Well that's better than no news at all...at least something appears to be in the works. Thanks for the update Calypse!

If it's like last year, it'll be just those Mariners home games that happen to be shown in Japan. If not for NHK doing an HD production for the Japanese market, last year there would never have been any HD cameras at Safeco field - and thus no HD broadcast.

And if it's like last year, we'll get the regular Fox/Mariners audio track pasted over the Japanese HD video feed, so the sound & picture are mostly unrelated. Esp since the picture consists mostly of shots of Ichiro - stretching, waiting, picking his nose (awesome in hi-def, BTW) ...

Calypse: Way up on page 2 of this monster of a thread, keithaxis posted the M's HD schedule from 2003. When you get a chance, compare it to what Comcast sent you and let us know if it's the same. The games were as follows:

June:
11th Montreal 7:05
12th Montreal 7:05
13th Atlanta 7:05
28th San Diego 7:05
29th San Diego 1:05
July:
9th Baltimore 7:05
10th Baltimore 7:05
11th Tampa Bay 7:05
13th Tampa Bay 1:05
24th Oalkland 7:05
27th Texas 1;05
August:
2nd Chicago 7:05
3rd Chicago 1:05
15th Boston 7:05
17th Boston 1:05
31st Baltimore 1:05
September:
14th Anaheim 1:05
26th Oakland 7:05
28th Oakland 1;05

One way or another, thanks for the update.

Originally posted by sastimac
.... I'm thinking of running the Beldan Banana cable (2 RG-6, 2 CAT5E, 2 Fiber cables) in a star pattern.

Looking toward future needs, any words of wisdom? Suggestions on patch panels? etc.
If you got a home theater setup, you might consider adding speaker wiring for the rear speakers. Also, add a third cat5. Useful in the future for something (like control wiring, 2nd ph line/intercom, door bells, security, backup for the other cat5, etc,etc.) Just out of curiosity, why two fiber cables (or for that matter, why any)?? Is this the wiring of the future??

because the cable is setup for an office more than a home or really any place you'd use fiber channel networking which technically one could do in there home but would be quite expensive for all the other equipment to support it. You could I'm sure also use the fiber to carry digital audio signals but I wouldn't recommend it.

I am quite sure that fiber may make its way into common home usage some time in the future but fiber is much much harder to setup as you have to have the ends completely flat, no sharp turns in the line, etc etc etc.

Fiber though it has high bandwidth is not a beast I'd ever choose to try to tackle.

Originally posted by hinten
So, exactly how do I find out which hardware and software version my Motorola box is? I looked at some comparison graphics and they all look the same to me.

Look on the bottom of the box for the type (5100 or 6200).

Originally posted by Tivolicious
I just got a call from Comcast. They would like to switch my 5100 to a 6200.

I'm curious as to what prompted the call from Comcast, since many customers here have encountered resistance when attempting to get them swapped. Are they starting a program to upgrade boxes for everyone?

I suppose we can expect to get calls here in Bellevue next year.

Originally posted by wareagle
I'm curious as to what prompted the call from Comcast, since many customers here have encountered resistance when attempting to get them swapped. Are they starting a program to upgrade boxes for everyone?

I suppose we can expect to get calls here in Bellevue next year.

They said that they were offering a new service in my area. It was just VOD.

Jeremy can correct me if I'm wrong, but there is such a thing as a "non-responding" box. If you have an NRB, you may be unable to use VOD.

So maybe they have concluded for some reason that you have an NRB and want to get you a responding box.

But if you are getting some HD channels "for free", you have to assume they will disappear once they swap the boxes.

Originally posted by churlock
If you got a home theater setup, you might consider adding speaker wiring for the rear speakers. Also, add a third cat5. Useful in the future for something (like control wiring, 2nd ph line/intercom, door bells, security, backup for the other cat5, etc,etc.) Just out of curiosity, why two fiber cables (or for that matter, why any)?? Is this the wiring of the future??

For all the work I'm doing by routing all household cables, the cable price delta for adding fiber is small. It's for possible future uses. I'm not going to rip apart my house again to rewire. I like the extra Cat5E idea, but I don't think it's in the standard cable bundle.

Stephen

Sonoma is completely correct and that would make sense as to why they called you Tivo as they aren't actively just upgrading peoples box's but they are trying to get everyone who has a NRB taken care of so that the box will start responding and VOD will work correctly.

You will lose the premium channels that you have now so its up to you.

As suspected what was emailed to me was last years schedule heh here is the email:

Dear Mike,

Thank you for contacting Comcast.

Comcast, Fox Sports Net and the Seattle Mariners have reached an
agreement to present America?s most watched team in Major League
Baseball in high-definition television (HDTV). The special HDTV game
package debuts on Wednesday, June 11 when the Mariners take on the
Montreal Expos in Inter-League play. Fox Sports Net Northwest is the
first FSN owned and operated regional sports network to carry MLB in
high-definition television. Games are available exclusively to Comcast
subscribers in existing Comcast HDTV areas in western Washington.

"Comcast is excited to work with Fox Sports and the Mariners to bring
our customers exclusive Mariners coverage in high- definition. For the
first time, Mariners fans can experience all of the sights, sounds and
unbelievable detail that only an HDTV signal can provide. This is about
as close as any fan can get to watching the game live," said Rick
Germano, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast.

We hope as many fans as possible are able to experience the HD
telecasts," said Randy Adamack, Vice President of Communications,
Seattle Mariners.

Mariners HDTV Schedule on Comcast Cable:

June 11: Expos at Mariners; 7:05 PM
June 12: Expos at Mariners; 7:05 PM
June 13: Braves at Mariners; 7:05 PM
June 28: Padres at Mariners; 7:05 PM
June 29: Padres at Mariners; 1:05 PM

July 9: Orioles at Mariners; 7:05 PM
July 10: Orioles at Mariners; 7:05 PM
July 11: Devil Rays at Mariners; 7:05 PM
July 13: Devil Rays at Mariners; 1:05 PM
July 24: Athletics at Mariners; 7:05 PM

July 27: Rangers at Mariners; 1:05 PM


Aug. 2: White Sox at Mariners; 7:05 PM
Aug. 3: White Sox at Mariners; 1:05 PM
Aug. 15: Red Sox at Mariners; 7:05 PM
Aug. 17: Red Sox at Mariners; 1:05 PM
Aug. 31: Orioles at Mariners; 1:05 PM


Sept. 14: Angels at Mariners; 1:05 PM
Sept. 26: Athletics at Mariners; 7:05 PM
Sept. 28: Athletics at Mariners; 1:05 PM


Each game will be shown LIVE in HD on ch. # 100
Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions.

Sincerely,
Duane
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

Wooo way to go comcast, cant even give me a correct answer about their own programming.

Originally posted by Calypse
As suspected what was emailed to me was last years schedule heh here is the email:

Dear Mike,

Thank you for contacting Comcast.

Comcast, Fox Sports Net and the Seattle Mariners have reached an
agreement to present America?s most watched team in Major League
Baseball in high-definition television (HDTV). The special HDTV game
package debuts on Wednesday, June 11 when the Mariners take on the
Montreal Expos in Inter-League play. Fox Sports Net Northwest is the
first FSN owned and operated regional sports network to carry MLB in
high-definition television. Games are available exclusively to Comcast
subscribers in existing Comcast HDTV areas in western Washington.

"Comcast is excited to work with Fox Sports and the Mariners to bring
our customers exclusive Mariners coverage in high- definition. For the
first time, Mariners fans can experience all of the sights, sounds and
unbelievable detail that only an HDTV signal can provide. This is about
as close as any fan can get to watching the game live," said Rick
Germano, Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast.

We hope as many fans as possible are able to experience the HD
telecasts," said Randy Adamack, Vice President of Communications,
Seattle Mariners.

Mariners HDTV Schedule on Comcast Cable:

June 11: Expos at Mariners; 7:05 PM
June 12: Expos at Mariners; 7:05 PM
June 13: Braves at Mariners; 7:05 PM
June 28: Padres at Mariners; 7:05 PM
June 29: Padres at Mariners; 1:05 PM

July 9: Orioles at Mariners; 7:05 PM
July 10: Orioles at Mariners; 7:05 PM
July 11: Devil Rays at Mariners; 7:05 PM
July 13: Devil Rays at Mariners; 1:05 PM
July 24: Athletics at Mariners; 7:05 PM

July 27: Rangers at Mariners; 1:05 PM


Aug. 2: White Sox at Mariners; 7:05 PM
Aug. 3: White Sox at Mariners; 1:05 PM
Aug. 15: Red Sox at Mariners; 7:05 PM
Aug. 17: Red Sox at Mariners; 1:05 PM
Aug. 31: Orioles at Mariners; 1:05 PM


Sept. 14: Angels at Mariners; 1:05 PM
Sept. 26: Athletics at Mariners; 7:05 PM
Sept. 28: Athletics at Mariners; 1:05 PM


Each game will be shown LIVE in HD on ch. # 100
Please feel free to contact us if you have any more questions.

Sincerely,
Duane
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

Wooo way to go comcast, cant even give me a correct answer about their own programming.

praise the lord! :)

Praise the Lord for what?

ANy news re VOD on East side?

Looks like VOD will be launching in Bellevue around 4/1 (no joke).

I'm having the same problem with 104 and 105 that I used to have when HD was first introduced. For the last week the volume has been SUBSTANTIALY lower than the rest of the channels (even HD/ Digital ones) and if you change the channel w/o adjusting volume back down first.....look out!!! I'm on Cap Hill if that helps.

Anyone else?

Jeremy,
Any update on when VOD will be available in Auburn ???

VOD became available up here in Bellingham this AM ! yeah :)

If I go from, like G4 (136) to KOMO, *BOOM* blow my speakers out! What's up with that?

In general, what programs are available on VOD other than the subscription movie channels? Anything from the networks, or ESPN, A&E, etc.?

yes, lots on VOD: Samples from:Encore,E!,Outdoor Life,Sundance,Speed Ch,Court TV, Nat Geo,A&E,History Ch,Food Ch,Comedy Ch and yes even clips from TechTV !
Quite an assortment, so far so good.

My 6200? HD STB went thu about a 15 min freq scan and update about 7AM this morning, then voila. VOD was there.

VOD has been available in Auburn for several weeks to my knowledge.

Originally posted by jazzy01
yes, lots on VOD: Samples from:
<snip>
Speed Ch
<snip>


Any of this year's Formula One races?

It's been awhile since I've visited here (been playing with my new comp), so forgive my ignorance. Will VOD work with my Mot 5200?


Thanks,

Jeremy, as I wrote in an earlier post, when I called Comcast to ask about a channel and mentioned that VOD wasn't in Auburn, the phone rep snickered a bit and said "no, not yet."

Malcom if you're comfortable with it, PM me your address and I can check for sure. But everything I've seen indicates that VOD is available in Auburn.

Sent you the PM, Jeremy...

I queried CC about THIS YEARS Mariners HD schedule and, well, short answer is they have no idea..... How can this be? Here is their reply:

"Thank you for contacting Comcast. I apologize for this inconvenience.

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable regarding the Mariners HD
games.

I apologize for this inconvenience. Unfortunately this information is
currently not available.
general concerns about programming that is provided by the
networks, please contact the network or programming service directly.
If you need further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us
back.

If you require additional assistance please contact us at
1-877-824-2288). A customer care specialist will be happy to assist
you.


Thank you for contacting Comcast.
Sincerely,
Steve
Comcast Customer Care Specialist"

Great help huh?

Originally posted by [PCC] El Guapo
I queried CC about THIS YEARS Mariners HD schedule and, well, short answer is they have no idea..... How can this be? And you think the Comcast "customer care specialist" you talked to has the inside scoop on the latest negotiations, and just isn't telling you?

Last year they didn't get a deal in place until JUNE. I doubt this year will be any different. Assuming they get a deal with NHK-Japan again this year - they won't know which Mariners games will be in HD until NHK decides which Mariners games they will be televising in Japan. I believe NHK shows something like 330 US major league games in Japan each season, mostly split up among those teams with star Japanese players (Yankees, Mariners, etc).

Malcom.......guess it;s just you and I with the volume problem? Yes I checked and 136 is the only other channel I've found with really low volume as 104 & 105. SUPER annoying.

jeremy,

Any word when VOD will hit the Olympia area?

Jeremy,

Any word when VOD will hit the Olympia area?

biz, it is annoying when I change from 136 to other channels and forget to have my hand on the remote! Of course, this happens on one of the channels I watch all the time!

I haven't been playing much with VOD, but had a question. Should the Play, Pause, FFW, REV buttons on the remote work for VOD? Or are are the Up,Down, Left, Right keys used? Trivial question, but if it's the former, I'm going to try to get my 5100 swapped out for a 6200. :)

either way should work given you have a a 300C remote or the new silver remote, if its a 300 b or 300 a then only the directional arrows will work

RE: VOD in Auburn I decided to just reply here to those that PM'd me, and I apologize for being a dork I thought it had lauched but alas it has not in Auburn, I checked all your address and none of them were servicable yet.

