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?

I think there are several S3 users here. I use one.

Tried the Comcast supplied Motorola DVR first but it drove us crazy. The Tivo on the other hand is a joy to use. Always records what you ask it, records stuff you might like, has undelete, etc. The list is long. But the main point is that it is 99.9% reliable.

The only downside that I see is it is expensive to buy and costs a few dollars a month more than the Comcast DVR. When put into perspective with what other forms of entertainment costs (sports, concert, events tickets,etc) and the joy of knowing you will always record what you want, it's a no-brainer in my book.

BTW, Tivo just activated the eSATA port on the S3 and I added a Seagate 750 GB drive a couple of days ago with no trouble. I now have 131 hrs of HD space.

I know some people don't have the money to purchase the S3. I'm just saying that if you do, you should seriously look at it as an option.

You'll never regret it

I think there are several S3 users here. I use one.

Tried the Comcast supplied Motorola DVR first but it drove us crazy. The Tivo on the other hand is a joy to use. Always records what you ask it, records stuff you might like, has undelete, etc. The list is long. But the main point is that it is 99.9% reliable.

The only downside that I see is it is expensive to buy and costs a few dollars a month more than the Comcast DVR. When put into perspective with what other forms of entertainment costs (sports, concert, events tickets,etc) and the joy of knowing you will always record what you want, it's a no-brainer in my book.

BTW, Tivo just activated the eSATA port on the S3 and I added a Seagate 750 GB drive a couple of days ago with no trouble. I now have 131 hrs of HD space.

I know some people don't have the money to purchase the S3. I'm just saying that if you do, you should seriously look at it as an option.

You'll never regret it
I assume you need 2 cable cards with the Tivo. No problem with the cards???

My problem doesn't appear to be signal strength (SNR is "Good" in the very high 30's and AGC is "Fair" with a percentage in the 70's) unless Comcast suddenly lowered the signal strength at the head-end.

It just appears the tuner on my 6412 can no longer reliably lock on two channels at once to record as of last week. I had ESPN2HD and NGC start at 9:00am and NGC never pulled a signal and ESPNHD only snagged the 4 minutes until I stopped the NGC recording, even though the Record light still showed.

As long as I am recording only one show at a time, it's "okay", though as soon as the second show starts recording, the first show stops because the tuner loses the lock so that only really works for back-to-back shows. F1 was fine this morning, and I was able to get most all of the back-to-back shows I had on Discovery Home, Discovery Channel and Cartoon Network.

It looks like if a second show starts during the recording of a prior show, the prior show stops and the new show successfully records.

I am recording ESPN2HD now and switched over to FOXHD and ESPN2HD still recorded. I could also start a simultaneous recording on FOXHD and both seem to be working.

Still, I think I'll take my 6412 into Comcast tomorrow and either get a new box or see if they can test my current one.

I assume you need 2 cable cards with the Tivo. No problem with the cards???
Definitely need two cards. Others have said they had no problems getting them.

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?


Well the Comcast tech showed up and said that they have been having problems with the software. She stated a "MSTVROLLBACK" (this is what is on the work order) hit would fix the issues. So far there are no problems.

I stand corrected. Still having the same problems with DVR playback. Comcast phone support says it is a signal issue even though I told them that the tech who came out to the house said the signal was very strong. Go figure. Series 3 here I come!

Edit: found the missing HD channel! Thanks to pastiche's channels file at post #9238


I have the "limited cable" ($13/month) and the cable connects directly to my HDTV which has a QAM and a ATSC. I used to be able to see all 8 HD channels in the limited cable program lineup (4-1, 5-1, 7-1, 9-3, 13-1, 14-1, 16-1 and 21-1). However, 4 of the HD channels were dropped after about May 3rd. Now I can only see 4-1, 5-1, 9-3 and 21-1 HD channels. I did auto search and still missed those 4 HD channels. I called Comcast and the CSR was no help. I live in Kenomore/Juanita area. One of my friends in Samamish also can only receive these 4 HD channels from his "Basic program".

Now I have to use the indoor arena to receive all the 8 OTA HD channels. But sometimes the signal is not that stable.

Anyone knows if Comcast changed it's program lineup or something? Thanks.

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.

Definitely need two cards. Others have said they had no problems getting them.

I didn't have problems either.

Found the "missing" QAM channels on my FusionHDTV.

FoxHD: D1110.1
CW HD: D1111.1
KONG HD: D1100.1
CBS HD: D1101.1

FYI.

--
Sang

I apologize somewhat for not putting this in the Seattle 6412 forum, but this is where the discussion has been.

I'm still having some problems with the 3416 DVR. I need to play around with it a bit, but it almost seems like it's having trouble using both tuners. I've been recording some episodes of a Disney Channel program (41) for the grandkids. This morning I turned on 46 and watched CNBC for a few minutes, then came back later and the recording had started, but the CNBC picture was frozen. I played some of the recording and it looked OK, then went back to live TV and managed to retune CNBC by switching to 41 and then back to 46. Next I played the recording again and its picture froze at about the point I'd done the channel switching. I think it can still use both tuners at times, because I seem to recall some overlapping recording yesterday. It's a puzzle.

I'm still having some problems with the 3416 DVR. I need to play around with it a bit, but it almost seems like it's having trouble using both tuners. I've been recording some episodes of a Disney Channel program (41) for the grandkids. This morning I turned on 46 and watched CNBC for a few minutes, then came back later and the recording had started, but the CNBC picture was frozen. I played some of the recording and it looked OK, then went back to live TV and managed to retune CNBC by switching to 41 and then back to 46. Next I played the recording again and its picture froze at about the point I'd done the channel switching. I think it can still use both tuners at times, because I seem to recall some overlapping recording yesterday. It's a puzzle.

Just spoke with a Seattle tech, she says this problem started approx May 10, they're working on it. I guess this is progress - it's the first time I've had Comcast actually admit to having a problem.

Incidentally, I did a power recycle in response to this problem, which resulted in the loss of 60 hours of recordings. Sigh.

Just spoke with a Seattle tech, she says this problem started approx May 10, they're working on it. I guess this is progress - it's the first time I've had Comcast actually admit to having a problem.

Incidentally, I did a power recycle in response to this problem, which resulted in the loss of 60 hours of recordings. Sigh.

It would be nice if they were proactive, and advised us of problems before we did futile, and destructive, resets. It would be even better to know what the problem is.

(And it started a bit before May 10.)

Bye bye Microsoft software.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/315614_msftcomcast15.html

I just saw on Tivocommunity is getting Nat Geo HD & A&EHD on May 16th. Hopefully, we see the same here. :)

Edit: the new channels are on Bay Area Comcast.

yup!

Comcast dropping Microsoft TV software
Comcast Corp. plans to drop Microsoft Corp.'s television software and on-screen program guide from its digital cable boxes in the Seattle area and the rest of the software company's home state.

Here's the press release:

Comcast to Introduce New Interactive Program Guide

Next-generation guide featuring video-based navigation will soon be available to
Washington Digital Cable customers

SEATTLE - May 14, 2007 - Comcast, the nation's leading provider of cable, entertainment and communications products and services, today announced plans to introduce a new interactive on-screen program guide with video-based navigation that will offer a consistent user experience for customers throughout the Puget Sound and Spokane areas as well as in Comcast markets across the country.

Comcast is beginning to notify customers of the change and explain the features of the new guide through letters, newspaper, radio and television advertising, as well as through special messages sent to customers' digital cable set top boxes. The new guide is scheduled to launch in Spokane beginning June 5, and Comcast expects to complete the rollout to all of its Washington Digital Cable customers by early September.

The new interactive program guide is replacing the existing guide available to Puget Sound and Spokane area Comcast Digital Cable customers. With comparable functionality, the new guide will allow customers to continue using the Comcast Digital cable features they currently enjoy-like ON DEMAND and DVR service. Customers' DVR recordings and schedules as well as most of their current guide settings will automatically transfer to the new guide. This guide also will support future cross-platform features that integrate Comcast's Digital Cable, High-Speed Internet and Digital Voice services.

The new 'Comcast Central' video-rich navigation feature also lets viewers simultaneously preview as many as six different television programs in real time. With a click of the remote, viewers can then go directly to the program they want, whether it's on live TV or ON DEMAND.

"Comcast Central is the perfect addition to help our customers navigate the thousands of viewing choices available to them at any time while also letting them preview several programs at once," said Tom Pierce, vice president of marketing and sales for Comcast's Washington market. "We're very excited to offer this new guide to our customers and believe that it will greatly enhance their digital cable viewing experience."

The Comcast interactive program guide helps television viewers manage an increasing array of content choices, from hundreds of linear channels to nearly 7,000 ON DEMAND titles each month to dozens of "saved" programs on their Comcast DVRs. It also provides a platform for future product enhancements designed to give customers additional choice and control, like more personalized search functions, caller ID on the TV screen and the ability to program their DVRs through their Comcast High-Speed Internet account from any Internet connection.

I just saw on Tivocommunity is getting Nat Geo HD & A&EHD on May 16th. Hopefully, we see the same here. :)

Edit: the new channels are on Bay Area Comcast.

I hope they are coming soon.

Just recorded a single program on the DVR (no overlapping recordings) and the picture was frozen for the whole recording. Seattle office says they've been working on this problem for 3 days...

The only downside that I see is it is expensive to buy and costs a few dollars a month more than the Comcast DVR.

The Comcast DVR mostly does what I need it to do, although its hardware/software could certainly stand improvement. To me, the one advantage (other than cost) is that I can immediately swap it out if there's a problem. And I don't have much use for Tivo's extras like season pass etc....

It would be nice if they were proactive, and advised us of problems before we did futile, and destructive, resets. It would be even better to know what the problem is.

No kidding. I mentioned that to the CSR, it appears nobody at Comcast ever thought of this...

Comcast is beginning to notify customers of the change and explain the features of the new guide through letters, newspaper, radio and television advertising, as well as through special messages sent to customers' digital cable set top boxes.

Why oh why doesn't it ever occur to them to use email? Every time they send one of their stupid messages about PPV wrestling or whatever, you hafta go thru that clunky interface and remember that they stick the messages under Settings, which apparently was considered intuitive by someone in a vegetative state...

I hope they are coming soon.

NBC announced that new episodes of Law & Order: Criminal Intent will now be first run on USA next year (instead of NBC). USA previously announced that it's HD channel would premier in September 2007. Hopefully, Comcast sees this as a necessary pickup.

I think there are several S3 users here. I use one.

Tried the Comcast supplied Motorola DVR first but it drove us crazy. The Tivo on the other hand is a joy to use. Always records what you ask it, records stuff you might like, has undelete, etc. The list is long. But the main point is that it is 99.9% reliable.

The only downside that I see is it is expensive to buy and costs a few dollars a month more than the Comcast DVR. When put into perspective with what other forms of entertainment costs (sports, concert, events tickets,etc) and the joy of knowing you will always record what you want, it's a no-brainer in my book.

BTW, Tivo just activated the eSATA port on the S3 and I added a Seagate 750 GB drive a couple of days ago with no trouble. I now have 131 hrs of HD space.

I know some people don't have the money to purchase the S3. I'm just saying that if you do, you should seriously look at it as an option.

You'll never regret it

I agree! I just got my Series3 on friday.... Im sold!

NBC announced that new episodes of Law & Order: Criminal Intent will now be first run on USA next year (instead of NBC). USA previously announced that it's HD channel would premier in September 2007. Hopefully, Comcast sees this as a necessary pickup.

Somehow, I don't think a program kicked off of the lowest rated network due to low ratings would drive Comcast to add USA HD on launch day.

Just based on past experience, since in the past, the Super Bowl didn't get Comcast off it's rear end to add the channel that carried it.

