I have attached the list I downloaded from this forum a few weeks back that has the QAM channel listing. The only difference that I have seen as of late (at least on my set up) is that the 105-xx channel all have four digits after the dash...never really concerned me since those aren't channels that I watch.


Anyone else having problems downloading this file? I get an error everytime.

Anyone else having problems downloading this file? I get an error everytime.

Right click the file and select "Save As"

I dont have a cable card, regular analog with my sharp lcd.. TV guide finally started working after 3 months, they must have fixed something

I just saw an ad for Fox Sports NW HD. They are advertising 30 Sonics games broadcast in HD. I take it it's an encrypted channel I can't pick up with my QAM tuner? Is anyone getting this channel now? Is it part of the basic Digital package? Are you watching the Sonics in HD?

I'm flipping back and forth btw the Sonics and Giants game. Fox is definitely in HD...don't think FSNW is. When FSNW broadcasts in HD the announcers will usually say something like, "coming to you in HD." I look forward to the day when all the Sonics games are broadcasted in HD. :>)

TitanTV.com says Fox13 isn't in HD for the Seahawks game this Saturday. I hope they are wrong. I'm having people for a game party and want to show off my HDTV. Does Comcast have it on PPV HD or anything?

All the NFL games on FOX have been HD this season. That won't change on Saturday.
FOX Sports NW is only HD on DirecTV.

I'm glad to hear the TitanTV.com is wrong then. Thanks!

Sorry to bring you bad news, but I've been using the TVGuide (TVGOS on a Sharp LCD TV) setup with the CableCard for the last 2 months. Unfortunately, just about the same time than you guys, I lost the TVGuide information too. I've played with all the settings and the multiple options without any success. In any case, I doubt getting a CableCard will help.

Hopefully, this is all temporary and it'll just get magically fixed. :rolleyes:

-eric

It came back for me I think last Friday.

It came back for me I think last Friday.

I don't use TV Guide, but I've seen references to a need for an analog PBS channel in order to receive it. This weekend I noticed that analog channel 709 had been added to the list of channels on my 6412 (I had unchecked all the 7xx channels, and this one just appeared on the list as checked). Could there be a correlation?

I was watching The Medium on Monday night January 9th on Comcast 105 (HD via cable card). It was very wierd. I could only receive the music. The voices were simply not transmitted. When I switched to SD-5 all was fine, and all my other HD stations were also fine. I'm wondering if that was a global NBC transmission issues, a local KING transmission issue, or something wierd with my own system. Anyone else experience this? What could cause it?

Thanks.
Sheila
Capitol Hill

Sounds like the center audio channel was missing. Do you have a center speaker hooked up?

I was watching The Medium on Monday night January 9th on Comcast 105 (HD via cable card). It was very wierd. I could only receive the music. The voices were simply not transmitted.
I saw the same thing on another program I had recorded on my PVR -- I fast-forwarded a bit and it had cleared up, so I didn't worry about it.

I'm trying desperately to remember what show it was -- it wasn't Medium; maybe West Wing on Sunday the 8th? Anyway, I'd blame NBC.

Jim said Sounds like the center audio channel was missing. Do you have a center speaker hooked up?

This is a new system so I don't have surround sound...just the speakers that came attached to the TV. It's an HP Pavillion (same as Sharp Aquos).

Sheila

Can you get DHD and the InHD channels using a QAM tuner?

Hey Comcast KOMO viewers, are you guys losing sound for about 10 seconds every time KOMO switches to 5.1 sound?

The entire opening dialogue of LOST was non-existent OTA tonight.

Hey Comcast KOMO viewers, are you guys losing sound for about 10 seconds every time KOMO switches to 5.1 sound? yep - why can't they get it right?

Hey Comcast KOMO viewers, are you guys losing sound for about 10 seconds every time KOMO switches to 5.1 sound?

The entire opening dialogue of LOST was non-existent OTA tonight.


FWIW, this exact thing happens on HBO and SHO HD when they begin broadcasting in 5.1. This isn't really something the station can control unless the broadcast with the 5.1 flag all the time, which isn't something they should do (since 90% of their programs wouldn't output anything in the surround channels, and it would prevent your receiver from doing matrix surround). The reality of it is that it is not KOMO but your reciever that causes the drop out. Some recievers do it quickly, some take longer.

If it really bothers you, you can force your reciver into 2.0 mode, and it won't get switched. You just lose the good audio.

We don't live in a perfect world yet, but we're hopefully gettin closer.

The audio settings for the set top box have a choice of stereo or surround. If set to surround (the default which is reset every time the firmware is updated), then the sound is messed up for non home theater systems. Check this setting often. sam

If it really bothers you, you can force your reciver into 2.0 mode, and it won't get switched. You just lose the good audio.

We don't live in a perfect world yet, but we're hopefully gettin closer.

But for those with just the TV speakers that is the best way to go!!!

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if KIRO (107) is available in the "Limited Basic" package in the Renton area? Comcast's site doesn't list 107 as available (all other locals are), and I find it curious. I'm looking to dump my digital subscription due to the lack of watching all the worthless channels; most of my favorite shows are on CBS though and there's no way I'm going to be watching them in SD. Any information on the subject would be appreciated while I'm waiting to hear back from Comcast. Thanks.

FWIW, this exact thing happens on HBO and SHO HD when they begin broadcasting in 5.1. This isn't really something the station can control unless the broadcast with the 5.1 flag all the time, which isn't something they should do (since 90% of their programs wouldn't output anything in the surround channels, and it would prevent your receiver from doing matrix surround). The reality of it is that it is not KOMO but your reciever that causes the drop out. Some recievers do it quickly, some take longer.

If it really bothers you, you can force your reciver into 2.0 mode, and it won't get switched. You just lose the good audio.

We don't live in a perfect world yet, but we're hopefully gettin closer.

No, that's what they tell you, it's your receiver, that's not true.

Like I said, other affiliates will switch between 2.0 and 5.1 during commercials, and there is no 10 second drop out. The sound loss is caused by KOMO switching everthing into their wonderful Octimax system...

All I'm asking is that they switch it 10 seconds earlier, so we don't lose the beginning of each show.

yep - why can't they get it right?

They know that this is happening...they obviously are choosing to cut off the show rather than their commercials which is their revenue stream. I can't blame them, but this is not how it should be.

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if KIRO (107) is available in the "Limited Basic" package in the Renton area? Comcast's site doesn't list 107 as available (all other locals are), and I find it curious. I'm looking to dump my digital subscription due to the lack of watching all the worthless channels; most of my favorite shows are on CBS though and there's no way I'm going to be watching them in SD. Any information on the subject would be appreciated while I'm waiting to hear back from Comcast. Thanks.

107 is also missing in the listings for Limited and Basic Cable for Bellevue, but I'm sure it's simply an oversight. They probably forgot to update those lists when KIRO-HD finally got added last year.

107 is also missing in the listings for Limited and Basic Cable for Bellevue, but I'm sure it's simply an oversight. They probably forgot to update those lists when KIRO-HD finally got added last year.

So then 107 is available along with the rest? I read a few threads about KIRO just becoming available last year. Looks like I"ll be cancelling my digital package and saving $50/month. Thanks.

Right click the file and select "Save As"

Funny. I tried 4+ times last week and I would get an error. I just worked fine a few minutes ago. Thanks.

So then 107 is available along with the rest? I read a few threads about KIRO just becoming available last year. Looks like I"ll be cancelling my digital package and saving $50/month. Thanks.

It's definitely available with digital, but I suppose you knew that. It doesn't make sense for it to be excluded from the limited cable -- but you should check with Comcast or someone who has limited to be sure.

I am considering changing from Dish to Comcast. Any info from Comcast users in the Mill Creek/Bothell area would be appreciated. Main concerns are PQ and how good are the DVR's.

TitanTV.com says Fox13 isn't in HD for the Seahawks game this Saturday. I hope they are wrong. I'm having people for a game party and want to show off my HDTV. Does Comcast have it on PPV HD or anything?

All the NFL games on FOX have been HD this season. That won't change on Saturday.
FOX Sports NW is only HD on DirecTV.


I'm glad to hear the TitanTV.com is wrong then. Thanks!


Boy I sure this is right. I also have some people coming over for the game that will be seeing my HDTV for the first time. Comcast also does not list the game as being in HD.

No, that's what they tell you, it's your receiver, that's not true.

Like I said, other affiliates will switch between 2.0 and 5.1 during commercials, and there is no 10 second drop out. The sound loss is caused by KOMO switching everthing into their wonderful Octimax system...

All I'm asking is that they switch it 10 seconds earlier, so we don't lose the beginning of each show.

With all do respect Dr. Crawn, you don't know what you're talking about on this issue. There is no conspiracy here, as what purpose would that serve?

The Octimax from Linear Acoustics is a 5 channel AES audio processor, and is not ever switched when going between stereo and 5.1. The reason the Comcast boxes go silent during the switch between stereo and 5.1, (and back), is due to the Dolby digital audio encoder stopping the sending of audio packets during the switch, and the Motorola cable box requiring time to re-sync. In fact, the Octimax fixed a lot of problems and got rid of the audio pops that we used to have on the air when switching between sources on the DTV channel.

The switch to 5.1 is done manually in the control room. Sometimes it gets busy in there and they don't always switch exactly on time. But unlike network programming on other stations, ABC and KOMO in particular, provides the most 5.1 surround content during sports and prime programming periods.

We have been speaking with Dolby Labs about the switching issue and how it effects the cable boxes. Dolby thinks that providing the switch in software, rather than the typical way of switching between modes will correct the problem. The challenge for us is how to interface the encoder software to our control systems to make the switch seamless.

My question is, why switch at all? Just leave it in HD mode for the whole show + commercials. And if it really does get as busy as you say, can I intern at KOMO? I'll sit there for free and hit the button every Wednesday night during Lost. I'll be a big friggin hero.

Boy I sure this is right. I also have some people coming over for the game that will be seeing my HDTV for the first time. Comcast also does not list the game as being in HD.

I sure hope the game is in HD, but my comcast box is saying its not in HD, so I guess we all will find out at 1:30... The other game according to my comcast box says its in HD, so maybe fox is just gonna suck even more than normal

With all do respect Dr. Crawn, you don't know what you're talking about on this issue. There is no conspiracy here, as what purpose would that serve?

The Octimax from Linear Acoustics is a 5 channel AES audio processor, and is not ever switched when going between stereo and 5.1. The reason the Comcast boxes go silent during the switch between stereo and 5.1, (and back), is due to the Dolby digital audio encoder stopping the sending of audio packets during the switch, and the Motorola cable box requiring time to re-sync. In fact, the Octimax fixed a lot of problems and got rid of the audio pops that we used to have on the air when switching between sources on the DTV channel.

