Hmmm that would explain the poor quality...again why doesn't the UW ever televise HD from home? Can't they afford cameras?

I don't think it has anything to do with UW. The cameras are whatever FSN brings with them.

The Husky game is on ABC, so this has nothing to do with FSN. I've noticed over the last several (5 or so) weeks that ABC has shown the Pac-10 game of the week in SD only. I have no idea as to why. The morning game on ABC and Prime Time game are always in HD. If anyone has more knowledge about this situation I'd love to hear why they do this.

Just after I posted I found this link in the AVS HD programming forum. It looks like the Huskies game this week just doesn't warrant an HD truck due to limited exposure. Not many places are getting this game. Probably the same case with the other Pac-10 games in recent weeks. Here's the link:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=938996

I'm remodeling my home office and I can't get my tv to work. I have a spare Dell 19" flat screen and I went and got an HD DCT 6200 Comcast box, I used the monitors DVI cable (w/white ends) to connect them. Well, when I turn everything on, I get sound (thru my stereo) and a picture for about 5 seconds, then it goes blank. I turned the box off and went into the menu, set the aspect ratio and to dvi. When I would go into the menu or switch between dvi and hdmi, the screen would come on again for another 5 seconds. I can't get it to stay on.

So, what gives? How do I make this work?

I'm remodeling my home office and I can't get my tv to work. I have a spare Dell 19" flat screen and I went and got an HD DCT 6200 Comcast box, I used the monitors DVI cable (w/white ends) to connect them. Well, when I turn everything on, I get sound (thru my stereo) and a picture for about 5 seconds, then it goes blank. I turned the box off and went into the menu, set the aspect ratio and to dvi. When I would go into the menu or switch between dvi and hdmi, the screen would come on again for another 5 seconds. I can't get it to stay on.

So, what gives? How do I make this work?Most likely your Dell monitor is not HDCP-compliant. The Comcast box will only output DVI or HDMI to displays which support this copy-protection scheme (most consumer TVs support this, but not all computer monitors).

Most likely your Dell monitor is not HDCP-compliant. The Comcast box will only output DVI or HDMI to displays which support this copy-protection scheme (most consumer TVs support this, but not all computer monitors).

So, is there any way to hook the monitor up to a comcast box? Can I use the USB? I don't care if its HD or not. In fact, I'd rather it not be so I could save 5 bucks a month.

So, is there any way to hook the monitor up to a comcast box? Can I use the USB? I don't care if its HD or not. In fact, I'd rather it not be so I could save 5 bucks a month.

You need a Component to DVI converter. Check this (http://www.pcconnection.com/ProductDetail?sku=7909831&oext=1038A&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=7909831) out. Just one example.

If you wantt to get rid of the HD box you can use a standard digital box and buy a S-Video to DVI converter.

Just after I posted I found this link in the AVS HD programming forum. It looks like the Huskies game this week just doesn't warrant an HD truck due to limited exposure. Not many places are getting this game. Probably the same case with the other Pac-10 games in recent weeks. Here's the link:http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=938996

Thanks for the info...at least they won!!!

The Husky game is on ABC, so this has nothing to do with FSN. I've noticed over the last several (5 or so) weeks that ABC has shown the Pac-10 game of the week in SD only. I have no idea as to why. The morning game on ABC and Prime Time game are always in HD. If anyone has more knowledge about this situation I'd love to hear why they do this. I think we are getting spoiled with all the HD games. While this game wasn't in HD, it was in digital SD, which blows the lousy FSN SD out of the water. Lots of regional ABC games have been in SD this year.

I'm more curious if the Apple Cup is in HD. I think it starts later, like around 3:30 or 4.

I think we are getting spoiled with all the HD games. While this game wasn't in HD, it was in digital SD, which blows the lousy FSN SD out of the water. Lots of regional ABC games have been in SD this year.

I'm more curious if the Apple Cup is in HD. I think it starts later, like around 3:30 or 4.

It's on FSN according to TIVO guide, so nope. Comcast guide says "HD" for channel 30 but we all know there is no HD on 30. Maybe dish services have FSN-HD.

It's on FSN according to TIVO guide, so nope. Comcast guide says "HD" for channel 30 but we all know there is no HD on 30. Maybe dish services have FSN-HD.

It will likely be in HD on MOJO. Most of the FSN games that are in HD and are local end up there. The Husky games have all been on there in HD when FSN carried them in HD. I've heard that the WSU games that were on FSN in HD, didn't always make it to MOJO, even though it said they were in the guide. I'll be at the game, so good luck.

I got word from somebody at FSN that the Apple Cup will be in HD this weekend.

It's at 4 PM and as long as Comcast throws the switch at the right time, it will be on Channel 664 in HD.

...
I'll be at the game, so good luck.
so that would be almost as good as HD :D

So when are the new HD channels supposed to go live?

So when are the new HD channels supposed to go live?

December 6.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcasthd112007.htm

Hopefully this will happen in Seattle someday.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcasthd112007.htm

Hopefully this will happen in Seattle someday.

With our luck, it'll come in 2009 after everyone else has had it since January of 2008. :)

It's just nuts how long it takes us to get any sort of progress. Makes me think Comcast is better off just saying, "We don't care about Seattle."

Anyone notice the tv spots they're running saying they offer more HD content than DirecTV? If you look at the fine print of those TV spots, it says it's based on market research and stats in the Philadelphia area.

...
Anyone notice the tv spots they're running saying they offer more HD content than DirecTV? If you look at the fine print of those TV spots, it says it's based on market research and stats in the Philadelphia area.

And the very misleading OnDemand.

With our luck, it'll come in 2009 after everyone else has had it since January of 2008. :)

It's just nuts how long it takes us to get any sort of progress. Makes me think Comcast is better off just saying, "We don't care about Seattle."


I'm really stoked about finally getting the new HD's on Dec 6th and all, but just as we will be getting these, it looks like a lot of other areas will be adding TLC-HD, Discovery-HD, Animal Planet-HD and SciFi-HD, not to mention several other channels that Comcast has carried for a while now that we still don't get.

I really don't know what hold up is here in Seattle, but all I can do is hope they are working hard to upgrade us for more HD soon.

BTW, does anyone know where all the bandwidth is coming from to add the new HD channels next month? I mean did we have it all along or are they going to convert some more analogs over to digital?

Anyone notice the tv spots they're running saying they offer more HD content than DirecTV? If you look at the fine print of those TV spots, it says it's based on market research and stats in the Philadelphia area.

yeah! i called bullsh*t on that when i first saw it. really pisses me off how they try to mislead those who don't know any better. wish i could switch to direcTV, but i just can't right now. until then, don't really have much of a choice but to stick with comcast (despite my feelings about their business practices).

yeah! i called bullsh*t on that when i first saw it. really pisses me off how they try to mislead those who don't know any better. wish i could switch to direcTV, but i just can't right now. until then, don't really have much of a choice but to stick with comcast (despite my feelings about their business practices).

yeah that commercial is ridiculous, and they keep playing it over and over...
and apparently 400 HD channels by the end of this year and 800 next year LOL... http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/06/13/comcast-promises-400-hd-channels-this-year-and-800-the-next/

where's the 32-35 they originally promised by the end of the 3rd quarter this year??:p

yeah that commercial is ridiculous, and they keep playing it over and over...
and apparently 400 HD channels by the end of this year and 800 next year LOL... http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/06/13/comcast-promises-400-hd-channels-this-year-and-800-the-next/

where's the 32-35 they originally promised by the end of the 3rd quarter this year??:p

Well, remember, according to Comcast, going to OnDemand and watching a 5 minute HD clip on a game trailer is considered to be a channel. So...you know...we ought to be giddy about that. :p

I wouldn't mind the rate hikes if we have the same amount of HD channels as DirecTV does.

You think we have it bad in slooooooooowwww Seattle...
My friend in Wenatchee says the UHF repeaters will most likely be turned off in 2009 since they can't afford to switch them all to digital. This means the end of free TV for that whole area. Chew on that a while...

yeah! i called bullsh*t on that when i first saw it. really pisses me off how they try to mislead those who don't know any better. wish i could switch to direcTV, but i just can't right now. until then, don't really have much of a choice but to stick with comcast (despite my feelings about their business practices).

You can get a free DVR from DISH. Not quite as many channels, but we have been enjoying Animal Planet HD since ? and Food HD since August. I've been enjoying a great DVR and more HD like National Geo since January. I switched to DISH because of Comcast's inferior Motorola DVR's losing programming and being DOA from power outages.
And DISH's brief outages are nothing compared to Comcast's. :D And NO I don't work for DISH or anyone in the industry (or own industry stock)

Hi davegtestr,

I am also considering to switch to Dish or DirecTV since Comcast HD channel is limited.
I checked Dish and DirecTV today and found very much attractive. (number of channel available as well as pricing)

They have more HD channel available and more to come. Most of all, their price is much cheaper than Comcast. (At least 28.00 - 32.00 cheaper than Comcast (this price comparison include 1st year promotion deal for 18 months package.)

I am more towards to Dish than DirecTV since DirecTV could not link with TV Japan.

Only problem with Dish is that the local Fox channel (read that NFC conference of the NFL) isn't supported in HD yet. If it was I probably would be switching back (I was with dish before comcast about 5 years ago).

Yeah I still can't believe Dish doesn't have our local fox in hd yet. It's a main reason I wouldn't think of switching. And because of of where I'm located, I can't do OTA.

Wow!
Is that right?

I have no problem local HD since I hooked up outside antenna to get all local HD broadcast.
But it is good to have with Dish program.

dave, believe me i wish i could. but i just moved from the east coast and i have a 1 year lease on the house that we're in right now. so i can't do the 18 or 24 month commitment since we'll probably be in our own place later next year. the owner of this house probably wouldn't appreciate having a satellite dish on their roof either. they will have to deal with the holes on the wall above the fireplace where i hung the TV though. ;)

hmm..if i do have a dish installed and have to move before the contract is up, i guess they can move the dish. but then i'd have to pay for that and a reinstall right? anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks for the file. Unfortunately, same result: "tuning failed". Are you using the pcHdtv 3000 in Seattle proper with Comcast? Is anyone using the pcHdtv 3000 with Comcast in Seattle proper?

Thanks.

I'm experiencing similar problems. I use a pcHDTV-3000 with MythTV, running on MythDora 4.0, and I just can't seem to get QAM256 working. Someone on g-ding.tv recommended "fine tuning" the channels in the channels.conf file, but I have no idea how to do this.

I have been able to get 8VSB OTA (over-the-air) channels to tune perfectly, but this is not very reliable. On a sunny day I get a tuning lock on two channels (KCPQ DT 9.5 and KIRO 7.2 or something), on a rainy day I can't tune anything. Certainly not reliable enough to schedule a recording with MythTV.

Please see the last few comments on node 2663 (subject line is "HD video playback problem with Intel Extreme") on g-ding.tv for more useful links. I'm frustrated I can't post them now, but oh well.

Does anyone have an updated channels.conf or instructions on how to create one that actually works with Comcast in Seattle, WA and the pcHDTV-3000?

Thank you,
-Adam

Only problem with Dish is that the local Fox channel (read that NFC conference of the NFL) isn't supported in HD yet. If it was I probably would be switching back (I was with dish before comcast about 5 years ago).
Speaking of Fox and the NFL, again the scoreboard bar seems low on the screen I have a 60 inch and i measured on the high def 113 the bar is 1 1/2" from the top and 1" on 13 sd channel....No height adjustment works either on the 3412 or my tv other than that it's a perfect picture...Am I the only one? Can some of you guys measure this? Does the score bar seem low? This is driving me nuts Thanks for any replies!...(I have the box outputting at 1080i...not sure why that should matter)

I'm experiencing similar problems. I use a pcHDTV-3000 with MythTV, running on MythDora 4.0, and I just can't seem to get QAM256 working. Someone on g-ding.tv recommended "fine tuning" the channels in the channels.conf file, but I have no idea how to do this.

