I agree except that it's odd that Evening Magazine and Northwest Backroads are in HD. They don't really seem to make an effort with anything else.

that's a tiny bit different as those are on tape.

I agree except that it's odd that Evening Magazine and Northwest Backroads are in HD. They don't really seem to make an effort with anything else.
IIRC, these were being produced in HD well before Belo took ownership of what was KING Broadcasting.

Notice how much new HD we have seen since the new owners took over. I think they did get DD5.1 network pass through working after the ownership change. Also, they came up with some way to get the 5-minute-delayed Saturday Night Live back to HD from the SD we suffered through for a long time.

Now let's talk about locally-produced HD programs on KIRO-DT, or, not.

KOMO-DT is clearly the local-programming HD leader here. Plus, they use widescreen digital remote cameras for traveliing news teams--not HD but at least widescreen.

I don't envy the station tech. folks trying to make these things work with little or no money to work with. Perhaps the engineers at KING are just as frustrated as the Stanley Cup viewers here. The programming department surely decided what woould be aired on which channel.

End of rambling.

For people using a HDMI Cable from the Motorola DCT6412 III, or Motorola DCT3412 going to a HDMI Input in a HDTV. You will notice that you will get Video, But NO AUDIO coming in to the HDTV using the HDMI Cable. I found a solution to the problem, when the cable guy comes and hooks up your Motorola DCT6412 III, or Motorola DCT3412 that he has to go into the special Menu to setup the audio for the HDMI output coming from the cable box. The Cable Technian showed me how to do this.

1. First your cable box MUST BE TURNED ON, and keep your TV on while doing this.

2. When the cable box is turned on, then press POWER to turn off cable box.

3. After you turned off the cable box, press MENU within 3 seconds after the cable box is turned off.

4. IF done CORRECT you will see a Gray Setup Menu on your TV.

5. To get out of the cable box gray setup menu you see on your tv, just press the POWER button to turn off your cable so it will save your setting and then just turn box back on again to watch tv.

Has anyone used a Harmony remote with the 3212 or 6212? The guy at BB told me you need to use one of the high cost ones - 880 or 680. I see you can get the 880 for a bit cheaper via Amazon and a few other spots on the net so I could go that route but I just wanted to make sure it works well with the Comcast box.

__________________

Patrick

Has anyone used a Harmony remote with the 3212 or 6212? The guy at BB told me you need to use one of the high cost ones - 880 or 680. I see you can get the 880 for a bit cheaper via Amazon and a few other spots on the net so I could go that route but I just wanted to make sure it works well with the Comcast box.

__________________

Patrick
Yes-- I have been using the Harmony 676 for a couple years with my 6212. Absolutely LOVE it- a real marriage saver (my wife could not understand why 4 remotes with my new home theatre system was better than 1 remote for the old 27"-- and why I needed a separate remote for video- and for sound. Now she doesn't care- she just pushes the Green Tv Button and all works!).

Harmony's support is second to none- the 800 number goes to Canada I think- not India. Since the Harmony is web-based, they can program your remote for you- you just download the settings into the remote using a USB cable. Very cool- very good product.

Any word on whether Comcast adding new hd channel here? I see comcast started to add MHD in east coast cities.....

Harmony 880 works great for me in my living room w/ a Comcast 6412.

Has anyone used a Harmony remote with the 3212 or 6212?

Just as another data point, I'm succesfully using a Harmony 880 with a DCT3412.

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

That would be me

I just found out about ESPN2HD at bigsoccer and I'm pissed. I've been bugging Comcast with increasing desperation to add it before the WC for the past 6 months. I sent some mail to John Dietrich on the 2nd as a last ditch plea and he replyed that they were working on it. When ESPN2HD started showing up on different Comcast networks all over the country and Comcast released a press release stating nationwide delivery of ESPN2HD, and we waited for ours (which was not forthcoming) I sent John some more mail on the 9th asking him for some info, any info, to which I have received no reply. I called tech support in Everret and wasted 10 minutes with a guy who didn't believe me that other Comcasts were airing ESPN2HD and couldn't tell me if Seattle was or wasn't working on adding it.

I watched matchday 1 in SD and got my first taste of soccer in HD with the England/Parguay game. Holy s*** that is sweet. But those Disney *******s are putting half the matches on ESPN2. I called tech support back on the 10th, chatted pleasantly with a nice women and asked to speak to her supervisor. He acknowleged the national deal and said that Seattle, unfortunately, would not be able to air ESPN2HD for 30 days because of notification regulations. I asked him if there was any workaround, this is after all the World Cup. No, he was very sorry but it wasn't going to happen and he would be happy to take 10% of my next digital cable bill. I thanked him in disgust and dropped it from my mind and have been engrossed in the cup.

Then tonight, on a whim I looked at one of the Comcast threads at Bigsoccer and I see a post from someone that we got it on the 14th. **** that. No follow up from Comcast to inform me that the channel was added. No ******* red LED on PVR telling me there's a message that the channel was added. That's just crap customer service.

I guess when the cup is over I'll be in a mood to thank them for adding it but now Comcast gets no respect from me. Oh yeah, their PVR sucks too. Get the damn Tivo deal done you wankers. </RANT>

That would be me

At least you now know where to look for future developments.

Has anyone noticed that FOX HD channel is messed up on Comcast in the Seattle area? Using the QAM tuner in my TV and Sony PVR I usually get FOX on channel 81.1 but the last few days 81.1 gives me WB HD muted (WB HD is still on channel 81.2).

Any one have an insight into what is going on and who I should contact at Comcast to resolve this? Since I refuse to pay for the digital cable package and don't get remapped HD channels I doubt I'm going to get far with customer service.

Has anyone noticed that FOX HD channel is messed up on Comcast in the Seattle area? Using the QAM tuner in my TV and Sony PVR I usually get FOX on channel 81.1 but the last few days 81.1 gives me WB HD muted (WB HD is still on channel 81.2).

Any one have an insight into what is going on and who I should contact at Comcast to resolve this? Since I refuse to pay for the digital cable package and don't get remapped HD channels I doubt I'm going to get far with customer service.
Yes I saw this as well, the last time i zapped through the QAM channels last week (I usually watch these locals OTA).
Note that FOX and WB contain PSIP information, therefore these channels are mapped to 13.1 and 22.1. So you may want to check these channels.

Will the Mariners game actually be shown on ESPNHD tonight? I noticed that FSN is also airing it, making me fear that I'll have to wait even longer to see my first high definition Mariners game...

Will the Mariners game actually be shown on ESPNHD tonight? I noticed that FSN is also airing it, making me fear that I'll have to wait even longer to see my first high definition Mariners game...

Don't hold your breath. Typically if FSN has the game it holds the rights for the market and it over rides a national feed. One can always hope though.

Note that FOX and WB contain PSIP information, therefore these channels are mapped to 13.1 and 22.1. So you may want to check these channels.

Do you still see PSIP information for channel 81? I don't get see any PSIP data there, or on any comcast channel. Isn't Comcast violating the FCC rules about PSIP carriage? 47 CFR 76.640 requires them to carry all PSIP data providing to them by local stations, including channel remapping, channel names, and program guide data. The local broadcasters are required to provide program guide data. Is there a loophole comcast is using to get around the law? Or are the just ignoring it, like all the cable companies did with the fireware requirement.

Don't hold your breath. Typically if FSN has the game it holds the rights for the market and it over rides a national feed. One can always hope though.
Arghh... you're right. I cannot believe it's the middle of 2006 and I still have yet to see a SINGLE Mariner game in HD.

Well, I can believe it, but it still sucks.

Andrew

Do you still see PSIP information for channel 81? I don't get see any PSIP data there, or on any comcast channel. Isn't Comcast violating the FCC rules about PSIP carriage? 47 CFR 76.640 requires them to carry all PSIP data providing to them by local stations, including channel remapping, channel names, and program guide data. The local broadcasters are required to provide program guide data. Is there a loophole comcast is using to get around the law? Or are the just ignoring it, like all the cable companies did with the fireware requirement.

Like Comcast cares! All they care about is the bottom line, which means they want you to pay them to rent their friggin box. If they can trash the QAM signals of locals, and not suffer any consequences, they will do it in a heartbeat. A few weeks ago, I posted about problems with ABC and PBS. Now it sounds like problems with Fox. I smell a rat, and their name is Comcast. This is why I switche my HD tuner to OTA from QAM.

Yep, ESPN News is running on ESPN and ESPN-HD is just a black screen. I bet we won't see a Mariners game in HD all season.

yea, MLB Contractual agreements...ya know what's better than HD Mariners games....

going to the game.....let's support them when they get back!

I picked up a cable card yesterday @ Comcast in Auburn and the lady said all I have to do is pop it in and it will start working. It didn't work! The message I got after install was that I have a low digital channel signal and to call my cable subscriber. I called Comcast and the tech pushed some buttons on her end and she could not fix it so she has a tech coming tomorrow. She did not ask for any info that was on the cable card. Has anyone had this problem with a low signal? What would cause it? My signal was fine with my QAM tuner

When I first got my cable card it wouldn't update the higher channels like 100+, all it took was swapping out a cheap store bought coax with the cable guys coax and it worked great. Cables can make a huge difference when it comes to cable cards. Also make sure its not split on a splitter. Other then that if your signal is weak already then multiple splits outside may cause a weaker signal. Bottem line is you need a strong signal to have the full update from comcast go through and program/unlock the channels you are subscribed to. The QAM worked fine because it was not trying to program a cablecard. You can get signal amplifiers from comcast. Don't let them try to charge you for em either.

Anyone have any info or heard any rumors of when Seattle Comcast is going to get more bandwidth and add more HD channels? How does this work? Do they roll out new bandwidth in areas at a time or the entire Seattle area at once?

I'm just wondering cause I got a letter from Comcast a few months ago that said they had updated the fiber-optic networks in our neighborhood and have the ablitly to add more HD channels soon....

I also spoke with a Comcast rep and he said they are working on it, and that I will be pleasantly suprised soon, but he could not give me any timeframe on what "soon" meant, so I'm not sure if that means it will be in a few more months, later this year? next year?... 2009? hmmmm...

I finally bought my HDTV set early this year in anticipation of more HD coming out later this year, but so far Comcast has not added more HD, only changed the channel line up with existing bandwidth.

I've read in the other forums here that in other areas around the country Comcast has already added a few more HD channels with rumors of even more being added soon, but they can't add anymore here in Seattle until the Bandwidth issue is resolved.

^ I really hope FSN-HD is added soon. The Mariners and Sonics/ NW Sports should be Comcast's #1 HD focus for their next channel. I've read MTV-HD (MHD) is also coming to Comcast areas and that would be a nice addition also.

Your CC must not be "paired" correctly or at all. I all most went nuts trying to get mine working. Comcast techs are really ignorant when it comes to CCs. They even had to look on AVS to understand that others were having the same issues I was having.

^ I really hope FSN-HD is added soon. The Mariners and Sonics/ NW Sports should be Comcast's #1 HD focus for their next channel. I've read MTV-HD (MHD) is also coming to Comcast areas and that would be a nice addition also.

Well, FSN & the Mariners did have about 20 HD Mariner broadcasts on Comcast each season for a few years - typically, a deal would be signed & announced in June and the HD broadcasts were clustered over the remainder of the season. Then, I believe two seaons ago, the FSN/Mariners mid-seaon HD deal was suddenly made with Direct TV instead of Comcast... leaving Comcast HD subscribers high and dry without any Mariners HD broadcasts for the last few season, ironically starting at a time when the Mariners were running radio commercials during their games for Comcast's HD service (albeit the commercials were for Comcast HD in general and not for [the now non-existant] Comcast Mariners HD broadcasts)... even so, rather like spitting in the faces of those very Mariner fans who had subscribed to Comcast HD...

So, is there now serious talk eminating from Comcast/FSN/Mariners of FSN/Mariners HD broadcasts returning to Comcast - or is this discussion merely wishful thinking?

rgordon

So, is there now serious talk eminating from Comcast/FSN/Mariners of FSN/Mariners HD broadcasts returning to Comcast - or is this discussion merely wishful thinking?

rgordon
Wishful thinking, most likely. In May, Comcast said negotiations with FSN had fallen through. Comcast blamed FSN - claiming Fox is charging far more than the actual costs of production for HD. Of course, this could change at any time. On June 8th, Comcast Seattle said that for legal reasons it wouldn't be able to add ESPN2 HD for another 30 days. Then it suddenly showed up on the 14th.

Cable card is working. The culprit was a piece of junk splitter that was in the media box in the closet so Comcast set me up with a better splitter and everything works fine.

I know that a comcast HD capable box is $5 per month for basic customers. The lowest form of digital cable, classic I think, includes HD channels like ESPN-HD, Discovery HD and INHD. This is like $13 more than expanded basic. So my question is, do I still need to pay $5 more on top of the $13 cost for digital classic? Or will getting digital classic include the HD capable tuner?

Does comcast still have a local offering for the local HD channels for ~$5 per month? I don't want the other digital cable channels/to pay another $16 per month.

What is the Cheapo local cable channel offering called? I have heard it referred to "Digital Lite" or HD al la carte?