The switch to 5.1 is done manually in the control room. Sometimes it gets busy in there and they don't always switch exactly on time. But unlike network programming on other stations, ABC and KOMO in particular, provides the most 5.1 surround content during sports and prime programming periods.

We have been speaking with Dolby Labs about the switching issue and how it effects the cable boxes. Dolby thinks that providing the switch in software, rather than the typical way of switching between modes will correct the problem. The challenge for us is how to interface the encoder software to our control systems to make the switch seamless.


Who said anything about a conspiracy? Whoa.

First, go back and read some of my other comments, I have continually praised KOMO on many issues, even in the main HDTV programming area. I also know that KOMO has tons of audio problems, and it was pretty bad for a while last year with the reception drop outs as well.

I do not own a Comcast box, and my Motorola switches just fine with only a 2-3 second drop out.

It is my OTA ATSC tuner that drops out for 10 seconds- and this never happened last year at all. It's a fairly new issue for me watching KOMO-DT.

You may see my post as some personal attack, but if it keeps the issue on the front burner:


We have been speaking with Dolby Labs about the switching issue and how it effects the cable boxes. Dolby thinks that providing the switch in software, rather than the typical way of switching between modes will correct the problem. The challenge for us is how to interface the encoder software to our control systems to make the switch seamless.

....thats all that matters.

oh, and just b/c you affiliates love the Octimax doesn't mean we have to. The Octimax has it's shortcomings just as it has it's advantages.

I turned on my TV today to watch the Seahawks pre-game, and every HD channel is missing sound and I am also getting frequent flashes of a blank blue screen, and the "No Signal or Weak Signal" message is constantly shown on my Samsung HLR5067W. Is this a signal issue or is something funny with my TV? The HD images display perfectly fine when they show up.

I sure hope the game is in HD, but my comcast box is saying its not in HD, so I guess we all will find out at 1:30... The other game according to my comcast box says its in HD, so maybe fox is just gonna suck even more than normal

Just think for a moment -- almost every regular season game was in HD, so why would Fox (who are the ones who determine whether it's in HD - not KCPQ or Comcast) choose their playoff games to abandon HD? The HD listings for Fox are unreliable.

I bought a new LCD (XBR32) this week and had Comcast come out today to setup the HDTV. For a couple of days I was using the QAM tuner in the TV and the SD looked amazingly good. Some channels better than others for sure, but overall very impressed with how the SD looked.

Today, after getting the Motorola 3412 installed I noticed that the SD content (and HD content as well) did not look as good as with the coax QAM connection. More pixelation, noise and "pauses" during regular playback. It's not horrid, but enough to think I might use my QAM tuner for SD viewing more than the DVR, which kind of ruins the point of having the DVR!

I recognize that the box might have been spending a couple of hours downloading channels etc today which might have affected the playback pauses, but the quality loss was annoying.

I called Comcast and they look at my headend and my neigborhood and said that we hadn't been transitioned to the digital simulcast yet. (I live in Fremont)

So basically, because we hadn't been transitioned to digital simulcast and since the 3412 only has a digital tuner Comcast is telling me that the quality differnce is due to the 3412 converting the analog stream to digital and that the loss in quality is due to this scaling, but that when the DS is fully operational I should see the SD quality and HD quality go back up.

Does this make any sense? Does that sound correct?

And any idea when Fremont area is going to get transitioned over? I thought it would have been by now!

Are you sure you have a Moto 3412 and not a 6412 DVR? I thought the 3412 had NO analog tuner or MPEG2 encoder, so it could ONLY be deployed in areas with digital simulcast. If you really have a 3412 in a non-DS area, then it shouldn't be able to tune analog channels at all.

But if it is indeed a 6412, then the crappy analog PQ makes perfect sense, and is a well-known problem. Essentially you're not watching the real live analog picture, you're watching a digitized, compressed version of the analog picture, mashed & mangled by the DVR's cheap onboard MPEG2 encoder. It's being played back off the hard drive, delayed a couple seconds to enable trick play.

When DS is enabled, then your local DVR's MPEG2 encoder is bypassed completely. It simply passes the already-encoded incoming bits directly to the hard drive, without any local "mangling".

Since the 3412 doesn't have an analog tuner, it can't convert anything to digital. If your area hasn't been switched to digital the 3412 shouldn't be able to deliver channels 2-99 to you at all. It makes no sense, nor does it make sense for Comcast to provide it to customers in a non-converted area. If they did, then they should immediately correct it by swapping it out for a 6412. CSR's strike again.

Since the 3412 doesn't have an analog tuner, it can't convert anything to digital. If your area hasn't been switched to digital the 3412 shouldn't be able to deliver channels 2-99 to you at all. It makes no sense, nor does it make sense for Comcast to provide it to customers in a non-converted area. If they did, then they should immediately correct it by swapping it out for a 6412. CSR's strike again.

Yes, after posting this I started to think about it some more and did some reaserch on it. YES it is a 3412 for sure. Clearly I should not even get 2-99 if ADS had not been initiated in my area, clearly the CSR at Comcast was totally wrong, even after talking with a supervisor!

The problem is that the "notes" for my headend don't have any information on ADS status and she took that to mean that ADS was not setup yet in my area, obviously it is.

And to update things here, the PQ issue is GONE now. The quality is very good and I am very happy. It's actually better now than before on my QAM and some ghosting & interference issues I had on my old TV (SD) and the QAM tuner are gone, clearly these are the digital SD that I am seeing...

The only thing I can think is that the 3412 was downloading firmware updates or the channel lineup for the future and that the first time it did this the PQ was kind of crappy because the 3412 was working in the background?

Anyway, all is well and thanks for your comments!

I get HD via the 6412 and no issues like that on any HD channel for me.

Has Comcast recently changed something about the way HDTV can be received? Because like I posted above (but nobody addressed) my HDTV reception very suddenly has become very strange (no sound, and it takes about 5 minutes of flashing the "No Signal or Weak Signal" thing before the picture starts to display continuously).

Other than those two things, though, I still get the same HD picture I always have. If it was more obviously bad, I wouldn't be so confused.

Has Comcast recently changed something about the way HDTV can be received? Because like I posted above (but nobody addressed) my HDTV reception very suddenly has become very strange (no sound, and it takes about 5 minutes of flashing the "No Signal or Weak Signal" thing before the picture starts to display continuously).

Other than those two things, though, I still get the same HD picture I always have. If it was more obviously bad, I wouldn't be so confused.
A little more information might help here.

Are you using a Comcast HD box, like a 6412 or 3412? Or, are you using an external QAM tuner? Or, an internal (to your TV) QAM tuner?

Has anything else changed, in terms of connecting other TVs or cable modem or something to your cable TV feed to your house?

Do you see more noise than usual in the pictures of any analog TVs you have connected to cable?

The more you explain things, the easier it will be for someone with similar experience to relate to your problem.

It is my OTA ATSC tuner that drops out for 10 seconds- and this never happened last year at all. It's a fairly new issue for me watching KOMO-DT.

You may see my post as some personal attack, but if it keeps the issue on the front burner:

....thats all that matters.

oh, and just b/c you affiliates love the Octimax doesn't mean we have to. The Octimax has it's shortcomings just as it has it's advantages.[/QUOTE]

Keeps the issue on the "front burner"?? Oh yes, your frequent comments and the situation with YOUR over the air reception is keeping me awake at night Dr. Crawn. By your recent posts, it appears your knowledge of digital audio encoding and processing is far superior to mine or anyone else.

I am through contributing to this forum. There are people on here who ask questions which I gladly have answered, rather than just make false statements as you feel frequently compelled to do. You get to ruin it for the others who may benefit from contributions of real techincal personnel who don't mind giving a information perspective from the inside.

But thank you for watching KOMO DT.

We've got music and sound effects for Grey's Anatomy on 104 (Comcast HD), but no dialogue. Switched over to the SD channel, I hope we get dialogue audio soon on the HD channel.

With all due respect to Kelly from Komo (seriously, thanks for taking the time to answer questions in here, it is refershing to see that a person in the know actually pay attnetion to these forums) KOMO so far in my 4 days of HDTV viewing seems to really get things messed up!

First night, LOST audio problems (out of sync, got fixed after commercial break). Dancing with the Stars, out of sync, got fixed after commercial break. LOST went 4:3 after coming back from commercial for about 30 seconds...

Now tonight, Grey's anatomy - auido only, no dialogue...oh wait, it just got fixed about 4 minutes in to the program!

Anyway, not to diss on KOMO too much, but in my first couple of days of HDTV viewing KOMO is the only channel that I have seen any snafus from.

With all due respect to Kelly from Komo (seriously, thanks for taking the time to answer questions in here, it is refershing to see that a person in the know actually pay attnetion to these forums) KOMO so far in my 4 days of HDTV viewing seems to really get things messed up!

First night, LOST audio problems (out of sync, got fixed after commercial break). Dancing with the Stars, out of sync, got fixed after commercial break. LOST went 4:3 after coming back from commercial for about 30 seconds...

Now tonight, Grey's anatomy - auido only, no dialogue...oh wait, it just got fixed about 4 minutes in to the program!

Anyway, not to diss on KOMO too much, but in my first couple of days of HDTV viewing KOMO is the only channel that I have seen any snafus from.


I have the same issues with KING & KIRO when watching the dvr. I always thought that it was the dvr's fault.

Does anyone know if KING will be resolving their problems with the HD feed of Saturday Night Live anytime soon?

A little more information might help here.

Are you using a Comcast HD box, like a 6412 or 3412? Or, are you using an external QAM tuner? Or, an internal (to your TV) QAM tuner?

Has anything else changed, in terms of connecting other TVs or cable modem or something to your cable TV feed to your house?

Do you see more noise than usual in the pictures of any analog TVs you have connected to cable?

The more you explain things, the easier it will be for someone with similar experience to relate to your problem.

I'm using an internal tuner on my Samsung HLR 5067W. Nothing has changed except for the HD reception; it takes several minutes for the set to stop flashing the "No Signal or Weak Signal" message and going blue every few seconds, and there is no sound. This is true of all HD channels, and the "No Signal" message sequence occurs every time I switch to a different HD channel.

This began abruptly last Friday night (the 13th) with no changes to any other aspect of our Comcast service (TV and HSI). We have always had the most basic cable TV package, but this has never before happened and it was my understanding that even the Limited Basic (or whatever it's called) service is supposed include HD programming that can be picked up by the internal tuner.

And if it's not supposed to work, well, it worked before. So I'm just not sure why it suddenly didn't die completely but instead is just really gimpy now.

It is supposed to work. I have seen examples where the signal strength delivered by Comcast is marginal, with stations dropping in and out and serious macroblocking (green squares and more).

I have a relative living in Kent with basic (analog) cable and she gets the digital and HD channels using an external Samsung OTA/QAM HD STB. Her signal was almost unusable until we added an amplifier to see if that was the problem. Well that helped a lot, but the root cause of her problem is Comcast not delivering enough signal to her condo (Comcast is responsible for all of the intrabuilding cabling by contract). Some days and weeks are better than others--I don't know exactly why. She was not willing to arrange to have Comcast come out and test and fix her problem, so nothing has changed there.

