In Bellevue it's 55 seconds slow, compared to http://www.time.gov Hmmm... Tested with the link in Lakewood and it's to the second. No delay. If you want, and if you think it would help, I can talke a picture of the clock on my computer and DVR a second before the top of the minute and a second afterwards and send it to you.

If you could do the same and the comcast techs could get email then you'd have the evidence you need I think. Let me know if I can be of help.

Regards,

Jim

Hmmm... Tested with the link in Lakewood and it's to the second. No delay. If you want, and if you think it would help, I can talke a picture of the clock on my computer and DVR a second before the top of the minute and a second afterwards and send it to you.

If you could do the same and the comcast techs could get email then you'd have the evidence you need I think. Let me know if I can be of help.

Regards,

Jim
Interesting. My DVR has always been five seconds slow. And, about five seconds behind analog TV feed. I'll pass on your offer, though. I check it against two clocks in my house that are synced with the atomic clock at the Naval Observatory via shortwave.

Mine has the same symptoms, and I just checked the time last night to verify that it is one minute slow. I see it as a system-wide problem, rather than individual hardware.

Not a system-wide problem. Mine is within 1 second of my "atomic" clock on the mantle and that's pretty damn accurate.

Interesting. My DVR has always been five seconds slow. And, about five seconds behind analog TV feed. I'll pass on your offer, though. I check it against two clocks in my house that are synced with the atomic clock at the Naval Observatory via shortwave.

Just to be clear, I am comparing the time on the front of the DVR with the one on my computer. They both tick over to the next minute at the same time.

Now here's an important question:

So...once we all get our DVRs in synch, will the Apple Cup be shown in HD on 664???

Well at least Comcast is getting on the ball a little bit with internet by supposedly doubling the speed for free next month. (http://www.comcast.com/About/PressRelease/PressReleaseDetail.ashx?PRID=821) Now, if they would just add some more HD channels, and get cracking on making a good onscreen interface, maybe I will stick with them once FIOS decides to hit my neighborhood.

It will be live in Shoreline soon!!! The City approved FIOS a few weeks ago....just a matter of time!If anyone here lives in Shoreline and has seen the VZ fiber going up - could you list the street address where it is in progress or in place?

I am so ready to jump ship - my Comcast (TV only) bill has gone up $30 in a year and I cannot get HD On Demand during weekends because of network overload.

Not fixed here in Anacortes, as of noon.

As of this evening, the DVR time seems to be exactly correct now in Bellevue.

will the Comcast speed service be the same concept? Will it burst up to that speed, or be constant like FIOS? I know with FIOS, I always get 20MB down, no matter what time of day it is.

will the Comcast speed service be the same concept? Will it burst up to that speed, or be constant like FIOS? I know with FIOS, I always get 20MB down, no matter what time of day it is.Can we please stop with the FIOS trolls?

I don't know. I was going to call in and ask about it, but I can't find anything official from fox on the net saying it's produced in HD. Anyone have a link to something? I swear I've heard that it was going to be in HD?! Maybe someone with DirecTV could check their guide to verify?

EDIT: sorry, I guess I didn't quote the original post. this is in reference to today's FSN production of the Apple Cup.

Now here's an important question:

So...once we all get our DVRs in synch, will the Apple Cup be shown in HD on 664???Comcast has an ad on the front page of the NW Ticket section of this morning's Seattle Times that reads "Dawgs vs. Cougs in HD. Saturday at 12:00 pm on FSN, Comcast HD Channel 664".

The TV Guide still didn't have it listed as of an hour ago, but if Comcast says it's going to be on channel 664, I'm sure it will turn up.

ok, well that's good to hear. I guess we'll see what happens.

Just like every other FSN football game in HD this year. It may be on 664 or it may not. The guide says there is a game while there isn't, or there is a game and the guide says there isn't. The online guide is probably different still. The customer service reps usually mirror the onscreen guide so they are of little help. Since MOJO is going away, maybe this split channel problem will be fixed. Hopefully they will broadcast the whole thing and not cut away at a predetermined time like in previous years.

As of this evening, the DVR time seems to be exactly correct now in Bellevue.
Same here in Anacortes. Seemed to have been fixed sometime yesterday.

Can we please stop with the FIOS trolls?No trolling intended, consider it stopped on my part.

I just spoke to a Comcast rep about losing the ScienceHD channel on the "Digital Starter" pack. He told me it was moved to a higher level (Premium) pack.

He also told me about Comcast adding around 30 new channels next month... and that they would be offering a new digital converter!

Sounds likes it's going to be bye, bye for analog???

I just spoke to a Comcast rep about losing the ScienceHD channel on the "Digital Starter" pack. He told me it was moved to a higher level (Premium) pack.

He also told me about Comcast adding around 30 new channels next month... and that they would be offering a new digital converter!

Sounds likes it's going to be bye, bye for analog???


That sounds pretty consistent with this posting:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14396160#post14396160

Appears the "techs" are playing with their toys. WeatherScan 112.11 has been on & off for the last week or so. Off at the moment. Also appears that somehow Seattle is playing with things up here. Channel info indicates that the Golf Channel has moved from 69 to 70 !!! Really, since is has never been there. Oh, those Comcast techs!!!

Comcast has an ad on the front page of the NW Ticket section of this morning's Seattle Times that reads "Dawgs vs. Cougs in HD. Saturday at 12:00 pm on FSN, Comcast HD Channel 664".

The TV Guide still didn't have it listed as of an hour ago, but if Comcast says it's going to be on channel 664, I'm sure it will turn up.

Thanks!

Yesterday I actually went to Comcast's website and "spoke" to one of their reps via their instant chat feature. Once I got him to realize that the "FoxSports Northwest" I spoke of wasn't Fox Soccer Net, and that my question concerned watching the Apple Cup in HD, he told me (after 15 min) that yes, I could watch the Apple Cup. However, it would only be in SD on 30.

"Hello Right Hand, I'd like to introduce you to Left Hand..."

Don't know if anyone else noticed, but my QAM tuner is now picking up 92-9 aka TBS (sd). Good news, since I only subscribe to limited cable. :)

--
Sang

No TBS on 92-9 here. :(

I am seeing what Levibluewa described on 96-2 though (Golf Channel having moved from 69 to 70.)

My Comcast DVR was back on time over the weekend, then sometime Monday it dropped back to one minute late again. I swapped boxes today. After the Comcast rep at the Burlington office blamed: 1) my clocks being off, 2) TV Guide's schedule problems, & 3) the networks moving show start times around. Still, he didn't get it that the box's clock is one minute late. He says everyone has this problem. I wonder if I got a Tivo, if the Tivo clock would be on time.

...I wonder if I got a Tivo, if the Tivo clock would be on time.

I'm sure it would be correct, since it wouldn't depend on Comcast. (As Art knows, I've had the same back and forth time switch in Bellevue.)

...
I wonder if I got a Tivo, if the Tivo clock would be on time.

That begs the question: if Comcast offers a "Tivo software" upgrade at some point, would it function properly and have a correct clock (or would it just look like a Tivo but have all the usual Comcast problems)? I fear the latter.

Really, how difficult could it be to have the clock work properly on these things? That issue seems to have been solved by pretty much everyone else providing a similar service on other electronic devices. Even Tivo does it pretty well using a dialup land-line connection with all its inherent latency issues. For $100 a month one would think...

It's Comspastic!

That begs the question: if Comcast offers a "Tivo software" upgrade at some point, would it function properly and have a correct clock (or would it just look like a Tivo but have all the usual Comcast problems)? I fear the latter.
...

I think the fact that the TiVo/Comcast/Motorola thing has been in work for several years and is not yet ready for widespread deployment confirms your fears.

The Moto boxes are not really "powerful" enough to properly run the TiVo software, let alone run the new HME apps like YouTube! So don't hold your breath!

P.S. Even when the clock is set correctly, the networks love to shift things around by a minute or so (to punish you for not watching live TV). quick rant... sorry

...Even when the clock is set correctly, the networks love to shift things around by a minute or so (to punish you for not watching live TV).
...

The guide keeps up with that pretty well.

Comcast Support answer to my complaint about my DVR being one minute behind reality:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your Comcast Cable TV service.

I understand you have questions about the clock on the Comcast cable box. I do not know why it is one minute slow. The time is provided by a central server, and is not an issue with the cable box itself.

I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Unfortunately, there isn't a fix for this at this time. You can adjust your DVR recording to begin one minute early so as not to miss any of the program.

If you have any more questions feel free to reply to this e-mail, or you can chat with one of our Online Customer Support Specialists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at http://www.comcastsupport.com/chat .

Comcast Support answer to my complaint about my DVR being one minute behind reality:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your Comcast Cable TV service.

I understand you have questions about the clock on the Comcast cable box. I do not know why it is one minute slow. The time is provided by a central server, and is not an issue with the cable box itself.

I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused. Unfortunately, there isn't a fix for this at this time. You can adjust your DVR recording to begin one minute early so as not to miss any of the program.

If you have any more questions feel free to reply to this e-mail, or you can chat with one of our Online Customer Support Specialists 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at http://www.comcastsupport.com/chat .

Just out of curiosity, where do you get your "correct" time from? How do you know the DVR box wrong? Do you have multiple cable boxes, and only 1 of them is wrong? If that is the case, I can see where your coming from, but if not, maybe your other source of time is wrong.

Well, my time is shifting between right on and one minute slow, just like Art's. I set my watch by http://www.time.gov and periodically compare my watch's time to the box when the box ticks over to a new minute. This morning it was correct, and now the box is one minute slow. It's been switching between the two states at least once a day. I trust my quartz analog watch not to be the culprit.

Marrvia - Art has 2 atomic clocks in his house so it is not his reference that is the problem.

My thought on this issue from a software perspective: the central server issues a burst of commands over the system to update everyone's clocks, with these spread over some time span, say 30 seconds. The commands may be only specifying the hour and minute, not seconds, because of the inherent latency of their system. If your Moto clock is currently between :00 and :30 it gets rounded back to the earlier minute. If it is between :31 and :59 it gets rounded forward. So some boxes will be off by up to a minute because of a rounding effect in the box firmware. They probably figured that 1-minute accuracy was "good enough" and 1-second accuracy was very difficult to achieve anyway. If you have ever had multiple screens running multiple networks side-by-side you would see that there is up to a minute of error among network timing of show starts (i.e. the earliest and latest show start at any particular hour can be separated by 60 seconds or more). I have noticed that even though my box is dead on with my atomic clock, I still miss the first several seconds of The Office every week. NBC's clock is off.

Just out of curiosity, where do you get your "correct" time from? How do you know the DVR box wrong? Do you have multiple cable boxes, and only 1 of them is wrong? If that is the case, I can see where your coming from, but if not, maybe your other source of time is wrong.
I checked the time from 2 locations: 1) three atomic-connected clicks I have; 2) time.gov, 3) CBS network at 8pm. NOTE: All three major networks always start their prime time schedule at 8pm (except in extraordinary circumstances).
Except when it's a minute slow, the DVR has consistently been 4 seconds behind the atomic clock and four seconds behind the analog TV signals from Comcast. But, the last 2 weeks it has been (mostly) 1 minute behind. It has been correct since last night now. In general, for the past four years, my Comcast DVR clock has right on, until about two weeks ago.

Just noticed that KIRO HD's 1080i broadcast is slightly underscanned on my Westy 42" set. There is a 1/4 inch black bar on top with a few white dots on the very top left side.

Perhaps it is just the way my set is adjusted - but KING HD's 1080i is correctly sized for the screen. KOMO HD and PBS HD are also AOK.

Is no biggie - except now that I noticed it I keep noticing it :eek:

I have the same black bar problem with my 42" olevia and 32" olevia tvs. 42 is hooked up to the box, 32 is QAM. Don't know why.

Both are 720p LCDs. Maybe the TV isn't using all 768 lines and only displaying 720 with the top 48 lines unused. But if that's the case, I don't know why it wouldn't do it on all the hd channels since my box is set to output a 720p signal.

I haven't noticed any white dots though.

I only see the white dots when a SD program is being broadcast (20/20, 4x3 format) on a 23" Olevia 720P.

What's up with the Comcast.net TV guide (zip code 98055 digital).
I wanted to see when the Oregon vs Oregon St game was on.
It shows the game on ch 34 at 5pm but if you click on the game it lists it correctly as starting at 4pm???

http://www.comcast.net/tv/tv-listings/?initView=schedule#initView=grid,1193527274093

On Edit Too weird...now it displays correctly

South county has ESPN1 & 2 HD remapped to 623 & 624, has FSN Sports HD on 627, and has no MOJO.
sam

Does anyone know if FSN will be broadcast 24/7 and whether we will get schedule data. I checked 664, which currently says "Fox Sports HD Events will be shown on 627." I expect this means the channel will have HD events (and will be black the rest of the time). This is OK as long as we get schedule data for my DVR. I already submitted a update request with Tivo, hoping that Comcast & FSN keep such updated with Tribune.

South county has ESPN1 & 2 HD remapped to 623 & 624, has FSN Sports HD on 627, and has no MOJO.
sam

Mojo is no more. It is gone forever.

Edit: I now have ESPN1 & 2 on both 173/174 and 623 & 624. Tivo even has the schedule data for all four.

The Renton Fry's has the KWORLD SA290-Q LE $100 ATSC, Clear QAM tuner on sale for $49.99 - half of its original price. This unit can be used via Component Video (R-G-B) connection to a TV or monitor, but has analog stereo audio only.

Anyone care to share their experiences with this device?

The Renton Fry's has the KWORLD SA290-Q LE $100 ATSC, Clear QAM tuner on sale for $49.99 - half of its original price. This unit can be used via Component Video (R-G-B) connection to a TV or monitor, but has analog stereo audio only.

Anyone care to share their experiences with this device?

I ordered one from newegg.com ($49 w/free ship) since Frys NEVER seems to have what I want when I go there. I'll report in a week or so on how good/bad it is. I like the USB port for playing JPG and MP3 files. My Canon EOS XSi takes great pictures but the video output (composite) does not do justice to them on an HD set. Maybe this unit will give me the HD slide show effect I've been looking for.

The Renton Fry's has the KWORLD SA290-Q LE $100 ATSC, Clear QAM tuner on sale for $49.99 - half of its original price. This unit can be used via Component Video (R-G-B) connection to a TV or monitor, but has analog stereo audio only.

Anyone care to share their experiences with this device?

I have the VGA version (there's also DVI version) and it works with Comcast no problem. You cannot remove channels, so you're kinda stuck with whatever the QAM tuner picks up. I bought mine from Buy.com a few weeks ago. Drat ... should've waited for this sale. Oh well...

