I cut it down to less than 4 seconds, but it's still 9 megabytes. I don't have enough space to host that myself. I might be able to email it, but I don't normally email such large files, so I'm not sure if it will work.

Alternatively, I could strip the video PID from the file. Then it would be quite small.



Don,

Let me know if you want these files. I can easily host up to 100MB. If you do, I'll PM both you and tap passwords and instructions. It's really easy to do.

Jim

I cut it down to less than 4 seconds, but it's still 9 megabytes. I don't have enough space to host that myself. I might be able to email it, but I don't normally email such large files, so I'm not sure if it will work.
...


do you use comcast for your Internet service? if so, I'm sure you've thought of this, but i believe you get 25MB of storage space on comcast.net. could be another way to get the file to him

Let's make sure that we are all on the same page.

I am hearing of two different sound problems, both related to ABC's HDTV network programming on KOMO.

1. Crackling on high program audio peaks.

2. Noise bursts occurring at intervals of 10 minutes or more, more prominent when listening in DD5.1.

I am hearing that the issues occur only on HDTV programs such as Grey's Anatomy, Lost, Desperate Housewives, etc. but not on the network's upconverted SD content such as the soaps, 20-20, America's Funniest Home Videos, etc. Nor is it heard on any of KOMO's local programming Channel 4 News, NW Afternoon, etc.

KOMO's John F. reports that he "...has checked our Dolby DP-569 audio encoder and it shows no errors. It also shows all audio peaking at less than -0.1 dBFS, that is, all audio channel LEDs are either green or yellow (yellow meaning the audio level is less than -60 dBFS); if they were red we’d definitely be clipping audio. Of course, that would be heard as distortion, not popping. We have a Linear Acoustic OctiMax 5.1 audio processor ahead of the Dolby encoder. The OctiMax was installed to level our unprocessed digital audio to eliminate the loudness and level issues we had.

Though our local programming is either monaural or stereo, the OctiMax upmixes the audio to 5.1, which includes sending LFE audio to the LFE channel. During Network HDTV programming, the OctiMax processes Network 5.1 audio normally. Our Dolby DP-569 encoder shows all input AES channels with active data: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, the LEDs are all green. If there are any errors, the erring channel LED will go red.

Even though the Dolby AC-3 standard specifies 640 kb/s as the highest transport rate, ATSC specifies 384 kb/s. That is the rate we use."

Everything broadcast by KOMO, local and network, goes through the OctiMax so inconsistent levels should not be a problem.

In plotting the locations of viewers having audio problems, I did not see a geographical trend, so I think that we can rule out issues related to Comcast's distribution.

I do need to verify that all audio issues are with ABC primetime HDTV programming only.

Is that your experience?

Don

Don,

Let me know if you want these files. I can easily host up to 100MB. If you do, I'll PM both you and tap passwords and instructions. It's really easy to do.

Jim

Thanks, Jim. I think that I am getting the picture now. Let's hold off just a bit until I can follow up on a couple of leads.

Don

"I do need to verify that all audio issues are with ABC primetime HDTV programming only."

That is an absolutely correct statement.

King5 started airing local news in full HD today. Komo's pq looks bad comparing to King5's now. and yes King5 is doing field shots in HD too.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/hdnews041607.htm

"I do need to verify that all audio issues are with ABC primetime HDTV programming only."

That is an absolutely correct statement.

I can verify that this is true.

King5 started airing local news in full HD today. Komo's pq looks bad comparing to King5's now. and yes King5 is doing field shots in HD too.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/hdnews041607.htm

"Station executives say KING 5 is the first in Seattle to produce the news in high-def. "

What universe are KING executives living in? KOMO has been doing it for years, and were the first to not have that annoying HD/SD switching all newscast long.

"Station executives say KING 5 is the first in Seattle to produce the news in high-def. "

What universe are KING executives living in? KOMO has been doing it for years, and were the first to not have that annoying HD/SD switching all newscast long.
KOMO does 16x9 SD, not HD. They don't have an HD switcher.

Hi - I know this doesn't relate to Comcast, but I wanted to see if anyone local had ideas on where I might find the stand for my Toshiba 34HFX83. The stand model number is ST34W63.

Toshiba has been no help - they referred me to the manufacturer, TechCraft, and so far I have not gotten anywhere with them. Video Only (where I bought the TV) can't help me. I found one vendor online who had it but it turned out to be a typo on their site and they shipped me the wrong model.

Does anyone have one of these lying around or have any ideas where I might find one?

Thanks in advance!

KOMO does 16x9 SD, not HD. They don't have an HD switcher.

KOMO is the one who is lying to it's viewers that there news are in HD.

KOMO is the one who is lying to it's viewers that there news are in HD.
I don't recall hearing KOMO claim HD for their newscasts. They did explain some time ago that their field cameras were digital SD in widescreen mode. I don't recall any description of their studio cameras. Then again, my memory is not as good as it used to be.

Their in-studio stuff is HD, according to the AVS HD Programming Synopsis. KING is also listed there.

Their in-studio stuff is HD, according to the AVS HD Programming Synopsis. KING is also listed there.
Here's what KOMO says about its news programs:

Here’s what we do at KOMO 4. We create all of our elements in wide-screen digital, which is not HD, but is much better than traditional analog television. We upconvert and broadcast all of those elements in HD. The end product is such a stunning improvement that many of the manufacturers of pure HD equipment haven’t found a market for their HD products, yet, because HD is still relatively expensive.


Our studio cameras are HD cameras, but our switcher is not, therefore we use the widescreen digital output of our cameras for News. KING 5 has the same situation, but chooses to switch to native HD when only the studio camera is on the air (no name keys or graphics). That’s why the signal keeps switching from upconverted 4x3 shots to widescreen HD. We did something similar when we first began broadcasting in HD, but decided that the quality difference was so slight compared to the jarring effect of switching between 4x3 and 16x9.


Creating TV in HD still takes about 4 times the amount of storage space for gathering field video or editing. Compression schemes are improving, and we probably won’t go to HD field production and editing for approximately 5 years. Our next step will be to gather more of our news on computer chips and ingest it directly to servers for editing and playback.



KOMO 4 has worked hard to put a high quality widescreen product on the air that you can enjoy in HD, but it will still be a few years before it is HD from end to end.



Thanks,

Don LaCombe

Director of Operations

KOMO 4, Seattle

http://www.rtnda.org/technology/hidef.shtml

High-Definition News Emerges Slowly

By Michael Murrie, for Communicator, April 2001

High-definition television newscasts are slowly emerging, despite controversy about digital television standards and formats, slow digital television sales, limited programming, and reluctance among owners to make big initial investments. At least two television stations now have regular HD newscasts, and several others have experimented with HD news production.

There's even a molasses-paced rivalry evolving. In May 1999, KOMO-TV in Seattle started what it called the first local daily news in the world to broadcast in HDTV. A month later, rival KING-TV also started a high-definition newscast.

KOMO recently began using full-motion HD news graphics, and KING is unveiling a new weather center that works with HD. Greg Thies, news operations manager at KING, says the framework of every such project must consider HD's detailed resolution and wide aspect ratio. "It's not a simple flip of the switch," he says.

This year, WRAL-TV in Raleigh, NC, the first station in the nation to broadcast HDTV, began a high-definition newscast on Super Bowl Sunday. WRAL says it's the first television station in the nation to produce newscasts in high definition, including field newsgathering and editing.

So what's the difference between what WRAL just started and what KING and KOMO started almost two years ago? Not much. Most of KOMO's and KING's news video is shot in DTV wide screen in the field, while WRAL says its field video is all HD.

"The HD video quality is stunning on an HD set," says John Harris, director of special projects for WRAL-TV. "But we also see a very clear improvement in the down-converted analog video from our HD studio cameras and the new HD field cameras. This is most apparent when we go directly from locally shot sports video, for instance, to video we've taken in on a feed--the quality is so different it's jarring. We're now trying to improve the quality of all outside video because it looks terrible on the air next to our down-converted HD material."

At least as significant is another rivalry, the one between Sony and Panasonic. KOMO and KING use Sony Betacam SX camcorders to shoot wide-screen (16:9 aspect ratio DTV) news stories in the field and up-convert them for the HD broadcasts. KOMO also shoots some HD field video with Sony's HDC-750 portable camera.

As for Panasonic, it says WRAL's accomplishment demonstrates that all-HD news can be implemented in mid-sized markets. WRAL purchased scores of pieces of Panasonic's DVCPRO HD equipment, including 59 AJ-HD150 studio videotape recorders, 29 AJ-HDC20A 1080i camcorders, an HD switcher, and an AJ-HDR150 video server with multi-resolution recording and playback. The server plays mostly short, repetitive video elements such as bumpers. The list price for the camcorder is $60,000, and the video servers start at $80,000, but you can bet WRAL received deep discounts with these quantities, especially being the first to use them on a regular basis.

Though it shoots in HD, WRAL continues to frame material for the standard 4:3 aspect ratio. The station's satellite and microwave trucks are wide screen, but standard definition. WRAL previously used Panasonic DVCPRO50, (50 megabit per second compared with 100 for DVCPRO HD) for newsgathering. Panasonic says the DVCPRO HD is backwardly compatible with the earlier DVCPRO formats. "It's a big investment," says Harris, "but you can't top the quality of the pictures."

--Michael Murrie is Communicator's products writer.

Re popping noise on KOMO-DT

I have just confirmed with ABC New York that the noise bursts that occur every so often originate from their network facilities. Their engineering department is well aware of it and they are working to correct the problem. They say that they have received complaints from a number of ABC affiliates.

Don

awesome news Don....

I hope they understand that the noise is constant for some users and sporadic for others. I know in my case all HD primetime shows have the popping noise (most noticeable in dialogue) through the entire broadcast.

Did they give you an ETA on a fix? :-)

awesome news Don....

I hope they understand that the noise is constant for some users and sporadic for others. I know in my case all HD primetime shows have the popping noise (most noticeable in dialogue) through the entire broadcast.

Did they give you an ETA on a fix? :-)

This may or may not be related. My best advice is to "stay tuned"...let's fix a known problem, then if that doesn't correct the problem that you are seeing, then we can work on it.

The best indicator that I know of is, if you don't see the issue on local programming, News, NW Afternoon, then it is most likely a network problem.

Dave at ABC NY did not have a time estimate, saying that they knew that they had an encoder problem and they are working on a fix.

Don

...
I have just confirmed with ABC New York that the noise bursts that occur every so often originate from their network facilities.
...

Strange that it never occurred to them to share that information with you before now.

KING News in HD?
Mimi Jung....
Woo-HOO!

This may or may not be related. My best advice is to "stay tuned"...let's fix a known problem, then if that doesn't correct the problem that you are seeing, then we can work on it.

The best indicator that I know of is, if you don't see the issue on local programming, News, NW Afternoon, then it is most likely a network problem.

Dave at ABC NY did not have a time estimate, saying that they knew that they had an encoder problem and they are working on a fix.

Don

Great news. Thanks for your work on tracking this down.

KING News in HD?
Mimi Jung....
Woo-HOO!

:). I went to Junior high and high school with Mimi... It is still weird for me to see her on TV all the time, but I wish her all the best and believe she is doing a great job.

Well congratulations to KING for making the move that all the other channels should make.

Yes, I'm talking to you, KIRO.

Don, you rule!!!!

Just confirming: ABC 5.1 primetime popping continous. NOT at any other time. I agrre with getting the network to fix their problem first before continuing to looking for trouble at your end.

Well...I watched the KING5 news from 5-6pm. I thought it looked pretty good, although I really wish some of the local field segments were in HD. What I found amazing (not in a good way, though) was that they did a short segment on their new HD capability, with a reporter in the "HD Control Center," and the live segment "in the control room" wasn't shot with an HD camera! Talk about a mixed message.

Anyhow, I'm just glad they've stopped that dreadful 4:3 to 16:9 switching. And I'm glad that slowly but surely the Seattle stations are coming in to the HD era.

I recently purchased (about a month ago) a Sony KD-34XBR970 with the built in HD tuner, and as a result I don't pay for the HD package from Comcast.

With that said I have noticed that ABC's HD feed (82.4) has a clear picture but the audio consistently stutters so bad that it isn't worth watching....


Any thoughts?

From what I can tell the rest of the HD feeds appear with no problems, but since I am still exploring all the Digital and HD feeds I can't be absolutely sure.

So far this site has been a huge help especially Jingos post a few days ago listing the digital/HD channel lineup.

It might be your set?
I have the same tv and can't watch 4.1 because of the same problem.
I went to best buy and one of the display models did the same thing while the other display set worked fine.

Good luck :rolleyes:

What I get on the QAM tuner on my 23" Sony Bravia LCD is not a popping, it's a stuttering, like half of the audio doesn't come through. I get it on all KOMO programming - network shows or local news. It does not occur on either of our 2 Sony LCD RPs or the QAM tuner Miglia TVmini HD to my Mac.

Well...I watched the KING5 news from 5-6pm. I thought it looked pretty good, although I really wish some of the local field segments were in HD. What I found amazing (not in a good way, though) was that they did a short segment on their new HD capability, with a reporter in the "HD Control Center," and the live segment "in the control room" wasn't shot with an HD camera! Talk about a mixed message.

Anyhow, I'm just glad they've stopped that dreadful 4:3 to 16:9 switching. And I'm glad that slowly but surely the Seattle stations are coming in to the HD era.