I have been able to get 8VSB OTA (over-the-air) channels to tune perfectly, but this is not very reliable. On a sunny day I get a tuning lock on two channels (KCPQ DT 9.5 and KIRO 7.2 or something), on a rainy day I can't tune anything. Certainly not reliable enough to schedule a recording with MythTV.

Please see the last few comments on node 2663 (subject line is "HD video playback problem with Intel Extreme") on g-ding.tv for more useful links. I'm frustrated I can't post them now, but oh well.

Does anyone have an updated channels.conf or instructions on how to create one that actually works with Comcast in Seattle, WA and the pcHDTV-3000?

Thank you,
-Adam

I'm using mythtv with a dvico fusion 5 lite, Avermedia A180, and Kworld ATSC 110s tuning QAM with no problems (I did it with a pchdtv 5500, but I sold that card as it was overpriced, and bought two Kworlds with the proceeds). You shouldn't need to modify a channels.conf file anymore, you should just be able to scan and edit channels with the frontend editor or using mythweb. Is the scanning not working (what goes wrong)?

I'm in Everett, not seattle proper...

Speaking of Fox and the NFL, again the scoreboard bar seems low on the screen I have a 60 inch and i measured on the high def 113 the bar is 1 1/2" from the top and 1" on 13 sd channel....No height adjustment works either on the 3412 or my tv other than that it's a perfect picture...Am I the only one? Can some of you guys measure this? Does the score bar seem low? This is driving me nuts Thanks for any replies!...(I have the box outputting at 1080i...not sure why that should matter)

yup, it's pretty low - I don't have it up now but I remember thinking the same thing. Must not be your set.

yup, it's pretty low - I don't have it up now but I remember thinking the same thing. Must not be your set.
anybody having trouble getting several channels? 10 pm 660, 661 not coming in 110 and sevral in the 60's breaking up with artifacts...I called Comcast recording says higher than normal volume calls because of problems...North Seattle...Anyone else?

izub i noticed the low bar on fox nfl broadcast a few weeks ago too. also noticed artifacts, and lots of audio dropouts this morning on nbcHD (105) during the today show and part of the macy's parade. really annoying. i'm in pierce county.

izub i noticed the low bar on fox nfl broadcast a few weeks ago too. also noticed artifacts, and lots of audio dropouts this morning on nbcHD (105) during the today show and part of the macy's parade. really annoying. i'm in pierce county.
Yes I tried calling as posted above and several channels are not watchable ...been a couple days...They know about it as per their recording when you call...Must be pretty widespread to go from me North King down to Pierce...Hopefully they fix that bar on the games...That's been awhile now too...Weird... Fios where are you?

Does anyone have problems with macroblocking on CBS's (107) football broadcasts? It's even very noticable when they transition with their "flying cbs logo". ESPNHD, FOXHD and even NFLHD last night don't exhibit this problem. It's as if our local CBS doesn't allow enough bandwidth for a better signal. I went to the Kiro website but couldn't find anywhere to send a complaint regarding it.

I'm missing about 20 of the <100 numbered channels this morning -- 8, 27, 30, 31, ..., 76, 96. I have two separate cable feeds into the house to a DCT700 and a DCT3416, and they're both showing "ONE MOMENT PLEASE this channel should be available shortly" for the missing channels, so I know it isn't an inside problem. No big deal, since all the good stuff like HD is OK.

I'm missing about 20 of the <100 numbered channels this morning -- 8, 27, 30, 31, ..., 76, 96.

None of those channels are tuning on my HD Tivo.

On my TV's analog tuner, 27 and 96 (both UW) are okay, the others all show a frozen image.

hmm..if i do have a dish installed and have to move before the contract is up, i guess they can move the dish. but then i'd have to pay for that and a reinstall right? anyone have any experience with this?
With DirecTV moving is free. They install the new dish at the new place and hook up the receives (that you move yourself).
If you don't want to risk damages to the place you lease now, you could see if the dish can be installed not on the house (free standing post, fence,...) so you can easily remove it when you move.

Does anyone have problems with macroblocking on CBS's (107) football broadcasts? It's even very noticable when they transition with their "flying cbs logo". ESPNHD, FOXHD and even NFLHD last night don't exhibit this problem. It's as if our local CBS doesn't allow enough bandwidth for a better signal. I went to the Kiro website but couldn't find anywhere to send a complaint regarding it.We've had this discussion a couple times before in this thread - what? you didn't read all 10,000 previous posts? :-)

KIRO uses some of their HD bandwidth to multicast a 2nd digital channel, usually showing their Queen Ann tower cam or something. The lower bitrate on the primary HD channel results in very noticable macro-blocking when entire screen changes quickly (like during the flying logo).

None of those channels are tuning on my HD Tivo.

On my TV's analog tuner, 27 and 96 (both UW) are okay, the others all show a frozen image.

Similar problem in Kitsap County (Indianola) this morning... many channels were missing or a frozen image. Seems ok now.

Similar problem in Kitsap County (Indianola) this morning... many channels were missing or a frozen image. Seems ok now.
Most channels seem fixed I can't get 660 and 661 anyone else with a problem on those 2 channels? it says "please wait available shortly" never tunes in...update i got through...other people in my area have called regarding the same channels ...she zapped my signal no luck...the dreaded cable guy will be here between "now and six'...I'll repost later

We've had this discussion a couple times before in this thread - what? you didn't read all 10,000 previous posts? :-)

KIRO uses some of their HD bandwidth to multicast a 2nd digital channel, usually showing their Queen Ann tower cam or something. The lower bitrate on the primary HD channel results in very noticable macro-blocking when entire screen changes quickly (like during the flying logo).

Thanks for the info. I will try to find a way to complain to them, not that it'll do any good....

I'm using mythtv with a dvico fusion 5 lite, Avermedia A180, and Kworld ATSC 110s tuning QAM with no problems (I did it with a pchdtv 5500, but I sold that card as it was overpriced, and bought two Kworlds with the proceeds). You shouldn't need to modify a channels.conf file anymore, you should just be able to scan and edit channels with the frontend editor or using mythweb. Is the scanning not working (what goes wrong)?

Wow, great to hear your positive experiences with MythTV and other hardware! That's [unfortunately] encouraging, so I suppose I'll keep futzing around with this stuff for a while. :o

In my setup, scanning seems to work fine, and I end up with a channels.conf file that has 340 lines, and some of the channels even have real names like "KING DT". I've attached the output of my scan using scandvb from the dvb-apps and the "us-Cable-Standard-center-frequencies-QAM256" file. This is the frequency file I think I'm supposed to use when the cable line from Comcast is plugged into the pcHDTV-3000 (because when my HDTV tunes a channel, it reports QAM is being used to tune the signal).

However, once I use the channels.conf file with mplayer or xine to try and tune/watch live tv, the picture has tons of MPEG artifacts, only a few frames actually display, audio skips, and a52 corruption errors spit out in the console. I've tried this when X isn't running and capturing directly from /dev/dvb/adapter0/dvr0, all without success.

I've had similar problems when using MythTV to scan for channels (seems to work for some channels) and tune channels (choppy audio, picture is blocky and MythTV automatically closes the Watch TV app after about 20 seconds).

anybody having trouble getting several channels? 10 pm 660, 661 not coming in 110 and sevral in the 60's breaking up with artifacts...I called Comcast recording says higher than normal volume calls because of problems...North Seattle...Anyone else? Those are the three channels that have been giving me trouble. 110 didn't used to do it, but lately it has. 660 UHD and 661 MTVHD have given me trouble since they came online a few months ago. Lately it has been more reliable, but if my Motorola is having trouble tuning in the HD channels, those are the two that give me fits. I'm curious how the new HD channels coming on December 8th are going to be.

...I'm curious how the new HD channels coming on December 8th are going to be.

Dec. 6.

Now 174 is out for me -- getting serious when ESPN is involved.

174 out for me, too. Service from Bremerton.

174 out in Lake City area - fortunately, not a game I planned on watching. But they better get it fixed soon!

edit: 6:10 PM it's back in time for Clemson - SC game (only a backup for the Apple Cup - you need something to watch during commercials and halftime). Go Dawgs!

174 is out in Bellingham, too.:rolleyes:

One very simple reason: I don't know how to make it a sticky. :)

I have tried to remember to remove the old lists when I upload the new ones to keep it simple. If there's an easier way to do this, let me know!

It would be helpful if you could put a link to the updated post in the old post when you remove the old one. Just my 2 cents. Either way, really appreciate your updates!

While my team didn't win - darn - the quality of the HD broadcast was excellent on FSN-HD channel 664.

Hi local HD'ers,

I moved up to the Renton/Kennydale area (98056) a few months ago from AZ, and got the basic digital cable from Comcast (the $33/mon thing). I just got my first HDTV (thank you, Black Friday!), and am trying to decide between adding HD content onto my Comcast service (online it looks like it's $6.50/mon) and getting an antenna for OTA stuff. Can you help me choose? What i'd like to know is: What channels will i get with Comcast in HD? Is it really $6.50/mon? Would i be better off going with OTA? TVfool.com says i should get all the major channels really easily: all between 9 and 12 miles away, and 299-304 deg.

Thanks for any insight you can offer!

Hi local HD'ers,

I moved up to the Renton/Kennydale area (98056) a few months ago from AZ, and got the basic digital cable from Comcast (the $33/mon thing). I just got my first HDTV (thank you, Black Friday!), and am trying to decide between adding HD content onto my Comcast service (online it looks like it's $6.50/mon) and getting an antenna for OTA stuff. Can you help me choose? What i'd like to know is: What channels will i get with Comcast in HD? Is it really $6.50/mon? Would i be better off going with OTA? TVfool.com says i should get all the major channels really easily: all between 9 and 12 miles away, and 299-304 deg.

Thanks for any insight you can offer!

If you hook up your cable TV signal directly to your new HDTV you should receive all of the same digital channels that are available OTA for no additional cost from Comcast. I have Comcast Limited Basic for $15 per month and I get all of the OTA-equivalent stations.

If you are satisfied with the combination of the local digital channels (for no extra cost) and the other channels you already receive with your cable box (if you have one) then you simply need to connect a splitter between the incoming cable to support both your TV directly and the cable box. The connection from the cable box should be the best available, from component to s-video to composite video.

Hi, I'll be getting my own place next month in Kirkland and was wondering, if I call up Comcast and act hard to get and mention Verizon and DirectTV and their offerings/rates, is there a chance of getting them to give me a lower overall non-promotional rate or will they just tell me to take a hike? Has anyone else tried that to see if it will work since I hate the constant rate hikes, how much they charge for their packages, the fact that were constantly the last for the new HD channels and I'm not completely positive I can get DirectTV because of the trees in my area.

Hi, I'll be getting my own place next month in Kirkland and was wondering, if I call up Comcast and act hard to get and mention Verizon and DirectTV and their offerings/rates, is there a chance of getting them to give me a lower overall non-promotional rate or will they just tell me to take a hike? Has anyone else tried that to see if it will work since I hate the constant rate hikes, how much they charge for their packages, the fact that were constantly the last for the new HD channels and I'm not completely positive I can get DirectTV because of the trees in my area.

It really depends on who you talk to. I played that game and was told "good luck" before they hung up. I called back 15 min later to see what would happen and I got a different person. This person did not want me to get off the phone. I only got the promotional price of cable. (34.99 for digitial cable and hbo). However she knocked my cable internet price down to $33. That's the price you would give you if you got VOIP, cable, and internet together. I only have two of the three. Not much of a deal, but it was something. I now pay about $10 more a month and have digital cable with HBO. I think it depends on the rep. The first person could care less. Good luck! It doesn't hurt to try.

While my team didn't win - darn - the quality of the HD broadcast was excellent on FSN-HD channel 664.

