Let me congratulate Comcast for once. The other day I checked my "messages" on my Motorola HD box and discovered 4 that had never ignited the red lamp. As I had turned off the command that operated the lamp and that had never seemed to work, I assume that Comcast finally fixed the firmware to enable said function. So duct tape is no longer required to cover the lamp.
sam

...So duct tape is no longer required to cover the lamp.
sam

I'll let you know if you miss any important messages.

So will this have any effect on whether Comcast drops the analogs (30-70) sooner than later?
I still don't have the new HD channels in Lake City, 98125. But I do have the listings on my TiVo HD.

So will this have any effect on whether Comcast drops the analogs (30-70) sooner than later?
I still don't have the new HD channels in Lake City, 98125. But I do have the listings on my TiVo HD.

Who knows. What a freaking mess IMO. If I understand correctly what is going on, there are proponents for asking Congress and the Senate to delay the transition date. If they do not act to stop it (Congress and Senate) the transition will occur. As of now the trasition is still going forward with the proponents for delaying gathering strength.

Perhaps the biggest proponent of the delay is Obama. Part of the stated reason is that the Bush administration has done a lousy job of preparing for it, particulary as it relates to educating the unwashed masses and the handling of the DTV converter box coupons. However, the dealy, if it happens, it is most likely not going to be a complete delay.

Certain markets will still be able to do partial transitions for various reasons, one of them being that certain spectrum has been paid for and the services that used that spectrum are ready to go. Without this additional spectrum, these services are on hold with resulting loss in revenue.

There seems to be a compromise bill working its way through the congressional labyrinth that is gaining traction with others which allows for a partial transistion instead of a full spectrum delay.

Hopefully this will be settled by next week or better yet, congress gets (remains) lazy, misses the deadline dates, and the transition is enforced.

No latter how you look at this, this is going to be disruptive. I say let's bring it on. Hopefully it will be no worse than the huge disruption that occurred during the Y2K bug back in Jan 2000. :D

Part of the problem for the potential delay on digital broadcast - which doesn't make any difference to Comcast - is the terrible way the converter coupons were handled. I got some way early in the process. But the darn credit card coupons, $40 for each one, expired before there were any good deals for converter boxes. I think they expired after 90 days. So a whole bunch of people like me who ordered the coupons early, saw them expire before it was possible to use them.

This 90 day expiration date was the big problem. They should have been good until the transition.

BTW, I found a good deal on a converter box and was poised to purchase it, only to realize my $40 coupon had expired the week before.

While I don't like the fact Comcast is getting rid of the expanded basic analog channels, if they make up for it by a plethora of new HD channels, I will be happy. For instance, why don't be get one stinking cable news channel in HD? Or how about the Comedy Network? Instead be get a bunch of incredibly crappy digital SD channels.

Sometimes the FSN SD broadcasts look absolutely terrible. The problem is Comcast compresses the heck out of the signal, all so they can squeeze more crappy SD channels that I don't even watch.

Comcast SD digital sucks the big one. And the reason it sucks is because Comcast wants to waste bandwidth sending me a bunch of SD channels I would never watch in a million years. Comcast doesn't care one iota about the quality of their SD broadcasts, they just care about making money. Seeing as how they basically have a monopoly, they should be doing what is right for consumers, which is broadcasting high quality TV.

Seeing as how they basically have a monopoly, they should be doing what is right for consumers, which is broadcasting high quality TV.Sure, that's why they show pointless international channels from Taiwan, China, Korea, etc. We're in America, right?

Sure, that's why they show pointless international channels from Taiwan, China, Korea, etc. We're in America, right?

They're channels we'd have to pay extra for, so I suppose they're carried because there are people out there willing to fork out money to watch them.

If no one watched (and paid) for them, Comcast wouldn't carry them. A bottom line decision, I'm sure. Can't get any more American than that.

Seeing as how they basically have a monopoly, they should be doing what is right for consumers, which is broadcasting high quality TV.
Heh, that's not generally the outcome of a monopoly.

Just curious. Both UW and WSU games Thursday night were HD. Saturday only the UW-UCLA game was HD. Gonzaga is never HD on FSN. It would be interesting to know what the limiting factor is. As the WSU-USC game was about to start, FSN HD went to a test pattern. Its interesting that when the So Cal teams come to Washington, we get HD broadcasts.

Just curious. Both UW and WSU games Thursday night were HD. Saturday only the UW-UCLA game was HD. Gonzaga is never HD on FSN. It would be interesting to know what the limiting factor is. As the WSU-USC game was about to start, FSN HD went to a test pattern. Its interesting that when the So Cal teams come to Washington, we get HD broadcasts.

I'd probably have to side with Comcast on this one. 627 only shows the FSN National HD broadcasts. While watching the DVR broadcast last night, I noticed that the final 5 or so minutes of the broadcast switched over to 4:3 SD. That was curious.

I'd probably have to side with Comcast on this one. 627 only shows the FSN National HD broadcasts. While watching the DVR broadcast last night, I noticed that the final 5 or so minutes of the broadcast switched over to 4:3 SD. That was curious.
The last five minutes they were promoting the USC-WSU game with a trailer running across the bottom. The screen was reduced as a result. When the trialer came off it went back to full screen.

The last five minutes they were promoting the USC-WSU game with a trailer running across the bottom. The screen was reduced as a result. When the trialer came off it went back to full screen.

This reduced the height yes, but it remained at the 4:3 format (black bars on the sides) not 16:9 as the previous 2 hours of the broadcast.

It's unrelated to the Federally-mandated broadcast OTA digital transition. Comcast is migrating channels 30 through 70 from analog to digital.

To be more specific:

32 Limited Service channels currently offered in analog (numbers 2 to 24, 26 to 29, 75 to 78, and 99) will remain in analog. The other digital-only Limited Service channels (25, 79, 104 to 117, 119) will remain digital-only.

40 Expanded Basic channels (numbers 30 to 70) currently offered in analog will disappear from analog and become digital-only.

The OTA digital to analog converter boxes are similar to the cable Digital Terminal Adapter (DTA) but are not interchangeable. The OTA converter won't work with cable and the cable DTA won't work with over the air. Aside from that they are very similar. They both convert ATSC digital signals to NTSC analog signals. The main difference being that the OTA converter box converts ATSC 8VBS and the cable DTA converts ATSC QAM.

Yes, you will need to request the DTA box(es) from Comcast. I think Comcast has mentioned that they will offer up to three DTAs for free but charge for every unity after that.

Will I need an adapter if my TV accepts QAM? Right now I have the 'extended' package and pick up a combo of analog and QAM channels.

I really don't want their stupid boxes, but I'm guessing this suggests some of the channels will not be clear QAM?

Thanks,

-john

I've asked this before but now that people have had experience with the DTA converters I'll ask again.

I currently pick up a few HD channels with my QAM tuner connected directly to the RF coaxial input. For example, 4.1 is KOMO HD. How will this work with the converter? Will I still pick up the HD channels without the HD box?

Also, with the DTA converters, do you still use your original TV remote? Any pictures? How does it "hide behind the tv?" Inquring minds!

Thanks,

I've asked this before but now that people have had experience with the DTA converters I'll ask again.

I currently pick up a few HD channels with my QAM tuner connected directly to the RF coaxial input. For example, 4.1 is KOMO HD. How will this work with the converter? Will I still pick up the HD channels without the HD box?

Also, with the DTA converters, do you still use your original TV remote? Any pictures? How does it "hide behind the tv?" Inquring minds!