I'm not sure when it will launch but would assume in the near future as quickly as they are getting it rolled out. If I find anything out I'll let you know.

Jeremy

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
either way should work given you have a 300C remote or the new silver remote, if its a 300 b or 300 a then only the directional arrows will work.

Mine is an AT&T 200C. Where does that fit in? Or do I need a replacement?

I know we're all *patiently* waiting for KIRO and Comcast to settle their differences and provide us with HD-KIRO. But what about the other missing local channel: UPN. Are they owned by the same company? Is that why we don't have it still?

I can't wait for Comcast to deliver the same amount of HD content as what's available OTA.

-eric

Well UPN only broadcasts "Enterprise" in HD (1080i), so it's not as critical a carry as CBS, I imagine (which broadcasts most of what I watch in HD, alas).

Is anyone else experiencing audible "clicks" and "pops" on channels 1 - 99? Since the firmware upgrade to 7.07 on my 6200, these pops in the audio have been annoying. At first I thought it was a problem with my speakers, but I've ruled that out.

Any ideas??? I'm using the stereo audio output (haven't tried the digitial output).

Thanks, Lee

Yup. I haven't found a solution.

Nausicaa,

IMHO, it's not just about the shows in HD (though I wouldn't mind getting Enterprise in HD I guess). It's about the quality of the broadcast. I don't remember seeing anything more than the occasional widescreen 480p on Fox, Kong and WB, but I do enjoy the picture quality the HD bandwidth provides on those channels and the lack of audio "pops" too.

While it's probably not as high in the priority cue than KIRO, I personally think it should be provided too, since the OTA signal is available in our area and if we ever get KIRO, UPN will be the last unavailable local channel to us.

Am I the only one on this Forum watching UPN? :)

-eric

Originally posted by ericjut
Nausicaa,

IMHO, it's not just about the shows in HD (though I wouldn't mind getting Enterprise in HD I guess). It's about the quality of the broadcast. I don't remember seeing anything more than the occasional widescreen 480p on Fox, Kong and WB, but I do enjoy the picture quality the HD bandwidth provides on those channels and the lack of audio "pops" too.

While it's probably not as high in the priority cue than KIRO, I personally think it should be provided too, since the OTA signal is available in our area and if we ever get KIRO, UPN will be the last unavailable local channel to us.

Am I the only one on this Forum watching UPN? :)

-eric

Yeah. I made that comment a long time ago. It's sad to think that we need upconverted 480i just to get something better than the absolute crap that's on the analog. It's sad, but it's true.

Cheers,
Steve

Q13 used to stretch out their content (6PM King of the Hill, etc.) but seemed to have stopped. The quality was so good over 'normal' that I watched, but now stopped with the side bars there.

Originally posted by ericjut


Am I the only one on this Forum watching UPN? :)

-eric

Yes.

Originally posted by wareagle
Yes.

I don't know why, but kinda knew that answer was coming. :p

Anyways, I'm still wishing that UPN will be available someday so that we get the full local channel package in HD, even if I'll be the only one enjoying it. :)

-eric

Originally posted by Malcolm_B
Q13 used to stretch out their content (6PM King of the Hill, etc.) but seemed to have stopped. The quality was so good over 'normal' that I watched, but now stopped with the side bars there.

I don't know if it's a matter of taste or display differences, but when ESPN-HD stretches its content (which is most of the time) it's worse for me than the analog, so I switch back to ESPN even though it isn't digital.

Originally posted by Malcolm_B
Q13 used to stretch out their content (6PM King of the Hill, etc.) but seemed to have stopped. The quality was so good over 'normal' that I watched, but now stopped with the side bars there.

That's kinds of the clincher for me, as well. While I do love 480p, the black bars are annoying and, I worry about "burn-in" if I watch too many hours of programming like that (I have my brightness cranked down low and such, but still...).

I only watch the digital channels if the content is true HD or it's been formatted to fill a 16x9 screen (like FOX's NASCAR broadcasts).

Originally posted by wareagle
I don't know if it's a matter of taste or display differences, but when ESPN-HD stretches its content (which is most of the time) it's worse for me than the analog, so I switch back to ESPN even though it isn't digital.

Yeah. For the same reasons I don't buy pan-n-scan movies I don't watch stretch, cropped or zoomed 4:3. It is shot and composed as 4:3 so that's the way I watch it. It is alos why I went for a non-crt display so I don't have to worry about burn in.

Originally posted by ianken
It is alos why I went for a non-crt display so I don't have to worry about burn in.

I cannot speak for plasma or LCD, but I will note that I have seen plenty of "letterbox burn-in" on projection sets where folks didn't take care of brightness/content settings...

Originally posted by Nausicaa
I cannot speak for plasma or LCD, but I will note that I have seen plenty of "letterbox burn-in" on projection sets where folks didn't take care of brightness/content settings...

Yes, *CRT* projectors.

However, plasma is a non-CRT technology which is also subject to burn-in. LCD and DLP are pretty much immune.

--
Steve

LCD under the right conditions can be burned in as well.

This might be a question better suited to the HTPC forums, but if/when I get a 6200 w/ the Firewire outputs, would I be able to connect that directly into an input on my PC and record that way? If so, any recommendations on software?

Originally posted by mpestrada74
This might be a question better suited to the HTPC forums, but if/when I get a 6200 w/ the Firewire outputs, would I be able to connect that directly into an input on my PC and record that way? If so, any recommendations on software? Actually the question is best suited for the HDTV Recorders forum. See these threads:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=353608
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=309877

Bottom line - the 6200 firewire support is pretty limited. It will only send video to a D-VHS deck (or something that pretends to be a D-VHS deck). The Macintosh happens to have an app from their Firewire SDK called VirtualDVHS which does this. There is no exact equivalent for Windows yet, although the second thread above refers to some mysterious Japanese device drivers that may work. Otherwise, you can always do the 2-step process like I'm currently doing:

1) record the 6200 firewire output onto an actual D-VHS tape
2) use a utility like DVHSTool (http://kgbird.com/DVHSTool/) to "restore" the program from D-VHS tape to your hard disk.

Once on the hard disk or server, I can watch the HD transport streams with appropriate software (eg, VideoLan client) or hardware (eg, Roku HD1000).

That is why I have a 4:3 HDTV in the family room where 90% of our viewing is 4:3 content and a 16:9 HDTV in the Home Theater where 90% of our viewing is DVD or HD movies. Although I like original aspect ratio movies, I would prefer all movies cropped to fill a 16:9 screen, then burn in would not be an issue and it is a resonable compromise.

Until we have total 16:9 content on HDTV this will be a major issue. The networks just don't seem to get it.....

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
LCD under the right conditions can be burned in as well.

are you sure? ive had an LCD for my desktop PC for over two years.... its on 24/7 most of the time (with no screen saver) and there is no burn in

is there a difference with 480i content on LCD tvs??

I've never seen burn in on LCD. Either projected or flat panel.

I run my FP in 4:3 mode a LOT for normal TV and in a year and a half there has been no burn in.

With my three previous 16:9 CRT RPTVs moderate 4:3 use mixed with lots of 16:9 use yielded burn-in in about six months. One of the reasons I moved to LCD was to get away from hosing my display jsut becuase I insist on watching TV in the proper aspect and not fun house acid trip stretch mode.

So to date no burn in.

VOD & 7.07 showed up this morning in Bellevue.

Way to go, Jeremy! Didn't even have to wait until April Fools' Day.

ok, now how about east of bellevue (e.g., redmond)... :( (nothing out here yet...)

My DCT-2000 has had 7.07 for a few weeks now, but sure enough, my 5100 (which had remained at 5.03) is at it now and OD is active. Such a deal!

Originally posted by brente
ok, now how about east of bellevue (e.g., redmond)... :( (nothing out here yet...)

It's available on 167th Ave. NE, just south of 8th, so not too far from Redmond.

looks like I asked too soon - both of my 5200 boxes just upgraded. yipee! (i guess)

Got upgraded for OnDemand in Woodinville this morning... but I'm not able to actually watch the shows.

Both my 6200 return a "SRM-8001" error after I select a show.

They're sending a tech guy this afternoon to look at it.

Has anybody seen this?

Two other questions about the service:
1. Is the "OnDemand" button on the new remotes supposed to do anything? Feels kinda useless right now.

2. I remember reading here that users had access to all premium channel OD shows (HBO, Stars, etc) if they had at the least one of them. I have HBO and when I try to watch a Stars movie, I get a "This movie is part of a package" error. Did that change recently?


-eric

They got the package stuff figured out about two weeks ago.

It is a really poor implementation though. It shows you the show and tells you it would be $0 to watch. You say okay, then it says that it is part of a package and shows you that you can get the package for $0. Then it pops up an error saying that something went wrong and tells you to call Comcast.

Has anyone else been having problems with saved shows? I saved a movie the other day and it showed as saved when I turned of the TV. When I returned 4 hours later it wasn't in my saved programs and I had to fastforward (at their terribly slow fast forward speed) to find my place again.

I also wish that they would pick episodes for a series so that they had an entire season at once. Right now they have Eps 10-18 for Six Feet Under. That is the last three episodes for season 1 and the first 5 for season 2. I've had VOD for nearly a month and am ready to see the rest of season 2, but have no way to get it.

alex

Alex: The Premium VOD content is provided by that network so unfortunately Comcast can only load up what is provided them in the regular data dumps through the satellite.

Originally posted by Steve Goff
jeremy,

Any word when VOD will hit the Olympia area?

Oly area is *supposedly* being upgraded starting in early June. Lets keep those fingers crossed!

kind of a very off topic question but has anyone in this thread ever wanted to do a GT or something of the sort maybe put some faces with the names? With Summer coming up something like a BBQ at a park or something might be kind of fun on a weekend or something.

I woke up this morning to see DL flashing on my 6200. The kids were annoyed that they couldn't watch Disney. 10 minutes later I had VOD on the menu!

Tried it tonight with SHO VOD. It works here in Sammamish - I'm off 244th & Redmond Fall City Rd.

Another Woodinville working on 167th NE

Finally! As of last night VOD is available in Redmond.

Looks like I need to change my amplified splitter with a bi-directional one. I get communication error when I hit the VOD menu (which I was expecting to happen).

Any recommendations?

Had a Comcast tech here this morning to install a 6200. He said that our area (Snoqualmie Valley) is scheduled for firmware/VOD upgrade in mid-April. I don't think he meant it as an April Fools joke, either :)

How's the Comcast High-Speed in the Redmond area? I just bought a house around Campus and was trying to decide from whom I will be getting my Internet access. Currently I have Verizon. However, I also have Vonage VoIP. If Comcast is decent (i.e. half decent uploads) I will ditch POTS altogether. I use my cell for the most part anyway. What do people think?

Cheers,
Steve

Here's my one month VOD review for anyone interested. I'd like to hear if others are having the same experience. I realize that some of these issues are not controlled by Comcast.

1) Limited content, most value comes from premium subscriptions which gives you short-term access to many series. No network shows like "Law and Order." Mostly Cable shows like "House Invaders." and "Strangers with Candy." Non-premium channel movies are $3.99. Premium channel movies are included with the regular Premium package.

2) I don't like the fact that some HBO series offerings are only available for one month. For example, the first 30 episodes of Sex and the City are only accessible for one month. If you don't watch one per night or begin taping them, you'll have to buy the DVD set (hmm!) Same with OZ and nine episodes of Six Feet Under. I wish they could leave these on indefinitely. Will they be brought back at some time?

3) The video quality seems on a par with analog television on my 34XBR. Can't wait for HD VOD! Is it in the works? It's now difficult for me to watch 4x3 SD content particularly when the original broadcast is 16x9 HD.

4) The "Save" function is hit and miss. It's pretty annoying to be watching an hour long show and have to stop mid way. If there is no "Save" available it takes quite a while to fast forward to your spot. Seems like the movies usually offer this function but I can't figure out the system of which ones do and do not.

5) Easiest way to get into the VOD menu is by pressing Channel "1"

6) Watch the Kratt brothers on National Geographic! It's the only new to me show that I've throughly enjoyed.

7) If Comcast sends you a message or is updating something, the VOD crashes and you have to wait and start over. Frustrating if you're in the middle of something.

Looking forward to hearing about your experience.

I agree with the review - I VOD just arrived at my house and I was pretty disappointed with the content. Maybe it was over hyped but I had imagined that I would be able to call up recent network and cable episodes. In other words if I missed yesterdays Fraiser, I could watch it today. I guess PVR will do this for me. It looks like if you have a premium movie channel that VOD would be nice however I prefer Netflix over the movie channels.

