As far as I know, Comcast will be buying out AT&T Broadband sometime this month. And from what I understand, they will start carrying the HDTV signals. I know they are in the Philly area, and I live in the Boston area. On channels 805, 807, 870, and 877 with my regular digital box, I can hear sound, but no pictures. Channels 805 and 807 are the same as 5 and 7, so it's probably the HDTV signal. I don't know what channel 870 is, but channel 877 was channel 2 for a few days, but then they stopped that. Maybe that's where they'll put the HDTV signals. I don't really know how HDTV works, but as far as I understand, the only channel around here carrying an HD signal is channel 5 during primetime. But all the other programming is just regular, but the signal might be a little better. And also, do you usually have to pay extra for the HDTV channels? Does anyone else know anything about this?

There has been a lot of talk about the Comcast/AT&T HD annoucement in the Boston market being right around the corner (possibly as early as next week) but to date there have been no official announcements. All of the local stations in the Boston market (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, WB) are currently doing HD - you are mistaken to believe it is only ABC. Comcast will likely launch without having every stations signed up yet. Exactly which stations they will have initially remains to be seen, but based on what you (and others) have said about 805, 807 and 877, my guess is they'll have ABC, NBC, PBS, HBO, and maybe Showtime available in HD. I've heard that CBS, precisely because it is the leader in HD programming, is reluctant to have cable systems start compressing the heck out of its HD signal.

Comcast/AT&T has also recently done a "soft launch" of their 750mHz system in areas of the city (e.g. Beacon Hill) that they have not yet officially declared as upgraded. They're in the final testing stages and will announce very soon on that as well. To avoid confusion, a 750mHz system (what is probably advertised to you as "digital cable") is not the same as HD, but is a prerequisite to HD, so those of us in Beacon Hill are just as concerned about the 750mHz announcement as we are about the HD announcement. If you can already get digital cable at your address, don't worry about this aspect of it.

Joe

The last time I heard and compared 870, it was the SD broadcast of channel 19, aka 2.1.

I just got off the phone with ATT and the csr stated that they had a department meeting yesterday and that hdtv cable would be rolled out starting February 18th to the Boston areas that have digital cable. He was going to get more information from his manager and call me back about scheduling installation and channels. I'll post the additional information when I get the call.

I think HD cable is right around the corner in the Boston area. AT$T in Winchester is sending HBO-HD & Showtime-HD on 82.01 and 82.02 to my Mits TV (w/integrated ATSC and QAM tuner). Strange because I pay DirecTV for these channels and only pay AT$T for extended basic.

But why is it that there is audio and no sound on those channels? And also, they are all just listed as "Local Access". Now channel 877 (WGBH-DT) did have a digital picture for a few days, and then it went off. So I don't know what's with that. They are always sluggish with that stuff, as AT&T adds new channels practically every month.

I think the answer is that they are still testing. They haven't started advertising or officially offering HD. The headline is not that you're not yet able to watch HD in the 800's, but that Comcast/AT&T is obviously getting it ready.

Joe

And when it's ready, just like everything else, it will probably say that popular message, "NOT AUTHORIZED". That's what it says if you tune into a channel that you don't get.

I hooked up AT&T cable to the integrated HDTV and QAM cable tuner on my Mits RPTV, and I can get HBO, Showtime, NBC Ch. 7, ABC Ch. 5, and a PBS station all in HD.

If you are getting the channels with audio & no video, its really close to being launched (you will only need a decoder to view them, see below).

If you have Digital cable these channels should never say "not authorized" (unless its a premium HD channel that you do not subscribe to), assuming that Comcast will handle your region like the others with HD.
The HD channels are included into the minimum Digital cable service package, all you need to get is a Decoder from Comcast, which in your area I believe they will be using a Motorola DCT5100, assuming you guys are using GI/Motorola for Digital Cable now.

Good Luck.

Lets see if they even make you subscribe to the digital package- that's an iffy proposition on their part since the 1992 Cable Act went into effect last October.

Some people are making a big enough stink with Comcast that they'll just rent you the digital box and make you pay for Sho and Hbo, because you can get those channels "a la carte" now. You don't need digital anything to get premium channels anymore. No way am I paying $40+HBO+SHO just to get HDTV. I already pay $6 for Basic, and under the new law that should be enough.

They always try to sell you more than you need and are never really up front about it.

Well, the price we're paying for AT&T Broadband is ridiculously expensive. We are paying $106 a month for the Platinum package (everything), and 3 digital boxes. Now for a couple of days, I was able to get a digital signal from channel 2 (PBS) on 877, but now it's gone. So maybe we'll need to get a new box, but here's the big question: Do you need a new HDTV, or will it work with the one I have?

ssetta- You need an HDTV to display the HDTV channels. That means you'll need a new box (propbably a 5100 or 5200) or an upgrade to the box you have. I suspect it will be the new Motorola 5100 you'll get.

These boxes have Progressive-Component outputs (Y,Pb,Pr)- if you have an HDTV you should be ok. A regular tv with interlaced component inputs won't be enough- you'll need to purchase a HDTV.

Originally posted by ssetta
Well, the price we're paying for AT&T Broadband is ridiculously expensive. We are paying $106 a month for the Platinum package (everything), and 3 digital boxes. Now for a couple of days, I was able to get a digital signal from channel 2 (PBS) on 877, but now it's gone. So maybe we'll need to get a new box, but here's the big question: Do you need a new HDTV, or will it work with the one I have?

It will work with the TV you have now, but you will need some way to decode the signal. The MINIMUM requirements, as of now, for a Television to recieve anything in HD from an external decoder is a Component output. Followed by RGBHV (VGA), DVI, ect. in no particular order, your current cable box probably only has composite, maybe s-video, which neither will give you HD on your TV.

Dave Fi,

Actually they don't make you subscribe to a Digital Package. You would need a Decoder capable of decoding QAM (modulation used by Cable Co.) which there are only a few TV's that have a QAM decoder integrated into them, Mitsu is probably the most popular, and as noted earlier in this thread, FAiello, is getting all of the channels by directly connecting his cable to his integrated decoder.

"They always try to sell you more than you need and are never really up front about it."

Doesn't EVERY sales person try to do this!

If you already have Digital Cable there will probably be no extra cost for the upgrade (DCT5100), if you don't have digital cable then it will cost you at least the price of renting the converter/decoder.

There are a couple of threads about what everyone else in the country is paying for & saying about their HDTV services from Comcast/AT&T. Please visit them as they will get you up to date on what others are saying about the service which in some areas has been up and running for over 2 years, now.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=188007

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=194404

Yes, I read all that- that's why I mentioned that some people have gotten the Digital/HD decoder without having to pay for normal digital.

As for QAM tuners, there aren't any standalone boxes and and there won't be for a while, that's why I'm pushing hard to get Hauppauge to add QAM support to my WinTV-HD like they promised. Outside of that I'll probably have to rent the box from Comcast, or wait for something like Zenith's upcoming HD PVR that has QAM support. That will take quite a while.

I don't think it will be that bad. The fact that its even being let through now, means that it will be adopted much faster than if it wasn't. The problem is that HDTV has grown soooo much in the last couple years that the equipment (OTA decoders, integrated decoders, HTPC's & other HDTV equipment) will need to be upgraded if the people would rather get the signals from Comcast that they are already paying for, than from OTA or D*.

The option will still always be there for sales on both sides of the coin, you can't bash Comcast on their sales techniques when Circuit City, Best Buy, Sears, & many other retailers in every field, are doing the exact same thing if not worse too many more customers. It's up to you to be educated on what it is you're paying for, and thats probably the reason you are on this forum in the first place. This isn't saying that its OK for these sales methods to be used, but Caveat Emptor.....

I'm fairly suprised they're not encrypting HBO-HD and SHO-HD. Once they do you'll have to rent a box from them anyways.

I have looked at some of the newer model flat screen TVs such as the Sony Wega series and the Panasonic Tau series. From what I know, some of them are HDTV ready, but only the very expensive ones. I usually look at the 27" models, and AFAIK, they're not HDTV ready, but I don't know if it means that you can't use HDTV with those sets.

If you're looking for a 27" HDTV, you might as well check out some of the 30" 16:9 models- there are a few under $1000. It really depends on how much you want to spend.

This Samsung is selling at Best Buy for $999 with a $100 rebate through 2/22. http://www.bestbuy.com/detail.asp?e=11101064&m=1&cat=24&scat=0

Okay, but the question is: Is Samsung usually very good? Because I know there are a lot of brands that are inferior.

And also, I just looked in the guide, and there actually is a program listing for those HDTV channels. But the CSR said that I would need a special box, and an HDTV. Now someone said I don't need a new TV, but that's probably not true. I hope the price of those comes down in a few years.

I really don't know. You might want to ask this question in the appropriate forum.

That is the cheapest you're going to find a direct view 16:9 HDTV. Time Magazine did give it the Tech Award for the month or something. If you want to spend more of course you're going to get a higher quality product.
I know Samsung has a few different models built around the same tube.

Still, that's a damn good price considering what you get. Just for DVD watching it's a deal. Free delivery too.

Originally posted by ssetta
Okay, but the question is: Is Samsung usually very good? Because I know there are a lot of brands that are inferior.

And also, I just looked in the guide, and there actually is a program listing for those HDTV channels. But the CSR said that I would need a special box, and an HDTV. Now someone said I don't need a new TV, but that's probably not true. I hope the price of those comes down in a few years.

You would absolutly need a new box it will most likely be the Motorola DCT5100. Please read the FAQ below.

"but here's the big question: Do you need a new HDTV, or will it work with the one I have?"

This quote from your earlier post made it seem like you already had an HDTV, but apparently you do not. You do need a TV capable of displaying HDTV signals. You cannot view HDTV (720p, 1080i) on a TV that will not accept these signals.

According to today's (2/18/03) Boston Globe, Comcast is offering HDTV service starting today for $2/mo extra (on top of normal Digital).

Also, it said they expect few takers... They only have enough cable boxes for 100,000 people in the entire country.

Now the trick is to find out how to sign up....

I just got done scheduling my installation of HDTV with the Comcast rep. She said I was the first to call and schedule so it looks like the word isn't out yet. $2.00 extra (over the digital cable box) for the HDTV Box. Installation was scheduled for this Saturday, to my surprise. I'll update when it is installed.

1-888-COMCAST - the website phone numbers are incorrect.

I tried 1-888-comcast, but the rep I talked to said they wouldn't be ready to take my order for a few days... Perhaps by the end of the week.
Seems like lots of confusion there (as usual).

Only two of the five channels broadcasting HD, and no Fox?

Maybe that's why they're expecting few takers.

I think you got a bad customer service rep. I just called and ordered the HD service. They're coming out this Saturday for the installation.

Joe

i also called today and rep said this is the first day they are offering it got an apointment on thurs. cant wait as ive only seen HDTV at the show room and not my house.

jckessler,

Only two of the five channels broadcasting HD, and no Fox?

I believe that Fox only broadcasts in 480p, which is really not HD, however, they do broadcast in widescreen. I think if Fox decided to broadcast in 720p or 1080i then cable companies would be more willing to carry them.

Don,

You're correct, that's why I mentioned Fox separately from the HD channels (ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, WB) that are broadcasting over the air.

Fox 480p widescreen, while certainly not HD, is a step up from the analog feed.

I just called today (2/18, 11:30am) and I got an installation for this Thursday (2/20) betwen 11am and 1pm for HDTV upgrade. I'm glad I saw this thread!

One more here! Comcast will be at my house Friday morning with my new HDTV STB!:D

The CSR said all it was going to cost me was $7.95/mo for the box rental and $15 to activate. I mentioned a number of times that I didn't have digital, all I had was basic ($6/mo). She said OK, and it wouldn't cost me more than that for HBO-HD and SHO-HD too. I think she's wrong, but maybe they're giving it initially for free for test purposes? I'll find out when the guy gets here on Fri.

What really irks me is I have to pay $15 on top of the activation fee for the tech to bring me a box, even though I'll end up hooking it up myself. I just had digital cable for a month, so I'm all set for it. They won't let you pick up the box- The CSR said this is to make sure the box works. I have to pay for that?:rolleyes:

Anyone got any definition for "Boston area?"

I mean, it's essentially the same people who used to be AT&T and maybe used to be MediaOne as run the southern New Hampshire cable franchise?

I ask because I've been trying to get some definitive word out of them about when HDTV would be available to those of us subscribers in Bedford, NH. I just called this morning, and got fobbed off to some customer support rep in India who told me I should be able to receive the HDTV channels just fine with my existing equipment. (He was able to list channels 5, 7, HBO and Showtime successfully.)

Any clues as to the secret words I can use to connect me to someone with a cooperating clue would be appreciated.

My brother, who lives in Cambridge, was notified today about HD and an installation has been setup for Thursday in the MIT area of Cambridge. They actually called him, offering the HD upgrade.

Ok, never mind.

I called back, and after a series of conversations that sounded like they were right out of Monty Python, the customer rep finally said the magic words: "I don't know; let me go find out," and I'm now scheduled for an appointment on Thursday.

To answer my own question, the "Boston Area" encompasses those parts of Eastern MA and Southern NH that currently have AT&T/Comcast Digital cable service.

http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/049/business/Comcast_plans_service_rollout+.shtml
From the article it appears you get all HD channels for just the rental of the box- no other service is required. Interesting.

From what I understand, everyone w/ digital already gets the signal. I think this is what you hear on channels 805-807 or something like that.

To get a picture, you need a set top box.

Toots - the magic word may be to say that you need a set top box that can decode the HD.

I'm scheduled for late this week. Will let you know how it turns out.

Well, saying I needed a set top box was the start of the Monty Python skit.

It went something like:

"I'm going to need a new set top box to receive those channels, right?"

"No. If you have an HDTV receiver, it should be able to pick them up directly."

"Ok, what channels should I tune it to?"

"Uh... 805, 807..."

"My HDTV's tuner doesn't have those channels."

"Well, you can tune them on your existing digital cable box."

"Except that the existing digital cable box doesn't output an HDTV quality signal."

"No, you'd use your HDTV tuner for that."

and so forth.

