesn't include the required local stations ($8-13/mo), the box rental($5-7/mo), or the optional standard analog channels ($39/mo), whereas Dish will give you the standard channel lineup plus HBO and Showtime for $50/mo total.

All of us apt dwellers though are stuck with Comcast, and they know it.

Doesn't DISH have a large up front equipment cost (~$600) for an HDTV STB like D*? That is what makes HDTV cable attractive to most...

Originally posted by Jakes
Doesn't DISH have a large up front equipment cost (~$600) for an HDTV STB like D*? That is what makes HDTV cable attractive to most...

I think it's quite a bit less than $600 these days; perhaps closer to $300.

If the cost differential is $30/mo, it doesn't take much time to make up the difference. But I do think you're right, many people are adverse to any upfront costs/commitments, even if it lowers their longterm expenses. Flexibility is worth something.

OK, I'm done bitching about Comcast. I do like the fact that they're providing NESN-HD feeds, and their cable modem service is pretty darn good.

Originally posted by jckessler
I think it's quite a bit less than $600 these days; perhaps closer to $300.

If the cost differential is $30/mo, it doesn't take much time to make up the difference. But I do think you're right, many people are adverse to any upfront costs/commitments, even if it lowers their longterm expenses. Flexibility is worth something.

OK, I'm done bitching about Comcast. I do like the fact that they're providing NESN-HD feeds, and their cable modem service is pretty darn good.

Edit: This is funny.

Go to this page:

http://www.comcast-ne.com/customize.php

and choose your town, then click on "Click here to learn more about improvements Comcast is making in your community.."

This sends me to an error page. Somehow fitting.

I get HD OTA, so an SD DSS reciever would be OK. I wonl;t miss out on too much, and be paying substantially less per month, depending on the programming package.

It also appears that Dish has a lease option for their boxes (including HD) I'll need to call them and confirm to be sure.

It's sad that I need to get a large number of channels in order to recieve the handful that I really want, and really do not want to pay for.

Basic Cable in my town is $42.95/mo. Apparantly that includes expanded basic. in order to recieve my current level of service (in this case, plus HBO and Cinemax, that I currerntly do not recieve) I'll need to spend $120/mo- which includes my internet service. That's $4/day. Considering that I don't nessecarily watch TV every day, then my cost per hour is getting excessive.

I think that the issue for me is that they did this out of the blue- kill off most of the stations that I watch at all and then charge me essentially $1 per station just to get them back. I'm of the opinion that my money is better spent elsewhere, but my wife and I need to discuss that one.

tcable,


Not for nothing but you were receiving expanded cable for how long? You were paying for basic but because of error you were receiving the extras for free. To me that is a deal right there. This is the reason why cable prices rise. Comcast is trying to profit not lose like every other cable company which in the long run will improve the overall system.

tcable- that's not "Basic" cable. That's expanded basic.

Basic Cable should be anywhere from $6-$12 depending on your town, and it is all you require for the digital services, including HD. So if you don't mind doing without things like CNN and Nick you're all set.

Anyone call Comcast yet to try and get more info on 804?

I wrote to Comcast about the problem with the ABC 5.1 feed. This is part of the reply.

"In this case, I would suspect that the local ABC affiliate did not
select the proper preset on their AC-3 encoder while Alias was being
aired. (Most ABC affiliates have to make this switch manually due to
their infrastructure)

This same issue has come up before with other ABC affiliates around the
country where a 5.1 program is being aired by the network in New York
and the local affiliate accidentally leaves their AC-3 encoder in
2-channel mode, hence the subscriber only hears the left and right only
of the 5.1 program. In other words, the center, left surround, right
surround and LFE signals are not being encoded. Remember, in many cases
the center channel carries the dialog as well."

They suggested I contact WCVB directly which I have.

According to Comcast, that IS basic cable :) I agree, that's expanded basic, and that basic should be under $10/mo. Like I said, something t othink about for me. It's the killing of service that I thought I was paying for. WIth the free SD decoded and dish, It begins to tempt me :)

If I was you and were not happy I would switch. I am sure you will find problems on the competition's side also. In the last ten years I have seen computers, vcr's, dvd's tv's etc., all change for better. But there is always someone that will disagree a try a different brand or product and try to prove to them selves they made the right choice. But again in reality we all need change. Period. i feel Comcast has done alot more than any other cable company so I am sticking with them. First HD, then double interent speeds, and soon dvr. No one else , I feel could do this. On top of that get you a service call within 24 hrs. Try doing that with Dish........

tcable -

Call them at 1-800-COMCAST and ask for the price of basic cable. They don't always promote their lowest priced basic cable package on their website. The $47 price sounds like expanded basic.

Basic cable should include at least all of your local broadcast TV stations.

Basic cable plus your HDTV basics (including box rental) should be under $40/month. You won't get ESPN, INHD or INHD2 with just basic cable Though, you will need to get some kind of digital package to get thoses cbale channels, Like ABsic and digital classic or something like that.

Give them a call.

Digital Classic if $5 more and he'll get those three HD channels.

for those wanting to discuss/argue pricing and comparing this to that, please take your conversation here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=341535

Originally posted by old_muggle
They suggested I contact WCVB directly which I have.

It's happened on NBC-HD as well, let us know what cvb says.

Originally posted by avic
Anyone call Comcast yet to try and get more info on 804?

Is it odd that we cant get a ETA on this, I thought the WBZ guys were very forthcoming with info?

Anyone having problems with HDTV reception over Comcast? I've had most of the channels showing "this channel will be available shortly" for about the last week. Now it's about to interfere with MNF, so this is the first time I'm officially annoyed....

We're getting MNF in hi def in the South End

MNF lookin' good, no prob

Try power cycling your box (unplugging it for a few minutes, then plugging it back in). If that doesn't work, call support and ask for a booster signal.

I had the same problem on half my HD channels and it was a signal problem. I fixed it by changing out some old RG59 cable and removing 1 splitter out of the loop.

Chris

I tried removing a splitter I had inline and a power cycle with no dice, though now 802 and 825 come in very pixilated. Even 999 doesn't come in. They're sending a tech out tomorrow. I was surprised they took my call at 7 am, no waiting, and the CSR was very cheerful and helpful. Now if they can fix it I'll be happy.

In this morning's Globe, Bill Griffith said that Comcast was trying to get the CBS-HD channel up in time for next Saturday's Pats game. His information is usually pretty good on these topics, so lets hope and pray.

The Comcast website for the Boston area now says CBS-HD will be here on January 13th.

tcable, I had a similar experience when AT&T bought out MediaOne. I was not billed for my cable modem service for about 6 months, then one day I came home from work and no internet. I called up AT&T, and they said that they didn't show that service on my account, but could add it. After a little back and forth, I finally talked to a guy in their sales dept who told me what had happened. I asked if I could be credited for the downtime since they had cut me off. He was not amused by the request. ;)

What is the website for comcast boston ? Is it the same as comcast new england (http://www.comcast-ne.com)

Originally posted by dozens
What is the website for comcast boston ? Is it the same as comcast new england (http://www.comcast-ne.com)
No. Go to Comcast.com. Click on What's in my area - near the top of the screen. Enter your zip code. Find a button for HDTV - click, then find a reference to CBS-HD.

yup CBS-HD no longer 'coming soon' now says tue jan 13 joining cinemax/starz. so much for the bills saturday and in fact we'll miss divisional playoffs on the jan 10-11 weekend! i didn't expect them to react in time for this saturday but to actually wait until the tuesday right after the playoffs is LAME LAME LAME!!!

A bit surprised nothing about WB yet... they have a lot of HD programming.

As far as CBS is concerned, there is light at the end of the tunnel. I'll take 3 or 4 more weeks than not know anything. I am a bit surprised that Boston Metro is so slow to get things. I wonder if we can blame that on ATT ... Comcast may be trying to clean up their mess.

Chris

MickyGee, not that it matters anymore, but where did you see that story? I didn't see anything under that byline today. The only "Bill Griffith"s I know of are the CNBC commentator and the guy who does Zippy.

Look here:

http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/articles/2003/12/23/namath_incident_not_being_kissed_off/

Also, I think Ken H mentioned that Saturday's FOX game will not be widescreen, although this articles claims it will be.

Originally posted by Schlotkins
A bit surprised nothing about WB yet... they have a lot of HD programming.

You might want to keep an eye on this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=341875) I just started over in the Programming section, hopefully it'll shake loose some info.

Looking forward to getting channel 804, even though it's mostly irrelevant to me. There are still a couple of CBS shows I watch, though.

January 13 is fine.

Not everyone is unhappy about these developments.

Originally posted by jckessler
Look here:

http://www.boston.com/sports/other_sports/articles/2003/12/23/namath_incident_not_being_kissed_off/

Thanks much! Guess I need glasses.

This is unconfirmed but from a good source. The Comcast website is wrong. CBS-HD any day now in the Boston area.

excellent!!!

Originally posted by MickeyGee
This is unconfirmed but from a good source. The Comcast website is wrong. CBS-HD any day now in the Boston area. Hope you are right for the sake of Boston HDTV sports fans. It would be a shame to not be able to watch all remaining Pats games in HD. Fortunately I get WBZ-DT OTA but still it would be more convenient to switch to it on my cable box.