Originally posted by Tivolicious
How's the Comcast High-Speed in the Redmond area? I just bought a house around Campus and was trying to decide from whom I will be getting my Internet access. Currently I have Verizon. However, I also have Vonage VoIP. If Comcast is decent (i.e. half decent uploads) I will ditch POTS altogether. I use my cell for the most part anyway. What do people think?

Cheers,
Steve

I have Comcast internet in the Crossroads area of NE Bellevue, fairly close to Redmond. My download bandwidth measures 2 to 3Mb, and upload is about 240 to 250Kb.

Originally posted by markhs
I agree with the review - I VOD just arrived at my house and I was pretty disappointed with the content.

Keep in mind, as was pointed out by Jeremy several pages back in this thread, that it takes thirteen weeks for the full selection of VOD content to be downloaded to your box. If you're just starting out, you're only getting a small portion of what is available. I've only had my VOD for a week now and each day I've got new stuff showing up.

Originally posted by danstone
Keep in mind, as was pointed out by Jeremy several pages back in this thread, that it takes thirteen weeks for the full selection of VOD content to be downloaded to your box. If you're just starting out, you're only getting a small portion of what is available. I've only had my VOD for a week now and each day I've got new stuff showing up.


Thanks! I didn't realize this - something more to look forward to :D

Originally posted by danstone
Keep in mind, as was pointed out by Jeremy several pages back in this thread, that it takes thirteen weeks for the full selection of VOD content to be downloaded to your box. If you're just starting out, you're only getting a small portion of what is available. I've only had my VOD for a week now and each day I've got new stuff showing up.

There is no "content" on your box. You only have a list of available programs, and all programs available should be listed, regardless of when you got VOD. I believe what Jeremy said was that Comcast had no control over what was provided. The regular data dumps he referred to would be from the provider to Comcast, not to you (or me).

wareagle you are so right. Where would all those 100's of hours of content go?

Originally posted by Tivolicious
How's the Comcast High-Speed in the Redmond area? I just bought a house around Campus and was trying to decide from whom I will be getting my Internet access. Currently I have Verizon. However, I also have Vonage VoIP. If Comcast is decent (i.e. half decent uploads) I will ditch POTS altogether. I use my cell for the most part anyway. What do people think?

Cheers,
Steve

I recently fired Qwest DSL because I seemingly was cut off from the Internet for several minutes at a time at several random times during the day. I finally figured out how to upgrade the firmware on my old Cisco 675 DSL modem, and it put an unknown password on the OS. A call to Qwest tech support was useless except for the tidbit they told me about how I couldn't replace that DSL modem with the service I subscribed to. Also, I was on a PPP service that disconnected when there was inactivity. Funny, I thought I had "always on" premium DSL service. But, there was this new DMT service they had that I never was marketed to about, that required a new DSL modem, and a tech to tweak something back at the Central Office. A new DSL modem would cost $59, and the DMT service would be $26/mo for 1.5Mb service.

After some head scratching, I figured that it made more sense to pay $59 for a new cable modem and switch to Comcast's 3MB service for $42.95 a month. Between Qwest's monthly bill, and the ISP's monthly bill, Comcast would save me $7 a month and give me twice the speed.

Now my only gripe is that when I called Comcast to ask about whether or not I could buy a modem at Best Buy and have it activated without a truck roll, they told me I couldn't. Basic installation was $34.95. After scheduling said truck roll, I went to Best Buy to buy the cable modem, and found they had self-install kits for $14.95. Best Buy had rebates on the cable modem, and included a $25 BB gift card, so the whole deal was "free". Or at least that's what they told me as they were billing my credit card for $123 something. All the rebates were mail-in, meaning a lot of stupid paperwork and months before getting your money back. Oh, yes, those magazines they keep trying to get you to buy are included along with Rhapsody. You have to manually go cancel those or they will rebill your credit card for magazines you would never want to buy otherwise.

When I called in to get my customer number and registration code, the CSR found I had a truck roll scheduled and questioned it. He cancelled it for me, gave me the codes I needed to get online, and was up within 10 minutes after that. I cancelled Qwest and the old ISP within a week after getting on the air with Comcast. Service has been a lot more reliable since the switch.

Originally posted by wareagle
There is no "content" on your box. You only have a list of available programs, and all programs available should be listed, regardless of when you got VOD. I believe what Jeremy said was that Comcast had no control over what was provided. The regular data dumps he referred to would be from the provider to Comcast, not to you (or me).

Sorry, didn't mean to imply content was stored locally on the box (it obviously is not), but the entire selection of available VOD choices in the menu is not instantaneous the moment your firmware is upgraded (perhaps Jeremy could elaborate more on why this is the case) and does keep growing nightly as I check my selections.

Originally posted by danstone
Sorry, didn't mean to imply content was stored locally on the box (it obviously is not), but the entire selection of available VOD choices in the menu is not instantaneous the moment your firmware is upgraded (perhaps Jeremy could elaborate more on why this is the case) and does keep growing nightly as I check my selections.

Oh, I misunderstood. It seemed to me that the programs listed at http://www.hbo.com/hboondemand/ were all available (I haven't done that close a check), and that the additions after the initial download were new. Perhaps not -- which would be good. I'd really like to see more variety, especially the non-movies.

VOD is new to everyone including the channel providers, the reason you see new stuff added all the time is more providers are choosing to provide content as well as current providers unleash more of there content.

VOD will be an evergrowing thing, theres even stuff in the works for getting local content on VOD it of course comes down to getting permission from the broadcasters to do so.

I myself completely love VOD but then again I have all the premium channels etc so I get it all. Its nice that they offer WS/5.1 Movies which PPV does not as well.

Even some of the premium networks are starting to add both WS & P&S versions of the movie into there VOD offerings, Starz so far seems to be the biggest proponent so far.

We just got VOD last night (here in Redmond), and it's great! We selected one of the Pay movies and was glad that a widescreen version was available.

However, the widescreen was formatted to fit within a 4:3 area ... since HDTV channels are able to correctly use the complete 16:9 area, I supposed this is just something the VOD provider still needs to work out? This is through the component out of my 5100 box. (No DVI port.)

Originally posted by poppa
We just got VOD last night (here in Redmond), and it's great! We selected one of the Pay movies and was glad that a widescreen version was available.

However, the widescreen was formatted to fit within a 4:3 area ... since HDTV channels are able to correctly use the complete 16:9 area, I supposed this is just something the VOD provider still needs to work out? This is through the component out of my 5100 box. (No DVI port.)

I saw similar effects, and was able to get such movies to use the complete width of my TV by specifying SD output override as 480i or 480p. Bear in mind that the VOD shows are SD, rather than HD. There are so many individual variations in systems that nothing is guaranteed, but it's worth a try.

Was just reading the latest Sound & Vision, and noticed a brief article that says Viacom and Comcast had finally reached an agreement, and it specifically mentioned that the agreement covered carriage of CBS analog and digital programming. Sorry I can't provide page number, don't have the actual mag in my hands. Will add this evening.

Given the lead time for print publication, this must have happened well over a month ago. The lack of this agreement was supposed to be the reason we don't have CBS-HD.

Is there yet another hangup, or will we finally be seeing CBS-HD Real Soon Now? Jeremy?

Originally posted by drbenson
Was just reading the latest Sound & Vision, and noticed a brief article that says Viacom and Comcast had finally reached an agreement,

viacom doesn't own kiro. i believe cox does. so, we're not affected by the agreement.

I believe that agreement happaned a couple months ago, and only covered CBS owned & operated stations. KIRO is not one of those.

Correct. CBS/Viacom-owned stations are covered under the agreement.

KIRO is owned by Cox Communications and Cox continues to refuse Comcast to carry HD content in their major markets (whether this is Cox's or Comcast's fault, I do not know).

Our best bet to get KIRO in HD on Comcast is probably to continue to write to Cox and KIRO and inform them that until they broadcast HD, we will continue to time-shift their content and watch the HD stations live, reducing their advertiser impact as we fast-forward past their commercials.

CBS is my most-watched channel, however I TiVo everything since I can't get it in HD so it's not worth staying up for, much less missing HD content on other channels at the same time. So while I eyeball all the ads on ABC, NBC, FOX, and WB, I skip every one on CBS.

Well, that argument might work until HD PVRs become popular. At this rate, that will happen long before we see CBS-HD on Comcast...

Originally posted by jimre
Well, that argument might work until HD PVRs become popular. At this rate, that will happen long before we see CBS-HD on Comcast...

I really doubt that. For all the press and the die-hard fans standard-def PVRs really aren't that popular. The bulk of the sales have been through DirecTV and Echostar (and recently MCE) and these were cheap and subsidized.

HD Tivos are quite expensive and require ugly roof antennas (and those only work sometimes) to receive local channels. Like it or not, there isn't a lot of pressure that the consumer can place on the players involved. It's a bad situation. The people willing to boycott CBS shows because they aren't available via HD are few and far between. Furthermore, I'm still not sure that HD viewership is counted for the purposes of ad sales.

I posted it earlier in the thread, but I will do it again. Here is how *I* think that it should be taken care of:

http://www.theevilempire.com/musings/archives/000223.php

Cheers,
Steve

Well, I watched CSI in HD in my bedroom last night via my projector and HD tuner, which I'm glad I bought while I had the cash! Sad thing is, CBS/KIRO is the only channel I watch in HD overall. I'm ready to dump the package with INHD as there seems to be little worth watching.

Originally posted by Malcolm_B
Well, I watched CSI in HD in my bedroom last night via my projector and HD tuner, which I'm glad I bought while I had the cash! Sad thing is, CBS/KIRO is the only channel I watch in HD overall. I'm ready to dump the package with INHD as there seems to be little worth watching.

I'd think that if CBS/KIRO is your only HDTV habit then Comcast would be the last thing you need, at least for the foreseeable future.

Originally posted by poppa
We just got VOD last night (here in Redmond), and it's great! We selected one of the Pay movies and was glad that a widescreen version was available.

However, the widescreen was formatted to fit within a 4:3 area ... since HDTV channels are able to correctly use the complete 16:9 area, I supposed this is just something the VOD provider still needs to work out? This is through the component out of my 5100 box. (No DVI port.)

What you have to realize is that all of the VOD content is Standard Definition. (VODHD is in the works) Which is a 4:3 format. The only way to get a widescreen movie to fit your 16:9 television would be to have the VOD content modified to a digital (HDTV or EDTV) widescreen format. The Cable provider cannot modify the content, only the content provider can do this.

A Comcast Tech came to my house today to try and fix a video on demand problem. He could not fix it and said it was a problem in the system.

Has anyone successfully had a "SRM-8001" error after a show is selected fixed? Either by a technician, call-in for service, or had it just go away?

I don’t even know there is a big standoff going on anymore. I honestly think they just don’t care enough to even sit down and discuss it. If they did it would have been done by now. Kind of obvious in the statements after the SuperBowl. They just don't really care imho.

I’ve kind of given up as well. I never watch CBS regularly and won’t until I get HDTV. I have an antenna for the big events. I wish I could get rid of it but have resigned myself to keeping the antenna for the foreseeable feature.

Originally posted by Tivolicious
I posted it earlier in the thread, but I will do it again. Here is how *I* think that it should be taken care of:

http://www.theevilempire.com/musings/archives/000223.php

Cheers,
Steve

Originally posted by David Kiker
Has anyone successfully had a "SRM-8001" error after a show is selected fixed? Either by a technician, call-in for service, or had it just go away?
David,

Just like you, I still don't have VOD working.

After 6 phone calls, 3 visits and several hours of testing, the tech guy concluded that there was nothing wrong with my setup, line, signal strength or otherwise. He also asked my neighbor about it and found out that their VOD service is also screwed up, which confirms the fact that the problem is on their side.

The tech told me he would escalate the problem since it's most probably at the node level. Also, it looks like we're not the only ones having this problem, since all his appointments both yesterday and today were related to the infamous VOD "SRM-8001" error.

Finally, he told me that most probably during next week, I might just see the VOD starting to function as they iron out those glitches in the system.

At this point, besides bugging them periodically to make sure they don't forget us, I guess we just have to be patient. :(

-eric

KIRO has decided to leave negotiations up to COX there owner on a national level instead on their own like all other local stations in Seattle chose to do.

Comcast has made the same offer to them they made to all the other locals who obviously found it a fair offer but KIRO has let them know that they will no do anything until COX/Comcast come to an agreement nationally.

There is some speculation this could happen soon but its only speculation.

I'm moving house shortly (Duvall to Bellevue). I'm going to need some new cable drops installed. A couple of questions:

Does anyone know how much Comcast charges for new drops (I believe I can get basic install free)?