I apologize somewhat for not putting this in the Seattle 6412 forum, but this is where the discussion has been...

I am also experiencing essentially the same issue, but only intermittently. It seems to be okay with "back to back" recordings (at worse, recording #1 stops when recording #2 starts), but if recording #2 starts in the middle of recording #1, more often then not recording #1 stops.

Sometimes recording #1 is totally corrupted when this happens (will not play, period, with the freezing screen of the channel that was active before I hit "Play") and sometimes it is fine up until recording #2 started, at which point #1 ends.

...
It seems to be okay with "back to back" recordings (at worse, recording #1 stops when recording #2 starts),
...


Ordinarily these would overlap, using both tuners, unless the second tuner was already in use. Whatever the problem is, it must be causing them to be recorded the same way they would be if the second tuner weren't available. Something is disabling the use of the second tuner. But only in some situations.

I'm sure Microsoft is hard at work on this problem, since the s/w will only be used for a few more weeks! (I haven't seen any complaints like this from iGuide users, so I conclude it must be just us.)

Bye bye Microsoft software.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/315614_msftcomcast15.html

I had to laugh (hysterically) at this paragraph in the article:

"Some Comcast customers have encountered glitches when using the cable set-top boxes running the Microsoft software, such as a lack of responsiveness. However, Kipp said there haven't been any out-of-the-ordinary problems, and he said nothing along those lines played into the decision to make the switch."

So all the stuff mentioned on AVS about DVR's are "ordinary problems", I guess. What a joke. If things are not straightened out by Sept. I'm going to a dish.

[QUOTE=quarque]
...
So all the stuff mentioned on AVS about DVR's are "ordinary problems", I guess.
...
/QUOTE]

Well, of course -- since we'll still have them with iGuide.

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?

Interesting change in that I can now tune to 4.1 and 5.1 (on my Sony DHG-HDD250), instead of trying to chase the new channels when Comcast switches them around. It would be great if they would do that with KIRO!

Q13 Morning News also report the guide switch. I guess the next question is when?

Q13 Morning News also report the guide switch. I guess the next question is when?

From the P-I article: "The rollout will start June 5 in Spokane, and the Seattle market is scheduled to make the switch around the end of June, Kipp said."

Somehow, I don't think a program kicked off of the lowest rated network due to low ratings would drive Comcast to add USA HD on launch day.

Just based on past experience, since in the past, the Super Bowl didn't get Comcast off it's rear end to add the channel that carried it.

LOL. I enjoyed your message. ;)

What is better to use? The built in tuner of your HDTV or using comcasts box? I have digital cable, but not the comcast digital cable box cause my tv has a built in tuner. This means my tv puts the hd channels in crazy order. The HD version of channel 4 is right after the 480i version...but hd version of fox is like 111-1 instead of right after 13. Is there a list somewhere where I can see the hd channel listings without the comcast tuner? Is the quality better using the comcast box? I have the Samsung LNT4665F 46" 1080p LCD HDTV

What is better to use? The built in tuner of your HDTV or using comcasts box? I have digital cable, but not the comcast digital cable box cause my tv has a built in tuner. This means my tv puts the hd channels in crazy order. The HD version of channel 4 is right after the 480i version...but hd version of fox is like 111-1 instead of right after 13. Is there a list somewhere where I can see the hd channel listings without the comcast tuner? Is the quality better using the comcast box? I have the Samsung LNT4665F 46" 1080p LCD HDTV
Welcome to QAM tuning. Look back through this thread for information about where various channels currently show up when you use your set's tuner instead of a Comcast box. Channels move around a lot, by the way, and Comcast will be no help in letting you know where they are and when they are going to change again. Some channels map to their correct PSIP positons (4-1, 5-1, 9-5) while others do not. KIRO, KCPQ, and KONG had logical assignments until last week, when they got moved to the 110s and 111s. Who knows what will happen next week.

As for quality, it depends. If your set has a bad tuner, you may have problems. I've seen lots of posts from Panasonic plasma owners who can't find or keep certain channels properly tuned. But, QAM tuning seems to work just fine for most people.

Of course, if you want encrypted channels such as ESPN-HD, you have to get a Comcast box or a cable card. Beyond that, the issue is whether the convenience of consistent, understandable channel assignments and a program guide are worth the cost of the set top box.

Just had an online chat with tech who says the problems of DVR freezes when recording on both tuners should be fixed. He also says they're working "to reduce the network congestion which is causing the signal to stutter and freeze." Dunno how it could be fixed when they're apparently still working on it, but I guess we'll see...

Just had an online chat with tech who says the problems of DVR freezes when recording on both tuners should be fixed. He also says they're working "to reduce the network congestion which is causing the signal to stutter and freeze." Dunno how it could be fixed when they're apparently still working on it, but I guess we'll see...

"Should be" isn't the same as "is". I just tried to test it and my box rebooted while I was doing so. Now it came back to recording on 41, but the live picture from 46 is frozen. No joy here.

NFL Network is moving to sports tier....I got the message on my box yesterday.

Did anybody else get that message too?

Yes.

Yep. Get out your checkbook.

"Should be" isn't the same as "is". I just tried to test it and my box rebooted while I was doing so. Now it came back to recording on 41, but the live picture from 46 is frozen. No joy here.

I was recording nothing, but when I turned on my 6412, it would not tune 663. Moved to 104 and then went back to 663. Nothing. Went back to 104 and started playing "Heroes". Came out to 104. Switched to 122. Nothing. Tried 42. Worked. Went back to 122. Works.

:confused:

I was recording nothing, but when I turned on my 6412, it would not tune 663. Moved to 104 and then went back to 663. Nothing. Went back to 104 and started playing "Heroes". Came out to 104. Switched to 122. Nothing. Tried 42. Worked. Went back to 122. Works.

:confused:

I've had a couple of instances of HBOHD failing to record recently, but for the most part my problems have been with the 30->99 range of channels.

for the most part my problems have been with the 30->99 range of channels.

I just did a test using 47. Set it to record a program, turned the DVR off, watched the program record light come on and after an hour went in and tried to watch it.

LOCK UP still.

What ever the latest "feature" Comcast introduced is I will be glad when they correct it..

I just did a test using 47. Set it to record a program, turned the DVR off, watched the program record light come on and after an hour went in and tried to watch it.

LOCK UP still.

What ever the latest "feature" Comcast introduced is I will be glad when they correct it..

I don't know of any recent new features. (You'll probably be better off if you leave the DVR on, although this problem isn't related to turning it off.)

I don't know of any recent new features. (You'll probably be better off if you leave the DVR on, although this problem isn't related to turning it off.)

Canadian humor here..

I was referring to the sudden problem with recording as a "feature"in quotes.

The last "feature" was the press fast forward and go directly to the end of the program before you got control back via the remote..

Will see if my 6412 on my other set has the same problems as my 3416.
Seems to be confined to a group of channels like you orginally posted.

I don't know of any recent new features. (You'll probably be better off if you leave the DVR on, although this problem isn't related to turning it off.)

Used to be with Dish, could set their box to ask before installing software update. That was a real blessing, sure wish Comcast would allow this...

As of this morning, here in Redmond, KIRO, CW11, Q13, and KONG have returned to 7.1, 11.1, 13.1, and 16.1, respectively.

As of this morning, here in Redmond, KIRO, CW11, Q13, and KONG have returned to 7.1, 11.1, 13.1, and 16.1, respectively. I hope they just added the PSIP information and didn't move them again. Then I won't need to do anything since I mapped them to these locations already... these changes often screw with my guide (and thus my recording schedule) and require a little fixing.

Looks like they fixed things. They didn't move the channels, just added the PSIP info.

Just curious if any of you regulars on this forum have any thoughts about the upcoming software change.
It seems like a big deal switching to the gemstar/iGuide or whatever its called from the Microsoft based software.

Will this be better overall ? I know there's another thread on this forum to talking about the Comcast Box and it seems the rest of the country has had problems, so not sure if we should be celebrating or if it really makes no difference at all.

One positive thing, correct me if I'm wrong, with this other software, I'll be able to program my remote to do a 30-second skip? woo-hoo

...
One positive thing, correct me if I'm wrong, with this other software, I'll be able to program my remote to do a 30-second skip? woo-hoo

Yes, you should be able to add the 30-second skip. Also, the iGuide s/w appears to buffer both tuners, and you can use the swap button to switch between them. The main thing I'm going to miss is the ability to cull unwanted channels from the guide listings. Perhaps their "favorites" option will work better than ours, to help out there.

As of this morning, here in Redmond, KIRO, CW11, Q13, and KONG have returned to 7.1, 11.1, 13.1, and 16.1, respectively.
They have not made this change yet in North Seattle (Lake City). I'm waiting for this. :rolleyes:

Welcome to QAM tuning. Look back through this thread for information about where various channels currently show up when you use your set's tuner instead of a Comcast box. Channels move around a lot, by the way, and Comcast will be no help in letting you know where they are and when they are going to change again. Some channels map to their correct PSIP positons (4-1, 5-1, 9-5) while others do not. KIRO, KCPQ, and KONG had logical assignments until last week, when they got moved to the 110s and 111s. Who knows what will happen next week.

As for quality, it depends. If your set has a bad tuner, you may have problems. I've seen lots of posts from Panasonic plasma owners who can't find or keep certain channels properly tuned. But, QAM tuning seems to work just fine for most people.

Of course, if you want encrypted channels such as ESPN-HD, you have to get a Comcast box or a cable card. Beyond that, the issue is whether the convenience of consistent, understandable channel assignments and a program guide are worth the cost of the set top box.

North Seattle Comcast HD QAM tuning:
I found that on my Panasonic, if you go up and tune KIRO, KCPQ, etc at 110s-111s- the set now knows where they are and adds them to the list back at 7.1 and 13.1, etc. Strange but true. Thanks BIslander for your post.

Is anybody else having trouble recording Mariners games to DVR? When I try to watch the recording, it goes for about 20 minutes, then it stops.

Is anybody else having trouble recording Mariners games to DVR? When I try to watch the recording, it goes for about 20 minutes, then it stops.

Only when the HD broadcast is not listed on the schedule.

Only when the HD broadcast is not listed on the schedule.

I'm actually having this problem recording the SDTV broadcast of it.

Are you recording or watching anything else at the same time? Many of us here have been having problems getting both tuners to work simultaneously with channels in the range of 30-99 or so.

They have not made this change yet in North Seattle (Lake City). I'm waiting for this. :rolleyes:
Interesting, I'm on Lake City Way at 105th and it is indeed updated for both my Samsung set top box and my FusionHDTV card.

Are you recording or watching anything else at the same time? Many of us here have been having problems getting both tuners to work simultaneously with channels in the range of 30-99 or so.

Often I'll record the SDTV broadcast and watch the HDTV broadcast. The HD version is on channel 664, though.

Today it looks like Boston Comcast added HGTV-HD, FOOD-HD and A&E-HD.
Great news, however, if this is similar to last year, we might not be seeing these till probably the end of this year.

Is there anything we can do to get Comcast to get moving faster with HD in this area? Seems like we are always one of the later areas for Comcast to add new HD content. Even very rural parts of Oregon got UHD and MHD about 6 months before Seattle did last year.

I guess it's time for me to send another email request to Comcast, as now there is a brand new green utility box in my front yard that has the letters F, I, O and S on it. hmmm...

Often I'll record the SDTV broadcast and watch the HDTV broadcast. The HD version is on channel 664, though.

I get interference between those two -- can't record 30 and watch 664 at the same time.

Interesting, I'm on Lake City Way at 105th and it is indeed updated for both my Samsung set top box and my FusionHDTV card.
I'm on Lake City at 145th, and I still have to use the 110 and 111 channels to get KIRO, CW, FOX... on my Sony DHG-HDD250!