GO PATS!!!

Good news: CBS HD launches today in the Boston Market. 882 is temporarily going off the air but the Bruins home games are being moved to 881.

Definitely a bandwidth issue then.

Time to kill off those analog channels!

INHD2 (882) Will be back in early January. That is the word I got from an excellent source.

Yep!!! I can confirm that the changeover is happening as we speak... 882 is gone, and 804 is now in the channel list and says "Not Authorized". This is awesome!! I'll let you all know when it actually shows up...

Hmph.

Speaking as someone who couldn't care less about sports, I guess I'm feeling that this is somewhat empty. I mean, yeah, it's a nice Christmas present and everything, but everything's just reruns for the next couple of weeks.

I'm not so pleased either.
I don't like losing a channel I pay for (882) to get a channel (804) I can already get for free!

INHD2 really didn't show much. Most of the good programming is on 881 anyways. But fear not, 882 will return early January like I posted before. 882 will be showing the yule log on Xmas day. This is exciting? Not to me. Bring on the Pats.

Originally posted by jckessler
Definitely a bandwidth issue then.

Time to kill off those analog channels!
They need to chop the analog channels down to a minimal core of 10 to 20 basic channels, ASAP.

OK - I actually found CBS digital on 109-2 using my LG 3100 set top box. It's just a matter of the cable box being setup and rerouted. I'm watching the Guiding Light on CBS digital :) Sorry to be such a geek, but I've been waiting for this with baited breath ever since I bought my HDTV. I couldn't care less about losing INHD2 for a few weeks... good decision Comcast!

I do not mind temporarily losing InHD2 (882) for WBZ-DT (804). Great work, Comcast.

<LOL>
One of the CSR's I talked to yesterday said that they are still in negotiations and will transmit CBS in the first quarter in Boston.
</LOL>

I fall under comcast new england. I can confirm that 804 is coming in but the program guide says "to be announced".... no big deal. 882 is also no longer tunable.

Well every analog channel they remove can turn into 2 HD channels, so I don't think it has to be that extreme, but they're clearly maxed out around here. Does anyone know what type of system Comcast has? Is it 750Mhz, 1Ghz, or more?

600Mhz of that (6Mhz/channel x 100) is already taken up by analog. Then digital phone, cable modem, several hundred digital stations probably take up the rest.

Originally posted by wackymann
OK - I actually found CBS digital on 109-2 using my LG 3021 set top box. It's just a matter of the cable box being setup and rerouted. I'm watching the Guiding Light on CBS digital :) Sorry to be such a geek, but I've been waiting for this with baited breath ever since I bought my HDTV. I couldn't care less about losing INHD2 for a few weeks... good decision Comcast!

I have the LG 3510a. I am not fimilar with the 3021, does it have a QAM tuner ? Anyway, what channel is ESPN on your LG box and cable box ? If it is not too much trouble can you send me a of channels you can tune with your LG box ie
109-2 -> 804
87-1 -> 802
etc

Thanks in advance.

Getting greedy , now only if Comcast makes an agreement with NBA and Discovery. That would be icing on the cake.

804 cbs-hd..is finally on...yes!!!!!!!...Pats in hi-def on saturday!

Most of the New England Region is 750Mhz while the newer digital areas are 1 Ghz. I can tell you that this came to a complete surprise to the CSRs at Comcast that CBS was being turned on today. I think it was pushed up because of the Pats success. Or else INHD2 would not have to go dark until January.

I'll take the trade. Aside from a couple of mediocre movies, most of the INHD stuff is eye candy and repeats.

I'll defintely take the trade off of INHD2 for CBSHD until mid January.

Originally posted by therob006
Most of the New England Region is 750Mhz while the newer digital areas are 1 Ghz. I can tell you that this came to a complete surprise to the CSRs at Comcast that CBS was being turned on today. I think it was pushed up because of the Pats success. Or else INHD2 would not have to go dark until January.

Thanks for the info.

As someone who gets both OTA and cable, I'm looking at the net loss of InHD2, but considering how much I watch it, I'm not shedding any tears.

Getting the Pats in HD over cable is a much bigger deal than InHD2.

I hate to burst everyones bubble, but Titan TV does not list Saturdays Patriots game as being in HD. Not all of the Patriots games on CBS have been HD. Last weeks game was.

CBS wasn't planned to be on until Starz and Cinemax.

They have enough bandwidth to add those two channels, they just need to install the appropriate equipment, which they don't have time to do at the moment.

Less analog is fine with me. It's only a matter of time before they're all digital. Those inexpensive Pace cable boxes should speed up the transition.

I'm probably in the minority here but I actually like having analog channels for my non-digital TV's. I'm all for getting rid of SOME of the analogs as long as I get to pick which ones go. Here is my preference for 12 analogs to drop:

17 UNIVISION -- WUNI
18 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WNDS
19 TELEMUNDO -- WNEU
20 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WMFP
21 TELEFUTURA -- WUTF
23 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WYDN
56 EWTN/CATHTV
68 GAME SHOW NETWORK
70 HSN - HOME SHOPPING NETWORK
71 QVC
95 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WWDP
98 RADIO & TELEVISION PORTUGAL

Originally posted by dozens
I have the LG 3510a. I am not fimilar with the 3021, does it have a QAM tuner ? Anyway, what channel is ESPN on your LG box and cable box ? If it is not too much trouble can you send me a of channels you can tune with your LG box ie
109-2 -> 804
87-1 -> 802
etc

Thanks in advance.

Sorry - I had my model numbers mixed up for some reason - it's a LG LST-3100A. Sure - I'll do a scan and write down the numbers for you. But, I don't think it finds ESPN.

Originally posted by FAiello
I hate to burst everyones bubble, but Titan TV does not list Saturdays Patriots game as being in HD. Not all of the Patriots games on CBS have been HD. Last weeks game was.

A much more reliable source than TitanTV does however:

http://cbs.sportsline.com/u/cbs/schedule/nfl.htm

Originally posted by jckessler
A much more reliable source than TitanTV does however:

http://cbs.sportsline.com/u/cbs/schedule/nfl.htm

Thanks, I have seen other errors on Titan TV before, but normally it is pretty reliable.

Originally posted by therob006
I can tell you that this came to a complete surprise to the CSRs at Comcast that CBS was being turned on today. I think it was pushed up because of the Pats success. Or else INHD2 would not have to go dark until January.
My guess is that they were planning on mid-January due to the bandwidth issues, but then someone in Management determined that the Patriots on CBS-HD should be a priority, and changes were made.

i couldn't care less about 882 or the yule log. cbs-hd is what we've all been waiting for. thank you comcast for the quick response! they actually sent out an email:

This email has been sent to Comcast High Definition Subscribers that
have contacted our Electronic Customer Care Department within the last
week regarding the availability of CBS-HD.

CBS - HDTV has launched in the Eastern Mass, Southern NH, and Maine and
can be found on Channel 804. In order to launch this channel as quickly
as possible we have temporarily suspended INHD2 until early January.
Any Bruins home games that would have been shown on INHD2 (882) will
instead be shown on INHD1 (881).

Go Pats!

CBS Sportsline has Bills-Pats In HD Alright. WBZ-DT on right now. SD Enhanced looks good ,will check out Y&R in HD in a bit. Think Comcast made a good move. They should have opened up 2 to 3 analogue channels on Dec 16 Sure that with Jan bills they will announce more moves from analog to digital tier,but need to give everyone 30 days notice. Bet EWTN will leave 56 as it on digital on 238.History may leave analog as it has been on digital202.There may others in some cities that are on 2 places, on analog and digital. Saw D_Doherty list, agree with many of his choices but I dont think they can move any local OTA to a digital tier

Originally posted by wackymann
Sorry - I had my model numbers mixed up for some reason - it's a LG LST-3100A. Sure - I'll do a scan and write down the numbers for you. But, I don't think it finds ESPN.

Here's what I found:

82-4: On-Demand Preview (1)
83-4: Bravo
83-5: History
84-1: WGBH-D (802)
84-2: WFXT-D (825)
85-1: WCVB-D (805)
85-2: WHDH-D (807)
86-1: NBA League Pass Preview
88-1: *Scrambled* (Maybe ESPN?)
89-(21-40): Audio
90-(21-29): Audio
91-X: On-Demand Stuff? (Stuff people have ordered in my neighborhood?)
103-(5-49): Audio
109-2: WBZ-D (804)
113-2: In-Demand Preview
115-9: Comcast Preview

I have no clue where ESPN-D, INHD, HBO-HD, or Showtime-HD are hiding... The funny thing is that when the box is searching for channels, it says it found 23 of them... I'm guessing the missing channels are also being used, but can't be decoded by the 3100 for some reason.

Originally posted by wackymann
Sorry - I had my model numbers mixed up for some reason - it's a LG LST-3100A. Sure - I'll do a scan and write down the numbers for you. But, I don't think it finds ESPN.

My ezscan was unable to find it. It is either scrambled or then channel number is too high for the LG tuner. I have read reports of comcast subscribers in CA being able to tune in ESPN HD. I do not know enough about this stuff to be sure.