As time goes on, all field cameras, towers cams and Sky King will be updated to HD. This was such an expensive project, completely new control room and audio room and audio board, that this launch was what you'd call a bare minimum. It looked great though.

Speaking of sound problems with ABC.
Why does Dancing With the Stars audio always sound so bad.
With the hd feed the announcers voices always seem to sound hollow or muffled on the first part of the show. I noticed it last year and this year.
Sounds the same for Ota hd and cable hd.

...
Why does Dancing With the Stars audio always sound so bad.
...


To match the rest of the program?

To match the rest of the program?
Ouch! :D

I wonder how long ABC New York has known about the issue? For the record....the primetime popping sound continues.

Does anyone have a Motorola DCT3416 DVR that seems to reboot every few days?

Does anyone have a Motorola DCT3416 DVR that seems to reboot every few days?

Do you have firmware version 12.35? If so, call Comcast and ask them to revert your firmware to 12.31. They will do that, and it will stop the unprovoked reboots.

I'll have to check on the firmware- I mentioned to the tech that I knew there was a firmware to correct this issue and she asked if I had a receiver hooked up to the Comcast box. I said I do and she then refused to send the firmware because she said it would render the optical out port on the Comcast box useless......ummmm I'm going to call back and talk to another person!

Thanks!

I'll have to check on the firmware- I mentioned to the tech that I knew there was a firmware to correct this issue and she asked if I had a receiver hooked up to the Comcast box. I said I do and she then refused to send the firmware because she said it would render the optical out port on the Comcast box useless......ummmm I'm going to call back and talk to another person!

Thanks!

I haven't heard of such a problem with 12.31, but there's no way for me to check it (no receiver and no optical experience). If you have an alternate way to connect your receiver, I'd think that getting rid of the reboots would make the switch worthwhile even if what the CSR said is true.

Seems the first tech I spoke with was clueless.....I now have the 12.31 firmware. Hopefully this is more stable........My receiver still works too!

Seems the first tech I spoke with was clueless.....I now have the 12.31 firmware. Hopefully this is more stable........My receiver still works too!

No surprise.

It's definitely more stable. They need to fix the problem with 12.35 and give us an update, though.

Always check here first.

I have an old box, moto 6412 I think, and have never had any popping sound.
I think the music on Dancing is fabulous, and the females pros are stunning, except for the sprayed on tans

Well, now that King5 news is HD, so is its 10 o'clock news on KONG HD. Cool!
--
Sang

Re popping noise on KOMO-DT

I have just confirmed with ABC New York that the noise bursts that occur every so often originate from their network facilities. Their engineering department is well aware of it and they are working to correct the problem. They say that they have received complaints from a number of ABC affiliates.

Don

Don,

I don't know if the symptoms that you mentioned in your message were exactly what we've been encountering. For example, the sound issues were entirely throughout the episode of Lost this evening (4/18), and not sporadic.

I noticed a couple of observations:
- the sound issue was fully through Lost tonight. I noticed it clearly through the center channel. I heard it when people were speaking, as well as certain music/sound frequencies were played.

- I heard the sound issue on the majority of the HD commercials that were broadcast during Lost (e.g., the AT&T commercial, the Directv commercial), but not all. The few HD commercials that I didn't notice the problem on include the Remax commercial, the Ford commercial, or the Target commercial. Not sure if they all originated from NY, or whether all originated in DD 5.1 (the Ford commercial used the surround speakers, but not sure if it originated in DD 5.1 or was 'converted')

- I did not hear the sound issue on any of the upconverted SD commercials

- I did not hear it on the KOMO news preview towards the end of Lost

If you want a snippet of the HD stream, or a section of the DD audio, let me know.

RE: sound popping during LOST yesterday.

I concur. I live in Tukwila. Heard it through Comcast DVR 3412. Both with Receiver (Coax), and analog (Composite L/R). At times really bad...

--
Sang

So Niehaus just did a plug for FSN HD during the Mariners broadcast, mentioning how the game is available in HD on Comcast 664. Too bad the game isn't being shown on 664.

Did Dave screw up, is this one of the few non HD home games? Or are we getting screwed out of the game in HD?

So Niehaus just did a plug for FSN HD during the Mariners broadcast, mentioning how the game is available in HD on Comcast 664. Too bad the game isn't being shown on 664.

Did Dave screw up, is this one of the few non HD home games? Or are we getting screwed out of the game in HD?

I've heard of some early issues with these broadcasts... a friend of mine was not getting the broadcast and I was. Not sure if it was his own problem or what, Comcast never got it sorted out for him and he got the next one, so he thought he was fine.

You could try calling them to see if they're any help, but don't get your hopes up.

There's a movie (Klute) listed in the guide, but 664 is now carrying an NHL game/fight. I thought that's what 665 was for.

seems to be some confusion and who knows what's what. the fsn web site at http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD#FSNwest indicates no HD broadcast. The "Daily Wire" email they send out did say the game was in HDTV though. It not being in the guide should indicate there was no broadcast (the other one that was mastakenly not carried was in the guide), but Niehaus was apparently plugging the broadcast in HD. So... who knows? Maybe somone could ask the guys on the MDM or DirecTV board. I dunno. There's nothing to be done about it now.

I belive the screw up on the Mariners game today may have something to do with the fact that the game was a late add to the TV schedule. Originally it was not going to be televised locally, but after the Cleveland debacle was added. My guess is that Comcast didn't add it to their switching system, so it never got put on Cable. I'm pretty sure the game made it on to at least DirecTV in HD.

Don,

I don't know if the symptoms that you mentioned in your message were exactly what we've been encountering. For example, the sound issues were entirely throughout the episode of Lost this evening (4/18), and not sporadic.

I noticed a couple of observations:
- the sound issue was fully through Lost tonight. I noticed it clearly through the center channel. I heard it when people were speaking, as well as certain music/sound frequencies were played.

- I heard the sound issue on the majority of the HD commercials that were broadcast during Lost (e.g., the AT&T commercial, the Directv commercial), but not all. The few HD commercials that I didn't notice the problem on include the Remax commercial, the Ford commercial, or the Target commercial. Not sure if they all originated from NY, or whether all originated in DD 5.1 (the Ford commercial used the surround speakers, but not sure if it originated in DD 5.1 or was 'converted')

- I did not hear the sound issue on any of the upconverted SD commercials

- I did not hear it on the KOMO news preview towards the end of Lost

If you want a snippet of the HD stream, or a section of the DD audio, let me know.

If you don't hear the problem on KOMO's local content, but only on ABC's primetime programs, it confirms that it is incoming from the network. There is little that KOMO can do other than keep complaining to ABC.

Don

If you don't hear the problem on KOMO's local content, but only on ABC's primetime programs, it confirms that it is incoming from the network. There is little that KOMO can do other than keep complaining to ABC.

Don

Agreeed! Hope ypu keep complaining!!! :)

agreed Don......your voice is louder than ours........keep yelling!

It's amazing that a network like ABC would let this problem persist for over a month now.

ABC has had HD audio problems for over 3 years, so they seem to tolerate it pretty well.

I must say that KING news in HD is really really nice. It blows KOMO out of the water when it comes to the crispness of the in-studio shots and the graphics on the screen (Especially on weather)

One thing I noticed this morning that that KING is putting information on the 16x9 border (like the time) on the morning broadcast of the news. They are taking advantage of the added "real estate" on the screen. Nice touch.

I'm a bigger fan of KOMO news, but now sadly to say, KING has taken the lead in HD Local News and I'm hoping KOMO will try to catch back up, otherwise I may switch...:)

My .02

-Chase

I must say that KING news in HD is really really nice. It blows KOMO out of the water when it comes to the crispness of the in-studio shots and the graphics on the screen (Especially on weather)

I don't really find one better than the other (I FF through the weather), but it is nice that King got rid of the switching. But it is nice that this happened about the same time that NBC went to HD. I prefer KOMO too, but their news bug keeps me from watching it.

I thought I heard a King anchor claim they were new in HD and the first in HD. That seems sort of odd since King and Komo have been in HD for years.

I don't really find one better than the other (I FF through the weather), but it is nice that King got rid of the switching. But it is nice that this happened about the same time that NBC went to HD. I prefer KOMO too, but their news bug keeps me from watching it.

I thought I heard a King anchor claim they were new in HD and the first in HD. That seems sort of odd since King and Komo have been in HD for years.
Karyk, please read back though recent posts on this and the OTA threads. KOMO does 16x9 SD and has never done any HD. KING used to do some HD studio cameras (those without graphics) which accounted for the switching between 16x9 and 4x3. Now, much of KING's news is real HD. All four stations doing local news broadcast in "HD" on their digital channels. But, KIRO and KCPQ are 100% 4x3 SD upconverts. KOMO is largely 16x9 SD upconverted to 720p on the digital channel. And, now, KING is mostly real HD.

The difference is the same one you see on some sports events. Fox does regular season baseball in 16x9 SD. The All-Star game and playoffs are done in HD. In golf, the hand-held cameras on many HD events are 16x9 SD. When cutting between the HD and 16x9 SD cameras, the quality difference is quite clear.

(Actually, Fox is doing some regular season games in HD this year, including NY-Boston today. The cameras look HD, but the graphics don't.)

I thought I heard a King anchor claim they were new in HD and the first in HD. That seems sort of odd since King and Komo have been in HD for years.

Didn't a guy from KOMO confirm that they are not in HD? 480p 16x9

edit: I'm slow...

Update

I took my Sony KD34XBR970 back to the retailer. It had the same problem with the OTA signal 4.1 in the store, when tested. They had two more brought out and tested. There was the same problem with those sets. I'm now shopping for a new hdtv.

If you recieve an ota signal in the Seattle area, I would not recemened the Sony KD34XBR970 HDTV. there is a problem with the tuner and that signal!

Good luck

Karyk, please read back though recent posts on this and the OTA threads. KOMO does 16x9 SD and has never done any HD. KING used to do some HD studio cameras (those without graphics) which accounted for the switching between 16x9 and 4x3. Now, much of KING's news is real HD. All four stations doing local news broadcast in "HD" on their digital channels. But, KIRO and KCPQ are 100% 4x3 SD upconverts. KOMO is largely 16x9 SD upconverted to 720p on the digital channel. And, now, KING is mostly real HD.

The difference is the same one you see on some sports events. Fox does regular season baseball in 16x9 SD. The All-Star game and playoffs are done in HD. In golf, the hand-held cameras on many HD events are 16x9 SD. When cutting between the HD and 16x9 SD cameras, the quality difference is quite clear..)

KOMO studio shots are HD, and have been for years. And their 16:9 SD is much better than the stretched SD that KING still uses at times. Yes I knew why they switched back and forth--it was a joke. I do prefer KING framing the 4:3 material--that is better. But other than that, I don't see a major advantage of King over Komo or Komo over King.

Not sure why you're bringing up sport events. I also FF through sports (if I make it that far), but I think most highlights are SD.

Didn't a guy from KOMO confirm that they are not in HD? 480p 16x9

edit: I'm slow...

I'm pretty sure that's just their remote shots--we've known that for years.

...but I think most [sports] highlights are SD.
I wonder why that is. ESPN is able to do a pretty nice job of showing the HD highlights when they're available. Maybe one of the people from the TV stations can answer. If ESPN can get them, they must be out there for use.... Hmmm.

KOMO studio shots are HD, and have been for years. And their 16:9 SD is much better than the stretched SD that KING still uses at times. Yes I knew why they switched back and forth--it was a joke. I do prefer KING framing the 4:3 material--that is better. But other than that, I don't see a major advantage of King over Komo or Komo over King.

Not sure why you're bringing up sport events. I also FF through sports (if I make it that far), but I think most highlights are SD.
Karyk, your beliefs about what KOMO does are simply incorrect. KOMO's studio shots are not HD and never have been. They are 16x9 SD. Everything on KOMO's newscasts is SD, although most of it is 16x9. Whether you think it looks as good as the genuine HD on KING is a matter of personal preference. But, what is being transmitted is an issue of fact, not preference. Here is what KOMO says it is doing:

----

Here’s what we do at KOMO 4. We create all of our elements in wide-screen digital, which is not HD, but is much better than traditional analog television. We upconvert and broadcast all of those elements in HD. The end product is such a stunning improvement that many of the manufacturers of pure HD equipment haven’t found a market for their HD products, yet, because HD is still relatively expensive.

Our studio cameras are HD cameras, but our switcher is not, therefore we use the widescreen digital output of our cameras for News. KING 5 has the same situation, but chooses to switch to native HD when only the studio camera is on the air (no name keys or graphics). That’s why the signal keeps switching from upconverted 4x3 shots to widescreen HD. We did something similar when we first began broadcasting in HD, but decided that the quality difference was so slight compared to the jarring effect of switching between 4x3 and 16x9.

Creating TV in HD still takes about 4 times the amount of storage space for gathering field video or editing. Compression schemes are improving, and we probably won’t go to HD field production and editing for approximately 5 years. Our next step will be to gather more of our news on computer chips and ingest it directly to servers for editing and playback.

KOMO 4 has worked hard to put a high quality widescreen product on the air that you can enjoy in HD, but it will still be a few years before it is HD from end to end.