I know that a comcast HD capable box is $5 per month for basic customers. The lowest form of digital cable, classic I think, includes HD channels like ESPN-HD, Discovery HD and INHD. This is like $13 more than expanded basic. So my question is, do I still need to pay $5 more on top of the $13 cost for digital classic? Or will getting digital classic include the HD capable tuner?
Digital classic includes a non-HD tuner. If you want the HD STB, you have to pay the extra $5. That upgrades your SD STB that comes with digital classic to an HD one, it doesn't get you a second box. The non-upgrade rental fees are something like $6.50 for an HD STB, and $5 for SD. It costs $5 to upgrade, so it doesn't add up right. If you get one SD and one HD box, it adds up two different amounts depending on how you do it. Comcast will tell you the lower one on the phone, and then put the higher one in the bill.

I'm not sure if they will rent you any STB if you just have limited or basic cable. I know they won't let you rent a DVR without at least digital classic. If you have your own STB, a TV with a QAM tuner, or a computer with a QAM card, you can get the digital locals (SD and HD) with just limited cable without paying extra.

Digital classic includes a non-HD tuner. If you want the HD STB, you have to pay the extra $5. That upgrades your SD STB that comes with digital classic to an HD one, it doesn't get you a second box. The non-upgrade rental fees are something like $6.50 for an HD STB, and $5 for SD. It costs $5 to upgrade, so it doesn't add up right. If you get one SD and one HD box, it adds up two different amounts depending on how you do it. Comcast will tell you the lower one on the phone, and then put the higher one in the bill.

I'm not sure if they will rent you any STB if you just have limited or basic cable. I know they won't let you rent a DVR without at least digital classic. If you have your own STB, a TV with a QAM tuner, or a computer with a QAM card, you can get the digital locals (SD and HD) with just limited cable without paying extra.

You can get an HD box with just limited cable. And I am pretty sure it costs only $5 per month. In fact it might even include on-demand, but that is about it for anything extra. While the QAM tuner is good, if you have it, you still don't get ESPN-HD or anything but the local OTA digital channels, which Comcast is required to send out unencrypted.

The reason I am considering this are two-fold. First off, I don't have a QAM tuner anymore, at least not in my new TV. While I get OTA for almost everything, I can't get Fox, so no Seahawks this fall outside of a Comcast box. Secondly, I have heard rumors that Comcast is going to start sending out more things in HD. Since I am getting tired of SDTV, especially when viewed on most HDTVs, which frankly looks better on old fashioned SD TVs, I crave HD broadcasts. The more HD channels, the better.

So it sound to me like I can upgrade to Digital Classic for around $13 and add $5 for the HD box. This isn't too bad, as you get other things like the channel guide, and maybe even on-demand movies in HD.

Does comcast still have a local offering for the local HD channels for ~$5 per month? I don't want the other digital cable channels/to pay another $16 per month.

What is the Cheapo local cable channel offering called? I have heard it referred to "Digital Lite" or HD al la carte?

If you have a QAM tuner, just get the regular non-digital cable and you can get the locals in HD. It worked fine for me before I upgraded (I wanted the other HD channels and an HD DVR).

f you have your own STB, a TV with a QAM tuner, or a computer with a QAM card, you can get the digital locals (SD and HD) with just limited cable without paying extra.

How do I hook this up to if I have limited cable so that the signal feeds into my ATSC tuner? Is an ATSC tuner the same as a QAM tuner?

Thanks.

So it sound to me like I can upgrade to Digital Classic for around $13 and add $5 for the HD box. This isn't too bad, as you get other things like the channel guide, and maybe even on-demand movies in HD.

So, you have to upgrade to Digital Classic in order to get the HD local channels?

If you have a QAM tuner, just get the regular non-digital cable and you can get the locals in HD. It worked fine for me before I upgraded (I wanted the other HD channels and an HD DVR).

I am interested/wondering how I would hook this up. I put the cable into the DTV jack, and then scanned--channels 2 through 69) for channels and got bupkus. There does not seem to be a way on my TV to scan channels 100 to 125, which is what I would think I would need to do.

I am interested/wondering how I would hook this up. I put the cable into the DTV jack, and then scanned--channels 2 through 69) for channels and got bupkus. There does not seem to be a way on my TV to scan channels 100 to 125, which is what I would think I would need to do.
Acutally you'd need to scan 79 to 120. It sounds like your TV doesn't have a QAM tuner. Over the air channels only go up to 69. You probably just have an over the air aka VSB tuner.

So, you have to upgrade to Digital Classic in order to get the HD local channels? No. You can rent a box and get the local HD channels for $5 additional.

No. You can rent a box and get the local HD channels for $5 additional.

Mike, thanks so much for your help. What do I need to ask for? A box, a digital cable box, the thing where I can get local HD channels without having to pay Comcast more than $5 per month?

Would it be cheaper to just buy a QAM tuner? I will probably just get from Comcast if the cost is in the $5 to month range.

Picked up the Comcast box. (I am disappointed that it does not have an HDMI connection.) Charge is 6.35 + 0.15 for the remote =$6.50 per month. They refer to is a "an HD box"; I did not realize that it is the same box that can be activated--provided you have digital service--as a DVR). Mike was correct that getting the HD box/HD picture does not require digital service.

I am still thinking of buying a QAM tuner to escape the charge of $78/year + taxes. Thoughts?

saukriver:

What's the model number on the box? The 3412 that is currently being provided as a DVR has HDMI, so you may not have a DVR box.

Does someone know what the cable frequency is for ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD. I am engaged in arguing with the great technician in the sky about late day dropouts in my digital/HD reception on a few channels. Their technical expertise appears to be at lawyer/stupid level. I believe that their pole amplifier/agc circuitry is split into several parts and I would like to know what displayed channels are where on their system. On hot days, my S/N ratio drops from 36 db to 26 db and then my picture disappears on only a few channels in the late afternoon. I will ask for a LARGE rebate as I have complained about this for the last year and one half. They fixed it for a while and then "repaired" their system. They persistently come out for their home visit on rainy days or in the morning. I am not happy. sam

Picked up the Comcast box. (I am disappointed that it does not have an HDMI connection.) Charge is 6.35 + 0.15 for the remote =$6.50 per month. They refer to is a "an HD box"; I did not realize that it is the same box that can be activated--provided you have digital service--as a DVR). Mike was correct that getting the HD box/HD picture does not require digital service.

I am still thinking of buying a QAM tuner to escape the charge of $78/year + taxes. Thoughts?

You can definitely get a box with DVR that has HDMI output and compared to the component output and provided cord the HDMI is king.

Does someone know what the cable frequency is for ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD. I am engaged in arguing with the great technician in the sky about late day dropouts in my digital/HD reception on a few channels. Their technical expertise appears to be at lawyer/stupid level. I believe that their pole amplifier/agc circuitry is split into several parts and I would like to know what displayed channels are where on their system. On hot days, my S/N ratio drops from 36 db to 26 db and then my picture disappears on only a few channels in the late afternoon. I will ask for a LARGE rebate as I have complained about this for the last year and one half. They fixed it for a while and then "repaired" their system. They persistently come out for their home visit on rainy days or in the morning. I am not happy. samIf you're using a Comcast receiver, you can find out the frequency used for a given channel, via the diagnostics screens:

1) tune to the desired channel
2) hit power off on the Remote,
3) IMMEDIATELY hit ENTER (OK)
4) You should see the diagnostics screen.
5) Choose current channel status
6) It should show you the frequency band used for the currently-tuned channel.

note that the frequency for any given channel may not be the same from one community to the next.

saukriver:

What's the model number on the box? The 3412 that is currently being provided as a DVR has HDMI, so you may not have a DVR box.

wareagle,

The instruction book is for the DCT 3400 series. I think it is the book for the 3412. But the plugins in the picture in the book don't match the plugins in the back of my box.

I cannot find a model number on the box.

Do people replace these Comcast boxes with a QAM tuners?

Does someone know what the cable frequency is for ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD.
From my channel list:

85 591 MHz
85-1 Discovery-HD (enc) 663 PMT=34 V=32 A=33
85-2 TNT-HD (enc) 662 PMT=39 V=35 A=36,37,38 (eng,spa,por)

I doubt it's changed since I made the list. This is Seattle, Kent could be different. KIRO and KING are on 84, and INHD and ESPN2 are on 86.

Good luck getting comcast to admit anything is wrong. Where I used to live I'd have my cable go completely out. I'd call Comcast and they'd send someone out in a few days. The cable would stay out until they got there, then it would come back on. I'd have the TV on with just static, the picture would come back, I'd go outside, and look! There's the comcast guy by the cable box! Apparently, there was nothing wrong, it just fixed itself right after he arrived. It was a coincidence. The last five times it happened the same way were also coincidences. Lots of coincidences in comcast land.

wareagle,

The instruction book is for the DCT 3400 series. I think it is the book for the 3412. But the plugins in the picture in the book don't match the plugins in the back of my box.

I cannot find a model number on the box.

Do people replace these Comcast boxes with a QAM tuners?

Compare what you see with this: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model

People do use QAM tuners instead of cable boxes.

Compare what you see with this: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model



I think that I have the Phase II, and I don't see an HDMI output.

I have the Comcast DVR box with HDMI out and I've got both component and HDMI connected into my SXRD. I'm curious if anyone else has noticed that the HDMI is considerably better picture quality than the component? It's night and day actually. I have them both hooked up so I can do PiP. Do you think having them both hooked up degrades one input or the other?

I have the Comcast DVR box with HDMI out and I've got both component and HDMI connected into my SXRD. I'm curious if anyone else has noticed that the HDMI is considerably better picture quality than the component? It's night and day actually. I have them both hooked up so I can do PiP. Do you think having them both hooked up degrades one input or the other?

I don't know about the combo of HDMI/Component, but I do know that if you have both S-video and component connected, you will get a dramatically darker picture. This is with a few DVD players I have owned in the past, at least if both are connected to a live connection.

What are models of decent QAM tuners other than the Motorola 3400 series used by Comcast? Any recommendations?

I think that I have the Phase II, and I don't see an HDMI output.

Phase 2 = DVI
Phase 3 = HDMI

For any who care, in South King County analog channels are not remapped to the 700 region in the box. They just disappear. Thus if one has a digital box and the external world has a problem, you must switch to an analog input and tuner. The benefit of this is for those like me who now have had a Comcast tech measure the signal loss and sudden recovery external to my house is that they are crediting ALL of my tv charges until the repair is complete. Of course, I would rather have decent reception instead. sam

Same here in Bellevue. Rather frustrating with my Channel 25-45 MPEG degradation issues (which seems to go away if I turn the box off when not using it - wonder if leaving it on 24x7 has started to cook the tuner chip) since I couldn't just record the analog signal, but have to switch over to the TV's tuner and watch it live (if I'm home).

Does anyone know the functionality of the LG LST-3100A tuner as a QAM tuner compared to the Motorola 6412 that Comcast rents?

Does anyone know the functionality of the LG LST-3100A tuner as a QAM tuner compared to the Motorola 6412 that Comcast rents?The LST-3100A has no Cablecard, so it will only be able to receive a *tiny fraction* of Comcast's digital channels. Mostly just the local channels you can get OTA anyway. Definitely no premium channels, no PPV, no OnDemand, etc.

The LST-3100A has no Cablecard, so it will only be able to receive a *tiny fraction* of Comcast's digital channels. Mostly just the local channels you can get OTA anyway. Definitely no premium channels, no PPV, no OnDemand, etc.

That is all I use the box for now anyway. I don't subscribe to "Digital Classic" or any other digital package, and I don't subscribe to any premium channels. I don't get a number of channels in the digital packages (BBC America, for example), but some I do get ESPN2HD (not ESPNHD). I get a handful of other channels in the digital paakcage. I don't give a fig about PPV or On Demand.

I get the digital audio channels in the 900s with the 6412 box. I mostly want the box to get better reception of the local cable channels that you say I could get OTA. (OTA is theory until you hook up an HD antenna.) The actual OTA reception where I live is awful/limited.

My 6412 just pooped and I am having a new box sent out tomorrow. I have a digital Sony and was wondering if i should get a 6412 or a 3412? I do not have PCI or HDMI hookups.
I heard the 3412 has issues with fast forward and rewind that were solved on the 6412.
Any thoughts?

i had the 6412 for a few months before it died..and when I went to the office to swap out they gave me a 3412...I like the 6412 much better, the 3412 seems to be slower and lock up more and at least now I know why it gets reallyl messed up when I try and move quickly through a recorded program...

i had the 6412 for a few months before it died..and when I went to the office to swap out they gave me a 3412...I like the 6412 much better, the 3412 seems to be slower and lock up more and at least now I know why it gets reallyl messed up when I try and move quickly through a recorded program...

I just switched from DirecTV to Comcast yesterday -- I've been watching this thread with interest. My first experience FF thru a currently recording 2-hr program was seamless. Hopefully, it's just a glitch in some 3412 boxes.

My first experience FF thru a currently recording 2-hr program was seamless. Hopefully, it's just a glitch in some 3412 boxes.

My 3412 FF/REW problems haven't recurred since I unplugged the firewire a couple of weeks ago. Others report problems even without using firewire, but for me there was a direct correlation.

My 6412 just pooped and I am having a new box sent out tomorrow. I have a digital Sony and was wondering if i should get a 6412 or a 3412? I do not have PCI or HDMI hookups.
I heard the 3412 has issues with fast forward and rewind that were solved on the 6412.
Any thoughts?

