i had a weird thing happen last night that i was hoping somebody might be able to explain.
i just bought a samsung lnt 4065f. it's my first hd display. i don't watch a lot of tv, so i'm planning on using an antenna to get whatever OTA signals i can pick up rather than paying for hd cable. hooking up regular rabbit ears, i've been able to get king, komo and kiro, as well as some other digital channels.
but, i somehow get free regular cable in the apartment i live in (no cable box or anything, just a jack in the wall). last night, i plugged the regular cable in and started the auto program on the tv. i interrupted it while it was going through the process of deleting the scrambled channels and was flipping through the stations really quick when i noticed that i was getting the local hd stations - i could see 4.1, 5.1, 7.1, 9.x (i forget the exact number) but not 13.1, which i thought was a little strange. I unplugged the indoor antenna that i had already hooked up to make sure that i wasn't getting those channels because of that, and they were still there. Within a few minutes, though, 5.1 and 7.1 had disappeared. I still had 4.1 this morning, but could get the others.
So, was this a total fluke that got me local channels in hd for a few minutes, or is there some possibility that my free cable also includes free hd channels?

The FCC requires cable companies to provide local HD channels at no additional charge, so yes they are there. Not sure why they "disappeared" Rather than relying on your TV doing the scan, manually select them on the remote and see if they show up.

The FCC requires cable companies to provide local HD channels at no additional charge, so yes they are there. Not sure why they "disappeared" Rather than relying on your TV doing the scan, manually select them on the remote and see if they show up.

ahh... i wasn't aware of that - thanks for the fast reply. this is good news!

ahh... i wasn't aware of that - thanks for the fast reply. this is good news!

Enter your ZIP code at this site and it will indicate which unencrypted cable (qam) and OTA (8vsb) channels may be available to you:
http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels

I'm watching the AZ versus Stanford game tonight and I noticed this the other night on a FSN game as well. They are broadcasting the game on the MOJO station 664, but the broadcast is horrible. It seems like every other frame is blurry. I've noticed this on two different HD televisions. Does anyone else see this, or know why this happens?

Looks like Comcast just pushed a firmware update (18.34).

Per http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firmware_and_Software#DCH-3416

its a known bug with software version 18.34...Jeez

The front DVR Record lights no longer function, although the LED will still show REC when a recording tuner is selected.

Looks like Comcast just pushed a software update .

The front DVR Record lights no longer function, although the LED will still show REC when a recording tuner is selected.

I saw this problem with the last 2 shows I recorded last night and tonight. I thought it wasn't recording the shows, but it shows up in my dvr recordings.

I saw this problem with the last 2 shows I recorded last night and tonight. I thought it wasn't recording the shows, but it shows up in my dvr recordings.


Call Comcast and log the issue.

The more of us that call the faster they may be to fix it.

When I called the person I talked to said he has logged several other users that mentioned the same thing.

Here's what were getting in March.

Animal Planet
Discovery Channel (Mirrors the actual channel, we will continue to have Discovery HD Theather)
TLC
Home & Garden
Sci Fi

I would like to get CNN-HD before the conventions and election this year.

After visiting my family in Louisiana for Christmas and seeing the HD they get for less than I pay, that won't be enough to keep me satisfied. Food Network, Travel Channel, TBS... Comcast has a lot of catching up to do in addition to the channels you listed.

Not to mention I keep getting this "temporarily unavailable" error most of the time on A&E HD and USA HD... TNT HD gets the error pretty often too.

I hate Comcast. I wish I was in a building that'd let me get satellite... or there were another cable provider in my area.

After visiting my family in Louisiana for Christmas and seeing the HD they get for less than I pay, that won't be enough to keep me satisfied. Food Network, Travel Channel, TBS... Comcast has a lot of catching up to do in addition to the channels you listed.

Not to mention I keep getting this "temporarily unavailable" error most of the time on A&E HD and USA HD... TNT HD gets the error pretty often too.

I hate Comcast. I wish I was in a building that'd let me get satellite... or there were another cable provider in my area.

Check your signal levels on those channels. Poor signal can cause some of that. Tighten your connections and remove any splitters as a test.

can anyone here in the Seattle area who is using a Comcast HD set-top box tell me which boxes they are and whether or not they have firewire output for recording? do these boxes use the 5c flag, or can premium content be recorded? has anyone managed to get one of these boxes working with a HTPC? if so, what front-end are you using?

thanks in advance!

Any idea if there will be an additional charge for these channels? with my analog cable, and free cablecard, I currently get about 15 HD channels included...

Hey Arf, out of curiosity, what are the 15 HD channels that you are currently receiving??

I've got a Tivo S3 and have had fits with audio delay particularly watching HD Chanels CBS & ABC (107 & 104). A few on Tivo forums mentioned using the new MultiStream cards (where you only need one card for two tuners) fixed this problem.

I'm a bit confused by the fact that some (on this forum) don't see the delay. It's like watching a 60's badly dubbed movie for me. Anyone have a clue why some see it and others don't.

I've got a Tivo S3 and have had fits with audio delay particularly watching HD Chanels CBS & ABC (107 & 104). A few on Tivo forums mentioned using the new MultiStream cards (where you only need one card for two tuners) fixed this problem.

I'm a bit confused by the fact that some (on this forum) don't see the delay. It's like watching a 60's badly dubbed movie for me. Anyone have a clue why some see it and others don't.

I recall reading some of the problems at tivocommunity.com a while back. If I recall correctly, the receiver was a common problem, and a new Onkyo model(one that otherwise got great reviews) was a common culpret (slow converting digital audio). Sonys and Denons were recomended the most. I have a Sony ES, which got great reviews too, but think Denons sound much better.

I've got a Tivo S3 and have had fits with audio delay particularly watching HD Chanels CBS & ABC (107 & 104). A few on Tivo forums mentioned using the new MultiStream cards (where you only need one card for two tuners) fixed this problem.

I'm a bit confused by the fact that some (on this forum) don't see the delay. It's like watching a 60's badly dubbed movie for me. Anyone have a clue why some see it and others don't.

A MultiStream card is essential. I couldn't even get my TiVoHD to work with Comcast at all until I finally worked it out after a few hours with a on-site tech and several hundred calls to a variety of nameless specialists hidden in secret Comcast bunkers throughout the midwest.

And remember that, no matter what they tell you, you only need one card, not two. It handles both tuners.

My understanding is that the TiVo S3 still requires two cablecards for both tuners to work, even if one or both are multistream, but the TiVo HD only needs a single M-card.

That'd be odd because, as far as I understand it, the purpose of a Multistream card is to handle two signals from the provider in one card. Also, as far as I know, the HD and the S3 are essentially the same hardware with the S3 being THX-certified and having more storage capacity (and perhaps a few other bells and whistles).

On my TiVoHD, the gate concealing the cable card slots warns right there on the inside to only use one multistream cable card with implications of explosions and generic mayhem otherwise. I wonder if the S3 doesn't have a similar warning.

That'd be odd because, as far as I understand it, the purpose of a Multistream card is to handle two signals from the provider in one card. Also, as far as I know, the HD and the S3 are essentially the same hardware with the S3 being THX-certified and having more storage capacity (and perhaps a few other bells and whistles).

On my TiVoHD, the gate concealing the cable card slots warns right there on the inside to only use one multistream cable card with implications of explosions and generic mayhem otherwise. I wonder if the S3 doesn't have a similar warning.

Yup, S3 needs two m-cards or s-cards. One m-card won't do the trick.

My understanding is that the TiVo S3 still requires two cablecards for both tuners to work, even if one or both are multistream, but the TiVo HD only needs a single M-card.

This is correct. The S3 and HD units are different in this respect.

A MultiStream card is essential. I couldn't even get my TiVoHD to work with Comcast at all until I finally worked it out after a few hours with a on-site tech and several hundred calls to a variety of nameless specialists hidden in secret Comcast bunkers throughout the midwest.

And remember that, no matter what they tell you, you only need one card, not two. It handles both tuners.

I had problems with Comcast Cablecards recently when adding HBO. I verified that everything was "paired" and still couldn't get HBO. While searching blogs, I found that several channels require that the cable card be "validated" and paired. Once I got a Comcast CSR who knew what "validating" is, we did so quickly and HBO was working soon thereafter. For me, the shocking part was that it seems all cable cards should be "validated," but the Comcast reps want to hang up on you once your cards are "paired."

Learn something new every day.

I have taken you guys off of my Christmas card list for proving me wrong in public, though. SUFFER.

Learn something new every day.

I have taken you guys off of my Christmas card list for proving me wrong in public, though. SUFFER.

At least we won't have to worry about that for another 11 months!

I had problems with Comcast Cablecards recently when adding HBO. I verified that everything was "paired" and still couldn't get HBO. While searching blogs, I found that several channels require that the cable card be "validated" and paired. Once I got a Comcast CSR who knew what "validating" is, we did so quickly and HBO was working soon thereafter. For me, the shocking part was that it seems all cable cards should be "validated," but the Comcast reps want to hang up on you once your cards are "paired."

I think I had the same issue. They confirmed my cards worked, but I was missing a slew of channels in the 100s, 200s and 500s. They did a truck roll (fortunately free) and the tech had a rep do some magic over the phone and voila, they all worked.

can anyone here in the Seattle area who is using a Comcast HD set-top box tell me which boxes they are and whether or not they have firewire output for recording? do these boxes use the 5c flag, or can premium content be recorded? has anyone managed to get one of these boxes working with a HTPC? if so, what front-end are you using?
I'm running MythTV with Comcast DCH3200 box using firewire. I'm not subscribed to premium movie channels (HBO, Showtime, etc). All channels with the exception of History HD are working with firewire. For whatever reason, History HD is set to CCI=0x02. All the Encore channels, network HD channels, HD Theater, TNT HD, etc, show CCI=0x00. Good times!

The only irritating issue is that the DCH3200 will switch firewire node numbers at odd times. This interrupts the MPEG2 stream to my Myth box until I switch firewire ports on the 3200 or reboot both the STB and my Myth box. I'm looking for a solution but have found none yet.

FYI... if you are using MythTV, the firewire channel change utility '6200ch' works with the DCH3200 with the latest patches.

I'm running MythTV with Comcast DCH3200 box using firewire. I'm not subscribed to premium movie channels (HBO, Showtime, etc). All channels with the exception of History HD are working with firewire. For whatever reason, History HD is set to CCI=0x02. All the Encore channels, network HD channels, HD Theater, TNT HD, etc, show CCI=0x00. Good times!

The only irritating issue is that the DCH3200 will switch firewire node numbers at odd times. This interrupts the MPEG2 stream to my Myth box until I switch firewire ports on the 3200 or reboot both the STB and my Myth box. I'm looking for a solution but have found none yet.

FYI... if you are using MythTV, the firewire channel change utility '6200ch' works with the DCH3200 with the latest patches.

I run mythtv with firewire too. Almost all the channels including the premium channels used to work for me, but now many of them have 5c enabled as do many of the other stations, including the networks during football games (the 5c is disabled for other programming on the networks). So I think YMMV when it comes to 5c. I have a DCH3200 and a DCT6200. I only get the node switches when I turn my set top boxes off and on (sometimes). It doesn't require a reboot for me, just changing the node number in mythtv-setup.

Couple of changes I noticed this evening:

"Q13 Fox First Forecast Channel" that went live on OTA 18-2 is now on 111-4 w/ PSIP remap to 13-2. (Something is a bit flaky with the PSIP data, though: on a plain QAM tuner, this is on 111-4; on a PSIP-enabled QAM tuner, this is on 111-3, w/ remap to 13-2.)

The South King County PEG channels have been added channel 117 (where the City and North King County ones have been for a while): PSETV on 117-1060, Puget Sound Access on 117-1065.

I'll hold off on updating the list until I know the corresponding Comcast Channel for 111-4/13-2. I'm too lazy to do it twice.

For the 12 hockey fans in Seattle who care, the NHL Network went live today, on Channel 419, just in time for All-Star Weekend. Woo!

It's unscrambled right now...does anyone know if this is just a free preview or will this be part of the Sports tier?

KIRO has fired up the RTN network on 7.2. Will Comcast add this fine offering so we can all watch Quincy ME?