Thanks,

It is my understanding that the "free" DTA boxes are for Digital to analog conversion. It has nothing to do with QAM. In fact, it can't even to HD. They convert certain digital channels to RF and spit it out on either Chanbel 3 or channel 4 for pickup on the RF input on your TV. You then tune your TV to chennel 3 or 4 to get the signal. Kinda like what you do with a VCR. If you want the digital signal, then you'll need a DTV box from Comcast which they will charge you for.

Here is a picture of a DTA box. 131198

Notice there is only stereo output and a composite signal and RF. You can use the composite and bypass the channel 3 or 4 or you can use the RF on a set that does not have composite. (forgot to mention the composite above and they may also have ones that do Svideo. I suppose it is also possible to do SPDIF but why bother?

Sorry for the lousy pic but that really is all this POS is worth.

It sounds like this to me.

If I use the "free" DTA, I will be able to get channels 2-99 but will no longer get any HD channels (using a direct rf connection). I'll also lose the ability to use my original TV/DVD remote.

New question, if I forego the DTA, I think I can still get 2-29. But what about 4.1, 5.1 etc.? Is there any way to get local HD channels on a digital television with a QAM tuner without "renting" the full HD Comcast box?

Actually the DTA has a lot to do with QAM, because the digital signals it converts to analog are QAM. Since the DTA has no removable decryption (e.g., cablecard), until and unless Comcast gets a waiver from the FCC enabling it to use internal encryption in the DTA the QAM signals it receives can't be encrypted. Thus a number of the digital versions of the basic and expanded basic channels which were formerly encrypted are now in the clear -- a bonus for those who use QAM tuners (at least for a while).

The HD versions of the local channels should still be available in unencrypted QAM, without regard to what happens with the DTA.

Hrm. I'm re-scanning and looks like I am picking up a bunch more QAM channels.

Guess I need to look a bit closer to confirm. Mapping is kinda a PITA.

So, this suggests the 'basic' channels are going to QAM. Dunno about extended...

-john

Could you post the QAM channels? Any HD? I'm assuming you are going directly from the cable into your TV.

Thanks!

Could you post the QAM channels? Any HD? I'm assuming you are going directly from the cable into your TV.

Thanks!

Yah, it is going to take a while. This is on my PC and it is a slow process to match programming w/the channel (and I'm going to need to step out for a bit).

So far it mostly seems to be 480p, but there was at least one 720p I think.

-john

Will I need an adapter if my TV accepts QAM? Right now I have the 'extended' package and pick up a combo of analog and QAM channels.

I really don't want their stupid boxes, but I'm guessing this suggests some of the channels will not be clear QAM?No one yet knows the final answer to this question, not even Comcast:

1. It is Comcast's stated intent to encrypt the former Expanded Basic channels (30-78) as they move them to digital-only.

2. But that's currently illegal, since the DTA devices have integrated decryption, not separate Cablecards as required by law.

3. As a result, these channels are un-encrypted for now, and for the near-term future.

4. Comcast will be requesting a waiver from the Obama administration's new FCC commissioners, to allow them to enable the integrated encryption on the DTA boxes.

5. If the waiver is approved, these channels will be encrypted. If not, they will likely remain un-encrypted.

Actually the DTA has a lot to do with QAM, because the digital signals it converts to analog are QAM. Since the DTA has no removable decryption (e.g., cablecard), until and unless Comcast gets a waiver from the FCC enabling it to use internal encryption in the DTA the QAM signals it receives can't be encrypted. Thus a number of the digital versions of the basic and expanded basic channels which were formerly encrypted are now in the clear -- a bonus for those who use QAM tuners (at least for a while).

Yes, true. I was takeing a shortcut. The DTA is merely a QAM to analog converter. Nothing more. I doubt that internal encryption in the DTA will ever happen. The picture I included was for an RCA box that has none of these features and there will be a plethora of manufacturers of these boxes. You'll be able to get the DTA box from just about anybody and I am fairly certain the the cablecos cannot come up with or dictate encryption schemes within the DTA itself. These boxes will only do QAM in the clear.


The HD versions of the local channels should still be available in unencrypted QAM, without regard to what happens with the DTA.

100% correct! DTA really has no affect on QAM. Look, let's bottom line this. If you have a TV that you use analog inputs on (i.e. RF with no STB of any type and use the tuner in the TV and the TV is not QAM capable, then you could get some value from a DTA box. The TV will not receive a signal with out a DTA. IMO, that is the only reason to have a DTA box.

Everybody else, you will not be affected! You're already digital (one caveat, I'll explain in next section) ready and the conversion will amke no difference with the only exceptions being QAM mapping, QAM encryption, and additional channels.

Caveat: There are some Comcast STB's out there (I think) that have analog tuners in them. These STBs will need to go away.

BTW: It is NTSC tuners that become useless for broadcast reception. That's practically every TV and VCR ever made to date. The DTA box is meant to replace the NTSC tuner.

So, Wareagle, did I get that right?

Ragards,

Jim

So, Wareagle, did I get that right?

Ragards,

Jim

Other than the fact that the DTAs may actually be capable of internal decryption.

Other than the fact that the DTAs may actually be capable of internal decryption.

Yeah, may is the operative word, bt I'm not going to argue that point. I don;t know, I guessing. Also, I did do one disservice to this discussion. I used the first box I cam across which is that lousy RCA box. The one included in the following link is much better. Not a terrible solution.

http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?PROD=T3AP-Pro&xzoom=Large#xview

I've heard that the DTAs can support something called "privacy mode" but I have no idea what that is. It would be hard to imagine (even Comcast) pursuing an FCC decryption waiver if they had no way of implementing it.

I've heard that the DTAs can support something called "privacy mode" but I have no idea what that is. It would be hard to imagine (even Comcast) pursuing an FCC decryption waiver if they had no way of implementing it.Privacy mode is simple, not-very-secure encryption that can be implemented very cheaply without Cablecards or complicated key-exchange systems. Cheaply is the key word for these DTA boxes.

I believe it was implemented on many cable boxes fairly recently, as a quick & dirty way to scramble On-Demand streams to that you don't accidentally see your neighbor's OnDemand p*rn (since everyone on the same fiber node shares the same OnDemand streams). Hence the name "privacy mode".

Could you post the QAM channels? Any HD? I'm assuming you are going directly from the cable into your TV.

Thanks!

Pastiche has posted files containing the QAM listings:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15450231#post15450231

Could you post the QAM channels? Any HD? I'm assuming you are going directly from the cable into your TV.

Basically, yes -- from cable into splitter, into a digital tv tuner card on my PC into Beyond TV 4 PVR software.

Pastiche has posted files containing the QAM listings:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15450231#post15450231

OK, I did the mapping. Looks like basically all the traditional analog channels are now on QAM.

In addition, there are some channels that are not available on analog.

AFAIK, the old analog channels are pretty much all 480p. There are some 720p and 1080i, but I think these are mostly additions over the analog channels (like the re-broadcast of the OTA HD stations). Basically channels over #100 are more likely to show HD content.

The listing Pastiche posted was VERY helpful and pretty complete.

I live in un-incorporated Snohomish County, between Lynnwood, Mill Creek and Bothell.

The channel lineup I am using in Beyond TV is called "(QAM) Comcast Snohomish County Everett Digital (non-rebuild)".

