Yes, I paid $15 to give my Comcast tech a lesson in Home Theater setup. I had all cables ready to plug in to the 5100 and he wasn't sure I had set them up correctly. I would NOT let him touch my setup, so I told him to watch. It was the first time he had seen or heard of "optical audio" cables. I set everything up, including going into the 5100 setup menu and setting the 480p, etc... He didn't know what these settings were either.

Darryl

Yes you all on the forum know what you are doing, and I'm not going to defend the techs or the Cable Co, if they didn't learn or didn't get training on the equipment, they definately should have. But the fact is that 90-95% of the users of this box are NOT on this forum.

Every installer has to have a first time connecting up any particular piece of equipment.

How many times do you think the Cable Co. get calls by customers saying that their box is bad because their HD channels have bars on the top or bottom or both. Only to find out that they are watching the HD channel on the Antenna (RF) input or the program on that channel isn't in HD.

Face it, you guys on here are a very small percentage of the users of this cable box, and an even a smaller percentage of users actually know what the full functionality of their equipment is. If you read enough of the posts on this forum you will come across a uninformed user, but thats why they are here. They have to start somewhere....

A good thing is that most of the features and functions of this equipment are implemented because of the "high-end" users, because they are the only ones that speak out.

CoolCanuck,
And I'm sure he sees a front projector on every other install....:rolleyes:

I found my tech (subcontractor) to be very knowledgeable in both the 5100 box, plasma TV's and the content carried by comcast.

He wrote down all the HD channels on a seperate piece of paper, showed me the setup menu on the 5100 and even spend some time explaining the crappy digital guide and its shortfalls.

But I'd love to see AVS members get first crack at the 6208 box with PVR functionality. I'd even gladly write up a compare/contrast with my Replay PVR.

Metz

If a customer already has the HDTV access on his account, and volunteers to bring in his 5100 to trade in for a 6208, then this should be allowed. This saves the cable company money, and prevents having us wait around for the tech to arrive. Maybe as an additional qualifier, require that the customer has had HDTV access for six months to ensure that the customer knows what HDTV is, before allowing the voluntary carry-in trade.

Originally posted by metz520

But I'd love to see AVS members get first crack at the 6208 box with PVR functionality. I'd even gladly write up a compare/contrast with my Replay PVR.

Metz

Sorry but it won't happen.....When it hits the Cable Co. warehouses it will have had all of the testing that Motorola & the CSO thinks it needs. Sure there will be glitches just like with any other new equipment, but any problems then will be handled with firmware. There is no reason for a beta test, when they have many people that are willing to pay for it & at the same time they will be testing it.

Originally posted by miatasm
If you read enough of the posts on this forum you will come across a uninformed user, but thats why they are here. They have to start somewhere....

A good thing is that most of the features and functions of this equipment are implemented because of the "high-end" users, because they are the only ones that speak out.



I do appreciate that Comcast is rolling out a PVR equipped box. This fact and the recent rollout of the hd channels kept me from moving over to DirectTV.

I also didn't mean to paint all techs with the same brush. It's just that this has happened several times each time costing me a half day of work and sometimes $15. Since these guys are a first line of contact with customers they should be well trained (and well paid too ;) ). If I was a completely 'uninformed' user I would have be stuck since no install was done. Maybe my next experience will be a good one.

Originally posted by markhs
Since these guys are a first line of contact with customers they should be well trained (and well paid too ;) ).

Unfortunately to become well paid you have to want to go the extra mile & most ppl want to be well paid THEN go the extra mile....and they use that as the excuse for the reason they don't care......Its pretty sad....

Also, let's remember that if you specifically order the 'HDTV Home Theater Access' the tech really ONLY has the option at this point of bringing you a 5100 -- so I'm sorry miatasm but when they roll into my house to do such an install (which is clearly printed out on their work order) I fully expect them to know how to hook up to an HDTV (and that includes front projectors). At the very least, they should know that they can't use the 5100's coaxial RF out to send the HDTV signal to a set. Pretty basic stuff -- I don't think that we are among an elite crowd in that respect. I'm not asking the tech to work miraces -- just to know what different cable connections are used for and not waste my time by trying to make an impossible connection.

I get the impression that a lot of them haven't even seen what HD looks like - my tech, after I finished his install for him, proclaimed 'wow! pretty cool hd' as he tuned to the HBO-SD channel. :rolleyes:

Standard disclaimer applies though: occasionally you will get the rare tech who knows their stuff (so these people should become the Comcast instructors for the rest of them).

Oh one final comment -- the tech left with my HD up and running and then an hour later my Comcast high speed internet stopped working. Apparently they entered something in their order screen after my stop and it canceled my HSI. Nice. Shouldn't those two branches of the business be separate -- what a joke of an application if the order entry system for their HDTV accounts can accidentally cancel a high speed internet service.

Ok, back on topic, any word on InHD/2 in our market? Is tomorrow the day?

I completely agree....but what you expect, and what actually happens can be 2 different things. You can express your concern with the techs being incompetent here, but did you do so with the Cable Co? This is the only way to help that situation get better.

You can tell someone a 1000's times on how to do something, but if he doesn't care, it won't really matter in the end, especially if no one is saying anything.

Out there in your area, it will be sometime before the "Classic market" Comcast policies will have been carried out & implemented completely. Considering the bad things I've heard of the original AT&T managed systems...

I can tell you that it is very unlikely the Cable Co. will implement Front Projectors, (but they should) into the little bit of training that is needed on the basics of how to install the DCT5100. But you are correct that the basic concept should be known and can be used in any case.

Your standard disclaimer is soooo true, Jeremy can back me up on this one.

My standard disclaimer is: You can EXPECT what you, but don't assume anything.

And again I'm not backing the techs up on this one because I know how bad they can be. But I'm just saying make it known to who needs to know (the employer), otherwise it seems that it really doesn't matter at all.

The Comcast tech did and Excellent job installing my 5100. He came prepared with the component cables and made sure it was working well before he left.
On the other hand the contract tech that installed my comcast cable modem totally bot hed the job. I had to have a supervisor come back out to bet it working . He had to remove a legacy att return path block on the pole.

INHD 1/2 should begin launch at midnight though it may take several hours up to middle of the day for these channels to appear.

It's not just "flipping a swith" so to speak. The Box controllers of which there are roughly 10 have to signal each of the boxes to reload channel mapping etc and authorize to the new channels amongst also the headends having to swith the feeds up.

Jeremy

All the changes discussed showed up on my box this morning:

68 HGTVW
232 BYUTV
233 EWTN
664 INHD
665 INHD2

All the channels work except INHD and INHD2 are color bars, presumably until 7AM. Both are listed as OFF-AIR.

FSNHD is still on Channel 100.

INHD and INHD2 came on at 7AM as predicted, but there is a lot of breakup in the picture and sound. The sound can't decide if it is Dolby Digital or not. There is still some tweaking to be done, obviously.

INHD/INHD2 are working here in Sammamish. I don't have much time to watch but from what I saw the picture looks great!

I've got 664 & 665 on my box, but they both come up as "not authorized". i have the basic digital package - can also get espn-hd - shouldn't they come up fine, or do I need to subscribe to more?

JeremyFr previously wrote:

INHD requires you subscribe to Digital Classic or above.

my account shows as Digital Starter Package - Includes: Standard Cable (Basic And Expanded Basic) Digital - does this not include digital classic?

does espn-hd require digital classic, or less?

ok, as pointed out, i had to add the 'digital classic' package to what i had (thought it was already included, oh well) another $11.99 for comcast... :-)

INHD & INHD2 working great here!

cool, I'll have to check out INHD when I get home (forgot to check this morning).

As far as tech's and install experiences...I've had only VERY good experiences with both AT&T and comcast techs.

When my initial cable/hsi was installed, the install tech was very knowledgeable and helpful. I wanted to move my interior jacks to run into my "server" room, and while he couldn't do it (not allowed to modify interior wiring without a workorder...could only jack to an exterior wall), however he did leave me lots of extra coax (didn't need it, but it was nice) and even showed me the box outside and how/where each of the cable runs/hsi were so I could run my own cable.

When I got the HDTV package (old sidecar setup), a different tech came out...this was his first HDTV install, but he had just been to training, so he had an idea of what he was doing. He recognized and understood that I was using a component video switch, and knew what digital coax audio was for. He admitted that the cables they bring are ok, but that mine were probably better. There were problems (my "loop" wasn't quite up to snuff...they had to make some changes), but I had 3 techs at my house at one time (one of them the supervisor) working hard to resolve the problems.

And the last time I had someone out -> my sidecar stopped working (they disabled them) and my signal level was low, the tech grumbled that they should have called me weeks ago to replace the sidecar, and left me a signal amp to install on my own if I needed it (he was impressed by my HT and plasma setup, and realized that I knew how to connect the wiring necessary :p).

Anyway, kudos to comcast for improving the quality of the content (HD!) and for striving to provide a better level of service than we were used to with AT&T/@home/TCI.

Cheers,

Rich

Is there anyone tracking the fast moving changes and additions of HDTV to the Comcast Seattle line up? I am looking for one place I can go to that has updated information and current cable(SD and HD) listings. If there is none, I'll be happy to try and build one. Things are moving VERY fast, and this group has the latest information (More so then Comcast support!) and seems like the right audience to contribute.

The Guide in your box is always the reference, because if it isn't on the box, you can't get the channel.

The new TV Guide listings on tvguide.com do have all the new channels on as of today, however. This is probably a first.

That guide blows. I think we are in need of a resource that can be updated with data from this group, and our local Comcast rep :)

I think between Ken H's HDTV Programming Synopsis, and Jeremy's periodic updates, we are probably covered.

In summary, we are expecting Cinemax HD, Starz HD, and all the locals except for KIRO. These are all confirmed. Cinemax HD is expected in November, and the locals by the end of the year. I don't know when Starz HD is scheduled to launch, but it will be on Comcast whenever.

HDNET is in negotiations.

I think a direct link site that lists "current" HD channels by zip code or something would be useful...I had to dig through several pages to find the new INHD channel numbers yesterday (I knew they were there, but had to find em) so I could check to see if they were online yet....

Rich

That's what I mean...a one place repository that we can go to and update and refer to. This thread is 39 pages long..waay to much to page through.

How about editing message one in this thread to be such a place holder? I think everyone has edit authority to that message, or perhaps Tivolicious would volunteer to keep it updated.

Regarding the "Not Authorized" message on the InHD channels: You will get this message if you are on an older channel package; such as the channel packages that are grandfathered from AT&T. Many people are still on the older channel packages because they would lose channels if they were on a newer package. For example; the older packages such as Silver and Gold used to include Starz. They don't anymore.

The older packages don't have the codes for InHD channels. In order to get the InHD's, you will have to give up the extras you may have had on the older package such as Starz or digital premier. It's a trade-off.

The other night I was watching KOMOHD 104, and when I went to switch channels and pushed the button on the remote, nothing happened. Then I pushed the guide button, menu button, and power button. Still nothing happened. Then about 5 to 10 seconds later all the commands I had gave the box cought up to it and happened all at once. Anyone else ever have this happen? I had this happen twice that night. Haven't watched much cable since then so I dunno if its still happening. The box is all by its self on a metal grate type shelf so it cant be overheating.

Any ideas?

I will try to setup a small website that will give a rough idea of whats available in what areas in Washington state.

One thing is that the offices in Washington only support from Aberdeen north so Southern Washington is out of Portland's service area. Give me a day or 2 to get this setup I'm on vacation right now so I dont wanna do too much work:) hehe I'll link it in my signature and also of course post a link.

Calypse: yes this has been a common problem with the 5100 and we are still unsure of why they do this from time to time. If it does this again for a prolonged period of time you can unplug the power cord and plug it back in this will of course clear all the guide info etc. But since I've done this my box has not done it again.

