The KCTS channels have appeared!


Ch. 108 - KCTS in High Definition

Ch. 109 - KCTS Digital Simulcast (24/7)

Ch. 110 - KCTS Kids

Ch. 112 - KCTS Learns

yep, there here for me in shoreline as well...no programming on the HD channel right now (off air)...is there a demo loop? I'm getting no picture, but I might have a signal level problem

Rich

a couple of posts above says they only broadast hd from 5pm to 12am

Originally posted by Tivolicious
I understand what you are trying to say.

<snip>

Cheers,
Steve

You know, I started to write up a response to your response and stopped.

It's very obvious to me that;

A. You and I are pretty much the only two still involved in this conversation, and if you want, we can continue this offline in some manner. But this sub-text really isn't serving any usefulness to the others in this thread. And as such, I'm willing to let it die and agree that we disagree...and as each post brings us closer to Godwin's law, I'd rather not tempt fate. ;)

- and -

B. We have disperate ideas on how to businesses should be run and aren't likely to change each other's views without thomes of text. So, you run your business your way, I'll run my business my way. You bank heavily on the future, I play the future short. But I'm willing to bet here that neither of us is running a business of any size..... :)

I do want to bring up one final point though:

Your banking on future earnings is really aggressive.

If expenses grow faster than revenues, earnings will shrink. For a company that's growing rapidly, redirecting money to stimulate growth may make sense. But you're asserting that profits from the growth will be reflected in future earnings as revenues and expenses stabilize.

I have a few of issues with that. Growth in the television market is hardly a rapid or massive, there's a fairly finite amount of customers (with a slow growth rate of people moving in to the area), and they have thousands of viewing alternatives. You're also dealing with a finite market place. With out market expansion, you're not going to see a significant or sustainable growth in market share.

You've stated yourself previously that it's "content over flash". Well, if the content isn't there, any intial spike you may in this business will disspate in time. And again, you're not getting into this market first, there are other competitors coming with you. The same ones you have today, and there are still all those other alternatives.

Advertising revenue isn't likely to jump any massive amount now or in the future as it follows the ratings. It's very cyclical. And here again, after an initial spike, you're back to previous levels.

And In 3+ years, they will do nothing more than a lateral shift of their existing customer base from analog to digital, unless you're adding viewers from somewhere outside the existing market place, there's not really a massive potential for growth there.

.......I really am done now. Fire away.

Auf Wiedersehen

Originally posted by generationxwing
But I'm willing to bet here that neither of us is running a business of any size..... :)


You would laugh if you actually knew the truth.

In any case, I will drop it in this thread. I still would like to know why you think that Comcast is to blame and what they have to gain by doing it. Why don't you just PM me the response that you prepared.

You could also just email me comments @ theevilempire . com

Cheers,
Steve

I can't remember how long ago it was when KCTS had their first public demos of the HDTV technology, but I remember going down to their studios for a look-see in the late 80's or early 90's. Who knew it would be a decade or more before we would finally get the technology in our own homes over cable?

I suppose it is fitting that KCTS is the first local channel to get on, since they were the first to be beating the drums for HD.

anyone checked out the "Grizzly" Nature show on kcts-hd on now? the quality is horrible - any motion on screen is blurred (e.g., grass, fur on the bears) and all detail is non-existent. is this a bandwidth issue, or just a poor hd transfer? maybe things will get better later on tonight...

Originally posted by brente
anyone checked out the "Grizzly" Nature show on kcts-hd on now? the quality is horrible - any motion on screen is blurred (e.g., grass, fur on the bears) and all detail is non-existent. is this a bandwidth issue, or just a poor hd transfer? maybe things will get better later on tonight...

I agree but the previous show - Travels in Europe (or something) was nice.

BTW - the NE/NY Football game on now on ESPN-HD is fantastic!

agree - the espnhd signal looks good (nicer if it was in 1080i, but it'll do...)

with the game I finally had a chance to compare a native 720p signal from espnhd on the moto 5100 (manually switched the output res) and an upconverted signal on my sony hd100 directv receiver (which won't output 720p - only 1080i) and found the 720p signal on espnhd on the moto box is clearer when viewed natively than upconverting to 1080i on my 9" crt front projector system. ok, this was kind of to be expected, but there is quite a bit of difference...

since the 5100 won't display a native signal automatically, this means having to manually flip the output resolution based on the programming content... kind of a bummer.

hopefully the moto 6xxx pvr box will have a native mode instead of having a fixed output resolution...

Chefs A'Field had a lot of pixellation. It was as bad as the Mariners broadcasts at first. The sound level is really low, too. My ears are getting blasted switching back and forth between KCTS HD and ESPN HD.

Hopefully they're going to do some more fine tuning on KCTS HD.

anyone checked out the "Grizzly" Nature show on kcts-hd on now? the quality is horrible - any motion on screen is blurred (e.g., grass, fur on the bears) and all detail is non-existent. is this a bandwidth issue, or just a poor hd transfer? maybe things will get better later on tonight...

Nope. Not a bandwidth issue. I've watched about 10 min of the same program (9:25PM) and I agree, the picture is horrible. However, I can get the picture OTA and on cable. The PQ IS THE SAME!!!!. In fact, the sound between the two is in perfect sync. It's a headend problem. NOT COMCAST.

A/B switching proves the point!

Watching OTA, I agree.

Must be Fuzzy Wuzzy HDTV caused by bad source.

Is anyone getting audio breakup on the Lyle Lovett concert.
I'm getting lots of snap, crackle & pop. It wasn't on the bear program.
Picture is great!

Is anyone getting audio breakup on the Lyle Lovett concert. I'm getting lots of snap, crackle & pop. It wasn't on the bear program.
Picture is great!

OTA and COMCAST are the same. A/B switch on the audio, I hear pops in both. Again, a head end problem. Not Comcast.

Originally posted by brente
anyone checked out the "Grizzly" Nature show on kcts-hd on now? the quality is horrible - any motion on screen is blurred (e.g., grass, fur on the bears) and all detail is non-existent. is this a bandwidth issue, or just a poor hd transfer? maybe things will get better later on tonight...

I noticed before they re-aired it at 9PM that they said it was being aired in "Widescreen", while Soundstage was being aired in "High-Definition".

Would that explain the difference in quality between some of these programs?

Originally posted by jameskollar
OTA and COMCAST are the same. A/B switch on the audio, I hear pops in both. Again, a head end problem. Not Comcast.

Heard the popping here too on two different OTA HD tuners, DTC-100 and E86.

Hey i'm in renton and my basic is only 14.30 then digital is another 11.99. I don't know if it's based on area for the price or what. But i think you guys are paying too much!! just thought i'd let you know!!

One thing to note: all of the KCTS feeds occupy a single 19.2 mbps stream. Where a majopr network mayd dedicate the full 19.2mbps to a single feed, KCTS is splitting to do this multicast. Their plan, alledgedly, is to multicast during the day and go to a single HD feed during prime time.

We'll see if they actually deliver.

yeah, i heard they were doing this for OTA, but wasn't sure whether they were doing this for the comcast HD feed or not...

Originally posted by danstone
If all you wanted to receive were the new KCTS feeds, then you could simply add the DCT5100 box to your Comcast account. The only additional charge you would pay (other than what you are currently paying) would be for the box rental. All the box would do in that case is allow you to receive the KCTS feeds (no digital program guide, no PPV access, etc.).

I currently have basic analog. If I wanted to get the 5100 for KCTS HD would Comcast need to run another cable with the digital signal into my house to hook up to it or is the digital signal transmitted along with the analog on the same cable?

If it's on the same cable would the 5100 output the regular analog basic channels through its RF output to my TV and output the HD signal through component to my projector or would I have to get a splitter to route the signal to the RF input to my TV and the RF input on the 5100 (TV receiving the analog and the 5100 receiving the digital)?

I would much rather prefer the digital signal to come into the house separately so I wouldn't have to degrade the analog picture quality to my TV with a splitter and so that the rest of the family could watch any channel on the TV while KCTS HD was being displayed on the projector (in another room of course).

Can someone please enlighten me? Thanks.

Brent

It is run over the same cable. The 5100 acts as the tuner to the cable that you plug it into, and it can tune analog, digital, and HDTV channels. Your other TVs would only tune the analog channels.

alex

Same line. The digital channels are placed on the upper end of the frequency.

Originally posted by Al Shing
I noticed before they re-aired it at 9PM that they said it was being aired in "Widescreen", while Soundstage was being aired in "High-Definition".

Would that explain the difference in quality between some of these programs?

Yes, it did not look like HD because is wasn't. KCTS HD channel broadcasts a mix of HD and SD Widescreen material, such as tonight's Soundstage is HD but the following program Spartans is not.
Check Titan TV or KCTS's own HD site to determine when they have actual HD programming coming on.

Originally posted by curtisb
Yes, it did not look like HD because is wasn't. KCTS HD channel broadcasts a mix of HD and SD Widescreen material, such as tonight's Soundstage is HD but the following program Spartans is not.
Check Titan TV or KCTS's own HD site to determine when they have actual HD programming coming on.

KCTS's web site doesn't actually spell out that Spartans is not an HD program.

I pretty much don't understand KCTS's programming strategy. They should have only HD stuff on the KCTSH channel, and put all the non-HD stuff on the KCTSD channel. They surely must have enough programming so they don't showing the same thing every day on KCTSH. Today's schedule is practically the same as yesterday's with a couple of exceptions. It's not like they are new at this HD stuff. They've been on for a number of years.

I guess I'm not surprised the channel is going to hell in a handbasket if this is the thinking.

For nearly two years I've been getting all the Seattle area digital broadcasts OTA without any problems, but obviously I can't get Fox Sports Northwest and ESPN in HD OTA. As baseball season is getting to the games that really count and football season is just around the corner, I want to have as many HD games as I can get.

We've had digital cable from AT&T and now Comcast for the last 18 months while waiting for HD content over cable to become worthwhile. Our Motorola digital STBs are older and don't even have so much as S-Video out, let alone component and HD capability. Now that there's a little more available, what will I have to do and what's the least I'm going to have to pay?

Thanks,

Tim

Originally posted by tluxon
We've had digital cable from AT&T and now Comcast for the last 18 months while waiting for HD content over cable to become worthwhile. Our Motorola digital STBs are older and don't even have so much as S-Video out, let alone component and HD capability. Now that there's a little more available, what will I have to do and what's the least I'm going to have to pay?


Since you have digital cable and an HDTV, all you have to do is call Comcast and have them bring you an HD cable box. They will come out and hook you up for free. There is no additional cost per month, and you will get ESPN HD for the baseball and football games, as well as the remaining six Mariners games on FSNHD.

Basically, you will be getting an HD cable box and HD programming for no additional cost over the cost of digital cable.

First KOMO, and now KING-5. Last night KING-5 showed an ad touting all their great HDTV programming. Like the KOMO ads, at the end it emphasizes that you can get HDTV for free.

Further evidence for the conspiracy/collusion theory - all local stations are acting together in a well-organized plan to put the screws to Comcast.

Thanks for the tip, Al. I'll be giving them a call on Monday for sure to get an appointment set up.

I really feel for those here who can't get KOMO-DT and KING-DT OTA and really have no choice but Comcast. It does seem mighty odd that they're both making a big deal about HDTV being free via OTA, and at the same time not allowing Comcast to distribute it to those who can't get it OTA. I'm not sure what they fear except that Comcast may be able to leverage that programming by selling advertising that KOMO and KING wouldn't benefit from. If that's what's holding things up, then Comcast certainly shares the responsibility of things not getting done.

The sooner all local DT is available via Comcast the better, I think. It's definitely not as seamless to have to switch between OTA and cable programming. The only question would be how much that affects how many more commercials we'll have to work around.

Cheers,

Tim

Since you have digital cable and an HDTV, all you have to do is call Comcast and have them bring you an HD cable box. They will come out and hook you up for free.

I've been told you can also go to a local Comcast store and pick up a DCT5100 and install the box yourself. I didn't do that. instead , they sent a tech who had never hooked up a component TV. He couldn't get it to work and would not let me help him. Finally, he stepped outside to call his supervisor (cell didn't work inside my house). That's when I found out he had one of the component output cables hooked up to one of the analog audio output channels. Doh! I fixed it myself and had it running before he finished his phone call. Also, he was totally confused by the optical connector. Did that for him as well.

One thing you may really liek (I do) is that the S-Video output along with the Component is also active and avaible on all of the channels. I use that signal to feed my PVR.

Good luck!