In addition to Pastiche's list, I see the following:

117-1002 Edmonds Community College **
117-1007 some sort of community access **
117-1008 the weather channel
117-1009 channel 77 sno co - community television **
117-1035 community access channel 28
118-1 sports on-demand / league pass **
118-2 "" **
118-3 "" **
118-4 "" **
118-5 "" **
118-6 "" **
118-7 "" **
118-8 "" **
118-9 "" **
118-10 "" **

** These channels did not have an entry in my lineup.

Here is the rundown of what I see:

1 VODDM
2 NWCN
3 KWPX
4 KOMO
5 KING
6 KONG
7 KIRO
8 DSCP
9 KCTS
10 KMYQ
11 KSTW
12 KBTC
13 KCPQ
14 KBCB
15 KHCVDT
16 QVC
17 HSN
18 KWDKDT
19 HALMRKP
20 KTBW
21 GOAC021
22 GOAC022
23 TVW
24 CSPAN
25 CSPAN2
26 EDAC026
27 UWTV
28 EDAC028
29 KUNS
30 FSN
31 ESPN
32 ESPN2
33 SPEED
34 VERSUS
35 FOODP
36 TRAVP
37 HISTP
38 TLCP
39 FAMP
40 NIKP
41 DISNP
42 TOONP
43 APLP
44 CNN
45 HLN
46 CNBC
47 MSNBC
48 FNC
49 TRUTVP
50 OXYGENP
51 LIFEP
52 AETVP
53 FXP
54 TNTP
55 TBSP
56 BETP
57 SPIKEP
58 USAP
59 SCIFIP
60 COMEDYP
61 CMTVP
62 VH1P
63 MTVP
64 MTV2P
65 EP
66 BRAVOP
67 AMCP
68 HGTVP
70 GOLF
74 TVGN
75 KCTSCAB
76 UW2TV
77 PUAC077
78 TWC
79 LEAC079
99 CBUT
101 WTHRSCN
104 KOMODT
105 KINGDT
106 KONGDT
107 KIRODT
109 KCTSDT
111 KSTWDT
112 KCTSDT3
113 KCPQDT
115 KINGDT2
116 KCPQDT2
117 KIRODT2
118 SPROUT
119 KCTSDT2
128 BLOOM
136 G4
150 CSPAN3
504 LMN

No one yet knows the final answer to this question, not even Comcast:

1. It is Comcast's stated intent to encrypt the former Expanded Basic channels (30-78) as they move them to digital-only.

2. But that's currently illegal, since the DTA devices have integrated decryption, not separate Cablecards as required by law.

3. As a result, these channels are un-encrypted for now, and for the near-term future.

4. Comcast will be requesting a waiver from the Obama administration's new FCC commissioners, to allow them to enable the integrated encryption on the DTA boxes.

5. If the waiver is approved, these channels will be encrypted. If not, they will likely remain un-encrypted.

Thanks Jim. That explains a lot.

-john

At about 2:30 A.M. today 1/26/09 the signal to my 6412 and TivoHD box began to flake out here in 98144, as I was checking the signal strength using my Tivo, I noticed that some of the new HD channels we are supposed to get are appearing but still pixelated. Is anybody else getting this? Specifically ESPN1/2 on channels 623/4, Disney channel 677, channel 670? And what is causing the pixellation? It seems that whenever it gets really cold my picture quality goes to crap...

At about 2:30 A.M. today 1/26/09 the signal to my 6412 and TivoHD box began to flake out here in 98144, as I was checking the signal strength using my Tivo, I noticed that some of the new HD channels we are supposed to get are appearing but still pixelated. Is anybody else getting this? Specifically ESPN1/2 on channels 623/4, Disney channel 677, channel 670? And what is causing the pixellation? It seems that whenever it gets really cold my picture quality goes to crap...No new channels in Bremerton (Kitsap County). But, as for the crappy picture quality, the same thing happens to my internet connection when it gets really cold! Like, everything dies out ... including Comcast Digital Voice! In fact, I removed my router, and things are speeding up big time. I'm actually confused about that. I thought it had something to do with me being on copper wiring instead of fiber!

Hrm. I'm re-scanning and looks like I am picking up a bunch more QAM channels.

Guess I need to look a bit closer to confirm. Mapping is kinda a PITA.

So, this suggests the 'basic' channels are going to QAM. Dunno about extended...

-john
My QAM tuner picks up the analog channels and new digital channels. Most are a duplication. The only exception is the Lifetime Channel (51) that doesn't appear to have a digital equivalent. I assume the analog channels will go away and all the digital channels will stay. I asked this of a Comcast CSR and they confirmed it. I'm assuming the local HD channels will stay also.

My QAM tuner picks up the analog channels and new digital channels. Most are a duplication. The only exception is the Lifetime Channel (51) that doesn't appear to have a digital equivalent. I assume the analog channels will go away and all the digital channels will stay. I asked this of a Comcast CSR and they confirmed it. I'm assuming the local HD channels will stay also.Most - if not all - of the analog channels got a digital simulcast almost 2 years ago, nothing new. This was done when Comcast started deploying the Motorola 34xx boxes WHICH HAVE NO ANALOG TUNER.

What is new is that the digital simulcast of 30-78 are un-encrypted - for now - and the analog versions of those channels will disappear sometime this year. Limited basic channels (2-29 plus a few others) will continue to be transmitted in both analog and digital (un-encrypted) as before.

I just read the last 4 pages and I didn't find an answer, so here it is.

I've heard that comcast customers will have to do something with their box when the digital switch happens. I have 2 DVR's (1 64xx and 1 34xx) and a cable card in my panasonic plasma. What will I need to do? Get some of those DTA boxes? Unplug my dvr's?

Can someone explain to me what exactly I will need to do (in fisher price terms would be great)?

Thanks

I just read the last 4 pages and I didn't find an answer, so here it is.

I've heard that comcast customers will have to do something with their box when the digital switch happens. I have 2 DVR's (1 64xx and 1 34xx) and a cable card in my panasonic plasma. What will I need to do? Get some of those DTA boxes? Unplug my dvr's?

Can someone explain to me what exactly I will need to do (in fisher price terms would be great)?That's easy. You need to do NOTHING.

I've heard that comcast customers will have to do something with their box when the digital switch happens. I have 2 DVR's (1 64xx and 1 34xx) and a cable card in my panasonic plasma.

Your DVRs and CableCards will work as they do now when the transition takes place. You won't notice any difference because there is no difference to notice. :)

Anyone know if the Comcast cheapy DTA boxes will work with old analog Tivo's? What mfg/model do you use for the remote codes?

That's easy. You need to do NOTHING.

Your DVRs and CableCards will work as they do now when the transition takes place. You won't notice any difference because there is no difference to notice. :)


That is what I thought, but a friend told me that I would still have to do some sort of reset or upgrade. Thanks for clearing it up.

That is what I thought, but a friend told me that I would still have to do some sort of reset or upgrade. Thanks for clearing it up.As already mentioned, your TV will work as is on 2/17 as it does today! No reset is necessary.

That is what I thought, but a friend told me that I would still have to do some sort of reset or upgrade. Thanks for clearing it up.

Most people will have to do nothing. But your friend may have confused some things. If you have a QAM tuner and are using it, you *may* have to rescan the channel list. That's because they will most like move channels around. You sould do this anyway periodically. You do not mention a QAM tuner so this does not apply to you.

However, and I hope this is not true, you may have to do a rescan on your cablecard to pick up moved channels. You mention you have a cablecard. Does any out there know for a fact how that will work?

Other than that, like others have said, there is nothing you need to do!

However, and I hope this is not true, you may have to do a rescan on your cablecard to pick up moved channels. You mention you have a cablecard. Does any out there know for a fact how that will work?



I thought the whole point of cablecards was to eliminate all user intervention for these kinds of thngs. Certainly the Moto boxes won't require manual intervention (I hope!).

Certainly the Moto boxes won't require manual intervention (I hope!).I can tell you that the Moto boxes have already been programmed. As mentioned above, the digital signal was sent out 2 years ago and should have no effect on February 17th.