Jeremy

Originally posted by Vespa
Is there anyone tracking the fast moving changes and additions of HDTV to the Comcast Seattle line up? I am looking for one place I can go to that has updated information and current cable(SD and HD) listings. If there is none, I'll be happy to try and build one. Things are moving VERY fast, and this group has the latest information (More so then Comcast support!) and seems like the right audience to contribute.

This is an unofficial list I keep that's derived from information I find here and there. If I've got something wrong or missing please post a correction.

- A.J.

Seattle Comcast HD Channels
(last updated - 10/1/2003)


Channel Station Format Hours Availability
100 Mariners HD / FSNW 1080i Selected Games ?? (Season Over)
104 KOMO HD (ABC) 720p
108 KCTS HD (PBS) 1080i 5pm - 12am
109 KCTS Digital (PBS) 480p
110 KCTS Kids (PBS) 480p 12am - 5pm
112 KCTS Learns (PBS) 480p 12am - 5pm
173 ESPN HD 1080i
549 HBO HD 1080i
574 Showtime HD 1080i
664 INHD 1080i
665 INHD2 1080i
KING HD (NBC) 1080i coming months
KONG HD (Ind) 1080i coming months
KSTW HD (UPN) 1080i coming months
KCPQ HD (Fox) 480p/720p coming months
KTWB HD (WB) 1080i coming months
Starz HD 1080i coming months
KIRO HD(CBS) 1080i Negotiations
Discovery HD 1080i Negotiations
HDNet 1080i Negotiations/Rumor?

Calypse,

I had the same problem last nite (thought it was my IR distro system flaking out)....

I think it's a common 5100 problem (oh, jer already mentioned that)

cheers,

Rich

Nikan-

Great job on that summary--thanks!
However, I think ESPN-HD broadcasts their HD material 720p (when not showcasing their craptacular stretch-o-vision).

Andy is correct they are 720p since they are owned by Disney/ABC.

A dish? I think not. Way to go Comcast!!!!

A dish? I think not. Way to go Comcast!!!!

hehe you ain't seen nothing yet!

Jeremy

Nikan,

Great list. Nice to see someone it tracking all of this. Once Jeremy is back from vacation and can build a quick webpage, we'll be all set!

Originally posted by Andy Anderson
Nikan-

Great job on that summary--thanks!
However, I think ESPN-HD broadcasts their HD material 720p (when not showcasing their craptacular stretch-o-vision). [/B]
Thanks for catching that.

ESPN is, in fact, in in 720p craptacular stretch-o-vision. From now on we should refer to that resolution as 720-PU. (such a stinker)

Seattle Comcast HD Channels- Unofficial
(last updated - 10/1/2003)


Channel Station Format Hours Availability
100 Mariners HD / FSNW 1080i Selected Games ?? (Season Over)
104 KOMO HD (ABC) 720p
108 KCTS HD (PBS) 1080i 5pm - 12am
109 KCTS Digital (PBS) 480p
110 KCTS Kids (PBS) 480p 12am - 5pm
112 KCTS Learns (PBS) 480p 12am - 5pm
173 ESPN HD 720p
549 HBO HD 1080i
574 Showtime HD 1080i
664 INHD 1080i
665 INHD2 1080i
KING HD (NBC) 1080i coming months
KONG HD (Ind) 1080i coming months
KSTW HD (UPN) 1080i coming months
KCPQ HD (Fox) 480p/720p coming months
KTWB HD (WB) 1080i coming months
Starz HD 1080i coming months
KIRO HD(CBS) 1080i Negotiations
Discovery HD 1080i Negotiations
HDNet 1080i Negotiations/Rumor?
[B][B]

Ok I've recieved many great emails from members in this thread with thanks,encouragement, and great questions.

I've come to the conclusion that maybe I should start a mailing list for those interested on updates of channels/programming available as well as status updates for those in areas not quite fully up to speed yet. That way it can keep some clutter out of here.

If any of you think this is a good idea and would like me to do so email me through the link in my signature if I get over say 10-15 people interested I will go ahead and do this. This will not be a weekly/monthly thing no advertising or anything like that. Just simply me passing info along when and as I get it.

Jeremy

I would like to know when they intend to fix the audio sync problems. Tried to watch Karen Sisco last night and had to switch to analog because I concentrated too hard on their mouths. :(

Ok well the list is on! I got about 5 emails requesting it last night woke up to 13 new email in my box this morning.

What I will go ahead and do is for the first email I'll just cover current situations for each area, current channel lineup's, what the hold up may be for certain channels if I have any info on them. expected but not guaranteed dates. Dont worry if you haven't signed up just email me at my link in my signature and I'll make sure you get on the list.

Jeremy

The audio sync problems are a KOMO/ABC thing, not a Comcast problem.

I just pretend I'm watching a Hong Kong movie, because those are always out of sync, even in the native language.

I've called customer support so many times about the audio sync problem, before I found this forum. Comcast support doesn't have a clue that this is really happening. They claimed that they couldn't repro the problem at their location. They reset my box multiple times and even sent a tech out to my house to try to verify the problem.

Someone needs to pass this info to the support engineers.

I will clarify what is going on in my first "newsletter" that I send out. I've recieved very good information from a very reliable "in the know" source as to whats causing the lip sync issue and unfortunately is not something Comcast has any control over.

Whenever I type 664 or 665 in to my box, it shows me the channel I am on right now and refuses to change. Anyone else have this problem? I called Comcast, and they sent a reset to my box, but that didn’t work. They are sending a tech out, but I was wondering if anyone else had some bright ideas or solutions?

Wiring:
I actually have the coax cable wire going from the wall, to the vcr, to the cable box, to the tv. (although the last part I never use). I have it going to the vcr so I can record analog channels (0-99) using my vcr’s timer function. (I don’t think many people are doing this, but this solves my analog recording issues) I tried the coax wire straight to box yesterday, but that didn’t work either.

Location:
I am in Redmond, on Avondale road, very close to where 520 ends. Maybe it's just a problem in that area?

Thanks!

The VCR can cause issues with the Box's out of band data carriage my suggestion is that you get a splitter and run the DCT off one side the VCR off the other this way you have a clean signal to and from the DCT. Remember the DCT communicates both ways a VCR will prevent this.

Jeremy

Pulled the vcr out of the loop, will go get a splitter soon. I still do not have 664 or 665, same problem. I power cycled the machine. I have left it off, hopefully the channels will be up when I get back home. Any other ideas? I do have The Digital Silver package, so I should be authorized for this.

The freezing issue was a problem on the first series of boxes. The early adopters of the HD service are much more likely to have the problem. The serial #'s of the boxes with problems will begin with a GI1316 or GI1317. If you have a box in this range, it doesn't mean you have the problem or will have the problem. But the boxes that DO have the problem are from this series.

Often a simple power cycle (unplug box for 30 seconds, then plug back in) will resolve the problem. Otherwise it will need to be swapped.

Hey Jeremy how long should a newly installed dct5100 take to upload channels 664/665/104/109. I have the silver package and HBO hi-def
channel comes in fine, all the above channels say -will be avail shortly-.
presently its been about 3 hours since the install. Yea I know Im impatient!

thanks/ Mike

you might have a signal level problem....when they launched 104/109, I had that same message, but it never went away (on it's own at least). I had a tech out to the house and he installed an amp and it worked fine after that.

rich

Rich,
Thanks for answering! Since I get HBO-HD just fine wouldnt that mean my signal should be ok for the other hi-def channels. I do have a one in 4 out amp where the signal comes into the house that is rated upto 1000mhz, and another right before the dct5100 which I think is rated that high but not sure.

thanks/ Mike

Tech support is completely horrible. They can’t even answer basic questions like what channel something is on, let alone actually help with a real problem. Thank goodness for this forum.

Originally posted by RichSun
I've called customer support so many times about the audio sync problem, before I found this forum. Comcast support doesn't have a clue that this is really happening. They claimed that they couldn't repro the problem at their location. They reset my box multiple times and even sent a tech out to my house to try to verify the problem.

Someone needs to pass this info to the support engineers.

Mike: that message means signal is to low at the box for it to properly decode the channel.

Sonu55: you'll probably need to call in and have a signal sent to the box now that the VCR is out of the loop. Most likely it never was recieved/acknowledged by the box when they sent one earlier due to the VCR.

Jeremy

brvheart - FYI, I'm still under the old AT&T Bronze Digital Package w/ HBO added on top, at least according to my last bill. I'm getting INHD & INHD2...Oh yeah, I still get Starz for free.

Here's an update from KOMO on the lip-sync issue... I'd asked if any progress had been made since the beginning of the month when I'd posted an initial response. It sounds like this is being actively worked on. Hopefully, we'll see some improvement soon.

- Mike

From: "Wilkinson, Don" <DonW@fisherbroadcasting.com>
Subject: RE: HD lip-sync problem
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 2003 10:19:02 -0700

Actually, there has been some progress made. The delay is only in the DD5.1 that is associated with the ABC HDTV satellite feed. The KOMO techs have identified the adjustments to be made to the Dolby encoder to get the audio back in time. After tweaking these adjustments during the course of last evening's programming, they determined that each program had slightly different delay, requiring a different setting. This doesn't seem logical to me.

We are getting close. A lot of effort is being spent to get to the bottom of
this. Keep watching and you will see some minor adjustments affecting the
delay as they try to bracket the correct setting. It can't be done off-line
so they are trying not to make the adjustments jarring to the viewer.

Lip-sync errors drive me crazy, too.

Regards,

Don Wilkinson

The lip sync is better tonight on Threat Matrix, but not perfect.

He had emailed me earlier regarding the issues but asked that I didn't get into details or mention him. Looks like he decided to let the cat out of the bag.

Jeremy

BTW the response for my "newsletter" has been quite overwhelming I believe I have just over 50 people in my list now. I'm quite surprised at the both rapid and huge response.

Jeremy

I was wondering if anyone wanted to help produce a public access television show about Home Theater, Broadband, Short Films, and more?!? The studios & all resources needed are free. You just need to take the classes & put in the time. >>>--> http://www.scantv.org/

First off, I want to thank Jeremy for all of the help he has provided. You have indeed been a huge help, especially since I no longer have to deal with trying to talk to clueless customer reps.

Secondly, I have a question for Jeremy:

Jeremy, do you have any word on when the High-Def NBC will be available? I cannot tell you how much I am wanting/hoping for that channel to become available. Ever since the fall tv season has started, I want to be able to watch shows such as Law & Order, new comer Las Vegas, and new comer to HD, West Wing.

A few weeks back, I actually purchased an OTA tuner, but could not justify the expense of $400 just for one channel!

I am sure that this question has been asked over and over, but this is the one thing that I am highly anticipating!

Thanx,
--Nishant

Nishant: I dont have a date yet unfortunately but have been told by many sources that it will be by years end. Now that we've got INHD launched and FSNWHD is offair till next baseball season and most rebuild work is done I'd forsee it happening soon. I wish I could give an aproximate date but none have been thrown at me yet.

Jeremy

BTW as you all can see in my signature I setup a full website for those of us in Washington State. It has quite a few helpful links as well as a forum now. Everyone is welcome and its really not just about HDTV or Comcast but Home Theater in General. Within the next few weeks I'll be purchasing server space and a domain for it but I think you guys will like what I've got now.

Jeremy

Well many of you have been "bugging" me about NBA TV and I found an article that looks very promising located here.

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker/article.asp?Symbol=US:CMCSA&Feed=RTR&Date=20030929&ID=2905446

Commissioner David Stern said in a conference call with reporters that the league would like the channel to be in 7 million to 8 million homes, including both cable and satellite, by the close of the first year.

Stern added the NBA is still in talks with Comcast Corp. (CMCSA), the largest U.S. cable operator and other companies, and hopes to announce more deals before the start of the 2003-2004 season in late October

Sounds like it's probably coming back!

Jeremy

I think your toying with my emotions here pal! :D

I thought for a oh so sweet second that you were gonna spill the unthinkable......that article has been my light at the end of the comcast tunnel that faintly glows in it's hi-def hue. Yes...that light is NBATV. I mean common allready just hook a brotha up.