Thanks,

Don LaCombe
Director of Operations
KOMO 4, Seattle -----

I mentioned sports as a point of comparison. I was not refering to sports highlights on newscasts, which are all SD because no one in this market has HD field equipment or video servers for news. Rather, some network sports telecasts are done in 16x9 SD, which is not nearly as good looking as HD. If you watch an NBC golf telecast, you will see a mixture of real HD and 16x9 SD hand-held cameras. It is very easy to spot the SD cameras. Today's Legends of Golf telecast on KIRO is all 16x9 SD. It's better than a stretched picture. But, it's not HD.

KOMO deserves a great deal of credit for doing news in 16x9 since the late 1990s. KING's old approach was hard to watch. But, they have clearly moved ahead of KOMO with a great deal of real HD content and most local field video in 16x9 SD.

I wonder why that is. ESPN is able to do a pretty nice job of showing the HD highlights when they're available. Maybe one of the people from the TV stations can answer. If ESPN can get them, they must be out there for use.... Hmmm.

I don't know--but look at the issues Ch 11 had showing reruns or Star Trek in HD.

Our studio cameras are HD cameras, but our switcher is not, therefore we use the widescreen digital output of our cameras for News..

I'd missed this, but had heard their studio cameras were HD.

I've always said that HD doesn't matter that much on closeups in the context of football broadcasts. That when they say zoom in on a player's helmet, HD doesn't offer that great of an advantage over SD (unless you really do want to see the blades of grass too). It's mainly the wider shots where SD really sucks. I guess this demonstrates that.

Sort of surprising KOMO didn't get HD switchers when the moved into the new complex. I wonder if the end of the dot-com boom was realized and they downgraded the purchase, or if that's what they always intended.

Don't confuse "SD" with 480P. Some people think they are the same thing, but this isn't true. 480P (DVD) is much better than average SD TV.

Don't confuse "SD" with 480P. Some people think they are the same thing, but this isn't true. 480P (DVD) is much better than average SD TV.

As I recall, Fox tried to get people to think 480p was the same as HD. ;)

But you're right, I was sloppy referring to 16:9 SD.

KOMO studio shots are HD, and have been for years. And their 16:9 SD is much better than the stretched SD that KING still uses at times. Yes I knew why they switched back and forth--it was a joke. I do prefer KING framing the 4:3 material--that is better. But other than that, I don't see a major advantage of King over Komo or Komo over King. Not sure why you're bringing up sport events. I also FF through sports (if I make it that far), but I think most highlights are SD.
I believe KOMO's studio cameras are all HD. The images are downconverted to SD, then go through their SD switcher, then are upconverted to HD. the lack of an HD switcher means KOMO's local news is upconverted HD.

I realized this weekend I haven't updated the QAM list in quite some time. Since people have been talking about the PSIP mappings quite a bit, I've gone ahead and added those to the list. (I can't vouch for their accuracy, and have only pieced them together from postings here, since my receiver is not PSIP-over-QAM capable.) Things were getting a bit difficult to read as plain text, so I have formatted and PDFed it this time. The only actual content change was deletion of 74-2.

From http://televisionbroadcast.com/articles/article_916.shtml

The History Of HD News

May 1999: Seattle's KOMO airs what it called the first local daily news in the world to broadcast in HDTV.
June 1999: KOMO rival KING in Seattle starts its HD newscast.

By 2001: KOMO was using full-motion HD news graphics and KING was working with a new HD weather center.

January 2001: WRAL in Raleigh, NC began broadcasting all of its newscasts in HD. WRAL was the first station in the nation to broadcast digitally on July 23, 1996.

The difference between these stations is that most of KOMO's and KING's ENG video was shot in SD widescreen, while WRAL's ENG footage is all HD.

KING can say all they want, but KOMO gets credit for being the first daily HDTV news broadcast in the nation. KING was a month later. Neither use full time HD footage like WRAL, and still don't.

After all these years of watching KOMO news on channel 104, I see no reason to change that habit just because KING has fixed their switching problem. However, I now no longer have to switch away from KING automatically if I tuned to them, either.

Since I am a Nielson family for the first week of May (sweeps!), what channel I watch does matter.

Don't confuse "SD" with 480P. Some people think they are the same thing, but this isn't true. 480P (DVD) is much better than average SD TV.
480P is still SD. SD simply refers to lower (non HD) resolutions (640x480, 704x480). It does not necessarily mean bad quality.
Especially 704x480 (widescreen SD) can look pretty good, mainly on DVDs but also on certain TV programs. But it's still SD ;)

Does anybody know when comcast in the seattle area is planning to go all digital?

From http://televisionbroadcast.com/articles/article_916.shtml

The History Of HD News

May 1999: Seattle's KOMO airs what it called the first local daily news in the world to broadcast in HDTV.
June 1999: KOMO rival KING in Seattle starts its HD newscast.

By 2001: KOMO was using full-motion HD news graphics and KING was working with a new HD weather center.

January 2001: WRAL in Raleigh, NC began broadcasting all of its newscasts in HD. WRAL was the first station in the nation to broadcast digitally on July 23, 1996.

The difference between these stations is that most of KOMO's and KING's ENG video was shot in SD widescreen, while WRAL's ENG footage is all HD.

KING can say all they want, but KOMO gets credit for being the first daily HDTV news broadcast in the nation. KING was a month later. Neither use full time HD footage like WRAL, and still don't.

After all these years of watching KOMO news on channel 104, I see no reason to change that habit just because KING has fixed their switching problem. However, I now no longer have to switch away from KING automatically if I tuned to them, either.

Since I am a Nielson family for the first week of May (sweeps!), what channel I watch does matter.
One of the downsides of the Internet is that bad information never goes away. The linked article is simply wrong. As noted (and quoted) earlier in this thread, KOMO does not do HD news and never has. KOMO does wide screen SD. Until last week, KING did a limited amount of real HD on some studio camera shots and that was it. KING has now added substantial amounts of actual HD content along with 16x9 SD field material. The difference on KING is significantly more than fixing "a switching problem".

KOMO's John F. reports that he "...has checked our Dolby DP-569 audio encoder and it shows no errors. It also shows all audio peaking at less than -0.1 dBFS, that is, all audio channel LEDs are either green or yellow (yellow meaning the audio level is less than -60 dBFS); if they were red we’d definitely be clipping audio. Of course, that would be heard as distortion, not popping. We have a Linear Acoustic OctiMax 5.1 audio processor ahead of the Dolby encoder. The OctiMax was installed to level our unprocessed digital audio to eliminate the loudness and level issues we had.

So your audio encoding is supposed to be ok, but that doesn't mean it is. Why not just listen to the audio you're getting from ABC and see if the pops are there? If they're not, you know KOMO is adding them, if they are, you know it's ABC's fault.


Even though the Dolby AC-3 standard specifies 640 kb/s as the highest transport rate, ATSC specifies 384 kb/s. That is the rate we use."
That's not the case. A/53d section 5.1 states the the bitrate of the main audio service is limited to 448 kb/s, not 384. In fact, KCPQ broadcasts 448 kb/s audio for at least some of their HD content (24).

Are the clear QAM channels (such as the HD locals) available if you have a QAM tuner, but only subscribe to the basic analog package? Does anyone know if these are available because of the must carry provisions.

The reason why I'm asking is that my condo dues include analog basic cable. I currently pay extra to subscribe to the digital classic tier, but the only channels I use are the ones available on analog, and the HD locals. I'm wondering if I can go to the cheaper package.

Thanks

Analog basic cable DOES include the local HD Channels. I think it is because Comcast is required to provide them, but do not know for sure...

I play basketball in the mornings with a regional rep. for Comcast and he told me this morning that they will soon launching a new program that will allow users to program from their computer and that users with phone service will have caller id on their tv screen. I read that CNN is going HD in the fall, hope we can add that this fall.

...I read that CNN is going HD in the fall, hope we can add that this fall.

That's way, way down toward the bottom of my list.

Are the clear QAM channels (such as the HD locals) available if you have a QAM tuner, but only subscribe to the basic analog package? Does anyone know if these are available because of the must carry provisions.

The reason why I'm asking is that my condo dues include analog basic cable. I currently pay extra to subscribe to the digital classic tier, but the only channels I use are the ones available on analog, and the HD locals. I'm wondering if I can go to the cheaper package.

Thanks

I had the limited cable (analog) up until yesterday and our Vizio TV with the QAM Tuner picked up all the locals in HD.

Don and/or Kelly from KOMO,

A friend of mine recently asked me something that you guys would certainly know the answer to. :)

Why does KOMO no longer pass the Spanish SAP from ABC? (Either on analog -- where I know it once was -- or on digital -- where I've never seen it?)

It's apparently been missing from shows such as LOST for a while now.

Thanks for any info.

In watching the Democratic presidential debate tonight on MSNBC, the video kept stopping and skipping. The video would freeze momentarily, then jump, skipping a second or two of video. This is on my Comcast STB. I went to an analog tv, with no box, and the video there was smooth as television should be. Does anyone have any idea what's going on? And, how to fix it? This jumpy video is a pain in the butt.

In watching the Democratic presidential debate tonight on MSNBC, the video kept stopping and skipping. The video would freeze momentarily, then jump, skipping a second or two of video. This is on my Comcast STB. I went to an analog tv, with no box, and the video there was smooth as television should be. Does anyone have any idea what's going on? And, how to fix it? This jumpy video is a pain in the butt.

On a 34xx? I've seen it. All I do is change channels and then go back. Skipping gone. Seems to happen when most when coming out of a menu such as MyDVR.

I watched Lost today from the 10pm airing last night and I didn't notice the sound issues that have plagued KOMO. In the past, it was very evident that the problem existed, but I didn't notice it at all during the broadcast.

Don - did they fix something?

In watching the Democratic presidential debate tonight on MSNBC, the video kept stopping and skipping. The video would freeze momentarily, then jump, skipping a second or two of video. This is on my Comcast STB. I went to an analog tv, with no box, and the video there was smooth as television should be. Does anyone have any idea what's going on? And, how to fix it? This jumpy video is a pain in the butt.

A Karl Rove conspiracy? Well, I think not (this time). I've found that watching non-HD video (either recorded or live) immediately after being tuned to an HD channel can result in this periodic freezing. I'm not sure if it always happens or if it's only brought on this way, but I've gotten in the habit of tuning to an intermediate non-HD channel before settling in for a long non-HD viewing session.

Is it just me or is Comcast encrypting the local QAM channels? I was unable to watch American Idol yesterday and Smallville is encrypted today. Strangely I was able to watch Lost yesterday without any problems. I checked with both my QAM tuners, Samsung HT260F and the one built into my Toshiba TV :-\

I live in Bellingham.

local QAM still working fine for me in Everett (I've only checked FOX and CBS)

Well ... I figured that this would happen, one day. After 2+ blissful years of receiving channels 93-XX, 94-XX, 100-XX, and 101-XX, my LG box is now telling me that they're "scrambled." It was a very nice ride while it lasted.

Anyone else notice this, or is it just me? :(

On a 34xx? I've seen it. All I do is change channels and then go back. Skipping gone. Seems to happen when most when coming out of a menu such as MyDVR.
Thanks. I'll try that next time I see it.

Well ... I figured that this would happen, one day. After 2+ blissful years of receiving channels 93-XX, 94-XX, 100-XX, and 101-XX, my LG box is now telling me that they're "scrambled." It was a very nice ride while it lasted.

Anyone else notice this, or is it just me? :(

Seem to be gone for me too! They may have just moved them, but I don't think so.

local QAM still working fine for me in Everett (I've only checked FOX and CBS)
Yes, local QAM is still fine in the Lake City area, but it does seem that all the On Demand channels are M.I.A. on Comcast. Using a Samsung STB as well as my FusionHDTV card and can't find anything in the 93.x, 94.x, 100.x and 101.x range. PS, yes I rescanned...the channels were not moved. :confused:

I watched Lost today from the 10pm airing last night and I didn't notice the sound issues that have plagued KOMO. In the past, it was very evident that the problem existed, but I didn't notice it at all during the broadcast.

Don - did they fix something?

I agree....the issue now appears to be fixed! :D i wonder what the resolution was?

Don and/or Kelly from KOMO,

A friend of mine recently asked me something that you guys would certainly know the answer to. :)

Why does KOMO no longer pass the Spanish SAP from ABC? (Either on analog -- where I know it once was -- or on digital -- where I've never seen it?)

It's apparently been missing from shows such as LOST for a while now.

Thanks for any info.

Also, why isn't KOMO airing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! in HD?

Also, why isn't KOMO airing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! in HD?

Probably because they are provided only in 1080i format, and KOMO doesn't have the equipment to convert them to 720p.

Also, why isn't KOMO airing Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! in HD?Possibly because they don't have the means to store blocks of syndicated shows in HD:
http://www.tvpredictions.com/gamehd091106.htm

As an update to some posts made a month or so ago... I have had an new QAM Tuner installed in my JVC 32" LCD.

Network HD channels are once again being picked up by my built in digital tuner :) Was told updated software in the new JVC Tuner will prevent the problem that caused it to go bad in the first place. (some sort of electronic pulse that came from Comcast.)

Also, the HD Networks are now at the expected locations of 4.1 ABC, 5.1 NBC etc etc....

Oddly though, I used to be able to pick up programs that my neighbors may have ordered via OnDemand on channels 93.1 to 101.1 and these channels appear to now be blank, not sure if Comcast has changed their system to prevent me from picking up these signals.... it was kind of a weird loophole to begin with...
Anyway, glad to have my HD network stations back.