I agree. The HD broadcast was far better than all of the other CFB games on at the time (ABC, CBS, both ESPN's). Great job FSN! Maybe next year the Dawgs can pull through...

If you hook up your cable TV signal directly to your new HDTV you should receive all of the same digital channels that are available OTA for no additional cost from Comcast. I have Comcast Limited Basic for $15 per month and I get all of the OTA-equivalent stations.

If you are satisfied with the combination of the local digital channels (for no extra cost) and the other channels you already receive with your cable box (if you have one) then you simply need to connect a splitter between the incoming cable to support both your TV directly and the cable box. The connection from the cable box should be the best available, from component to s-video to composite video.

Awesome, thanks for the info. I'm currently enjoying the Pats game on channel 5.1 and it looks beautiful. I did exactly what you suggested: split the signal, with one lead going directly to the TV, and the other going to the Comcast box.

Awesome, thanks for the info. I'm currently enjoying the Pats game on channel 5.1 and it looks beautiful. I did exactly what you suggested: split the signal, with one lead going directly to the TV, and the other going to the Comcast box.

Glad it works for you. No one at Comcast would ever suggest this mode. In fact, I suspect few if any CSRs there even know that it is possible.

Welcome to the world of HDTV and the AVS Forum.

Wouldn't say everyone at comcast, I"m a contractor and I do this all the time when the signal is good enough. Many of my SD digital box installs are to HDTV's. Most people don't even have a clue, I do it because I want people to actully see the benefits of their HDTV and it's good customer service.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=prnw.20071121.NYW048&show_article=1

Looks like KIRO has finally acquired actual programming for KIRO-SD (7-2/117).

I stumbled upon a rumour that KCPQ's about to launch a subchanel, as well:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showpost.php?p=636476&postcount=432

Those are the three channels that have been giving me trouble. 110 didn't used to do it, but lately it has. 660 UHD and 661 MTVHD have given me trouble since they came online a few months ago. Lately it has been more reliable, but if my Motorola is having trouble tuning in the HD channels, those are the two that give me fits. I'm curious how the new HD channels coming on December 8th are going to be.
Cable guy came out and gave me a new 3416 instead of the 3412....lost a few recorded shows, but no big deal...So far the new box works great...

Wouldn't say everyone at comcast, I"m a contractor and I do this all the time when the signal is good enough. Many of my SD digital box installs are to HDTV's. Most people don't even have a clue, I do it because I want people to actully see the benefits of their HDTV and it's good customer service.

Sorry, I should not have said "no one at Comcast" but my prior experiences and similar reports from friends and family indicate that you are a welcome exception. The call center folks appear to not be trained in this area and/or they are induced to upsell to an HD box when, depending the customer needs, it may not be needed.

Thanks for being customer-focused!

Cable guy came out and gave me a new 3416 instead of the 3412....lost a few recorded shows, but no big deal...So far the new box works great...
DCT or the newer DCH?

I just gave up on Comcast Cable......I'm keeping lifeline so I get the $10 break on cable internet (and have something for the set downstairs and in the garage....). But, the 3 HD DVR's are gone......and their crappy HD lineup....the current deal for Directv got me to sign up (even with the threat of rain/show-fade up here)......with 4 boxes total, free NFL sunday ticket (not in HD (that's extra), but at least all the sunday games), and 2 HD DVR's, 1 normal DVR, and a normal box, it's $70/mo for the 1st yr, an 90/mo after that. FREE ALL movie channels for 3 mo....LOTS of HD (lovin it). DVR's that are MUCH more reliable (but have their own little quirks). Signed up one day, they installed the next.

Only downside was 2 yr committment, and a few hundred upfront for the HD DVR's.....but still better than ComCrap. I just got fed up with the quality of service, and the lack of committment to the CUSTOMERS!!!!

I'm gone....

I agree. The HD broadcast was far better than all of the other CFB games on at the time (ABC, CBS, both ESPN's). Great job FSN! Maybe next year the Dawgs can pull through...

You may notice that games going through a local station that is not using full bandwidth will have motion artifacts and pixelations during parts of the game (due to compression). This has been attributed to the locals using some bandwidth for sub-channels. These sub-channels are used to show cutting edge video like the Seatac airport.

Like most here, I detest this practice. You may want to complain to the local stations but I doubt it will do any good. They either don't have a clue or don't care about showing sports in the best possible way. Games coming direct from a satellite feed don't seem to have these problems. That is why ESPN and FSN have marvelous HD games while ABC, NBC, CBS suck. We spend thousands on HD equipment only to have them give us images that look like a bad jigsaw puzzle.

I have been receiving HDTV with limited cable perfectly, without a comcast box. However, I am no longer receiving Komo 4-1 or any of the 9-* channels.

My Samsung says something about a weak signal etc...but ALL the other channels are coming in fine. What do I do now?

I switched a couple years ago and love it. No rain fade for me even on a night like tonight.

I just gave up on Comcast Cable......I'm keeping lifeline so I get the $10 break on cable internet (and have something for the set downstairs and in the garage....). But, the 3 HD DVR's are gone......and their crappy HD lineup....the current deal for Directv got me to sign up (even with the threat of rain/show-fade up here)......with 4 boxes total, free NFL sunday ticket (not in HD (that's extra), but at least all the sunday games), and 2 HD DVR's, 1 normal DVR, and a normal box, it's $70/mo for the 1st yr, an 90/mo after that. FREE ALL movie channels for 3 mo....LOTS of HD (lovin it). DVR's that are MUCH more reliable (but have their own little quirks). Signed up one day, they installed the next.

Only downside was 2 yr committment, and a few hundred upfront for the HD DVR's.....but still better than ComCrap. I just got fed up with the quality of service, and the lack of committment to the CUSTOMERS!!!!

I'm gone....

I have been receiving HDTV with limited cable perfectly, without a comcast box. However, I am no longer receiving Komo 4-1 or any of the 9-* channels.My Samsung says something about a weak signal etc...but ALL the other channels are coming in fine. What do I do now?

KOMO is on 82-4, and the KCTS channels are on 82-1, 82-2, 82-3, and 82-5. All one channel, so this makes more sense than it looks on the surface. CATV channel 82 occupies the same bandwidth at KONG (31) does OTA, so you might have some ingress on the line.

Try attaching your set directly to the cable drop, if possible, and eliminate any decaying wire or aging splitters that might exist on the run.

FWIW, I spoke with 'Melanie' at 1-800-Comcast yesterday (11/26/07) and she said that these HD Channels would be added to the Seattle lineup on December 8.
-Discovery HD (not HD Theater)
-History HD
-TBS HD
-USA HD
She also said another group of several channels would be added at the beginning of next year, but she did not know which ones.

FWIW, I spoke with 'Melanie' at 1-800-Comcast yesterday (11/26/07) and she said that these HD Channels would be added to the Seattle lineup on December 8.
-Discovery HD (not HD Theater)
-History HD
-TBS HD
-USA HD
She also said another group of several channels would be added at the beginning of next year, but she did not know which ones.

Hmmm... is this correct? My parents said they saw the Comcast announcement in the paper ( Seattle Times ) last week. I didn't see it myself but I think they told me it was announcing new HD on Dec. 6th, with the original 4 channels posted here including NGC-HD and A&E-HD.

What I've seen about new HD here says Dec. 6 -- NGC, History, USA, and A&E. Nothing about TBS or Discovery.

Has there been anything official stating which tier the new HD channels will be added to? I have been assuming that all the new HD channels will be added to the digital tiers and not to limited basic.

Has there been anything official stating which tier the new HD channels will be added to? I have been assuming that all the new HD channels will be added to the digital tiers and not to limited basic.

Yeah probably digital classic. Here's how they added the new ones in SW Washington and Oregon so I assume it would be the same for us. I hope this means we will be getting the others soon as well.

NFL Network HD Added to Sports Entertainment Tier HD
The History Channel HD Added to Digital Classic HD
A&E HD Added to Digital Classic HD
USA Network HD Added to Digital Classic HD
HGTV HD Added to Digital Classic HD
Discovery Channel HD Added to Digital Classic HD
TLC HD Added to Digital Classic HD
TBS HD Added to Digital Classic HD

I think Melanie was smoking something. With my bill this month, they said NGC, History, USA, and A&E would arrive on December 6th. This was also included in newspaper ads for Comcast. Discovery HD and TBS was not included in any of these. As much as I would like to see TBS and Discovery HD go two days later, I'm not going to hold my breath. There has been chatter about more channels coming "early next year," but that's kind of the canned response from Comcast these days.

DCT or the newer DCH?

I just checked it's the 3416 DCH...what is the difference? It seems almost identical to my 3412 i just gave up, although so far no glitches...

Discovery HD....don't we already get that?

Discovery HD....don't we already get that?

No, we get Discovery HD Theater (which is now just called HD Theater).

Discovery HD is an HD version of the SD Discovery Channel.

I think Melanie was smoking something. With my bill this month, they said NGC, History, USA, and A&E would arrive on December 6th. This was also included in newspaper ads for Comcast. Discovery HD and TBS was not included in any of these. As much as I would like to see TBS and Discovery HD go two days later, I'm not going to hold my breath. There has been chatter about more channels coming "early next year," but that's kind of the canned response from Comcast these days.

I'd consider it a victory enough if Comcast Seattle actually makes good on this December 6th and gives us any HD channels.

And I'd be really scared if Comcast Seattle gave us more than whatever 4 HD channels they've been hyping about on print and TV.

I mean what's next, Brian Roberts and Mark Cuban quit their pissing match and we get HDNet?

The biggest game in the NFC so far this year - Green Bay at Dallas tomorrow night - is listed as being on the NFL Network. This doesn't make sense to me, but I seem to recall the 'Hawks being in such a situation last year and Comcast put it out on channel 664 or something. Anyone know if they'll be doing anything similar with this game?

The biggest game in the NFC so far this year - Green Bay at Dallas tomorrow night - is listed as being on the NFL Network. This doesn't make sense to me, but I seem to recall the 'Hawks being in such a situation last year and Comcast put it out on channel 664 or something. Anyone know if they'll be doing anything similar with this game?

Probably -- if you lived in Green Bay or Dallas. Otherwise, I wouldn't think so.

The biggest game in the NFC so far this year - Green Bay at Dallas tomorrow night - is listed as being on the NFL Network. This doesn't make sense to me, but I seem to recall the 'Hawks being in such a situation last year and Comcast put it out on channel 664 or something. Anyone know if they'll be doing anything similar with this game?

Due to this game I signed up for sports ent package.... I don't think comcast will air this game on MOJO.

Yeah, just before NFL Network started showing games I signed up. 6.00 bucks a month for those isn't too bad. I'll cancel after football season:)

I just got off the phone with Comcast. I cancelled HBO (now that Curb is done, no need for HBO anymore until Flight of the Concords comes back) and added the Sports Entertainment Package just to get NFLNET for the Cowboys game. Somehow, because of this, I'm getting credited $2. Thus, Comcast is essentially paying me $2 to watch the Cowboys game. I'll cancel the Sports Package directly thereafter.

Being 'paid' $2 to watch Romo v. Favre? Not too shabby, if you ask me.

Yeah I will cancel my sports package the minute after the end of last game on NFL-HD.

Due to this game I signed up for sports ent package.... I don't think comcast will air this game on MOJO.

Speaking of MOJO, why are we not seeing the Sonics' Home Games in HD on 664? All jokes aside about why I would want to watch a 2-13 team in HD.. last Friday's home game against New Jersey was not on HD, tonight's game against Orlando is not in the listings so I'll assume also not being shown in HD.

If I recall, last year most everyone home game was shown in HD on 664, this year, I think just two of six have been in HD. Any insight on this?

Due to this game I signed up for sports ent package.... I don't think comcast will air this game on MOJO.

Same, this should be a really good game and I'm glad they added this channel just in time for Thursday nights.