Originally posted by dozens
My ezscan was unable to find it. It is either scrambled or then channel number is too high for the LG tuner. I have read reports of comcast subscribers in CA being able to tune in ESPN HD. I do not know enough about this stuff to be sure.

There are 3 different cable tuner settings - I chose "Standard". I'll try rescanning with the other 2 settings and see if it finds anything else.

17 UNIVISION -- WUNI
18 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WNDS
19 TELEMUNDO -- WNEU
20 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WMFP
21 TELEFUTURA -- WUTF
23 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WYDN

These are local broadcast channels and are covering by the FCC Must Carry regulations. They can not be dropped and must be ordered to have any level of cable service. When Media Corp purchased DirecTV, Congress tried to have satillite do a must-carry for the local channels too. But it did not go through before the buy-out.

Comcast updated the website and got rid of the "January 13th" status, so CBS is now listed under the available channels in the Boston area.

DaveFi, if the bandwidth is available (and not being used by Cinemax/Starz at the moment), were you told why it was necessary to take 882 down?

Also, since there are still a bunch of channels that are on both analog and "digital cable", have you heard of any plans to move more of them to digital-tier-only?

Let me take something back. Comcast is an entire 1 Ghz system with only 860Mhz usable. Currently, most areas are maxed out and some of the digital channels are going to be compressed to add more HD channels. The bandwidth for Starz/Cinemax is reserved so in order to add CBS, INHD2 had to be removed. Starz/Encore digital channels were compressed (this is why you might have problems with those channels) and moved to the higher end of the spectrum. Showtime/Movie Channel and HBO/Cinemax will be going through the samething to open up more room.

Thanks to therobb006 for the most-detailed info yet. Were any figures given on how many more HD channels this might open up (beyond Starz/Cinemax)?

Here are the ratios:

1 analog for every 2 HDTV channels
1 analog for every 5 digital channels (uncompressed)
1 analog for every 10 digital channels (compressed)

So if HBO, Cinemax, Showtime and The Movie channels are compressed, the Comcast can squeeze out 4 more HD channels (one of them being 882 INHD2)

therob006 - Can you tell me which HD channels will be scrambled and ifthere are any plans to change their channel number. Can you compress a HD channel ? If so, are they going to compress any ?

Channel numbers will remain the same. They are set-up to match the analog counterparts with premium channels being the exception. No changes are planned as far as I know.


As far as I know, the HD channels announced are the only ones that are coming. No plans on Discovery, Bravo, etc. The HD channel may already be compressed because the 5.1 sound takes up alot of the bandwidth. So the 1 analog to 2 HD will be the best until a better compression method comes along.

I found out about Starz/Cinemax HD through this forum, not from the Comcast web site. But if I hear something before it is posted, I will let you all know.

Clearly the Starz and Cinemax bandwidth is reserved, and as noted, management must have thought adding CBS was a priority. CBS is a big selling point for HD, as alot of folks pick-up cable in the new year. I also suspect alot of folks will be getting brand-new HDTVs for the holiday season, which probably played into it. I know one of the biggest questions for Comcast regarding HD was "Where's CBS?".

As to why they removed INHD2 when there is reserved bandwidth for Starz and Cinemax your guess is as good as mine.;)
They're hard at work and It should be all sorted out within the next month.

I have had some good experiences with Comcast recently, and they're definitely headed in the right direction. Now all that's needed is more HD services, TMC-HD especially (because it's free with SHO), and VOD-HD should cement the deal.

Actually, the HBO2 analog that was removed would be used for Starz/Cinemax. Thats not a guess, but that is another post for later.

I do not think VOD-HD could be a possibility on the current network because it is maxed out. I understand a new rebuild project will start up and convert the existing lines to all fiber optic. Only then will enough bandwidth through the cable lines exist. Plus, there is limitations with the VOD anyways.

Hopefully, TMC-HD and Discover-HD is next. That is a guess.

See what you're missing!

Here's a tip for those of you who would like to sneak a peek at HDNet. The Tweeter store in Harvard Square (don't know about the other locations) uses HDNet to show off their HD sets (which are the majority of their sets). Pretty nice! Just as I was about to leave, "Bikini Destinations" came on, so I ended up leaving a bit later than planned.

I also saw my first 4:3 HD set there (sorry, can't remember any brand names). Can't imagine that product category winning over the long run. PQ was nice, 'tho. One interesting thing; instead of showing the entire 16:9 image with a lot of letterboxing, the set "splits the difference" by doing some letterboxing and some cropping of the sides. The result is a compromise that will satisfy no-one.

Don't the VOD services occupy some of the same bandwidth as the internet services? They just doubled the speed.

ScoopsHd - the answer the your question is I am a Comcast employee. I was told about this forum from a customer so I decided to check it out. After checking with a manager, I was told it was ok to post my opinion. But I figure that I'll toss out a few facts since I'm good with understanding the system.

I was talking to a field tech as I was writing some of my posts. He assured me that all headends (source of the signal) is 1 Ghz. I figured the former Cablevision properties would be smaller but the upgrade was done last because ATTBB was so lazy and focused on telephony. So the system is 1 Ghz but only 860 Mhz is actually usable. Quote from a technician. Anyways, I prefer compression rather then QAM modulation. The QAM modulation lead to some trouble with Starz and Encore so if you have the channels and they are either tiling or reading "one moment please" thats because you have an old wire or splitter. Former Cablevision properties used to be 550 Mhz and Former Media was 750 MHz. But Comcast has done more upgrading of systems over the past year then ATTBB did in its entire ownership of this region.

Comcast does use HITS as a service provider but if you noticed (and I did) Comcast is grouping premium channels together. So right now, the plan that makes sense would be to modify HBO/Cinemax and Showtime/Movie Channel and put out more HD channels before the other service providers.

Anyone else getting "Channel ... shortly" message on 804???? Looks like some have it while others don't?

don't have it yet

Originally posted by therob006
17 UNIVISION -- WUNI
18 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WNDS
19 TELEMUNDO -- WNEU
20 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WMFP
21 TELEFUTURA -- WUTF
23 IND (INDEPENDENT) -- WYDN

These are local broadcast channels and are covering by the FCC Must Carry regulations. They can not be dropped and must be ordered to have any level of cable service. When Media Corp purchased DirecTV, Congress tried to have satillite do a must-carry for the local channels too. But it did not go through before the buy-out.
Therob006,

Good to have you here. Since it is now clear that bandwidth is an issue when adding more HD channels for the future in this region, does Comcast have any specific plans to weed out some of the non-local analog channels to free up space?

I'm getting "One moment please, this channel should be up shortly"
I'm in East Boston (Italianville):D

Hey, I'm glad to be here among my fellow techies.

As far as I know, there is no changes to the expanded channel line-up. In fact, the Golf Channel was moved from Digical Classic to Expanded Basic. In my opinion, not really a step in the right direction. The hardest part is to weed out the channels. We already pulled two HBOs and a bunch of PPV stations. Not sure what is left except for the other premium channels. I would like to see the duplicate channels (Comedy Central, History) but that means everyone would need a cable box and there would be an uprising with that. So as of now, its just status quo. I was told by a tech that we are going to switch from the current cable lines to fiber optic this coming year. Hence the need for a price increase. lol.

what a tease. therob006 any ideas on 804? still black.

804 is working for me. It might depend on where you live. Possibly a headend issue. I'm at home now. So my suggestion would be to call customer service. You know I have ALL the channels.

Originally posted by therob006
Actually, the HBO2 analog that was removed would be used for Starz/Cinemax. Thats not a guess, but that is another post for later.

I do not think VOD-HD could be a possibility on the current network because it is maxed out. I understand a new rebuild project will start up and convert the existing lines to all fiber optic. Only then will enough bandwidth through the cable lines exist. Plus, there is limitations with the VOD anyways.

Hopefully, TMC-HD and Discover-HD is next. That is a guess.

It may not be able to be used in your area, but I've used VOD-HD, and it worked flawlessly. Bandwidth is there, especially if your system is 860MHZ, the system I was using was a 750MHZ system. And it was fine....

But I have been told that the Comcast Northeast Region system is currently maxed out. I'm sure if we can compress all the digital channels, then we would have room. But as of right now, VOD-HD is maybe a year away. I haven't heard anything and if I did, I would not be able to say.

Its not maxed out, VOD-HD is real. It may be a little bit before its actually launched to the masses. But it is real, and it works......

As far as your talk of bandwidth, when it is disscussed on this forum, the ppl here are talking about what bandwidth is available, without doing a major system upgrade. Yes a Cable headend can be upgraded fairly easily and most are capable of 1ghz, but the Line Gear is spec'd to 870 or 750, depending on the system. To upgrade the bandwidth in any specific system all of the "active" line gear needs to be replaced. Which is costly & time consuming, it can be done, but currently the farthest they need to go is 870.

870mhz is 135 - 6mhz wide channels. Once everything goes digital, because cable cos can fit 8 digital channels in one 6mhz wide allocation & 2 to 4 HD channels in 6 mhz....(256 vs 1024 QAM).....they will have plenty of space in the long run....

Once again, I spoke to a field technician who told me that the system was maxed out. I work for Comcast. You think I would know something about the system I help maintain. After all, this is why we are doing the channel shuffle the past month.