So what's the bottom line here? If you have a Mitsubishi integrated HDTV, do you need a cable box still? It was my understanding that the Mits Int. HDTVs were HD-cable ready and did not require a set-top cable box.

Anyone know how the STB will work? Will we have to switch between TV inputs (component vs. S-video, or component 480i vs. component 480p/1080i) when we switch channels from SD to HDTV? Do the STB's have a resolution switch to ouput everything at 1080i?

I'll take a shot at answering those last two:

I think you can only use your TV's built-in HDTV tuner for OTA signals or for deconding an HDTV input signal that makes it to your TV set (the standard ATT cable box doesn't output an HDTV signal to your TV, so you're out of luck). I think to pick up the signal off of cable, you need one of ATT/Comcast's set top boxes. I guess you've figured this out. Just call in for an appointment - the box only cost me a couple of dollars more than the regular digital cable box. Bummer you can't use what's in your TV already, though...

As for the questions on what the box works like, look for a thread titled:

" Official AVS Comcast Moto 5100 Upgrade topic"

This will give you more info than you wanted to know.

Actually, I've read of people having varying luck using their Mitsubishi built-in HDTV tuners and/or Mitsubishi "Promise Module" tuners to tune these signals directly. The Mitsubishi boxes are QAM compatible, as well as 8VSB compatible, meaning that unless the cable signal is protected in some way (encrypted), the Mitsubishi should be able to tune it.

I just don't happen to have one of those spiffy QAM compatible tuners, that's all.

Thanks n_plasma!

I called Comcast and they will be giving us the Motorola DCT5100 (http://gicout60.gic.gi.com/customer_docs/user_guides/495012-001-a.pdf). A very nice unit IMO.

got install date of 2-22, I'm down here near the cape.

This is great news. For those getting the new HD service, please let us know how it goes.

I hope your vist by the 'cable guy' goes better than my experience. How much you want to bet the cable guy brings the wrong set top box or does not know anything about HD. Bear in mind that different cable systems, for legacy reasons, have slightly different 'flavors' of the Motorola set top box. When I got my Motorola DCT-2000 (I think it was a 2000), the cable guy brought the wrong type of 2000 and had to go to some depot god knows where to dig up a box compatible with Marlboro's system.

I am a Directv customer in Boston for the past 3 years. I have a high definition tv and I am ready to take the plunge for an hdtv stb. With Comcast's new high definition offerings I am totally confused if I should get rid of my satellite and change to Comcast or stick with satellite. Who has the better picture quality? I have a 15 pin VGA connection on my t.v. Can the motorola connect to my t.v.? Who costs more? I think Comcast costs more but to complicate matters, I get internet through them and without cable it costs $15 more. I am totally confused as to what to do? I know Directv has more hd channels. Any suggestions? I know that I can call the Directv customer retention department and ask for a deal but I hear that the new hd stb all have problems. Help!!!!!!!!!!

I don't know about sattelite vs cable, but my tv also has a 15 pin vga. I have bought cables that are component at one end and vga at the other end for my DVD player. I plan to do the same for my tv.

These cables are expenseive, around $100 or so. I might be able to find them for cheaper, though. If I do, I'll drop you an e-mail and let you know.

Guys, the 5100 doesn't have a VGA or RGB output- just component. So if you don't have a component input you're going to have to purchase a transcoder. A regular VGA-3BNC cable isn't going to cut it. You might want to ask about this in the TV forum.

The Mitsubishi tuner will receive unencrypted QAM signals. That means that HBO and Showtime cannot be picked up as of now, because they are encrypted. You need the cable box.

Also, I spoke to a CSR at Comcast today and she told me that HBO and/or Showtime will only be available if my cable package includes HBO and/or Showtime. I decided to pass, because unless the CSR is wrong, I gain nothing since I don't currently have HBO or Showtime. My Mits already receives OTA signals, and I get most of those just fine.

Anybody find out otherwise?

jscout- What happens when you try and tune in encrypted channels?

I didn't expect to get HBO and SHO for free, but that's what the CSR told me. Even if she's wrong, they can be purchased a la carte for $12.95/mo. I don't think they can force you to get digital to get HDTV- so I'll only be paying for Basic the box rental and the two channels- ~$40 for those two channels. For HD movies that's fine. I haven't seen anything these past two years except for OTA.

When I hit one of those channels, the tuner simply says that I can't receive an encrypted channel. Unless I tuned in the wrong channel. The only channels that I can see are the free OTA ones. Can another Mits owner confirm? I'm going to go try remapping the tuner channels again.

I just bought a MyHD card for my HTPC... was this in vain? What will I gain with the Comcast box versus the MyHD OTA tuner? Also, will my NEC LT-150 be able to be connected directly to this new cable box? :confused:

A MyHD card is for Over-the-air HDTV, not cable based HDTV (Cable uses 256 QAM, over the air uses 8-VSB).
But there are more over-the-air channels in Boston area than Comcast will have on the cable, so you may still find it useful.
The NEC LT-150 should work. It will work directly if it accepts component (Y-Pb-Pr) input, which I think it does. Else you might need a component to VGA transcoder.

Comcast will have channel 5, 7 & HBO at least as a start, and perhaps a few more.

Over-the-air you should get most of these:

channel remap network Transmitter?
19 2.1 PBS WGBH (350 Cedar St, Needham)
20 5.1 ABC WCVB (350 Cedar St, needham)
23 66.1 UNI WUTF (marlborough, ma)
30 4.1 CBS WBZ (350 Cedar St, needham)
31 25.1 FOX WFXT (140-145 Cabot Street, needham)
39 38.1 UPN WSBK (350 Cedar St, needham)
41 56.1 WB WLVI (140-145 Cabot Street, needham)
42 7.1 NBC WHDH (Tower Road, needham)
43 44.1 PBS WGBX (350 Cedar St, Needham)
35 50.1 IND WNDS

I rescanned the digital cable channels (QAM) with the Mits built-in tuner last night and was able to see the following channles:

83.4 Cartoon Network (SD)
84.5 History Channel (SD)
85.1 WCVB-DT (HD)
85.2 WHDH-DT (HD)
86.1 NBA Preview Channel (SD)
115.9 PPV Movie Preview (SD)

With all other channels, the tuner either displayed a message saying that this program was scrambled and that I can't view it or the message said the channel was unavailable. I rescanned the OTA HD channels right after I noted the above results, so I could watch the good stuff. :)

It looks like Comcast HD isn't of much use/value to me now, so I'll wait. At least until ESPN HD is online in March. With the exception of channel 50, I can pick up the stations noted by Chuck above. They can keep the $15.95 they were going to charge me just so I could sit around and wait for them. As if they were doing me a favor! :D

BTW- There's a $50 rebate from Showtime if you sign up. You just have to submit three months worth of cable bills. Since I'm signing up anyways I might as well...
http://www.sho.com/now/index.cfm?nationaloffername=Tyson%2DJay%2DZ%20%2450%20rebate&offersource=shohome

DaveFi wrote:

Guys, the 5100 doesn't have a VGA or RGB output- just component. So if you don't have a component input you're going to have to purchase a transcoder. A regular VGA-3BNC cable isn't going to cut it. You might want to ask about this in the TV forum.

Just to clarify, that's not quite what I'm talking about. A component signal is carried on "component cables", which are traditionally 3 wires, usually colored red, blue, and green. This you already know. But this isn't the only way to carry a component signal. My tv receives a component signal over what looks like a VGA socket - it doesn't have the 3 inputs like other TVs does, but it still takes a component signal. The cable has red, blue, and green plugs on one end (that goes into the cable box or progressive DVD player) and a VGA plug on the other end (that goes into my TV). The component signal is strill transmitted the same way, but the plug just looks different.

It's still the same signal, but an unconventional way to carry it. I have a Sony plasma TV, and this is what it requires to receive input - it's what I'm doing now to get a progressive input to my TV from my DVD.

I believe some sattellite systems used plugs like this, with the plug connections reversed - the 3 connectors would go into your TV set and the VGA plug would go into the satellite system. But I haven't seen this firsthand, and think it's an older system of doing things.

Several manufacturers make these kinds of wires. "Straightwire" (?) makes some; that's what I have. They're pricey, though, and make setting up the connection more expensive. I recently found similar cables for cheaper than what Straightwire sells them for. If anyone needs one of these cables (6 or 12 feet) please let me know.

I'm not sure if this connection is any better quality than the regular one. Since the VGA end screws into the monitor, it stays put. But this probably isn't an issue. I'd be curious to hear what anyone else knows about this kind of connection.

hope this clarifies what I meant

I think jscout is right about Comcast HDTV doesn't have much use. I heard that Ch. 7 only broadcasts 3 hours of HDTV per day, and 5 broadcasts like 3 or 4. And I don't know about HBO or Showtime.

Basically, the only thing that is changing is the name from AT&T to Comcast. The picture quality on the digital channels, or even the analog channels, will not be any better. One of the CSRs I spoke to said they will eventually switch everything to digital, but probably not until 2006. I live in Natick, and the cable system here is not very good at all. I have not been able to get a very good picture on Ch. 41 (Fox News) for the past few months, and I've noticed that the picture on MTV often goes kind of dark sometimes. And the bill keeps going up and up, we are now paying $110! Outrageous! Although the competitor, RCN, doesn't carry as many channels, they are much better. Because I've heard that RCN is all digital. But I don't know how that can be possible, because I don't see how the local access channels can broadcast a digital signal. I've also noticed that they do not carry New England Cable News, or WSBE Channel 36, PBS out of Providence. Does anyone else think RCN is better?

Lol. I live on the Framingham/Natick town line, in the section where RCN was bought up by ATT, so I have Comcast now, whatever the Natick service is. It's a weird zoning thing- I can't figure it out. I don't have RCN as an option. Frankly it's no better.

Analog picture quality has more to do with technical issues than anything- Cable has never been known to have anything more than mediocre analog at best. If you want the best signal, use an antenna. Digital is the same deal- not very good. Satellite is better, but I can't put up a dish, so I'm thrilled about HD Comcast. Now I only pray that the signal strength is good enough for me to get decent HD reception. Like you ssetta, my signal is poor, and while I have a cable modem, that doesn't always translate well into other things, even though the techs say it should. I had digital for a month and some channels would barely come in. Comcast refuses to repair this, saying it's wiring issues and my problem.

OTA HD I have. I want commercial free HD programing. If you want OTA HD buy a set top box, or wait for the cheap PCHD cards that are coming out soon. If you want to see what's available on SHO-HD and HBO-HD you just need to look-
http://www.hbo.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?ACTION_TODAY=TODAY
http://www.sho.com/schedules/

I see these two channels as a bargain compared to crappy digital. You can get them both "a la carte'", meaning just pay for Basic, HBO and SHO and that's it. $40 month total. That's all I want.

Are you sure you can pay for these channels a-la-carte? I hate having to select one of their "packages" to get 2 channels I want... HBO and Showtime. I don't need 5 channels of HBO either, just one is fine by me... $81.95 for the "Gold" package is ridiculous...

Does anyone have any info on pricing for the cheapest digital package?

If I get the cheapest digital package along with the 5100 STB, then I should be able to get WGBH, WCVB and WHDH now in HD. Right? And as more non-premium HD channels are added, I should just be able to pick them up, like WBZ, ESPN-HD, etc.

Is the video-on-demand thing a reality?
How does it work? Does the 5100 have a harddrive?
Pricing?

Sorry about all the questions, but Comcast's web site has very little of the info I want/need.

Thanks,
-stevenb

Ryan- The two people I spoke each told me something different. But when I called up again and said that I only wanted HBO-HD and SHO-HD the CSR said, "I don't think you can get those two channels a la carte, let me check". When she came back she said I could- You can get all premium channels a la carte since the 1992 Cable Act went into effect last October. You don't need digital at all. So what you're paying for is the analog versions and they throw in the HD channels.

I wish I had something in writing. The pricing is so complicated now even the CSRs are clueless. If the CSRs can't figure it out, how is the average consumer going to?

steve- You get the HD OTA channels for free with the HD box rental. You don't need digital anything even though they'll try and sell you on it. All you need is Basic Cable which should cost <$10.

David,

I have been given false information (lied to?) repeatedly by the CSRs at AT&T Broadband regarding rate information.

Your best bet is to go to the payment office (usually each town has one) and get the little pamphlet with the rate information printed. It will tell you that you need basic ($7/mo) service to get anything else, but pretty much everything else can be purchased a la carte. I'm sure they'll have to update the info for HD, but you can get premium channels for $7/mo plus $3/mo (or so) for the box rental plus $12/mo or so for HBO without even getting the "expanded" basic cable ($43/mo) as far as I know. They don't want to tell you this, since they're pushing the (largely useless) digital cable which they like, since you can purchase PPV movies with the remote, but there are a lot of options to cut down your bill if you like.

Once you have that pamphlet, you will be ten times more knowledgible than any CSR.

jc- They need to update all the books. They're still the green one for ATT here. Comcast is offering all new packages.

With the old ATT scheme you couldn't get everything "a la carte'", only the Premium Channels like Sho, HBO, Cinemax, etc. Then you only get the analog versions. If you wanted digital they made you purchase certain "tier" levels- which is perfectly acceptable with the Cable Act.

Maybe they figured they couldn't get away with offering HBO-HD as a "tier" package if you already paid for the analog version? I hope this is true, because if I get a bill for things I didn't want (like digital cable) I won't pay it.

Originally posted by sbeaudette
Does anyone have any info on pricing for the cheapest digital package?

If I get the cheapest digital package along with the 5100 STB, then I should be able to get WGBH, WCVB and WHDH now in HD. Right? And as more non-premium HD channels are added, I should just be able to pick them up, like WBZ, ESPN-HD, etc.

Is the video-on-demand thing a reality?
How does it work? Does the 5100 have a harddrive?
Pricing?

Sorry about all the questions, but Comcast's web site has very little of the info I want/need.

Thanks,
-stevenb

The 5100 Does NOT have a HDD. The VOD programming is stored on a server that Comcast manages. This not like Tivo/Replay you cannot pause a live show, or a show that is currently broadcasting. VOD has its own menu system that allows you to chose from what programming is on the server. Movies, Cable Favorites, SHO/TMC, Sports, News/Info, are just some of the choices. You CANNOT interact with your normal programming, only the programming in the VOD menus. VOD is a completely seperate service. Hope this helps.