I thought the whole point of cablecards was to eliminate all user intervention for these kinds of thngs. Certainly the Moto boxes won't require manual intervention (I hope!).Yes, cablecards are supposed to receive out-of-band data updates to perform automatic channel mapping, no scanning/re-scanning involved. Just like the Motorola boxes - which, come to think of it, actually use Cablecards internally (at least the recent ones do, per FCC regulation).

I can tell you that the Moto boxes have already been programmed. As mentioned above, the digital signal was sent out 2 years ago and should have no effect on February 17th.It's true we've had digital simulcast for almost 2 years, and your Moto box and/or Cablecard now tunes the digital version of all channels, not the analog. But Feb 17th has nothing to do with the "Comcast digital transition" in any case. That's the date for Over-The-Air broadcast TV only (antennas) to switch to digital.

The "Comcast digital transition" is something different - the conversion of Extended Basic channels 30-78 to digital-only (currently simulcast on both digital and analog), to free up bandwidth for more HD channels. A specific date hasn't been announced, but we've heard maybe June, maybe Sept. - who knows for sure? Probably not even Comcast, since they're waiting to see how the new Obama FCC commisioners shape up before making big changes.

Yes, cablecards are supposed to receive out-of-band data updates to perform automatic channel mapping, no scanning/re-scanning involved. Just like the Motorola boxes - which, come to think of it, actually use Cablecards internally (at least the recent ones do, per FCC regulation).

That's right. Forgot about that. Yep, CableCo boxes by FCC rules must use cable cards. You can actually see a "bump" in the back of some the boxes where the cable cards reside.

Comcast's Cable Card services are down all over Seattle! The affects TiVos as well as the Comcast DCH units!

I just spoke to a Comcast CSR, who said "we're working on it..."

Comcast's Cable Card services are down all over Seattle! The affects TiVos as well as the Comcast DCH units!

I just spoke to a Comcast CSR, who said "we're working on it..."

One more reason I'd like to FCC not to grant permission to encrypt the QAM 30-78, but I have not found a way to voice opinion to FCC...

We're getting all our normal channels but not NBC, either HD or analog (all black screen) on our TiVoHD. Related to the CableCARD snafu?

Edit: looks like all my channels are down now, so yeah, nice work Comcast.

No TiVo cablecard problem in Bellevue, at least not at the moment.

Still nothing in Seattle (Ravenna / Wedgwood / Bryant). Cable and phone are OK, but cable TV is o-u-t.

No TiVo cablecard problem in Bellevue, at least not at the moment.

Looks like it died for a time between 12:30 and 13:30. I checked my recording of "Inside the Actor's Studio" and it's a black screen at the 45 minute, one hour, and one hour fifteen minute time segments (it was a two hour recording from 12:00 to 14:00).

TV is back now.

Cable and phone are OK, but cable TV is o-u-t.:confused:

Cable and phone are OK, but cable TV is o-u-t.
:confused:

I imagine hexachrome is referring to cable internet, since that signal is independent of the cable television signal and is also used for Comcast Digital Voice.

When I lost cable television here in Bellevue, I still had cable internet (and when I lose cable internet, I still have cable television).

Anyone know what the latest DVR and digital cable box from Comcast? It's been a while since I swapped my hardware.

Last night, I recorded Battlestar Galatica on my HD DVR at about 10pm, but for some reason it never stopped recording until I looked at my DVR today. It ended up overwriting and deleting all of my other saved shows, and there were about 50 entries for Battlestar Galatica, the first 2 being about 570 minutes and the rest were about 1 -3 minutes each. Luckily, I didn't have any shows on there that I really wanted to see. This is never happened to me before.

Has anyone ever have this happen?

I can't seem to pick qam channels 92-1 to 92-9 (TNT, TBS, USA, etc) anymore? Is anyone else having this problem? I'm in south seattle area.

Anyone know what the latest DVR and digital cable box from Comcast? It's been a while since I swapped my hardware.

Motorola DCH3416 is what I picked up last week.

Last night, I recorded Battlestar Galatica on my HD DVR at about 10pm, but for some reason it never stopped recording until I looked at my DVR today. It ended up overwriting and deleting all of my other saved shows, and there were about 50 entries for Battlestar Galatica, the first 2 being about 570 minutes and the rest were about 1 -3 minutes each. Luckily, I didn't have any shows on there that I really wanted to see. This is never happened to me before.

Has anyone ever have this happen?

Oh yeah, and I ended up swapping my box for another one soon afterward. Not fun.

Last night, I recorded Battlestar Galatica on my HD DVR at about 10pm, but for some reason it never stopped recording until I looked at my DVR today. It ended up overwriting and deleting all of my other saved shows, and there were about 50 entries for Battlestar Galatica, the first 2 being about 570 minutes and the rest were about 1 -3 minutes each. Luckily, I didn't have any shows on there that I really wanted to see. This is never happened to me before.

Has anyone ever have this happen?

Yep, and I can reproduce it at will. Lets say I have 3 series recordings at 10pm. Law and Order, CSI, and Top Chef. Top Chef is the lowest priority, so it is the one that is canceled. I see this, and decide to add a manual recording for the Top Chef at midnight. The problem occurs after the first Top Chef finishes without recording. Since it is a series recording the one at midnight automatically gets added to the scheduled recordings. However, since it is already there, bad things happen. With the old Microsoft software you used to get two copies. But now you get the unending recording.

There are probably a myriad of other ways to reproduce it, I just haven't found them. But I'm pretty sure it's a software issue and not a problem with the box.

Last night, I recorded Battlestar Galatica on my HD DVR at about 10pm, but for some reason it never stopped recording until I looked at my DVR today. It ended up overwriting and deleting all of my other saved shows, and there were about 50 entries for Battlestar Galatica, the first 2 being about 570 minutes and the rest were about 1 -3 minutes each. Luckily, I didn't have any shows on there that I really wanted to see. This is never happened to me before.

Has anyone ever have this happen?

Yes, I have had this a few times on my 3416. I have never figured out any pattern to it, unlike others have posted regarding a series+manual recording sequence. It seemed rather random. I have done a full reset based on what I found on Wikipedia. That seems to "cure" it for some number of weeks/months. The only problem is you lose all recordings and have to wait up to 24 hours to get the guide fully poplulated.

Quick "Limited" cable update. Steve Kip said that it would be channels 30 to "about 80" that would be switched to digital for the new boxes for people who pay for those. However, I learned tonight that limited cable users (2 through 29) would also get channels 70 & 78 as well! Of course, 99 was also available.

Iam in Lynnwood and want to know when we get more HD. I have a duplicate of espn and espn 2 on 623 and 624-as well as the normal location 173 and 174. I would they rather put two different HD rather than duplicating. Any word on when these new HD channels are coming?

623 is a remap of 173, as is 624 of 174. There is only one incoming signal for each, so no bandwidth would be saved by eliminating the duplication.

Yep, and I can reproduce it at will. Lets say I have 3 series recordings at 10pm. Law and Order, CSI, and Top Chef. Top Chef is the lowest priority, so it is the one that is canceled. I see this, and decide to add a manual recording for the Top Chef at midnight. The problem occurs after the first Top Chef finishes without recording. Since it is a series recording the one at midnight automatically gets added to the scheduled recordings. However, since it is already there, bad things happen. With the old Microsoft software you used to get two copies. But now you get the unending recording.

There are probably a myriad of other ways to reproduce it, I just haven't found them. But I'm pretty sure it's a software issue and not a problem with the box.

Have you reported this to Comcast? Kinda makes sense. So, one of the things I will look for is to avoid requesting more than two tuners at a given time including an overlap time (i.e. start one minute before/after). Kinda easy to see how it was missed for a small software group with a small group of testers, who whould of thought of requesting more than 2 shows to record at a time (I assume that's what's they have due to the quaility of the software). If they have a large group of testers and developers I would assume we'd have more things like room to room streaming, outboard sata drives, etc.