You may want to temporarily try an amp to see if it helps. Or you may want to go ahead and call Comcast and tell them your digital reception was working and has since stopped working. Perhaps they have made some outside changes in your area that have affected your reception.

No matter what cable package you subscribe to, you ARE entitled to digital reception of any cable channels that also broadcast OTA in our area, although Comcast employees are not well informed on this subject. They will usually tell you that some digital package and their STB is required for HDTV reception. That statement would be wrong. Even their own web site lists the digital channels along with limited basic cable: http://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx There is a typo in that list--KIRO-HD is not listed but should be. Note that the channel numbers listed only apply if you are using a Comcast HD receiver box, which remaps channel numbers from the ones you see with QAM (the actual channels) to the 100 series shown in the list.

Good luck!

Hrmn, that's interesting. Thanks.

Does anyone know if KING will be resolving their problems with the HD feed of Saturday Night Live anytime soon?

I just came back to this thread to ask the same thing. Doesn't make any sense why this 1 show is never shown in HD.

I just came back to this thread to ask the same thing. Doesn't make any sense why this 1 show is never shown in HD.

I had heard that the problem is related to the equipment that they use to delay the SNL broadcast by 5 minutes. Apparently that equipment is not capable of doing the delay in HD. I wish they'd just end their news at 11:30 and show SNL from the network feed and then it would be in HD.

I had heard that the problem is related to the equipment that they use to delay the SNL broadcast by 5 minutes. Apparently that equipment is not capable of doing the delay in HD. I wish they'd just end their news at 11:30 and show SNL from the network feed and then it would be in HD.

Why wouldn't they have the same problem with "Tonight"? It has the same pointless 5-minute delay. Perhaps they need a 6412.

I am through contributing to this forum. There are people on here who ask questions which I gladly have answered, rather than just make false statements as you feel frequently compelled to do. You get to ruin it for the others who may benefit from contributions of real techincal personnel who don't mind giving a information perspective from the inside.

But thank you for watching KOMO DT.[/QUOTE]

Kelly: Pay no attention to the dunderhead that offended you. I, for one, really appreciate your insight and contributions to this board. Yea, KOMO has it's problems, but so does KING and KIRO. This is still a new technology and we are all beta-testers.

Why wouldn't they have the same problem with "Tonight"? It has the same pointless 5-minute delay. Perhaps they need a 6412.

Good point. I'd really like to hear something official from KING on this.

I know someone posted their response back in September, but here we are in January and nothing has changed. It's getting old watching SNL in SD when you know the rest of the country can see it in HD, especially in a market the size of Seattle. All of this over 5 extra minutes of news on a Saturday night.

Actually, it's more like an extra 5 minutes of local ads.

Good point. I'd really like to hear something official from KING on this.

I know someone posted their response back in September, but here we are in January and nothing has changed. It's getting old watching SNL in SD when you know the rest of the country can see it in HD, especially in a market the size of Seattle. All of this over 5 extra minutes of news on a Saturday night.

As War Eagle pointed out, the extra 5 minutes gives another break to 11pm newscasts, thus giving local stations another crack at generatling revenue. Monday through Friday, late network programming begins at 11:35.

On Saturday, NBC begins SNL at 11:30, but KING and many other NBC affiliates choose to tape delay the show to get their extra break in.

The economics of TV make that extra break extremely valuable to the broadcaster. It is unlikely that KING would give up that revenue. Unfortunately for us, HDTV viewers are still considered to be relatively unimportant in the grand scheme of things, so it is unlikely that KING will invest in the equipment to tape delay the show in HD anytime soon.

Remember, HD equipment is extremely expensive, and offers effectively no way to recover the expense with increased income.

The best way to change KING's mind will be to call and write to let them know your opinion. Be polite, and tell them that you want to see SNL in HD. Eventually, it will probably happen.

A dvr to record the show costs about $500. Anyone who still uses tape probably uses Windows also. sam

I am considering changing from Dish to Comcast. Any info from Comcast users in the Mill Creek/Bothell area would be appreciated. Main concerns are PQ and how good are the DVR's.
I have switched from the 6412 to the 3412. Near as I can tell, the Comcast DVRs are still garbage.

The 6412 was fairly reliable for the first several months, but I guess Microsoft/Comcast updated the firmware and its reliability went down the tubes: the box would fail to recognize upcoming series episodes, or it would recognize it but fail to start recording unless I happened to turn the box 'ON' during the show (then I'd get the remainder of the show).

Comcast 'knew' about this problem, so I swapped the box; got a 3412, which exhibits some of the same symptoms.

My wife wants me to put our old Replay back in service, because it actually worked as a DVR, unlike Comcast's awful boxes with Microsoft software that doesn't appear to be working properly. After it's been out over a year!

The best way to change KING's mind will be to call and write to let them know your opinion. Be polite, and tell them that you want to see SNL in HD. Eventually, it will probably happen.

I have done so twice. Once back in September when the issue was first seen, and again this week. I hope others are doing the same.

... fail to start recording unless I happened to turn the box 'ON' during the show (then I'd get the remainder of the show).

Don't turn off the 6412/3412.

I just purchased a Samsung SIR T451 and plugged it in with my comcast basic cable. My goal was to get local channels in HDTV (got a good game this weekend)-> which I did. By my count I get ABC, CBS, PBS, FOX, WB, NBC in HD, plus another HD channel which I could not identify and TNT HD which I was not expecting. My other question is that my reciever seems to get some other digital channels which I wasn't really expected- by my count about 70 or so. Here's what confuses me: some of the channels has sound (Hallmark, Univision, C-Span) but the others are just video without audio (MSNBC, Animal Planet, TLC, ESPN, ESPN2-> about 20 or so.) Is it that they are encrypted (or were suppossed to be encrypted) that I can see them but not hear or does it have to do with my Samsung reciever.

Chris

chriswu --

Do you really get TNT-HD?

chriswu --

Do you really get TNT-HD?

Yeah it comes on 85.2- I think that Law and Order is on it right now.

chriswu --

Do you really get TNT-HD?
At least I think it's TNT-HD-> it is TNT, and when I hit the info button it says HD. I dont know what format it is in. There doesnt seem to be any special logo or anything on the screen.

Maybe you are getting the digital simulcast?

Maybe you are getting the digital simulcast?
I dont know- but I am getting TNT on a SD channel 92.3- but no sound (see above)
chris

Yeah it comes on 85.2- I think that Law and Order is on it right now.

That would fit with what I've heard about there only being an eastern time zone feed for it (something called "Charmed" is on the schedule for TNT now, but L&O is on during the 3 hour later period). It would seem that Comcast must intend to map it to the box, otherwise it wouldn't be there. I hope. At least it's something for the QAM-enabled customers. No joy for us tuner-less people.

Just a quick question. I am on south Whidbey. I have the Sony DHG500 due in next week. Am wondering if anyone in the area has this recorder and on comcast, and if and how it is working for them. I have read the thread on the Sony and am not sure whether I should send it back of give it a try. Have a Panasonic 37PX50U. Just basic comcast cable. Able to get HD Local bdcsts very good without card.
Thanks,
Ralplh :confused:

Anyone else getting TNT HD on PPVHD (Channel 800)? I just noticed this tonight...sign of something coming up?

Anyone else getting TNT HD on PPVHD (Channel 800)? I just noticed this tonight...sign of something coming up?

I am in Gig Harbor

I wonder if they are getting ready to carry it regularly? There is no info on it at all...interesting

85-2 is certainly TNT-HD right now, showing Las Vegas tonight.

85-2 is certainly TNT-HD right now, showing Las Vegas tonight.

That also fits with it being an east coast feed.

Wow. Channel 800 is TNT-HD up on Queen Anne Hill.... here's to hoping that UHD will magically show up soon.

Bellevue also has TNT-HD on 800. I'll feel more comfortable when it's on something other than that nominal HD PPV channel.

Has this ever happened before? There will be hell to pay if TNT-HD dissappears.

Has this ever happened before? There will be hell to pay if TNT-HD dissappears.

It's Comcastic -- anything is possible. Unfortunately, not much is likely. They definitely have a lot to learn about communicating with customers.

A dvr to record the show costs about $500. Anyone who still uses tape probably uses Windows also. sam

How witty and original. Aren't you supposed to spell it "windoze" or "winblows" or "window$" or something? Seriously.

My 6412 soldiers on but only for HD. My PC running, yes, "windoze/blows/$" does the rest.

Woohoo!

Bellevue also has TNT-HD on 800. I'll feel more comfortable when it's on something other than that nominal HD PPV channel.

And until it does show up on some other channel, there's no schedule or recording ability.

Any other QAM tuner users out there with any knowledge about my stations without sound?
(see my previous post)

Any other QAM tuner users out there with any knowledge about my stations without sound?
(see my previous post)

Yes, I have that too. From what I can tell it appears that the channels without the sound are the digital versions of the channel (part of "analog/digital simulcast". Those channels show up as 480i instead of "NTSC" for the "analog" versions. A few of the 480i channels do have sound, the majority do not. To get the digital versions you are supposed to have an STB I think so that could be why the sound is off...

Bellevue also has TNT-HD on 800. I'll feel more comfortable when it's on something other than that nominal HD PPV channel.

Well, it was on 800 at 8AM, but nothing was there at 8:40 (blank). NBA is on at 5PM. Perhaps something by then???

Well, it was on 800 at 8AM, but nothing was there at 8:40 (blank). NBA is on at 5PM. Perhaps something by then???
Not coming in on 85-2 either

Not coming in on 85-2 either

Let us know if/when it returns.

It's up and going on 800 in Monroe. I looks like it is an east coast feed.

It's up and going on 800 in Monroe. I looks like it is an east coast feed.

What I saw was an east coast feed, and I think that's all they have in HD. It's still missing here in Bellevue at the moment. I hope they stabilize it soon, and on a regular channel number.

TNT-HD launches officially on channel 662, Monday January 23rd.
In other news, they are working on fixing the problem some people are having with their built-in tv guides by replacing an analog feed of KCTS on channel 90. KCTS is the channel that guide data comes from apparently and the digital simulcast messed it up. There's supposed to be a manual setting you can change on your TV to get it to pull from channel 90 or the TV Guide people will get their database updated sooner or later and the fix will happen automatically.

TNT-HD launches officially on channel 662, Monday January 23rd.

Thanks. Do you have a reference?

Funny now my Samsung Tuner won't tune to 85-2- anyone know why that would be? It tunes to 85.1 and says no signal and chanel up yields 86.1.

It's up and going on 800 in Monroe. I looks like it is an east coast feed.

Not only is TNT-HD no longer on 800 in Bellevue, but 800 also has disappeared from my channel list.