Originally posted by tluxon
I'm not sure what they fear except that Comcast may be able to leverage that programming by selling advertising that KOMO and KING wouldn't benefit from. If that's what's holding things up, then Comcast certainly shares the responsibility of things not getting done.
Given that Comcast has had HD locals up & running in almost every other major market for some time now - one can only conclude that it's the Seattle local stations who are holding things up here. Seems to me they're all working together to force Comcast to pay more for their local HD signals (at least more than Comcast is paying in other cities).

Originally posted by jameskollar
...

One thing you may really liek (I do) is that the S-Video output along with the Component is also active and avaible on all of the channels. I use that signal to feed my PVR.

Good luck!

Oh, that would be sa-weeeeeeet. I get so tired of having to switch my HIRD-E86 between 1080i out and 480i out to record on the Replay.

Thanks for the tip - I've found that I usually know more about installation than the techs that get sent out for either cable or phone stuff. I'll swing by Comcast on the way home tomorrow and see if I can get the HD box. Do I have to buy it in lieu of paying rent or will they just swap it with my older digital box?

They'll just swap it out for your old box. However, they won't let you pick up the box at their store. They make you set up an appointment for one of their experts to come out and hook it up for you. I ended up hooking it up myself while "the expert" watched.

Originally posted by seatlsteve
They'll just swap it out for your old box. However, they won't let you pick up the box at their store. They make you set up an appointment for one of their experts to come out and hook it up for you. I ended up hooking it up myself while "the expert" watched.

That was my understanding. It's because they want to physically verify that you actually have an HDTV before giving you an HD box. Otherwise everyone would be picking one up at the store in order to get the Dolby Digital capability.

I can't imagine they are getting these in en masse anymore because everyone is going to be looking for HD PVR units in a few months. The DCT 5100 is nearly obsolete already, only after a year.

Originally posted by Al Shing
I can't imagine they are getting these in en masse anymore because everyone is going to be looking for HD PVR units in a few months. The DCT 5100 is nearly obsolete already, only after a year.

What HD PVR units? In order to do that with comcast you'd need an HD PVR box that ran on their system, at least with the premiums.

If they are indeed running the locals (all ONE of them at this point) as QAM 256 and in the clear then you'd need a box that did that. I don't know of any HD pvr boxes coming out tht do that. But I could be wrong.

Originally posted by ianken
What HD PVR units? In order to do that with comcast you'd need an HD PVR box that ran on their system, at least with the premiums.

If they are indeed running the locals (all ONE of them at this point) as QAM 256 and in the clear then you'd need a box that did that. I don't know of any HD pvr boxes coming out tht do that. But I could be wrong.

I have read somewhere on AVS that the DCT6200 is an HD PVR that is scheduled to be released late this summer.

The DCT 6200 is optionally an HD PVR, while the DCT6208 has it as a standard feature.

See http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2003/0803/ID1_08.pdf

Thanks for the link. I notice that it says the 6200 will replace the 5100. I've been wanting to time-shift HD from the first time I had it a couple years ago. If it makes a difference, I'd choose to forego a couple months of ESPN and Fox Sports Northwest games in HD if it would mean a more painless transition to time-shifting HD with a 620X. Do you think it would make a difference, or should I just go ahead with the 5100 and try to upgrade to the 620X when it becomes available?

Do you think it would make a difference, or should I just go ahead with the 5100 and try to upgrade to the 620X when it becomes available?

Go for it! Two things: Don't expect a HD PVR soon. They're still experimenting with it on the East Coast (I think that's right) and they're using SA boxes, not MOT.

Second, you just rent the box. You don't own it. IMO, I'm sure they'll swap it.

Didn't know you couldn't pick up a DCT5100 at the store. Another thing the tech guy told me that was wrong :(

I was told I could pick up a DCT5100 at the store by the CSR on the phone. But when it came time to place an order, that turned out to be wrong. There was no way they would let me install my own. I was interested in Mariners baseball in HD. But then I decided to wait for Comcast to pick up the locals in Seattle. I hope they do it while I am still alive.

If you want ESPN HD now I wouldn't bother waiting for them to rollout new boxes. They won't necessarily do it the moment they are available. It would only take a couple minutes for them to replace the box. Of course you have to wait for them to show up that one extra time, but who knows how long til new boxes come out.

And as for them doing the installation, I had my cables ready ahead of time so all that needed to be done was plug the box in. I think they just want someone there to confirm you have an HD set before they hand over one of the more expensive boxes.

Yes, people shouldn't be waiting to upgrade to HD capabilities. Everyone who upgrades increases the number of people who have HD on cable, which might mean something to those holdout local channels.

Certainly wouldn't hurt to let the cable company know they are doing something right for a change.

My wife just let me know that she set up an appointment. They want to charge us $16 for the box with no monthly fees and $15 for "Home Theater Access" to get dolby digital. Why would they charge me for that? You'd think I'd be able to just hook an optical audio cable up to the box myself and get dolby digital, wouldn't you?

I picked up the following post from the espnhd.com forum. I can't vouch for its accuracy:

"Brian,

Thank you for your letter (and your business).

ESPN HD just launched Aug 4 on ch 176. KOMO 4 and KCTS PBS WILL LAUNCH Aug 28.

We continue to negotiate with BELO and are very close to "signing" KING5 and KONG6. We have also been working with KCPQ Fox and UPN. I feel confident these negotiations will allow Comcast to launch by EOY.

There is a lot more additions planned including 2 "new" channels for Hi def in the Fall, plus VOD for the HOLIDAYS.

Stay tuned.

Thanks again."

The email is apparently from a local Comcast executive by the name of Rick Germano (Rick_Germano@cable.comcast.com)

I suspect the two new channels are the in demand HD channels (check out inhd.com). Comcast is a part-owner of In Demand.

Again, I can't vouch for the accuracy of this info - I'm just passing along something I found elsewhere

Well the tidbit about KOMO is interesting even though the dates mentioned for KCTS and ESPN are wrong. I did read a similar quote somewhere (most likely earlier in this thread) from a Comcast rep saying they were very close to a deal with one of the locals, maybe they were referring to KOMO. I would like to get at least one of them soon and hope that would pressure the others into getting a deal done.

my experience when ordering COMCAST HD:
I was specifically told you could not pick up the 5100 at their store
I was told there was a promotional offer for free installation
My first bill had a credit for the installation fee ($16 or so)
My first bill had a charge for a "home theater access fee" ($15)
I called and complained adamantly that $15 was not FREE and they finally caved and gave me a credit.
the tech wasn't very knowledgeable, he knew what component cables were though! but the digital 5.1 threw him off...

I don't know anything about a "home theater access fee". There is an entry in my bill labeled "HDTV Access" but it's $0.00 for now. Looks like they're ready to start billing any time though.

Could be the HT Access Fee is absorbed into my digital cable package, or is just something they added later and can't refit into the "old-timers" bills. Is it a one-time charge or monthly?

it's supposedly a one time only installation fee

Do they give you a toslink cable? Could that be the cost?

Originally posted by Tivolicious
Do they give you a toslink cable? Could that be the cost?

The only cable that they gave me was a combined component/analog audio cable. It is rolled up in my closet gathering dust. The installer kept telling me what a great "composite" cable it was.

Well, I have the first recorded (at least that's what the tech said) "dead" 5100 box in the seattle area. I lost HD last week, and cable altogther died on saturday....the box just was toast!

it was replaced today, and now I get KCTS HD - too bad there's no HD on it tonite :( I did get to watch some of the game on espnhd...looked great!

Cheers,

Rich

I just got digital cable with HD and the ESPN channel looks awesome.

I have a couple of questions:
Boykster: What channel is KCTS HD on?
Drewba: You said that you're not using the component cable that Comcast gave you. Why not? Is it a poor quality cable? Is it worth it for me to go and get a better cable, one made by either Monster or AudioQuest?

nishant,

KCTS HD is on 108 i believe...they only broadcast after 5pm....

Definately get yourself a better cable...the one they provide is "OK", but i'm using a belden/canare cable that I built that is much better ;-)

Cheers,

Rich

I emailed KOMO-TV to follow up on the rumor that Comcast will start carrying KOMO's HD signal. Here is the confirmation:

-----Original Message-----
From: Bess, Terri [mailto:TerriB@komotv.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2003 11:18 AM
To: 'Hachey, Joe'
Subject: RE: KOMO HDTV Coming to Comcast cable?

It's true! We have an agreement with Comcast, signed two weeks ago. They've assured us they will start broadcasting HD by the end of August.

Hopefully, with one local commerical station signed up, the other locals will follow soon.

YAY! That rocks.

This (and recently added ESPN-HD) is enough news to make me pull the trigger on Comcast Digital/HD. Man oh man, I hope this is truth.

Originally posted by nishant
Drewba: You said that you're not using the component cable that Comcast gave you. Why not? Is it a poor quality cable? Is it worth it for me to go and get a better cable, one made by either Monster or AudioQuest?

I didn't even try the cable because I had already wired my own cables in before the tech arrived plus I have no need for the analog audio portion of their cable. I'm sure its not great, but it isn't a thin, flimsy cable either.

Good news on KOMO. Until KING, KIRO and KCPQ come to cable, I'm keeping my OTA receiver, but KCTS and KOMO is a good start.

that's great to hear! comcast is on a HD roll, lets hope they keep it up! :)

Originally posted by jhachey
I emailed KOMO-TV to follow up on the rumor that Comcast will start carrying KOMO's HD signal.

Wow, go figure they'd respond to an email ;) Thanks for doing that! Kinda funny since KOMO was the one doing the commercials touting their "free HDTV over the air" that got everyone here thinking they'd be the last ones to get on Comcast. End of August would be pretty sweet, but I'd be satisfied as long as they got it on before the new season starts.

Originally posted by Roto
Wow, go figure they'd respond to an email ;) Thanks for doing that! Kinda funny since KOMO was the one doing the commercials touting their "free HDTV over the air" that got everyone here thinking they'd be the last ones to get on Comcast. End of August would be pretty sweet, but I'd be satisfied as long as they got it on before the new season starts.

To be fair, KOMO has responded to me on multiple occasions in the past couple of years with HD questions. The same can't be said of all their Seattle broadcast brethren. ;)

Uh oh, one broke ranks....guess they may have needed the money (http://media.corporate-ir.net/media_files/NSD/fsci/reports/Fisher_2002_10K_ALL.pdf) after all.

/sarcasm_off

:P

Originally posted by drewba
To be fair, KOMO has responded to me on multiple occasions in the past couple of years with HD questions. The same can't be said of all their Seattle broadcast brethren. ;)

I'd have to agree. On a number of occasions I've communicated via email to KOMO, KING, and KIRO related to their digital programming. Each time I received a prompt reply from KOMO and KIRO. Many kudos to KOMO for getting this deal done. Maybe my OTA box will make it to eBay someday after all? Then again, it might make a good backup.

Tim

Originally posted by jhachey

ESPN HD just launched Aug 4 on ch 176. KOMO 4 and KCTS PBS WILL LAUNCH Aug 28.

I wonder if this launch date isn't true, as an "official" date, since channel 108 has not shown up in my TiVo channel listings yet, even after I try to rebuild the lineup. I checked with a friend and he doesn't have it either. It's much easier to browse listings and change channels with the TiVo guide, even though I watch HD through my component input, so I hope it shows up soon in any case.

Originally posted by Vinylsaurus
I wonder if this launch date isn't true, as an "official" date, since channel 108 has not shown up in my TiVo channel listings yet, even after I try to rebuild the lineup. I checked with a friend and he doesn't have it either. It's much easier to browse listings and change channels with the TiVo guide, even though I watch HD through my component input, so I hope it shows up soon in any case.
I believe Tivo and ReplayTV both get their guide data from Zap2It (http://www.zap2it.com)

My ReplayTV hasn't been updated either.

Originally posted by drewba
I didn't even try the cable because I had already wired my own cables in before the tech arrived plus I have no need for the analog audio portion of their cable. I'm sure its not great, but it isn't a thin, flimsy cable either.

Don't you need the analog audio cables if you want to record digital cable channels to your analog VHS VCR in stereo? Or will the receiver take the DD2.0 signal and convert it to output on its own RCA audio outputs?

I gave up on Comcast and got a myHD PCI decoder card ($289) that picks up over the air HDTV. I have a good sightline of all six towers in Seattle and picture is outstanding.

Here is a simple test to see if your area in the city can get over-the-air (as in free) HDTV. Plug a regular antenna into your TV and set the signal to "air" not "cable." Now scan through the channels and see what you get. If you can get 4, 5, 7 and 9 even halfway decent, the digital signal will probably be good enough.

