I just noticed this evening that the PPV channels from 803-822 have been deleted from the system.

SPPV1-5 are gone as well.

Originally posted by wareagle
I assume that would mean moving the analogs to digital. I wonder what will happen to their analog customers (probably the reason they need permission). With the advent of OnDemand, I suppose they could use all those unnecessary digital ppv movie channels for more productive things. Are the ppv and OnDemand movies the same vendor and the same selections?

If Comcast could free up the bulk of their bandwidth by moving almost everything to digital they would have the opportunity to deliver really clean 480i content amd more HD than any satellite provider could ever aspire to. Not tht I trust them to do that as opposed to over compression and what-not.

The reason I keep my big dish around is so I can get great recordings of shows I care about quality wise that are not on in HD. If Comcast moved, for example SciFi to a clean digital feed I wouldn't really have a reason for keeping my BUD.

If I were king of the universe I would eliminate all analog feeds other than the local channels (for the hold outs), and I would duplicate those in the digital tier. No single feed would be less than 3.5mbps which is more than adequate for a killer 480i picture with modern encoders and stat-muxing. For people with CableCard ready devices (TVs, PVRS) all channels would look great even on a big screen and the only reason for a soft 480i image would becuase that's how it was recieved from the source. An example being the Discovery digitals, those look bad even on the bigs dish 1st gen digital feed.

One can but hope, eh?

Originally posted by Al Shing
Have you seen Fox Sports World?

It is supposed to be on the new Digital Sports Tier, but as of this morning, it continues to be the worst looking channel on the system. All of the channels on that tier still look horrible.

I wouldn't expect Speed to look as good on digital as it currently does on analog.


Just exactly what is the Digital Sports Tier?

I have nothing to compare Fox Sports World with, but I can see that 109 (digital) is better than 9 (analog) for the same programming. Why do you think Speed looks better in analog than it would in digital?

Originally posted by wareagle
Just exactly what is the Digital Sports Tier?

I have nothing to compare Fox Sports World with, but I can see that 109 (digital) is better than 9 (analog) for the same programming. Why do you think Speed looks better in analog than it would in digital?

The Digital Sports Tier is a grouping of fringe sports channels into a tier that costs about $5/month. This allows the addition of sports channels that are not of general interest without increasing the cable bill in general.

On Comcast, this tier includes Fox Sports World, the regional Fox diginets (Atlantic, Central, and Pacific), NBATV, and new channels Gol, TVG (Horse Racing), and probably CSTV.

Now I think you are confusing Digital TV with Digital Cable. They are not the same.

Digital Cable is a technology that can cram 12 channels into one 6MHz analog slot, and Comcast digital cable sometimes looks like they are doing exactly that. Most digital cable channels look heavily compressed, and have a PQ equivalent to a VCD or a third-generation VHS dub.

Channel 109 is the DTV simulcast of the regular analog channel 9, as required by the FCC for the OTA digital transition. It is not a Digital Cable channel in the sense that the diginet Speedvision is. So you can't use a 9/109 comparison to evaluate how analog Speedvision would compare to diginet Speedvision.

Poppa/Mike,

The DVR on display sounds promising... could you give any more details? Which office had this? How was it setup, could you use it? Did you notice what software it was running (ie. current "TV Guide" or similar, or Microsoft TV Foundation)?

Thanks.

Originally posted by noombs
Poppa/Mike,

The DVR on display sounds promising... could you give any more details? Which office had this? How was it setup, could you use it? Did you notice what software it was running (ie. current "TV Guide" or similar, or Microsoft TV Foundation)?

Thanks.

Sorry, but it was closing time so I didn't have time to fool with it. It was at the new Redmond outlet.

Originally posted by Al Shing
I think you are confusing Digital TV with Digital Cable. They are not the same.

I suppose I'll need to be more specific in my prayers/suggestions to Comcast then. I certainly don't need any further degradation of my Speed channel.

I spoke with someone familiar with the DVR beta and roll-out.

Here's what I heard:

* The model is the Motorola 6412 as expected (HD dual tuner, 120 gigs)

* The software is Microsoft TV Foundation! It will release first with the 6412, and later be rolled out to non-DVR HD boxes. This should be a huge upgrade over the current guide software.

* A small employee beta started last week and will go to the end of September, with a large release soon after... as early as October, likely November.

- Noombs

Originally posted by noombs
* A small employee beta started last week and will go to the end of September, with a large release soon after... as early as October, likely November.

- Noombs

Noombs - great news!

can you clarify whether the "large release" you refer to is a wider beta release roll out, or actual product to customers?

if a wider beta release - any word on availability to customers?

thanks!

Sorry for any ambiguity... I meant release to customers. I was told they are preparing to launch with about 60,000 boxes, and that they think they can meet the demand for them.

- Mike

Originally posted by noombs
Sorry for any ambiguity... I meant release to customers. I was told they are preparing to launch with about 60,000 boxes, and that they think they can meet the demand for them.

- Mike

awesome!

Originally posted by noombs
Sorry for any ambiguity... I meant release to customers. I was told they are preparing to launch with about 60,000 boxes, and that they think they can meet the demand for them.

- Mike

Are there anywhere near 60,000 HD customers in this area, or are they planning on providing the 6412 to non-HD customers? Comcast never mentions there being an SD equivalent box in their plans here, so perhaps they'll restrict the recording capability to HD customers. Strange business model there.

I imagine it's easier to just roll one box to all subscribers and if you don't receive HD channels due to your plan, you won't get to record them, either.

But I do hope they deploy to HD customers, first.

Originally posted by wareagle
Only that it isn't as good a picture as it would be if it were digital. You can see the difference in any other SD offerings available in both analog and digital. Formula 1 would be awesome in HD, but it would be nice at least to have it digital.

On my system Speed looks better than any of the digital SD feeds. But I have a very clean analog cable feed. I would be concerned that Comcast would not allocate enough bandwidth for this channel becuase if they didn't it'd just be the macroblock channel.

Speed is currently boradcast as analog via satellite on c-band and the image rivals DVD in quality, but is switching to digital. Hopefully if Comcast moves Speed to digital they will just re-mux and forward the bits. If they re-compress it I think it will look quite bad.

What exactly was the work around people hear did to see the 5.1 in the menu bar? Went through the audio options but still will not show 5.1 on movies I know are 5.1.

Does anyone have a link to the current HDTV channels comcast offers? I've done a few searches within this thread but coudln't find an updated list. For the Seattle area of course :)

Originally posted by NizZ8
Does anyone have a link to the current HDTV channels comcast offers? I've done a few searches within this thread but coudln't find an updated list. For the Seattle area of course :)

From http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp394/LocalHomepage/Page3.asp
(edited for clarity)

Mariners' games - Channel 100
KOMO 4 - Channel 104
KING 5 - Channel 105
KONG 6/16 - Channel 106
KCTS - Channel 108
WB22 - Channel 110
Q13 Fox - Channel 113
ESPN - Channel 173
Starz! - Channel 532
HBO - Channel 549
Cinemax - Channel 563
Showtime - Channel 574
Discovery HD Theater - Channel 663
INHD - Channel 664
INHD2 - Channel 665

I realize this may not be on topic for this forum, but it could have major implications for HD movies.

http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/040819/media_grokster_5.html

Originally posted by wareagle
I realize this may not be on topic for this forum, but it could have major implications for HD movies.

http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/040819/media_grokster_5.html

Thanks for the link wareagle, that was an interesting read.

wareaagle,

Nice summary list of "HDTV channels", but not all are HD all the time. Its like the disclaimer for "HD Ready" moniker applied by the industry to video devices.

The channels are "HD ready". :-)

Bill

Yes, I'd lump KONG 106 in with KCTS-DT 109 as digital simulcast channels that never have any HD on them.

HD all the time???? Well, here's a short list:

Discovery HD Theater - Channel 663
INHD - Channel 664
INHD2 - Channel 665

Plus 100, but that's just for a sparse 4 more Mariners games this season, and 105 until NBC tires of Olympics reruns.

109 isn't supposed to be HD, but 106 is listed on the Comcast site (even though no one has ever detected HD life there).

Until the end of the Olympics, Channel 105 will be HD all the time too.

Originally posted by wareagle
From http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp394/LocalHomepage/Page3.asp
(edited for clarity)


Thanks a bunch!

I love this thread.. I did a search for it and it came up on the 2nd page!! Is there no new news for HDTV in the seattle area?! :).

Originally posted by Al Shing
Yes, I'd lump KONG 106 in with KCTS-DT 109 as digital simulcast channels that never have any HD on them.
I think the news at 10 is (partly) in HD on 106.

Originally posted by NizZ8
I love this thread.. I did a search for it and it came up on the 2nd page!! Is there no new news for HDTV in the seattle area?! :).

To answer your question - yes, there is no new news.

CBS not in HD, who do we blame? Comcast, Cox or both equally.

DVR's from Comcast. I read about them being used back east. All I can say is Go west Comcast, Go west. Wouldn't it be great to be recognized as a deserving area rather than 'well I suppose its time to give them an upgrade, let's start with the 6208, they won't know the difference'.

How about the 6212, is it still months away - like 12 or so. Geez.

Originally posted by Al Shing
Yes, I'd lump KONG 106 in with KCTS-DT 109 as digital simulcast channels that never have any HD on them.

I've seen Northwest Backroads in HD on KONG, although this was over DT 31, not Comcast 106.

The announcer voice-over of the tour of the TV facilities, concluding with, "Athens 2004 has OUTDID itself." Since it's repeated so often, you'd think someone would've noticed and corrected it. It's probably the same guy who keeps referring to the "ath-a-letes".

KIRO?

Anybody else found that the sound was ahead by 2 minutes over the video on 105 tonight? One would expect that they would catch this in a few minutes, but it stayed like this for over 2 hours (it just got fixed now). It's especially annoying to hear the result before seeing it. :/

-eric

Yeah, I noticed that. Prompted me to switch to CBC's coverage. Theirs is always more interesting, but I missed the better pix of HD.

Originally posted by artshotwell
I think the news at 10 is (partly) in HD on 106.

I heard on the radio this morning that the Seahawks game tonight will be HD on 106. Anyone know anything about this?

Originally posted by Bruceko
KIRO?

The Seattle CBS affiliate owned by COX Communications. They and Comcast have been embroiled in a conflict for (seems like) years which prevents Comcast from carrying the HD signal, so it's just standard analog-only.

Originally posted by IssaquahHD
I heard on the radio this morning that the Seahawks game tonight will be HD on 106. Anyone know anything about this?

The last game was in 4:3 digital, but here's hoping for widescreen 16:9!

I heard from a Comcast installer a few days ago that we can be expecting KIRO HD in the next couple of months. Has anyone else heard/confirmed this rumor?

Originally posted by NizZ8
Has anyone else heard/confirmed this rumor? Yes, I've heard it, too. Every couple months for nearly the last two years....

when does the cox/comcast agreement come up for renewal? I thought comcast was holding out for this to end so they could (try to) strong-arm cox...

NFLTV has been added to 180, and also to 417.

CSPTV (College Sports TV) is on 412. This one is not authorized, so you need to upgrade to the new digital sports tier if you want it.

I'm in Thurston county and NFLTV on 180 is nowhere to be found.

