I think the open minds of 4-year-old's have a lot to do with their capacity to learn and understand.

Yes, I'm sure my 4-year old granddaughter would have no problem accepting that she'd be better off leaving her 6412 on all the time. Not so for a lot of adults, though.

anyone heard when comcast seattle is replacing the MS s/w on the 6412 with TIVO, or replacing the 6412 box completely? i know it's coming, but haven't seen an update lately...

anyone heard when comcast seattle is replacing the MS s/w on the 6412 with TIVO, or replacing the 6412 box completely? i know it's coming, but haven't seen an update lately...

My interpretation was that TiVo would be an option, both here and in the iGuide markets, but not a replacement. I haven't heard any status report recently, nor have I heard of a 6412 replacement (other than the 3412, or perhaps the 3416 or 6416).

My interpretation was that TiVo would be an option, both here and in the iGuide markets, but not a replacement. I haven't heard any status report recently, nor have I heard of a 6412 replacement (other than the 3412, or perhaps the 3416 or 6416).

you're right - I also heard it would be an option (probably for extra $). I assume that if you choose this, it would replace the existing s/w on the box (i.e., the MS stuff). I'd gladly pay an extra small amount of $ to get the TIVO s/w - hopefully it will work better than what we're all using now...

as for h/w, I'd sure like to see some extra disc capacity - can't save but a few HD movies - would hate to add another HD DVR box just to do this

"So far D* has done a really good job of pushing me away so I'm seriously thinking about making a switch to cable, but DVR functionality has become an essential part of our TV watching so I'm trying to get some info on the DVRs that comcast offers."

(REPLY)
I switched from D* to Comcast last fall and have been very pleased with the change. D* is still not able to support in-network local HD stations. The Comcast PVR works fine, if not a bit limited in storage. There are some things I miss about D* such as the additional HBO channels and access to independents from remote markets. But otherwise, I'll stick with Comcast until either one of the satellite vendors come up with something superior....and I'm not seeing it on the horizon.

... There are some things I miss about D* such as the additional HBO channels ....What would you get with the additional HBO channels that you don't get with Comcast's HBO on-demand? The biggest difference is that you can't record on-demand channels to your DVR, like you can with "dedicated" HBO channels. If you're into archiving movies, that's a real disadvantage. But for just *watching* movies - I think on-demand works a lot better than having extra dedicated HBO channels.

Man I sure hope we get ESPN2 in time for the world cup. I know it's wishful thinking.....

I was just on the ESPN HD 2 schedule page and at the very end of the list was the beginning of June and there was some games on the list.

Go Germany!

^I hope so too! Comcast will make a big mistake if they don't add it. ESPN2 HD also has MLB, NBA, and Gonzaga games in HD!

Here's an update of the QAM list since I haven't posted one in a couple of months.

The last major change was Comcast's addition of FM-to-digital simulcasts, so there're only a very few minor changes on this update.

Remember to right-click and choose "Save target as..." if you can't view by clicking directly.

Woah, you can get a bunch of FM stations over cable now? Is this only for people with QAM tuners? I didn't see any FM stations on the listing on my cable box. Maybe this is a new thing they will have on the listings and it's just not there yet? If I am missing something here, will someone please let me know!

Woah, you can get a bunch of FM stations over cable now? Is this only for people with QAM tuners? I didn't see any FM stations on the listing on my cable box. Maybe this is a new thing they will have on the listings and it's just not there yet? If I am missing something here, will someone please let me know!

Comcast, since back in the Viacom and TCI days, has -- very quietly -- carried a few local FM stations on the wire. They're on empty frequencies in the upper end of the FM band.

My assumption is that Comcast would probably like to convert those signals (which use the bandwidth of what would otherwise be Channel 97) to digital, reclaiming most of a 6 Mhz channel.

I would imagine that they'll soon show up on Comcast's own boxes. Many "new services" have shown up via QAM in advance in the past.

The FM stations reported in "cable-1.txt" are clearly on QAM CH90.xxx (621 MHz) and CH112.xxx (723 MHz).
Receivable via a QAM Tuner---and not receivable by an FM Tuner.

And any FM stations in the 88-108 MHz band on cable would not be receivable by a TV Tuner...

Comcast, since back in the Viacom and TCI days, has -- very quietly -- carried a few local FM stations on the wire. They're on empty frequencies in the upper end of the FM band.

You have to wonder why comcast carries them. They don't tell anyone they are there, and it not like someone's going to try to connect their radio to their cable.

We used the FM over cable to overcome terrible FM reception problems at some houses, including in rec/family rooms in basements.

I have not used them for a long time.

I have Comcast cable connected to my home theater fm antenna and I think that it works. I haven't used it in a long time as I also have a stereo audio cable from my computer to the auxiliary input on the same receiver. The latter provides me worldwide fm reception via the internet. sam

Just bought a Vizio LCD HD TV at Costco w/ a clear QAM tuner, and am able to see these channels in HD for the first time. Saw the final West Wing in glorious HD. However, the Channel 90 subchannels - all FM simulcasts - don't seem to be working for me, are they on the air? Also, the 118 subchannels that are supposed to be DMX music are all Spanish.

I appreciate the channel listing but may eventually go to a digital cable box anyway, to get the programming guide and to simplify hookup/switching. Hate to pay those bandits more money though. In a world of $20 DVD players, it's hard to justify a $5 rental for a tuner box. Remember when the FCC decreed there would be an open, competitive market for set top boxes?

Tough choice. I'm a cheapie and a basic Tivo subscription with a recordable DVD drive might hit the spot. I'd be willing to pony up the dough for Comcast's DVR/Digital if I was able to connect a DVD burner and burn shows or video from my DV camcorder.
Is this possible?

However, the Channel 90 subchannels - all FM simulcasts - don't seem to be working for me, are they on the air? Also, the 118 subchannels that are supposed to be DMX music are all Spanish.

Could be your TV just doesn't know how to tune those channels. They are audio only. Channel 90 has encrypted sub-channels from 90.1 to 90.11, then the FM simulcasts are 90.332 to 90.339.

The DMX channels are all Spanish. The non-Spanish music channels are MusicChoice on channel 119.10 to 119.54, corresponding to channels 900 to 944 on Comcast's cable boxes.

Does anyone have a Toshiba dlp with a cable card, and does it work properly with Comcast?

I'm having some problems with local HD QAM reception out there.
I installed a new Pioneer plasma, did a scan, found all the HD stations, including the FM ones and more. It worked fine for about a week, then they all went away. The regular cable channels were still there. I also ran it at my home in Federal Way for a few weeks while setting up the remote, and it worked fine. I've checked with the meter, levels and waveshape looks fine. Comcast came out, we checked, couldn't find anything wrong, either. I hate to point a finger at the receiver, but trying to test it back at my place is not an option, as you need to bring the monitor. One won't work without the other.
So, until I can get it somewhere to test it, I'm wondering if anyone has been having similar problems, in South Tacoma out to Spanaway, in the last few weeks.
Or, do you have it still working?
Thanks
Dan

Tough choice. I'm a cheapie and a basic Tivo subscription with a recordable DVD drive might hit the spot. I'd be willing to pony up the dough for Comcast's DVR/Digital if I was able to connect a DVD burner and burn shows or video from my DV camcorder.
Is this possible?

Be a risk taker and try it. You can always cancel it. Not sure what you're asking about relative to the camcorder, but the DVR is well worth it to me. There is a Washington State DVR specific forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=467203&page=1&pp=60

Do cable cards work the same in all TVs? If not which TVs work better with a cable card

Could be your TV just doesn't know how to tune those channels. They are audio only. Channel 90 has encrypted sub-channels from 90.1 to 90.11, then the FM simulcasts are 90.332 to 90.339.

I have no problem receiving the FM stations on 112-42x. But am not receiving anything on 90.33x. Also, KIRO SD on 89-13 (the SeaTac Airport cam) seems to be off the air. Is Comcast moving things around? Perhaps someone with clear QAM access in North Seattle could confirm? Also, I found an unlisted network that I'd never heard of - I think it was TVone? I will check later tonight and report the channel.

MyNetworkTV and Tribune Broadcasting Close Affiliation Deal for Philadelphia, Atlanta and Seattle
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/pr.aspx?id=20060515tribune01

Whatever. Looks like the dropping of the first shoe in the local resolution of the WB/UPN=>CW conversion. Still no hint as to "CW-HD" for KSTW.

I have no problem receiving the FM stations on 112-42x. But am not receiving anything on 90.33x. Also, KIRO SD on 89-13 (the SeaTac Airport cam) seems to be off the air. Is Comcast moving things around? Perhaps someone with clear QAM access in North Seattle could confirm? Also, I found an unlisted network that I'd never heard of - I think it was TVone? I will check later tonight and report the channel.
Just checked the radio stations on 90.33x and the sea-tac cam on 89.13. All still there for me in Wallingford. I wonder if the presence of the encrypted sub-channels on 90 and 89 is messing up your TV. Or maybe there is some difference in the PSIP data between the channels that your TV doesn't like.

What is the difference between the standard channels (KOMO 4, KING 5) and the ones with the higher number (KOMO79-3, KING 79-4)?

What is the difference between the standard channels (KOMO 4, KING 5) and the ones with the higher number (KOMO79-3, KING 79-4)?Analog vs. Digital.

Analog vs. Digital.
Non-HD digital. Comcast remaps the analog channels on their cable boxes to those digital duplicates.

Thanks for the replies.

So does that mean I should be seeing a better picture or hearing better sound from the 79-3 version of KOMO?

Also, what does Comcast's most basic, cheap, service include? My TV is picking up these HD signals without a box and I would like to drop to the most basic service that still gives me the HD signals and the other stations we like.

Thanks for the replies.

So does that mean I should be seeing a better picture or hearing better sound from the 79-3 version of KOMO?
Yes, the digital picture should be better. Sound should be the same, since the SD versions of these channels are 2.0 only


Also, what does Comcast's most basic, cheap, service include? My TV is picking up these HD signals without a box and I would like to drop to the most basic service that still gives me the HD signals and the other stations we like.
See post #6759 above. It contains the list of the current unencrypted QAM channels.

MyNetworkTV and Tribune Broadcasting Close Affiliation Deal for Philadelphia, Atlanta and Seattle
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/pr.aspx?id=20060515tribune01

Whatever. Looks like the dropping of the first shoe in the local resolution of the WB/UPN=>CW conversion. Still no hint as to "CW-HD" for KSTW.


The new CW for Seattle will debut on KSTW in September. we saw a sneak preview of primetime shows yesterday and it looks like CW will feed us HD signals on all prime time (8-10pm) shows Sunday thru Friday with the exception of WWE and America's Next Top Model...due to live/reality nature of those shows.

As far as finally being put on Comcast's digital tier.....I'm know CBS (KSTW's owner) is working hard and fast to secure a carriage agreement before the launch this fall.

Once something happens, I'll let the AVS groups know!! ;)
RDiotte
CE, KSTW

The new CW for Seattle will debut on KSTW in September. we saw a sneak preview of primetime shows yesterday and it looks like CW will feed us HD signals on all prime time (8-10pm) shows Sunday thru Friday with the exception of WWE and America's Next Top Model...due to live/reality nature of those shows.

As far as finally being put on Comcast's digital tier.....I'm know CBS (KSTW's owner) is working hard and fast to secure a carriage agreement before the launch this fall.

Once something happens, I'll let the AVS groups know!! ;)
RDiotte
CE, KSTW
Ron,

As always, thanks for the information. I am fortunate enough to get the major DTV stations OTA, but I have friends and relatives who rely on cable. Hopefully both sides are serious enough to get 11-1 on cable before September.

So does that mean I should be seeing a better picture or hearing better sound from the 79-3 version of KOMO?The digital PQ may or may not look better than analog - it depends on how strong/clean an analog signal you have in your house, and how good the analog tuner is in your TV/VCR/Tivo/whatever. A good analog signal with a good tuner can look pretty damn good.

But for sure the digital PQ will be better than analog if you are using a Comcast DVR box. The digital channel is already MPEG2-compressed, using powerful professional encoders in Comcast's data center. The DVR just records it to hard disk "as is". By contrast, the analog channel has to be digitized & MPEG2-compressed in real time by the cheap encoder chip in your set-top box, before it can be recorded to hard disk. Not to mention that Comcast's boxes had pretty cheap analog tuners - although I think most of their new boxes now have NO analog tuner anymore at all, and instead rely totally on these new simulcast digital SD channels.

Also, I found an unlisted network that I'd never heard of - I think it was TVone? I will check later tonight and report the channel.