If you want to try UHF, scan channel 22. This tower is on Capitol Hill along with PBS. You might be surprised how many digital channels are being broadcast in Seattle. PBS channel 9 broadcast one regular channel and three "sub" channels all over the air.

One more reason I went this route, instead of Comcast, is that MyHD card will also record full HDTV quality to my computer hard drive. So I don't have to be home to watch my favorite HDTV show.

some (many) of us have gone the ota route....I live in an area of shoreline that is so prone to multipath (by the water) that it's not even funny...

I struggled with a myHD card for several months before I went for the comcast HD box....

Rich

simmike-

Yeah, I was in happy OTA land until I moved from Greenlake to Ravenna. Now I, like boykster, have multipath out the wazoo. (I live right on Roosevelt and Ravenna.)

I think most of the people in this thread are particularly interested/concerned with Comcast's offerings because they are unable to get OTA due to no-line-of-sight or multipath issues.

Originally posted by Al Shing
Don't you need the analog audio cables if you want to record digital cable channels to your analog VHS VCR in stereo? Or will the receiver take the DD2.0 signal and convert it to output on its own RCA audio outputs?

I have a set of analog cables audio cables (along with s-video) running from the cable box to my TiVo. I only use the optical cable when watching HD. I don't know if my receiver sends a signal that it received over the optical out over the VHS loop or not as I've never tried nor seen the need to.

the 5100 send all audio out the optical, so no need to switch to analog cables when not watching HD....

However, you certainly can if you want (as in drewba's case).

cheers,

Rich

Well, I settled this for myself on my Yamaha RX-V1300 receiver.

I unplugged one of the analog audio outputs from the cable box, and checked the audio being received by the VCR, and it was missing the channel I unplugged. The VCR was taking its audio input from the analog audio output of the receiver with the cable box selected as the input.

This says to me that if you want to record stereo audio from digital cable, you need to hook up the analog audio outputs from the cable box as well as the digital output. If there is no analog audio input to the receiver, there will be no analog audio out to the VCR.

Just ordered the classic digital package from Comcast. I asked the CSR about KOMO--he said that they were all informed that a "major" affiliate was just signed and coming very soon, but he said that he and his co-workers were not told which one. He did say that KOMO was an excellent guess, from what he's been hearing.
I also asked about picking up the STB and installing it myself, and he said that the locations don't carry the HD STB's--only the installers have them. Weird. Anyway, looks like next Tuesday (Aug 19th) is the earliest day they can come by. I have to take off of work. I asked when the soonest weekend timeslot was, and he said Aug 30th. Damn. Anyway, I shoud be all hooked up by Tuesday afternoon.

It seems like the Comcast offering is starting to look good.

What's the lowest price point at which I can get all the Comcast HD channels?

Do I need to pay for 20,000 other useless channels as well? Or can I get the equivalent of expanded cable plus just the HD?

Originally posted by ianken
...If they are indeed running the locals (all ONE of them at this point) as QAM 256 and in the clear then you'd need a box that did that... Assuming I'm correctly interpreting the DCT5100's diagnostic screens - then FSNHD (ch100), KCTSHD (ch108), and ESPNHD (ch173) appear to be in the clear. As you'd expect, the premium channels HBOHD & SHOWHD are reported as encrypted.

Note - to find a channel's status, first tune to the desired channel. Then go into diagnostics (Power off, then quickly hit OK). Choose <06> Current Channel Status.

analog8-

If I've understood previous posts correctly, you can actally retain simple basic ($12 per month) analog cable. You can add HD to it for a relatively small monthly fee. They'll provide an HD decoder--not the Motorola digital cable box, but a different one. I've heard that the CSR's aren't generally aware of this--I think most of them are under the impression that in order to receive HD, you must subscribe to digital cable. That isn't the case, though. If you search back through this thread, you might find the answers--there were one or two posters in this thread that get HD without the digital package, I think. Roll back a few pages, and fire 'em off a PM, I'm sure they'd be glad to help.

I personally ordered the digital package because I liked the idea of digital cable all along, but I was holding out until Comcast presented a decent offering.

What is the digital classic package costing monthly right now with the hd box? I am considering picking up comcast instead of adding the hd package...

Thanks for the tips.

I tried the regular digital cable on my 50 inch plasma and it looked damn ugly. From what I've read, the Motorola 5100 has the same problem with digital cable channels, so sticking with analog would be great.

We've had digital cable for about 18 months, and it's turned out much better than I expected. I read up on splitting the cable signal with amplification in the right places and have been extremely happy with the picture. For digital cable to look good, the signal must be just right, carefully controlled to not be too strong or too weak. When it's kept in the sweet range, it's clearly superior to the picture of analog, IMO.

Even though we've been spoiled by a lot of HDTV, the digital cable actually has been quite acceptable on our 55" Mitsubishi 55819. Don't give up on digital entirely if you haven't yet explored careful control of the signal. Now if they don't get a clean signal to your house, that's the cable company's responsibility, and there's not much you can do about it but take your business elsewhere if they can't improve it.

All the best,

Tim

Hmm--we'll have to wait and see--I hope my PQ is up to snuff. My analog PQ is not that good--not horrific, but not good. I'll post if I have problems.

IssaquahHD, pricing is about $12 or $13 per month for the Digital Classic--the cheapest digital package. That is on top of your analog bill, so if you've got the $12 basic, it would be $24 per month. If you've got the $36 expanded, to add digital, it'd be around $50 per month. I didn't understand the latter part of this billing--I have the $12 per month basic analog service, and I asked for the digital classic, thinking it would pretty much get me everything--$24 per month is a great price. He said okay, we can do that, but you do know that you still won't have expanded basic, right? He said I'd essentially be missing that band of channels, so no regular ESPN, MTV, etc. I went ahead and upped my service to include those channels. The final bill was around $49 per month.

Andy

well that doesn't seem right cuz for me they said it's 14.30 for basic analog cable, and the 15.99 for digital plus!! so for me that's like 31 dollars, and hdtv service is free as long as you get one of their boxes which is free you just have to ask for it. And what he told me was that you have to pay for an analog service no matter what so he told me to go with the cheapest, cuz digital will override it anyways, and get any digital package you want. so now i have all the basic channels with my reciever.

What?!? That's what my original plan was--to upgrade from basic analog adding digital plus.

So--you've got regular ESPN, MTV, VH1, etc?!?
(I think I need to make a call.)

Ok got the lowdown..

$14.30/mo - gets you just the basic channels.. which is locals, PBS, and i think discovery.. YOu dont' get anything else..

$37.50/mo - expanded basic.. which includes ESPN, MTV, VH1, and all of the others..

So chhuong, the package you have are you getting MTV/VH1/ or any of those channels???.. like channels 60, 63, 64, 65? Talking to the comcast rep you don't get those channels anymore with just the basic basic cable..

So then when you apply the digital package on top of this.. you get the digital channels, but you Don't get (please chime in chhuong if you DO get these channels :) ) the expanded basic cable channels..

Can anyone verify this? would be a great monthly savings for me if i can drop down to basic basic cable.. :) but then i can't live with Jon stewarts, daily show, the man show, and all the other goodness that is on COmedy Central.. :)

Yeah, i get all of them, becuz with basic cable you probably only get 2-13 but the box gives me everything 2- 75 then all the digital channels, and music!! Hope this helps you guys!! Basically when i called them i told them i want the cheapest analog, and to add the basic on top of that!! i think whoever helped you guys out either didn't know what they were doing, he explained to me when you get digital it gives you everything no matter what analog you pay for. He said you only need to pay for an analog service so that a signal gets sent to your house!! Then the reciever gets the signal for the digital service and that should give you all the channels the only thing you don't get is the premiums or payper view which are extra!!

Hope that cleared things up a bit!! hope i saved you guys a few dollars a month!! haha

Here's the 64k dollar question:

Do they need to remove the analog filters in order to give you OTA-HD?

If so, does this mean that a nominal investment in KCTS (and soon KOMO) (i.e. the HD rental) will yield you 2-75 on the analog spectrum?

Second question, I would like to test drive HD via KCTS (and soon KOMO). In all likelyhood I will upgrade come the start of the NFL season. Does this mean that I will have to change boxes?

Has anyone actually been successful with the analog plus HD route?

Thanks and cheers,
Steve

Presumably if you only subscribe to basic analog cable, then they put a low-pass filter on your line, passing everything below ch. 13 (which should also include ch. 14-22, whose frequencies are actually in-between ch. 6-7).

Just my guess - but once they enable the higher frequencies for digital (> ch. 65) on your line, I doubt they would go to the trouble of installing a "notch" filter to block out channels between 23-65. From what I understand - notch filters are quite a bit more expensive than low-pass filters.

So far, the HD channels seem to all be on very high frequency bands, like > 700Mhz (eg, beyond ch. 110 or so)

Chhoung, you rock. Thanks. I'm calling Comcast this afternoon to clear this up--I'll let y'all know what I find out.

Ok, I think i'm going to try this out.. :).. $14.30 basic basic cable.. here i come! :)

-n8

No-go for me in the first round.. They want to charge a $15.99 installation fee so they can come out and install that "notch" filter that jimre is talking about..

let me know if anyone else can somehow get around this.. But I'm starting to think that you just lucked out on this one Chhuong.. :)

-n8

I'm watching "Over Canada" right now on KCTSC and I have to say that this is the first time I've ever been blown away by the PQ since I've the channel. It's all HD aerial views of Canada. Beautiful stuff!

:D

well i did all this on my first time installation. So there's no extra charges becuz they raped me on all the installation charges!!

I heard a rumor today that comcast seattle is going to be seeing MORE HD locals by the end of september.. possibly king5 and others.. anyone else hear anything about this.. i know Komo is coming soon also.. if i get any more info i'll post it here.

Comcast employee on another forum says it is confirmed that KOMO will launch on 8/28 on Channel 104. It will be 24/7, and 1080i according to him.

Originally posted by Al Shing
1080i according to him.

You've got to be frickin' kidding! How screwed up could they be?

I guess MNF will look something like this for me

720p --> 1080i --> 720p

This should be interesting. Take the one advantage that ABC has and take it away. Oy!

i thought abc was only using 720p...

I think you're right, brente.

Checking Comcast's HDTV offerings again, it looks like there are 2 InHD channels that are going to be starting up on 9/15.

ABC / KOMO is 720p.

Originally posted by Andy Anderson
Checking Comcast's HDTV offerings again, it looks like there are 2 InHD channels that are going to be starting up on 9/15.

What zip code are you using to get this? My zip code's page now only has a generic HDTV page that gives no current or future channel information.

I can't for the life of me figure out how to get to this page from the Comcast homepage (I followed a link from somewhere), but click HERE (http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp189/LocalHomepage/Page1.asp?LocResult&Zip=98105), enter "98105" for a zipcode and click Seattle (if it prompts you to do that).

Enter 98052, select Redmond


NEW HDTV Channels Announced!

ESPN HD on Channel 173 - Now Available!
Plus - 2 Channels of INHD on Channels 174 and 175 coming 9/15.

There is something incorrect about that link. The page incorrectly states:

7 Channels Now Available!

We currently offer the following channels*

Comcast SportsNet - Channel 172

ESPN - Channel 173

WABC (ABC) - Channel 180

WNBC (NBC) - Channel 181

WNET (PBS) - Channel 190

Also this information is displayed no matter what zip is used. For example entering '00000' for the zip displays the same info under the title 'Welcome to Comcast of Pottsville' !?! :confused:

yeah, this is an east coast link. you need to start from comcast.com

Okay, I just had the Moto 5100 added yesterday. The installer hooked up the 5100s audio input to my Replay's audio input, resulting in a couple recorded shows with no sound.

Anybody else using Comcast's HD channels with a ReplayTV? I'm not seeing any guide data for channels 100 (FSN-HD), 108 (KCTS-HD), or 173 (ESPN-HD). Is anybody getting it?

Thanks,

Tim

Tim-

I'm not a PVR user myself, but I've read a bit around this forum and others. I don't believe you can record HD content with any of the stand-alone PVR's on the market right now, with the exception of a $1k box from Zentih. Refer to this thread for recording HD content. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=260224)

There is something incorrect about that link.

Sorry guys, for that false alarm on the Comcast page earlier. I was all excited for a while there. :confused:

Let's hope that InHD is on the horizon, though. That would be cool.