This just in...Friend of mine lives in Framingham and had an appointment for HD cable today. The guy showed up and said customer service was premature. No HD boxes available. It's another two weeks. Anyone else?

I'm scheduled for Saturday installation. If they don't have the STB's available yet (I'll keep my fingers crossed until others confirm), I'd at least hope that they would call me ahead of time rather than making me wait around from someone to come out and tell me in person. Not a good way for a "new" cable company to start building a reputation.

Joe

Sounds about right. Now to make it complete tommorow- they won't show, tell the dispatcher I wasn't home, so when I call up they say it's my fault. Lol.

I bet the contractors get paid by the call, so even if they know they won't do anything they say they're going to show up anyways- or at least say they did. Sucks for the customer.

Sounds like it's time for Comcast to "clean house".

LOL David,

I see you've been through this crap before. In Cambridge, they won't even knock on doors. If you're phone line is busy, they leave a message and say they stopped by. Customer of course is SOL, and has to reschedule at AT&T's convenience.

Good luck getting hooked up. Never underestimate the incompentence of AT&T Broadband (now under new mismanagement?)

Originally posted by jscout
This just in...Friend of mine lives in Framingham and had an appointment for HD cable today. The guy showed up and said customer service was premature. No HD boxes available. It's another two weeks. Anyone else?

Ok, I called Tuesday to get the HDTV w/5100 upgrade installed today. To sum it up: VERY BAD EXPERIENCE!!! Now here's the details:

I had the 11am-1pm time slot. At 1:35pm, after no-show and no call, I called Comcast, who was very helpful, and she said there was a delay but made sure someone would come right away. 2:10pm, Comcast guy shows up. Looks at my 2100, goes to the car for about 10 mins, comes back with another 2100. He says "Oh, you got a digital box already" (couldn't speak good english). I said "duh...what's on your work order???".

It CLEARLY said HDTV upgrade, but he had NO CLUE what that was. I told him to call his dispatcher. I overherd the two talking (on those two-way nextel phones). His dispatcher said something like "only Comcast EMPLOYEES are getting those now, and the contractors haven't gotten any training on the new 5100's". I am very mad at this point.

He obiously had no idea what HDTV was and had no 5100's to install. He finally called a "supervisior" and he said only a few "internal" Comcast people can install the 5100's. Now I have to wait AGAIN for someone to show up between 8am-12pm tomorrow (Friday). But I'm really supposed to get the 5100 then.

For all those who signed up on the HDTV/5100 bandwagon - BEWARE! Do not let this happen to you. For what I understand, you will probably have the same experience, BUT INSIST them get the right person, as I think I have. I'll post another update tomorrow (sometime between 8am-12pm)

Good day.

OK...I'm sorry if this topic has been beat to death, but I'm trying to understand how this "HD over Cable" works.

I have a Mitsu HDTV-upgradable monitor with a Mitsu HD500 set top box that I use with an antenna in my attic to receive OTA reception. Some nights I get great reception, other nights I get very little.

When I read the Boston Globe article, I called Comcast and they confirmed it's $2 more a month for the new box and they set me up with an appointment tomorrow morning to get their new HDTV box installed.

Will this new box REPLACE my existing set top HDTV tuner, or just replace my cable box?

Will I run a signal out of this new Comcast cable box into my HDTV tuner, then into the TV or will the signal come out of the Comcast box right into the TV (via component video cables)?

If my HDTV tuner is getting replaced (which I'm not happy about because I paid good money for it), will I still be able to get OTA signals that are not provided by Comcast?

Is there any picture degredation between Comcast HDTV signal and OTA signal?

I'm opting to go with Comcast because my reception is not 100% reliable OTA, but I'm trying to picture how it all peacefully coexists.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

Harvey...You're SOL. You need to make a choice-either Comcast or Directv. They both go into your component cable connection. You can still use the Directv through composite connection but kiss HD from Directv bye-bye.

Hi Benji,

I'm not a DirecTV subscriber. I thought about going to them, but then heard Comcast was going to be carrying the signal so I held off.

Right now I only have Over-The-Air HDTV reception. Are you saying if I go with Comcast I can no longer get OTA reception?

I would think as long as you had enough component inputs you could hook up whatever you wanted - OTA receiver, Comcast, Directv...

Jeez...

Now I'm worried. I took a day off from work tomorrow to have Comcast deliver my new HD STB. Should I call and make sure it gets brought?!?! Would it even make a difference if I did call?

...and if they even think they're hooking it up for me, they can think again. No one is hooking anything up to my system except me.

Harvey,

The new cable box is supposed to replace your old cable box. It is mutually exclusive from your current OTA box. Both can simultaneously connect to your TV via separate component inputs on the TV. Since you already have an OTA box, you're in a similar situation to me. I have a built-in tuner. But in my case, I have great OTA reception, so I gain nothing from this rollout. I don't watch HBO or Showtime. You should definitely confirm your appointment with Comcast. It's likely that they'll continue to screw up. CYA.

Good luck.

Thanks jscout - so what you're telling me is that I shouldn't put my existing mitsu tuner up on eBay just yet.....

$2 for HD sounds good. I am not really interested in SHO or HBO. Currently I have MyHD and get all the OTA channels. But like everyone else, reception is not 100%. It looks like there is only 2 or 3 OTA channels on this ComCast deal? Since I do not have a cable box from ATT, $2 + box rental for only 2 channels...It would be like $20. Hmmm I think I will hold off.

About the $6 basic and a la carte option... I am paying Extended Basic for like $50 because I want Food Network, HGTV, Discovery, TLC, Travel, Comedy. Anyhow know I can pick these as a la carte?

Harvey...you have only 1 1080i component input on your TV. The other component input is for 480p/480i for DVD players. If you want to use the Mits box for OTA,don't get the cable box. You can only use 1 for hidef. The cable box will give you digital channels 2, 5, 7, HBO and Showtime. Your Mits box will give you the Boston OTA digitals your antenna can pick up. You need to decide which is better for you.

Harvey,

Or you can buy a Component switch. But I think they are not cheap... like $100-$200 I guess?

Originally posted by HarveyDanger
OK...I'm sorry if this topic has been beat to death, but I'm trying to understand how this "HD over Cable" works.

I have a Mitsu HDTV-upgradable monitor with a Mitsu HD500 set top box that I use with an antenna in my attic to receive OTA reception. Some nights I get great reception, other nights I get very little.

When I read the Boston Globe article, I called Comcast and they confirmed it's $2 more a month for the new box and they set me up with an appointment tomorrow morning to get their new HDTV box installed.

Will this new box REPLACE my existing set top HDTV tuner, or just replace my cable box?

Will I run a signal out of this new Comcast cable box into my HDTV tuner, then into the TV or will the signal come out of the Comcast box right into the TV (via component video cables)?

If my HDTV tuner is getting replaced (which I'm not happy about because I paid good money for it), will I still be able to get OTA signals that are not provided by Comcast?

Is there any picture degredation between Comcast HDTV signal and OTA signal?

I'm opting to go with Comcast because my reception is not 100% reliable OTA, but I'm trying to picture how it all peacefully coexists.

Can anyone help?

Thanks!

The 5100 FAQ will help you.....

Just got off the phone with my brother. The installer is there as I type this. I talked to him on the phone. He has installed the CORRECT box. He is picking up digital channels 2 and 5. He says 7 is not available yet. And he is getting HBO and Showtime HD. The digital channel 2 is the national PBS feed. My brother lives in south Cambridge near MIT. Anyone nearby here expecting service today, be prepared!

99...I have a WS65807, and have 3 component inputs, but only 1 of them will accept 1080i, the other 2 will accept 480i/480p. If yours is different from this, I stand corrected, but I thought all Mits TVs had the same configeration.

I have the WS55411 - it has 3 component inputs that all accept 1080i. I think it depends on the model year as to the number of inputs you'll get.

So it sounds like the solution is to let them put the box in and they can unplug the existing component video cables and optical audio cable from my Mitsu SR-HD5 and use them with the cable box. Then I will get channels 2 and 5 along with HBO HD and Showtime HD.

Then, when I want to watch Channels 4 and 7 I will unplug the component video cables and optical audio cable from the back of the cable box and plug them into my SR-HD5 for OTA reception.

Does anyone see a problem with this, other than it being a major pain in the A$%??

Let me know if I'm mistaken.

Harvey...you should be able to get channel 7 on the cable box. The reason it is not getting 7 this minute is NOBODY is right now. WHDH-DT has apparently pulled the plug. I'm getting a '0' signal on my Hughes and DTC-100 boxes.

Thanks Benji - that makes sense. The Globe article said "five" channels of HDTV. Must be HBO, SHO, 2, 5, and 7.

To get this back onto the comcast installation - has anyone else had a problem with the installation or had the installation completed successfully? I think the score is 1-1 so far. I have mine scheduled for tomorrow afternoon - and I would rather not take the day off if they aren't going to show or be able to do the job right.

Originally posted by 99gixxer
To get this back onto the comcast installation - has anyone else had a problem with the installation or had the installation completed successfully? I think the score is 1-1 so far. I have mine scheduled for tomorrow afternoon - and I would rather not take the day off if they aren't going to show or be able to do the job right.

Good luck! See my post from my experience earlier today. Hard to say what will happen to you, but I'm on for tomorrow again!

I have an appointment as well on Friday between 9-11 am...I just called to re-confirm that it was for the HDTV box and they said that was what was on the order....

we'll have to see what they actually bring out, though!

Good Luck!

Anyone know if this box receives a different guide than the current DCT2100? I HATE HATE HATE the TV guide thing that they currently use... it's horrible. I use my Tivo's guide primarily, but it'd be nice to have a usuable guide with the new service as well.

CinemaScreen - they must be visiting you either right before or right after they come by my house. I'm on for 9-11 AM tomorrow as well, and I'm not too far from you.

Please post if you have any problems, and I'll do the same.

thanks!

I'm on for 8-9 tomorrow fellas. I'll do the same.

99gixxer, the score is 1-3 so far. My friend and BostonDIGITAL
who replied with the similar scenario of failed installations.

Harvey, what model TV do you have? You should confirm what types of signals your components accept. The newer models without built in tuners have more 1080i inputs. If you only have one 1080i, then you can set the cable box to pump out 480p and still use the 1080i for your OTA receiver. Not optimal, but all is not lost. You can at least be up and running and decide on how to improve your config.

I think I have the same TV that Benji has - the WS65807.

If Comcast will really give me 2, 5, 7, HBO and SHO, I'm OK with having to switch the component video and audio cables on the Set top Box end when I want to watch CBS, although now my Mitsu STB is an expensive "gateway" considering I only need it for CBS.

Originally posted by 99gixxer
I have the WS55411 - it has 3 component inputs that all accept 1080i. I think it depends on the model year as to the number of inputs you'll get. Not to beat a dead horse, but I'm looking at the Feb.03 edition of Sound And Vision magazine, and it features a write-up on the Mits WS-65711. It lists among the inputs: 3 wideband component-video (two 480i/480p and one 480i/480p/1080i).

Harvey...you also need the set-top box for 25, 38 and 56.

Benji, that's because that TV has a built-in tuner. 511 and above have built-in tuners and 411 and below don't, so they get more 1080i components.

You could always consider using/upgrading your receiver. If you get one that has multiple component inputs, you could attach the Mitsu Receiver and Comcast box to that, and use it to switch which one is output to the television. There are some drawbacks(can't use both sources for PIP - but you can't really do that with one of your wires hanging unplugged either) and the additional cost for the extra set of component cables. On the bright side - you get to buy a shiny new receiver!

Benji, you're right about 25, 38, and 56....but fortunately (unfortunately?) my wife and I haven't been hooked into any of their programming.

The CBS issue hurts, though - that's where we spend most of our HDTV time! I hope Comcast begins carrying their signal in the near future, while I can still get a good price for my SR-HD5 on online auction!

The Mits don't support pip/pop in HD anyways. What you suggested was how I was going to connect the cable box, until I decided to pass for now.

I guess thats understandable - it would be a little wierd to stare at a 9inch high def picture.

I just called comcast and confirmed my appt - she said the work order listed the high-def upgrade, so hopefully they'll bring the right stuff.

Just talked to my brother again. He confirmed he is able to receive 2, 5, HBO and Showtime. He is getting a message on ch.7 saying it will be available shortly. Off the subject but did anyone catch the Dolby Digital 5.1 test on 4.1 at 4:30? Looks like they're gearing up for CBS 5.1.

The cable guy just left my place.

I get the HD PBS loop from 2, HBO and Showtime. Dolby Digital 5.1 confirmed. It's saying "available shortly" on 5 and 7. He said that he's seeing that problem at his home, too, and entered a problem ticket for me.

The installation of the box - a full boat Motorola 5100 complete with firewire and USB, optical and coaxial digital output, etc, went by in about 15 minutes.

Unfortunately, when he enabled it at the home office, it dumped my cable modem. The cable guy said that this has happened at every install he's done, including his own house, and spent the next half hour trying to find the right person back at HQ who knew how to type the magic things.

I had a continuous PING running on my laptop - shouted "that's it!" as soon as they got it back.

I strongly suggest that anyone getting this service check the status of their network connectivity before the guy leaves. My symptoms: Could get a DHCP lease fine, could ping their DHCP server fine, could talk to their DNS server fine, but could not reach the gateway to the rest of the network.

But, it's all working now, excepting the channels 5 and 7 thing. *SIGH*

But, HBO looks/sounds great!

It's nice to hear some people are actually getting it-

I was over at U-Do-It Electronics yesterday and they were selling a mechanical component video 4-1 switch for $65- I was considering it, but it looked pretty cheap. How good can an unamplified switch be?

aleet2600- You can't get those channels a la carte', that only works with premium stuff like SHO and HBO- so you're stuck.

Toots- It's interesting you got a 5100 with everything. I read alot of folks got boxes with ports blocked off. If the cable-modem is enabled in the box, I'd sell mine and use theirs. Also- how about testing some of the ports like the firewire and the USB? Curious to see what's up with those.

Hello all!