What do I need to ask for to get the best HDTV Receiver from them - I'm not up-to-date on HD Cable boxes as I have DirecTV out here in Duvall right now...

Thanks...

But that is about it. I just tried it today and noticed the options were there. I was able to get one music video and one movie to work briefly but everything gives me the SRM-8001 error. When the movie was working the only issue I noticed was the lack of ability to make bigger jumps rather than just fast forward. Menu and navigation pretty much blows but that is the case with the entire menu system. I'm not to worried about it until on demand HD shows up but I would like to at least have the option of using it.

Does anyone in Kirkland around 85th street have VOD working correctly?

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Comcast has made the same offer to them they made to all the other locals who obviously found it a fair offer but KIRO has let them know that they will no do anything until COX/Comcast come to an agreement nationally. Jeremy is 100% correct. This is a problem with Cox Enterprises (which also owns Cox Cable, the third largest cable company in the United States).

Cox owns our local Fox station and, surprise, surprise, Cox is not allowing Comcast to carry that digital signal.

Cox is doing the same to Comcast in Atlanta (the ABC station) and in Pittsburgh (the NBC station).

It is incredibly ironic, given that Cox is a huge cable company in addition to being a station owner.

Moreover, Cox Cable is in a high profile dispute with Emmis, the CBS station owner in Omaha, Nebraska. Cox wants the digital signal there under the exact same terms Comcast wants the digital signals of the Cox-owned stations in Seattle, San Francisco, Atlanta and Pittsburgh.

But it seems Cox figures it can have its cake and it eat too ... when it owns the local station, it should be compensated extra for the digital signal by the cable company (Comcast) ... but when it owns the cable system (Omaha), it should not have to provide extra compensation to the station owner. Total hypocrisy!

EDIT: For more on the Cox Cable - Emmis dispute, see the Omaha thread.

Why doesn't CBS just move to the local Viacom station, which currently has UPN? It didn't make much sense the first time CBS moved over there, but now it does, since UPN makes that the weakest station in the market.

I bet Viacom will be first in line to buy KIRO if and when it ever gets sold again.

I live in Kirkland, 98034 and VOD is almost unwatchable here. A lot of pixelation in all programs from all premium providers like Starz, HBO.

Sometimes it gets better if I restart the movie several times. Is there anyone else with the same issue? I have a 5100 with no DVI.

Update on my VOD access: Looks like they fixed the crossed wires in my area. Now VOD works great here.

The technician that came today told me that most people that get a 8001 error on the Eastside should get it resolved within the next few days.

-eric

Eric -Thanks for the update. I'll give it a couple a copule times this week to see if the tech was right and it starts working consistantly.

Dan - I have the 6200 and the Star Trek movie I got working (the only thing) didn't pixelate and appeared as equally lousy as all the other standard def programs.

Just saw VOD appear on my 6200 for the first time here in North Bend. Will have to give it a try tomorrow night to see how it works.

VOD has performed without fault for me (Bellevue Crossroads, 98008, 5100 with DVI or component).

As soon as 7.07 arrived and activated the DVI port on my 5100 I connected it and saw a couple of problems (which may be at least partially the fault of my TV). The first symptom is that the DVI display has the annoying CC lines at the top for most SD channels. The second symptom may be a function of 7.07 -- when I switch the 5100 HD output to 720p the component output almost entirely disappears, with only an occasional brief appearance of the picture. This seems most likely to be a timing problem between the box and the TV, and it remains even if DVI is disconnected. I don't have enough adjustment capability on the TV to remedy either of these problems (Gateway 30" LCD), so it looks like I'll be limited to 1080i. Since the pq is about the same for DVI vs. component and 720p vs. 1080i, other than these problems, I suppose I'm not missing any capability other than experimentation.

wareagle,

Just wanted to let you know, I have a 6200 here that has no problem doing 720p with both DVI and component connected (I use it to try to see the difference between the 2). Maybe they ironed out some of those issues between the 5100 and the 6200.

-eric

Originally posted by ericjut
wareagle,

Just wanted to let you know, I have a 6200 here that has no problem doing 720p with both DVI and component connected (I use it to try to see the difference between the 2). Maybe they ironed out some of those issues between the 5100 and the 6200.

-eric

I disconnected the DVI and 720p still won't work with the components, so it seems to have been induced by the 7.07 firmware (720p did work with 5.03 and my 5100 and my TV). Since I haven't lost any real capability, and things that don't work for others (e.g., VOD) are working for me, I think I'll just sit tight & wait for the arrival of a 6408 before doing anything silly like swapping boxes.

Originally posted by wareagle
VOD has performed without fault for me (Bellevue Crossroads, 98008, 5100 with DVI or component).

Perhaps I spoke too soon. This morning every category I select just has "No program information available".

I'd like to do a little bump here- is there anyone in the Kitsap / Bremerton area who IS getting KCTS-HD on channel 108? I have called Comcast, they sent a signal to the 6200 which knocked out INHD 1&2, but did not fix KCTS-HD. I get the other KCTS signals, and the other HD locals plus ESPN, but nada on 108 (and yes, I'm aware of the limited hours).

I need to know whether this is systemwide, or just me before I make another call. Thanks.

Originally posted by wareagle
Perhaps I spoke too soon. This morning every category I select just has "No program information available".

I called about this & they said it was probably because they were working on the system to fix some problems. Mine is OK now, so I hope it's working better for everyone.

Now that baseball season has started is there anymore news about the M's in HD? I'm starting to wonder if last years deal was a one time thing.

Originally posted by Tivolicious
I really doubt that. For all the press and the die-hard fans standard-def PVRs really aren't that popular. The bulk of the sales have been through DirecTV and Echostar (and recently MCE) and these were cheap and subsidized.


That's true, but I think one of the reason's why PVR's have been so popular with the D* and E* crowd is the fact that it's integrated so well. Look at the DirecTivos. One box for your receiver and PVR, two inputs, watch one channel while recording another, etc.

Similarly, look at what I would have to do with a Tivo and Comcast. I've got to hook up an IR blaster, which is not exactly reliable, I have to have a second box on my equipment rack, and I can't watch one thing and record another, unless I want to rent yet another cable box from Comcast. It's a mess.

As one who cannot get satellite reception where I am, I'm eagerly waiting for the day that the whole Open Cable initiative comes to fruition; I'll be first in line to buy an Open Cable Tivo (if it ever comes).

Jon

Jeremy, what is the status of those new channels NBA TV, DIY, and Fine Living? The only one of the bunch that actually showed up on my box is Starz Kids on 540. The rest are MIA.

Hey Al, becareful what you wish for. Are you still on one of the old AT&T packages? Let's just leave it at that, I found out the hard way.

Well, I'm told I'm on a "special" Digital Platinum package they don't offer anymore. It cost $56/mo instead of $53 as listed on the price sheet. In order to move to the $53 package, I have to pay an additional $39.99 for extended basic, even though my condo association pays that for me through a negotiated package deal.

If the channels are supposed to be there, I guess I'll have to call for a hit or a reset.

I found out the Digital Platinum does not cover certain channels, as I found out when I upgraded. In order to get the new channels, it's part of the Digital Extra which is $5.99

buddma is correct any new channels added are not typically available to those who are still in old at&t packages.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
buddma is correct any new channels added are not typically available to those who are still in old at&t packages.

And a totally confusing, undocumented "system" it is. Despite messages from Comcast indicating the new channels would be available to me at no extra charge as part of Digital Extra, such is not the case. I could add them, but I'd lose Starz. For a bit more money, I might be able to keep what I have, but since I have no idea what the net result would really be, I think I'll do without the new channels.

Just interested, what are those "additional channels" that you can get under "Digital Extra" for $5.99?

Except for movie channels, all Comcast HD channels I've heard of are not separately priced, which is why we don't get Discovery,Bravo,HDNet and the other new HD channels (TNT-HD etc) that we also won't get.

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
Just interested, what are those "additional channels" that you can get under "Digital Extra" for $5.99?

Except for movie channels, all Comcast HD channels I've heard of are not separately priced, which is why we don't get Discovery,Bravo,HDNet and the other new HD channels (TNT-HD etc) that we also won't get.

Rich N.

According to the latest printed channel guide I received in January, these are the Digital Extra channels, and what I have as a former AT&T subscriber:

123 Goodlife TV
125 Newsworld International
128 Bloomberg TV
137 Trio
138 Wisdom TV
182 Ovation
294 Tech TV
406 Outdoor Channel
413 Fox Sports Digital - Atlantic
414 Fox Sports Digital - Central
415 Fox Sports Digital - Pacific
476 Fuse
481 BET on Jazz
505 Sundance Channel
506 Fox Movie Channel

Only a few of these are worth having (personal opinion).

I don't know what the "other" Extra package may include, other than the new channels I can't get.

Just spent roughly half an hour on the phone with a Comcast CSR trying to see what the problem is with 108 (KCTS-HD) in Bremerton / Kitsap. This one's for the grins and giggles file.

The CSR talked with her supervisor twice on this, and gave me this story: "KCTS-HD 108 shares bandwidth with KCTS-DT 109, so 108 goes off the air in the evening."

What's wrong with this picture? KCTS-HD broadcasts ONLY in the evening. During the day, its bandwidth is taken up with a kids channel (119) and a learning channel (112). 109 is a 24-hr digital duplicate of analog channel 9.

When I was getting OTA HDTV, the KCTS digtal stream contained both KCTS-HD and KCTS-DT- I could play either by editing one number in a HiPix file. So I guess in that sense they share bandwidth....

I'll be getting a call from a supervisor or engineer Monday. Jeremy, perhaps you can tell me the magic words I should say to get them straightened out?

I don't know what Comcast is doing with KCTS-DT and -HD on cable, but here are my recent OTA experiences:

9-1 (simulcast of analog channel 9) broadcasts in SD anytime their digital transmitter is on the air.

9-2 and 9-3 (kids and learning) broadcast in SD during the day until about 5 PM.

9-5 (KCTS-HD) broadcasts from about 5 PM to around midnight (varies, could be 11 PM some nights).

Now here is the kicker: sometimes none of these digital channels broadcast on holidays and weekends. And sometimes they do broadcast on weekends. I cannot see a pattern of why or when their digital transmitter is on or off the air, except that it seems to always be there on weekdays. Also, they do not necessarily broadcast 24 hours during the week.

If your Comcast availability of these channels tracks with what we see OTA, then the issues might be with KCTS and probably not with Comcast.

I've noticed that KCTS-HD, channel 108 has been broadcasting from 5:00pm until 2:00am the past two nights. I'm hoping they are increasing their broadcast time. Any official news?

Anybody heard if the Mariners are being broadcast again this year in HD?

I wrote a message to Comcast asking about the Mariners in HiDef. The response was to check the schedule at ESPN.com.

The information on Mariners in HD on Comcast was posted a few pages back. Do a keyword search on this thread and you will find it.

Granted i only scanned over it.. the only information was .. well really no information at all.. things like responses from whoever saying things like "Oh we dont know the situation is this year".. so we still have no idea whats going on with the mariners games.. Unless i completely missed a page that had schedules and stuff?

Jinx - your scanning over pages is better that curtisb's. Those posts are about how people wrote to Comcast and asked for the schedule, they were sent last years schedule!

I wonder what is going on with the Mariners in HiDef?

The Mariners will be on ESPNHD tomorrow night, Tuesday. I'm hoping that it will not be blacked out here in Seattle? I read that the Sunday night games are not blacked out in their home areas. Does anyone know for sure about tomorrow nights game?

Originally posted by artseattle
The Mariners will be on ESPNHD tomorrow night, Tuesday. I'm hoping that it will not be blacked out here in Seattle? I read that the Sunday night games are not blacked out in their home areas. Does anyone know for sure about tomorrow nights game?

it better not be blacked out
:)

If its on a local network like say FSN or KOMO etc then it will probably be blacked out.

checking listings its on FSN which means its probably gonna be blacked out on ESPN.

yup just checked Seattlemariners.com

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/schedule/broadcast.jsp

Reflects FSN will carry the game no mention of ESPN reflecting it will be blacked out on ESPN.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
yup just checked Seattlemariners.com

http://seattle.mariners.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sea/schedule/broadcast.jsp

Reflects FSN will carry the game no mention of ESPN reflecting it will be blacked out on ESPN.

No mention of any other HD coverage there, either. Can it be that seeing the Mariners in HD will require two miracles? (Them making the Series and Fox having true HD capability by October!) Could be worse -- at least KIRO isn't involved.

Funny how with CBS the HDTV content and SD content are looked at as different, but with the Mariner games they see them as the same thing(so they black out non-local). In the end the consumer gets screwed every time. Seems that comcast could do a hell of a lot more to get CBS HD and Mariner home games. Also I read that the SD Padres are getting 104 games in HD this year from Cox 8(. Comcast sucks.... but I guess we just gotta deal with it. Hate to say it but I would pay an extra 2-3 bucks a month for CBS HD.