My Moto 5100 was installed today. I'll post in a few days when I get it integrated and set properly, and I figure out what they're actually charging me. The installer was a nice guy, but he really had no idea what component video or optical cabling was really all about. I'm going to call Comcast to see if they'll waive that $15.99 "Home Theater Access" fee, as he really knew nothing about accessing my home theater--I had to reconnect everything the way I want it--when I told him how it should be hooked up, he was absolutely clueless, so he plugged everything directly into the TV, also using the stereo analog RCA cables which are connected to the component video cable. :rolleyes: He said, "I have this 5 plug connector, I can't use yours, it only has 3 plugs, and I don't think this square one will work at all."

Anyway, again, he was a great guy, but Comcast should really be training their installers if they plan to charge us for "Home Theater Access"

I agree with you andy.. i was trying to ask the installer some Q's about the HD box and he said he didnt' know anythigna bout it.. just how to plug them into the TV, and not much past that. I dont' think the guy even spoke english very well.. oh well, i agree with you that they should train their installers a bit more in home theater applications of their products.. well as long as we know how to do it ourselves.. :)

Originally posted by Andy Anderson
Tim-

I'm not a PVR user myself, but I've read a bit around this forum and others. I don't believe you can record HD content with any of the stand-alone PVR's on the market right now, with the exception of a $1k box from Zentih. Refer to this thread for recording HD content. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=260224)
...

Thanks for trying to help, Andy. Actually, I've been recording HD programming for over 18 months with my Replay. True, it's not recorded in HD as it's downconverted by my Hughes HIRD-E86 to 480i before going into the S-Video input of the Replay, but it records a have-to-see-it-to-believe-it DVD-quality widescreen program. Because the Replay doesn't record the guide info for manually input programs, it's been less convenient to do it this way. It is my hope that since the digital cable box puts out 1080i component and 480i S-Video simultaneously, I'd be able to have the guide data accompany any saved programs that originated in HD.

Tim

Originally posted by Tivolicious
You've got to be frickin' kidding! How screwed up could they be?


I don't think it will be 1080i. In order to do that Comcast would need to scan covnert and re-encode. WHY would anyone do that? It makes no sense. Unless the 5100s 720p->1080i conversion is super lame. I set the output on it to 720p (my PJ is 1366x768) and the conversion the STB does from 1080i is noticably inferior to that of the projector (PLV 70).

I wish the 5100 had a "native" mode like the HDD-200 outboard box had. That way you could keep the amount of lame Motorola hardware between the bits and your display to a minimum.

I'm betting they just remodulate and we get 720p.

All of these "Over" programs on KCTS make me wonder if there was ever an "Over Tokyo" or "Over Japan" program done. Some of the early programs were done in conjunction with NHK, presumably because they were the only people with HD taping equipment at the time.

"Over Philadelphia", "Over Chicago", and "Washington, DC" today were really grainy for some reason. "Over Canada" seems to be the best of the series - the picture is outstanding.

Originally posted by tluxon
It is my hope that since the digital cable box puts out 1080i component and 480i S-Video simultaneously, I'd be able to have the guide data accompany any saved programs that originated in HD.

Yes, it does output 1080i & 480i at the same time -- that's how I have mine setup to record thru my TiVo. There is an option in the menu, "4:3 override" that determines what gets sent thru the component output when the programming is not in HD. I set this to 480p so the cable guide doesn't pop up on the screen when I'm watching & changing channels with TiVo.

I sure wish they'd get the new channels into the PVR databases though - I vastly prefer browsing the TiVo guide to comcast's cable guide.

Al,

I agree, some of the recently aired "over" shows were somewhat grainy. I especially noticed it on the DC one...some of the shots were definately nice high quality HD, but some of the "over" shots (esp the night flybys) almost looked SD in quality (grainy in the dark areas).

The canada episode, however, is stunning IMHO. Also, there was a show on Japan (don't think it was an "over" show though) aired a few days ago that was absolutely STUNNING on my 42" panny plasma.

Cheers,

Rich

The problem with KCTS, IMHO is that the image looks OK as long as there is no sudden movement. Then it's macro-block city.

This is a result of their stupid multicasting. IMHO 19.2mbps is barely enough for 1080i or 720p as is, and KCTS uses only a portion of that and dedicates the remainder to their SD multicast.

I just had my 5100 installed yesterday. I've been folowing this thread for a while and finally realized how dumb I was since it was no more cash and had them replace it. $14.99 and he informed me how I got Doscovery HD and NBC but NEVER will get CBS.....whatever just give me the box dude. :rolleyes:

I noticed instantly how much worse SD channels look on my 57HDX82. The guide is WAY faster and I can flip channels at least a bit.

Couple quick questions.

- I read the thread and detailed description regarding the MASSIVE volume swings from say digtal or HD to Analog. When I had the analog output they were all the same level. My girlfriend HATES it now through digital. We were watching HBO-HD last night and flipped to something else and it was SUPER loud and sent me diving for the receiver remote.

I still don't get if there's any tricks or anything I can do to avoid this while getting DD feeds?

The volume on the cable box is totally disabled as well when using the digital output?

I get pops in the speakers when changin from say digital to an analog station? Not when I hook it up analog though. Anyone else experience this? Should I try a optical connection and see if it is any different?

Thanks,
Biz

P.s. - ESPN HAS to go to all HD before I die!......I'm only 30....:(

I don't get popping sounds from the speakers, but there is a big volume difference between the digital and analog stations using the 5100 box. I still have one of the older boxes and it doesn't have that problem. I think that it might just be the difference between the old box and new box. They could fix it but the old boxes surely outnumber the new ones. Notice on ESPN the volume is the same on 31 and 173?

When they first added KCTS HD, the volume was way too low, I think they fixed that.

Hey roto,

how's the HD mariners reception for you these days?

better now for me...no problems since those first couple a games


Rich

Yes, much better. The last two games I don't recall seeing one glitch. They must've needed some upgrades in my neighborhood because just before adding ESPN and KCTS I had no cable for a couple of days. When I called about it they just had a recorded message saying there were outages throughout the Puget Sound and it would be fixed shortly.

cool, glad to hear it....

I actually had problems right at the kcts/espn rollout as well... in fact my entire 5100 died (doh!). Tech said it looked like it was "overdriven" and cooked the receiver. They must have been playing with the signal levels on my loop.

Odd though, to get solid KCTS and espn, he had to give me an amp (inline at box).....but he left it for me to install it if necessary (nice guy).

He was probably the most knowledable techs I've interacted with.

Cheers,

Rich

I found it helpful to download a DCT5100 User's Guide (http://www.gi.com/hdtv/02UsefulGuide.pdf). It helped me see where the installer goofed on a couple connections, and at the end of the troubleshooting section it gives some advice that may help:

For best audio quality, use the remote control to set the DCT5100 to approximately 3/4 of maximum volume level and then adjust the audio levels on the external devices.

It also helped to learn that the 5100 has a coax digital audio output, which helps with my setup as I already have two optical inputs being used on my receiver, and I didn't want to have to run it into the front optical input.

Tim

How can I tell if I have the "NEW" or "OLD" box. Mine has a DVI connection on it so I assume new? What's the newest firmware code you guys have?

ESPN 173 is louder than 31 for me. Not extreme like some others but louder.

I have the audio through the digital cox to my receiver and I can watch the volume go all the way up and down on the 5100 with no effect to volume.

So the Canada show tonight is better than last night? I'm a HDTV newbie so basically I'll take anything I can get my hands on without complaining.......YET!!!

Thanks,
biz

Originally posted by biz_qwik
How can I tell if I have the "NEW" or "OLD" box. Mine has a DVI connection on it so I assume new?

Oh my! You have a DVI connector for output?!!

I'll need to see if I can upgrade to that ... but I also just ordered a DVI DVD player and only have 1 DVI input in my TV!

Hi Mike,

From all I've read online, though the new 5100s have a DVI-D output jack, they are not yet enabled. Hopefully someday!

Sorry I can't post a link to the specific discussions yet, as I'm new to this board.

Dee.

bizqwik-
I have the audio through the digital cox to my receiver and I can watch the volume go all the way up and down on the 5100 with no effect to volume.
I believe the 5100's volume control only affects the analog audio output level. I don't think it has any effect on the digital bitstream coming from the box.

poppa-


Oh my! You have a DVI connector for output?!!
I'll need to see if I can upgrade to that ... but I also just ordered a DVI DVD player and only have 1 DVI input in my TV!

(Correct me if I'm wrong, y'all, but) I think the DVI output is dormant, along with the smartcard reader, the ethernet port, etc. It's up to the cable provider (Comcast, in this case) to turn those features on with a firmware upgrade.

Correct.....DVI not enabled yet.

It would help me though since it frees up one of my component inputs on my tosh for PS2 to get back in the mix. Don't really want to buy a switching box for just that.

Originally posted by biz_qwik
...and he informed me how I got Doscovery HD and NBC but NEVER will get CBS...

I didn't know about Comcast carrying Discovery HD - what channel is it on?

Did you notice the eye roll?

He didn't have a clue.....we don't have NBC either. ABC is supposidly coming on the 28th.

b

Originally posted by biz_qwik
Correct.....DVI not enabled yet.

It would help me though since it frees up one of my component inputs on my tosh for PS2 to get back in the mix. Don't really want to buy a switching box for just that.


well if they ever go to DVI only, they'll loose one customer! My tv has no DVI :)

If we get ABC on the 28th could we be looking at a possible HD broadcast of the Dawgs and Ohio State on the 30th? Oooh...that could be great or very badddd.

I think if Clarrett get's to run then....it might be a bad thing. But hey.....I'm a transplanted Wolverine so more power to wasting those losers in Ohio.

Off to watch more PBS......I gotta call my Grandpa, he'll laugh alot!

Losers? Hmmmm.....who was that undefeated team hoisting the trophy last January? I don't remember seeing any blue and gold that day...:D

GO BUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally posted by seatlsteve
If we get ABC on the 28th could we be looking at a possible HD broadcast of the Dawgs and Ohio State on the 30th? Oooh...that could be great or very badddd.

I don't think the Husky game will be in HD.

Well second straight day of lip sync issues on HBO-HD. I flip to HBO-W (clone) and sync eveerythings ok. Anybody else? Ideas?

Canada show was pretty sweet there....eh'!

Originally posted by biz_qwik
Well second straight day of lip sync issues on HBO-HD. I flip to HBO-W (clone) and sync eveerythings ok. Anybody else? Ideas?
Might try re-booting your 5100 (unplug power, then re-plug). You'll lose your program guide for a half-hour or so while it rebuilds, but this has fixed similar problems for me in the past.

Okay, so what's the lowdown on the sound level of PBS HD ch 108? Is everyone still experiencing the problem with the low sound level? My wife is ready to kill me, as I keep forgetting to turn the volume down before switching the channel from PBS. The resulting blasting volume of the other channels is a pain in the neck. I called Comcast, and they acted like I was the only person experiencing this problem and offered no advice. Has anyone out there come up with a fix for this problem? Thanks.

Mimler.......I'm having the exact same problem. It's not only KCTS though. HBO-HD is even quieter and several other digital ones are all over the board.

Jimre....thanks for the advice about the sync issue. I'll try it tonight. It can't even stand to watch it like that.

Hey guys.. for those who have Showtime (through comcast), this rebate could work for you.. I just got the Premium dig upgrade from comcast for their promitional rate of only 9.99(for 3 months)$. The rebate says if you have Showtime for 3/months you can get this 50$ rebate they are offering.. there's also something similar for HBO subscribers (i think it's 20$)

http://www.sho.com/now/rebate_form.cfm?action=print&offertype=national&offer_id=500000000000003

The origonal post i found it on fatwallet:
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=18&threadid=212660

I know it's not the right thread, but i didn't want the seattle area local's to miss out on 50$ :)

Originally posted by biz_qwik
Well second straight day of lip sync issues on HBO-HD. I flip to HBO-W (clone) and sync eveerythings ok. Anybody else? Ideas?

Canada show was pretty sweet there....eh'!

It was out of sync from the source. I went to HBO-HD-W on my big dish and it was out a bit as well while HBO-HD-E was fine. Got better later. This happens from time to time.

I would say the majority of audio sync problems are coming from the source, not your decoder.

Thanks guys...

I reset it today by unplugging it.....probably didn't do anything....BUT.....HBO-HD is back on today so whatever.....it works.

Is there anywhere we can go to see projected dates for new station additions? So far I just see that KOMO is slated to be added on 8/28. Any word on others?

Do we have definite confirmation that KOMO will launch on the 28th or is it speculation?

Originally posted by savro25
Do we have definite confirmation that KOMO will launch on the 28th or is it speculation?