KIRO has fired up the RTN network on 7.2. Will Comcast add this fine offering so we can all watch Quincy ME?

"Get Smart" -- it's on channel 117.

"Get Smart" -- it's on channel 117.
Thanks. I ran across Quincy OTA at work. Can't wait to get home and check out 117. :rolleyes:

"Get Smart" -- it's on channel 117.

Is anyone getting the schedule information for RTN or NHL? I'm not for RTN (but did not check NHL - since I don't get it). I completed the onlinle form for Tivo to add RTN with Comcast, Trinity, etc, for my zip code (98006).

Is anyone getting the schedule information for RTN or NHL? I'm not for RTN (but did not check NHL - since I don't get it). I completed the onlinle form for Tivo to add RTN with Comcast, Trinity, etc, for my zip code (98006).

Just saw this for RTN. No guide data yet here in Lakewood. Right now they're shoing Happy Days. PQ is good for a SD channel. The following Wikipedia link has more information on this channel.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retro_Television_Network

I have guide data for 117 through February 7 in Bellevue. The channel name in the guide is KIRO2.

Using a QAM tuner does anyone have the latest channel lineup for comcast?. Thanks

Using a QAM tuner does anyone have the latest channel lineup for comcast?. Thanks

Doesn't this site anwer that question?

http://www.silicondust.com/wiki/hdhomerun/channels


Assuming this site is updated regularly?

Thank You! That is great.

I added a CableCard to my account yesterday. I can tune most of the channels, including the HD locals but none of the other HD channels. Does each CableCard need the HD package added to get the rest?

Using a QAM tuner does anyone have the latest channel lineup for comcast?. Thanks

Pastiche keeps a pretty good list updated:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12370931#post12370931

I added a CableCard to my account yesterday. I can tune most of the channels, including the HD locals but none of the other HD channels. Does each CableCard need the HD package added to get the rest?

You can get most of the HD channels by adding the digital package - not sure if its called digital starter or digital prefferred. Other HD channels are available with premium packages: HBO, SHow, Cinimax . . .

I added a CableCard to my account yesterday. I can tune most of the channels, including the HD locals but none of the other HD channels. Does each CableCard need the HD package added to get the rest?

I have a cable card with basic analog service and do NOT have a digital or HD package...and can get about 15-20 HD channels, not just the local...

It's been about a year since I put our two current Motorola 3416's into service and over the past month or two their recording capacities have gradually diminished. One of them now says the DVR is full when at 42% (as of last night) and the other goes up to about 65% before saying it is completely full. Once one of these messages pops up, nothing can be done without first deleting a show. I've already had to delete a number of shows I really wanted to see but hadn't yet had an opportunity to.

Anyway, I'd like to get a TiVoHD at some point - probably as soon as I'm convinced I would be immune to this kind of a problem. In the meantime, I've got one of the 3416's in the car to swap out at the Service Center today.

Should I get another 3416? Or is there another, possibly better choice available yet? I need the firewire for my DVHS and for archiving certain things with CapDVHS.

Thanks!

Pastiche keeps a pretty good list updated:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12370931#post12370931

Try these instead. I made the three additions I mentioned the other day. :)

...
Should I get another 3416? Or is there another, possibly better choice available yet?
...


DCH3416 is the latest.

It's been about a year since I put our two current Motorola 3416's into service and over the past month or two their recording capacities have gradually diminished. One of them now says the DVR is full when at 42% (as of last night) and the other goes up to about 65% before saying it is completely full. Once one of these messages pops up, nothing can be done without first deleting a show. I've already had to delete a number of shows I really wanted to see but hadn't yet had an opportunity to.

Anyway, I'd like to get a TiVoHD at some point - probably as soon as I'm convinced I would be immune to this kind of a problem. In the meantime, I've got one of the 3416's in the car to swap out at the Service Center today.

Should I get another 3416? Or is there another, possibly better choice available yet? I need the firewire for my DVHS and for archiving certain things with CapDVHS.

Thanks!

Every now and then this occurs with my 3416. I've taken to unplugging it for about 30 seconds and then plugging it back in. It takes about 10 minutes to get the guide back but this often gets rid of the glitches for a while. I've never lost any recorded shows but YMMV.

Art

DCH3416 is the latest.Are they basically the same? Will the same capture driver work for it that works with the DCT-3416?

Are they basically the same? Will the same capture driver work for it that works with the DCT-3416?

The firewire capture works the same for me in Linux as it does for the DCT 34xx...

It's been about a year since I put our two current Motorola 3416's into service and over the past month or two their recording capacities have gradually diminished. One of them now says the DVR is full when at 42% (as of last night) and the other goes up to about 65% before saying it is completely full. Once one of these messages pops up, nothing can be done without first deleting a show. I've already had to delete a number of shows I really wanted to see but hadn't yet had an opportunity to.

Anyway, I'd like to get a TiVoHD at some point - probably as soon as I'm convinced I would be immune to this kind of a problem. In the meantime, I've got one of the 3416's in the car to swap out at the Service Center today.

Should I get another 3416? Or is there another, possibly better choice available yet? I need the firewire for my DVHS and for archiving certain things with CapDVHS.

Thanks!
It's a software glitch. You can get more info here: http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#The_DVR_menu_erroneously_states_the_DVR_hard_drive_is_1 00.25_full

I live in the Wallingford area of north Seattle. A couple of years ago, I had a TV with QAM tuning. It worked OK, but KOMO 4 and PBS channel 9 HD channels always gave me trouble. I sold this TV and instead have used a cable box and digital subsription. But I recently bought a PCI HD tuner card that actually does QAM reception (Kworld 115.) For the most part the card works good, but I still have trouble with KOMO 4 and PBS. Same exact problem from two years ago. As far as I know, these two are subchannels of the same digital channel.

So are other people having trouble with these QAM channels? I'm going to move to Seatac in the next month, and will be going with straight cable for awhile, which my condo pays for (OTA sucks in that particular area, all I get are the religious stations in Bellevue.)

So my question, how is QAM in other parts of the Seattle area with Comcast?

I live in the Wallingford area of north Seattle. A couple of years ago, I had a TV with QAM tuning. It worked OK, but KOMO 4 and PBS channel 9 HD channels always gave me trouble. I sold this TV and instead have used a cable box and digital subsription. But I recently bought a PCI HD tuner card that actually does QAM reception (Kworld 115.) For the most part the card works good, but I still have trouble with KOMO 4 and PBS. Same exact problem from two years ago. As far as I know, these two are subchannels of the same digital channel.

So are other people having trouble with these QAM channels? I'm going to move to Seatac in the next month, and will be going with straight cable for awhile, which my condo pays for (OTA sucks in that particular area, all I get are the religious stations in Bellevue.)

So my question, how is QAM in other parts of the Seattle area with Comcast?
I'm in Eastlake and having EXACTLY the same issue. Every hd channel works great except those in the 82-* range. So no KOMO HD and no KCTS HD for me.

I'm using the internal qam tuner on a sony xbr3. I've tried bypassing my cable splitters with no improvement. If it is a signal issue, I'd be really interested to know why 85-3 and 80-10 work without any problem. I imagine they live on similar frequencies. I haven't called comcast as I just can't stand talking to them.

I get the QAM channels on 82 fine in Bellevue, so it may be a signal strength problem.

I'm in Eastlake and having EXACTLY the same issue. Every hd channel works great except those in the 82-* range. So no KOMO HD and no KCTS HD for me.

CATV Channel 82 occupies the same spectrum as OTA Channel 31, where KONG-DT lives.

Given your location, you may have ingress on the line from KONG-DT OTA interfering with KOMO-DT and KCTS-DT on cable. This is the same type of ingress that, in the analogue world, creates ghosting on channels-into-channels (4, 5, 7, etc.)

Check for loose fittings, bad coax, etc. I would likely begin by attaching the input on your tuner/TV directly to the cable drop, before any splitters, long runs, etc.

On the other hand, it could be something entirely different! But it's a good place to start.

CATV Channel 82 occupies the same spectrum as OTA Channel 31, where KONG-DT lives.

Given your location, you may have ingress on the line from KONG-DT OTA interfering with KOMO-DT and KCTS-DT on cable. This is the same type of ingress that, in the analogue world, creates ghosting on channels-into-channels (4, 5, 7, etc.)

Check for loose fittings, bad coax, etc. I would likely begin by attaching the input on your tuner/TV directly to the cable drop, before any splitters, long runs, etc.

On the other hand, it could be something entirely different! But it's a good place to start. If that is the case, when I move to Seatac, I should have no trouble because the OTA signal from KONG is terrible. So this leakage should not be a problem (fingers crossed.)

I thought one of the reasons cable went with the QAM variation is so leakage of OTA ATSC signal would not interfere with QAM HD.

As far as I know, QAM and ATSC (OTA) HD are virtually identical.

I'm in North Seattle and I have a Motorola DCT3416

I really hate the software that Comcast is currently using. Do we know how long it will be before Comcast brings a Tivo implementation to their boxes for the Seattle area?

Hi all,

I have a Panasonic tv that can tune QAM channels, and I currently have Limited Basic cable. If I upgrade to Expanded Basic, will I be able to find Discovery HD in the clear, or is it an encrypted channel? If it's in the clear, what is the channel number?

Thanks much!

AVSman -- It doesn't really matter what you upgrade to, since you won't be able to pick up any encrypted channels without a cablecard. If you can't get it now you wouldn't be able to get it by upgrading, without a cable box or cablecard.

AVSman -- It doesn't really matter what you upgrade to, since you won't be able to pick up any encrypted channels without a cablecard. If you can't get it now you wouldn't be able to get it by upgrading, without a cable box or cablecard.

Thanks for the reply!

I was hoping that it was in the range of frequencies currently being blocked by the Limited Basic filter on my cable line, and that I would be able to tune it once I upgraded to Expanded Basic. So you are saying that Discovery HD is an encrypted channel? Are all non-local HD channels encrypted? (I was hoping there would be a few more I would be able to tune, if the filter was removed.)

...So you are saying that Discovery HD is an encrypted channel? Are all non-local HD channels encrypted? (I was hoping there would be a few more I would be able to tune, if the filter was removed.)Yep. Unless you're lucky & Comcast has screwed up your neighborhood settings - only local HD channels are transmitted in the clear (as required by FCC). Pretty much everything else is encrypted.

Also keep in mind we currently get "Discovery HD Theater" (with digital subscription) which is a separate channel from "The Discovery Channel" with different programming (more nature/scenic HD stuff, less Mythbusters). It's not just a HD simulcast of the channel you get with Limited Basic.

Thanks so much for the replies! Now I understand.

I'm in North Seattle and I have a Motorola DCT3416

I really hate the software that Comcast is currently using. Do we know how long it will be before Comcast brings a Tivo implementation to their boxes for the Seattle area?

Anyone have an idea on the question above? Thx.

I really hate the software that Comcast is currently using. Do we know how long it will be before Comcast brings a Tivo implementation to their boxes for the Seattle area?

I have been following the New Hampshire/Massachusetts ComcastTivo roll-out thread and they're still having a slew of problems downloading it onto the boxes themselves as well as getting all the features and functionality to work.

So I expect a few more months, at least, of testing before they start the larger roll-out. I figured it would be 2-3 years for Seattle so I bought the TivoHD with a 3-year contract.

Vanns.com has the TiVoHD on sale at $250 each. It looks like it only has the 160GB HD and has no firewire output for my JVC 40k DVHS VCR, but I placed an order for two of them anyway.

Overall, I've been pretty satisfied with the Comcast DVRs but didn't like paying so much for something so buggy that requires me to record everything twice in order to start viewing on one TV and finish viewing on another (I realize I'll only be able to use the Room-to-Room feature on non CCI=2 programs, but at least that should help some). I've also grown accustomed to browsing the guide and setting recordings while viewing a program and it seems as though the TiVoHD doesn't allow this.

Am I going to regret my decision and wish that I had kept at least one of the Comcast DVR's?

Am I going to regret my decision and wish that I had kept at least one of the Comcast DVR's?

I certainly haven't. I was willing to wait it out for ComcastTivo with the MSE software, but three days into iGuide/SARA I was using TivoHD because the new software was unusable.