I am giving up on the "Hit tha Switch" campaign. Let's open the "Make tha Damn Call!!"..and speak of the NBATV revolt in Sea-town.

I tried to write the NBA to try and find out what's the hold up. Totally standard response about calling my cable provider. Laim.

Only three weeks till the season.....tick, tock.

MUST HAVE HD BALL!!!!!!

KOMO's lip sync has been looking much better these days. Looks like they may be ironing this thing out.

Is anyone else having reception problems with INHD1 and INHD2. I get reception on these channels at night and sometimes during the day but its real hit and miss during the day. I just had Comcast come out and check my signal at the tv and its well within tolerances according to the tech.

Thanx/Mike

No problems here with INHD1 & 2 in Everett. But then again I'm 1.5 blocks from the headend.

Hmm--I have had no problems at all with INHD or INHD2. It's always looked great. I noticed on Romancing the Stone one night that the lip sync was off just a smidge, but that's the only "problem" I've had.

Andy

Originally posted by Andy Anderson
KOMO's lip sync has been looking much better these days. Looks like they may be ironing this thing out.
I agree - MNF was better and last night was almost perfect. They must have someone on it that tweaks it as it goes, because I've noticed some very slight in-sync and out-of-sync fluctuations and this week they seem to be hitting it.

Tim

Ok some more news here. I've managed to get on the Beta Test list for VOD.

It will be employee testing only starting around the end of this month in the Everett area.

I'm quite excited to be able to do this I'll keep updates posted on my site and newsletter as it goes on and I get more info.

Very exciting times!

Jeremy

The Melanie McFarland article in the PI, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/tv/143274_hdtv10.html has this tidbit:

"Even now, Seattle Comcast customers only receive seven channels in HD, plus a few Mariners games on Fox Sports Net. Dish Network subscribers get seven; DirecTV's, six. Comcast carries two local channels, KCTS/9 and KOMO/4, although KIRO/7 estimates it will sign on soon, and KING/5 is engaging in "good, healthy negotiations," according to general manager Dave Lougee. Neither satellite system has the available capacity to carry local stations in HD yet."

Also:
"Cable and satellite have always done well during economic dips, mostly because of an urge to stay closer to home. "From a quality-of-life perspective, people are willing to spend more money to enhance their viewing experience," Lang said, adding that he has noticed an upswing in recent weeks of customers requesting Comcast's HD-capable digital converter boxes, which do the same job as HD receivers.

In the early summer, Lang estimated the company was leasing them at the rate of 25 a week. "We're up to about 800 now," he said."

I sure hope she's right about KIRO. It would be nice to get the Superbowl.

Was it just me, or did that Melissa Ethridge program on INHD look like complete garbage from a PQ standpoint?

Originally posted by mimler
Was it just me, or did that Melissa Ethridge program on INHD look like complete garbage from a PQ standpoint?

Yep, same thing down here in the Bay Area. Must have been a problem on the InHD end.

Does anyone know if the Seahawk game will be broadcast locally on ESPNHD or if it will be blacked out because of local coverage?
Thanks

It will be on ESPN in HD and on KOMO in SD Only.

Jeremy,

Any news on HD-PVR with the Motorola DCT-6208?

In the HDTV Recorders forum there is talk of a rollout within the next 30-45 days:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2781660

Can you confirm, deny, or speculate?

Thanks,
Mike

So far I'm hearing 1st quarter next year, Priority right now is launching VOD which I'll be beta tetsting begining the end of the month.

Ok I've recieved word about the launch of VOD as well as when we will start to recieve 6208's, both will most likely take place near the end of December but this will only be in Everett/Snohomish County. The rest of Western Washington will begin 1Q of 2004. For more details check out http://jeremycomcast.home.comcast.net.

Jeremy

I hate that their priorities don't match their customers' priorities.

"Let's rush to get INHD and VOD; we can wait on the locals and PVR."

Oy

Does anyone else find INHD to be absurd? I take that back. Where else can you watch the football match between Podunk State and the University of Podunk? What a nailbitter that was!

I've been quite happy with INHD myself, as for prioritie's it really has nothing to do with priority but what you can do at the moment, and as far as Everett being firsts its about time since the rest of new technologie's in the past were launched in Seattle or Tacoma first.

Jeremy

INHD1/2 are great for doing HD demos for my friends, but I can't say I've actually sat down and *watched* these channels. They actually seem to have real HD programming most of the time, unlike the other "HD" channels.

Let's rush to get INHD and VOD

VOD should be a priority due to the fact that once it launchs the normal PPV chanels go bye bye which free's up bandwidth for say hmmm more HD channels!

I like some of the programmins on InHD.. The movie previews and some of the nature specials are pretty sweet to watch

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
I've been quite happy with INHD myself

Jeremy

You've been quite happy with it? How so? I would tend to agree with the sentiment that it's great for demos. However, after a couple years of HD, I'm past that stage. I want channels where I don't watch things just because they're in HD. (no pun intended).

Does Comcast have unlimited bandwidth? If it doesn't, it just seems like a waste.

Just my two cents.

Cheers,
Steve

I'm in the camp that likes INHD...they have had a couple of decent movies (romancing the stone, full metal jacket), the nature programs are nice, and I got to see the Cure HD concert (I'm a big cure fan)....I even emailed their programming dept to ask them to replay the cure concert after the 15th of sept (when we got it on comcast here) as it wasn't listed to be shown, and I got a response and they aired it!.

Sure, it's a bit of "fluff" right now, but the channels are young...give them time to mature...I'm sure that HDNET wasn't the HD powerhouse it is now when it first launched.

If, however, much better HD channels become available, I'd give INHD up for them, but they just aren't here yet (the networks non-withstanding...that's a contract issue, not a bandwidth one). From what I've read, DiscoveryHD is short on HD programming right now too, so after 2 weeks of that, we'd probably be saying the same thing.

Just my two cents....

Cheers,

Rich

Interesting -- it looks like I am alone. Just out of curiosity, of the people who like INHD how many are basically new to HD (i.e. didn't watch their network shows/sports in HD last season)?

I've been watching HD of and on for the past 3 years or so. OTA is so troublesome in my area, that I now rely on comcast, but I had OTA reception last year and watch most network programming, sports, etc in that manner.

Cheers,

Rich

You aren't alone Tivolicious...but I think a lot of comcast HD'ers are new and iNHD probalby is great for them for a while. Personally I have only viewed iNHD once or twice. I already have PBS, HDNet and Discovery so I can use any of those 3 to show the "wow" if I have guests. I could see a time where iNHD serves little purpose once HDNet and Discovery are on Comcast....of course maybe that is why they aren't on Comcast, because Comcast wants iNHD not programming that shows similar shows....

You know Tivolicious, Jeremy didn't say anything about the status of the local stations changing. I doubt VOD or the 6208 box have much effect on when we get more locals in HD. We knew these were coming anyway, just not exactly when.

That article in the PI last week stated that KIRO(!) was close to a deal. I'm not sure whether to believe that, but some news about KIRO is better than none since they were believed to be the last one we'd get. If we get KIRO in time for the Superbowl, I will be happy.

I'm glad to have inHD, even if I've only watched a couple movies on it. I mainly have used it as something to watch during commercials on ESPN and ABC, especially during the Seahawks game. I just wish they'd get rid of the logo. I can see the name of the channel when I switch to it, I don't need a bug.

I'm in the "no Comcast until I can record" camp, and share some of Tivolicious's feelings. However, I'm not sure that VOD and InHD have much to do with the locals or 6208. It's one thing if one was pulling resources away from another, but if they're all progressing along parallel tracks, then we're just frustrated because the tracks we think are important are not the ones completing first.

If that's not the case, and the locals and PVR issues could be getting pushed harder, well...they're not getting my money. My priorities, my money.

--Mike

To be clear -- yes, I know that one doesn't *really* have to do with the other.

However, that isn't 100% certain. It could be that Comcast wants to build an audience for InHD.

It also wouldn't surprise me in the least if VOD came out before PVR. Heck, they will probably use the same hardware, but for some "technical" reason VOD will be able to launch a quarter before PVR (even though VOD is much more difficult than PVR).

But, yes, mostly I'm just frustrated at the timing of the parallel paths.

Cheers,
Steve

VOD & PVR are not even close to the same technology. They should not even be used in the same sentence. The Hardware is not the same, in fact there is no hardware needed on the user end (other than a digital box). All of the hardware is on the MSO's end for VOD.

VOD is being launched first because it is the most beneficial for everyone, and it has been in effect acrossed the country so most of the start-up issues are known. PVR will only affect a small niche of the MSO's customer base.

VOD IS NOT PVR & Vise-Versa

Originally posted by miatasm
VOD & PVR are not even close to the same technology. They should not even be used in the same sentence. The Hardware is not the same, in fact there is no hardware needed on the user end (other than a digital box). All of the hardware is on the MSO's end for VOD.

VOD is being launched first because it is the most beneficial for everyone, and it has been in effect acrossed the country so most of the start-up issues are known. PVR will only affect a small niche of the MSO's customer base.

VOD IS NOT PVR & Vise-Versa


First, I feel the need to use VOD AND PVR in the same sentence. Done. ;)

Second, I will cry big bulls^% on one thing that you said. VOD is being launched first because it is a revenue generator NOT because of its benefits.

I'm not taking HD PVR here. I'm talking integrated PVR. If you could please refer me to your stats, that would be great. I would venture to guess that the average comcast user orders less than 1 PPV title per month. Furthmore, I would guess that stat would still be under one within VOD systems. If you compare that to customer usage of a PVR .....

I don't know about Comcast's VOD solution. You seem to know more about it. I can assume then that it won't require a box upgrade. Does it not have standard trick-play functions?

TIA,
Steve

I'm by no way new to HD or watching HD I just find most content on HBO/Showtime to be quite disapointing and I enjoy being able to watch some of the older movies in HD on INHD, to me the more HD channels the better because really I cant stand to watch anything but HD anymore, The 5 hours that PBS is up I'm at work and really have not seen too much on PBS that I care to watch besides soundstage, ESPN well we all know my feelings about that channel, KOMO has some great content as well as far as primetime/Monday night football but once again I dont get to watch too much of it due to my work schedule. There's many things I find enjoyable to watch on INHD including the boxing and other events that were originally on PPV even the nature/"demo" shows are quite interesting to watch.

As many people have brought up INHD are still very much in there infancy and so far it seems they've been more than happy to listen to customer's which is good thats more than we can say for many channels/networks and hopefully it stays that way.

INHD: Fine for filler TV, but thankful for the opportunity to watch Noir without having to buy the DVDs. Year of the Dragon is the only thing I've seen in 2.35:1 on this channel, everything else is cropped.

VOD: Unless it's HD VOD, I don't see much use for it, but I'll take an HD PVR in a New York minute.

FSNHD Channel 100: Discovered today it is gone.

PI article: According to my calculations, after 52 weeks at 25 HD box installs a week, we HD subs are now 1300 strong in the Puget Sound area. I'm amazed that we get any priority at all with those low numbers. At least half of the 1300 will be calling to swap out for a 6208 on the day they become available.

Originally posted by Tivolicious
First, I feel the need to use VOD AND PVR in the same sentence. Done. ;)



As long as the sentence is VOD & PVR are nothing alike....... ;)



Second, I will cry big bulls^% on one thing that you said. VOD is being launched first because it is a revenue generator NOT because of its benefits.



This is why I said "most beneficial for EVERYONE", yes it generates revenue for the Cable Co, but you contradict yourself in the next paragraph saying that the average user orders less than 1 PPV per month, If they order so little than it wouldn't be such a revenue generator would it? I'll give you the reasons it is a priority: (in no particular order)

- To free up a little bandwidth
- To catch the "New" Comcast market up to the "Classic" Markets
- To generate revenue (which isn't much by your theory)
- To enhance Customer Experience / Satisfaction

There maybe more but this is the quick & dirty.....