This looks like confirmation:

http://www.komotv.com/hdtv/comcast.asp

Have you guys heard anything more about your local KIRO-DT being carried by Comcast? Reason I ask is the ownership (Cox Enterprises) is the same as our Fox affiliate KTVU and I am hoping we get its digital version over Comcast here in time for the 16:9 NFL games.

all of us seattleites watching for HD content, and it takes a californian to post the confirmation :p

Haven't heard much positive about KIRO coming aboard with comcast...more like "it'll be a cold day in he**..."

But that's all rumor and speculation....and is more of a CBS thing than a KIRO thing...

Cheers,

Rich

All the negatives about CBS and Comcast are with CBS owned affiliates. CBS doesn't own KIRO, so we'd probably have a better shot than most places. I don't think there has been any news or rumors about KIRO though. I would think if KING gets onboard shortly after KOMO (as rumored) then maybe KIRO would get pressured into moving things forward

Rob-

Exactly. I expect that after KOMO is on board, we'll start seeing other locals very soon after. I can't wait! Very soon we'll have Alias in HD and 5.1, if KIRO signs up, CSI: Miami in HD (this is a stunner, for those who haven't seen it in HD), and I'd even dig 24 in EDTV if Fox steps up.

Andy

I wasn't trying to be a naysayer...just a frustrated backlash.

I can't wait to have all the locals in HD via Comcast!!

Rich

When's KING scheduled to be added? Surely KIRO would come soon after that.

We can't forget WB (Ch 10, 13-2), the home of Smallville, and UPN (Ch 11, 11-1). Once we have those, I'll be able to box up my OTA HD receiver :).

Tim

Originally posted by tluxon
When's KING scheduled to be added? Surely KIRO would come soon after that.

We can't forget WB (Ch 10, 13-2), the home of Smallville, and UPN (Ch 11, 11-1). Once we have those, I'll be able to box up my OTA HD receiver :).

Tim

Does UPN even show anything in HD? I haven't seen anything yet.

I wouldn't bet on either UPN or WB arriving soon. I've tried emailing both stations. Here is the thread:
none that corporate is talking about.
RD

-----Original Message-----
From: Hachey, Joe
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 4:59 PM
To: 'Diotte, Ron H'
Subject: RE: KSTW DT on Comcast

Any progress in the last three months?

Cheers,

Joe

-----Original Message-----
From: Diotte, Ron H [mailto:rdiotte@kstwtv.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2003 9:05 AM
To: Hachey, Joe
Subject: KSTW DT on Comcast

We are owned by Viacom who owns CBS who manages UPN.....there are
negotiations going on at a national level to have comcast carry all 39 of
our O & O's around the country in HD on Comcast. Stay tuned...hopefully
we'll be on within this next year. I have talked with local Comcast
people...they are planning on putting us on when they get the green
light...their equipment to do it is already at our transmitter site to take
it by fiber into their system.

Ron Diotte
Chief Engineer
KSTW-TV


Hi Joe,

Yes there has been some discussion as to who pays for DTV signal carriage to the Comcast headends, they could pick me off air now if they wish to do so.


Michael


-----Original Message-----
From: Hachey, Joe [mailto:JHachey@GOLDER.com]
Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2003 4:59 PM
To: Goodman, Michael Z.
Subject: RE: WB22 HDTV


Mike:

Looks like Comcast has finally managed to secure a few local signals - KOMO and KCTS so far. Any progress between WB22 and Comcast in the last three months?

Cheers,
_
Joe


-----Original Message-----
From: Goodman, Michael Z. [mailto:MGoodman@tribune.com]
Sent: Monday, May 12, 2003 11:18 AM
To: Receptionist, Tnw; Hachey, Joe
Cc: Woon, Teresa
Subject: RE: WB22 HDTV

Joe,

Comcast, formerly AT &T can start carrying our HDTV anytime they wish. We have had discussions w/them about fiber connectivity, they may elect to run a fiber connection to our studio or simply just pull our HDTV signals off air, you know the old saying, if you build it they will come, well we built it, now the ball is in the cable and satellites companies ballparks to get the signal and put it on their systems, the truth is they do not have the required bandwidth to make good HDTV without re-compressing the signal and further degrading it, so really when they figure out a way to either drop some channels to make room for broadcast HDTV or they invent a new HDTV compression/coding scheme that allows the cable and satellite companies to rebroadcast our HD without making a mess out of it will be the day you start to see us on local cable in HD.

Appreciate your interest.

Michael Z. Goodman
Director of Engineering Tribune Television Northwest
1813 Westlake Ave. North
Seattle, WA 98109

So UPN is saying that Comcast is ready to go, but Viacom won't let them have the signal. Meanwhile, WB says Comcast can have the signal anytime they want, but they don't have bandwidth.

Why don't they just give WB the bandwidth reserved for UPN and tell Viacom to go rot? UPN has no HD at all, while WB has Smallville and Gilmore Girls. Something is not ringing true between these two stories.

I think Michael Goodman is generalizing a bit too much. Satellite does definitely have bandwidth issues, but Comcast does not (as I understand it).

Tribune should talk about over compressing, since they simulcast both KCPQ and KTWB on both of their digital transmitters. If they ever both have true HDTV programs at the same time, the compression/bandwidth issues would be VERY evident to viewers.

In contrast, if Comcast were to carry each station from a direct (fiber) feed from the station site, they would likely be able to give "full" bandwidth (19 Mbps) to each channel, resulting in a higher quality picture via cable than via OTA.

Perhaps I am not seeing the whole picture here (no pun intended).

Glad to see this thread! I'm having my Comcast HD service installed next Thursday. They say they're bringing the Motorola 5100. I have a couple of questions for those who have had the service for awhile:

The Motorola literature suggests that the 5100 has an integrated cable modem. I'm doing high speed internet as well, so does that eliminate the need for a separate cable modem? Any experiences?

Does anyone know when the Motorola 6000 line will be offered through Comcast? Net search indicates that an agreement was reached between Comcast and Motorola earlier in the year on these. Key feature is PVR, ie timeshifting of HD programming, which is my key need. If I read the literature right, these bad boys have Firewire connections to use external hard disks. Anyone I can contact to get on the list for one of these boxes?

The integrated cable modem is not activated. There is also a firewire option for the 5100 which isn't active. I would be surprised if the PVR ones will have it activated either because they could charge more for a larger hard drive.

Grrr- makes me wish I was a hacker.... I'm not one who minds paying for a service, but having to sit down at x time on x date to watch a show, no matter what is going on in MY life, and especially when the technology to timeshift exists, really burns my backside.

And the likelihood of them offering a 480GB hard drive like I have in my HTPC is probably nil at any price.

Originally posted by Al Shing
...UPN has no HD at all, while WB has Smallville and Gilmore Girls.
I've seen a few programs on UPN in HD - a couple movies and the Miami-Florida State football game last year while CBS was showing the US Open woman's singles championship between the Williams sisters. Last year, Gilmore Girls wasn't in HD. Is it scheduled to be this time around?

Anybody know if Comcast is going to be broadcasting InHD when it starts doing MLB next month? Bet they're having a challenge trying to figure which of their 999 channels they should give up to get the bandwidth for all this HD.

Tim

Originally posted by tluxon
I've seen a few programs on UPN in HD - a couple movies and the Miami-Florida State football game last year while CBS was showing the US Open woman's singles championship between the Williams sisters. Last year, Gilmore Girls wasn't in HD. Is it scheduled to be this time around?

I thought Gilmore Girls was on WB, not UPN.

Originally posted by simmike
I thought Gilmore Girls was on WB, not UPN.
That's your answer?
I didn't say it was on UPN, I asked if it was in HD.

Originally posted by tluxon
I've seen a few programs on UPN in HD - a couple movies and the Miami-Florida State football game last year while CBS was showing the US Open woman's singles championship between the Williams sisters. Last year, Gilmore Girls wasn't in HD. Is it scheduled to be this time around?

Anybody know if Comcast is going to be broadcasting InHD when it starts doing MLB next month? Bet they're having a challenge trying to figure which of their 999 channels they should give up to get the bandwidth for all this HD.

Tim

According to that fall schedule somebody posted in the HDTV Programming forum, Gilmore Girls will be in HD this year.

I don't know about any bandwidth problem. Did you notice they just moved Golf Channel to analog channel 69? I thought the trend was to free up those analog slots for HD. This says to me that they have engineered more bandwidth recently.

KOMOD Channel 104 is on the air.

Originally posted by tluxon
That's your answer?
I didn't say it was on UPN, I asked if it was in HD.

Yes, I believe that GG is slated to be HD this year.

Cheers,
Steve

Komo is up for me also... what's in HD for tonights lineup? besides the news.. :) I didn't see anything for tonight..

No HD tonight on Komo other than the news at 5, 6:30 and 11...

Originally posted by keithaxis
No HD tonight on Komo other than the news at 5, 6:30 and 11...

Hmm.

This might help for some of the days that *do* have more HDTV programs: http://komotv.com/schedule/komo_e.htm

Another good resource for finding out HD content is Titan TV (http://www.titantv.com). You can customize it to meet your needs.

Andy

Originally posted by keithaxis
No HD tonight on Komo other than the news at 5, 6:30 and 11... Don't forget Northwest Afternoon! ;)

ooops, and the midday and morning news. ') It will be nice to compare and make sure that comcast and expressvu have Komo HD looking the same as far as PQ and lip sync. On expressvu there has been terrible lipsync for quite some time but only for KOMO HD. Hopefully comcast won't have those issues...

keithaxis-

Rock on--definitely post the results of your comparison, if you can. THat would be great.

Andy

Q13 is owned by the Tribune Company, which also owns WB22. If nothing else, their responses to emails are consistent, if not actually helpful:
From: Receptionist, Tnw [mailto:TReceptionist@kcpq.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2003 3:44 PM
To: 'Hachey, Joe'
Subject: RE: Q13 Digital Coming to Comcast?

Dear Joe,

Comcast (formally AT &T) can start carrying our HDTV anytime they wish. We have had discussions w/them about fiber connectivity, they may elect to run a fiber connection to our studio or simply just pull our HDTV signals off air, you know the old saying, if you build it they will come, well we built it, now the ball is in the cable and satellites companies ballparks to get the signal and put it on their systems, the truth is they do not have the required bandwidth to make good HDTV without re-compressing the signal and further degrading it, so really when they figure out a way to either drop some channels to make room for broadcast HDTV or they invent a new HDTV compression/coding scheme that allows the cable and satellite companies to rebroadcast our HD without making a mess out of it will be the day you start to see us on local cable in HD.

Regards,
Sandrina Day
Receptionist
1813 Westlake Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
206.674.1313

Originally posted by jhachey
Regards,
Sandrina Day
Receptionist


Lol, I had to laugh when I saw the email you got was from a receptionist who is talking about cable and satellite companies "messing up" their HD signal.

Isn't that your Fox station which transmit 480p? Is it upconverted? Even so, it is funny that a Fox station would be talking about someone else "messing up" their HD signal.

With Comcast bringing all the Fox O&O stations on line for DT in its HD markets, I am hopeful that you and we will see our independently owned Fox affiliates also come on line... just use the same contractual terms as with the Fox O&O stations. Our Fox affiliate upconverts to 720p.

Looks like if you love NEWS then your in for a treat with komo! Doesn't look like much hdtv untill tuesday.. that seems to be their busiest day for HDTV.. Well we have another channel! things are startin to look up!
I wonder when the day will come that we have like 10 to 15 channels and this thread dies out!=(

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Lol, I had to laugh when I saw the email you got was from a receptionist who is talking about cable and satellite companies "messing up" their HD signal.

Isn't that your Fox station which transmit 480p? Is it upconverted? Even so, it is funny that a Fox station would be talking about someone else "messing up" their HD signal.
...
In Sandrina's defense, you may have misconstrued her response. Even if the quality of what the Fox station puts on the air is substandard, any compression scheme can make it even worse. I think that's all she was inferring. But I agree with you - it's too bad Fox doesn't put out something a little better for a compression scheme to "mess up".

The response was identical to the other response posted earlier from the Director of Engineering at KTWB 22. In reality, it seems to be a canned response sent out to people querying about Tribune's HD signals and Comcast.

I think it's clear that the HD channels we do get are outstanding in quality, and whatever compression scheme Comcast is using isn't affecting the signal too adversely.

Originally posted by Al Shing
...I think it's clear that the HD channels we do get are outstanding in quality, and whatever compression scheme Comcast is using isn't affecting the signal too adversely... I would imagine Comcast is leaving the original HD bitstreams "as is" - no additional compression (beyond the original MPEG2 compression used at the source). The data should be bit-for-bit identical to OTA HD.