I am kind of new to HDTV and I just had my Comcast Digital cable box Motorola 5000 installed. I recieve a couple of digital channels, abc, nbc, pbs and CSN-HD. I was watching Law & Order last night on my Mitsibushi widescreen TV and the picture looked awesome, except that I have black bars on the top and bottom of the screen is this normal or do I have a the Motorola box setup incorrect? Thanks in advance

Fitzit22

Originally posted by fitzit22
Hello all!

I am kind of new to HDTV and I just had my Comcast Digital cable box Motorola 5000 installed. I recieve a couple of digital channels, abc, nbc, pbs and CSN-HD. I was watching Law & Order last night on my Mitsibushi widescreen TV and the picture looked awesome, except that I have black bars on the top and bottom of the screen is this normal or do I have a the Motorola box setup incorrect? Thanks in advance

Fitzit22

Please Read...

Originally posted by toots
The cable guy just left my place.

IThe installation of the box - a full boat Motorola 5100 complete with firewire and USB, optical and coaxial digital output, etc, went by in about 15 minutes.



Your box has a Firewire output on it.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Toots- It's interesting you got a 5100 with everything. I read alot of folks got boxes with ports blocked off. If the cable-modem is enabled in the box, I'd sell mine and use theirs. Also- how about testing some of the ports like the firewire and the USB? Curious to see what's up with those.

The cable guy assured me that none of the extras (built-in cable modem, firewire, USB) are currently enabled.

I s'pose they could download code to turn them on whenever they decide they want to. I'm just glad they're there on my box so if the features do come to pass, I won't have to get a new one.

So your box definatly does have a firewire port on it, its not just a block off plate?!?!

WHERE CAN I GET A 5100 WITH A FIREWIRE OUTPUT!!!!!!!!!!!

Are the HD broadcasts on the motorola 5100 supposed to fill the entire screen or will I get black bars on the top and bottom?

Have you tried the FAQ yet...........

Miatasm,

I read the FAQ's it does not say anything about bars on the top and Bottom for HDTV broadcasts. Thanks

fitzit22

Actually it does, its under "Video" & also a section under "Setup". This also depends on if your TV is 16:9 or 4:3. There will be times where there will be bars on top & bottom even if the program is in HD & you have a widescreen TV. Like movies filmed in 2.35:1. Could you be a little more specific on what equipment you have & what you need to know.

Miatasm,

It talks about bars on the side. I understand that digital non-hdtv broadcast will have bars on the side, but what about the bars on the top and bottom during HDTV broadcasts?

I edited my above post.

Miatasm,

I have the Motorola 5100 Comcast box and I have the Mitsibushi WS-55859. I have an OTA converter, which fills the complete screen. I was watching Law & Order on the Motorola 5100 and I get bars on the top and bottom, but on the OTA broadcast it fills the complete screen. The flyers game right now I have bars on the top and bottom. Ughhh.

Thanks

Miatasm,

Also it is a 16:9 TV.

Thanks

Originally posted by fitzit22
Miatasm,

I have the Motorola 5100 Comcast box and I have the Mitsibushi WS-55859. I have an OTA converter, which fills the complete screen. I was watching Law & Order on the Motorola 5100 and I get bars on the top and bottom, but on the OTA broadcast it fills the complete screen. The flyers game right now I have bars on the top and bottom. Ughhh.

Thanks

It seems to me that the box isn't setup correctly for TV Type, Y/Pb/Pr, & 480 override. Your setting should be 16:9, 1080i, & 480i, respectively. This is accessed by powering the 5100 "off" and pressing "menu".

Or you are not watching the HD channels on your Component 1080i video input.

How does the picture look? Does it look like HD? If it doesn't then you need to make sure your TV isn't on your antenna input.

Miatasm,

My box is setup with 16:9, 1080i, & 480i. The picture is ok, it is nothing compared to OTA. It must be hooked up wrong.

Is their anyway to check if I am watching on my Componet 1080i video input?

Thanks

Originally posted by fitzit22
Miatasm,

My box is setup with 16:9, 1080i, & 480i. The picture is ok, it is nothing compared to OTA. It must be hooked up wrong.

Is their anyway to check if I am watching on my Componet 1080i video input?

Thanks

You must be on the wrong input....Look at the back of the 5100 and make sure there are component cables connected from the Red, Green, & Blue RCA outputs going to your television.....If there is, then using your remote press your "input" button until it goes to the input that the 5100 is connected to. If it doesn't goto the input, then you need to access your TV's menu and activate the input that the 5100 is plugged into. Its under "setup" & input assignment (depending on model).

Miatasm,

Thanks, I am in the process of trying to figure it out now. I just unhooked all my cables except the coax from the 5100 and I still have my picture. It looks like you are right the 5100 input is not even activated. Thanks again

fitzit22

I spoke too soon about the firewire port. I coulda swore it was a firewire port, but closer examination revealed that it was just a third USB port.

Oh well.

You tease!

Miatasm,

Thanks I switched the cables around and activated the input and the HDTV over the cable is a beauty. Thanks for your all of your help. You were right on the money.

fitzit22

Don't worry it happens all too often....

Comcast/Attbi came out this morning with my new box!

I get HBO-HD, Showtime-HD, PBS HD (2-2), 5, and 7.

The box has SPDIF and Toslink output, with DD 5.1 sound (if the show has it).

No firewire, no DVI.
Does have ethernet & usb (dunno for what).

My only complaint about the box is that I have to choose if I want all HD converted to 1080i, or all HD converted to 720p.
My projector can display either, so I'd prefer to just pass through the one the broadcaster is using. As is, if I set 1080i I get best picture on most channels, but on ABC I loose the progressive 720 and end up interlaced.

Now I need a component video switcher, as I have 4 devices with component video (OTA HDTV, Cable HDTV, DVD, and XBOX).

The guys who brought it also brought a nice set of component video cables (although I didn't need them).

BTW: I was getting HBO before, but not showtime. So, for the $2/mo extra, its not a bad deal...

Understand the policy is you get SHO HD and HBO HD if you subscribe to the normal SHO and HBO. But it seems like everyone is getting it until Comcast encrypt them later after the roll out.

It would be a real good deal if those premium channels are free right now.

Can anyone PM me to confirm? :)

Originally posted by toots
The cable guy just left my place.

-snip-

Unfortunately, when he enabled it at the home office, it dumped my cable modem. The cable guy said that this has happened at every install he's done, including his own house, and spent the next half hour trying to find the right person back at HQ who knew how to type the magic things.

I had a continuous PING running on my laptop - shouted "that's it!" as soon as they got it back.

I strongly suggest that anyone getting this service check the status of their network connectivity before the guy leaves. My symptoms: Could get a DHCP lease fine, could ping their DHCP server fine, could talk to their DNS server fine, but could not reach the gateway to the rest of the network.

But, it's all working now, excepting the channels 5 and 7 thing. *SIGH*

But, HBO looks/sounds great!

The install guy(s) just left...they had several learning the ropes. :) But overall, it was quick & fairly painless.

The cable modem did go out, but luckily I double checked it before they left. It turns out that each 2 way device (Read Cable Modem & HTDV Box) needs to have 2 (virtual) outlets provisioned by someone at the office.

The kicker is that each second (virtual) outlet has to be immediately after the 2 way device in the configuration.

i.e.

HTDV BOX
ADDTL OUTLET
DIGITAL BOX
CABLE MODEM
ADDTL OUTLET

So, if extra outlets are added in the wrong place, different devices can stop functioning. (i.e. 2nd Cable Box, Cable Modem)

HTH,

-K

Hi guys. Just registered, but I've been reading the boards for years. This is a GREAT site. Here's my Comcast experience... called Wed - guy was out Thurs morning... without the Mot 5100... he hooked up the cable. Had problems with my internet (as mentioned above), but an hour on the phone with the customer service fixed that... lol.

Today - two guys came out with the 5100. Hooked it up. Works great. I now get PBS, ABC, NBC, SHO and HBO. The PBS demo loop is all that I've seen in true 1080i - but it looks great.

Did an A/B comparision of regular cable with directv - cable is not as good as satellite on my setup (YMMV), but that's okay seeing as I won't be watching much non-HDTV on this set.

Overall not a bad experience (save for them not bringing out the right box the first time). After 3 years of owning an HDTV, I finally have HDTV!!! To say I am excited is an understatment.

Now let's just hope Comcast will hurry up and pick up CBS, HDNet, Discovery HD and they add ESPN-HD when it launches!

Everything went fine...

3 technicians were here...two supervisors, one installer.

Everything worked right away....no cable modem problem. I did mention the problem that has been posted here, and he said it was a problem with the billing service they use [when they call in to register the box]...anyway it didn't disconnect me.

Only network HD material on is PBS loop....compared to OTA looks the same on my set. HBO and SHO don't look as great as PBS....but still awesome picture.

The super said they are very close with CBS and that other channels are on the way shortly...didn't mention which ones.

He said he saw a demo of the VOD locally and that there would be a menu listing the VOD channels, and you choose from a list of episodes which one you want to watch. (i.e. HBO: Sopranos: choose from a list of 10 episodes). Sounded like he was very excited about it.

They were real nice...I voiced my feelings about Cablevision and ATT [re: terrible timeline for upgrades in Lynnfield] and one super was from the old Mediaone and the other from the old Cablevision and they both laughed. They said the difference between the old cable providors and Comcast is that Comcast says, "do it, let's get it done now". He said they were going to roll out HDTV and VOD at the same time, but HD was ready now, so they went ahead separately.

Take it for what it's worth, but they sounded sincere.

Good luck to others on the install.

I got my 5100 today also. It works fine and the installers (two young guys who where on their second 5100 install) new enough to have me check the cable modem before they left. Two months ago they knocked out the modem when they installed a second box. They did not know some of the stuff they needed to get it set up. I had read th excellent 5100 FAQ so it did not hold us up. When I mentioned the FAQ they asked me to give the URL so they could learn about the 5100!

It's all hooked up now to my Infocus 7200 PJ and the picture looks very good. I had a scare at first because all the channels looked horrible at first; VERY green. They started to say I had to adjust my projector then they found that the red component cable had pulled out. The high def channels seem the equal of my OTA reception. My standard def channels look about the same as my old cable box. A big difference on these channels is the sound. I've got the TOSLINK connection set up and the sound on the standard def channels is MUCH improved. FYI, I checked my Firmware version and it is 2.46.

It was a good experience. Now I can't wait for them to get some more HDTV.

One last thing: my 5100 DOES have a DVI-D connector (and it's labeled that way). I don't know if it work because I don't have the right cable.

Originally posted by cinemascreen
They were real nice...I voiced my feelings about Cablevision and ATT [re: terrible timeline for upgrades in Lynnfield] and one super was from the old Mediaone and the other from the old Cablevision and they both laughed. They said the difference between the old cable providors and Comcast is that Comcast says, "do it, let's get it done now". He said they were going to roll out HDTV and VOD at the same time, but HD was ready now, so they went ahead separately.

Take it for what it's worth, but they sounded sincere.


Interesting.

My installer accidentally said "AT&T" once, then corrected himself and said "Comcast." When I mentioned that I'd changed cable providers twice already without even moving (first MediaOne, then AT&T, now Comcast), he said,

"Yeah, but if it were still AT&T, you'd have never gotten HDTV service. They were dragging their feet on everything."

Has anyone had a problem with the 5100 where HBO and SHO display the ABC and NBC feeds - basically 805 and 807 are the same as 870 and 877? I just had 4 guys here - 1 trainer and 3 trainees They tried 2 boxes that both had the same problem, they are going back to the warehouse to get another box to try. I Figured I'd check here to see if anyone might have had this problem. Thanks.

Can anyone with an integrated HDTV verify if the Boston digitals can be received directly from the cable into the TV tuner, or do you need their set top box? Mitsubishi says yes, the CSR at Comcast said no.

One issue I'm having with my new Comcast cable box:

The sound volume on the high-def channels is very much lower than it is on the standard cable channels.

This is really annoying... You watch a show in HD, have the volume set right, switch to some other program, and get blasted with sound.

Is there any way on the cable box to adjust this?
I'm using digital out only (TosLink).

Chuck...I have the same volume problem OTA. The digital channels are at low volume for some reason.

Just had my comcast rep come by and install the new 5100 box. He was running a bit late but otherwise, it went very smoothly. He knew how to set up the box, and my TV (and was showing another installer how to do it).

This is my first foray into HD and all we need is more content! The analog channels look about the same but of course the new HD channels look stunning (I have a sony 32xbr450).

To answer a couple of questions I have read about - first, I have had a sub for HBO and that channel works great, but don't have Showtime (and that HD channel is already blocked). My cable modem works fine (although the installer did want to check it). Also, there is much discussion in the 5100 faq and thread in this forum on the sound issues - I am not using the digital so don't find it a problem, but others might want to reference those posts.

Finally - I am a Tivo-addict and that seems to work fine with the box (of course using only the composite out) and the Tivo codes to control the channel changing on the 5100 seem to be the same as on my older 2100 STB. So for now I am a happy camper (wish Tivo would hurry with the HD support!).

So for now, I will sample the HD output to see if I'm hooked enough to add an OTA setup.

Just an FYI: If your TiVo has S-Video in (mine does... It's a series 2), you are better off connecting the DCT5100 to the TiVo via the S-Video.

Also, one nice feature of the DCT5100 is that the S-Video and composite
video outputs are "always on"... Even if you are watching an HDTV station, you still get video (downconvert to 480i) out of those ports for use on your TiVo.

Originally posted by Benji
Can anyone with an integrated HDTV verify if the Boston digitals can be received directly from the cable into the TV tuner, or do you need their set top box? Mitsubishi says yes, the CSR at Comcast said no.

Benji, I think I, and someone else, confirmed this (quite - this has been a hot topic) a few posts ago. My Mits 65511 tuner picks up local networks on HD cable just fine. As long as Comcast doesn't scramble these channels they can be picked up.

Took the plunge and had my 5100 installed at 11:45 yesterday morning. Two vans pulled into the driveway, and the techs did a "tag team" install. The head honcho of the two said, "This is the first high def box we've installed." It turned out that neither of them had even SEEN HDTV, let alone worked on one.

GULP. Needless to say, this did not fill me with confidence.