Not only is TNT-HD no longer on 800 in Bellevue, but 800 also has disappeared from my channel list.

Heh heh, they probably were just testing it last night to make sure it worked before the launch on the 23rd :)

Then they saw all of us posting about it and pulled the plug! :D

Heh heh, they probably were just testing it last night to make sure it worked before the launch on the 23rd :)

Then they saw all of us posting about it and pulled the plug! :D

I wish Comcast WOULD monitor this site -- or better yet, contribute to it!

One guy did a couple years ago, but I think they fired him for talking to customers. :)

First night, LOST audio problems (out of sync, got fixed after commercial break). Dancing with the Stars, out of sync, got fixed after commercial break. LOST went 4:3 after coming back from commercial for about 30 seconds...

Now tonight, Grey's anatomy - auido only, no dialogue...oh wait, it just got fixed about 4 minutes in to the program!

Anyway, not to diss on KOMO too much, but in my first couple of days of HDTV viewing KOMO is the only channel that I have seen any snafus from.


Can't speak for Dancing with the stars because I don't watch it, but I finally watched Lost last night, recorded via OTA to my Dish DVR942 and audio was fine. 5.1, channels in the right spot, no audio issues what so ever. Did see the 4:3 SD feed for the 20 - 30 seconds like you said but that was it. Don't watch Greys Anatomy but my recording runs a few minutes into it and it was fine to. I dont' think your audio issues were coming from KOMO.

I dont' think your audio issues were coming from KOMO.

I think they are, or from ABC via KOMO.

I think they are, or from ABC via KOMO.

How could it be if I was receiving the audio fine? I didn't have channels missing or swapped. My guess is it was either in the feed between KOMO and Comcast, Comcast to the receiver, or the receiver itself. There is no way it can be from ABC, otherwise I would have expierenced the problem.

Perhaps the feed from KOMO. I just know that I have a simple TV stereo audio, and I lost the main audio for quite some time from the beginning of Grey's Anatomy. I can't speak for Lost. I don't think Comcast is smart enough to do what I heard.

Can't speak for Dancing with the stars because I don't watch it, but I finally watched Lost last night, recorded via OTA to my Dish DVR942 and audio was fine. 5.1, channels in the right spot, no audio issues what so ever. Did see the 4:3 SD feed for the 20 - 30 seconds like you said but that was it. Don't watch Greys Anatomy but my recording runs a few minutes into it and it was fine to. I dont' think your audio issues were coming from KOMO.

I can see you missing the glitch on Grey's anatomy - it was like the first 3-4 minutes, perhaps even less.

Yes perhaps hard to tell what is Komo vs Comcast, but it seems to me that if Comcast was having issues with sound etc that it would affect the other channels equally....unless it's a specific feed issue from KOMO to Comcast...

It's Comcastic -- I accidentally found this in another forum:

Comcast Launches TNT in High Definition to Washington Customers
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060120/sff039.html?.v=32

I am having a strange problem with Comcast. I got an HDTV box on Wednesday and hooked it up to my projector via component cables. I got all of the HDTV channels just fine except for Showtime, which just shows a black screen with no sound. I got all the Showtime standard definition programs just fine as well. I called Comcast, and they reset my box but that didn't fix it. I had them switch me from Showtime to HBO, and then I had the same problem with HBO, just a black screen with no sound on the HD channel. They thought it might be my box, so I took it back and exchanged it for the HD PVR box, but again I cannot get HBO HD. I get all the locals plus INHD, INHD2, PPV HD (I watched War of the Worlds with no problem), ESPN HD, etc.

Does anyone have any idea what the problem might be?

Tiffany --

Even when I try to access a channel I'm not subscribed to, I get a message to the effect that I need to subscribe, instead of just a black screen. What channel number are you accessing for HBO-HD (should be 549)? Does 549 show up in your guide listings? Does it show up in your channel list (Menu, Settings, Channel List and Favorites, Change Channel List)?

Try selecting 549, then go to the diagnostics:

Power
OK (within 2 seconds)
Inband Status

This will show you the signal strength (SNR and AGC). If those are not GOOD, then you may have a strange signal problem, wiring or otherwise.

You can also check Current Channel Status, which will indicate if you are Authorized to receive the channel.

Keep us posted.

All we need is ESPN2 and FSN HD, when when , anyone

All we need is ESPN2 and FSN HD, when when , anyone

And Universal HD (Olympics).

And Universal HD (Olympics).

I'd add Natl Geographic HD to Universal. :cool:

Why don't we just go crazy and wish for HDNET???

Some of us (North Seattle) are still waiting for digital simulcast! But hey, I'd settle for just getting UPN without needing to reprogram my tuner for ATSC.

One guy did a couple years ago, but I think they fired him for talking to customers. :)
No, he quit for a different job.

A question for all who are familiar with the current Comcast setup in Seattle.

I have basic, basic cable - antenna service only, and was told by Comcast that the only way to get any HD programming was to get the STB for an additional $5 per month. I currently have a dinosaur Panasonic DST50W which does get OTA TX's but seeing as my house is below the crest of a hill, the reception is less than great ;)

I have tried to get the Panny to see any data from my current Comcast signal but to no avail. Do you know if one HAS to get Comcast to "turn on" the HD content or shoud I be able to get the "must carry" programming even on my antenna service?

Thanks.

A question for all who are familiar with the current Comcast setup in Seattle.

I have basic, basic cable - antenna service only, and was told by Comcast that the only way to get any HD programming was to get the STB for an additional $5 per month. I currently have a dinosaur Panasonic DST50W which does get OTA TX's but seeing as my house is below the crest of a hill, the reception is less than great ;)

I have tried to get the Panny to see any data from my current Comcast signal but to no avail. Do you know if one HAS to get Comcast to "turn on" the HD content or shoud I be able to get the "must carry" programming even on my antenna service?

Thanks.

The OTA-equivalent HD channels are available on Comcast (i.e., free broadcast channels that you could otherwise receive OTA with your antenna), even if you only subscribe to limited basic cable (about $13/mo.).

What you need is a QAM-capable HD tuner, either as built-in to many newer HDTVs, or as an external set top box like this one: http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/98127/rpem/ccd/productDetailReview.do

I know several folks who are using this STB with limited basic cable. Channel 11 (UPN) is the only major HDTV station missing from the Comcast channel lineup IIRC.

Be advised that using a receiver like this gives you the native HDTV cable channel numbers, not the familiar mapped channel numbers. For example, KIRO-DT might be found on channel 84.1 (can't rememeber exact channel numbers, just a made-up example). So you simply need to make a cross-reference table to match the normal channel number to the the channel where it is found on the cable system. If you rent a Comcast box, their box maps the channel numbers for you.

Also, you will not get any on-screen channel and program guide without a Comcast STB.

You may want to consider renting the Comcast HD DVR box for $5 more. It gives you the ability to digitally record 2 programs at the same time. I'm not sure if they require a digital channel package to rent the HD DVR box or not. Others here would know.

And Universal HD (Olympics).

Does anyone know if they are going to have an NBC all Olympics special channel like they did before? I think it was all HD and it was on like a 6 hour loop of the previous days stuff. It was great. I didn't miss anything I didn't want to. And that was back before the DVR (if I remember correctly).

me = excited for TNT in HD :)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10792454/

is the Olympics tv schedule

sam

The NBC network HD channel (105) will have the same coverage this year as the regular channel (5).

Is there anyway for them to send us some test patterns so I can calibrate my hd set? It is pretty pointless using the dvd player as it is not the same resolution. Even the upconverting player doesn't do the job. I know that with dish you could record the hdnet calibration feed, but now that we don't have that channel what could we do? Couldn't they send the dvr a series of test patterns to the dvr so we could calibrate it. I don't see why not. Would be a nice jesture on their part.

The OTA-equivalent HD channels are available on Comcast (i.e., free broadcast channels that you could otherwise receive OTA with your antenna), even if you only subscribe to limited basic cable (about $13/mo.).

What you need is a QAM-capable HD tuner,

**SNIP**
.

Thanks for the input. What perplexes me is that the DST50W _is_ a QAM capable tuner, albeit first generation. I have scanned up and down the channels, using all 4 available tuning options (cable std/cable irc/cable hst/antenna) to no avail. Nothing is picked up by this box - unless it's hooked up to an antenna.

Maybe I'm just outta luck and either I'll spring for the STB you quoted or surrender another 5 bucks a month to "the man". ;)

Thx.

I did not think that the DST50W supported QAM. It does support ATSC (used for broadcast OTA) and NTSC (analog TV).

Are you sure it supports QAM, as used by cable TV providers for digital and HDTV transmission?

I did not think that the DST50W supported QAM. It does support ATSC (used for broadcast OTA) and NTSC (analog TV).

Are you sure it supports QAM, as used by cable TV providers for digital and HDTV transmission?

Purchased it "used" from Madison Audio in Seattle (their demo model) and on the rear label it says: "0.8 February 1999 QAM". Of course, the remote(s) I have do not function with the unit so I cannot dig into any menu other than the front panel buttons.

You are correct that it works fine with ATSC, though...

Aack! I'm relatively new to the HD world here in seattle but it is common for KIRO7 (CBS) or the other local channels to pre-empt HD sports coverage (today's Duke vs Georgetown game) in lieu of an infomercial from Directbuy? looks like it's a good game also

Is there anyway for them to send us some test patterns so I can calibrate my hd set?

There is a 30-minute "INHD Tune Up" at 4AM every Saturday morning on 664. That's the only cable test I know of.

There is a 30-minute "INHD Tune Up" at 4AM every Saturday morning on 664. That's the only cable test I know of.


Hey thanks. Would that have color bar test patterns and gray ramp and all? Damn I have to wait another 7 days. LOL.

Hey thanks. Would that have color bar test patterns and gray ramp and all? Damn I have to wait another 7 days. LOL.

It's been a long time since I saw it, so I'm not sure what it has. Perhaps someone else can post the details.

well looks like kiro7 joined the duke-georgetown game in progress but isnt broadcasting the HD feed

The game isn't coming through on my channel 107 (but I can see the normal feed on 7) - is anyone else having problems?

I've been watching the AFC Championship in HD since noon on 107.

I've been watching the AFC Championship in HD since noon on 107.

Same here in Fremont..no problems on 107

i'm in west seattle. any ideas for a quick fix (reboot box, etc.)?

this better not happen for the hawks game...

is there any good reason that channel 107 wouldnt come in over here, but is working fine in other parts of Seattle?

FOX's HD coverage of the Seahawk's game seems to be having some sputtering audio- anyone else have that problem

No, but the signal stalled for a moment and we missed a play.

I'm wathing OTA, but only getting stereo, but seems to be good so far!

Watching OTA, all DD 5.1, no audio glitches.

Lousy job of missing some plays while commentators blab with replay/graphics screens.

Nice to see TNT-HD on 662 -- no info in the guide, yet.