BTW has anyone not in range of OTA petitioned Direct TV for their CBS HD west coast feed? Would prolly be L.A. CBS but wouldn't matter for the prime time shows. Between this(if possible) and the vastly improved SD reception of satalite, also discovery HD and HDnet, I may take my $$ elsewhere and only keep minimum comcast for nbc, abc ect..

offiically confirmed no HD tonight for us Seattlites.

Mariners link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=253006&perpage=20&pagenumber=126)

Above is the link to the page with the Mariniers HD schedule


Now over a week later an VOD in Kirkland still isn't working. Now, if it can get one to work it is pixilated and barely sputters along.

Is anyone in south Kirkland having success with VOD? Just wondering it is time to deal with getting someone out here or if the problem is still area wide.

Curtis: Thats last years schedule, Comcast has not made any arrangements as of yet regarding HD carriage of the Mariners this year.

Jeremy

The deal the Mariners had last year with NHK Japan - to allow Comcast to show select home games in HD - wasn't announced until June. If they do the same thing this year, I'd expect it to be a similar last-minute deal...

They had a huge push before the holidays but haven’t really done a thing since, expect add HD of a couple premium channels I imagine most people don’t get. Kind of disappointing. I really didn’t expect we’d still be waiting in April for Discovery and CBS, and there would be no M’s games. Looks like they kind of bailed on HD.

Originally posted by Calypse
Funny how with CBS the HDTV content and SD content are looked at as different, but with the Mariner games they see them as the same thing(so they black out non-local). In the end the consumer gets screwed every time. Seems that comcast could do a hell of a lot more to get CBS HD and Mariner home games. Also I read that the SD Padres are getting 104 games in HD this year from Cox 8(. Comcast sucks.... but I guess we just gotta deal with it. Hate to say it but I would pay an extra 2-3 bucks a month for CBS HD.

Trust me they did anything but bail on HD, but at this moment they are getting VOD out to everyone, onces thats complete I'd expect to see alot of other great things coming.

Thanks for the clarification Jeremy.. Of course I would rather see Mariners HD than standard def VOD (which isn't working for me anyway..) but hopefully good things are coming in the near future.

Originally posted by curtisb
Thanks for the clarification Jeremy.. Of course I would rather see Mariners HD than standard def VOD (which isn't working for me anyway..) but hopefully good things are coming in the near future.

For me the kicker is the lack of UPN and CBS. The squabble between Comcast and Cox is just retarded. Add in the lack of DiscoveryHD and I'm not really thrilled. Initially they were on a roll deploying HD, but the slowdown is annoying.

Yes, Comcast has definitely stopped adding HD. EncoreHD is now on VOOM. I thought it was from Starz in which case we should get it. We'll see about TNT-HD next month. However, I doubt we'll see any new HD for a very long time. I too would love DiscoveryHD. It is the biggest lack in Comcast's lineup IMHO.

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
It is the biggest lack in Comcast's lineup IMHO.


Just to be clear -- CBS is the biggest lack. So far this year I've missed the Final 4, the Superbowl, and the Masters.

An absolute disgrace IMHO.

Hey Jeremyft,
when are we getting new firmware 7.10 for the 6200 boxes in this area?

I'm itching to start recording the HD streams over the firewire port, and nobody is having success with the 6200 boxes with f/w versions earlier than 7.10.

haven't even heard of 7.10, I have 7.07 right now and know others with 7.07 that have it working fine with firewire.

Your reference to 7.10 peaked my interest so I went and read some other threads, it appears that insight has 7.10 firmware, one thing I know is that Comcast is not nearly as apt to just throw new firmware out to customers when they get it from Motorola especially since they work very closely to develop new firmware with Motorola. This has been witnessed by the many firmware release's pre 7.07 that were released on specific Comcast systems and then pulled back only weeks later.

I know that Comcast/Motorola is working on new firmware right now as we speak to correct the analog PQ problem among other things including the crackling sound etc. I dont know when this will be finished and released but it is in the works and expected soon.

Firewire capture of the HD TS with CapDVHS to a Windows XP machine, using a Moto6200 box with firmware 7.07?

If anyone has gotten that to work I'd be mightily impressed.
Refer to this thread where nobody (except maybe one or two people who can't reproduce their exact setup) has gotten this to work...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=309877

By contrast, almost everyone who gets firmware 7.10 (Insight cable as you mentioned), has this working perfectly with very little setup. That's what prompted my question as to Comcast pushing out 7.10. Sure would be nice if they would...

Some of our areas down here have recently updated to 7.10

Cool, thanks!

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Your reference to 7.10 peaked my interest so I went and read some other threads, it appears that insight has 7.10 firmware, one thing I know is that Comcast is not nearly as apt to just throw new firmware out to customers when they get it from Motorola especially since they work very closely to develop new firmware with Motorola. This has been witnessed by the many firmware release's pre 7.07 that were released on specific Comcast systems and then pulled back only weeks later.

I know that Comcast/Motorola is working on new firmware right now as we speak to correct the analog PQ problem among other things including the crackling sound etc. I dont know when this will be finished and released but it is in the works and expected soon.

Originally posted by CoolCanuck
Firewire capture of the HD TS with CapDVHS to a Windows XP machine, using a Moto6200 box with firmware 7.07?

If anyone has gotten that to work I'd be mightily impressed.

Beware of what you wish for. Here are some interesting tidbits posted earlier today from that same thread you referenced:

"It seems that firmware revisions of the Moto 6200 higher than 7.07 allows PCs to record HD, but also can be used to turn on 5C and restrict copying of some channels."

"I talked with an engineer with my local cable company, and he told me that all of their channels other than the locals are broadcast in an encrypted format.

Right now apparently, the Moto 6200 decrypts the channels to which you have subscribed on composite, s-video, and component outputs, but it does not decrypt the feed before sending it out on the firewire output. Motorola is apparently working on a fix for this.

So if you are like me, you are getting a file recorded, but cannot play it back because it is an encrypted ts stream..."

Do Comcast in Bellevue now ship 6200's as standard if you order HD?

Do they output s-video and component/dvi etc simultaneously?

I don't know about the 6200, but my 5100 does.

Originally posted by danstone
Beware of what you wish for. Here are some interesting tidbits posted earlier today from that same thread you referenced:

"It seems that firmware revisions of the Moto 6200 higher than 7.07 allows PCs to record HD, but also can be used to turn on 5C and restrict copying of some channels."

"I talked with an engineer with my local cable company, and he told me that all of their channels other than the locals are broadcast in an encrypted format.

Right now apparently, the Moto 6200 decrypts the channels to which you have subscribed on composite, s-video, and component outputs, but it does not decrypt the feed before sending it out on the firewire output. Motorola is apparently working on a fix for this.

So if you are like me, you are getting a file recorded, but cannot play it back because it is an encrypted ts stream..."

how did you get your XP box to see the 6200 (7.07) as a AV/C and not a bus 68032 device(or something like that) ?

Originally posted by pdampier
Do Comcast in Bellevue now ship 6200's as standard if you order HD?

Do they output s-video and component/dvi etc simultaneously? In theory, yes. But they still have some inventory of 5100s floating around. So if you don't specifically demand a 6200, you're liable to get a 5100. Even then - like 2 weeks ago when I ordered another box - I was assured by the CSR it would definitely be a 6200. The guy on the truck of course brought a 5100. He was nice enough about it, and agreed to come back the next day with the box I asked for. He said their policy is to attempt to get rid of the 5100s, and only if the customer gets upset, then they're supposed to give you a 6200.

"He said their policy is to attempt to get rid of the 5100s, and only if the customer gets upset, then they're supposed to give you a 6200"

That's good to know. I called the upgrade desk at Comcast, and then went by the Customer office in Redmond. Both times was told "no problem, bring your old box in and we'll give you a new one." Then again, all I want is the DVI port, so the box they showed me may have been a 5100 with a DVI port. But i thought I saw an IEEE 1394 interface too.

I hope I don't get a bunch of grief when I take the box in. If not, I'll let you know Monday re the DVI & S-Video/Composite after I get my new box.

Ok kiddies theres gonna be 19 home games this year starting on may 7th in High Def on channel 100 in Western Washington and channel 700 in Spokane.

here's the schedule:

2004 Mariners HDTV Schedule, available only on Comcast:
Friday, May 7: New York Yankees at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Saturday, May 8: New York Yankees at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Sunday, May 9: New York Yankees at Mariners 1:00p.m.
Friday, June 11: Montreal Expos at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Saturday, June 12: Montreal Expos at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Sunday, June 13: Montreal Expos at Mariners 1:00p.m.
Friday, June 25: San Diego Padres at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Saturday, June 26: San Diego Padres at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Sunday, June 27: San Diego Padres at Mariners 1:00p.m.
Friday, July 16: Cleveland Indians at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Saturday, July 17: Cleveland Indians at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Sunday, July 18: Cleveland Indians at Mariners 1:00p.m.
Monday, July 19: Boston Red Sox at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Friday, July 23: Anaheim Angels at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Saturday, July 24: Anaheim Angels at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Friday, Aug. 13: New York Yankees at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 15: New York Yankees at Mariners 1:00p.m.
Friday, Sept. 10: Boston Red Sox at Mariners 7:00p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 12: Boston Red Sox at Mariners 1:00p.m.

Thank you Jeremy!!!!

So, is this the same deal as last year? By that I mean Ichiro close ups with the regular FSN audio?

Regardless, woo hoo!

Originally posted by danstone

"...So if you are like me, you are getting a file recorded, but cannot play it back because it is an encrypted ts stream..."

It depends on whereb you are. Many many people in comcast land are recording via FireBus or on Macs via 1394 becuase in their regions 5C is not enabled on the 1394 output.

From what I've been told PPV/VOD will be copy never, Premiums will be copy once and regular channels will have no copy protection through firewire.

All right.......so NOOOOOObody is having problems with extremely low volume levels on 104, 105 and G4? It's terrible. I can't even hear without setting the volume 10-15 db above the rest of the channels making a terrible surprise if you change the channel.

It's happened before and then corrected. nobody else?

I agree biz-qwik, if I go from HD King to analog King the sound jumps about 20dbs. HD-HBO is also a little low in the volume level. But, not as bad as Komo or King.

biz_qwik, I've had problems with sound on G4, and if I don't remember to turn the volume down before changing channels I worry about my speakers! Same with KOMO-HD.

I called comcast.....and of course was on hold for ever......to only hear, "We have to send out someone.....sounds like a problem on your end. Are you sure your cables are in tight? If not you will have to pay for the visit." No matter what I said I couldn't convince her just to look into it and let someone know......sad.

the biggest part of the problem is that you're switching from a channel thats encoded in Dolby Digital at 192kbps to an analog channel thats being output in uncompressed PCM audio.

I have the same audio differences when switching from a DVD to a CD on my home theater system, its due to lower dynamic range in Dolby Encoding due to compression.

When I go to listen to a CD on my stereo I have to back it down almost 15db to match the same level of a DVD I was watching, this goes for any uncompressed analog audio or of course CD's.

As for differences in Digital Channels thats all going to come from the source, look at radio stations some come through louder than others its all in what level they decide to output at, most like to push it to the limit where others tend to want to be conservative and send out a quieter audio signal.

Thanks Jeremy......it's only 104 and 105 though. the rest of digital stations are close in volume to analog. Were talking 10db's here and that's enough to make it unwatchable while switching back and forth.

Sounds as though the problem lies within Komo and King then. I had frames freezing and glitching the entire RedWings game yesterday and the b-ball today. It's only been for like the last few weeks. It's been no problems what so ever up till then. I really enjoyed watching the news and programing till now.

With 105 and 104 it (low audio levels) happens, as far as I can tell, when the signal is either:

1- A locally sourced HD signal
2- An upconvert of a local or nationally fed SD signal.

IE: I'm watching Alias and the audio is fine. I come back at 11 for the news and tha audio is barely audible.

The same thing happens on 105.

KOMO and KING are just bungling their audio encoding for upconverts of analog content and locally originated HD and SD content. The problem here is in the local HD encoders, as evidenced by the tolerable audio levels present on the national HD feeds they just pass through.

On top of this KOMO is now glitching and dropping frames on their upconverts and locally originated content. Luckily stuff from the national HD feed, like Alias, is unaffected.

Short story: this problem needs to be fixed by the broadcaster. Comcast is just delivering their bits and without munging the bits the problem cannot be fixed.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
the biggest part of the problem is that you're switching from a channel thats encoded in Dolby Digital at 192kbps to an analog channel thats being output in uncompressed PCM audio.

I have the same audio differences when switching from a DVD to a CD on my home theater system, its due to lower dynamic range in Dolby Encoding due to compression.