I'm on Lake City at 145th, and I still have to use the 110 and 111 channels to get KIRO, CW, FOX... on my Sony DHG-HDD250!
Maybe they only went to the city limits? Shouldn't be more than a day or so though.

Maybe they only went to the city limits? Shouldn't be more than a day or so though.
Boy the TVGOS system is a pain to set up... :o

Today it looks like Boston Comcast added HGTV-HD, FOOD-HD and A&E-HD.
Great news, however, if this is similar to last year, we might not be seeing these till probably the end of this year.

Is there anything we can do to get Comcast to get moving faster with HD in this area? Seems like we are always one of the later areas for Comcast to add new HD content. Even very rural parts of Oregon got UHD and MHD about 6 months before Seattle did last year.

I guess it's time for me to send another email request to Comcast, as now there is a brand new green utility box in my front yard that has the letters F, I, O and S on it. hmmm...


We will probably get Net Geo and A&E soon but you are right HGTV and Food will come end of this year. Every two weeks I send an email to Steve Kipp to add new hd channels. I think more emails he gets about hd channels the better chances we have to get hd channel.

We will probably get Net Geo and A&E soon but you are right HGTV and Food will come end of this year. Every two weeks I send an email to Steve Kipp to add new hd channels. I think more emails he gets about hd channels the better chances we have to get hd channel.

Whoa!! We are delayed, especially since FX and USA HD channels, as well as many others are coming out this summer. I'd actually prefer A&E, FX, and USA to take priority.

We will probably get Net Geo and A&E soon but you are right HGTV and Food will come end of this year. Every two weeks I send an email to Steve Kipp to add new hd channels. I think more emails he gets about hd channels the better chances we have to get hd channel.

I sent an email out yesterday, requesting for more HD channels along with requesting if he could help in getting Comcast to speed up the process of adding more HD as they becomes available in our area. Not sure if he can help in that aspect, but I hope he will listen to our requests and push to get us more HD faster.

I sent an email out yesterday, requesting for more HD channels along with requesting if he could help in getting Comcast to speed up the process of adding more HD as they becomes available in our area. Not sure if he can help in that aspect, but I hope he will listen to our requests and push to get us more HD faster.

Well i will be jumping the ship once Fios tv comes to redmond. Nat Geo.com's Channel Locator found Verizon (FIOS TV) for bothell listed with hd channel. This tells me that FIOS TV is coming soon in our area.

Well i will be jumping the ship once Fios tv comes to redmond. Nat Geo.com's Channel Locator found Verizon (FIOS TV) for bothell listed with hd channel. This tells me that FIOS TV is coming soon in our area.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have to have Verizon as your phone company to get FIOS?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't you have to have Verizon as your phone company to get FIOS?

I believe that is true since FiOS is a Verizon venture. Wikipedia says availability in Washington is:
"Snohomish County, Washington – Verizon FiOS service is available in select Bothell and Mill Creek neighborhoods. Television service is not offered at this time.

King County, Washington- Installation is underway in some Kirkland, Redmond and NE-Bellevue neighborhoods.

Some Kirkland and Bothell neighborhoods are ready for ordering now. Only telephone and data are being readied."

Looks pretty minimal right now.

I'm going to have to start checking this thread on a daly basis. Their last change of QAM channel assignments caused me to miss the last episode of 24.

I hope they quit changing these things around so frequently.

Has anyone noticed any progress by Comcast in fixing the problem of the DVRs not being able to use both tuners for some channel combinations? I certainly haven't.

After much bitching about the slow rate of addition for HD channels, I've cut my service back to lifeline cable and turned in the crappy DVR. Either netflix or blockbuster will offer a much better value than this poor HD selection. I've also noticed that since switching back to my QAM tuner the channel mappings for local HD make a lot more sense. FOX is 13 and the hd version is 13.1 and the other broadcast channels work nearly identically. Much better than 89.2 or whatever it was...

Just for the record, the PSIP mappings (7-1, 7-2, 11-1, 13-1) are correct again in Seattle, as well.

I'll be able to keep the PSIP mappings on the QAM list a little more accurate from here-on-out, as well, since I finally picked-up a PSIP-capable QAM tuner. For anyone who might be interested:

http://www.rjtech.net/desc_RJ-1000ATSC.htm

It's an early entry into the digital-transition set-top market. Output is 480i only, but it tunes and downconverts 480p, 720p, and 1080i via both 8VSB and QAM. Widescreen programs can be letterboxed or zoomed. Quite an impressive little device for $75, and perfect for the analogue set in my bedroom.

Has anyone noticed any progress by Comcast in fixing the problem of the DVRs not being able to use both tuners for some channel combinations? I certainly haven't.

Same here. If I am watching a show on one tuner, it will freeze when the second tuner starts to record.

So far, I haven't had any more show corruption when two shows are back to back, either on the same channel or different channels, in both SD and HD.

And it looks like if one show is recording and the second show starts, the first show seems to continue recording, though I am trying to limit these scenarios as much as possible for the moment. ;)

In case any of you Comcast DRV users have been tempted to buy the Tivo S3, Tivo just annouced a new $200 rebate program

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=352577

Thanks Bonnie! I am seriously debating it.

I'm not receiving 5-1, 11-1, or 13-1 now. Is there anyway someone could help me try to do it? I've gotten the channels on 110 to work, but the ones on 111 aren't scanning...

Anyone else receive a letter from Comcast touting all the great things they have and announcing the new guide? It also mentions that they want feedback (good and bad) from all of us. It was signed by John Dietrich, area VP. AND he gives us his email address: J_Dietrich@cable.comcast.com

My last email to Steve Kipp went unanswered so now we can try this guy. Every day I keep leaning more toward a dish, and I'm about to fall over...

My 3412 all of sudden doesn't allow me to access on Demand. I can go through the menus and select programs, but all of them fail with the message:

"On Demand is not available right now, Please try again in a few minutes. Technical Information: server request/query timeout"

I've rebooted, removed splitters, checked the signal. On Demand is currently working on my other non-DVR boxes. Anybody else have this problem?

Just called comcast, and apparently this is a "known" problem they are working on.

Looks like we're all gonna be guinea pigs again, only this time there will be many more markets to share the pain with.

The new guide we're getting is called Comcast Central. It's relatively new (looks like it was rolled out in some markets a few month ago). You may have a message on your STB giving you a url for information about the new guide. It can be found at:

www.comcast.com/seattlenewguide

P.S. Check out the users forum.

Looking for any words of wisdom for working with Comcast.

Background.. For some reason, my moto 3412 STB shows signal strength of 25 db or not at all for three channels 104,108, 109. All other channels are fine with strength of 35 db or higher. I have RG6 cable with one splitter (going to cable modem) from house connection to STB.

I complained about it today and they say that they will send a supervisor out to look. Any ideas other than what I have just said here to get them to fix the problem. Any ideas on what the problem could be? I have checked connections, cables, splitters, and nothing helps.

The twist is that for some reason, the problem is worse, way worse, some days than others.

If anyone has any insight for working with Comcast to make sure they check the right things and help fix this, I would appreciate it.

Patrick

This morning my 3416 dual tuners appear to be functioning properly, for the first time in two weeks. I wonder what Comcast did to create that problem.

I've had a variety of similar problem lately:
- including recorded shows freezing and never coming back
- I recorded the hockey game yesterday and the info said it recorded for 2:56, well during playback the time bar only showed 1:12, and it ended at 1:12

Well this morning I turned on my tv (the dvr is always on) and tried to rewind the news, well everything froze and the dvr rebooted. I haven't had a reboot since I went back to the older software (v 12.whatever). I didn't check if I lost all of my recorded shows.

I pray that Comcast Central isn't this bad.

I watched last night as I recorded Brothers & Sisters... the recording stopped, the red recording light went out after about 20 seconds. A check of the DVR menu showed it as recording. Even after 15 minutes, the onscreen DVR menu showed it was still recording while the red record light was out. I hit playback and the show played back for 18 seconds, then went to black. The STB showed PLA, but no picture. I hit pause and playback had reached the end of it's 18 second recording. Tivo is looking awfully attractive. Or DirecTV, dunno which.

This is just bad - all these problems. I'm hoping I get on demand back today... All non DVR boxes, including the DCT700s in my house, never have any problems.

I just want to drop kick this DVR. The only reason I have it is to record the few premium shows I get in HD with dolby digital. I use an HTPC to record everything else and stream it across the house. (I rarely watch livetv, except for sports). At this point I'm close to ready to just getting rid of it, and recording premium content via the composite or s-video or something, and using on-demand when what I want is available.

In talking to the CSR I was told the new guide would "fix all of these problems." I'm hopeful but pessimistic.

We shouldn't be charged for DVR service until the issue is resolved. I will try calling comcast today and see if i don't have to pay for dvr service for last month and this month.

It tunes on 22.1, but the info is from 22.2 (tube TV). I'm using the TVGOS guide on a Sony DHG-HDD250.
Anyone else notice this?

I'm not sure if it's just my DVR, but Sunday's Desperate Housewives only recorded 26 minutes of the program. The scheduler shows it was set-up for 1:02, but it never got there. That particular show also frequently showed a lip-sync problem on the 3416.

I've had the FIOS phone & internet for several weeks -- it works well, much more reliably (and much faster) than the DSL that I had. The box only needs the coax cable connected once they bring TV into the area, as they have back east. I'm hoping it works well enough to provide a viable alternative to Comcast.


King County, Washington- Installation is underway in some Kirkland, Redmond and NE-Bellevue neighborhoods.

Some Kirkland and Bothell neighborhoods are ready for ordering now. Only telephone and data are being readied."

Looks pretty minimal right now.

I've seen references elsewhere to the effect that FIOS bandwidth will only allow recording and/or viewing of a single HD program at one time. Is that true here? (I doubt that it will ever matter to me, since it shouldn't be available in Bellevue.)

Just called comcast, and apparently this is a "known" problem they are working on.

I had this problem too. One DVR box with the On Demand not working and a non-DVR box with On Demand working fine. Had a tech out Saturday and he called in an air raid box reset and within 45 minutes the On Demand worked. He must have had a super-reset done because previously the Customer Support rep tried a generic reset when I had them on the phone without any success.

This morning my 3416 dual tuners appear to be functioning properly, for the first time in two weeks. I wonder what Comcast did to create that problem.



Wareagle, what do you do to test the system? I didn't have any frozen recordings yesterday but it is so intermittent that I can't be sure if it's fixed. Is there a particular set of things you do?

Thanks,

I'm not sure if it's just my DVR, but Sunday's Desperate Housewives only recorded 26 minutes of the program. The scheduler shows it was set-up for 1:02, but it never got there. That particular show also frequently showed a lip-sync problem on the 3416.


I've always had a problem with audio being offset with this show, whether watching with cable card, DVR, or from HTPC, so I think it is the broadcast. Luckily my HTPC allows me to adjust audiosync...

I had this problem too. One DVR box with the On Demand not working and a non-DVR box with On Demand working fine. Had a tech out Saturday and he called in an air raid box reset and within 45 minutes the On Demand worked. He must have had a super-reset done because previously the Customer Support rep tried a generic reset when I had them on the phone without any success.

Yeah, the reset the tech did over the phone didn't help me. But I unplugged the machine for a couple of minutes and then plugged it back in, and it finally worked again after about a half hour.

I've seen references elsewhere to the effect that FIOS bandwidth will only allow recording and/or viewing of a single HD program at one time. Is that true here? (I doubt that it will ever matter to me, since it shouldn't be available in Bellevue.)
FiOS uses same Motorola Dual Tuner HD-DVR as COMCAST.
You are confusing FiOS (which has far more capacity than cable) with U-verse.