Speaking of MOJO, why are we not seeing the Sonics' Home Games in HD on 664? All jokes aside about why I would want to watch a 2-13 team in HD.. last Friday's home game against New Jersey was not on HD, tonight's game against Orlando is not in the listings so I'll assume also not being shown in HD.

If I recall, last year most everyone home game was shown in HD on 664, this year, I think just two of six have been in HD. Any insight on this?

NBA TV is covering sonics vs orlando so you will see the hd game on MOJO.

Cable guy came out and gave me a new 3416 instead of the 3412....lost a few recorded shows, but no big deal...So far the new box works great...
Great, so I am watching ch 108, Clapton concert and every minute or so the sound blanks out for 2-3 seconds...same on the QAM...wtf? Any ideas? Do I need to call them and have a signal bump? getting close to trying Sat soon if Fios doesn't get here...

It's probably a PBS or KCTS problem -- waiting for donations to fix their audio. Unless FiOS has a special relationship with Clapton it probably wouldn't matter where the signal came from.

It's probably a PBS or KCTS problem -- waiting for donations to fix their audio. Unless FiOS has a special relationship with Clapton it probably wouldn't matter where the signal came from.

Lol ..that's good...what a great concert anyway...a shame it had dropouts...I think it's on again tomorrow I'll try dvr again..Winwood and Clapton together amazing,,,Blind Faith tunes and Derek Trucks with Clapton reprising several Derek and the Dominos tunes...Showing my age...

Been wondering lately, why no HD channel with 24/7 broadcast of the Best of HD content. Seems like there could be a pretty large market for something like this, with everyone showing off their HD sets...

Been wondering lately, why no HD channel with 24/7 broadcast of the Best of HD content. Seems like there could be a pretty large market for something like this, with everyone showing off their HD sets...

That seems to be what HD Theatre does. Most of the HD channels are just simulcasts of the SD ones, so that wouldn't work.

Great, so I am watching ch 108, Clapton concert and every minute or so the sound blanks out for 2-3 seconds...same on the QAM...wtf? Any ideas? Do I need to call them and have a signal bump? getting close to trying Sat soon if Fios doesn't get here...This is an ongoing problem with lots of new HD content on PBS (not just KCTS, or just Comcast). Same thing happened during every episode of Ken Burns' "The War" - a 2-3 second audio dropout every couple minutes. This despite assurances from KCTS that PBS national had identified & fixed the problem after the first night (after thousands of complaints nationwide). For some people, the problem manifests itself as the audio getting out of sync rather than dropping out - but I think it's probably the same underlying problem.

However PBS national is doing their HD encoding, it's screwing up something in our delivery chain - either at the local PBS affiliate, at Comcast, or both.

Been wondering lately, why no HD channel with 24/7 broadcast of the Best of HD content. Seems like there could be a pretty large market for something like this, with everyone showing off their HD sets...

Also MOJO is a space that allows HD content that we should be getting, that comes from HD channels we should already have.

I'd consider it a victory enough if Comcast Seattle actually makes good on this December 6th and gives us any HD channels.

And I'd be really scared if Comcast Seattle gave us more than whatever 4 HD channels they've been hyping about on print and TV.

I mean what's next, Brian Roberts and Mark Cuban quit their pissing match and we get HDNet?

I agree, they've been saying "We'll add tons of HD channels" for a couple years now, and haven't really done anything!

If Melanie didn't have a clue and they don't add Discovery and History HD, I will probably end up switching to Dish because I only watch HD and a few SD channels. I'm tired of paying $73/mo for the 15 channels that I watch and would much rather pay $20 less for 45 HD channels.

What do you think our chances are for getting the same HD lineup as SW WA, even though we don't have FiOS?

...
I mean what's next, Brian Roberts and Mark Cuban quit their pissing match and we get HDNet?

I think you'll see Roberts & Cuban as partners on "Dancing With the Stars" before that happens.

What do you think our chances are for getting the same HD lineup as SW WA, even though we don't have FiOS?

Probably very slim.

Call me cynical, but I bet we have a better chance of seeing "Comcast Housemates in HD!" before they add the HD channels that everyone else has.

Consumerist.com is reporting that Comcast is getting a flood of people ordering the NFL Network at the last minute for tonight's game.

Well when it's only $6 to get it and you can end the subscription at the end of the season, why not.

What do you think our chances are for getting the same HD lineup as SW WA, even though we don't have FiOS?

Probably very slim.

Call me cynical, but I bet we have a better chance of seeing "Comcast Housemates in HD!" before they add the HD channels that everyone else has.

Haha, my wife and i can't stand those commercials. That fake Russian accent is atrocious.

So NFL network IS avaialble on Comcast???

I thought they were in a big "pissing match" with the NFL over it.

Personally, I'm not a big enough football fan to care about any game other than the Seahawks. I'm just a homer.

But glad to hear that you guys who want it can get NFL network for $6 per month.

I heard it's only available in about 35 million homes nationwide!

I have to admit, as irritating as NFL Network is (I mean, really, during the pre-game show, did they really need to make sure the NFL logo on their coffee mugs always faced the camera?), the picture quality is really good for a sports broadcast at 1080i. The only pixelation I'm seeing is with the on-screen graphics.

Personally, I'm not a big enough football fan to care about any game other than the Seahawks. I'm just a homer.

If it had been any team other than Dallas, I wouldn't have bothered myself. I'm from Texas originally and thus it was genetically encoded for me to be a Cowboys fan.

I have to admit, as irritating as NFL Network is (I mean, really, during the pre-game show, did they really need to make sure the NFL logo on their coffee mugs always faced the camera?), the picture quality is really good for a sports broadcast at 1080i. The only pixelation I'm seeing is with the on-screen graphics.

The picture is amazing on my plasma. Best looking game of the season. Even better than ESPN or NBC sunday nights game of patriots/eagles.

The picture is amazing on my plasma. Best looking game of the season. Even better than ESPN or NBC sunday nights game of patriots/eagles.

I second that.

I'm curious to find out whether I'll receive any of the new 6 HD channels. I use a cablecard and am grandfathered under an old plan called digital lite plus I have HBO. I get the OTA HD channels and HBO-HD. We'll see in a week.

I'm curious to find out whether I'll receive any of the new 6 HD channels. I use a cablecard and am grandfathered under an old plan called digital lite plus I have HBO. I get the OTA HD channels and HBO-HD. We'll see in a week.

HBO announced the 8 HBO HD channels, but Comcast has not announced that it would be picking them up. Hopefully, Comcast will pickup such (and the additional 8 HB0 channels next year), but I expect they are a long way off.

Latest word from Comcast (not published, but from a good source) is that there will be a large HD expansion locally in 2008. 4 to 6 new HD channels in Q1 2008 but a goal of adding 60-something, total, next year. The strategy will be to switch all the digital channels over to SDV next year while leaving the expanded-basic analog lineup in tact for the time being. This is contingent on successfully implementing SDV, but that is the plan, as of right now. In the mean time, CSPAN2 will move to Digital Starter on Dec 4 or 6 to accomodate the new HD in Q1.
Also, I have the channel designations for the Dec 6 Channel launch. Minimum packaging will be Digital Classic.
670 A&E HD
671 HISTORY HD
672 USA HD
673 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC HD

oh yeah, one more thing, a new version of the onscreen guide (A25) is supposed to be rolled out soon (first to employees) and resolve some of the problems. I know the keyboard in the search function is supposed to be back - replacing the tumblers everyone hates. Other than that I really don't know but let's keep our fingers crossed for lots of improvements.

I have to admit, as irritating as NFL Network is (I mean, really, during the pre-game show, did they really need to make sure the NFL logo on their coffee mugs always faced the camera?), the picture quality is really good for a sports broadcast at 1080i. The only pixelation I'm seeing is with the on-screen graphics.

Too bad the play-by-play by Collinsworth and The Guy Not Greg Gumbel was boring as hell.

Seriously, they make Madden sound like a thespian.

Comcast notice just received relative to the new HD channels on 12/6:

670 - A&E
671 - History
672 - USA
673 - National Geographic

...The strategy will be to switch all the digital channels over to SDV next year while leaving the expanded-basic analog lineup in tact for the time being...So how does SDV work with QAM tuners? Is every channel going to be on a different random frequency every day? And what about Cablecard tuners? Will they still work?

Well then I know three of them have nice HD on them. A&E and National Geographic and USA have great HD. HistoryHD has little hd yet so that is a huge waste plus they stretch everything that is not HD and that is even worse. I have both comcast and directv so I was wondering what Comcast would add. Anyway, nice to see a few added next week. A&E shows blocks of HD programming. Like the other night that had CSI Miami on for like 6 Episodes in a row and last night they did the same thing with another HD program which I forget...

Thank you comcast, although last night I had to watch the darn football game in DirecTv due to me all of a sudden losing NFL network on comcast. I pay 1/3rd on my Directv bill that I pay for my cable, yet I get NFL network on Directv...

[QUOTE=jimre;12363709]So how does SDV work with QAM tuners? Is every channel going to be on a different random frequency every day? And what about Cablecard tuners? Will they still work?[/QUOTE

NOt sure if it is tivo or the cable card but 2nd quarter 08 is when Cable cards in Tivo are supposed to work with SDV. Article came out early this week anouncing that.

[QUOTE=jimre;12363709]So how does SDV work with QAM tuners? Is every channel going to be on a different random frequency every day? And what about Cablecard tuners? Will they still work?[/QUOTE

NOt sure if it is tivo or the cable card but 2nd quarter 08 is when Cable cards in Tivo are supposed to work with SDV. Article came out early this week anouncing that.


I saw that article. It looks like there will be a USB dongle that handles the SDV. I am curious to see such, especially if Comcast is moving all digital channels to SDV. I have a Tivo S3, and hope Comcast doesn't put any HD channels on SDV until after the dongle is available. YMMV.

...
A&E and National Geographic and USA have great HD.
...

What does USA have in HD? Is their SD stretched? I would think that History would have a lot more HD potential than either USA or A&E (unless you really like network reruns).

From what I've read on both the D* threads and HDTV programing threads, the main Stretcho's are TNT, A&E, History, and TBS. I haven't read anything bad about USA other than there isn't a whole of HD content yet. A&E and History supposedly have great PQ when they don't stretch though.

What does USA have in HD? Is their SD stretched? I would think that History would have a lot more HD potential than either USA or A&E (unless you really like network reruns).

Here is a thread with people talking about what is in HD on both USA and Sci-Fi. For USA, it sounds like reruns of Law and Order, Monk, and some movies are mostly in HD.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=928261&highlight=USA-HD

History has some content up on HD ON DEMAND that I was checking out the other day that's pretty cool. Too bad they stretch thier 4:3 content, but I agree this channel has a lot of HD potential. Just glad we are finally getting some new HD channels after all this time.

...
Just glad we are finally getting some new HD channels after all this time.

And anything we get will beat KONG-HD!

So how does SDV work with QAM tuners? Is every channel going to be on a different random frequency every day? And what about Cablecard tuners? Will they still work?

I didn't think to ask. Since Comcast officially supports CableCards it would make sense to assume they'll work. The way I understand it, with SDV, if someone with Comcast equipment isn't tuned to the channel, it's not even transmitted from the node. So this may be a limiting factor on QAM but I'm only speculating.

I didn't think to ask. Since Comcast officially supports CableCards it would make sense to assume they'll work. The way I understand it, with SDV, if someone with Comcast equipment isn't tuned to the channel, it's not even transmitted from the node. So this may be a limiting factor on QAM but I'm only speculating.

You're probably correct. I think this is why Tivo has developed new hardware that will allow for SDV in the future, because the current Tivo's can't deal with SDV, even if they have cable cards. I'm not sure if the FCC has even addressed SDV and it could allow Comcast to screw people from getting their local HD channels for free. It still allows them to say that the feeds are not encrypted, it's just that people's current hardware can easily access the frequency. It's probably why they keep telling customers that they don't support QAM, when their local get unmapped or move.