Our system is at 1 Ghz and with all the channels we offer, the system is maxed until more digital channels are compressed to the 256 QAM.

I was mearly stating that there will be a plenty of bandwidth available, when the time comes. Cable Co. always leave some room in the spectrum for last minute deals.

This statement from a previous post tells me you should gain a little more info from a more reliable source

quote
".....Anyways, I prefer compression rather then QAM modulation. The QAM modulation lead to some trouble with Starz and Encore so if you have the channels and they are either tiling or reading "one moment please" thats because you have an old wire or splitter......."

Compression & QAM are 2 different things. Yes, they are used together.....but QAM is not the cause of Starz & Encore problems, neither is compression. QAM is a necessity for cable companies.....Your statement makes no sense, because you then blame the problems on old wiring/splitters. Is it old wiring or QAM thats causing the problems? Don't answer, I already know. ;)

I do understand that you work for Comcast, and the some of the info you have provided has been beneficial for most of the users here, but I would stick with the general aspects of your buisness, and to stay away from the technical info. You would be suprised at the amount of users of this forum that also have some ties to the industry, that may be a little closer to the technical action, than they show in their profiles & posts......I'm just saying make sure your source for technical is a solid one...... :)

And when you talk of running fiber, you already have fiber in your system, are you talking about "Fiber to the Tap"?, as that is a very costly addition, for something that will not be needed in a couple of years. It doesn't seem like it would be a "Comcast-like" move to do this........

I have 804 in Sandown, NH. I just bought this house and went through and replaced all the splitters with comcast approved splitters. Before doing this I was having problems with HD channels. Anyone having problems may want to check your splitter MHz band width. Just a thought !!

Merry Christmas :D

First off, I consider my source to be very reliable in terms of the system being maxed out. After all, you had a telephone company trying to run a cable company up until Comcast took over on Feb 17, 2003. That's why customer service used to be focused on sales rather then actually helping the customer.

Second, the Starz and Encore problems began when the channels were moved to the 256 QAM because at the same time, the channels were placed between 750 Mhz and 1 Ghz. I watch this happen and I took call as it happened and it is due to older wiring and splitters that could not handle any frequency about 750 Mhz. Older copper wires and splitters can not handle channels above 750 Mhz. I should knowl I had a splitter like that before I got upgraded to digital cable. I also had spoken to people who did make the changes and guess what, it worked. So it is the combination that is the problem, not one or the other. So do not try to show off. I understand people here know what they are taking about but you also have to understand that I see things from a different point of view and in fact, I do have a very strong technical background and love to get technicial with anyone. I have an unbelievable thirst for knowledge about this matter. Especially where I used to be an engineer for a radio station.

Third, as far as running fiber optic cable, it is VERY Comcast like to go back and complete the run from headend to customers' homes. Certainly not ATTBB given the speed that former Cablevision properties were upgraded to the digital network. I'm not sure where the drop off is but there is fiber optic from the headend to certain spots in the system and then it is switched over to something less. I can certain find out all the details. The same field tech who I spoke to today will also be around on Friday.

So next time, before you try to make yourself all big and knowledgable, be sure you are not trying to speak down to some one does have a firm grasp on "techincal information" and makes it his "general aspect of the business." I am not here because Comcast is paying me. I'm here because I want to know more about the technical stuff since I've pretty much have a firm grasp on Internet technology. HD and on-demand is my focus at Comcast.

This is interesting...

So I'm up late (as usual), and I'm flipping around the 800s, and on my brand new 804 is an HD showing of SCROOGED (w/Bill Murray). What's interesting is that plain old analog Ch 4 is showing Martha Stewart Living at the same time. So my question (I guess directed at you OTA-ers out there who've actually been watching it) is: how often does WBZ-DT depart from the simulcast to run its own schedule? I know WCVB-DT was doing Chronicle marathons on weekend afternoons for awhile, but I hadn't heard of anyone else in this area doing that.

Ok, so they replaced the cable from the street to my house yesterday and everything seems to come in fine except ESPN-HD - are others seeing this?

re: espn problem

This could be a number of things. I suggest calling customer service today and have the rep check your account.

My my therob... you are digging yourself a hole. If you really are a technical person working with Comcast and you have all this high and mighty knowledge, you would have access to this type of equipment and would see it for yourself. As for putting Miata down about "showing off", don't knock the man that has helped more of us regular joes here with PROPER technical information than you are providing.

I would keep your "technical" information and your thoughts on what Comcast has planned for the next year to yourself, and stick to general topics. You will keep your job longer.

Oh... and Sam... if its just ESPN HD causing problems, that could be because of problems outside your home. Best bet is to let people know in what town you live in, maybe others lurking on the board might live in the same area and could say whether they are having the same problem or not.

I wasn't talking down to anyone, I was merely stating you made a contradiction in your statement, and with only 16 posts makes you suspect.....QAM, in itself, had nothing to do with the problems with S & E it was splitters, ect. and the MOVE of those channels to 256 QAM in a different frequency of the spectrum. Your post just didn't make that clear.....you made it seem like it was a problem with Comcast, which I'm sure your marketing department wouldn't be too happy about.

The direction that these posts are moving is not helping anyone, I just want to be sure your posts are technically sound so no one is getting misinformation, 3rd hand.

BTW, you have Fiber to the Nodes (first active device) in your system....

Thanks Scoops, ;)

Merry Christmas, Everyone!!!!!!!!

The deal is, I spoke to a tech in the field who does carry a Waivemeter and he assured me the entire system was 1 Ghz. My original guess was the system ranged from 750 Mhz (former MediaOne) to 1 Ghz (newly upgraded areas). I am defending what the tech told me the other day. If you believe he is totally off, I will reach out to some of the supervisor techs I know and see what it is. I would like to know also because there are some people who do call and ask. Always nice to have the correct information. I would love to get my hands on a meter. I have only been able to use one once when I was out in the field.

As far as my job security goes, I'll be here for a long time and I've been here since the days of Cablevision.

As far as 849 goes, we had a few calls so there is a problem. Just not sure the specifics. So if you are having a problem, please call so we here and figure it out and get it fixed.

I think we would have enough bandwith if we can switch 6-8 more analog channels to digital. 8x6=48 Mhz

I mentioned this before and I'll do it again because nobody commented on it.

If the system is maxed out, why has Comcast doubled the internet speed? Cable internet uses QAM 256 does it not? Doesn't VOD use the same frequency as the internet services?

DaveFi - Awesome question. I do not know and I will ask tomorrow and get back to you on that. Then we can judge if the tech I know is on the ball or not. Fair Game, eh?

DaveFi... doubling the HSI speeds is no big deal. They were most likely already running at 256 QAM (38.8 mbps), doubling the speeds to 3mbps per modem doesn't require any plant changes really. VOD is actually using different spectrum from the HSI service. HSI is a DOCSIS packet spec, whereas VOD (currently, no telling for the future) is still an MPEG video stream, just served up "on demand" to individual boxes. The same spectrum bandwidth is still available to HSI, but with the modems only being unlocked to go a bit faster (DOCSIS cable modems can feasibly go up to their full 10mbps ethernet capability). Since you share that 38.8mbps 256 QAM channel with your neighbors, so long as you don't have 12 people all using their full 3mbps all the time, and along with intelligent packet handling and such, you will see that full 3mbps.

Heh... rereading that, the post might not make a whole lot of sense. Chalk it up to hunger... 4 more hours till Turkey is done and my mind is getting clouded with the savory smells. :)

Internet uses 64 QAM, VOD - 64 QAM, HDTV 256 QAM, Comcast is just starting to use 256QAM for regular digital channels.......

Anyone using a Motorola cable modem can check the QAM for internet, by typing in 192.168.100.1 and going to the "signal" tab. It will tell you what what Modulation scheme you are using....

Here is a few things about SD channels. I know I am setting myself up but oh well. Not all SD channels are 256QAM. As far as I know, some are still at 64QAM. On the Motorola boxes, if you go into the diagnostics screen and then to d 03 which is the In-Band Status screen and it will tell you which Modulation Mode and tuner frequency the channel is. Guess it is something for me to play around with this weekend.

Most Digital channels (non-hd) are compressed and modulated into 64 QAM. You are correct in stating that the Diagnostics will tell you this. Tune to any digital channel, turn box off, press select, arrow to d04 In Band Status, it will show you here the modulation scheme, and center frequency of that channel......

849 BLACK
804 "This Channel Should Be Avail..."

It's not just me, what' the deal?!

ESPN-HD: Not working. Not sure why but there has been a few calls about it.

CBS-HD: Couldn't tell you why its still not working. Best suggestion is to call into customer service (we are open) and speak to one of the HD reps.

therob006...when will WBZDT begin displaying guide information?

therob006, thank you so much! 804 is on and 849 is also back! Comcast sure made me feel great about having them as my TV and internet provider! therob006 was the initial help then the CSR's called my house every half hour to check and see if 804 was on! Well its finally on and I'd like to thank you all for your efforts on CHRISTMAS DAY!

Originally posted by xboxjunkie
therob006, thank you so much! 804 is on and 849 is also back! Comcast sure made me feel great about having them as my TV and internet provider! therob006 was the initial help then the CSR's called my house every half hour to check and see if 804 was on! Well its finally on and I'd like to thank you all for your efforts on CHRISTMAS DAY!