AT&T's U-verse is currently limited to only one HD program at a time (plus up to three SD programs)....
But later this year, they plan on doubling capacity by using BOTH phone line copper pairs:
http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/att_hd_streams_031907/

FiOS uses same Motorola Dual Tuner HD-DVR as COMCAST.
You are confusing FiOS (which has far more capacity than cable) with U-verse.

AT&T's U-verse is currently limited to only one HD program at a time (plus up to three SD programs)....
But later this year, they plan on doubling capacity by using BOTH phone line copper pairs:
http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/att_hd_streams_031907/

The discussion I saw was about FiOS, but perhaps they were misinformed. It's pretty academic since the limitation here is zero, and will undoubtedly remain there for me unless Verizon replaces Qwest in my neighborhood.

FiOS uses same Motorola Dual Tuner HD-DVR as COMCAST.
You are confusing FiOS (which has far more capacity than cable) with U-verse.

AT&T's U-verse is currently limited to only one HD program at a time (plus up to three SD programs)....
But later this year, they plan on doubling capacity by using BOTH phone line copper pairs:
http://telephonyonline.com/home/news/att_hd_streams_031907/

Does Qwest have any similar plans? It would be great to have a FIOS-like alternate to Comcast.

Well i will be jumping the ship once Fios tv comes to redmond. Nat Geo.com's Channel Locator found Verizon (FIOS TV) for bothell listed with hd channel. This tells me that FIOS TV is coming soon in our area.

According to the website, I can now get Fios internet but still no TV service yet. Internet was not available a few weeks ago, but now it is. I'm hoping the TV will be coming soon as I'm losing my patients waiting for Comcast to add HD.

I read a rumor on another forum that TV service may be available this fall, but they have to get approval for Washington state. Also I heard an advertizement for Fios TV on the radio while driving one day so hmmm.... Is this available now in certain areas?

...
Also I heard an advertizement for Fios TV on the radio while driving one day so hmmm.... Is this available now in certain areas?

Probably not. You can only find local listings west of the Mississippi for southern California and Texas:
http://www22.verizon.com/content/fiostv/channel+lineup/channel+lineup.htm

I was looking at TV listing and found there are three new channels added 657, 658, and 659 with no information listed. Does this mean they will be new hd channels? Did anybody else find these channels?

I hope they add Nat Geo, Food and HGTV. I don't want A&E as they don't have much hd programs.

I was looking at TV listing and found there are three new channels added 657, 658, and 659 with no information listed. Does this mean they will be new hd channels? Did anybody else find these channels?

I hope they add Nat Geo, Food and HGTV. I don't want A&E as they don't have much hd programs.

I just hope what's on the channels now has nothing to do with what's eventually there.

I just hope what's on the channels now has nothing to do with what's eventually there.

It looks like the HD poster art images as part of the new guide system coming ...

It looks like the HD poster art images as part of the new guide system coming ...

I hope these hd poster art images only showing up for temporary purposes. Is there a way i can check through my cable box whether this is hd or no hd channels?

When INHD and INHD2 were added, Comcast broadcasted HD video of landscapes (thiink "Sunrise Earth" on DHDT) for a time until the regular programming started.

Yeah, the reset the tech did over the phone didn't help me. But I unplugged the machine for a couple of minutes and then plugged it back in, and it finally worked again after about a half hour.

Unfortunately, this is now a dangerous option if you have recordings you don't wanna lose - reformatting is not uncommon. How this can be allowed to occur with no warning is beyond me. Except of course that this is Comcast...

Three new channels showed up on the Guide, 657, 658, 659. There is nothing but a graphic showing HD movies that are on-demand on each channel.

Obviously, watch this space.

This morning my 3416 dual tuners appear to be functioning properly, for the first time in two weeks. I wonder what Comcast did to create that problem.

I haven't been following the thread recently, but didn't they just dump the MSFT interface? I thought I heard that somewhere.

I haven't been following the thread recently, but didn't they just dump the MSFT interface? I thought I heard that somewhere.

Turn on your TV -- MSFT is still with us.

When INHD and INHD2 were added, Comcast broadcasted HD video of landscapes (thiink "Sunrise Earth" on DHDT) for a time until the regular programming started.

I hope this is same case for 3 new hd channels.

I got this from dslreports.com

Most of Everett 7/10
Bellingham and parts of N Everett 7/17
Redmond 7/24-31
Seattle 8/7-14

Let's see how accurate this schedule is.

I don't want A&E as they don't have much hd programs.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't most of the network shows they broadcast in HD?

I know CSI:Miami, 24, and Sopranos do.

Didn't go too far back in this thread, but check out channels 958-961 for another preview of the new guide.

The channels in the little windows don't match what's on now, but I bet this is how they will do the new "preview" menus. Probably when you highlight one of these windows, it will pull the sound feed from that channel.

I talked to Comcast Internet tech today who said we should have the new guide June 4, and no, I couldn't sign up to test early. We'll see.

...
I talked to Comcast Internet tech today who said we should have the new guide June 4, and no, I couldn't sign up to test early. We'll see.

Who is included in the "we" the tech spoke of?

Turn on your TV -- MSFT is still with us.

I don't have a Comcast box--just some QAM tuners.

I don't have a Comcast box--just some QAM tuners.

Yeah, I forgot. Well, you won't have as much to look forward to, but perhaps you'll find the new HD channels before they remap them.

Comcast is adding A&E HD, Home & Garden Television HD and Food Network HD to its HD lineup, officials confirmed Tuesday.

http://multichannel.com/article/CA6445509.html

per Swanni ... "Comcast says the channels will not be added to an individual market system until it has enough capacity"

Funny how NGeo was not mentioned although it's been confirmed a local honcho that it's coming.

Who is included in the "we" the tech spoke of?
I dunno. He knew I lived in Seattle proper, so I guess that's who he meant. But from various news sites and this forum, it's probably starting in Spokane and moving west.

I'm moving to Tulalip, in a housing development called Aspen, located west of I5 on the Tulalip Indian reservation, around 35 miles north of Seattle. I thought Comcast cable would serve there, but Comcast says they do not. (They do serve Marysville, in the same zip code, 98271.)

On my lot, I have a lot of high trees on the south side, so I may not be able to get satellite TV. There seems to be a small cable service provided by the Tulalip Indian reservation, but that system does not have HDTV. Anyone know of a major cable service that I can get in Aspen?

I'm moving to Tulalip, in a housing development called Aspen, located west of I5 on the Tulalip Indian reservation, around 35 miles north of Seattle. I thought Comcast cable would serve there, but Comcast says they do not. (They do serve Marysville, in the same zip code, 98271.)

On my lot, I have a lot of high trees on the south side, so I may not be able to get satellite TV. There seems to be a small cable service provided by the Tulalip Indian reservation, but that system does not have HDTV. Anyone know of a major cable service that I can get in Aspen?

If the trees do not go on for hundreds of feet you may still be able to get signals OTA. You will need a good antenna like the Channel Master 4248 or 4228 and an amplifier (CM 7775). If you don't want to try it yourself you can hire an installer to do a site survey. They will verify reception for you. You might also consider a dish if you can get a line of sight path that goes above the trees. The birds are at around 31 degrees above the horizon.

You might check with the Marysville-Tulalip chamber of commerce but I seriously doubt there is any other cable service besides the one you already know about. You mentioned trees to the south, so you might also be out of luck trying to get over the air reception, but it's worth a shot. There are eight OTA HDTV stations in the Seattle/Tacoma area.

Good Luck.

Have they switched the QAM assignment for KING?

Today I bought my first HDTV with a QAM tuner built in. I hooked it up to my $13 Comcast Limited Basic service and I was surprised to see all of the local HDTV OTA channels with their properly-mapped channel numbers, like 4.1, 5.1 , etc. I also get digital versions of the analog SD channels and Music Choice and FM radio stations, plus more channels I have not completely figured out yet.

I live in the Fairwood area east of Renton.

Have they switched the QAM assignment for KING?

Still 85-2 5.1 for KING-HD in Bellevue.

King-HD wasn't working for me yesterday--I wonder if it was just down or what? I'm in the south end of Seattle proper, BTW,

King-HD wasn't working for me yesterday--I wonder if it was just down or what? I'm in the south end of Seattle proper, BTW,

King-HD working ok on my fusionHDTV QAM tuner. Southcenter/Tukwila.
(added)
I am however having trouble locking signals for CW and KCPQ...looks like lower than usual signal strength issue, not mapping issue.
(/added)

--
Sang

Here's an update of the QAM list.

The only major change is that the Music Choice channels are in the clear, again.

I still am not receiving King-HD OTA. Anyone know what I can do or if you have any problems?

Today I bought my first HDTV with a QAM tuner built in. I hooked it up to my $13 Comcast Limited Basic service and I was surprised to see all of the local HDTV OTA channels with their properly-mapped channel numbers, like 4.1, 5.1 , etc. I also get digital versions of the analog SD channels and Music Choice and FM radio stations, plus more channels I have not completely figured out yet.

I live in the Fairwood area east of Renton.

Dave - may I enquire as to brand and model? A friend is looking to buy one that works with the QAM jumble.

Here's an update of the QAM list.

The only major change is that the Music Choice channels are in the clear, again.
Thank you. It IS nice to get the Music Choice channels! :)
I was looking for those a few days ago...

Anyone here use cablecards? I was looking at buying a Tivo Series 3, which use 2, and heard about switched digital video not working with the cards. If you do have the Tivo Series 3, how do you like it

Sorry if this has been done to death here, but I have yet to see any definitive answer. I am planning on getting my first HDTV soon, and I am unsure if I will need a QAM tuner. I currently have the basic extended analog cable (no premiums) from Comcast in Seattle, and dont use a cable box, just the tuner in my VCR. If I get a HDTV with a QAM tuner, will this be sufficient to continue to view cable as I currently do, or are there still QAM channels (?) that are encrypted in Seattle? I have seen differing views on whether QAM tuners will work for me, or if I need to get a cable box with HDMI output, or if I even need to upgrade to digital cable to view HD content.

Thanks in advance! I am a tech guy, but new to the HDTV side of life. I cant believe how confusing this is, with the plethora of choices, and lack of up-to-date, straight answers!

If I get a HDTV with a QAM tuner, will this be sufficient to continue to view cable as I currently do, or are there still QAM channels (?) that are encrypted in Seattle?

You should be okay with all the channels you currently are authorized to get and you should be able to get the local affiliates - KOMO, KING, KONG, KIRO, KCTS, KMYQ, KSTW and KCPQ - in HD.

Sorry if this has been done to death here, but I have yet to see any definitive answer. I am planning on getting my first HDTV soon, and I am unsure if I will need a QAM tuner. I currently have the basic extended analog cable (no premiums) from Comcast in Seattle, and dont use a cable box, just the tuner in my VCR. !

I'm not a big fan of Cablecard, because it's been problematic and I think it's more of a solution for a DVR (like the new HD Tivos), but if I were buying a new TV it would have Cablecard just so I had the option.

In case you're not familiar with it, Cablecard allows your TV to tune in all the channels you're subscribed to, just like you had a cable box (but you can't do On Demand stuff). And I don't follow this, but I think at one time Comcast gave you the card for free (without a monthly fee).

Pete - note that some TV QAM tuners work better than others at finding and mapping channels. Whatever you buy make sure there is a decent return policy if it has trouble tuning or mapping stations. There seems to be no hard and fast rule about brands because within a brand some models work great and some don't. You might post your favorite choice(s) and see who here has had good luck with it.

Anyone here use cablecards? I was looking at buying a Tivo Series 3, which use 2, and heard about switched digital video not working with the cards. If you do have the Tivo Series 3, how do you like it

I absolutely love it. hated the Comcast DVR. I don't believe SD will have much effect on most users because A. Most of the popular channels will probably never be switched and B. I think it will be quite a while before it actually happens.