Testing takes time, you have to set up the scenarios, then let it happen.

My mother has a TivoHD using a cable card, and has the Ext Basic package with Comcast. What, if anything, will happen when Comcast transitions channels 30-80 to digital? Will she still have access to thos higher end stations through the cable card, or is she going to have to change to a more expensive digital plan? Thanks in advance.

Have you reported this to Comcast? Kinda makes sense. So, one of the things I will look for is to avoid requesting more than two tuners at a given time including an overlap time (i.e. start one minute before/after). Kinda easy to see how it was missed for a small software group with a small group of testers, who whould of thought of requesting more than 2 shows to record at a time (I assume that's what's they have due to the quaility of the software). If they have a large group of testers and developers I would assume we'd have more things like room to room streaming, outboard sata drives, etc.

Testing takes time, you have to set up the scenarios, then let it happen.

I haven't had any luck reporting problems to Comcast. I've tried to report bugs before, but they don't have a very good system for doing it. And it's a struggle just to get someone on the line who knows anything.

Another interesting bug I've found is this. I have my DVR -> Onkyo 606 -> TV all through HDMI. I never turn the DVR off. If the receiver and TV are both on, but I turn the TV off and then on again; for some reason the DVR reverts back to 480p. I believe this is a bug with the copy protection kicking in, but it's kind of annoying.

My mother has a TivoHD using a cable card, and has the Ext Basic package with Comcast. What, if anything, will happen when Comcast transitions channels 30-80 to digital? Will she still have access to thos higher end stations through the cable card, or is she going to have to change to a more expensive digital plan? Thanks in advance. In theory, nothing will change for her. Those channels have been simulcast in digital for almost 2 years. Since that time, her Cablecard has mapped those channels to use the digital version. Since she's not actually using the analog version of these channels anymore, it won't matter when they go away.

The people affected by this change are:

1) those who are actually watching 30-80 using an analog TV or tuner. They will need to get a DTA or other digital cable tuner.

2) and (possibly) those using a regular QAM tuner in their TV. If Comcast gets their waiver later in 2009, they intend to re-encrypt these digital channels. If that happens they'll require either a DTA, Cablecard, or full Cable box to view these channels.

Edited to add: having said that, I don't know what Comcast will do about billing - eg, will she have to change her existing plan to the new "Digital Starter" plan, and will it be more expensive? Don't know.

In theory, nothing will change for her. Those channels have been simulcast in digital for almost 2 years. Since that time, her Cablecard has mapped those channels to use the digital version. Since she's not actually using the analog version of these channels anymore, it won't matter when they go away.

The people affected by this change are:

1) those who are actually watching 30-80 using an analog TV or tuner. They will need to get a DTA or other digital cable tuner.

2) and (possibly) those using a regular QAM tuner in their TV. If Comcast gets their waiver later in 2009, they intend to re-encrypt these digital channels. If that happens they'll require either a DTA, Cablecard, or full Cable box to view these channels.

Edited to add: having said that, I don't know what Comcast will do about billing - eg, will she have to change her existing plan to the new "Digital Starter" plan, and will it be more expensive? Don't know.

Thanks for the info. My guess is that Comcast will will force a change to terrific and exciting digital plan...which also happens to be more expensive.

I went to the comcast office today to swap out my HD receiver for one with HDMI. That went smoothly and rep was happy to do so. But what I did notice while standing in line and listening to the conversations of the folks at the counter was the massive confusion both the OTA digital transition and comcast's "ch 30-80" transition are causing for the non-techy folks. One old guy brought in his HD DVR to swap because his daughter told him that he needed to get the new DTA for the Feb 17 transition. Another gal came in to get a DTA because she thought she was going to lose the HD locals she gets on her TV's internal tuner. The rep gave her DTA's without any acknowledgement of that fact (ie, QAM was the elephant in the room that would NOT acknowledged or discussed). I wonder how many service calls/truck rolls they're going to have to run... can't wait until our bills go up because of that. Oh well....

The digital transition confusion will be even worse if Congress succeeds in authorizing an optional 4 month slide, and some OTA broadcasters switch this month and others don't.

Just got this message from Comcast regarding FSN HD (627):
As of Feb 5, FSN HD is a full time channel! Catch your favorite FSN programming, including games filmed in HD, all on Ch 627. Subscription to Digital Starter or higher required. Restrictions may apply.What do you think? Sure beats that non-HD message 24/7!

The digital transition confusion will be even worse if Congress succeeds in authorizing an optional 4 month slide, and some OTA broadcasters switch this month and others don't.I'm not sure if this is still going on, but on Friday, KONG-TV is supposed to kill its Analog feed. This is before the standard February 17th shutdown.

when do I get fox or cnn in HD. Iam going to FIOS if they dont add channels soon. Not waiting another 4 months for it. Comcast can take a hike.

Just got this message from Comcast regarding FSN HD (627):
What do you think? Sure beats that non-HD message 24/7!I saw the message on my box too.

I think the two big questions are:

will the switch actually result in a lot more HD from FSN-HD?
will the switch improve the quality of the SD content?
Let's face it, in the past FSN-NW hasn't offered much in HD and the quality of their SD has been terrible (please don't blame Comcast for FSN's lack of content and crappy SD - it ain't their fault).

By the way, here is a link to a thread on the various Fox SportsNets going HD this year: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=15548138. The thread suggests that with all of the Fox SportsNets going HD and a new production facility in Houston, we should see a lot more HD. Note that the thread talks specifically talks about the FSN O&Os going fully HD. Fox Sports Northwest is owned by Liberty Sports Group (http://www.libertysportsgroup.com/northwest.html), not Fox, so it's not clear how all of this applies to FSN-NW.

I would guess that pretty much all of the national content will now be in HD. I would bet that a lot of FSN-NW's local live sports contents (e.g. Gonzaga or UW basketball) will often be in SD if it's not going to be carried outside our region.

when do I get fox or cnn in HD. Iam going to FIOS if they dont add channels soon. Not waiting another 4 months for it. Comcast can take a hike.

Comcast already offers those channels in the area but in selected locations where they have the infrastruture in place to support the additional bandwidth. I get them now and the new news channels are just below 600 including Fox and CNN. (personnally, seeing Larry King in HD is NOT a pretty picture). I know Comcast is working on infrastructure to bring everybody up to the same level and I don't know if your area supports the new channels yet, but it will. If you can hang tight, you can even get a competive discount on your cable bill. All you have to do is call and ask.

However, I do question your low tolerance for HD vs SD. Fox and CNN? :rolleyes: :D

Just got this message from Comcast regarding FSN HD (627):
What do you think? Sure beats that non-HD message 24/7!

I saw that message too. My first thought, of course, was to check the channel guide hoping to see a bunch of content listed for 627.

Nope.

The only thing they had listed for tomorrow was one PAC10 basketball game. Hopefully it's only because the channel guide hasn't caught up to the programming yet. I'm getting tired of the ominous "we have no programming" blue screen of death.

It makes me wonder how this other cable company in my town is handling it. They've had FSN HD long before Comcast did this. In fact, in March/April, I will be bailing out of Comcast and going to that company ... I have no choice. Or, I could use a satellite dish.

I'm curious if anyone is using the Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages_b/h260f.html) stand alone tuner, the Toshiba DR560 (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-DR560-Upconverting-Recorder-Built/dp/B001415ENM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) DVD-R w/tuner or the LG LST-3510A DVD (http://www.amazon.com/LG-LST-3510A-Receiver-Hi-Format-Player/dp/B00015GYT0) w/tuner with the current 'extended basic' QAM lineup, and what your experience has been.