--
Sang

I have the VGA version (there's also DVI version) and it works with Comcast no problem. You cannot remove channels, so you're kinda stuck with whatever the QAM tuner picks up. Thanks for the feedback - the VGA/Component RGB version is the one on sale for $49.99.

Mojo is no more. It is gone forever.

Edit: I now have ESPN1 & 2 on both 173/174 and 623 & 624. Tivo even has the schedule data for all four.

I also have the 4 espn channels, but still no FSN on 627. Hopefully TiVo will get update soon.

I also have the 4 espn channels, but still no FSN on 627. Hopefully TiVo will get update soon.

I just forced an update on my Tivo and now have schedule info for FSN on 627 . . . which is "Sign Off" at least until December 15 (i.e., as much schedule data as my Tivo has). Hopefully, Comcast and FSN will get the channel up and running by December 10th, for the WSU/Gonzaga game.

I just forced an update on my Tivo and now have schedule info for FSN on 627 . . . which is "Sign Off" at least until December 15 (i.e., as much schedule data as my Tivo has). Hopefully, Comcast and FSN will get the channel up and running by December 10th, for the WSU/Gonzaga game.According to the iGuide, the next FSN-HD event is a college football game on Saturday. There are three college basketball games on Sunday, and then nothing until the next round of college basketball games on Sunday the 14th. Your WSU/Gonzaga game is not listed.

FSN-NW simply doesn't carry much HD, so not much has changed except that Comcast no longer needs to pre-empt Mojo to show their rare HD event.

I wonder if Comcast will consider sharing out this channel with HD events from Comcast Sports Northwest? I think most of CSN's HD line-up consists of Blazers basketball games.

FSN-NW COMCAST HD Schedule:

2008-09 Men's College Basketball Schedule

11/30/08
Sun
UNC Asheville at North Carolina (HD)
3:30 PM
6:00 PM
MOJO 664

12/04/08
Thu
Oklahoma St. at UW (HD)
8:00 PM
10:30 PM
627

12/07/08
Sun
Nebraska at Arizona St. (HD)
11:00 AM
1:30 PM
627

12/07/08
Sun
Florida at Florida St. (HD)
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
627

12/07/08
Sun
Kansas St. at Oregon (HD)
5:30 PM
8:00 PM
627

12/14/08
Sun
Wright St. at Wake Forest (HD)
1:00 PM
3:30 PM
627

12/14/08
Sun
Gonzaga at Arizona (HD)
3:00 PM
5:30 PM
627

12/20/08
Sat
Louisville vs Minnesota (HD)
11:00 AM
1:30 PM
627

12/20/08
Sat
Arizona St. vs BYU (HD)
1:30 PM
4:00 PM
627

12/21/08
Sun
Pittsburgh at Florida St. (HD)
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
627

12/21/08
Sun
Clemson at Miami (HD)
4:45 PM
7:15 PM
627

12/22/08
Mon
Georgia Tech at USC (HD)
7:30 PM
10:00 PM
627

12/23/08
Tue
Kansas at Arizona (HD)
7:30 PM
10:00 PM
627

12/28/08
Sun
Virginia at Georgia Tech (HD)
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
627

12/28/08
Sun
Rutgers at North Carolina (HD)
4:45 PM
7:15 PM
627

12/28/08
Sun
Texas Tech at Stanford (HD)
7:00 PM
9:30 PM
627

01/04/08
Sun
UCLA at Oregon (HD)
12:30 PM
3:00 PM
627

01/04/08
Sun
Virginia Tech at Duke (HD)
4:45 PM
7:15 PM
627

01/04/08
Sun
Arizona at Stanford (HD)
7:00 PM
9:30 PM
627

01/10/08
Sat
Oregon at Arizona St. (HD)
11:00 AM
1:30 PM
627

01/11/08
Sun
North Carolina at Wake Forest (HD)
5:00 PM
7:30 PM
627

01/15/08
Thu
Arizona at UCLA (HD)
8:00 PM
10:30 PM
627

01/17/08
Sat
WSU at Oregon (HD)
11:00 AM
1:30 PM
627

01/22/08
Thu
UCLA at WSU (HD)
6:00 PM
8:30 PM
627

01/22/08
Thu
USC at UW (HD)
8:00 PM
10:30 PM
627

01/24/08
Sat
UCLA at UW (HD)
1:00 PM
3:30 PM
627

01/25/08
Sun
Virginia Tech at Miami (HD)
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
627

01/25/08
Sun
Georgia Tech at Clemson (HD)
4:45 PM
7:15 PM
627

01/31/08
Sat
Cal at USC (HD)
8:30 PM
11:00 PM
627

02/01/08
Sun
Virginia at Duke (HD)
11:00 AM
1:30 PM
627

02/07/08
Sat
WSU at Cal (HD)
7:30 PM
10:00 PM
627

02/08/08
Sun
UW at Stanford (HD)
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
627

02/08/08
Sun
Maryland at Georgia Tech (HD)
4:30 PM
7:00 PM
627

02/14/08
Sat
Oregon at UW (HD)
12:00 PM
2:30 PM
627

02/14/08
Sat
Stanford at Cal (HD)
2:00 PM
4:30 PM
627

02/15/08
Sun
Duke at Boston College (HD)
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
627

02/15/08
Sun
North Carolina at Miami (HD)
4:45 PM
7:15 PM
627

02/15/08
Sun
USC at Arizona St. (HD)
7:00 PM
9:30 PM
627

02/19/08
Thu
UW at UCLA (HD)
8:00 PM
10:30 PM
627

02/21/08
Sat
WSU at UCLA (HD)
12:00 PM
2:30 PM
627

02/22/08
Sun
Wake Forest at Duke (HD)
4:30 PM
7:00 PM
627

02/22/08
Sun
Arizona at Arizona St. (HD)
7:00 PM
9:30 PM
627

02/28/08
Sat
Wildcard: Teams TBA (HD)
12:00 PM
2:30 PM
627

03/01/08
Sun
Maryland at North Carolina St. (HD)
4:30 PM
7:00 PM
627

03/01/08
Sun
Oregon St. at Oregon (HD)
7:00 PM
9:30 PM
627

03/05/08
Thu
Wildcard: Teams TBA (HD)
7:30 PM
10:00 PM
627

03/07/08
Sat
Wildcard: Teams TBA (HD)
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
627

03/08/08
Sun
Clemson at Wake Forest (HD)
3:00 PM
5:30 PM
627

03/11/08
Wed
First Round (HD)
6:00 PM
8:30 PM
627

03/11/08
Wed
First Round (HD)
8:30 PM
11:00 PM
627

03/12/08
Thu
Quarterfinal (HD)
12:00 PM
2:30 PM
627

03/12/08
Thu
Quarterfinal (HD)
2:30 PM
5:00 PM
627

03/12/08
Thu
Quarterfinal (HD)
6:00 PM
8:30 PM
627

03/12/08
Thu
Quarterfinal (HD)
8:30 PM
11:00 PM
627

03/13/08
Fri
Semifinal (HD)
6:00 PM
8:30 PM
627

03/13/08
Fri
Semifinal (HD)
8:30 PM
11:00 PM
627

The OK St - UW game was listed for 12/4 on my Comcast channel guide last night when I went surfing for things to watch on 627. One would hope there's more programming in the works for FSN HD.

Also - I was kind of surprised that there wasn't a message waiting for me on my DVR from Comcast about the end of MOJO and the relocation/addition of 623, 624 & 627.

I liked Mojo. In my opinion, they took away an HD station and basically gave us nothing in return. FSN-HD is only limited times, so it doesn't count as a replacement for Mojo.

The HD channels on Comcast are shrinking, not getting bigger. Funny how the price for cable is never, ever shrinking. The price only gets bigger.

BTW, it took them quite a while to turn on 627 for the UW-OK State game last night. I'm thinking it took at least twenty for twenty five minutes for someone to flip the switch. Once it was on, it sure looked good, especially compared to the terrible SD on channel 30. And talk about ugly SD, the High School championship game looks horrible - same as last year and year before. FSN channel 30 has the worst looking SD sports I've ever seen on TV.

I ordered one from newegg.com ($49 w/free ship) since Frys NEVER seems to have what I want when I go there. I'll report in a week or so on how good/bad it is. I like the USB port for playing JPG and MP3 files. My Canon EOS XSi takes great pictures but the video output (composite) does not do justice to them on an HD set. Maybe this unit will give me the HD slide show effect I've been looking for.

OK, the kworld SA-290 arrived today and I ran it through some quick tests. The channel scan for both OTA and cable worked very well and picked up all the available channels in both cases. For OTA they provide a cute little telescoping antenna with a magnetic base. The box has outputs for Component, composite and VGA. All 3 appear to work as advertized. There is a resolution button on the remote that lets you cycle through the choices, component being the only one with multiple formats (480, 720, 1080). In 1080 mode the display looks nearly identical to the Comcast Moto box in 1080 mode. The VGA output was a smidge less sharp than 1080 but that may be due to my TV's conversion to 1080p from VGA - but still an excellent picture. There is no adjustment for centering so the VGA image had a slight border on the top. But what I was realy interested in was how well it handled jpeg images on the USB interface. I loaded up a USB drive and plugged it into the box. There is a key on the remote that takes you right to a folder browsing screen. I pulled up several hi-rez images and was pleasantly surprised at the quality. The pics were off my Canon EOS at 3888 x 2592 (10 Mp). I cropped one image to 16:9 format to fill the TV display and it was very crisp. The remote on the kworld also lets you zoom and rotate images as well as run an automated slide show. But note that a 10 Mp image takes several seconds load so if you want to do a quick check of your pictures you might want to create a set of 1/4 rez or lower first. All in all, I am quite pleased with what I got for $50.

I liked Mojo. In my opinion, they took away an HD station and basically gave us nothing in return. FSN-HD is only limited times, so it doesn't count as a replacement for Mojo.

The HD channels on Comcast are shrinking, not getting bigger. Funny how the price for cable is never, ever shrinking. The price only gets bigger.

BTW, it took them quite a while to turn on 627 for the UW-OK State game last night. I'm thinking it took at least twenty for twenty five minutes for someone to flip the switch. Once it was on, it sure looked good, especially compared to the terrible SD on channel 30. And talk about ugly SD, the High School championship game looks horrible - same as last year and year before. FSN channel 30 has the worst looking SD sports I've ever seen on TV.

You know Mike777, I totally agree with you. A lot of MOJO's shows were fun and looked fantastic! Heck, I'm not even a drinker, but I loved Three Sheets. Now they've added a part-time station on a different channel while 664 sits idle. Common sense tell me that they'll be adding more stations between 620 - 659, but why can't they tell us what that'll be and approximately when? Lack of communications from a communications company can be disheartening.

look like you guys with Comcast got Fox News in HD?
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/07/fox-news-hd-joins-the-hd-lineup-in-seattle-wa/

anyone confirm?

You know Mike777, I totally agree with you. A lot of MOJO's shows were fun and looked fantastic! Heck, I'm not even a drinker, but I loved Three Sheets. Now they've added a part-time station on a different channel while 664 sits idle. Common sense tell me that they'll be adding more stations between 620 - 659, but why can't they tell us what that'll be and approximately when? Lack of communications from a communications company can be disheartening.
I think we know what we will be getting:
Comcast adding more HD channels in December... Saw an ad in today's legal notices section of the Kitsap Sun:

************************************************************ *************
Important Notice to Comcast Cable Customers serviced in Kitsap County

On or about Decmber 16, 2008, Comcast will make the folowing changes to its Channel Line-up in parts of the following communities:
Bainbridge Island WA-0323, Hansville (Kitsap County) WA-0537, Kitsap County WA-0382
Neighborhoods in the aforementioned communities and other communities in Kitsap County that do not receive these changes on or about Decmber 16, 2008 will see these changes within 12 months.

Channels being added to the Digital Starter level of service:
WE HD 649
E! HD 651
Bravo HD 652
Lifetime HD 653
Travel HD 654
FOX News HD 655
CNN HD 657
CNBC HD 658
TBS HD 664
FX HD 665
Cartoon HD 680
QVC HD 692
G4 HD 693
BIO HD 694
AMC HD 697
LMN HD 698

Channels being added to the Digital Preferred level of service:
Encore HD 517
ESPNews HD 622
Style HD 650
Fox Business HD 656
Toon Disney HD 681
Fuse HD 690
TV One HD 691
Planet Green HD 695
IFC HD 699

Channels being added to the Sports Entertainment level of service:
Speed HD 620

Channels being added to the Premium Digital level of service:
Starz Kids & Family HD 530
Starz Comedy HD 531
Starz Edge HD 533

Channels being added to Pay-Per-View:
IN DEMAND Events HD 804

************************************************************ *************What we don't know is when - unless you happen to be in those parts of Kitsap County covered by the notice.

look like you guys with Comcast got Fox News in HD?
http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/07/fox-news-hd-joins-the-hd-lineup-in-seattle-wa/

anyone confirm?According to a previous post, Fox News HD should be arriving on December 16 in at least parts of the Seattle area on Channel 655. As of this morning, I can't find it out here in Sammamish.

Hello - long time lurker to these forums - and now first post because we are awaiting the arrival of our entry into the land of HDTV! Very excited.

I have a series 2 Tivo and plan to upgrade to an HD Tivo when the new TV arrives. I currently have Comcast's Digital Starter package and the Motorola set top box. When I'm ready to hook up the Tivo HD, I hope to pick up a cable card or 2 at the local Seattle office, but am wondering if I need to bring the Motorola box with me at that time?

Although I like Comcast's offerings (even tho they are $$$), my interactions with them are rarely smooth so I try to limit those interactions. Thanks for any opinions or experiences.

I'm trying to figure out if the space used by MOJO has already been replaced with something. FSN HD is on 579mhz, but I don't remember what MOJO used to be on. Currently, 664 is on 99mhz, but I'm pretty sure it used to be on a different frequency.

Also, did Comcast stop re-encoding Palladia (formally MHD)? It's now running on the same frequency as 105 (King/NBC). Those are the only two HD channels on that frequency, as far as I can tell. There may be a couple SD channels on that frequency, but I don't have enough time check.

I liked Mojo. In my opinion, they took away an HD station and basically gave us nothing in return. FSN-HD is only limited times, so it doesn't count as a replacement for Mojo.

The HD channels on Comcast are shrinking, not getting bigger. Funny how the price for cable is never, ever shrinking. The price only gets bigger.