Hmph. I realize that Tribune is carrying WB, where you can watch "Smallville" and "Gilmore Girls" in HD if nothing else, but I always have to roll my eyes :rolleyes: when I see the words "Fox" and "HD" in the same sentence.

keithaxis,

FWIW, I'm viewing OTA HD with the MyHD card and I see a *lot* of lip-sync issues when watching KOMO 4. Here's what I've noticed:

- I only see this with KOMO, and none of the other stations
- This seems to only happen when KOMO is broadcasting in dolby-digital

Now, since (AFAIK) KOMO is the only station that broadcasts anything in dolby-digital, I can't say for certain if the issue lies with KOMO or with my hardware since I can't compare to any other channel. But since you say you've experienced the same thing it looks like it might not be a problem with my setup after all (whew!).

Assuming it's an issue on KOMO's end - I wonder if they are aware of it?

-Joe

Joe, I think this issue with lip sync is solely with Komo also. The one show with Damon Wayans is by far the worst, each and every week that show is so far off. I was hoping when KOMO was added to Comcast that KOMO would do something to solve this issue. It is weird as it rarely is noticed on the local news but on the primetime programs broadcast in HD then the lipsync really takes control. This does also appear to be a dolby digital issue with komo, because when I hook up the analog rca connections I dont' get the lip sync problem.
Keith

Originally posted by Al Shing
So UPN is saying that Comcast is ready to go, but Viacom won't let them have the signal. Meanwhile, WB says Comcast can have the signal anytime they want, but they don't have bandwidth.

WB is blowing smoke. Comcast has the bandwidth. perhaps the WB guy was confusing them with the small dish satellite guys? :-)

Originally posted by jimre
I would imagine Comcast is leaving the original HD bitstreams "as is" - no additional compression (beyond the original MPEG2 compression used at the source). The data should be bit-for-bit identical to OTA HD.

Yep, AFAIK Comcast simply remodulates the signal and maybe dorks with some of the tables. There was a scuffle over delivery of PSIP data but that was supposedly resolved.

Does anyone have a non Motorola HD tuner that does QAM256? Can we verify if the locals are on the wire in the clear ATSC transport streams using QAM256 modulation?

I don't recall any lip sync issues with Dolby Digital audio from KOMO-DT recently, on either my Hughes E86 or RCA DTC-100 receivers. Last I noticed, KOMO did not originate any DD locally but does pass through DD from ABC.

I am away from home for the weekend so I cannot go check right now.

I've had consistent lip-sync issues with KOMO's network feed ever since they started sending DD. I'm using a DTC100 with a slightly older firmware.
On particularly bad nights it can take my DTC100 over a minute to lock onto the audio signal as valid. Switching to analog has sometimes helped, but usually it doesn't.

The only issues I've hadd with other stations seemed like one shot deals.

The thing that annoys me about Comcast, or perhaps the DCT5100 is that the audio levels on all the digital feeds (including the HD ones) are very low. Analog audio into a VCR barely bumps the VU meter. Switching between analog and digital requires a riding of the volume control.

Oh, and to stay on topic: HD is not very kind to the KOMO news lady. Nope.

Its a nice digital feed.. i mean is it any quieter than your dvd's? they make it with such a higher frequency response range that its a lower volume.. all my dvd's are low in volume just like this stuff.. welcome to true digital audio. (tho it could be louder, but then they'd clip when they get loud explosions and the such, and digital clipping is MUCH more nasty then analog tape clipping).

Is anyone in Kitsap County getting HDTV from Comcast? If so, which HD channels are you receiving?

I advised a friend to have Comcast install an HD-cpapble STB since he already has an HD-ready TV and already subscribed to one of Comcast's digital packages.

They installed the box on Friday. All he receives for HDTV is channel 173, and that breaks up and goes away one or two times every hour.

He is in East Bremerton. I told him to report his problem to Comcast for sure. I expected him to be able to receive more HD channels. Anyone else having a better experience on the peninsula?

Without scanning through all the pages here, could someone post an update on what HD channels are available NOW and if there are other channels with launch dates?

Thanks

Originally posted by brvheart
Without scanning through all the pages here, could someone post an update on what HD channels are available NOW and if there are other channels with launch dates?

Thanks

Available now:
KOMO-ABC
KCTS-PBS
HBO
Showtime
ESPN
Select Mariners home games

Comcast has announced that they will carry InHD and InHD2 starting September 15th, although I haven't seen anything specifically about the Seattle market. I expect that we will get them.

Originally posted by Jinx
Its a nice digital feed.. i mean is it any quieter than your dvd's? they make it with such a higher frequency response range that its a lower volume.. all my dvd's are low in volume just like this stuff.. welcome to true digital audio. (tho it could be louder, but then they'd clip when they get loud explosions and the such, and digital clipping is MUCH more nasty then analog tape clipping).

The digital output is fine and what I normally use when viewing HD (of course). But I feed analog into my Replay5K and find that I need to enable the dynamic range compression in the setup menu to max.

On HBO(say I'm timeshifintg Sopranos or something) if I do not enable the compression then in quiet scenes I have to pump the volume to the point where I hit the noise floor.

I dont know much about the replay5k as i dont own anything like that.. but some shows are just quieter than others.. i was watching some dvd a few nights ago that i couldn't even hardly hear the actors talking becusae they were so freakin quiet, then wheneer some crap music came on it was so loud i had to turn it down.. dont have HBO anymore so i can judge the sound quality of it, but other stations in HD are only 4 or 5 notches quieter than the regular stuff at least on my set..

is it just me, or is alias on komo-hd very dark? I watched the news broadcast around 5 and it seemed fine. didn't watch the abc movie, so don't know how that was.

ok, The Practice is dark too... maybe this is a problem with the dark level of the national feed?

What kind of display are you using?

I found HD was very dark on my pioneer pro502. Even when calibrated for 0ire black.

My projector does not have that problem. Additionally I have to image presets for the input, one for 0ire and one for 7.5ire blacks.

i have a 9" crt front projector. the 1080i signal on my directv receiver looks great on the projector, but the signal on the moto box is qutie dark. maybe i just need to tweak it some more... thanks

I am really enjoying the addition of kcts and komo to my hdtv repertoire. But now I am getting a bit spoiled and can’t wait for more. Does anyone have any idea of what we can expect next? Possibly InHD on the 15th?

I'm with ya man. Even the 480i upconvert looks good compared to the analog version.

I suspect now the KOMO is online the others will fall in. My baseless speculation is we'll see KIRO and KING this month. The others maybe by the end of the year. I'd like to see Enterprise in HD, but I don't think Paramount is even uplinking it in HD so UPN may not even have that as an option.

Seattle Comcast's policy seems to be, "We add no channel before we're good and ready to add it". So, INHD may not show up until the morning of 9/15, or perhaps even later. God only knows why. Nobody on this forum seems to know.

I don't know when Nielsen will start counting HD channels, but I wouldn't expect any pressure on the other channels until that happens. Until then, I hope KIRO knows that anyone with an HDTV and Comcast cable will watch an HD channel on Thursday nights and tape Survivor, CSI, and Without A Trace, and fast forward through all the commercials. Because you can't do that to an HDTV channel, we will watch those in real time, commercials and all.

Was good to see that KOMO's DD5.1 actually worked on Comcast. "Any Given Sunday" looked and sounded great for the most part, although near the end of the broadcast, the sound cut out completely during a pivotal moment in the plot. The sound also switched between DD2.0 and DD5.1 at times. The center channel dialog was low at times, and the rear surrounds were much louder than normal during action scenes in the stadium. A lot of gain riding was called for. I hope this is not the norm for KOMO and/or ABC.

I had lip-sync issues on this broadcast. They were so bad, I couldn't stand to watch it. Let's hope this is fixed soon. *sigh*

Originally posted by Al Shing
Until then, I hope KIRO knows that anyone with an HDTV and Comcast cable will watch an HD channel on Thursday nights and tape Survivor, CSI, and Without A Trace, and fast forward through all the commercials. Because you can't do that to an HDTV channel, we will watch those in real time, commercials and all.

True, most of us can't now, but there are recorders out there if you are willing to spend the money. I think most people with cable are better off waiting for the cable companies to offer HD DVR cable boxes. I think by this time next year it will be pretty common to record HD.

Originally posted by Roto
I think most people with cable are better off waiting for the cable companies to offer HD DVR cable boxes. I think by this time next year it will be pretty common to record HD.

Don't forget Video On Demand. We'll be seeing that long before we see HD PVR become common. The Washington State Comcast market will be getting VOD by year end, although most of the VOD will initially be standard definition.

True it's up to Comcast to install them or not, but Motorola will be making the 6208 (http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/dct6208.html) box with an 80 GB hard drive most likely before we get VOD. The only reason I imagine Comcast wouldn't offer these is if they got threatened with lawsuits by the networks.

Comcast to Offer ABC's Monday Night Football in HDTV

For the First Time Customers Will Have Access to Entire Regular Season
Of Primetime Turnovers, Tackles and Touch Downs in Crystal-Clear
High-Definition

SEATTLE, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast Cable Communications today
announced an extensive lineup of football in high-definition for the 2003
season, led by ABC's award winning Monday Night Football. In addition to
regular and post season games from KOMO 4 -- Comcast's high-definition
television (HDTV) football offering will include 18 games from ESPN.
Comcast's carriage of NFL football in high-definition on KOMO 4 and ESPN
makes Comcast's offering one of the most robust HDTV football packages
available anywhere. To receive the games in high-definition, Comcast Digital
Cable customers must have an HDTV set and an HD-enabled set top box, provided
by Comcast.
ABC Monday Night Football games broadcast in HDTV is not a service that
will be provided by satellite television providers. A special season-opening
edition of Monday Night Football will be shown on Thursday, September 4. The
first regular Monday Night Football game will be shown on September 8.
"We are thrilled to offer our customers the opportunity to view regular
season primetime football in high-definition," said Rick Lang, Regional VP of
Marketing for Comcast. "HDTV is the next best thing to watching the game
live."
Comcast became one of the first cable companies to offer HDTV, with its
launch in the Philadelphia market in November of 2001. The company now offers
HDTV to 11.5 million customers in 16 states and the District of Columbia. The
company's HDTV lineup in the Seattle metro area includes HBO, Showtime, ESPN
HD, KCTS, a selection of 19 home Mariner games, and KOMO 4.
==================================================

Comcast has announced that it will carry MNF in HD, apparently as a special service that will not be available to satellite. In Seattle, we already will get these on KOMOD, and the ESPN games on ESPNHD, so I don't think this announces anything new for this region.

ABC Monday Night Football games broadcast in HDTV is not a service that will be provided by satellite television providers.

Yeah, isn't that because most Satellite folks get their DTV/HDTV locals OTA? This is a sneaky statement.

Originally posted by Andy Anderson
Yeah, isn't that because most Satellite folks get their DTV/HDTV locals OTA? This is a sneaky statement. I don't see how this is "sneaky". For many (most?) of us here in the hilly Seattle region, OTA HD is not an option. For us, their statement is very definitely true and very relevant - anything but "sneaky".

jimre-

Where I'm coming from: I was a happy viewer of OTA DTV a year ago in the Greenlake area, and now I've moved to Ravenna, just off of Roosevelt, a multipath circus. Because of this, I've grudgingly been forced to go the way of Comcast, who is only recently emerging from the dark ages on the HD front. Every encounter I've had with them regarding HDTV has me shaking my head in disbelief--they are truly dealing with technology that they themselves do not understand--this frustrates me to no end. As a result, I have very little patience for their hijinks.

I don't see how this is "sneaky". For many (most?) of us here in the hilly Seattle region, OTA HD is not an option. For us, their statement is very definitely true and very relevant - anything but "sneaky".


I see your point--I guess my point is that you and I (and probably a good portion of the contributors of this forum understand what Comcast's statement means. However, I think that it can be easily misunderstood.

The problem I have with this statement is that it is not that it's true, but that it's misleading. The layman will read this and think that if they had to choose between lets say, DirecTV and Comcast, local geography notwithstanding (let's assume this prospective consumer would have no issues with receiving OTA locals), that if they chose DirecTV, they would not be able to view Monday Night Football in HDTV, which couldn't be farther from the truth.

Additionally, although I'm ecstatic that Comcast is beginning to carry HD, they are the young'uns in this arena. They've dragged their feet (especially in the Seattle region) for too long to start taking misleading shots at the satellite market (although we'd expect them to do this), especially when you consider DirecTV's long-standing exceptional committment to providing a great HD package. It just reminds me of a cheesy political campaign.