Oops, just noticed that others had posted today regarding the missing OnDemand stations as well, guess this isn't isolated to my Tuner.. hmmm

Probably because they are provided only in 1080i format, and KOMO doesn't have the equipment to convert them to 720p. Both 1080i and 720P are stored in the exact same HD format. If they needed to do conversion, I'm sure it could be done on-the-fly, instantly during the broadcast. This is exactly the same thing your 1080i TV does when showing 720P, or the other way around.

What I heard the problem is they have a program which allows them to add their local commercials to the show before it is broadcast. This program is only SD, so Jeopardy gets converted during this process. This is what they don't want to spend money on right now.

- Deleted the OnDemand streams (now encrypted)
- Added the Comcast Central barkers to 120-X

South King County C-SPAN, CNN, etc the digitized analogs were off this morning 7-8 AM while the analogs were ok. Now everything is back. sam

I'm getting tired of complaining about the lack of new HD channels on Comcast on internet forums. For some strange reason, it doesn't seem to do any good. :rolleyes: Does anyone have an email address of a responsive comcast employee that I can contact? I seem to remember a local marketing employee that was pretty good about replying to comments...

I'm in Olympia, WA and evaluating my options for HD. OTA reception here is a major challenge, due to our distance from Seattle. I need to obtain non-encrypted HD content strictly for use with a computer-based PVR, which can tune ATSC 8VSB and QAM 256.

Could somebody please catch me up on a few points?

1) Are all Comcast channels unencrypted QAM 256? (I am looking at the recently posted PDF.)

2) Are any special arrangements or plans required to get unencrypted QAM? How inexpensively can I get the basic OTA TV channels?

3) Is the variability of encryption a significant issue? I see some posts with it going on and off. Is this a really major issue, or just an occasional fluke?

4) How does the bitrate and PQ of Comcast QAM compare to the OTA broadcast?

Your response and patience is much appreciated :)

I'm getting tired of complaining about the lack of new HD channels on Comcast on internet forums. For some strange reason, it doesn't seem to do any good. :rolleyes: Does anyone have an email address of a responsive comcast employee that I can contact? I seem to remember a local marketing employee that was pretty good about replying to comments...


Please send an email to Steve Kipp at steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com and tell him that you want more hd channels. He is VP of communications.

- Deleted the OnDemand streams (now encrypted)
- Added the Comcast Central barkers to 120-X

Thanks for doing this!

Seems my 117 has disappeared from my Comcast box here in Renton. Comcast Box channel 21 is showing the City of Sea-Tac instead of City of Renton govermnemt channel. Analog channel 21 is correct. Odd.

1) Are all Comcast channels unencrypted QAM 256? (I am looking at the recently posted PDF.)

Of the unencrypted channels, only 96-1 & 96-2 (22-1 & 22-2) are QAM 64. The remainder are QAM 256.

2) Are any special arrangements or plans required to get unencrypted QAM? How inexpensively can I get the basic OTA TV channels?

You can receive them with limited service. (~$12 montly, depending upon your municipality.) As long as your equipment is QAM-capable, there's nothing you need to do, save for plugging-in and doing a channel scan.

3) Is the variability of encryption a significant issue? I see some posts with it going on and off. Is this a really major issue, or just an occasional fluke??

I have yet to encounter any of the unencrypted channels being encrypted, even for a short while. It may be more of a problem in other areas, however.

4) How does the bitrate and PQ of Comcast QAM compare to the OTA broadcast?

The local stations deliver their ATSC stream to Comcast via fibre. The sole difference is that the OTA stream is carried via 8VSB and the cable stream is carried via QAM. Any difference in picture quality is likely tuner-dependent.

IEEE1394/Firewire 5c copy protection issues

5c is set to "Copy once" on NBC (105), Kong (106) , KCTS (108), as well as KSTW (111)

these are over the air must carry channels and should be set to 5c "copy freely"

ABC, CBS, and FOX are setup correctly.

can someone else confirm my findings?

IEEE1394/Firewire 5c copy protection issues

5c is set to "Copy once" on NBC (105), Kong (106) , KCTS (108), as well as KSTW (111)

these are over the air must carry channels and should be set to 5c "copy freely"

ABC, CBS, and FOX are setup correctly.

can someone else confirm my findings?

I recorded both 24 and Heroes last night and transferred both successfully from the DVR onto my PC via firewire with video and audio. Today at least 111 has CCI set to 0x02.

Please send an email to Steve Kipp at steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com and tell him that you want more hd channels. He is VP of communications.

So, after seeing this here, I decided to email Steve and got a reply from him today. Here's what I got:

The next channel we are planning to add is National Geographic in HD. In addition, we plan to add more HD content ON DEMAND, going from 100 hours to around 200 hours. In addition, we have plans to add several more HD channels later this year and into early next year, but we aren’t ready to make those public yet.

Do you have any favorites that you think we should add?

IEEE1394/Firewire 5c copy protection issues

5c is set to "Copy once" on NBC (105), Kong (106) , KCTS (108), as well as KSTW (111)

these are over the air must carry channels and should be set to 5c "copy freely"

ABC, CBS, and FOX are setup correctly.

can someone else confirm my findings?

I still have no problems viewing those stations via firewire.

The next channel we are planning to add is National Geographic in HD. In addition, we plan to add more HD content ON DEMAND, going from 100 hours to around 200 hours. In addition, we have plans to add several more HD channels later this year and into early next year, but we aren’t ready to make those public yet.

Do you have any favorites that you think we should add?

Food Network HD!

Food Network HD!
Sci-Fi HD.

Wouldn't mind having the tennis channel as well (DirecTV just got it). I'm guessing that's not high on the list.

So, after seeing this here, I decided to email Steve and got a reply from him today. Here's what I got:

Good to hear about Nat Geo hd coming soon. Here is my list that comcast should add:


Food Network
HGTV
A&E

More people should send him email and believe me he will reply back. More emails he get the faster we get new hd channel added. So please send an email to him and let him know you want more hd channels.

I just got an email from Steve and this is his reply:

"Yes, that is true that Nat Geo is coming soon. We also are working on adding other channels as well later this year as well as adding more hours of HD programming ON DEMAND."

That's awesome about Nat Geo HD. I've been wanting that for a while. A&E would be cool too.

I hear the channels are on the move again as frequencies are being shifted due to some improvements (more HD?). They are expected to happen throughout this month and you may have to rescan for the channels.

For those getting remapped to 4.1, 5.1, etc maybe no changes are needed?

It looks like I have lost 7.1 and 13.1 overnight. 4.1 and 5.1 and 9.5 working just fine. Don't use STB... have Panny plasma with QAM tuner. I will rescan when I get a chance, but is anyone else experiencing problems?

I too have lost 7.1, 11.1, 13.1 and 16.1 today. They don't appear to be located elsewhere. I wish Comcast would quit with this relocation stuff. It always seems to happen on a Wednesday as well.

They do it on purpose. "Your TV stopped getting all your channels? Are you
renting a STB from us? No? It must be a problem with (snicker) YOUR TV! It's not our fault (snicker). You'll need to rent a STB from Comcast for each tv you have."

I too have lost 7.1, 11.1, 13.1 and 16.1 today. They don't appear to be located elsewhere. I wish Comcast would quit with this relocation stuff. It always seems to happen on a Wednesday as well.

Same here, I missed Jericho and now Bon Jovi on American Idol. Bummer. Im scanning all the channels now. I will let you know if I find the new frequencies.

Note: There is still data be transmitted on the original frequencies. Its just all unitelligable, not even encrypted, just garbage.

I lost 7.1, 11.1, 13.1 last night (right around midnight) (Don't know about 16.1, I don't have that mapped in my HDHomeRun). This is in Redmond, I haven't seen them moved anywhere.

I lost 7.1, 11.1, 13.1 last night (right around midnight) (Don't know about 16.1, I don't have that mapped in my HDHomeRun). This is in Redmond, I haven't seen them moved anywhere.

I use the HDHomerun too, I found the channels! They are on channel 110 and 111:

KONG = 110 PID 1
CBS = 110 PID 2
Camera of seatac? = 110 PID 3
====================
Fox = 111 PID 1
CW11 = 111 PID 2

Hopefully they wont change and will get proper PSIP, right now they dont appear to have any PSIP.

-Nate

Confirmed. After the rescan, I find them at the same locations getnate12345 listed. I thought we were done with this crap when few months back Comcast moved them to what sounded like the final resting place...

I use the HDHomerun too, I found the channels! They are on channel 110 and 111:

KONG = 110 PID 1
CBS = 110 PID 2
Camera of seatac? = 110 PID 3
====================
Fox = 111 PID 1
CW11 = 111 PID 2

Hopefully they wont change and will get proper PSIP, right now they dont appear to have any PSIP.

-Nate
I live in Redmond and found the following:

KIRO - 110.1
KONG - 110.2
KCPQ - 111.1
KSTW - 111.2

Note: There is still data be transmitted on the original frequencies. Its just all unitelligable, not even encrypted, just garbage.

The channels and internet swapped frequencies.

I have now taken it as a way of life that everything changes but when PSIP information is passed we should not *see* these changes. :confused:

On my side, my HDHomerun can tune the new 110 and 111 frequencies, but for some reason, MyQ and The Tube channels (96.1/96.2) are now very low (impossible to watch now), where I had no issue with them yesterday. Did anybody else having this problem?

Also, my 2 Sharp TVs (with QAM tuners) can't tune 111.1 or 111.2 at all, but have no problem tuning 96.1 and 96.2.

It's weird to see so many inconsistencies over the same broadcasting signals.

-eric

On my side, my HDHomerun can tune the new 110 and 111 frequencies, but for some reason, MyQ and The Tube channels (96.1/96.2) are now very low (impossible to watch now), where I had no issue with them yesterday. Did anybody else having this problem?

Also, my 2 Sharp TVs (with QAM tuners) can't tune 111.1 or 111.2 at all, but have no problem tuning 96.1 and 96.2.

It's weird to see so many inconsistencies over the same broadcasting signals.

-eric

I've never been able to get Tube/MyQ with QAM (64 and 256) in my area. As of last night I was still able to get all channels without rescanning on my PC QAM tuners, so I guess they haven't moved for me yet.

Pastiche,

Thank you so much for the clear, helpful summary.

Of the unencrypted channels, only 96-1 & 96-2 (22-1 & 22-2) are QAM 64. The remainder are QAM 256.

I was more asking about which channels are encrypted - basically what isn't available unless you want to swallow a DRM pill.

Your response does make me curious, why do they use QAM 64? It is my understanding that QAM 64 is less bandwidth-efficient, although more robust. Are those channels more likely to experience interference, or somehow more important to be received reliably?

You can receive them with limited service. (~$12 montly, depending upon your municipality.) As long as your equipment is QAM-capable, there's nothing you need to do, save for plugging-in and doing a channel scan.

Sounds good. I will probably have to give them a call sometime soon. I guess that since I already have Comcast internet, that will get me the 'bundle' discount and knock the price down by $10/mo on my internet.

The only channel I'd like beyond basic is the Sci-Fi channel. I think it comes in HD? But I don't see it on the earlier PDF, so I'm not sure if it's encrypted or unavailable in HD. Anybody know?

The local stations deliver their ATSC stream to Comcast via fibre. The sole difference is that the OTA stream is carried via 8VSB and the cable stream is carried via QAM. Any difference in picture quality is likely tuner-dependent.

I thought I'd heard that rate shaping was happening in some cases. I guess this is wrong? The bitstream that comes over the cable line is the same as the bitstream that comes over the air? (Despite air interface differences, the MPEG-2 video data is the same?)

I was more asking about which channels are encrypted - basically what isn't available unless you want to swallow a DRM pill.
The channels that I post in the QAM List are unencrypted (which, I should probably update again this weekend, based upon what I'm reading here today!) Everything else, unfortunately, is encrypted. Until recently, the music channels, the OnDemand streams, and some occasional PPV were unencrypted, but now it's down to almost only what's also available analogue, with limited service.
Your response does make me curious, why do they use QAM 64? It is my understanding that QAM 64 is less bandwidth-efficient, although more robust. Are those channels more likely to experience interference, or somehow more important to be received reliably?
Channel 96 is located right-smack in the middle of the FM band. The potential for interference is very high, especially on the Eastside, with several 100kW transmitters in that same band.
Sounds good. I will probably have to give them a call sometime soon. I guess that since I already have Comcast internet, that will get me the 'bundle' discount and knock the price down by $10/mo on my internet.

The only channel I'd like beyond basic is the Sci-Fi channel. I think it comes in HD? But I don't see it on the earlier PDF, so I'm not sure if it's encrypted or unavailable in HD. Anybody know?
There's quite a bit of Sci-Fi programming on Universal HD. It's not part of basic service, however, so you need Comcast equipment to decrypt it.
I thought I'd heard that rate shaping was happening in some cases. I guess this is wrong? The bitstream that comes over the cable line is the same as the bitstream that comes over the air? (Despite air interface differences, the MPEG-2 video data is the same?)
There is some rate-shaping going on on the satellite services (i.e. D*'s "HD-Lite"), but the engineers from the locals who post here have indicated that Comcast is not rate-shaping.

pastiche, thanks again for a very informative post. Everything makes sense and is helpful. I will look forward to seeing the updated PDF file.

It is too bad about sci-fi channel - I see what you mean, a lot of their shows are produced in HD, but they have no HD version of their channel.

Do you know why Universal HD is encrypted? I would like to at least know, if not write a brief letter to the party responsible for this decision.