I'm not taking HD PVR here. I'm talking integrated PVR. If you could please refer me to your stats, that would be great. I would venture to guess that the average comcast user orders less than 1 PPV title per month. Furthermore, I would guess that stat would still be under one within VOD systems. If you compare that to customer usage of a PVR .....



I wasn't talking HD PVR either, but the only boxes that will have Integrated PVR will be capable of HD also. There will be no additional "just" PVR (lower end) boxes. Its Integrated with HD ability or Nothing. But you will not have to subscribe to HD or have an HDTV to get the PVR box.

Your guess about that the stat being about the same with VOD as it is without VOD would be wrong, but you were just guessing anyway, so I can't hold that against you. ;) I don't know the exact numbers for average PPV order per household (if they were the stats you were looking for), but it does get better where the VOD service is active.

You cannot compare this to people who will use VOD with people who will use the PVR. There are going to be 1,000's more people who are able to get & use VOD that won't be willing to pay an extra $10/ month or even want a PVR box. Anyone with digital cable will be able to use VOD, at no extra cost per month. On top of that 80% of the programming on VOD is FREE.

Believe it or not VOD is more about customer than it is about the little bit of extra money it generates, now. As I said it benefits everyone short term & long term. Its a good service with very little negative effect.



I don't know about Comcast's VOD solution. You seem to know more about it. I can assume then that it won't require a box upgrade. Does it not have standard trick-play functions?

It will not require a box upgrade. I will have to find a post where I explained how VOD works & I will copy it to here, and will post it in my FAQ. I've typed it many times on this forum.

Here is another post by me about VOD from another thread:

"VOD is nothing like Tivo or PVR/DVR technology. VOD programming is located on servers at you local CSO. The programming that goes on to those servers is chosen by your Cable Co. Then you chose from that programming what you want to watch.

PVR/DVR (tivo/replytv) basically works like a VCR where it records programming onto a Hard Drive, but YOU decide which programming goes on to YOUR HDD. And you can watch-pause-rewind live TV. And also record anything you want, when you want.

VOD & PVR are 2 different animals, you cannot even compare the 2 technologies."

Jeremyfr,

Do you know what kind of VOD programming Comcast is going to have available ? When you say VOD (Video on Demand), are these just like pay-per-view movies, but you are able to watch at any time ??

Darryl

Just a couple things for now (I'm in a rush).

1) I understand that VOD and PVR are nothing alike. However, I didn't know about the delivery mechanism. I didn't know if (for performance reasons) VOD bufferred on the 62xx HD. That is why I said that it wouldn't surprise me if the hardware was the same. I didn't mean to indicate anything except for that.

2) To say that there is less than one PPV title per month doesn't mean that revenue isn't generated. I don't know what the current cost per movie is, but let's assume $5. ($5 x 12 x .75 x Comcast subs) would be a fairly big bump.

3) I didn't say that the numbers were the same for VOD. I said that they were probably still under one. They could be 33% higher and still be under one.

Gotta run.

There are PPV movies available on VOD, which include some known classics at a reduced rate. (Slapshot was on there other night) but they also will have Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, & The Movie Channel (if you subscribe), Sports, local news, & many other misc channels / programming. For example Anime, Comedy Central, Music Videos, DIY, Specialty Automotive, all of which are free. The only stuff that costs $$$ are the Movies. You'll see soon enough.

Originally posted by Tivolicious
Just a couple things for now (I'm in a rush).

1) I understand that VOD and PVR are nothing alike. However, I didn't know about the delivery mechanism. I didn't know if (for performance reasons) VOD bufferred on the 62xx HD. That is why I said that it wouldn't surprise me if the hardware was the same. I didn't mean to indicate anything except for that.

2) To say that there is less than one PPV title per month doesn't mean that revenue isn't generated. I don't know what the current cost per movie is, but let's assume $5. ($5 x 12 x .75 x Comcast subs) would be a fairly big bump.

3) I didn't say that the numbers were the same for VOD. I said that they were probably still under one. They could be 33% higher and still be under one.

Gotta run.

The way you worded it, it seemed like you were saying it was "all about the money" even though it would be "still under 1 PPV per household".

I understood your point, but the purpose of my response was to explain that there is much more involved in the VOD benefits for the user. Of course if the provider didn't think it would make them some money (long or short term) they wouldn't do it. That's just the nature of any business. In this case there are immediate positive result from this service. Win-Win..

I received this personal email today. These engineers in the Seattle area have been very supportive of our quest for more HDTV. I really appreciate Ron's personal notification.

Now I am wondering when Comcast will carry channel 11-1 KSTW/UPN .

quote:

Dave,

If you want to spread the news to the forum.....UPN is feeding us native 1080i on Enterprise and Jake2.0 starting tomorrow at 8 PM._ UPN will also feed the Friday UPN movie in native HD starting on the 24th of October at 8 PM with "Double Take"._ As far as I know Wednesday nites will continue in HD until further notice._ movies on fridays will be occasionally HD not always._ Audio is in Stereo not 5.1

All O & O's of CBS/UPN are to be able to pass this on air._ Enjoy!

Ron Diotte
Chief Engineer
KSTW-TV

Why VOD first before DVR?

My guess is that VOD can be rolled out on the existing platform of the Motorola 2000 cable box while PVR needs to be rolled out on a different box at an additional monthly charge and an additional truck roll.

Access to VOD is free to existing digital cable customers. And there's a whole lot more of them than those that want to pay for the DVR.

I see it as a retention tool for digital cable, to get existing digital cable customers to stay as digital cable customers.

Two questions:

1. How many digital cable customers in the US that already have the DCT 2000 series box?

2. How many customers total do TIVO and Replay have combined?


The answer to question #1 is way higher than the answer to question #2.

I'd buy the HD PVR from Comcast. I'm reasonably sure others would as well. C'mon Comcast, make me an offer.

I'd buy the HD PVR from Comcast

I'd wait untill the dual tuner DCT comes out mid next year.

Originally posted by miatasm
There are PPV movies available on VOD, which include some known classics at a reduced rate. (Slapshot was on there other night) but they also will have Showtime, HBO, Cinemax, & The Movie Channel (if you subscribe), Sports, local news, & many other misc channels / programming. For example Anime, Comedy Central, Music Videos, DIY, Specialty Automotive, all of which are free. The only stuff that costs $$$ are the Movies. You'll see soon enough.

Interesting. I wouldn't mind the Sopranos on demand. (especially in HD!)

Cheers,
Steve

I'd buy the HD PVR from Comcast

Are we going to have to purchase the 6208 when it becomes available? I'm not too keen on that, to tell you the truth. I'd be down with the current box "rental" fee, and even a fee to have someone come out and watch me install it into my own system. ;) I'm not cool with having to buy it outright. Tell me I don't have to. Somebody, tell me! :)

Andy: You DO NOT have to buy the 6208, it will not be offered for sale it will only be a leased unit. The monthly cost of which I'm told will be around $9.99 a month or so. I'm still waiting on more concrete information regarding it but I can tell it will not be sold in any way shape or form.

Jeremy

Originally posted by Tivolicious
Interesting. I wouldn't mind the Sopranos on demand. (especially in HD!)

Cheers,
Steve

Unfortunately no HD on Demand as of yet......

Jeremy, check your mail.....

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
The monthly cost of which I'm told will be around $9.99 a month or so.

Jeremy, I'm assuming that means that those with a 5100 now will have to pay an additional $4 a month to upgrade to a 6208 since the 5100 rental is $5.99 a month (included in the $11.99 digital classic package)? That would be a very reasonable upgrade charge IMO. Please clarify.

Should be getting my 5100 Saturday! Can't wait! I've had basic analog forever just for my 32" TV but was not about to pay for digital for my projector until Comcast got their act together with some HD locals and at least a couple of other channels (like ESPN and INHD). I am a little nervous about the technician messing around in my rack with all the horror stories I've read in this thread. I'll make sure to have everything prepped and just ready to plug into the back of the box.

Also, the CSR I spoke with when ordering the 5100 said something about HD being no charge right now but next year there would probably be an additional charge? Could he have possibly been referring to the extra fee for the 6208 or something else? I really had no desire to press him on this as I wouldn't trust anything he said any way. Do you know anything about an extra fee?

Brent

Brent,

My suggestion on the hookup is exactly as you stated:

Have it ready to go before he gets there...have a coax line ready to plug in, and your audio/video cables already routed and ready to plug in. When I had to have my 5100 swapped, the tech saw that I had it all together, and let me do the swap.

Cheers,

Rich

BJM: The rep was probably right.

In most "established" HD markets Comcast has they have a specific HD tier that runs usually around 10 bux or so, I'm sure eventually we'll have that here.

As far as the 9.99 I dont know how that would work with packages and having the first $5.10 included in the digital package I'm sure they have that worked out since I've read in press release stating it would be good value since it would only be 4 something more than the 5100 box's to customers.

We'll be getting more info here soon I'm sure.

Jeremy

Umm thats bogus, how can they charge EXTRA for something thats going to be mandatory in a few years?then what? regular tv goes south and were left paying higher prices just becuase?? Antenna and docoder are startin to look better and better each day.

Comcast is sure making some poor decisions, first their close to loosing me on their cable modem services (as soon as local newsgroup servers are gone i'm gone).. not i'm not so sure about their cable tv service either..

Jinx: The charge would be for channels like Discovery HD, ESPN HD, etc channels you can't get ota.

DTV will be mandatory for OTA transmission's, When the government says that DTV will be mandated they simply are saying that all OTA transmission's will need to be digitally broadcasted in 480i/p. HDTV however is not mandated in any way. Hence why companies can charge extra for something that you think will be mandated when in fact it will not be.

I'm not sure why people are complaining about a $10 / mo charge for the HD-PVR. If it is going to be $10, I personally think it's pretty reasonable. Don't get me wrong, if it's less, great... but count me in at $10. :)

What you're paying for is the rental of a very expensive piece of equipement + PVR service.

Let's take a look at Tivo as a comparison: standalone analog tivo are available at around $250 right now, and their service fees are at $12.95 per month. A $10/mo cable HD-PVR is already feeling like a deal right now, especially with no need to deal with the dreaded IR-blaster. But that's not really a fair comparison, Tivo isn't supporting HD. :)

On the other hand, DirecTV has been talking about their PVR (also using Tivo software) that would support HD for early next year. The only rumors I read so far were talking about a price over the $800 mark. Also, their service is $5 a month. Again, if I don't have to put $800+ on the table for equipement that will be worth nothing in 5 years, count me in! Finally, satellite won't be able to offer HD locals anytime soon, which in my case is a deal breaker.

Sure, if you can get HD OTA... do it! Unfortunately, there are many of us that are living not too far from the antennas that don't have this option because of some hill or building blocking our way (I would personally need a 200 ft pole to get OTA reception). Cable then becomes our only chance to get HD locals and I can't wait to be able to record HD movies and shows from local channels to be watched at the time I want.

Please keep us informed Jeremy...

I'm definitely looking forward for the next few months!

-eric

But that's not really a fair comparison, Tivo isn't supporting HD.

True, but I have TiVo, and I feel pretty safe in saying that the Comcast PVR ain't going to be no TiVo either. :D

I am expecting the new HD DirecTiVo to offer the same feature set and ease of use as my current SD DirecTiVo units, with the added attraction of OTA HD tuner capabilities. I see no indication of anything less.

I don't believe that any other near-term PVR implementation can come close to that of TiVo, although I admit that I am biased by our successful use of our DirecTiVo's.

The only way I would consider a Comcast PVR offering would be if it was HD-capable and TiVo-based, or, it somehow equaled or exceeded the features and ease of use of a TiVo.

The recent stuff I've seen on the 6208 indicates, seasons pass capability of course it will recored HD at it broadcasted bit rate, it will record 5.1 audio and playback 5.1 audio. And works directly with your MSO's cable guide service. So to me sounds like it will be equal to Tivo/Replay aside from the intial box's being single tuner.