Originally posted by Andy Anderson
...It just reminds me of a cheesy political campaign. Yeah, well it's called competition. Comcast would be insane not to point out their competitor's shortcomings (and vice versa). Bring it on. Drag each other thru the mud. Call each other names. It'll spur more customers to question both companies' service offerings, and demand better.

Is Comcast going to show the whole ABC HDTV lineup? The ad in the paper mentions like 8 shows and leaves it right there.

Originally posted by simmike
Is Comcast going to show the whole ABC HDTV lineup? The ad in the paper mentions like 8 shows and leaves it right there.

Yes, they are just rebroadcasting the KOMO HD signal.

Yeah that delay/lag in the audio was pretty annoying last night for NYPD Blue.. it's not that much off, but just enough to notice it.. :(

Here is a thread I started about the lack of Comcast carrying KIRO-DT, among other Cox Television-owned stations:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2626506

I have been seeing the same lag on Komo, and have been playing with the 5100's audio settings, and it seems to get better with the no compression, light compression settings compared to the heavy compression settings, the volumn also gets louder with no compression too.....

yep, that's fine for analog audio, but i'm using digital....those settings don't affect the digital output...

Honestly, tonite the audio lag on george lopez didn't seem to be too bad...

Rich

Drew Carey had nasty sync issues. Instant flip! I never watch crappy network channels anyways. Hope it's better tommorow though!!!!!! Even though the sync doesn't matter during football I guess.:D

Regarding the lip-sync issue, I received this promising response from KOMO:

Hello Michael -

Yes, we are well aware of the lip-sync problems with some ABC network
programs. We are working with their engineers to try to identify where in
the system things are not right.

We are seeing sync problems only when KOMO takes the second network
satellite feed that contains HDTV with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. This feed is
not used during the none-HDTV programming. Local programming...NW Afternoon,
Channel 4 News, and the normal analog network satellite feed are not
affected.

I have personal experience with this issue. I two DTV receivers...one is a
HiPix computer card receiver, the second is an early generation Panasonic
receiver. There are times, ususally during a network movie, when the HiPix
audio is delayed enough to be very distracting. At the same time, the
Panasonic receiver is close enough that any delay is not readily noticed. I
do not see sync problems on other stations. I don't know if there is any
connection, but KOMO is the only station that I am aware of that is
transmitting DD 5.1.

We know of at least one receiver that has had audio decoding software
problems. The first generation Samsung DTV receivers (I beleive the model
number is SIR-151) have had problems that were corrected by an update of the
firmware.

Rest assured, we are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.

Best regards,

Don WIlkinson
Fisher Communications
KOMO-TV, KOMO-DT

Is everyone seeing KOMO on channel 104? My 5100 refuses to tune to channel 104 and I couldn't find KOMO-HD on any other channels.

I'm located in Ravenna.

alex

Works for me on 104. I also get the sync problem. Thanks for the post about them addressing it!

BTW there is a post in the main group about FOX getting added to Comcast in some markets. Any word about Seattle?

Unfortunately I just had Dishnet installed after learning that Comcast didn't provide service in my area (NE Tacoma / South Fed Way). Two weeks after having it installed I've now found that Comcast has just become available in my area with high definition... argh!

I may be biting the bullet and subscribing to Comcast while still paying for Dishnet. My apartment location doesn't allow me to receive any sort of HD signal from Dishnet or DirectTV.

I purchased a Samsung HLN437W in anticipation of HD, only to find I couldn't have it.

As I understand it, I can get all Monday night football in HD, along with ESPN and PBS. I'm not interested in HBO and Showtime.

So, what kind of content can I expect to see on ESPN HD? Is Sportscenter in HD? What % of their broadcast is in HD?

What the hell do I want PBS in HD for?

Why don't they offer Discovery HD, or HDNet?

What can we expect in the near (before the end of the year) future in the Seattle area? I would assume the other local stations (KING, etc) would want to jump on board ASAP with KOMO being in HD... right?

Oh - and the Mariners games... even though the season is almost done.

What is the approximate cost of setup / ongoing monthly? Do you get a price break for also having Internet access through them?

Sorry about all the questions, but I've talked to Comcast three times and haven't gotten satisfaction.

ESPN is pretty lame imho. None of the off field programming is in HD format like Sportscenter. They have some new Playmaker series I’m not interested in that is in HDTV format. Why ESPN is getting into that kind of programming is beyond me. The have had some football games in HD format and they looked great, but it’s really, really rare when I turn it on and see anything in HD format. Worse is they stretch all the none HDTV format stuff so it looks pretty horrible and the volume for me is very LOUD. They have a lot of work to do before this is interesting for other than the occasional game they broadcast. There is a schedule on their site http://espn.go.com/espnhd/schedule.html. You’ll notice there is not much in HDTV format and half of it is the Playmaker thing.

I’m sure it will be better in six months or so, but it’s nothing to get excited about today.

Having said that I just switched from DirecTV to Comcast and I’ve been pretty happy so far. Kind of cool to come home and suddenly channels like KOMO and ESPNHD are available without me having to do a thing.

Originally posted by Alex Wetmore
Is everyone seeing KOMO on channel 104? My 5100 refuses to tune to channel 104 and I couldn't find KOMO-HD on any other channels.

I'm located in Ravenna.

alex

Alex, I'm in W.Seattle and had to call tech support and have them push a signal to the box. 1-3 minutes later I got the station, Hope this helps.
This is also why I am lurking here so much, so I can see when a new station shows up, so if it doesn't show on my box, I can give em a call again... You know, once bitten......

I emailed Comcast and got the following info on new locals:Thank you for your letter. Here is the status of Comcast's HD offerings:
KOMO (ABC) HD was added Aug 28 (still working on channel number)

KIRO (CBS) has been under discussion for over 18 months. There are little or no CBS stations nationwide allowing any cable operator carriage of CBS HD Signal.

KING 5 (NBC) and KONG 6 are owned be Belo and we are very close to a deal to allow Comcast to launch their HD feeds.

KCPQ (Fox) and UPN are also in contract negotiations with us. We expect "permission for carriage" by the end of the year.

KCTS (PBS) HD was added the week of August 4.

Comcast will also be adding two new exclusive HD channels this fall. Plus our new video on demand project in time for the holidays.

Stay tuned...

Rick Germano
SVP - NW Region

Thanks for the info, Joe. It'll be great to have KING--I wish we could get KIRO, though. There are some great shows on CBS in HD.

It'll be great to have InHD and InHD2 this fall (no doubt these are the 2 "exclusive HD channels" of which he's speaking. I'd really like to be able to turn on HD (anything at all in HD) 24 hours a day. Let's hope we'll get those 2 channels as soon as Sept 15th, but you can never tell, I suppose.

I'm also disappointed with the apparent lack of progress with KIRO. CBS seems to have the highest percentage of HD during prime time, so KIRO is a big gap in our coverage. An absent KIRO will be particularly painful when the Super Bowl is broadcast on CBS in January.

KIRO is not owned by CBS (they're owned by Cox Communications) so I hoped that KIRO might come on board like some of the other CBS affiliates. However, Cox owns stations in several markets (not all are CBS affiliates) and none of those stations have reached agreement with Comcast to allow HD carriage, so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised.

I also assume that the two exclusive new HD stations are the two new INHD stations. The only thing that bothers me is that the Comcast launch of INHD is supposed to be on September 15 and Mr. Germano's email (dated September 4) was silent as to what the stations will be and when we will get them. Everybody knows that Comcast plans to launch INHD across most of their systems on September 15, so there doesn't seem to be any reason for Mr. Germano to play coy with us unless he doesn't know when he will be ready to launch them here in Seattle.

Hopefully, I'm just being paranoid. However, we had two months of "coming soon" for KCTS, so I am not hopeful that Comcast will be more nimble with INHD. In fairness, they did get ESPNHD fairly quickly after that agreement was signed, so hopefully Comcast will prove me wrong.

Originally posted by stewc


Moto5100 FAQ published by Miatasm (see the HDTV hardware forum) -- he is a Comcast tech who really knows his stuff! -- Stew

I have never stated that I am a Comcast Tech....

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for your letter. Here is the status of Comcast's HD offerings:

KIRO (CBS) has been under discussion for over 18 months. There are little or no CBS stations nationwide allowing any cable operator carriage of CBS HD Signal.

Stay tuned...

Rick Germano
SVP - NW Region

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"...little or no CBS stations nationwide allowing any cable operator carriage of CBS HD Signal." ???

This guy is either grossly misinformed or greatly stretching the truth.

First, there are the many TimeWarner and other cable systems (Cablevision, for example) that DO carry CBS all over the U.S.

Secondly, Comcast has MANY independently owned CBS affiliates who have agreed to let Comcast carry their CBS HD signals: Atlanta, Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia, Central Pennsylvania area, Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN and Chattanooga, TN, Little Rock, AR, Tampa, FL and even more. Plus, one CBS O&O is carried on Comcast, in Chicago (pursuant to a contract dating back to AT&T Broadband).

As to CBS carriage, he apparently has little idea what he is talking about. Maybe he thought you were some poor boob who knows nothing and would just believe whatever he might decide to say.

Moreover, he did not say why the hold up has been 18 months.

I am not saying the 18 months is Comcast's fault, but maybe you should contact KIRO (or Cox Television) to get its perspective. Cox has not yet allowed Comcast carriage of ANY of its stations' digital signals. However, the inaccuracy of a Comcast regional VP's representation regarding CBS carriage on cable operators does make one think twice about simply accepting Comcast's version of what is going on.

I'm not sure of this maybe you can inform me better, but aren't the only Cable Co's carrying CBS, the one's where the local CBS stations are independantly owned. Meaning, that where CBS station are owned by CBS National, those areas are not getting CBS on Cable. If so, wouldn't this mean that CBS is the one holding out, and causing most of the delays. I think it is going to get harder for CBS to negotiate, when the Cable Co's have agreements with all of the HD channels except for CBS. Philly region has just recently launched ESPN, Fox EDTV (9/5, just in time for Eagles football), and InHD 1&2 are on the way 9/15.

I hope CBS comes around soon. They are the only one making me keep my OTA decoder.

Originally posted by jhachey
The only thing that bothers me is that the Comcast launch of INHD is supposed to be on September 15 and Mr. Germano's email (dated September 4) was silent as to what the stations will be and when we will get them. Everybody knows that Comcast plans to launch INHD across most of their systems on September 15, so there doesn't seem to be any reason for Mr. Germano to play coy with us unless he doesn't know when he will be ready to launch them here in Seattle.

I wouldn't necessarily read too much into that, because did you also notice how he says in the email that they are still working on the channel number for KOMO? Obviously we know the channel number since it's currently airing. The previous email from him that was posted in this thread also had a similar error about PBS and the fact that he didn't know the launch date but it was already on the air at the time.

If I were a betting man, I'd say we'll get the two INHD channels on the 15th along with the rest of the upgraded Comcast markets around the country.

I've got Comcast coming out in a couple of days to do my 'install' for HD. Amazingly, I had a relatively easy time convincing the rep on the phone that all I wanted was the locals in HD (PBS and KOMO) and that I didn't need digital cable to accomplish this. They were initially hostile, but I mentioned that all I require is Basic cable and that I didn't want SHOHD or HBOHD (get these through Dish already). They are charging me $5.10 per month for the Motorola STB, and the usual $16 'Home Theater Access' setup fee...

Was anyone able to get them to just drop off the STB and leave you alone? I have an X1 front projector and a complicated setup where my components are all in a server closet, so I can just imagine the look on their faces when they walk through the door.

My stuff isn't in a closet, but I also have an X1 projector. When I had the guy come out he pretty much let me handle it. I tried to have as much possible already hooked up so that he got the idea that I already had it planned out. He was probably gone in 10 minutes. I think the main thing they are concerned about is that they want someone there to see that it works. Even if the guy knows his stuff I wouldn't expect him to see my setup and know what was going where.

Originally posted by CoolCanuck
I've got Comcast coming out in a couple of days to do my 'install' for HD. Amazingly, I had a relatively easy time convincing the rep on the phone that all I wanted was the locals in HD (PBS and KOMO) and that I didn't need digital cable to accomplish this. They were initially hostile, but I mentioned that all I require is Basic cable and that I didn't want SHOHD or HBOHD (get these through Dish already). They are charging me $5.10 per month for the Motorola STB, and the usual $16 'Home Theater Access' setup fee...

So you are getting real analog cable plus HDTV? That's interesting, since I've always thought analog cable looks better than the digital cable picture, and from what I've read the digital cable picture quality on the 5100 sucks even worse than the old STB's.