As a matter of principle and practicality, I will not subscribe to a TV service that is not compatible with my choice of PVRs in full quality. As far as I know, there is no way to (legally) obtain an unencrypted MPEG-2 HD stream from the Comcast box, therefore it is effectively useless to me.

Once again, your information and quick response is great.

I live in Sammamish and lost CBS and FOX on Tues night as well. I was able to get CBS back on channel 110, but when I did a full scan, channel 111 never came up. And I've looked at all the other channels for FOX, but can't find it. Anyone else have any luck? Thanks.

Pastiche said "Until recently, the music channels, the OnDemand streams, and some occasional PPV were unencrypted, but now it's down to almost only what's also available analogue, with limited service."

Hmmm. I got back from a trip April 2, and about Apr 15 noticed that there was no more On-Demand. I'm in Seattle, with Comcast basic plan, using a Panasonic with QAM. SO, did all the On-Demand that came to me on 93, 94, 100, 101 (and their sub-numbers) get encrypted?

Yours, cheerfully,
Lekanard

I just moved to Juanita Kirkland and was reading through the OTA thread, sounds like I may not be in luck for OTA. I was trying to figure out what I need for OTA channels on cable, sounds like I just need a QAM tuner and limited cable service from Comcast. I tried to find the limited cable bundle but couldn't online. I then used the online chat support and they said there isn't one available either. Is the limited package not available everywhere?

Pastiche said "Until recently, the music channels, the OnDemand streams, and some occasional PPV were unencrypted, but now it's down to almost only what's also available analogue, with limited service."

Hmmm. I got back from a trip April 2, and about Apr 15 noticed that there was no more On-Demand. I'm in Seattle, with Comcast basic plan, using a Panasonic with QAM. SO, did all the On-Demand that came to me on 93, 94, 100, 101 (and their sub-numbers) get encrypted?

Yours, cheerfully,
Lekanard

It looks that way. I see the same thing.

I just moved to Juanita Kirkland and was reading through the OTA thread, sounds like I may not be in luck for OTA. I was trying to figure out what I need for OTA channels on cable, sounds like I just need a QAM tuner and limited cable service from Comcast. I tried to find the limited cable bundle but couldn't online. I then used the online chat support and they said there isn't one available either. Is the limited package not available everywhere?
It should be available there, but their cust svc reps never seem to know about it, or they intentionally upsell to something more.

Limited Cable:

My Bellevue cable bill breaks out charges as follows --
Basic Cable ($49.25) includes Limited Cable ($13.15) and Expanded Cable ($36.10). Also, comcast.com shows a channel lineup for Limited Cable. You should be able to get it in Juanita.

I believe that they have to offer a "lifeline" or "limited basic" plan but there doesn't seem to be any requirement that they tell you about it.

There's a website you should read http://www.kingcounty.gov/business/oirm/cable.aspx

<from the website>
The King County Office of Cable Communications (OCC) was established in 1986 to negotiate, monitor, and enforce the rules set forth in the cable television franchises held by cable TV companies operating in unincorporated King County (outside city limits).

Hmm, I'm over in Issaquah and I still can't pick up cbs, fox, cw, or kong on my kworld atsc 115 qam tuner. Is anyone else still experiencing problems finding these channels?

I had to call their sales line in order to get the Limited package. It was 13$/mos. Sneaky, they don't list it on their website.

I had to call their sales line in order to get the Limited package. It was 13$/mos. Sneaky, they don't list it on their website. Their "limited cable" package was supposedly a big win for consumers years ago. It supposedly offered a cheap option for people to get cable TV. Too bad it sucks. Sure it offers all the OTA channels. But no CNN. No ESPN. No FSN. What you get is the locals, some CSPAN and some home shopping stuff. In other words nothing! With QAM HD, finally you can get something out of it, but it still sucks. This wasn't a compromise. It was robbery, especially for something that is almost a monopoly.

Limited Cable:
My Bellevue cable bill breaks out charges as follows --
Basic Cable ($49.25) includes Limited Cable ($13.15) and Expanded Cable ($36.10). Also, comcast.com shows a channel lineup for Limited Cable.Just in case Comcast is listening... as they shift to all-digital, Basic cable takes on a new meaning. IMHO, they are on a path to lose a primary benefits over satellite and FIOS (no cable box required for Basic cable).

For example, I have 2 analog cable capable sets and 2 QAM capable sets, and one 6412 DVR. I subscribe to the Platinum service - Basic + Digtial + all movie channels. On the analog sets, I get all the Basic cable channels - with no extra equipment or costs. On the QAM sets, I get only 'Limited' channels (unencrypted QAM).

To get the same channels as the analog sets, I need to more cable boxes (free now, eventually $5/month). By the time I shift to all digital sets, I'll have to pony up $20/month more for the same capability as I have now with my analog sets.

Seems like a significant rate increase to me. Is anyone else concerned about this, or am I just being a broken record?

J
...
To get the same channels as the analog sets, I need to more cable boxes (free now, eventually $5/month).
...


After the 12-month free period, will there only be a $5/month charge for the DCT700, or will there also be a charge for an additional digital outlet? I might keep my "free" box if it's only $5, since it allows access to all the non-HD features, including premiums.

Their "limited cable" package was supposedly a big win for consumers years ago. It supposedly offered a cheap option for people to get cable TV. Too bad it sucks. Sure it offers all the OTA channels. But no CNN. No ESPN. No FSN. What you get is the locals, some CSPAN and some home shopping stuff. In other words nothing! With QAM HD, finally you can get something out of it, but it still sucks. This wasn't a compromise. It was robbery, especially for something that is almost a monopoly.

I guess it depends what you're looking for. I thought that $45 or so when I had expanded basic was highway robbery, since 99.9% of what I watched was on the local broadcast stations. $12 or so for good reception of the locals is, to me, a really fair deal. I've been happy with limited basic for a very long time.

The channels that I post in the QAM List are unencrypted (which, I should probably update again this weekend, based upon what I'm reading here today!)

I'm going to hold-off on doing this for now. Where I live, no channel moves similar to what have been described as happening on the Eastside have happened yet. The only oddity I've noticed is that a single channel of MusicChoice is running unencrypted (Pop Latino on 119-54). I'll update after things have been updated systemwide.

Am I the only one that has continuous problems with the crappy cable boxes Comcast uses for HD/DVR? I am on my second 3412 - both have experienced the same problems.

Since subscribing to the service in October 2006 I've experienced the following...

Stop action motion on SD channels - I have to quickly pause then play to stop it.
Audio just stops working - I have to turn the box off and then back on to have audio again.
No response to channel changes and then it responds by changing several at a time.
No response in guide mode when changing pages then quickly pages through.
DVR mode - I press fast forward and it doesn't immediately respond. Then it slowly responds. It builds the on-screen display slowly but in the mean time the box will not respond to any input. Many times I've pressed fast forward twice and lost control. The box just kept forwarding until the show ended but never responded to play mode. Slow response is an always issue though. Sometimes I can it to respond halfway through a show only to HOPE I can go back without it arriving back at the beginning when it decides to respond again.

I am close to going back to dish - these issues never occurred on their service. But I can't get all the locals in HD.

UG! I'm tired of calling Comcast and having a reboot and software reinstalled. Is there anything anyone can recommend?

Thanks,
Mike

Am I the only one that has continuous problems with the crappy cable boxes Comcast uses for HD/DVR? I am on my second 3412 - both have experienced the same problems.

I no longer have any problems with a comcast DVR.

After I cancelled my comcast service and sent that POS back to them! When it corrupted the recording stage 17 of last year's Tour de France, that was the final straw.

You can thank the encryption and cablecard for giving them a monopoly. Why should they care if their DVR is crap? No one can produce a DVR unless comcast lets them. If anyone starts to compete with what they want to rent you, they can just flick a switch and kill the product.

I saw that Comcast is adding Nat Geo HD on the previous page. Does anyone have an ETA?

On Friday I went through the pain-staking task of going through the QAM frequencies to fix Comcast's reshuffling (frustratingly they didn't have PSIP's for a lot of channels, requiring manual checking of the feeds) so that my HD-HomeRun/MCE would work correctly. I finally had it working after about an hour and a half.

This evening, I've once again noticed that CW and Q-Fox were shifted again. I've gone through nearly every frequency but all I can find are their analog versions - not the HD versions.

Has anyone else encountered this? Did anyone find the HD feed for CW and/or Q?

I live in Sammamish, if it matters.


Ivan

DVR mode - I press fast forward and it doesn't immediately respond. Then it slowly responds. It builds the on-screen display slowly but in the mean time the box will not respond to any input. Many times I've pressed fast forward twice and lost control. The box just kept forwarding until the show ended but never responded to play mode. Slow response is an always issue though.

Yup, that's been an issue forever. Watch the front of the DVR, if you don't see the yellow light flash then it hasn't registered the remote signal. Unfortunately, you can't tell what this means, whether it's just a delay in response or the signal was not received. It's some sorta stupidity with the software's processing priorities or sumpthin like that. Sure do miss Dish, but can't receive satellite in this location. Sigh...

This evening, I've once again noticed that CW and Q-Fox were shifted again. I've gone through nearly every frequency but all I can find are their analog versions - not the HD versions.

Has anyone else encountered this? Did anyone find the HD feed for CW and/or Q?

I live in Sammamish, if it matters.
I live in Redmond, and I found Q13 on 111.1 and CW11 on 111.2.

I recently heard that all Mariners home games are available on FSN-HD. I don't have the Comcast box, but I do have a QAM tuner. I have the analog FSN as part of my cable package, so it seems like FSN-HD should be available as well. Does anyone know of an open QAM channel for FSN-HD?

After the 12-month free period, will there only be a $5/month charge for the DCT700, or will there also be a charge for an additional digital outlet? I might keep my "free" box if it's only $5, since it allows access to all the non-HD features, including premiums.AFAIK, there is no specific charge for a digital outlet - but you have to rent a digital capable box from them - either a DCT700 which has only analog outputs (I think this is currently the free one) or an all digital box with digital outputs for HD receivers/monitors.

One of the DCT700 datasheet benefits is 'combats analog piracy'. So, from that I guess that we will now pay Comcast to help combat piracy.... They have to encrypt QAM to keep all those cable-modem-only customers from pirating the digital signal.

I recently heard that all Mariners home games are available on FSN-HD. I don't have the Comcast box, but I do have a QAM tuner. I have the analog FSN as part of my cable package, so it seems like FSN-HD should be available as well. Does anyone know of an open QAM channel for FSN-HD?

It's encrypted - part of the "digital classic" package. You need a Comcast box or CableCard.

Yup, that's been an issue forever. Watch the front of the DVR, if you don't see the yellow light flash then it hasn't registered the remote signal. Unfortunately, you can't tell what this means, whether it's just a delay in response or the signal was not received. It's some sorta stupidity with the software's processing priorities or sumpthin like that. Sure do miss Dish, but can't receive satellite in this location. Sigh...

Could also be the remote. I've switched to RF from my MX850 with flashers to individually control 2 6412's and 1 3412. No longer have any problems with repsonsiveness, even during FF and REW. YMMV.

Could also be the remote. I've switched to RF from my MX850 with flashers to individually control 2 6412's and 1 3412. No longer have any problems with repsonsiveness, even during FF and REW. YMMV.

I don't see how it could be the remote in the situation where the box clearly has received the signal (as evidenced by the light coming on and the commands being queued).

I live in Redmond, and I found Q13 on 111.1 and CW11 on 111.2.

Hm. You're right. Not sure how I didn't find that myself. Thanks a lot!

(Really wish that Comcast would stop doing this...)

I don't see how it could be the remote in the situation where the box clearly has received the signal (as evidenced by the light coming on and the commands being queued).

Didn't say I had an explanation, just an observation. I used to get run away FF but not any more. Only using flashers now, no IR from the remote at all. I even have a 30 sec and a 2 minute skip macro that first FF (up to FF3) the DVR and after a wait period sends out a play command. Works like a champ.

One thing though, I have never asked for downgrading the SW version on my 3412 so that could be the difference. Don't notice the reported reboots but the DVR is in a rack in another room so I may be missing those. So far it (and the other two 6412s) have recorded everthing I've asked for in its entirety.

Anyway, that's my observation and I'm sticking with it. :D :rolleyes:

...
One thing though, I have never asked for downgrading the SW version on my 3412 so that could be the difference. Don't notice the reported reboots but the DVR is in a rack in another room so I may be missing those. So far it (and the other two 6412s) have recorded everthing I've asked for in its entirety.
...


That's very interesting. During the brief period that I had the 12.35 firmware with my 3412 I noticed that the FF behaved much better, so perhaps that's a big factor. Unfortunately, the reboot bit me very soon thereafter, and even quicker with the 3416, so I've been using 12.31. I think you'd notice if you had the reboot problem, since it seemed to be triggered by transport activities while viewing recordings, especially if there was another recording in progress.

That's very interesting. During the brief period that I had the 12.35 firmware with my 3412 I noticed that the FF behaved much better, so perhaps that's a big factor. Unfortunately, the reboot bit me very soon thereafter, and even quicker with the 3416, so I've been using 12.31. I think you'd notice if you had the reboot problem, since it seemed to be triggered by transport activities while viewing recordings, especially if there was another recording in progress.

Even more interesting. Got curious and checked the software version on my 3412. It's 12.31! All I can say is the transport buttons work great for me.