Originally posted by brente
when does the cox/comcast agreement come up for renewal? I thought comcast was holding out for this to end so they could (try to) strong-arm cox... I don't think we should blame Comcast.

From what I have read on this issue, Cox deserves to be strong-armed. Clearly, Comcast has reached agreements with other stations, but if you search a bit you will find that across the country, Cox stations - regardless of network - are not carried on Cablecos other than Cox. It appears that:

1. If Cox is the broadcaster (as with KIRO) they want to be paid by Cable companies for access to their digital signals. In Seattle, it is CBS, in Pittsburgh - NBC.

2. Where Cox owns a the cable company, they will NOT pay broadcasters for access to their digital signals. (There is a station in the mid-west that wants exactly what Cox wants from Cablecos - but Cox is the incumbent and refuses to pay.)

3. I suspect that they want to get additional advertising fees for local commercials carried on digital. (don't you get tired of "Its all Here" on the OTA digital signal? Local ads air during that time on NTSC feeds.)

forgot to say, I have pretty much stopped watching CBS - I let KIRO/Cox know via an email recently, but predictably, got nothing back.

Perhaps we should have an email campaign.

Originally posted by Al Shing
NFLTV has been added to 180, and also to 417.

CSPTV (College Sports TV) is on 412. This one is not authorized, so you need to upgrade to the new digital sports tier if you want it.

What's the difference between NFLTV on 180 and 417? If none, then why both?

Exactly what is the new digital sports tier? I can find no info on it. Do I have to call them or visit the office to pick up a new list of hodgepodge offerings every time they change something?

I just thought I would gloat about Click! Network in Tacoma. We don't have to deal with ComunistCast Cable Company. I just got the new DVR with HD tuner (Motorola DTC6208) from Click and it rocks! All the local stations in HD...included in the 10 bucks a month for the DVR box/service.

Originally posted by aNiMaLpJ
I just thought I would gloat about Click! Network in Tacoma. We don't have to deal with ComunistCast Cable Company. I just got the new DVR with HD tuner (Motorola DTC6208) from Click and it rocks! All the local stations in HD...included in the 10 bucks a month for the DVR box/service.

We'll remember you when we get the 6412's. What channel guide/interface do you have with the 6208?

Originally posted by wareagle
We'll remember you when we get the 6412's. What channel guide/interface do you have with the 6208?

TV Guide

I emailed Comcast a query about Digital Sports Tier and CSPTV, and they responded by sending me a pdf file containing a channel guide and rate structure. Of course, there's nothing in it about Digital Sports Tier or CSPTV, but it may come in handy. I asked again for a specific answer to the question, but have little hope of getting an answer.

.

Motorola DCT6208 single tuner (Back view):
http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/images/dct6208_back.jpg

Motorola DCT6412 dual-tuner (Back view):
http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/images/dct6412_back.jpg

ANy ideas on why the 6208 single tuner has an Out To TV/VCR coaxial jack and a dual USB jack....BUT, the 6412 dual-tuner doesn't have an Out To TV/VCR coaxial jack and only shows a single USB jack on the back???

Originally posted by wareagle
What's the difference between NFLTV on 180 and 417? If none, then why both?

Exactly what is the new digital sports tier? I can find no info on it. Do I have to call them or visit the office to pick up a new list of hodgepodge offerings every time they change something?

NFL TV is a digital plus channel, I believe, so it is on 180 because most of the digital plus channels are in that range. 4xx is where the digital sports tier channels are located, so they probably decided to duplicate it there for the convenience of the people subscribing to the sports tier. I don't know of any other reason why it would be on the system in two places.

The digital sports tier is a grouping of fringe sports channels into a $5/month tier so they can add new sports channels without increasing the cable bill for everyone. It includes FOX Sports World, the Fox diginets, CSPTV, TVG, NBA TV, and Gol, which we don't have yet.

If you had an older package that included some of those channels, you probably still have access to them, but you won't get access to the new channels CSPTV, TVG, and Gol, until you upgrade to the tier. I'm still waiting for a compelling reason to add the tier myself, since I still have access grandfathered to most of the tier channels.

Originally posted by Al Shing
NFL TV is a digital plus channel, I believe, so it is on 180 because most of the digital plus channels are in that range. 4xx is where the digital sports tier channels are located, so they probably decided to duplicate it there for the convenience of the people subscribing to the sports tier. I don't know of any other reason why it would be on the system in two places.

The digital sports tier is a grouping of fringe sports channels into a $5/month tier so they can add new sports channels without increasing the cable bill for everyone. It includes FOX Sports World, the Fox diginets, CSPTV, TVG, NBA TV, and Gol, which we don't have yet.

If you had an older package that included some of those channels, you probably still have access to them, but you won't get access to the new channels CSPTV, TVG, and Gol, until you upgrade to the tier. I'm still waiting for a compelling reason to add the tier myself, since I still have access grandfathered to most of the tier channels.

Well, here's part of the second response I got from Comcast:

"Thank you for contacting us regarding your Comcast cable service
regarding the addition of CSPTV to the Comcast line-up. Currently, that
channel is unavailable in your area."

I tend not to believe that, since the channel is there but blocked. I can't even find a reference to the tier price, much less content. I think I'll give up.

Comcast Launches CSTV: The First 24-Hour College Sports Network on August 31

Former Washington Coach Rick Neuheisel Featured in Network's Crystal Ball and
Sunday Morning Quarterback Programs

SEATTLE, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast Cable today announced that CSTV:
College Sports Television (http://www.collegesports.com), the first 24-hour college
sports network, would be available to its Washington customers beginning
Aug. 31. The new network provides college sports fans with the broadest and
deepest coverage of the "best of the best" of college sports.
CSTV will be available on Comcast Digital Cable channel 412. The channel
is part of a new sports tier of programming that includes the NFL Network, Fox
Sports Digital Atlantic, Fox Sports Digital Central, Fox Sports Digital
Pacific, TV Games, Outdoor Channel and NBA TV. The tier is available to
Digital Cable customers for $4.99.
Comcast also will feature several hours of CSTV programming per month ON
DEMAND. ON DEMAND offers Comcast Digital Cable customers more control than
ever before, with the ability to choose from movies, music, sports, news,
instructional and entertainment programming and more. In addition, viewers
can rewind, fast forward and pause programs, and can store most selections for
up to 24 hours from the time of ordering, so they can watch shows whenever and
however often they like.
"The new sports tier with CSTV and ON DEMAND programming is a significant
addition to our lineup," said Tom Pierce, Vice President of Marketing and
Sales for Comcast's Washington market. "CSTV's approach to college sports,
focusing on both on- and off-the-field achievements of student-athletes, will
result in compelling programming for our viewers."
College Sports TV's Kickoff: College Football Preview Show airing
Wednesday, September 1 (4 p.m. PT) will take a comprehensive look at the
upcoming college football season and will feature former Washington football
coach Rick Neuheisel, who will also be featured throughout the season on
College Sports TV's weekly Crystal Ball and Sunday Morning Quarterback college
football programs.
Also on September 1 (5 p.m. PT), the network will premiere its documentary
on the National Collegiate Debate Championship, an exclusive behind-the-scenes
look at the unexpected drama, passion, intensity and competitiveness featuring
the brightest and most ambitious college students.
"Washington is a passionate college sports state and we are pleased to
team up with Comcast to bring CSTV, and its innovative mix of event, studio
and original programming, to fans here," said Brian Bedol, president and CEO,
CSTV. "We are committed to covering more college sports, more games, more
student-athletes and more teams than anyone else, from every possible
perspective."
College Sports TV televises more college sports than any other network,
including regular season and championship event coverage from every major
collegiate athletic conference. The network televises 30 men's and women's
college sports, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey, lacrosse,
soccer, wrestling and volleyball. College Sports TV also televises NCAA
championships in men's and women's lacrosse, women's ice hockey, field hockey,
men's and women's water polo, gymnastics and track & field. In addition, it
televises an innovative mix of studio and original programming covering
college sports from every perspective.

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, with offices throughout the state, serves more than one million
customers and employs more than 2,600 people in Washington.

Press Contact
Name: Steve Kipp
Ph. 425-398-6150
E-mail: steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com

Hey guys.....quick advice please.

My HD set ony has two component inputs. I need to use DVI on Comcast to free up an input for PS2. I currently have the 5100 with firmware 7.15. Will DVI work with this the same as component does for me today? I was waiting to go for with the DVR instead of requesting the 6200 and spending an afternoon at home. Should I wait? Will the 5100 be ok for now?

I tried searching the hardware thread but that is massive now and I was having troubles.

Thanks...b

I think you'll find the 5100 will work fine for you - I've got a similar set up and am using DVI just for the 5100 box, and 2 components into my tv.

As long as the DVI port on your HD set is HDCP-compliant. Starting with firmware 7.10, Comcast has enabled copy-protection on their boxes' DVI ports - I'm assuming that's the same for both 5100s and 6200s. Also it appears that 7.15 has fixed their previous handshake problem with DVI/HDCP. You can once again turn off the TV before the cable box, and even switch inputs on your TV without freaking out the Comcast box...

lmao, no kidding huh.

Originally posted by jimre
Yes, I've heard it, too. Every couple months for nearly the last two years....

Originally posted by NizZ8
I heard from a Comcast installer a few days ago that we can be expecting KIRO HD in the next couple of months. Has anyone else heard/confirmed this rumor?

We in Tacoma with Click! (www.click-network.com) already had KIROHD.

Originally posted by wareagle
We'll remember you when we get the 6412's. What channel guide/interface do you have with the 6208?

Click! is going to switch to the 6412's either the Q4 of 2004 or Q1 of 2005. I realize the Moto DVR is still in testing witn Comunistcast......is any one for sure it will be the 6412? I saw another thread dedicated to "Comcast Moto 6208"....err someting like that.

Anyhow...Click! kicks ass!!!

Thanks for continuing to needlessly rub our noses in it. I suggest you go Click! yourself....

BTW - this is a COMCAST thread. If someday you actually have some relevant COMCAST information to add, please do so.

Originally posted by jimre
Thanks for continuing to needlessly rub our noses in it. I suggest you go Click! yourself....

BTW - this is a COMCAST thread. If someday you actually have some relevant COMCAST information to add, please do so.

Fair enough! :D I just feel a little left out....There is no thread dedicated to my awesome cable company. SO I barged in on yours....I am sorry. :cool:

Originally posted by aNiMaLpJ
We in Tacoma with Click! (www.click-network.com) already had KIROHD.

But you still have to live in Tacoma. Is it worth it?????

Originally posted by aNiMaLpJ
Fair enough! :D I just feel a little left out....There is no thread dedicated to my awesome cable company. SO I barged in on yours....I am sorry. :cool:

Maybe you should start an Official Tacoma Click Thread and go talk about their local issues there instead of here.

Originally posted by wareagle
But you still have to live in Tacoma. Is it worth it?????

Ouch, that's harsh!!! :D And, yes, it is very worth it! I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. :cool:

My new Click thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=441368

I have yet to see any indication of ABC providing HD coverage for a college football game this season. Even the Monday night game from the Orange Bowl (FSU-Miami) looks like it will be in glorious SDTV. Why doesn't ABC buy a clue from its stablemate, ESPN?