Here in Denver,
Sunday night's "Law and Order, Criminal Intent" was in upconverted
SD for the first 20 minutes, then it was in HD for the rest of the program.
Was this the case for other viewers, or, did others get the entire program
in HD?

Here in Denver,
Sunday night's "Law and Order, Criminal Intent" was in upconverted
SD for the first 20 minutes, then it was in HD for the rest of the program.
Was this the case for other viewers, or, did others get the entire program
in HD?HD throughout, here in Seattle. These types of glitches usually occur with your local network affiliate. Someone forgot to throw the SD->HD switch.

HD throughout, here in Seattle. These types of glitches usually occur with your local network affiliate. Someone forgot to throw the SD->HD switch.

Thanks for the info. This type of screw up is connom place here
in Denver, about one third of NBC Hd primetime is in
upconverted SD, in whole or in part. Of course the local station
manager blames it on corprate NBC, not local, so I'm polling
other cities to see if he's telling the truth.
Of the last 8 Monday nights, 7 have been in
SD as I explained above, only one Monday night NBC line up has
been "clean" during that time span, 'clean' meaning that all
three shows (Surface, Las vegas, Medium) were entirely in HD.
usually, at least part of the prog is in SD.
Would you say that
NBC has this type of problem a great deal of the time (1 in 3), or,
is it rare in Seattle?

Thanks for the info. This type of screw up is connom place here
in Denver, about one third of NBC Hd primetime is in
upconverted SD, in whole or in part. Of course the local station
manager blames it on corprate NBC, not local, so I'm polling
other cities to see if he's telling the truth.
Of the last 8 Monday nights, 7 have been in
SD as I explained above, only one Monday night NBC line up has
been "clean" during that time span, 'clean' meaning that all
three shows (Surface, Las vegas, Medium) were entirely in HD.
usually, at least part of the prog is in SD.
Would you say that
NBC has this type of problem a great deal of the time (1 in 3), or,
is it rare in Seattle?


I regularly watch Law & Order, ER, The Office, West Wing, and Earl on NBC and all are in HD and rarely have problems. I honestly can't remember the last time any of these shows switched to the SD feed (except for commercials and credits at the end of a show)

Would you say that NBC has this type of problem a great deal of the time (1 in 3), or, is it rare in Seattle?NBC HD has been pretty good here - few problems. If you read back thru this thread, you'll see most of the complaints here have been with ABC. The big exception is Saturday Night Live - which is NEVER in HD here in Seattle, because the local NBC affiliate delays it 5 minutes, and apparently can't afford an HD DVR...

Another NBC exception was Notre Dame football which was highly compressed or upconverted SD. sam

Yea for Tnt-hd. I can't figure out why they air so much inhd content on 181. Are the testing? The inhd programs that air on 181 are different than the programs on the normal inhds too. I'm wondering if they're getting ready to put Olympic coverage on that channel or something. Wierd.

Mason

TNT-HD is now on channel 662. So far - no information on the guide.

TNT-HD Guide on 662 is now populated.

Anyone else notice KING-HD (105) had severe audio problems last night at 8? "Surface" was totally hosed (massive static - sounded like the gain was at 11 on a scale of 1-10) as was the commercials.

Guess I'll have to catch it in digital on SciFi.

Anyone else notice KING-HD (105) had severe audio problems last night at 8? "Surface" was totally hosed (massive static - sounded like the gain was at 11 on a scale of 1-10) as was the commercials.

Guess I'll have to catch it in digital on SciFi.

I turned it on for a few minutes and noticed right away. Terrible sound! I bet OTA had the same problem, as it appears Comcast is getting their signal directly from the station.

Anyone else notice KING-HD (105) had severe audio problems last night at 8? "Surface" was totally hosed (massive static - sounded like the gain was at 11 on a scale of 1-10) as was the commercials.

Guess I'll have to catch it in digital on SciFi.

Yep, Bad here too!!!

I had to watch in Digital... better than analog I guess!!!

David

Does anyone know if TNT-HD is on Basic Cable? If so, what channel is it on? Thx.

Does anyone know if TNT-HD is on Basic Cable? If so, what channel is it on? Thx.

What do you mean by basic cable? TNT-HD is available through basic digital cable, also known as digital classic, on channel 662.

Anyone else notice KING-HD (105) had severe audio problems last night at 8? "Surface" was totally hosed (massive static - sounded like the gain was at 11 on a scale of 1-10) as was the commercials.

Guess I'll have to catch it in digital on SciFi.

I had the same problems also here in west seattle. NBC seems to be the worst at cutting out completely, or having audio problems, unlike KIRO which is great!

Anyone notice tonight the last part of the 9PM Scrubs cutting out..ie losing the picture?I don't know what to think about this as it happens frequently. Could it be the DVR box from comcast? Anyone else having this problem? I don't think it's the TV cuz it never shuts off, and if I change channels fast enuf the other stations broadcast just fine...

GO SEAHAWKS!!!! :)

What do you mean by basic cable? TNT-HD is available through basic digital cable, also known as digital classic, on channel 662.

I just have basic cable (not digital) and my TV can tune in the HD stations sent in the clear by Comcast. So I was wondering if TNT-HD is also included in the signal for basic cable. If so, what channel is it on?

For those of you wishing that we would get UPN in HD, here is some news for you. UPN and WB are merging in the fall of 2006.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060124/nytu143.html?.v=43

And it looks like KSTW will be our CW station, which currently does not broadcast HD over Comcast.

So we may now suffer a downgrade in quality for the WB shows we currently get in HD. :mad:

And it looks like KSTW will be our CW station, which currently does not broadcast HD over Comcast.

Why do you think it will be KSTW? I thought the WB stations were the favored sons. Let's hope, anyway.

The Seattle Times said it would be KSTW in this morning's article.

Does Tribune own KSTW? If they do, that might explain it.

Mind you, I'd rather have KTWB, since I am still annoyed I can't get "Veronica Mars" in HD. :D

For those of you wishing that we would get UPN in HD, here is some news for you. UPN and WB are merging in the fall of 2006.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060124/nytu143.html?.v=43

So based on this paragraph ....

The 16 Tribune affiliated stations will include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston, Miami, Denver, St. Louis, Portland, Indianapolis, San Diego, Hartford, New Orleans and Albany. The 12 CBS Station Group television markets will include Philadelphia, San Francisco, Atlanta, Detroit, Tampa, Seattle, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, West Palm Beach, Norfolk, Oklahoma City and Providence. Together, these top two station groups cover the top 13 television markets, 20 of the top 25 television markets and have a total coverage area of more than 48% of the country.

It looks like Channel 11 will remain for our market and 22 will go away. I'm glad this is the way it's going since UPN already does some broadcasting in HD and from what I've seen WB does not. At least we know that Channel 11 has the gear to continue HD broadcasts, if CW continues that trend.

It looks like Channel 11 will remain for our market and 22 will go away. I'm glad this is the way it's going since UPN already does some broadcasting in HD and from what I've seen WB does not. At least we know that Channel 11 has the gear to continue HD broadcasts, if CW continues that trend.

The Seattle UPN Station - KSTW - does not broadcast in HD over Comcast.

The Seattle WB Station - KTWB - does broadcast in HD over Comcast.

Hopefully, KSTW becomming the CW station will sign a deal with Comcast for HD transmission, otherwise we'll have to watch WB-sourced shows in LoDef again.

And it looks like KSTW will be our CW station, which currently does not broadcast HD over Comcast.

So we may now suffer a downgrade in quality for the WB shows we currently get in HD. :mad:

KSTW does broadcast HD via OTA, so the issue isn't that KSTW can't do it, it would seem it's more of a corporate issue between KSTW and Comcast.

I would imagine that this new network will be working with Cable companies and Sat. companies to get their stations on all possible outlets.

The Seattle UPN Station - KSTW - does not broadcast in HD over Comcast.

The Seattle WB Station - KTWB - does broadcast in HD over Comcast.



Sorry, I don't watch KTWB much at all and whenever I do turn it on to their Digital feed they are always showing Standard Def programming, not HD, didn't realize they had some HD programming.

I also rarely watch KSTW but when I do turn it on during primetime I usually see HD. Also the couple of shows I have watched on there regularly over the last year (Enterprise last year, and Everybody Hates Chris this year) are HD.

I just have basic cable (not digital) and my TV can tune in the HD stations sent in the clear by Comcast. So I was wondering if TNT-HD is also included in the signal for basic cable. If so, what channel is it on?Nope. TNT-HD looks like it's encrypted, so you need a Comcast digital box (or Cablecard) to receive it.

WB is mostly HD only during their prime time, as well.

I know KSTW does OTA HD, but that doesn't help us without OTA tuners. :)

Still, I imagine KSTW will eventually sign a deal to carry the CW in HD at launch. :)

Still, I imagine KSTW will eventually sign a deal to carry the CW in HD at launch. :)

I would think so. I'm sure a new network is going to want to be seen by as many people as possible to try and get ratings.

How much HD would you see on KTWB with all the CW network shows on KSTW? Let's hope Comcast figures this out.

How much HD would you see on KTWB with all the CW network shows on KSTW? Let's hope Comcast figures this out.

None. Of course, would KTWB even continue to exist once the CW launches? They'd have to pick up syndicated stuff with no original programming available.

The Seattle Times said it would be KSTW in this morning's article.

Does Tribune own KSTW? If they do, that might explain it.

Mind you, I'd rather have KTWB, since I am still annoyed I can't get "Veronica Mars" in HD. :D

This is one of the rare markets that has a Tribune station and a CBS station. Trib runs KTWB, CBS owns KSTW, so it looks like the corporate bean counters went with KSTW to be the CW affiliate. KTWB will probably continue on as a true independant, but likely won't have access to a lot of HD material.

Has anyone else noticed this? TBS-HD is broadcast in the stretch mode (for all of us narrow-screen TV owners) for all non-HD source programs - including commercials. I like it! Why can't all the other HD channels do this?

rverginia: Interesting reaction to the TNT-HD stretch mode. I actually hate it! I would rather watch the shows in their original format with a digital transmission. I don't like the look of the stretch. I'm assuming that it is not just a crop job but rather some type of wide zoom with the center less stretched than the edges.

I'm also wondering what shows TNT plays that are truly 16x9. I just watched a little "Judging Amy" and it seemed streched. Weren't these originally HD? Maybe these are from a very early SD season.

I'm still giving TNT-HD a chance but so far I haven't watched anything to completion. Even "the Closer" didn't look that good to me and I'm assuming that it is HD.

My two cents.

Has anyone else noticed this? TBS-HD is broadcast in the stretch mode (for all of us narrow-screen TV owners) for all non-HD source programs - including commercials. I like it! Why can't all the other HD channels do this?Because some of us hate watching TV in the wrong aspect ratio. People should not appear artifically short & wide! I understand the arguments about plasma burn-in, etc - but to solve that I'd rather see a solution like ESPN-HD uses. For 4:3 SD material, they insert gray logo sidebars, with a moire pattern that "crawls" slightly to prevent burn-in. The actual content is then presented in the correct aspect ratio.