I understand that their is a risk that these solutions will become non-viable if they get their wish to encrypt the 'extended' part of the 'extended basic' package.

I'm also curious about other approaches people might be taking for displays without a QAM tuner and/or cablecard other than the Tivo HD approach or using the boxes (converters, set-top boxes, or DVRs) from Comcast.

Thanks,

-john

I'm also curious about other approaches people might be taking for displays without a QAM tuner and/or cablecard other than the Tivo HD approach or using the boxes (converters, set-top boxes, or DVRs) from Comcast.

Thanks,

-john

I use PCs with TV tuner cards that are QAM capable in my HTPCs.

In case you have not heard: Congress approved the delay for digital switchover to June 12. But some stations are going ahead anyway on 2/17. I've heard KIRO is one of those switching on 2/17. Anyone have reliable info on other locals? This is going to really confuse the mess with a partial switchover. Congress should have forbid any switchovers for any stations on 2/17.

It is obvious from the earlier post about conversations at the Comcast office that many people are confused about OTA vs. cable technology and who needs to get or change their signal delivery hardware. This surprises me somewhat because of all the media coverage but then it is hard to tell how much of that information actually sank in. Comcast further confused the issue by tellling people "they don't need to do anything" and then telling them "well, you do have to get a DTA box in some cases, at a later date, but that is not related to the 2/17 (now 6/12) switchover...". The whole thing is just too complicated for many people. They really should have been up front about their plans many months ago.

I'm curious if anyone is using the Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages_b/h260f.html) stand alone tuner, the Toshiba DR560 (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-DR560-Upconverting-Recorder-Built/dp/B001415ENM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) DVD-R w/tuner or the LG LST-3510A DVD (http://www.amazon.com/LG-LST-3510A-Receiver-Hi-Format-Player/dp/B00015GYT0) w/tuner with the current 'extended basic' QAM lineup, and what your experience has been.

One of my tuners is an LG LST-3510A. It's generally solid, but has a couple of quirks:

1. It does NOT decode PSIP over QAM, only over 8VSB, so no channel re-mapping or guide data for the locals. This is not an issue over 8VSB.

2. It flakes out when some channels switch program sources (I notice this most often when Q13 switches from a network feed to a local feed.) This is also only an issue when tuning via QAM, not 8VSB.

3. It does not properly enumerate MUXes with subchannels >99. (On the 117-X local insert, the first two digits "10" are clipped.)

4. Channel labelling is useless for QAM, becuase you can only label each MUX, not each subchannel. (If you label 82-X as "PBS", ABC on 82-4 also appears as "PBS").

It was great when it and the Samsung SIR-T451 were about the only QAM capable set-tops. The firmware was frequently updated until the bugs in the DVD player and the 8VSB side of the tuner were worked out. It was great technology five years ago, but I can't imagine it stacks up well against more recent technology.

I use a TiVo HD with a single Multi-Stream Cable Card for my encrypted channels. I use a HDHomerun for my HTPC for all of the (clear QAM) channels. It is the best tuner for non-encrypted content if you use a computer. It can be shared between computers. Along with the networks in HD, I've been able to get those newly added SD channels (30-80ish) for now...:)

Hauppauge HD Tuner card, combined with SnapStream's "BeyondTV" software, in my humble opinion, gives an excellent DVR alternative when just using unencrypted QAM. All unencrypted channels are properly mapped (via manual mapping), and completely problem free, even on Vista!

--
Sang

Hauppauge HD Tuner card, combined with SnapStream's "BeyondTV" software, in my humble opinion, gives an excellent DVR alternative when just using unencrypted QAM. All unencrypted channels are properly mapped (via manual mapping), and completely problem free, even on Vista!

--
Sang

I guess I should be more specific. I have 3 Kworld ATSC 110s, a Dvico Fusion 5 lite, and an Avermedia A180 tuner cards that do unencrypted QAM in my MythTV DVR system (it's actually a distributed HTPC system on Linux). It works well too - I get som PSIP information (I don't think comcast transmits it on most of their QAM stations) but I can map them myself and I get 2 weeks worth of guide information from schedules direct.

I've used BeyondTV in XP and that worked well too...

In case you have not heard: Congress approved the delay for digital switchover to June 12. But some stations are going ahead anyway on 2/17. I've heard KIRO is one of those switching on 2/17. Anyone have reliable info on other locals?

KING and KONG will wait until June 12. No analog shut-off at KONG tomorrow or at KING on Feb 17.

KCTS will also wait until June 12. KCTS will remain on ch 41 for digital until then.

OT:

So thanks for the delay Obama. I was all set to replace my kitchen TV with a 19" Vizio 720P Widescreen LCD with a QAM tuner. I was all set to replace my work out room TV with LCD with a QAM tuner. Looks like those purchases will now be pushed off till June.

BWAAAAAA

OT:

So thanks for the delay Obama. I was all set to replace my kitchen TV with a 19" Vizio 720P Widescreen LCD with a QAM tuner. I was all set to replace my work out room TV with LCD with a QAM tuner. Looks like those purchases will now be pushed off till June.

BWAAAAAA
Why wait? All of the stations are already broadcasting in digital. Some will move to new channels when they turn off analog. But, that just means rescanning to get the new channel positions. In fact, if you are getting them from cable, the QAM positions may never change at all. Or, they'll change unannounced, at your provider's whim, the same as always. Am I missing something here?

No point in putting off the digital TV purchase -- but James now has 4 more months to sell his analog TV to one of those people who hasn't gotten the word about the cutoff.

Just got this message from Comcast regarding FSN HD (627):
What do you think? Sure beats that non-HD message 24/7!

I don't recall seeing that message. The guide said there was a game on 627 tonight, but alas, the blue screen.

Right now I have DirecTV, but I am going to be moving soon from a house to an apartment for financial reasons, and wont be able to put up a dish due to no line of sight. What is the best package to get with Comcast and 2 HD receivers and 2 SDs? Haven't been with them in a while so, not up with the newest packages.

For those of you curious about why FSN HD is still not FSN HD, just got word that it has been delayed by an unknown source (FSN or Comcast). The new guaranteed date is Friday, February 13th.

For those of you curious about why FSN HD is still not FSN HD, just got word that it has been delayed by an unknown source (FSN or Comcast). The new guaranteed date is Friday, February 13th.

Friday the 13th of what year? ;)

Has any one started getting these new channels yet and if so in what area. I am in the Olympia area.

Anyone know if Sammamish has gotten the new channels yet? I'm holding out to make the switch.

Anyone know if Sammamish has gotten the new channels yet? I'm holding out to make the switch.

Not in the northern part of sammamish where I am....I am told it is very neighborhood specific

Anyone know if Sammamish has gotten the new channels yet? I'm holding out to make the switch.I was told that in my part of northern Sammamish it would probably be July before we see the new channels.

Oh well...

Not here in Lake City yet, 98125 :(

Maybe we should let them know how we feel and find out about their plans



Comcast Washington State

15815 25th Ave. W
Lynnwood, WA 98087
(425) 741-5600
Ownership: Comcast
Basic Subs: 1.1 million (Seattle, Tacoma, Bellingham, Everett, Olympia, Bremerton, Spokane and Aberdeen, Wash.)
Top Executive: Len Rozek, senior vice president, Washington State

With the delay of the digital transition, what could this mean for Comcast? Will they still continue as planned since it is them who broadcasts channel 30 to 69 to their customers?

Yes, they do say "30 to 80", but analog now has channels 70, 78, & 99 here in Bremerton.