Luckily, the HD install went without a hitch, although my cable modem got hosed. Haven't gotten that fixed yet, but I'm glad to know I wasn't alone. Hopefully it's a quick fix.

Picture quality is great. The two techs (who hadn't seen HD before, remember) were blown away. The PBS loop didn't seem quite as crisp as it did OTA via my Zenith box (but it was very close), yet Leno looked the same, so who knows? Is it possible they are compressing one channel more than the others?

Anyway, I'd have to say I'm satisfied overall. Not having CBS is definitely cramping my style at the moment, but hopefully it'll be available by the time The Masters rolls around <fingers crossed>...

- Geddy

Quick question...

I have "Assasination" on now on HBOHD and it looks phenomenal...I had the movie "Stranger Among Us" on this morning and the picture looked nothing like this one....HBO listed both as HD....

any idea why one would look so much better than the other.....

I have never seen this movie, but it is the best picture I have seen so far....

Also, do the receivers display 5.1 on the menu when they are actually in 5.1 or is it just the dolby symbol with a D.

Thanks

Probably the most gratifying part of my installation was sitting around with the cable guy, waiting for the head end to properly register all my outlets.

he said he had the same RPTV as mine (Mits 55411), and he has HD cable at his house, yet all he could do is sit there commenting over and over how great my picture looked. (Better than his, he said, without prompting.)

Gave him a short sales job on ISF calibrations. When he was first installing, he tried to explain to me that I'd have to spend some time tweaking the set to get the colors right. I explained that I'd had the set professionally calibrated, 480p and 1080i. He didn't seem to understand what I was talking about at first.

After he was done watching my set for a while, he understood.

Lol. They just left after almost 2hrs. I either have a box or a wiring problem.

Reception on all channels is fine, but if you change the channel you lose the picture- you have to turn the box off and on again to regain it. So they're coming back on Mon with a new box. At least I can watch something now.

-Nevermind, I fixed it. The guy plugged the unit into my PC Battery Backup, I just switched it to a normal powestrip and everything's fine. :)

More exploration- 4:3 override for analog channels looks like crap. If you have the box outputting 720p turn it off so it won't switch to 480p. This thing has a mediocre upscaller. I guess it was too much to ask. My VCR's 3D/Y tuner is much much better.

I've seen some posts refer to the HD settop box screwing up their cable modems. Am I understanding this correctly? What's the story with this, and is there a fix? I'm getting my installation tomorrow, and am hoping to be ready for any problems they throw at me!

thanks

I think this guy (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=1905619#post1905619) described it best.

My installers were on the ball- I think they know what's going on with that problem. Just make sure to renew your IP after they install it.

Has anyone gotten a box with working RF passthrough? Mine doesn't work at all- I had to wire my VCR as first in the chain. Reception is still good- I'm wondering if this will effect connectivity issues with things like PPV which require 2-way communication?

-Damn! Box locked up, now it's turning on-off again.
I clearly have a bad box. Have to keep unplugging it to get it going again. They'll bring me a new one Mon morning.

Channel-wise I've got alot more stuff than I expected. Not only do I have HBO and SHO-HD, but I have every single HBO and SHO (like 6 each) digital channel. I also have FLIX for some reason (affiliated with SHO?). All these channels are digital, and I only have Basic Cable. I also now get Cartoon Network and History Channel in digital, and all the Music Choice audio stuff. Mind you I don't intend paying for any of these because I never asked for them. Freebie? I can see all the HBO and SHO stuff, but Music Choice? Otherwise I have none of the other digital channel, just the normal basic stuff.

Should I call them and ask them for less channels? Lol- I don't intend on doing that untill I see what they're charging me.

toots - does your replaytv work with your 5100 like the tivo apparently does? I'm contemplating dumping both my DCT2000's for 5100's - one for HDTV and one for the s-video output for my replay.

I am not surprised you are having trouble with your new box. It just so happens that 3 years ago this week back in 2000, is when digital cable was first launched in town, and we were the first ones to have it. And at the time, they only had 36 digital boxes, and there was a limit of 2 per household. I've also noticed that a lot of the newer ones are better. They used to be General Instrument, and they now switched to Motorola. But I had trouble today, on one digital channel, it would keep freezing, and sometimes going black. I have experienced several digital cable problems since I first got digital cable. It was happening constantly until about a month ago, and today, it came back, but looked somewhat different from what was happening before. So you should expect to have problems with HDTV, because it's very new, and it doesn't have that much use, since those channels only broadcast 3 hours of HDTV a day.

I think part of the problem is that they are now using 3 different kinds of signals. Analog, digital, and HD. In a few years from now, everything should be switched to digital, because the quality is much better than analog, but the problems with digital are more noticeable. And I think it's the same with HDTV, and it won't even let you see a week signal, it will just go completely out. So, if you want HDTV, I would suggest waiting a few years, as many people do not have an HDTV at this time.

So, if you want HDTV, I would suggest waiting a few years, as many people do not have an HDTV at this time.I don't understand your reasoning. It's safe to say most people in this thread already have an HDTV and are getting HD from Comcast because they have no other option other than OTA. So for HBO And SHO this is a bargain. For $40 the package is even better than their digital garbage. Basic Cable with like 90 channels for $6 (yes, that's Extended Basic, but they don't differentiate, they can't filter it) and then all those HD and digital channels for $35 more.

Ssetta, have you actually sat down and watched an HD broadcast? I saw Odessey 5 just now on SHO-HD and was mighty impressed. My first hour of HDTV in over 2yrs with no commercials.:D

Originally posted by JerryW
toots - does your replaytv work with your 5100 like the tivo apparently does? I'm contemplating dumping both my DCT2000's for 5100's - one for HDTV and one for the s-video output for my replay.

Actually, I haven't tried yet. Still have the ReplayTV hooked up to the older DCT-2000.

But, the 5100 answers to exactly the same remote codes as the 2000 (I use the same remote for both), so the Replay would probably operate the box as if it were a 2000.

The only question is whether I can induce the channel lineup to include the five new channels.

I am confused as to why so many people are signing up for Comcast HDTV, especially when they are not offering WBZ(grammys, college hoops, DD5.1). With my antenna I can pick up all the Boston locals without a problem. So, is the reason you are getting cable is because you can't get OTA? WBZ and WCVB have a good signal and I know of people as far as NH receiving it.

As far as HBO and Showtime, of course you need a dish. So can I assume that most of the people who signed up for Comcast HDTV do not have a dish? If you have a poor line of sight for the satellites, then it makes sense to go with cable for those two channels.

Has Comcast mentioned the desire to carry Discovery HD Theater, HDNet or ESPN HD?

I have had a dish for almost two years and would not dump it for 5 lousy channels, three of which I already receive free. I think it is great that Comcast is rolling out HDTV quickly, but to convert me they will need more channels and the ability to record in HD (ie activate the firewire port).

Actually, what Comcast really needs is a HD Boston Sports Net. Then I would be their hostage and forced to subscribe. So conservatively, that gives me at least 6 more years with the dish.

The installer left about 15 minutes ago after a quick and painless upgrade. It was his second install of hdtv so when I disconnected the analog audio cables from their component cables, it confused him for a second. Those who get hdtv and have the ability to get dolby digital but aren't home theater enthusiasts may lose some features and have a tough time during the early rollout.

The installer seemed to know what to look for and reported that the picture was widescreen on showtime to the comcast dispatch and then had me check my cable modem to ensure it still worked.

I watched showtime and hbo for a bit and it looks every bit as good as my OTA HDTV but the sound on showtime has stuttered a few times. Anyone else have this problem or know a solution?

Also, IMO, the picture on the non-hdtv channels looks better via s-video than the component connection. Sort of ruins the pronto macros that I already setup if I need to switch inputs during normal cable viewing.

Now all we need is more hdtv programming.

Hey DaveFi,

Are you still getting everything? Usually, when they install a new box you get everything until someone or something back in the office transmits program info back down to the box. When that happens, you only get what you're supposed to get according to your account. Sometimes this could take a few hours. Hopefully your joy wasn't premature and they really did screw up at the office. :)

Good luck.

Originally posted by woz
I am confused as to why so many people are signing up for Comcast HDTV, especially when they are not offering WBZ(grammys, college hoops, DD5.1). With my antenna I can pick up all the Boston locals without a problem. So, is the reason you are getting cable is because you can't get OTA? WBZ and WCVB have a good signal and I know of people as far as NH receiving it.



Not all of us have good line-of-sight to Needham. I live in Arlington Heights, and have a large granite hill (Mt Gilboa) directly between me and Needham, so all I can get is a hash of reflections and refractions around the hill. Lots of multipath problems. Sure, I can get most of the stations if I move my antenna each time, but that's a hassle. I still use my antenna for WBZ and others that aren't on cable.

So for me, the local stations on cable are a big plus, and not offered by DirecTV or Dish.

And, I need cable anyway to get my broadband internet.

Also, it's convenient to not have to switch inputs (Sat to OTA).

And of course, we are assuming that Comcast will eventually (hopefully soon) get more programming, including WBZ.

Originally posted by woz

I have had a dish for almost two years and would not dump it for 5 lousy channels, three of which I already receive free. I think it is great that Comcast is rolling out HDTV quickly, but to convert me they will need more channels and the ability to record in HD (ie activate the firewire port).


Sadly, the DCT5100 boxes supplied by Comcast don't have Firewire ports (the hardware isn't there... It's an option when they buy the box. So there is nothing there to "activate").
So, no recording of HDTV until a better box comes along.

I'm looking forward to HDTV PVRs comming out soon. I'd even consider switching to DirecTV if I could get an HDTV TiVo that worked with it.

Also, the Cable Companies are mandated to open their standards so that in the future you can buy your own Digital Cable box (or it can be built in to the TV)... When that happens, there is a chance that you will find HDTV PVR boxes that attach directly to the cable, replacing the DCT5100.

Woz...I agree with you 100% as long as you are able to get line of sight to Needham, and can have a satellite dish. I can get 2, 4, 5, 7, 38 and sometimes 25 down here in Taunton, plus DIRECTV so it makes no sense for me to switch. However, my brother lives in an apartment complex in Cambridge with no line of sight to Needham, and on the wrong side of the complex for a satellite dish. For him,it makes sense. I'm glad for the people who need cable for their HDTV, and now have it. Too bad it took so long. If COMCAST gets all the Boston digitals, I may even switch to their basic service, and keep satellite.But I get pretty good reception on 2, 5 and 7 so getting them now would be redundant.

jscout- Eveything is a bit of an exaggeration. As of this morning I still have everything I had yesterday- All the Basic cable channels, local HD channels, All the HBO and SHO channels (digital and HD), Flix (digital) and all the Music Choice channels.

Mind you I never asked for anything except HBO And SHO, no digital anything, and they never said they would change me to Extended Basic, although I get all the channels (I got them before for $6 anyways). The installers didn't seem to care. In fact they were telling me how people with HD were getting all sorts of benefits from Comcast because they were in the testing stage. Like I said before, if next month they try and charge me for all this stuff I don't think I'll have a huge problem with them adjusting my bill.

Fine with me- It seems Comcast is much better managed than ATT every was. All the installers and everyone I spoke with on the phone was pleasant, and knew what they were doing. Let's see what happens...

I had a 11am-1pm scheduled appt and just got a call at 11:55am telling me they ran out of boxes and expect to get more on Monday. Had to reschedule for next saturday. I was ticked. They said (after I asked) that they "could" (not "would") credit me $20 for the missed appt. If anyone else gets their's installed after 1pm on saturday, please post, I wasted half the day and re-arranged my schedule for this and $20 doesn't come close to making up for it.

I have been holding off on getting a new RPTV until Comcast offered HDTV programming. Currently I have analog cable. Is digital cable required to get the HDTV programming service? Does digital cable provide any better PQ on a large RPTV (65")?
Thanks
~Glenn

I scheduled an appt for Friday 21st. Comcast left me a message confirming the appt on Wednesday, and spent a few extra minutes reminding me to call them if I couldn't make the appointment.

On Thursday I called to again make a package upgrade (to get a few additional channels), and they told me there was a problem with my appt. They said it they never properly scheduled the date, despite giving me a confirmation number. They rescheduled for Saturday.

This morning they called and said they are out of cable boxes. They rescheduled for Friday 28.

They've told me I'm supposed to get a free installation for the first mixup, and $20 credit for the second one. Frankly, they seem so incompetent that I doubt they'll get this right, either.

It's also impossible to get a hold of anyone who can properly enter an order. Each time I call, the details of my appointment are different. Sometimes they don't have the upgrade right, other times they are adding channels that I don't want, while missing the ones I do want.

It's amazing that they can't just get an order down properly - I would have been setup by now if the first person just knew how to put in an order properly. Now I'm missing 2 days of work, and still not sure they will get it right.

So much for getting the basics of customer service down. I've been with MediaOne, ATT, and now Comcast. I don't know if my problems are attributable to new management or not, but this experience so far has been poor.

I wish these people had some competition. Perhaps then they'd put more effort into getting things right.

Wow - it's amazing how much of a difference the right (or wrong) CSR makes... I called this morning and it took exactly 2 minutes for them to restore my cable modem service (after they hosed it on install). The CSR was courteous, friendly, apologetic, and most important of all, she knew the stuff cold.

Based on some of the horror stories I've been reading in this thread, I guess I've been very lucky so far...

- Geddy

Yeah, it's a crapshoot. Being that you're speaking to someone 3000+ miles away in Seattle doesn't help.

An interesting turn of events, is that if you look on Comcast.com there under "contact" for customer support, it now lists the 1-800 of every single local Cable Office in your area. Never before have they encouraged or even listed the # of the local office.

nhparrot- We discussed that at length in the thread. Read up a post. It's still not clear what they'll charge.

Got mine today at 10:30. No problem at all. The installers knew their stuff and since I had the component cables all ready for them it only took about 10 minutes.

The PQ of HDTV stuff is great and the analog channels are pretty good through the component as well. I had heard bad things about this with the 5100, but it seems fine.

Now I am just debating if I want to add showtime to see Mike Tyson's new facial tatoo in HDTV.