Also, I helped my Mom and Dad set up a new HD TV and a 3416 DVR. Bought them a MX850 remote and they are using the IR out on the remote. It's all they use not, not the Comcast remote. I've heard no complaints and believe me, I would have. After all, that's what sons are there for, to fix their parents tech stuff. :D

Even more interesting. Got curious and checked the software version on my 3412. It's 12.31! All I can say is the transport buttons work great for me.

Also, I helped my Mom and Dad set up a new HD TV and a 3416 DVR. Bought them a MX850 remote and they are using the IR out on the remote. It's all they use not, not the Comcast remote. I've heard no complaints and believe me, I would have. After all, that's what sons are there for, to fix their parents tech stuff. :D

Really strange. When I first got the 3412 it took about a week for it to start rebooting, but the 3416 did it several times the first day. We should do a survey of the users here.

Just in case some of you Tivo S3 owners haven't heard, there is a thread going on how to activate the external eSATA port on them. People are adding up to 1 TB drives successfully. See

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=350491

I saw another thread on Tivo.com that mentioned

"mailing this weekend from Comcast with an offer for up to 2 additional cable boxes for free for the next 12 months for existing digital cable subscribers."

Has anyone seen this locally? Thanks

I saw another thread on Tivo.com that mentioned

"mailing this weekend from Comcast with an offer for up to 2 additional cable boxes for free for the next 12 months for existing digital cable subscribers."

Has anyone seen this locally? Thanks This is available in Seattle. Be aware that the boxes are pretty simplistic. They are not HD boxes. I think they might have a regular composite video out (no S-video, component or HDMI.) Many people will simply connect to the antenna on their TV and tune to channel 3. That being said, it isn't a bad deal. You get a nice universal remote. You get OnDemand, which has many free showings. And you get the channel guide. For anyone with a non-HDTV, I say go for it. Even people without any digital service can get this deal.

This is available in Seattle. Be aware that the boxes are pretty simplistic. They are not HD boxes. I think they might have a regular composite video out (no S-video, component or HDMI.) Many people will simply connect to the antenna on their TV and tune to channel 3. That being said, it isn't a bad deal. You get a nice universal remote. You get OnDemand, which has many free showings. And you get the channel guide. For anyone with a non-HDTV, I say go for it. Even people without any digital service can get this deal.

RF and composite (they are motorola DCT700s). Works good for my non-HDTVs and the mail it right to you for free. Just call and request, then a call to them after you have connected them and you are ready to go.

Worth it for me. We'll see how I feel when I have to pay :)

"mailing this weekend from Comcast with an offer for up to 2 additional cable boxes for free for the next 12 months for existing digital cable subscribers."

After 1 July, Comcast (and all of the other major MSOs, not sure if there was an exemption for rural and small providers, as is sometimes the case) can deploy only set-tops with CableCARD functionality. The mandate for this was that the encryption device and that the tuning device must be separate.

This deal (and similar) is Comcast (and the other MSOs) getting their current stockpile out into the field before they become very expensive paperweights.

There've been a few good articles (heavily weighted from the MSO's side) in MultiChannel, but here's a fairly good article from CNET:

http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9710918-1.html

Just in case some of you Tivo S3 owners haven't heard, there is a thread going on how to activate the external eSATA port on them. People are adding up to 1 TB drives successfully.

Anyone willing to try on a Comcast DVR? ;)

I'm curious what channels are encrypted via FireWire out with a Comcast HD tuner box? Is Universal HD encrypted?

Or, perhaps a more useful, concise way to put it would be... how does the availability on unencrypted content differ between tuning QAM and using FireWire?

I'm curious what channels are encrypted via FireWire out with a Comcast HD tuner box? Is Universal HD encrypted?

Or, perhaps a more useful, concise way to put it would be... how does the availability on unencrypted content differ between tuning QAM and using FireWire?
Everything is encrypted except what you could get over the air for free. And even that is often encrypted too! Comcast will turn on 5C for the local channels every so often, just to piss their customers off. The firewire output is only there because the FCC required it, and Comcast does their best to make it as useless as possible.

Didn't say I had an explanation, just an observation. I used to get run away FF but not any more. Only using flashers now, no IR from the remote at all.

Not sure what you mean by flashers - ?

Not sure what you mean by flashers - ?
If you have an RF remote and IR equipment (or if you are using an IR repeater system), you need an RF receiver to translate the RF signal to IR, and the flashers send the IR signal to the equipment.

While this forum has always been a good resource to figure out which clear QAM channels are available, it is still pretty hard to search for the whole up-to-date list. That said, I've created a google doc spreadsheet to help us all keep track of the latest channel information, keyed by zip code. Right now, it's only got the last 4 channels I've had to remap, but I see this expanding as more people across our area chip in.

The spreadsheet has of two parts: The channel list, and a sheet to track equivilent zip codes. The latter was just an idea I had, and I haven't put any actual functionality like lookups into it yet. As always, I'm open to suggestions.

If anyone would like to participate as a contributor or just as a viewer, please send mail to jeff.reynolds@comcast.net. Please specify which level of functionality you would like.

Contributor Rules:
Accuracy is the key, so test your settings before posting them
Keep the last changed date accurate so we can re-use rows
Under no circumstances will I tolerate malicious use. I will get the authorities involved

The Mariners - Yankees game is on ESPN-HD tonight. Unfortunately, Channel 11 has the local broadcast rights for tonight's game and I assume that they will enforce a black-out of ESPN and then carry the game in SD. Can anyone confirm?

I saw another thread on Tivo.com that mentioned

"mailing this weekend from Comcast with an offer for up to 2 additional cable boxes for free for the next 12 months for existing digital cable subscribers."

Has anyone seen this locally? ThanksComcast actually phoned me last week to offer me two of the boxes and courier them to me free-of-charge. I said "why not?" and took two of them. I assume they are SD boxes and I guess I'll need to remember to bring them back to Comcast in May 2008.

That's very interesting. During the brief period that I had the 12.35 firmware with my 3412 I noticed that the FF behaved much better, so perhaps that's a big factor. Unfortunately, the reboot bit me very soon thereafter, and even quicker with the 3416, so I've been using 12.31. I think you'd notice if you had the reboot problem, since it seemed to be triggered by transport activities while viewing recordings, especially if there was another recording in progress.I had the same experience. I was so happy with the fix to the fast forward and rewind buttons with the 12.35 firmware that I hung in there as long as I could with it. Eventually, the reboot issue got so frustrating that I got the firmware rolled back to 12.31.

Hopefully we will see a new revision that fixes the transport buttons without creating new problems.

...
Hopefully we will see a new revision that fixes the transport buttons without creating new problems.

And what do you suppose could be holding up that solution? They should be able to do something to fix the MSFT guide s/w so that it doesn't cause 12.35 to reboot, since it only seems to be a problem here.

I got the Comcast offer as an insert in my bill last week. The offer expires around 21 June, so I will wait until 1 June or later to pick up the boxes. Sam in South King County (Kent, Lake Meridian)

Man, don't get me started on that piece of junk. Comcast DVR totally sucks.

Why can't they display all the recording options on one screen?
Why after record a program, the "last" button not take me back to the previous screen?
Where is the commercial skip button?

Why the "smart" people at microsoft can't even design a decent interface???

Anyone willing to try on a Comcast DVR? ;)

Man, don't get me started on that piece of junk. Comcast DVR totally sucks.

Why can't they display all the recording options on one screen?
Why after record a program, the "last" button not take me back to the previous screen?
Where is the commercial skip button?

Why the "smart" people at microsoft can't even design a decent interface???

With all the real problems with the DVR, you certainly pick a strange collection. You must have one of the good ones.

With all the real problems with the DVR, you certainly pick a strange collection. You must have one of the good ones.
:) I hear you... The reboot issue is the one I hated the most (and what it tends to do to recordings).

I only had it for 1 day so maybe I am biased.


With all the real problems with the DVR, you certainly pick a strange collection. You must have one of the good ones.

:) I hear you... The reboot issue is the one I hated the most (and what it tends to do to recordings).

You can solve the reboot by calling Comcast and having them revert your firmware from 12.35 to 12.31.

I'm curious what channels are encrypted via FireWire out with a Comcast HD tuner box? Is Universal HD encrypted?

Or, perhaps a more useful, concise way to put it would be... how does the availability on unencrypted content differ between tuning QAM and using FireWire?

I do recording with FireWire from my DVR and here are the general settings for the encryption ...

1. Music Choice, OnDemand, and some PPV are set to "copy never"

2. Premiums Channels (HBO, Starz, Cinemax, TMC) are set to "copy once". Which means I can record to the DVR but cannot to another device. It also stops "live" recording as my PC is not a 5C compliant device.

3. All else should be set to "copy freely" but the local HD channels do occasionally get set to "copy never" and then revert back.

Hope this helps as I do not watch from FireWire

I went ahead and did a quick update of the QAM list tonight. Changes of note:

* 89.9 is now Gospel Music Channel
* 89.10 is now The Word Network
* 119.54 is still running Music Choice Pop Latino, unencrypted

Still no changes in Seattle similar to what's happened in Redmond/Samammish.

Can you post a copy that someone can edit for the Redmond/Sammamish areas?

Thanks!

Can you post a copy that someone can edit for the Redmond/Sammamish areas?

Good idea! So, sure, here's a text copy like I used to post. (I do this in Excel, but I use an add-in and two strange fonts, so that'd get a bit complicated to let out into the wild. Hence, the PDF.)

You can solve the reboot by calling Comcast and having them revert your firmware from 12.35 to 12.31.
Yes, I know -- that's why I said hated not hate :). I actually rarely use the DVR (my wife does from time to time). I use MythTV for almost everything. It just isn't reliable enough or functional enough for me.

If you have an RF remote and IR equipment (or if you are using an IR repeater system), you need an RF receiver to translate the RF signal to IR, and the flashers send the IR signal to the equipment.

Thanks for the info! Do you have a recommendation on which equipment to buy? Does this solve the time lag from the remote to the box?

I had the same experience. I was so happy with the fix to the fast forward and rewind buttons with the 12.35 firmware that I hung in there as long as I could with it.

How did it fix the transport buttons? Did it eliminate the time lag?

Thanks for the info! Do you have a recommendation on which equipment to buy? Does this solve the time lag from the remote to the box?

Honestly, I doubt it would. The lag that I see seems to be due to the box itself. I don't think there is any problem with the box getting the signal (I use a harmony remote, which seems to send a more powerful IR signal than the default cable remote). I don't think the lag is from the remote to the box, but rather from the box receiving the signal to doing something about it.

How did it fix the transport buttons? Did it eliminate the time lag?

12.35 did fix the lag for me, but I considered the reboots 12.35 worse than the time lag... So 12.31 is better for me. the rebooting is extremely frustrating.

Thanks for the info! Do you have a recommendation on which equipment to buy? Does this solve the time lag from the remote to the box?

I am using a MX-850 with a MRF250 base station by Aeros. You can google search on mx-850. Amazon has some really good pricing on the product line. What RF does for me is:

1) Allows me to put equipment out of site.
2) Control more than one comcast cable box with a single remote. Addressable flashers in the base station allow me to put the same IR signal to separate devices.
3) Consistent signals to all devices. For example, my 2 minute skip macro always works. When I was using IR from the remote, if I did not keep it pointed at the DVR it would sometimes not see the play command at the end of the macro and keep on FFW-ing. No longer a problem
4) No longer need to point the remote. (I still find myself at times pointing the remote. It's really funny to see how this is so ingrained into my subconsious. Takes awhile to get used to not pointing. :D ).

That said, this is probably not a solution for lag. If it does help with lag, then I would attribute that to the better IR signal the box is getting from my RF to IR base station and dedicated flasher. The entire front of the DVR has electrucal tape over it so no stray light from the room or other flashers can get to it.

I personally do not have any problems with my 3412. It's responsive, the transport controls work perfectly, and it records what I tell it to record. For me, this box is anything but a POS.

I saw that Comcast is adding Nat Geo HD on the previous page. Does anyone have an ETA?

Does anyone have the ETA? Thank you.

Does anyone have the ETA? Thank you.


Per Steve Kipp "it's coming soon"....

You can try sending him an email and see if he gives you a date.

steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com

I finally have had enough with the 3412....... I ordered a Tivo Series 3 from costco.com for $599. I cant wait to fire out this POS 3412.

I finally have had enough with the 3412....... I ordered a Tivo Series 3 from costco.com for $599. I cant wait to fire out this POS 3412.

Congrats! I've had mine since October. You won't be dissapointed. I have no complaints (Ok, maybe the price . . . I paid $799). Hopefully, you'll get the new update (8.3) immediately. If you're interested, unnoficial instructions for adding an e-sata drive are now on tivocommunity.com. One day (an eternity from now), we may get TivoToGo and MRV, but you're better off if you just forget about them. I only have one tivo and have no desire to watch videos on a computer or handheld device, so these features don't mean much to me.

It looks like I lost most of my HD locals again tonight using my qam tuner. I'll rescan and see what it finds. I'm in Mountlake Terrace. Anybody having trouble too?

I can't find KIRO HD, FOX HD, CW HD, or KONG HD.

It looks like I lost most of my HD locals again tonight using my qam tuner. I'll rescan and see what it finds. I'm in Mountlake Terrace. Anybody having trouble too?

I can't find KIRO HD, FOX HD, CW HD, or KONG HD.

Same here in Silver Lake. The channel info still pops up their call letters though, may just be an outage.

I use a harmony remote, which seems to send a more powerful IR signal than the default cable remote.