I'm also seeing TV One on 104-89. I'll include it in the next update.

You're recording HD off Comcast with an ATI HD Wonder?

No he cannot because ATI HD cards do not support QAM, only antenna OTA (over the air, antenna).

Ron,

Will we get Mariners games in HD on KSTW possibly?

What tuner cards are you guys using in the Seattle area w/ comcast to record HD content? I was looking at a HD-3000 but it's a bit pricey $$$. I might not go with MythTV, so I want a card that has Windows XP drivers. Hopefully it doesn't care about the broadcast flag.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Zig

There is not an easy solution for QAM (Digital Cable) on a PC. The FusionHDTV native software is very buggy not considered a media center. Also as stated earlier, none of the Media centers for XP support QAM. Basicaly a QAM Media Center on XP is not possible right now.

I heard rumors that Windows Vista MCE will support QAM (Digital Cable eHome Edition) but the details have not been revealed.

The only viable QAM Media Center for the PC is MythTV on linux however expect to do a lot of reading and troubleshooting if you are not a linux guru. If you do go with MythTV make sure you do your homework and get compatible hardware. It sucks when you have a HDTVcard/video card/soundcard/netcard that does not have good/full support in linux.

This discussion really belongs in the Media Center forum. Comcast is like most other digital cable broadcasters in that it transmits compliant QAM256 but does not transmit PSIP. There is nothing special about comcast in regards to QAM and Media Centers. You can find lots of info about this in the Media Center forums.

Cheers,
Nate

Ron,

Will we get Mariners games in HD on KSTW possibly?

I don't think Comcast even broadcasts KSTW digital (channel 11, right?) I think this is the one remaining holdout, for whatever reasons, that Comcast doesn't include in their HD local lineup.

There is not an easy solution for QAM (Digital Cable) on a PC. The FusionHDTV native software is very buggy not considered a media center. Also as stated earlier, none of the Media centers for XP support QAM. Basicaly a QAM Media Center on XP is not possible right now.

I heard rumors that Windows Vista MCE will support QAM (Digital Cable eHome Edition) but the details have not been revealed.

The only viable QAM Media Center for the PC is MythTV on linux however expect to do a lot of reading and troubleshooting if you are not a linux guru. If you do go with MythTV make sure you do your homework and get compatible hardware. It sucks when you have a HDTVcard/video card/soundcard/netcard that does not have good/full support in linux.

This discussion really belongs in the Media Center forum. Comcast is like most other digital cable broadcasters in that it transmits compliant QAM256 but does not transmit PSIP. There is nothing special about comcast in regards to QAM and Media Centers. You can find lots of info about this in the Media Center forums.

Cheers,
Nate

Actually, while you're right about QAM recording on MCE2005, there is a solution to record digital cable on MCE as I've been recording HD locals from cable using MCE2005 for over 6 months now and it works great. But it involves some tweaking and you need to rent a Motorola 6200. Oh, and it will work only with unencrypted channels (in other words, local channels only).

Here's a thread with more information about it:
http://thegreenbutton.com/forums/thread/44138.aspx

-eric

Do cable cards work the same in all TVs? If not which TVs work better with a cable card

My Sony KD-34XBR960 works perfectly with the cablecard.

Ron,

Will we get Mariners games in HD on KSTW possibly?


Well........that is not an easy answer. Several challenges come with airing Mariner BB in HD. Basically, its' cost. It would cost us an additional $25K in production costs/rights to join the NHK (they are the rights holder to HD BB for Japan) per game!!
Unfortunately, we can't make money or break even on HD let alone the existing analog broadcast of the M's games these days. Something to do with how they're playing........

RD
CE, KSTW ;)

Backbround - I currently live in Redmond and subscribe to Comcast. I have basic cable with the digital plus package as well as the HDTV channels with the 6412 DVR box.

I was wondering if anyone could lay out for me the cheapest options for getting HDTV and/or DVR service from Comcast (since they aren't the most forthcoming when you call them and ask about such things). Specifically, I'd like to know a couple things.

1. Is it possible to get limited cable with the major networks in HD?

2. Is it possible to get limited cable with the major networks in HD as well as the DVR box?

Thanks in advance.

Comcast just added ESPN2 HD at Baltimore. The only explaination is Verizon FIOS TV there.

More HD channels, almost $15 less. If verizon has TV service here, I would switch in a heartbeat.

What is the difference between a NTSC and a QAM tuner and how does that relate to Comcast in the Seattle area?

1. Is it possible to get limited cable with the major networks in HD?
Yes, though you need your own QAM tuner to receive the HD channels.


2. Is it possible to get limited cable with the major networks in HD as well as the DVR box?

I'm not 100% about this one, but it'll be difficult to get a DVR without subscribing to one of the digital tiers.

What is the difference between a NTSC and a QAM tuner and how does that relate to Comcast in the Seattle area?NTSC = plain old analog TV, usually channels 2-99.
ATSC = over-the-air broadcast HDTV
QAM = digital cable (both SD and HD)

Comcast transmits using both NTSC (regular analog channels) and QAM (digital cable channels).

1. Is it possible to get limited cable with the major networks in HD?

2. Is it possible to get limited cable with the major networks in HD as well as the DVR box?

Thanks in advance.

1. I have Comcast expanded basic cable and recently purchsed a DLP TV with a built in HD tuner. I am able to pick up all the local HD channels that are available.

2. I don't think so. Personally I've made the decision to upgrade to digital cable w/DVR in Sept so I can record the many shows we will be watching in the Fall. Basically $21 extra a month over what I pay now, which is why we are going to wait until the fall to upgrade.

NTSC = plain old analog TV, usually channels 2-99.
ATSC = over-the-air broadcast HDTV
QAM = digital cable (both SD and HD)

Comcast transmits using both NTSC (regular analog channels) and QAM (digital cable channels).
Sometimes these terms can be used in confusing ways.

OTA digital broadcasts are ATSC using 8VSB modulation.

Cable digital broadcasts are sometimes called ATSC using QAM. I don't know how accurate this statement might be, but I have looked for HDTVs recently and found some that have said they have ATSC tuners, which I originallly thought would be OTA digital only (not QAM cable). In some cases, they actually offered both OTA and cable digital TV capabilities, even though some promo material and shipping carton notes just said ATSC HD tuner.

In one case of the Samsung 451 STB, no mention was made of QAM on the box or in the users manual (at least the one that I saw), but QAM works on that box.

Sometimes these terms can be used in confusing ways.

OTA digital broadcasts are ATSC using 8VSB modulation.

Cable digital broadcasts are sometimes called ATSC using QAM. I don't know how accurate this statement might be, but I have looked for HDTVs recently and found some that have said they have ATSC tuners, which I originallly thought would be OTA digital only (not QAM cable). In some cases, they actually offered both OTA and cable digital TV capabilities, even though some promo material and shipping carton notes just said ATSC HD tuner.

In one case of the Samsung 451 STB, no mention was made of QAM on the box or in the users manual (at least the one that I saw), but QAM works on that box.Technically you're right - ATSC really refers to the MPEG2 transport stream format - eg, the actual digital content being sent. That digital content has to be "modulated" onto analog carrier waves for transmission, and that's where over-the-air (OTA) and Digital Cable diverge. OTA uses 8VSB modulation, and Digital Cable uses QAM modulation. The two modulation schemes are not compatible, even though I guess they're both carrying "ATSC" content.

Labeling of TV tuner capabilities is inconsistent - but mostly I've seen ATSC used to denote an OTA digital tuner, and QAM is most-often used to denote a digital-cable-ready tuner. Sounds like some manufacturers are using "ATSC tuner" to cover both OTA and digital cable, which unfortunately doesn't really tell the consumer anything.

Ron,

Thanks for the quick response. I just can't believe that a Sonics or Mariners game isn't available in HD locally. Hopefully FSN-HD will at least come soon.

Cardaway, what TV did you buy and does it have a QAM tuner

scottie,

DirecTV carries a small number of Mariners and Sonics games in HD, but they are few and far between. They also have a practice (or habit) of reverting to SD for the last portion of each game, which is very annoying to me.

Backbround - I currently live in Redmond and subscribe to Comcast. I have basic cable with the digital plus package as well as the HDTV channels with the 6412 DVR box.

I was wondering if anyone could lay out for me the cheapest options for getting HDTV and/or DVR service from Comcast (since they aren't the most forthcoming when you call them and ask about such things). Specifically, I'd like to know a couple things.

1. Is it possible to get limited cable with the major networks in HD?

2. Is it possible to get limited cable with the major networks in HD as well as the DVR box?

Thanks in advance.

I believe the answer to #1 was already answered, but it is definitely "yes".
The answer to #2 is definitely "no". This originally had to do (I believe) with a shortage of DVRs and rationing them only to customers paying more but they have continued the strategy of having a minimum buy-in of basic cable to subscribe to DVR service. I know the computer will not let them add DVR anymore to accounts without at least basic (for a while the CSSRs could force it though even though they weren't supposed to).

The other side of this is that I do not think you have to subscribe to a "Digital Package" to get DVR. This part, I'm not 100% sure on, but they can possibly sell you a package that looks like this:

Enhanced Cable @ $43.99 (includes regular box)
+HD DVR @ $9.99 (includes $5 HD Box & $4.99 DVR Service)

There may be a minimum buy through requirement for Digital Classic, in which case your order would look something like this:

Basic Cable @ $42.99
Digital Classic @ 11.99 (includes regular box)
+HD DVR @ $9.99

One of these situations would definitely be the cheapest DVR service they're selling today and I'd just ask the CSSR exactly for the cheaper one first if that's what you want and then if they say it won't go through you'd have to do the next one up... which honestly, you get a big bang for your buck with that digital classic package including access to the soon-to-be encrypted music choice channels, On Demand, ESPN-HD, TNT-HD, INHD, INHD2, Discovery HD Theater (reportedly soon ESPN2-HD) and some other SD Channels -- Not a bad value.

digital classic package including access to the soon-to-be encrypted music choice channels, On Demand, ESPN-HD, TNT-HD, INHD, INHD2, Discovery HD Theater (reportedly soon ESPN2-HD) and some other SD Channels -- Not a bad value.
They're going to encrypt the music choice channels? Bastards. So much for listening to music (that I pay for) while I'm on my computer. When comcast drops the analog channels, it's won't be possible to get anything more than you can get OTA with a computer. It used to be you could get all the channels you payed for.

They're going to encrypt the music choice channels? Bastards. So much for listening to music (that I pay for) while I'm on my computer. When comcast drops the analog channels, it's won't be possible to get anything more than you can get OTA with a computer. It used to be you could get all the channels you payed for.

I believe they'll be available through the music channel on comcast.net

I believe they'll be available through the music channel on comcast.net
Only to comcast internet customers or will comcast digital cable customers be able to get them?

Can you get just audio, or are you forced to run some media player that shows you ads at the same time?

Does it require some microsoft only software?

I'm sure whatever comcast does will be useless to me. The value they provide for my $72 a month is dropping rapidly. A DVR that barely works? Music I can only listen to on my TV? I'll probably just go back to radio and OTA TV, for free. These media companies seem to have the attitude, "The customer is our bitch, they'll take what we give them!" I'm sick of being comcast's bitch.

From what I understand you can have a QAM tuner and a cable card but you cannot have a cable card without a QAM tuner. What is the difference if you have a QAM tuner with a cable card or just a Qam tuner?

Thanks, Tom

From what I understand you can have a QAM tuner and a cable card but you cannot have a cable card without a QAM tuner. What is the difference if you have a QAM tuner with a cable card or just a Qam tuner?

Thanks, TomA Cablecard lets your TV do things with digital cable that would otherwise require a cable co. set-top box, like receive the full digital tier of channels, subscribe to premium channels, etc. Without it, your QAM-enabled TV tuner can only receive un-encrypted digital cable channels. In most Comcast service areas, this means just the digital version of the same channels you could get over-the-air anyway: local SD and HD digital stations. There are some things (mostly two-way interactive stuff) you still need a full Comcast set-top box for - like On Demand or PPV.

Good article on Cablecard:
http://arstechnica.com/guides/other/cablecard.ars

The other side of this is that I do not think you have to subscribe to a "Digital Package" to get DVR. This part, I'm not 100% sure on ...
There may be a minimum buy through requirement for Digital Classic ... which honestly, you get a big bang for your buck with that digital classic package...

The minimum buy for the DVR is Digital Classic, and the minimum buy for Classic is Limited Cable. So the cheapest would look like ...