My 6412 died Tuesday also. :confused:

I hadn't encountered any problems with it. It was the original unit that I picked up with the original Microsoft sofware rollout.

I picked up a 3412 yesterday, seems to work fine. If anything the remote works better (old one would't work thru smoked glass doors on cabinet). :)

Is Comcast going to roll out more HD channels?

Just had my first glitch with the new 3412 box. The first day, the DVR worked OK. Yesterday, pressing the My DVR button brings up a message advising me that I'm not subscribed. After a l-o-n-g wait on hold with Comcast, the rep did a reset on the box. After a 20-30 minutes, I checked it again and got the same message; I didn't have a chance to check it again this AM.

Anyone else had this problem of "losing" DVR? Sounds like maybe I need a new box.

Anyone else had this problem of "losing" DVR? Sounds like maybe I need a new box.

I only see this immediately following a power cycle (unplug), and it resolves itself in a short time. The guide data also disappear and replenish themselves when this happens.

I only see this immediately following a power cycle (unplug), and it resolves itself in a short time. The guide data also disappear and replenish themselves when this happens.


This one seemed to do it on its own -- no power failures. I'll check it again when I get home. Thanks....

I unplugged my box for about 5 mins and after plugging it back in I lost all of my "season passes" under my dvr. :^(

I'm sure I needed to clean that up anyway with all the ones I had in it.... Also for the world cup playoffs my DVR never said the name of the game yet my buddies DVR did. Does that mean I'm not getting updates?

. After a l-o-n-g wait on hold with Comcast, the rep did a reset on the box.



FYI: Comcast offers a callback feature so you don't have to wait a l-o-n-g time on hold. I've used it several times and they have always called me back within the timeframe they say they would (~20 min).

I only see this immediately following a power cycle (unplug), and it resolves itself in a short time. The guide data also disappear and replenish themselves when this happens.

I tried it again once I got home -- no joy. So, I called Comcast back. They sent a long string of reset stuff -- still didn't work. So, it's off to Redmond tomorrow to get a new box. As one of the newly converted from Direct TV, so far, I'm not impressed!

FYI: Comcast offers a callback feature so you don't have to wait a l-o-n-g time on hold. I've used it several times and they have always called me back within the timeframe they say they would (~20 min).

Is that a menu option? I don't recall hearing that choice.

Thanks, Vic

Just had my first glitch with the new 3412 box. The first day, the DVR worked OK. Yesterday, pressing the My DVR button brings up a message advising me that I'm not subscribed. After a l-o-n-g wait on hold with Comcast, the rep did a reset on the box. After a 20-30 minutes, I checked it again and got the same message; I didn't have a chance to check it again this AM.

Anyone else had this problem of "losing" DVR? Sounds like maybe I need a new box.

If this happened to you on Thursday around 5 or 6pm, then you are not alone. My box works well (notice I didn't say perfectly) and this happened to me. My box shut off, reset itself, lost time and guide data and I couldn't get to the DVR. I think it was just Comcast sending update info to the box.

I live in the Lynnwood area.

Is that a menu option? I don't recall hearing that choice.

Thanks, Vic

If I remember correctly it's a message that comes up after you get through all the other menus and enter into the queue. It goes something like "If you would like have a Comcast Rep call you back please press... You will not lose your place..." Way cool!

I'm actually a very happy Comcast customer. No, I don't work for them.

It seems to only offer the option if the phone lines are really busy. They do call back when they say.

I got a new 6412 yesterday. After all the channels and info came back (a couple hours later) all is working well.

It seems to only offer the option if the phone lines are really busy. They do call back when they say.

I got a new 6412 yesterday. After all the channels and info came back (a couple hours later) all is working well.

Guess I seem to call when the lines are really busy. :D

Just messin' around. You're probably right.

If this happened to you on Thursday around 5 or 6pm, then you are not alone. My box works well (notice I didn't say perfectly) and this happened to me. My box shut off, reset itself, lost time and guide data and I couldn't get to the DVR. I think it was just Comcast sending update info to the box.

I live in the Lynnwood area.

Nope, it wasn't an updating issue. After two separate reset attempts from Comcast, they decided the DVR HD was probably bad.....only lasted a day or so before failing. I returned the box to Redmond this morning and got another box. I'm happy to report that the problem is solved..

What are models of decent QAM tuners other than the Motorola 3400 series used by Comcast? Any recommendations?

Does anyone use the LG LST-3100A tuner? What channels do you then get? Are you limited to channels 1-130?

I understand that you then don't get the various digital channels and PPV. I am not a digital customer and don't really want the digital channels. I want the local digital channels.

KOMO screws up the Shootout of the world cup :( go figure

Thanks KOMO.

KOMO screws up the Shootout of the world cup :( go figure

I wasn't sure if it my set or not.....glad to see it wasn't. Fortunately, an hour or so earlier I had reconnected the outside antenna so I was able to switch over and watch it in good ol' analog OTA.

KOMO screws up the Shootout of the world cup :( go figure

Same thing noticed here. I also am getting a lot of artifacts from KOMO - 104 - during the game and now (5:30 PM). It isn't happening on other channels (663 - Discovery is just fine). Anyone else getting that?

I had a party at my house for world cup final and the screw up during the shootout was very unfortunate. Luckily the SD channel 4 was fine and we were able to switch over and watch that.

I wish I knew if it was a Comcast thing or a KOMO thing? Any ideas folks?

Patrick

...I wish I knew if it was a Comcast thing or a KOMO thing?...It's been a KOMO thing every other time, why should this be any different? Presumably people watching KOMO-HD over the air saw the same problems...

It's been a KOMO thing every other time, why should this be any different? Presumably people watching KOMO-HD over the air saw the same problems...OTA HD had the same problem, although maybe not as bad. I have both Comcast and OTA. I switched between the two and the Comcast HD would not even lock in and show a picture. It just froze when trying to switch to that channel. The OTA wasn't as bad, but it was pretty bad. From reading other posts, this kind of thing happened in other markets too. I think it has to do with the switching equipment at certain TV stations. However, I do blame ABC for even trying to do their frigging little golf promo right before the shoot-out began. Those greedy little sh!ts.

KOMO screws up the Shootout of the world cup :( go figure

Great, so even if my fiance had remembered to record the two shows following the scheduled game time bracket it still would have been messed up.

It annoys me that the DVR only lets you extend the recording 30 minutes. In order to get a game that goes into shootout I had to record the two 30 minute shows immediately following each game. Unless I'm mistaken, I can't erase a portion of a DVR recording, which means I get Nora the Explorer taking up my drive space if the game ends in regulation. What a lame system. By next WC things should be pretty well dialed in (you'd hope!).

Now that WC is over, I'm totally addicted to futbol. Is there any other source for HD soccer or are we stuck with SD Sounders and Euro updates?

It annoys me that the DVR only lets you extend the recording 30 minutes. In order to get a game that goes into shootout I had to record the two 30 minute shows immediately following each game. Unless I'm mistaken, I can't erase a portion of a DVR recording, which means I get Nora the Explorer taking up my drive space if the game ends in regulation. What a lame system. By next WC things should be pretty well dialed in (you'd hope!).

I can set my 3212 to record for up to 120 minutes after the scheduled ending via the DVR menu after selecting the show. I started doing this last week to capture the shootouts and extra time and it worked well. I lost everything on my DVR when I unplugged it and moved it to a larger room for a WC party yesterday though. It took me 45 minutes to get all my scheduled series programs back in the box. Yuck. I wish I knew a way around losing all your info when you need to move the STB to a different part of your house or unplug it for a few.

On August 2nd, I officially become one of you. Went for digital silver with HBO. I will miss HDNet though...a lot.

OK.....ask mr. dietrich then why KONG is on comcast digital when they show NO HD PROGRMMING AT ALL!!????
it's political...all the way. believe me...the pressure will be on comcast to put KSTW on the digital tier since CW is going to feed most of prime time in HD.
RDiotte
CE, KSTW

Ron,

I agree. It's not fair, it's not logical, it's just freakin' political. I see it as KING/Belo's method of blocking the competiton, i.e., forcing carriage of KONG-DT to get KING-DT.

I am glad I get perfect KSTW-DT reception OTA.

And the crowning blow of the KONG-HD farce was when KING pushed the Stanley Cup finals over there, and they could only show it in SD.

Someone should alert the press at the Seattle P-I and Seattle Times how screwed up the World Cup was on KOMO-HD. Only after they get a sense of how much public derision there is will this likely change.

At present, the number of HD TV viewers is relatively small. However, it is an important demographic. If people understand that getting an HD TV does not assure you getting good signal in HD for a key part (penalty kicks) of a key sporting event (the World Cup), they will chill to HDTV in general and KOMO in particular.

I would like to see a front page story on what a freaking fiasco this was. Seattle is a world-class city with a third-rate television station.

Someone should alert the press at the Seattle P-I and Seattle Times how screwed up the World Cup was on KOMO-HD. Only after they get a sense of how much public derision there is will this likely change.

At present, the number of HD TV viewers is relatively small. However, it is an important demographic. If people understand that getting an HD TV does not assure you getting good signal in HD for a key part (penalty kicks) of a key sporting event (the World Cup), they will chill to HDTV in general and KOMO in particular.

I would like to see a front page story on what a freaking fiasco this was. Seattle is a world-class city with a third-rate television station.

Good luck with that. I tried to bring attention to the Stanley Cup issues with KING putting it on KONG in SD and no one seemed to care. I contacted the Times, the NHL, and NBC and never heard a peep. Granted I only did it via e-mail but unfortunetly I think we are too much in the minority still. It shouldn't be that way but it appears so.

Someone should alert the press at the Seattle P-I and Seattle Times how screwed up the World Cup was on KOMO-HD. Only after they get a sense of how much public derision there is will this likely change.

At present, the number of HD TV viewers is relatively small. However, it is an important demographic. If people understand that getting an HD TV does not assure you getting good signal in HD for a key part (penalty kicks) of a key sporting event (the World Cup), they will chill to HDTV in general and KOMO in particular.

I would like to see a front page story on what a freaking fiasco this was. Seattle is a world-class city with a third-rate television station.

Hi. First time poster...but been lurking for a long times, and thanks to this forum been using Comcast HDTV since the glory days of Moto 5100 :) and now *enjoying* the idiosyncracies of 3412 :p

Anyways, Seattle Times yesterday did have a tiny blurb. Since I cannot post a link yet, it's reprinted below (at the very end).
--
World Cup Notes: South Africa up next in 2010

By The Associated Press and Bloomberg

BERLIN — Thabo Mbeki has staked the African continent's reputation on his country running a smooth World Cup in 2010.

"As Africans, we know that we dare not fail," the South Africa president said Sunday. "I can understand that some people may have some skepticism, but I have absolutely no worries that the World Cup will be a success."

The main concerns are whether key infrastructure can be ready on time. Some local media have reported that FIFA has a contingency plan to move the World Cup if preparations fall too far behind.

"What we have to do is make sure we have a very successful World Cup with proper stadia, transport, communications systems and a festival spirit," Mbeki said. "We need to make clear that the African continent is as capable as any other continent of discharging its responsibilities."

Mbeki was in Berlin both to watch Italy beat France in the World Cup final and to witness the signing of a document between FIFA and the European Commission to use the 2010 World Cup as a vehicle to promote African development.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter said he expected a "wonderful World Cup" in 2010.

"Not only does FIFA trust African organizers — more than that, the market trusts Africa," said Blatter, who suggested the next edition of soccer's biggest tournament would generate more money than any before it.

France crestfallen

PARIS — Rotating messages projected on the Arc de Triomphe read, "You Remain Our Heroes," "Thank you Les Bleus," and "Zizou, We Love You."

Hoping to celebrate what would have been the nation's second World Cup title, France instead had to console its team for finishing second best.

There was scattered violence in Paris after France's shootout loss to Italy in the World Cup final at Berlin on Sunday night, About 100,000 people converged on the Champs-Elysees after France lost the match, according to police. After midnight, the crowd started dispersing, and a few groups of youths tossed bottles at riot police.

"They did something extraordinary that made all France vibrate," French President Jacques Chirac said on TF-1 television from Berlin. "I will not console them but simply admire them and esteem them."

Notes

• Germany's Miroslav Klose got the Golden Shoe award as the top striker in the World Cup. However, his five goals were the lowest winning tally since 1962, when 16 teams competed and six players scored four.

• For Seattle fans wondering why they were unable to see the penalty kicks in the final Sunday on HDTV, ABC said local affiliate KOMO-TV lost its feed due to technical problems. The regular broadcast continued uninterrupted, the network said.

--
Sang

• For Seattle fans wondering why they were unable to see the penalty kicks in the final Sunday on HDTV, ABC said local affiliate KOMO-TV lost its feed due to technical problems. The regular broadcast continued uninterrupted, the network said.

--
Sang


If you do a search through the forums and press, you will see that this issue wasn't a KOMO issue but a ABC issue. Apparently, some technician screwed up when ABC added another minute of commercials after the end of the bonus time.

If you do a search through the forums and press, you will see that this issue wasn't a KOMO issue but a ABC issue. Apparently, some technician screwed up when ABC added another minute of commercials after the end of the bonus time.