I hope I'm wrong, and if so let me know. (That invitation doesn't include the Click guy.)

Originally posted by NizZ8
I heard from a Comcast installer a few days ago that we can be expecting KIRO HD in the next couple of months. Has anyone else heard/confirmed this rumor?

you heard the same thing on page 18 of this thread..a year ago. What would make you think anything has changed?

;)

like 20 pages ago someone from comcast said the kiro deal would be a go in 60days.....:o hell I think it was from before we had Discovery HD lol

Does anbody have a cable card capable system and have they tried to get a card from Comcast?

I've heard (don't we love heresay) from a couple of people if you push hard enough they'll give you one.

Hey Guys,

I've got a 65" rear projection Toshiba TV and it's hooked up to my Comcast 5100 via the composite connectors. The Analog channels look great, but as soon as I change to a digital channel (401 especially since I love my international sports) the picture is very soft and almost blurry... it's watchable, but I have always wondered if that's just how it's supposed to be or whether I can a problem somewhere?

Anyone help me with this?

PS: How do I know if my 5100 supports DVI? I'd like to use that to connect to my TV if it's an option!

-Stevo

That doesn't sound right... I connect my 6200 box to my projector via component, through a switchbox even, and my HD picture is not blurry. I know I had to configure my box to output in 720P (my projector does not do 1080i, natively). Have you checked to see if your box is outputing in 480i, or some other configuration cause for the softness?

edit: Just re-read your post...you're not talking about HD, necessarily, but general digital channels. Well, the same still holds true. Check the output settings for your component connection.

--Mike

What do USA and TNT look like (58 & 53)? What I find is that the higher numbered cable channels ( Not PPV) get fuzzier than numbers 1-13. My guess is that USA and some stations don't pay as much and hence get higher compression applied to their NTSC signal over the digital cable.

Can anyone verify or dispute this?

Originally posted by StevoDevo
Hey Guys,

I've got a 65" rear projection Toshiba TV and it's hooked up to my Comcast 5100 via the composite connectors. ... I hope you meant to type "component" not "composite". If not, I can pretty much pinpoint why your picture is so fuzzy...

Originally posted by jimre
I hope you meant to type "component" not "composite". If not, I can pretty much pinpoint why your picture is so fuzzy...
Yes exactly... my bad... and I also just realized this is a HDTV thread, so my post is off topic anyways! So lots of apologies from me! :)

DirecTV's new satellites to expand high-definition:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5833819/

Now I'm sure this has been posted in this thread a ton of times, but everyone should do their part and contact KIRO about the lack of HDTV coverage on comcast. We all know the problem the seattle area has had in getting KIRO on comcast, and the best thing we can do is contact kiro and tell them how dissapointed we are in the lack of coverage. It doesn't take much to do, and KIRO can't keep ignoring everyone's complaints/request for kiro hdtv on comcast. They're only hurting themselves by holding out (I haven't watched an ounce of CBS since I bought my hdtv set). just go to kiro tv's web page, select "Contact the Station", then "Contact KIRO and seattle insider".

I just selected "Programming" and e-mailed them. Snail mail latters are probably just as effective if not more.

Do your part! I don't want to miss another CBS football season!

Slev

I'm not sure that I've read this anywhere, but does anybody know Comcast's current policy for adding HD to cable? Is there installation/charge for the box?

And can HD be added on the really really basic plans, like the broadcast channels + NWCN, Discovery, plus some infomercials and CourtTV and C-SPAN up to about 30 (FSN) w/ TV Guide and ARTS or whatever? It's the most basic plan available; it doesn't even have the cable networks.

Any answers would be appreciated.

I think it is about $5-$7 per month to add HD depending on whether you have Digital Cable or not (extra $1 for analog folks). I also believe you can add HD to any analog or digital plan. Anyone know different? I'm not sure it is availble in all areas yet.

quarque where are you? Your location says north, where specifically?. I live just west of I-5, right across the highway from Northgate. I would hope the service is available...

One thing you need to consider is which HD channels you're willing to live without. A friend of mine added HD without having the digital channels, and he doesn't get INHD, INHD2, or Discovery HD. These are the ones he says he gets:

Mariners in HD - 100 (four games remaining this season)
KOMO – 104
KING - 105
KONG - 106 (no HD content has been reported)
KCTS - 108
KTWB - 110
KCPQ - 113
ESPN - 173

Mariners in HD = OUCH...up-close and personal with some painful stuff.

I assume that I'd need digital cable to get INHD, DISC HD, etc?

Originally posted by Roderick Y
Mariners in HD = OUCH...up-close and personal with some painful stuff.

I assume that I'd need digital cable to get INHD, DISC HD, etc?

Based upon what I heard, that's true, but you should verify it for yourself.

The good news is that the last Mariners game on 100 this year will be Monday, so you're not likely to have to watch it!

Originally posted by Roderick Y
quarque where are you? Your location says north, where specifically?. I live just west of I-5, right across the highway from Northgate. I would hope the service is available...
I'm on the Sandpoint ridge near NE 110th - great OTA area. Your general area is about 300 feet above sea level with no major hills to the south so if you are thinking about OTA you should be OK. As far as Comcrap service - I have no idea what is available where. Half the time their site does not work where it is supposed to tell you what is available at a particular address. I guess you will have to call them (ick). Oh, and BTW, I don't have anything but basic analog cable since I invested in an OTA receiver a couple years back.

Originally posted by wareagle
One thing you need to consider is which HD channels you're willing to live without. A friend of mine added HD without having the digital channels, and he doesn't get INHD, INHD2, or Discovery HD. These are the ones he says he gets:

Mariners in HD - 100 (four games remaining this season)
KOMO – 104
KING - 105
KONG - 106 (no HD content has been reported)
KCTS - 108
KTWB - 110
KCPQ - 113
ESPN - 173
Really? I was under the impression that HD was HD and not dependent on anything else. Well it certainly makes sense that nothing makes sense when it comes to Comrap.

It seems like almost every HD show I watch on NBC has periods during which the sound develops an oscillation (like a warble). I don't have the 5.1 audio set up -- just straight stereo. Anyone else have this problem? Any idea why?

This happened all the time on 105 during the Olympics. Haven't watched any NBC HD since then, so I haven't looked into it further...

Originally posted by wareagle
It seems like almost every HD show I watch on NBC has periods during which the sound develops an oscillation (like a warble). I don't have the 5.1 audio set up -- just straight stereo. Anyone else have this problem? Any idea why?

I hear it too, frequently during the Olympics and less frequently now. Changing to a different channel and back again seems to fix it temporarily.

Now the warbling is happening on 105 even when the program is SD. (Perhaps my TV is rejecting Donald Trump!)

that's why I taped the analog ch 5 while I watched Big Brother!

I noticed this with the Olympics and noticed it a lot last night while watching the NFL game on 105.

Originally posted by meo
I noticed this with the Olympics and noticed it a lot last night while watching the NFL game on 105.

The NFL game last night was on ABC (104). I didn't see enough of it to notice a problem, but it seems like it isn't restricted to NBC.

Did anyone else experience audio problems for the Seahawks game on FOX HD (channel 113)? The center channel audio would cut out intermittently (off more than being on). The commercials did the same thing. The rear speakers seemed to be the only ones working.

It was so bad that I went back to SD fox. Other HD channels broadcast the audio fine so I figure it must be fox.

Nathan

I've noticed the problems over here too with KCPQ.

Originally posted by natebob
Did anyone else experience audio problems for the Seahawks game on FOX HD (channel 113)? The center channel audio would cut out intermittently (off more than being on). The commercials did the same thing. The rear speakers seemed to be the only ones working.

Yeah I'm seeing the same thing right now on Comcast Channel 113. It's really strange to listen to the commercials without the center channel!

I am watching the game now and yes, the audio levels are all over the place. Just straight stereo off the TV and it sounds like they are losing the announcers feed, cause I can hear the stadium fine (including the PA system), but the announcers are essentially gone (I can tell they're speaking, but no clue). Then they come back strong. Same with commercials. The Cadillac commercial is loud and clear, but the kid on the Sprint commercial was essentially muted.

Yup.

Originally posted by natebob
Did anyone else experience audio problems for the Seahawks game on FOX HD (channel 113)? The center channel audio would cut out intermittently (off more than being on). The commercials did the same thing. The rear speakers seemed to be the only ones working.

It was so bad that I went back to SD fox. Other HD channels broadcast the audio fine so I figure it must be fox.

Nathan

I was getting the audio problems with KCPQ over the air, so it wasn't just a Comcast problem.

The second game on FOXHD seems to be ok (I just sat down to watch it in the 4th quarter) ... sounds like the first game was a KCPQ issue

Maybe FOX needs to redefine what they mean by "glorious Dolby Digital 5.1 sound" - more like DD 0.0 at times. I watched it OTA and it was really bad.

Now that these turkeys are playing with "real" HD and 5.1, they suddenly become "braindead?"

Its like most of the Seattle DT stations can't set their clocks either. What's up with that?

Are we dealing with "rocket science" here?

Originally posted by natebob
The second game on FOXHD seems to be ok (I just sat down to watch it in the 4th quarter) ... sounds like the first game was a KCPQ issue
I think it was more likely the network feed that had the DD problem since many of the "national" commercials had sound problems as well as the game.

Has anyone heard when CBS we will be getting CBS in HD out here in Seattle (on Comcast)? We have most of the major channels, but are missing CBS!

hello everyone, I've been reading this thread, and I have a question. I live in Downtown Everett, Wetmore &24th can anyone tell me if i can get hdtv with ota , where i'm at, any help would be great. thanks to one and all ! i have a hitachi 50v5oo, an planning on getting a set top box. karl ps i hope i posted this right.

Well I not only had audio problems with the game, but it caused me to notice that I don't get Dolby Digital on any station now. I only have the optical cable hooked up for audio. I have it routed to my receiver and dolby digital headphones and neither one of them decode it as dolby digital anymore but they both work fine with the dvd player. The audio is perfectly clear, but only stereo.

So the big question is, anyone else have this problem? I recently reconfigured my cables a little bit (removed a couple extra splits) because I was having problems receiving INHD, and that cleared up that problem. I'm not sure if the audio problem started then. I guess tomorrow I will remove the splitter and see if that works, but I would doubt it. I'm guessing either it's something wrong with the box or nobody in my area (Shoreline/Edmonds) is getting Dolby Digital.

Originally posted by karlw56
hello everyone, I've been reading this thread, and I have a question. I live in Downtown Everett, Wetmore &24th can anyone tell me if i can get hdtv with ota , where i'm at, any help would be great. thanks to one and all ! i have a hitachi 50v5oo, an planning on getting a set top box. karl ps i hope i posted this right.

Welcome to the forum!

This thread is pretty much used to discuss the Comcast HD service in Seattle. However, there is another thread that is used for discussing receiving digital signals over the air in the Seattle area right here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=254620.

If you post there, someone will definitely be able to help you. You'll probably get a reply here as well, but you may get one more quickly in the other thread.

Originally posted by StevoDevo
Has anyone heard when CBS we will be getting CBS in HD out here in Seattle (on Comcast)? We have most of the major channels, but are missing CBS! Yes. CBS-HD will be rolled out in Q1, 2003 - or so we were told late in 2002!