I scheduled yesterday to get my 5100. They have set me up for an appointment on the 25th. I hope there are no snags considering I live in NH and work in Boston. I am going to have to leave work at noon to be home for my 1:00-3:00pm appointment. I was wondering if anyone that has ther new box noticied a significant increase in PQ for the local channels. My current Motorola Cable box has terrible PQ for stations like 4,5,7,fxt 25, wb, wlvi, etc.. I am not sure if it is the box or just a horrible signal. Has anyone noticed this poor PQ and is there an improvement with the new box? I will post here with the status of my appointment.

Thanks
502ss

jon and 502ss- I still think the output of the analog stations on the 5100 is poor- the upscaling is especially bad, at least to 720p it's bad. It might look better than any other interlaced NTSC tuner you've seen on your HDTV, but my HD-monitor lets me really judge.

I have a Panasonic DT-M3050W which has no internal line-doubler whatsoever. So when I feed it an interlaced source it displays it exactly as is. My Sharp VC-S100 SVHS deck uses a 3DY filter, one of the best I've ever seen (it was so expensive Sharp phased it out in their next model). The Sharp's filter is so superior to the 5100's that I'd rather watch an interlaced signal off it than the DCT's upscaled 720p output.

On the otherhand, the 5100's upscaling of digital cable stations to 720p is impressive. It looks so much better than the 2000's S-Video output I can't even describe it. It makes digital cable watchable.

It's too bad I can't take a screenshot of the difference. I suggest if you have an internal line-doubler in your HDTV disable it so you can really get a sense of the differences in quality.

Originally posted by DaveFi
An interesting turn of events, is that if you look on Comcast.com there under "contact" for customer support, it now lists the 1-800 of every single local Cable Office in your area. Never before have they encouraged or even listed the # of the local office.

They still don't list the number or encourage you to call it. Take a closer look at this page. Unless you're looking at something different, the 1-800 number they list is the main Comcast 1-800 number. The same number is listed for every office.

They actually don't want you to call the local offices. The central support line tells you they can't call local offices b/c they can't make outgoing calls. The local offices can only make outgoing calls and don't have numbers which you can call. I experienced this catch-22 firsthand today.

As far as I can tell, Comcast has essentially made sure that you can only deal with a "randomly" assigned CSR who in no way seems to have an interest in the outcome of your case. If you were able to call a local center, howeve,r perhaps you'd get people who cared more since they're the ones doing the work for you.

I'm curious if anyone from Comcast is reading these threads. I'd be interested in hearing what their take is on this. I'd really like their service to improve, but somehow I get the feeling there isn't much enthusiasm on putting any effort into this. Again, my take is the lack of competition...

Nevermind- yesterday I could have sworn there were different #s for each one.

That main Comcast support # is in Seattle.

DaveFi,

I have a Tosh 53HX71. It is only capable of 480i,480p and 1080i. Will I be losing much by not being able to display 720p. I was under the impression the motorola would upconvert to 1080i or downconvert to 480p, Is this right? I wonder if it would be worth the efforts to contact motorola directly and see if there tech support capabilities are better at answering some of the PQ questions then comcast. Your thoughts?

502ss

I visited my brother in Cambridge this afternoon to check out his box. One problem I discovered is there's only one set of stereo outputs. That output feeds the TV (or A/V system). There's no way to output a stereo signal to a VCR and the TV seperately. He's got his VCR connected by coaxial cable to the 5100. The only possibility would be to connect the box by optical cable to the A/V system and the VCR by stereo RCA cables, but he doesn't have an A/V system so he can't do that.

Originally posted by 502ss
DaveFi,

I have a Tosh 53HX71. It is only capable of 480i,480p and 1080i. Will I be losing much by not being able to display 720p. I was under the impression the motorola would upconvert to 1080i or downconvert to 480p, Is this right? I wonder if it would be worth the efforts to contact motorola directly and see if there tech support capabilities are better at answering some of the PQ questions then comcast. Your thoughts?

502ss

No you won't lose much. Mostly because the only broadcasts in 720p now are ABC, everything else is 1080i. The 5100 will upconvert a 720 feed to 1080.. If thats what you want. This is what the "Y/Pb/Pr" setting is for, you have the choice of 1080 which converts all material on just the HD channels to 1080, so on and so forth.

You could try Motorola, but because they are the manufacture, they are pretty much letting the vendor (Comcast) handle the "tech of" the 5100.

I've been using the 5100 for over 6 months now, and have had HDTV through cable for almost 2 years & have faced the growing pains of a CATV system, before, during & after The launch of HDTV. I think being patient is my best advice.

You guys are in a newly aquired Comcast system, with a brand new service, as most of you found out, even some of the techs have never seen HDTV, let alone install it, did you think the CSR's would be well versed on this. I think it's unrealistic for most of you to think that after 2 weeks, that everything would be going smoothly.

If you have been reading anything on this forum about the Comcast areas currently using the 5100 you would have seen all of this coming. There is a thread just like this one started everytime a Cable system launches HD.

I'm not saying that the way things are handled are OK, but name me one time where ANY company launches a brand new product and it went smoothly.

There are a ton of legetimate concerns that have been posted here. But most of the concerns are being addressed, and were well documented here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=194404&perpage=20&pagenumber=1) when the 5100 was first released.

Again, patience is a virtue.

Take a look at the FAQ & please I'm open to any feedback on it you can provide. I've been through this STB & its connections, a hundred times over in almost every conceivable configuration.

Thanks

here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=194404&perpage=20&pagenumber=1)

Yes, that's true. Our bill went up for 2 new channels, EWTN (channel 238) and HBO-Latino (channel 307). And there are 3 channels that are no longer part of the service. Ovation Arts (channel 232), Trio (channel 247), and NewsWorld International (channel 254). I think that's stupid. What happened was, the way packaging and pricing works changed when Comcast took over. They said that in order to get EWTN, I would need to change my account, and it would take away a whole bunch of channels. In order to have EWTN, and still get all those channels, the bill would go up $4, and it did. This is because, we have the Platinum pack, but the old one. It has changed since the name change. It's very complicated, but those channels are now part of a-la-carte, which is $4 extra. So it basically looks like we're paying $4 for those 2 new channels, or that's what it seems like. But it's really stupid since they took away those 3 channels. I have no idea why. They're still there, but they say "not authorized". Apparently, it was to make room for the HDTV, and those were the 3 that were watched least. I don't know about that. I hope the service gets better.

Hi, I got the Moto 5100 box .today. It took the tech about 20 mins to put it in. They did provide a decent component video cable. You need to get a digital audio cable for Dolby5.1 , which does sound great. The PQ on the PBS demo on 802 was great. Also, good was the quick Tyson fight on Showtime HD. Looking forward to seeing and commenting more.Sorry that BZ isnt on yet for the Grammys ,will have to watch in SD and Dolby prologic.
Also, tech said that Comcast got 400 calls for the Moto5100. They only thought they would get only 75-100.

Wait- the only people who called Comcast for the HD boxes are folks like us who are on the bleeding edge. Once it gets out that they have them they'll get alot more calls.

ssetta- if your TV can do 1080i just keep the 4:3 override of the box off and it will output at that resolution. Analog output of the 5100 looks crappy anyway you watch it. My VCR's tuner is my preferred method of analog viewing.

mgpt6- Did you notice alot of pixelation of the Tyson fight when there was motion? Not sure if it's just me or something else is going on. Comcast limiting the amount of bandwidth per HD channel?

Dave Fi I didnt notice pixalation but did notice a couple of very monetary freezes in the picture and brief loss of audio.during the fight.

Originally posted by DaveFi


mgpt6- .................... Comcast limiting the amount of bandwidth per HD channel?

Nope.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Wait- the only people who called Comcast for the HD boxes are folks like us who are on the bleeding edge. Once it gets out that they have them they'll get alot more calls.

Yes, I was thinking the same thing. When they didn't have HDTV signals, several cable companies (ATT included) used to point out that there's low hdtv demand because the sets are expensive, low content, etc. I guess the overhyped their own studies so much that they got out of touch with the real situation.

The good thing about this is that this spike will hopefully motivate more channels to broadcast in HD, and hopefully push the cable companies to supply more HD channels. It's actually promising...

I just lost HBOHD on my Comcast 5100 in Ashland (20 minutes from the end of a movie my wife and I were watching!). Has anyone else had the same problem? I called Comcast and after trying to reset the box, they decided to send out a technician tomorrow.

One last annoying thing: while I was on the phone while they were resetting the box, they tried to get me to buy additional services! I did not let him get the whole sentence out of his mouth before telling him not to try to sell me anything before I get the service I'm currently paying for.

DHP- HD channels okay right now north of Boston.One thing which may interset people in ordering the Moto 5100 box , is Dolby Digital 5.1 on SD : HBO.Starz. Showtime , HBO2,without getting HD video. Also, video forms much faster when surfing compared to old GI digital boxes. Looking forward to some of the ABC and NBC stuff in between Grammys stuff in analog on BZ/CBS Look forward to day I can BOB Hess info on his signals. Glad he posts here.

Bob Hess...do you have any idea when COMCAST will add WBZ and WSBK? I get pretty good OTA reception of Boston stations, but at times, the signal can be spotty. If these 2 stations are added, I would probably get cable basic service and lose my indoor antenna.

This question may need to get posted in the hdtv hardware section but I thought I'd give it a shot here first.

I have a mits 55807 with only one set of 1080i inputs and i have 2 hdtv sources, moto 5100 and samsung t-150. i use simple audio Y-splitters on the 480p component inputs to connect my dvd/gamecube/xbox and ps2 without a problem. i used another trio of Y-splitters on the 1080i inputs and i can get cable and cable hdtv fine but the samsung t-150 now just displays a blue screen. i know that if you have both sources on the tv doesn't know which one to display and you get a flashing screen. i actually tried this after the ota hdtv wouldn't display and the flashing screen appeared. then i turned off the cable box and the ota hdtv was still just a blue screen. any ideas as to the problem? does the moto 5100 always output some signal, even if it isn't enough to produce a picture? this might be the reason why the screen is blue and not flashing. i am stumped.

Thanks,

Adam

Adam,
I discovered that the Motorola DCT-5100 does output an audio signal via TOS-Link even when it is powered off. So I would not be suprised if it did the same with video. Just a thought to help you out...

Has anyone noticed dropouts of the audio on ABC-HD? It happens quite often. I don't use the Motorolla 5100 STB, I have a Mits RPTV with an integated tuner. I was woundering if it is a problem with the station or with my TV.

Adam,

Its probably that antiquated tv causing the problem. You should step into the new millenium and buy a 'modern' tv.

Adam,

Sounds like you need a switcher, rather than a y-connector.

A Y-connector to connect multiple outputs to a single input, although it may work, is never a good solution. You end up with impedence mismatches, which can distort both audio or video levels, or cause equipment not to work properly (as in your case).

Sounds like you need a switcher, rather than a y-connector.

A Y-connector to connect multiple outputs to a single input, although it may work, is never a good solution. You end up with impedence mismatches, which can distort both audio or video levels, or cause equipment not to work properly (as in your case).
____________________________________________________________

Adam,

Sounds like you need a new tv.

I'd like to second miatasm's comments about the roll-out. For me it wasn't perfect, but it was pretty good - and any issue I had was pretty quickly addressed (although as in in dhp's case, when I called the CSR did try to upsell me showtime -- my comment: "package it with CBS"). While I'm certainly behind most of you in terms of HD-addictness, I'd agree that those jumping on the Comcast offering this quickly are the bleeding edge - and we all need to be careful about unrealistic expectations.

That being said - the problems are the problems and I'm not advocating being quiet about them. But I do think the more we show Comcast that there is demand (and that all problems don't need to be solved yesterday), the quicker they will respond to critical issues, and to push for new programming deals (I want my CBS!!!)

And finally - I am becoming an addict. But for now I have 2 questions - 1) The comments about Y-connectors on inputs I understand, but how about outputs - can I run the audio outs to two devices (a Tivo and my receiver). And I know that the real answer is to get an A/V receiver with an optical input...)

and 2) Is S-video from the 5100 that much better than composite? especially if it is going through a PVR (Tivo) which further degrades the signal anyway?

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

Just to clarify - Comcast has done very well in getting up to speed on incorporating the HDTV technology. I think it'd be unreasonable to expect better, we are at the bleeding edge.

But many of the complaints, mine included, centered around aspects of customer such as properly taking down orders, etc. These have nothing to do with HDTV. For example, I didn't mention that during my schedule attempts I lost service of various channels as several CSR accidentally deactiviated parts of my subscriptions.

Sure, there are always problems. Comcast seems to be handling the technical ones fine. it's the service ones that are always surprising.

Then again, i guess this is becoming the defacto standard. If they could just automate scheduling so that we could do it ourselves, say via a web page, maybe that would have prevented some of the mistakes... might even save them money.

then again, maybe that's another point of failure!

thanks for all the help from those in the know, btw. you've been really great. miatasm has been a big help, in particular.

Actually, the whole HDTV experience has made me feel better about the AT&T/Comcast buyout.

I am not very impressed with Comcast. I live in Belmont and cannot even receive digital cable, nevermind HD cable. Everytime I call a CSR I get a different date as to when I will have digital cable. Looks like the ATT status quo to me.

HDTV is mentioned in today's Comcast ad in the Boston globe. They mention HBO, Showtime, and "select local broadcasts."

Originally posted by DooDoo
I am not very impressed with Comcast. I live in Belmont and cannot even receive digital cable, nevermind HD cable. Everytime I call a CSR I get a different date as to when I will have digital cable. Looks like the ATT status quo to me.

I thought Belmont owned the cable system in the town? Did that change? If not, that may have something to do with it. I lived in belmont a few years back and at that time, the town owned the cable system and had pretty strict controls on what the contractor company could or could not do.

Belmont has been using ATT/Comcast since I have been there (only 1 &1/2 years). I know that the town still has a good deal of control over the contractor and perhaps they are in no hurry for HD cable. It seems that every other house on my street has a dish. Which is pretty good evidence of the poor support that ATT/Comcast has provided to this town.

Originally posted by DooDoo
Belmont has been using ATT/Comcast since I have been there (only 1 &1/2 years). I know that the town still has a good deal of control over the contractor and perhaps they are in no hurry for HD cable. It seems that every other house on my street has a dish. Which is pretty good evidence of the poor support that ATT/Comcast has provided to this town.