Did anyone else not get the 9:00 scrubs last night but did get the 9:30 episode? The DVR is set to record all scrubs episodes (new and repeat) on 5 at any time. I turned on the set (not the 6412, that stays on all the time) about 15 minutes into the episode and noticed that the DVR was not recording but that the 9:30 episode was set to record.

this box is getting flakier every day. I've had the "you are not subscribed to DVR service" happen at least 3x in the past week and now this...I may have to break the old replayTV out of storage just to have it as a backup.

ESPN-HD originally presented all their non-HD material stretched. My reaction was to watch the non-HD stuff on 31, but ESPN finally quit stretching when they got their HD studio set up. I haven't watched enough TNT to evaluate their HD. I'll wait & see how the NBA looks.

wareeagle: you'll like the NBA quality..very good. but boy TNT is a farce as far as HD goes..they show every show as HD in every guide you buy but only a few shows are HD. They have the most hideous stretch mode....and have since day 1 2 years ago..I had tnt hd on Voom when i had it. I looked at x files last night and wow did David duchovny grow some shoulders and biceps.....or was that just the wonderful stretch to make him look such such a stong, stocky fellow?

I watched a bit of "The Closer" last night, but Kyra Sedgwick looked too scary for me to continue. I don't know if it was really HD (typical dark crime show production), but any higher resolution would've been tragic.

All the old reruns they show are stretched, I agree it's annoying. I wish they left it 4:3 and let the viewer stretch, zoom, whatever via their TV. I don't think some of the newer seasons of shows like ER and Law and Order have this problem, since they were filmed in HD. Not positive though since I rarely watch them on TNT.

All their new original programming (shows, mini-series, etc ...) that I've watched are actually HD 16x9 as well as their NBA broadcasts (which look great).

Not much else to talk about! I noticed with "Law and Order" this afternoon that the picture looked like HD (no squatty stretched faces and bodies) but the very top of people's heads were often cut off. Is there still some stretching going on with these shows?


I hope we can also start putting some energy in getting the Mariner's back on Comcast HD. Do you all remember how great those games were two years ago!

art:

Now that you mention it, most of the time when I peek at whatever is on TNT-HD it gives me the feeling that I'm looking through a magnifying glass. Maybe they're reformatting the 4:3 to 16:9 by spreading it out (in both directions) and chopping off the top and bottom (16:12=>16:9).

Phew - I guess I'm all alone on liking the stretch! I guess I just don't like my 36" XBR getting shrunk down to a 27" every time a SD show is on. Too new to replace. I notice that KCTS adds gray bars on the sides, which I find totally distracting. Would really rather see black.

Well, I find it uncomfortable to watch when it looks like things are a little out of proportion. I'm not sure why. I guess it makes me feel like reality has been twisted. I've tried watching TNT/HD since it got added, but I just can't watch a whole show.

New guy here. I currently have just basic non-digital cable and comcast internet. Can I add just the HD box to my service or do I have to go digital? Don't really wanna pay $54 when I am currently paying $16.....B)

You can add any device with a QAM digital tuner and you can receive unencrypted HD channels (and some SD channels typically) without any more then a limited basic cable subscription. I have friends and relatives that are doing this. You would receive on cable most of the same channels that are available for over the air reception with an antenna.

Some newer HDTVs come with built-in ATSC (for over-the-air digital reception) and QAM (for digital cable reception) tuners. If your TV does not have one, you can buy an external QAM-capable tuner, like the Samsung 451, and connect the outputs to any TV. Of course, an HDTV would look best, but you can also connect most any old TV. If the external tuner set top box lacks an RF output, your TV would need A/V inputs or you would need to use an external RF modulator.

The digital channels, even watched on an old analog TV, are the clearest, most detailed, most vivid TV pictures you will ever see on that particular TV.

rverginia..since you seem to not care about the quality that much..why are you even trying to watch the digital version of TNT if you want to view it full screen on your tv? why not just watch the normal SD version of channel..then your TV screen is all filled up......most of bought HD TVs for the size of the set and the quality of the picture...actually that should be an "all of us bought for size and pic quality" except a scant few...you also have zoom modes to fill your set...but TNT is a joke..those who see the funny pictures on law and order, remember not all of them are HD and yes, I also think TNT is doing some sort of slight zoom as we have noticed the largeness of heads and such...byt the live HD stuff looks great......

Thanks for the speedy reply! I am wanting to buy the RCA at Walmart which has the built in tuners so it sounds like I would be set? Would I start getting the local channels in hd without their set top box?




You can add any device with a QAM digital tuner and you can receive unencrypted HD channels (and some SD channels typically) without any more then a limited basic cable subscription. I have friends and relatives that are doing this. You would receive on cable most of the same channels that are available for over the air reception with an antenna.

Some newer HDTVs come with built-in ATSC (for over-the-air digital reception) and QAM (for digital cable reception) tuners. If your TV does not have one, you can buy an external QAM-capable tuner, like the Samsung 451, and connect the outputs to any TV. Of course, an HDTV would look best, but you can also connect most any old TV. If the external tuner set top box lacks an RF output, your TV would need A/V inputs or you would need to use an external RF modulator.

The digital channels, even watched on an old analog TV, are the clearest, most detailed, most vivid TV pictures you will ever see on that particular TV.

If you are looking at this RCA HDTV at WalMart http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=3757031 then you need a separate QAM tuner, because the TV does not have one built in. It only has an ATSC OTA digital tuner built in.

You could either purchase your own QAM tuner (the example I gave is $250 at Circuit City) or you could rent one from Comcast (if they will let you without a digital programming package).

You may want to look around for a different HDTV that has a digital-cable-ready (QAM) tuner built in. Here is a Circuit City example with QAM in the same price range. http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Philips-51-HDTV-51PP9100D-/sem/rpsm/oid/136248/catOid/-12867/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

I've searched this topic for "pchdtv", but no hits. Is anyone using the pcHDTV 3000 card with Comcast in Seattle proper and able to tune in any local HD channels? I broke down and rented the Motorola HD DVR (DCT-3412?) from Comcast and it tunes in the HD channels no problem. But, I can't seem to get a lock on any QAM channels with the pcHDTV 3000... (I can lock onto OTA signals with an antenna, but I'm not in a good location for OTA reception.)

Has anyone had any luck with this: pcHDTV 3000 and Comcast/Seattle? Were there any "special", undocumented or not obvious steps to get it working?

Thanks!

Go to post #5957 to download a QAM channel list for native cable.

Go to post #5957 to download a QAM channel list for native cable.

Thanks, I've seen that post, but that's just a list of channel numbers. The pcHDTV card (as I understand it) needs the frequencies, not the channel numbers.

Thanks, I've seen that post, but that's just a list of channel numbers. The pcHDTV card (as I understand it) needs the frequencies, not the channel numbers.

Here you go dude.

Go to post #5957 to download a QAM channel list for native cable.

Download it from this post, instead. :) I hadn't updated it in quite some time.

I've tried to index the "video only" channels that some new QAM viewers have asked about lately. The "video only" channels could be incomplete, however, because my receiver doesn't tune them in automatically, and Comcast seems turn video encryption on and off frequently.

Try selecting 549, then go to the diagnostics:

Power
OK (within 2 seconds)
Inband Status

This will show you the signal strength (SNR and AGC). If those are not GOOD, then you may have a strange signal problem, wiring or otherwise.

You can also check Current Channel Status, which will indicate if you are Authorized to receive the channel.

Keep us posted.

Turns out it was a filter on my line. I originally had limited basic cable and it was filtered. They cable guy took off the filter and now everything works. But I have to say that's a pretty worthless filter if it only prevents you from seeing premium HD content!

Turns out it was a filter on my line. I originally had limited basic cable and it was filtered. They cable guy took off the filter and now everything works. But I have to say that's a pretty worthless filter if it only prevents you from seeing premium HD content!

Don't forget to ask for a refund for the down time.

The TvGuide EPG data is really screwy these last few days, working ok for anyone else?

rverginia..since you seem to not care about the quality that much....

Keithaxix:
I care a great deal about quality - My only comment is that I like the way it fills the width of the screen and doesn't letterbox the ends.

The TvGuide EPG data is really screwy these last few days, working ok for anyone else?

I've just gotten it working within the last week. It appears to be coming in on channel 90. (Not 790, just 90.) Make sure you enable that channel in your lineup.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2309549

I hope that means they'll get serious about the HD that's sporadic on the mysterious channel 181.

I've been considering getting a set with the TVGOS or TVG EPG (not sure if they are different), and was wondering if you need a cable-card to get this?

How good is the interface?

If you need a cable card, does it pick up the EPG info for all cable channels you are getting?

If you DON"T need a cable card, does it allow you to remap the channel numbers to something more readable? (not 82.1, 83.11, etc....)

Pete.

I have both a Motorola 6412 DVR and a cable card hooked to my 37" sharp LCD. I find the TVGOS unusable :( but the PQ is much better with the cable card. I use the DVR for everyday viewing and the cable card for football games, and when both tuners on the dvr are busy recording somthing.

I went to Circuit city this weekend to buy the 999 Phillips. They were out and upgraded me to a Hitachi. When i hook it up I notice I seem to be getting PPV channels on my limited basic cable? Is there a listing for these channels so I can see what will be on?

I went to Circuit city this weekend to buy the 999 Phillips. They were out and upgraded me to a Hitachi. When i hook it up I notice I seem to be getting PPV channels on my limited basic cable? Is there a listing for these channels so I can see what will be on?What you're probably seeing is your neighbor's OnDemand stream(s), not traditional PPV. Comcast's OnDemand system is built around neighborhood "fiber nodes" which serve up to about 400 customers each. For whatever reason the OnDemand streams transmitted from these nodes are not encrypted, and can be received within a "pool" of otherwise un-used digital cable channels, assuming you have a QAM tuner.

As for what's on when - you'll have to ask your neighbors :)

New guy here. I currently have just basic non-digital cable and comcast internet. Can I add just the HD box to my service or do I have to go digital? Don't really wanna pay $54 when I am currently paying $16.....B)


Anyone know the answer? I, too, have basic (non-digital) cable and want to know if I can rent their $5 a month DVR...Is the 'HD box' the above poster referenced the same thing as the DVR? Sorry for the noob questions, but I'm, well, a noob! :p

There are two set top boxes. One is an HD/digital tuner without a recorder that costs $5 per month and the other is a tuner with a recorder that costs about $11 per month. The first could definitely be rented without paying extra for digital service. If you stop at their office, you can pick up a "rate" card that lists their prices for each separate service. (It also lists the available channels.) I believe that legally, they must provide whatever service they publicly file. sam

From the Comcast site:
"What does DVR cost?
DVR service costs just $9.95 a month per unit beyond the cost of your current Comcast Digital Cable subscription. A subscription to Comcast Digital Cable is required to get DVR."