When was the last time we got any new HDTV channel? It's been a while.

Originally posted by Tom_Oliver
When was the last time we got any new HDTV channel? It's been a while.
LOL true... and the other channel I was interested in was Bravo HD. I really wanted to watch some of the US Open tennis in HD!

Originally posted by Roto
Well I not only had audio problems with the game, but it caused me to notice that I don't get Dolby Digital on any station now. I only have the optical cable hooked up for audio. I have it routed to my receiver and dolby digital headphones and neither one of them decode it as dolby digital anymore but they both work fine with the dvd player. The audio is perfectly clear, but only stereo.


I'm thinking I'm having the same problem and that it surfaced after the last firmware download.

What should the cable audio Setup be set to? TV, Stereo, Advanced Stereo ...?

Originally posted by poppa
I'm thinking I'm having the same problem and that it surfaced after the last firmware download.

What should the cable audio Setup be set to? TV, Stereo, Advanced Stereo ...?
I am pretty certain that has no effect on dolby digital. I'm not sure what that does exactly other than change the volume. I'm going to take my splitter out now and see if that helps, but I doubt it.

I really dread the thought of calling. I halfway expect them not to know what Dolby Digital is.

Taking out the splitter didn't change anything, still no Dolby Digital. I guess I'll have to call once i get fed up with it.

Watched the Dan Fogelberg and Amy Grant Soundstage concerts recently in HD OTA from KCTS. My receiver indicated DD sound but I got no sound in the rear speakers. Anyone else?

roto

i had a similar problem after a power outage

goto the menu and audio options

double-check all the settings

mine were hosed, after i corrected them, all was well

oh, and you have to actually hit okay and exit for it to work if i remember right..

;)

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm sorry if this information is in the thread, but I can't find it (plus the thread is 168 page long...jeez).

I just got an HDTV, and ordered the HDTV Tuner from Comcast. I don't want to subscribe to Digital Cable YET.

Apparently I don't need an antenna with Comcast's HDTV box. They're coming in to set it up on Sunday. What channels will I get in HD? I'm guessing NO on ESPN HD, Discovery, et al. Will it just be KOMO/ABC, KING/NBC, KIRO/CBS? I can't find this information anywhere.

(please tell me I'll get CBS :). I know that there've been issues with CBS being on Comcast's HD feed, but I thought that might only be on their digital cable rather than analog...I want to watch football!)

so what does the future hold for hd channels and comcast in our market? anybody know any juicy tidbits?

just wondering what's next

thank god for inhd and discoveryhd

Originally posted by FrayLo
Long time lurker, first time poster.

I'm sorry if this information is in the thread, but I can't find it (plus the thread is 168 page long...jeez).

I just got an HDTV, and ordered the HDTV Tuner from Comcast. I don't want to subscribe to Digital Cable YET.

Apparently I don't need an antenna with Comcast's HDTV box. They're coming in to set it up on Sunday. What channels will I get in HD? I'm guessing NO on ESPN HD, Discovery, et al. Will it just be KOMO/ABC, KING/NBC, KIRO/CBS? I can't find this information anywhere.

(please tell me I'll get CBS :). I know that there've been issues with CBS being on Comcast's HD feed, but I thought that might only be on their digital cable rather than analog...I want to watch football!)

no, you'll get all the locals except 7 and you'll also get espnhd, inhd, inhd2 and discovery-hd

i'm probably missing a couple, oh yeah, kcts and..um...errr :)

Originally posted by billymac
no, you'll get all the locals except 7 and you'll also get espnhd, inhd, inhd2 and discovery-hd

i'm probably missing a couple, oh yeah, kcts and..um...errr :)

I'll get all that, even without having the "digital cable" box that has the program guide? If so, awesome...

Both of these questions have been asked dozens of times on this thread now. Too bad a thread can't have "stickies" within it. Maybe whoever started this thread (Tivolicious?) should edit their first post & add some FAQs.

Actually you won't get INHD, ESPNHD, DISC-HD, etc unless you subscribe to a digital cable package. Just the local HD channels I believe.

Most of the 167 pages of this thread contain discussion, complaints, rants, and threats about the lack of CBS-HD, despite being promised for almost 1.5 years now. KIRO7's owner (COX Cable - one of Comcast's biggest competitors) and Comcast are still engaged in the pissing match to end all pissing matches...

Originally posted by FrayLo
I'll get all that, even without having the "digital cable" box that has the program guide? If so, awesome... No of course not. You need Comcast's "digital cable box" to receive any HD channels - that's what you're paying for.

Certain HD channels however - INHD, ESPNHD, DISCHD, etc) - will only be enabled if you subscribe to one of Comcasts "digital cable packages". If you just subscribe to basic cable plus HD, then you'll just get local HD channels.

someone should put together a seattle comcast HD FAQ or digest of the important stuff and link to it from this thread.

I'm NOT volunteering though :p

Rich

Originally posted by jimre
No of course not. You need Comcast's "digital cable box" to receive any HD channels - that's what you're paying for.

Certain HD channels however - INHD, ESPNHD, DISCHD, etc) - will only be enabled if you subscribe to one of Comcasts "digital cable packages". If you just subscribe to basic cable plus HD, then you'll just get local HD channels.

That's what I thought, so just local channels.

I heard there's NO antenna input on the back of this tuner as well, is that correct? So if I want to receive CBS HD by any means, I'd have to get a different tuner + antenna?

<sigh>

Originally posted by FrayLo
That's what I thought, so just local channels.

I heard there's NO antenna input on the back of this tuner as well, is that correct? So if I want to receive CBS HD by any means, I'd have to get a different tuner + antenna?

<sigh> Yes, assuming you're one of those lucky enough to pickup OTA HD around Seattle's hilly terrain.

I got my Dolby Digital back just now. I was messing with the menus and found nothing other than the language settings that say it can change the language of your digital audio. I switched it to Spanish and back to English, but that didn't do anything. I was about to unplug the power to the box and then I heard a pop. It's fixed...I'm guessing it wasn't anything I did.

Originally posted by billymac
no, you'll get all the locals except 7 and you'll also get espnhd, inhd, inhd2 and discovery-hd


Discovery should be "in the clear". Digital Subscription shouldn't be required. At least this is the way it is here in Jersey.

To check this...Tune to Disc HD -> turn the box off --> press OK/select --> arrow to Current Channel Status --> press select --> first line should say "CLR" for in the clear or "ENC" for encrypted.

NJ is not Seattle (thank God). Discovery is CLR (it's ch. 8 analog). But DISC-HD is definitely "ENC" here. Digital package required.

Yeah because Seattle is sooooo much better than Jersey :) But Seattle IS Comcast. The Discovery Deal should have been the same acrossed the country. Obviously I don't live in the Oh-So-Great city of Seattle, so I just wanted to see if maybe that it wasn't being assumed it was encrypted because it wasn't a Local OTA channel.......

What model box does one get if you order HD with only an analog basic cable package? I assume it is different from the digital cable box + HD setup.

Originally posted by miatasm
Yeah because Seattle is sooooo much better than Jersey :) But Seattle IS Comcast. Sort of: Seattle IS Comcast, formerly ATT Broadband, formerly AT&T Cable, formerly TCI Cable, formerly Viacom cable, etc, etc.

It's funny that people assume Comcast is like this big monolithic company. In reality it's thousands of little cable systems eaten by bigger & bigger fish over time. Pretty much a distributed, disorganized mess...

Originally posted by quarque
What model box does one get if you order HD with only an analog basic cable package? I assume it is different from the digital cable box + HD setup. HD is digital. It requires a digital box, period. Same box as if you ordered one of the digital cable packages.

Isn't LAX supposed to be in HD? What is going on with all the black around the screen on Ch. 105? WTF? The trailers for it during the Olympics were in HD?! It's not even in DD 5.1. What a gyp! Dammit Comcast. I am going to watch CSI Miami in non HD instead. Crap.

Lax.
It is not Comcasts problem. the Hd ota is the same.

Originally posted by Bruceko
Lax.
It is not Comcasts problem. the Hd ota is the same.

Does the NBC sound periodically go warbly OTA? Is the show just as bad?

yeah sorry guys, i didn't read his post clearly

you have to have a digital cable package to get that stuff sure

sorry about the confusion

anybody know if we're going to get anymore channels anytime soon?

i don't know exactly (aside from cbs) what they would be, but thought maybe someone here may have some scoop

I assume that someday all programs will be filmed and broadcast in HDTV. The thing that bothers me is that there is no mandate that all new programs be HiDef - "LAX" for example. Interesting that NBC chose to be lax on LAX!

Since I have an "old square" TV, the black bars are all around much of the time. Why is KING-HD news so crappy when it switches between HD and SD source? KOMO-HD is seamless. Plus, KOMO seems to have HD cameras for everything while KING only seems to have 2 or 3 studio cams. Heaven only knows what KIRO has (ha).

Originally posted by rverginia
... KOMO seems to have HD cameras for everything while KING only seems to have 2 or 3 studio cams. ...

FYI, KOMO uses digital remote cameras in 16x9 aspect ratio mode, but they are not actually HD. If you look carefully, you can see the resolution differences between the studio shots and the remote camera shots.

Nevertheless, I agree that the KOMO-DT seamless production is much more appealing to watch.

At the bottom of the second page of the unpredictable On Demand menu there is this:

HDTV On Demand

--Beavers (IMAX) HD 1998 35min, $5.99
--My X-Girlfriend HD 2001 88min, $5.99
--SOS Planet (IMAX) HD 2002 40 min, $5.99

Could we see a show of hands of volunteers to waste great quantities of money checking out the technical aspects of this?

I've checked them all & they all look as they should.....in HD. PQ from my standpoint is on par with an HBO/SHO feed. I was expecting a little more delay in the RWD / FF functionality, but it was about the same as the regular VOD stuff. But then again I'm in Jersey & I'm sure it will be better in Seattle ;), right Jimre.

Hey, what is a Joisy guy doing hanging around our thread? Now get outa hear before we rough ya up a little! :D :D

Now now. Let us extend one hand in friendship to our neighbor from the East (while keeping the other firmly on our wallets, of course). :)

As long as he's willing to part with mob money to check out stupid ppv HDTV OnDemand shows for us.

Thats funny.......I've been postin' on this thread since before you all knew what an HDTV was!!!! :) Check about 150 pages back. And you think just keeping ONE HAND on your wallet will save you? HA!! We would just take the whole hand!!!! I just try to help out with any Cable systems running Motorola STB's. Check the pages for upates on the new iGuide coming out to you guys soon. Better yet don't check it out, and figure it out on your own......JK ;)

The beaver HDTV ondemand program looked awsome when I watched it for free on INHD :) Its so clear it looks fake.

ok enuf with the Jersey bashing..we hate New York and their Yankees...Why can't we all get along?

This thread is starting to deteriorate and Nakomis just got voted out da house... :(

I have lost the will to live.

Whoa... hold on. miatasm, what is this new iGuide thing? Can you tell us any more about it? The GUI we currently have is terrible and I can hardly wait for something new like what Tivo or DirecTV has.