Mind you, I don't use PPV or OnDemand, so neither service weighed in favor of keeping the Comcast unit. And my monthly bill went down about $8 a month, to boot.

Yep. Unless you're lucky & Comcast has screwed up your neighborhood settings - only local HD channels are transmitted in the clear (as required by FCC). Pretty much everything else is encrypted.

Also keep in mind we currently get "Discovery HD Theater" (with digital subscription) which is a separate channel from "The Discovery Channel" with different programming (more nature/scenic HD stuff, less Mythbusters). It's not just a HD simulcast of the channel you get with Limited Basic.

What's intresting is that I did a scan tonight of the QAM channels, and it appears Discovery Channel HD is available in Everett at 124-1. It's airing the Discovery eastern time zone lineup, and appears to be in HD.

What's intresting is that I did a scan tonight of the QAM channels, and it appears Discovery Channel HD is available in Everett at 124-1. It's airing the Discovery eastern time zone lineup, and appears to be in HD. Interesting. I read that we're supposed to get Discovery HD simulcast in March. If it were un-encrypted, it would make some sense, because it would mirror getting Discovery with limited basic cable.

What's intresting is that I did a scan tonight of the QAM channels, and it appears Discovery Channel HD is available in Everett at 124-1. It's airing the Discovery eastern time zone lineup, and appears to be in HD.

I hope we get this soon. :) There's nothing active (even encrypted) above 121 on Comcast Seattle (at least on my node.)

I have been following the New Hampshire/Massachusetts ComcastTivo roll-out thread and they're still having a slew of problems downloading it onto the boxes themselves as well as getting all the features and functionality to work.

So I expect a few more months, at least, of testing before they start the larger roll-out. I figured it would be 2-3 years for Seattle so I bought the TivoHD with a 3-year contract.

Nausicaa - what tivo model did you end up going with? do you have any problems with the software? I assume they update their software fairly frequently?

Nausicaa - what tivo model did you end up going with? do you have any problems with the software? I assume they update their software fairly frequently?

I have the TivoHD. I had a few issues setting up the multi-stream cable card with it not getting some channels, but it looked like it was a configuration issue on Comcast's end and it was quickly covered.

We did get a recent major update that added some new features (Amazon Unbox and such) and as Comcast adds channels the Tivo service picks them up at the same time. There was a major issue with Tivo updating the guide data for the last big HD push we had (NGC, USA, etc.) with them taking some three weeks to populate the guide data, but new channel adds seem to get the guide data immediately so perhaps that last snafu forced Tivo to be a bit more proactive.

Interesting. I read that we're supposed to get Discovery HD simulcast in March. If it were un-encrypted, it would make some sense, because it would mirror getting Discovery with limited basic cable.

Wow! I hope we do get Discovery HD in March. Do you remember where you saw this information?

Wow! I hope we do get Discovery HD in March. Do you remember where you saw this information?Yes - it was a post right here, about 3 or 4 pages back. From "coachv" I think...

Yes - it was a post right here, about 3 or 4 pages back. From "coachv" I think...

:o Doh! Thanks. I guess that's what the big SEARCH button is for, huh? :)

What's up with the ghosting in the image on KOMO 4 news (Comcast channel 104)? Is anyone else seeing this? It's most visible in the graphics, but it exists in the whole picture. Here's an example from tonight:

http://dogcow.org/tmp/myspace-images/20080128-IMG_4127.jpg

Especially look at the vertical edges of the "4."

I haven't noticed this on any other channels, or even on other shows on KOMO. I'm watching on a Sharp LC-52D92U (52" LCD) with a TiVo Series3.

does anyone know whats wrong with usa hd and a&e hd, they have been down for a couple of days.

Re: KOMO-DT News "Ghosting"

I don't know the whole story, but here are some items that could contribute to what you are seeing.

KOMO news productions are really widescreen 480i (or p?) upconverted by them to transmit over their HD channel at 720p.

Depending on how you have your cable box and HDTV set up, there could be some more resolution conversions taking place. For example, if your receiver is set for 1080i output always, then it is converting the 720p to 1080i for output over HDMI or component video. If your TV has a native resolution other than 1080i (or p), then another conversion takes place within the TV to map 1080i to the native resolution.

Artifacts that sometimes look like ringing and ghosting can creep into the signal path in a variety oy ways and places.

When I watch the "HD" local news on KIRO, on all of my HDTVs (one rear-projection CRT, one DLP and one direct-view LCD) I see severe ringing (like repeated little echos of vertical lines to the right of the original object, similar to what is showing in your photo above), especially on their feeds from outside the studio. KIRO-DT news is also widescreen 480i (or p?), upconverted to 1080i for transmission over their HD channel.

I don't know for sure where those artifacts come from, but since I see them on 3 different HDTVs with 3 different display technologies, I suspect they come from somewhere upstream from me.

With our HDTVs, we can now see artifacts that may have been masked in the past by the analog TV transmission systems and TVs.

KING-DT HD news is actually true 1080i HD in the studio. Their remote feeds (field cameras) appear to be widescreen 480i (or p). I don't see artifacts on KING-DT HD news unless I get very close to the screen (far closer than a recommended viewing distance).

Thanks Budget_HT. That makes sense. Just for the heck of it, I recorded a couple of minutes of last night's 11PM KOMO news and grabbed a frame directly from the recorded mpeg. The artifacts show there too, so it's definitely in the signal I'm receiving, not something from upscaling on my side.


http://dogcow.org/tmp/myspace-images/vlcsnap-3740875.jpg


Oh well...

does anyone know whats wrong with usa hd and a&e hd, they have been down for a couple of days.

Both of these channels have been working for me the past couple of days.

I did have a problem a while back where I didn't get MYQ 110 for a long time. That problem was finally fixed by Comcast replacing the cable from the street to my house. Apparently it had been damaged somehow from either landscaping or Verizon Fios installation;).

Hey guys,

Ive had Comcast HD over the past year or so. But DirecTV boasts of upto 90 HD channels compared to Comcast's handful HD channels. The cost is approx. the same +/- $10/ month. So, why is everybody not switching from Comcast to DirecTv? What am I missing?

Thanks.

Hey guys,

Ive had Comcast HD over the past year or so. But DirecTV boasts of upto 90 HD channels compared to Comcast's handful HD channels. The cost is approx. the same +/- $10/ month. So, why is everybody not switching from Comcast to DirecTv? What am I missing?

Thanks.

Well, Comcast's argument is that you can see more HD at any given moment by watching HD movies or shows On Demand. Personally, I don't buy it, and I prefer would more HD channels, since I don't really use On Demand that much. I really am considering switching one of these days if Comcast doesn't start stepping up.

Hey guys,

Ive had Comcast HD over the past year or so. But DirecTV boasts of upto 90 HD channels compared to Comcast's handful HD channels. The cost is approx. the same +/- $10/ month. So, why is everybody not switching from Comcast to DirecTv? What am I missing?

Thanks.

Some reasons for some people:

Upfront cost of equipment for multiple rooms
DVR/STB lock-in (No HD via Tivo or HTPCs, need a box to watch any channel on any tv)
Discount on voice and Internet that some people receive with comcast
Unable to get DirecTV signal
Not all the locals are available in HD with DirecTV in some areas.
Contract lock-in


Numbers 1 and 2 are my main reasons.

For the hell of it, I checked 124 with my QAM tuner and found Discovery HD on 124-3 in the clear. Looks great!! It's coming soon. I doubt we will wait until March if they already have it on.

For the hell of it, I checked 124 with my QAM tuner and found Discovery HD on 124-3 in the clear. Looks great!! It's coming soon. I doubt we will wait until March if they already have it on.

I can't get it on the eastside...
Is it identical programming to regular Discovery?,

I can't get it on the eastside...
Is it identical programming to regular Discovery?,

Pretty sure it's the east coast feed. It is Discovery though and not HD Theatre.

Pretty sure it's the east coast feed. It is Discovery though and not HD Theatre.

you're sure it's 124-3, and what part of town are you in?

you're sure it's 124-3, and what part of town are you in?

Yep, just checked again. I'm in Mountlake Terrace, just north of Seattle. Somebody in Everett found it at 124-1. That's why I looked around.

Yep, just checked again. I'm in Mountlake Terrace, just north of Seattle. Somebody in Everett found it at 124-1. That's why I looked around.

I do not think Discovery HD is even "officially" offered ...If anyone can view it with there box or cable card, please advise what channel number...

Discovery HDT (663) isn't working for me as of right now. I'm in redmond.

Is anybody else having problems with this channel?

It was dead a good part of the day but it is back now. I'm successfully recording "Accident Investigator" on it now.

I ordered a TiVo HD (3 months free service was too good to resist) so I need a CableCard. When I drop off my cable box tonight can I expect they'll just hand one over? Or will I have to schedule an at-home appt to do the same thing (pop the card in and make a phone call) that I can do myself faster and easier?

I ordered a TiVo HD (3 months free service was too good to resist) so I need a CableCard. When I drop off my cable box tonight can I expect they'll just hand one over? Or will I have to schedule an at-home appt to do the same thing (pop the card in and make a phone call) that I can do myself faster and easier?

They handed 2 cards to me when I did the same 1.5 years ago for my S3. Comcast can pair the card(s) but will not be able to "validate" such. All of the channels may or may not work without being "validated." In either case, I would call Comcast tech support and say, "I reasearched my unit online, and all the blogs are telling me my cablecards need to be 'validated.'" For me, this bypassed the need for a truck roll and got all the channels working perfectly.

Am I going to regret my decision and wish that I had kept at least one of the Comcast DVR's?I certainly haven't. I was willing to wait it out for ComcastTivo with the MSE software, but three days into iGuide/SARA I was using TivoHD because the new software was unusable.

Mind you, I don't use PPV or OnDemand, so neither service weighed in favor of keeping the Comcast unit. And my monthly bill went down about $8 a month, to boot.We rarely use PPV or OnDemand ourselves, so we'll likely deploy both TiVoHD's, but for now we'll probably retain one of the Comcast DVRs for its firewire and the rare occasion we may wish to use PPV or OnDemand.

Having entered the DVR world in early 2002 with 3 lifetime ReplayTVs, I'm wondering if TiVo has any kind of lifetime service plan. Perhaps a "competitive conversion" policy? What's the best I can do for activating these two TiVoHDs?

At this point, I don't imagine that we'll ever cut out cable, but if I were to do so, might there be any consideration for people who need local OTA guide data only?

If you just want a comcast box for firewire or PPV/OnDemand you can get non DVR digital box. That's what I use for OnDemand and firewire. Costs less...

Just curious if anyone else had the horrible lip sync I experienced watching Lost in HD last night. I've seen more subtle issues before that just annoyed me but Lost was so far off, the lips stopped moving before I'd hear any sound. It was like a bad joke. I watched it through a Tivo S3 but I'm hoping other folks using HD may have seen something similar (or even if not, that information would be useful).

Just curious if anyone else had the horrible lip sync I experienced watching Lost in HD last night. I've seen more subtle issues before that just annoyed me but Lost was so far off, the lips stopped moving before I'd hear any sound. It was like a bad joke. I watched it through a Tivo S3 but I'm hoping other folks using HD may have seen something similar (or even if not, that information would be useful).

No sound problems here. I watched through a TivoS3. I'm using component out with digital optical to a Sony ES receiver.

Just curious if anyone else had the horrible lip sync I experienced watching Lost in HD last night.

It was out of sync for me on the live broadcast. I had to stop watching.

Did anyone have video dropouts on UHD last night?

I had some pixel problems with Lost, but no sound issues.

I noticed that on Lost as well. It threw me for a loop at first as I used to have a Vizio LCD that had a permanent lip sync issue and was afraid that was what was happening again. On the other hand I thought the image was much cleaner than last season. Hope they can fix the audio issue.

This audio/lip sync issue has been around for years since digital started. It is inherent in the design of the systems being used because the video and audio are two separate streams with their own buffering all the way from the source. THERE IS NO FIX at present. All you can do is change channels and change back to reset the buffers. They are working on a new scheme to sync the audio but that may be a year off and may require firmware updates for it to work.

Some channels and some equipment seem more prone to the problem. I first started out with a Samsung T160 box several years ago and ch 4 was always having trouble but rarely on other channels. Since I switched to Comcast a year ago I hardly ever see any sync issues but that may be because I use the DVR and rarely watch anything "live".