Guys,

Let's not harsh Comcast for Mojo. The channel turned themselves off everywhere. Read it here at their site: http://shop.mojohd.com/

Now, if Comcast doesn't use the space for some more HD channels then we can complain, but from the postings here it only looks like a few more days or weeks until we get some more channels. Goodness knows most of you are probably full of angst about the arrival of QVC HD. :D

Guys,

Let's not harsh Comcast for Mojo. The channel turned themselves off everywhere. Read it here at their site: http://shop.mojohd.com/

Now, if Comcast doesn't use the space for some more HD channels then we can complain, but from the postings here it only looks like a few more days or weeks until we get some more channels. Goodness knows most of you are probably full of angst about the arrival of QVC HD. :DAs co-owner of MOJO, it's not like Comcast had nothing to do with this...

not counting the premium movie channels....FIOS...65 HD channels live now. Not a penny more to get them. No tiers to have to figure out.
I used to be a Comcast subscriber...never again.
The fact that a large company like Comcast, that is a TV company...cannot get the same HD channels on right now that it's competitors have on is amazing to me. Verizon is a phone company that is now in the TV business. They have it right and use the same boxes that Comcast uses...just different software.

not counting the premium movie channels....FIOS...65 HD channels live now. Not a penny more to get them. No tiers to have to figure out.
I used to be a Comcast subscriber...never again.
The fact that a large company like Comcast, that is a TV company...cannot get the same HD channels on right now that it's competitors have on is amazing to me. Verizon is a phone company that is now in the TV business. They have it right and use the same boxes that Comcast uses...just different software.

I wish I was lucky enough to have FiOS in my area. Comcast does potentially have the capacity to compete, however, they are still running crappy analog channels that eat up half of their available space. :(

not counting the premium movie channels....FIOS...65 HD channels live now. Not a penny more to get them. No tiers to have to figure out.
I used to be a Comcast subscriber...never again.
The fact that a large company like Comcast, that is a TV company...cannot get the same HD channels on right now that it's competitors have on is amazing to me. Verizon is a phone company that is now in the TV business. They have it right and use the same boxes that Comcast uses...just different software.... and when the 29 new HD channels listed for Kitsap County come on and VS/Golf splits, you will have 64 HD channels.

Verizon also has tiers (or optional channels).

Let's face it folks, Comcast's problems stem from the need to support legacy analog subscribers. Analog creates extra service tiers and uses up most of the bandwidth that could be devoted to HD.

As Comcast begins to seriously dump analog in 2009, they will catch up (and maybe regain the lead) in terms of HD offerings. There is no doubt that the arrival of FiOS has put a lot pressure on Comcast to increase their HD offerings. In the meanwhile, your choices are satellite, FiOS, or patience.

As I am not keen on satellite and because FiOS is not available in my area (even though Verizon provides standard phone service in my area), I am trying to be patient as I watch Comcast roll out lots more HD in other parts of the country. Hopefully, it will be my turn before too long.

... and when the 29 new HD channels listed for Kitsap County come on and VS/Golf splits, you will have 64 HD channels.
...

Has anyone seen any firm indication that we'll be getting the new HD channels reasonably near the time Kitsap County does? (Comcast does such a great job of keeping us informed, after all.)

Has anyone seen any firm indication that we'll be getting the new HD channels reasonably near the time Kitsap County does? (Comcast does such a great job of keeping us informed, after all.)The only thing I've seen posted on this thread came from coachv regarding Buckley.According to a friend at Comcast my area Buckley (98321) will be included in the release on December 17th. They have a huge release map on the wall in their offices.

Christmas is coming a week early.You gotta figure that Kitsap County and Buckley are not the only places getting these channels. The "release map" kind of implies that there is a plan. It would sure be nice if a Comcast insider could post a little bit more info on the rollout plan. I'm not betting on Sammamish getting the channels next week, but I hope I'm not still waiting six months from now.

According to someone @ dslreports' Comcast forums, the Seattle area will be ditching the expanded basic analog tier.

According to someone @ dslreports' Comcast forums, the Seattle area will be ditching the expanded basic analog tier.A local Comcast VP said the same thing in an email that got posted on this board back in July:
I just got a reply from John Dietrich, a local VP at Comcast:

"During the course of next year, we will start commencing what we are call our “digital transition”, which is not to be confused with the FCC-mandated digital transition in Feb 2009 where the broadcasters have to turn off their analog over-the-air signals. The commercials you reference below pertain to the FCC digital transition. In relation to this edict, we will continue to broadcast our signals in both digital and analog so that customers will not be impacted when the local broadcasters turn off their analog signals. This is why we are advertising, “if you have cable, you don’t have to do anything”.

We have a separate project or effort next year to begin to convert a number of analog channels into digital. It is important to know that we have no plans to digitize what we call limited cable (the first 13 analog channels). We are planning to do is to digitize a large percentage, but by no means all, of what we now call expanded basic. Of the approximately 50 or so expanded basic analog channels (which sit above the 13 limited basic channels), we will digitize about 35 of those. For those expanded basic customers, we will provide a digital-to-analog adapter at no charge. These will work fine with your analog devices. Our current plan is to provide up to three analog-to-digital adapters at no charge to existing customer households. Any digital boxes that you need on top of that will be $3.50 per month, just like they are now. I have no idea where the $8.95 number came from. "


So the tech support person I chatted with was WAY off base.Moving expanded basic to analog was announced for Portland back in October (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=166950). They've already started the transition process in the Portland area and it looks like it's coming our way before too long too. We'll see lots more HD here once it happens.

The only thing I've seen posted on this thread came from coachv regarding Buckley.You gotta figure that Kitsap County and Buckley are not the only places getting these channels. The "release map" kind of implies that there is a plan. It would sure be nice if a Comcast insider could post a little bit more info on the rollout plan. I'm not betting on Sammamish getting the channels next week, but I hope I'm not still waiting six months from now.

Well, since it appears the upgrade will occur on BOTH sides of the water, things may bode well for my little burg of Normandy Park.

A little more on Comcast's Seattle plans:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/brierdudley/2008480563_brier08.html

Has anyone seen any firm indication that we'll be getting the new HD channels reasonably near the time Kitsap County does? (Comcast does such a great job of keeping us informed, after all.)

FWIW, I spoke with a Comcast rep about a week ago or so, asking about new HD channels. Supposedly checked my service area, Juanita/Kirkland and said we'd be getting the new stations on or around the 16th. So....sounds like they maybe, possibly, finally, getting around to adding REAL choices. Though I have to admit, I will be removing QVC HD from the channel line up on my Tivo.

A little more on Comcast's Seattle plans:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/brierdudley/2008480563_brier08.html

Interesting read - thanks!

Golf HD and Versus HD are up and running on 625 and 626 respectively.

A little more on Comcast's Seattle plans:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/brierdudley/2008480563_brier08.html

What does that mean exactly?
"The bottom line for nearly all Comcast customers is that they'll have to put a cable box on every television, even newer models with digital tuners."

Does it mean they'll phase out QAM? Are we going to lose HD locals in the clear? It's definitely not clear from the report. Anybody has more information on this particular issue?

It's totally clear for me. The analog channels 30-80 are going away. These are things like the SD feeds of ESPN, ESPN 2, A&E, TNT, TBS, Food Network, etc.

If you are using a tuner built into your TV and you watch those channels, you are going to need a cable box. I'm not sure if cable card ready TV's will still pull them in (I assume they would, but I don't know).

This is great news for anyone interested in HD. I believe each of those analog channels has enough bandwidth for 2 or 3 HD channels. So they should be freeing up lots of space for us.

My Interpretation is that Cable cards should work as well as they do now. Might be a few hiccups during station transitions, but who knows.

I too have no idea what this means for clear QAM. I hope it doesn't go away for the locals. If it does, (and I'm thinking about doing this anyway) I'll probably just have an antenna installed in my house and cancel cable. I have cable mostly for the clear QAM access throughout my house to the HD locals.

It looks like they added a few channels to the Digital Starter package. I have G4 now, it didn't have it yesterday. I haven't checked any other channels though.

What does that mean exactly?
"The bottom line for nearly all Comcast customers is that they'll have to put a cable box on every television, even newer models with digital tuners."

Does it mean they'll phase out QAM? Are we going to lose HD locals in the clear? It's definitely not clear from the report. Anybody has more information on this particular issue?

All of expanded basic channels from #30-80 are already digitized and simulcast on the system. The DVR boxes are all mapped to the digitized channels and not the analog channels. TVs that tune into the analog versions will see snow when the analog channels are turned off. You will need a box to see the digitized channels because they are encrypted and not clear QAM.

The clear QAM channels are channels 2-29, and are already on the system. The analog versions are not being turned off for the limited basic customers. However, the clear QAM local HD channels will continue to be available. They should not be affected by this.

All of expanded basic channels from #30-80 are already digitized and simulcast on the system. The DVR boxes are all mapped to the digitized channels and not the analog channels. TVs that tune into the analog versions will see snow when the analog channels are turned off. You will need a box to see the digitized channels because they are encrypted and not clear QAM.

The clear QAM channels are channels 2-29, and are already on the system. The analog versions are not being turned off for the limited basic customers. However, the clear QAM local HD channels will continue to be available. They should not be affected by this.

Where does ch 99 (CBUT) fall into this? Is it an analog channel or a digital channel?

Where does ch 99 (CBUT) fall into this? Is it an analog channel or a digital channel?

I think all the channels Comcast is currently running in analog, have a digital counterpart and won't be affected by the transition. If I read correctly, analog channels 30-80 are being shut off, which wouldn't include CBC anyway.

There was a story on KOMO news tonight about Comcast changes and the need for these new "little boxes" so people can get channels 30-80 on an analog TV. But they said the **** won't hit the fan until April. The story even had Steve Kipp explaining the new little boxes. A major drawback is the little boxes do not support a guide or any other functions, just a conversion of a certain range of channels to analog output. They mentioned something about 3 free boxes per household, then $1.99 for additional ones.

What does that mean exactly?
"The bottom line for nearly all Comcast customers is that they'll have to put a cable box on every television, even newer models with digital tuners."

Does it mean they'll phase out QAM? Are we going to lose HD locals in the clear? It's definitely not clear from the report. Anybody has more information on this particular issue?

I think when they say "digital tuners" they are referring to ATSC tuners for OTA reception, because lots of newer TV's still don't have QAM capability. I seriously doubt QAM is going away any time soon, if ever.

There was a story on KOMO news tonight about Comcast changes and the need for these new "little boxes" so people can get channels 30-80 on an analog TV. But they said the **** won't hit the fan until April. The story even had Steve Kipp explaining the new little boxes. A major drawback is the little boxes do not support a guide or any other functions, just a conversion of a certain range of channels to analog output. They mentioned something about 3 free boxes per household, then $1.99 for additional ones.

that makes more sense to me than the original seattle times story...as with my newer TV can get the comcast digital channels already, and I see no reason why they would encrypt 30-60, when above and below that are unencrypted...

A little more on Comcast's Seattle plans:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/brierdudley/2008480563_brier08.html

Then, this will be bye-bye Comcast for me.

Found this on the KingTV website:

http://www.king5.com/localnews/consumer/stories/NW_120808BUBTIMES_comcast-cabel-switch-JM.42181bf3.html

which is quite different from the Seattle times article...the key point being you only need the box with older anaolg TVs, of course the implication being a newer digital TV will not require the new hardware.

The KING and Times articles don't seem that much different to me. One thing you can't tell is whether the digital versions of the channels above 30 will be encrypted.

I have read this post on page 414 of this thread:

Important HD notes: MOJO going away, FSN HD Events gets a new full-time channel, Science Channel HD moves to Digital Starter, Golf HD and Versus HD get their own full-time channels.

This was in the Kitsap Sun legal notices on Wed 10/22: (I have retyped it from the newspaper ad graphic).

************************************************************ ***********

Important Notice to Cable Customers serviced in Kitsap County
Comcast will make the following changes to its channel line-up on the following dates or shortly thereafter:

On November 24, 2008 or shortly thereafter the following channel is changing channel numbers:

Golf channel current channel # 69 new channel # 70

On December 1, 2008 or shortly thereafter the following channels (which currently time share on a single channel) will have the following changes made:

MOJO HD current channel # 664 (shared with FSN HD Events) CEASING BROADCAST
FSN HD Events current channel # 664 (shared with MOJO HD) new channel # 627

On December 8, 2008 or shortly thereafter the following channels (which currently time share on a single channel) will become full-time channels and change channel numbers:

Golf HD current channel # 665 (shared with Versus HD) new channel # 625 (full-time)
Versus HD current channel # 665 (shared with Golf HD) new channel # 626 (full-time)

On December 8, 2008 or shortly thereafter the following channels will move from the Digital Preferred level of service to the Digital Starter level of service:

PBS Kids Sprout ch 118
Discovery Kids ch 121
Bloomberg TV ch 128
G4 ch 136
C-SPAN 3 ch 150
Science Channel ch 272
BIO ch 275
History International ch 276
WE TV ch 502
LMN ch 504
Science Channel HD ch 696

On January 1, 2009 or shortly thereafter the following channel will be added to the Digital Preferred level of service:

MLB network ch 407

************************************************************ ***********

I have got this same notice in my local paper around the same time and the date the channels are moving to digital starter service. The channel numbers in my area (Aberdeen, WA) are the same as the ones Spike89 posted.

I searched for the new channels and only got PBS Kids Sprout, on 114-5.

Did anybody get the same notice Spike89 posted in their local paper, and have the same numbers for the channels listed?

I am trying to get these channels on my set's QAM turner without getting a box from Comcast. I am getting the channels from their Digital Starter service, minus a few HD channels, without a box.

If anybody got the same notice Spike89 posted in their local paper, have the same channel numbers (If the numbers in Kitsap and Aberdeen are the same, maybe Seattle and around that area, too), and got the channels today on their TV's QAM turner, could you please post the QAM channel numbers you are receiving thme on?

Thanks for any info. Sorry if I didn't explain what I wanted very well.

The KING and Times articles don't seem that much different to me. One thing you can't tell is whether the digital versions of the channels above 30 will be encrypted.

I think they are encrypted because none of the expanded basic channels show up on a QAM channel on my clear QAM tuner. You can find all of the limited basic QAM channels pretty readily.

I think they are encrypted because none of the expanded basic channels show up on a QAM channel on my clear QAM tuner. You can find all of the limited basic QAM channels pretty readily.

After they make the actual switch they can't be encrypted because the DTAs don't have security modules, they're just little QAM boxes.

After they make the actual switch they can't be encrypted because the DTAs don't have security modules, they're just little QAM boxes.