Originally posted by miatasm
Check the pages for upates on the new iGuide coming out to you guys soon. Better yet don't check it out, and figure it out on your own......JK ;) Actually, Seattle will be getting Microsoft Foundation on the 6412's coming out in October or November, and then even non-DVR HD boxes may get it instead of the iGuide in future software deployments.

(Like every other market in Comcast's West Division, the 6208 was never deployed to customers in Seattle.)

any idea what additional cost it will be to get a dvr stb? and will it also record hd for us? or only sdtv

can we get on a "list" to receive them? :D

I forgot about the Microsoft Deal in Seattle.

Take a peek @ the new guide for all of the Gemstar/TV guide users

http://www.comcast.com/newguide

Originally posted by jimre
No of course not. You need Comcast's "digital cable box" to receive any HD channels - that's what you're paying for.

Certain HD channels however - INHD, ESPNHD, DISCHD, etc) - will only be enabled if you subscribe to one of Comcasts "digital cable packages". If you just subscribe to basic cable plus HD, then you'll just get local HD channels.

I checked again with my friend who just has basic plus HD, and he says that although ESPNHD is encrypted Comcast provided it to him (as an HD incentive, according to him). When it comes right down to it, you probably can't count on anything, since it's ill-defined Comcast.

Here is the iGuide from the PDF file on Comcast's site. For people who don't want to go download the file.

http://home.comcast.net/~djmattyb/iGuide.jpg

Originally posted by wareagle
It seems like almost every HD show I watch on NBC has periods during which the sound develops an oscillation (like a warble). I don't have the 5.1 audio set up -- just straight stereo. Anyone else have this problem? Any idea why?

I have this same problem as well. I have 5.1 however, and still get this problem. You can either wait a minute or so and it will go away, or you can change the channel and come back quickly and it will be gone. Either way the warble comes back every 5-10 minutes.

I have yet to find a way to keep this from happening, and often end up watching the shows in SD instead. Nothing like getting immersed in a show just to have an important line of dialogue suddenly rendered indiscernible thanks to sound problems. I am soon going to call comcast up about this, though Im not certain where the problem lies.

I've found that the show itself need not be in HD in order for the audio problem to be present; just tuning to 105 seems to be all that's required. This problem seems to be relatively new, since I don't recall it happening last spring.

Originally posted by FrayLo
I'll get all that, even without having the "digital cable" box that has the program guide? If so, awesome...

You can order Comcast HDTV with basic cable only and a "cable card" if your tv supports that and then you don't need a set-top box. I think for some people the ESPN, etc. comes up and for others it doesn't. It's not officially included in the package though unless you order at least "digital classic". I think it's only like 11.00 a month to add digital classic and that would include the price of a regular set-top box if you end up using one. (HDTV box is $5 additional for the advanced box)
The only disadvantage of Cable Card is that I don't think you can order PPV. I know that On Demand won't work and you won't have a program guide. You can get all the channels though, whatever you order. The advantage of cable card is no monthly fee for a set top box and you don't have to deal with another remote or where you're going to sit the huge box or anything like that. It's all in what your preference is.

HD ondemand review:

I watched the "Beavers" IMAX film(highly recomended) on HD ondemand. The PQ was just as good as when I saw it on INHD a couple month ago. I had 3 short audio dropouts(no video glitchs). other than that everything worked fine.

Also I have comcast HSI, maybe thats reason for the dropouts?

I'm sorry if this question has been answered...but the thread is 171 pages long, and it's quite unwieldy to search through.

I just got my Motorola HD box installed, and everything looks great so far. However, my TV (Samsung HLP4663 46" DLP) is reporting that it's receiving a 1080i signal, no matter what channel I'm on. (Connected through DVI). Is there a setting on the box that I can set to make it output 720p? Does it really matter what the box outputs? AFAIK, my TV's native resolution is 720p, so I thought I should give it that signal.

Thoughts? Thanks.

With power to the box off and your TV on and the input you normally watch HD content from the box selected, hit the Menu button on your remote.

This will get you the the configuration screen and at the top you can select 720p or 1080i. Hit Menu again to close the screen and then power on the box. It should be 720p.

Originally posted by WiFi-Spy
HD ondemand review:

I watched the "Beavers" IMAX film(highly recomended) on HD ondemand. The PQ was just as good as when I saw it on INHD a couple month ago. I had 3 short audio dropouts(no video glitchs). other than that everything worked fine.

Also I have comcast HSI, maybe thats reason for the dropouts?

HSI doesn't share the same frequency or any bandwidth of VOD. The HSI service should have no bearing on your TV services directly.

Originally posted by Nausicaa
With power to the box off and your TV on and the input you normally watch HD content from the box selected, hit the Menu button on your remote.

This will get you the the configuration screen and at the top you can select 720p or 1080i. Hit Menu again to close the screen and then power on the box. It should be 720p.

That worked, thanks for the help.

Hey Everyone,
I was wondering if any of you out there would be interested in a Seattle (Puget Sound) forum board dedicated to TV and HDTV?

I have the web space and bandwith.

Think it would be a good help to everyone?

Thanks!

Chase

Originally posted by wareagle
I've found that the show itself need not be in HD in order for the audio problem to be present; just tuning to 105 seems to be all that's required. This problem seems to be relatively new, since I don't recall it happening last spring.

Has anyone contacted NBC about the warbling sound?? If so what is the response. If not, I suggest we as a forum send them out thoughts. I agree it makes some shows unwatchable, defeating the pleasure of HD. If I find no one has contacted them I will do so and post their response.

I just send them an e-mail, will post their response, if any.

Originally posted by nodrog2
Has anyone contacted NBC about the warbling sound?? If so what is the response. If not, I suggest we as a forum send them out thoughts. I agree it makes some shows unwatchable, defeating the pleasure of HD. If I find no one has contacted them I will do so and post their response.

I just send them an e-mail, will post their response, if any.

I was thinking that it may be the Motorola firmware, or a combo of that and the 105 signal, since switching channels and returning seems to repair it (perhaps reinitializing an algorithm). But then I know absolutely nothing about what's behind that curtain, or why it would only happen with NBC. Can anyone provide info as to whether it happens with the OTA signal?

Originally posted by wareagle
I was thinking that it may be the Motorola firmware, or a combo of that and the 105 signal, since switching channels and returning seems to repair it (perhaps reinitializing an algorithm). But then I know absolutely nothing about what's behind that curtain, or why it would only happen with NBC. Can anyone provide info as to whether it happens with the OTA signal?

I noticed this "warbling" while watching the Olympics on 105. I fixed it by going into the "Setup" menu item and changing the Audio options from the default (which was whichever was set when my box upgraded to firmware 7.15) to advanced. I can't recall the exact settings from memory, but that certainly fixed the problem. Also worth noting is that 105 wouldn't come in DD5.1 (at least as far as my receiver was concerned) but after changing this DD5.1 comes in.

Now when watching 105 I notice that every so often the 5.1 will dropout for just a second, and then come back on. I'm guessing is was these 5.1 dropouts that confused the box and started the warbling, and why switching channels and coming back cured it as well.

So... if you haven't messed around with your Audio options yet, give it a shot. I haven't had a problem since.

Originally posted by SirChaos
Hey Everyone,
I was wondering if any of you out there would be interested in a Seattle (Puget Sound) forum board dedicated to TV and HDTV?

I have the web space and bandwith.

Think it would be a good help to everyone?

Thanks!

Chase
A nice offer but since AVS has 2 threads for Seattle (1 for OTA and 1 for Comcast) that have been going for over a year I'm not sure people would be interested. Adding more places dedicated to the same topics would only "dilute" the pool of contributors. We have covered non-DT subjects once in a while in the OTA thread. I'm not sure what "TV" topics you are interested in. If you can convince the majority of the -OTA and -Comcast posters to go with your idea I would certainly follow.

Edit: I didn't see your poll until after this post. See my further comments in that thread on your idea (not a bad idea after all).

major audio dropouts and picture freezing on 104 komo-HD tonight trying to watch monday night football. Why is it so bloody difficult to send the hi def feed over the wire?

same problem OTA so it is probably a network problem, not Comcast.

Happens every week - I'm starting to get used to it ...

Originally posted by jspeton
I noticed this "warbling" while watching the Olympics on 105. I fixed it by going into the "Setup" menu item and changing the Audio options from the default (which was whichever was set when my box upgraded to firmware 7.15) to advanced. I can't recall the exact settings from memory, but that certainly fixed the problem. Also worth noting is that 105 wouldn't come in DD5.1 (at least as far as my receiver was concerned) but after changing this DD5.1 comes in.

Now when watching 105 I notice that every so often the 5.1 will dropout for just a second, and then come back on. I'm guessing is was these 5.1 dropouts that confused the box and started the warbling, and why switching channels and coming back cured it as well.

So... if you haven't messed around with your Audio options yet, give it a shot. I haven't had a problem since.

That seems to have cured it for me (it even seems logical). Since making that change I've had a few periodic barely noticeable audio blips similar to what you described, but the warble is gone.

Definitely owe you one. Now it's time to let you loose on the KIRO-HD problem!

Originally posted by quarque
same problem OTA so it is probably a network problem, not Comcast.

I'm glad Comcast has this problem. I now have the ability to determine when the breakup is due to an OTA problem (in my case tree multipath I think) or a network problem. Last night the problems seemed identical on OTA and Comcast.

Originally posted by wareagle
That seems to have cured it for me (it even seems logical). Since making that change I've had a few periodic barely noticeable audio blips similar to what you described, but the warble is gone.

Definitely owe you one. Now it's time to let you loose on the KIRO-HD problem!

I tried the same thing with the same results. Thank you! Let it be known that it did take me a good 5 minutes to find the setup menu, though. I'll be watching 105 more closely just to be sure the problem is solved.

no sound on KCTS 1(08) HD DD5.1 when soundstage is on? I do get stereo output via analog RCA's.
My setup is Comcast Motorola 6200 via SPDIF to Yahama VX-2095.
The receiver indicated Dolby Digital when KCTS is on and the rcvr does support 5.1. I have no problems with any other device.
I've played with the audio settings in the moto 6200 setup with no affect.
Any ideas?

Fixed it..
It was my Yamaha...

Let's hope Comcast decides to let us have this:

ESPN2 HD set to launch in January
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/tvlistings/espnhd/espnHDStory?id=1876748

Besides the CBS debacle, I think the next most irritating thing is the problem with sound synchronization. I watched a few minutes of "The Mountain," and the sound was way off. ABC-KOMO is often off and so is PBS. Is this the state of the art?

KOMO reported last year that the 5.1 sound contributed to the difficulty. However, I think KING looks pretty good with its new 5.1 sound.

What are others observing? Am I the only one bothered by this?

No, but to be honest I only watch football on ABC and it's not so noticeable with football.

I have zero faith of getting ESPN2. Looks like Comcast has totally abandoned HDTV for in demand.

Originally posted by artseattle
Besides the CBS debacle, I think the next most irritating thing is the problem with sound synchronization. I watched a few minutes of "The Mountain," and the sound was way off. ABC-KOMO is often off and so is PBS. Is this the state of the art?

KOMO reported last year that the 5.1 sound contributed to the difficulty. However, I think KING looks pretty good with its new 5.1 sound.

What are others observing? Am I the only one bothered by this?