Limited Cable ~ $15 (depending on the area)
Digital Classic = $11.99
DVR = $9.95

I agree that Classic is a good value for the money, and the Digital Plus gets you a lot more including some movie channels (Encore) for only 4 bucks more plus more access to ondemand now that they are limiting it depending on your package.

The minimum buy for the DVR is Digital Classic, and the minimum buy for Classic is Limited Cable. So the cheapest would look like ...

Limited Cable ~ $15 (depending on the area)
Digital Classic = $11.99
DVR = $9.95

I agree that Classic is a good value for the money, and the Digital Plus gets you a lot more including some movie channels (Encore) for only 4 bucks more plus more access to ondemand now that they are limiting it depending on your package.

I can assure you that the CSR will not let you have DVR without the full $42 basic analog package. I've tried countless times without success and I don't think anybody here pays less than $42+$12+$10 to have the DVR box. Please correct me if I'm wrong... but from what I've been reading over the last 2 years, I don't think I am.

I also heard that the Comcast CSRs are starting to get really stingy on all HD boxes, requiring full basic + classic digital even for the 6200. One of my friends has been trying multiple times to get a 6200 only to tune local HDs and he's been denied multiple times.

-eric

That's what I was told as well. I walked into the Comcast office and said I wanted the HD DVR. After 10 minutes of searching on her computer she finally told me I had to upgrade my package if I wanted the HD DVR saying they were in high demand so they can charge more.

Right now I have basic digital/analog and the HD only box for something like $30 a month + $29 for broadband. Had this package for a year and a half.

so i have the sony 50" a10 and i get nbc and cbs in hd which look amazing and abc in 720p which looks ok. i have just the regular $43 a month basic expanded cable. to get espn and tnt HD do i need to upgrade to digital cable and get a cable card? im really really confused

The Comcast web site at https://www.comcast.com/membership/Login.ashx shows the local HD available with Limited or Basic Cable. ESPN-HD, Discovery HD, INHD, and iNHD2 are added with Digital Classic (probably TNT-HD also, but they neglected to add it to the online list). I don't know about cable cards.

With my QAM TV, I am having big time trouble with ABC and PBS. All the other HD channels work perfect, but PBS, which is 82-1,2,3 and 82-5 (HD), and ABC, 82-4, keep disappearing, or breaking up and looking terrible. This has been going on for a few weeks, off and on. None of the other QAM HD channels are doing this.

I still don't understand why they put ABC on a subchannel of PBS. I know it isn't like they are sharing bandwidth or anything, but they give NBC 83 all by itself, and CBS has 84 all to itself.

A 256-QAM cable channel has almost twice the bandwidth of an over the air 8-VSB channel. So they have to stick more than one OTA channel on each cable channel, or they would be wasting half the bandwidth. It's not that KOMO is a sub-channel of KCTS, they are just both on 82. 81 has (or had) KCPQ and KTWB, 83 has KING and KONG, 84 has KIRO and ESPN-HD, 85 has DHD and TNT-HD, 86 has INHD 1&2. All the HD channels are paired up like that.

As to breakups, I get this on ALL the digital channels. Maybe you just watch those channels more, and it seems like they are worse. There are also problems that are KOMO's fault. If you look at the OTA Seattle thread, there are lots of complaints about dropouts for KOMO there too.

So World Cup is coming up and ESPN2HD is not on Comcast yet. I am very disappointed that the US matches will be broadcast on SD when they are being captured for an HD audience.

I have noticed that INHD captures some events (such as Hockey playoffs) and broadcasts the HD feed. I am wondering if anyone has heard if they might do the same for the World Cup?

I have noticed that INHD captures some events (such as Hockey playoffs) and broadcasts the HD feed. I am wondering if anyone has heard if they might do the same for the World Cup?
I don't think that there's any ESPN programming on INHD. And no there's no soccer listed on INHD's website (Your search for soccer resulted in 0 results.)

BTW. there is already a thread about ESPN2 and Comcast in the HD programming forum.

First off, thanks for all the great information all of you have posted... my head is still spinning a bit!

My housemate just picked up a Samsung HL-S4266W DLP TV so we can watch World Cup soccer. (it's a shame about ESPN2 HD... but what is more important being broadcast at 6am on ESPN-HD?!? :mad: ) I was curious if anyone has one of these "baby" HD DLP sets.

As far as Comcast goes... I'll going to the Comcast store in Redmond, getting the package and box, and installing it myself. Is this advised? Or are there major issues I should be aware of? Are there choices of models that I should be aware of? If so, which would be better? Does Comcast let you purchase HD/DVR boxes?

Finally, anyone know of the best deal with Comcast? Right now, they are offering me $30 a month for my current broadband for 6 months and then the digital plus package for $42 (of course another 10 bucks for the HD/DVR). Will there be anything else needed to watch HDTV? Are there any cheaper routes to go with Comcast (and still have a DVR and few headaches)?

Thanks again for all the good info!

- Ayric

Go USA!

They're going to encrypt the music choice channels? Bastards. So much for listening to music (that I pay for) while I'm on my computer. When comcast drops the analog channels, it's won't be possible to get anything more than you can get OTA with a computer. It used to be you could get all the channels you payed for.

If you get cable modem service through Comcast, you can get a free Rhapsody subscription, and get various streaming music stations...

If you have a QAM tuner on your TV with or without a cable card can you still receive TV guide on channel 74?

So World Cup is coming up and ESPN2HD is not on Comcast yet. I am very disappointed that the US matches will be broadcast on SD when they are being captured for an HD audience.

I have noticed that INHD captures some events (such as Hockey playoffs) and broadcasts the HD feed. I am wondering if anyone has heard if they might do the same for the World Cup?
I emailed Comcast about whether the ESPN2 HD games might be carried in much the same fashion as hockey during the Olympics and got this response:

"Thank you for contacting us regarding your Comcast Cable service. At this time,
we don't have any communication if we are going to add or pre-empted one of HD
Channels to more viewing of World Cup Soccer 2006."

So, it doesn't look likely at this point.

If you get cable modem service through Comcast, you can get a free Rhapsody subscription, and get various streaming music stations...
How much will Comcast reduce my cable bill, since they will no longer be providing music stations one can listen to on a computer as part of digital classic? Let me guess, they're going to increase their rates instead. Pay more, get less. Real attractive deal there Comcast. Can I get a non-functional DVR too?

How much will Comcast reduce my cable bill, since they will no longer be providing music stations one can listen to on a computer as part of digital classic? Let me guess, they're going to increase their rates instead. Pay more, get less. Real attractive deal there Comcast. Can I get a non-functional DVR too?

I don't believe they ever portrayed music choice as "stations one can listen to on a computer". There was simply a technology available that allowed this to happen and they didn't stop it.

Now, with QAM enabled TVs gaining marketshare, Comcast has to think about positioning services like Music Choice as value-added components for the customers who pay for them (as part of a package) instead of for free via unencrypted QAM customers with basic cable. Music Choice is not part of Basic cable, therefore they're going to encrypt it.

You're saying that you pay for digital but want to listen from a PC instead of from a TV or entertainment system.... Surely you know what a small minority of people must do this and recognize that they can't try to work their security strategy around that type of situation. I think after taking a reasonable look at this most people would agree to just let it go.

The non-functional DVR is another story and I do hope they clear up those bugs soon. On this topic, we agree completely (although mine's been behaving itself lately -- knock on wood).

I can assure you that the CSR will not let you have DVR without the full $42 basic analog package. I've tried countless times without success and I don't think anybody here pays less than $42+$12+$10 to have the DVR box. Please correct me if I'm wrong... but from what I've been reading over the last 2 years, I don't think I am.

I also heard that the Comcast CSRs are starting to get really stingy on all HD boxes, requiring full basic + classic digital even for the 6200. One of my friends has been trying multiple times to get a 6200 only to tune local HDs and he's been denied multiple times.

-eric

Comcast does not like customers to have the Limited service only, which is probably why it is not even on their web site. That being said, the only minimum for Classic is Limited (you have to have some form of "analog" pkg, for lack of a better description at this time, and Limited gets you all of the "must haves" that they are required to carry plus a few more). And the only minimum for the DVR is a digital package, which would be Classic, Plus, or higher. Their other packages such as Silver, Gold or Platinum are merely Plus and a choice of premium channels. They also have a la carte pakages like Extra, Sports Tier, and Spanish programming but I don't think they count as a digital package.

There was a recent change with their packages, they got rid of something called Digi Lite, which could have been added to Limited or Expanded Cable for $4.95/mo, when they moved to Enhanced Cable. Lite gave you the box, guide, music channels, and OnDemand. There was also High Def Digi Lite for a couple bucks more with the same features except added the HD box.

Final step now, you can have Limited Cable and add the box a la carte for a price per month. You will actually pay for the box and remote as separate monthly charges. Downfall - NO ONDEMAND and possibly no music channels in the future when they are encrypted. Speaking of which, I think they will be encrypted for people who do not have a digital package, which I assume is to add value and force people to upgrade.

All of that being said, you need to get the right CSR so tell your friend to keep trying and have them check with a supervisor. I believe what I have said to be true, but there is some speculation because you have no idea what they will do in the future until a month or more after they do it!

I know people who have Limited just for the locals because they also have that thing on the side of their house to get all of the other channels. I tried when I moved here but my landlord would not allow it and the rabbit ears were too floppy.

I emailed Comcast about whether the ESPN2 HD games might be carried in much the same fashion as hockey during the Olympics and got this response:

"Thank you for contacting us regarding your Comcast Cable service. At this time,
we don't have any communication if we are going to add or pre-empted one of HD
Channels to more viewing of World Cup Soccer 2006."

So, it doesn't look likely at this point.

Thank you BIslander.

Anyone else get a letter from Comcast yesterday stating that they had just finished improving there service? It talks about an all fiber and therefore all Digital network in my neighborhood. I have the all digital Moto box (think it is 3612) with dvr and 2 tuners. Seems to work pretty well so far. I am curious if this mail means that Internet access is better than ever now too? I am a Qwest DSL user (the up/down and shared nature of cable was too scary for me to use for my job) and if the service is faster and more dependable, it may be time to switch over.

I am in an all-fiber area here in Bellevue and use Comcast HSI. So far, it's been very reliable and fast.

If I were to get basic cable for around $15 would I be able to get more channels with a Qam tuner and a cable card?

Anyone else get a letter from Comcast yesterday stating that they had just finished improving there service? It talks about an all fiber and therefore all Digital network in my neighborhood. I have the all digital Moto box (think it is 3612) with dvr and 2 tuners. Seems to work pretty well so far. I am curious if this mail means that Internet access is better than ever now too? I am a Qwest DSL user (the up/down and shared nature of cable was too scary for me to use for my job) and if the service is faster and more dependable, it may be time to switch over.

I got the letter about a month ago. I believe the main point is that Comcast has improved their network to fiber and therefore all digital assuming you have a digital ready tv or one of their boxes. This is also probably to head off the FIOS competition from Verizon which is already happening in some areas, and compare against satellite. Maybe also a precursor to dropping most or all of the analog signal down the road.

I have not had a problem with internet since August except for a short outage (did not affect tv, just internet and therefore phone which I also have through them. It was very early morning so no real impact except no surfing when I couldn't sleep). The speeds have been reliable both ways, and my understanding is that internet has different bandwidths and therefore don't interfere with tv signals unless there is some other problem like bad cables. And I say this after cursing the last 2 hours thinking my internet was down and it was my wireless router that decided to take a break for the day. In some areas of the country they are testing 16MB download speeds, so maybe it will get faster for us sometime as long as the rates don't go up. I was a Verizon DSL subscriber and never had a reliable connection. Hope this helps you!

I switched from Qwest DSL to Comcast HSI about 3 years ago, and I've been much happier with the reliability of the cable modem. Only one strange period related to DNS servers has caused problems. Of course, there's no question as to the superiority of cable's speed, and I've not experienced any degradation due to sharing of bandwidth.

I switched from Qwest DSL to Comcast HSI about 3 years ago, and I've been much happier with the reliability of the cable modem. Only one strange period related to DNS servers has caused problems. Of course, there's no question as to the superiority of cable's speed, and I've not experienced any degradation due to sharing of bandwidth.

Comcast Internet has been very reliable the last couple of years, rarely going out. Sometimes DNS problems are related to denial of service bombs on different servers. So that particular problem might not have anything to do with Comcast.

A few years ago they actually were having trouble with their DNS, domain name server, and that did cause problems, the main symptom being slow page loads. My connection in Seattle hasn't done that it awhile.