In the meantime, I get every show that I ask for and it never misses a show or records half of it. Never could say that about the Motorola box.

I have 2 cable cards and have had 0 problems since Jan. I just plugged in an esata Seagate 750 Gig external drive and now I have 131 hours of HD recording space.
Doesn't get any better.

BTW, Tivo is offering a $200 rebate for Fathers Day. Gets the price under $400. If you can afford it, you'll never regret it

Thanks for the information Bonnie.

I am definitely on the fence. I saw the rebate and am trying to justify the purchase.

Dave - may I enquire as to brand and model? A friend is looking to buy one that works with the QAM jumble.
I wanted a small HDTV for use as a monitor and TV/HDTV for my travel trailer, so I found this one and thought I would try it and be able to return it if needed.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5645638
http://www.polaroid.com/global/detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441765902&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302029020&bmUID=1180313281202&bmLocale=en_US

I was surprised to see the OTA-equivalent channels all map to their OTA logical channel numbers on my Comcast cable service at home. Some channels also have some PSIP-driven prorgram guide data, but that is sporadic at best.

Right now I am sitting at an RV park just north of Hoodsport on Hood Canal. On the local cable system here (HCTC - Hood Canal Telecommunications) I get all local HD channels except KSTW (channel 11), but they are on their native channels (high 80's and low 90's) with no mapping to their OTA logical channel numbers.

The TV has the following inputs: 1 HDMI, 1 VGA, 1 component (3 RCA's), 1 s-video, 1 composite (yellow RCA) and one RF input, accepting combined analog and digital from either cable or antenna.

It has a coax (RCA) digital audio output and a mini-phone-jack stereo headphone output.

The channel selection sequence mixes the digital and analog into a single list, e.g., 4, 4.1, 5, 5.1,5.2, 6, 7, 7.1, 7.2, etc.

I have not tried this TV with an antenna input yet. I will after I get home.

One thing odd about this TV is its 16x10 aspect ratio (1440x900 pixels). To me, HD pictures seem to have a slight vertical stretch, since they fill the screen. This might be a showstopper for some folks.

I tried the monitor with a VGA connection to my computer. I have not tried the HDMI input yet. I need a mini-DVI to DVI adapter for my MacBook. I can also try HDMI with one of my HR10-250 HD TiVo's. I just ran out of time, since we were leaving town.

I have no idea if other sized Polaroids have the same tuners/features or not. It seems to me that they buy a variety of OEM models, so they may not be consistent in their user interfaces and/or actual features and functions.

A native resolution of 1440x900 means it's a PC LCD that has had a tuner added to it.

A native resolution of 1440x900 means it's a PC LCD that has had a tuner added to it.
I realized that. Since I want it for both purposes, that might be okay for me. Time will tell.

...
The channel selection sequence mixes the digital and analog into a single list, e.g., 4, 4.1, 5, 5.1,5.2, 6, 7, 7.1, 7.2, etc.

I have not tried this TV with an antenna input yet. I will after I get home.

One thing odd about this TV is its 16x10 aspect ratio (1440x900 pixels). To me, HD pictures seem to have a slight vertical stretch, since they fill the screen. This might be a showstopper for some folks.
...



I found the user guide, and page 26 mentions an option to cycle through aspect ratio options, one of which is 1:1.85 --

http://www.polaroid.com/service/userguides/ce/lcd_tvs/tla01911c_ug_en.pdf

I found the user guide, and page 26 mentions an option to cycle through aspect ratio options, one of which is 1:1.85 --

http://www.polaroid.com/service/userguides/ce/lcd_tvs/tla01911c_ug_en.pdf
Like many other HDTV's, the aspect ratio options (P. Size button on the remote) are disabled when receiving an HD program (i.e., 720p or 1080i).

The manual does not directly match the behavior of my TV. The "ZOOM" feature is not available at all. The NORMAL, FULL and WIDE functions are there for 480i sources. When the P. SIZE button is pressed while watching HD sources, a dialog box appears stating "Feature Not Available."

So the manual is misleading, but the behavior is what I would have expected based on my experiences with several other HDTVs.

Like many other HDTV's, the aspect ratio options (P. Size button on the remote) are disabled when receiving an HD program (i.e., 720p or 1080i).

The manual does not directly match the behavior of my TV. The "ZOOM" feature is not available at all. The NORMAL, FULL and WIDE functions are there for 480i sources. When the P. SIZE button is pressed while watching HD sources, a dialog box appears stating "Feature Not Available."

So the manual is misleading, but the behavior is what I would have expected based on my experiences with several other HDTVs.

It really is misleading, since it only says that the "normal" mode isn't available for 720p, 1080i, and 1080p -- implying that all the others are. Does it actually have a QAM tuner, then, or does the "cable" tuner mode mean something else?

In the meantime, I get every show that I ask for and it never misses a show or records half of it. Never could say that about the Motorola box.


Does it also take care of other Motorola annoyances, like the lag time from the remote? What are the FF speeds?

I am definitely on the fence. I saw the rebate and am trying to justify the purchase.

Keep in mind that with Tivo, you'll lose access to On Demand, which can be really useful for series programs on premium channels, etc...

It really is misleading, since it only says that the "normal" mode isn't available for 720p, 1080i, and 1080p -- implying that all the others are. Does it actually have a QAM tuner, then, or does the "cable" tuner mode mean something else?
It definitely has a QAM tuner that seems to work very well. I haven't tried ATSC OTA reception yet.

On digital channels, it displays whatever PSIP program guide data is making it through the Comcast world, which varies a lot by channel.

On analog channels, it displays whatever VBI-based station identifier and current program information data are made available. A few local channels and several cable channels provide some or all of this information.

So far, with two days of use, I am pretty satisfied with the performance of this TV, especially based on the price I paid.

Dave - thanks for all the info. Haven't thought about the Polaroid brand - may give it a look. Now where did I put that Pronto or Swinger I had 40 years ago...

BTW - the Walmart spec. sheet says it is "16:9" not 16:10. LIARS!

Thanks everyone for answering my questions yesterday with regards to QAM reception. I found myself in CircuitCity yesterday checking out their sale items. I settled on a Toshiba 37HL67. It is a big beautiful world in my living room now! I started off by watching Pans Labyrinth. In fact, I stayed up way too late last night watching and making adjustments.

...I currently have the basic extended analog cable (no premiums) from Comcast in Seattle, and dont use a cable box, just the tuner in my VCR. If I get a HDTV with a QAM tuner, will this be sufficient to continue to view cable as I currently do, or are there still QAM channels (?) that are encrypted in Seattle? ...
You should be okay with all the channels you currently are authorized to get and you should be able to get the local affiliates - KOMO, KING, KONG, KIRO, KCTS, KMYQ, KSTW and KCPQ - in HD.I disagree.

With your subscription level, when you switch from an analog cable-ready TV to a Digital QAM TV, you will only be able to view the limited (http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineupPopup.ashx) channels. All the other channels in the higher lineups are encrypted - CNN, TBS, A&E etc.

The only way to continue with your 'basic extended' is to rent a digital cable box. Basically, Comcast is levying an extra $5.00 / month fee on digital sets when compared to analog sets - this protects them from cable piracy.

Unless the TV has both an analog and a digital (QAM) cable tuner built in.

Does it also take care of other Motorola annoyances, like the lag time from the remote? What are the FF speeds?

I don't notice any lag. I rarely fast forward but I think it is OK too. I usually use the 30 sec skip to get thru the commercials.

Unless the TV has both an analog and a digital (QAM) cable tuner built in.
Which post is this reply related to? #9400?

I disagree.

With your subscription level, when you switch from an analog cable-ready TV to a Digital QAM TV, you will only be able to view the limited (http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineupPopup.ashx) channels. All the other channels in the higher lineups are encrypted - CNN, TBS, A&E etc.

The only way to continue with your 'basic extended' is to rent a digital cable box. Basically, Comcast is levying an extra $5.00 / month fee on digital sets when compared to analog sets - this protects them from cable piracy.

Not true. I have a TV with both a QAM and analog tuner and I get all the channels that are in the basic extended plus several digital versions of channels that are not encrypted. I also get all the local digital channels, including the HD feeds. My understanding is that "limited" is done with a filter that is put on the cable line outside the house. So, if you have limited cable before you get the TV, then you will probably still only have limited cable with the new TV.

Is there any hope Comcast is going to start passing the TV Guide/schedule info on locals? My TV (LN-S4096) is not TV Guide enabled, but it can tell you what show is currently on while you surf, which I'm assuming is pulled from some sort of scheduling data. Currently I get nothing though for show names and times.

Is there any hope Comcast is going to start passing the TV Guide/schedule info on locals? My TV (LN-S4096) is not TV Guide enabled, but it can tell you what show is currently on while you surf, which I'm assuming is pulled from some sort of scheduling data. Currently I get nothing though for show names and times.
Actually, I think the program info you're seeing is being transmitted by the stations. Each one should be sending current and future program info such that it would fill in a guide designed to catch such info.

Keep in mind that with Tivo, you'll lose access to On Demand, which can be really useful for series programs on premium channels, etc...

I have an S3 and don't miss On Demand one bit. Tivo's season pass is solid, which makes it hard to miss an episode. I'm not sure about the above comment about "programs on premium channels." This is not a problem for the Tivo S3 with cablecards. I subscribe to the HBO package, and scheduled a season pass for the last season of the Sopranos.

I switched from a Series 2 Tivo to the Comcast DVR because I can't afford the HD Tivo, and I miss the Tivo. The Comcast season pass functionality is bad, but at least I can record HD. I get what I pay for I guess. :shrug:

I switched from a Series 2 Tivo to the Comcast DVR because I can't afford the HD Tivo, and I miss the Tivo. The Comcast season pass functionality is bad, but at least I can record HD. I get what I pay for I guess. :shrug:

I just saw an ad the other day that the Tivo S3 has a $200.00 rebate if purchased before June 16th. That should make it a bit cheaper.

Actually, I think the program info you're seeing is being transmitted by the stations. Each one should be sending current and future program info such that it would fill in a guide designed to catch such info.

But the problem is I'm not seeing any program info for any station. :)

I have an S3 and don't miss On Demand one bit. Tivo's season pass is solid, which makes it hard to miss an episode. I'm not sure about the above comment about "programs on premium channels." This is not a problem for the Tivo S3 with cablecards. I subscribe to the HBO package, and scheduled a season pass for the last season of the Sopranos.

The only thing I found On Demand good for that a Tivo couldn't do was they indexed political speeches at conventions by speaker.

Not true. I have a TV with both a QAM and analog tuner and I get all the channels that are in the basic extended plus several digital versions of channels that are not encrypted. I also get all the local digital channels, including the HD feeds. My understanding is that "limited" is done with a filter that is put on the cable line outside the house. So, if you have limited cable before you get the TV, then you will probably still only have limited cable with the new TV.I was speaking of digital only - since you have an analog tuner, you will continue to get the 'basic' channels in analog.

However, like in Chicago, Comcast is going to drop the analog channels soon to free up space for more HD. This is why you see the offers for 'free for a year' digital settop boxes. These allow analog sets to use digital channels, On Demand etc. However, since they lack a digital output, they are fairly useless on an a digital set.

These boxes also lack 'separable security' as mandated by the FCC and will not be usable by Comcast (unless in customer hands) after July of this year.

Once the analog channels are dropped, the only channels you will get via 'clear QAM' are likely to be those available via 'limited' cable. This allows Comcast to stop using filters (which require a truck roll), as pointed out by someone earlier in this thread.