If they're just little QAM tuners, then why are they necessary for newer TVs with built in QAM, unless the signals are encrypted? The KingTV article says they are only needed for older analog TVs, the newer Seattle Times article and Q&A on Dec 9th says they ARE necessary for TVs with QAM tuners!

So, with my one TV with a cable card (and extended basic analog service only) I do get Discovery HD, and about 10 other HD, in addition to the local HD, at no extra charge...with these free DTA boxes, will I then get all those extra HD channels free?

Federal law requires Comcast to support Cablecard devices, now and in the forseable future. If the law had changed, someone would have already posted the changes, and their interpretations of such. Others would respond with how these changes result in "end of the world" after they already spent all this money on equipment.

At this point, no one posted anything indicating that the FCC is doing away with their CableCard requirements . . . no need to jump to the conclution that the "end of the world" is near.

These DTAs don't have anything to do with CableCard. They are simple, cheap, "crippled" digital cable boxes for the purpose of allowing people without cable boxes OR WITHOUT CABLECARDS to keep viewing Ch. 30-80 (soon to be digital only) on their TVs. In fact, it's probably good news for Cablecard users, since it postpones the inevitable move to SDV a few more years...

As for whether ch. 30-80 will be encrypted, my guess is yes. Since you'll have to pay extra for this new "Digital Starter" tier - just like you now have to pay for Expanded Basic -Comcast will absolutely not make them available for free. These DTAs will use some form of simple 1-way conditional access to grant access to the new Digital Starter tier, as opposed to the old way of granting access to Expanded Basic (analog filter on your incoming line).

DTAs may have limited function, but they are more than *just* a tuner. At a minimum they provide channel mapping, and probably some simple form of conditional access.

Federal law requires Comcast to support Cablecard devices, now and in the forseable future. If the law had changed, someone would have already posted the changes, and their interpretations of such. Others would respond with how these changes result in "end of the world" after they already spent all this money on equipment.

At this point, no one posted anything indicating that the FCC is doing away with their CableCard requirements . . . no need to jump to the conclution that the "end of the world" is near.

Well, the "TV viewing" end of the world might not happen to CableCard users, but it may be happening to people invested in QAM-only devices. :(

I myself own 4 QAM devices and rely on them for both viewing and recording. It would be a big deal for my family to lose digital HD tuning capabilities via QAM. And no, crappy setup boxes + extra remotes + extra fees is not a viable option for us, especially for the DVR solution.

arf1410 above pretty much summed up my fear: why in the first article is written that TVs with newer digital tuners will also be affected? Since QAM is the only tuner working out of the box with cable, and currently support only the limited basic channels, wouldn't that suggest that the current clear-QAM channels might get turned off?

I hope I'm just reading too much between the lines, but any more tangible information on the matter will be greatly appreciated.

http://silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineupui?Cmd=LocationProgramsWeb&Country=US&Postcode=97339

That is one of the areas that have been switched over, all of the extended basic has been unencrypted.

Also, if Comcast were to have security on these new boxes, it would go against the FCC rule.

Well, the "TV viewing" end of the world might not happen to CableCard users, but it may be happening to people invested in QAM-only devices. :(
We definitely need more information, and the mainstream newspaper/TV articles are very confused.

But it seems to me that nothing will change for existing clear-QAM digital channels. The only changes will be for ch. 30-80 - and yes, this is a *potential* problem for QAM-TV users. Currently, if you have no cable box or cablecard, you must be viewing ch 30-80 as ANALOG - even on your brand new QAM-enabled TV, since the digital simulcasts of those channels are curerntly encrypted. Once those move to digital only (and assuming they remain encrypted) then you will no longer be able to view ch 30-80 on your QAM TV without at least a DTA.

I think Comcast might have an FCC issue with these DTA boxes if they do retain encryption on (formerly analog) ch 30-80. It's my understanding they're no longer allowed to provide new boxes with "integrated security", and these DTAs certainly don't have separate cablecards or anything. On the other hand, I can't see Comcast making their new "Digital Starter" channels 30-80 available to anyone without a subscription - even with analog, they enforced access via filters/traps.

We definitely need more information, and the mainstream newspaper/TV articles are very confused.

But it seems to me that nothing will change for existing clear-QAM digital channels. The only changes will be for ch. 30-80 - and yes, this is a *potential* problem for QAM-TV users. Currently, if you have no cable box or cablecard, you must be viewing ch 30-80 as ANALOG - even on your brand new QAM-enabled TV, since the digital simulcasts of those channels are curerntly encrypted. Once those move to digital only (and assuming they remain encrypted) then you will no longer be able to view ch 30-80 on your QAM TV without at least a DTA.

I think Comcast might have an FCC issue with these DTA boxes if they do retain encryption on (formerly analog) ch 30-80. It's my understanding they're no longer allowed to provide new boxes with "integrated security", and these DTAs certainly don't have separate cablecards or anything. On the other hand, I can't see Comcast making their new "Digital Starter" channels 30-80 available to anyone without a subscription - even with analog, they enforced access via filters/traps.

Yes, they are not allowed to have integrated security. I am also baffled that they would have to put everything in the clear, but I really think they're gonna have to.

Comcast must have quite a bit of spare bandwidth here now if they can add the rumored HD channels next week, months before the planned digitizing of the expanded basic.

Comcast must have quite a bit of spare bandwidth here now if they can add the rumored HD channels next week, months before the planned digitizing of the expanded basic.Not to mention the spare bandwidth for the DOCSIS 3.0 rollout - eg, cable internet speed increase - also due this month:

http://comcastwashington.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=38

Comcast must have quite a bit of spare bandwidth here now if they can add the rumored HD channels next week, months before the planned digitizing of the expanded basic.I think we can assume that the areas receiving 29 new HD channels next week have a lot of spare bandwidth. I would also bet that the reason why much of the Seattle Region won't get the new channels right away is that much of the region still has bandwidth constraints.

That may also be why Comcast has been slow to add new HD channels here - they didn't want to add new HD channels to part of the Seattle Region while leaving the rest of region green with envy. The arrival of FiOS has probably forced Comcast to add HD channels to keep up, even if Cpmcast can't add them everywhere in the Seattle Region.

These DTAs don't have anything to do with CableCard. They are simple, cheap, "crippled" digital cable boxes for the purpose of allowing people without cable boxes OR WITHOUT CABLECARDS to keep viewing Ch. 30-80 (soon to be digital only) on their TVs. In fact, it's probably good news for Cablecard users, since it postpones the inevitable move to SDV a few more years...

As for whether ch. 30-80 will be encrypted, my guess is yes. Since you'll have to pay extra for this new "Digital Starter" tier - just like you now have to pay for Expanded Basic -Comcast will absolutely not make them available for free. These DTAs will use some form of simple 1-way conditional access to grant access to the new Digital Starter tier, as opposed to the old way of granting access to Expanded Basic (analog filter on your incoming line).

DTAs may have limited function, but they are more than *just* a tuner. At a minimum they provide channel mapping, and probably some simple form of conditional access.


Whay do you mean by, " since it postpones the inevitable move to
SDV a few more years"? I thought the choices Comcast had to
increase bandwidth for HD were SDV or analog migration. Since
Comcast has chosen analog migration for your area to free up
bandwidth there is no need for SDV. Analog migration seems
to be the choice for Comcast.

Whay do you mean by, " since it postpones the inevitable move to
SDV a few more years"? I thought the choices Comcast had to
increase bandwidth for HD were SDV or analog migration. Since
Comcast has chosen analog migration for your area to free up
bandwidth there is no need for SDV. Analog migration seems
to be the choice for Comcast.It's my opinion that something like SDV will ultimately happen in a few years anyway, even after the currrent analog migration happens. Why waste bandwidth sending every channel to every node, even when no one is watching? Long-term, this is where real scalability gains will happen. There's no need to have 500+ fixed channels constantly using up the vast majority of the total bandwidth coming into your home. How many program streams will you ever watch or record simultaneously? Two? Four? Eight? Then that's how many should be coming into your home at one time...

Comcast must have quite a bit of spare bandwidth here now if they can add the rumored HD channels next week, months before the planned digitizing of the expanded basic.Whoa, what am I missing here?

Also ...

Did anybody get the same notice Spike89 posted in their local paper, and have the same numbers for the channels listed?

I am trying to get these channels on my set's QAM turner without getting a box from Comcast. I am getting the channels from their Digital Starter service, minus a few HD channels, without a box.

If anybody got the same notice Spike89 posted in their local paper, have the same channel numbers (If the numbers in Kitsap and Aberdeen are the same, maybe Seattle and around that area, too), and got the channels today on their TV's QAM turner, could you please post the QAM channel numbers you are receiving thme on?

Thanks for any info. Sorry if I didn't explain what I wanted very well.The information given from Spike89 is true and has taken effect. I am a Comcast subscriber in the Kitsap area.

Yes. You can view the manual online. Here is an excerpt talking about the connectors on the back:

"2 ANT / CABLE IN
Connect the AIR antenna or CATV antenna here.
Connect the cable in the event that a local cable
provider is passing through 8-level Vestigial Sideband
(8VSB) and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)
on their systems."

I had the same problem initially with this because many summaries for the product don't mention cable or QAM capability. Thanks to Dan Kurts on AVS for pointing this out.

The manual is at:

http://www.samsung.com/us/support/download/supportDown.do?model_nm=DTB-H260F&mType=UM&vType=L&disp_nm=DTB-H260F

I have been quite happy with this box! However, does anyone know how we will be affected with Comcast making us all change to using the new Digital Transport Adapters? It seems that Comcast is going to an all-digital format with includes channels 30-74. They will continue to deliver channels 2-29 and channels 75-99, which are part of their Limited Basic service in analog (no box would be required to receive those channels.) But we will need the new DTAs for the other channels. Or, is their box just a cheaper version of the QAM tuner I already have?

I don't think that the current digital users would have to switch their box to receive channels 30-74. In fact, I know that's a true statement because the QAM tuner in digital receivers is reading a different frequency for these channels already. For example, we can still see channel 74 as the TV Guide Network. But, when you try to view channel 74 without a Comcast digital box, all you see is static.

Here's a good example! When they bring out the new DTA boxes, you should be able to see channel 74 again.

If anybody got the same notice Spike89 posted in their local paper, have the same channel numbers (If the numbers in Kitsap and Aberdeen are the same, maybe Seattle and around that area, too), and got the channels today on their TV's QAM turner, could you please post the QAM channel numbers you are receiving thme on?


I just did a rescan on my QAM-equipped TV, nothing appears appreciably different from before... nothing new added to unencrypted QAM channel list that I can tell. On my comcast DVR, the Versus/Golf/Mojo stuff has changed as described. No new channels yet though (waiting for the 16th to see if the slew of new HD stuff shows up).

Right now I can receive 8 HD local channels and channels 2-99 through the cable connected directly to one of my secondary televisions with a built-in QAM tuner. I think that beginning next year I will no longer be able to receive the channels between 30 and 99 without using the free converter offered by Comcast. 2 questions.

a) If I choose to only receive channels 2 -29 and attach the cable directly into my television, will I still get the 8 HD channels such as 4-1 and 5-1?

b) If I install the free converter on the back of the television, will I still get the 8 HD channels (4-1, etc)? If this is "yes" is there a downside to this option?

Thanks,

Right now I can receive 8 HD local channels and channels 2-99 through the cable connected directly to one of my secondary televisions with a built-in QAM tuner. I think that beginning next year I will no longer be able to receive the channels between 30 and 99 without using the free converter offered by Comcast. 2 questions.

a) If I choose to only receive channels 2 -29 and attach the cable directly into my television, will I still get the 8 HD channels such as 4-1 and 5-1?

b) If I install the free converter on the back of the television, will I still get the 8 HD channels (4-1, etc)? If this is "yes" is there a downside to this option?

Thanks,
Well, the QAM channels will still be there. And from what I know, the DTAs are RF out only and don't decode the HD stations. And again, these boxes don't have security that can be used at this time.

Also, I have limited basic cable with a DCT and today saw that they changed the channel map for me so, I can't tune to the channels I don't get anymore. Before, the channels would be there but it would just say "Not Authorized".

So I see the Auto Industry bailout passed, thanks to the Emergency Broadcast System switching to CSPAN at 3:05 and locking the cable box and cable card on the Tivo to that channel for 15-20 minutes (neither will respond to any commands).

Couldn't do this for 9/11, but you could do it for a bail-out bill. Thanks, Uncle Sam. :rolleyes:

Between 3:25pm and 3:35 today my cable box switched to CSPAN and froze up all functionality to show the House of Representatives deliberations on the Big Three Bailout bill. I couldn't change channels or call up the menu screen. I tried it on another TV and the same result. I guess its like Big Brother (Comcast) dictating what we watch.

Between 3:25pm and 3:35 today my cable box switched to CSPAN and froze up all functionality to show the House of Representatives deliberations on the Big Three Bailout bill. I couldn't change channels or call up the menu screen. I tried it on another TV and the same result. I guess its like Big Brother (Comcast) dictating what we watch.

More like Little Brother sticking his fingers in your DVR and screwing it up royally...

It's my opinion that something like SDV will ultimately happen in a few years anyway, even after the currrent analog migration happens. Why waste bandwidth sending every channel to every node, even when no one is watching? Long-term, this is where real scalability gains will happen. There's no need to have 500+ fixed channels constantly using up the vast majority of the total bandwidth coming into your home. How many program streams will you ever watch or record simultaneously? Two? Four? Eight? Then that's how many should be coming into your home at one time...
I think you may be right about SDV - it is much more efficient. But I have read/heard that channel changing on these systems is quite slow because of all the handshaking that goes on. Bad news for the channel surfers out there. Do you know anyone living with a SDV system right now?

Right now I can receive 8 HD local channels and channels 2-99 through the cable connected directly to one of my secondary televisions with a built-in QAM tuner. I think that beginning next year I will no longer be able to receive the channels between 30 and 99 without using the free converter offered by Comcast. 2 questions.

a) If I choose to only receive channels 2 -29 and attach the cable directly into my television, will I still get the 8 HD channels such as 4-1 and 5-1?

b) If I install the free converter on the back of the television, will I still get the 8 HD channels (4-1, etc)? If this is "yes" is there a downside to this option?

Thanks,

Just found out, even if you have limited cable, only channels 2-29 will remain clear QAM, the rest of it is going digital and will require a DTA box. While the box is free, this is in addition to all the other changes and has nothing to do with the analog to digital switch-over. Most likely you will be able to view just the channels up to 29 as you asked.