Digital compression has nothing at all to do with dynamic range or the perceived loudness of the sound. Mp3s, for example, don't have any less dynamic range than WAV files and lower bitrate mp3s don't have less dynamic range than higher bitrate mp3s.

Actually, the more dynamic range you have the lower the perceived volume is (assuming the loudest sound is a constant). Film audio tends to have much more dynamic range than most kinds of music. You have long periods of very quiet dialogue with brief periods of extremely loud sounds like gunshots and explosions.

Until recently I had a Sony ES preamp which could do dynamic range compression in the digital domain. As you decreased the dynamic range the average sound volume went up, while the maximum stayed the same. That way you could hear the dialogue better at night without the explosions waking up your next-door neighbors.

As for differences in Digital Channels thats all going to come from the source, look at radio stations some come through louder than others its all in what level they decide to output at, most like to push it to the limit where others tend to want to be conservative and send out a quieter audio signal.

Actually, the FCC controls what the limit is for FM radio. What the radio stations are doing is using dynamic range compression to lower the dynamic range to almost nothing and raise the perceived volume of their signal without violating the FCC regulations. That way you're more likely to stop on their station as you're tuning through the dial because it sounds more powerful. It also helps in a car environment where the noise makes it hard to hear the quieter sounds. If you tried to listen to full dynamic range film audio while driving in most cars you'd have to turn the volume up so high to hear the quiet dialogue that the loudest sounds would shatter your windows.

--
Steve

ianken.....thank you! Well said. You understand and see exactly what is happening.

Komo.....must....get......better...HD......encoder.......ple ase.........

I've been having trouble with my TV, but I am starting to wonder if it could be related a bit to the HDTV cable feed.

Last two sundays we've tried to watch Sopranos on 549 in HDTV, and the picture quality is so unbeliveably horrible that we've switched over to my TiVo's SD buffered feed. The picture looks like someone has used the photoshop "posterize" filter on it, very flat colors and horrible darks.

My DVD player has some picture issues also, that's why I'm getting my TV looked at (Hitachi 50V500A), but it seems that Sopranos is especially horrible.

Any one else have this problem?

I continue to see an increase in pixelation on all HD channels. If it isn't Comcast, I may have to buy an expensive component cable. (?)

I have had glitches on KOMO only for over a week. Sometimes the PQ is fine, other times several glitches in a row. I has 3-4 severe dropouts last night on "The Practice" (cracking sound, 1-2 sec. skipped video) and several other bad dropouts during local and national ads. Then everything was well from ~ 10:30 on through the news.

I have seen many 1 sec. glitches happen in the past on the local KOMO news. KING and others are fine. I do not use a cable box, input to Integrated Mitsu set.

I do use a cable box (5100) and I had several dropouts (same as you described) during Alias around 9:30.

I noticed issues with KOMO last night it appears to be a faulty encoder droping frames or losing sync, cuz I had several audio problems where it was switching from 5.1 to 2.0.

Recently swapped my HLN 467 for an HLN507W1 (new remote and menu,etc). Did nothing to the ComCast box at all but now I can't connect thru Component 1, 2 or 3. Works fine on S-Video and DVI. Does anyone have any ideas?

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Ok kiddies theres gonna be 19 home games this year starting on may 7th in High Def on channel 100 in Western Washington and channel 700 in Spokane.


Thanks again Jeremy!

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Ok kiddies theres gonna be 19 home games this year starting on may 7th in High Def on channel 100 in Western Washington and channel 700 in Spokane.


Jeremy,

Any idea if channel 100 will be encrypted? I would like to use my QAM enabled tuner to watch if possible (only have extended basic cable).

-Lance

Not sure if it will be unencrytped I'd imagine so but hard to say, also just wanted to give a heads up The Mariners in HD is not available in Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Gig Harbor, Lacey, Oak Harbor, Pacific County, Raymond, South Bend, Tumwater, & Vashon Island

anyone else have no audio during the first 5 mins of alias last night(on ch 104)??? plus it was in 480p(4:3) for a couple mins after the first commercial break....

KOMO was having severe problems Sunday, especially during the 5:00 news. During that broadcast there was a 15 minute period where the signal strength was jumping all over the place.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Ok kiddies theres gonna be 19 home games this year starting on may 7th in High Def on channel 100 in Western Washington and channel 700 in Spokane.

here's the schedule:

2004 Mariners HDTV Schedule, available only on Comcast:


I thought from their advertising that Comcast had all the home games in HD. I was waiting for them to get their HD-PVR and then going to switch over from DTivo.

This schedule is not going to get me to switch!

Jeremy,

Any idea why the Ms in HD will not be available in the Lacey/Tumwater area? that has me EXTREMELY bummed!

this is real sad that they are only doing 17 games out of 81 in HD. the yankees, red sox, cubs and mets show every home game (or close to it) in HD. You would think with 20 games last year on channel 100 they would offer more the next years especially with allthe new HD customers and the fact that they have the free feed for every home game and they have the #1 rated television team in the country...thanks for teh 17 games but you dropped the ball comcast...Thanks goodness for iNHD.....and fantasy.....

/defense of comcast.

I have lots of problems with Comcast, but Mariners in HD is not one of them. (My opinion) Comcast obtained the Japanese feed and obtained the Fox audio. A little hokey, but workable. They are doing something for Mariner fans. I doubt the Japanese are giving them a free feed!

I expect if you want all Mariner games is HD, go complain to FOX to spend millions on HDTV cameras and trucks full of HDTV equipment.

/end defense of comcast...

Originally posted by artpease
/I expect if you want all Mariner games is HD, go complain to FOX to spend millions on HDTV cameras and trucks full of HDTV equipment.

/end defense of comcast...

Seems like they (Fox) could somehow share the cost with the Japanese company. I doubt they rip all the HD stuff out of there between games.

I can't believe I'm going to defend comcast, but how is it their responsibility to broadcast Mariner games. They distribute the broadcast not produce it. This is a Fox Sports/UPN 11 issue, they're the ones that obtained rights to broadcast Mariner games, and therefore the laggards responsible for failing to shoot their production in HD.

Jeremy, Is there some way to get Comcast to fix the pops and clicks in the analog channels? I understand that a firmware upgrade to 7.10 fixes the issue, but the CSRs I talk to don't have any info. They want to swap out my box.

Thanks, Lee

All I know is they are working on a firmware as we speak to be out soon, btw just to let you all know it appears that I will most likely not be an employee after the end of this week so my info will dimish after that point.

Jeremy, you are by far the most useful participant on this forum. I hope you end up in a more fulfilling position. Best of luck. Hope you continue your interest in this thread.

Is Jeremy moving on? Did I miss something?
<Long Rant>
Does anyone know where I can find a Comcast alacart listing of packages? Comcast customer service really beat & abused me yesterday when i called in to change my 2nd Premium Package from Sho to Starz...

They treated me like I ripped them off!
When I moved here this past Summer I foolishly signed up on-line for service ( Digital Gold) through the web site. Install went smooth for my 2 HD STB's & 2 SD STB and my internet access. A month later I hit the roof when I saw my first bill as I expected my bill to be close to my prior Directv service with equivelent packages.

I called up Customer Service and questioned a $33 monthly charge for Extended Basic analog service when I was using only Digital Hookups. After requesting & speaking to a manager they told me I had to at least have Limited Cable ($12) because I could steal Analog Cable and they removed Extended Basic package.

When I called up yesterday to change Premium Services they started beating me up and threatening to come out to the house and put an Filter to trap channels 100 -200.. What crap - they said I was getting extended basic for free. All I kept asking for was where I could see a clear discription of what packages I could buy to get what I wanted! When I asked for a manager the push & threatening really started...
I was basically threatened taht since I called and they now knew I had a invalid package stup - they would correct it know matter what.. So, I wound up buying a Latino Package ( I don't speak Spanish) And HBO / Starz HD...

Last night I found out I no longer had InHD! I couldn't even find a reference anywhare on the web site to a latino/hispanic package!

This was my prior packages - anyone see anything non-valid?
-----------------------------------
Monthly Charge(s)

04/03 - 05/02 Gold Package 37.99

Includes: Digital Classic, Digital Plus, Multiple Channels Of Hbo, Showtime And 1 Standard Digital Set-top Receiver And Remote.

04/03 - 05/02 Limited Cable Service 12.30

04/03 - 05/02 Digital Cable 10.10

Additional Outlet With Advanced Set-top Receiver


04/03 - 05/02 Advanced Set-top 5.00

Receiver Upgrade

04/03 - 05/02 Comcast High-speed 42.95


Internet Owned Modem With Multi-product Discount

04/03 - 05/02 Set-top Converter And 10.20


Remote Control For Additional Outlet


Subtotal
118.54

Originally posted by stuarts

<Long Rant>
Does anyone know where I can find a Comcast alacart listing of packages?
...


I received a "Rate card & channel guide" with the 5100 box when I signed up for HD in January. If you want to know anything in particular, I can tell you, or I could scan it & email it to you if you PM me with an address. Of course, you must tell us why you signed up for the Latino package if you don't speak Spanish.

Example:

Selecto Pack
10 Digital Spanish language interest channels (600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 608, 609, and 610), 8 Spanish language music channels (950-957)
$5.99

Stuarts they wouldn't have filtered 100-200 those are digital channels they would however have filtered 30-76 which is the extended basic portion of cable that you said you did not want, its unfortunate the person did not do the work order correctly and had a tech originally come out and put the filter on for those channels.

The main problem for me is that I can't easily get a copy of the "Rate card & channel guide" when CustService is on the phone with you. They are spitting packages at blinding speed. I aclled up to do a simple thing and swap Starz for SHO..

My goals were to have:
Broadcast TV
Channels 30-76 (Disny, Scifi, A&E, CNN)
Broadcast HD ~ 100 -120 (ABC, NBC,FOX,WB,CBS???)
HBO & HD
STARZ & HD

Why can't Comcast publish this Rate Card online?

Originally posted by stuarts
Why can't Comcast publish this Rate Card online?

Have you tried here (http://www.comcast.com/buyflow/default.ashx)?

Stuarts, I share your frustration. I'm trying to make a decision about a digital package upgrade, and NOWHERE in the Comcast online universe is there a listing of exactly what channels are included in what package. Since I'm not inclined to make snap decisions on the basis of what the salesperson is spitting out (apt description) I'm sticking with Basic plus the HD box. I suppose it's a salesperson on commission thing....

Nausicaa, I agree that's where the listings SHOULD be, but it's only a listing of the price of the packages- no detail about what, exactly, is in each package. Conversely, where the channels are listed, there is no indication of which package or packages include that particular channel. I'm specifically interested in two of the beyond 100 channels, and can't find out what package I have to buy to get them. I'm sure their desired option is that I get frustrated and buy 'em all, but I don't play that way.

I did see that - It's also not a complete listing of their packages. It's only what they want you to see. This is a game that the whole cable\satellite industry plays.

I can tell you myself that it is missing "Limited" and the "Latino\Hispanic" whatever package they just forced me into yesterday.

The Channel Guide Magazine that they charge $3.95 for each month contains the breakdown:

Digital Classic:
101 Weatherscan Local, 120 Noggin, 121 Disc Kids, 136 G4,160 Sci-Fi Channel (we get this on analog 59), 161 GSN, 162 BBC America, 163 TV Land, 180/181 Bravo (analog 66), 183 style, 202/203 HGTV (analog 68), 220 Disc Health, 232 BYU TV, 233 EWTN, 251 CCTV Intnl, 270/277 History Channel (analog 37), 272 Sci Chan, 273 Nat GEO, 401 Fox Sports World, 402 ESPN News, 403/407 ESPN Classic, 404 OLN (analog 34), 405 Golf (analog 69), 410 ESPN2 (analog 32), 482 Major Broadcast Corp Network, 484 GAC, 486 Word, 501 TCM, 502 Women's Entertainment, 503 IFC

Digital Plus
122 Toon Disney, 126 Nick Toons, 135 MTV2 (analog 64), 201 Disc Home, 215 Nick G&S, 222 FitTV, 230 Trinity Broadcasting Net, 231 Insp Life, 271 Disc Times, 274 Disc Wings, 275 BIO, 276 Hist Intl, 471 VH1 Country, 472 MTV Hits, 473 VH1 Classic, 474 VH1 Soul, 504 LMN, 516 WAM, 517 ENC E, 518 ENC W, 519 ENC Love E, 520 ENC Love W, 521 ENC Myst E, 522 ENC Myst W, 523 ENC Westerns E, 527 ENC True E, 528 ENC True W, 529 ENC Action E, 530 ENC Action W

Digital Extra
123 Goodlife TV, 125 NWI, 128 Bloomberg TV, 137 Trio, 138 Wisdom, 182 Ovation, 240 Intl Channel (analog 70), 294 Tech TV, 406 Outdoor Channel, 408 Speed Channel (analog 33), 413 Fox Digital Atlantic, 414 Fox Dig Central, 418 Fox Dig Pacific, 476 Fuse, 481 BET Jazz, 505 Sundance, 506 Fox Movie Channel

The new channels DIY, Fine Living, and NBA TV are not listed yet, but I think they are Digital Extra.