I've had Comcast Internet (or its predecessors) for 6 years - with excellent reliablity & speed for at least the last 4 of those years. The first couple years were rough - our local TCI Cable franchise was in the process of switching to AT&T Cable after that merger. Worse, the internet service they offered (AT&T@Home) was actually provided by TWO separate companies - AT&T Cable provided the local cable plant to our homes, while @Home (later Excite@Home) was the actual ISP & network manager. What a nightmare - whenever there was a problem, you'd get nothing but finger-pointing. @Home would claim there was a local cable outage. AT&T Cable would claim it was an @Home networking problem. They had no ability to even look up each other's network status or scheduled maintenance!

Fortunately in 2001, Excite@Home went bankrupt. AT&T bought their assets and became AT&T Broadband. Finally I had a single company to blame for any problems - and what do you know? The problems mostly stopped happening, and service actually became reliable.

In late 2002, AT&T Broadband became Comcast and the service has continued to be reliable, with noticable increases in speed over the last 18 months.

My internet has always worked! My digital cable suffers from pixellation and dropout when the sun shines. Comcast seems to be unable to repair it. (My analog on a separate set always seems to work.) sam

I've had Comcast Internet (or its predecessors) for 6 years - with excellent reliablity & speed for at least the last 4 of those years. The first couple years were rough - our local TCI Cable franchise was in the process of switching to AT&T Cable after that merger. Worse, the internet service they offered (AT&T@Home) was actually provided by TWO separate companies - AT&T Cable provided the local cable plant to our homes, while @Home (later Excite@Home) was the actual ISP & network manager. What a nightmare - whenever there was a problem, you'd get nothing but finger-pointing. @Home would claim there was a local cable outage. AT&T Cable would claim it was an @Home networking problem. They had no ability to even look up each other's network status or scheduled maintenance!

Fortunately in 2001, Excite@Home went bankrupt. AT&T bought their assets and became AT&T Broadband. Finally I had a single company to blame for any problems - and what do you know? The problems mostly stopped happening, and service actually became reliable.

In late 2002, AT&T Broadband became Comcast and the service has continued to be reliable, with noticable increases in speed over the last 18 months.

The switch over from excite@home was the last time I had any significant problems with my internet. It was painfull back then because for me the servidce was out for two weeks and I do all of my banking online. I did not have an analog modem and nearly had to purchase one (I was on DSL before switching to cable). For the first 6 months after that I had some trouble with some of thier DNS servers not resolving addresses but got around that by using some of the public DNS servers. I no longer need to do that.

Since at least 2003, I have not had a single problem with my cable internet (that wasn't caused by me :D ) There may have probably been outages but I haven't noticed any. I have downloads that occur on a daily basis in the late AM, I use the service in the early evening, a lot on the week ends. I have absolutely no complaints.

BTW: My sister was using DSL paying about the same as cable. They told her she had a high speed connection. I saw it and couldn't believe at how slow it seemed to be. She had been told they had 1.5 but when I ran a DSL reports, they were at 356 kbps (dowload speed!). She has 5 kids at home with three computers. You can imagine the mess. I convinced her to switch to cable. It was HUGE difference for them. A pox on DSL!

Anyone else get a letter from Comcast yesterday stating that they had just finished improving there service? It talks about an all fiber and therefore all Digital network in my neighborhood. I have the all digital Moto box (think it is 3612) with dvr and 2 tuners. Seems to work pretty well so far. I am curious if this mail means that Internet access is better than ever now too? I am a Qwest DSL user (the up/down and shared nature of cable was too scary for me to use for my job) and if the service is faster and more dependable, it may be time to switch over.

I got this letter about a month ago also, the first part of the letter stated the following...
"I want to take this opportunity to give you a quick update on improvements we've made to our fiber-optic network in your neighborhood.... Our all-digital network provides us with the foundation to deliver even more programming choices in the future. For example, we have the ability to add more high-definition(HDTV) channels to our already industry-leading lineup of 15 channels...."

The rest of the letter was just definitions of what HDTV is, On Demand, digital voice, etc...

I have the 3412 as well and it only has digital tuners so I have no idea if they've gotten rid of the Analog channels yet ( 700 range) If they have, then maybe we will be getting more HD soon I hope. However, since UHD replaced INHD2 for the Olympics instead of being on a separate channel, I'm wondering if Seattle Comcast has the bandwidth for more HD yet... anyone have any info?

If you check out the Comcast channel lineup for Boston and Baltimore, they already have a few more HD channels than we do, and are supposed to get ESPN2-HD and possibly National Geographic HD( rumor) within the next moth. With the letter I recieved and the rumors of Comcast adding more channels soon, I'm really hoping we will see similar HD lineup in Seattle soon, but who knows....

"Thank you for contacting us regarding your Comcast Cable service. At this time, we don't have any communication if we are going to add or pre-empted one of HD Channels to more viewing of World Cup Soccer 2006."

ESPN2 and ESPN will combine to present 52 matches - 31 on ESPN2 and 21 on ESPN. ABC Sports will broadcast 12 matches including the title match Sunday, July 9 at 1:30 p.m. ET

So we will get over half of the games in HD. I saw rumors on the other boards that ESPN2 was coming in other areas either this or next month, but did we not hear that about FSNHD?

I would not count on iNHD being pre-empted, but it is a slim possibility. They do allow operators to pre-empt for local sports, but ESPN has the contract for World Cup so it may depend on some short-term agreement among all concerned. iNHD has exclusive rights to historic Olympics footage, so it would have been easier for them to pre-empt since it would get more traffic onto their network for the other Olympic programming.

If I were to get basic cable for around $15 would I be able to get more channels with a Qam tuner and a cable card?

Anyone with a QAM tuner can pull the attached digital channels off the line. (These are of course, for the most part, digital equivalents of the analogue limited/basics on 2-29, 75-78, and 96-99.)

A cable card would only be useful with basic/limited cable for one purpose: it would re-map the channels from their actual numbers to Comcast's advertised numbers. (For example, KING-HD and KONG-HD would be 105 & 106 instead of 83-1 and 83-2.)

That said, here's the latest update of the QAM list. If your browser gives you an error, remember to right-click and choose "Save As..." to view.

Thanks Pastiche

Does the NON-Dvr digital box have a working firewire port in our area? I have two of the 6412's now. I was hoping to go down to at least one box without the dvr to save some money. I record most content to Media Center via firewar most of the time so motorolas' dvr is mostly going unused. Thanks

Mason

The non-DVR 6200's had working firewire ports in the past, so I assume they still do. I have both the 6412 and 6200 - currently I use the 6412 firewire for archiving, but previously I used the 6200 for this.

Thank You For The Quick Response Jimre.

I have the 3412 as well and it only has digital tuners so I have no idea if they've gotten rid of the Analog channels yet ( 700 range) If they have, then maybe we will be getting more HD soon I hope.


Comcast has not gotten rid of their analog channels. I have 2 other SD TV's plugged straight into the the cable without boxes. All of the analog channels are there. The digital cable boxes are remapping the original channel numbers to the corresponding digital rebroadcasts. That is where some of the bandwidth has gone.

I don't see them dropping much of any of them until the FCC deadline. Doing it so now would impact mass people who also have additional or all of their SD TV's on the cable without boxes. A selling point advantage over dish, even though they would love to get that additional box revenue.

It'll be a long time before Comcast can get rid of the analog channels entirely - not until well after the FCC deadline, IMHO. Remember that as a cable operator, they have operating agreements in place with local governments everywhere they serve. Here in King County, their current contract extension runs thru 2010 - so I wouldn't expect any drastic changes before then.

It'll be a long time before Comcast can get rid of the analog channels entirely - not until well after the FCC deadline, IMHO. Remember that as a cable operator, they have operating agreements in place with local governments everywhere they serve. Here in King County, their current contract extension runs thru 2010 - so I wouldn't expect any drastic changes before then.

It's could be a lot closer than that. Comcast's sweetening the deal for franchsing authorities by promising entire digital multiplexes as PEG channels rather than single PEG channels. Here're how it worked in the current KC franchise:

http://www.metrokc.gov/MKCC/News/2004/1204/JH_Comcast_Cable.htm

A few more channels are now using the mapping, PBS became 9-5, channel 4-1 just did this over the last few days too.

Final episode of Sopranos last Sunday, time to cancel my $15 HBO subscription and save some money. I realized between Netflix and the local Blockbuster I really don't need a movie channel anymore.

I'll be back next January for more.

Final episode of Sopranos last Sunday, time to cancel my $15 HBO subscription and save some money. I realized between Netflix and the local Blockbuster I really don't need a movie channel anymore.

I'll be back next January for more.

I never subscribed to HBO but I heard Entourage and Big Love might be worth it. I'm also a Netflix/local Blockbuster guy. We live in Ballard and hit up the one on 15th. You?

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know if Dish offers the same channel lineup plus ESPN2? I'm completely ticked about not getting all of the World Cup games in HD even though they're all being filmed in HD. What an immense rip off! :mad:

Out East.

I enjoyed Big Love but not enough to make me marry more than one wife or to keep my HBO subscription.

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know if Dish offers the same channel lineup plus ESPN2? I'm completely ticked about not getting all of the World Cup games in HD even though they're all being filmed in HD. What an immense rip off! :mad:

You can get ESPN2 on Dish Network. About the only channel I personally miss from cable is NW Cable News. They recently launched Locals in HD as well (no KCPQ, UPN11 or PBS yet).

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know if Dish offers the same channel lineup plus ESPN2? I'm completely ticked about not getting all of the World Cup games in HD even though they're all being filmed in HD. What an immense rip off! :mad:

You can get ESPN2 in HD on Dish Network. About the only channel I personally miss from cable is NW Cable News. They recently launched Locals in HD as well (no KCPQ, UPN11 or PBS yet).

Does the NON-Dvr digital box have a working firewire port in our area? I have two of the 6412's now. I was hoping to go down to at least one box without the dvr to save some money. I record most content to Media Center via firewar most of the time so motorolas' dvr is mostly going unused. Thanks

Mason

By order of the FCC and the Plug and Play Agreement any HD set top box with a firewire port must be active, or at least made working by the cable company if requested by the customer. The intent was to archive to a D-VHS recorder and to support televisions with the connection to take advantage of the quality, although other advances have been made since the agreement for tv.

The port is (I believe) active on all HD boxes that Comcast leases.

Slightly off topic, but does anyone know if Dish offers the same channel lineup plus ESPN2? I'm completely ticked about not getting all of the World Cup games in HD even though they're all being filmed in HD. What an immense rip off! :mad:

You can find out about all the channels that DISH has in HD at http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/dishhd/programming/index.shtml

As for locals, right now they only offer 4, 5, and 7. 13 is in the works and will hopefully be online shortly. That is all that DISH is offering in any market (the Big 4 networks) at the moment. However, if you can get OTA where you live you can integrate all OTA Digital (ATSC) channels into your DISH receiver and have all the normal features. i.e. guide data if it's a channel that DISH carries in SD, DVR functionality if you have their ViP622.

Hopefully that helps.

Deadwood and Entourage alone will be worth the next few months of HBO :D

Hopefully Rome returns in the fall or mabey something new. The one thing I really like about HBO is the On Demand has like almost all of the series there to watch. I am just now watching Band of Brothers from start to finish.

I had to switch my QAM HDTV back to OTA reception to watch the NBA finals on ABC 4. The Comcast unencrypted HD, channel 82-4 is breaking up terribly, same as all the PBS sub-channels on 82. Fox, WB, NBC, CBS all look perfect with my QAM tuner. This has been going on for a few weeks. The only reason I prefer QAM over OTA is because I can't get Fox channel 13 OTA, Queen Anne Hill is directly in my way. Unfortunately with my TV, it is either/or - QAM or OTA, not both. So I have to rescan to change back and forth. This only takes about five minutes, but it isn't something I like to do everyday.

I'm sure Comcast's answer is to get a digital cable box. Unfortunately that doesn't follow the letter of the agreement about keeping local OTA channels unencrypted on cable.

Anyone know if we are getting ESPN2-HD soon?
I see in the HDTV Programming forums that many other areas around the country are already getting this as of today on Comcast. Are we bandwidth limited or something? I see no updates yet.

I don't know of any limitations here, other than the whims of the local Comcast management. Not sure exactly where to look for the channel, but perhaps something will show up.

Anyone found ESPNHD yet ???

I called this morning. Was told ESPN2 HD will be added later this year, but not in time for World Cup. They have KONG HD with 1 hour HD content per week, but can't put ESPN2 HD in time? How can Seattle Comcast be so stupid? I really want to yell at that guy but realized he is just an employee.