Hey Everyone,

What chanell number is the Super Bowl on this afternoon for those of us who have Comast HD?

What chanell number is the Super Bowl on this afternoon for those of us who have Comast HD?

Channel 113 - KCPQ HD - Our local FOX affiliate.

Channel 113 - KCPQ HD - Our local FOX affiliate.

Sweet, thanks.

This audio/lip sync issue has been around for years since digital started. It is inherent in the design of the systems being used because the video and audio are two separate streams with their own buffering all the way from the source. THERE IS NO FIX at present. All you can do is change channels and change back to reset the buffers. They are working on a new scheme to sync the audio but that may be a year off and may require firmware updates for it to work.

Some channels and some equipment seem more prone to the problem. I first started out with a Samsung T160 box several years ago and ch 4 was always having trouble but rarely on other channels. Since I switched to Comcast a year ago I hardly ever see any sync issues but that may be because I use the DVR and rarely watch anything "live".

Thanks, what I can't understand is why some folks see it and others don't. I'm using a Tivo S3 most of the time but I've tried sending the cable straight to the TV, using an HD Antenna with the Tivo. The audio sync changes a little perhaps but it's still obvious. I'd love to find out what equipment I can buy to make it go away. Other than the S3, I bought everything new this fall. I guess I haven't yet tried using my computer monitor instead of the TV but it seems unlikely. The only other fix I can think of is to use some kind of device that would introduce a video delay. My Onkyo receiver definitely makes it worse but even without it in the loop, it's still bad. I've talked even to other folks using S3's in Seattle. Some see it and others not at all. Very confusing. Funny how difficult it's been to find good information about this. Yours is the most useful I've had in a while. I've also heard the studio's themselves have encoding issues but then you'd figure that everyone would see the same problem and raise hell which isn't the case.

Here is a quote from Tivocommunity.com. Audio latency with the Onkyo receiver(s) is a common problem.

The primary problem with the Onkyo TX-SR805 is audio latency. It adds more audio latency than most receivers, and this makes lipsync issues more pronounced. Onkyo is reportedly working on a firmware update to fix the problem, but it is not yet clear if or when that will materialize.

The Onkyo also takes 1.0-2.0 seconds longer to lock onto the audio signal than some other mid-range receivers. This is noticeable when you switch between DD2.0 and DD5.1 channels, and on channels that use DD2.0 for commercials and DD5.1 for the actual program. It is also noticeable after instant replay, or when hitting play after fast forward. The Onkyo takes an extra second or two to output sound.

If you ignore the audio latency / delay issue above, the Onkyo produces some the best sound available in any receiver under $1200. I ultimately returned the Onkyo 805 and went with the Denon 3808ci for $400 more. The Denon sounds almost as good, but it eliminates those latency and delay issues.

I've found that recordings with slightly out-of-sync audio were unwatchable on the Onkyo, but are watchable on the Denon. The Onkyo adds just a little too much audio delay; it's not noticeable on most programming, but it is noticeable on content that is slightly out-of-sync to start. The Denon is also very fast to output audio after audio format changes and trickplay functions such as replay and 30s skip.

. . .

If Onkyo can fix their latency and delay issues, that would be my top choice above given the price/performance. Until that happens, I would look at the Denon 3808ci and Yamaha RX-V1800. I don't have any experience with the new Pioneer Elite models. If your budget exceeds $1200, then you have a lot of other choices as well.

Here is another link to Tivocommunity.com re: audio sync problems.

http://tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=364578&highlight=Onkyo+receiver+audio

Thanks, I'd seen that thread as well. Some folks were able to fix their audio sync (mostly using TivoHD's) by switching to Cable Card Type M. I have tried each but no improvement either way. I may still try a few new cards just in case.

Still puzzled why others don't see the problem using the same gear.

Thanks, I'd seen that thread as well. Some folks were able to fix their audio sync (mostly using TivoHD's) by switching to Cable Card Type M. I have tried each but no improvement either way. I may still try a few new cards just in case.

Still puzzled why others don't see the problem using the same gear.

Often times the flat panel set itself is the problem-- especially with low end (Vizio, Element, etc). Low end sets have to do something to get to their low points- they buy screens (which may or may not be first grade) from one of the 6 current manuafactures (LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer, Hitachi, Sony)- then the put their own parts in set. Here lies the probnlem- to meet the price points, you do not get high quality parts.

You get what you pay for...

Often times the flat panel set itself is the problem-- especially with low end (Vizio, Element, etc). Low end sets have to do something to get to their low points- they buy screens (which may or may not be first grade) from one of the 6 current manuafactures (LG, Samsung, Panasonic, Pioneer, Hitachi, Sony)- then the put their own parts in set. Here lies the probnlem- to meet the price points, you do not get high quality parts.

You get what you pay for...

I really doubt it is the TV itself...If it was, then one would see(hear) the lipsync problem equally on all HD programming, but almost everyone who has the problem finds it to only occur on certain shows, and it may be variable, week to week. I have had 2 different tech directors at local affiliates independently tell me the problem originates at the network

I really doubt it is the TV itself...If it was, then one would see(hear) the lipsync problem equally on all HD programming, but almost everyone who has the problem finds it to only occur on certain shows, and it may be variable, week to week. I have had 2 different tech directors at local affiliates independently tell me the problem originates at the network

Agreed, I have a Pioneer 5080 which is a very good set. Granted it's the only part I haven't tried swapping out. But I figure the set would not likely be doing much or any audio processing. And if it had video processing failures, then you'd expect the error in the other direction. It does bring up a good point. The source or receiver sends video to a monitor and audio to speakers. It can't really know what the video delay will be. You'd expect the video delay not to change (or at least be adjustable) but I'm not aware of any receiver that allows an adjustment of video delay.

And of course it doesn't explain the one channel having delay, the other not.

This is great news...all games (home and away) will be in HD

http://www.tvpredictions.com/mariners020608.htm

This will only be good if we ever get a dedicated FSNHD channel. Unfortunately I don't think that Mojo airs any of the away games. The home games will be on MojoHD, just like last year, but the away games will be on FSN (30) standard def channel. This will only be good if we ever get a dedicated FSNHD channel. Unless of course MojoHD will be airing the away games, too, but in past seasons they haven't.

The channel that has MOJO will carry all the home and away games. FSN hasn't ever produced the away games in HD, hence no away games on MOJO.

In fact, MOJO has nothing to do with the Mariners, except that Comcast turns it off and turns on FSN on that channel during FSN HD programming.

This will only be good if we ever get a dedicated FSNHD channel. Unfortunately I don't think that Mojo airs any of the away games. The home games will be on MojoHD, just like last year, but the away games will be on FSN (30) standard def channel. This will only be good if we ever get a dedicated FSNHD channel. Unless of course MojoHD will be airing the away games, too, but in past seasons they haven't.Comcast disrupts MojoHD every time FSN-NW carries an HD telecast of anything. The fact that you didn't see the Mariners in HD on road trips had nothing to do with Comcast or Mojo - FSN-NW simply did not do HD telecasts from elsewhere. If FSN-NW has Mariners road games in HD this year, expect to see them on Comcast.

There is an entire thread devoted to the regional FSNs and their inability to bring out-of-town feeds in HD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=982015). According to a post in that thread "They have an HD infrastructure bottle neck. A new facility in Houston is scheduled to open soon, which will 'greatly increase HD capacity'".

Presumably, the new facility is part of the reason why FSN-NW will have the ability to show road games in HD this year.

Thanks for the clarification. It will certainly be nice to see away games in HD this year then:)

6 new HD channels March 4th and then 2 more additions, Disney HD and ABC Family-HD will be added later on.

6 new HD channels March 4th and then 2 more additions, Disney HD and ABC Family-HD will be added later on.

Is this fact or speculation? What is your source ?

6 new HD channels March 4th and then 2 more additions, Disney HD and ABC Family-HD will be added later on.

great news...do you know which 6 channels?

Is this fact or speculation? What is your source ?I heard the same thing via email from a local Comcast VP:

"Without making any promises, our current plan is to put up Discovery, Food, Animal Planet, TLC, HGTV, and Sci-fi (all in HD) around March 4, and then Disney and ABC Family sometime after that."

Someone else posted similar information a couple of weeks ago. It sounds like odds are very good on seeing the first six in early March. It seems to me that every time we have gotten additional channels, they have arrived on a Thursday, so I'm betting on March 6th as the actual date.

Source is from a Comcast email reply from marketing and sales rep. to my request for more HD

The channels given for March 4th are:

Scifi-HD
Animal Planet-HD
Discovery-HD
The Learning Channel-HD
HGTV-HD
Food-HD

later on, no launch date given...

Disney-HD
ABC Family-HD

Comcast disrupts MojoHD every time FSN-NW carries an HD telecast of anything. The fact that you didn't see the Mariners in HD on road trips had nothing to do with Comcast or Mojo - FSN-NW simply did not do HD telecasts from elsewhere. If FSN-NW has Mariners road games in HD this year, expect to see them on Comcast.

There is an entire thread devoted to the regional FSNs and their inability to bring out-of-town feeds in HD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=982015). According to a post in that thread "They have an HD infrastructure bottle neck. A new facility in Houston is scheduled to open soon, which will 'greatly increase HD capacity'".

Presumably, the new facility is part of the reason why FSN-NW will have the ability to show road games in HD this year.
Still, FSN-HD would be better so that we could schedule events on the TiVo!!!!

Still, FSN-HD would be better so that we could schedule events on the TiVo!!!!This could be the change that makes FSN-HD a full-time channel. Up until now, we've had two or three Mariners games per week during the baseball season and two Sonics games per week during the basketball season, plus one or two Huskies games.

If the Mariners are on every day in HD, and we start seeing a lot more PAC-10 games carried in HD, plus maybe Sonics road games showing up in HD, etc., all of a sudden you can justify a full-time HD slot for FSN. Up until now, I've found it hard to fault Comcast's decision to carry the games by pre-empting Mojo (I either watch the game live, or not at all - I can't seem to get into time-shifting sporting events).

Posted elswhere and I've posted this before also...Super Bowl issue
Speaking of screen size, here's a small issue that's been bugging me. Whenever I watched Fox football on my Pioneer plasma 150(I am in North Seattle), the banner containing the score/time etc, seemed low by 2" rather than being right at the top of the screen. I watched the Super Bowl at a friend's house in Maple Valley on his Samsung dlp 60 " and he has Comcast as do I. His banner was maybe a 1/2 to barely 1 " from the top of the screen...I watched on dvr when I got home and it was over 2" This has been true all Year...No adjustment with Position either with the Kuro or the screen adj with the Cable box seemed to help more than a fraction...Is anyone else getting the scroll bar that low on Fox? If you are is it annoying? If not, what can I do to fix this? Weird!! Thanks for a reply

Posted elswhere and I've posted this before also...Super Bowl issue
Speaking of screen size, here's a small issue that's been bugging me. Whenever I watched Fox football on my Pioneer plasma 150(I am in North Seattle), the banner containing the score/time etc, seemed low by 2" rather than being right at the top of the screen. I watched the Super Bowl at a friend's house in Maple Valley on his Samsung dlp 60 " and he has Comcast as do I. His banner was maybe a 1/2 to barely 1 " from the top of the screen...I watched on dvr when I got home and it was over 2" This has been true all Year...No adjustment with Position either with the Kuro or the screen adj with the Cable box seemed to help more than a fraction...Is anyone else getting the scroll bar that low on Fox? If you are is it annoying? If not, what can I do to fix this? Weird!! Thanks for a reply

What is your screen size set to? I had similar problem on my viewsonic lcd but i had my screen size set to 1:1 instead of 16:9 (i have never seen 1:1 on other tvs i own). The bar showed up fine after changing to 16:9.

Well I set the cable box to 16:9...the tv is set the same, full screen for high def at 16:9
Not sure what I should change?

... Pioneer plasma 150(I am in North Seattle), the banner containing the score/time etc, seemed low by 2" rather than being right at the top of the screen.
I don't know why it is bothering you. It just mean that your set is actually displaying the whole picture while your friend's set is cutting part of it (overscanning). The station put the banner lower to compensate for all those set that otherwise would cut the banner out. Instead of being annoyed by the low banner be happy that you see 2-3% more of the image.