Sound synchronization is a problem with a lot of HD. The problem is not necessarily with Comcast.

BTW, I forget if I said this in this thread, but I suspect Comcast will get KIRO when KIRO finally gets the ability to do local commercials in their HD feed. Until then, they probably don't really want many people watching them in HD.

Originally posted by Tom_Oliver
I have zero faith of getting ESPN2. Looks like Comcast has totally abandoned HDTV for in demand.
I get that feeling too, and in demand has quickly wore out its welcome for me, except for catching American Chopper.

I wouldn't mind getting TNT-HD. NBC can't be bothered to broadcast NASCAR in it (much less widescreen digital like FOX did for theirs) and while not a big NASCAR fan, it does make it more enjoyable.

And I would not mind catching the old HD Law and Order episodes broadcast before Comcast gave us NBC HD.

I agree that the 5.1 sound quality is amazing. I just don't understand why there are so many dropouts. My home theater equipment goes nuts when it "drops back in". Is it just that the technology is too new to be consistant, or are they just not paying as much attention to it because in SD TV, a sound dropout is a minor thing.

Tom_Oliver,

I disagree about ESPN2. Sure, Comcast takes a long time for some channels, and they are concentrating on the VOD and 6412s now, but getting ESPN2 isn't until sometime in January.

It has been three months since nationally Comcast added DiscoveryHD. Last week they added the two NFL Network GOTW shows in HD. I think we are all hoping for HDNET/Movies, and for TNT-HD and BravoHD+ in varying degrees. I don't know about any of those any time soon, but I would be really peeved if ESPN2 didn't come on.

I think the Magic 8 Ball did see ESPN2 HD in Comcast's future, did it not?

Rich N.

hey any of you guys DLP, and/or X1 owners?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=450363

I’m not sure about the NFL Network or other pay channels, but basically the only HD channel they’ve added in almost a year is Discovery HD. I’m sure “some day” we’ll get ESPN2, just like CBS, but I’m not sure if I’ll still be alive when it happens. :)

Originally posted by raidbuck
Tom_Oliver,

I disagree about ESPN2. Sure, Comcast takes a long time for some channels, and they are concentrating on the VOD and 6412s now, but getting ESPN2 isn't until sometime in January.

It has been three months since nationally Comcast added DiscoveryHD. Last week they added the two NFL Network GOTW shows in HD. I think we are all hoping for HDNET/Movies, and for TNT-HD and BravoHD+ in varying degrees. I don't know about any of those any time soon, but I would be really peeved if ESPN2 didn't come on.

I think the Magic 8 Ball did see ESPN2 HD in Comcast's future, did it not?

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
Last week they added the two NFL Network GOTW shows in HD.

Those don't seem to be available in HD in Seattle.

Originally posted by billymac
hey any of you guys DLP, and/or X1 owners?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=450363

DLP owner for several months. Watched ER, had no problems with brightness, my only problems have been audio amplification when going from SD to HD. Picture qualtiy has been great on available true HD channels, I compare DLP with plasma every time I am in stores and have never been disappointed in my choice.

I compare DLP with plasma every time I am in stores and have never been disappointed in my choice.

And it's going to get even better. The xHD3 DLP chip is just around the corner (for rear projection only) which will have true native HD resolution (1920x1080p vs 1280x720p in the current chips). The constrast ratio of the newest chips is better than 3000:1. Older units have a contrast ratio of 1500:1.

I'm waiting for the newer chip before replacing my direct view HD set. By the time this new set is out and at a reasonable price (< $4000) I expect I'll have a DCT 6412 with new Microsoft Guide and a JVC30K to offload HD content for "permanent" storage. Hope this is possible before Xmas. If not, I'll wait...

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jameskollar
[B]And it's going to get even better. The xHD3 DLP chip is just around the corner (for rear projection only) which will have true native HD resolution (1920x1080p vs 1280x720p in the current chips). The constrast ratio of the newest chips is better than 3000:1. Older units have a contrast ratio of 1500:1.

I know things always get better, but dammit a guy would never get anything if always waiting for the next improvement. I will be envious but still feel very lucky to have my current choice. The price difference certainly favors DLP and the quality is there also.

Originally posted by billymac
hey any of you guys DLP, and/or X1 owners?

Yeah, a satisified X1 owner here, but I've given up on ER years ago! LOST looked all right on the X1 a few days ago, though.

nodog2

I agree! I would have bought a DLP over a year ago but the wife said NO WAY! You see, she's smarter than me. I finally wore her down, took her to a Best Buy store and showed her several DLPs. To say the least, she was impressed! Just this month she finally broke down and said OK but I better not ask to upgrade the set for a very long time (doesn't she understand that you constantly have to upgrade! :D)

So I started my research, found out about the xHD3, and decided that's what I really want. It's not availbale yet :( Neither is the 6412 or HD DVD's, two things that I really, really want. So, I wait...

Why would anyone want to get a DLP when you can get a Panasonic TH-50PHD6UY Plasma ?

http://www.1800plasmas.com/photos/TH-50PHD6UY-2.jpg

50" is just TOO small! 100-120" screen is where it's @ :)

djmattyb:

Uh, 50" DLP costs significantly less than a 50" HD plasma. Maybe that's a reason.

Fix a plasma? I don't think the glass panel can be fixed. The DLP has 4 basic parts (mirror assembly, circuit board, light assembly, color wheel) that are all fixable/replaceable. That might be a reason.

In some instances maybe the plasma has a better picture, but there are benefits to DLP. And although I'm not sure how much an issue burn-in might be, it isn't any issue with DLP.

Rich N.

djmattyb:

I looked up the Pana unit you mentioned. It seems to be one of the better ones. Saw it priced at $4600 and above. It has no speakers (thats ok with me) but can be an add on for $400. Digital input (DVI) is available only as an add on card for another $200. It also cannot do native 1920x1080p nor does any other plasma that I know of. The DLPs I've seen have built in speakers/amps and digital inputs. Keep that in mind when doing a price comparison.

Other specifications such as contrast, 3:2 Pulldown, etc. are comparable between DLP and the Pana Plasma.

Current 50" DLPS go for < $3000. The only adavantage I can see to plasma is the form factor, but again I don't really care bout that since wall mount would not work for me. Oh yeah, I'd need to buy a stand for the plasma at $300.

Except for the "coolness" factor, I don't know why anyone would buy a plasma over a DLP, especially when the new native 1080p sets come out.

Originally posted by jameskollar
nodog2


So I started my research, found out about the xHD3, and decided that's what I really want. It's not availbale yet :( Neither is the 6412 or HD DVD's, two things that I really, really want. So, I wait...

DOES ANYONE THINK ITS REMOTELY POSSIBLE THAT AN UPGRADE TO THE XHD3 WOULD BE POSSIBLE?? SURE WOULD BE NICE, I'D HAVE TO SEE IF IT WOULD BE WORTH THE COST AS RIGHT NOW I AM DELIGHTED WITH MY DLP PICTURE (SAMMY 56")

I DON'T KNOW - BUT IT MIGHT BE NICE TO GET THIS THREAD BACK ON TOPIC, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS SEATTLE/COMCAST - NOT DLP PROJECTORS!!!

NO, I'M NOT SHOUTING - REALLY!!!!

Back on topic. Where do most of us set the comcast box for watching football? Tonight I set the box for 480p to watch ESPNHD Sunday night football and didn't notice any change in picture quality (Quite Good) from previously setting it at 720p. Anyone else use 480p rather than 720p? Thanks. PS: Maybe it'll make a difference for Monday night football as ABC uses 720p.

I'm currently receiving analog-only cable (my bill says "limited" cable plus "expanded" cable and it costs $40/month). I've just purchased an EDTV and would like to upgrade my cable service. I initially thought I'd have to upgrade to digital cable, but on Comcast's website, they offer a service called "High Definition Television for Analog Customers" for $6.75/month. What exactly does this get me? What will I be missing out on by not having digital cable? What is the model of the cable box that I will be getting?

There's actually a similar service named "High Definition Television for Digital Customers". That only costs $5/month, but I assume that in order to be eligible for this service, I would also have to have digital cable, and the cheapest digital cable package seems to be $52/month for "Digital Classic". Is there any cheaper digital cable package out there? Perhaps one that's not advertised but that they will give you if you ask for it by name? Also, is the cable box I would receive for the "High Definition Television for Digital Customers" service any different than the cable box for the "High Definition Television for Analog Customers" service?


I'm pretty sure that these are popular, basic, FAQ-level questions I'm posing, but sheesh, 173 pages?? How are people supposed to weed out this type of information so that the same questions are not asked over and over again?

Originally posted by jliem
I'm currently receiving analog-only cable (my bill says "limited" cable plus "expanded" cable and it costs $40/month). I've just purchased an EDTV and would like to upgrade my cable service. I initially thought I'd have to upgrade to digital cable, but on Comcast's website, they offer a service called "High Definition Television for Analog Customers" for $6.75/month. What exactly does this get me? What will I be missing out on by not having digital cable? What is the model of the cable box that I will be getting?

It should get you the locals in HD (except for KIRO, which doesn't have an agreement with Comcast yet). I believe it also gives you access to any premium channels which are offereing in HD that you've otherwise subscribed to. I believe this is actually just the cost of the HD box, so if you're already renting a box for that set it might not be that much more than what you're paying now.

I believe there's also one for a few bucks more ($5 maybe) that I'm going to have to look into, that will get yoy ESPN-HD and the two channels INHD channels, and possibly Discovery in HD.

BTW, if you want DVI, make sure you let them know. They apparently have some older boxes kicking around that don't do DVI. Same with Firewire.

Originally posted by footballnut
Back on topic. Where do most of us set the comcast box for watching football? Tonight I set the box for 480p to watch ESPNHD Sunday night football and didn't notice any change in picture quality (Quite Good) from previously setting it at 720p. Anyone else use 480p rather than 720p? Thanks. PS: Maybe it'll make a difference for Monday night football as ABC uses 720p.

I think it depends mostly on your display, & it may also be that your not picky enough.... At first on my EDTV Panny Plasma, I initially didn't see too much difference between 480p & the others. This was me just getting used to "Plasma Shock". Now after viewing many HD programs of varying, quality, 480p has nothing on 720 or 1080. Its better than analog, but can't be compared to the other 2.

Originally posted by jliem
I'm currently receiving analog-only cable (my bill says "limited" cable plus "expanded" cable and it costs $40/month). I've just purchased an EDTV and would like to upgrade my cable service. I initially thought I'd have to upgrade to digital cable, but on Comcast's website, they offer a service called "High Definition Television for Analog Customers" for $6.75/month. What exactly does this get me? What will I be missing out on by not having digital cable? What is the model of the cable box that I will be getting?

There's actually a similar service named "High Definition Television for Digital Customers". That only costs $5/month, but I assume that in order to be eligible for this service, I would also have to have digital cable, and the cheapest digital cable package seems to be $52/month for "Digital Classic". Is there any cheaper digital cable package out there? Perhaps one that's not advertised but that they will give you if you ask for it by name? Also, is the cable box I would receive for the "High Definition Television for Digital Customers" service any different than the cable box for the "High Definition Television for Analog Customers" service?