My increasingly cynical opinion is that by the time we have transitioned to all digital cable (not necessarily HDTV), Comcast will be able to charge us more for the digitial equivalent of what we get 'built in' to our analog sets (by charging us for extra cable boxes & 'digital outlets'). Eventually, digital sets may catch up (with support for Cable Cards or successors), but that will be many years after Comcast has dropped analog.

Once the switch to digital happens, HTPC users will probably never be able to get anything other than limited cable.

Three new channels showed up on the Guide, 657, 658, 659. There is nothing but a graphic showing HD movies that are on-demand on each channel.

Obviously, watch this space.

I noticed today that these channels, as well as 958, 959, 960, and 961, are now encrypted and not available.

But the problem is I'm not seeing any program info for any station. :)
OTA transmissions are great for channel info as the individual stations send out their own data. Comcast on the other hand transmits nothing. At least I don't see it through my HDTV, my Samsung set top box or from my Fusion HDTV card.

I have an S3 and don't miss On Demand one bit. Tivo's season pass is solid, which makes it hard to miss an episode. I'm not sure about the above comment about "programs on premium channels."

For series programs like Brotherhood or The Tudors, On Demand often has all the episodes available at the same time, makes it easy to watch it straight thru, or record the whole series to DVD.

For series programs like Brotherhood or The Tudors, On Demand often has all the episodes available at the same time, makes it easy to watch it straight thru, or record the whole series to DVD.

And in some cases, as in The Tudors HD, episodes show up OnDemand before they're otherwise available.

OTA transmissions are great for channel info as the individual stations send out their own data. Comcast on the other hand transmits nothing. At least I don't see it through my HDTV, my Samsung set top box or from my Fusion HDTV card.
A friend of mine has Comcast basic and I believe he sees program information, including the title and a description. He has no cable box and subscribes to only the cheapest service, basically because they gave him a deal tied to his Comcast Internet.

A friend of mine has Comcast basic and I believe he sees program information, including the title and a description. He has no cable box and subscribes to only the cheapest service, basically because they gave him a deal tied to his Comcast Internet.
With that said, I just checked my set. No program information. So, I'm going to retract my earlier statement until I can check with my friend.

Once in a while, I get program information on the locals with my Limited Basic service using the QAM tuner on my TV. It's not consistent.

Anyone else getting constant digital breakup on Channel 174? The French Open is being shown in upconverted widescreen.

I'm near the Arboretum.

OTA transmissions are great for channel info as the individual stations send out their own data. Comcast on the other hand transmits nothing. At least I don't see it through my HDTV, my Samsung set top box or from my Fusion HDTV card.I think this discussion is about PSIP (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSIP), right? I would like to see this data included in each channel's stream for all channels Comcast provides. We should all email that guy who sent us the letter a few weeks ago (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=10581122&&#post10581122).

Anyone else getting constant digital breakup on Channel 174? The French Open is being shown in upconverted widescreen.

I'm near the Arboretum.

no, but for several days now i've been getting constant breakup for channels 108, 109 & 110. anyone else? never got a good signal for 110 and didn't really care, but i used to have zero probs with good reception for 108/109.

comcast cablecards through a tivo s3 in the maple leaf neighborhood. doesn't matter which tuner i use.

Well I'm not sure if this has been discussed before but here's my current headache..

Set up the M's to Record in HD on 664. Start watching the recording and the picture freeze frames about 2 minutes into the recording. The audio continues but the picture is frozen. I've tried fast forwarding, starting the recording over and it will always freeze in the same spot.

This has happened two or three times now with 664 in particular. I haven't had this problem with other HD channels, so what is going on ???!!! :mad:

Please, someone tell me that it will all be better with the new iguide or Tivo software .... I need a hug

Well I'm not sure if this has been discussed before but here's my current headache..

Set up the M's to Record in HD on 664. Start watching the recording and the picture freeze frames about 2 minutes into the recording. The audio continues but the picture is frozen. I've tried fast forwarding, starting the recording over and it will always freeze in the same spot.

This has happened two or three times now with 664 in particular. I haven't had this problem with other HD channels, so what is going on ???!!! :mad:

Please, someone tell me that it will all be better with the new iguide or Tivo software .... I need a hug

This happens for me too, and on ESPN and ESPN2HD (just happened while watching the French Open.

Once in a while, I get program information on the locals with my Limited Basic service using the QAM tuner on my TV. It's not consistent.
Me too.

...
Please, someone tell me that it will all be better with the new iguide or Tivo software .... I need a hug

Sorry, but I doubt seriously that problems like yours have anything to do with guide software. It's either in the hardware or signal strength.

This happens for me too, and on ESPN and ESPN2HD (just happened while watching the French Open.

Happens all the time to me on HD and SD. They (Comcast) put my name on a list saying its a known problem,

About half of my HD stations are out with my older Motorola box. Just off the top of my head, KOMO, PBS, My-Q, UHT, MTV-HD, Golf HD are all out, maybe more than this. UHD and MTV-HD I kind of expect to be out as I rarely get them with any consistency. Even my regular Encore station, SD, is out. This sucks. I unplugged the box and plugged it back in. No difference, except it dumped the whole TV schedule.

I hate Comcast. Maybe it is time to try a HD-DVR, seeing as how I am already paying $5 just for the HD capable box. The DVR is only like $7 more.

About half of my HD stations are out with my older Motorola box.
...


I can't imagine tolerating that. At the very least, get Comcast to replace it. If it's a matter of the signal strength, rather than your box, then a DVR would just make it worse because of the need to support two tuners.

About half of my HD stations are out with my older Motorola box. Just off the top of my head, KOMO, PBS, My-Q, UHT, MTV-HD, Golf HD are all out, maybe more than this. UHD and MTV-HD I kind of expect to be out as I rarely get them with any consistency. Even my regular Encore station, SD, is out. This sucks. I unplugged the box and plugged it back in. No difference, except it dumped the whole TV schedule.

I hate Comcast. Maybe it is time to try a HD-DVR, seeing as how I am already paying $5 just for the HD capable box. The DVR is only like $7 more.

And what is the SNR you get? If its below 30db you're in trouble. You can get the signal strength by first tuning to the problem channel, then turning the box off and within 2 seconnds press the Select button. Arrow around until you get to Inbound Status. You'll see the SNR value and the AGC value. It can vary widely from channel to channel which would explain why you have some channels that work and others that don't.

If this is your case, it's not the boxes fault, it's your wiring. A new box will not help. If the signal is good, then get the HD DVR. I think you'll like it. Really!

I believe that is true since FiOS is a Verizon venture. Wikipedia says availability in Washington is:
"Snohomish County, Washington – Verizon FiOS service is available in select Bothell and Mill Creek neighborhoods. Television service is not offered at this time.

Which is where I live, and no FiOS here.

I just received my first HDTV today (a 20" Vizio for my bedroom), and I refuse to pay Comcast money for a set box to receive all the channels I'm paying for.

And what is the SNR you get? If its below 30db you're in trouble. You can get the signal strength by first tuning to the problem channel, then turning the box off and within 2 seconnds press the Select button. Arrow around until you get to Inbound Status. You'll see the SNR value and the AGC value. It can vary widely from channel to channel which would explain why you have some channels that work and others that don't.

If this is your case, it's not the boxes fault, it's your wiring. A new box will not help. If the signal is good, then get the HD DVR. I think you'll like it. Really!

Thanks for the tip. I didn't know how to check the SNR. Most of my HD channels came back, except for UHD and MTV-HD, which I can only get about once per week. I checked the SNR for a couple of them. KOMO 104 was just barely over 30, which it listed as "fair." TNT-HD had a 35. The trouble channels didn't give me anything, just error messages.

This kind of bugs me how they can blame "the wiring." I know that some of these wires are old and were installed by a totally different cable operator, but still, this is the frigging "cable" company. You would think they should be able to get anyone decent cable. That is their job description.

...
This kind of bugs me how they can blame "the wiring." I know that some of these wires are old and were installed by a totally different cable operator, but still, this is the frigging "cable" company. You would think they should be able to get anyone decent cable. That is their job description.

You're responsible for the wiring inside your house. If your weak signal is due to external wiring, then Comcast should fix it without charge. If it's because of poor internal wiring, they'll probably replace it... for a price.

Anybody missing KOMO in HD via QAM? I'm getting the SD version on 79-3, but the HD version which used to be at 82-4 is gone.

I'm in Lake Forest Park.

Anybody missing KOMO in HD via QAM? I'm getting the SD version on 79-3, but the HD version which used to be at 82-4 is gone.

I'm in Lake Forest Park.

Yes, my girlfriend (Capitol Hill) and I (Queen Anne) have had trouble with it past couple days.

Anybody missing KOMO in HD via QAM? I'm getting the SD version on 79-3, but the HD version which used to be at 82-4 is gone.

I'm in Lake Forest Park.

Channel assignments have changed... try 4.1 :)

So what determines a channel will be broadcast in QAM? Looking at the channel mapping, it seems like an odd group of channels other than the broadcast ones.

4.1 is the virtual number that should never change. 82-4 is the physical channel, which Comcast loves to move around all the time. My system doesn't let me tune by virtual number.

4.1 is the one that has been giving us issues.

We should ask Comcast (j_dietrich@cable.comcast.com) to create a Majordomo list (or similar) to which we can subscribe to learn about changes they make to the service, so we can proactively fix the problems created by their changes.

4.1 is the one that has been giving us issues.
I'm using a Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR that I used to tune to 82.4, now I HAVE to use 4.1 in North Seattle (Lake City)!

I'm having a weird problem with KCTS-DT (channel 109 via Comcast). I'm using a TiVo Series3 hooked up to a Sharp LC-52D92U, with the TiVo sending video in its native format. For KCTS-DT, the TV claims to be getting 480i video. But the picture seems to be in 16:9 aspect ratio. With the TV set to use sidebars on 4:3 sources, I get the black sidebars of the TV along with grey sidebars added by KCTS. The picture also looks squeezed. If I switch the TV to "stretch" mode, it looks correct, but I don't like leaving it like that because then it stretches all of the other 480i channels, which isn't what I want.

Any idea what's going on here?

I'm using a Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR that I used to tune to 82.4, now I HAVE to use 4.1 in North Seattle (Lake City)!

We're just using the tuners in our sets (mine a Vizio, hers a Panasonic).

This kind of bugs me how they can blame "the wiring." I know that some of these wires are old and were installed by a totally different cable operator, but still, this is the frigging "cable" company. You would think they should be able to get anyone decent cable. That is their job description.

Waqreagle is right,. You're responsible for the internal wiring. I would have truck roll. They can check the SNR on the outside signal. You should be getting better than 33db outside. Unfortunately, wiring internal to the house is a crap shoot unless you've speced it out yourself. The wiring should be from each outlet back to a central point, no internal splitters in the house. My house was built in 1990 and the wiring they used was cheap and used a bunch of 900MHZ splitters (this will kill your HD channels!). I spent some sweat equity to replace some of the wiring and comcast was even kind enough to give me a spool of coax they had in the back of the truck (shhh, don't tell anybody).

Anyway, I have to admit I kinda get upset when I see someon post Comcast sucks when in my opinion they have done a superb job of servicing my account. (No offense intended, I understand the frustration). I too had some channels drop out recently and they rolled a truck, found some problems with my wiring, removed some splitters I really didn't need and got my signals back up to strength and my missing channels are back. And this was with wiring that was internal to my house.

Even if it's inside, couldn't it be just a bad connector or splitter--something they'd likely just fix?

When I added limited basic, I asked the guy to replace my DIY connectors, and he did it.