Looks like someone needs to move to a real town (like Weston).

Great advice MOthra...thanks for being so helpul. You must be wicked smaat!

I have been happy overall with Comcast and HDTV. The Moto 5100 box works well. Dolby Digital 5.1 sounds very good, and 5.1 comes with some movies on Starz and Encore.I know there will be some bugs to work out. Right now this afternoon 805 and 807 are down But PBS loop ,Showtime and HBO look great . Leno looked great last night on NBC, Conan was a big let down when its SD video came on.One thing to note, I am in a town that had MediaOne before ATT. Systems that were Cablevision before ATT are further away from HDTV and other stuff due to Cablevision lack of attention on their systems.

Ah- thanks for confirming that mgpt6- the guy was out here to replace my faulty box and we couldn't figure out why HDH and CVB were out. I told him it was probably down- they've been having problems with framing the 4:3 broadcasts properly.

BTW- The new box I got has a DVI port. Brand new OOTB. Has a bright red "COMCAST" label on it. Tempted to try it with my PC monitor and a DVI-VGA converter.

Everyone if you have a 5.1 HT receiver use the digital outputs of the Moto5100 to your audio sound system. The $2/month plus digital audio cable is woth it even if you dont have an HD TV yet.
CVB and HDH-DT are back up. prefer Black bars on CVB vs grey bars on HDH when they do 4:3 on their didgtal channels.

mgp16...The black/gray bar thing really doesn't bother me either way, but according to those in the know (me not being one of them) the black bars will do more to cause burnin on your RPTV (if that's what you have). They will age the phospors on the sides of the screen faster than the 4x3 portion. Not much we can really do about it,short of not viewing the local channels unless they are showing HD. That's probably not going to happen for you or me.

Dave,

I don't think a DVI -> VGA converter (at least not those $20 ones) will work for what you want, since most computer video boards output both analog and digital signals over the DVI (DVI-I ??)connector, while I believe STBs only output digital over DVI (DVI-D). The DVI -> VGA converter simply extracts the analog signal and puts it into a 15-pin VGA-style connector, it doesn't do any actual conversion itself.

It probably would work with a DVI-equiped LCD screen.

I figured that it wasn't putting out an analog signal, but I thought I'd give it a shot. I read the DVI port doesn't work right in general anyways. Probably have to update the firmware.

WHDH-DT and WCVB-DT are both back and they're still formatted improperly. It's too low- You can see a noise pattern at the top of the screen. All my other channels are framed properly. It's not the box- it was like this with the last one too.

Originally posted by Benji
[...] the black bars will do more to cause burnin on your RPTV (if that's what you have). They will age the phospors on the sides of the screen faster than the 4x3 portion. [/B]

I think you have that reversed. The center portion of the screen will age faster than the sides, giving an unevenly lit image over the long term.

Indeed. I purchased my 16:9 monitor off the internet 3yrs ago and it has some pretty bad burn in. The edges are much lighter than the center. I use it and don't baby it- I'm not really concerned about damaging it any more than it already is. The thief I purchased it from said it was "perfect".

Luckily monitor prices are coming down, so within a year or I suspect 34" 16:9 720p CRTs should be in the $1k-$1500 range.

I just wanted to update everyone on my comcast HD install. It went bad as I had expected. I had a ping command running on my pc when the tech got here. He installed the new Motorola 5100. All is ok, He called comcast to have them init. the box. As soon as the lady at comcast hit the button to send the init commands, My ping stopped. I said to the tech "I told you this would happen" Then it gets worse. He turns on the cable box and a picture for about 10 seconds and then blackness. I look at the tech and he has this dumb founded look on his face. He says the famous words "Its not supposed to do that!" The tech works for 1 1/2 hours on the phone with tech support to resolve the 5100 problem. Finally it is working. Now onto the cable modem problem. He spends another 45 minutes on the phone with tech support trying everthing under the sun. Finally the guy on the phone says a tech needs to come on site. So this tech leaves and in 1 1/2 hours another tech who is an internet expert comes in and knows exactly whats wrong. fixes the problem in 20 minutes. He tells me in the process that this change could have been done from the main office. He also tells me that the people on the phones at the main office dont know anything about the new system that is being merged due to the AT&T and comcast merger. So finally at 5:30pm tonight everthing was back to the way it was with the addition of my 3 channels of HDTV. Now onto a positive note. The HDTV is awesome!! I think the best thing out of all of it is the demo that PBS is running. Some of the most awesome video I have seen in a while! I just pray that comcast is proactive in getting other channels to sign on. I did hear from the second tech that the plan is to have 30+ stations broadcasting in HD by years end. I hope those numbers are true. How great life will be if they are.

502ss

Here (http://www.cableworld.com/archive/cableworld/2003/02/24/cwd03022403.shtml)

This is an excerpt:
"Comcast New England last week launched high-definition feeds of HBO, Showtime and local WCVB (ABC) and WHDH (NBC) broadcasts (except in Connecticut, which will introduce hi-def service by the end of this year). Sports games covered by Comcast SportsNet will also be available in hi-def."

So, does that mean I must become an Flyers or Caps fan? Or will we get some local teams? Interesting.

Benji- I have a 36" Sony CRT HDTV not RPTV so it should not be a problem. I will do most of my SD viewing on the analog channels via the Component output from the Moto5100. I also have an RF composite connection from the Moto 5100 to the Sony as a back up,but don't do any viewing from that connection. Also, to viewers in NH , do you get MUR-DT or ENH-DT or any of the digital channels out of Portland, Me.?

Originally posted by mgpt6
Everyone if you have a 5.1 HT receiver use the digital outputs of the Moto5100 to your audio sound system. The $2/month plus digital audio cable is woth it even if you dont have an HD TV yet.


You shouldn't be able to get a 5100 unless you own an HDTV...

Eh?

the DCT5100 gives you better sound (DD 5.1) and better picture (s-video) even if you don't have an HDTV.

Anyone willing to pay the $2/mo extra (compared to the regular digital cable box) should be able to get one if they want it.

Not that I expect many would bother if they don't have HDTV.

Originally posted by Chuck_McDevitt
Eh?

the DCT5100 gives you better sound (DD 5.1) and better picture (s-video) even if you don't have an HDTV.

Anyone willing to pay the $2/mo extra (compared to the regular digital cable box) should be able to get one if they want it.

Not that I expect many would bother if they don't have HDTV.

Comcast has the DCT-2000 for customers without HDTV's that want S-Video and Dolby Digital connections. It doesn't cost $2 more a month either. The DCT-5100 is for HDTV customers only.

Originally posted by Chuck_McDevitt
Eh?

the DCT5100 gives you better sound (DD 5.1) and better picture (s-video) even if you don't have an HDTV.

Anyone willing to pay the $2/mo extra (compared to the regular digital cable box) should be able to get one if they want it.

Not that I expect many would bother if they don't have HDTV.

We all know the positive aspects of the 5100, but as just stated they are for HDTV customers only. Considering that there has already been about 5-6 posts on this forum from customers complaining that their appt. was rescheduled because they ran out of boxes, wouldn't you be waaay pissed off if some one got a 5100 that didn't have an HDTV. This is Comcasts' reason why HDTV owners are only eligible for 5100, limited avail. & extra cost.

Originally posted by woz
[
So, does that mean I must become an Flyers or Caps fan? Or will we get some local teams? Interesting.

Until NESN (or something new) goes HD, I'd have no problem at all watching HD sports from Philly. I'm actually a transplant from Philly and would love the content, but plenty of other would probably watch just for the picture quality. I'm definitely keeping my fingers crossed that Comcast starts showing its Comcast SportsNet in Boston.

Joe

Hi, My 5100 was installed yesterday morning.

Overall, I was generally pleased with the installation.

I had my component cables, cable(co-ax), and toslink ready to go with the other ends already attached to where they needed to go.

Two trucks showed up (on time), a couple of installer guys and a manager type guy. Installation was quick. HBO and SHO HD channels were working fine but 805 and 807 were not. After they swapped out a cheapo splitter I had used for one of there own, problem was still not fixed. They told me that they think the problem is elsewhere because other channels on the same freq. band were working fine.

They were right. They left a message during the day that they think the problem has been corrected and when I got home, 802, 805, & 807 were working fine.
SHOHD and HBOHD had been cut-off (because I don't subscribe). I also saw that the outage had been reported on this thread.

I forgot to check the cable modem before they left, and yes, it was down. I made a call to cust support this morning and the guy fixed it in about a minute.

I am not as pleased with the 5100 though.
I've heard both of these complaints on the 5100 HW thread already, but for me they might end up being a deal-breaker.

- The analog tuner in this thing really is horrible.

- The sound level differences between HD and nonHD is ridiculous. During about 2 hours of flipping through channels, I made my 8-month-old cry 3 times because the audio level change scared him.

-stevenb

"This is the latest response I receive from Comcast regarding CBS-HD. Let's all call or e-mail Comcast and pressure them to supply CBS-HD."

Thank you for writing.

Unfortunately we do not have a time frame as to when CBS-HD will be offered. I have forwarded your comments to our marketing and programming groups for further review.

If you have any future questions or problems, please feel free to email us
again or contact our Technical Support line for further assistance. We are
here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When replying to this address, please
include this message as well as all previous correspondence regarding this
issue.

Jeff
Comcast Electronic Customer Care
-------------------------------------------
Please visit our Online Help Desk at:
http://help.cable.comcast.com

A question for the thread: Any ideas on the capcity of Comcast to add more HDTV channels? Will they need to move channels from Analog tier to Digital tier like Fox Movie and TCM? One hopes they have the space to add WB56,Bravo-HD,UPN38,Fox25 (480p widescreen)in the future-mgpt6

Originally posted by mgpt6
A question for the thread: Any ideas on the capcity of Comcast to add more HDTV channels? Will they need to move channels from Analog tier to Digital tier like Fox Movie and TCM? One hopes they have the space to add WB56,Bravo-HD,UPN38,Fox25 (480p widescreen)in the future-mgpt6

They have the space to basically add all of the HD offerings without having to move any channels (obviously this depends on how many channels your current channel line-up has). But this would in most cases not give them any room for error. Comcast doesn't seem interested in the beginners in HD (WB, UPN, FOX) quite yet, probably due to lack of programming. The big ones now are CBS, Discovery HD, HDNet, ESPN-HD, and any more premiums that want to step-up to the plate.

Just for reference, if you guys could try not using the local call letters for your Broadcasters, and use ABC, CBS, NBC, it helps for users not from your area to maybe help with possible problems that each broadcaster may be having. It makes for some confusing reading.

What firmware ver. do you all have on your 5100?

Doubtfull they'll cary HDNet.

At any rate, I agree the analog tuner is drek. The thing that really grates on me is that the RF passthrough is disabled.

In order to watch normal TV on my VCR's good tuner I have to loop it through that- which could cause communication issues with the 5100.
I wonder if things like firmware updates will actually happen connected this way?

What do you mean you have to loop it through THAT? I don't quite understand what you are trying to do.

BTW, It may be doubtful that they will carry HDnet, but not out of the question.....

I have to use the VCR's RF passthrough and run it to the 5100- What you should be doing is using the 5100's passthrough because it has to communicate with the main office. Only thing is RF Passthrough is disabled in the firmware. I'm not sure why they do this if they know the analog tuner sucks.

I do have to say that the 5100s are much superior to the 2000s as far as the QAM tuner goes. My cable signal has never been the best (analog reception has always been fair-poor) but even passed through my VCR first, I'm still able to get a strong lock on HD and all digital channels.

DaveFi,

Can you not split the signal to go to the vcr and the 5100?

Originally posted by Jakes
Comcast has the DCT-2000 for customers without HDTV's that want S-Video and Dolby Digital connections. It doesn't cost $2 more a month either. The DCT-5100 is for HDTV customers only.

Ah, if only this were true . . .

I tried for years (quite literally) to get a DCT with S-Video from AT&T. No dice. My current DCT-2244 has neither S-Video nor Dolby Digital. The DCT-2000 has a ton of build options, but AT&T went with the lowest cost configuration as often as possible.

However, I think I'll let the rest of you folks be the early adopters of the 5100. For the time being, I'll stick to my HiPix.

-Gary

I signed up for the HD service from Comcast here in the Boston area last week. The HD channels look GREAT! Channel 802 is especially good even though the material is pretty boring: pretty pictures of scenery with soothing music playing in the background. DirecTV has a channel like this but at least it seemed to have more variable programming. I get two local network affiliates plus HBO and SHO.

The drawback was that most of the other channels looked like crap -- really fuzzy. I scheduled an appointment to have a technician come out to look at it but two issues intervened: one, when he got here he announced that he hadn't been trained on the new HD set-top boxes yet and two, the picture suddenly looked much better! Hopefully it will stay that way.

The advertised charge was $2 more but when I called the sales lady said that since I also get internet and phone service through them that it would be $5 less -- ok, I'll take it!

Alex

Originally posted by 502ss
He tells me in the process that this change could have been done from the main office. He also tells me that the people on the phones at the main office dont know anything about the new system that is being merged due to the AT&T and comcast merger.

502ss

I had a similar experience: the tech installed the HD box last Friday and then I noticed that night that I'd lost my internet connection. I wasn't sure if it was the new router I had just installed a couple of days before or if it was something on Comcasts end. After playing around with the router for a while I called Comcast and was told that my account was on hold (or something like that) I was then transferred to a "level 2" tech who said I only had one "outlet" (whatever that is) assigned to my account and that I needed two since I now have both the HD and cable modem.

Is the HD box capable of doing some sort of TCP connection? Otherwise I don't understand why it would take up the "outlet" that had been used for the modem. The box has a CAT5 connector on the front panel.

Thanks,
Alex

It doesn't have anything to do with the actual outlets in your home. The addressability the Cable Co. use are designed to have every piece of eqiupment on an "outlet" in the Database, if you have no equipment it doesn't matter......but if you have Digital Boxes & Cable modems they can only be assigned to specific "outlets" & in a specific order. In your case they only had one outlet active and the Digital Box needs to be on the first outlet.