I was happy to see that ABC decided to re-air the entire game on ESPN2HD last night. I have the regulation time recorded from the original broadcast and the OT and shootout from last night's.

Leave it to ABC to screw up the most important part of the biggest sporting event in the world. Of course since we're in the US and we're better than the rest of the world, it doesn't really matter that much. I mean it's just soccer... :mad:

If the same thing happened during Super Bowl OT we'd have rioting. Soccer, oh shucks...sorry everyone. Better luck next time!

On an unrelated note, and probably a dumb question, can the volume control rocker on the DVR (silver) remote be reprogrammed to control an A/V amp instead of the TV?

Thanks, Vic

Someone should alert the press at the Seattle P-I and Seattle Times how screwed up the World Cup was on KOMO-HD. Only after they get a sense of how much public derision there is will this likely change.

At present, the number of HD TV viewers is relatively small. However, it is an important demographic. If people understand that getting an HD TV does not assure you getting good signal in HD for a key part (penalty kicks) of a key sporting event (the World Cup), they will chill to HDTV in general and KOMO in particular.

I would like to see a front page story on what a freaking fiasco this was. Seattle is a world-class city with a third-rate television station.

Man...I miss Seattle

Does anyone know how much longer we have to deal with the microsoft guide? Is comcast ever going to deploy an updated version?

Does anyone know how much longer we have to deal with the microsoft guide? Is comcast ever going to deploy an updated version?As opposed to the arguably even-worse IGuide software that Comcast uses for the rest of the country?

Yes

On an unrelated note, and probably a dumb question, can the volume control rocker on the DVR (silver) remote be reprogrammed to control an A/V amp instead of the TV?

Thanks, Vic

If you output sound from your tv to the STB you can possibly select "TV" and control the channel changing on the STB while controlling volume. I noticed this worked for TV sound output when I setup my TV for a World cup party this last weekend (I moved the TV to a bigger living room without A/V system - just for the game).

I use the Optical output from the STB to my A/V so my solution is a Logitech Harmony 880 remote. My wife loves having one touch access to "turn on the tv". The remote is a godsend and I finally have rid myself of the stack of 5 remotes that clogged our media room.

Patrick

If you output sound from your tv to the STB you can possibly select "TV" and control the channel changing on the STB while controlling volume. I noticed this worked for TV sound output when I setup my TV for a World cup party this last weekend (I moved the TV to a bigger living room without A/V system - just for the game).

I use the Optical output from the STB to my A/V so my solution is a Logitech Harmony 880 remote. My wife loves having one touch access to "turn on the tv". The remote is a godsend and I finally have rid myself of the stack of 5 remotes that clogged our media room.

Patrick

Yeah, I think a Harmony might be in my future. As in your case, I go direct from the STB via Toslink to my Sony A/V amp. I can handle the zillion remotes OK, but it causes "marital strife" around the house! I've seen other recommendations for it, so I'll probably make the leap. Were you able to program the Harmony with the DVR, On-Demand and other less-common functions?

I am currently a comcast customer and I haven't really had problems with the service. I recently moved and am rethinking my options. Football season is coming up and the pull of Sunday Ticket on Directv is strong. Browsing around directv's site it doesn't look like they offer as many HD channels as comcast does for the Seattle, esp. for the local channels. Is this true? Are their other considerations that I am not aware of? Is Directv HD true HD? Please educate me. Thanks.

Anyone notice an update today?

When I came home this evening I noticed my 3412 was tuned to a channel I never watch.

As of this tonight the annoying FF problem did not reoccur. I hesitate to draw a conclusion that the fix is permanent but I am hopeful.

Overall the whole interface seems faster. :)

I am currently a comcast customer and I haven't really had problems with the service. I recently moved and am rethinking my options. Football season is coming up and the pull of Sunday Ticket on Directv is strong. Browsing around directv's site it doesn't look like they offer as many HD channels as comcast does for the Seattle, esp. for the local channels. Is this true? Are their other considerations that I am not aware of? Is Directv HD true HD? Please educate me. Thanks.

I recently switched from DTV to Comcast. The NFL package is one thing I'll miss; TIVO is the other. PQ, IMHO, is superior on cable. I was able to do a head-to-head comparison -- I think the heavy MPEG compression on satellite was the main factor. I didn't have the correct antenna and STB for HD, so I can't provide any help on that. One factor in favor of cable was the high cost of upgrading the Direct TV for HD; additionally, I have had several instances of signal fade/loss during storms. Also, my bride was really in favor of the On-Demand on Comcast. Each has its good and bad points -- so far, I'm happy with the cable, in spite of the anemic DVR.

Anyone notice an update today?
When I came home this evening I noticed my 3412 was tuned to a channel I never watch.
As of this tonight the annoying FF problem did not reoccur. I hesitate to draw a conclusion that the fix is permanent but I am hopeful.
Overall the whole interface seems faster. :)

There has been no change in my 3412 firmware or guide version numbers.

There has been no change in my 3412 firmware or guide version numbers.

Well something happened. Last night my unit was tuned to channel 3. I have the 3412 on a UPS so the box couldn't have lost power.

I have only had the 3412 two weeks after my 6412 died. I don't know whether this might have been an update to bring this one up to the same firmware levels as the others in the field or an enhancement.

Whatever it is, FF is not misbehaving at this time.

In addition it appears that the inconsistent "stretch" with 4:3 overide is now working like my 6412. ;)

I did send an E-mail to Comcast regarding the problems I was having with FF and received a "canned" e-mail response to do things I had already tried.Maybe they also took a look at the box.

I didn't write down the box settings before but this is where its at now.

I guide is 1.7.3400 (25129S)

GIOS is 12.31

I didn't write down the box settings before but this is where its at now.
I guide is 1.7.3400 (25129S)
GIOS is 12.31

Those are the same versions mine has had since I got it two months ago. I haven't had any FF problems since I disconnected the 1394 cable. There's definitely a correlation there. I don't know about stretch, since I don't do that.

Those are the same versions mine has had since I got it two months ago. I haven't had any FF problems since I disconnected the 1394 cable. There's definitely a correlation there. I don't know about stretch, since I don't do that.

Having just switched over from DTV, I'm relatively new to Comcast. However, I haven't experienced any of the problems documented in the thread (so far). Even the DVR works OK for me, although it's not up to TIVO standards yet. The DVR failed almost immediately in my first 3412, but has been OK after getting a new box from Redmond. Also, I don't use Firewire output, so that might be part of my lack of problems. As a new user, I have few complaints. If only Comcast had the NFL package.........

this is prolly one of the signs of the Apocalypse but Millenium cable is now broadcasting the Food channel and HGTV in Hi-def...

amazing! even before Comcast...

I still hate Millenium though

Yeah, I think a Harmony might be in my future. As in your case, I go direct from the STB via Toslink to my Sony A/V amp. I can handle the zillion remotes OK, but it causes "marital strife" around the house! I've seen other recommendations for it, so I'll probably make the leap. Were you able to program the Harmony with the DVR, On-Demand and other less-common functions?

Yes - I added in custom actions to the "actions" menu for my Activity "Watch TV". I added in "My DVR" and "On Demand" - the two buttons from the Comcast remote that didn't have a mapping directly to something on the harmony. I'm a big fan so far and my wife being able to use the TV, DVR, DVD player, and VHS player by just choosing a menu item makes me a hero. So far, we have had 3 different guests over in the last week that just picked it up and were able to use it with no questions asked. I guess that speaks for itself.

Yes - I added in custom actions to the "actions" menu for my Activity "Watch TV". I added in "My DVR" and "On Demand" - the two buttons from the Comcast remote that didn't have a mapping directly to something on the harmony. I'm a big fan so far and my wife being able to use the TV, DVR, DVD player, and VHS player by just choosing a menu item makes me a hero. So far, we have had 3 different guests over in the last week that just picked it up and were able to use it with no questions asked. I guess that speaks for itself.

OK -- thanks for the response. That sounds like just what I need, although it will give my wife one less item to joke and comment & complain about when our relatives are over!

Cheers

The LST-3100A has no Cablecard, so it will only be able to receive a *tiny fraction* of Comcast's digital channels. Mostly just the local channels you can get OTA anyway. Definitely no premium channels, no PPV, no OnDemand, etc.

Again, I am find just getting the local HD channels and not premium/PPV/OnDemand. I don't have digital channels.

But as far as I can tell, the LG LST-3100A (which is going for $70-80 typically on eBay) does not have an NTSC tuner to get the analog channels through the same box. You have to scan channels each time.

I cannot find a decent QAM tuner that also has an NTSC tuner. The LG LST-4200A is supposed to be good, but it is going for $200-$250 on eBay. As a result, there does not seem to be a cost-justified solution compared to renting the comcast box for ~$6 per month.

Has anyone figured out how to setup a RSS feed of just this forum so that you know when any new posts have occured?

This is a great forum to keep track of developements of our local Comcast plumbing but when the forum goes quiet for a few days, it is easy to pay less attention and then find yourself missing out on some piece of information. I'd like to add a RSS feed to my Google desktop and track new posts that way.

The AVS forum has a FAQ on this subject but I can't figure out the forumid for this specific forum.

Patrick

this is prolly one of the signs of the Apocalypse but Millenium cable is now broadcasting the Food channel and HGTV in Hi-def...

amazing! even before Comcast...

I still hate Millenium though

son of a...

Here is is Saturday night, and once again Comcast is totally trashing the ABC HD picture and also the PBS HD picture. I thought this was a problem with my QAM tuner in my previous TV, but now I see it is also happening with Comcast's box. My new TV also has OTA tuners - both these channels are coming in fine.

I don't think Comcast gives a darn about good HD - all they care about is giving us 500 channels of exceedingly mediocre SD TV and their On Demand stuff, which painfully worse than DVD (OK, On Demand HD is pretty good.)

KCTS (PBS) HD is always in flames, because KCTS multicasts (sends multiple channels within their HD bandwith allotment). So their HD signal is starved for bandwith and suffers from MPEG pixiliation in fast-moving segments.

I have noticed KOMO (ABC) HD failing off and on, as well. But then I suffer the same issue between Channels 25-45 when my 6412 has been on for hours at a time, so I wonder if the tuner chip starts to overheat...

KCTS (PBS) HD is always in flames, because KCTS multicasts (sends multiple channels within their HD bandwith allotment). So their HD signal is starved for bandwith and suffers from MPEG pixiliation in fast-moving segments.

I have noticed KOMO (ABC) HD failing off and on, as well. But then I suffer the same issue between Channels 25-45 when my 6412 has been on for hours at a time, so I wonder if the tuner chip starts to overheat...

I know exactly what you are talking about with the local PBS station pixelizing, but what I am describing has nothing to do with that. Otherwise, why would my OTA of the same exact station look pefectly fine? This is a Comcast problem, possibly exacerbated by the inconsistent KCTS feed. What is interesting is that when I had my QAM tuner, KOMO 4 was one of the subchannels with the PBS signal. King and Kiro didn't have to share. While someone has said this doesn't make any difference, why are KOMO HD and KCTS trashed at the same time on Comcast? It has happened repeatedly. And usually when it happens, OTA of both channels is perfectly fine, albeit PBS showing the pixelization you describe.

Mike777 --

After seeing your posting last night I looked briefly at the KOMO movie. I didn't see any pixellation, but it appeared to me that the production characteristics of the movie would've made it virtually impossible to have a decent picture. The SD (channel 4) looked about the same, and the commercials on 104 looked fine. It reminded me somewhat of the low-lighting attempts at artistic expression you see on the CSI programs.

Is anybody using firewire out of the 3412 NOT having a problem with the FF and REW "breaking" once a recording (no matter how long or how short) has been made?

I'm growing quite weary of having to unplug and wait for the 3412 to reboot just to get it working again.

Tim

Is anybody using firewire out of the 3412 NOT having a problem with the FF and REW "breaking" once a recording (no matter how long or how short) has been made?

I'm growing quite weary of having to unplug and wait for the 3412 to reboot just to get it working again.

Tim

Its really annoying.

I don't have firewire but mine is doing it all the time. Comcast reset my box about a week ago and it went away for a couple of days.

Now it does it 90 % of the time, once it starts happening the 3412 ignores the remote for up to a minute.

Shame really I think the SD quality on my 3412 is better than the 6412 I had. If this continues I am gonna return it. :(

Its really annoying.

I don't have firewire but mine is doing it all the time. Comcast reset my box about a week ago and it went away for a couple of days.

Now it does it 90 % of the time, once it starts happening the 3412 ignores the remote for up to a minute.

Shame really I think the SD quality on my 3412 is better than the 6412 I had. If this continues I am gonna return it. :(

If I've learned nothing else from these posts, it's to avoid the firewire port like the plague! Glad I read them first.....

If I've learned nothing else from these posts, it's to avoid the firewire port like the plague! Glad I read them first.....Sure, but it's the only way I know of to capture HDTV video from the DVR to removeable media (D-VHS tape, PC Hard Drive). You know of another/better way?

If I've learned nothing else from these posts, it's to avoid the firewire port like the plague! Glad I read them first.....

I never had any problems with the 6412 that could be attributed to firewire usage, and the 3412 FF/REW bug can be repaired after any firewire use by power cycling the box. Knowing how to restore the FF/REW functions is a big help, since you can use the firewire if you wish, and be sure you can fix it afterward.