You should be able to figure out which level you need to get what you want. I think the levels get more and more inclusive as you go up the chain, so that Dig Plus includes Dig Classic, Dig Silver include Dig Plus and maybe Dig Extra, etc. Digital Platinum includes all of the above, and all the premiums, but not the a la carte foreign language channels or Comcast en Espanol.

Al,
There are more packages.. that's what got me into this mess.
Have you seen a "Limited" package?
Have you seen a "Latino" package?

Why don't the package names that I had on my bill match what they had on the web site... Check out this link! Go John McCain!

http://www.duluthsuperior.com/mld/duluthtribune/8297095.htm

Cable industry defends packagingWASHINGTON -- In the dream world of some television viewers, they would pay their cable or satellite companies only for the channels they want. Some might not pay for MTV, because they don't want their 8-year-olds watching it. Others would turn down ESPN Classic, because they've already seen the 1975 World Series. Others would eschew TeleFutura, because they don't speak Spanish.
The full article will be available on the Web for a limited time:


(c) 2004 Duluth News Tribune and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved.

Comcast to Present Mariners Baseball in HDTV

19-Game Package from Fox Sports Net Debuts May 7 for the Mariners-Yankees
Series at Safeco Field

SEATTLE and PORTLAND, Ore., April 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast today
announced an agreement to present Seattle Mariners baseball at Safeco Field in
high-definition television (HDTV). The special 19-game HDTV package debuts on
Friday, May 7 at 7 p.m. when the Mariners take on the AL Champion New York
Yankees.
All HD games are currently available only to Comcast customers in the
Northwest, including most Comcast customers in Western Washington; Spokane
Washington; and in the Portland metro area, including Clark County, Washington
and Salem, Oregon. The games will be shown live on Digital Cable channel
100 in Western Washington and Digital Cable channel 700 in Oregon and
Southwest Washington. Fox Sports Net will produce a total of 144 Mariners
games for the 2004 season, including the 19 HD games, in these communities.
During the last three seasons, Mariners Baseball on Fox Sports Net has been
the top-rated programming on regional sports networks in the country.
HDTV transmits a picture that is much sharper and clearer than
standard-definition television pictures. The Mariners games on Comcast will
appear in a 1080 interlace format and state-of-the-art Dolby Digital 5.1
surround sound audio. These games will provide images with six times more
picture detail than the traditional analog format, with the clearest, crispest
sound available today.
"Last season, some Comcast customers in the Northwest were able to fully
experience the detailed sights and sounds of the Mariners, as delivered in HD.
We are thrilled to again be working with Fox Sports Net and the Mariners to
bring even more customers HD Mariners games from Safeco Field," said
Len Rozek, senior vice president for Comcast in Washington.
"Mariners fans who watch these games in HD on Comcast will truly feel like
they are part of the action," said Curt Henninger, senior vice president for
Comcast in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
The 19-game package includes primarily weekend games and features some of
the most compelling series on the Mariners' 2004 schedule. It all begins when
the New York Yankees come to Seattle for a three-game stand on May 7-9.
Additional matchups on HDTV include games against the Boston Red Sox
(July 19, Sept. 10, 12), Anaheim Angels (July 23, 24), San Diego Padres
(June 25, 26, 27), and more of the Yankees (Aug. 13, 15).
"We know that the high-definition experience allows viewers to fully enjoy
Mariners baseball at Safeco Field, so we are pleased that Fox Sports Net and
Comcast are again providing this opportunity for their customers in the
Northwest," said Randy Adamack, vice president of Communications, Seattle
Mariners.
"Fox Sports Net is committed to bringing Mariners fans closer to the game,
closer to the ballpark, and closer to the players, through our programming and
our production and technical innovations. Providing fans the opportunity to
see games in HDTV is just one of the many ways we're delivering on that
promise," said Mark Shuken, vice president and general manager of Fox Sports
Net Northwest.
HDTV programming is available to nearly one million homes within Comcast's
service area in Western Washington, and to another 750,000 homes in Oregon and
Southwest Washington. To receive HDTV programming, customers must live in
areas that have been upgraded with fiber optic cables, own an HDTV-ready
television set and lease an advanced digital set top box from Comcast. For
more information, customers can visit http://www.comcast.com or call 1-800-COMCAST.

About Comcast Cable
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Comcast Cable is a division of Comcast
Corporation, a developer, manager and operator of broadband cable networks and
provider of programming content. With a presence in 22 of the top 25 United
States markets, Comcast is one of the leading communications, media and
entertainment companies in the world. Providing basic cable, Digital Cable,
high-speed Internet and telephone services, Comcast is the company to look to
first for the communications products and services that connect people to
what's important in their lives. The company's 59,000 employees serve more
than 21 million customers. Comcast, whose Washington regional offices are
located in Bothell, serves more than 1 million customers and employs more than
2,600 people in Washington State. In Oregon, Comcast serves more than
550,000 customers and employs more than 1,400 employees.

2004 Mariners HDTV Schedule, available
only on Comcast:
Friday, May 7: New York Yankees at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 8: New York Yankees at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 9: New York Yankees at Mariners 1:00 p.m.
Friday, June 11: Montreal Expos at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 12: Montreal Expos at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 13: Montreal Expos at Mariners 1:00 p.m.
Friday, June 25: San Diego Padres at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 26: San Diego Padres at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 27: San Diego Padres at Mariners 1:00 p.m.
Friday, July 16: Cleveland Indians at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 17: Cleveland Indians at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 18: Cleveland Indians at Mariners 1:00 p.m.
Monday, July 19: Boston Red Sox at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 23: Anaheim Angels at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 24: Anaheim Angels at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 13: New York Yankees at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 15: New York Yankees at Mariners 1:00 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 10: Boston Red Sox at Mariners 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 12: Boston Red Sox at Mariners 1:00 p.m.

CONTACT: Steve Kipp of Comcast Washington, +1-425-398-6150, or
Dan Williams of Comcast Oregon, +1-503-605-6430; or Randy Adamack of Seattle
Mariners, +1-206-346-4000; or Jill Wiggins of Fox Sports Net, +1-425-649-6960.

Originally posted by stuarts
Al,
There are more packages.. that's what got me into this mess.
Have you seen a "Limited" package?
Have you seen a "Latino" package?

Why don't the package names that I had on my bill match what they had on the web site... Check out this link! Go John McCain!



The Latino package is the aforementioned Comcast en Espanol, which is for Spanish speaking customers. Anyone can order it on an a la carte basis. It includes the 600 series channels (not including INHD or INHD2 of course).

Limited sounds like what used to be called "Basic Cable". Basic Cable ($39.99) is now what used to be called "Expanded Cable". Just a marketing relabelling, like McD's Large Fries are what used to be called Super-Size, and you can't get Super-Size Fries anymore.

Yes, it would be nice if you could just order exactly the channels you want. But then nobody would order those goofy channels included in the packages, would they? You know the ones I'm talking about.

There's an old Lite Beer commercial where Coach Billy Martin says, "I feel very strongly both ways. I never argue." That is how I often feel about HDTV here in Seattle.

Right now I've got a nice little home theater with a Sanyo Z1 PJ, and I would love to have HD programming for it. But, most of our evening TV viewing is on KIRO, so I would need to get an STB. But, if I would like ESPN HD, or (even better) MAriners in HD, I would want cable HD. On solution is to get both, but that would be a tough sell (i.e., impossible) to Mrs. El Cheapo. Of course, if Comcast and KIRO's owner (what an aptly named corporation) could reach an agreement, then it's no problem, But I've hearing "soon" for a long time now. Obviously we need to put pressure on KIRO, but if Comcast isn't big enough to put the squeeze on, who or what is? All I can do is go back and forth on this.

As The Clash once sang," This indecision's killing me."

Now for my two cents worth on some pending issues.

1. Jeremyfr, your postings on this forum are always invaluable. Don't ever leave.

2. Some ranters forget that Comcast is a corporation, with the goal of making a profit. Believe me, after dealing with Viacom, TCI, and ATT, Comcast is a breath of fresh air. Sure, they're not perfect, but who is? Thanks to Comcast I've had broadband for almost a year now, but DSL is still not available where I live.

3, Comcast sometimes forgets that it a regulated monopoly, and that such a status carries some public responsibilities . I agree, trying to figure out which channel is on which package on their website is a nightmare. You should be able to download a PDF file for each package, and what's so tough about that? Also, I thought that FCC regs required that cable companies offer a "real Basic" package of strictly local channels, but I didn't see this at first glance at Comcast's website. Can someone help me out on this? Am I wrong on either of these points?

Lastly, I dream of the day when Seattle gets cable HD with DVR (and KIRO, and FOX in HD.) The issue for me is, will I even be living here when it happens?

I'm not leaving people but I may not have as much info available to me in the future is all. dont worry:)

Al, the packages you listed certainly help. Yet I don't see INHD listed on any of them. I thought paying for the HD box would include them, but no.

Originally posted by stuarts
In the dream world of some television viewers, they would pay their cable or satellite companies only for the channels they want.

What they often fail to mention in this discussion is that most likely the price we pay for programming would be even higher than what we already pay, unless you are in the minority that only wants just a few channels total.

Take your total cable bill and divide it by the number of channels that you are receiving. Comes out to less than a dollar per channel. IMHO I highly doubt that we will be able to order individual channels (should that option be made available) for anywhere near that pricepoint (probably more like $5.00 per month per channel).

While it might be nice to have the option to order service either way, I think I'll stick with a package price myself.

Yes, if you were to approach the number of channels we have now, that's true, it would cost more. But I could live with the HD channels (locals, PBS, ESPNHD, INHD1&2, Comcast Sportsnet), maybe HBO and one more premium service and at most 4-6 SD channels (ESPN2, CNN, Weather, a few others). That would probably cost significantly less, although not at $5 per channel. If it wouldn't, then I would have to agree that the bundles will continue to be the best buy. I would like ala carte because maybe then Comcast would offer the channels I want that they don't have (DiscoveryHD, BravoHD, HDNET) and they wouldn't be able to charge too much because of satellite competition.

Such are dreams made of.

Rich N.

I believe INHD requires HDTV access plus digital cable, so you would need at least Digital Classic. This in turn would require Basic Cable.

Originally posted by lkinley
Any idea if channel 100 will be encrypted? I would like to use my QAM enabled tuner to watch if possible (only have extended basic cable). Last year, it was NOT encrypted. This year - I guess we'll have to wait & see.

Originally posted by danstone
What they often fail to mention in this discussion is that most likely the price we pay for programming would be even higher than what we already pay, unless you are in the minority that only wants just a few channels total..

This is utter bunk. Big dish users have been enjoying ala-carte programming for ages, and still do. What you are saying is pure FUD from the cable and DBS satellite guys.

I agree with you ianken.

I watch maybe 36 channels on a regular bases. I included what local HD stations Comcast has graciously offered us /sarcasm off/. Plus ESPNHD and HBOHD. My bill on the TV side of my bill is right around $60 a month.

Here's my take on choice. Let me pay for the channels I watch and the rest can be payed for by those who watch what they like. And the end result will be that 60% of what's on Comcast will go away because nobody will pay to see the crap stations included in my current billing. And the talent that is on stations that disappear will actually increase the quality of programs that have a market. With so many stations out in TV land the talent level is so depleted that meritocracy is the norm. Have you seen the comedy shows ABC and UPN puts out week to week. No wonder people are still watching reruns of Cheers and Seinfeld. It would also cure some of the shopaholics out there to boot.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
I'm not leaving people but I may not have as much info available to me in the future is all. dont worry:)


Jeremy, if you have 1/2 as much information as you do now, you'll still have twice as much as we do. ;)

I hope this change is for an advancement in your "career" at Comcast.

Originally posted by Darrel McBane
With so many stations out in TV land the talent level is so depleted that meritocracy is the norm.

I assume you meant mediocrity. If it were a meritocracy I think things might be a bit better.

There is one thing: the shows that do survive on the main nets do so becuase of ratings. People watch Syphalis Island, or whatrver the latest reality junk is rather than shows like Firefly or Wonderfalls (two I really liked).

The ala-carte option would kill the fringe nets that endure only by leeching off the success of those nets they are bundled with. It's survival of the fitest.

Thank for the spelling clarification ianken. My spell checker led me wrong. :)

I'm also not a fan of so called reality shows. If only my reality could be edited as well as these shows.