Note that the DVR rental cost of $9.95/mo is instead of, rather than in addition to, the non-DVR HD box rental of $5.00/mo. So, trading in an HD box for a DVR will only cost $4.95/mo more, assuming you otherwise qualify.

Simple way to remember Comcast's box rental prices:
$5/mo: standard (non-HD) digital cable receiver
$10/mo: HD digital cable reciever
$15/mo: HD digital cable reciever w/ integrated HD DVR
A subscription to a Comcast Digital Cable programming package includes a $5/mo credit toward one of the above.

I've been considering getting a set with the TVGOS or TVG EPG (not sure if they are different), and was wondering if you need a cable-card to get this?

How good is the interface?

If you need a cable card, does it pick up the EPG info for all cable channels you are getting?

If you DON"T need a cable card, does it allow you to remap the channel numbers to something more readable? (not 82.1, 83.11, etc....)

Pete.

Don't need a cable card, the interface depends on your tv or dvd recorder.

It picks up the EPG from an analogue tv channel when it is powered off.

On my tv Hitachi 42HDT52, I can remap all channels, it depends on the tv/recorder. BUT it has got wiped out almost every other day this month. Makes it hard to use it record to the firewire AVHD.

I think getting a cable card, this will remap all channels needed automatically . . ?

There was apparently a software update of the 6412 boxes in the Seattle area this morning. At that time my box stopped working; it still tunes some channels but some have gone away, and the UI is completely gone (e.g. the "info" button doesn't do anything, the "My DVR" button doesn't do anything, etc.)

Calling Comcast indicated that apparently there have been a ton of other customers in the Seattle area who experienced the same thing, although curiously enough nobody else has reported it on here. They say they're working on it but don't have a solution yet. They also recommended against unplugging the box to reset it, although I had already tried that several times.

Working fine here in Bellevue, FWIW, but maybe they didn't push an upgrade out to us.

The upgrade came to South King about 6:30 in the morning and messed up my switch to CNBC to watch the stock market opening for about 5 minutes. It also reset the audio from stereo to surround. I have the non dvr HD box. Anyway, the box seems to work normally although 664 is not showing the Sonics game and 181 is active. sam

The upgrade came to South King about 6:30 in the morning and messed up my switch to CNBC to watch the stock market opening for about 5 minutes. It also reset the audio from stereo to surround. I have the non dvr HD box. Anyway, the box seems to work normally although 664 is not showing the Sonics game and 181 is active. sam

Are they doing something on channel 181 for the Superbowl (since it's normally an NFL HD Channel) or is there something special for the Olympics on Comcast that they haven't told us about, or something else?

I kind of wanted to watch the Sonics in HD...especially with Nate coming back to Seattle. Kind of stinks how they don't tell anybody about these kind of things!

There was apparently a software update of the 6412 boxes in the Seattle area this morning. At that time my box stopped working...
I'm seeing the same problems. I live in the Crown Hill neighborhood (a couple of miles north of Ballard). My box was fine last night. But when I got home from work tonight, the MyDVR button doesn't work, the menu button doesn't work, no on-screen display of any kind. I can use the channel up-down buttons to tune through channels 2-115, but I can't tune any higher than 115 (no digital cable channels). Another odd thing is that channels 2-13 don't show anything, but I *can* tune the HD equivalents that are available (104, 105, etc).

I tried calling Comcast, and got a "we are experiencing an unusually high call volume" and the wait time is longer than 30 minutes. Apparently they've got a new "call back" feature where they will call me back when a rep is available. I guess that's kind of nice so I don't have to sit on hold... Anyway, unless the call back says otherwise, it looks like I'm suffering from the same software "upgrade".

Mine is one of the "first generation" 6412's -- I picked mine up as soon as they were available in 2004. Some people have said the upgrade hasn't affected them, so I wonder if it has something to do with older boxes... The other slightly disturbing thing is that the menu button doesn't even work with the power off -- I can't even pull up the basic configuration or see the software load.

Follow up: I just got my callback from Comcast (about 8:50pm). The rep said that they had the fix and have started pushing the fix out. He said that my box should get the update sometime in the next few hours. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Here you go dude.

Thanks for the file. Unfortunately, same result: "tuning failed". Are you using the pcHdtv 3000 in Seattle proper with Comcast? Is anyone using the pcHdtv 3000 with Comcast in Seattle proper?

Thanks.

all these Seattle cable box probs are the result of the digital remapping they are doing, I also had the same problms this morning, but now all is well and i must say the new digital channels 2-99 look great, I actually enjoyed watching the sonic game without all the snow and interferance the analogs usually brought. HGTV looks great as well, now just get get FSN-HD and ESPN2-HD and all will be great

No upgrade in Magnolia yet- still waiting patiently!

its so wierd, ive lost all my 700's and my digital channels on all 3 sets!! whats up with that

Follow up: I just got my callback from Comcast (about 8:50pm). The rep said that they had the fix and have started pushing the fix out. He said that my box should get the update sometime in the next few hours. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

NetJeff -

Did you get your update yet? I live a couple of miles north of you in Broadview (near Carkeek Park) and, as of this morning, still have the same symptoms as you. Perhaps this is a north Seattle (and maybe Magnolia) problem?

I'm seeing the same problems...Mine is one of the "first generation" 6412's -- I picked mine up as soon as they were available in 2004. Some people have said the upgrade hasn't affected them, so I wonder if it has something to do with older boxes...

I also have the first gen box (picked it up on Day One) and it's still fine. I was watching TV till 12:30 this morning and was able to set some new "season passes" and other recordings using the guide and search functions...

I'm also in North Seattle (around Greenwood.) I had to call Comcast (again) this morning and have them hit the box (again), but the hit came within 10 minutes (they said the backlog was only about 15) and it seems to be working now. The 700 channels are showing up (for the first time) and digital simulcasting appears to be working on a lot of channels. Yay, I can finally watch a mediocre digital feed of Battlestar Galactica instead of a lousy analog feed!

This is a phase II model 6412; I've had it for around six months. Since this problem seems to have been associated with the deployment of digital simulcast, it's not surprising that people in areas that already had simulcating didn't experience this problem.

Well, I find it uncomfortable to watch when it looks like things are a little out of proportion. I'm not sure why. I guess it makes me feel like reality has been twisted. I've tried watching TNT/HD since it got added, but I just can't watch a whole show.

you're correct about being unable to watch it like that! It's dreadful.

The worst is it *does* look like they're taking the P&S image and then applying what my PJ calls "Justify" - stretch the edges and leave the center sorta OK - but the whole image only has the SD lines of resolution and that then gets scaled to 720.

The result is unwatchable.

So is this a TNT issue, not an Comcast issue?

If so, how do we get hold of people at TNT to let them know how unacceptable this is?

'struth.... unbelievable....
:mad:

The rep said that they had the fix and have started pushing the fix out. He said that my box should get the update sometime in the next few hours.Did you get your update yet? I live a couple of miles north of you in Broadview (near Carkeek Park) and, as of this morning, still have the same symptoms as you. Perhaps this is a north Seattle (and maybe Magnolia) problem?
As I left for work this morning around 8am, my box was still bad. I really hope it's fixed by the time I get home tonight...

What happened to NBC's hi-def? I used to see the news it in and now even as I watch the State of the Union, ABC and CBS are showing it in HD and NBC is not.

Thanks for the file. Unfortunately, same result: "tuning failed". Are you using the pcHdtv 3000 in Seattle proper with Comcast? Is anyone using the pcHdtv 3000 with Comcast in Seattle proper?

Thanks.

I am located in Snoqualmie but it should be the same. Are you using *azap* to tune the channels? Give me some more info and ill try and help. I am currently running a subversion of MythTV on Gentoo with that card on basic cable.

--
Shawn

What happened to NBC's hi-def? I used to see the news it in and now even as I watch the State of the Union, ABC and CBS are showing it in HD and NBC is not.
Same thing on OTA reception: KING-DT is showing in SD, while KOMO-DT and KIRO-DT are both in HD.

What happened to NBC's hi-def? I used to see the news it in and now even as I watch the State of the Union, ABC and CBS are showing it in HD and NBC is not.Presumably NBC doesn't have any HD cameras covering this.

Presumably NBC doesn't have any HD cameras covering this.

Strange, since I was under the impression there was "pool" camera coverage for things like this.

As I left for work this morning around 8am, my box was still bad. I really hope it's fixed by the time I get home tonight... Bad news for me. I got home tonight around 6:30 pm, and my box is still bad. I called Comcast and got through to a rep pretty quickly. She confirmed that there were still problems. She said that "a few transformers blew" the other night that "affected the head end equipment". The affected head-end equipment then started screwing up some customers 6412's. The rep said that there were still "several hundred Seattle-area customers affected". She said she was attaching some kind of special flag to my account to be sure that it got attention. But no promises were made as to when my 6412 would be back to normal. The rep also mentioned that she was giving me some kind of credit on my account, which is nice.

Unlike my call last night where the rep said my 6412 should have been fixed in a few hours, the rep tonight ended the call telling me to call them again tomorrow morning if my DVR still was not fixed. Ugh.

Strange, since I was under the impression there was "pool" camera coverage for things like this.

They are definately pool cameras. If you flip between ABC and CBS quickly you can see it's the exact same camera moving around.

I wonder what's up with NBC lately.

Scrubs just came on NBC. I don't normally watch this show but isn't it in HD usually?

Bad news for me. I got home tonight around 6:30 pm, and my box is still bad. I called Comcast and got through to a rep pretty quickly. She confirmed that there were still problems. She said that "a few transformers blew" the other night that "affected the head end equipment". The affected head-end equipment then started screwing up some customers 6412's. The rep said that there were still "several hundred Seattle-area customers affected". She said she was attaching some kind of special flag to my account to be sure that it got attention. But no promises were made as to when my 6412 would be back to normal. The rep also mentioned that she was giving me some kind of credit on my account, which is nice.

Unlike my call last night where the rep said my 6412 should have been fixed in a few hours, the rep tonight ended the call telling me to call them again tomorrow morning if my DVR still was not fixed. Ugh.
Pretty much the same for me. Called Comcast, got a credit without asking, they pretty much told me that all of Seattle is experiencing this and it isn't specific to my 6412. She said she wished she could give me an ETA, but couldn't because she didn't have one, they were just working on it.

If and when that thing comes back to life, if 24 from last isn't in my recorded shows, I'm going to be one ticked off dude. For those of you who might still have it in some form, please don't delete yet, I might pay for a copy.