I just purchased an HD LCD.

I currently have comcast digital cable.

Will I receive HD in programs broadcasting in HD with my current cable box or do I need a HD cable box to always get HD programs on my HD tv.

The only way to use HDMI I have to get their HD DVR box too. Should I do HDMI or use the component input.

I run my sound through a separate sound system.

Did anyone else have the MLB All Star game only in SD last Tuesday? I was surprised not to see any posts about this. My TV said the cable KCPQ-HD signal was SD. I know that KCPQ had the game in HD because the OTA signal was fine. It's a good thing I still have my OTA antenna.

I wonder how long until we can rely on the stations and cable companies getting HD right all the time. I can dream...

Sure, but it's the only way I know of to capture HDTV video from the DVR to removeable media (D-VHS tape, PC Hard Drive). You know of another/better way?

Actually, no. However, since I'm not doing any captures, I can hopefully avoid these chuckholes until the time comes that I have a need. Maybe it will all be worked out by then.....!

Depends on what cable box you have and what outputs it has.

If you don't have HDMI then you would have to have three wire component (not single wire composite). To get Digital Dolby sound you would need an output for that too.

I just purchased an HD LCD.

I currently have comcast digital cable.

Will I receive HD in programs broadcasting in HD with my current cable box or do I need a HD cable box to always get HD programs on my HD tv.

The only way to use HDMI I have to get their HD DVR box too. Should I do HDMI or use the component input.

I run my sound through a separate sound system.

So I have had ongoing problems with my cable signal since Dec. 2005. Comcast came out several times, finally decided I needed a new outside line from the street. Started by knocking out the cable modem signal, eventually it took out the digital channels (SD & HD) that my QAM capable TV was able to pickup on my basic cable ($13/ month) signal, finally even channels 11 & 13 became crappy. Finally in June (just 6 months) Comcast (or actually there sub-contractor) buried a new line (some big thick cable I've never seen before) and fours days later Comcast hooked it up.

As soon as their trucks left my driveway I redid my cable channel scan on my TV. It didn't find any digital channels. Because I never take no for an answer I continued to try the channel scan for the next several days. Twice it found some 340 digital channels but they are not always available. I'm not talking that some of the 340 channels are gone but all of them. I try to tune them and the TV reports "Channel not available."

On a Friday or Saturday night we get all of the channels and what is probably the neighbors On-Demand stuff but then a little later they all go out again. I'm beginning to suspect that we are only receiving this channels when a couple of my neighbors have their digital cable boxes on. Has anyone else experienced this type of behavior? Do these cable boxes send some sort of signal to a piece of hardware in the street that tells it to send through the digital channels? Am I crazy? Could it be my TV, I tried to order just HD with my basic cable but the CSR said I needed a digital package before they would add HD?

ssbkt,

Where are you located? South King County by any chance?

Have you considered signing up for Comcast digital service and a DVR for a month or two? I suspect they might work a little harder if their own equipment will not work at your house. Right or wrong, they may not be too worried about fixing a digital reception problem for a $13/month customer.

If they get it working, you could then drop back to basic and use your TV as you originally intended.

I know, you should not have to resort to this tactic, but from other similar accounts I have heard to yours, I would not bet on them finding and solving the root cause of your reception problem until they can't make it work with their own equipment.

Good luck!

Yes - I added in custom actions to the "actions" menu for my Activity "Watch TV". I added in "My DVR" and "On Demand" - the two buttons from the Comcast remote that didn't have a mapping directly to something on the harmony. I'm a big fan so far and my wife being able to use the TV, DVR, DVD player, and VHS player by just choosing a menu item makes me a hero. So far, we have had 3 different guests over in the last week that just picked it up and were able to use it with no questions asked. I guess that speaks for itself.

I actually re-mapped the physical 'Menu' button on the Harmony Remote to function as the 'MY DVR' button. I figure, that gets much more use than the actual 'Menu' feature, which I mainly use to access/delete the stupid messages from Comcast so I don't get that annoying red light (;

ssbkt,

Where are you located? South King County by any chance?

Have you considered signing up for Comcast digital service and a DVR for a month or two? I suspect they might work a little harder if their own equipment will not work at your house. Right or wrong, they may not be too worried about fixing a digital reception problem for a $13/month customer.

If they get it working, you could then drop back to basic and use your TV as you originally intended.

I know, you should not have to resort to this tactic, but from other similar accounts I have heard to yours, I would not bet on them finding and solving the root cause of your reception problem until they can't make it work with their own equipment.

Good luck!

Dave,

I live just north of Redmond. Thanks for the suggestion. I was going to drop in to the Comcast office in Redmond and try to get HD without adding anything else first, if that doesn't work then I'll try the digital route.

I just purchased an HD LCD.

I currently have comcast digital cable.

Will I receive HD in programs broadcasting in HD with my current cable box or do I need a HD cable box to always get HD programs on my HD tv.

The only way to use HDMI I have to get their HD DVR box too. Should I do HDMI or use the component input.

I run my sound through a separate sound system.
You will need an HD capable STB from Comcast - most likely a 6412 or a 3412 if your area is capable of doing digital simulcast of the analog channels (2-99).

I found a noticeable improvement in picture quality using HDMI from a 3412 to my Panasonic 500u plasma. I believe the 6412s have a DVI output instead of HDMI.

The HD boxes have digital outputs to run audio through your sound system.

I just purchased an HD LCD.

I currently have comcast digital cable.

Will I receive HD in programs broadcasting in HD with my current cable box or do I need a HD cable box to always get HD programs on my HD tv.

The only way to use HDMI I have to get their HD DVR box too. Should I do HDMI or use the component input.

I run my sound through a separate sound system.

Here is a good resource for the Motorola boxes: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Connections

Comcast will supply the component connectors, so you might try those first.

Depending on your TV, you may also be able to get HD without a box by using a QAM tuner and possibly a cable card.

I just purchased an HD LCD.

I currently have comcast digital cable.

Will I receive HD in programs broadcasting in HD with my current cable box or do I need a HD cable box to always get HD programs on my HD tv.

The only way to use HDMI I have to get their HD DVR box too. Should I do HDMI or use the component input.

I run my sound through a separate sound system.

I tried using the supplied Comcast component cord but compared to HDMI it was brutal. I would recommend using HDMI, especially with a Sony. I have 50" SXRD and it's glorious with HDMI and marginal with component.

Hello all,

I bought a Vizio HDTV LCD at Costco about 2 months ago. Long-time expanded-basic cable subscriber. Tried watching free digital TV over the built in QAM tuner. Used the cable.txt channel listing, but this proved pretty clumsy - could never remember the correct digital channels and had to switch inputs to watch the rest of the analog channels. So decided to go digital.

Came into the Comcast office off Aurora and asked about my options and costs. They were ready to upgrade me to a digital package at full cost for programming + 2 box rentals (one HDTV DVR, one regular digital). I said, "Gee, I'm getting all these offers for discount digital cable service, less than I'm paying now." "Well, those offers are for new customers." "Look, we've been subscribers for 13 years at the same address and BTW, I'm getting great offers from Dish and DirecTV too." That put a little motion behind the counter. I wound up with a 3412 DVR, a 2400-series regular digital box, Digital Classic and Digital Plus with total cost until the end of the year at just about what we were paying for expanded basic. That made me pretty happy!

I brought in a 2400 series box that I had (stupidly) purchased on eBay a few years ago. The counter person just looked at it, said it wasn't Comcast's, and didn't want to do anything further with it. But as I said, I was happy enough with the rate and service I got including two of Comcast's boxes, so I just took my own box back home. But I can't help but think it's a bit of a waste to leave a perfectly good tuner box in the closet.

I've been happy enough with the service, no major glitches after a single setup call. Of course it really is 500 channels and nothing on. Lots of niche channels that I'll never watch. But HDTV looks great via component to a JVC HDMI receiver. Have not tried HDMI switching through the receiver yet.

I AM a little baffled at the idea that Comcast is bandwith constrained in any way. Do we really need 3 weather channels? KCTS shows the same feed on digital channels 9 and 109; has KCTS HD sometimes showing the same stuff in HD, sometimes not; and has a dark channel as well. Seems a waste. In fact, the whole deal of carrying three channels of, say, KOMO (analog, SD, HD) seems a waste. Can't these cable boxes downrez an HDTV channel? How much do these digital cable tuners cost anyway, in a world of $20 DVD players?

Last gripe is the array of switched-off connections on the 3412. The thing has Ethernet, USB, eSATA. I don't doubt that it could serve video to other boxes, surf the Internet with a USB keyboard, expand its recording capacity via eSATA, and act as a digital media player for MP3s and MPEGs residing on a home network. I would certainly pay to turn those capabilities on.

Welcome to the fray Vince. I think you'll find your sentiments are shared with many on this board. Personally, I would like to see every channel on TV go HD. I might even watch Home Shopping Network if it were in HD...well no. But still, scrap all the analog and redundant junk and just shoot me the buttery delicious HD all the time. In fact, replay the entire World Cup and I'd be happy. That was some of the best HD I've ever seen. Just wish I could burn it all to DVDs and create a library of games.

Just wish I could burn it all to DVDs and create a library of games.

Can't burn to HD DVD just yet from Comcast. However, there are DVHS decks that record in HD and work off the fire ports on the Comcast STBs. I probably have over 30 movies, specials, etc in HD that I can watch at any time. In addition, the DVHS deck will record just about any premium content except VOD. Has to do with with the copy protection flag. (Copy all, Copy once, Copy never). Most premium is at Copy once which the DVHS deck can do.

Can't burn to HD DVD just yet from Comcast. However, there are DVHS decks that record in HD and work off the fire ports on the Comcast STBs. I probably have over 30 movies, specials, etc in HD that I can watch at any time. In addition, the DVHS deck will record just about any premium content except VOD. Has to do with with the copy protection flag. (Copy all, Copy once, Copy never). Most premium is at Copy once which the DVHS deck can do.

Do you think a DVHS is worth the money right now or will new technology roll around soon that will make it obsolete? I really like the concept. How much?

Anyone know the status on Comcast carrying HDNet? I keep seeing their listings and wishing I could check out that content. Is there a local cable or satellite service that has it in their lineup?

you can burn HD DVD formated DVD+-Rs and DL +Rs that will play in the toshiba HD DVD player.... I have made lots of them.

Do you think a DVHS is worth the money right now or will new technology roll around soon that will make it obsolete? I really like the concept. How much?



There will most likely be new technolgy to make DVHS obsolete. As of this moment it is the only technology that I know of that allows for recording of premium content HD. I'm guessing that when cablecard 2 is finally implemented there will be more devices available that records premium content.

You can already record the major HD broadcast networks to your computer. These signals are in the clear and are not encrypted on either cable or OTA.

You can find a DVHS deck at Amazon for about $450.00 (I woud get the higher end models).

If you are interested in the deck mostly for recording movies, be aware that certain reviews have stated that HD-DVD takes HD to another level that is not available pn Satellite, OTA, or cable.

you can burn HD DVD formated DVD+-Rs and DL +Rs that will play in the toshiba HD DVD player.... I have made lots of them.


I assume you have an HD DVD recorder in your computer and that you record shows in HD to your computer then burn them for playback?

I just noticed a bunch of FM stations on 962-984.

Yes! I've been waiting for radio over cable for a while now. On my DVR I can record the radio too. Strange thing is, I can't, FFW, RRW, or pause what I've recorded. If there was one thing I would say that comcast needs to work on, it would be notifying their customers of changes/new products. I never got anything in the mail saying this feature would be added and if it weren't for this wonderful forum I still wouldn't know. Thanks again everyone (espically wareagle!)

Wow, nice. Thanks for the heads up!

I just noticed a bunch of FM stations on 962-984.

Every time they add a new channel it automatically gets marked as being of interest to me, so they showed up in my guide listings as I was scrolling through. Now I just need to dump the obnoxious ones from the list.

I just noticed a bunch of FM stations on 962-984.
Does your channel guide list the station names? I found the stations, but my guide just says "No information". Does anyone know the mapping of the stations to the channels?

962 Kbsg 97.3
963 King 98.1
964 Kqmv 92.5
965 Kmps 94.1
966 Kplu 88.5
967 Kube 93.3
968 Kuow 94.9
969 Kwjz 98.9
970 Kcms 105.3
971 Kisw 99.9
972 Kmtt 103.7
973 Kplz 101.5
974 Kzok 102.5
975 Kndd 107.7
976 Kjaq 96.5
977 Kjr 95.7
978 Krwm 106.9
979 Cfmi 101.1
980 Kugs 89.3
981 Kafe 104.3
982 Kaos 89.3
983 Kism 92.9
984 Kxxo 96.1

Here's a quick update of the QAM list for the eight additional FM simulcasts that showed up recently. No other changes, this round.

Every time they add a new channel it automatically gets marked as being of interest to me, so they showed up in my guide listings as I was scrolling through. Now I just need to dump the obnoxious ones from the list.

Wareagle, maybe this is something that everyone has but I don't recall anything special showing up on my STB. How did you set this up and how is "marked as being of interest to me" show up?

Thanks,

Patrick

Wareagle, maybe this is something that everyone has but I don't recall anything special showing up on my STB. How did you set this up and how is "marked as being of interest to me" show up?