For KCTS-DT, the TV claims to be getting 480i video. But the picture seems to be in 16:9 aspect ratio. With the TV set to use sidebars on 4:3 sources, I get the black sidebars of the TV along with grey sidebars added by KCTS. The picture also looks squeezed. If I switch the TV to "stretch" mode, it looks correct, but I don't like leaving it like that because then it stretches all of the other 480i channels, which isn't what I want.

Any idea what's going on here?

KCTS-DT channel 109 is not HD, but a digital simulcast appearing to be in a widescreen format ...

From their site: "KCTS-DT is a simulcast of KCTS' regular signal, providing the high-quality, commercial-free programming that you've come to expect from KCTS. "

Has anyone noticed a quality decrease on KING in the past few days? Last night I was watching an Office repeat, and the quality was very noticeably bad. Far worse than the compression artifacts I usually notice. The picture was really blurry, and there were just a lot more artifacts.

Is it all in my head or is Comcast upping their compression?

Has anyone noticed a quality decrease on KING in the past few days? Last night I was watching an Office repeat, and the quality was very noticeably bad. Far worse than the compression artifacts I usually notice. The picture was really blurry, and there were just a lot more artifacts.

Is it all in my head or is Comcast upping their compression? Comcast is doing something because now I can't tune in half of my HD stations with my Motorola box. The problem isn't KING-5 because I happened to be watching the OTA signal and it looked perfect. The Office is one of the best looking HD shows, at least with my LCD-TV.

Comcast is doing something because now I can't tune in half of my HD stations with my Motorola box. The problem isn't KING-5 because I happened to be watching the OTA signal and it looked perfect. The Office is one of the best looking HD shows, at least with my LCD-TV.

Now that you mention it, my KIRO and Fox HD channels are just gone. I contact Comcast support about it, and they told me my problem is that I don't have a Cablecard. Not that I was expecting anything better from Comcast support anyway.

Anyone else getting this when trying to play an OnDemand program?

Error:
OnDemand is temporarily unavailable.
Pleaes try again later.

I called last night and they said it was a 'known issue'. I've been having this for several days now though, which doesn't seem right. I was just wanting to see if I'm the only one or if this is a wide-spread phenomenon that really probably does have their attention. As far as I can tell, it does not matter which program you are trying to watch. The menu comes up and works fine until you actully push 'Play'. Also, this problem is only noticed on my DVR box.

For what it's worth, where I am, in Seattle, all 8 local HD channels and their associated multicast channels are alive and well on channels 82-X, 85-X, 96-X, 110-X, and 111-X, and all are PSIP-mapping as appropriate (4-1, 5-1, 5-2, 7-1 etc.)

I haven't noticed the disappearance of any, nor have I noticed impaired quality on any.

It turns out my problem was with MCE, not with the actual signal on the cable line. Don't know what changed since it worked fine for months, but I still have KOMO on 82-4.

costco(dot)com has s3 for $600-200 rebate only $400!!! totally worth it just got mine.

And cable cards are only $3/mo via Comcast in Seattle (1st CC is free, 2nd is $3)

So stoked I can hardly stand it!!!

Chris

Thats TIVO S3, in case I forgot to mention it :p

Now you need to pick up a 750 Gig external Hard drive to connect to it. Nothing like having 131 hrs of HiDef space :D

Best money you ever spent!

Now you need to pick up a 750 Gig external Hard drive to connect to it. Nothing like having 131 hrs of HiDef space :D

Best money you ever spent!

Got mine last week. The seagate one with the yellow light on it. Works great. 1 TB of HDD space is cool. Figure I will get 100 movies on it for my theater which should be done in another month or less. :D :cool:

I'm now (that means in the past few days) having problems with Ch 11 and 13 (HD Qam), like what occurred in the past when they were moving other things around. The picture and sound is there--just so choppy that it's unwatchable.

I noticed Ch 11 may have enough power for me to receive it OTA now, so I'm considering just dropping Comcast altogether. If they'd leave things the same it wouldn't be bad, but all their messing with channel assignments is a PITA. It's bad enough when they change the HD channels, but when they change other things and it messes with the HD locals, that's going too far.

Now you need to pick up a 750 Gig external Hard drive to connect to it. Nothing like having 131 hrs of HiDef space :D

Best money you ever spent!

So you did the reboot + "62" with no problems ? I read that gave some people problems. Does it matter what type of esata drive you use?

Sweet! so much storage, yay!

I'm now (that means in the past few days) having problems with Ch 11 and 13 (HD Qam), like what occurred in the past when they were moving other things around. The picture and sound is there--just so choppy that it's unwatchable.

I noticed Ch 11 may have enough power for me to receive it OTA now, so I'm considering just dropping Comcast altogether. If they'd leave things the same it wouldn't be bad, but all their messing with channel assignments is a PITA. It's bad enough when they change the HD channels, but when they change other things and it messes with the HD locals, that's going too far.

Hi Karyk,

I can confirm what you're experiencing with 11 and 13. Last Friday, I thought I fixed all my problems with those channels. I got rid of an unwanted splitter and lo and behold, I was getting 4 solid bars out of 5 in MCE using my HDHomeRun tuners for all channels! More specifically, I went from 2 to 4 bars for channels 11 and 13. But this honeymoon lasted only until yesterday, when I tried to tune to Fox in the evening to find out that my signal quality went back down to 2 bars for that channel. :( It's now back to 4 this morning. I know that getting rid of the splitter helped my case somehow (because I saw it going up from 2 to 4 in a very short period of time), but I don't see how my home wiring would change signal quality so drastically over time. My bet is that they're still playing with the hubs somewhere that affects both our signal quality.

-eric

KCTS-DT channel 109 is not HD, but a digital simulcast appearing to be in a widescreen format ...

From their site: "KCTS-DT is a simulcast of KCTS' regular signal, providing the high-quality, commercial-free programming that you've come to expect from KCTS. "

KCTS-DT (OTA 9-1 or Comcast 109) is broadcast in widescreen format. It's a standard ATSC format (704x480 16:9). The pixels are 40:33, not square. Normally, the content is exactly the same as the SD analog channel 9 with the pillars on the left and right filled in with a grey tone. On occasion, they will broadcast the widescreen version of the content scaled down to 704x480 16:9, which looks pretty good. It's the only channel that I know of that uses the SD widescreen format.

Checking in... still having some trouble with 4-1 and now 11-1 as well. Fox has been fine for me.

KCTS-DT (OTA 9-1 or Comcast 109) is broadcast in widescreen format. It's a standard ATSC format (704x480 16:9). The pixels are 40:33, not square. Normally, the content is exactly the same as the SD analog channel 9 with the pillars on the left and right filled in with a grey tone. On occasion, they will broadcast the widescreen version of the content scaled down to 704x480 16:9, which looks pretty good. It's the only channel that I know of that uses the SD widescreen format.
I find it very strange, and distracting, when they run a 16x9 program on 9.1/108, with gray sidebars and black top/bottom bars. Yes, I know KCTS adds the gray and PBS adds the black.

So you did the reboot + "62" with no problems ? I read that gave some people problems. Does it matter what type of esata drive you use?

Sweet! so much storage, yay!

It went pretty smoothly.

See the FAQ here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=350510) for answers about drives

I know that the new guide is coming soon to replace the "Microsoft Enhanced" guide.

Does anybody know when it will be pushed out? Or do we have to do something (like call Comcast for them to push it to us) to get it?

I am assuming that existing DVR's can be upgraded?

Thanks

Has anyone heard what is happening with channels 657, 658 and 659? Comcast introduced them so long ago, I feel like we should be getting a feed sooner or later. They usually have a way of telling us well in advance of launch date, though no word yet. I have heard rumor of FoodHD, A&EHD and one other one appearing on Comcast services around the country, but nothing locally. Let's get the ball rolling and introduced some more HD channels.

Has anyone heard what is happening with channels 657, 658 and 659? Comcast introduced them so long ago, I feel like we should be getting a feed sooner or later. They usually have a way of telling us well in advance of launch date, though no word yet. I have heard rumor of FoodHD, A&EHD and one other one appearing on Comcast services around the country, but nothing locally. Let's get the ball rolling and introduced some more HD channels.

Also HGTV HD is one of the channels that could be coming our way too..I think that was announced nationally too

I've read here that the new guide will start rolling out in the Seattle area 6/19. Whether that happens are not is another story.

[QUOTE=plateauman]Well I'm not sure if this has been discussed before but here's my current headache..

Set up the M's to Record in HD on 664. Start watching the recording and the picture freeze frames about 2 minutes into the recording. The audio continues but the picture is frozen. I've tried fast forwarding, starting the recording over and it will always freeze in the same spot.

This has happened two or three times now with 664 in particular. I haven't had this problem with other HD channels, so what is going on ???!!! :mad:

Just wanted to update my post --

Comcast said this is a known problem, but could not give me a fix date to resolve.
I've noticed if I start the recording after the program starts, it will record fine, but that prevents me from setting up a Season Pass.

I'm about to purchase a Tivo Series3, but had a couple of questions regarding cablecards (since the S3 will be used in conjunction with Comcast service).

1) Can I simply walk into a Comcast branch and pick up the cablecards (specifically, from the Redmond branch)? Or do I have to schedule an appointment and have a tech come out and perform the installation?

2) How much do the cablecards cost, both initially and per month? From what I've been able to gather, in this area (since the costs seem to differ wildly depending on what part of the country you're at), the cards are free initially, and the first one is free per month, but the second will run $1.50 per month. It also seems I need to be careful and explicitly mention that both cards will be going into a single box (ie. the S3) or else they may attempt to levy a monthly additional outlet charge on me.

Well I'm not sure if this has been discussed before but here's my current headache..

Set up the M's to Record in HD on 664. Start watching the recording and the picture freeze frames about 2 minutes into the recording. The audio continues but the picture is frozen. I've tried fast forwarding, starting the recording over and it will always freeze in the same spot.

This has happened two or three times now with 664 in particular. I haven't had this problem with other HD channels, so what is going on ???!!! :mad:

Just wanted to update my post --

Comcast said this is a known problem, but could not give me a fix date to resolve.
I've noticed if I start the recording after the program starts, it will record fine, but that prevents me from setting up a Season Pass.
I've had this problem with other HD and non-HD channels. I assumed there was no fix, glad I didn't waste my time calling.

Has anyone heard what is happening with channels 657, 658 and 659? Comcast introduced them so long ago, I feel like we should be getting a feed sooner or later. They usually have a way of telling us well in advance of launch date, though no word yet. I have heard rumor of FoodHD, A&EHD and one other one appearing on Comcast services around the country, but nothing locally. Let's get the ball rolling and introduced some more HD channels.

I thought Steve Kipp said Nat Geo HD would be coming "soon." With FoodHD, A&EHD, H&GHD, and NatGeo HD we have 4 possibilities for three slots. Hopefully, Comcast will start testing a 4th.

I've had this problem with other HD and non-HD channels. I assumed there was no fix, glad I didn't waste my time calling.

I had a similar issue with just channels 660 and 661. Sometimes I would get them, sometimes I would not. Sometimes audio only, sometimes distorted image, sometimes not. It would record always, but I wouldn't be able to watch it very well.

Called Comcast, they came out and determined it was a bad connection between my TV and the wall. I had some non standard cable and a splitter. Anyway, they replaced my cable and took out the splitter and the issue has been fine since then.

I am assuming you have made sure already this is not a signal issue, not getting a strong enough one that is?

I never had problems with any other HD channels, only the 2 mentioned above

I thought Steve Kipp said Nat Geo HD would be coming "soon." With FoodHD, A&EHD, H&GHD, and NatGeo HD we have 4 possibilities for three slots. Hopefully, Comcast will start testing a 4th.