After December 6th, what channels will be missing that other Comcast markets have? Maybe we can speculate on what additional channels they will launch after the first of the year. Here's what I know is missing:
HGTV
Discovery HD
Food HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV
SciFi HD
TBS HD
TLC HD
Hallmark Movies HD

Based on what's happening down in Portland, we most likely will get HGTV, TBS, TLC, Discovery HD, Food, and maybe CNN. However, I most want SciFi!!! Comcast as a whole is moving real slow with making contracts with other networks. I really want them to sign Big Ten HD, FX, Smithsonian, Bravo, and TMC.

Does any Comcast market have HDNET?

I'd like SpeedTV-HD (preferably by March 2008).

I didn't think to ask. Since Comcast officially supports CableCards it would make sense to assume they'll work. The way I understand it, with SDV, if someone with Comcast equipment isn't tuned to the channel, it's not even transmitted from the node. So this may be a limiting factor on QAM but I'm only speculating.From what I've read, SDV works much like OnDemand - except the streams are shared, not private. If no one is tuned to channel XYZ, it's not transmitted. As soon as someone in your neighborhood tunes XYZ, the neighborhood fiber node allocates a free digital channel frequency & starts transmitting it. Anyone else who tunes to XYZ will be watching that same stream.

I just don't see how SDV can work with existing QAM tuners & cablecards. Like OnDemand, it requires two-way communication between the tuner & the cable plant. I think it's going to be a real pain for anyone who's currently relying on their TV's QAM or cablecard tuner.

The Tivo announcement says they're getting around this via some kind of USB add-on device that allows their one-way cablecard tuners to work with SDV. I don't think there will be similar USB add-on for non-Tivo devices.

Does any Comcast market have HDNET?

I'd like SpeedTV-HD (preferably by March 2008).

There is a battle between execs going on, so they haven't expanded to any new markets, but there are a few lucky cities out there with HDNET on Comcast.

Well then I know three of them have nice HD on them. A&E and National Geographic and USA have great HD. HistoryHD has little hd yet so that is a huge waste plus they stretch everything that is not HD and that is even worse. I have both comcast and directv so I was wondering what Comcast would add. Anyway, nice to see a few added next week. A&E shows blocks of HD programming. Like the other night that had CSI Miami on for like 6 Episodes in a row and last night they did the same thing with another HD program which I forget...

Thank you comcast, although last night I had to watch the darn football game in DirecTv due to me all of a sudden losing NFL network on comcast. I pay 1/3rd on my Directv bill that I pay for my cable, yet I get NFL network on Directv...

Are you keeping both Comcast and DirecTV?

If so, why?

How does HD picture quality on Comcast compare to DirecTV for the same channel/programs?

I've been considering a switch to D* but I like the On Demand feature of Comcast.

RE SDV:

It could be that cable companies will not put locals on SDV. It doesn't make much sense since it won't save bandwidth (they are the most watched stations, they'll likely always be on-thus no bandwidth savings). But Comcast has proven things don't have to make sense for them to do it... If they do implement ALL station this way, it's probably motivated by other reasons (screwing us QAM tuner users). The best bandwidth savings will come from the least watched channels.
All stations don't have to be SDV.

After December 6th, what channels will be missing that other Comcast markets have? Maybe we can speculate on what additional channels they will launch after the first of the year. Here's what I know is missing:
HGTV
Discovery HD
Food HD
HDNet
HDNet Movies
HGTV
SciFi HD
TBS HD
TLC HD
Hallmark Movies HD

Based on what's happening down in Portland, we most likely will get HGTV, TBS, TLC, Discovery HD, Food, and maybe CNN. However, I most want SciFi!!! Comcast as a whole is moving real slow with making contracts with other networks. I really want them to sign Big Ten HD, FX, Smithsonian, Bravo, and TMC.

I'd like Versus HD

Hello,

Does anyone have the latest QAM channel mapping list?

Thanks!

I'd like Versus HD

Wish granted:
665 Versus/Golf HD

Wish granted:
665 Versus/Golf HD

Except it's always Golf stuff when I want to watch Versus stuff :( Kinda like how Mojo / FSN is always Mojo when I want to see FSN stuff.

And while I'm on a mild rant...I'm now paying extra for the Comcast Sports Entertainment Package just so I can see the Thursday night NFL games in HD, but that "Sports" package doesn't include all of the Sports channels in HD (like Versus and FSN!) What's with that??

Except it's always Golf stuff when I want to watch Versus stuff :( Kinda like how Mojo / FSN is always Mojo when I want to see FSN stuff.

I would be willing to make that swap: MOJO for FSNHD.

Does anyone have the latest QAM channel mapping list?

Here's a quick update. Only a couple of minor changes in the past several months:

Removed The Tube from 22-2/96-2

Added RTN to KIRO SD on 7-2/110-3 (coming January 2008)

I would be willing to make that swap: MOJO for FSNHD.

And what wouldn't we all swap KONG-HD for?

So NFL network IS avaialble on Comcast???

I thought they were in a big "pissing match" with the NFL over it.

Personally, I'm not a big enough football fan to care about any game other than the Seahawks. I'm just a homer.

But glad to hear that you guys who want it can get NFL network for $6 per month.

I heard it's only available in about 35 million homes nationwide!

The disagreement is over whether it is "fair" for Comcast to put the NFL Network in a special package instead of rolling it into a base set of channels like Dish and Direct did. Somehow the NFL thinks it can dictate how Comcast prices their product offering *after* the contract is signed. IMHO that's NFLNet's mistake and they should just suck it up an live with it.

I personally don't like all of the extra tiers and packages, but on the other hand if it lets me pay less by skipping out of channels I wouldn't watch anyway then I'm not going to complain - until there is one channel I want in a tier I don't get. :D

Except it's always Golf stuff when I want to watch Versus stuff :( Kinda like how Mojo / FSN is always Mojo when I want to see FSN stuff.

And while I'm on a mild rant...I'm now paying extra for the Comcast Sports Entertainment Package just so I can see the Thursday night NFL games in HD, but that "Sports" package doesn't include all of the Sports channels in HD (like Versus and FSN!) What's with that??

Don't go off and shoot Comcast for that one. Mojo/Golf is put together by the owners of those channels. It's the same HD service as on Dish and Direct. Comcast only gets in when they show FSN instead. That will probably change when FSN gets enough programming to justify an channel of their own - possibly after Comcast changes to switched video.

So how does SDV work with QAM tuners? Is every channel going to be on a different random frequency every day? And what about Cablecard tuners? Will they still work?

It doesn't. Your QAM won't be able to send a signal to start the SDV stream. It might be able to pick up an existing stream, but they would change from channel to channel.

TiVo apparently has a "black box" that would let them send a request for an SDV channel and then switch the tuner to receive it. One of the beneifts of a computer (TiVo) vs. a less intelligent TV.

Your QAM might not be obsolete, though. Because Comcast will only benefit from SDV on less frequently used channels they may opt to carry all of the locals the same way they are now and use SDV only for less watched channels like Persian language Home Shopping and South American Golf for Portugese Speakers. (My examples, not theirs. ;) )

The fact of it is that if any channel is watched by at least one person on a node it takes up space. Therefore, if it's popular it will take up space on the cable anyway and they might has well just dedicate it 100% of the time and take away the overhead of requesting it, allocating a channel and starting up the video. SDV only makes sense for less used channels and especially for special event broadcasts that wouldn't use space until they happen.

Don't go off and shoot Comcast for that one. Mojo/Golf is put together by the owners of those channels. Sorry, Comcast doesn't get off the hook that easy. You need to check out who actually owns those channels:
Golf Channel: wholly-owned subsidary of Comcast.
MOJO: subsidiary of In-Demand Networks, which is jointly owned by Comcast, Cox Cable, and Time-Warner Cable.
Shoot away!

It doesn't. Your QAM won't be able to send a signal to start the SDV stream. It might be able to pick up an existing stream, but they would change from channel to channel.

TiVo apparently has a "black box" that would let them send a request for an SDV channel and then switch the tuner to receive it. One of the beneifts of a computer (TiVo) vs. a less intelligent TV.

Your QAM might not be obsolete, though. Because Comcast will only benefit from SDV on less frequently used channels they may opt to carry all of the locals the same way they are now and use SDV only for less watched channels like Persian language Home Shopping and South American Golf for Portugese Speakers. (My examples, not theirs. ;) )

The fact of it is that if any channel is watched by at least one person on a node it takes up space. Therefore, if it's popular it will take up space on the cable anyway and they might has well just dedicate it 100% of the time and take away the overhead of requesting it, allocating a channel and starting up the video. SDV only makes sense for less used channels and especially for special event broadcasts that wouldn't use space until they happen.Agreed. It makes sense for them to dedicate channels for locals (well, maybe except KONG-HD). The people who'll likely feel the most pain with SDV are cablecard users (at least those without the announced Tivo USB black-box thingy) -- as their subscription-tier and premium channels will probably end up switched.

The people who'll likely feel the most pain with SDV are cablecard users (at least those without the announced Tivo USB black-box thingy) -- as their subscription-tier and premium channels will probably end up switched.

I would expect Comcast would be least likely to SDV "extra cost" channels like HD and premium subscription (HBO, Showtime, et. al.) since CableCard users - be they Tivo or TV - are paying an extra fee to Comcast to get them, even if they are not renting a cable box.

I would expect the first channels to be SDV'd would be things like KIRO's "Sea-Tac Cam". Also, if a CableCard can pick them up, all the music channels would also be logical first candidates to be SDV'd.

What's the deal with the listings on MOJO? I was looking forward to seeing the HD basketball that's listed on MOJO for most of the day but it's not what's playing?

Why can't they get the listings right so we get what we're scheduling to be recorded????

I would expect Comcast would be least likely to SDV "extra cost" channels like HD and premium subscription (HBO, Showtime, et. al.) since CableCard users - be they Tivo or TV - are paying an extra fee to Comcast to get them, even if they are not renting a cable box...Ah, but they've already been doing something much like this - by cutting extra dedicated premium channels and moving their content to OnDemand (where it's not availble to cablecard users).

This is an ongoing problem with lots of new HD content on PBS (not just KCTS, or just Comcast). Same thing happened during every episode of Ken Burns' "The War" - a 2-3 second audio dropout every couple minutes. This despite assurances from KCTS that PBS national had identified & fixed the problem after the first night (after thousands of complaints nationwide). For some people, the problem manifests itself as the audio getting out of sync rather than dropping out - but I think it's probably the same underlying problem.

However PBS national is doing their HD encoding, it's screwing up something in our delivery chain - either at the local PBS affiliate, at Comcast, or both. True...I recorded that show (Crossroads Clapton Concert) 3 different times...all had major dropouts... that sucks bigtime

Does anyone know if the Cougs and Zags on ESPNU is available here on Comcast? I am having trouble finding the listing in the ridiculous Comcast search utility. If this game is not being shown locally, there is a serious disconnect between those who make decisions and those who have to suffer through the decisions. I really doubt some yahoo in Connecticut or Alabama cares about an 11pm ET game between WSU and Gonzaga. If we don't have ESPNU, Comcast needs to give us the game on an alternate channel like they have with other games in the past.

Does anyone know if the Cougs and Zags on ESPNU is available here on Comcast? I am having trouble finding the listing in the ridiculous Comcast search utility. If this game is not being shown locally, there is a serious disconnect between those who make decisions and those who have to suffer through the decisions. I really doubt some yahoo in Connecticut or Alabama cares about an 11pm ET game between WSU and Gonzaga. If we don't have ESPNU, Comcast needs to give us the game on an alternate channel like they have with other games in the past.

Sorry, it's not going to be available on Comcast. I plan on watching at my friendly neighborhood tavern (via satelite).