...If and when that thing comes back to life, if 24 from last isn't in my recorded shows, I'm going to be one ticked off dude. For those of you who might still have it in some form, please don't delete yet, I might pay for a copy.Good luck on that. My 6412 screwed up the recording of 24 and I got nothing despite the MyDVR guide showing it as a 1:03 recording. 35 seconds into the recording it supposedly hit the "end". Fortunately, I was able to get someone to send it to one of my ReplayTVs. Too bad it's not HD or Dolby Digital. It sure better get the Super Bowl right!!!

Tim

For what it's worth, after my box was fixed all of the recorded shows, including shows which recorded while it was messed up, were still there and worked fine. With luck, you also still have your 24. The only recording problems I experienced were on new digital simulcast channels which apparently aren't passed cleanly by the ground loop isolator I'd been using, but once I removed it they're fine.

Scrubs just came on NBC. I don't normally watch this show but isn't it in HD usually?


Scrubs is not usually HD.

Regarding SOTU, just because there is an HD pool feed in Washington, doesn't mean everyone will carry it in HD. Transmission costs associated with HD are still 2-3x higher then SD, so NBC may have simply made a business decision to not broadcast in HD.

Then again, maybe someone at KING forgot to flip a switch. I doubt it, though.

Then again, maybe someone at KING forgot to flip a switch. I doubt it, though.

Why is that doubtful?

Why is that doubtful?


Never mind my above post. I see elsewhere on AVS that NBC did indeed do HD elsewhere in the country. Looks like KING was indeed asleep at the wheel.

I was advised to post to this thread in regards to my concerns-

:mad: I can not believe Comcast in Seattle! I just want a Set Top Box to tune into local channels in HD ( I don't watch alot of tv and usually rent movies that I like) Therefor, I'm not in the market to watch alot of Cable TV.

Anyway, In order to get the Set Top Box I will need to pay $5 per month for the box pluse $10 installation fee AND subscribe to A Digital Cable Pakage anywhere from around $40-100 per month! - That will include an additional $27 installation fee.

I was told by another member:

This doesn't right, I've never heard of a Comcast system that requires a Digital tier subscription to get the locals in HD. They come automatically with a Basic sub. I'll bet the CSR was thinking of a DVR which does usually require the minimum digital tier. I would call back and try again.

I state:

I ordered on line, (1) one set top box (not the DVR). On the next screen I'm now told to chose between two installation charges one for $10 or $15 depending on weather I will need a secound visit or not. After confirming my order of (1) One set top box and a (1) $10 installation fee, I'm now directed to an instant chat with a CSR to finallize the order. The CSR named Cindy (or something like that) says "you must also chose a Digital Cable Pakage through Comcast in order to complete your order" I say "What?" she says " I suggest you go back through the ordering process and chose a Digital Cable Pakage there in order to complete your order" I say "Thanks. Good bye."

I also know that if you get a pakage there is a $27 installation fee with that. (the prior $10 MAY be waved if your total intallation fee exceeds $19.95)

Should I contact the BBB? Any advice?

(The CSR specifically stated that I needed to order a DIGITAL cable pakage.)

I was advised by the same form member:

I would go to the local thread for your area and post these 2 posts there. I'm sure someone there will be able to answer your questions. My advice would be to call on the phone, or go to the Comcast office. I would not do it online or through a CSR chat.

So this is where I'm at in the world right now :)

Note that comcast does not encrypt HD locals, so any QAM tuner can receive those.

I assume that you don't have a QAM tuner in your TV. But you can still buy a stand-alone tuner (I think you can get those for less than $200)

So buying a tuner is a much cheaper option, if you're just interested in the locals. Obviously it is unknown, whether comcast would encrypt these channels at some stage, but right now that's not the case.

TNT in HD on 662?! Gotta go check this out, and why do messages only come to my old analog box?!!

Yep, it's there. Now if they will show 'Salem's Lot again in HD...

Anyway, In order to get the Set Top Box I will need to pay $5 per month for the box pluse $10 installation fee AND subscribe to A Digital Cable Pakage anywhere from around $40-100 per month! - That will include an additional $27 installation fee.


I did a similar upgrade after I bought my HDTV. As far as equipment or service changes, I refuse to deal with Comcast's online system, or even phone reps anymore. Just go into one of their customer service centers and talk to them directly.

I originally had basic (non-digital) cable service. After getting my HDTV, I just went into the service center, they gave me a digital HDTV box and the only charge was for the box ($5 more a month if you have DIGITAL cable, but if you have basic cable, it's actually $6.75 more a month instead of $5 for whatever reasons). No installation fees.

Later I decided to get the dual-tuner DVR box instead. Took back the HDTV box, exchanged it for the DVR box. In order to get the DVR, I DID have to upgrade to the Digital Classic package, as well as pay $9.95 a month for the DVR box (though that's only a few dollars more than the $6.75 I was paying for the HDTV box). Again, no installation fees. The reps at the N. Seattle customer service center knew exactly what they were doing.

Bad news for me. I got home tonight around 6:30 pm, and my box is still bad. ... the rep tonight ended the call telling me to call them again tomorrow morning if my DVR still was not fixed. So as I left for work this morning around 8am, my 6412 was mostly back to normal. I've got all the on-screen displays, I can see my recorded shows, etc. The only remaining problem is that ch 2-13 are black with no audio except channel 8 (Discovery). At least I can get the HD equivalents up on 104-113.

Called Comcast this afternoon, they said they schedule another reset/load for my box in the next few hours.

I bet this has something to do with the conversion of the analogs to digital. BTW, I now see channels up in the 730+ range that (I assume) are the original "analog" versions. For example, I see a 738 which is TLC which matches up with 38. I would expect to see 702-713, but I don't. So I think there's still a few kinks with the channel migration.

At least I've got the on-screen and the HD equivalents. I was starting to get nervous about being able to record the season opener for Survivor on Thurs night (I hope I'm not speaking too soon...)

I believe someone in the thread said that analog locals would not be relocated to the 700s like the other channels.

I believe someone in the thread said that analog locals would not be relocated to the 700s like the other channels.

Some are, some aren't. What is weird is that there are digital SD versions of all of them. If you have a QAM tuner, here's the channels which can be tuned via QAM but are not currently mapped on my cable box (in the North Seattle area where digital simulcast was just rolled out Monday.)

2 (NWCN): 79-2
3 (KWPX): 79-3
4 (KOMO): 79-4
5 (KING): 79-5
6 (KONG): 79-1
7 (KIRO): 80-8
10 (KTWB): 79-7
11 (KSTW): 79-8
12 (KBTC): 79-9
13 (KCPQ): 80-7

What's strange is that channel 8 and 9 do seem to be mapped, but not any of the others in the 2-13 range. Don't know if this is a permanent state of affairs or just a phased deployment; it seems sort of silly to have a digital SD feed which isn't mapped to anything.

The other thing that's strange is that there's no "message from Comcast" announcing the change. If I weren't an avid reader of forums I would have no idea what the heck happened.

We've had digital simulcast in Bellevue since 12/19/05.

Channels 2-70, 74-78, 96, 98, and 99 are digital (with the box).

Channels 708, 709, 716, 717, 719, 721-728, 730-770, 774, 776-778, 796, 798, and 799 are the analog equivalents, and the rest of the digitals have no analog equivalents in the 700 range.

Channel 90 is the analog version of 9, and apparently was added for guide purposes.

Once your ADS is complete, all the digital channels should be mapped to the 2-99 area. For some reason known only to Comcast, some analog equivalents will not appear in the 702-799 area.

I certainly wouldn't rely on Comcast to provide messages about changes (other than PPV wrestling announcements).

Did anyone else stumble upon channel 117 yesterday? It was a camera feed from SeaTac airport. It's gone now, but I wonder why that was up for 12 hours or so.

Did anyone else stumble upon channel 117 yesterday? It was a camera feed from SeaTac airport. It's gone now, but I wonder why that was up for 12 hours or so.

yes, when the state of the union address was going on, KIRO used 117 for the news, until the speech was over, then it went back to 107...my guess is it was showing the seatac feed to keep the channel open...

yes, when the state of the union address was going on, KIRO used 117 for the news, until the speech was over, then it went back to 107...my guess is it was showing the seatac feed to keep the channel open...

Based on what you described seeing, 117 was KIRO SD. It's been on for a week or so on QAM 89-13 and on for a year or two on OTA 7-2. It identifies briefly at the top of each hour as KIRO 7 SD. There's a replay of the 6:00PM news at 7:00 every night, and countless hours of the terminal at the airport.

New Comcast Digital user here...

How do I enter more than two digits for a channel with the remote keypad?

Stupid question, but I can use the up and down key to get into the upper channels, and I can use the On Demand feature to select a program. I have a DCT6200.

Tony

It should allow you to enter three digits in succession. My 6412's does.

Try entering a leading 0 for two-digit numbers (033 instead of 33).

I was advised to post to this thread in regards to my concerns---

I was in a similar situation, but sent my wife into the Greenwood Comcast Store (94th and Aurora) to pick up an HD box and order Digital Classic. I had been told on the phone with them that it would take 2 weeks for installation unless I came in...

Good news is that the HD Motorola box is easy ti set up, the picture on my 27" non-HD TV is better than it's ever been.

Tony

Anyone know what channel 181 is going to be used for?

For that past couple of days it has been broadcast a page with a static INHD logo and just some background music...

Any ideas?

It should allow you to enter three digits in succession. My 6412's does.

The three-digit input only works on certain channels...

My wife is stopping by the Comcast Store today to get a programming guide.

Tony

Based on what you described seeing, 117 was KIRO SD. It's been on for a week or so on QAM 89-13 and on for a year or two on OTA 7-2. It identifies briefly at the top of each hour as KIRO 7 SD. There's a replay of the 6:00PM news at 7:00 every night, and countless hours of the terminal at the airport.

AKA Waste of Bandwidth. I wish these stations that multicast would just turn off the broadcast when they aren't using it. I've noticed on stations that have these, i.e. KIRO, KCTS, and KING, when there is fast paced action on their main HD channel you get compression artifacts, where as on stations that do not multicast, i.e. KOMO and KCPQ, you do not get this.

A supposedly reliable source posted this on the AVS San Francisco Comcast HD forum:

"Universal HD is launching in the bay area on Feb 9th!"

Of course, this may mean nothing at all with respect to Seattle.

A supposedly reliable source posted this on the AVS San Francisco Comcast HD forum:

"Universal HD is launching in the bay area on Feb 9th!"

Of course, this may mean nothing at all with respect to Seattle.

But I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case, that's what channel 181 is probably for. With Dish launching expanded HD lineups this week, Comcast has got to compete. Dish has "24-27" HD channels depending upon what you count, Comcast about 18.

Adding HD Universal on Feb 9th would be perfect timing for the Winter Olympics since HD Universal is the parent of NBC and HD Universal is going to have all kinds of HD content for the Olympics this year...

Cool! I hope this is true and applies to Seattle!

Too bad we no longer have any reliable sources here.