If you install the DTA box, you will be able to receive those channels. Anyone who uses a VCR is now out of luck, the DTA becomes the tuner, not the VCR! Also affects anyone with a tuner card in a PC. This really is starting to smell funny!

Just found out, even if you have limited cable, only channels 2-29 will remain clear QAM, the rest of it is going digital and will require a DTA box. While the box is free, this is in addition to all the other changes and has nothing to do with the analog to digital switech-over. Most likely you will be able to view just the channels up to 29 as you asked.

If you install the DTA box, you will be able to receive those channels. Anyone who uses a VCR is now out of luck, the DTA becomes the tuner, not the VCR! Also affects anyone with a tuner card in a PC. This really is starting to smell funny!

Looks like the DTA boxes will have some type of decryption on them. Will you still be able to get the HD locals via clear QAM (not just the 2-29 analogs). That's what I most care about. Without that, I'm done with comcast. But when this does happen (if I still get HD Locals) I'm definitely dropping down to limited basic (once my current "deal" that I negotiated ends). The boxes won't do it for me as I tune my cable mostly with PCs, and don't feel like setting up IR blasters for boxes.

Does anyone know if the 'DTA' being discussed is the Motorola DCT-700? Also, does it mean that you must pay the 'Digital Additional Outlet' charge of $5.10 for each TV?

If yes, then it does support decrypting, PPV, VOD and a guide. It also has composite out and supports Dolby Digital. Also, even though it does not contain 'separable' encryption per FCC regs, it is an older device that is grandfathered in (as I understand it).

However, it is simply a decrypt/demodulate to analog device and delivers its signal via channel 3 or 4. It should work with a VCR, but not to record one channel while watching another. Timer based recording will also be tough unless you pre-tune the DTA to the desired channel.

From what I can tell from threads for cities where this has already happened (Chicago for one), 2-29 stay in analog and local HD broadcasts stay in clear QAM.

Our new HD QAM/Analog tuner sets will be pain with this. We can tune 2-30, (including 4-1, 5-1 etc for HD) normally from the TV, but for 30-100, you have to tune the TV to 3/4 and use the DTA remote to tune the desired channel.


I for one am going to miss the ability to just plug in a TV and watch basic cable with direct tuning from my set. I just checked the Comcast rate card from Sept 2003 - Basic cable has increased in cost by 47% since then. Lots of additional features since then, but most seem designed to get me to spend even more money...

Encryption of Basic cable (whether analog or QAM) provides me with no added benefit - but protects Comcast from my Limited cable and Internet only neighbors from stealing Basic cable.

Coupled with all the recent dropouts, VOD failures and poor HD recently, I am pleased the Verizon is coming to Shoreline. Perhaps competition will spur improvements, easier access and lower prices.

The boxes are not the DCTs, they are different boxes. Smaller, and only with RF out.

The boxes are not the DCTs, they are different boxes. Smaller, and only with RF out.

Which is why for a VCR (or in my case a PC) you will need an IR blaster to simulate the remote for changing channels. So while it won't necessarily break VCRs with RF inputs, it makes them more difficult to use for scheduled recordings, and close to impossible for VCR that don't support IR blasters. I wonder if this box, like the old school boxes (long before digital, when they just scrambled the channels), supports automatic channel changing at specified times. This is how I used to do it way back in the day -- just with timed recordings on the vcr and having the box automatically change channels on its own.

I can't give you a definite answer but, I think they might not. From what someone over at DSLreports says these things are as basic as you can get.

I just did a "clear QAM" channel scan for North Seattle and ch 114.9 MoviePlex seems to be gone... anybody else?
:(

I just did a "clear QAM" channel scan for North Seattle and ch 114.9 MoviePlex seems to be gone... anybody else?
:(

114.9 now shows up as encrypted for me (Bellevue).

I just did a "clear QAM" channel scan for North Seattle and ch 114.9 MoviePlex seems to be gone... anybody else?
:(

Can't find it on my FusionHDTV card either. Welcome to the new Comcast "Less Is More" campaign.

MoviePlex is missing from 114-9 for me, too, though PBS Sprout is clear on 114-5.

I'll update the list this weekend if the change holds.

The boxes are not the DCTs, they are different boxes. Smaller, and only with RF out.Correct. The standard-def-only DCT700 includes RCA audio output and composite video output, but no S-video or component. The DCT700 is slightly larger than the dimensions of a CD jewel box, and the DCT700 remote has more buttons and somewhat more functionality than the "DTA" boxes. On a decent standard def TV, picture quality on KING, KOMO, KIRO, KONG is somewhat cleaner via the DCT700 than via Comcast's analog cable.

Until recently, Comcast allowed Limited Basic clients to rent one DCT700 box per household (for $1/month) so they could tune the following digital-only Limited Basic channels:

C-SPAN2 Channel 25
TV Guide Channel 74
"Leased access" Channel 79
KCTS Creates Channel 112
KING-5 Weather Plus Channel 115
KCPQ Accuweather, channel 116
KIRO Retro Television Network, Channel 117
KCTS V-ME, Channel 119

I wonder if Limited Basic users will be eligible to obtain "free" DTA boxes so they can receive the eight "digital Limited" channels?

Bellingham...114.9 missing here too; 114.5 Sprout showed up a couple of nights ago. Also the tuner picked up 80.51, no picture/sound, but seems to be an encrypted addition, or something they moved.

levibluewa@comcast.net

Wouldn't you think it would be good advertising for Comcast to let all their digital pictures thru QAM without the sound. I think if viewers could see what is on all the encrypted channels they'd be more apt to upgrade their service and get the dam* annoying box.

When they 1st started converting the analog signals and adding digital counterparts the pictures were coming thru...without the sound.

Just a thought, but didn't Comcast already have 30-80 as digital? I remember around a year ago they breifly showed up in the 700's on the DCT boxes. Maybe it's just a matter of remapping the channels for the new DTAs.

They may be on a frequency beyond the range of a standard QAM tuner...

when they were adding the digital counterparts to the analog signals the QAM tuner in the Sony hd set I have remapped the national digital channels at 91.1-91.10, 92.1-92.10,102.1-102.40, 103.1-103.11, 104.1-104.89, with gaps in those ranges. The OnDemand channels showed up at 93.2-93.11, 94.2-94.11,100.2-100.11, 101.2-100.11.

114.9 still no signal this morning!

Just a thought, but didn't Comcast already have 30-80 as digital? I remember around a year ago they breifly showed up in the 700's on the DCT boxes. Maybe it's just a matter of remapping the channels for the new DTAs.

They may be on a frequency beyond the range of a standard QAM tuner...Currently they are being sent both analog and digital (encrypted). I think what you're remembering is when they first started this "digital simulcast" a year or two ago, they temporarily gave our boxes access to BOTH the digital and analog. If I recall correctly, they remapped the analog channels into the 700-series, and mapped the digital versions into the normal channel numbers on our DCTs. I don't believe the analog channels are mapped anywhere on our boxes any longer.

From Brier Dudley's FAQs on Comcast's Digital Switcheroo (http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/brierdudley/2008/12/08/some_faqs_on_comcast_digital_s.html), it appears that "Comcast must still offer a handful of public access channels in analog format, per its franchise agreements". CBUT's situation is a bit vague, per Comcast's Steve Kipp:"In addition to C-SPAN, C-SPAN2, the local broadcast channels and the local government and education channels, the Limited Basic lineup includes: Northwest Cable News, ION, Discovery Channel, KMYQ, KBCB, KHCV, QVC, HSN, KWDK, Hallmark Channel, KTBW, TVW, Univision, The Weather Channel and CBUT."My educated guess is that all of those channels will remain available in unencrypted QAM, as well as Limited Basic channels KCTS Creates, KING-5 Weather Plus, KCPQ Accuweather, KIRO Retro Television Network, KCTS V-ME, and "leased access" channel 79.

Here's some questions Comcast should address:

1) The existing King County Comcast analog Limited Basic channels are 2 through 24, 26 through 29, 75 through 78, and 99. Will all 32 of these channels continue in analog?

2) If channels 75 through 78 and 99 are dropped from analog, will Limited Basic customers be eligible for free DTA boxes as well as Expanded Basic customers?

3) If analog Limited Basic will only include channels 2 through 29 will be analog, will C-SPAN 2 (25) return to analog?

4) Will the Limited Basic analog channels PLUS the Limited Basic digital channels (C-SPAN2, KCTS Creates, KING-5 Weather Plus, KCPQ Accuweather, KIRO Retro Television Network, KCTS V-ME, and "leased access" channel 79) remain as unencrypted QAM feeds? Will any of these channels be encrypted?

5) Will the High Definition local broadcast feeds[/U] of KOMO, KING, KIRO, KCTS, KSTW, KCPQ, KONG and KMYQ [U]remain in unencrypted Clear QAM, or will these HD broadcast channels be encrypted?

6) If the High Definition broadcasts will be encrypted, will Comcast offer its Limited Basic customers a truly low-cost HD tuner box (i.e. cost of $2/month or less)?

7) Will Comcast switch some or all the home shopping channels (Channel 14 Shop NBC, Channel 16 QVC, Channel 17 HSN) with the higher-number Limited channels like Channel 99 CBUT or Channel 78 Weather Channel, in order to maintain analog access to those stations?

5) Will the High Definition local broadcast feeds[/U] of KOMO, KING, KIRO, KCTS, KSTW, KCPQ, KONG and KMYQ [U]remain in unencrypted Clear QAM, or will these HD broadcast channels be encrypted?



My understanding is federal law (FCC) REQUIRES cable companies provide local broadcast HDTV channels unencryped. I have not been able to find a link on the FCC website that directly states this, but I certainly have found plenty of other internet artciles that state this. So if someone else can provide an "official" link to this as fact, that might clear up some confusion.

My understanding is federal law (FCC) REQUIRES cable companies provide local broadcast HDTV channels unencryped. I have not been able to find a link on the FCC website that directly states this, but I certainly have found plenty of other internet artciles that state this. So if someone else can provide an "official" link to this as fact, that might clear up some confusion. Until recently, that had been my understanding. However, there are numerous reports that some cable ops have encrypted the High-Definition feed, interpreting the FCC's language as only requiring nonencrypted transmittal of a standard-definition feed. Part of the problem is that local OTA broadcasters have required cable ops to pay higher retransmission fees for carriage of the HD feed than the analog SD feed, so the problem relates to some local broadcasters' revenue greediness and not just that of the cable op.

Until recently, that had been my understanding. However, there are numerous reports that some cable ops have encrypted the High-Definition feed, interpreting the FCC's language as only requiring nonencrypted transmittal of a standard-definition feed. Part of the problem is that local OTA broadcasters have required cable ops to pay higher retransmission fees for carriage of the HD feed than the analog SD feed, so the problem relates to some local broadcasters' revenue greediness and not just that of the cable op.

There won't be a SD feed after 2/17/09!
I'm just curious whether or not 30-80 will be accessable from QAM tuners...

Have they considered picking up the HD feed of CBUT (CBC)? The picture OTA is spectacular! It would be even nicer if they would offer the HD feed of CITV (CTV). They're forced to operate at .9 Kw (?) so they won't interfere with PAX Seattle, making it almost impossible to pick up OTA.

There won't be a SD feed after 2/17/09!
...

Why do you think that? There won't be analog, but there certainly will be SD digital.

Have they considered picking up the HD feed of CBUT (CBC)?No. Comcast should, particularly since Verizon FiOS (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1061867&page=8) apparently hasn't obtained either SD or HD retransmission rights for CBUT/CBC. It would be even nicer if they would offer the HD feed of CIVT (CTV)Agree. In the 1970s and 1980s, Comcast's predecessor cable ops carried CTV (http://www.ctv.ca/) affiliates CHEK/6 and CHAN/8 throughout the Seattle market. However, Seattle broadcasters might insist that Comcast "simsub" or delete any CIVT (http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/) US-based programs for which "network exclusivity" and "syndication exclusivity (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syndication_exclusivity)" rights apply. Comcast mayfeel the hassle of "simsub (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simultaneous_substitution)" outweighs the commercial gain.

However, if Comcast was serious about offering more Canadian content, they could offer French-language CBUFT (http://www.radio-canada.ca/regions/colombie-britannique/index.shtml) (Radio-Canada (http://www.radio-canada.ca/index.shtml)). This would be useful to French-language speakers and students around the Puget Sound area, and provide an insight into Quebecois culture while avoiding "syndex" or "netex" conflicts.

There won't be a SD feed after 2/17/09! This gets into the messy business of retransmission consent (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retransmission_consent). Look at some forum threads for other cities to see the problem - broadcasters will allow retransmission rights to their SD feed (possibly sent direct via fiber-optic transmission to a cable op) for a much lower fee than for their HD feed. This is a messy topic, but Federal law does allow broadcasters to demand higher fees from the cable ops for retransmitting the station's High-Definition signal than for carrying a Standard Def signal.

The specific agreements are regarded as trade secrets. In some cases, the consideration provided by the cable op to the local broadcaster is in the form of cash (i.e. 15 cents per subscriber per month), in other cases, it's providing carriage of a cable-only channel like Northwest Cable News. In some instances, the local station that sells the SD rights for 15 cents/mo./subscriber may be demanding 50 cents/mo./subscriber for the High Definition feed.

This would explain why some cable ops charge more for HD than for SD, and why some cable ops have encrypted the QAM High Def feeds of local channels.

DISH went thru a messy retrans issue with KCPQ 13 not being able to offer subs the HD feed for several years.

A little off topic but may be of benefit..

I just made a call to Comcast help line for slow Internet speed

In the past I talked to local support in Lynnwood, WA (I'm in Seattle)

Today's call was answered by a person with a thick Indian accent that was located in Winnipeg, Canada.

Makes me wonder if Comcast is consolidated help support

[QUOTE=thewarm;15289989]There won't be a SD feed after 2/17/09!
QUOTE]

I am nearly certain this is incorrect...There won't be analog after 2/17/09...but there will still be SD in digital format

[QUOTE=thewarm;15289989]There won't be a SD feed after 2/17/09!
QUOTE]

I am nearly certain this is incorrect...There won't be analog after 2/17/09...but there will still be SD in digital format

To clarify my statement about SD, I was referring to the local channels available with limited basic. There will be NO more channel 4, 5, 7, 11, 13...etc. So the only thing to feed will be 4.1, 5.1, 7.1...etc.

To clarify my statement about SD, I was referring to the local channels available with limited basic. There will be NO more channel 4, 5, 7, 11, 13...etc. So the only thing to feed will be 4.1, 5.1, 7.1...etc.OK, now this I can believe. I own a newer TV with the digital tuner built in (4.1, 5.1, 5.2, etc.) and it makes me wonder what will happen to 4.0, 5.0, and other local channels with a "0". Will they just be digitally receiving the locals?