Comcast HD-DVR newbie here from Bellingham. I currently have Limited Basic Comcast service and want to upgrade to probably the Digital Classic package. I have a 42” HDTV so I’d want to get the HD-DVR they offer. Here are some questions I have:

- What HD-DVR model will I get from Comcast?
- What software is used to run the HD-DVR interface (MS, TiVo, etc.)?
- When I get their HD-DVR for $13.95/month do I need to also get their HDTV service for an additional $6.95? I would assume that I wouldn't have to since the HD-DVR should handle all HD.
- Any ‘gotchas’ I should be aware of when ordering from Comcast?
- Any other suggestions regarding upgrading to Digital Classic and/or their HD-DVR?

Thanks.

...
- What HD-DVR model will I get from Comcast?
- What software is used to run the HD-DVR interface (MS, TiVo, etc.)?
- When I get their HD-DVR for $13.95/month do I need to also get their HDTV service for an additional $6.95? I would assume that I wouldn't have to since the HD-DVR should handle all HD.
- Any ‘gotchas’ I should be aware of when ordering from Comcast?
- Any other suggestions regarding upgrading to Digital Classic and/or their HD-DVR?
...


- Probably Motorola DCH3416.
- iGuide (possibly TiVo alternative some day).
- No additional $6.95 for HD service.
- ?.
- ?.

Regularly on the CBS football thread people are glowing about the picture from CBS football. While I acknowledge their is a sharper image from the standard 50 yard line cam, whenever their is movement the pixelization and macroblocking is ridiculous, especially with reds, oranges, etc. As far as I can tell there isn't a sub station taking away bandwidth. I'm basically wondering if anyone out here with more knowledge about this can tell me why this is the case. Or if your experience with CBS is different. I have seen this on several HDTV's at friends houses and at Magnolia Hi-Fi on their top of the line sets.

... As far as I can tell there isn't a sub station taking away bandwidth...If you're watching CBS on KIRO - whether Comcast, OTA, whatever - then there *is* a subchannel sucking bandwidth away from their primary HD programming.

For those of you that have seen channel updates, when did the guide change to reflect the new channels? Did you have to reset your box, or did they just show up?

The guide will change to reflect the new channels when they appear (Thursday), and you don't have to do anything.

There is a message that says that all the HD channels currently on Digital Classic will move to Digital Starter on 12/6. The new channels will also be on that tier.

What exactly does that mean? Will they become unencrypted so they can be watched via clear QAM?

There is a message that says that all the HD channels currently on Digital Classic will move to Digital Starter on 12/6. The new channels will also be on that tier.

What exactly does that mean? Will they become unencrypted so they can be watched via clear QAM?

I don't know, but this is what it really says --

On 12/06/07 the following HD Channels move from Digital Classic to Digital Starter: ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Universal HD, MHD, TNT HD, HD Theater, MOJO, Versus/Golf Channel HD, A&E HD, History HD, & USA HD.

There is a message that says that all the HD channels currently on Digital Classic will move to Digital Starter on 12/6. The new channels will also be on that tier.

What exactly does that mean? Will they become unencrypted so they can be watched via clear QAM?

Ha ha ha! When was the last time Comcast gave anything away for free? Except of course during the "introductory period" of discounted programming for new customers, AKA the "drug-pusher" marketing plan.

I don't know, but this is what it really says --

On 12/06/07 the following HD Channels move from Digital Classic to Digital Starter: ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, Universal HD, MHD, TNT HD, HD Theater, MOJO, Versus/Golf Channel HD, A&E HD, History HD, & USA HD.

There is no mention of NGC-HD. Does this mean it will be in Digital Classic or some other tier we have to pay extra for like NFL-HD?

... AKA the "drug-pusher" marketing plan.

LOL!:D That reminds me, one of these days I gotta stop paying for all those HD premiums they used to give me for free...

There is no mention of NGC-HD. Does this mean it will be in Digital Classic or some other tier we have to pay extra for like NFL-HD?

THe idea is to keep the buy-through for HD versions of SD channels the same. Therefore, since NGC-SD lives on Digital Classic Ch 273, the HD version will share the buy-through requirement of Digital Classic.

I have no idea if the QAM feed will be encrypted or not for the channels re-tiered to Digital Starter, but I guess we'll all see tomorrow.

Hopefully all new hd channels will show up for me as I have digital classic.

Lately my QAM tv in the bedroom has had tons of trouble.. channels dropping out (I can't get most of channel 9 and subchannels at all anymore.. in fact there are only a couple channels, fox and one other, that I can get without any dropouts. Analog signal is worse too). This on on a sony xbr2. Unfortunately the projector downstairs that uses a cable box as it does not have a tuner gets the channels fine. I've never had perfect QAM tuning but its gotten much much worse lately.

So... will comcast help me - or are they going to just say "cable box works fine - just get cable boxes for all your TVs"? Anyone have any luck with this? What is weird is comcast tore up all the streets around me (though not right in front of my house) all summer long so I was expecting to have better reception.

You might try temporarily connecting the box to the bedroom TV, just to check the signal there. If you don't get a good picture there and/or the diagnostics indicate a weak signal, then you should check the wiring that is unique to the bedroom.

Anybody have any idea if we will get the new channels at midnight tonight or do they turn them on sometime in the day tomorrow? I'll be getting home pretty late tonight so I might still be up when they add them if they do it around midnight or so.

New channels seem to have been up when I've first checked in the morning, so there's a chance you may see them first.

If you're watching CBS on KIRO - whether Comcast, OTA, whatever - then there *is* a subchannel sucking bandwidth away from their primary HD programming.

Thank you for the info.

I was just looking at the new Comcast lineup and it appears they are taking away a bunch of movie channels from my Digital Classic tier. I hate these monopolistic jerks. You tell me when was the last time Comcast ever went down in price and gave you more channels?

What a terrible blood sucking company.

I'm confused. Is there a difference between Digital Classic and Digital Starter? I've been on Digital Classic for the last 3 years (I don't think there was a Digital Starter when I signed up). When I go to there site now I'm only seeing a digital starter package and then the digital preferred packages (no digital classic). The Digital Starter is listed as: Promotional Rate is $33.00/month for 3 month(s), ongoing price is $53.25/month. I currently pay 52.25 for Basic Cable + 14.99 for Digital CLassic...which is 67.24...does this mean digital starter is $14 cheaper a month?

As far as I can tell, Digital Starter is for those people who need a digital box because one of their analog channels got moved to digital. It doesn't include any of the channels over 119, except for the HD channels that are being added tomorrow, and Movieplex.

There is still a Digital Classic, because it is available on the package selector in the Channel Lineup page. It has channels in the 120-273 range, excluding channels in the higher tiers.

As far as I can tell, Digital Starter is for those people who need a digital box because one of their analog channels got moved to digital. It doesn't include any of the channels over 119, except for the HD channels that are being added tomorrow, and Movieplex.

There is still a Digital Classic, because it is available on the package selector in the Channel Lineup page. It has channels in the 120-273 range, excluding channels in the higher tiers.

The only channels I really watch are the HD Locals (104-113) + ESPN HD, ESPN 2 HD, MOJO/FSN HD and TNT HD...so with the channels moving, digital starter would get me all those for $14 less a month then digital classic, correct? Unless I'm missing something...

Thanks.

I was looking forward to catch the Sonics game tonight (I'm still a fan, what can I say? :)) but when I try to play the recording back, all I hear is audio, the video is blank. This is the second consecutive game that's happened. Anyone having the same problem?

I called Comcast and the CSR told me, get this, "use your VCR" to record the games because Mojo has the rights to black out the games.

Is this true!!!!?

I was looking forward to catch the Sonics game tonight (I'm still a fan, what can I say? :)) but when I try to play the recording back, all I hear is audio, the video is blank. This is the second consecutive game that's happened. Anyone having the same problem?

I called Comcast and the CSR told me, get this, "use your VCR" to record the games because Mojo has the rights to black out the games.

Is this true!!!!? Don't know...I watched the game did not record it ...It came through fine, why would the recording be blecked out?...also 1:30 am Pac Time...no new channels

I'm in an even more confusing predicament, since I am on "Digital Gold" because I have been with Comcast since they took over AT&T here in Seattle and was with AT&T since they went live in my area back in the 1980s.

I get all of the analog channels, plus most of the digitals between 100-276, and then a good chunk of the 500's and the music channels. What I do not get are the "Foreign Language" channels added a few years back nor the premium subscription services (HBO, SHO, STARZ).

So I am guessing since I get every one of the SD feeds, I am going to get the HD feeds when they turn on. ESPNHD is still on 174 and neither Tivo nor my Comcast box see any of the new HD channels, so I guess they have not yet been activated.

They are on at 6am in South King County. sam

I'm in an even more confusing predicament, since I am on "Digital Gold" because I have been with Comcast since they took over AT&T here in Seattle and was with AT&T since they went live in my area back in the 1980s.


In the past, if you had an old package, you wouldn't get access to anything new until you called in and converted. Sometimes they do this automatically - I had Digital Platinum, and now my bill says Digital Premier.

At 6:30am, two of the new channels had upconverted SD programs and two had stretched SD programs. Lovely.

That's not Comcast's fault; that's the provider's fault.

I noticed that the History HD channel was showing something different than the standard History SD channel. Are we not receiving the West Coast feed for this?

Also, TiVo isn't aware of these channels yet. They didn't send an alert message like they normally do. However, they are in the channel list but without channel tag or any guide information. You have to add them manually.

These channels do not have the same programming as their Standard Def names. USA shows nothing like the normal USA, either does A&E or History. If they showed the same programming as the standard def channel then they would have NO HD to show or very little.

Well, the new channels were on my system in West Seattle this morning.

So let's see....next time we get more HD channels (and for heaven's sake one of them better be FoodNetwork HD) will be.....hmm.....I'm gonna say November 2008.

Even though they'll say, "First Quarter of 2008!"

Well, the new channels were on my system in West Seattle this morning.

So let's see....next time we get more HD channels (and for heaven's sake one of them better be FoodNetwork HD) will be.....hmm.....I'm gonna say November 2008.

Even though they'll say, "First Quarter of 2008!"

Haven't you guys figured it out yet.

Comcast will say they will add 50 new channels in hd next year. They will all be on demand.

I don't consider any of the on demand stuff hd channels. For one it is not as good as quality as the channels. The on demand stuff is compressed and not true hd. It is hd lite.

I have two tivos and I can't use on demand. Thank god I have two hd dvd players. That keeps me busy. The only channels I watch on comcast are the locals and espn and espn2 anyway.

Comcast is a fat pig.

Haven't you guys figured it out yet.

Comcast will say they will add 50 new channels in hd next year. They will all be on demand.

I don't consider any of the on demand stuff hd channels. For one it is not as good as quality as the channels...

I don't consider those to be HD channels either.

That's not Comcast's fault; that's the provider's fault.
Comcast's "fault" is adding new HD channels that have very little HD, which appears to be the case with these four.

Comcast's "fault" is adding new HD channels that have very little HD, which appears to be the case with these four.

Sheesh. New HD channels get added and people go right back to complaining. Sure, the addition of these channels might not have cured cancer or brought John Coltrane back to life but at least it's a step in the right direction.

When selecting the HD menu, USA-HD doesn't show up for me, just like ESPN2 still doesn't after all this time. I realize USA isn't showing any HD right now but either are a lot of other channels that show up in the HD menu. Are they ever going to fix this?

Sheesh. New HD channels get added and people go right back to complaining. Sure, the addition of these channels might not have cured cancer or brought John Coltrane back to life but at least it's a step in the right direction.
I'd pay extra if they could bring Trane back...

I'd pay extra if they could bring Trane back...

I'd be willing to endure an hour of back-to-back Comcast Housemates commercials for that.