I've looked at the Harmony remotes several times, but haven't been impressed with the button layout - seems to me the more heavily used buttons like FF, REW, Play, should be way more prominent and easier to locate quickly.

Same here in Silver Lake. The channel info still pops up their call letters though, may just be an outage.

106 711MHz QAM256 Ch 110-1
107 711MHz QAM256 Ch 110-2
110 99MHz QAM64 Ch 96-1
111 717MHz QAM256 Ch 111-2
113 717MHz QAM256 Ch 111-1
116 99MHz QAM64 Ch 96-2

-Lance

I've looked at the Harmony remotes several times, but haven't been impressed with the button layout - seems to me the more heavily used buttons like FF, REW, Play, should be way more prominent and easier to locate quickly.

They make a number of different models with the transport buttons in different places. In my model (which is older--a 680) the transport buttons are right where I want them (around the directional button in the middle of the remote right where my thumb would naturally rest when gripping the remote). Which models have you looked at? Where do you want the transport buttons? Location of transport buttons is definitely a personal preference.

Per Steve Kipp "it's coming soon"....

You can try sending him an email and see if he gives you a date.

steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com

I e-mailed Kipp but did not get a response. :rolleyes:

So, am I having a failure on the QAM tuner on my refurb 27" Westi? Or did Comcast start scrambling the local HD content over the past week? First Komo went away, then more and more disappeared. Now I get nothing. Well, the Thanks for Using Comcast channel...

106 711MHz QAM256 Ch 110-1
107 711MHz QAM256 Ch 110-2
110 99MHz QAM64 Ch 96-1
111 717MHz QAM256 Ch 111-2
113 717MHz QAM256 Ch 111-1
116 99MHz QAM64 Ch 96-2

-Lance

These are only working for me some of the time. The main channels I'm having a problem with are CW and Q13. They were working earlier this evening (well, at least Fox was) but right now neither of them are coming in.

Interesting... when I unplugged and replugged in my HDHomerun, I got all of the channels back. CW and Fox (which I just previously mentioned stopped coming in) now come in fine.

??

I lost Fox HD and other networks HD channels on my QAM. Try to rescanned but still they are not showing. Any ideas?

So, am I having a failure on the QAM tuner on my refurb 27" Westi? Or did Comcast start scrambling the local HD content over the past week? First Komo went away, then more and more disappeared. Now I get nothing. Well, the Thanks for Using Comcast channel...
Looks like they are fooling around again. I lost KIRO (I'm in 98125 area) as well as 11 and 13, possibly a few more. The dust will probably settle in a day or two.

Looks like they are fooling around again. I lost KIRO (I'm in 98125 area) as well as 11 and 13, possibly a few more. The dust will probably settle in a day or two.

Since they moved the 4 HD channels to 110-111, I've been having quite a lot of trouble tuning on Q13 and CW11. Using the HDHomeRun, I get a lot of breakages/hiccups. So I took a look at the signal strength on those in MCE2005 to find that I'm getting only 2 bars on those 2 channels which would explain the pain I'm having. Note that the two channels in the 111 are fine, showing 4 bars, so I doubt it's just my cable signal. It would be nice for people with the same kind of setup to post their signal strength. It may help figure out a pattern. BTW, I'm situated in the outskirts of Woodinville.

Also, as I posted earlier, the QAM tuners in my Sharp TVs haven't been able to tune 110.1, 110.2, 111.1 or 111.2 in the last week or so. A channel sweep doesn't even detect them, which I find weird considering that all the other channels come in fine and I have no problem iwth 111.1 and 111.2 with the HDHomeRun tuner.

Are people with Comcast HD cableboxes having any issues with HD Q13 or CW11 (103 or 111) right now? I can't believe that a signal so low would affect only classic QAM tuners (after all, the cableboxes use QAM as a transport too, right?).

-eric

Recently I'm having issues with non-HD recordings on our 3412, especially when 2 non-HD shows are being recorded at the same time. One of them would just record blank screen. Could be a tuner issue...except I have no trouble recording 2 HD shows at the same time. Very strange. Anyone else seeing this recently? I may have to call and ask for replacement...

--
Sang

I'm also having problems (with my 3416) this week. Sometimes a recording won't start when another one is in progress. I've been recording some shows for the granddaughters visits (Disney -- 41), and some don't show up. Also, most days this week the recordings that do work cause the channel that I was tuned to (usually 46) to freeze. When I try to tune in other channels, none of the midrange "analogs" (about 30-99) will come in, but all the lower channels and the ones above 100 are OK. I reboot and everything is fine for a bit. I finally did a firmware reload this morning, and it seems OK for now. I'm getting a bit antsy over the 4AM Formula One events on Speed (33) the next three days.

I'm also having problems (with my 3416) this week. Sometimes a recording won't start when another one is in progress. I've been recording some shows for the granddaughters visits (Disney -- 41), and some don't show up. Also, most days this week the recordings that do work cause the channel that I was tuned to (usually 46) to freeze. When I try to tune in other channels, none of the midrange "analogs" (about 30-99) will come in, but all the lower channels and the ones above 100 are OK. I reboot and everything is fine for a bit. I finally did a firmware reload this morning, and it seems OK for now. I'm getting a bit antsy over the 4AM Formula One events on Speed (33) the next three days.


I'm having the same problem too. What are the steps to do firmware reload?

From the Wiki:
DVR Authorization and Factory Full Reset
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets#DVR_Authorization_and_Factory_Full_Reset

Be sure to use this one, since the one just above it will wipe out your recordings.

They make a number of different models with the transport buttons in different places. In my model (which is older--a 680) the transport buttons are right where I want them (around the directional button in the middle of the remote right where my thumb would naturally rest when gripping the remote). Which models have you looked at? Where do you want the transport buttons? Location of transport buttons is definitely a personal preference.

I think it was model 676, from Sams Club. It wasn't so much the location of the transport buttons as the fact that there was no differentiation in size etc, just this mass of buttons....

From the Wiki:
DVR Authorization and Factory Full Reset
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Resets#DVR_Authorization_and_Factory_Full_Reset

Be sure to use this one, since the one just above it will wipe out your recordings.

Cool! What software version did you get with this? Is it 12.31 or 12.35 or something else? And you now say everything is OK. Transport controls work? No lag? etc.

Cool! What software version did you get with this? Is it 12.31 or 12.35 or something else? And you now say everything is OK. Transport controls work? No lag? etc.

Wow -- I never said that. All I said was that, for the moment, it isn't exhibiting the failure to record, and frozen tuner, characteristics. Who knows if it will last through the night? The version is 12.31, which is the same one I had before.

I reboot and everything is fine for a bit. I finally did a firmware reload this morning, and it seems OK for now.
This is what prompted my questions. Don't know how to interpret this. Not trying to be disrepectful. Seriously, I have NO major problems with my 3412. I interpreted this to mean that you also have no major problems after your reboot and software update. My main point is, it's easy to call something a POS, but why is what I want to know and what have you done to determine this is a POS. It's been a great DVR for me. Flame on....

That was a response to the posting immediately preceeding it. Please read that, and you will see that it contains an explanation of the current problems we are having.

That was a response to the posting immediately preceeding it. Please read that, and you will see that it contains an explanation of the current problems we are having.
FWIW: I've lost some of the channels on my 3412. Just noticed it tonight. 106,107 and some of the premium SD channels are now gone. My 6412's are still working ok and I switched the coax between two of them, unplugged, etc, ect, ect. No Joy. Sooo.... I called Comcast.

They are rolling a truck on Saturday. I told them that I have recordings on my 3412 that I do not want to lose and they assured me that if the STB is bad they will let me keep it at no charge for a couple of months and in the meantime give me a replacement.

Another interesting thing is that the service rep stated that the MS guide is gonna go away. They have already replaced it in beta test with their employees and will be releasing the Tivo interface. MS gone, Tivo next, one happy camper when that happens. Wish list: Sata drives, phone/internet recording, room to room streaming. Go Comcast!!!!

...
Another interesting thing is that the service rep stated that the MS guide is gonna go away. They have already replaced it in beta test with their employees and will be releasing the Tivo interface. MS gone, Tivo next, one happy camper when that happens. Wish list: Sata drives, phone/internet recording, room to room streaming. Go Comcast!!!!

Did you get the impression that they were going to replace the MS guide with iGuide (and subsequently offer the TiVo as an option)? That's what I would suppose -- never could figure out why we were the sole MS outpost.

Another interesting thing is that the service rep stated that the MS guide is gonna go away. They have already replaced it in beta test with their employees and will be releasing the Tivo interface. MS gone, Tivo next, one happy camper when that happens. Wish list: Sata drives, phone/internet recording, room to room streaming. Go Comcast!!!!

Tivo is still a ways out, with market trials beginning this summer then rolled out to everyone as an upgrade option (more money).

If switching I suspect iGuide, check out http://www.comcast.com/newguide/

Recently I'm having issues with non-HD recordings on our 3412, especially when 2 non-HD shows are being recorded at the same time. One of them would just record blank screen. Could be a tuner issue...except I have no trouble recording 2 HD shows at the same time. Very strange. Anyone else seeing this recently? I may have to call and ask for replacement...
I'm also having problems (with my 3416) this week. Sometimes a recording won't start when another one is in progress. I've been recording some shows for the granddaughters visits (Disney -- 41), and some don't show up. Also, most days this week the recordings that do work cause the channel that I was tuned to (usually 46) to freeze. When I try to tune in other channels, none of the midrange "analogs" (about 30-99) will come in, but all the lower channels and the ones above 100 are OK. I reboot and everything is fine for a bit. I finally did a firmware reload this morning, and it seems OK for now. I'm getting a bit antsy over the 4AM Formula One events on Speed (33) the next three days.

I too am having issues with my 6412. Shows appear to be recording, but they will not play. When I hit Play, the current channel freezes for a minute, and then I get "End of Show". Happened on "The Daily Show" last night on Comedy Central and on "Easter Island: People of the Maoi" on Discovery HD yesterday morning, which actually recorded about two minutes and then crashed.

I'm watching Barcelona Practice live right now, and it seems to be recording fine.

Another interesting thing is that the service rep stated that the MS guide is gonna go away. They have already replaced it in beta test with their employees and will be releasing the Tivo interface. MS gone, Tivo next, one happy camper when that happens.

I talked to one of the ops managers who's been beta testing. He said hitting play after FF bounces back to the program's start. We can only hope this stuff gets ironed out before we become involuntary beta testers...

Does anyone here have a Tivo Series 3 they'd like to show off? I'd love to see one in action before placing an order, to compare the transport control response, etc.

Thanks! :)

...Steve

Did you get the impression that they were going to replace the MS guide with iGuide (and subsequently offer the TiVo as an option)? That's what I would suppose -- never could figure out why we were the sole MS outpost.
No. I got the impression that they are replacing the MS software with the Tivo software in the same boxes. The rep stated that we sh9ould start seeing messages advising of the change very soon.

No. I got the impression that they are replacing the MS software with the Tivo software in the same boxes. The rep stated that we sh9ould start seeing messages advising of the change very soon.

I thought TiVo was to be an extra charge option. Perhaps we'll just get another rate increase to camoflage it.

Who knows what to believe from anybody at this point.... kind of annoying. So much conflicting information.

I continue to be very frustrated with Comcast and their lack of support and customer service for users with more than one HDTV that has a built-in QAM tuner. Up until two weeks ago, comcast had for a period of time had the local HD channels mapped as 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, 11.1 and 13.1, which also makes complete logical sense. About two weeks ago, they once again made a change and now 4.1 and 5.1 still exist, however the 7, 11 and 13 versions are now up in the 110 and 111 sub channels.

I've contacted Comcast a number of times over the past year and they continue to push back and say they don't support this, have no answers, can't help me. All they offer of course, is to offer more set top boxes for a monthly fee for each one to support this. We have one set top box with DVR on the main TV, and that's fine. The other TV's we have work perfectly fine, and have digital tuner's in them that support QAM (Quatratude Amplitude Modulation) which is the coding method standard Comcast uses on their network. I don't want to (and can't) hang a big comcast box off of these TV's.

Has anyone else had success or results in getting any info from Comcast on QAM channel maps, why they often remap and move them, or had them offer any support on the matter? Each time, they tell me to contact the broadcast network (like CBS, NBC or Fox) or the TV manufacturer, which both are completely the wrong answer.

Thanks and I'd be interested to hear anyone else who has actually had supported results from Comcast on this. Its frustrating as all heck dealing with them, and how they impede technology and customer service.

no3grover,

I would suggest you send the same info (as in your post above) to ...
steve_kipp@cable.comcast.com

Comcast phone rep's and field tech's lack knowledge or access to information regarding QAM "in-the-clear" broadcast channels and the mess that Comcast has created for us.

I doubt that the FCC would agree that the "where-is-that-channel-tonight?" mess complies with the intent of their ruling for in-the-clear digital channel reception without a cable box. Perhaps a cc to a party in the FCC would not hurt here.

I feel the exact same way. Complete lack of support from comcast and frequent juggling of channel frequencies makes it difficult to use.

Please post your progress in dealing with comcast and the specific email provided by Budget_HT. If you think more emails would be helpful, let us know!

I have formulated an additional e-mail and sent to the address you provided. Thank you.

The other night, after a one hour "live online chat" with another support rep on the issue, resulting in nothing, I also composed a letter to the FCC and submitted it. I'll advise if I receive any response to that.