Now if they can just get the program guide working for 804...

Originally posted by miatasm

Anyone using a Motorola cable modem can check the QAM for internet, by typing in 192.168.100.1 and going to the "signal" tab. It will tell you what what Modulation scheme you are using....

Wow ! Great information. I had no idea the modem responsed to http request.

BTW - My CM is using 64 QAM

I agree with ScoopsHD. TV Guide people are slow at best. Thank them for the DVI connect not being usable. Or at least that is what I am hearing. Hopefully, TV Guide IPG can be updated in time for the new 6208 digital boxes.

As far as 804 and 849 now working, I'm happy to know that everyone follows up. In all seriousness, if you ever have a channel problem, call customer service. If you are not happy with the answer or resolution, send me a message and I will follow-up. I am doing this best Comcast is a much superior company over ATTBB. I never felt "at home" with ATTBB but I do with Comcast. Take a step back and look at what Comcast did over the past year compared to ATTBB did from 1999 - 2002. Then you can understand. As far as new HD channels, I'm open to any suggestions and they will be sent to marketing. Happy Holidays and go PATS!!!!!!!

yes 804 is finally on and espn is back. thanks 006 for the help.

Can anyone tell me if ESPN HD is scrambled ? I am unable to tune it with my LG 3510A (it has a QAM tuner).

dozens: ESPN HD is encrypted for a reason... you need to be a digital basic subscriber in order to get it, with a Comcast provided HD box. The only channels that aren't encrypted are those you can pick up Off Air with an antenna, and that is due to FCC regulations.

Originally posted by ScoopsHD
dozens: ESPN HD is encrypted for a reason... you need to be a digital basic subscriber in order to get it, with a Comcast provided HD box. The only channels that aren't encrypted are those you can pick up Off Air with an antenna, and that is due to FCC regulations.

Thanks Scoops. I am a digital subscriber, I was trying to avoid having another STB.

Originally posted by therob006
I agree with ScoopsHD. TV Guide people are slow at best. Thank them for the DVI connect not being usable. Or at least that is what I am hearing. Hopefully, TV Guide IPG can be updated in time for the new 6208 digital boxes.



The 6208 uses a different "looking" TV Guide EPG. It has a couple of enhanced features and looks a little better, but its nothing to write home about, for now anyway.....

I'm not saying this because I am an employee but out of my own opinion. I really like some of the current improvements to the TV Guide IPG. If the other one is different looking, I'm curious to know what it does look like. I think adding the Timers feature was a smart idea because it was on the analog boxes and some people did not want to switch over because of it.

The only problem I have at home is that I can not pull up the TV Guide IPG or menu screen while I am on a hi-def channel. Then again, I'm really not using a hi-def TV for the 5100 :D

Tomorrow is the big CBS-HD test. Pats vs Bills at 1pm. Crossing my figures all goes well.

It has all of the same features it just physically looks different.....

From what I've read, the interface for the forthcoming HD-capable DVR Comcast will be using features the same TVGuide software RCN uses. I've seen screen shots of that, and while it does look better than the current IPG, it's certainly no TiVo. I really wish the entire DVR STB industry would standardize on the TiVo interface, which IMHO is light years beyond anything else in functionality, ease-of-use, and appearance. TVGuide software just looks clunky and antiquated in comparison.

Question for therob:

How do you think Comcast will respond if the FCC rules in favor of digital must-carry? In your opinion, would accelerating the compression schedule free up enough space, or would painful (to some audiences, anyway) adjustments be required?

Ack! Stop calling it compression. That is so NOT what is happening. Its a different type of modulation, sending packets at a faster rate, thus increasing the amount of bandwidth. Nothing is compressed, bitrates don't change. Compression is such an ugly nasty word and is not the way to describe what cable companies are working to do. Compression lowers quality, modulation just allows more to be put into the same bandwidth.

You beat me to it scoops....

Fine, modulation then. The substance of my question (how will Comcast manage its resources in the event of digital must-carry?) remains the same. Perhaps you've an opinion on the matter?

My whole take on that particular situation, is that nobody wants to be the bad guy in this situation. So, I think the FCC will allow some leaniency in the situation, but I also assume that Comcast will employ some marketing techniques way before the changes are necessary. In fact I believe they are starting now by pushing their digital cable line to as many customers as possible, with very good offers which I assume will only get better as time goes on.....Yes people will be upset when its finally mandated, but I think Comcasts' plan is to limit the amount....This is all just pure speaculation of course.........In the end no one will know until that time comes...... ;)

I am sure that Comcast will be pushing more analog channels to digital over the next year to free up space for more HDTV over the air channels.Hope that WB56 and UPN 38 will be going on line soon. Any idea from OTA watchers if Channel 27 and 66 feeds on their digital channels is better on their analog channel? Also would love to see the PBS mulitcast from GBX 44. Finally, any ideas when WBPX 68 and WMFP 62 will get the digital transmitter going. More than 18 months since May 2002 mandate.

In my opinion, Comcast will do whatever is necessary to comply. I personally think the FCC has been out of control since the start of this Bush administration. But anyways, there is still a great number of SD channels that have yet to be modified (I scanned through the channels with my DCT 2000) from 64 to 256 QAM. That could be an upcoming project. I'm not sure what is on tap right now. Sometimes I feel you all are better informed then the depart I am in. But I could always take a walk and see a field tech supervisor to get some insight.

Right now, in terms of competing, I would like to see other HD channels added. I am not interested in local channels coming on HD. I would love to see the Celtics and for Comcast to finally sign a deal with NBA TV.

Anyways, everything depends on what the FCC mandates. I'm still hoping Congress and the FCC start pushing for DirecTV and Dish Network to have to go by the same rules as wired cable companies.

Hey therob006, what are you hearing as to the time frame for availability of the Motorola 6208 for the Boston area? Thanks!

If the digital channels are not compressed , why does the quality vary from channel to channel. Some of the channels look pristine while others have a lot of artifacts. Eg: The analog discovery channel looks good ,while the all the digital discovery channels are crappy. The hbo digital tier looks good while the encore tier seems to have problems. Does it also depend on the frequeny at which the channels are modulated.

The frequency of the channel doesn't effect picture quality (aside from blocking/tiling if you have levels issues). Picture quality is dependant on the bitrate of the video. The bitrate of the video is dependant on who is doing the encoding. Since the encoding is generally handled by the service provider or sattellite provider, it can vary. Some digital channels will look better then others because of the bitrates. If you look at HITS' service offering on their webpage, you'll see that in some cases they cram 10-12 services into a 64 QAM pod... at 10 services, that around 2.5 mbps per stream. For decent video quality, you'll usually find 3.5 - 4.0 mbps of video stream bandwidth.

When dealing with digital video from Sat (DirecTV/Dish) or from Cable Cos, there is no compression. Digital video in this form can't be compressed, just the bitrate changed to raise or lower the overall bandwidth that the stream uses. Sat and Cable providers use MPEG-2 as their encoding standard. There are other encoding standards out there like MPEG-4 and DIVX, but those are primarily computer formats and you won't find them in use by Sat/Cable for quite some time to come. But in the end, its all about the manipulation of bitrates and encoding, there is no compression. Compression would be taking that 3.5 mbps video stream, dumping it to a file on a computer, and then ZIPing it or RARing it into a compressed file (which of course can't be played until its uncompressed).

Without getting really into the heavy technical details of how MPEG video works, this is about the best explanation that I can give.

To know the difference between picture quality (PQ) and a levels related issues effecting the digital data itself you can usually tell by what you see.

If you are seeing tiling, where parts of the screen or the whole screen will seem to go like into a checkerboard and square pieces of the picture will come and go (or you get something like One Moment Please on Moto boxes), you have a levels issue.

If you are seeing things like say color blending... this one is hard to explain. Take for instance looking at someone's teeth. In real life you can see their individual white teeth with tiny black gaps/lines in between. When you have a lower bitrate the encoding process is actually averaging the pixels more. So instead of seeing individual teeth, you might see those black lines become larger gaps. Or looking at someone's eyes you can see differences in color, whereas the lower the bitrate, the more the encoding is doing pixel averaging and you'll start to see a more uniform color (generally black as the encoding process will average the pupil to be wider). The lower the bitrate, the fuzzier and/or grainer the picture will appear.

well the Pats game is on ch 804 right now in HD and looks very nice! :)

No HD for the game here.

EDIT: Just switched back to HD. :)

very strange. Just after I posted the game was on it went away. is this a frequent occurance?

Probably still working the kinks out, I noticed several problems during CSI the other night, it may take some time for things to run smoothly.

I have watched the game from the kick off. I has been in HD for the most part, but did stop for about 10 minutes. I have seem some problems with signal breaking up in a checkerboard pattern. It was particular bad right before the signal switched over to SD. After an ad break it swtiched back to HDTV. So far so good though I also keep hearing some random audio clicks during the broadcast.

In general, CBS-HD is good and particular impressive for a first showing on Comcast. That said, I think that ESPN/ABC do a better job with HD. Their image just seems to be a bit sharper.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

Go Pats!!!!