I'm quite excited to see this box and what it can do myself but then again I PVR with my computer right now and never really did like TIVO/Replay, I've never seen the use in paying 15 bux/month just to have a 2nd on EPG, especially since my PC TV Tuner has a free EPG and Functions similarily to TIVO/Replay.

As a lifetime subscriber, I do not pay a monthly fee for my DirecTiVo SERVICE, but I do pay $5/month each for added STBs. With the DirecTiVos we get 2 tuners in a box for $5/month. For non-lifetime customers, the DirecTiVo service fee is only $5/month for any quantity of DirecTiVo's on the same DirecTV account.

The stand-alone TiVo box does not have a DirecTV tuner inside, but does have an analog tuner that can be used with analog cable or OTA antenna reception. It can also be used with external STBs. The stand-alone TiVo service charge (not related to DirecTV) is $13/month for each box.

Both of our DirecTiVos are able to record and playback Dolby Digital 5.1 sound, and both are connected optically to our A/V receiver. We also use a channel modulator and remote control extenders to extend the DirecTiVos, an HD receiver and the DVD player to all other TVs in the house.

I might look at the PVR opportunities differently if I wasn't already "bought into" the DirecTiVo service for life. Perhaps a bigger issue would be with my wife and her total satisfaction with her DirecTiVo. There would have to be some huge improvements available for her to consider switching. If you asked her right now, she would ask why consider switching when everything works the way she wants it to already.

I don't think we are much different from other DirecTiVo owners. We have spoiled ourselves with the easy DirecTiVo timeshifting capabilities. We would never give it up willingly.

In our case we have an added benefit with DirecTV. When we travel in our RV we take a DirecTiVo and another STB with us and we still have the capabilities when we want them. The only drawback is losing the Seattle local channels if we travel outside the footprint of the DirecTV spot beam for the northwest.

As always, YMMV, but for us, the DirecTiVo solution can only be improved upon by the HD DirecTiVo when it becomes available.

From someone who just went from UTV with two tuners to one with TIVO let me tell you that second tuner is a big deal, especially if you have kids. The HDTV feature is nice, but it wouldn’t be worth giving up the other turner imho.

Tom:

You must have gone from a 2-tuner UTV with DirecTV service to a 1-tuner stand-alone TiVo unit. Why did you make that change? For the TiVo series 2 features like HMO? Just wondering.

I switched from DirecTV to cable for a lot of different reasons (better HDTV, easier/cheaper with lots of TVs, better programming, etc.) I do miss the UTV unit however.

Actually, I also switched from a DirecTivo unit (2.5 years user) to HD cable.

My reason: I moved to a wooded area and satellite was problematic to setup (for HD capability, I would have needed 3 poles and cut 5-8 trees, >$1000 setup) . So I relunctantly called Comcast, but I setup my HTPC with SnapStream software for my PVR solution, which in my opinion doesn't necessarilly have all the bells and whistles that Tivo software has, but defintely has a simple and attractive UI and it's $69 MSRP with no monthly fees! After getting used to it, I'm pretty happy with it.

I even gave ReplayTV a shot, but returned it within 48 hours. I've read that Tivo users can't get used to ReplayTV and vice-versa, and that's what my personal experience was. Also, I definitely didn't like the 5+ seconds lag between cable channels... though I heard my unit was probably defective.

Dave: while you were lucky to take advantage of the lifetime subscription, it's not available anymore for DirecTivo units and it's now $299 for standalones! Is it true that if you upgrade (for example to the HD DirecTivo), you won't be able to transfer your subscription? I heard about that, and it scared me out of the lifetime subscription.

Also, what annoys me the most about owning a PVR is what 3 of my close friends experienced recently (two standalone Tivos and a ReplayTV). The harddrive of their unit died in just a little bit more than 2 years of usage. Not only they lost all their recorded programs, but had to pay major fees to get it fixed. While this is not a typical experience from what I know, the bottom line of this issue is that harddrives are not meant to be used 24/7 non-stop for years and will get more defects and eventually fail after a few years. While renting the unit won't be problem-free, it will aleviate the costs of replacement if you used the unit appropriately and the harddrive fails on you.

Finally, I don't know if somebody saw any HD PVR box with two tuners recording at the same time while playing back a pre-recorded show, but that sure seems impossible to me with the current technology. High-Def takes a large amount of bandwidth to record, multiply that by 2 (including the seeking times) and then add the decompression cycles and seeking time on the harddrive to read the 3rd steam for playback and that feels like frames will drop. Anybody saw that working?

Anyways, I just wanted to give my experience and opinions on the near-future solutions. And I hope both HD-DirecTivo and Mot 6208 will exceed all our expectations! :)

-eric

The bandwidth requirements should not strain modern hard drives, and there is no decompression cycle, as far as the hard drive is concerned, for playback of HD.

I pay monthly for my two DTivos, with no regrets. With a pricing model of $4.99/mo for all DTivo service, the math is different than if I had two SA units at $10/mo. My old, lifetime sub for my SA Tivo (now my sister's) paid off, but it does seem risky now-a-days, especially since the hard drive manufacturers have reduced their warranties to one year.

With that in mind, I think I'll be happy to lease a 6208, instead of buying. Of course, I'll also have to find a way to record more than 6 hours of HD. External drives had better be an option.

--Mike

I'll second that thought! I'll be VERY happy to rent a 6208, but if we're limited to an 80gig drive, that will be bad. Hopefully I'll be able to connect Firewire or USB2 to use the 680 gb I have available in my HTPC.

The 6208 is a single tuner unit, basically you have to watch what you record. Or record something and watch something previously recorded on the HDD.

The dual tuner DCT will be able to record & watch two seperate channels. I don't think it will be able to record two different channels while watching a previously recorded channel.

Originally posted by drbenson
I'll second that thought! I'll be VERY happy to rent a 6208, but if we're limited to an 80gig drive, that will be bad. Hopefully I'll be able to connect Firewire or USB2 to use the 680 gb I have available in my HTPC.

I seriously doubt you would be able to connect it to a PC. The documentation for the box says it's supposed to support the use of an external firewire hard drive. We just have to hope that Comcast gives us that option because I don't imagine 80 GB will hold much HD.

Its too bad these things are riveted closed I'd love to get into one up the memory since they just use SODIMM's and upgrade the hard drive with a nice quiet Seagate Baracuda 4, thats the only thing I really worry about with these is how loud the HDD's will be.

Jeremy

I am reserved in my enthusiasm about the ability of the 6208 to support external drives, since it does not mean that Comcast WILL support this feature. To be honest, I could see why they might not. It would probably increase the cost of supporting the box if they have to deal with customers that have problems with their unit due to broken or incorrectly configured external drives.

Let's hope.

--Mike

Is there confirmed information on the 6208 doing the 480i/p upconversion for SD material for component video output?

And if so, does anyone know if the quality will be better than on the 5100 (upconversion)...right now it's acceptable, but still lower quality than composite video out for the SD channels...but for convenience factors, I use the component upconversion.

Cheers,

Rich

Actually, I should expand on my desire for addition storage:

If I am limited to a 6-10 hours of HD recording, I will most likely keep my DirecTivos, and limit my Comcast service to a minimum, recording only HD network shows on the 6208, and all my other programming on the DTivos.

Perhaps I'm just hard to please, but if Comcast wants me to pay them for a broad variety of programming, they need to provide me with the means to record it all...for a several weeks.

--Mike

Originally posted by ericjut
Actually, I also switched from a DirecTivo unit (2.5 years user) to HD cable.

...

Dave: while you were lucky to take advantage of the lifetime subscription, it's not available anymore for DirecTivo units and it's now $299 for standalones! Is it true that if you upgrade (for example to the HD DirecTivo), you won't be able to transfer your subscription? I heard about that, and it scared me out of the lifetime subscription.

-eric

The lifetime applies to a continuous DirecTV account with a DirecTiVo, and, as I understand it, would continue when I ADD the HD DirecTiVo. I will not replace my 2 DirecTiVo SD units, I will just add the HD version. I don't know how DirecTV will charge for the HD DirecTiVo, but it should not affect my SD DirecTiVo lifetime service.

I realize that DirecTV no longer offers lifetime DirecTiVo service to new subscribers. Those of us who paid up front ($199 at the time I did) took some risk because, at that time, the lifetime service went with the original DirecTiVo box. Since then, DirecTV has changed from that TiVo-administered version of lifetime service to the current DirecTV version.

I am not trying to convince anyone to change, I am just sharing my personal situation and why it works better for me. In my case, the AT&T (later Comcast) cable TV service was down for days at a time.

I think the cable-satellite competition will benefit all of us eventually. I have Comcast (former AT&T) cable modem service and it has worked very well for me. But their analog channels on their cable service still suffers from PQ problems, at least as delivered to my house.

I might consider Comcast HD service if I did not get great OTA HD reception with my $20 rooftop antenna. I realize that many folks in the Seattle area are not as lucky thanks to the many hills around here (one of which I live near the top of).

The best solution will vary for different people in different locations. From a DTV reception perspective, I am lucky to live where I do. Ironically, analog reception here is barely watchable. OTA HDTV and DirecTV enabled my escape from mediocre quality analog cable TV service.

As always, YMMV, or actually, yours WILL vary.

And if so, does anyone know if the quality will be better than on the 5100 (upconversion)...right now it's acceptable, but still lower quality than composite video out for the SD channels...but for convenience factors, I use the component upconversion.
The 6208 is supposed to have improved performance in the SD upconversion and in HD.

Dave,

Totally agree with you about the benefits of the cable-satellite competition. I think 2004 will be a very interesting year for both DirecTV and ComCast customers that have HD capability. :)

-eric

Yes the 6208 supposedly has a better Video Chip.....Only time will tell.

And the functionality will not be any different from the current 5100 AFA the 480 override functions, ect.....

Sweet,

thanks to both of you for the replies.

Cheers,

rich

We just have to hope that Comcast gives us that option because I don't imagine 80 GB will hold much HD.

I believe that OTA recordings take roughly about 9 GBytes per hour. And that's only if the entire "bandwidth" is dedicated to a single channel. For those of you who don't know, in OTA terms, a channel can be divided into sub-channels. So for example, all of the KCTS PBS stations are on channel 9, and they're referenced as 9-1, 9-2, etc.

MyHD records the entire stream for a given channel. I believe this is because the entire channel+subchannels is transmitted as one "package", and it's easier for MyHD to write the whole thing to disk than to parse out the one that you really wanted. So in this scenario, I'm guaranteed that HD recordings will always take ~ 9GB/h, so an 80 GB HD equates to about 8 hours of HD-only programming - which is pathetic (which is why I have a 250 GB HD).

However, I'm assuming with cable things are a bit different. If I want to record something on one of the sub-channels of KCTS I'm assuming the PVR won't require that all of the other sub-channels be recorded along with it. Hard to say - maybe someone else can chime in.

In addition, you likely won't record only HD content. That will increase your recording time as well.

So the lower bound on recording time will probably be ~ 8 hours. The upper bound is harder to say. Maybe 15 to 20 hours???

Oh, and this is assuming that transmissions aren't recompressed in cable. OTA HD is already MPEG2 (I believe).

-Joe

Joe: Comcast does not compress the HD signal's though some programmers tend not to use the full 19.4mbps for 1080i (cough cough HBO!) so yes it does depend on content delivered, One beta tester I've seen post stated he got around 11.5 hours on his 6208. I'm not too worried about it since my first plans are to get a really big HDD and a firewire case and Voila! the "dvr from hell!" hehe

sooo..... You're saying that the firewire will be active and we will be able to pull recorded material off of the 6208????

I'm not saying anything just that I plan on adding a rather large HDD to mine when I get it. As to any other options ie DVHS etc, I cant say whether or not that will be an option. Heck I really cant even say that adding an HDD will be an option but its a happy thought.