It has nothing to do with the capability of the Cable Modem that is integrated into the DCT5100, this is not active.

I tried for years (quite literally) to get a DCT with S-Video from AT&T. No dice. My current DCT-2244 has neither S-Video nor Dolby Digital. The DCT-2000 has a ton of build options, but AT&T went with the lowest cost configuration as often as possible. It's true now. I had digital cable briefly the month before last and the 2244 I had had S-Video and Coax/Optical digital audio connections. Quite a few channels were sending out a 5.1 signal.

Can you not split the signal to go to the vcr and the 5100?Already split- I have a cablemodem. More than two I've found causes problems with my data connection.

Is the HD box capable of doing some sort of TCP connection? Otherwise I don't understand why it would take up the "outlet" that had been used for the modem. The box has a CAT5 connector on the front panel. The back panel you mean? Yes, the 5100 has a cablemodem in the box. It actually has 3 QAM tuners- the normal TV viewing one- A DOCSIS compliant cablemodem (they use QAM), and a third one for future options like PPV and PVR functionality should they ever decide to add it.

Originally posted by DaveFi
I have to use the VCR's RF passthrough and run it to the 5100- What you should be doing is using the 5100's passthrough because it has to communicate with the main office. Only thing is RF Passthrough is disabled in the firmware. I'm not sure why they do this if they know the analog tuner sucks.


Are you saying that the "RF output" on the back of the 5100 isn't sending out any signal? It definately should be, as well as the composite and s-video outputs. What firmware ver. do you have? Check the FAQ for info on how to check firmware #'s, it at the very bottom.

I just got the 5100 installed today. The appointment was for between 1pm and 3pm. The tech shows up around 2pm (I'm thinking that's not bad) just to say that he was going back to the shop because he didn't realize that he was going to need a box. I don't mean to pick on the guy because he really was nice, but HELLO -- I made the appointment to have a box installed! So at 3:30 two techs show up and fortunately they have a box. They hooked it up pretty quickly and said they had done a lot installations lately. Although they hadn't seen many direct-view TVs.

I haven't had the chance to fully check it out -- I had to get back to work pretty quickly. But I was immediately disappointed to see that they still have the same crappy TV Guide magazine tv listings. One of the techs said that the Motorola box won't support viewing the picture while looking at the guide. I wonder if that's true.

Also, there was some discrepancy between what I was told over the phone when placing the order and what I was told during the installation regarding the price. I was told over the phone that it was only be $2 more per month over what I am already paying. Today I was told that it would be more in order to get SHO-HD. I didn't argue at the moment. I just wanted them to install everything. I'll have to call and find out later what's going on.

Rich

It's $2 a month more to get hidef versions of the available channels you already get. If you don't currently subscribe to HBO or SHO, you don't all of a sudden get those for $2 as well. Unfortunately.

Are you saying that the "RF output" on the back of the 5100 isn't sending out any signal? It definately should be, as well as the composite and s-video outputs. What firmware ver. do you have? Check the FAQ for info on how to check firmware #'s, it at the very bottom.Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. My box is only acting like an RF modulator, passing whatever I'm watching on channel 3. It's not passing the cable signal at all. Am I doing something wrong? The only thing the A/B button appears to do is turn the channel 3 output on and off. Bootloader is 2.16 Firmware is 2.46
It's $2 a month more to get hidef versions of the available channels you already get. If you don't currently subscribe to HBO or SHO, you don't all of a sudden get those for $2 as well. Unfortunately.Not exactly. It's $2 more a month to rent the 5100 box over the 2000. You don't need digital cable at all for HD- you just need to pick up SHO and HBO a la carte if you want those HD channels. I realize this thread is long, but it's all there.

Originally posted by DaveFi

Not exactly. It's $2 more a month to rent the 5100 box over the 2000. You don't need digital cable at all for HD- you just need to pick up SHO and HBO a la carte if you want those HD channels. I realize this thread is long, but it's all there.

Is this definitely true? I've been following this whole thread, and I don't remember seeing confirmation of that. I was told by Comcast that I needed to have a digital package to get the HDTV channels. I would love to trim my $90+ back and shed a lot of the useless digital channels I have now. Also, isn't it the case that you lose the onscreen guide if you don't have digital cable?

I told Comcast all I wanted was HBO-HD and SHO-HD and didn't want digital anything. I only have Basic Cable ($6/mo)I don't have any digital channels except for HBO (6) and SHO (5?) and Flix (Showtime owned?), and Music Choice. Every other channel is blocked out. Otherwise the box is fully functional- guide and all.

It should cost me ~$42 for TV at the end of the month. That remains to be seen.

Originally posted by DaveFi
Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. My box is only acting like an RF modulator, passing whatever I'm watching on channel 3. It's not passing the cable signal at all. Am I doing something wrong? The only thing the A/B button appears to do is turn the channel 3 output on and off. Bootloader is 2.16 Firmware is 2.46


This doesn't make any sense to me....all Video outputs are active with those firmware ver. (or any firmware ver, that is), You should be able to watch any of your channels on your Component Video Input as well as your antenna RF input if it is tuned to channel 3 or 4 (depending on how your area set the channel output up). Just make sure your TV's RF input is on channel 3 or 4 same with the VCR's channel & output selector switch They should all match. If it doesn't then something isn't right, unless someone else can confirm this is happening with their box, I would say defective box. But take into acct I have never seen a box that had a bad RF output on it.

Oh nevermind. The book gives the impression that when RF Passthrough is on the 5100 actually passes the signal so I can watch on a cable-read TV. According to the firmware this feature is "disabled". You apparently need a 5100 that has the RF output plug, which my box doesn't have.

This really sucks hard because the 5100's analog tuner is so poor- it looks like I will have to split the signal 3 ways.

EVERY 5100 has an RF output on it. Maybe we are not talking the same lingo. RF output is the F-connector that outputs to the F-connector on any cable ready TV. It usually output on channel 3 or 4. 4 most likely. Does the back of your box look like the one in the Owners Manual on page 6. The link to the owners manual is here:

http://gicout60.gic.gi.com/customer_docs/user_guides/495012-001-a.pdf

Something is not right.......

Yes we are talking the same lingo- I'm not meaning to watch TV on my VCR using the 5100's tuner over channel 3 or the Video input-

What I want to do is use my VCR's tuner. If the 5100 behaved normally it would pass the whole cable signal- it says it does in the book. Apparently because it's "Disabled" in the firmware means that it only passes the 5100's tuned signal.

I see on page 16 in the book that you need a box with an RF Bypass Switch to work. It appears that none of the Comcast boxes have this.

If you look at the DCT 5100 manual, there are two configurations
of the RF ports.

Some have two connectors, once cable-in, the other the modulated chan 3 or 4 out.

Others have THREE... the cable in, the modulated chan 3 or 4 out, and a separate RF passthrough connection in the middle.

Apparently, RF passthrough is disabled unless you have the extra hardware.

Originally posted by Gary Stevens
Ah, if only this were true . . .

I tried for years (quite literally) to get a DCT with S-Video from AT&T. No dice. My current DCT-2244 has neither S-Video nor Dolby Digital. The DCT-2000 has a ton of build options, but AT&T went with the lowest cost configuration as often as possible.

However, I think I'll let the rest of you folks be the early adopters of the 5100. For the time being, I'll stick to my HiPix.

-Gary

Gary, it is true.
In addition to my DCT-5100, I have a DCT-2000 with S-Video and DD (both coaxial and TOS-Link) outputs. You could also have one if you would just go down to your local office and pick one up. Perhaps you just stopped trying to get one too soon, and then assumed that they never became available?

Originally posted by DaveFi
Yes we are talking the same lingo- I'm not meaning to watch TV on my VCR using the 5100's tuner over channel 3 or the Video input-

What I want to do is use my VCR's tuner. If the 5100 behaved normally it would pass the whole cable signal- it says it does in the book. Apparently because it's "Disabled" in the firmware means that it only passes the 5100's tuned signal.

I see on page 16 in the book that you need a box with an RF Bypass Switch to work. It appears that none of the Comcast boxes have this.

Now I got it.....Yes there is an RF Bypass function and requires hardware & software.....In your case you will have to split it again...

Has anyone had a 5100 with the RF Bypass port? The last 2 boxes (5100 and 2244) didn't have this. I split the line 3 times and my analog picture quality has degraded quite noticably. Right now I'm watching on my 5100's tuner. Blah.

I also noticed there are alot of glitches for analog on the s-video output when I have my HDTV set to 720p. There's strange video noise on the right, outside of the 4:3 box. HDTV and Digital looks fine out of the s-video output.

Obviously if the cabel is split too many times it will affect the PQ. You may have to have another dedicated line run to that particular location, Depending on how many TV's you have you may also need an amplifier.

The Noise you are talking about sounds like something random user were complaining of back when the 5100 was first released. Does it seem like its there because the picture isn't centered in the screen properly?

Originally posted by Jakes
Gary, it is true.
In addition to my DCT-5100, I have a DCT-2000 with S-Video and DD (both coaxial and TOS-Link) outputs. You could also have one if you would just go down to your local office and pick one up. Perhaps you just stopped trying to get one too soon, and then assumed that they never became available?

Jakes, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but I believe you are the one who is doing most of the assuming. Apparently, we are dealing with different AT&T regions. I am in Somerville, where Time Warner begat Media One which begat AT&T and now ComCast. At this point, I am on a first name basis with a nice lady at the local office. I am the one who taught her what an S-Video jack looks like and what it is used for. I have been to the local office (and the office at the head-end in Malden) more times than I can count. My current DCT-2244 was obtained a mere six weeks ago. To date, I have seen exactly ONE DCT-2000 with S-Video out, but it was a returned unit marked defective. The installer who brought out my first digital box many moons ago said he had two 2000s at his house with S-Video out, but declined to swap with me, of course! To date, I have NEVER personally seen a DCT-2000 with a DD output. I don't doubt for a moment that they exist (I've read the Motorola docs), or that you have one with all the features. I was merely pointing out that for some of us in the HD rollout area, the DCT-2000s available to us do NOT have the features you describe.

On the other hand, I guess I'll just stop in at the cable office on the way home from work and when I tell them Jakes said I can have a full featured DCT-2000, they will just finally hand me one. :)

-Gary

Your sarcasm is noted. However, I am posting in a thread titled “HDTV with Comcast - Boston” not “HDTV with Comcast – Somerville and other non Boston areas.” I live in Boston, and the Boston Comcast offices have DCT-2000’s with DD SPDIF and S-Video outputs. At least the branch where I went to get mine does. BTW, I got it two weeks ago. When did you last go in to check?

Easy now, Jake. I did include the smiley, after all. [WARNING- the following contains unhealthy levels of sarcasm. Read at your own risk.]

I know what thread I'm posting in. Sorry, I took "Boston" to mean the Boston area, and not limited to Boston proper. I'll go start another thread entitled "HDTV with Comcast - Somerville and other non Boston areas".

Sigh . . just another case of the elite on Beacon Hill getting all the good DCTs while the rest of us get the scraps. I'll just slink back to the 'Ville now that I've been outed as a mere Boston poseur.

In all seriousness, I've never questioned YOUR ability to readily obtain a DCT with S-Vid and DD, I was merely challenging your assertion:
Comcast has the DCT-2000 for customers without HDTV's that want S-Video and Dolby Digital connections. . . . The DCT-5100 is for HDTV customers only.

-Gary

Gary,
I'm not looking down my nose at you from high on Beacon Hill. That said, I do not believe that you have to go to your local office. If you really want the S-Video/DD STB, which it seems like you do, why don't you go the the Allston office? It is located on Travis St., just off of Memorial or Storrow Drive. That is where I got mine. Perhaps they will let you trade your STB in for a better one like I did.:)

Originally posted by miatasm
It doesn't have anything to do with the actual outlets in your home.

Thanks for the info. I realized that they weren't referring to electrical outlets in my house. :)

Comcast sent a tech yesterday because I had complained about the poor reception on the non-HD channels. I verified the night before that it wasn't being caused by my home theater processor by hooking the 5100 directly to the monitor. But by the time the tech arrived the reception was MUCH better. I'm assuming that Comcast downloaded new firmware to the box in the meanwhile (or maybe it was the tech's aura). Anyone know if Comcast (Boston) has done this?

Alex

Ugh! The tech who came out today was NOT nice. I was noticing a grainy picture on channel 2, but he didn't even wanna look at it. We were also having some trouble with some channels in the 40s, mostly Fox News. He just meanly said there's nothing going on, and that he would let his supervisor Thomas know that I'm concerned. I even called Comcast after he left, complaining about it. He was absolutely NO help. They never are. That's because the cable system here in Natick is not very good. I know that sometime from now, everything will be digital, and apparently, the digital picture is much better. About when do you predict that will be? 1 year from now? 2 years? When??

ssetta- I have the same problem. Yes, the analog signal in Natick sucks- I'd go as far to say that's it almost unwatchable. And this is after they did all the rewiring for fiber. Everyone I've spoken to says their analog is bad, even those who have lines directly from the pole. (My line is shared because I live in a condo). I live right on the line with Framingham.

That said I'm glad the digital is decent enough. It is very watchable on the 5100s, and even better on my HDTV. Before digital looked crappy from the 2244 to my HDTV's S-video input.

Well by reading everyones comments about the 5100, It is clear that the analog signal sucks. Normally this would not be a big problem if there was enough HD content to offset the lack of quality on the analog. My question is what do we do about it? How do we force comcast to provide more HD content or how do we improve the analog signal. It probably doesnt help that most of the people in this forum have large screen tv's which make a bad signal horrible. I think the analog signal has nothing to do with comcast considering my older motorola cable box that my 5100 replaced had a much better analog signal which tells me that it is something with the 5100. Maybe time for an email or phone call to motorola tech support. Any ideas??

502ss

P.S. What type of line doubler is built into the 5100?

The Analog PQ on the 5100 is a KNOWN problem....In the Philadelphia region we just recieved the first of possibly multiple firmware updates that are stedily improving PQ in the 5100. The latest Firmware is 2.48. You did say that the PQ was better on your DCT2244, so the problem you are seeing is with the 5100, I assume. But if your PQ wasn't good directly to the TV the firmware will not help you.