Thanks
Jeff

FWIW: I've lost some of the channels on my 3412. Just noticed it tonight. 106,107 and some of the premium SD channels are now gone. My 6412's are still working ok and I switched the coax between two of them, unplugged, etc, ect, ect. No Joy. Sooo.... I called Comcast.

They are rolling a truck on Saturday. I told them that I have recordings on my 3412 that I do not want to lose and they assured me that if the STB is bad they will let me keep it at no charge for a couple of months and in the meantime give me a replacement.
...


A Bellevue friend with a 3412, but no HDTV, told me today that he's been encountering blank screens when tuning to premium SD channels under 100. I think it's too much of a coincidence to blame so many similar complaints on individual box problems. It's more likely a Comcast system problem. Let us know how your truck roll turns out.

Has anyone ever heard of "Guide Works"? I was told today by a Comcast rep that the Washington State market will be switching from the MS Guide to this format beginning the week of June 3rd.

Google tells me that's the company that produces iGuide, which is what most other Comcast areas have: http://www.guideworkstv.com/

Interesting. The rep told me that the Guide Works software would fix my DVR issues. Who knows........ Does anyone here use a Tivo Series 3?

...
The rep told me that the Guide Works software would fix my DVR issues. Who knows...


Don't bet on it. I think most of the DVR problems are related to Motorola firmware, since the iGuide users seem to report about the same ones.

I continue to be very frustrated with Comcast and their lack of support and customer service for users with more than one HDTV that has a built-in QAM tuner. Worse than the shifting channels - compare the number of channels you can view on an Analog Cable Ready TV with the ones you get with a QAM HDTV. Unless you pay for a digital box (then why get QAM?), you lose everything but 'limited cable' - regardless of what you pay for. Once we get rid of our analog sets - Comcast will get an extra $5 per set from us - roughly a 10% increase over Basic Cable - PER TV!!!

I'm going to try complaining to the city agency that negotiates with Comcast. Maybe they will listen.

Still seeing recording glitches here in Bellevue. If I am recording one show and a second show starts, the initial show stops recording. I was recording "Stargate Atlantis" last night and I had a second show start half-way through. "Atlantis" stopped recording, but the session did not corrupt, which appears to what happened prior. The second show recorded normally. I had hard-booted the DVR via killing power prior.

I'll try the "DVR Authorization and Factory Full Reset" wareagle linked to and see if that works. I have multiple interlaced recordings this evening so hopefully it will work. *fingers crossed*

...
I'll try the "DVR Authorization and Factory Full Reset" wareagle linked to and see if that works. I have multiple interlaced recordings this evening so hopefully it will work. *fingers crossed*

Unfortunately, the Reset isn't a cure. I had Formula One qualifying and the preceding show set to record on 33, which should've used both tuners overlapped, but neither recording has any content. They show that they recorded, but playback gets a black screen and they don't even do that all the way.

At the moment I have the kids' Little Einsteins recording OK on 41, and another one set for 5-minute overlap with the end of it, just to see what happens.

The good news is that I get another shot at recording the qualifying at 11:30PM.

Grr... Do you have a 6412 or a different unit? I've been away from the forum for a month so I am not up to speed, but I am guessing Comcast pushed a new firmware out prior to these problems?

And for the life of me I cannot find "Inside Grand Prix" on the search page, though I did get the last two minutes of it leading into qualifying (which did successfully record, probably only because I deleted the 5:30AM showing of "New Yankee Workshop" on DIY and set it for 5:30PM, instead).

"CSI" looks (so far) that it did record successfully on Thursday, so I will see if the last minute or so of "Ugly Betty" was cut-off when "CSI" started.

Grr... Do you have a 6412 or a different unit? I've been away from the forum for a month so I am not up to speed, but I am guessing Comcast pushed a new firmware out prior to these problems?

And for the life of me I cannot find "Inside Grand Prix" on the search page, though I did get the last two minutes of it leading into qualifying (which did successfully record, probably only because I deleted the 5:30AM showing of "New Yankee Workshop" on DIY and set it for 5:30PM, instead).

"CSI" looks (so far) that it did record successfully on Thursday, so I will see if the last minute or so of "Ugly Betty" was cut-off when "CSI" started.

I have a 3416.

The firmware and guide s/w version numbers haven't changed.

The overlapping Disney recordings worked OK this morning. It seems very inconsistent.

It seems very inconsistent.

That's Comcast! :)

Seriously, thanks for the information. Fortunately there is a Comcast office across the street from my workplace, so I may take my 6412 in on Monday...

A Bellevue friend with a 3412, but no HDTV, told me today that he's been encountering blank screens when tuning to premium SD channels under 100. I think it's too much of a coincidence to blame so many similar complaints on individual box problems. It's more likely a Comcast system problem. Let us know how your truck roll turns out.

Just got done with a Comcast truck roll. I was having problems on one of my 3412's with missed recording, and blank channels. Yet other channels were working just fine. Well, all is good now. It was not the 3412. Tech found I had a low signal and by rewiring a spliiter (switching to an unused port), was able to get the signal strength up a bit. The box now works again.

I'm wondering if weather has anything to do with some of the problems. No, seriously. We're now coming into warming weather. If the you have splitters that have been out in the weather (some of mine are), as they dry out perhaps oxidation or some other process is occuring causing signal strengths to drop off. Just a guess.

Just got done with a Comcast truck roll. I was having problems on one of my 3412's with missed recording, and blank channels. Yet other channels were working just fine. Well, all is good now. It was not the 3412. Tech found I had a low signal and by rewiring a spliiter (switching to an unused port), was able to get the signal strength up a bit. The box now works again.

I'm wondering if weather has anything to do with some of the problems. No, seriously. We're now coming into warming weather. If the you have splitters that have been out in the weather (some of mine are), as they dry out perhaps oxidation or some other process is occuring causing signal strengths to drop off. Just a guess.

Let us know if that really fixed it. I'll check the signal strength, splitters, and connections. I have a separate line coming into the house for cable, and a splitter to a seldom used VCR that I can remove.

(I still think they may have a more general problem on their end -- possibly in the digital encoding of some of the ADS channels.)

This morning brought the same changes to Seattle that others had already seen on the Eastside and in the Southend.

* KCPQ HD and KSTW HD from 81-1 & 2 to 111-1 & 2
* KONG HD, KIRO HD, and KIRO SD from 86-1, 86-2, & 86-3 to 110-1, 110-2 & 110-3

Also, 89-9 & 89-10 (Gospel Music Channel & The Word Network) are now encrypted.

...
Beginning the week of June 5th, Comcast will begin transitioning from the Microsoft Enhanced Interactive Program Guide (MSIPG) to the new TV Guide “GuideWorks” platform and interactive program guide.
...



Welcome 30-second skip; goodbye to guide unused channel pruning.

...
I'll check the signal strength, splitters, and connections. I have a separate line coming into the house for cable, and a splitter to a seldom used VCR that I can remove.
...


I now have no splitters involved, outside the box. I forced both tuners to 33 with a recording, and checked the signal before and after removing the splitter:

Tuner 1
before
SNR 35.0-35.7 AGC 77%
after
SNR 36.0-36.6 AGC 75%

Tuner 2
before
SNR 35.7-36.3 AGC 76%
after
SNR 37.3-37.9 AGC 63%

This morning brought the same changes to Seattle that others had already seen on the Eastside and in the Southend.

* KCPQ HD and KSTW HD from 81-1 & 2 to 111-1 & 2
* KONG HD, KIRO HD, and KIRO SD from 86-1, 86-2, & 86-3 to 110-1, 110-2 & 110-3

Also, 89-9 & 89-10 (Gospel Music Channel & The Word Network) are now encrypted.

I'm new to QAM so bear with me. I live in Seattle and am experiencing the channel shifts. Your channel lists show that all of the local broadcasts have PSIP data. So does this mean that if Comcast changes the QAM channel, I should be able to do a rescan and still be able to tune to 7.1 and get Kiro? If yes, it isn't working for me. When I did a rescan, my tv (Sony kdl52xbr3) didn't detect any new channels. If I go to 7.1, the tv can't tune. I believe it's still tuning to the old KIRO frequency. I can tune to the new QAM mappings above to get to the channels but not the PSIP mappings. So, either I'm not doing something right with my tv or the PSIP data isn't there for the changed channels.

Any suggestions?

I now have no splitters involved, outside the box. I forced both tuners to 33 with a recording, and checked the signal before and after removing the splitter:

Tuner 1
before
SNR 35.0-35.7 AGC 77%
after
SNR 36.0-36.6 AGC 75%

Tuner 2
before
SNR 35.7-36.3 AGC 76%
after
SNR 37.3-37.9 AGC 63%
Is this something you can get from the DVR? If so, I'd like to compare my signal to yours. I'll let you know if this did really fix this for me. Up to the last week or so this box was giving me no problems. As of right now, channels that I was not able to get before the truck roll I can not get crystal clear.

Is this something you can get from the DVR? If so, I'd like to compare my signal to yours. I'll let you know if this did really fix this for me. Up to the last week or so this box was giving me no problems. As of right now, channels that I was not able to get before the truck roll I can not get crystal clear.

Oh, yes. From the diagnostics page. With the TV on, turn off (not unplug) the DVR and within about 2 seconds press the "OK/Select" button. This will bring up the display of the DVR diagnostics on the TV. The signal strength values are under item d04 INBAND STATUS. You might be interested in exploring the other pages. For example d13 PVR/HDD STATUS second page tells you the temperature status (current, max, and over temp history).

This information is available in the Wiki book, which will probably come in handy even more as we transition to iGuide -- http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_Your_Incoming_Signal_Strength

This information is available in the Wiki book, which will probably come in handy even more as we transition to iGuide -- http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_Your_Incoming_Signal_Strength

I agree. Another thing for me to bookmark. I had really hoped we'd be doing the Tivo interface. I've not stayed on top of the IGuide interface but it sure had it's share of problems back when. Hope they've done more with keeping current than the MS Guide has. I'll check my signals and report back. May take awhile since the weather is warm, there are books to read, and happy hour starts in 5 minnutes. :D

I'm new to QAM so bear with me. I live in Seattle and am experiencing the channel shifts. Your channel lists show that all of the local broadcasts have PSIP data. So does this mean that if Comcast changes the QAM channel, I should be able to do a rescan and still be able to tune to 7.1 and get Kiro?

In theory, yes, if you re-scan, it should pick up the PSIP mappings at their new locations. I say "in theory", because my QAM tuner doesn't do PSIP decoding at all, so I base the mappings on what I gathered from others' posts. It's also possible that Comcast isn't successfully passing the PSIP after having moved the channels. (This has happened before... repeatedly!)

Ah, ok. That makes sense. I was under the impression that since you had the PSIP information for the changed channels that you saw that the PSIP was indeed being transmitted. I think it's very likely that Comcast is once again not passing the PSIP info along again.

I hope they fix this quickly. I did send an email to the contact noted above about this issue. It was nice unboxing my TV and being able to do a scan and have all the locals right where the PSIP says they should be.

Thanks.

Just to confirm -- the PSIP information for my area (Everett) isn't being transmitted for the channels they moved either...

I told them that I have recordings on my 3412 that I do not want to lose and they assured me that if the STB is bad they will let me keep it at no charge for a couple of months and in the meantime give me a replacement.

Been there, done that, several times. Best to get it in writing, so they don't try to charge you for the extra box. Sometimes they'll charge you anyway, then credit it upon return (assuming you can prove their original offer).

It seems 82-4 (KOMO HD) isn't valid for me anymore. It worked last night. Anyone else see this ?

This morning brought the same changes to Seattle that others had already seen on the Eastside and in the Southend.

* KCPQ HD and KSTW HD from 81-1 & 2 to 111-1 & 2
* KONG HD, KIRO HD, and KIRO SD from 86-1, 86-2, & 86-3 to 110-1, 110-2 & 110-3

Also, 89-9 & 89-10 (Gospel Music Channel & The Word Network) are now encrypted.

I no longer see any of the channels you mention above, even with a rescan. In Tukwila. Using FusionHDTV. This is the first time I've seen this happen. Also, my 3412 is acting really funny today...all HD channels look very jerky. Rebooted the DVR and looks better.

--
Sang

Looks like my blank screens were caused by poor signal strength. Unfornately I did not get a "before" my truck roll, but afterwards I now have the following on my 3 DVR's: Using wareagles trick, forced tuning to channel 33 on all dvrs.

DVR1 6412. Its own run
Tuner 1: SNR 33.6 AGC 79
Tuner 2: SNR 32.8 AGC 78

DVR2 6412 Spit from same run as what's used on my 3412.
Tuner 1: SNR 33.8 AGC 79
Tuner 2: SNR 32.9 AGC 79

DV3 3412 Second side of two way splitter. Splitter from Comcast and was first thing replaced.
Tuner 1: SNR 31.7 AGC 83
Tuner 2: SNR 31.3 AGC 83 (Getting some packet errors on this tuner).

Tried switching cables, same results. Looks like the 3412 might have a weaker tuner?

In any event, it would be interesting to find out what others have for signal strength that are having problems with blank screens.

BTW: Tried some other channels and the signal in some cases was slightly better.

...
In any event, it would be interesting to find out what others have for signal strength that are having problems with blank screens.
...


My signal strength before removing the splitter was quite a bit better than any of yours are now, so I don't think that's the culprit for me. It will be interesting to see if you (or I) have any more problems.