We're getting the 16:9 HD at 4.1, 5.1, etc. Also the digital 4:3 feeds show up at 79.1, 79.2, 79.3, etc.

So the 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 ... those are disappearing?

Those are the analog signals, yes they should be gone?

Comcast must have quite a bit of spare bandwidth here now if they can add the rumored HD channels next week, months before the planned digitizing of the expanded basic.I have the confirmed lineup of new channels for King, Pierce, & Kitsap counties (and surrounding areas that I failed to mention, LOL).

There is 34 here!

517 - Encore HD
530 - Starz Kids & Family HD
531 - Starz Comedy HD
533 - Starz Edge HD
620 - Speed HD
622 - ESPNews HD
623 - ESPN HD*
624 - ESPN2 HD*
625 - Golf Channel HD*
626 - Versus HD*
627 - FSN Special Events HD*
649 - WEtv HD
650 - Style HD
651 - E! HD
652 - Bravo HD
653 - Lifetime HD
654 - Travel Channel HD
655 - Fox News Channel HD
656 - Fox Business HD
657 - CNN HD
658 - CNBC HD
664 - TBS HD
665 - FX HD
680 - Cartoon Network HD
681 - Toon Disney HD
691 - TV One HD
692 - QVC HD
693 - G4 HD
694 - Bio HD
695 - Planet Green HD
697 - AMC HD
698 - Lifetime Movie Network HD
699 - IFC HD
804 - PPV Events in HD

I apologize for the long list, I hate making a mess while describing things like this! Also, I can also tell you that these channels will not be released on the same day in all areas. I can tell you that Kitsap County will receive the new lineup as of Wednesday, 12/17.

Hopefully most of these channels will actually broadcast more then a pittance of their programming in true HD (and not just "scaled artificial widescreen").

I'd love to get F1 in HD on SPEED, though just "digital widescreen" ala the four FOX broadcasts from this year would be enough.

I have the confirmed lineup of new channels for King, Pierce, & Kitsap counties (and surrounding areas that I failed to mention, LOL).

There is 30 here!
I wonder if this has anything to do with competition from Verizon? Combined with the DTA rollout (with clear QAM for Limited Basic channels) - this will put Comcast 'ahead' in my rankings.

I have the confirmed lineup of new channels for King, Pierce, & Kitsap counties (and surrounding areas that I failed to mention, LOL).

Thanks for the list!

[QUOTE=arf1410;15291562]

To clarify my statement about SD, I was referring to the local channels available with limited basic. There will be NO more channel 4, 5, 7, 11, 13...etc. So the only thing to feed will be 4.1, 5.1, 7.1...etc.

Fed law requires cable companies to keep local analog through 2011, so these channels will still be there in SD analog . . . maybe not in SD digital, but that doesn't make sense.

Hopefully most of these channels will actually broadcast more then a pittance of their programming in true HD (and not just "scaled artificial widescreen").

I'd love to get F1 in HD on SPEED, though just "digital widescreen" ala the four FOX broadcasts from this year would be enough.


I agree . . . my biggest issue is Sopranos on A&E . . . streched out HD . . . looks horrible . . . and has no 5.1 surround. . . but was originally broadcast on HBO in HD with 5.1.

I've learned not to second guess what Comcast will do. I'm fairly certain they want all of us on boxes whether we get 1 channel from them or 200. Control! As far as what signals we'll be able to receive with our built in qam digital tuners and where those channels will find a home is another subject. 2 Sony tvs here...1 older hd tube set, the 2nd a newer lcd. The older tube set puts 7hd and 16hd up at 110, 111, whereas the newer lcd remaps them to where they belong 7.1, 16.1, etc. Guess we'll all find out when the change occurs.

Note: a friend has a basic? box in an apartment. She is getting Animal Planet, 7.2 RTN (not on 7.2) and still receiving MoviePlex. MoviePlex has gone missing here via qam :( guess it was replaced with Sprout! Won't be watching that...their old movies suck!

[QUOTE=thewarm;15289989]There won't be a SD feed after 2/17/09!
QUOTE]
I am nearly certain this is incorrect...There won't be analog after 2/17/09...but there will still be SD in digital format
If so, how? Will stations broadcast both SD and HD feeds on air? Or, just the HD? I can't see any reason for stations to continue to split feeds.

MoviePlex has gone missing here via qam :( guess it was replaced with Sprout! Won't be watching that...their old movies suck!

It's the same here. But I am getting the HD PPV channel unencrypted on channel 133.2 , hopefully it will stay unencrypted until WWE: Armageddon is over tonight. But I want Movieplex back on my lineup.

[QUOTE=arf1410;15291562]
To clarify my statement about SD, I was referring to the local channels available with limited basic. There will be NO more channel 4, 5, 7, 11, 13...etc. So the only thing to feed will be 4.1, 5.1, 7.1...etc.
I'm wondering if KOMO & KING will hang on to the 4 & 5 numbers, if they're not actually transmitting on those channels.

I apologize for the long list, I hate making a mess while describing things like this!

Don't worry about it! It's nice to see there's good stuff coming!

Hopefully most of these channels will actually broadcast more then a pittance of their programming in true HD (and not just "scaled artificial widescreen").

I'd love to get F1 in HD on SPEED, though just "digital widescreen" ala the four FOX broadcasts from this year would be enough.

I know exactly what you mean! F1 in SD has looked horrible on SPEED. Whenever the little "message" icon lights up on my DVR I always go into the menu with the hopes that they're telling me I get SPEED in HD (even though I know it will most likely be boxing or wrestling PPV).

[QUOTE=arf1410;15291562]
...Will stations broadcast both SD and HD feeds on air?...

Of course they will. HD TV owners are still in the minority, not everyone has cable or satellite, and you need an HD tuner to pick up HD channels. I don't think they'll ever stop broadcasting SD.

You guys are so lucky Comcast has done analog migration in your area.
The city of Chicago which is all digital will have a total of 89 HD channels
on the 18th of December. Thats what happens when you get rid of
space wasting analog.

[QUOTE=artshotwell;15296202]
Of course they will. HD TV owners are still in the minority, not everyone has cable or satellite, and you need an HD tuner to pick up HD channels. I don't think they'll ever stop broadcasting SD.
Well, I can't see why they would broadcast SD. Every TV set with ATSC reception can handle HD. And, I assume the digital STBs for sale will receive HD, but output in SD. As I say, I just can't see why they'd break up their digital signal with both SD & HD broadcasts.

[QUOTE=wareagle;15297550]
Well, I can't see why they would broadcast SD. Every TV set with ATSC reception can handle HD. And, I assume the digital STBs for sale will receive HD, but output in SD. As I say, I just can't see why they'd break up their digital signal with both SD & HD broadcasts.

I suppose you're correct. They wouldn't have to provide both, unless they want to. The DCT700 that I once had wouldn't tune the HD channels, but that could be handled by Comcast downconverting the signal.

I have the confirmed lineup of new channels for King, Pierce, & Kitsap counties (and surrounding areas that I failed to mention, LOL).

There is 30 here!
...



The previous list for Kitsap included the following additional HD channels:
654 Travel
680 Cartoon
681 Toon Disney
699 IFC

Should these have been included?

The previous list for Kitsap included the following additional HD channels:
654 Travel
680 Cartoon
681 Toon Disney
699 IFC

Should these have been included?The Travel Channel is a new one on me. Cartoon Network, Toon Disney & IFC were included on my paper. How did I miss those on my article? LOL!

I have the confirmed lineup of new channels for King, Pierce, & Kitsap counties (and surrounding areas that I failed to mention, LOL).

There is 34 here!Earlier this morning, I had posted 30 new channels. Unfortunately, I had missed 4 channels on my paperwork and have added the corrections. Big thank you to user wareagle!

Not really 34 new channels, since the 5 with asterisks are just moving, splitting, or otherwise being reconstituted and are already there.

This is true, but not everybody could notice the new channels. Hence the asterisks marks, LOL! Seriously, that makes me wonder why Comcast doesn't announce all new channels. I remember the NHL Network showing up as a surprise ... even Comcast SportsNet.

I think the only thing broadcast in actual HD on Cartoon Network is "Star Wars: The Clone Wars", isn't it?

I wonder if we can suddenly get so many new HD channels is because their bandwidth requirements are little more then their SD feeds, since I imagine everything is just 480p. :(

This is true, but not everybody could notice the new channels. Hence the asterisks marks, LOL! Seriously, that makes me wonder why Comcast doesn't announce all new channels. I remember the NHL Network showing up as a surprise ... even Comcast SportsNet.

Ha ha, that is true about the announcments. My Tivo announced every channel change.......the Comcast hardware...Silent.

Ha ha, that is true about the announcments. My Tivo announced every channel change.......the Comcast hardware...Silent.

TiVo :):):) (no thumbs up icons here...)

Well, let's make one! http://l.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/113.gif

[QUOTE=artshotwell;15297606]
I suppose you're correct. They wouldn't have to provide both, unless they want to. The DCT700 that I once had wouldn't tune the HD channels, but that could be handled by Comcast downconverting the signal.
KCPQ/Fox13, at least, won't broadcast an SD feed on air after 2/17. They will send an SD feed to cable & satellite, though. I got this from their chief engineer.

So I'm new to Seattle and Comcast, and I've got to say I'm awfully underwhelmed so far. I never thought I'd say it, but I miss Time Warner. :( Are the following normal?

- A DVR that can't distinguish New episodes? We set up The Daily Show to only record new episodes, and it's recording basically every episode (even now that it's in reruns).

- Random loss of sound? Twice today it stopped outputting sound. I had to power cycle it to get it back. Which was great later when it did it while it was recording.

- You can't turn it off while recording? Seriously? It can't record in standby mode?

So I'm new to Seattle and Comcast, and I've got to say I'm awfully underwhelmed so far. I never thought I'd say it, but I miss Time Warner. :( Are the following normal?

- A DVR that can't distinguish New episodes? We set up The Daily Show to only record new episodes, and it's recording basically every episode (even now that it's in reruns). Check your settings. This should be possible as it works for me without issues.

- Random loss of sound? Twice today it stopped outputting sound. I had to power cycle it to get it back. Which was great later when it did it while it was recording. Very odd. I would contact Comcast about that one.

- You can't turn it off while recording? Seriously? It can't record in standby mode? Unfortunately, this is a true one. With the current guide software, you can no longer do that. With the old Microsoft guide (that I strangely miss), this was possible.

Hm, I'll look into the Daily Show thing, but I'm pretty sure my settings are correct, I already went through them a couple times.

Also, is it normal for the box to be super unresponsive to remote input? I can point the remote right at the box, type in something like "104", and I'm lucky if two of the numbers register. Usually I end up changing to channel 1 or something annoying. I have to hit the buttons really slowly and often have to repeat them to get them entered, and that goes for everything -- fast forward, browsing the guide, etc. Also happens with my programmable remote, so it's not just low batteries or something.

Well? has anyone seen anything new yet? I can't wait to watch all my shows in HD.

Hm, I'll look into the Daily Show thing, but I'm pretty sure my settings are correct, I already went through them a couple times.

Also, is it normal for the box to be super unresponsive to remote input? I can point the remote right at the box, type in something like "104", and I'm lucky if two of the numbers register. Usually I end up changing to channel 1 or something annoying. I have to hit the buttons really slowly and often have to repeat them to get them entered, and that goes for everything -- fast forward, browsing the guide, etc. Also happens with my programmable remote, so it's not just low batteries or something.

My non-dvr box has the lame remote problem like you describe. I'm using a sony programmable remote for the dvr box, and don't have that problem, although at least once a night it seems to ignore any button you push and you either have to try again, or it cues the command for several seconds and if you've pushed the button several times it suddenly decides to execute all those commands at once.

The problem with the multiple recordings of the same show is something I've experienced, such as when the same show is re-broadcast later in the week. It appeared to be a problem with how the program is flagged as being new or a re-run, with no provision to flag it as a "re-airing". When I was recording "TrueBlood" on HBO, if I watched the episode I recorded on Sunday night and then deleted it, the re-air on Wednesday (or whatever day) would be recorded. If I didn't delete the episode, the re-air would NOT be recorded. IIRC, I gave up recording the Daily Show due to the same problems you might be having; it would record 2-3 episodes a night including the re-air of the previous day's show.

The DVR is definitely glitchy.
For The Daily Show, I have four seperate manual recordings programmed for Monday-Thursday 11PM-12AM.
I don't know if the problem rests with the box, or the guide, but it does exist for certain shows.

The problem with rerecording re-runs is both a software and a guide problem. The guide very often doesn't list re-runs as repeats (Family guy re-runs at 6:30 on FOX are always like this). When the guide isn't correct, it will record even if you have everything set up right.

There is also what I consider a software problem. If you record a new episode that repeats several times during the week, you watch and delete the episode, it will then re-record the next showing.

All of this became a problem when the Microsoft Software left. What needs to happen is the ability to schedule a recording at a certain time and channel only.

I've also had the sound issue, though it doesn't happen often. It seems to be some sort of audio synch problem with my receiver. I can often get the audio back by cycling inputs on the receiver, though sometimes I do have to cycle the power on the cable box.

One problem that I have that I can't figure out is that my box always seems to revert back to 480P. I have not figured out a rhyme or reason. But I generally have the box set to 720p and 4:3 pass through set to off. It will work for a while, but then reset itself.

oh yeah, one more thing.
I've had the audio quit working before.
on mine, seems to happen infrequently after using 30-second skip on a DVR recording.
I've been able to solve it by stopping the DVR recording, then cycling over to the other live tuner and back. when I switch between tuners, the volume is restored.
might help in other situations as well... hopfully.
good luck!

- A DVR that can't distinguish New episodes? We set up The Daily Show to only record new episodes, and it's recording basically every episode (even now that it's in reruns). Check your settings. This should be possible as it works for me without issues.

- Random loss of sound? Twice today it stopped outputting sound. I had to power cycle it to get it back. Which was great later when it did it while it was recording. Very odd. I would contact Comcast about that one.

- You can't turn it off while recording? Seriously? It can't record in standby mode? Unfortunately, this is a true one. With the current guide software, you can no longer do that. With the old Microsoft guide (that I strangely miss), this was possible.