Yeah I've also been wondering when NGC-HD is coming, and what the hold up is. I know "soon" to Comcast usually means several months at the very least, but I think we were hearing about getting this channel coming "soon" since March? Also we haven't even got any official announcement about it like Chicago and some other cities got a while back, and they still don't get it til July so that makes me a bit skeptical about us getting it in the next couple months even, but who knows... maybe they will suddenly surprise is with 4 new HD channels...

I know Southwest Washington, and Oregon have had NGC-HD for about 6 months now on Comcast, not sure why we follow behind so far when it comes to getting HD added to our system. I emailed Steve about adding these channels since they are available in other Comcast markets, but haven't heard anything...

I remember reading somewhere last year that Comcast was supposed to add something like 40 HD channels in 2007. The year is almost half over now, and I'm starting to loose my patients with Comcast. Fios is now available at my home, but unfortunately no TV service yet. :(

There seems to be a pattern here where lots of people are suddenly having trouble getting all the HD channels. Some people say it is "wires inside your house" which is Comcast's answer, but why are all the same HD channels out and others always good? If it were bad wires, would it not be totally random which HD stations you have trouble with?

IMHO, Comcast is messing with our signal (experimenting) and pretending like they are doing nothing wrong.

Yeah I've also been wondering when NGC-HD is coming, and what the hold up is. I know "soon" to Comcast usually means several months at the very least, but I think we were hearing about getting this channel coming "soon" since March? Also we haven't even got any official announcement about it like Chicago and some other cities got a while back, and they still don't get it til July so that makes me a bit skeptical about us getting it in the next couple months even, but who knows... maybe they will suddenly surprise is with 4 new HD channels...

I know Southwest Washington, and Oregon have had NGC-HD for about 6 months now on Comcast, not sure why we follow behind so far when it comes to getting HD added to our system. I emailed Steve about adding these channels since they are available in other Comcast markets, but haven't heard anything...

I remember reading somewhere last year that Comcast was supposed to add something like 40 HD channels in 2007. The year is almost half over now, and I'm starting to loose my patients with Comcast. Fios is now available at my home, but unfortunately no TV service yet. :(

Comcast Seattle Sucks. I can't wait to get fios too.

Today all my HD stations, including the most notorious no-shows, UHD and MTVHD, are working just fine in Wallingford, Seattle. Not sure if this has to do with the temperature cooling off, or Comcast fixed something. It is a relief.

Having problems in North Seattle. Cutting in and out. Unwatchable. All my tv's. Signal showing it is gone and then back. Nothing has changed in my house. Definitely a comcast issue.

Just got off phone with comcast. Outages in my area. Said I would get credit for two days.

Just got off phone with comcast. Outages in my area. Said I would get credit for two days.
I've had off and on problems for the last 2 weeks between cable AND HSI. Calling customer service tomorrow for the same reason. Don't mind paying when they actually provide a stable service, but lately its anything but.

I'm about to purchase a Tivo Series3, but had a couple of questions regarding cablecards (since the S3 will be used in conjunction with Comcast service).
1) Can I simply walk into a Comcast branch and pick up the cablecards (specifically, from the Redmond branch)? Or do I have to schedule an appointment and have a tech come out and perform the installation?
2) How much do the cablecards cost, both initially and per month? From what I've been able to gather, in this area (since the costs seem to differ wildly depending on what part of the country you're at), the cards are free initially, and the first one is free per month, but the second will run $1.50 per month. It also seems I need to be careful and explicitly mention that both cards will be going into a single box (ie. the S3) or else they may attempt to levy a monthly additional outlet charge on me.

I was at the Aurora branch last week, picked up a couple of cable cards on a whim, just in case I need them. No charge, they just asked that I return them when no longer needed.

grew up in Sea-Tac. Haven't lived there in years. Good to see some guys from the home turf talkin it up.

I'm about to purchase a Tivo Series3, but had a couple of questions regarding cablecards (since the S3 will be used in conjunction with Comcast service).

1) Can I simply walk into a Comcast branch and pick up the cablecards (specifically, from the Redmond branch)? Or do I have to schedule an appointment and have a tech come out and perform the installation?

2) How much do the cablecards cost, both initially and per month? From what I've been able to gather, in this area (since the costs seem to differ wildly depending on what part of the country you're at), the cards are free initially, and the first one is free per month, but the second will run $1.50 per month. It also seems I need to be careful and explicitly mention that both cards will be going into a single box (ie. the S3) or else they may attempt to levy a monthly additional outlet charge on me.

I did just that. Walked into Auburn office, asked for 3 cards ( in case there was an issue with one). Then it did take 3 days and like 5 phone calls to get the S3 working properly.
I think now they do charge an outlet fee due to the two cards in one box, but I have not checked my bill that closely, $1.50 is correct for card fee per month...

Wonderful box the S3 compared to the other two Comcast DVR's I also pay for. I have lost two cards due to malfunction since January. The first I was able to replace with a phone call to resetup, took 3 calls and ended up with the lady who fixed my right the first time through...then when the next Cable card died the lady sent a tech out to replace while I was at work, no charge...all has been great now for 3 months...

Keith in Buckley

I had a similar issue with just channels 660 and 661. Sometimes I would get them, sometimes I would not. Sometimes audio only, sometimes distorted image, sometimes not. It would record always, but I wouldn't be able to watch it very well.

Called Comcast, they came out and determined it was a bad connection between my TV and the wall. I had some non standard cable and a splitter. Anyway, they replaced my cable and took out the splitter and the issue has been fine since then.

I am assuming you have made sure already this is not a signal issue, not getting a strong enough one that is?

I never had problems with any other HD channels, only the 2 mentioned above

The issue I was talking about with that comment was about the DVR freezing during playback of a recording.

As for my HD channel issues, they seem to be isolated to the local ones... and the setup is what the Comcast serviceman put in, so I assume it to be Comcast standard (*chuckle*).

grew up in Sea-Tac. Haven't lived there in years. Good to see some guys from the home turf talkin it up.
Well, Kent is just across the valley from Sea-Tac isn't it? ;)

Having problems in North Seattle. Cutting in and out. Unwatchable. All my tv's. Signal showing it is gone and then back. Nothing has changed in my house. Definitely a comcast issue. Same here in Wallingford. This can be for all my digital channels coming out of my box. Even stuff like MSNBC, which I've never had trouble with in the past, is locking up in a big macroblock. Comcast is doing something and not telling us. Last night was good, now today it is toast again. Thankfully my cable Internet is not part of this problem, otherwise I would be madder than a hornet.

Great news! I finally got an email reply from a Comcast V.P. about all the issues raised here constantly about the DVR's. He is currently running the new guide at his home and can speak from first-hand experience. The new guide is much more than just a user interface - it affects the performance of the DVR dramatically. Sounds more like an operating system than a "guide". At any rate, I'm now going to go ahead and get a 3416 and put off my desires for a Tivo S3 or a dish system. He also supplied other information that I'm waiting to hear back as to how "public domain" it is before I spill it here. :)

Great news! I finally got an email reply from a Comcast V.P. about all the issues raised here constantly about the DVR's. He is currently running the new guide at his home and can speak from first-hand experience. The new guide is much more than just a user interface - it affects the performance of the DVR dramatically. Sounds more like an operating system than a "guide". At any rate, I'm now going to go ahead and get a 3416 and put off my desires for a Tivo S3 or a dish system. He also supplied other information that I'm waiting to hear back as to how "public domain" it is before I spill it here. :)

Can you atleast tell us whether it is about new hd channel?

I think now they do charge an outlet fee due to the two cards in one box, but I have not checked my bill that closely, $1.50 is correct for card fee per month...


If the Tivo is on your primary outlet (no other set top boxes in the home) then the first card charge is included with the digital package and the second is $1.50.

If there is a set top box already in the home, then it will be primary and you will have to pay an additional outlet fee of $5.10 for the first card (your choice card or dct with digital programming on additional outlets) and then $1.50 for the second card.

So ... cards are not free per se ...

Wonderful box the S3 compared to the other two Comcast DVR's I also pay for.

What are the advantages of the S3, in your experience?

Great news! I finally got an email reply from a Comcast V.P. about all the issues raised here constantly about the DVR's.

Just curious, which VP?

What are the advantages of the S3, in your experience?

advantages S3:
Stable, responsive, does not hang up when using DVR ever.
TV guide interface. Never once has this box slowed or hung up or rebooted...

disadvantages:
initial cost
extra outlet charge (as I have two 3412's also)
Cable Card relies on Comcast to set up correctly

So many times on teh moto 3412 boxes I will be watching the DVR and everything will come to a halt where not buttons work to stop/pause FF, etc. I do not know how many times the darn 3412 decided to reboot right toward the end of my Lost recording...

but S3 does not give you On Demand so for many that will be an issue..not for me..

What are the advantages of the S3, in your experience?

Hands down, the S3 is the best designed piece of equipment I have ever owned . . . and over the last 20 years I have purchased everything from JVC, Toshiba, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony, and Dennon (Sony and Dennon have been my most common purchases in recent years).

Sorry I can't compare it to the Comcast's Motorola box, as I never rented one. I can say my S3 has never crashed and has never missed a recording.

I just came back from work and saw a red light on my reciever. I got so happy thinking this might be one for hd channels but when I looked at the message it was about stupid internet promo.

Comcast really sucks......

I just came back from work and saw a red light on my reciever. I got so happy thinking this might be one for hd channels but when I looked at the message it was about stupid internet promo.

Comcast really sucks......

LOL yeah I hear ya! I don't know how many times that's happened to me. I see the red light and get all excited and think, finally some good news!!... only to find out it's some ad for internet or phone service, etc. etc.

Coincidentally, I just called this morning to have Fios internet installed. Full installation will be complete on June 20th... I did so because it was cheaper, faster, free installation and router, and full support for multiple comuters with no extra fees Comcast was ripping me for..... I am one of the last people in my neighborhood to get this installed and was suprised that almost everyone swithed to fios so quickly. Hmmm maybe that's why there is suddenly an internet promo... Sorry Comcast you're too slow.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/B/BYE_BYE_CABLE_BOX?SITE=KING&TEMPLATE=TECHNOLOGY.html&SECTION=HOME

Well, Kent is just across the valley from Sea-Tac isn't it? ;)

cheeky....real cheeky :D

Just picked up a DB2 from Antennas Direct, attic mounted, non-amplified with a 100' cable run. I'm picking up KOMO, KING, KIRO, KCTS and KCPQ great. Also picking up a handful of other digital stations.

Location North Lynnwood around Lake Serene.

I use a cablecard and TV Guide software on Comcast in the Lynnwood area. I just noticed as of last night that I no longer have listings for any of the non-network HD channels like Discovery, INHD (MOJO), and TNT HD. I have never had listing for Universal HD. All other listings are fine. Is anyone else having this problem?If you have these listings can you post the zip and cable system you have selected in setup?

Here's a quick QAM update. Only one change to report, and that's that the Comcast Central barker on 120-X has encrypted.

LOL yeah I hear ya! I don't know how many times that's happened to me. I see the red light and get all excited and think, finally some good news!!... only to find out it's some ad for internet or phone service, etc. etc.

I've yet to see a useful message on the DVR. Not to mention the clunky menu system to get messages. Whose bright idea was it that it would be intuitive to find messages under the Settings menu? And why not use email for these messages?

I have a quick question.....can you receive QAM signals if you only subscribe to the basic analog cable with broadband internet from Comcast? Or do I need to subscribe to digital cable to receive those signals?

Thanks,

M

Can you atleast tell us whether it is about new hd channel?

"hopefully adding another three by the end of the year"

I did not ask about specific HD channels.

Reply was from John Dietrich at Comcast. You may have received a letter from him several weeks ago.

I picked up a 3416 on Friday. It has 12.35 but seems to be working fine so far. I'm wondering if the spurious resets people saw were because of updates/downloads from Comcast.