Saw something about a TV test pattern broadcast on HDNET, used to calibrate HDTV. Does Comcast carry this?

Saw something about a TV test pattern broadcast on HDNET, used to calibrate HDTV. Does Comcast carry this?

Unfortunately, Comcast doesn't carry HDNET. Back when Mojo was INHD, there was an early Saturday morning short program for calibration purposes, but I haven't seen anything like that recently.

Does anyone know if Seattle Comcast will actually carry the 10-15 HD games that are part of the MLB Extra Innings package this season? It was rather annoying to pay the full $160 and NOT get those games last year, even though many other Comcast markets were getting them.

I e-mailed and called Comcast several times all last season to no avail...I'd rather not get my hopes up for this season if someone knows it's not happening.

If you get the NBA package or NHL package, does Seattle Comcast show HD games as part of that this season?

I don't know why it is bothering you. It just mean that your set is actually displaying the whole picture while your friend's set is cutting part of it (overscanning). The station put the banner lower to compensate for all those set that otherwise would cut the banner out. Instead of being annoyed by the low banner be happy that you see 2-3% more of the image.

Yes you see a bigger gap because your TV has less overscan as mentioned as the post above. In addition to the additional image the quality will be slightly better as well, think of it as your friends TV is zoomed ever so slightly.

I would blame fox for overcompensating on their end. It bothers me a little as well, its just wasted picture for most of us.

I've noticed that the Fox logo bug seems to go a bit into the overscan area on my TV when I'm watching American Idol. I can change the view mode of the TV to see all of it, but then ABC looks bad (there's static at the edge of the picture that can is visible). Not that big of a deal, but it has always bugged me a little.

I wonder what the odds are of Comcast putting the Gatorade Duels on MOJO next thursday so we can see them in HD.

I wonder what the odds are of Comcast putting the Gatorade Duels on MOJO next thursday so we can see them in HD.

There is no precedent for any SpeedTV event being shown on Mojo, so I'd say there's no line on that bet.

Did anyone else experience horrible quality during Lost tonight?

Did anyone else experience horrible quality during Lost tonight?

yeah - i had a total audio dropout for about 2-3 seconds toward the beginning of the show, syncing issues throughout and a lot of distortion in the picture (watching hd over coax w/o a stb). i didn't notice it during the 8 o'clock rerun of last week's episode, but i wasn't watching as closely.

yeah - i had a total audio dropout for about 2-3 seconds toward the beginning of the show, syncing issues throughout and a lot of distortion in the picture (watching hd over coax w/o a stb). i didn't notice it during the 8 o'clock rerun of last week's episode, but i wasn't watching as closely.

It was awful tonight. My buddy had no problem with it over the air. I think it was a comcast issue.

Yeah, lots of pixilation on Lost but at least the audio lag was not as bad as it's been in the past.

yeah - i had a total audio dropout for about 2-3 seconds toward the beginning of the show, syncing issues throughout and a lot of distortion in the picture (watching hd over coax w/o a stb). i didn't notice it during the 8 o'clock rerun of last week's episode, but i wasn't watching as closely.


I am almost happy to hear these complaints, i was thinking of sending the tivo hd back, lol. Problems and 8 and 9. Syncd up fine this time, but pixelization of the like i have never seen. I mean whole screen stuff. Get it together ABC/Comcast/local affiliate. this is my favorite show and i feel like im watching a bootleg copy!!!!!!


I noticed it going crazy during Oprah the day before (MY GF was watching it, seriously i would admit if i was addicted to Oprah!!!!)

Hi all, I'm new to HDTV (finally took the plunge last Sunday) and didn't want to shell out even more bux for the digital package from Comcast. I did a scan and found quite a few digital channels (including local radio stations) but can't make much sense of how the digital stations map in the upper reaches. Shopping channels are obvious, as well as "city info" channels, but after that, it starts getting sketchy.

I've read through a lot of the forum messages and can't find one mentioned or listed, so I figured I'd ask straight out:

Does anyone have, or know of, a channel map hosted somewhere on the internet or is it simply "tune and wait, hope to figure out what you got"?

Thanks!
Mike P.

Does anyone have, or know of, a channel map hosted somewhere on the internet or is it simply "tune and wait, hope to figure out what you got"

Yup. The most recent is in this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12931093#post12931093

Two things to know, if your'e new to QAM:
1. Comcast changes QAM channels somewhat frequently (once or twice a year), with no warning. Those changes rarely happen "everywhere at once", but rather happen one headend at a time.
2. Channel 117 may have entirely different programming for you. It's localized per-headend. (This is accurate for my area.)

Yup. The most recent is in this post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12931093#post12931093

Two things to know, if your'e new to QAM:
1. Comcast changes QAM channels somewhat frequently (once or twice a year), with no warning. Those changes rarely happen "everywhere at once", but rather happen one headend at a time.
2. Channel 117 may have entirely different programming for you. It's localized per-headend. (This is accurate for my area.)

Thank you so much for sharing your findings. I am the designated "expert" in my family and have been setting up several new HDTVs recently, usually with Comcast Basic or Limited Basic service (which I have at home). Your information makes my efforts faster and easier.

Does anybody know who is really behind channel 664 switching at a designated time when a sporting event (FSN HD) is still going on? This happened last fall during the UW ASU game and tonight during the UNC Clemson hoops game. The Comcast rep I chatted with all but blamed FSN for this. I doubt FSN is going to cut away from a sporting event so we can all watch Three Sheets.

Does anyone besides me have a screwed up guide for Channel 173 ESPNHD?

Mine says 173 ES2HD and is a duplicate of 174 ESPN2.

Channel 173 is still ESPNHD of course, but you can't use the guide to set recordings, or check on scheduled programming.

All of my DCTs have this glitch.

Yup. The most recent is in this post:

<URL removed due to posting limitations...>

Two things to know, if your'e new to QAM:
1. Comcast changes QAM channels somewhat frequently (once or twice a year), with no warning. Those changes rarely happen "everywhere at once", but rather happen one headend at a time.
2. Channel 117 may have entirely different programming for you. It's localized per-headend. (This is accurate for my area.)

Actually 117 looks very close to what I see here in Snohomish. We have Sultan, Arlington, etc instead of the Seattle outlying communites, but other than that, all the rest look just like what I have. Many thanks for your reply!

I'll do rescans about once a month to see if I pick up anything new. The good thing is that I now have a baseline to work from.

This place rocks!!!

Best Regards,
Mike

Does anyone besides me have a screwed up guide for Channel 173 ESPNHD?

Mine says 173 ES2HD and is a duplicate of 174 ESPN2.
...



My 173 still has ESPND, and is correct. 174 is still mislabled as ESPN2 (same as 32). Perhaps they finally tried to correct that (intending to label 174 as ES2HD) and fumbled it.

Does anybody know who is really behind channel 664 switching at a designated time when a sporting event (FSN HD) is still going on? This happened last fall during the UW ASU game and tonight during the UNC Clemson hoops game. The Comcast rep I chatted with all but blamed FSN for this. I doubt FSN is going to cut away from a sporting event so we can all watch Three Sheets.
My Motorola 6200 goes blank if I switch to Mojo before the "game" starts and after the "game" ends which leads me to believe that they are remapping the channels automagically on a timer. sam

Does anybody know who is really behind channel 664 switching at a designated time when a sporting event (FSN HD) is still going on? This happened last fall during the UW ASU game and tonight during the UNC Clemson hoops game. The Comcast rep I chatted with all but blamed FSN for this. I doubt FSN is going to cut away from a sporting event so we can all watch Three Sheets.My Motorola 6200 goes blank if I switch to Mojo before the "game" starts and after the "game" ends which leads me to believe that they are remapping the channels automagically on a timer. samI also think it's automated. The switch seems to happen right at the end of the timeslot in the guide regardless of game status. If the game ends early, a bunch of lovely vertical rectangles fill the screen until the next timeslot. At least now the timeslots are filled correctly (on the Comcast Guide - not the TiVoHD guide), whereas earlier on games would be shown in the guide but the switch to FSN-HD not actually made.

Did it affect anyone else that the ABC-HD movie Saturday night (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) was listed in the guide as 8:30pm-10:00pm? I didn't check into it at the time, but the kids were sure disappointed when they were watching it last night only to have the recording cut off about 60% into the movie. When I checked online guides last night I saw that the movie was actually shown from 8:30 to 11.

Too late now - but it sure is a hassle to have to double-check every single DVR recording in progress to make sure it's recording what the DVR says it is. It sure doesn't help that I'm not even home at the time many of these shows are supposedly recording.

Did it affect anyone else that the ABC-HD movie Saturday night (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) was listed in the guide as 8:30pm-10:00pm? I didn't check into it at the time, but the kids were sure disappointed when they were watching it last night only to have the recording cut off about 60% into the movie. When I checked online guides last night I saw that the movie was actually shown from 8:30 to 11.

Too late now - but it sure is a hassle to have to double-check every single DVR recording in progress to make sure it's recording what the DVR says it is. It sure doesn't help that I'm not even home at the time many of these shows are supposedly recording.

That was one of your horrible, typical Saturday night commercial bonanza movie slots. They purposely put movies in there and try to sell as many commercials as possible. They do this every year for The Sound of Music. It isn't always on Saturday, but the final result is always the same. A two hour movie that forever to finish, with commercials coming as quickly as every ten minutes. Rent the movie and save yourself the misery.

That was one of your horrible, typical Saturday night commercial bonanza movie slots. They purposely put movies in there and try to sell as many commercials as possible. They do this every year for The Sound of Music. It isn't always on Saturday, but the final result is always the same. A two hour movie that forever to finish, with commercials coming as quickly as every ten minutes. Rent the movie and save yourself the misery.Thanks for the tip, but commercials aren't really a problem and are certainly not much of a hassle with the 30-second skip. Not much can be done about an incorrect guide entry, however. One of the reasons we pay so much for our cable service is to cut out the whole rental thing.

Did anyone else experience horrible quality during Lost tonight?

I recorded it on Comcast HD DVR. It was bad! I thought it was my new receiver but I am glad it was Comcast or ABC.

I recorded it on Comcast HD DVR. It was bad! I thought it was my new receiver but I am glad it was Comcast or ABC.

My ABC HD is still bad. Pixelation at random times constantly. Was watching the Sunday Basketball game and it was just as bad as lost. Anyone else experiencing this on ABCHD.

My ABC HD is still bad. Pixelation at random times constantly. Was watching the Sunday Basketball game and it was just as bad as lost. Anyone else experiencing this on ABCHD.

My biggest issue with ABCHD is lip sync issues. I record 3 programs from ABC, Lost, Grey's Anatomy and the Grey's spin-off show I can't think of, and they are all VERY out of sync...it's the only channel I have issues with.

My biggest issue with ABCHD is lip sync issues. I record 3 programs from ABC, Lost, Grey's Anatomy and the Grey's spin-off show I can't think of, and they are all VERY out of sync...it's the only channel I have issues with.

Though we don't record, we also have most problems with ABS HD lip sync. Deperate Housewives is worst for us, though with the writer's strike, haven't watched it recently

Though we don't record, we also have most problems with ABS HD lip sync. Deperate Housewives is worst for us, though with the writer's strike, haven't watched it recently

We've had tons of lip sync issues (and other audio problems) on that show too.

We've had tons of lip sync issues (and other audio problems) on that show too.

I've had fits with ABC shows as well. I believe you'll see this even if you view them Over the Air. That's been my experience with Lost. Also, the more processing you do to the signal (as my Onkyo receiver does) it further ads to the sound lag so by the time you see it, it's like you're watching Kung Fu Theater. I believe the problem at least starts at ABC although I've never had any luck finding who to talk to in order to get it resolved. Comcast has no control over it.

I haven't had any lip sync problems on any of the HD channels, but I've been having lots of pixelation issues on 104 and 113 both. Just started about a week ago. The TiVo S3 shows the same signal level on these channels as others that I'm not having a problem with. I'm in Seattle, West Lake Union area.