Jeremy

Hey Comcast......one week till the NBA season starts. In case you forgot, Give me the damn NBATV allready! This is just stupid now.

Does anyone know if OTA is possible in the Edmonds area? Thinking of wiring for Directtv soon but Comcast is offering a fair bit of HD, does it include INHD? Their (Comcast) site doesn't give much info.
BTW if I cable with fibre what connectors are needed for the multiswitch and the D* receivers, hope this isn't out of line for this forum.

Originally posted by nodrog2
... does it include INHD?...
INHD1 & INHD2, 24-7 :)

tluxon - I assume you have Comcast and hdtv. What locals do they carry and what is your opinion of the PQ? Had you looked at and rejected going to sat? I'm nosy but interested in your thoughts.

nodrog2: In Edmonds the following HD channels are available, KOMO-DT, KCTS-DT, ESPN-HD,HBO HD, SHO HD, INHD1, & INHD2. With more on the way.

They're supposed to be upgrading the on-screen graphics as well with the 6208.

Originally posted by nodrog2

BTW if I cable with fibre what connectors are needed for the multiswitch and the D* receivers, hope this isn't out of line for this forum.

What do you mean "cable with fibre"? Are you talking fiber optical cable......

Originally posted by nodrog2
tluxon - I assume you have Comcast and hdtv. What locals do they carry and what is your opinion of the PQ? Had you looked at and rejected going to sat? I'm nosy but interested in your thoughts.
Jeremy covered the locals. I frequently compare the PQ of Comcast vs. the PQ of my Hughes HIRD-E86 tuner and I promise you - I can't tell the difference in a "blind" test.

When I finally got my OTA HD tuner in Feb '02, it was just in time to catch the 24-hour-a-day coverage of the Winter Olympics. It didn't take more than a couple seconds to get hooked to the world of HD. As soon as the Olympics were over I had to go through a little withdrawal because there was no more HD that was 24x7.

It was then that I looked long and hard at going to satellite to get HDNet, but I kept holding back. Personally, the reason I never went to Satellite was primarily because I figured that once HD became more widespread, local cable was probably going to be getting my locals faster and more completely than the more "national" satellite. Besides, I'm a bit of an AV junkie and like having cable because of how simple it is to use with my networked ReplayTVs (3) and the TV tuner in my computer (which I just couldn't live without :)).

So far, I've been quite happy with Comcast HD, because I still have my OTA for NBC, CBS, WB, UPN, Fox, and Kong. I'm looking forward to the day they are all on Comcast (which I'm convinced will be sooner than they'll get carried by Satellite). In the meantime, we're really enjoying the 24 hr programming on the two INHD channels.

Tim

I thought I'd report that the installation of my 5100 box went well. Seems that I got a good tech who knew his stuff and went the extra mile to get me up and running as the signal was intially too week to pick up any digital signals at all. He didn't however, know about INHD 1 & 2 being in the channel line-up.

I'm absolutely thrilled with the HD signal I'm getting with this box, especially the INHD channels. I've got a friend with Dish and DirectTV and this is every bit as good if not better. Looking forward to the rest of the locals comming on line.

One thing that I'm not happy about at all is the lack of Dolby D on INHD and INHD2. I know that the movie "Alaska" (dad gets lost, kids rescue him) is in Dolby D 5.1 and was broadcast that way on HDNet Movies. I know that the audio for the program "Fish Face at Sea Exhibition" is Dobly D but for both of these my reciever only displayed Dolby ProLogic II. I know INHD can brodcast DD as my reciever displayed that for one of their short animation clips. I'm not so concerned about non-movie shows not being in DD but the movies being DD are a must for me. What's up with that INHD? Does this bug anybody else?

Also sometimes it takes between 20 to 30 seconds for the channel to change with the menu updating piece by piece. I know I read about this somewhere in this monster thread but I ain't gonna spend 30 min. doing a search for it. Can somebody in the know just tell me why this is and if anything can be done about it? It would be much appreciated. Also how to switch the HD output to 720P. Thanks.

Brent

Yes, fibre optic cable. It is used a lot in computer cabling and seems a good option - smaller cable with multifibres to carry individual data. Just wondering if this is being done anywhere.

thanks for your info on PQ, helps my decision. Any information on the 6208? I am assuming its a dvr of some sort and hopefully it will be two channel capable as d*tv is. Just hoping.

Originally posted by nodrog2
thanks for your info on PQ, helps my decision. Any information on the 6208? I am assuming its a dvr of some sort and hopefully it will be two channel capable as d*tv is. Just hoping. The 6208 is a DVR, albeit a single tuner model. A Motorola dual tuner model is in the works, but I don't have any dates.

Originally posted by BJM
. Also how to switch the HD output to 720P. Thanks.

Brent

There in no spoon........but there is an FAQ.....

Also sometimes it takes between 20 to 30 seconds for the channel to change with the menu updating piece by piece.
The first series of boxes (containing serial numbers beginning with GI1308, GI1316, and GI 1317) had a lot of units that had a freezing problem. When you input a command, it just freezes for 30 seconds+ and then often does the commands all at once. If this is the problem you are having, usually a power cycle helps. Simply unplug the unit for 30 seconds then plug it back in. Note: this will wipe out the memory, and will need to download program info again.

Also how to switch the HD output to 720P.
I'll PM you this info..

Thanks miatism. I thought I looked at your FAQ on this before I got the box and didn't see it. Guess I was wrong. So no need for the PM brvheart as I got the info now. Thanks.

Brent

containing serial numbers beginning with GI1308, GI1316, and GI 1317

Better add 1321 to that thats what mine is and I get this problem periodically.

Jeremy

Hello, I live in the Millcreek WA area, and recently got an HD cable box from Comcast. I currently have 5000 series replay which can record at 480P. I'd like to either upgrade to something that can actually record in true HD (say 1080i) or build a media PC that can do the same.

So the question is does anyone have any recomendations, and or experience building this type of machine. I'm looking for equipment recomendations.

I have done a little research on the subject, and have found the following four items online:

ramelectronics.net/html/hdtv-cards.html
pc-dtv.com/
amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009RF6G/002-0958010-1250407?v=glance
skyvision.com/store/mi7800034.html

The first two are for PC cards, the second two are stand alone machines like the Replay.

My first question is, do these items record in 1080i?
Are they able to record the HD content that's coming across my comcast cable?
Finally has anyone had any experience with the first two cards, especially the second?

Thanks in advance for you time.

PitWeval: First off Welcome to the board, 2nd I hope you're enjoying the fruits of HD through Cable.

I'm unsure of the capabilities of these different products but I figured I'd interject and let you know that within the next few months Comcast will be offering a DVR box that records 1080i HD content bit for bit.

Its the DCT 6208 box and you can find more info on it both on this site and on my site that is linked in my signature have a good one!

Jeremy

So no need for the PM brvheart as I got the info now. Thanks.
Too late. :rolleyes:

Better add 1321 to that thats what mine is and I get this problem periodically.
Cool. We went from 1317 to 1329. The 1329's have been very good.

Originally posted by Pitweval
Hello, I live in the Millcreek WA area, and recently got an HD cable box from Comcast. I currently have 5000 series replay which can record at 480P. I'd like to either upgrade to something that can actually record in true HD (say 1080i) or build a media PC that can do the same.

So the question is does anyone have any recomendations, and or experience building this type of machine. I'm looking for equipment recomendations.

I have done a little research on the subject, and have found the following four items online:

ramelectronics.net/html/hdtv-cards.html
pc-dtv.com/
amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00009RF6G/002-0958010-1250407?v=glance
skyvision.com/store/mi7800034.html

The first two are for PC cards, the second two are stand alone machines like the Replay.

My first question is, do these items record in 1080i?
Are they able to record the HD content that's coming across my comcast cable?
Finally has anyone had any experience with the first two cards, especially the second?

Thanks in advance for you time.

I'm not 100% positive on recording 1080i, but from the info I get on this forum it seems that the only way to be able to "record" is via a high bandwidth interface (ie Firewire) to a D-VHS deck or an external Hard Drive. The 5100 doesn't have this output available. The 6200 series will however have this device, and as Jeremy stated the 6208 is an integrated DVR. Someone should be able to confirm this.....if not check the PVR & Recorders section of this forum....Good Luck

Originally posted by Pitweval
Hello, I live in the Millcreek WA area, and recently got an HD cable box from Comcast. I currently have 5000 series replay which can record at 480P. I'd like to either upgrade to something that can actually record in true HD (say 1080i) or build a media PC that can do the same.


At this point there are no PC HDTV tuner cards which can record QAM encoded material as you find on cable. They all have 8VSB tuners which is the encoding format used for over the air HDTV signals.

You need to use an antenna with those products.

Personally I'm waiting to see how the Comcast PVR is. If it is good I'll use it (and be able to record HBO and other premium channels). If it is lousy I'll consider switching to DirecTV and getting an HDTV Tivo (depending on the cost of that unit).

alex

Originally posted by Pitweval
Hello, I live in the Millcreek WA area, and recently got an HD cable box from Comcast. I currently have 5000 series replay which can record at 480P. I'd like to either upgrade to something that can actually record in true HD (say 1080i) or build a media PC that can do the same.

So the question is does anyone have any recomendations, and or experience building this type of machine. I'm looking for equipment recomendations.
Pitweval - there's an entire forum here devoted to this subject (HD recording devices). Check it out:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=42

Also note the forum moderator maintains an excellent summary of the current state of known HD recording solutions here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=260224

Just lost INHD1 and 2. ANyone else?

Yup....broken up picture..bad audio in Bothell. I called Comcast, and they want to roll a truck for me tomorrow. I'll call them and cancel if I we get more folks to concur.

I get blank screen that says something like the "channel will return shortly"....

KOMO, ESPN< HBO < SHOW AND PBS good!

Yea...just checked ABC, ESPN, HBO, SHOWTIME....all are cool. I think the signal is low...thus my dropouts, and your total dissapearance.

Jeremy of the Seattle Forum saya it is probably weak signals. However, I told him all others are fine and why would INHD's be bad? Both of them? Maybe they are on freqs that are weak. I don't know if there is a correaltion between 664, 665 and upper carrier freqs. In any event, I spoke with Comcast and they put a trouble ticket on it. I am convinced it is a head end problem though.

I have the same problem here in West Seattle with inhd1 and 2. Comcast came out and checked the signal at the tv and it was perfect. So, I concur about this being a head end problem. I will say that in the past week I have not been losing the signal as much, and yes all my other hidef channels have been perfect except today while watching the Huskies get destroyed the picture was breaking up alot.

What channel were the Huskies on? Am I missing a HD Channel???

The last 2 hours it has been in and out. Pixelating, blocking, etc. Now I conclude it is weak signal. Oh well, they will fix it sooner or later.

Any program that is on ABC channel 4 can also be found on hidef channel 104, and the Huskies game was on ABC yesterday.

Right....totally forgot about that. On the subject of ABC HD...what's the deal w/ their signal? Do they have a baseline HD signal of 720p and then kick into 1080i as needed?

abc is always 720p

Yeah too bad the huskies game wasn't in HD.. i was crossing my fingers for that one.. :)

Anyone else noticed Stereo only on ABC-HD tonight even though it was triggering as DD5.1 during primetime tonight?

Originally posted by NizZ8
Yeah too bad the huskies game wasn't in HD.. i was crossing my fingers for that one.. :)

You don't need to bother crossing your fingers in the future, ABC isn't doing any college football in HD this year.

I am having a hell of a time w/ INHD and INHD2. They are really blocky and audio is dropping...but all other HD channels are fine.

I do have the cable from the wall into one of the Radio Shack amplifiers (two way) and then sending one to the Mot box, one to Tivo and one to the TV. When go direct to the Mot box, things clear up....how can that be? I have an amp on the damn line!

Thoughts?

Vespa, mine started working again a few hours after (if you recall my last report). I had reported it to Comcast not really knowing they were going to send someone out. Today they did and called me at work as the better half does not know my setup and the comcast guy wasn't going to figure it out either. My wife had him call me at work and since I thought I had it working again, I told him it was and he left.