JL

I agree with you entirely. Kudos to Comcast for getting 804 going. CBS seems to have some work to do versus ABC/MNF. BTW, the announcers did mention that they were having some technical difficulties, so I don't think the first half problems were on Comcast's end.

cbs broadcast was terrrible. audio problems then lost HD several times. had some folks over, always fun trying to explain that. hope they get it together for the playoffs & superbowl.

I like the fact that CBS doesn't center-cut their scorebug (as ABC, ESPN and NESN do), and that they were willing to do the extra work for us to put it where it looks best.

I had some minor problems in the first half. HD went to SD for about 10 minutes then came back to HD. The sound(DD 5.1) was popping very frequently every minute or so. Well I fell asleep in the second half:o so can't comment on what happened there!

Originally posted by jl_678
I have watched the game from the kick off. I has been in HD for the most part, but did stop for about 10 minutes. I have seem some problems with signal breaking up in a checkerboard pattern. It was particular bad right before the signal switched over to SD. After an ad break it swtiched back to HDTV. So far so good though I also keep hearing some random audio clicks during the broadcast.

In general, CBS-HD is good and particular impressive for a first showing on Comcast. That said, I think that ESPN/ABC do a better job with HD. Their image just seems to be a bit sharper.

Anyone else have any thoughts?

Go Pats!!!!

JL

I have to agree. Much the same with the Audio issues during the 1st quarter and same on the HD dropouts.

While I did enjoy the game in HD, I prefer the Monday Night football presentation much better. I understand 1080i isn't so great for sports, which is why 720p looks better?

Comments?

So maybe that explains why when I flipped on the game at the beginning of the 4th to show my future wife the great PQ it looked like SD upcoverted.. good to know.

She did like the hawaii video on 881 though. :)

Chris

Quick question: BobColby was talking about Comcast PVR boxes in the Boston area. What are they looking at using? Dual tuners? Still TV Guide?

It depends on how quickly they launch.......if its first quarter 04 expect the 6208 with an different looking TV guide, if summer 04 probably the 6408, with the same "enhanced TV Guide"....I use the term "enhanced" loosely.....

I agree with you on "enchanced". I have heard a rumor that even though the data will be stored on the HD for added look-ahead, it will still be a VERY restricted guide. Not as good as Tivo or Replay (I own multiple Replays). Do you know if this unit is a dual-tuner? I have seen an S/A 8000 and am very impressed by it. Thanks miatasm!

Does anyone know what happend to INHD2? When we got CBS HD (804)here North of Boston 882 (INDH2) completely dissapeared.. not only from the Motorola box, but Tivo now says 882 is gone.. :(

Any ideas?

882 ( InHD2) should be back on Jan 13th. Enjoy the bruins games on InHD( 881) for now.

There is no data for the guide stored on the HD. The DCT DVR has more memory & a better processor, that allow the "better" EPG. The EPG is still lacking in the "personality" dept. But I don't mind it as long as it functional. If you look at my FAQ below you would have known that the 6208 is a single tuner & 6408 is a dual tuner.

Originally posted by miatasm
There is no data for the guide stored on the HD. The DCT DVR has more memory & a better processor, that allow the "better" EPG. The EPG is still lacking in the "personality" dept. But I don't mind it as long as it functional.

Is there an equivalent of TiVo's "Season Pass", or does one have to record each program individually? What about Wishlists (the ability to save a large number of keyword searches)? Those two features determine 90% of what gets TiVoed in this house. I can't begin to list the programs I'd have missed without them.

I still am amazed at the picture on the HD source material... even after months of it. Just amazing.

Chris

Originally posted by BobColby
Is there an equivalent of TiVo's "Season Pass", or does one have to record each program individually? What about Wishlists (the ability to save a large number of keyword searches)? Those two features determine 90% of what gets TiVoed in this house. I can't begin to list the programs I'd have missed without them.

Nope neither of those are in the current version, but are expected as upgrades in the future.....

Thanks for pointing out the 6208 is single-tuner (unfortunately). I am reading the FAQ now! Again, many thanks.

Hey Miatasm, I think the link to the FAQ is broken. Can't find the page...

Its fixed now....sorry...

No problems. I can get to it now. Excellent info. Thank you very much!

Now that CBS HD is on Comcast, it's time from me to make the switch over from my OTA antenna and my Zenith 420. Is Comcast HD (locals, ESPN & 2 INHD's) still available by by just ordering HD & Digital Classic? I have only basic service now due to also having Directv. Several months ago I was told that's all I needed to get the HD channels, excluding the movie channels.

Secondly, can I pass through Comcast HD signal to my Zenith 420? My thought being that then I can still use the Zenith for the channels (WB, UPN) that Comcast does not have yet.

And finally, would Comcast run a separate line from the pole to the house, or use the current line? Currently the cable line is combined with the Directv lines at my multiswitch. I would prefer a separate line for the HD feed in order to prevent signal loss (my basic signal is not great right now). Do they charge for an additional line, or is it part of installing HD?

Thanks for the help!

To get the non-Premium HD channels (HBO,SHO) you do need the Digital Classic package. You can't pass the signal through to your Zenith 420, unless it can take Component Video in and then pass that through. The Comcast HD box decodes the digital signal and outputs on Component and soon DVI. As for running a seperate line to your house, I doubt it. The can probably split off a line just before the multiswitch to feed your HD box, that way your current setup isn't interrupted, and your Comcast HD box will still work properly.

You would not be able to pass any signals through the Comcast STB. You would still need your antenna & decoder for the WB & UPN.

The line coming from the pole to the house shouldn't affect how it is connected to your dish. Your dish has its own lines running from it to your multiswitch. The cable from the street to the house only carries CATV services it has nothing to do with your dish. You may want to have a line run directly for the Comcast STB from where your service drop terminates, but this will likely cost you and additional fee.

Edit: Just beat me to it Scoops.....

Awesome! Just got channel 804, CBS HD last night. Experienced some sound problems - but it's a good start. Hopefully I can watch the Pat's games in HD now.:D

I wonder why some folks in the Boston area got this channel earlier? Must be some technical reason.:confused:

The whole MA/NH region got CBS at the same time. Perhaps you just didn't notice it?

There's a new message on the box indicating 804 is on and the schedule is also up. Finally!

I work for Comcast and this is my personal opinion:

The message about 804 went out yesterday morning. I think it went out a little too late because of the Pats game this past Saturday. I posted about CBS-HD when we got the company e-mail and I also think customers with Internet service received an e-mail. Glad to know the schedule is up and running. I didn't get a chance to check it out yet. But I am looking forward to Starz because that is my favorite movie channel.

The Message Light was wayyy late. Maybe they were waiting for the program data? At least it wasn't another PPV Boxing offer. So rob is INHD2 coming back on the 13th with Starz and Cinemax?

For our Western Mass customers, WSMI-67 is replacing WFSB-3 due to contract with the ownership of both stations.

Also, I am only being told that INHD2 will be back early Jan. So judging by the current schedule and the pressure from the DirecTV buyout, I would say Jan 13 is my best guess.

Does anyone who has DirecTV know of any changes Rupert Murdock plans on putting in right away?

I have DIRECTV as well as Comcast. DIRECTV does not divulge its plans until it actually adds something (after the fact). Rumors are floating though that it intends to add more HD channels, probably Starz and Cinemax, early in 2004. In the metro Boston and New England area, Comcast has a gigantic advantage because of the Red Sox HD games (the reason I signed on). I think any new subscribers will automatically go to Comcast for this reason alone. The only down side I see in the comparison between the two is the quality of the SD channels...DIRECTV being the superior of the two.

After I read through the press release on the Comcast-Viacom deal, I got the impression that any channel that Viacom plans to release as an HD channel will be hitting the airwaves rather quick. I think MTV and Nickelodeon are two of those cable stations that will be in HD. There should also be an increase in SD channels like MTV Jams and VH-1 MegaHits. Then there is going to be an increase on VOD programming. I'm hoping under Spkie TV, I can see any good WWE matches.

Therob006: Do you know if any other analog channels will be moved to digital to free up more bandwidth for more HDTV channels?

Therob006: Do you know if any other analog channels will be moved to digital to free up more bandwidth for more HDTV channels?

I have a Motorola DCT6200 HD cable receiver from Comcast in Cambridge, MA. The DCT6200 is supposed to provide PCM audio or Dolby Digital 5.1 audio from the SPDIF output. I don't use surround sound and instead have an stereo system that accepts PCM audio but not Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. I think that my DCT6200 is currently outputting Dolby Digital 5.1 audio on the digital music channels (500s) and HD channels (800s), because I have audio problems on these channels when I use the digital audio output. My previous Motorola cable box from Comcast didn't give me problems on the digital music channels (500s). Presumably I was getting a PCM audio signal.

Is there a way to configure the DCT6200 to output PCM audio instead of Dolby Digital 5.1 audio? I was able to do this with my Samsung HD aerial receiver before I switched to Comcast HD.

Thanks for your comments.

Anyone have any knowledge when Comcast plans to enable the DVI output?

bump for the day crowd

If anyone has tried this before, please let me know the result:

I am thinking of watching the CBS-HD Pats game Saturday night with the sound turned down and instead listening to BCN-FM so I can hear Gil and Gino instead. Would there be a sync problem? And how good is BCN's sound compared to CBS?