Thanks,

Patrick

I know you have a DVR, so you should have the same capability. With the remote, select the red "Menu" button, then the bottom entry on the left ("Settings," which may not show until you scroll down beyond "Help"), then "Channel List and Favorites," followed by "Change Channel List." You can then go down the list and select/deselect channels. Only the ones you leave checked will show up in the guide and sequential selection with the remote. Select "Exit to TV" to finish.

Yes! I've been waiting for radio over cable for a while now. On my DVR I can record the radio too. Strange thing is, I can't, FFW, RRW, or pause what I've recorded. If there was one thing I would say that comcast needs to work on, it would be notifying their customers of changes/new products. I never got anything in the mail saying this feature would be added and if it weren't for this wonderful forum I still wouldn't know. Thanks again everyone (espically wareagle!)

I got messages on my old DCT2000 box announcing the FM stations, but no messages on the DCT6412.

My 3412 box had a message on it about the FM stations. (After finally figuring out how to read the message!)

Also got a message about FM, on both the analog and Digital boxes.

I tried using the supplied Comcast component cord but compared to HDMI it was brutal. I would recommend using HDMI, especially with a Sony. I have 50" SXRD and it's glorious with HDMI and marginal with component.

Try using a GOOD component cable! Compare a $200 component cable with ANY HDMI cable and you will find (as have we here at Definitive Audio) that Component looks better than HDMI! Strange but true, the good ole' analog component cables indeed look better! Also, there is not ONE benefit from using HDMI vs. Component for your cable box, and by using component, you can be assured that it will work through a reciever or switch! HDMI can be picky about how its connected, component does not care! Hope this helps.

Any word on MHD coming to seattle.....

We probably won't see any new HD channels until Comcast resolves their (real or imaginary) bandwidth problems, considering they had to eliminate INHD2 prematurely to make room for ESPN2-HD. Perhaps they could persuade KING to give up the less than useless KONG-HD (remember the SD NHL finals?).

I'd like to see NGC-HD.

Try using a GOOD component cable! Compare a $200 component cable with ANY HDMI cable and you will find (as have we here at Definitive Audio) that Component looks better than HDMI! Strange but true, the good ole' analog component cables indeed look better! Also, there is not ONE benefit from using HDMI vs. Component for your cable box, and by using component, you can be assured that it will work through a reciever or switch! HDMI can be picky about how its connected, component does not care! Hope this helps.
I tried component cables from Audioquest, which I believe are fairly high quality, and found HDMI substantially better between the 3412 and my 500u Panasonic plasma.

Looks like MHD is being added to portland area so, hopefully seattle will get it too.

I tried component cables from Audioquest, which I believe are fairly high quality, and found HDMI substantially better between the 3412 and my 500u Panasonic plasma.

That is actually very good news. The last time I did an A/B was a few months ago, and I hear that the firmware has been updated a few times since then. I will have to re-visit the issue and test again.

P.S. I was testing using a Sony KDSR-50XBR1 using Monster 1000 HDMI vs. Monster 1000 Component cables. I noticed a LOT more grain and block artifacts with HDMI at the time. Was watching an NBA game on ESPN HD with the Comcast 3xxx series DVR.

My DVR is having trouble. It has no guide data (it says "no information" for everything), and channel 4/104 isn't working at all (the picture from the previous channel freezes if I try to tune to 104). Is anyone else around here having this kind of trouble, or is my box acting up?

Have you recently lost power?

104 was working for me just fine a few hours ago for the IRL race.

No, I don't think we've recently lost power. I powercycled the DVR, but it didn't help.

Channel 4 is out in the bedroom (no Comcast DVR) too, so that part apparently isn't the box. But I only have one DVR, so I can't test another to see if the guide data is working.

I am also having the problem with 104. I have just tried an over the air tuner and I am unable to get KOMO digital. It must be a problem at the station.

That is actually very good news. The last time I did an A/B was a few months ago, and I hear that the firmware has been updated a few times since then. I will have to re-visit the issue and test again.

P.S. I was testing using a Sony KDSR-50XBR1 using Monster 1000 HDMI vs. Monster 1000 Component cables. I noticed a LOT more grain and block artifacts with HDMI at the time. Was watching an NBA game on ESPN HD with the Comcast 3xxx series DVR.

My HDMI cable delivers an incredibly crisp, clear image on my 50" Sony SXRD. I would be surprised if a $200 component cable could look better but I'm willing to give it a shot. I have a friend who works for a local custom A/V installation shop coming over to tune the TV so I'll have him bring a Monster component cable to test it out.

On a different note, does anyone here use MMC? Does it allow the user to add as much storage space and subsequently as much HD programming record time as desired? I'm tired of having to erase everything immediately so I don't lose content I want to keep.

My DVR is having trouble. It has no guide data (it says "no information" for everything)

For the record, I got this fixed. I called Comcast and they reset the box. It's working now. The guy said he's seen this happen a number of times in the past couple of weeks.

I am also having the problem with 104. I have just tried an over the air tuner and I am unable to get KOMO digital. It must be a problem at the station. This has been a Comcast problem for the past few months. I thought it was a QAM issue with my previous TV, but the same problem is happening with a Comcast box.

Here is what I think the problem is. Comcast is putting PBS channel 9 on digital channel 82. It has three sub channels, just like the OTA PBS station, I think 82-1,2,3 and 5, the last being the HD channel. Channel 4 KOMO is on 82-4, sandwitched by the PBS signal. I think that channel 9 is broadcasting an HD signal that is not totally in-spec with the HD standard. For instance, when I view this channel OTA with my new TV, the ATSC tuner when I switch to that channel goes through a little setup screen, like it is trying to home in on the channel. It says something like updating database when I switch to that channel, and none of the others.

Invariably when KOMO is breaking up, or non-existent with my Comcast Box, Channel 9 PBS is also displaying problems, like digital breakup.

Comcast should separate the KOMO signal from the PBS channel. Put it with any of the other ones. WB and Fox have no trouble sharing channel 81.

All this being said, KOMO has been flaky all by itself. For some reason, the OTA went out a few times in the past couple of weeks. So it isn't just the PBS sharing stuff.

We're getting close!

There is a lot of HD games on here.. Looks like a lot aren't live but still if your a fan of the game and more important HD it's nice!

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/preseason_2006

I just noticed a bunch of FM stations on 962-984.
Does this mean that Video DIDN'T Kill the Radio Star?

We're getting close!

There is a lot of HD games on here.. Looks like a lot aren't live but still if your a fan of the game and more important HD it's nice!

http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/preseason_2006



Have you seen anything to indicate we'll have NFL network in HD in Seattle?

Have you seen anything to indicate we'll have NFL network in HD in Seattle?

Comcast remains totally silent about the addition of ANY new HD channels. The fact that they had to remove one to add one isn't a good sign. Toast analog and free up some bandwidth. There's so much garbage on TV it seems like they could lose a ton and start offering more of the good stuff.

Comcast remains totally silent about the addition of ANY new HD channels. The fact that they had to remove one to add one isn't a good sign. Toast analog and free up some bandwidth. There's so much garbage on TV it seems like they could lose a ton and start offering more of the good stuff.

They can't toast analog until they have the digital to analog boxes ready. I understand they'll be about the size of a cable modem. I afraid analog is going to be around for awhile.

Try using a GOOD component cable! Compare a $200 component cable with ANY HDMI cable and you will find (as have we here at Definitive Audio) that Component looks better than HDMI! Strange but true, the good ole' analog component cables indeed look better! Also, there is not ONE benefit from using HDMI vs. Component for your cable box, and by using component, you can be assured that it will work through a reciever or switch! HDMI can be picky about how its connected, component does not care! Hope this helps.

Well, one benefit is that I can't believe the DAC in the box is all that good, so you can avoid the DAC, and expecially if you have an external scaler, HDMI -> scaler might prove to be better.

Well for 2 years now we get channel 181, NFL HD. I assume it will come back and disappear once again after the Superbowl.....

Dave,

I live just north of Redmond. Thanks for the suggestion. I was going to drop in to the Comcast office in Redmond and try to get HD without adding anything else first, if that doesn't work then I'll try the digital route.

Well, I was back at Costco this weekend and talked to the TV guys about the problems I was having with the digital channels. They hadn't heard of my problem on this particular tv (32" Philips LCD), though they had had some come back for sound problems. Anyway I picked up the 37" Philips on the last day of the sale and brought it home. I figured with two TV's I'd be able to better troubleshoot this, sure enough the new TV found all the digital channels and the old one didn't. I decided to keep them both for a few days to continue the testing. My old TV will find the digital channels about 1 in 20 times (power off each time), so it went back to Costco this morning. Now I'm just hoping that this new Philips won't eventually have the same problem.

BTW: Comcast wouldn't let me have an HD box without having at least a Digital package.

Well for 2 years now we get channel 181, NFL HD. I assume it will come back and disappear once again after the Superbowl.....

That assumption is not Comcastic. Based upon what they did in order to add ESPN2-HD (prematurely dumping INHD2), they don't seem to have the bandwidth. Now if they could get rid of the worse than useless KONG-HD...

Well, one benefit is that I can't believe the DAC in the box is all that good, so you can avoid the DAC, and expecially if you have an external scaler, HDMI -> scaler might prove to be better.

According to Transparent Cables, this is EXACTLY the reason for the better component video picture. The video processing power in the current generation of set top boxes is minimal at best.

Also, depending on your TV or processor, setting the output of standard def 4:3 to 480I instead of "stretch" or some other format (3rd item in config menu....power off, then press "menu", go down to 3rd line), you output at the native rate and let the display device scale and deinterlace the video.

If you have a lower quality display, the cable box might do better, but if you are running a DVDO or similar processor, or if you have a good set like the Pioneer Elite, you should get a MUCH improved picture for SD video with this adjustment.

You should also experiment with the HD setting. I have found that 1080i looks better than 720p on the Pioneer and Runco sets, at least for programming filmed and broadcast in 1080i. On ESPN, Fox and ABC (broadcasting native 720p), the 720p setting looks better. <sigh> Why cant they just make the boxes output native rate??

I am really looking forward to the Tivo software, and also the Tivo series 3. I am hoping that one of the two solutions will not only provide us with a better operating system, but also with better picture quality and more flexibility in the settings.

In the Portland, Or. Comcast thread and another thread I read that UHD and MHD is coming late Aug. and Sept 2006 in the Oregon/SW Washington Comcast area.

Has anyone heard any news or rumors if they are going to add those channels here in the Seattle area soon as well? Or are we still too bandwidth limited for Comcast to add these anytime soon?

I don't know about NFL Network HD, but we'll have some unhappy people when the Seahawks play the 49ers Thurdsay, Dec. 14th at 5:00 PM in Seattle, unless INHD takes over!

Well, one benefit is that I can't believe the DAC in the box is all that good, so you can avoid the DAC, and expecially if you have an external scaler, HDMI -> scaler might prove to be better.

I am confused whether you are agreeing with john here. Your statement is a benefit for running HDMI out from the box to an external scaler, something that I would agree with (in theory) as it eliminates a DAC-ADC cycle.

In any case, I would suggest to John that analog YPbPr is not de-facto superior for any technical reasons over digital transmission (RGB/YCbCr). By the same token the inverse is not true either, there are a lot of people who wax on about DVI/HDMI being the next coming of christ, when there are clearly cases where analog is preferred. Where one is preferred over another is usually because of poor implementation of inputs/outputs or other crappy designs where there is clipping etc on certain outputs. Also be careful not to clump DVI/HDMI all into one basket, some output formats may work fine while others not on some devices (say based on resolution or signal type).

I am confused whether you are agreeing with john here. Your statement is a benefit for running HDMI out from the box to an external scaler, something that I would agree with (in theory) as it eliminates a DAC-ADC cycle.

In any case, I would suggest to John that analog YPbPr is not de-facto superior for any technical reasons over digital transmission (RGB/YCbCr). By the same token the inverse is not true either, there are a lot of people who wax on about DVI/HDMI being the next coming of christ, when there are clearly cases where analog is preferred. Where one is preferred over another is usually because of poor implementation of inputs/outputs or other crappy designs where there is clipping etc on certain outputs. Also be careful not to clump DVI/HDMI all into one basket, some output formats may work fine while others not on some devices (say based on resolution or signal type).

If you use external switches, Zector for example, you may want to use only HDMI. It has nothing to do with which is better (component vs hdmi) and all to do with HD DVD and BLU Ray. At some point, the content for these players will be set at a lower res for component. Only HDMI will deliver full 1080i/1080p signals.

This is due to copyright protection schemes. It appears that the MPAA is afraid of piracy off the components since their is no copy protection on that signal. However, HDMI is protected.

We do not know whether or not the ICT flag will be enabled on content in the future. It's certainly a possibility. That is, however, an issue separate from quality IMO.

Hi All,
I just set up a '6200 box for the first time and I can't seem to get any s-video output to my TIVO box. The TIVO says there is 'something' there when the cable is plugged in but it only shows a black screen instead of the video. My component outputs to the HD set work fine and all else seems fine. Is the s-video supposed to be simultaneous with component? Any ideas why I get a black screen? I also tried plane old composite video and same thing - TIVO says 'something' is there but black screen is all I get no matter which input signal I select.