I watched two or three of the Wonderfalls shows. Very interesting premise topped off by smart writing. I wasn't sure how far they could take the show though. The limits I noticed centered around here family and friends. Non of them had anything of interest to offer that I could see.

Originally posted by Darrel McBane
I watched two or three of the Wonderfalls shows. Very interesting premise topped off by smart writing. I wasn't sure how far they could take the show though. The limits I noticed centered around here family and friends. Non of them had anything of interest to offer that I could see.

I agree. I was skeptical that they could keep it up for a whole season.

To get back on topic: where's UPN dammit? Are they owned by Cox too? :(

So I'm not the only one watching UPN! :D

Hopefully soon, before they can Entreprise or something... :rolleyes:

-eric

This is from the local Seattle affiliate UPN website:

UPN 11 is now a part of the Viacom Television Stations Group, which is owned by Viacom Inc. Viacom is a leading global media company with a preeminent position in broadcast and cable television, radio, outdoor advertising, and online. Viacom’s well-known brands include: CBS Television Network, MTV, TNN and BET Networks, Paramount Parks, Pictures, Television and Home Entertainment, CBS Enterprises, United Paramount Network (UPN), Showtime Networks, Viacom Television Stations Group, Comedy Central, Blockbuster Video, Viacom Plus, Infinity Broadcasting, Viacom Outdoor, and Simon & Schuster.

So I am guessing that if CBS isn't in HiDef because of ownership issues, the other channels will be following whatever happens to CBS.

Originally posted by djmattyb
So I am guessing that if CBS isn't in HiDef because of ownership issues, the other channels will be following whatever happens to CBS. Nope - one might guess that. But if it were true, then we'd should have UPN-11 in Hi-Def already - since Viacom already has a deal with Comcast to show CBS-HD in those markets where the local CBS station is owned by CBS (Viacom) itself. This deal apparently doesn't apply to non-CBS stations owned by Viacom, like UPN-11.

And also, it has nothing to do with the KIRO-7 situation. KIRO is owned by Cox Cable, one of Comcast's biggest rivals. Those two companies have their own pissing match (completely separate from Viacom/CBS), preventing us from getting CBS in HD.

Guys-

I've stuck it out on Comcast for a while--I just recently moved to Ballard. I originally switched to Comcast because I couldn't receive decent OTA from where I used to live. Now that that's not a concern, I might have to give DirecTV a try. Comcast seemed to be on the right track for a while, but they've lost steam, and seem to be focusing their efforts on VOD, which I couldn't care less about. We'll see where they are in a couple of years, I suppose. I just don't see a good reason to stay with Comcast right now. (I'll still use them for Cable Internet access--I've been very happy with that service.)

Anyway, I wanted to let you guys know that I appreciate your help and information. Jeremy, thanks for everything you've done for us here. (I'll probably still lurk around here to check progress.)

Thanks guys,
Andy

Well its official as of noon today I no longer am a Comcrap employee.

I was let go but not for anything I've done here.

At anyrate heres what I know but couldn't really say before.

DVR: Fall of this year they're waiting for the 6408

CBSHD: They want to have this taken care of in 60 days we'll see how well they do at acomplishing that.

VOD of course is a big focus for them and they are testing HDVOD in other area's I'd expect to see it sometime next year.

Sorry to hear that Jeremy, best of luck to your next endeavor.

We sure appreciate keeping us in the loop.

I'm moving into a condo and, thus, will lose DirecTV. Are there any choices for Comcast HD STBs? Should I get analog + HD or digital + HD? I can't figure out much from Comcast's Web site. I've got one HD tv, two older analog sets that I'd also like to get a signal to, and a vcr. Any suggestions?

Wow, that's really unfortunate, Jeremy. I've never encountered a more enthusiastic Comcast CSR, and it is Comcast's loss.

Maybe you can go over to Qwest and clean up their DSL mess, although I doubt that's humanly possible.

Originally posted by artshotwell
I'm moving into a condo and, thus, will lose DirecTV. Are there any choices for Comcast HD STBs? Should I get analog + HD or digital + HD? I can't figure out much from Comcast's Web site. I've got one HD tv, two older analog sets that I'd also like to get a signal to, and a vcr. Any suggestions?

This has been under discussion here for a while.

Depending on what you want, I'd recommend at least Digital Classic+HD access so you would be able to receive ESPN HD and INHD.

If you want the HD movie channels, you will have to get one of the heavy metal packages Bronze, Gold, Silver, or Platinum. I'd probably go with HBO HD and SHO HD since they've been out longer although Starz HD has more first run movies.

Originally posted by artshotwell
I'm moving into a condo and, thus, will lose DirecTV. Are there any choices for Comcast HD STBs? Should I get analog + HD or digital + HD? I can't figure out much from Comcast's Web site. I've got one HD tv, two older analog sets that I'd also like to get a signal to, and a vcr. Any suggestions?

Nice to hear from you again Art. So your condo does not have a south facing deck where you could place a DirecTV dish? What elevation will the condo be? No OTA opportunity?

I am sure you have considered all of these options.

Depending on when you move, if you are a Mariners fan you may be able to get in on their Comcast HD home game schedule posted earlier in this thread.

Good luck on your move and keep in touch with us. I sold my boat last fall so I won't be travelling up to Anacortes like I used to. Boatless in Seattle feels a bit strange after 25 years of boating, but we have two new grandkids now and a new HD TiVo on the way.

Hah, yes the condo does have a south view. But, I won't be allowed to mount the dish outdoors. I -do- have a window in the garage that I think -might- work if I can receive DirecTV through it. I think there's no OTA opportunity, 'cept maybe from Vancouver, BC. But, I think there's no digital there. Not much chance for Seattle, I fear.

Originally posted by artshotwell
Hah, yes the condo does have a south view. But, I won't be allowed to mount the dish outdoors. I -do- have a window in the garage that I think -might- work if I can receive DirecTV through it. I think there's no OTA opportunity, 'cept maybe from Vancouver, BC. But, I think there's no digital there. Not much chance for Seattle, I fear.
While this is beyond the scope of this discussion I am fairly certain you may mount the dish on your balcony as long as you don't bolt it to the building. If the south view is not from a balcony then you're SOL.

http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html


The rule applies to viewers who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna. The rule applies to townhomes and manufactured homes, as well as to single family homes.

No balcony. It's actually a condo duplex... at ground level...with a window in the attic over the garage. I don't think satellite signals go through glass, though. But, I'm going to try it anyway. Otherwise, I'll just live with Comcast. I don't move for another 60 days, so I do have plenty of time here. I must say I do enjoy HDNet and HDNetMovies. They're not on Comcast.

Art:

Regarding the garage window, you're right--no satellite signal through glass. BUT, if you replace the glass with plexiglas, your chances are very good. Several people have reported successful satellite reception through plexiglas. I used to mount a tripod dish on the bridge of my boat and receive a signal through the izing (sp?) glass windows enclosing my bridge.

If you want Seattle stations, you could go with Bell ExpressVu (from Canada). As you may already know, they broadcast ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS and Fox HDTV local stations from Boston and Seattle.

I hope you are able to get satellite service from BEV and/or DirecTV.

Good luck! Let us know your outcome.

You've been real awesome Jeremy! Thanks for putting up with us.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Well its official as of noon today I no longer am a Comcrap employee.

I second that, Jeremy! Best of luck with whatever you continue onto!
(and STILL no freaking VOD here!)

So comcast's franchise agreement is up for renewal in seattle. I haven't posted enough so I can't put links in my messages, so please check the local news section of The Seattle Times for the article.

Take a read of the article, and then participate in the survey. Maybe we can put pressure on Seattle to put pressure on Comcast to give us some of those HD channels we want (CBS, UPN, Discovery)

Comcast franchise is up for renewal with Seattle

By Peter Lewis
Seattle Times consumer-affairs reporter

When negotiators for Seattle and Comcast start talking turkey to renew a franchise agreement that will shape the future for 170,000 cable subscribers, it might be appropriate to pipe in "Do You Know the Way to San Jose?"

[etc.]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001913587_comcast27m.html

Thanks for posting the link :)

And here is the link to the survey landing page on the City's Office of Cable Communications' site:

http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/cable/

Not the greatest of surveys (including the common mistake of assuming people only get their TV via one source). But it meets the major requirement of providing an avenue to let the City negotiators (and ultimately Comcast) know your wants and peeves on several topics (such as channel selection, price, service, etc.)

Ultimately, I doubt it will help much (if at all), but it can't hurt. We all should probably fill it out.

Originally posted by Davo R
And here is the link to the survey landing page on the City's Office of Cable Communications' site:

http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/cable/

Ultimately, I doubt it will help much (if at all), but it can't hurt. We all should probably fill it out.

The ask for a zip code at the end. If you don't actually live in Seattle they probably throw out the results.

You're right -- it probably won't matter to the City and it's negotiations. However, they probably won't throw it out. That information may very well make it into the consultant's report (and therefore make it to Comcast anyway).

If you aren't in Seattle, it's probably not as big of a deal to fill it out. If you DO live in Seattle....KIRO, DVR, KSTW -- there are a lot of things to mention.

Originally posted by jkalles
Maybe we can put pressure on Seattle to put pressure on Comcast to give us some of those HD channels we want (CBS, UPN, Discovery)

Doubtful, IMHO considering it clearly states right in the article:

"Seattle negotiators cannot: Control what commercial channels Comcast makes available."

If they can't make demands to what channels Comcast carries, I doubt they can demand them to make an HDTV feed available considering even the FCC can't make that demand currently. The only requirement the FCC has made is for digital (does not have to be HDTV resolution) broadcast of all channels by January 1, 2007, although they ask broadcasters to willingly make HDTV available wherever possible (still not a requirement however).

Not the answer most of us want to hear, but it is the way the current regulations are structured.

Cox (representing KIRO) and Comcast make this real easy for me. Just keep my $12 basic cable to keep the price of my cable modem service from going up by $10.

NWCN is the only thing we care much about on Comcast that is not otherwise available OTA or from DirecTV.

The HD Mariners games would be nice, but not worth the trouble of getting an HD digital cable box or a cable-capable HD STB (which would only work if the Mariners games are not encrypted).

Originally posted by danstone
"Seattle negotiators cannot: Control what commercial channels Comcast makes available."

If they can't make demands to what channels Comcast carries, I doubt they can demand them to make an HDTV feed available considering even the FCC can't make that demand currently. [/B]
Indeed. No one should delude themselves into thinking that HDTV or pretty much anything else most folks on this board care about will be a central issue in the negotiations. As has been pointed out before, there just aren't that many of us.

What I hope might happen by some of us providing feedback is that a) Comcast gets the same messages from yet another source that we've all been sending through CSR's and other contacts with the company, and b) that we can offset the voice of people who might push for other outcomes in these negotiations that would conflict with our own selfish goals of dozens of HD channels.

The last one is basically a nice way of saying "please don't add more public access channels (especially analog ones), and maybe even give back ones that are not in use." I should preface this by saying I am not against public access: did it in college, think the government channels in particular are incredibly important, etc. etc. etc. However, the Tmes article pointed out that the existing contract gives the City use of up to 13 analog and 12 digital channels -- that's a heck of a lot of potential HD bandwidth tied up in other uses, much of which (looking around the cable channels last night) does not appear to be in use by the City. The town meeting last night sounds like it was a call for more public access channels, in better channel locations. I figured that I wanted to let them know via the survey a) I don't watch those channels much, and b) I have competing concerns. It's certainly the least I could do.

[pipe dream]
And remember how any contract negotiation works. Just because you can't demand anything, it doesn't mean that the other side can't offer it up to get something that they want.
[/pipe dream]

After 10 minutes of "The Practice" on KOMO-HD tonight, I switched over from 104 to 4, because both video and audio were hanging up and skipping content every few seconds. Not the first time, or the only problem station/network, and I'm sure not the last. Why can't they fix things like this? (Whoever "they" may be.)

Should have stuck with it, no more glitches after the first few minutes. This is not meant as an excuse for the problem, just my reluctance to give up on HD.
On a second topic, my wish for closed caption on several HD's has been put on hold by the purchase of "TV Ears", they work great for my hearing problem. This is an unpaid and unsolicited mention of a product that has helped me and could help others in my position.
Sure wish ON Demand would get to Edmonds.

Mariners are going to be covered in HD this summer...channell 100 I think. Got the message yesterday.

elb - I think the full HD schedule for the M's is posted a few pages back in this thread.

[pipe dream]
And remember how any contract negotiation works. Just because you can't demand anything, it doesn't mean that the other side can't offer it up to get something that they want.
[/pipe dream] [/B]

Nah, I'm sure Seattle will make sure their higest prioroity is the boradcast of latenight porn reviews hosted by stoner loosers who can't make it to vegas for the AVN awards becuase they blew what little chash they have on a monster stash of BC Bud.

Man, public access is THE BEST, <-note sarcasm