Well, this is it the end of Comcast for me. I am researching ExpressVu or E now. Can anyone tell me if I can install Canadian Satelliate without a middle man?

Anyone found ESPNHD yet ???

It doesn't look like we're one of the "selected markets". I can't find it. Why couldn't they just show them on regular ESPN? Urgh...Now I'm pissed at both Comcast and ABC/Disney/ESPN.

It's COMCASTIC!

I feel your pain. I still don't understand why they carry CBC but can't pick up CBC-HD...

I'll give them until 4:45PM Sept. 2 (WSU at Auburn). I can only take so much soccer, but the football season is nigh.

I'm sure that Steve would appreciate hearing from everyone (even though nothing would come of it):

Steve Kipp
VP of Communications
Comcast Washington
steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com

Here is the response I just received from the North Puget Sound "Area-VP."

Now that we a national agreement on ESPN2 in HD, we are working to try to get this on the network in Seattle as quickly as possible. There are some fairly difficult challenges to work through, but ESPN2 is our highest priority. It make take days or weeks depending upon how difficult the technical solution is. But it will be up in the near future.

In response to my e-mail, the text of which follows:

Mr. __________

I appreciated your letter dated May 23, 2006 and the update to all digital format.


It however failed to address the pressing question of when additional HD channels will be added. I believe it has been over a year now since the last channel add (TNT-HD).


As a relatively "high-end" (i.e. a month bill of $160 plus) Comcast subscriber now for 5 years or so, and a new adopter of HD technology it is frustrating to see the number of HD channels available (and offered by some of your competitors) v. the number Comcast offerings.


Of enormous concern is the lack of ESPN2HD for the World Cup? Will it be added in time, i.e. by Friday morning? What about using the INHD channels for game broadcasts as was done during the Olympics?


What about in time for college football? What about NFL-NetHD?


Thank you for your time.


Regards,


George

I called this morning. Was told ESPN2 HD will be added later this year, but not in time for World Cup. They have KONG HD with 1 hour HD content per week, but can't put ESPN2 HD in time? How can Seattle Comcast be so stupid? I really want to yell at that guy but realized he is just an employee.

Well, this is it the end of Comcast for me. I am researching ExpressVu or E now. Can anyone tell me if I can install Canadian Satelliate without a middle man?
I suspect that carrying KONG-HD was required to be able to carry KING-HD since both are owned by BELO.

I'm sure that Steve would appreciate hearing from everyone (even though nothing would come of it):

Steve Kipp
VP of Communications
Comcast Washington
steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com

I sent in my letter asking them why I should continue giving them over $100 a month when they aren't adding in HD channels.

I called this morning. Was told ESPN2 HD will be added later this year, but not in time for World Cup. They have KONG HD with 1 hour HD content per week, but can't put ESPN2 HD in time? How can Seattle Comcast be so stupid? I really want to yell at that guy but realized he is just an employee.

Well, this is it the end of Comcast for me. I am researching ExpressVu or E now. Can anyone tell me if I can install Canadian Satelliate without a middle man?

LOL... ok after reading these forums last night, I went to bed and had a dream that I woke up this morning and there was a message on the box that said Channel 200-350 were now all being set for HD Channels... wow 150 HD channels! So I turned on the tv and they were slowly coming online....the guide wasn't updated yet so I wasn't sure what channels they were, but I was having fun guessing what they were by the content.... first was UHD, Battlestar Galactica was on, then ESPN2-HD, MHD, NGC-HD, HGTV, etc....

Then I woke up to reality this morning and saw nothing new, and read several quotes similar to the one above by testarc... basically no ESPN2-HD anytime soon for Seattle Comcast

I sent an email earlier with a complaint similar to the one I posted in the ESPN2-HD thread, not sure if it will help or if I will get a genuine response or not.

Well, you can always switch to Dish. We've had ESPN2 for months, and today we got added NatGeoHD, HGTVHD, NFLHD, and StarzHD. Also, one SD channel, Sleuth Television (which has reruns of what I believe to be the best TV show ever made, Homicide). Anyway, I'm in TV heaven!

I just called and the CSR told me they won't have it in time for the world cup because they "need to give 30 day notice to customers before making any changes." ???? I told her to pass my complaint up the line to whomever is making decisions. "Sure," she says. Yeah right, I'm already forgotten I'm sure.

I just called and the CSR told me they won't have it in time for the world cup because they "need to give 30 day notice to customers before making any changes."

Pure BS. They never let anyone know when a new channel will be added. They probably have no idea what they'll do in 30 days.

I'm sure that Steve would appreciate hearing from everyone (even though nothing would come of it):

Steve Kipp
VP of Communications
Comcast Washington
steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com


Steve got an email from me expressing my disappointment and letting him know I've placed my order for Dish. It won't be in before the end of World Cup but at least I'll have some new HD channels. I didn't buy an SXRD so I could sit with the same HD lineup while other providers continue to expand theirs.

When I'm viewing HD content my Comcast menu is cut off. Is there a way to resize it for the zoomed HD format? TIA.

I also sent a COMCASTIC email to Stevey-boy. Not that he'll do anything.

There's never been anything in life that's made me more of a cynic than Comcast. Maybe it has something to do with waiting what was it 4 years for KIRO-HD to be carried after it went on-line...

Still no ESPN2-HD! What is Comcast doing to Seattle?!

I too recieved the letter from comcast stating that my neighborhood is 100% digital. I was mad that the letter also stated that I am getting ALL the local hd channels. What a crock! If this was true the where is KSTW? I sent a letter to John Dietrich, Area Vice-President, Comcast - North Puget Sound and here is what I recieved:

"Dear Mr. XXXXXXX (and that was the wrong name!), thank you for your letter, and you are correct, we do not have Channel 11 (UPN) in HD. The reason for this is that there is relatively little programming on Channel 11 that is actually originally produced in HD. So at the moment, there really isn’t much to be gained by broadcasting that signal in HD. There is also a consolidation going on between UPN and the WB and once that is finished, perhaps their HD content will be a bit more compelling. But your right in saying that we don’t have all of the locals in HD. Thank you for being a customer of Comcast. John Dietrich"

I wish that I had recieved this reply when they were renewing the franchise with the city of Seattle. Just another examplpe of how clueless they really are.

/end of rant/

Still no ESPN2-HD! What is Comcast doing to Seattle?!
Don't worry, it's coming - after the world cup :D

Steve responded to my email with the same information. Basically the 30 days is notification to any channel they are going to drop. The selected markets had open slots to add in ESPN2-HD when it became available. Sounds like corporate Comcast failed to keep the local branches in the loop as they were negotiating with ABC/ESPN/Disney.

I suggested several stations that comcast could drop right now, to free up slots for the future :-), Think we could do less than 7 HBOs, 3 cinemax, 5 showtime and 3 shopping channels? or maybe the weatherscan channel? Kong HD with its 1 hour of HD per week? KCTSDT2 which never actually seems to air ANYTHING?

Between my 6412 DVR that seems to crash at least once a day and this lack of HD, I'm starting to investigate the dishes.

So when does the 30-day notification start, Stevie?

When is the 1 hour of HD showing on KONG-DT? I don't recall ever seeing it.

I had DirecTV until I got HD and couldn't afford the $1K (at the time) for the HD DirecTivo. As soon as that MPEG4 DVR is out (later this summer they tell me), back to DirecTV and goodbye Comcast. This is a bunch of crap.

When is the 1 hour of HD showing on KONG-DT? I don't recall ever seeing it.

Interesting. While I was searching the guide listings for it (a replay of Northwest Backroads) I discovered that KING has chosen to show the NHL Stanley Cup finals on KONG.

I sent an email to steve as well. I actually still have a ticket open for this ESPN2HD issue. I'm also thinking of sending an editorial to the seattle times ripping Comcast a new ahole on this issue. I'll see if it gets any traction/attention from Comcast.

It doesn't really matter though since other technologies are calling my name. I don't think Comcast is going to last past a few years, when those bandwidth limits are hit with coaxial. Then IMO Comcast = AOL (i.e. market to retards who don't know better).

I Want My Damn Espn2-hd !

I am in a mood right now, so please take all of this with a grain of salt. If you don't want to read, please skip to the next reply ...

In reality, Comcast has to negotiate with a vendor for the best possible terms so as not to raise rates for the addition of a channel (and ESPN is $$$$). Then they have to upgrade/modify their system to allow for the addition. This is more than a simple flip of a switch. Then, according to the FCC and the Cable Act, notification must be made to subscribers and the local franchise authorities at least 30 days prior to the addition/deletion/changes of the lineup. This may not be an insert or message on the bill or a specific letter in the mail everyone will throw away anyway thinking it is junk, but it could be a notification in the public legal notices section of the local newspaper as has been a standard for years. For those customers with a digital set top box, I will expect you to see the message shortly about ESPN2 as you have with past changes minus a few exception. In short, this is not Pure BS. Look it up.

Yes, I am also very disappointed that ESPN2 will not be available for any of the World Cup, however I will be able to see all of the games and over half in HD. I doubt that iNHD would be pre-empted as Comcast would not have rights yet from ESPN to carry their HD programming. It was easier with the Olympics considering agreements already in place with King, iNHD (which Comcast is a major shareholder of), and the Olympic Committee. I am also disappointed that it was not here a long time ago, but no matter when it came it would have been after some major event that I wanted to see. Comcast will also be adding more HD channels this year with, I expect, no increase in the monthly rates. Which channels and when will be anybody's guess since they need to negotiate terms with each vendor. While my wish list includes FSNHD (available in the Bay Area on Comcast), Universal HD, and OLN HD, I will not count on them until I am notified of the additions. I will also not be here whining that they are not and say I am going to DBS because of it. Any DBS systems do not need to comply to the strict regulations like their land based cousins do with the FCC and local franchises. As far as other cable companies Comcast fares pretty well especially in our area. As a short comparison, assuming that a STB will be leased ...

Click! Network 7 HD channels - $6.95
13 HD channels - $9

Wave Broadband 5 HD Channels - $5
12 HD Channels - $10

Millenium Media 6 - $9.95
12 - $19.90

Comcast 7 -$5
12 - $11.99 (Digital Classic)

No, not all of these will be available to you depending on your local franchise authority. If you wish to change or add an operator in your area, please petition the authority. If you want a DBS system, then please shell out the bucks, stop the whining here, and move over to their forum. Basically, you have choices but you have to make the effort to enact them. This is true of ANY service. Grocery stores, newspapers, gas stations, banks, car insurance, and the list goes on. If they are not meeting your needs, then find someone who does. If you feel you are spending too much, then you probably are and need to find someone who provides the services you want in your price range.

My understanding of this forum was to HELP each other to get the most out of the provider they have, not to slander them. Yes, I expect some complaints/concerns/frustrations but in the end to help each other.

That being said, I am now going to bed. If you do not like this reply and have read it all, please feel free to Ignore me as a User or send me a PM to discuss.

If you wish to change or add an operator in your area, please petition the authority. If you want a DBS system, then please shell out the bucks, stop the whining here, and move over to their forum. Basically, you have choices but you have to make the effort to enact them.
Keep in mind that not everybody really has the choice to switch to other means of reception. For some people (excluding myself) there is only one monopoly cable company.
I think it's just sad, if such providers aren't able (or don't want to) go the extra mile to support their customers for certain special occasions (btw the world cup is the biggest and most watched sports event in the non US world).
In the end it's a business decision, the few that care about soccer are a minority here.

Looks like the local franchising is going away. This should really clear the way for FiOS and even Comcast to provide all the channels they want to without all the negotiating. Or at least it shouldn't be a usable excuse now heh.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/internet/06/09/cable.phone.tv.ap/index.html

I really hope this makes Verizon get its butt in gear and get that cable put down all the quicker.

So, how did all those other Comcast offices manage to provide ESPN2-HD in a timely fashion, but ours can't? Sounds like someone fell down on the job. Perhaps we should put a cc to corporate on those emails -- Steve_Burke@cable.comcast.com

Interesting. While I was searching the guide listings for it (a replay of Northwest Backroads) I discovered that KING has chosen to show the NHL Stanley Cup finals on KONG.

But they seem to have forgotten where the HD switch is over at KONG tonight.

But they seem to have forgotten where the HD switch is over at KONG tonight.


What a huge let down. Thanks Belo, thanks a lot.

PLEASE CALL KONG AND LEAVE THEM A MESSAGE

(206) 448-5555 (press 4 for KONG)

I would be embarassed to work at Comcast right now in the Seattle area. Their service is absolutely terrible! No ESPN2-HD, no FSN-HD, and nothing new since Jan.