Now it is blocky again and as Jeff says, that is sign of "weak" signal. The trouble I have with that is that it is both channels and everything else is ok (other HD channels) . I am really convinced that there is a system problem and most are not reporting it because there are not that many users yet watching it.

It comes and goes with a "Please Wait: sign.
Bill

Originally posted by drewba
You don't need to bother crossing your fingers in the future, ABC isn't doing any college football in HD this year.

**...NizZ8's hopes and dreams are now shattered..**.. :p

Yeah i know, oh well.. At least we got to see a Seahawks game in HD this year right, though it wasn't on ABC.. Too bad the Hawks aren't playing any MNF games this season either :(

Babula....something MUST be up on the system side. I went out and bought a amp, just like the tech who came to my hose yesterday told me to....and STILL I am getting problems..but on INHD1 and 2 ONLY.

INHD must be having problems. I'm having the same bad signal.

I had this same problem with INHD. Comcast came out and replaced the splitter on the outside of the house. That solved it! According to the tech, the old splitters do not have the bandwidth required to pass the higher numbered channels (especially in high-definition).

Most interesting.....the tech left a splitter behind perhaps I can save time and do it myself. What type of splitter was it jvorn?

It's a Signal Vision SV-4G 4-way splitter.

The tech also mentioned that he may need to return soon, when they increase the bandwidth again later this year.

Hmmm...the tech left a Regal 3way splitter.

It says it's a 5-1000MHz 120db EMI Isolation spltter.

Anyone know if it will help if I put this this out in the junction box?

InHD and InHD2 worked just fine the last few weeks. It's only been the last couple days that they've gone bad - lots of momentary dropouts & blocky MPEG artifacts. It's affecting both of my 5100s the same, so it's not a problem with a particular box. I'm not losing either channel entirely, like some folks have reported, but it sure looks bad. INHD is now useless as an HD "demo channel".

I don't quite buy the "splitter outside the house" theory because:

1) INHD worked fine prior to a few days ago; no hardware has changed here
2) all other HD channels work perfectly
3) any splitter with the bandwidth to pass the other HD channels (which are between 705-729MHz) is almost certainly going to work for INHD at 753MHz as well.

SOMETHING about INHD has changed here in Puget Sound recently - either at Comcast, or at the source. Jeremy - what's the deal here?

Yes, it seems as though something's definitely going wrong with INHD. I have a 5-1000 MHz amplifier that was installed by AT&T at the time of Digital Cable installatioin about 18 months ago. My signal has always been very strong and I have no problems with any other frequency. Tonight, we were trying to watch the Cliff Diving on Ch. 665 and much of it was unwatchable. I switched over to the tennis on Ch. 664 and observed that it wasn't quite as bad, but it still rendered the program nearly unviewable.

We have only observed this in the last few days.

I don't buy Splitter theory. It has been working fine without it. Where is Jeremy when you need him? (just kidding). It does look like low signal levels since it is in and out. My theory, since there seems to me more of us seeing it is that the levels are low coming out of the head end.

You guys have me stumped, I've had no issues with these channels though I haven't watched them too much in the last few days and haven't heard anything from the office regarding any problems with them. Its obviously not a satellite or reciever issue at least I wouldn't think so anyways since more people aren't complaining around here and theres been nothing around the office stating any issues at the either earth station.

One thing it could be is the recent solar activity but I'd say thats a long shot though I'm not a an EMI expert by any means and it would not seem to be an issue even with signal in the neighborhood per say since all the others are working good, I at one point had a list of all channels and what frequency they were at on the cable INHD 1 & 2 I believe are at around 711mhz along with some SD channels though I cant remember which I think they were sports PPV channels like ESPN gameplan or something.

I'll see if I can find anything out when I get back to work on Wednesday.

Jeremy

Jeremy, your efforts are much appreciated. I hate to waste the time of one of your techs since I am convinced the problem is not here. If you look at the guys complaining, they are all over. I am in Woodinville, Vespa in Bothell , Jimre in North Bend I think others are in Seattle ,etc. Something is going on here.
Bill

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
One thing it could be is the recent solar activity but I'd say thats a long shot Seems plausible to me - the timing is certainly correct. Does Comcast get INHD source from the same satellite as other networks, or a different bird? I'm no expert but disrupting one network's satellite transmissions out in space seems a lot more likely storm effect than say, disrupting the signals on our nicely-shielded, underground coax cables.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
I at one point had a list of all channels and what frequency they were at on the cable INHD 1 & 2 I believe are at around 711mhz along with some SD channels though I cant remember which I think they were sports PPV channels like ESPN gameplan or something. That list must be outdated, since INHD and INHD2 are at 753Mhz, at least here in North Bend on my 5100 box as reported by system diagnostics->current channel status.

Anyway, thanks for looking into this. I doubt there's very many people who are watching INHD yet - maybe they're all here on this thread :-) - so not that many complaints yet.

Bump

I'm not sure which bird its on I'm sure it comes from H.I.T.S. ( http://www.hits.com )but they dont have it listed on any of there transponders I'd imagine its probably on say HITS15 or HITS16 since those seem to be pretty empty according to there website.

Did this coincide with the sunspot activity? Maybe the bird got damaged?

Same story here in Seattle...Many of the HD channels are not coming through at all, or coming through with serious pixelation. It's got to be a head-end issue or, more likely, some after-effects from the sunspot activity.

I'm in Shoreline and haven't noticed any problems. I haven't watched inHD in the past few days for more than a minute or two, but anytime I flipped past it, it looked fine. Only problem I noticed was Monday Night Football wasn't HD last night, but the reception was fine.

The sunspot theory only holds water say between 10am ? and 2PM? when the satellites are closest to or passing in front of the Sun. Although solar flares can disrupt signals at night, it is rare, although we are in a period of heigtened sun flare activity. What are the times y'all are losing your signal? When I tune in I have no breakup whatsoever.

BTW: Back in the days when Comcast was AT&T and AT&T was not TCI , I had as lot of prblems with my signal. Fortunately, I had a really cool district supervisor who came out to my house, saw the problem, and told the tech to run another home run back to the distribution box just for my primary TV leaving the other cable still hooked up to run the other TV's in my house. No splitters! Problem solved. Perhaps some of you who are having problems could try get them to do the same for you.

Jeremy, how can I get someone to come out to my house and address this...someone who can recognize the signal is low and can fix this.
Not happy.

Jameskollar. that is similar what my tech did. The wire being used in front room for the HD setup is by itself. No splitting, as he removed the split outside and ran a new line in for the HD setup. He told me there should never be splitting if it can be helped when using the line for HD.

Maybe it's just Comcast interupting service to add NBATV to coincide with tha new season today?

HA HAAAHAHAHAHaa.........I'm such a b-ball loser.

I'll state again - the underlying problem here with INHD has nothing to do with splitters, amplifiers, dedicated cable runs, etc. INHD worked perfectly for the first few weeks. Now suddenly it's crap. It's not like my splitters (and those of other people across Puget Sound) have suddenly gone bad.

Granted, some folks may well have a marginal cable distribution setup in their house - and they might see worse problems than others (ie, "channel will return momentarily" vs some MPEG macro-blocks). But that's not the REASON why INHD's signal suddenly went bad a couple days ago.

If the problem is being caused by solar flares interrupting the satellite signal, then the problem should be existing in all Comcast markets. Has anyone checked other threads to see if any other markets are reporting similar INHD problems?

Dir hard with a vengeance was unwatchable this weekend due to all the pixelation in INHD1.

I concur that this is not an inside the house issue. It worked great when the stations first aired but now they consistantly pixelate and break up in the evenings.

INHD and INHD2 are on Loral T7, not on HITS.

The solar storm thing could just be a coincidence - the INHD problems and the solar flares both started up around the same time, that's all.

Here's another possible coincidence - I was seeing lots of pixelation on INHD a short time ago, so just for grins I tried rebooting my 5100 (unplug power & re-plug). Now INHD and INHD2 both look fine, clean for at least the last 10 minutes or so. Cause & effect, or did the signal just happen to clear up around the same time I rebooted? Anyone else tried a reboot?

We really need Jeremy to weigh in here and have Comcast fess up that SOMETHING is wrong....ii just seems to coincidental we are all having these problems.

Originally posted by jimre
Here's another possible coincidence - I was seeing lots of pixelation on INHD a short time ago, so just for grins I tried rebooting my 5100 (unplug power & re-plug). Now INHD and INHD2 both look fine, clean for at least the last 10 minutes or so. Cause & effect, or did the signal just happen to clear up around the same time I rebooted? Anyone else tried a reboot? Well, rebooting was in fact just a coincidence. Right now (4pm) the picture on both INHD channels is once again breaking up & pixelating, in fact worse than ever.

...when are we getting the rest of our local channels. KOMO is nice but I'd like to see the others too. Enterprise is in HD, and while I'm not too hyper about the show I still watch and would like to catch it in HD instead of fuzzy blurovision.

Still in and out here for 664 abd 665. Jeremy is sure staying low :-)

Sorry guys was out of power most of the day today just got it back about an hour ago. I haven't been at work the last 4 days so I haven't had a chance to talk to anyone and see if there is anything going on.

I haven't seen anything in my work email when I check it but I'll ask around tomorow when I get back. I guess were in for an even worse solar flare here very soon I dont remember if they said mid day tomorow or the next day but this one they say will be over 100 times stronger than last weeks.

Where did I put my lead boxers?

Really, how many times do you guys need to hear Jeremy say he doesn't know what's causing the problem? He had two postings on the previous page, and you act like he's disappeared. Did any of you call to report the problem? Besides, Jeremy has his own site you can pester him on. Do you really have to do it here?

looks like canada continues (first dbs, now cable) to get local seattle hdtv channels before seattle comcast customers do...


Rogers Cable Adds HD, Digital Channels - Rogers Cable launched a dozen digital channels, of which half are high-definition channels. The following HDTV and digital channels are available: HDTV Discovery, HDTV ABC Seattle, HDTV CBS Seattle, HDTV NBC Seattle, HDTV FOX Seattle, HDTV PBS Spokane and The Hustler Channel. The following digital channels will launch Nov. 25: MuchMore Retro, Silver Screen Classics, Stampede Television, 10 Maxxximum and Fairchild West.

I have not been watching much TV lately, but I tried the two INHD channels last night just to see if I was experiencing the same problems as everyone else. My picture seemed to be fine. I did not have any breakups on either channel. Like jameskollar, I am in the Tacoma area.

Perhaps this is just a problem that is happening in the north end of the sound? In any case, hopefully this info might be helpful for Jeremy to pass along in trying to troubleshoot what is going on.

Originally posted by danstone
Perhaps this is just a problem that is happening in the north end of the sound? Good thought - I wonder if Comcast gets INHD off a single satellite downlink for the entire Puget Sound region, or if there are multiple downlink receivers - one for King Co, Pierce Co, etc. It does seem like most of us reporting INHD problems are in Seattle or eastern 'burbs.

Rob,

What's up with dat?

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Theres a difference between Basic and Standard, Basic gives you locals with discovery and Public Interest/education channels nothing like espn, fsnw etc so no you couldn't get the Mariners with Basic but with Standard which is all the analog channels then yes you can get the M's in HD with it.

Jeremy

I just signed up for basic cable ($12 a month) but I DO get ESPN, its channel 30 or 31 I think, and it comes in pretty good. My question, though, can I order the 5100 for $5 a month and get HD (KOMO, public channel) and also get ESPN HD? (Since I get ESPN) or will that be a totally different channel?

I called Comcast this morning in fact asking for the box and the rep. told me I needed to upgrade from basic cable to standard cable to get HD! But reading this forum, I think she was incorrect.

-Bill

Dirk: You can get the box but you'll only get KOMO & KCTS to my understanding, you're probably getting ESPN right now since its on the fringe edge of the filter so its making it's way past it.