With the delay of the digital transition, what could this mean for Comcast? Will they still continue as planned since it is them who broadcasts channel 30 to 69 to their customers? ... There's no reason for Comcast to change their plans, at least not here in Puget Sound. The cable industry had - at Congress' request - previously agreed to a "quiet period" where they would voluntarily postpone any of their own analog-to-digital transition projects until after the OTA transition on Feb 17. I don't know if the "quiet period" will be extended or not - but it doesn't matter in our case. The Seattle-area cable transition was already underway prior to the "quiet period", and therfore exempted. It should continue as planned.

Edited to add: the delay DOES mean that everyone (consumers, Comcast, broadcasters, media) will be even more confiused than before.

the delay DOES mean that everyone (consumers, Comcast, broadcasters, media) will be even more confiused than before.Jim, I completely agree with this fact. I, for one, am not happy with this delay at all. It's Congress that's not understanding that there is people out there that can (and will) survive with DVD, VHS, or even video games. Maybe not everybody is interested in the digital transition! I can name one person who doesn't care, and I can also name one person who doesn't even use TV ... she just uses her DVD Player!

If my friends are fully capable of surviving, why can't Congress get that through their head? Can we say "Internet Access"?

FYI for baseball fans on the board...

The In Demand website is listing MLB Extra Innings for 2009 at $199. Still promising those "up to 10 games a week in HD" although apparently that will never include the Seattle market.

Don't know if that $199 will be offered with an "early bird" discount as in past years, but mlb.com today announced that its mlb.tv package via Internet is $10 LESS this season. After adding the option to watch home or away feeds, this year they are adding both home and away radio calls, making it possible to watch the TV broadcast but tune into the radio play-by-play. Potentially very cool.

Now if only Boxee would support mlb.tv and I could easily pipe that to my TV...best of both worlds that would be.

Most of us probably don't care about this, but when Comcast is downconverting the digital channels to analog channels, they are ZOOMING HD programming. This means a good portion of the picture is being cut off. Programs like Saturday Night Live (and others that are not 4:3 protected) are unwatchable, as the action is now often occurring outside the picture.

Can someone get through to the right people there and explain why this is a bad idea?

Most of us probably don't care about this, but when Comcast is downconverting the digital channels to analog channels, they are ZOOMING HD programming. This means a good portion of the picture is being cut off. Programs like Saturday Night Live (and others that are not 4:3 protected) are unwatchable, as the action is now often occurring outside the picture.

Can someone get through to the right people there and explain why this is a bad idea?First, if you are from Pembroke Pines, Florida why are you posting in the SEATTLE comcast thread?

Second, I'm pretty sure it's the programming source (eg, local network affiliate) that controls the aspect ratio (Comcast passes thru whatever they're fed).

Third, are you sure you've made the correct settings on your cable box, for TV Shape, 4:3 Override, etc? Assuming you have a Motorola box (which we have here in the SEATTLE Comcast market), see this article:

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

First, if you are from Pembroke Pines, Florida why are you posting in the SEATTLE comcast thread?

Second, I'm pretty sure it's the programming source (eg, local network affiliate) that controls the aspect ratio (Comcast passes thru whatever they're fed).

Third, are you sure you've made the correct settings on your cable box, for TV Shape, 4:3 Override, etc? Assuming you have a Motorola box (which we have here in the SEATTLE Comcast market), see this article:

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

Nope, it's Comcast. I had the following e-mail exchange with KING5:


I am assuming that you are watching KING via Comcast. Unfortunately, the problem you describe is a result of how Comcast is down-converting our HD signal for SD.

Christina Fraser
Manager, Programming Operaitons


Then:


Yes, our engineering department has expressed concern to Comcast about the way they are down converting the signal. Comcast is using the same method for all stations.


Thanks for the pointer, but I would hope that you would assume that someone who has been on here as long as we have, with as many posts as we have, would know enough to not need them.

I'm pretty sure it's the programming source (eg, local network affiliate) that controls the aspect ratio (Comcast passes thru whatever they're fed).
That's no longer the case. Comcast, DirecTV, and Dish now take the DT feeds from most of the stations in this market and do the downconverting themselves. KCTS provides a separate 4:3 analog feed to Comcast and controls the aspect ratio itself. But, I believe KCTS may be the only one still doing that.

Ouch! Still want to know why you care about KING5 in Pembroke Pines, FL. :rolleyes:

Most of us probably don't care about this, but when Comcast is downconverting the digital channels to analog channels, they are ZOOMING HD programming. This means a good portion of the picture is being cut off. Programs like Saturday Night Live (and others that are not 4:3 protected) are unwatchable, as the action is now often occurring outside the picture.There's a difference between zooming and doing a center cut. Which have you observed? A center cut will crop graphics that are outside the 4:3 safe area. Zooming will take graphics that are inside 4:3 safe and expand them outside the safe area. A zoom will crop the bottoms of tickers and the tops of heads along with material on the sides.

I have seen some content cropped on the sides (material that was not produced 4:3 safe). I haven't observed anything that looks like it is being zoomed by Comcast's downconverting, not that I watch the SD versions all that much.

Ouch! Still want to know why you care about KING5 in Pembroke Pines, FL. :rolleyes:

It's simply that I don't go in and change my profile every time I change cities. I have homes in multiple places.

There's a difference between zooming and doing a center cut. Which have you observed? A center cut will crop graphics that are outside the 4:3 safe area. Zooming will take graphics that are inside 4:3 safe and expand them outside the safe area. A zoom will crop the bottoms of tickers and the tops of heads along with material on the sides.

I have seen some content cropped on the sides (material that was not produced 4:3 safe). I haven't observed anything that looks like it is being zoomed by Comcast's downconverting, not that I watch the SD versions all that much.

I'm fairly sure that it's zooming, but I haven't done a side-by-side comparison. Neither should be acceptable for HD content that isn't 4:3-protected.

I'm fairly sure that it's zooming, but I haven't done a side-by-side comparison. Neither should be acceptable for HD content that isn't 4:3-protected.

Actually, I'm certain it's zooming, because the source material is 16:9 letterboxed.

I'm fairly sure that it's zooming, but I haven't done a side-by-side comparison. Neither should be acceptable for HD content that isn't 4:3-protected.Zooming certainly isn't. But, as I said, I haven't seen any sign that Comcast is zooming. It's not hard to spot.

As for center cut, what would you have them do instead? Letterbox is the alternative. But, that would lead to "postage stamping" genuine 4:3 content that has been upconverted to 16:9 for DT transmission. (You know, black bars on all four sides and small picture in the middle of the screen.) When stations had analog and digital channels, they could manage the analog content separately. That flexibility is gone now. The SD side has to be center cut or letterboxed. The networks and stations have elected to center cut. So, 16:9 content has to be produced 4:3 safe.

Did you have something else in mind as a solution?

Actually, I'm certain it's zooming, because the source material is 16:9 letterboxed.
What material is that? There's almost nothing letterboxed on commercial TV stations, except for commercials.

Zooming certainly isn't. But, as I said, I haven't seen any sign that Comcast is zooming. It's not hard to spot.

As for center cut, what would you have them do instead? Letterbox is the alternative. But, that would lead to "postage stamping" genuine 4:3 content that has been upconverted to 16:9 for DT transmission. (You know, black bars on all four sides and small picture in the middle of the screen.) When stations had analog and digital channels, they could manage the analog content separately. That flexibility is gone now. The SD side has to be center cut or letterboxed. The networks and stations have elected to center cut. So, 16:9 content has to be produced 4:3 safe.

Did you have something else in mind as a solution?


What material is that? There's almost nothing letterboxed on commercial TV stations, except for commercials.