Edit: I just verifed that the composite output is working by sending it to my VCR. I don't have anything to verify svideo out from the 6200. But the TIVO does not see any video on either, so defective TIVO?

All outputs (s-video, composite, component, hdmi, and audio) are active simultaneously, as you saw with the composite to the VCR. The problem must be on the TiVo end. (OMG, TiVo isn't perfect? Stop the presses!)

All outputs (s-video, composite, component, hdmi, and audio) are active simultaneously, as you saw with the composite to the VCR. The problem must be on the TiVo end. (OMG, TiVo isn't perfect? Stop the presses!)
Ha! Far from perfect! I believe this was Twilight Zone episode 347. Just for grins I started over with Guided Setup and chose DirecTV instead of cable box. This is what I used to do for my OTA receiver since Tivo does not know about OTA boxes. Lo and behold both video inputs worked for the fake satellite setup. So I started Setup all over again and this time I went back to 'digital cable box' like the first time and now I get video. Setup is now cleaning up the mess as I write this. Recording is just minutes away... :)

I see that the KIRO-DT broadcast of the hydro races is 16x9, but it does not look like HD to me, perhaps 16x9 480i?

Still, a step up from plain old 4x3 480i.

I see that the KIRO-DT broadcast of the hydro races is 16x9, but it does not look like HD to me, perhaps 16x9 480i?

Still, a step up from plain old 4x3 480i.

Definitely not HD. I'd say your guess is correct. I just checked it out on my new Comcast box with 4:3 override set to OFF and it is 16:9 format but looks like 480i. I certainly prefer that to 4:3 480i on my HD set.

OT - are there any other hidden menus/setups besides the 'power off, menu button' thing?

16:9 480 but still nice production for a local event.

Not sure if this was known here (couldn't find anything about it), but it looks like UPN and WB are now merging into CW later this Friday. (http://www.upn11.com for more info).

Since the new channel will take over the analog 11 and that UPN was never broadcasted in HD on Comcast, does that mean that we effectively losing the WB local HD channel? Or is the WB channel will still be available?

Anybody knows?

-eric

he indicated there was no benefit to HDMI over component, and I was disputing that statement...

However, one dilema with our comcast boxes is that there's no Native passthrough setting (afaik). I currently have mine set to 1080i, but I know there are some STBs that allow 'native' or 'pass through' as options instead, which would be ideal. Part of that explains why many people report that the best picture is via cable card or using the built in tuner.

I am confused whether you are agreeing with john here. Your statement is a benefit for running HDMI out from the box to an external scaler, something that I would agree with (in theory) as it eliminates a DAC-ADC cycle.

In any case, I would suggest to John that analog YPbPr is not de-facto superior for any technical reasons over digital transmission (RGB/YCbCr). By the same token the inverse is not true either, there are a lot of people who wax on about DVI/HDMI being the next coming of christ, when there are clearly cases where analog is preferred. Where one is preferred over another is usually because of poor implementation of inputs/outputs or other crappy designs where there is clipping etc on certain outputs. Also be careful not to clump DVI/HDMI all into one basket, some output formats may work fine while others not on some devices (say based on resolution or signal type).

Not sure if this was known here (couldn't find anything about it), but it looks like UPN and WB are now merging into CW later this Friday. (http://www.upn11.com for more info).

Since the new channel will take over the analog 11 and that UPN was never broadcasted in HD on Comcast, does that mean that we effectively losing the WB local HD channel? Or is the WB channel will still be available?

Anybody knows?

-eric

The WB affiliate is becoming an affiliate of "MyNetwork TV", which is a second network to be run by Fox. My understanding is that they will be providing programming in HD. I'm not sure what the programming will actually be, however. Channel 22's call letters have already changed to KMYQ or something like that.

The WB affiliate is becoming an affiliate of "MyNetwork TV", which is a second network to be run by Fox. My understanding is that they will be providing programming in HD. I'm not sure what the programming will actually be, however. Channel 22's call letters have already changed to KMYQ or something like that.

So, in other words, we're losing HD WB and gaining another HD Fox channel? :/

-eric

I guess you could say that, except that this channel will have original programming (not Fox repeats or anything like that). Here's a link to their main website:

Link: http://www.mynetworktv.com/

That would be a serious blow to losing HD on the former WB shows. At that point, I might just blow off CW and wait for the season DVDs of the shows I watch on WB/UPN to be released on Netflix and watch them in upconverted 1080i on my Sony DVD player.

Anyone else get excited about seeing the MLS All Stars versus the 2-time EPL champs Chelsea FC in more of the same HD goodness we witnessed for the World Cup. Even the ESPN Zone in Chicago boasted about having the game in HD on their zillion screens. I set my DVR to record it on ESPN-HD and was disappointed (but not surprised) that it WAS NOT in HD. I don't know if I should be ticked at ESPN or Comcast or both but either way it was billed as HD and ended up being SD. Uhhhh-nooooyyyy-iiiiinnng!

I didn't watch it, but Comcast has no more say in what ESPN broadcasts in HD than I do.

Hello all.

Recently switched from MDM to Comcast after moving, nice to be aboard and rid of MDM in all honesty.

I have the digital silver package with HBO HD, everything is great except that KOMO on channel 4 is glitchy, but 104 is just fine. KOMO on channel 4 is the only channel that I am having problems with. This may have been discussed already, so I apologize if I am not searching enough. Can anyone shed some light on this matter?

Also, this morning on GMA, I noticed that someone from KOMO was being interviewed and they sidebared him, but we all know that KOMO does the majority of their news in 16x9, so what gives? Maybe if Kelly is reading this, she could comment on the technical aspects of that... what prevented GMA from using a 16x9 feed from KOMO for that interview?

Thanks everyone.

After installing the latest drivers for my DVICO HDTV card (hooked up to Comcast Basic cable) I noticed that with the exception of KOMO TV (Seattle ABC) all other QAM 256 HDTV channels are now scrambled, including the other OTA stations i.e. PBS CBS and NBC.

I used to get these channels in HDTV using the DVICO card.

Anyone else notice this - or am I the only one feeling a bit deprived? :confused:

Similar problems experienced since my neighbor cancelled his Comcast subscription, which included every service they offer....however, strangely, I still receive KOMO HD via my DVICO HDTV card.... but all other HDTV channels have disappeared....




So I have had ongoing problems with my cable signal since Dec. 2005. Comcast came out several times, finally decided I needed a new outside line from the street. Started by knocking out the cable modem signal, eventually it took out the digital channels (SD & HD) that my QAM capable TV was able to pickup on my basic cable ($13/ month) signal, finally even channels 11 & 13 became crappy. Finally in June (just 6 months) Comcast (or actually there sub-contractor) buried a new line (some big thick cable I've never seen before) and fours days later Comcast hooked it up.

As soon as their trucks left my driveway I redid my cable channel scan on my TV. It didn't find any digital channels. Because I never take no for an answer I continued to try the channel scan for the next several days. Twice it found some 340 digital channels but they are not always available. I'm not talking that some of the 340 channels are gone but all of them. I try to tune them and the TV reports "Channel not available."

On a Friday or Saturday night we get all of the channels and what is probably the neighbors On-Demand stuff but then a little later they all go out again. I'm beginning to suspect that we are only receiving this channels when a couple of my neighbors have their digital cable boxes on. Has anyone else experienced this type of behavior? Do these cable boxes send some sort of signal to a piece of hardware in the street that tells it to send through the digital channels? Am I crazy? Could it be my TV, I tried to order just HD with my basic cable but the CSR said I needed a digital package before they would add HD?

My hookup is a cable to the Comcast box from Motorola that then exports to a HDTV via an HDMI cable. The HD channels comes in just fine. But there are certain analog stations, such as 24 (C-Span), 25 (C-Span2), 44 (CNN), 47 (MSNBC) initially come in black. After several minutes, the pictures comes in. Eventually, the channel comes in pixelated. Eventually, the pixelated picture dissipates and the channle is okay. But the entire thing is frustrating; other analog channels come in just fine.

Any thoughts why this might be happening?

My hookup is a cable to the Comcast box from Motorola that then exports to a HDTV via an HDMI cable. The HD channels comes in just fine. But there are certain analog stations, such as 24 (C-Span), 25 (C-Span2), 44 (CNN), 47 (MSNBC) initially come in black. After several minutes, the pictures comes in. Eventually, the channel comes in pixelated. Eventually, the pixelated picture dissipates and the channle is okay. But the entire thing is frustrating; other analog channels come in just fine.

Any thoughts why this might be happening?

Too many splitters or a bad cable. All the channels you mention are DIGITAL, not analog. The digital channels require a relatively clean signal. The symptons you discribe are exactly what one would expect with a marginal signal.

what box do you have 3412? 6412? 6200?

The HDMI cable seems peachy for the HD channels. I do have a splitter to send some signal to the Comcast box (i think it is a 3408 or a 6408) and my PVR. Maybe that is causing the disturbance on those particular channels and not others? Odd that only certain channels would be whacked.

Man 2 NFL games in a row for me on 105 and have you guys been annoyed by the out of focus to focus? Man I can't deal with it.... Figured the Hall of Fame game was just them getting eveyrthing ready but same deal with the Ciny vs WA game... Bummer..... Thought it would be perfect.. I enjoy thier nascar for sure...

The HDMI cable seems peachy for the HD channels. I do have a splitter to send some signal to the Comcast box (i think it is a 3408 or a 6408) and my PVR. Maybe that is causing the disturbance on those particular channels and not others? Odd that only certain channels would be whacked.
There are several frequency bands with Channel 24 being 675 MHz and HD channels around 590 MHz. Problems can occur at some frequencies while reception can be perfect at others. See the definition of bug in the system. sam

So right now, who is getting FSN-HD in the Seattle area? Only DirectTV customers?

There are several frequency bands with Channel 24 being 675 MHz and HD channels around 590 MHz. Problems can occur at some frequencies while reception can be perfect at others. See the definition of bug in the system. sam

Thanks for this explanation on why some channels work fine and others do not. It still seems that the HDMI cable is working fine for some channels. The problem may be the splitter. I don't know how I can get around that.

I need to split the signal to get my Panasonic DVR box to work properly. I understand that it does not work if the signal goes to the Motorola box and then to the Panasonic DVR box. So, I split to the Panasonic DVR box and tothe Motorola box (with a QAM tuner) and then have 2 feeds to the TV.

Thanks for you help. Any further ideas appreciated.

who has fox hd? ha...yep, i think only directv has that and only for those 30 or so hd mariner games. You do no that comcast has not added an hd channel in close to a year. TNT was really the last one...ESPN2 onl,y replaced inhd2 so there has been ZERO hd advancement in comcast for most of the past 2 years...but hey, if there is no other cable competition then comcast can add HD as slow as they want and really not be hurt one bit...we will not even get to watch thursday football in hd as comcast has gotten rid of NFL HD....

but hey, for my $180 cable/internet bill from comcast I guess that is what they consider fair..

and too think I used to have expressvu, directv, voom and comcast...now only comcast....ouch

Man 2 NFL games in a row for me on 105 and have you guys been annoyed by the out of focus to focus? Man I can't deal with it.... Figured the Hall of Fame game was just them getting eveyrthing ready but same deal with the Ciny vs WA game... Bummer..... Thought it would be perfect.. I enjoy thier nascar for sure...

Yes, I also noticed the "out-of-focus". It happened when they were about to show the re-play / slow-motion.
At first, I though it was the problem with the TV [i.e., 720p <-> 1080i, conversion or something like that].
Now, after reading your post, I hope it is the problem with NBC.
I didn't recall seeing such problems last season with ABC/FOX.

who has fox hd? ha...yep, i think only directv has that and only for those 30 or so hd mariner games. You do no that comcast has not added an hd channel in close to a year. TNT was really the last one...ESPN2 onl,y replaced inhd2 so there has been ZERO hd advancement in comcast for most of the past 2 years...but hey, if there is no other cable competition then comcast can add HD as slow as they want and really not be hurt one bit...we will not even get to watch thursday football in hd as comcast has gotten rid of NFL HD....

but hey, for my $180 cable/internet bill from comcast I guess that is what they consider fair..

and too think I used to have expressvu, directv, voom and comcast...now only comcast....ouch

Although there is no agreement on the NFLHD channel, we've been seeing games on the special events HD channel (or INHD). My understanding is that Comcast will get the games even if there is no final agreement, but there should be one soon.

Rich N.

Man 2 NFL games in a row for me on 105 and have you guys been annoyed by the out of focus to focus? Man I can't deal with it.... Figured the Hall of Fame game was just them getting eveyrthing ready but same deal with the Ciny vs WA game... Bummer..... Thought it would be perfect.. I enjoy thier nascar for sure... The OTA signal wasn't having this problem. There was also way more pizelizing and mosquito noise with the Comcast HD feed than the OTA signal. I hope this isn't a bad sign where Comcast starts compressing the pristine HD signal, all so they can fit more SD channels of garbage nobody watches.

The OTA signal wasn't having this problem. There was also way more pizelizing and mosquito noise with the Comcast HD feed than the OTA signal. I hope this isn't a bad sign where Comcast starts compressing the pristine HD signal, all so they can fit more SD channels of garbage nobody watches.
The comments in the programming forum suggest this was a problem all over the country regardless of transmission source - OTA and various cable/satellite services. That makes it sound like a multicasting problem. Most NBC affiliates carry WeatherPlus on one of their digital channels.