Did you just connect the cable in series from the wall to your analog source then the 5100?

Originally posted by CoolCanuck
I've got Comcast coming out in a couple of days to do my 'install' for HD. Amazingly, I had a relatively easy time convincing the rep on the phone that all I wanted was the locals in HD (PBS and KOMO) and that I didn't need digital cable to accomplish this. They were initially hostile, but I mentioned that all I require is Basic cable and that I didn't want SHOHD or HBOHD (get these through Dish already). They are charging me $5.10 per month for the Motorola STB, and the usual $16 'Home Theater Access' setup fee...

Was anyone able to get them to just drop off the STB and leave you alone? I have an X1 front projector and a complicated setup where my components are all in a server closet, so I can just imagine the look on their faces when they walk through the door.

That was my experience as well. I will be paying 18(ish) bucks per month for their OTA relay service.

Cheers,
Steve

Originally posted by analog8
from what I've read the digital cable picture quality on the 5100 sucks even worse than the old STB's.

I guess I'm the exception to the rule, but the 5100 made *all* of my channels look MUCH better. I'm thinking that this is primarily the result of going from a composite only output on the old box to s-video out on the new box (I'm only running HD channels through the component outputs), but it made a big difference that the whole family noticed right away.

You can have a digital box and still get the plain analog signal, you just bypass the box. Both of my cable boxes have an RF Bypass on the back that gets activated with the A/B button. If you have an RF Bypass installed all you have to do is hit that button and it will bypass the cable box and use your tv's tuner.

If the RF Bypass isn't installed then you just go to the store and pick up a cable splitter. I use a splitter so I can record something from the cable box and still watch something else on the tv. I don't do it for picture quality because the tuner in the cable box is stronger than the one in my tv.

Originally posted by Roto
... If the RF Bypass isn't installed then you just go to the store and pick up a cable splitter. I use a splitter so I can record something from the cable box and still watch something else on the tv. I don't do it for picture quality because the tuner in the cable box is stronger than the one in my tv.

When I tried to do this using a splitter, I lost my hdtv channels. Could this be due to the splitter reducing my signal strength? Maybe I will try using a RF Bypass instead.

Originally posted by markhs
When I tried to do this using a splitter, I lost my hdtv channels. Could this be due to the splitter reducing my signal strength? Maybe I will try using a RF Bypass instead.

Do you know what the bandwidth is of your splitter? I use one of those expensive 2GHz splitters that you can buy at Good Guys for my first split to the 5100. If you're using a cheap 400MHz splitter from Radio Shack, it might be stripping off the signal.

Hello Fello Seattlelites! Newbie here but an relative oldie now over on HTF.

Well I just thought I'd join in on this nice little discussion especially since I work for Comcast and like to think I'm one of the few around here. At anyrate I'm waiting on confirmation as to whether INHD will actually launch this month as soon as I hear I'll let you all know.

There are so many cool things on there way in the very near future even including the 6000 & 6200 series DCT's. I'm really happy that once Comcast took over they started fullfilling everything AT&T promised years ago and doing it as quickly as they are.

We have and still are spending ton's of money going through the entire state and upgrading all areas to be able to recieve the same services while at the same time getting HDTV content on air as well as aggressively move towards launching VOD by years end.

I'll try to keep you as informed as I can as I can get the info which unfortunately can be harder for me working here that it seems it can be for some of you as customers.

Radio Shack no longer sells 400mhz splitters. They are all at least 900Mhz or better...... but they do lack quality. If you open one of them up you will see thin copper wires suspended in the air around the coils. I don't know how much better those 2ghz splitters are, but the ones the Cable Cos use have printed circuit boards inside and are probably the best ones you can get.

Markhs,

If you lose your HD channels by just putting a splitter before your 5100 then you have some cable problems. If you continue to have problems have a tech come out to check signal & cabling.

Jeremyfr - welcome aboard!

It's pretty brave of someone to come on this forum and actually admit to working for Comcast. Even Miatasm has disavowed it, even though he seems to know more about Comcast than anyone else on the forum.

The most immediate question is why doesn't Seattle Comcast have the INHD preview on right now, like most other Comcast systems around the country? Is it realistic to expect INHD and INHD2 on 9/15 like most other Comcast systems around the country will have? If not, what is delaying it? It's not like there hasn't been several months notice that this is coming.

My Comcast question is, what HD channels are available in East Bremerton? I convinced my friend over there to order Comcast HD and all he gets is one HD channel, and that did not work very well. He is on vacation right now, so I don't know which channel he gets, except that it is NOT KOMO-DT.

I agree completely especially since Comcast is 1/3 owner of InDemand which is sole owner of INHD. I spoke to some of the powers that be and was told we would be clearing out a couple of PPV channels to free up the bandwidth for the channel any time now. I have yet to see this.

They try to keep things so hush hush here so we dont tell the customer something and then it doesn't happen which I really hate most of the time considering that we end up finding out by a group email 2 to 3 days before launch it seems.

I'm very close with some of the higher up people and I get that "twinkle in there eye look" as I call it which means yes but I cant tell you yet kind of thing. I know alot of people are quite upset with the lack of HDTV knowledge they find with many of the people they have spoken with and I apologize.

I myself produced a 50 slide powerpoint for training on HDTV that has now made it to a national level in the company it was that good :) The thing you ahve to realize is that many people here are average people that have worked with 2 techknowlodgys for years and years and then Comcast takes over and shoves us into HDTV something that many people here are not comfortable with yet.

Seattle is the #3 market in the Country and we are getting alot of money thrown are way right now compared to many other markets aquired from AT&T.

I understand that just like any other company Comcast has it's shortcomings but I've been here almost 2 years now and can say I'm much more proud and willing to say I work for Comcast than AT&T Broadband:)

As I said I will try to keep people up to date with the info I'm able to dredge up around this place.

Feel free to email me questions at jeremyfr@comcast.net just no hatemail guy's I only work for the company:) hehe

whats your friends zip code over there??

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
whats your friends zip code over there??

98311 in East Bremerton.

Well we do appreciate what Comcast has been doing for the Puget Sound area. A couple of months ago, we thought the locals were still a long ways off, and now we have KOMO and MNF in HD. Most of us have given up on CBS, but Fox, WB, and NBC are probably not completely out of the question for this year. Discovery HD and HDNET are remote possibilities, but probably more possible than CBS.

The Mariners in HD was a godsend. Hopefully, there will be more next year.

it appears that only ESPN, HBO & Showtime in Bremerton right now, not sure why the Headend may not be setup for it yet in that area or it may be that they are not at a full 750Mhz plant yet, I'll ask around and see whats up.

One other thing I wanted to note in this thread is I've noticed alot of discussion on volume differences particularily related to analog being so much louder than digital channels.

The reason for this huge annoying volume difference especially while using a digital audio output is due to the analog channels being sent via PCM audio and of course the digital channels using Dolby Digital. PCM has ahigher dynamic range than Dolby Digital does which means that even though you leave the level the same on your reciever PCM will always play louder.

I would imagine that the reason that this is not as noticeable when using the analog audio output of the box is that the box itself makes corrections to the analog audio to bring it within the same dynamic range as the digital channels, unfortunately when using the digital output this isn't possible.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
it appears that only ESPN, HBO & Showtime in Bremerton right now, not sure why the Headend may not be setup for it yet in that area or it may be that they are not at a full 750Mhz plant yet, I'll ask around and see whats up.

Thanks for the info. Now that you mention it, I think he was getting ESPN-HD, which, unfortunately, has little true HD programming right now.

I would appreciate any news on when the Bremerton area will get more channels.

This is driving me crazy....anyone else?

Same as Thursday night football on 104 for me last night again. The audio sync is WAY off (which I don't mind during football) but I'm getting the same ticking sound coming from ONLY my center channel during this broadcast. It's very annoying and I've never had it during any other programming with Comcast before. I'd love to crank it up and get the 5.1 feel a bit more but the ticking stabs my brain after a while.

Anyone else?

Jeremyfr,

First, I want to thank you for hanging around here and answering some of our questions and concerns. That's really appreciated. :)

In one of your earlier posts, you were talking a little bit about the 6000 series... do you have any rough timeframe on when Comcast would provide it? Are they testing it right now? Are they looking for people to Beta test it? Please count me in if you need anybody.

The one thing I can tell you is that everybody I know that owns an HD capable display system (10+) are all waiting for PVR capability on HD Cable before jumping in or switching from Sat. I've even tried to convince some by doing an HD movie night now and then, but they are so attached to their Tivo/ReplayTV features that they won't even give HD-cable a chance, even though they could have both. And unfortunately, I have to agree with them. I'm really looking forward for an integrated PVR solution from Comcast, especially one that does HD.

Please keep us informed on the matter!

Thanks

-eric

Jeremy,

While you're checking on these things, can you find out when the Graham node (zip 98387), that was just upgraded on 9/4 for HDTV, will have KOMO HD added? Channel 104 seems to be totally unavailable currently, as neither directly entering the channel number nor using channel up/down makes it show up. KOMO HD is also not listed in the onscreen guide in Graham, although I know someone a few blocks north in Parkland has it and was able to watch the game last night. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

Dan...I am in Spanaway off of 176th and I do receive KOMO....Steve

Originally posted by biz_qwik
This is driving me crazy....anyone else?

Same as Thursday night football on 104 for me last night again. The audio sync is WAY off (which I don't mind during football) but I'm getting the same ticking sound coming from ONLY my center channel during this broadcast. It's very annoying and I've never had it during any other programming with Comcast before. I'd love to crank it up and get the 5.1 feel a bit more but the ticking stabs my brain after a while.

Anyone else?

Not that this is any excuse on the part of the cable company/broadcasters, but why not simply turn off your center channel and use phantom center temporarily so that you can 'crank it up' and enjoy the game while we wait for Comcast and KOMO to continue to work together to get this corrected (as pointed out in a previous post of an email from one of the KOMO staff)?

Steve,

Thanks for the info, but I've been told that parts of Spanaway are actually part of the Parkland node while other parts of Spanaway are part of the Graham node. I've verified with Comcast (unless I was advised incorrectly by their tech support) that this particular address is part of the Graham node (GM03), so that is why I believe there is a difference. PBS HD, ESPN HD, Showtime HD and HBO HD all come in just fine, but still no KOMO HD. Perhaps Jeremy can shed some light on this.

Dan

Thanks for the advice danstone.

I have read the issues regarding the syncing and understand. I just wanted to see if anybody else is having the same issue as me with the popping during MNF to see if it's just my connection or not since nobody's mentioned it.

biz-

Yup. I've got the appalling lip-(out of)-sync issue, and the snap/crackle/pop thing coming fom the center channel during broadcast of MNF.

Andy

Biz: The issues with the audio sync have been confirmed by KOMO as an issue between them and ABC, according to them they only have sync issues when the switch to the 2nd ABC satellite feed which is the network HD feed and they are currently working with ABC to resolve the issue though no time frame given. I watched part of the game last night and it seemed fine to me though I only caught about 30-45 minutes of it.

Danstone: The one thing I do know about Graham is that they haven't launched full advanced video yet in that area just HSI. The explanation for this and I'll try to keep it short is that right now Statewide we are switching all DCT's from a national controller system known as H.I.T.S to a local control system known as DAC. What this means is that originally the box's were controlled from a nationally based computer and now will be controlled from a local computer. The reason we are doing this conversion is so we can launch VOD and other services which cannot run through a national control system.

Unfortunately We've run into many problems with these "DAC controllers" which are responsible for all "hits" or signals as we can call them that are sent to the box. These computers are responsible for everything from your onscreen guide to takeing PPV order to loading firmware to the DCT.

They found that they were going to end up shooting themselves in the foot if they were doing all these new launchs which were coming on a almost weekly basis as well as doing HITS to DAC conversions in other areas it was litterally taking the DAC system to a standstill.

All of Pierce county has already been converted to DAC and so they're trying to resolve the issues with the servers as well as give themselves a little more time between launchs so they can resolve issues as they arise.

It seems once they get one thing fixed another breaks. I can definately check tonight what the proposed launch date and channel realignment is for Graham, Your ready for it we just have to "flip the switch" so to speak.

It really comes down to us trying to get as much stuff out as we can as we are so far behind "classic" Comcast markets technologicly that it produces growing pains in the system. It will get better as the days go by and we have some very very good people behind the scenes many whom are good friends of mine that work more hours in a week than I ever care to, to try to make everything as seemless as possible for everyone. So far they've done an excellent job and they have all my respect.

Jeremy