Since we're complaining about Comcast, I thought I'd mention that I dropped their Internet service after using it for 8 years. I live in Capitol Hill and there have been constant service interruptions for the past 6 months. A technician said that there is some problem in the area that they cannot figure out. Anyway, DSL has a much higher upload speed, and has proved more reliable.

I'm kind of stuck with them because I can't get ota because I'm blocked by hills and I don't watch enough tv to justify investing in satellite. I will be more than happy to give Verizon my money when and if they run FiOS to my house!

While local franchising may be going away sometime in the future because of the COPE Act (it has not passed the White House yet), it will be replaced by a national franchising authority to help telcom corps (Verizon) enter into subscription television services without having to negotiate with thousands of cities and municipalities at once. It is the first major deregulation in the most heavily regulated industry around and it's because the phone company wants a piece of the action. Who is in who's pocket? This is not to cut down on negotiating with vendors and add unlimited channels, but where service can be delivered and by whom. Currently, any monopoly in any area will be partially the fault of the local franchise authority as they decided. I do understand that not everyone will have choices, and competition will have to build headends and run cables, so that is the other downfall. With the new act, the major change will be with the phone companies. I look forward to the competition as we may be the winners in the end.

As for ESPN2HD, Comcast negotiated the terms, but to be honest most likely each market came to a separate agreement. I am sure there was a legal corporate team that handled all of the negotiations, but each region would be handled differently. Let’s take FSN-HD for an example. It is available in the Bay Area, but not here. Why? Because there are different terms in each market and the cable provider does not want to raise rates in any of them. Also, since there was just an addition in the few markets Comcast added the new channel already they could have slipped through a minor loophole. Here, we may need to eliminate a channel to free bandwidth (and now for my mantra, regulated by the FCC), upgrade systems, or it was part of the terms of the agreement. It is interesting to note that ESPN2HD was placed on channel 203, mentioned in every article that I read, so if it going to be the same here then DIY will need to be moved/deleted.

The point of my earlier post, and I am still in the mood, is that while we can express disappointment in the lack of ESPN2HD in time for the World Cup, it was not even mentioned as a possibility a week ago. So if you wanted it in time for the events, then why were further options not explored at the time to ensure that you will watch the games in HD. Don’t moan and groan now and threaten to switch to satellite when it was not a foreseeable option from your current provider. Personally I am just happy that more channels are being added, and they are not worthless ones.

Let’s take FSN-HD for an example. It is available in the Bay Area, but not here. Why? Because there are different terms in each market and the cable provider does not want to raise rates in any of them.

One thing small point worth mentioning about FSN Bay Area: It is technically a franchise of the FSN name, and not owned directly by News Corp like FSN NW. This means that the corporate ownership of Bay Area can make a deal with Comcast independant of the rest of the FSN's. (According the FSN Bay Area's website, they are owned by "Rainbow Media Holdings").

I won't claim to have any inside information, but as I've mentioned in the past, FSN and Comcast are rumored to be negiotiating at a national level, but as sl1974 points out, even if a national agreement is put into place, that certainly doesn't mean that Comcast Seattle has to put it on their system.

Whenever a match is shown on ESPN2 (HD), I watch it on Univison.
Why?
Same SD picture and no need to listen to the silly commentary from ABC/ESPN/ESPN2.

I am going to purchase my first HD TV and I think I have it narrowed down to a JVC or a Toshiba. Both have a QAM tuner and the Toshiba has a cable card slot. Cable will run straight to the TV (the wife and I don't want another box on the entertainment center). I have expanded basic (2-99) as our package. With a QAM tuner will I get a digital signal and local HD channels that are in sub-channels? Is it hard to keep track of all the sub-channels? If I add a cable card will I get the same channels but numbered differently? I read that when you use a cable card you loose TV Guide channel. If that is the case what does channel 74 become?

Thanks in advance,
Tom

With a QAM tuner will I get a digital signal and local HD channels that are in sub-channels? Is it hard to keep track of all the sub-channels? If I add a cable card will I get the same channels but numbered differently? I read that when you use a cable card you loose TV Guide channel. If that is the case what does channel 74 become?

Pastiche has answered this one nicely before in post # 6836. Basically the answer to the first part is yes, you will get all of the digital channels and subsets. Check out the post because there is an attachment that will help you find the subsets. It is updated and posted regularly, and a lifesaver, so I thank Pastiche for the hard work!

The CableCard does two things. One, it will cause the channel numbers make more sense. Second, and the purpose of the card, it will unencrypt channels on the digital packages other than basic cable. Because of this Comcast will generally not give you the card without a digital package, but there has been varied success with customers getting a card at one of the stores or from a CSR when you call.

You will not lose the TV Guide channel (channel 74) but rather possibly lose the ability to download the data from KCTS for the TV Guide On Screen built into many televisions these days. Again, this has met varied success. Comcast has added channel 90, the analog channel of PBS, to help customers with televisions with the option since the data in only transmitted on analog. It works for some and not others.

I have been considering a tv with CableCard also, but waiting for the new version to allow for two way communication so OnDemand will work. From what I understand, any tv now with the current version will not be compatible with the new.

I am going to purchase my first HD TV and I think I have it narrowed down to a JVC or a Toshiba. Both have a QAM tuner and the Toshiba has a cable card slot. Cable will run straight to the TV (the wife and I don't want another box on the entertainment center). I have expanded basic (2-99) as our package. With a QAM tuner will I get a digital signal and local HD channels that are in sub-channels? Is it hard to keep track of all the sub-channels? If I add a cable card will I get the same channels but numbered differently? I read that when you use a cable card you loose TV Guide channel. If that is the case what does channel 74 become?My advice is - pay the extra $5/month for the HD set-top box from Comcast and don't agonize over your TV's tuner. I have to believe that both QAM tuners and the current Cablecard 1.0 will be dinosaurs in a couple years, if not sooner.

If you plan to buy another HDTV in a couple years anyway - fine. A QAM tuner is a convenient way (today) to get local HD stations over cable without a set-top box. A Cablecard 1.0-compatible TV goes a little further (today), and also lets you subscribe to Digital Cable packages and Premium Channels without a set-top box.

But in a couple years you'll probably need a new set-top box anyway to support bi-directional Cablecard 2.0, Switched IP Video, or whatever else Comcast eventually migrates to in order to keep up with Satellite and Phone Companies. It will be a couple years before these new technologies are built into TVs, and once they are deployed, they will make today's QAM tuners and Cablecards obsolete.

So don't worry about it ... :)

Whenever a match is shown on ESPN2 (HD), I watch it on Univison.
Why?
Same SD picture and no need to listen to the silly commentary from ABC/ESPN/ESPN2.

The announcers for today's USA v Czech Repub game were as bad as it gets! Brent Turdburgler has no business covering soccer, ever (Sunday's Mexico game).

On Sunday I set me DVR to record the Mexico v Iran match. For some reason the recording stopped about 30 minutes short of match end. What gives? Is there a way I can manually set my DVR to record longer since the guide is obviously off? Am I doing something wrong or am I stuck recording whatever the box thinks it should?

I have some news on the ESPD2HD front. I’m slightly more hopeful than a few days ago. I received a response from Steve and they *might* have a possible solution in the works for the World Cup on ESPN2HD. They are hopeful they will have a solution BY THE END OF THIS WEEK. So, it sounds like they are working diligently on a solution. I’ve still very skeptical though.

I actually like Comcast. Their customer service is excellent in the Kirkland area. But they need to listen to their HD customers and provide more HD content BEFORE the Satellites increase their HD channels. So, if Comcast is looking at this forum, “please pay attention to your HD competitors”.

Good points by sl1974. It’s still very disappointing Comcast couldn’t plan better with their contacts 6 months ago. The foresight is lacking. But then again, why have more than 12 HD channels if your other cable competitors don’t (other than Satellite).

By the way, that was a terrible game by the US! Just awful, and to make it worse, it’s in SD.

Wow, that's great news! I sure hope they don't come up with a solution that includes having to make an annoucement and wait 30 days to offer the new channel.

By the way, that was a terrible game by the US! Just awful, and to make it worse, it’s in SD.

It wasn't much better in HD at Sport. If the US keeps playing like they did today they're done in two more games. I hope they turn it around.

If there is a plan to provide ESPN2-HD here, I hope it includes telling us where to look for it, and when.

Olt...you are correct! Univision is better than ABC stupid dumb WG!

even if you do not understand Spanish...it's really entertaining!

Toadman...they are done if they lose or tie the next game!! arghhh!

Wow, that's great news! I sure hope they don't come up with a solution that includes having to make an annoucement and wait 30 days to offer the new channel.



It wasn't much better in HD at Sport. If the US keeps playing like they did today they're done in two more games. I hope they turn it around.

We have the terrible scrolling sport ticker on ESPN2 though, 100% of the time.

It also shows up on ABC and ESPN ! UGH!

We have the terrible scrolling sport ticker on ESPN2 though, 100% of the time. It also shows up on ABC and ESPN ! UGH!

I didn't notice it on ABC-HD but it's quite obtrusive on the ESPN2HD broadcast.

On a brighter note, the ABC-HD broadcasts of World Cup this past weekend were....amazing! Particularly the Sweden v Trinidad & Tobago game. The image quality was fantastic. I DVR'd it and have rewatched parts just to admire the quality. I would sure love to DVR those games on ESPN2HD as well. :D

Have any of you successfully connected a computer to the Motorola HD DVR box and pulled content off? I was told the USB ports are not active but I'm curious if the firewire port is and if there's a way to get the data off of the drive. I'd love to rip some of these games into DivX and burn DVDs of 'em (is that even possible?).

:( Has anyone gotten a response from KING/KONG/Belo as to why they're not showing the Stanley Cup finals in HD? I sent an email, but have received no response.

I just got home from being out of town all weekend, so Saturday's NHL game wasn't HD either? This is BS, other markets have it in HD.

Have any of you successfully connected a computer to the Motorola HD DVR box and pulled content off? I was told the USB ports are not active but I'm curious if the firewire port is and if there's a way to get the data off of the drive. I'd love to rip some of these games into DivX and burn DVDs of 'em (is that even possible?).

Yes, the firewire port works. I haven't had any problems recording any of the channels using 6412/I or 3412, other than OnDemand (which can't be recorded).

See Wiki: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firewire

ESPN2-HD will launch on June 13 between 1PM and 5PM on channel 174. To make room for ESPN2-HD, they have to remove iNHD2 (ch. 665). iNHD2 was scheduled to go off the air in late July anyway and is being removed several weeks sooner than planned to accommodate the launch of ESPN2-HD.

ESPN2-HD will launch on June 13 between 1PM and 5PM on channel 174. To make room for ESPN2-HD, they have to remove iNHD2 (ch. 665). iNHD2 was scheduled to go off the air in late July anyway and is being removed several weeks sooner than planned to accommodate the launch of ESPN2-HD.

any idea why are they removing inhd2? while there's nothing there I watch on a regular basis, the extra variety was still nice...

They should kill INHD2 but offer its content on-demand. It doesn't need to be taking up an entire HD channel 24 x 7.

I think they should dump INHD and keep INHD2. Or better yet, dump KONG-HD, since they can't find the HD switch.

By the way, what happened to my 30-days notice for removing INHD2????

Thanks, Jimre, sl1974 and pastiche for all your info.

Thanks, Tom

:( Has anyone gotten a response from KING/KONG/Belo as to why they're not showing the Stanley Cup finals in HD? I sent an email, but have received no response.

I sent an e-mail and a phone call threatening to watch CBC. Guess what - I'm watching hockey on CBC.

What's the deal with The Office on King HD right now? It looks like it was shot in 6:9, but the squeezed back into 4:3, so there are black bars on all four sides. Is it always like that?

any idea why are they removing inhd2? while there's nothing there I watch on a regular basis, the extra variety was still nice...

As excited as I am about getting ESPN2HD, I'd rather we get another channel instead of switching one out for another.

I loved watching the IMAX movies on INHD2...

They should kill INHD2 but offer its content on-demand. It doesn't need to be taking up an entire HD channel 24 x 7.

while I'd almost say that for INHD too, but is that really it for comcast bandwidth? they can't add one more HD without removing another? or, are they reserving the space for Home and Garden HD TV? :)

anyone know Comcast's stance on digital switching that I've read about elsewhere?

ESPN2-HD will launch on June 13 between 1PM and 5PM on channel 174. To make room for ESPN2-HD, they have to remove iNHD2 (ch. 665). iNHD2 was scheduled to go off the air in late July anyway and is being removed several weeks sooner than planned to accommodate the launch of ESPN2-HD.