I'm pretty sure that these are popular, basic, FAQ-level questions I'm posing, but sheesh, 173 pages?? How are people supposed to weed out this type of information so that the same questions are not asked over and over again?


I mainly use DirecTV, but went with Comcast for HD local channels. My bill says I have 'Limited Cable Service' ($12.30 minus a $6.31 discount), plus a $6.75 fee for 'Advanced Set Top Receiver and Remote'. When it was first installed I got every channel Comcast offers. Several months later I was informed of an audit on their end and now I basically just get basic analog cable -- with just local channels in HDTV (this is what I was supposed to get from the start). When my 6 month promotion ends I will probably ditch Comcast all together and just do over-the-air for locals. I have not been very impressed with Comcast. It looks like effective January 1, 2005 the basic analog cable package will be $29.99 a month. That's ridiculous.

Originally posted by jsamans
IIt looks like effective January 1, 2005 the basic analog cable package will be $29.99 a month. That's ridiculous.

What are you basing that on?

BTW, you'd better make sure you can get all the channels you want OTA. I was mainly looking for a second source for HD, since my MyHD card cannot record and watch something else at the same time. But Comcast does allow me to pull in some other minor channels (mainly 9 and 11).

Originally posted by jimre
I DON'T KNOW - BUT IT MIGHT BE NICE TO GET THIS THREAD BACK ON TOPIC, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS SEATTLE/COMCAST - NOT DLP PROJECTORS!!!

NO, I'M NOT SHOUTING - REALLY!!!!

Ouch!! Oooooh. You're right - I'm sorry.

Originally posted by Karyk
What are you basing that on?

BTW, you'd better make sure you can get all the channels you want OTA. I was mainly looking for a second source for HD, since my MyHD card cannot record and watch something else at the same time. But Comcast does allow me to pull in some other minor channels (mainly 9 and 11).

I got that price off the Comcast webpage HERE (http://www.comcast.com/Buyflow/default.ashx?LinkID=251) -- that's the 'introductory offer,' the fine print says "Effective January 1, 2005, regular monthly rate for Basic Cable, currently $27.74/mo. - $44.99/mo., depending on area applies."

I'm up on the Sammamish plateau which should be pretty good for OTA, just a matter of getting a decent antenna on the roof. It will be a good fall project at any rate. No pun intended ;)

Originally posted by jsamans
I got that price off the Comcast webpage HERE (http://www.comcast.com/Buyflow/default.ashx?LinkID=251) -- that's the 'introductory offer,' the fine print says "Effective January 1, 2005, regular monthly rate for Basic Cable, currently $27.74/mo. - $44.99/mo., depending on area applies."

I'm up on the Sammamish plateau which should be pretty good for OTA, just a matter of getting a decent antenna on the roof. It will be a good fall project at any rate. No pun intended ;)

That's basic cable. The cheap stuff is limited basic, and something you can't even find on their web page (although apparently you can for some localities outside of Washington).

Originally posted by Karyk
BTW, if you want DVI, make sure you let them know. They apparently have some older boxes kicking around that don't do DVI. Same with Firewire.

Yes, I will want a DVI output from the box. Is there a specific model of cable box I should ask for? Perhaps the Motorola 6200?

And will the box be different if I'm still going to stick with analog vs. if I upgrade to digital cable?

Newer 5100's had DVI but were very limited firewire. 6200's have DVI & firewire.

Older 5100's (2 years or more) had neither Firewire or DVI.

Originally posted by miatasm
Newer 5100's had DVI but were very limited firewire. 6200's have DVI & firewire.

Older 5100's (2 years or more) had neither Firewire or DVI.

I believe they have some 6200s that have neither DVI or firewire. The installer I had seemed very experienced, and was surprised the box he brought in didn't have DVI.

Just let them know that you want those things rather than worrying about the model number (unless you have another reason to want a particular model).

I've had HD for about a week now. At first, I didn't think I'd care that KIRO doesn't broadcast HD over Comcast, but I've already become irritated that I can't get KIRO. Is there any end in sight to this war between Comcast & KIRO?

If anyone is planning to gather an angry mob outside of KIRO's headquarters anytime soon, count me in :)

Originally posted by howe97
I've had HD for about a week now. At first, I didn't think I'd care that KIRO doesn't broadcast HD over Comcast, but I've already become irritated that I can't get KIRO. Is there any end in sight to this war between Comcast & KIRO?

If anyone is planning to gather an angry mob outside of KIRO's headquarters anytime soon, count me in :)

From the PR blurb about John Woodin, KIRO GM, on KIRO's web site:

"John and his wife Diana reside in Issaquah with their four children. "

They probably have a tough time getting OTA HD reception there, so perhaps he'd be willing to join us. If not him, then maybe the kids.

KIRO has little or nothing to do with this. Their local GM has zero power to change this. The real problem is an inter-galactic pissing match between Comcast and KIRO's owner - Cox Cable.

Just noticed NFLHD on the guide, Channel 181. Currently, there is nothing but an INHD logo being broadcast on the channel.

What package do you have to have to view the NFL channel (180) and now this NFLHD (181)? I saw 180 a while back but it always says I'm not authorized, and to press OK for ordering info. Pressing ok does nothing and I can never find what I'm looking for on Comcast's website. Thanks.

Originally posted by jimre
KIRO has little or nothing to do with this. Their local GM has zero power to change this. The real problem is an inter-galactic pissing match between Comcast and KIRO's owner - Cox Cable.

Do we know what the problem is? Why are they in a pissing match????

I'm SO CLOSE in leaving Comcast, but I love the high speed internet, and plus, I live in Marysville and not too sure if I could pull in OTA locals for HD.

Thanks,
Chase

Originally posted by jimre
KIRO has little or nothing to do with this. Their local GM has zero power to change this. The real problem is an inter-galactic pissing match between Comcast and KIRO's owner - Cox Cable.

I still think it's not just coincidence that KIRO cannot split in local commericals and they do not allow their signal on Comcast.

Do they allow their HD signal on any other cable system? Taking actions that could reduce their advertising revenue is not really in their interest.

Well Comcast's #1 and #2 are in town today, so you could find out where they are and ask for CBS HD. :)

According to an interview with them in the Seattle Times, by the end of the year, Seattle will be the first city in which Comcast plans to roll out new set-top boxes featuring digital video recorders and Microsoft's program guide. So we have that going for us. :)

Article - http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002048992_comcastqa29.html

Originally posted by Karyk
I still think it's not just coincidence that KIRO cannot split in local commericals and they do not allow their signal on Comcast.

Do they allow their HD signal on any other cable system? Taking actions that could reduce their advertising revenue is not really in their interest. It seems to be a national problem. I've read here that the same problem exists in San Francisco (Cox-owned FOX affiliate KTVU), and Atlanta (Cox-owned ABC affiliate). The consensus speculation is that Cox is demanding higher cable fees for their stations' HD signals to be carried on non-Cox cable systems, and Comcast of course won't pay the ransom.

I talked to a Comcast engineer who says he's in a beta test of the new Comcast HD PVRs. Says it has two tuners...capable to recording two channels at the same time. Or, watching one while recording another. He says it's using Microsoft software (groan) and he expects it to be available by the end of the year. But, he also said he's not involved in the rollout, only part of the beta test.

That would be really cool if I could record two HD shows at the same time! Can the DirecTV Tivo do that? Or would the Comcast box be the first? Or can the Comcast box only record 1 HD channel at a time? Wouldn't it take a lot of CPU power to record two HD programs at once? It would take a lot of hard drive space, that's for sure. Sounds like this could be a Christmas present from Comcast to all of us.

Originally posted by howe97
I've had HD for about a week now. At first, I didn't think I'd care that KIRO doesn't broadcast HD over Comcast, but I've already become irritated that I can't get KIRO. Is there any end in sight to this war between Comcast & KIRO?

If anyone is planning to gather an angry mob outside of KIRO's headquarters anytime soon, count me in :)

I filed an FCC complaint about it yesterday. Figured maybe that was a different route to go since KIRO people don't even acknowledge receipt of emails.

Post how you filed the complaint and all of us can do the same thing. Maybe post one all filled out that we can simply sign and submit. By law, broadcasters need to "meet the needs, interest, and convience" of the public. I hardly think Kiro & Comcast are doing this. On the other hand, Comcast isn't a broadcaster, they're a cable company. If I only had more time on my hands, a good lawyer, and a bottomless bank account I could take care of all this. But nobody has those things so we wait...

Originally posted by djmattyb
Wouldn't it take a lot of CPU power to record two HD programs at once? Nope. Recording ANALOG takes a lot of CPU power, as the box has to perform real-time MPEG2 compression. But not digital. The HD stream is already MPEG2-compressed. All the box has to do is copy the bits from the network to the hard drive.

What *would* surprise me is if the box could record two ANALOG shows at once.

Originally posted by djmattyb
Post how you filed the complaint and all of us can do the same thing.

I filed it here and just sent all the info in the email that they request...

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html

Originally posted by djmattyb
That would be really cool if I could record two HD shows at the same time! Can the DirecTV Tivo do that? Or would the Comcast box be the first? Or can the Comcast box only record 1 HD channel at a time? Wouldn't it take a lot of CPU power to record two HD programs at once? It would take a lot of hard drive space, that's for sure. Sounds like this could be a Christmas present from Comcast to all of us.

I think just about every HD DVR, with the exception of existing Comcast DVRs, can record two channels at once. HD Tivo can, I believe the Dish HD DVR can, and the Zoom one that isn't out apparently will be able to do so.

Originally posted by howe97
What package do you have to have to view the NFL channel (180) and now this NFLHD (181)? I saw 180 a while back but it always says I'm not authorized, and to press OK for ordering info. Pressing ok does nothing and I can never find what I'm looking for on Comcast's website. Thanks.

You need either the Digital Plus package, or the Digital Sports Package to get NFLTV. If you like sports, and don't have the Digital Plus package, you may as well just get the Digital Sports package and get CSTV and NBATV as well.

Here's another article with some interesting information for football fans:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/192848_comcast29.html

"Comcast's NFL highlight show, an attempt to compete with the popular NFL Sunday Ticket package from DirecTV, allows digital cable subscribers to access a 20-minute recap of every NFL football game by late Sunday night. In the first week, it had 600,000 downloads of NFL Replay."

Thanks Al. I can't remember what package I currently have, I'll have to take a look.

Originally posted by Karyk
I still think it's not just coincidence that KIRO cannot split in local commericals and they do not allow their signal on Comcast.

Do they allow their HD signal on any other cable system? Taking actions that could reduce their advertising revenue is not really in their interest.

Our friend from Tacoma says they have it, as does the web site he cites:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by aNiMaLpJ
"We in Tacoma with Click! (www.click-network.com) already had KIROHD."

Originally posted by Karyk
I think just about every HD DVR, with the exception of existing Comcast DVRs, can record two channels at once. HD Tivo can, I believe the Dish HD DVR can, and the Zoom one that isn't out apparently will be able to do so.

Both the DirectTV HD Tivo and the Dish Network HD 921 can record 2 channels at the same time, or record one watch another, or even record 2 shows and watch a 3rd pre-recorded show. Dish also has a couple of non-HD PVRs that can do the same, the 721 and the 522 I believe. I have the 721 and let me tell you it's wonderful to be able to do that.