I don't think the daily show is the DVRs problem. My TIVO cannot record only new episodes of Colbert. I manually record them. This is the ONLY program I do this for. I checked settings, the repeat tag, date, everything on the show looks right, but something about the Comedy central data is screwing it up. I am guessing same thing with the Daily show.

oh yeah, one more thing.
I've had the audio quit working before.
on mine, seems to happen infrequently after using 30-second skip on a DVR recording.
I've been able to solve it by stopping the DVR recording, then cycling over to the other live tuner and back. when I switch between tuners, the volume is restored.
might help in other situations as well... hopfully.
good luck!

I've noticed the audio loss as stated above. This only occurs while using the HDMI connection through my receiver. If I switch from the HDMI to the component connection, the audio is there (no power cycle required). I used to be able to switch between tuners and restore the audio, but since the latest firmware upgrade, the power cycle is the only thing that works.

I'm not sure if you are having the same audio problem that many of us had before. This often occurs when FF'wd. This is a known problem that you can read about in wikibooks. The fix is to press "mute" twice. This "mute" must come from the remote set to control the cable box.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

* Description: Instead of Dolby Digital audio, the box may switch to outputting PCM audio or no audio at all.
* Remedies:
o Mute then unmute the box.
o Turn the box off and on.
o If HDMI output ceases Dolby Digital output (641x-PIII or 341x boxes), try the optical or coax digital outputs.


The wiki books page is interesting to read nonetheless!

PS: I haven't had this problem since I switched to a newer box (DCH3416)

Well? has anyone seen anything new yet? I can't wait to watch all my shows in HD.

Nothing new for me:( I was really hoping that when I came home today there would be a message on my TiVo that there were a bunch of new channels detected. But no joy....

Well? has anyone seen anything new yet? I can't wait to watch all my shows in HD.

Of course not, and it doesn't surprise me. The message said they would add the new channels "On or AROUND December 16th", and if I recall correctly, it said something in the fine print that it would happen within 12 months after 12/16. Way to get people's hopes up, Comcast!

I have complained to Comcast about their DVR software to no avail. I've come to the conclusion that they either 1) don't care all that much about their customers, or 2) they do care but can't manage to find/hire competent people and/or suppliers. I don't know exactly who wrote the software on the Moto boxes but it seems pretty amateurish. My company designs hardware and software for machine controls of all sorts. If we did what Comcast is doing we'd be out of business in a few months. So they either have too little horsepower in the box but more likely, they don't know how to write proper software. And I won't even get into the part about testing and debugging as part of QC before unit 1 is shipped. We've seen the same sort of thing from M$. Windows 95 was a joke. 98SE was almost useable. XP was decent. Vista? Most people I know hate it. The point is, big companies can get away with total crap because we have little or no choice and we've gotten used to this business model.

Now Comcast is moving channels 30-80 to digital. Great for more HD. Terrible for all of us who have Tivo boxes with analog tuners. We either have to pony up for more Comcast boxes (not the little DTA boxes - no IR support on Tivo) or go to satellite/FIOS. I have put off going to a sat dish because I don't have a totally clear southeast exposure and I might not get all the birds I want. But Comcast keeps pushing me closer and closer...

-end of rant

Of course not, and it doesn't surprise me. The message said they would add the new channels "On or AROUND December 16th", and if I recall correctly, it said something in the fine print that it would happen within 12 months after 12/16. Way to get people's hopes up, Comcast!What's funny is that everybody I talk to at Comcast, they give me a date, and it happens right then! Not once have I had been let down in the 3 1/2 years I've been with Comcast.

...
Now Comcast is moving channels 30-80 to digital. Great for more HD.
...

"Great for more HD." That's the right answer.

well folks, looks like we got played again, not happy comcast right now.

Anybody called and asked about it?

quarque: I totally agree. I too write software for a living, and I'd be absolutely horrified to ship what's on these boxes. I'm going to be moving in the next six months, and suddenly Kirkland and its FIOS availability is looking far more attractive. What Comcast provides, both at the DVR and internet level, is borderline unusable, at least in my limited experience.

I live just east of Avondale Road near Cottage Lake and no new channels. My son who is just off NE 160th and I-405 just outside the Bothell city limits has all thenew channels. Hard to understand we have ESPN-HD and ESPN2-HD on two channels, no 664 or 665, and Golf-HD and Versus-HD on separate channels. A blue screen on 627 most of the time except when FSN is HD.

What's funny is that everybody I talk to at Comcast, they give me a date, and it happens right then! Not once have I had been let down in the 3 1/2 years I've been with Comcast.

Well they didn't lie(not that they haven't in the past). They gave themselves a one year time frame to add these channels, and let everyone get their hopes up. I wish they would just say nothing, and add them as a surprise, then it is impossible to get disappointed.

The Comcast rep. I talked to even sent me a PDF document [Download (http://cid-476a15ef4fcaac5a.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Public/New%20Comcast%20HD%20Channels.pdf)] through e-mail. I actually have yet to see this in the mail myself, LOL! And, like I said earlier, he did inform me that they would be here in my area as of 12:01am (tonight).

The channels listed in the document should match on your TV since all other channels are mapped the same way.

Interesting that the document says "New HD Channels as of 12/19/08" If that's the case, we may still be a few days away.

Just got home from work about 11:45 p.m. Tuesday and... woohoo, new HD channels seem to be up and running. I'm getting a "this channel will be available shortly" message on a couple, forget which ones, but they're unimportant ones, I think.

I'm in Mount Vernon, by the way...

Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for the guide update.

New HD channels are up & running here in North Bend.

For the first time in 2 years, Comcast HD actually has some more goodies than DISH network i.e. FX HD, Fox News HD (for laughs of course, people actually believe that pro-war stuff?) , Fox Businees HD, more Starz, IFC & AMC HD. Does channel 110 still drop out or is not there? Are there still audio dropouts? I currently get just the lifeline basic at $15 a month to get CBC/PBS/CBS/NBC reliably when its windy. I have my DISH locals set to Chicago and LA for sports...

THE big question: IS the Moto 3xxx DVR better than it was in 01/2007? More storage? How many NHL HD channels are broadcast? DISH has at least 12 NHL/NBA HD game channels at once to the West Coast/Midwest. That's what I don't miss from Comcast. How much is Platinum DVR, 1 HD and 1 SD boxes. $143 or $156?

Fios uses the silly Moto boxes too.... DISH does a better pic now (than earlier this year) on Discovery Theatre, HDNet and ESPN and HBO/Showtime than anybody with a high bitrate MPEG-4 signal. The dropouts on DISH due to 129 will end AND MORE than 100 channels in around a month when the new bird at 129 deg. comes online. Thinking of testing the waters without contract which you can't do with Fios.

For the first time in 2 years, Comcast HD actually has some more goodies than DISH network. Does channel 110 still drop out or is not there? Are there still audio dropouts? I currently get just the lifeline basic at $15 a month to get CBC/PBS/CBS/NBC reliably when its windy. I have my DISH locals set to Chicago and LA for sports...

THE big question is IS the DVR better than it was on 01/2007? More storage? That's what I don't miss from Comcast. Fios uses the silly Moto boxes too.... DISH has a better pic now on Discovery Theatre, HDNet and ESPN and HBO/Showtime than anybody with a high bitrate MPEG-4 signal. The dropouts on DISH due to 129 will end in around a month when the new bird at 129 deg. comes online.

Man up and get a TiVo HD! :cool:

What is funny is the all the talk was about Kitsap getting the new HD channels and everyone was worried they'd be left out.

I live in Kitsap. No new HD. Yet, I see people outside the county do have them.

:-(

What is funny is the all the talk was about Kitsap getting the new HD channels and everyone was worried they'd be left out.

I live in Kitsap. No new HD. Yet, I see people outside the county do have them.

:-(I also live in Kitsap, and I'll tell you, they are coming because at about 1:30am, I was watching HD Theater ... or, was trying to. I was having a lot of cutoff in there. It was so bad at one point that my box said "This channel will be available shortly". And, it did come back.

I knew it was going to happen, but I was expecting it either Sunday or Monday. So, something tells me that the information given to me was either delayed or misread.

I can bet that the new channels either come tonight or tomorrow night for sure.

I certainly hope soon. I feel like I've been waiting years for new HD!

What is funny is the all the talk was about Kitsap getting the new HD channels and everyone was worried they'd be left out.

I live in Kitsap. No new HD. Yet, I see people outside the county do have them.

:-(

How long ago did Kitsap dump their analog channels? That seems to be the key to extra HD.

How long ago did Kitsap dump their analog channels? That seems to be the key to extra HD.I don't think that's the key. We got the new HD channels in North Bend this morning, yet still have all the previous analog channels. Ch. 30-80 still come in fine on my analog-only tuners.

Nothing yet here in Normandy Park, but hearing that some of you have the new HD lineup gives the rest of us hope. (For those who don't know, we're right between SeaTac and Puget Sound).

For those who don't know, we're right between SeaTac and Puget Sound.I hear about Normandy Park on KOMO sometimes.

But, anyway ... Kitsap does still have analog channels. I have a friend who is still bumming off of free analog cable (wonder how long that will last, LOL). I have been trying to convince him to stop wasting money on DVDs and just get a digital box! $5.10 a month for hundreds of free movies compared to $14 for one movie is really nice!

I just did a ClearQAM scan here in Auburn and now I have all of the expanded basic channels.

Nothing yet here in Normandy Park, but hearing that some of you have the new HD lineup gives the rest of us hope. (For those who don't know, we're right between SeaTac and Puget Sound).

Out here on the line between Bothell and Woodinville we got the HD channels yesterday evening. I was able to see them in the guide by 10:45 PM and had 1 or 2 that weren't coming in yet.

Lots of HD channels - less HD content per channel. I guess it's progress.

On another note, of course we didn't lose the analog channels yet. They will need to retire some of them before we get a lot more HD channels, but the new HD channels today were planned to start before they launched the "analog retirement" program.

I just did a ClearQAM scan here in Auburn and now I have all of the expanded basic channels.

Same here on Capitol Hill.

still waiting for the channels here on the edmonds/mukilteo border. Come on Comcast.

I just did a ClearQAM scan here in Auburn and now I have all of the expanded basic channels.I just did a channel scan in Bremerton (analog & digital) and still have all channels, plus found all these others (if anybody's interested). Keep in mind that these channels are normally easier to find using a digital cable box and are not normally available without it.

91.4 - Speed Channel*
108.11 - Bloomberg
108.12 - C-Span 3
112.11 - TWC Weaterscan
112.19 - G4
114.18 - PBS Kids Sprout
114.19 - Lifetime Movie Network
115.10 - Leased Access (that thing on channel 79)
116.2 - C-Span 2

The FM radio stations (964-986) are in here, too. I am also receiving signals of BITV, TV Tacoma, and other local community channels that I would normally not get with a standard TV or even my Comcast Digital box, even 2 TV Guide channels (Kitsap County & Pierce County). Also, as a reminder, I'm in the Kitsap district, these might differ by area!

* Yes, I know Speed Channel is on channel 33 in some areas instead of 408. It is channel 408 for Kitsap County, and is one reason why I have digital cable in the first place. The other reason ... once you have a DVR on another company, you can't live without it!

The new HD channels showed up this morning in Bellevue. Speed-HD => no more satellite envy during Formula One season.

They haven't yet shown up in Seattle for me. Anyone else want to chime in?

fyi - I was informed of this when I called Comcast today to update some services. Go to http://www.comcast.com/ and provide your address on the right-hand side. When I first called they said the new bundles would result in some $ savings for my package, but your bundle benefits may vary... :)

No updates in Redmond yet.....

They haven't shown in in South King (Kent) yet. I should get a rate reduction until they do. sam

No new HD here yet. I guess I might call Comcast now that I'm stuck at home due to snow and see what I can get!

Well we have some of the new HD channels on Mercer Island:

WE HD
E HD (x2)
Bravo HD
Lifetime HD
Travel HD
Fox News HD (ick)
Fox Business HD
CNN HD
CNBC HD
TBS HD
FX HD
AE HD
HIST HD
DIS HD
FAM HD

Plus some sports channels (not a sports fan really)

If you use a Tivo like me you may need to go manually add the new channels (menu > messages/settings > settings > channels > channel list)

However what I love <sarcasm> is how so many of these HD channels (TNT HD I'm looking at you) broadcast SD content or even worse, stretch-o-vision. That is a personal pet peeve of mine.

Maybe for Christmas we will actually get HD content on our HD channels :)

Happy snow day all!

Chris

For the first time in 2 years, Comcast HD actually has some more goodies than DISH network i.e. FX HD, Fox News HD (for laughs of course, people actually believe that pro-war stuff?) , Fox Businees HD, more Starz, IFC & AMC HD. Does channel 110 still drop out or is not there? Are there still audio dropouts? I currently get just the lifeline basic at $15 a month to get CBC/PBS/CBS/NBC reliably when its windy. I have my DISH locals set to Chicago and LA for sports...

And Dish just lost ABC today!

Anyone know how to force your TiVo S3 to look for the new channels? Maybe force the cable cards to re pair ?

Anyone know how to force your TiVo S3 to look for the new channels? Maybe force the cable cards to re pair ?

For my TIVO HD i usually just get messages that pop up letting me know of new channels.

As far as re-pairing I do not think that will work, as the cable cards only decode the signal that is sent to you. Even when I have had my cards reflashed I could at least see the channel name and number coming in. You don't need to go to the channel list everytime to check for new channels either. Since the list is floating around on this site you can just keep checking those channels by typing them in directly.

My apologies if you already know all this, or this doesnt help. As far as I am aware only Comcast can "hit" your cards on their end, or just havent done the update yet.

I spoke with Comcast and the CSR was very helpful. She said that Kitsap County boxes were scheduled to be activated today/tonight for the new HD channels.

She sent a request to see if they could activate earlier rather than later today.

I don't hold my breath for that request but I hope it will happen soon none the less.

Anyone know about Kenmore - my CSR is cluess

Anyone know how to force your TiVo S3 to look for the new channels? Maybe force the cable cards to re pair ?

I would take these steps: (1) go to settings and verify channels are not in the channel list (the Tivo guide is not updated yet, so they won't be there automatically), (2) Comcast resend signal to cablecards (and ask whether channels are available to your node yet), (3) Re-Run guided setup/restart, and (4) repeat.

Otherwise, have patience . . . I got a few channels this morning, while others had them earlier.

Anyone else loose ESPN & ESPN2 (both HD) . . . on both 173/174 and 623/624?

I spoke with Comcast and the CSR was very helpful. She said that Kitsap County boxes were scheduled to be activated today/tonight for the new HD channels.

She sent a request to see if they could activate earlier rather than later today.