Sheesh. New HD channels get added and people go right back to complaining. Sure, the addition of these channels might not have cured cancer or brought John Coltrane back to life but at least it's a step in the right direction.

Yes, I am very happy to finally have some new HD additions. These channels are fairly new and I'm sure more HD content will eventually come. I just wish A&E and History would stop stretching their non-HD content.

Thanks to Comcast for finally upgrading us. Keep em coming.

Happy to hear the channels are up. :)

I'm looking forward to seeing this channels too. So are they west coast feeds, or east coast feeds like TNT-HD is? also, anyone know if these channels now have HD on-demand content?

i'm glad to have these 4 new HD channels. hopefully comcast doesn't get too complacent and take too long to add more though (i won't hold my breath). HD really spoils you. after watching HD for the past couple of years, i barely watch SD anymore. ofcourse it doesn't help that SD looks worse on the flat panels than they did on my old sony CRT.

Looks like they are east coast feeds - don't know if west coast feed even exists for th hd version of the channels

I use a CC on a Sony HD-PVR. The listings have not updated yet(TVGOS).
Would someone please post the new HD channel info?
TIA:)

670 A&E HD Eastern simulcast of 52 A&E SD
671 Hist HD Eastern simulcast of 37 Hist SD
672 USA HD Eastern simulcast of 58 USA SD
673 NGC HD is on the same time schedule as 273 NGC SD

Here they are from an earlier post:

Comcast notice just received relative to the new HD channels on 12/6:

670 - A&E
671 - History
672 - USA
673 - National Geographic

I see all 4 new ones listed but for some reason NGCHD says I'm not authorized to view it even though the other ones work fine. Any ideas?

Sheesh. New HD channels get added and people go right back to complaining. Sure, the addition of these channels might not have cured cancer or brought John Coltrane back to life but at least it's a step in the right direction.

Sorry, Reference. I also welcome any new HD content. But, that was a reality check first thing this morning. There isn't going to be much HD on these new channels. USA-HD was airing Law & Order in stretched SD. That show's been produced in HD for quite awhile.

If bandwidth prevents Comcast from adding more HD, I would prefer they not waste it.

I'd pay extra if they could bring Trane back...

Don't worry you will pay extra, but not get Trane back. :D

Hey, I'm with you guys. I would much prefer that we get new channels that are dedicated to HD rather than just HD simulcasts that also has some limited HD content. And, as ABHD points out, there is certainly more HD content to come.

In fact, I think that's the crux of the issue, too. All of this is inevitable. It's not an 'if'; it's just a matter of 'when'. Personally, I'd rather see more uncompressed HD broadcasts over new HD channels. Make all HD broadcasts look as good as NFL Network's broadcast of the Cowboys/Packers game (acknowledging the differences in resolution, of course) and I'll be a happy guy.

A bunch of HD content all compressed to hell and looking shoddy isn't, in my opinion, much better than a bunch of SD content.

I see all 4 new ones listed but for some reason NGCHD says I'm not authorized to view it even though the other ones work fine. Any ideas?

NGC-HD may require Digital Classic, since NGC-SD does.

Also, TiVo isn't aware of these channels yet. They didn't send an alert message like they normally do. However, they are in the channel list but without channel tag or any guide information. You have to add them manually.

I went to Tivo.com and filled on the form, asking Tivo to add the channel/schedule information. I got 2 e-mails today, stating it will take 5 to 7 days to update their info. I expect others filled out the same form. Hopefully, Tivo will update their system soon.

Now that there are new HD channels, how do they play on QAM settings?

670 A&E HD Eastern simulcast of 52 A&E SD
671 Hist HD Eastern simulcast of 37 Hist SD
672 USA HD Eastern simulcast of 58 USA SD
673 NGC HD is on the same time schedule as 273 NGC SD
Does anyone know if there are West Coast feeds of TNTHD, USAHD, A&EHD, HistoryHD? I would be surprised in Comcast in adding East coast simulcasts if West coast simulcasts exist. At least NGCHD is on the same time schedule.

Check channel 150!
sam

Tivo is showing a blank screen for 150 (what is it?) and 673, though I still get NGC-SD on 273.

I am also now getting a blank screen on 660 (UHD) and 661 (MTV-HD), though MTV and MTV2 still work.

All the networks, plus TNTHD, Discovery Theater, and MOJO work. So do 670, 671, and 672.

150 seems to be CSPAN 3: History which I can only assume is endless near static images of people speaking in a low monotone... but from the PAST.

I live in the Magnolia area of Seattle- and I do not show the new channels (670-673) on my TiVo guide- nor can I load them by manually entering the channel. The Guide display is set to SHOW ALL. I reset the channels on the TiVo in hopes that this would force Comcast to load the new channels into the Guide.

Is anyone else experiencing this?

I live in the Magnolia area of Seattle- and I do not show the new channels (670-673) on my TiVo guide- nor can I load them by manually entering the channel. The Guide display is set to SHOW ALL. I reset the channels on the TiVo in hopes that this would force Comcast to load the new channels into the Guide.

Is anyone else experiencing this?
As of last evening, the Tivo guide did not display the show information for the new channels, but they were there and worked fine. I was able to go to the Tivo settings and add the channels so they are not skipped when I channel surf. My wife and I are Law and Order Criminal Intent fans so that looked so much better on USA-HD :) It's getting harder and harder to watch SD channels, if they'd add in the News Channels, CNN, MSNBC, and CNBC, I'd never watch SD channels at all.

BTW, I noticed that USA-HD now shows up in the HD menu listing as of today. It wasn't showing up for me yesterday. To this day, ESPN2-HD still doesn't show up when I select the HD channel menu.

...
To this day, ESPN2-HD still doesn't show up when I select the HD channel menu.

It could have something to do with the fact that both 32 and 174 are named ESPN2. It seems to do no good to point these things out to them.

Have the new channels been rolled out in all of western washington? Also, I have basic low end cable (not sure exactly what it is called) and my xbr2 picks up a few hd channels. Will I be able to access these? I know I don't get mojo or whatever FSNW HD is called. My HD channels show up as 4.1, 5.1, etc.

...
I have basic low end cable (not sure exactly what it is called) and my xbr2 picks up a few hd channels. Will I be able to access these?
...

I'm sure they're encrypted, so the answer would be no.

I live in the Magnolia area of Seattle- and I do not show the new channels (670-673) on my TiVo guide- nor can I load them by manually entering the channel. The Guide display is set to SHOW ALL. I reset the channels on the TiVo in hopes that this would force Comcast to load the new channels into the Guide.

Is anyone else experiencing this?

You have to go further into the menu. Go to Messages&Settings>Settings>channels>channel list and scroll down to 670 through 673. Highlight each channel and press select (to add channel) or thumbs up to make the channel your favorite.

In Bellevue, I was able to get Tivo to add the channel names, by sending Tivo a request. I still don't have the schedule information for the new HD channels, and will complete the Tivo form now to request such.

My wife and I are Law and Order Criminal Intent fans so that looked so much better on USA-HD :)


I agree. It was a big improment to watch LOCI in HD for the first time since they moved the new episodes to USA.

Hopefully, we get Sci-Fi HD before the new season of Battlestar Galactica, so I can watch such for the first time ever in HD.

You have to go further into the menu. Go to Messages&Settings>Settings>channels>channel list and scroll down to 670 through 673. Highlight each channel and press select (to add channel) or thumbs up to make the channel your favorite.

In Bellevue, I was able to get Tivo to add the channel names, by sending Tivo a request. I still don't have the schedule information for the new HD channels, and will complete the Tivo form now to request such.

When NFL-HD channel was added my TiVo saw that right away. Wonder why now TiVo's aren't seeing the 4 new HD's channels? I've forced a connection a couple of times today and still no channels added (I know I can add them manually, but I'd rather that the TiVo did it for me.)

When NFL-HD channel was added my TiVo saw that right away. Wonder why now TiVo's aren't seeing the 4 new HD's channels? I've forced a connection a couple of times today and still no channels added (I know I can add them manually, but I'd rather that the TiVo did it for me.)

I agree this is unusual for Tivo. This is the first channel addition in 3 yrs of owning a Tivo that the channel names and schedules were not added before the channels were added.

I agree. It was a big improment to watch LOCI in HD for the first time since they moved the new episodes to USA.

Hopefully, we get Sci-Fi HD before the new season of Battlestar Galactica, so I can watch such for the first time ever in HD.

Note that Universal HD often shows Battlestar Galactica, Firefly, etc. in HD. They are not new episodes but they are available.

I agree this is unusual for Tivo. This is the first channel addition in 3 yrs of owning a Tivo that the channel names and schedules were not added before the channels were added.

The six new channels are there if you manually tune them (138, 150, 670, 671, 672, 673), but they don't appear to have been added to the Tribune provided lineup yet, so all it says is "To Be Announced"

As of last evening, the Tivo guide did not display the show information for the new channels, but they were there and worked fine. I was able to go to the Tivo settings and add the channels so they are not skipped when I channel surf. My wife and I are Law and Order Criminal Intent fans so that looked so much better on USA-HD :) It's getting harder and harder to watch SD channels, if they'd add in the News Channels, CNN, MSNBC, and CNBC, I'd never watch SD channels at all.

Thanks so much- I tried that this morning before I posted- now the channels are there :) - and, as you said, the guide is not updated. Perhaps that will happen tonight when the TiVo checks in with thye mothership!

Thanks

Tivo is showing a blank screen for 150 (what is it?) and 673, though I still get NGC-SD on 273.

I am also now getting a blank screen on 660 (UHD) and 661 (MTV-HD), though MTV and MTV2 still work.

All the networks, plus TNTHD, Discovery Theater, and MOJO work. So do 670, 671, and 672.

Just an update.

660, 661 and 673 are now visible. All four new channels now have the channel name, but still no info. 150 says CSPAN-3 but still no pic. Mind you, no great loss if I do not get it. :)

The six new channels are there if you manually tune them (138, 150, 670, 671, 672, 673), but they don't appear to have been added to the Tribune provided lineup yet, so all it says is "To Be Announced"

What's 138? I don't see anything there (listing or tuning).

What's 138? I don't see anything there (listing or tuning).

My mistake--130: Fox Business Channel.

The six new channels are there if you manually tune them (138, 150, 670, 671, 672, 673), but they don't appear to have been added to the Tribune provided lineup yet, so all it says is "To Be Announced"

So, who is holding up the schedule? Tivo? Comcast? Tribune? Other?

Help!

Yesterday I could tune to 670-673 with my TivoHD. I did not have program listings as others have noted. However, today I can not tune in ANY HD channels, and my other channels are all messed up.

104-113 Can not be tuned
173 Does not exist
174 Can not be tuned

271 JTV instead of Discovery Times
272 QVC instead of Discovery Science
273 ? instead of National Geographic
274 Something in all spanish instead of Military Channel

549 History Channel instead of HBO-HD
574 VH1 instead of SHO-HD

660-665 Can not be tuned

I just checked my channel list on the Tivo settings and it's also showing:

104
104-7
104-10
104-11

105
105-10

107

109
109-1
109-2
109-3
109-4
109-8
109-9
109-10
109-11
109-12
109-13
109-15

I do not have an antenna. Only the cable from Comcast.

Also, all channels that are tuning incorrectly above still list what is supposed to be the correct channel on my Tivo list. And 670-673 no longer appear on the list at all.

-- edit --

I want to add that I tried redoing my Tivo channel list after posting my initial message, and after entering the initial information and then Tivo bringing up a channel to confirm if it was correct, my Tivo has since apparently locked up. That initial channel is still displayed (Hallmark on 19) with a "Please Wait...." box in the middle of the screen. This has been up for 52 minutes now.

Help!

-- edit --

I want to add that I tried redoing my Tivo channel list after posting my initial message, and after entering the initial information and then Tivo bringing up a channel to confirm if it was correct, my Tivo has since apparently locked up. That initial channel is still displayed (Hallmark on 19) with a "Please Wait...." box in the middle of the screen. This has been up for 52 minutes now.