Very nice indeed! I hope this isn't BS.

I don't care about iNHD2, 95% of it is eye candy, no content. I get a chuckle when watching the old school Imax films though. Super cheese. I remember going to the Pacific Science Center to watch those when I was a kid.

any idea why are they removing inhd2? while there's nothing there I watch on a regular basis, the extra variety was still nice...

because iN DEMAND notified Comcast that iNHD2 was scheduled to go dark in late July of 2006. iNHD2 is just being removed a few weeks earlier than planned to accommodate the launch of ESPN2-HD sooner.

while I'd almost say that for INHD too, but is that really it for comcast bandwidth? they can't add one more HD without removing another? or, are they reserving the space for Home and Garden HD TV? :)

anyone know Comcast's stance on digital switching that I've read about elsewhere?I doubt if Comcast has any unused space in their 850Mhz spectrum. So something has to go away to make room for something new - either that or start using "rate shaping" like the satellite guys do, to squeeze more HD channels into the same space. At some point you have to believe Comcast will start eliminating some analog channels (though probably not all for a long time). Analog channels 2-78 take up about 65% of Comcast's total bandwidth! (50-550Mhz, out of total 0-850Mhz spectrum).

I haven't read anything about Comcast experimenting with switched video, but you just know it'll come down to that eventually. The only reason you can have a BILLION "channels" on the Web is because they're not all being shoved down your network cable simultaneously. Only the channel you're "watching" is sent. Totally makes sense for video too.
"

because iN DEMAND notified Comcast that iNHD2 was scheduled to go dark in late July of 2006. iNHD2 is just being removed a few weeks earlier than planned to accommodate the launch of ESPN2-HD sooner.Well, it's not like Comcast wasn't involved in this decision, since InHD is jointly owned by Comcast, Cox, and Time Warner. What do the owners all have in common? They're all mega-cable giants, and they're all starting to run out of bandwidth for HD content. Temporary solution? Kill off one of their own "expendable" channels...

... or, are they reserving the space for Home and Garden HD TV? :) ... Not sure about HGTV, but I'd wager that they'll find room for any wholly-Comcast-owned networks that transition to HD in the future - like Golf Channel, E! Entertainment, G4, OLN, regional Comcast SportsNets, etc.

Is INHD2 being completely eliminated? If so, do they plan to combine its programming with that of INHD, or just go completely over to sports and pseudo-sports? I like the sports and the stadium features, but could do without things like "Tour de Gorge." They could just repeat everything half as much, still carry everything on a single channel, and no one could tell the difference.

They could get rid of a lot of none watched channels, not just InHD2, I doubt it is a bandwidth problem.

If the ala-carte choices ever happens, it will be funny to find out what everyone really does watch, I'll bet 50% of the channels will close down.

I doubt if Comcast has any unused space in their 850Mhz spectrum.
It seems to me like they have a lot of empty space.

Channel:
87: Non-Digital/Non-analog, wasted
88: Non-Digital/Non-analog, wasted
93: One SD sub-channel, 35 Mbits unused.
94: One SD sub-channel, 35 Mbits unused.
95: Non-Digital/Non-analog, wasted
96-99: Analog
100: Two SD sub-channels, 35 Mbits unused.
101: One SD sub-channel, 35 Mbits unused.
110: No TV channels, 18 Mbits unused.
111: No TV channels. Maybe this in for on demad? 28 Mbits unused.
113: Ten 2.5 Mbit SD sub-channels, about 12 Mbits unused.
114: Eleven SD sub-channels, about 10 Mbits unused.
117: Eight SD sub-channels, about 15 Mbits unused.
120-133: No analog or digital channels.

A HD channel takes about about 19 Mbits at full bandwidth. Looks like they have plenty of bandwidth to add several more HD channels. Each analog channel takes the bandwidth that two HD channels could use. I'm sure comcast could find an analog channel that could be made digital only. I can think of a dozen that I always program out of my TVs.

How did you determine those frequencies are un-used? I would imagine at least a few of them are reserved for On-Demand. Since it's possible to be watching On-Demand from multiple receivers in the same house, there must be a "pool" of channels for this.

I was greeted this morning by a message light on the box, so I figure at last they're gonna level with us about ESPN2-HD, INHD2, or whatever. What do I see? Phone Sale; Internet Sale! Not even anything new -- just the same old tired offers. Maroons, indeed.

ESPN2-HD will launch on June 13 between 1PM and 5PM on channel 174. To make room for ESPN2-HD, they have to remove iNHD2 (ch. 665). iNHD2 was scheduled to go off the air in late July anyway and is being removed several weeks sooner than planned to accommodate the launch of ESPN2-HD.

Unless I'm reading this incorrectly, that means we'll get ESPN2-HD TODAY! By the grace of God almighty I might pee my pants. I love how a little heat from the customer base gets the fire under management roaring hot. Good stuff. I occasionally watched shows on iNHD2 but agree that the repeats and shows like Tour de Gorge could be axed. Combine the content on INHD and we're golden.

Ahhh, the DVR will be busy now with three games a day to record. Heaven!

Thanks for the great news jeff28.

Anyone at home please check to see if you have 174!!!

:( Has anyone gotten a response from KING/KONG/Belo as to why they're not showing the Stanley Cup finals in HD? I sent an email, but have received no response.

I have sent numerous emails and left a message on their message system. Go to KINGTV.com and call their programming phone #. Let them know you are pissed.

Belo should be ashamed that they have TWO digital channels to use and neither of them is showing NHL Finals in HD. They showed a few games in HD on KING-DT, so this is just a joke.

Anyone at home please check to see if you have 174!!!

Its not activated yet. But 665 is blank.

Its not activated yet. But 665 is blank.
Thank you it's a start!!! Spain vs Ukraine in HD!!!

Thank you it's a start!!! Spain vs Ukraine in HD!!!

We're halfway there...I'm up at 6 and glued to the TV tomorrow morning if things go right. Remember to send an email thanking Comcast for their efforts if they pull this off. I'm going to.

Its not activated yet. But 665 is blank.

It was blank last night now that I think about it. I'm hoping that means things are in the works!

If it's true that we're getting ESPN2 in HD then that's the best news I've heard in a while. A bummer it's a few days late, but it's better than nothing. I too will remember to send an email to Comcast thanking them (since I already sent them one complaining about the lack of HD of most cup games).

-F

The announcers for today's USA v Czech Repub game were as bad as it gets! Brent Turdburgler has no business covering soccer, ever (Sunday's Mexico game).

On Sunday I set me DVR to record the Mexico v Iran match. For some reason the recording stopped about 30 minutes short of match end. What gives? Is there a way I can manually set my DVR to record longer since the guide is obviously off? Am I doing something wrong or am I stuck recording whatever the box thinks it should?

You can (and should) add additional recording time (+30 min, +1 hr, etc) for sporting events that you think might go longer... The Super Bowl also went way over the alloted time frame...

Is INHD2 being completely eliminated? If so, do they plan to combine its programming with that of INHD, or just go completely over to sports and pseudo-sports? I like the sports and the stadium features, but could do without things like "Tour de Gorge." They could just repeat everything half as much, still carry everything on a single channel, and no one could tell the difference.
I think Comcast owns INHD, so I that should mean that it's being completely eliminated. I would hope they just plan on combining the programming

Its live, #665 everyone! Enjoy:) I've already sent Steve a thank you email for listening to his customers.

Posted this on the OTA forum regarding the NHL Stanley Cup Finals but wanted to get it over here as well:

So I just got the word from KING 5. I spoke with a lady in programming and KING 5/Belo decided to air the NHL games on KONG instead of KING because apparently the viewership for the NHL is too low to make it worth their while to preempt the normal programming on KING 5 during the games, i.e. local and national news. Apparently they can get more advertising $$$ from their normal programing than they can with the NHL championship games.

The reason it's not in HD on KONG is they dont' have the necessary equipment to broadcast any live feeds in HD on KONG, only pre-recorded content.

That being said I suggest anyone that thinks this is wrong please call KING 5 at 206-448-5555. When I called I asked for programming and only had to sit on hold for a minute.

I am also going to try and find contact information for NBC and the NHL. Frankly I think this is BS. None of the shows on KING during this time except for Evening Magazine are even really in HD, you can't call the local news HD because it spends more time in SD mode than HD mode. They should just swap the content, put the NHL games on KING5 and the KING5 content on KONG. We're taking a max of 5 evenings since the first 2 games were on OLN, which showed it in HD, at least on DISH Network.

Its live, #665 everyone! Enjoy:) I've already sent Steve a thank you email for listening to his customers.

Well I just peed my pants. Comcast makes a monumental face-saving move and I'm impressed. I'm sending Steve and email now.

Its live, #665 everyone! Enjoy:)

You mean 174.

You can (and should) add additional recording time (+30 min, +1 hr, etc) for sporting events that you think might go longer... The Super Bowl also went way over the alloted time frame...

Found it last night. Thanks Clepto.

You mean 174.


so has someone seen 174 with ESPN2 content yet? I see 174 showingup on my guide and 665 is gone but no ESPN2 content yet. I see from previous posts that this should go live tomorrow but then some of the posts here seem to indicate that it may already be up (at least during games). Just wondering what the full story is?

Thanks

Patrick

Confirmed! We have ESPN2 in HD on channel 174! Yeah, baby! Just in time for Spain v Ukraine.

Unfortunately the current program isn't in HD (WNBA) but it's got the HD sidebars.

-F

Is there some way to refresh my cable box because when I try to enter 174 I get ??? and it stays on the same channel. HELP! :D

I have the same problem. My set-top box does not recognize Channel 174

Any suggestions would be appreciated

I got it here! Looks great! I will e-mail Steve to thank him as well.

I have the same problem. My set-top box does not recognize Channel 174

Any suggestions would be appreciated

I'm on the phone with Comcast right now and will post if there's a way to manually get it to list. Future posters, it would be helpful (or at least interesting) if you indicated in which part of town you live. Thanks.

You mean 174.

Hmm, that's strange. It was on 665 eariler in the day. Now, its on 174. Anyways, its confirmed:) Everything is working correctly.

Btw, according to Steve, believe it or not, emails, phone calls and letters from customers really do influence the decisions we make. So.......


Now we need to work on getting the M's back on HD (or at least Fox Sports HD). That's going to be a tough one.

664 (INHD) seems to not be working for me now. If I try to switch to it, the picture from the current channel just freezes. It claims to have a Mariners game on according to the guide...

I live up on Queen Anne Hill, and we've lost 665, but 174 isn't up yet.

All Mariners games on INHD are blacked out due to the Mariners broadcast network having local rights to all games that they also air.

edit: ESPN2 just showed up on 665, but the channel is still listed as INHD2.

I sure hope that the good programming from INHD2 is merged over to INHD1 (Isle of Wight concerts, IMAX movies, etc.)...

All Mariners games on INHD are blacked out due to the Mariners broadcast network having local rights to all games that they also air.

Ah, that makes sense. They should show an error message or something, instead of what happens now. Kind of confusing.

For the record, ESPN2 is working for me on 174 and my box knows about it (it shows up in the channel listing, etc.). All traces on INHD2 are gone; the box won't even let me tune to 665.

Ah, that makes sense. They should show an error message or something, instead of what happens now. Kind of confusing.

For the record, ESPN2 is working for me on 174 and my box knows about it (it shows up in the channel listing, etc.). All traces on INHD2 are gone; the box won't even let me tune to 665.

665/ESPN2HD was there for a minute, and now it's gone again.

665 = ???
174 = ???

They must be working out the bugs at the moment.

Try shutting off your box for a few minutes. I didn't see the channel until I did that. Maybe it was a coincidence but that's what worked for me. I'm in Fremont so I assume that folks near me (like you on Queen Anne) should be seeing what I see.

-F

Ok well I spoke to soon. I just got back from going out and - ESPN2HD is gone. Weird. 174 and 665 are both missing from the channel guide. Hopefully it comes back in the next few hours!

-F

I live near the Windermere neighborhood. Initially I was unable to key in channel 174. But I was able to access it via the Mini-Guide. Then my set-top box froze and I couldn't access 174. Later I was able to key in channel 174. But now I can't and channel 174 no longer shows in the Mini-Guide. Hopefully this will be ironed out in time for the first soccer match on ESPN2HD on Wednesday.

Whoa... 174 is ESPN2HD here in Auburn at 6:00 am, better late than never.