Mickey

There will definately be a synch problem. There is already a synch problem (slight) vs. OTA WBZDT and Comcast WBZDT is a split second behind OTA.

I figure with all the boxes out there, chances are someone may have made a device file for the Slink-e. I've had some trouble with other devices but was able to resolve them and get them working. The 6200 just wont work for me and it's my last device to integrate with MainLobby/Homeseer. I've already searched forums and file libraries and found the frequency thru Tonto but this one has me stumped. Anyone able to help?

Stan

InHD2 882 is back up and running in the Boston area Comcast systems.

Speaking of 882, Does anyone else find the extreme audio compression during the Bruins games distracting? Announcer's voices get softer when there's any noise from the puck, skates, etc. I hope NESN upgrades their sound quality to the same level as their picture quality...

Anyone know what format the Bruins & Red Sox games are broadcast in ? 720p, 1080i, something less ?

1080i.

I know this is a tad off the subject, but I just got my Toshiba 30hf83 running HD via Comcast/DCT5100.

The HD channels look great (and no sound problems as posted earlier), but the SD channels look like crap via the component output. I've been tweaking with the box setting for the 480i override, and have found that the only way to get a truly clear picture (as good as my old 4:3 SD set) is to disable the overide.

Disabling results in the inablity for my set to change the picture (stretch) modes and vertical black bars - but the image is sharp.

Is this the best way to get a clear analog picture on a HD set or is there anything else I can do. Using the straight coax input, or the S-Video inputs have the same blotchy image...

YesJim. Welcome to the cable dilemma. HD is fine and convenient but SD is really crappy.

Anybody else experience signal drop from WBZ4 when they transition from HD to SD commercial and back to HD?

Yes.

It happens OTA as well. I get a "no signal" reading on my screen at start and conclusion of local commercial spots, even though the signal strength meter reads a strong, steady signal.

Too bad Bob Hess doesn't work there anymore!

Red Sox opener vs. Baltimore is has been choosen for national coverage on ESPN Sunday night baseball, so we should get that one in HD.

Just to let everyone know, Comcast is dropping INDemand channels 3 to 14 to open up more bandwidth today. The entire Comcast New England footprint has On-demand so there is no true loss there. Any ideas for new HD channels?

Discovery HD?

Originally posted by therob006
Just to let everyone know, Comcast is dropping INDemand channels 3 to 14 to open up more bandwidth today. The entire Comcast New England footprint has On-demand so there is no true loss there. Any ideas for new HD channels?

No loss in content, but potential loss in quality. Although it often works fine, sometimes the video over OnDemand is far chunkier than InDemand. Naturally I'm more than happy to drop some InDemand channels in favor of additional HD, but it would nice to enhance the consistency of On-Demand.

I've only gotten good picture quality out of the OnDemand service about
50% of the time. When I do get a consistant non-blocky, non-dropout
signal, the picture quality is comparable to good VCR or poor DVD quality.

I really like the feature of OnDemand, I wish they would improve it.

If it's a bandwidth thing, I'm afraid it's only going to get worse when they
go and offer HD OnDemand, which is currently available on LI, NY.

Don

Originally posted by therob006
Just to let everyone know, Comcast is dropping INDemand channels 3 to 14 to open up more bandwidth today. The entire Comcast New England footprint has On-demand so there is no true loss there. Any ideas for new HD channels?

Add HDNet or show some of the NHL Center Ice games in HD.

Question to all you expert HD folks:
I just had Comcast Moto DCT5100 installed yesterday. This is my first entry into HD (no OTA) and I noticed that all the networks were not broadcasting at 16:9, only HBO HD channel was. So I get bars on the sides on my Samsung HLN467. Is this typical? Do the networks only broadcast some of their content in HD on their HD channels? The pictures looked OK, but I didn't know the resolution - may have been 480p. The HBO channel was full screen and had a great picture - what I would expect from HDTV.

Thanks for the info - Brian.

bimmerbe: Yes, not all content will be HD, just SD... and since most SD content is not widescreen... you get the bars.

therob006: Indemand 3-22 was removed on the 7th... at least up here in NH. I woke up in the morning with a failed pay per view recording on my Replay unit.... couldn't tune to the channel.

Most of the networks broadcast HD content only in prime time
( 8 - 10 pm). Fox transmits a widescreen ED signal ( better than SD) in prime time. Some of the movies by CBS, ABC and NBC also also in HD.
PBS transmits a combination of HD and widescreen SD content all day.

Brian,

You may get more help in a forum for CA. The carriage of locals varies all over the country and what you see here (Boston/Comcast) may not be the same as you'll have there.

Dave

Speaking of HD content, has anyone heard if NESN has any plans to broadcast B's & Sox AWAY games in HD?

I'm guessing that turns into licensing rights issues....

Originally posted by YesJim
Speaking of HD content, has anyone heard if NESN has any plans to broadcast B's & Sox AWAY games in HD?

I'm guessing that turns into licensing rights issues.... Not all stadiums and arenas are set-up for local HD telecasts. For the foreseeable future, it's just home games.

hdnet, upn, wb on my short list. and can someone explain why commercials aren't in HD? is this because of the flip switching back and forth? can't this be done automatically? sometimes it seems master control or whoever is doing the flipping falls asleep and the program goes on in SD until they wake up.

403-422 InDemand channels are gone from my cable box.My wish list for more HD channels would be UPN38,WB56, HDNet,Discovery-HD and Bravo HD. I read that TNT will have an HD channel in May. My first choice got on Comcast at Christmas,CBS. Go Pats...

403-422 InDemand channels are gone from my cable box.My wish list for more HD channels would be UPN38,WB56, HDNet,Discovery-HD and Bravo HD. I read that TNT will have an HD channel in May. My first choice got on Comcast at Christmas,CBS. Go Pats...

Originally posted by avic
can someone explain why commercials aren't in HD?



$$$$$$$??

avic: There are a few commecials in HD, just not very often. You can bet there will a few during the Superbowl. All movie trailers should be HD as well.

WSBK should come sooner than later since it's owned by Viacom and WBZ's sister station. I have no idea about WLVI.

DOH! ABC picked up nat'l coverage for the B's game so it looks like no HD.

You'd think that since the FleetCenter is rigged for HD that they could broadcast national HD coverage. :(

My wish list HD channels, in priority order:

1) HD Net
2) Discovery
3) TMC
4) HD Net Movies
5) WB
6) Bravo
7) UPN
8) TNT (coming in spring)

Anyone willing to comment on the quality of tonight's game so far? My opinion Monday Night Football in 720p still looks better, although HD is better than analong.

Go Pats! There are a lot of people up here happy with the result.

There were several times that the picture broke up for a second. I was unhappy with the sound though. They broadcast in 5.1 with no center channel.

I ended up running the sound from the SD channel.

For all those that forgot Cinemax and Starzs to launch HD tommorrow. Let's all keep our eyes open for DVI to become active too in the coming month, Please post if you receive the software upgrade right away.

Does a DVI connection truly provide a better picture over component or is the "value add" really just limited to copyright protection?

Improvement with DVI depends on what kind of display you have. Fixed pixel displays (ie: DLP, LCD, Plasma) get the most out of it.

Personally, I want HDMI just because it will cut down on the number of cables I have to use.

I would like to have a single source to my projector as well, though now that I have programmed the discrete IR codes into my remote it's not as big a deal to switch. On the flip side, I'd have to get a DVI switch and then change sources there instead, so it really doesn't buy me much. It will be interesting to see how it compares to component, I suspect my eyes aren't good enough to see a big difference. ;)

Originally posted by xbigjoe
For all those that forgot Cinemax and Starzs to launch HD tommorrow. Let's all keep our eyes open for DVI to become active too in the coming month, Please post if you receive the software upgrade right away.

It does kind of feel like Christmas (when you were a small child) every time they do this, doesn't it? I would, however, keep your expectations light where Starz is concerned. There's been a lot of disappointed posts over in the Programming section regarding the amount of actual HD on Starz HD. Keep in mind that John Sie of Starz has been a prominent critic of HD for years (even saying publicly that 4:3 was a better ratio to watch movies in), and was pretty much dragged into this kicking and screaming. So it may be awhile before this becomes a world-class effort.

I was slightly annoyed by HBO the other day.

The ISF guy came in for the yearly check-up. When he was done, he turned on Comcast HD to make sure what he did resulted in a real-world watchable picture.

He landed on HBO, which was playing some movie or another. People were incredibly skinny. Cars were very short. It was apparent that the aspect ratio was screwed.

Quick check showed the TV to be on its "normal" mode (meaning no clipping or stretching).

Apparently, HBO have decided that we'd rather see a vertically stretched picture than put up with letterboxing bars on 2.35:1 AR material.

I really thought we were done with this silliness by now.

JD- HDMI uses a USB sized plug, and there will be some low-end receivers with HDMI management this year. (Panasonic has one coming out in Aug for $399 MSRP). I want to purchase a new HDTV now, so I am looking seriously at the Panasonic with HDMI inputs.

I don't know what movie you were watching, but generally even the cropped stuff looks pretty good on HBO-HD. How were the other channels?