I've had fits with ABC shows as well. I believe you'll see this even if you view them Over the Air. That's been my experience with Lost. Also, the more processing you do to the signal (as my Onkyo receiver does) it further ads to the sound lag so by the time you see it, it's like you're watching Kung Fu Theater. I believe the problem at least starts at ABC although I've never had any luck finding who to talk to in order to get it resolved. Comcast has no control over it.

Maybe someone can school me on this, but maybe the problem lies in ABC's 5.1 sound bitstream. I am using my television speakers, so 5.1 shows on my Tivo as an alternate sound track for the show, and I have no lipsync issues. Are only people using receivers and surround sound having this problem, or is it others?

By the way, anybody who likes lost, I would highly recommend Lost on Blu-ray. My girlfriend gave me that look like "Do we really need to buy this, we've already seen it" and then I played the first episode and we watched four in a row............A must buy for fans!

I haven't had any lip sync problems on any of the HD channels, but I've been having lots of pixelation issues on 104 and 113 both. Just started about a week ago. The TiVo S3 shows the same signal level on these channels as others that I'm not having a problem with. I'm in Seattle, West Lake Union area.

Im in Bothell, Wa area and my signal is at 100% on 104, i havent left the meter on during lost yet to see if it drops during pixelation, but from what I am hearing it is ABC and not Comcast's signal.

This really bums me out as watching Lost is one of the main drivers for me buying a Plasma, TivoHD, and soon to be stereo system.

Maybe someone can school me on this, but maybe the problem lies in ABC's 5.1 sound bitstream. I am using my television speakers, so 5.1 shows on my Tivo as an alternate sound track for the show, and I have no lipsync issues. Are only people using receivers and surround sound having this problem, or is it others?

By the way, anybody who likes lost, I would highly recommend Lost on Blu-ray. My girlfriend gave me that look like "Do we really need to buy this, we've already seen it" and then I played the first episode and we watched four in a row............A must buy for fans!

I have major lip sync problems with some ABC HD shows, and it is when using TV speakers, and no cable box either. The TV is not hooked up to any sort of sound system. The technical director at KOMO has acknowledged it as an ABC issue that they are aware of and working on...

I haven't had any lip sync problems on any of the HD channels, but I've been having lots of pixelation issues on 104 and 113 both. Just started about a week ago. The TiVo S3 shows the same signal level on these channels as others that I'm not having a problem with. I'm in Seattle, West Lake Union area.


I've had problems with 113 also, House was almost unwatchable

Maybe someone can school me on this, but maybe the problem lies in ABC's 5.1 sound bitstream. I am using my television speakers, so 5.1 shows on my Tivo as an alternate sound track for the show, and I have no lipsync issues. Are only people using receivers and surround sound having this problem, or is it others?

By the way, anybody who likes lost, I would highly recommend Lost on Blu-ray. My girlfriend gave me that look like "Do we really need to buy this, we've already seen it" and then I played the first episode and we watched four in a row............A must buy for fans!

You may be on to something there. I've noticed the delay in just about every configuration but it's in another league using 5.1. My A/B comparisons were trying to rule out my receiver (an Onkyo) so I sent the sound either through my Onkyo (which is 5.1) or to my TV which of course is not. Far worse going through the receiver. That said, Onkyo has acknowleged a problem with an audio delay so it just makes it worse. I'll have to try using stereo and see if it's any better.

If ABC is aware of this, they aren't trying very hard to fix it. This is at least the second season of Lost I've noticed major sync issues and of course there doesn't seem to be any way of following the issue other than of course seeing if anyone notices it on forums. As hard as it is to admit, I miss the old analog stuff now.

Don Wilkinson of KOMO has posted here in regards to sound technical problems as recently as last May. Perhaps he could be contacted with regard to the ongoing problems.

... or Kelly from KOMO.

I just got a message on my 3416 box that on March 4, six new HD channels are coming to Comcast. I know this is old news but finally it is announced. They are:

Discovery
Animal Planet
TLC
Sci Fi
HGTV
Food

I hope they show true HD shows and not unwatchable stretched programs.

Art

About 3 minutes ago I got another message on my DVR, I thought it was just another PPV thing but no at last!!!

"Six new HD channels will launch on 3/4. You will be able to watch your favorite programing from Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Sci FI Channel, HGTV and Food Network in HD! Restrictions Apply"

tis a good day

About 3 minutes ago I got another message on my DVR, I thought it was just another PPV thing but no at last!!!

"Six new HD channels will launch on 3/4. You will be able to watch your favorite programing from Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Sci FI Channel, HDTV and Food Network in HD! Restrictions Apply"

tis a good dayWhat are the restrictions?

What are the restrictions?

Probably need Digital Preffered to get all 6 channels.

I just got a message on my 3416 box that on March 4, six new HD channels are coming to Comcast. I know this is old news but finally it is announced. ...

Art

I saw the message light on the box this morning before I went to work and debated whether to turn on the TV to see what it was or not... I didn't bother this time because too many times I've done that in the past only to find a dissapointing message... I figured it was another internet phone add or something. But yes indeed, good to finally know it's officially announced now.

"HDTV"? What channel is that?

(edit: nvm, I see it is supposed to be HGTV)

Probably need Digital Preffered to get all 6 channels.

Currently, all non-premium HD channels are available with Digital Starter, except for NGC-HD, which requires Digital Classic (not Digital Preferred). The logic for this seems to be that NGC-SD requires Digital Classic. Similar reasoning would lead one to conclude that only Digital Starter would be required for all 6 of the new HD channels.

Always nice to see more HD channels, but other than BSG, I'm actually a little scared to see some of those cheesy movies in HD on the Sci Fi Channel! :D

Dude, I must have an HD psychic link. I thought to myself "I wonder if the internet has any news about when Seattle Comcast will get SciFi HD?" and lo and behold, there will probably be a message on my box when I get home.

But then I realize that there's still no F/X HD, not that they have that in other markets or anything.

But then I realize that there's still no F/X HD, not that they have that in other markets or anything.

Once we have Sci-Fi HD, FXHD will be my #1 choice. FXHD is available on DirectV, but I do not believe Comcast has added such anywhere yet.

Hopefully this isn't the end for new hd channels addition for this year:

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast021408.htm

While I am excited to see more HD, I have been very frustrated with the decrease in video quality. I am seeing more compression artifacts than ever the last few weeks on multiple HD channels including CBS and Universal HD.

While I am excited to see more HD, I have been very frustrated with the decrease in video quality. I am seeing more compression artifacts than ever the last few weeks on multiple HD channels including CBS and Universal HD. Perhaps you're just getting better at spotting them...

Still no dedicated channel for FSN-HD. :(

Lost was much better last night.

Anyone else having problems with 418, NFL-HD? It has been out here for a couple days now. I'm in Issaquah, 98027.

Lost was much better last night.
Yes, last week I had lots of pixelation issues, and none last night. Looked great! Hopefully it will stay that way...

Anyone else having problems with 418, NFL-HD? It has been out here for a couple days now. I'm in Issaquah, 98027.
418 looking good for me, Seattle Lake Union, 98109.

just saw my bill... its been going on for a while but $140 for internet and digital preferred.... crazy.

Calling in monday to downgrade to starter, hope the new hd channels will be on starter. I will miss my bloomberg tv, DIY and discovery home but prices are getting crazy!!!!!

I think we may be getting the Hd upgrades sooner than later. My hd channels are off now on my media center with the digital cable cards. HBOHD is actually showing the StarzHD channel and StarzHD is showing DiscoveryHD(not to be confused with HDtheater). Also A&E HD isn't working. They must be rearranging stuff to fit the new channels, and didn't tell Microsoft about it. Maybe people with cablecards in the tivos could confirm this as well.

I think we may be getting the Hd upgrades sooner than later. My hd channels are off now on my media center with the digital cable cards. HBOHD is actually showing the StarzHD channel and StarzHD is showing DiscoveryHD(not to be confused with HDtheater). Also A&E HD isn't working. They must be rearranging stuff to fit the new channels, and didn't tell Microsoft about it. Maybe people with cablecards in the tivos could confirm this as well.

CHannel numbers would help to check. I have a Tivo, and am getting HBOHD on 549 as usual. I see StarzHD in the channel list but do not get a picture. But I do not subscribe to Starz. Is StarzHD new? I didn't think so. I saw above that someone was able to get DiscoverHD via QAM, which I would have to remove the cablecards to check (I don't plan on doing this).

I'm watching the UCLA v USC basketball game in HD on FSN and the picture quality is horrid. Is anyone esle watching this and seeing how poor it looks??

I checked the UCLA-USC game on 664 just before it ended, and it looked fine to me here in Bellevue.

I'm watching the UCLA v USC basketball game in HD on FSN and the picture quality is horrid. Is anyone esle watching this and seeing how poor it looks??

It seemed like the reception was flashing or pulsing. I noticed it here in Seattle.

Yes, that is what it was doing on my set as well. And the anytime the action stopped, you could see high rate of pixelization and graininess of the crowd. It was unwatchable on a big screen...

CHannel numbers would help to check. I have a Tivo, and am getting HBOHD on 549 as usual. I see StarzHD in the channel list but do not get a picture. But I do not subscribe to Starz. Is StarzHD new? I didn't think so. I saw above that someone was able to get DiscoverHD via QAM, which I would have to remove the cablecards to check (I don't plan on doing this).


StarzHd is on 549
DiscoveryHD is on 532
HBOHD is on 670
No Signal 672

M>

StarzHd is on 549
DiscoveryHD is on 532
HBOHD is on 670
No Signal 672

M>

Sorry, on my Tivo, 532 is listed as StarzHD (no picture b/c I don't subscribe), 549 is HBOHD, 670 is A&EHD, and 672 is USAHD. I think this is where everything is supposed to be. Unfortunately, I don't see DiscoveryHD anywhere, but expect to on 3/4. I am in Bellevue.

I recorded The Wire on HBO-HD channel 549. When watching it thru HDMI, it's a 4:3 picture in the middle of the screen. Shouldn't it be fullscreen 16:9?

I recorded The Wire on HBO-HD channel 549. When watching it thru HDMI, it's a 4:3 picture in the middle of the screen. Shouldn't it be fullscreen 16:9?

The wire wasn't broadcast in HD, even on the HD channels, so it that's the way it will show up on an HD station. If you wan't it fullscreen you'll want to record it from and SD station (or watch it on demand - they have the episodes 6 days early on demand, which is nice). I have no idea why that show isn't broadcast in true HD.

Unfortunately the best show on TV (The Wire) has never been presented in widescreen HD. Probably has something to do with the way the show is produced in Baltimore. Fortunately the story is so good it could be in black and white and I'd still watch.

The wire wasn't broadcast in HD, even on the HD channels, so it that's the way it will show up on an HD station. If you wan't it fullscreen you'll want to record it from and SD station (or watch it on demand - they have the episodes 6 days early on demand, which is nice). I have no idea why that show isn't broadcast in true HD.
I believe The Wire is in HD, just not widescreen. I think HBO has had HD scans done of this season's The Wire (film) episodes.

I believe The Wire is in HD, just not widescreen. I think HBO has had HD scans done of this season's The Wire (film) episodes.

True HDTV is 16:9. I don't consider non-widescreen material to be true HD. I think almost all the 4:3 aspect ratio programs I've seen on HD stations are upconverted SD programs windowboxed to support the HD resolution they are transmitting.

True HDTV is 16:9. I don't consider non-widescreen material to be true HD. I think almost all the 4:3 aspect ratio programs I've seen on HD stations are upconverted SD programs windowboxed to support the HD resolution they are transmitting.
But, HBO isn't upconverting The Wire. It's scanning the film in HD. If something must be 16x9 to be True HDTV, what about those movies whose original aspect ratio is not 16x9? Not HD? Even though they've been scanned in HD, but have black bars top and bottom?

But, HBO isn't upconverting The Wire. It's scanning the film in HD. If something must be 16x9 to be True HDTV, what about those movies whose original aspect ratio is not 16x9? Not HD? Even though they've been scanned in HD, but have black bars top and bottom?

They aren't true HD. I'm talking the TV HDTV spec - 720p (1280x720), 1080i (1920x1080), 1080p (1920x1080) which are all 16:9 ratios. It's in the spec... Movies shot in their original format don't conform to HDTV or TV specs at all (they are usually shot in a much higher resolution for theaters). They have to be converted first... Ones that are letterboxed aren't converted to HDTV specs.