I'm certainly no expert, but I've read a lot of posts on the tivo community forum (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/)about folks having problems with their TiVos after Comcast makes lineup changes. I'd would have repeated the Guided Setup, but since your box is locked up you probably should call TiVo support. Good luck.

TiVo-Manufactured DVR Technical Support
Phone number: 877-367-8486
Hours of operation:
Monday - Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Pacific

Help!

Yesterday I could tune to 670-673 with my TivoHD. I did not have program listings as others have noted. However, today I can not tune in ANY HD channels, and my other channels are all messed up.

104-113 Can not be tuned
173 Does not exist
174 Can not be tuned

271 JTV instead of Discovery Times
272 QVC instead of Discovery Science
273 ? instead of National Geographic
274 Something in all spanish instead of Military Channel

549 History Channel instead of HBO-HD
574 VH1 instead of SHO-HD

660-665 Can not be tuned

I just checked my channel list on the Tivo settings and it's also showing:

104
104-7
104-10
104-11

105
105-10

107

109
109-1
109-2
109-3
109-4
109-8
109-9
109-10
109-11
109-12
109-13
109-15

I do not have an antenna. Only the cable from Comcast.

Also, all channels that are tuning incorrectly above still list what is supposed to be the correct channel on my Tivo list. And 670-673 no longer appear on the list at all.

-- edit --

I want to add that I tried redoing my Tivo channel list after posting my initial message, and after entering the initial information and then Tivo bringing up a channel to confirm if it was correct, my Tivo has since apparently locked up. That initial channel is still displayed (Hallmark on 19) with a "Please Wait...." box in the middle of the screen. This has been up for 52 minutes now.

My Tivo runs fine, despite the schedule change. If I were you, I would start by re-running guided setup.

So, who is holding up the schedule? Tivo? Comcast? Tribune? Other?

I don't know who is responsible for alerting Tribune. Usually after lineup change requests have been submitted to TiVo, they forward it to Tribune and it usually takes at least three days for the change to propagate downstream. If someone notified TiVo about the change Thursday, then I would expect the lineup changes would be present on the TiVo Wednesday at the earliest.

I don't know who is responsible for alerting Tribune. Usually after lineup change requests have been submitted to TiVo, they forward it to Tribune and it usually takes at least three days for the change to propagate downstream. If someone notified TiVo about the change Thursday, then I would expect the lineup changes would be present on the TiVo Wednesday at the earliest.


I notified Tivo on Thursday.

It is probably Tribune. I use schedulesdirect.org for my mythtv program guide info and they don't have it yet, and they get their data from TMS as well. They told me TMS has been notified of the changes.

Going back to our commenting on the excellent, nearly unbelievable picture quality of the NFL Network's broadcast of the Cowboys/Packers game, I've noticed that, since the new HD networks were added, the picture quality of most other HD stations has deteriorated. I watched the NFL Network's last Thursday night game and saw pixelation; I was expecting the same quality I had seen the week before. Watching the Green Bay/Oakland game on CBS right now and you can clearly see compression noise and a serious lack of detail. FOX's NFL show also looked somewhat grainy and washed out.

Of course, I realize that there are many factors which can effect the quality of an HD broadcast beyond Comcast's bandwidth issues but if it is somehow related to the addition of new HD channels, this does not bode well for Comcast's HD offerings overall.

Not complaining, mind you; just observing.

Going back to our commenting on the excellent, nearly unbelievable picture quality of the NFL Network's broadcast of the Cowboys/Packers game, I've noticed that, since the new HD networks were added, the picture quality of most other HD stations has deteriorated. I watched the NFL Network's last Thursday night game and saw pixelation; I was expecting the same quality I had seen the week before. Watching the Green Bay/Oakland game on CBS right now and you can clearly see compression noise and a serious lack of detail. FOX's NFL show also looked somewhat grainy and washed out.

Of course, I realize that there are many factors which can effect the quality of an HD broadcast beyond Comcast's bandwidth issues but if it is somehow related to the addition of new HD channels, this does not bode well for Comcast's HD offerings overall.

Not complaining, mind you; just observing.

I have observed the same thing... not in any scientific way. Just hoping it was a coincidence...

Going back to our commenting on the excellent, nearly unbelievable picture quality of the NFL Network's broadcast of the Cowboys/Packers game, I've noticed that, since the new HD networks were added, the picture quality of most other HD stations has deteriorated. I watched the NFL Network's last Thursday night game and saw pixelation; I was expecting the same quality I had seen the week before. Watching the Green Bay/Oakland game on CBS right now and you can clearly see compression noise and a serious lack of detail. FOX's NFL show also looked somewhat grainy and washed out.

Of course, I realize that there are many factors which can effect the quality of an HD broadcast beyond Comcast's bandwidth issues but if it is somehow related to the addition of new HD channels, this does not bode well for Comcast's HD offerings overall.

Not complaining, mind you; just observing.AFAIK, Comcast still passes thru exactly what they are fed from our local network affiliates. HD Football on CBS has always suffered compression artifacts, because our local affiliate KIRO insists on using precious bandwidth for their Queene Anne tower cam sub-channel. Nothing Comcast can do about that...

Anyone notice that the Comcast Guide is not listing the New England/Pittsburgh game?

Anyone notice that the Comcast Guide is not listing the New England/Pittsburgh game?

It would conflict with the Seahawks' home game, which is an NFL (not Comcast) no-no.

664 MOJO lists a couple of College Basketball game in HD from 2:30-4:30 and 4:30-6:30. I'm going to be away from the house and would like to record these, but I've done the same thing in the past only to find something else recorded.

Any chance these game will actually be aired as listed?

I'm using HDHomerun and the new channels do not seem to be showing up after a few scans. Could someone pleae post the QAM channels? I may be missing something. Thanks

I'm using HDHomerun and the new channels do not seem to be showing up after a few scans. Could someone pleae post the QAM channels? I may be missing something. Thanks

The new HD channels are probably encrypted.

The new HD channels are probably encrypted.

Ah. Thanks. I missed that. I thought they were in the clear.

Has anyone figured out for sure if we are getting an east coast feed for A&EHD? The two A&E channels do appear to be showing different programs at the same time, so I'm assuming that's the reason. I just want to make sure that the guide is correct so that I can record a couple shows.

Has anyone figured out for sure if we are getting an east coast feed for A&EHD? The two A&E channels do appear to be showing different programs at the same time, so I'm assuming that's the reason. I just want to make sure that the guide is correct so that I can record a couple shows.

SOmeone wrote a page or two back that it was the East Coast Feed. I assume this is correct because the HD channel is 3 hours ahead of the SD channel.

TNT-HD and History Channel HD are East Coast, so it would not surprise me if A&E-HD is, as well.

I was reading TVPredictions.com and came across this:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcasthd120907.htm

I wonder if that's going to happen here as well or if the channels that came on December 6th were all for the year.

Doubtful. I wouldn't expect any more new HD channels this year. We'll be lucky to get the same one's everyone else has by this time next year...

The new HD channels are probably encrypted.

One South County person receives the new ones in the clear except for National Geo on a QAM set. I forgot to ask about ESPN HD. Of course, this could be a mistake. I really want to know what is going on. sam

One South County person receives the new ones in the clear except for National Geo on a QAM set. I forgot to ask about ESPN HD. Of course, this could be a mistake. I really want to know what is going on. sam

a while back I used to get ESPNHD via QAM. Not in any recent scans (haven't scanned in months) and I didn't even bother checking for the new stations. If someone confirms they can get them via QAM, then maybe I'll give it a shot. I would love to get USA-HD via QAM.

Something weird happened to me after the upgrade. The first day I had all the new channels except NG-HD. On the second day, that channel was working but TNT-HD (which I always had) said I was unathorized and MHD (which I never had before) showed up.

CableCard issue:

Background info: Had Comcast extended basic cable with my HDTV and received all my network channels in HD. Then decided to get TIVO HD and was informed that I need the CableCards to get the HD programming. Got a CableCard and it was working well and everything, biggest difference was my network HD channels are now 104, 105 etc. I was also now paying a dollar more for their Digital Starter Package. Last week my buddy informed me that Comcast added new HD channels and that all HD channels (USA HD, ESPN HD) were now part of the Digital Starter Package. I didn’t see them so I called Comcast and they send the signal to my card and now have them.

Issue: I now have the channels except two. I’m suppose to have TNTHD and NGHD which only shows a black screen when I tune to them. All the other HD channels work around them but those two channels. I’ve called Comcast numerous times and they’ve repaired and initialized my card many times. I’ve also returned and received a new M-card. They say now they are going to send a tech out to help me. What the heck is the tech going to do? Are there any ideas why this isn’t working? I think it’s Comcasts end not my end. I have all the channels around them but the TNT and NGHD. Any ideas? What’s the tech going to do besides restart my TIVO and reinstall the cards. Any ideas? The only thing I can think of is that they forgot to add TNTHD and NGHD into the “Digital Starter Package” so when they send the signal for Digital Starter it’s not including TNTHD.

Thanks!
oh yea, looks like TIVO is slowly sending out info for the new channels. I now show the name of the channels but still no show data.

You will not get National Geographic HD on 673 because you don't subscribe to the package (Digital Classic) that includes National Geographic SD on 273. As for TNT HD, that has been Digital Classic in the past, but I believe it should be authorized now for Digital Starter so maybe someone else with your package should verify that one.

You will not get National Geographic HD on 673 because you don't subscribe to the package (Digital Classic) that includes National Geographic SD on 273. As for TNT HD, that has been Digital Classic in the past, but I believe it should be authorized now for Digital Starter so maybe someone else with your package should verify that one.

I thought all the HD channels on digital classic were moving to Digital starter.

CableCard issue:

Background info: Had Comcast extended basic cable with my HDTV and received all my network channels in HD. Then decided to get TIVO HD and was informed that I need the CableCards to get the HD programming. Got a CableCard and it was working well and everything, biggest difference was my network HD channels are now 104, 105 etc. I was also now paying a dollar more for their Digital Starter Package. Last week my buddy informed me that Comcast added new HD channels and that all HD channels (USA HD, ESPN HD) were now part of the Digital Starter Package. I didn’t see them so I called Comcast and they send the signal to my card and now have them.

Issue: I now have the channels except two. I’m suppose to have TNTHD and NGHD which only shows a black screen when I tune to them. All the other HD channels work around them but those two channels. I’ve called Comcast numerous times and they’ve repaired and initialized my card many times. I’ve also returned and received a new M-card. They say now they are going to send a tech out to help me. What the heck is the tech going to do? Are there any ideas why this isn’t working? I think it’s Comcasts end not my end. I have all the channels around them but the TNT and NGHD. Any ideas? What’s the tech going to do besides restart my TIVO and reinstall the cards. Any ideas? The only thing I can think of is that they forgot to add TNTHD and NGHD into the “Digital Starter Package” so when they send the signal for Digital Starter it’s not including TNTHD.

Thanks!
oh yea, looks like TIVO is slowly sending out info for the new channels. I now show the name of the channels but still no show data.

He will likey check the cable card screen and read some numbers back to a comcast tech. Yes, this is something you probably could do yourself, but Comcast likes to send out the $15 roll.

As for the channel data, I've had that since last week.

Any tivo S3 or HD users getting guide data for the new channels yet??

Any tivo S3 or HD users getting guide data for the new channels yet??

Not yet.

The new HD channels are probably encrypted.

As of last night, most of the channels were NOT encrypted and found them at 670-673 (and a few other spots) on my cable card. I did not have time to figure out what each channel was, though I thought one was History HD. I guess they could turn encryption on soon?

Since they are on cable card, I assume my other TV with QAM but no cable card should also be able to view them if I can locate them? Anyone figured out where on QAM they are?