If the second paragraph was directed at me:

Everything else looked just fine.

I guess I probably wouldn't have noticed if they cropped the sides, and I would have been perfectly happy if they letterboxed it, but vertically stretching 2.35:1 just to fit 16:9 just doesn't cut it.

Well, I just bought a new receiver so I will be going the external switcher route most likely. I'm surprised to hear about the Panny, though, I'd only heard about high end separates and "flagship" models having it. I know Denon is supposed to have theirs in Q4.

Yeah, I wouldn't buy and HDTV now if it didn't have HDMI.

Originally posted by JDLIVE
Yeah, I wouldn't buy and HDTV now if it didn't have HDMI. why?? hdmi makes it easier with less cables i suppose but using only that connection means you'd listen to audio with the tv's speakers. if you have a home theater you'll still need/want to send audio to a receiver via toslink or coax.

Originally posted by avic
why?? hdmi makes it easier with less cables i suppose but using only that connection means you'd listen to audio with the tv's speakers. if you have a home theater you'll still need/want to send audio to a receiver via toslink or coax.

Well....sure. I have a projector, it doesn't even have speakers. ;)

I think the key will be having a receiver with HDMI also, so it can route the video and audio properly. But buying a display without it seems pretty shortsighted, IMO. And I'm sure the cable boxes will continue to have coax/optical outputs as well as HDMI for some time.

Well I got Starz and Cinemax at 11 p.m. last night and I was hoping for a surprise like few extra hd locals and DVi to become active. No big deal time will tell.....

Originally posted by xbigjoe
Well I got Starz and Cinemax at 11 p.m. last night and I was hoping for a surprise like few extra hd locals and DVi to become active. No big deal time will tell.....

When you say "got", do you mean a slot in the program guide and a "One Moment" message, or actual content? The CSR I just called to get a hit to my box said that programming does not start till midnight tonight, I'm curious to see if that's really the case.

mapped, no programming yet

Same , mapped no programming as of 11am Tuesday

Originally posted by therob006
Just to let everyone know, Comcast is dropping INDemand channels 3 to 14 to open up more bandwidth today. The entire Comcast New England footprint has On-demand so there is no true loss there. Any ideas for new HD channels?

How about the NFL Network. This week the NFL Network plans to show 1 hours versions of all 4 games from last weekend (TEN @ NE, IND @ KC, CAR @ STL, GB @ PHI) in HD.

I emailed Comcast today about DVI update and PVR availability. Here's what I got.


At this time the Digital Video Recorder service is not yet available in
the New England region. Comcast is working hard to offer as many new
services as possible. Unfortunately we do not have an estimated launch
date to provide as to when this type of unit will be available.

I'm sorry, at this time the DVI port on the back of the DCT-5100 does
not function.

The DVI output is HDCP compliant, which is a copyright protection that
disables the ability to record HD programming. At this time it is not
active, Comcast and Motorola are currently in discussions with the
parties that defined the HDCP standards, unfortunately we do not have
any estimated availability date to provide at this time.

Doesn't seem like anytime soon for the PVR. I was told during my install that DVI was going 'active' early 2004. That doesn't seem likely since they are still in negotiations.

That explanation about DVI is poorly thought out, because noone can record DVI output anyways.

Starz and Cinemax are mapped here too. No programming yet.

I think the "in negotiations" part is the most frustrating part of the modern world of electronics. We are not constrained by what the hardware/software can do, but rather what the vendors let us do.

We were left up in the air for nearly a year, waiting for Viacom and Comcast to work out their differences. Unless someone tells me otherwise, I'm assuming that the problems weren't technical - that they could turn it on any time the negotiations were complete. And in fact, once they worked out their differences, Comcast was dang fast in implementation of CBS (and a big THANK YOU for that one, too).

The DVI port on the Motorola box is disabled, not because they don't have hardware/software, but because of licensing issues. Good luck getting an estimated date, because who the heck knows how long it'll take them to iron out any differences.

I've got this fabulously expensive DVD player at home. It has a mechanism for doing high-def digital audio (DVD-A, SACD), but it does not yet output SACD on these digital outputs. Because they don't know how? No, mainly because they have to get Sony's permission first. When will this happen? Who knows.

All of this because of terror on the part of the content providers that they'll be Napstered out of business. Who knows whether any of these measures will prevent that from happening. Who knows whether that'd happen without those measures.

Still, to the end customer, it's dang annoying to be held up for these non-technical reasons.

I had cinemax HD this morning - they were showing some old Julia Roberts movie... looked fine - same quality as HBO.

I've got this fabulously expensive DVD player at home. It has a mechanism for doing high-def digital audio (DVD-A, SACD), but it does not yet output SACD on these digital outputs. Because they don't know how? No, mainly because they have to get Sony's permission first. When will this happen? Who knows.

Which digital output(s) - coax or optical? If so, I don't think these
S/PDIF outputs can handle the bandwidth or the copy-protection
mechanisms or both. Currently, "firewire" is the only way I know to go
digital to the receiver/prepro from the SACD/DVD-A player. It works
quite well.

And the only reason the 5100s have DVI is for HDCP. Any PQ improvements
over DVI will be an "accident", i.e. depending on your display you may
benefit from the one less D->A conversion and/or your display has
a 1280x720 (720P) native resolution (and you set 720P on output
from 5100 and input to display). If content is not going to be flagged
with HDCP, then Comcast is probably in no hurry to enable the DVI.


Also, no programming on the new HD channels yet - just the "one
moment" message.

larry

Or Denon Digital Link.

HDMI should nicely solve the protection issues for all this stuff.

Or Denon Digital Link.

Yes. That's "firewire" too with a proprietary transport protocol.
As opposed to Sony's iLink, which is proprietary, but they do license it.
I believe Denon finally go Sony's ok to do SACD over the Denon Link.

HDMI will be nice. Although "firewire" (IEEE 1394) is nice because
it doesn't specify a protocol like HDMI, e.g. HDMI specifies a protocol
for sending digital audio and video streams, nothing else. Over
the "firewire" connection you can send digital audio and use other
protocols for "networking" A/V gear together. I don't know if
"firewire" would have enough bandwidth for "HD" video and audio
streams combined, though. I don't know if HDMI specifies any
protection/encryption for audio, either.

HD channel update for me: Earlier new channels appeared
with no programming. Then all but 4 channles (HBO, SHO, 5, 7)
went to "one moment". Now, all HD channel are where they
were last night. No placeholders appearing for STRZ and MAX.
Guess they had problems here.

larry

Edit: typo

HDMI should nicely solve the protection issues for all this stuff.

Sure if you have an HDMI input. Otherwise, forget it.

I came home from vacation yesterday and noticed I no longer had CBS-HD on my QAM tuner. Is anyone else having this problem. I did a re-scan of the channels and I still can not receive it.

Came home last night to find a couple new HD channels (Max and Starz?).

This is neat.

Thanks, cable guys.

still no cinemax or starz, were mapped yesterday, then they unmaped them last night and now espn is going in and out, saying not auth. hope they straighten this all out soon. anyone call CS?

Yesterday's CSR told me that 868 and 875 would go live at midnight (last night). Today's CSR did not know anything about that and had never been informed that there was any such thing as Cinemax or Starz HD. So it goes.

The channels are still mapped here in Watertown and I've had no problems with ESPN.

No sign of Max or Starz as of this morning in Brookline. Guess I subscribed a little too early.

I had both Starz and Max this morning...picture looked the same as HBO and Showtime.

...sounds like good ol' metro boston area, as usual with problems and last to get things working properly.

Hey all,

Just to let you know, we did launch Starz and Cinemax a week early. It is uyp on the web site but the CCA communication is running a little slow. I began to send word out about the switch. If you are having any problems with the channels. Please ask to have your DCT5100 "refreshed"

Enjoy!

Got HD MAx and Starz last night here on the Cape....

A separate question for the experts. When I had my HD cable box installed I complained to the rep that I wasn't getting all my HBOs. I receive 301, 302, 303, 304, and 307, but 305 and 306 won't tune in. I get a message reading "this channel should be available shortly". Also, i couldn't get Showtime at all, although Starz works. He blamed the older RG59 cable used in my house. We ran new RG6 as far as we could and added new splitters, but there is a run through finished walls and ceiling of about 40' of RG59. Does this sound right or was he taking the easy way out?

Those are my top two... Obviously, others would be nice!

Almost, but not quite with Starz and Cinemax HD. Yesterday I
upgraded to Platinum service to get these new HD channels.
Tonight the HD channels are there but they both say "subscription
service". So I called support to "refresh" my 5100. He did it, but
it does the same thing. I'll wait a couple days before I call
again in case something has to percolate through the system.
All the other HD channels come in fine.

Any other ideas?

larry

capecodguy,
The RG59 could be the problem. My installer said that short runs
are sometime ok, but RG6 should be used. RG6 is a must for a cable
modem and a must for Satellite. RG6 is 75ohm and has less signal
loss than RG59. That's the extent of what I know of the difference.

larry

ok this is annoying...first they map with no prog then they unmap, now mapped again but says subscription service. i've always had subscriptions to those channels so that shouldn't be the issue. refresh didn't work so therob what do you suggest now?