Now on to the INHD problems I'll check around tonight see if anything known is going on, as for the signal its recieved at 2 locations, Burien & Everett. Both feed the entire side of the state at all times for redundancy purposes.

Jeremy

Thanks for the help Jeremyfr.

Speaking of INHD, can I get those 2 HD channels if I have Basic cable and the digital classic package? Or do I need to sign up for Standard cable and the digital classic package?

thanks,
Dirk

Well, I just called Comcast again, and the rep. said I could have Basic cable and the digital classic package and get HD channels. She said I would receive ESPN, KOMO and PBS. Then we got disconnected.

I called back, and talked with a different person, who said I COULD NOT do that to get HD channels, I would need to upgrade to Standard cable. I told him that I knew of people that are doing this (people on this forum I believe are doing this) and he asked for one of their account numbers or phone numbers, so that he could verify this and give me the same deal.

What is up with that?

He couldn't even tell me what HD channels are available in my area.

I wish I could recieve OTA signals, but I'm next to a hill. Basically, I'm just trying to get local HD channels, maybe ESPN, for around $25 a month. Looks like I'd have to go Standard cable and then we are looking at $50 a month.

Also, is INHD1 and 2 pay per view? Do you have to pay for each program? That is what the first rep told me. The second didn't know.

thanks for any help guys.

you should get iNHD, iNHD2, KomoHD, ESPNHD, PBSHD for 24 bucks or so. That is the amount I pay each month and I receive those 5 HD channels from Comcast. I think it is called the digital plan with basic analog...

Keith

InHD is not PPV.

That's exactly what I want! So, I guess I'll keep calling back until I get someone who will get me that setup. I'm assuming you aren't receiving anything like CNN, FOXNEWS (all the standard stations separate from basic) right? Like, the digital classic doesn't upgrade you with the standard basic channels, right?

take care.

(sigh) all I want is my INHD channels to stop dropping out.

sad that canada gets better HD cable than we do (our channels even!)....

rich

Originally posted by Vespa
(sigh) all I want is my INHD channels to stop dropping out.

Move to Jersey......:p

Dirkpit, I am not sure about CNN or Foxnews with the $25 package i mentioned above. I know that I get ESPN but not ESPN2. I don't pay a whole lot of attention to what I get besides the HD as I also have Directv and Expressvu.

I lived in Jersey...getting HD is not worth the quality of life trade off <ducks>

I called a third time, and this time it was no problem! The rep told me exactly what HD stations are available, the exact cost, etc! Geesh. I even got her to waive the $16 install fee, because I just got basic cable installed. Thanks all for your help!

Well guys I've got bad news regarding NBA on INHD. It has been officially announced that all NBA games will be blacked out on Comcast since we do not as of yet have a carriage agreement with NBA-TV :( still checking on the INHD problems.

Jeremy

Originally posted by Vespa
I lived in Jersey...getting HD is not worth the quality of life trade off <ducks>

Yeah I know, just let me please have one good thing.....:)

I talked to someone today regarding the problems with INHD and he asked me to get more info on where everyone is located so if you are having this problem, could privately email me your address or account # at hdtvhelp@comcast.net

I'll forward this information on so they can narrow down the areas being affected and look into seeing if this is a headend issue. Thanks guys

Jeremy

I just got a Zenith 32" TV with integrated OTA HDTV tuner and digital cable tuner. This TV is the rarity of rarity in that it has built in HDTV tuner and costs less than $1000. Unfortunately, I can't enable both OTA digital and cable digital at the same time. However here is the interesting part. When I set the TV to digital cable and scan for channels, I get three HDTV channels coming over digital cable. These are around 111, or sub channels of this. I get PBS, ABC and ESPN-HD. Since my OTA HDTV is better and has more channels, like NBC and CBS, I will only turn on the digital cable reception when ESPN-HD has something worth watching. All of this with just expanded cable and no box from Comcast.

So gurus, are ABC, PBS and ESPN-HD the only ones I will be able to receive?

yes ABC/PBS/And ESPN are the only unecrypted channels, all others are encrypted and would require a cable card which is not provided by Comcast yet in the Seattle Market.

The hi-def Mariner games on FSN-HD (ch 100) this summer were also un-encrypted. But that channel's gone with the end of baseball season. Hopefully we'll get some Mariners HD games again next season.

That's it.....Comcast can blow me. Why the hell would they black those games out on INHD? Why blackout a channel they hooked us up with and brag about?

Cuz they don't want NBA getting a bit of programing on their precious system without a full contract?

Are they just plain crazy? Do they even see that EVERY single NBA game in the last two days has NBATV in HD banner at center court the ENTIRE game?

I feel like heading down to the Key with a sign next to it that says like , "....Except Comcast cuz they don't care. They're the self proclaimed leaders in HD and the biggest cable company yet don't care their the only one that you can't even pay and order NBA in HD".

Totally crazy. What excactly is the problem here? All we hear is it should be on this year we're still talking a whole bunch and stuff...blah, blah, blah.... Wouldn't the start of the season BE the target date to get this **** solved already? Why the laim ass statement of this year? That's a big gap which to me is a hopefull guess meaning doubt it unless someone gives in.

Would anybody even like to guess. Is it just a money thing or what? Why could Time Warner get it done and they can't? It's a premium HD sporting channel and I will pay whatever they want for it.

I don't even watch network TV at all. Endless Commercials and laugh tracks are for total morons. Therefore local HD channels are nice to have but no where near as special.

Why shouldn't I get Direct TV? I've waited a strong year for this channel to come back and in that year it's got WAY better programming and became a legitimate channel.

Sorry all.....I'm really pissed off now that the season is here. I had a party planned for Sat night for the Cav's / Blazers game in HD on INHD now I gotta show my friends how god awful SD NBA is on the package on my 57" $3,000 HDTV. I cringe in anger every time a guest says "Who was that shooting?" "How come you can't even tell who the players are on a 57" TV? "This kinda makes me dizzy"

Oh Wait......scrap that. I just realived I can't even get that game since it's on NBATV and my $160 I payed Comcast for the NBA pack doesn't include the MAIN channel that goes with it.

....and I'm out.

Thanks for calling me a moron...

Anyway, cancel your Comcast account, on go to one of the dish providers if they can give you what you want. I'm currently a D* subscriber, and while you and I want different things, Comcast is also not selling what I want to buy (yet). So, I'm not buying their product. I could sign up to get the one network channel in HD, with no way to record, just to get a taste of things, but I don't because I don't want to pay them for a substandard (my standards) offering.

Money talks.

--Mike

Yea...nice to wake up and be called a Moron, isn't it?

This could still be a possible reason...from Skyreport.com

So Far, Sats Survive Intense Solar Activity
A very powerful geomagnetic storm generated by a solar flare hit earth early Wednesday, threatening power outages, possibly disrupting airlines communications and creating the possibility of damage for satellites.

As of press time, there were no problems reported with satellites serving North America, including DBS satellites.

DirecTV's Robert Mercer said the company - in nine years of operation - has never experienced signal outage due to solar flares. "Our controllers continuously monitored the health of the satellites during the course of the solar storm and did not detect any problems or anomalies," he said.

Experts pointed out that satellites have been built to withstand potentially damaging events in space, including geomagnetic storms.

However, in Asia, Japan's space agency said the Kodama communications satellite malfunctioned after being hit by recent solar events, and was temporarily shut down to weather the storm.

The latest solar storm was rated a G5 - the highest intensity on a scale gauging space weather - by scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in Boulder, Colo.
So Far, Sats Survive Intense Solar Activity

um who called who a moron here I really am thinking I missed something??

Jeremy

Originally posted by biz_qwik
That's it.....Comcast can blow me.

I don't even watch network TV at all. Endless Commercials and laugh tracks are for total morons. Therefore local HD channels are nice to have but no where near as special.

.
:rolleyes:

:rolleyes: indeed.

Well, I guess I'm a moron--who knew! Of course, I don't give a rat's ass about the NBA or basketball in general, so what the hell do I know, eh?

Originally posted by biz_qwik
Endless Commercials and laugh tracks are for total morons.


I am with you on NBA TV, guy. 40 NBA games in HD, plus 60 more in SD, would be a major plus.

As to the Endless Commercials, did you hear Comcast is coming out with the 6208 HD DVR (probably in the next 2 to 3 months in your area)?

Of course, the DVR won't eliminate the laugh tracks.

The usefulness of the term "moron" has been greatly lessened by overuse. IMHO, its use should be reserved for truly appropriate instances of moron-like behavior, such as "Any jury member that really believed OJ was innocent is a moron."

Originally posted by Andy Anderson
:rolleyes: indeed.

Well, I guess I'm a moron--who knew! Of course, I don't give a rat's ass about the NBA or basketball in general, so what the hell do I know, eh?

Maybe he's related to this guy:

http://www.theonion.com/onion3604/doesnt_own_television.html

:-)

Ok....take it easy here peeps. I'm not trying to call my felow HD freaks Morons. Touchy, Touchy....?

You guys are great! I am much more informed thanks to all of you.

It's just a personal opinion I have. I honestly have totally stopped watching the networks for almost 5 years and have found nothing worth my time. The hype over god awful reality shows for example is way to much for me to handle even seeing commercials for them. Tells alot of society today I feel. To each they're own.......just not in my home that's it.

In hindsight, I think I was kinda talking out loud trying to justify switching to D* and what I'd miss....like you guys care about my problems.....my bad.

I'm a huge basketball fan and that's my must see TV. I had the channel for 2 years and LOVED it till Comcast took it away. NBATV is an awesome channel I'm sorry. It offers the most informative b-ball related programming to date. Many bios shows, classic games and also happens to be the definiative guide for those that choose to order the NBA package. (which Comcast carries) In game reports and a scoreboard that show running scores and times and what channel it's on are fantastic. I feel like I'm talking to nobody but oh well. Imagine for example......24/7 American Idol..or Survivor.....or whatever your program of choice is.

Weather you care for sports or basketball I don't care. All I'm looking for is an educated reply that can help me figure out what the poitics are that are stopping Comcast from picking it up. I'm actually very curious. It may be the NBA's fault, I don't know. What happened in the Time Warner deal that they worked it out? Why are they blacking out INHD? Just thought this would be the place where someone may know something.

Dang.....I didn't know I was in such a minority it appears. Discovery channel is ten fold over say NBC IMHO. But I guess I should check out the hot new Whoopi or Scrubs this week!!!! Hmmm maybe I should watch people eating molded squid guts for an hour...decisions....decisions.

Thanks in advance to whomever actually has any info.......b

Sonoma.....I've definatly been excited for the 6208's. Thanks for the head up.

Ianken..guess that explains my 57" HDTV, 300+ DVD's and basing my life around certain HD broadcasts then. :rolleyes:.....:D Funny article.

I agree with you on the blackout. Thats total BS. Are they going to black out all the random NBA games on the network channels? I really don't see a difference. If INHD bought the rights to show the game then comcast should show it. Blacking out promised content is crap.


Mike

Comcast is not the one deciding to black it out. The NBA could let Comcast viewers see the HD game on InHD, but NBA wants Comcast to carry the NBA TV SD channel before it will let Comcast viewers see NBA HD on InHD.

It's totally up to the NBA as to whether tomorrow's game is blacked out or not. NBA could say, let's give him this one for free (along with the free preview of League Pass that runs through Monday).

NBA and Comcast are still negotiating and I don't think Comcast wants to be left in the dust behind D*, E*, TWC, Cox and Cablevision, so I would anticipate a deal but maybe not for another month or two. But who knows, they could be faxing the final version of the contract as we speak...

Makes total sense Sonoma. I guess Comcast would have no quams about showing HD ball for free......in fact I bet they'd love too.

Great.....now you got me on the fence again with the free preview comment. What a tease you iz. The INHD ball commercial bit last night killed me.

P.s. - Was great seeing that Alaska was 2:35:1 last night! Nice job INHD. Looked great as well.