How do you know HBO isn't upconverting its telecast? I'm not saying the Wire isn't shot in an HD resolution, I'm saying what HBO is broadcasting isn't true HDTV if it's 4:3. Don't ask me why they are doing that...

The wire wasn't broadcast in HD, even on the HD channels, so it that's the way it will show up on an HD station. If you wan't it fullscreen you'll want to record it from and SD station (or watch it on demand - they have the episodes 6 days early on demand, which is nice). I have no idea why that show isn't broadcast in true HD.

Thanks. Is there any way to tell which programs on HD channels are actually broadcast in 16:9? Otherwise, I prefer to record the SD version...

Thanks. Is there any way to tell which programs on HD channels are actually broadcast in 16:9? Otherwise, I prefer to record the SD version...

I use an HTPC and get my listings for schedules direct (supplied by TMS). The program info I get tells me whether programs are in HD or not (and I haven't seen The Wire listed as HD recently even on HBOHD). The iGuide software on the motorola boxes gets it data from the same source, I believe. Look at the listing, if it doesn't say HD in the program info, it probably isn't true HD and most likely will be 4:3 windowboxed (I just checked on my Comcast box listing for The Wire next week on HBOHD and it doesn't list it as HD either...)

They aren't true HD. I'm talking the TV HDTV spec - 720p (1280x720), 1080i (1920x1080), 1080p (1920x1080) which are all 16:9 ratios. It's in the spec... Movies shot in their original format don't conform to HDTV or TV specs at all (they are usually shot in a much higher resolution for theaters). They have to be converted first... Ones that are letterboxed aren't converted to HDTV specs.

How do you know HBO isn't upconverting its telecast? I'm not saying the Wire isn't shot in an HD resolution, I'm saying what HBO is broadcasting isn't true HDTV if it's 4:3. Don't ask me why they are doing that...
So, you're talking technicality, to be in HD, the picture must be 16x9, not letterboxed. For me, I'm happy when I see the entire picture as shot, which frequently means letterboxed, the picture filling the screen left to right, but with black bars top and bottom.

Anything shot on film can be scanned in HD as easily as SD since film is, natively, higher resolution than either HD or SD. And, frankly, anyone scanning anything from film probably should do it in HD instead of SD. Much better picture, even if there are black bars left and right, than scanning in SD and upconverting. A friend told me HBO has started using HD-scanned new 4x3 film projects in HD for the improved picture quality. Why should they upconvert when they can get the same material in HD.

HBO seems to be moving more and more to HD, rather than upconverting. Even, Bill Mahr is now in HD, shot in HD video.

I use an HTPC and get my listings for schedules direct (supplied by TMS). The program info I get tells me whether programs are in HD or not (and I haven't seen The Wire listed as HD recently even on HBOHD). The iGuide software on the motorola boxes gets it data from the same source, I believe. Look at the listing, if it doesn't say HD in the program info, it probably isn't true HD and most likely will be 4:3 windowboxed (I just checked on my Comcast box listing for The Wire next week on HBOHD and it doesn't list it as HD either...)
Hmmm. I'll check the listings, but I'm on Comcast, too, so I assume that's what I'll see. I haven't been able to rely on the listing which say HD or not, for some reason. I do know HBO didn't list Bill Mahr as in HD for awhile when the show obviously was in HD. I could be wrong about the wire, but I've been told by someone who claims to be in a position to know that they're getting HD scans of The Wire. I have noticed that The Wire now has Dolby 5.1, where previous seasons did not.

Anything shot on film can be scanned in HD as easily as SD since film is, natively, higher resolution than either HD or SD. And, frankly, anyone scanning anything from film probably should do it in HD instead of SD. Much better picture, even if there are black bars left and right, than scanning in SD and upconverting. A friend told me HBO has started using HD-scanned new 4x3 film projects in HD for the improved picture quality. Why should they upconvert when they can get the same material in HD.


Yeah, I understand the scanning in. I don't know why they should upconvert, but then I don't know why it isn't wide screen either. I doubt it is shot in 4:3. To my eyes, when i look at their 4:3 broadcast of The wire the resolution detail doesn't look HD quality to me either, regardless of the aspect ratio.

Hmmm. I'll check the listings, but I'm on Comcast, too, so I assume that's what I'll see. I haven't been able to rely on the listing which say HD or not, for some reason. I do know HBO didn't list Bill Mahr as in HD for awhile when the show obviously was in HD. I could be wrong about the wire, but I've been told by someone who claims to be in a position to know that they're getting HD scans of The Wire. I have noticed that The Wire now has Dolby 5.1, where previous seasons did not.

I don't rely on the comcast listings too much, but My MythTV listings from Schedules Direct have been spot on with regards to HD. You know, Bill Mahr could have been upconverted widescreen 16:9 like KOMO and KIRO do with their news telecasts, and MOJO and other many other stations do with some of its telecasts before it switched to being natively HD. Not saying this as a fact, cause I don't know, just a possible explanation.

I don't rely on the comcast listings too much, but My MythTV listings from Schedules Direct have been spot on with regards to HD. You know, Bill Mahr could have been upconverted widescreen 16:9 like KOMO and KIRO do with their news telecasts, and MOJO and other many other stations do with some of its telecasts before it switched to being natively HD. Not saying this as a fact, cause I don't know, just a possible explanation.

Up until this latest run Maher was shown on HBOHD but not filmed in HD. Clearly now the show is shot in HD and presented as such.

The wire is shown in 4:3 because that is how it is filmed. HD scan or not.

Up until this latest run Maher was shown on HBOHD but not filmed in HD. Clearly now the show is shot in HD and presented as such.

The wire is shown in 4:3 because that is how it is filmed. HD scan or not.


Thanks! That explains both shows. Wish it were filmed widescreen... Man this show just doesn't get the treatment it deserves. I should sick Omar on them... At leas they have stuck by the show despite the ratings.

Here's the complete lowdown on The Wire and its format:

http://library.creativecow.net/articles/griffin_nick/hbo_the_wire.php

Here's the complete lowdown on The Wire and its format:

http://library.creativecow.net/articles/griffin_nick/hbo_the_wire.php

Great stuff schwaggy! It's a masterpiece, so I won't criticize, but I'm amazed this show was never even produced in HD or even 16:9. For those of you who don't know about "The Wire," it's well worth the viewing (not for kids), but start from the beginning.

I don't rely on the comcast listings too much, but My MythTV listings from Schedules Direct have been spot on with regards to HD. You know, Bill Mahr could have been upconverted widescreen 16:9 like KOMO and KIRO do with their news telecasts, and MOJO and other many other stations do with some of its telecasts before it switched to being natively HD. Not saying this as a fact, cause I don't know, just a possible explanation.
In Bill Mahr's case, I know CBS moved HD cameras into the studio they use. And, now HBO bills it as HD at the beginning of the show.

Yeah, I understand the scanning in. I don't know why they should upconvert, but then I don't know why it isn't wide screen either. I doubt it is shot in 4:3. To my eyes, when i look at their 4:3 broadcast of The wire the resolution detail doesn't look HD quality to me either, regardless of the aspect ratio.
Here's a quote from the Inside HBO's The Wire Web site.
"4x3 feels more like real life and real television and not like a movie."
And, I guess I'm trying to say they're NOT upconverting. But, I guess my source is just wrong.

Up until this latest run Maher was shown on HBOHD but not filmed in HD. Clearly now the show is shot in HD and presented as such.
And, Bill Mahr isn't filmed. It is shot & recorded in HD video.

Here's a quote from the Inside HBO's The Wire Web site.
"4x3 feels more like real life and real television and not like a movie."
And, I guess I'm trying to say they're NOT upconverting. But, I guess my source is just wrong.

Not to belabor the point too much, but they are upconverting it on their HD station (as they do every SD broadcast on their HD station). If you look at the end of the article posted earlier you'll see comments about it:

"As a viewer with an HD set I will point out that like much of SD television that makes its way to HD channels, it appears that HBO utilizes state-of-the-art line doubling technology. It may still be standard definition, but line doubled it looks considerably better on a high definition set than it would on a standard definition set."

Line doubling is upconverting.

And, Bill Mahr isn't filmed. It is shot & recorded in HD video.

He probably meant "produced" not filmed... I have no disagreement that Bill Mahr is in HD now. I was offering an explanation of what might have been occuring before this season when it appeared as HD but wasn't listed as such.

Not to belabor the point too much, but they are upconverting it on their HD station (as they do every SD broadcast on their HD station).
Well, I'd challenge you on upconverting. I see films now and then on HBO's HD channel (for me it's 549) that are not upconverted. They show up as pillarboxed and letterboxed at the same time. To me that means they're not upconverted. But, you're right about belaboring this stuff. I'll back off.

If I recall correctly, Extras wasn't upconverted, broadcast anamorphically, or anything. It was windowboxed which was quite annoying.

Yeah i meant shot, thats why my next sentence said shot ;)

I don't rely on the comcast listings too much, but My MythTV listings from Schedules Direct have been spot on with regards to HD.

I also use Schedules Direct listings. Just checked a bunch of programs on HBOHDP, don't see any mention of whether they're actually HD. Must be missing something?

I also use Schedules Direct listings. Just checked a bunch of programs on HBOHDP, don't see any mention of whether they're actually HD. Must be missing something?

Hmm, what are you using to view the Schedules Direct data? For me it is in the program description, on the program guide for mythtv it has a symbol for HD programs, so I know the HDTV information is in the program data...

I also use Schedules Direct listings. Just checked a bunch of programs on HBOHDP, don't see any mention of whether they're actually HD. Must be missing something?

Hmm, what are you using to view the Schedules Direct data? For me it is in the program description, on the program guide for mythtv it has a symbol for HD programs, so I know the HDTV information is in the program data...

I'm using MyTelly - https://sourceforge.net/projects/mytelly

Comcast has finally removed the network feed of Univision, long ago unmapped from 98, from 91-4. (The affiliate feed from KUNS is still there, on 80-8/29.)

I guess that every 0.6MHz of reclaimed bandwidth helps, somehow...

I'll include this on the next update of the QAM lists.

Is South King first? I received an HD channel listing in the mail for 4 March
667 Animal Planet, 668 Discovery, 669 TLC, 674 HGTV, 675 Food, 676 Sci Fi
sam

I received a note here in Bellevue about those channels a few weeks back.

Recorded Out of Africa on MAXHDP. No way it's HD. This gets really frustrating, much better off recording SD version - otherwise, all I get is a truncated screen...

Recorded Out of Africa on MAXHDP. No way it's HD. This gets really frustrating, much better off recording SD version - otherwise, all I get is a truncated screen...

Well, at least it makes me feel better for not having a Max subscription.

This is one of the movies I'd really like to have in HD.

Are any of the Skinimax movies in true HD?

Are any of the Skinimax movies in true HD?

LOL :) I'd tell you but I don't have Cineflick

Has anyone else noticed lots of blocking, stuttering, and audio drop outs on USA HD (or any of the other HD channels?) Sometimes even complete breakup of the signal?

It's been really bad during WWE RAW the last two Mondays, but I haven't noticed much during other programs. The picture was fine the first few weeks after RAW went HD, but now it's very distracting. Seems to have trouble with all the flashbulbs, pyro, fast motion, etc.... Was wondering if something was done to the signal in preparation for the upcoming channel additions. I'm in Queen Anne.

I've noticed sporatic blocking & audio dropouts on USA-HD and KOMO104. Monk, the other night, had several spots of really bad blocking.

I've noticed sporatic blocking & audio dropouts on USA-HD and KOMO104. Monk, the other night, had several spots of really bad blocking.

I've noticed the same thing on USA-HD. On Monk, ironically. It was really tough to watch... I ended up switching to the SD version.

Same here with Monk and Psych...the dropouts were wrecking havoc when I tried to fast-forward through commercials. I ended up restarting Psych about 10 times before finally giving up and watching through the commercials. I think I missed about 10% of the dialogs during both shows.