Yeah it looks like they enabled it just in time for the game to start. I wonder if they're disabling it the rest of the day (bandwidth reasons?) and only turn it on for Cup games. We'll see.

-F

I'm in Olympia and I had the same experience of ESPN2 HD first on 665, then 174, then gone. But I have only a Digital Lite subscription which gets only the OTA HD channels. Will I still have ESPN2 when the dust settles?

My guess is probably not.

ESPN2-HD was alive and well last night but is gone from both 174 and 665 this morning here in Wallingford.

When I called Comcast last night about not getting 174 (ESPN2-HD) they eventually had to degrade my channel package to enable it. Then they put me back on my regular package and it was working so I set up the DVR to record today's games. This morning I got to the TV around 6:15 thinking I'd watch the game delayed and FF through halftime. Unfortunately, 174 was gone and so were all my scheduled recordings. I went through the box reboot process with Comcast this morning and eventually got it working, only to have it go black after rescheduling the recordings. I finally had to leave the house with no games scheduled to record but the assurance that they are aware of the issue and working on it. At least it's progress!

That's good to know that they're aware of the issue and I'm just glad that they're getting it done in time for us to see the majority of the matches. On the other hand, you'd think that, as a cable company, they'd be pretty good at this whole 'adding a channel' thing, even if they only do it once or twice a year. Heh heh.

ESPN2HD has been up in Issaquah since last night and the Spain vs Ukraine game recorded fine on my DVR

I watched the Spain v Ukraine game this morning (bogus Red Card) on 174 - Yahoo. But my guide says "No Information" for the channel so I can't setup DVR. Progress though and I am very happy to see that Comcast is trying to step up and please there customers.

Patrick

The Ukraine-Spain match came in fine over 174 this AM. Later I could not get channel 174 for the Tunisia-Saudi Arabia match. Now I have it - after unplugging the set-top box and waiting several minutes. Methinks I better just leave the box on and tuned to 174 for the duration !

The Ukraine-Spain match came in fine over 174 this AM. Later I could not get channel 174 for the Tunisia-Saudi Arabia match. Now I have it - after unplugging the set-top box and waiting several minutes. Methinks I better just leave the box on and tuned to 174 for the duration !

I thought about that before leaving for work but since I couldn't set the DVR (no guide info for 174) it didn't make any sense. I actually lose 174 when I mess around in the DVR anyway. It's all whacky right now but I'm hoping it's resolved when I get home.

I went through the box reboot process with Comcast this morning

t0adman - can you share what this reboot process is and what box you have?


Also - more good news - new channel lineup appears on Comcast web site for
seattle including 174.

http://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx?LocResult&Zip=98115

Thanks

Patrick

Just wanted to report that 174 just came back in Wallingford. It still acts a little weird, however. I noticed that ESPN2 and ESPN2-HD were running different commercials and when I used the Recall button to return to ESPN2-HD, it didn't switch and the on-screen display showed the channel as ..53+ and that the channel name was On Demand. So, yeah, a few bugs still left in the system but at least it's up... for now.

t0adman - can you share what this reboot process is and what box you have?


Also - more good news - new channel lineup appears on Comcast web site for
seattle including 174.

http://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx?LocResult&Zip=98115

Thanks

Patrick

I called Comcast and they sent a signal to turn off the box for 3+ minutes, then had me turn it back on. I think you can accomplish the same result by unplugging your box for 3+ minutes then plugging it back in.

I was pleased as punch to see that ESPN2HD has been added. I was one of the many Comcast account holders that emailed Stevie. It's good to know they listen sometimes!

Has anybody noticed anything with Conan in HD? Lately the bands have not been broadcasted in HD. It's sort of like the sad SNL HD broadcasts we get. The bands used to be in HD, but for some reason they no longer are. Anybody have any ideas?

I hope it doesn't stay like this because it really stinks.

Has anybody noticed anything with Conan in HD? Lately the bands have not been broadcasted in HD. It's sort of like the sad SNL HD broadcasts we get. The bands used to be in HD, but for some reason they no longer are. Anybody have any ideas?

I hope it doesn't stay like this because it really stinks.

It's because KING 5 is dropping the ball and can't seem to either keep shows in HD (i.e. Conan) or broadcast them in HD to begin with (i.e. SNL earlier in the year and now the NHL playoffs).

It's because KING 5 is dropping the ball and can't seem to either keep shows in HD (i.e. Conan) or broadcast them in HD to begin with (i.e. SNL earlier in the year and now the NHL playoffs).

Boy do I hope they don't drop the ball this weekend on the US Open.

Boy do I hope they don't drop the ball this weekend on the US Open.We'll have to wait & see what KING does, but the US Open is on ESPN-HD right now in full HD. Looks great...

Full schedule showed up starting at 3:00 AM this morning for ESPN2-HD on 174. I moved all my DVR series settings for World Cup over to 174 from 32.

Damn I'm happy to see the change. I also emailed the Seattle Times Sports Editor to let her know how pleased I am with Comcast for making the effort on this one. :D

It would be a damn shame for someone out there with HD set to not notice the new improved ESPN2 and continue watching on SD.

I was so happy with Comcast that I am ordering my Cable Modem and dumping my Qwest DSL line as well.

Patrick

We'll have to wait & see what KING does, but the US Open is on ESPN-HD right now in full HD. Looks great...

Guess the real question is, do the money-hungry execs at KING and Belo think the US Open will generate enough advertising revenue to pre-empt their normal broadcasting at that time? If so it'll be on KING and in HD, if NBC does it in HD. If not, then like the NHL Finals, they may relegate it to their little KONG station which doesn't have the hardware to broadcast live HD even if NBC is providing it to them.

I watched the end of Jay Leno last night and it was HD to the end. I recorded Conan but can't watch it until later tonight.

My local channels are received OTA by my DirecTV HD receivers and HD TiVo's.

t0adman - can you share what this reboot process is and what box you have?


Also - more good news - new channel lineup appears on Comcast web site for
seattle including 174.

http://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx?LocResult&Zip=98115

Thanks

Patrick


When I looked there, one thing I noticed, no more INHD2 listed. I heard that Boston got MTV HD and their local sports net channel in HD.

Also - more good news - new channel lineup appears on Comcast web site for
seattle including 174.

http://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx?LocResult&Zip=98115

Patrick
If you use zip 98042, South King County, you will still find that 663 Discovery HD is coming soon. We have 174 but I don't expect them to ever update their web site. sam

I have not looked recently, but for a LONG time after they finally added KIRO-DT, their web site only listed it with their digital cable offerings and not with Limited Basic, where all of the other non-encrypted HD channels are listed along with the limited basic analog channels.

I saw a Comcast advertisement today during the Sweeden v Paraguay game for saying ESPN2 now in HD on channel 174. So they are even advertising the change locally. Hmm.. I wonder how widespread the addition is. Did other markets get it today too?

Patrick

I watched the end of Jay Leno last night and it was HD to the end. I recorded Conan but can't watch it until later tonight.

My local channels are received OTA by my DirecTV HD receivers and HD TiVo's.

Yeah, Leno hasn't been a problem. It's Conan of late. The whole show is in HD until the musical act plays. The musical act used to be in HD as well and lately they haven't been, or at least the ones I've attempted to watch/DVR. It's just a shame since I love HD broadcasts.

I saw a Comcast advertisement today during the Sweeden v Paraguay game for saying ESPN2 now in HD on channel 174. So they are even advertising the change locally. Hmm.. I wonder how widespread the addition is. Did other markets get it today too?

Patrick

When I was google searching for more information on why INHD2 was going off the air, I ran into announcements in other cities that introduced ESPNHD2 so it is more wide spread.

I read that Portland had the exact same scenario as Seattle except for on different channel numbers.

I was checking the channel guide on comcast site (zip code = 98052) and NFL HD is listed in it on channel 181......Anybody know more about this channel like when comcast really adding this channel?

NFL HD is the HD Special Events channel that shows the HD Game of the Week during the regular NFL season. Expect it to show up around September when the NFL season gets under way. Only the NFL Games of the Week during prime time on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are in HD. The rest of the time, the channel just shows an HDSE graphic.

I love that Comcast made the move to get ESPN2HD up and running, after reading this thread at the start of the World Cup is sounded like it wasn't going to happen.

Whom/where can I send/post a message expressing my thanks to the local Comcast folks?

Is anyone else having problems with the QAM FOX channel 81.1? For the past two days every time I click it it tunes to a muted WBHD channel for about 2 seconds and then goes blank. What's happening here? My TV is the Sony 30XS955 with built-in tuner.

Was anyone with a Comcast DVR able to record the USA vs Italy world cup match on 104? Mine recorded the first 8 and half minutes, then it's just black for the next two and half hours. Did comcast block recording of the game? Or is it just comcast's non-function DVR messing up yet again?

Was anyone with a Comcast DVR able to record the USA vs Italy world cup match on 104? Mine recorded the first 8 and half minutes, then it's just black for the next two and half hours. Did comcast block recording of the game? Or is it just comcast's non-function DVR messing up yet again?
We recorded it in Sammamish. Everything came out fine.

The Tv guide info is about 30 minutes slow these days . . . atleast it is there now.

We recorded it in Sammamish. Everything came out fine.


Same here in N. Seattle. No problem at all. Thank goodness since I was out on a hike during the game.

Although I suffered the same fate for the last episode of West Wing.

Does anyone know if this is a problem with the msft guide or the STB? I have the 3212.

Patrick

I emailed King5 this morning hoping and praying they change game 7 of the Stanley Cup over to King tonight instead of Kong. I emailed to kingtv@king5.com. Anyone else have contacts there to beg? I can't believe they are planning on showing it on KONG in SD.

Let them hear from you.

Patrick

I emailed King5 this morning hoping and praying they change game 7 of the Stanley Cup over to King tonight instead of Kong.

It's listed in the guide as HD on both. Who knows what they have in mind.

I emailed King5 this morning hoping and praying they change game 7 of the Stanley Cup over to King tonight instead of Kong. I emailed to kingtv@king5.com. Anyone else have contacts there to beg? I can't believe they are planning on showing it on KONG in SD.

Let them hear from you.

Patrick

Last week I spoke to a lady in programming to no avail. You can try calling them, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I've also e-mailed NBC to complain and sent the issue to the Seattle Times to see if they wanted to do a story, so far I haven't heard back.

It's listed in the guide as HD on both. Who knows what they have in mind.

As of last week I was told that KONG does not have the hardware required to broadcast live HD content, only pre-recorded content. The game on KONG on Saturday was SD, just like the previous 3 games. So, unless things have changed in the last 48 hours we'll still be stuck with SD while the rest of the country gets to enjoy it in HD.

WAY TO GO KING5/BELO ..... NOT!!!!!!

So, unless things have changed in the last 48 hours we'll still be stuck with SD while the rest of the country gets to enjoy it in HD.

Unless it does show up on KING in HD.

Unless it does show up on KING in HD.

One can always hope, but right now they are showing it still on KONG and NOT HD.

I suppose we should believe the KING site. The main Titan site doesn't have it on either one, and Zap2it has it on both (in HD). Probably better to tune in to CBUT anyway, eh?

Probably better to tune in to CBUT anyway, eh?

I would if I could =( I'm actually a DISH Network customerwith OTA and we dont' get CBUT. I watch/contribute to this thead to keep on top of what Comcast is doing and for local issues.

I would if I could =( I'm actually a DISH Network customerwith OTA and we dont' get CBUT. I watch/contribute to this thead to keep on top of what Comcast is doing and for local issues.


I also notice that while the picture coming through for SD from CBUT seems worse than the SD on KONG. I would guess this channel is compressed more than KONG but not sure. The commentary is much better on the Canadian channel though, eh.

It will be quite a shame if King puts in on KONG with SD though. I guess we will know in an hour.

Patrick

I love that Comcast made the move to get ESPN2HD up and running, after reading this thread at the start of the World Cup is sounded like it wasn't going to happen.

Finally.... Drag Racing in HD Woot Woot!!!

As of last week I was told that KONG does not have the hardware required to broadcast live HD content, only pre-recorded content. The game on KONG on Saturday was SD, just like the previous 3 games. So, unless things have changed in the last 48 hours we'll still be stuck with SD while the rest of the country gets to enjoy it in HD.

WAY TO GO KING5/BELO ..... NOT!!!!!!

SD on KONG.

BELO SUCKS

Belo / KING seem to generally do an awful job with HD and don't show much commitment to it at all. Their HD newscast are a complete joke compared to Fisher / KOMO and they seem to be riddled with technical problems when it comes to NBC HD content.