Anyone hear anything yet on whether or not Comcast will start rebroadcasting KSTW in HD? (CW11)

Thanks for this explanation on why some channels work fine and others do not. It still seems that the HDMI cable is working fine for some channels. The problem may be the splitter. I don't know how I can get around that.

I need to split the signal to get my Panasonic DVR box to work properly. I understand that it does not work if the signal goes to the Motorola box and then to the Panasonic DVR box. So, I split to the Panasonic DVR box and tothe Motorola box (with a QAM tuner) and then have 2 feeds to the TV.

Thanks for you help. Any further ideas appreciated.

Some splitters (old ones) are not rated for the higher frequencies. Buy a good one somewhere that you can trust. Even the better ones are relatively inexpensive. sam

Anyone hear anything yet on whether or not Comcast will start rebroadcasting KSTW in HD? (CW11)
I received a reply asking if KSTW 11 plans on broadcasting on Comcast in Hd by September when the CW launches & this is there response

We do not have a definitive confirmation as to Comcast
carrying us in HD this Fall, but we are certainly in hopes that this
will
come about.

Sincerely,

Kathy Walker
Program Coordinator for KSTW
Home of the new CW 11
and the Seattle Mariners!

Hopefully Comcast will pick it up since many of the WB shows we enjoyed in HD are moving to KSTW now and while UPN had precious little in HD, WB's contribution should make it worth Comcast's while to carry KSTW in HD now.

Hopefully Comcast will pick it up since many of the WB shows we enjoyed in HD are moving to KSTW now and while UPN had precious little in HD, WB's contribution should make it worth Comcast's while to carry KSTW in HD now.
It seems like there would be FAR more call for KSTW in HD than there would for the MyNetwork tripe that KTWB (or whatever their calls will be when that happens) is gonna be carrying. I would expect that Comcast will drop one and pick up the other when the CW switch happens.

FWIW, MyNetworkTV will be the first network to be 100% HD. They will have no programs originated in SD.

So I'd say it's worth carrying that "Tripe", since it will at least be pretty to look at!

It seems like there would be FAR more call for KSTW in HD than there would for the MyNetwork tripe that KTWB (or whatever their calls will be when that happens) is gonna be carrying. I would expect that Comcast will drop one and pick up the other when the CW switch happens.

So I'd say it's worth carrying that "Tripe", since it will at least be pretty to look at!
To start, at the very least, all telenovelas, all the time. A hi-def soap-opera....is still a soap opera.

Thanks, given the choice between that and CW11, I'll take CW11.

Yeah, the 'original programming' offered on Comcast 110 will be less than appealing for me (;

About the only benefit of not getting CW11 in HD is that it might save me some room on the DVR (; Comcast needs to offer some seriously bigger hard drives in their DVRs for HDTV recording.

DCT-3412 problems - Anyone having problems with getting a good DCT-3412?
My DCT-6412 died; gross pixilation and no sound on recorded material. On service day, Comcast replaced it with a 3412 and that one had one dead tuner. Then, they swapped a second 3412. After an electronic kick it came to life. However, the next day I lost one of the tuners; again. After another electronic kick, the tuner came back. However, the response to the remote has always been very sluggsh, at best. I'm scheduled more another Comcast visit today.

A cautionary tale for any Comcast Seattle customers subscribing to the 'Digital Lite' channel package.

I upgraded from Comcast Seattle's Digital Lite package in June to Classic Digital and a HD DVR. I recently decided to revert back to Digital Lite and now find out that Comcast Seattle will not offer a HD set-top box with the Limited Basic Cable channel package.

I must subscribe to their 'Basic Cable' channel package to qualify for a HD set-top box. Comcast acknowledged that I could still be enjoying the now-defunct 'Digital Lite' package if I had done nothing to change my service level.

It seems like there would be FAR more call for KSTW in HD than there would for the MyNetwork tripe that KTWB (or whatever their calls will be when that happens) is gonna be carrying. I would expect that Comcast will drop one and pick up the other when the CW switch happens.

From what I remember, KCPQ & (then) KTWB were both part of a single carriage agreement with Tribune. It'd probably be difficult for Comcast to drop KMYQ without getting into a transmission-consent war over KCPQ.

I have some hope of finally seeing KSTW in HD on Comcast, though. Comcast's home system in Philadelphia's finally added UPN/CW 57, which, like our UPN/CW 11, is owned directly by CBS.

This worked fine for me until a couple of months ago. Then the signal from 81-2 KTWB HD began to intrude, and now no FOX HD at all. Does anyone have a thought about why?

This worked fine for me until a couple of months ago. Then the signal from 81-2 KTWB HD began to intrude, and now no FOX HD at all. Does anyone have a thought about why?

It's a shot in the dark, but you might to force a channel re-scan on your receiver. I recall some people having trouble when Comcast started passing KCPQ/KTWB PSIP data that re-mapped them to 13-1 and 22-1. (You might find, after a rescan, that they work reliably on 13-1 and 22-1 rather than 81-1 and 81-2.)

I just noticed that the Miami-Tampa Bay NFL preseason game at 8AM Sunday (8/20) on 180 is listed in the guide as being in HD.

Too many splitters or a bad cable. All the channels you mention are DIGITAL, not analog. The digital channels require a relatively clean signal. The symptons you discribe are exactly what one would expect with a marginal signal.

There are several frequency bands with Channel 24 being 675 MHz and HD channels around 590 MHz. Problems can occur at some frequencies while reception can be perfect at others. See the definition of bug in the system. sam

Thanks to you both. I am back to go figure. Currently, the channels on which I was experiencing problems have changed back to being just fine with no lag. It must not be the splitter because I did not change the splitter.

I did change some setting on the TV that was "stetching" the picture (the wife unit liked watching fatter guys, I guess). I turned off that "strecth" feature.

Not sure if this was known here (couldn't find anything about it), but it looks like UPN and WB are now merging into CW later this Friday. (http://www.upn11.com for more info).

Since the new channel will take over the analog 11 and that UPN was never broadcasted in HD on Comcast, does that mean that we effectively losing the WB local HD channel? Or is the WB channel will still be available?

Anybody knows?

-eric

Yea...I know.....CW11, aka KSTW,...will air close to 9 hours of HD prime time this fall with the CW network. Most former WB primtetime shows will be broadcast in HD.
We are working close with Comcast to put us on their digital HD tier in September. Stay Tuned!!

RDiotte
CE, KSTW ;)

Could you try to show ONE Mariners' game in HD?! :)

Could you try to show ONE Mariners' game in HD?! :)

Preferably not against Oakland.

Preferably not against Oakland.
Why? It doesn't matter these days.

Why? It doesn't matter these days.
Because there is a difference between "a minuscule chance of winning" versus "no chance whatsoever." :)

Here's an interesting problem that I came across a couple of hours ago. I had a nice list of digital feeds from Comcast on my tuner, all of which have disappeared (no signal, no audio).
Has anyone else in the Lake Forest Park/Kenmore area experienced this same loss?
Thanks.

INHD (664) is showing Miami/Tampa Bay in HD sam

Yea...I know.....CW11, aka KSTW,...will air close to 9 hours of HD prime time this fall with the CW network. Most former WB primtetime shows will be broadcast in HD.
We are working close with Comcast to put us on their digital HD tier in September. Stay Tuned!!

RDiotte
CE, KSTW ;)

Really cool! Thanks for the update. I'm glad to hear that things are in motion.

-eric

Because there is a difference between "a minuscule chance of winning" versus "no chance whatsoever." :)

LOL

Living in the seattle area we get the microsoft guide, I like it more then iGuide but I still want the Tivo interface. When I was talking to the phone support she said "THERE IS NO TIVO INFERFACE EVER COMING. but we did just sign a deal with sprint/nextel" I was like WTF? Then I just talked to another and he told me the next HD Channel will be a national geographic. Comcast should just lay some Fibers and give me more HD. The only reason I have not switched to E* is cause of on demand.

When I was talking to the phone support she said "THERE IS NO TIVO INFERFACE EVER COMING.
It is largely agreed upon, at least with regard to this issue, that the front-line Comcast phone clones have not one single flipping idea what they are talking about, and you can ignore anything they say on this subject with impunity.

Noticed that KCTS is now 720p, not 1080i, maybe they are trying to fix their bad HD picture. Anyone know m ore about this?

It is largely agreed upon, at least with regard to this issue, that the front-line Comcast phone clones have not one single flipping idea what they are talking about, and you can ignore anything they say on this subject with impunity.

Yes, case in point. After hearing about all the new HD channels being added to Comcast in certain areas, and after getting a letter in the mail in April saying that they have the ability to now add more HD channels, I called Comcast a couple times awhile back to ask what was up with losing INHD2 and when we would get more HD.
One person on the phone told me that I'd be pleasently surprised soon if I stuck with Comcast because we were getting a number of new HD channels this summer and that he could not tell me what they were; however, he could definately comfirm a new Horror HD channel coming in Oct. Anyway, I posted this awhile back all excited thinking we were getting new HD channels soon.

First of all, one person I talked too did not even know that INHD2 was replaced by ESPN-2, they actally said "Oh that explains why when I type in 665 INHD2 is not there!"

Second, we have not had a single HD channel yet nor had any messages that new channels are coming yet and summer is almost over.

Third, I searched for the Horror Network and found Comcast and Sony are in fact going to have a Horror Network this October, but it says nothing about it being in HD. I bet it will just be another SD digital channel, but hope I'm wrong.

It seems that if you browse through these forums, you will probably have more knowledge of what is going on with Comcast than some of the people that answer the phones.

First of all, one person I talked too did not even know that INHD2 was replaced by ESPN-2, they actally said "Oh that explains why when I type in 665 INHD2 is not there!"

Actually, I didn't know that either. We get ESPN2-HD now? I'm new to the HD thing and the channel menu I have is from January. I wonder what else I get that I don't know about.

(Oh. 174. Wouldja lookit that. I never thought to check. Now, who do I have to kill to get OLN (or Versus) HD so I can have hi-def hockey?) :)

Noticed that KCTS is now 720p, not 1080i, maybe they are trying to fix their bad HD picture. Anyone know m ore about this?

This is true. It happened sometime last week, after the 14th, before the 20th.

Noticed that KCTS is now 720p, not 1080i, maybe they are trying to fix their bad HD picture. Anyone know m ore about this?

KCTS' issue is that they don't dedicate their entire HDTV bandwith allocation to their HDTRV signal, but instead share it with their DTV signal (109) as well as a few extra channels (112, at least). So their HD feed (108) is "starved" for bandwith, which is why it pixelates so bad.

Moving to 720p will improve fast-motion shots, but probably won't do anything to help the general pixelation issue.

Doesn't 720p require less bandwidth than 1080i for the full signal, so that it would be affected less by compression to fit into the HD share?

Not if they use the extra bandwidth for another channel, it won't. :)

-eric

OK, so moving from 1080i to 720p could allow them to add yet another channel -- but if they kept the same bandwidth for HD it should cut down on the pixelation.

Actually, I didn't know that either. We get ESPN2-HD now? I'm new to the HD thing and the channel menu I have is from January. I wonder what else I get that I don't know about.


Yeah if it wasn't for these forums I wouldn't have known what happened to INHD2 and that we got ESPN2-hd added.

BTW, yesterday I called Comcast to ask a question about my bill, and once again, I asked about any new HD channels coming. I told her that I had read forums online and that Comcast in other areas of the country have added MHD, UHD etc. and asked if we would be getting those channels anytime soon.

Her response was something like, we don't have the bandwidth yet and they did a survey and most people in the Seattle area are not interested in the new HD channels currently available for them to find it worth while to free up bandwidth to add them now. Surveys in other markets showed it was worth while for Comcast to add more HD in those regions. Eventually when they cut down the analog channels we will see more HD added here in Seattle.

I hope that is not true cause it might be a few more years til we see any new HD in Seattle if that is the case. Before we hung up, I put in a request to add more HD to our lineup asap.

Could you try to show ONE Mariners' game in HD?! :)


as I answered this question in the OTA forum:

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 :o

Doesn't 720p require less bandwidth than 1080i for the full signal, so that it would be affected less by compression to fit into the HD share?

The "video bandwith" is 37MHz for each (and 1080i usually can get away with as little as 22MHz before it "softens"). As to the raw pixel rate, 1080i is more then double what 720p's is (of course, 720p sends twice as much data per unit of measurement since it is non-interlaced), so I imagine they end up about the same in how much cable-capacity they chew up... :confused:

as I answered this question in the OTA forum:

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 :o



ODD....Click in Tacoma has Fox NW in HD. They are even advertising Mariner games in HD!

ODD....Click in Tacoma has Fox NW in HD. They are even advertising Mariner games in HD!

Well Click gets taxpayer money... ;)

Comcast call-center agents were distributed some talking points yesterday referencing that Jewelry TV and TV Guide channel are moving to digital service and being eliminated on analog some time in September. The memo referenced freeing up bandwidth to add HDTV channels that customers were demanding. CW was specifically mentioned but the tone of the memo was that other channels were in play too... Seems to validate the theory that they are completely starved for bandwidth but nice to learn they are trying to adapt. Will share more if any info comes my way.