I don't hold my breath for that request but I hope it will happen soon none the less.In order of tiny paragraphs ... yay, I hope, and either way, it happens tonight!

Anyone else loose ESPN & ESPN2 (both HD) . . . on both 173/174 and 623/624?WTF? (Looks) ... No?

Anyone else loose ESPN & ESPN2 (both HD) . . . on both 173/174 and 623/624?173/174 are gone now, as expected. But the new 622/623/624 (ESPNewsHD, ESPNHD, ESPN2HD) are working just fine here.

All good here in Kenmore ...

More confusion and clueless communication from comcast CSR's

user tony_ has entered room


Tony(Thu Dec 18 2008 15:49:17 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

when will my new HD channels be turned on? foxnews hd - we hd etc...thnaks!


analyst Dan has entered room


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 15:49:49 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Hello tony_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Dan. Please give me one moment to review your information.


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 15:50:00 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

I would be happy to assist you today, Tony.


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 12:50:04 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

ok


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 15:50:31 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

One moment, please, while I review your account.


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 12:52:04 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

...


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 15:52:29 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Tony, I don't show those channels available in your area yet. Where did you hear about them being available?


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 12:54:05 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

from a comcast press release and a comcast csr who was unable to give me a timeline


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 15:55:19 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Thank you. I'm not sure when these channels will be available in your area, Tony.


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 12:56:38 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

the csr was referencing an internal memo confirming that i was in the coverage area? is there another resource you can ask?


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 15:57:47 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

We have recently started new HD channels in California, but we haven't added any new HD channels in Washington lately. I'm very sorry but I don't have any further information about HD channels coming to Washington.


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 12:59:42 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/07/fox-news-hd-joins-the-hd-lineup-in-seattle-wa/


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:01:29 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

One moment please.


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 13:03:27 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

WE HD
E HD (x2)
Bravo HD
Lifetime HD
Travel HD
Fox News HD (ick)
Fox Business HD
CNN HD
CNBC HD
TBS HD
FX HD
AE HD
HIST HD
DIS HD
FAM HD


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:03:27 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Tony, I'm very sorry but I don't show Fox News HD being added to your lineup.


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 13:04:17 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

funny just email my neighbor and these channels just showed up this morning???


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:04:53 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

If you believe you should be receiving these channels, you can try powercycling your cable box by unplugging it for 10 seconds, and then plugging it back in.


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 13:06:14 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

i don't understand why the csr validated the lineup change?


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:06:28 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

I'm not sure, Tony. I'm very sorry for the confusion this has caused.


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 13:06:53 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

not ok - but ok


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:07:34 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Is there anything else I can help you with today?


tony_(Thu Dec 18 2008 13:07:46 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

nope


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:08:02 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Have a nice day, Tony.


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:08:04 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

We strive to exceed your expectations and hope that you will take a moment to complete the three question survey that will follow our interaction. Your feedback will help us to continue improving how we serve you.


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:08:07 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Thank you for choosing Comcast and have a great day! Should you need further assistance, please chat with us again. Customer Support Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


Dan(Thu Dec 18 2008 16:08:10 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time))>

Analyst has closed chat and left the room


analyst Dan has left room

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/18/cable-operators-agree-to-freeze-analog-to-digital-moves-until-af/

:confused:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/12/18/cable-operators-agree-to-freeze-analog-to-digital-moves-until-af/

:confused:The cable co's, esp. Comcast, have definitely managed to confuse consumers by piling their own "digital transition" on top of the federally-mandated one for broadcast TV. Below is an excerpt from the actual letter the NCTA sent to Congress (http://www.ncta.com/PublicationType/Letter/Assisting-Consumers-Before-During-and-After-the-Broadcasters-Digital-Transition.aspx), explaining what their members (presumably including Comcast) will do to minimize this confusion. Some of this we already know, eg providing free DTAs to people with analog-only sets. Also sounds like we won't actually see the Expanded Basic analog channels (30-80) shut off until after this "quiet period" expires.

• Digital Migration “Quiet Period.” To minimize consumer confusion during the DTV transition,
operators would delay the substitution of digital versions of existing analog channels from
December 31, 2008, to March 1, 2009,* except to the extent necessary to free up bandwidth to
comply with the requirement to carry broadcast signals in both analog and digital formats or meet
contractual carriage obligations.
• Analog Broadcast Basic Tier. Operators that offer dual carriage of broadcast signals would
make access to the analog broadcast basic tier available under a promotional offer to new
customers who subscribe just to that tier. This offer would be available beginning December 31,
2008, and would continue for at least 120 days after the proposed quiet period – through June 30,
2009. The service would be provided at the promotional price for at least one year after the
customer subscribes.
• No Additional Charge for Equipment or Service.† Recognizing that there is likely to be
continuing consumer confusion even after the February 17, 2009 broadcaster DTV transition,
operators would also provide the following additional assistance to all-analog cable households
during and for at least 120 days after the proposed quiet period – through June 30, 2009 – to help
them manage cable’s digital transition.
If, during this period, an operator removes the analog version of a PEG or other channel from the
broadcast basic or expanded basic tier and replaces it with a digital version of the channel on
either of those tiers, the operator would make available to all-analog households, upon request, at
least one free device that enables those households to view the channel. The device provided
under this program would remain free for at least one year. There would also be no additional
service charge for at least one year for the affected channel or, at the operator’s option, the
broadcast basic or expanded basic tier where the digital version of the channel has been placed.
Individual operators may choose to continue this program after June 30, 2009, or to initiate other
similar programs after that date.
• Clear and Conspicuous Customer Notification of Any Channel Migration. Whenever
operators cease transmitting analog PEG or cable programming services and begin offering those
channels only in digital, they will provide clear and conspicuous notice to affected subscribers
and franchising authorities not less than 30 days in advance. The notice would also inform
subscribers that they have at least 60 days to avail themselves of the offers described above.

Anyone else loose ESPN & ESPN2 (both HD) . . . on both 173/174 and 623/624?

I've also lost UHD & TNTHD. :confused:

Edit: and several others.

The cable co's, esp. Comcast, have definitely managed to confuse consumers by piling their own "digital transition" on top of the federally-mandated one for broadcast TV. Below is an excerpt from the actual letter the NCTA sent to Congress (http://www.ncta.com/PublicationType/Letter/Assisting-Consumers-Before-During-and-After-the-Broadcasters-Digital-Transition.aspx), explaining what their members (presumably including Comcast) will do to minimize this confusion. Some of this we already know, eg providing free DTAs to people with analog-only sets. Also sounds like we won't actually see the Expanded Basic analog channels (30-80) shut off until after this "quiet period" expires.
The letter sent to Congress contains the following footnote:
"The quiet period would not apply to such channel substitutions for which the operator has provided notice in a billing cycle that began prior to December 10, 2008."
Comcast announced the Seattle switchover prior to December 10th. Hopefully this means that Comcast will proceed with dumping analog ASAP.

Anyone else loose ESPN & ESPN2 (both HD) . . . on both 173/174 and 623/624?


Nope - working fine near Lake City. I also did a fresh QAM scan and now have lots of digitals from the 30-70 analogs that were not there last week. No new HD though :(

The new HD channels showed up in Issaquah yesterday evening - a couple do not tune in yet (channel will be available shortly) - we are upto ~65 HD channels now incl premium channels. Among the new channels, for me

Interesting: EncoreHD, Speed, Bravo, Travel, Fox Business, CNN, CNBC, TBS, FX, AMC, LMN, IFC
Not so interesting: EspnNewsHD (not really hd), WE, Style, E!, Life, Fox News, Toon, Toon Disney, Fuse, TV One, QVC, G4, Biography, Green

Does comedy central not exist as an HD channel, or it did not make the list compared to some of the above channels?

The cable co's, esp. Comcast, have definitely managed to confuse consumers by piling their own "digital transition" on top of the federally-mandated one for broadcast TV. Below is an excerpt from the actual letter the NCTA sent to Congress (http://www.ncta.com/PublicationType/Letter/Assisting-Consumers-Before-During-and-After-the-Broadcasters-Digital-Transition.aspx), explaining what their members (presumably including Comcast) will do to minimize this confusion. Some of this we already know, eg providing free DTAs to people with analog-only sets. Also sounds like we won't actually see the Expanded Basic analog channels (30-80) shut off until after this "quiet period" expires.

However, the letter also mentioned possibility of charging for the device one year after quiet period. If Comcast puts Expanded Basic channels on 30-80 on encrypted QAM versus clear QAM. We might be force to pay the box for Comcast's sake to rip more $$ from us.

Comcast announced the Seattle switchover prior to December 10th. Hopefully this means that Comcast will proceed with dumping analog ASAP.Not sure there's any immediate hurry to drop them. We just got 28 new HD channels, and our internet speed went up - all without dropping the analogs. Apparently they had plenty of bandwidth for these upgrades. At some point, though, they do need to drop them to continue reclaiming bandwidth, if they want to compete with FIOS & Sat.

Not sure there's any immediate hurry to drop them. We just got 28 new HD channels, and our internet speed went up - all without dropping the analogs. Apparently they had plenty of bandwidth for these upgrades. At some point, though, they do need to drop them to continue reclaiming bandwidth, if they want to compete with FIOS & Sat.I have heard that most of Comcast's Seattle-area systems lack the bandwidth to add the new channels. Presumably that's why this roll-out is piecemeal (we're not all getting the channels at the same time) and is also probably the reason Comcast was so slow to add the channels (it's awkward to have a third of your customers with a lot of extra channels that the rest of the customers can't get).

Folks who live in areas with lots of bandwidth are getting the channels now. Folks who live in bandwidth-constrained areas won't get the new channels until Comcast dumps a lot of analog. If you have the new channels now, you're pretty lucky.

I was exchanging my cable modem at the Lynnwood store yesterday and asked about the new channels. He said that they were scheduled for Friday, but we likely won't see them until next month. I never trust what anybody at Comcast says though. I asked him why and he didn't know. I said others in the area have them and he said that everyone is on different time lines given the size of the launch. I hope he is wrong! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we get them tonight. I'm in Mountlake Terrace.

Well, after talking to someone else at Comcast, I had found out that my HD channels won't be coming anytime this week. It should be anytime before February, though. Apparently, they have to add something to the wires or something stupid like that.

/1/ please post if anyone from the sammamish/ redmond areas has these nwe HD channels

/2/ I have a Cablecard - do I need to do any sort of rescan, or will the channels just show up when they are enabled?

I just did a scan on my HDHomerun in Lake City, 98125. I have the extended basic channels showing up on a QAM scan. SciFi SD, A&E SD, etc.

I don't know for how long though... I think I'll wait for a a while before I add them to my Media Center lineup.

Still no new HD channels in Kenmore 98028...
Anyone on the hood have them?

no new channels in Everett either, comcast sent flyer out saying 12/19 new channels seems to me they lied.

I just did a scan on my HDHomerun in Lake City, 98125. I have the extended basic channels showing up on a QAM scan. SciFi SD, A&E SD, etc.
Same thing here in Shoreline... looks like the newly named 'Digital Starter' tier is all clear QAM for the SD channels. HD is still encrypted for all but the locals. Much better than just 'Limited Cable' in clear QAM.

No channel mapping (does PSIP work for SD Digital?) so you have to deal with the QAM numbering.

I just did a channel scan in Bremerton (analog & digital) and still have all channels, plus found all these others (if anybody's interested). Keep in mind that these channels are normally easier to find using a digital cable box and are not normally available without it.

91.4 - Speed Channel*
108.11 - Bloomberg
108.12 - C-Span 3
112.11 - TWC Weaterscan
112.19 - G4
114.18 - PBS Kids Sprout
114.19 - Lifetime Movie Network
115.10 - Leased Access (that thing on channel 79)
116.2 - C-Span 2

The FM radio stations (964-986) are in here, too. I am also receiving signals of BITV, TV Tacoma, and other local community channels that I would normally not get with a standard TV or even my Comcast Digital box, even 2 TV Guide channels (Kitsap County & Pierce County). Also, as a reminder, I'm in the Kitsap district, these might differ by area!

* Yes, I know Speed Channel is on channel 33 in some areas instead of 408. It is channel 408 for Kitsap County, and is one reason why I have digital cable in the first place. The other reason ... once you have a DVR on another company, you can't live without it!

I posted this earlier, but figured I could repost it.

Bainbridge has the new hd lineup.

Well, after talking to someone else at Comcast, I had found out that my HD channels won't be coming anytime this week. It should be anytime before February, though. Apparently, they have to add something to the wires or something stupid like that.

I have the HD lineup AFTER calling Comcast. Since you are served by the same head-end system off of Waaga/Wheaton Way (behind Lowe's) in East Bremerton (as is Bainbridge Island and I saw someone there has it), you will need to call as I did to get it working.

You will need to have your cable box/DVR remapped to the HD JumpStart channel mappings. You box will do a full reboot after they send the signal. Wait a few minutes and you'll have the new line-up. Good luck!

Anybody in the Kent/Covington Area have the new HD channels yet?

I confirm what mwnorman posted. I called, and the nice comcast man sent the signal to my Tivohd, and hd box, and all is good in Hansville, Wa.
Brian

I haven't had much chance to check out the new HD channels, but tonight I observed the following:

The expected channels come in, except that 653 (Lifetime) and 664 (TBS) both showed "One Moment Please".

There's another HD channel at 690 (Fuse).

...and I saw someone there has itSomeone in Bainbridge Island or here in Bremerton?


You will need to have your cable box/DVR remapped to the HD JumpStart channel mappings.How do I do that?

Also, I have called multiple times trying to figure this out.

Has anyone in Seattle called for the channels?

Falcon, I called and gave them my info and csr said I was in the jumpstart area(Hansville) and he sent the signals to my boxes and in a few minutes I had all the channels. The guide info was there in about 10 min after that. Good luck.
Brian

I have just got off the phone with Comcast ... and after 12 minutes of waiting. But, here's what I have found out. The channels are not on all "nodes" at this time. Apparently, I am on a different node than people on Bainbridge Island and other areas. No, I am not being shafted, but they do have to upgrade some stuff in my area first.

I can't quite describe the way that the CSR has explained it to me, but I completely understood what was said ... and, it took a lot of stress away from me! She was even laughing with me when I said that I was looking forward to Speed HD to only find out I had to wait for it longer than others!

Also, I asked about the DTA boxes that were mentioned on King 5 News. Long story short, it's always nice to get the information about something directly from the source and not some newscast.

When the Comcast commercials say that we don't have to worry about a thing, Comcast is telling the truth. You can agree with me when I say that if Comcast was caught in a lie, they know the blood is on their hands.