Originally posted by artshotwell
I talked to a Comcast engineer who says he's in a beta test of the new Comcast HD PVRs. Says it has two tuners...capable to recording two channels at the same time. Or, watching one while recording another. He says it's using Microsoft software (groan) and he expects it to be available by the end of the year. But, he also said he's not involved in the rollout, only part of the beta test.

Whether you like Microsoft or not, their guide has got be better than the garbage guide that Comcast uses now :)

Originally posted by howe97
Whether you like Microsoft or not, their guide has got be better than the garbage guide that Comcast uses now :)
I sure hope so. That TVGuide guide is just awful. It fails in some of the most basic functions.

I don't mind Microsoft, as such, just tired of crashes, lockups and reboots. XP is better than the past versions. And, Office apps menus just don't make sense.

I'm excited about getting HD recording capability. I'm even considering one of those JVC 30k DVHS units to offload movies.

Originally posted by jeff28
I filed it here and just sent all the info in the email that they request...

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints.html

well I got a reply back today... I have no idea what it means. They seemed to have added a problem number to the subject line. I'm not sure if they're needing some type of additional action from me (us) or not though.

From: FCCInfo <FCCInfo@fcc.gov>
To: @comcast.net
Subject: PROBLEM00696186 - HDTV Retransmission Complaint
Date: Thu, 30 Sep 2004 15:36:14 +0000


Attachment 1: FACTSHEET84.PDF (application/octet-stream)

You are receiving this email in response to your inquiry to the FCC.



This e-mail contains an attachment that is in ".pdf" format. If you are unable
to open this attachment, it is most likely because your computer doesn't have
Adobe Reader, which is the program needed to open these types of files. You can
install a free copy of Adobe Reader from the Adobe Web site at
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html.

Rep Number : TSR39
Mailout Attachment Name : FACTSHEET84.PDF (see attachment <FACTSHEET84.PDF>)

What the FCC reply is saying is that they are more concerned about the exposure of an african-american breast than they are with what cble channels we get.

Originally posted by Karyk
I believe they have some 6200s that have neither DVI or firewire. The installer I had seemed very experienced, and was surprised the box he brought in didn't have DVI.

Just let them know that you want those things rather than worrying about the model number (unless you have another reason to want a particular model).

Thanks, guys. The installer came yesterday and got me set up with a 6200. So now I'm getting all the analog channels of basic cable (aka limited+expanded) for $40/month, plus what they're calling the HD Digital Lite package, which is just the locals (minus CBS and UPN), PBS, and ESPN in HD, for an additional $6.75/month. Other than premium channels, the only other HD channels I'm missing out on are INHD, INHD2, and DiscoveryHD. It seems that in order to get those, I would have to upgrade to the Digital Classic package, which would be $12/month (so just over $5/month more than HD Digital Lite). The installer suggested not to bother upgrading for now and wait another month or so, because Comcast will likely be offering a bunch of new deals/specials very shortly in an effort to heavily promote the new OnDemand feature.

Blah. Give us more HD channels. I have Tivo already.

BTW, DiscoveryHD is best HD channel imho.

Originally posted by jliem
Comcast will likely be offering a bunch of new deals/specials very shortly in an effort to heavily promote the new OnDemand feature.

Originally posted by Tom_Oliver
BTW, DiscoveryHD is best HD channel imho.

You know, DiscoveryHD usually looks like garbage for me. It's almost always pixelated beyond belief. The other HD channels always look great. Am I the only one with this problem? Everyone I talk to loves DiscoveryHD, but I can almost never watch it.

BTW, I'm using the 5100 box from Comcast.

Originally posted by howe97
You know, DiscoveryHD usually looks like garbage for me. It's almost always pixelated beyond belief. The other HD channels always look great. Am I the only one with this problem? Everyone I talk to loves DiscoveryHD, but I can almost never watch it.

BTW, I'm using the 5100 box from Comcast.

I certainly have no problem with Discovery HD using the 5100 with component connection. It's usually the best looking picture I get.

If CBS persists in producing shows like the CSI:everywhere-you'd-hate-to-live group with such pathetic lighting I may forget why I want KIRO-HD. Oh, I just remembered -- SEC football.

wareagle - thanks for the reply.

I totally agree, the only reason I want CBS is because of their college football, and the occasional NFL HD game they throw to us non ST subscribers.

I've never had the pixelation with Discover HD, for me it's always on KCTS 108. Very noticeable a lot of the time on that channel... I wonder what would cause that issue to be on different channels for different users...

I don't recall having problems with KCTS-HD (108), but I haven't watched it recently -- not since Smart Travels got shoved over to the 1:30 AM time slot.

Discovery HD and the INHD channels always look breathtakingly gorgeous for me.

I also often have problems with Discovery HD and pixelation/signal breakup. This seems to never happen on the other HD channels. When the signal is strong the PQ is stunning.

Discovery HD & INHD (1 & 2) are each drop-dead gorgeous on my set. However, here's a problem I do have...

The sound on KING HD (channel 105) frequetnly does an "audio version" of pixelation... it will intermittently start to sputter - and once the sputtering starts, it lasts until I change to any other channel on the HD box - and then back again to KING HD (ch 105) - when I get back to KING HD (ch 105), the sputtering is gone... though it generally returns some time later and can olny be stopped by repeating the channel changing process...

Anyone else have this intermittent "audio sputtering" problem on Comcast's KING HD (ch 105) signal?


r-gordon-7

Yes - we all have this audio problem with 105. Lots of posts about this on previous pages of this thread. Seemed to occur around the time Comcast rolled out 7.15 firmware to our boxes. Very noticable during the Olympics in August (or maybe that's just the only time most of us ever watched NBD-HD). You might be able to minimize it by changing your audio settings to Advanced, rather than Stereo (in the regular on-screen Main Menu, settings, cable box).

I have troubles with INHD so often that I've almost completely forgotten the channels are there anymore!

This morning I checked out channel 181 (NFL Total Access) and it is showing a new screen. It now says HD/SE (HD Special Events). Does anyone know what Comcast shows on this station if anything?

Hard to say what they're up to. The previous static display was "INHD". The schedule (info button) reflects the same programming as 180, and the channel title is "NFL Network in HDTV". (They've also added audio, consisting of annoying music.) The assumption would be that it would eventually carry the same programming as 180, except in HD. Perhaps some of the people from other cities who occasionally visit this forum could clarify it.

In Baltimore County we also have the HDSE on 188. Besides whatever NFL Network does in HD I don't know what else they will show. Maybe Comcast will make a deal with Sinclair to show the Super Bowl on it (it is late and my mind is in fantasy mode).

Rich N.

here's what Comcast had to say about it...

NFL Network “Games of the Week” in HD

Starting September 29th, Comcast digital customers will be able to view two 60-minute condensed versions of the best NFL games from the previous Sunday. These games, filmed in HD, feature unique camera angles, sideline sound and the story you didn't see during Sunday's broadcast. This programming is only available to customers with Digital Classic, Plus, Extra or the Digital Sport Tier and can be viewed each Wednesday and Thursday. Each game will air at 6PM PT with repeat showings over the following two days. The games will be located on a new digital channel (ch. 181). This NFL HD programming compliments the NFL Network channel as well as the NFL On Demand content and provides meaningful product differentiation from satellite (DBS).

NFL HD NEW!
When: 9/29/2004
Channel Number: ch. 181
Channel Name: NFL HD
Who: This channel will be available to all Digital Classic & Digital Sports tier customers.

"Game of the Week” #1 - (60-minutes).

Wednesday at 6PM (PT)
Thursday 9PM (PT)
Thursday 12AM (Wed night into Thr.), 10AM, and 2PM (PT)
Saturday 10AM & 6PM (PT)

“Game of the Week” #2 - (60-minutes).

Thursday 6PM (PT)
Friday 9PM (PT)
Friday 12AM (Thr night into Fri), 10AM, and 2PM (PT)
Saturday 11AM, 9PM PT

I use an LG-3410a to record Comcast HD networks broadcast in QAM. Well, I'm trying to. The TV Guide data is wrong (it lists the OTA channel numbers), so I have to map in the correct QAM channel for each station. I thought I had them all mapped in, but I went to record something on ABC tonight, but was getting no signal on the channel I had mapped in. That's weird, since I would not have mapped in anything that I had not confirmed...

Does anyone have a listing of the QAM channels for the Comcast HD channels? For instance (I'm doing this from memory), I think FOX is 110-1 and WB is 110-2. Did ABC move recently?

edit: Found the earlier post. It looks like I had ABC mapped to a channel they were using for testing, or something. I still have one of the PBS feeds mapped to a similar channel (in the 124-x range) that isn't cluster with the others. <sigh>

Thanks,

--Mike

Originally posted by jeff28
here's what Comcast had to say about it...

NFL Network “Games of the Week” in HD
.
.
.


Where does Comcast post, publish, or otherwise provide access to this information?

Thursday night, after the Game of the Week, they showed an episode of Discoveries America covering the Northwest region. I've never seen this episode before, so it may have been a preview just for Seattle viewers. It looked amazing.

There was no way of knowing this was on, other than staying tuned after the GOTW ended.

Originally posted by wareagle
Where does Comcast post, publish, or otherwise provide access to this information?

They do press releases that nobody reprints so they never really end up anywhere most of the time. A buddy of mine who works there usually forwards these to me because he knows I'm interested. By the time I see them it's usually the day they're launching something or maybe one or two days before... I just put this one on the board because I thought you guys would consider it to be useful since there were questions about that channel.

The Customer Service people are sent these too, so they can field the types of questions everyone had... you just have to be lucky enough to get someone on the phone who reads and remembers all the many emails they get daily.

looks like dvr will be $9.95 per month if they're consistent nationally...

http://www4.fosters.com/October_2004/10.02.04/news/bu_1002a.asp

I just got a new 6200 box last night and the basic HDTV for analog customer deal from Comcast.

The install went fine but I am underwhelmed so far. I am dumbfounded that almost all the local channels are showing 4:3 content. After holding out for a couple of years I naively assumed there would be more HD.

The PBS program in HD looked great, but the West Wing and one other HD program had a black border on all four sides. I checked the 6200 FAQ and my setup is correct (16:9, 1080i), so I'm not sure what I am doing wrong.

The Motorola/TV Guide GUI is freaking horrid...not only is it a low res nightmare but it's packed with advertising! It makes TIVO look like a work of art.

Also, the analog quality is inferior to my $50 Sony VCR. One of the reasons I got the HD box was to try and get locals in better quality, but I am not willing to sacrifice the quality of the rest of my analog cable package. Being unable to resize the local 4:3 content is also annoying.

if only I had a line of sight to VOOM....

you can size the local 4:3 content however you want. with the cable box turned off you can just hit the MENU button (on the box). That brings up a screen with some options. you can set the 4:3 override to 480p or whatever and it will act like it's plugged straight into regular cable for analog channels. I think that's what you're complaint is anyway? I don't know. The guide will be changing within the next month or two. I doubt it will be as good as TiVo but it will be better... we'll just have to wait and see. West Wing, etc. is usually in 16:9 full screen HD but lately they've been having problems at KING I think. I watched "Lost" last night on KOMO and it looked great. Football games are looking nice today too.