--
Sang

well ive had comcast hd for a day now and am not impressed with the limited # of hd channels, hope there are more coming soon, as i am also finding sd channels look like crap on a 1080p screen.

also when im watching sd tv i notice vertical lines in yellow colored objects, anybody else have this problem?

also im located in enumclaw, what hd channels are available now and which ones are coming and when? thanks in advance!

well ive had comcast hd for a day now and am not impressed with the limited # of hd channels

Welcome to the club. :)

As above, there are 6 new HD channels coming next Tues. Hope this helps.

well ive had comcast hd for a day now and am not impressed with the limited # of hd channels, hope there are more coming soon, as i am also finding sd channels look like crap on a 1080p screen.

also when im watching sd tv i notice vertical lines in yellow colored objects, anybody else have this problem?

also im located in enumclaw, what hd channels are available now and which ones are coming and when? thanks in advance!

Yes i see the vertical lines as well. We just need FSNHD and SPEEDHD and I will be happy!

Comcast needs to start FSN HD fulltime now as FSN is doing lot of games in HD. Let's start sending in our emails to Comcast.

Comcast needs to start FSN HD fulltime now as FSN is doing lot of games in HD. Let's start sending in our emails to Comcast.
I wouldn't call five Sonics games between now and the end of March "a lot of games":

http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD#FSNwest

Once the M's start play, it might be worth considering a full-time slot. Even then, as long as I can see the games in HD, it doesn't bother me much if Comcast has to disrupt Mojo to give me the game.

I wouldn't call five Sonics games between now and the end of March "a lot of games":

http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD#FSNwest

Once the M's start play, it might be worth considering a full-time slot. Even then, as long as I can see the games in HD, it doesn't bother me much if Comcast has to disrupt Mojo to give me the game.

Well you got to count the college basketball games over the weekend.

Well you got to count the college basketball games over the weekend.
Is FSN showing any of those college basketball games in HD? According to their web site, they're not.

Are any of the Skinimax movies in true HD?

Yes

I wouldn't call five Sonics games between now and the end of March "a lot of games":

http://msn.foxsports.com/name/HD#FSNwest

Once the M's start play, it might be worth considering a full-time slot. Even then, as long as I can see the games in HD, it doesn't bother me much if Comcast has to disrupt Mojo to give me the game.

Except when they go to extra innings and it switches back to mojo at 10pm.

Called Comcast today and spoke with a rep about the USA HD problems. He said they had received a few other calls about the issue. Also confirmed recent switch to fitting 3 HD channels per QAM due to the channel additions. Based on threads in the HDTV Programming forum, this seems to be producing similar problems on USA HD and SciFi HD in other markets that have recently added channels, although some areas have noted slight improvements to the problem.

Hopefully they'll be able to resolve this soon, especially with SciFi being added next week. Don't want to get Battlestar Galactica in high def but have it breaking up and stuttering constantly.

Is FSN showing any of those college basketball games in HD? According to their web site, they're not.

Yes FSN suppose to show college basketball games in hd. This weekend will be: Washington State Cougars vs Cal Golden Bears in HD

http://fsnbayarea.com/Sched_CollegeHoopsHD.jsp

Got a mailer about the new channels on March 4th and at the bottom it says that Disney HD and ABC Family HD comming soon.

Cougs will be on FSN-HD Saturday night assuming Comcast makes the right switch.

Has anyone else noticed lots of blocking, stuttering, and audio drop outs on USA HD (or any of the other HD channels?) Sometimes even complete breakup of the signal?

It's been really bad during WWE RAW the last two Mondays, but I haven't noticed much during other programs. The picture was fine the first few weeks after RAW went HD, but now it's very distracting. Seems to have trouble with all the flashbulbs, pyro, fast motion, etc.... Was wondering if something was done to the signal in preparation for the upcoming channel additions. I'm in Queen Anne.

I had terrible audio dropouts all through PBS hd channel 108 on the Pete Seeger program American Masters last...I have had other problems with audio on hd pbs before... Anyone else? North Seattle area...what is the fix? call comcast?

Cougs will be on FSN-HD Saturday night assuming Comcast makes the right switch.

Do you work for FSN? If so, couldn't FSN ask Comcast to run fulltime FSNHD channel. I would rather take FSNHD channel over A&E (FSN probably will have more HD then A&E).

I had terrible audio dropouts all through PBS hd channel 108 on the Pete Seeger program American Masters last...I have had other problems with audio on hd pbs before... Anyone else? North Seattle area...what is the fix? call comcast?
Yeah, me too. PBS and/or KCTS seem to be having a hard time transitioning to digital.

Yes, I get audio drop outs on pbs, but only on certain programming. For instance, the WWII documentary that was on a while ago, the Eric Clapton concert from a few months ago and a show about Greece and the Parthenon just a few weeks ago. Other shows, like Motorweek, don't seem to be affected. I'm not sure who to complain to, but it's been happening like this for quite a long time.

Yeah, me too. PBS and/or KCTS seem to be having a hard time transitioning to digital.

They transitioned over to digital long before everyone else. Funny, but I think KCTS is actually one of the best channels for HD programming. But Comcast's feed of them does leave something to be desired. Whenever I have problems similar to what is described in this thread, I switch over to my antenna and its rock solid, so it doesn't appear to be a PBS issue.

They transitioned over to digital long before everyone else. Funny, but I think KCTS is actually one of the best channels for HD programming. But Comcast's feed of them does leave something to be desired. Whenever I have problems similar to what is described in this thread, I switch over to my antenna and its rock solid, so it doesn't appear to be a PBS issue.I think you've hit the nail on the head - they transitioned to digital so early, their encoders are now having trouble with some of the newest high-bandwidth 5.1 audio productions. I looked into this issue quite a bit back when "The War" was broadcast. The audio dropouts completely ruined it for me. This happened in quite a few cable markets around the US and Canada - not just Comcast. It seemed to vary by which PBS affiliate supplied the cable feed. The clearest example was some Shaw Cable customers in BC were complaining, while others had no problems at all. The difference: whether they got their PBS feed from KTCS (bad audio) or from the Spokane PBS affiliate (good audio).

PBS National acknowledged they had a problem during The War, apologized, and claimed they fixed it. Obviously its not fixed, at least not with all their affiliate stations.

Sorry for the long post, but my frustration level with Comcast has reached a point where I need to have to seek other opinions/experiences. I have been a long time subscriber to the cable network in my neighborhood (Cablevision, AT&T, Comcast). I have one HD ready CRT with a DVR, three analog TV's, and I just purchased a small LCD HDTV to have in my bedroom with a QAM tuner. I took advantage of Comcast's offer last year for two small cable boxes (Motorola DCT700) for no additional charge and hooked them up to two of my analog TV's. The free year runs out next month so I've tried to find a way to purchase them rather than pay the extra $5.10 each per month. They told me at the Comcast store there was no way to purchase these boxes and have them hooked up to their network.

I contacted Comcast to see how much more it would cost to add a HD box to my new TV and the reply was $11 and some cents. When I asked why the cost on the web site was $6.50, the reply was I already had the DVR and they charge more for more than one box. I'm getting the local channels in HD on my new TV and a few digital channels with the QAM tuner. Bottom line is my monthly bill will go up by at least $25 if I add the second HD box and keep the DCT700's. I have the digital preferred package now with no premium channels along with Internet service. My current bill is almost $134 per month and I can't justify any more. I have I've looked into TIVO. I'd like to convert to FIOS when it becomes available in my neighborhood, and I found out they don't support TIVO. I don't really care about the digital channels except for the HD channels. Satellite isn't an option as I live in a heavily treed area. Any suggestions on how I can get full HD service on mutiple TV's without increasing my bill or to be able to purchase the necessary hardware that Comcast would accept?

Sorry for the long post, but my frustration level with Comcast has reached a point where I need to have to seek other opinions/experiences. I have been a long time subscriber to the cable network in my neighborhood (Cablevision, AT&T, Comcast). I have one HD ready CRT with a DVR, three analog TV's, and I just purchased a small LCD HDTV to have in my bedroom with a QAM tuner. I took advantage of Comcast's offer last year for two small cable boxes (Motorola DCT700) for no additional charge and hooked them up to two of my analog TV's. The free year runs out next month so I've tried to find a way to purchase them rather than pay the extra $5.10 each per month. They told me at the Comcast store there was no way to purchase these boxes and have them hooked up to their network.

I contacted Comcast to see how much more it would cost to add a HD box to my new TV and the reply was $11 and some cents. When I asked why the cost on the web site was $6.50, the reply was I already had the DVR and they charge more for more than one box. I'm getting the local channels in HD on my new TV and a few digital channels with the QAM tuner. Bottom line is my monthly bill will go up by at least $25 if I add the second HD box and keep the DCT700's. I have the digital preferred package now with no premium channels along with Internet service. My current bill is almost $134 per month and I can't justify any more. I have I've looked into TIVO. I'd like to convert to FIOS when it becomes available in my neighborhood, and I found out they don't support TIVO. I don't really care about the digital channels except for the HD channels. Satellite isn't an option as I live in a heavily treed area. Any suggestions on how I can get full HD service on mutiple TV's without increasing my bill or to be able to purchase the necessary hardware that Comcast would accept?

I feel your pain with almost exactly the same cost per month. If I could figure out a way to get around Comcast's price gouging, I'd do it too, but no joy. Good luck in your quest....

...
I'd like to convert to FIOS when it becomes available in my neighborhood, and I found out they don't support TIVO.
...


You should ask for a second opinion on that. I know of at least one person on the east coast who has a TiVo Series 3 with cablecards being used with FiOS. I would give you a reference url, but it would get censored here. (It's academic for me, since I'm a captive of Qwest.)

Sorry for the long post, but my frustration level with Comcast has reached a point where I need to have to seek other opinions/experiences. I have been a long time subscriber to the cable network in my neighborhood (Cablevision, AT&T, Comcast). I have one HD ready CRT with a DVR, three analog TV's, and I just purchased a small LCD HDTV to have in my bedroom with a QAM tuner. I took advantage of Comcast's offer last year for two small cable boxes (Motorola DCT700) for no additional charge and hooked them up to two of my analog TV's. The free year runs out next month so I've tried to find a way to purchase them rather than pay the extra $5.10 each per month. They told me at the Comcast store there was no way to purchase these boxes and have them hooked up to their network.

I contacted Comcast to see how much more it would cost to add a HD box to my new TV and the reply was $11 and some cents. When I asked why the cost on the web site was $6.50, the reply was I already had the DVR and they charge more for more than one box. I'm getting the local channels in HD on my new TV and a few digital channels with the QAM tuner. Bottom line is my monthly bill will go up by at least $25 if I add the second HD box and keep the DCT700's. I have the digital preferred package now with no premium channels along with Internet service. My current bill is almost $134 per month and I can't justify any more. I have I've looked into TIVO. I'd like to convert to FIOS when it becomes available in my neighborhood, and I found out they don't support TIVO. I don't really care about the digital channels except for the HD channels. Satellite isn't an option as I live in a heavily treed area. Any suggestions on how I can get full HD service on mutiple TV's without increasing my bill or to be able to purchase the necessary hardware that Comcast would accept?

pm me...

WTF is with sporadic "lipsyncing" that i am noticing after getting the hd box. i was wathing 110 and the audio was off from the video, but channel 10 was spot on. this never happened with my reg. digital box. if things dont improve im switching to sattelite.

WTF is with sporadic "lipsyncing" that i am noticing after getting the hd box. i was wathing 110 and the audio was off from the video, but channel 10 was spot on. this never happened with my reg. digital box. if things dont improve im switching to sattelite.

I've had the same issue. I believe the majority of the sync problem you see is from the original broadcast. I bought an HD antenna in order to troubleshoot the issue and found the issue was present there as well so there's not much Comcast can do to fix it. I'll bet you see the same thing on Satellite. It's super annoying and I wish the networks would fix it. It's apparently caused by poor encoding of the program. For me, ABC is the worst but varies from program to program.

That said, some AV equipment makes the problem worse but it's the network at the root of the problem.

I recorded the movie The Lives of Others on MaxHD. Around the 45 minute mark, there was a brief screen breakup with artifacts, seemed to miss a few seconds of the plot. The subtitles were also getting flaky, so I re-recorded the movie in SD. Turns out the "brief" breakup dropped 35 minutes of the program!