Okay, disregard that last comment, and I'm still not sure whether they are zooming or center cutting...

I'm not sure if NBC still transmits an SD feed, but when they did (recently), they transmitted SNL, ER, The Tonight Show, Conan Obrien, and perhaps some others as letterboxed. People watching SD certainly became used to that, so I don't know why they would complain about it now. That's what Comcast should do (at least for these shows).

Okay, disregard that last comment, and I'm still not sure whether they are zooming or center cutting...From everything I've seen, they're center cutting.

I'm not sure if NBC still transmits an SD feed...It doesn't. That's gone because all OTA was supposed be digital as of 2/17.

...but when they did (recently), they transmitted SNL, ER, The Tonight Show, Conan Obrien, and perhaps some others as letterboxed. People watching SD certainly became used to that, so I don't know why they would complain about it now. That's what Comcast should do (at least for these shows).NBC did a 14:9 letterbox for selected shows produced in wide screen format. It was OK because it was used selectively. But, the demise of analog transmission means a single approach has to work for everything. As I said before, the stations and networks have decided that center cut is the least objectionable approach. The postage stamp problem with letterboxing will be significant for quite awhile. There's a tremendous amount of native 4:3 content on many channels.

The real solution is AFD, which switches between centercut and letterbox on the fly. But, that requires transmission encoders and reception decoders. You'd need AFD software in set top boxes and TVs, which isn't likely to happen anytime soon.

It doesn't. That's gone because all OTA was supposed be digital as of 2/17.


I guess I just assumed that people with SD TVs would get a letterboxed version of HD programming. This is a terrible development. What do the government-subsidized converter boxes do? What do the satellite providers do?

I guess I just assumed that people with SD TVs would get a letterboxed version of HD programming. This is a terrible development. What do the government-subsidized converter boxes do? What do the satellite providers do?In Seattle, at least, Dish and DirecTV are center cutting the local station DT feeds. That started in October. With converter boxes, I believe it's up to the owner. The boxes have settings for center cut and letterbox.

That's no longer the case. Comcast, DirecTV, and Dish now take the DT feeds from most of the stations in this market and do the downconverting themselves. KCTS provides a separate 4:3 analog feed to Comcast and controls the aspect ratio itself. But, I believe KCTS may be the only one still doing that.
I've been told by the CE at KCPQ that they're providing a separate center cut feed to Comcast.

I'm curious if anyone is using the Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.hdtvexpert.com/pages_b/h260f.html) stand alone tuner, the Toshiba DR560 (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-DR560-Upconverting-Recorder-Built/dp/B001415ENM/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) DVD-R w/tuner or the LG LST-3510A DVD (http://www.amazon.com/LG-LST-3510A-Receiver-Hi-Format-Player/dp/B00015GYT0) w/tuner with the current 'extended basic' QAM lineup, and what your experience has been.

I understand that their is a risk that these solutions will become non-viable if they get their wish to encrypt the 'extended' part of the 'extended basic' package.

I'm also curious about other approaches people might be taking for displays without a QAM tuner and/or cablecard other than the Tivo HD approach or using the boxes (converters, set-top boxes, or DVRs) from Comcast.

Thanks,

-john

I've been using the Samsung for about a year and a half and mine has been solid.

Thanks Comcast for getting my hopes up in December for SpeedHD, but it looks like it will be half way through the NASCAR season before my area gets SpeedHD....

But you will give me crappy worthless stations like FamilyHD and DisneyHD that hardly ever show HD stuff! :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I've been told by the CE at KCPQ that they're providing a separate center cut feed to Comcast.I wonder why they'd be doing that. KCTS is maintaining a seperate analog feed so that they can mix and match letterbox and center cut, depending on the original aspect ratio of the program content.

I wonder why they'd be doing that. KCTS is maintaining a seperate analog feed so that they can mix and match letterbox and center cut, depending on the original aspect ratio of the program content.
On the face of it, it doesn't seem necessary.

It's simply that I don't go in and change my profile every time I change cities. I have homes in multiple places.

OT somewhat

Sorry, I was just making a poor attempt at a joke. :(

Have you seen what they sometimes do with 4:3 material on the SCFI channel? It may be called zooming, I really don't know, but to me it seems like they zoom in leaving *small* blakck bars on the side of a widescreen. Much smaller than with 4:3 OAR. To me, that seems like a decent compromise. You lose some of the vertical material but preserve some of the important? horizontal material. Not a bad affect. But then again, it may take a widescreen to display this which does not help you.

How about if they just letter box the whole thing? Does that work for you analog folks?

Finally, will the digital feed take care of this on 4:3 material because then you will be getting it as the broadcaster intended? Just curious and a little over my head since this is not how I watch TV at all.

BTW: Besides stretch-o-matic, I think the worst zooming done is when they fill a widescreen with 4:3 material and leave the center alone and begin to progressively strecth the edges until it fits. The further away you are from the center, the more it is stretched. Nasty stuff.

Have you seen what they sometimes do with 4:3 material on the SCFI channel? It may be called zooming, I really don't know, but to me it seems like they zoom in leaving *small* blakck bars on the side of a widescreen. Much smaller than with 4:3 OAR. To me, that seems like a decent compromise. You lose some of the vertical material but preserve some of the important? horizontal material. Not a bad affect. But then again, it may take a widescreen to display this which does not help you.SciFi does some zooming and ends up cropping the bottoms of supers. Ugly.

How about if they just letter box the whole thing? Does that work for you analog folks?It doesn't work for the local stations and networks, which is all that matters when it comes to cable, satellite, and such. OTA users with converter boxes can choose for themselves.

Finally, will the digital feed take care of this on 4:3 material because then you will be getting it as the broadcaster intended? Just curious and a little over my head since this is not how I watch TV at all.The digital feed will be 16:9. The local station will determine how the content is formatted. Generally, HD sources will appear as 16:9 full screen while 4:3 sources will be upconverted to 16:9 consisting of a 4:3 image with side curtains. When the distributor center cuts the 16:9 image for older analog sets, the side curtains will be cropped off, producing the same ole 4:3 image analog users are accustomed to seeing.

Are people requesting cable cards in the Bothell(ish) area able to get M-Cards (vs. S-Cards)? Is there a magic phrase (or dance) to ensure you get one?

Thanks,

-john

I got this in the mail today. Says that the "network enhancement" will begin in my area on March 16, 2009. I scanned in everything I got from them for anyone who wants to see. A PDF is attached to this post.

I got this in the mail today. Says that the "network enhancement" will begin in my area on March 16, 2009. I scanned in everything I got from them for anyone who wants to see. A PDF is attached to this post.Very cool! I believe this is the first report on this thread of an actual date to see the beginning of bandwidth reclamation. It will be interesting to see if channels 30-70 all disappear on that date, or if channels disappear in phases, or if Comcast delays the process at all now that notice has been given. It will be also very interesting to see how quickly HD channels are added to replace the analogs.

I guess you're our guinea pig. I am looking forward to seeing the process play out in Sammamish one of these days.

I got one of those too (un-incorporated Snohomish between Lynnwood, Bothell and Mill Creek), but stupidly misplaced it.

I don't recall any dates they may have mentioned.

-john

I got one of those too (un-incorporated Snohomish between Lynnwood, Bothell and Mill Creek), but stupidly misplaced it.

I don't recall any dates they may have mentioned.

-john

That's kind of where I am. They probably sent this info to our area first since we are one of the first areas to get Fios. I'm switching to Fios too by the way. My install is set for the 20th.

I got this in the mail today. Says that the "network enhancement" will begin in my area on March 16, 2009. I scanned in everything I got from them for anyone who wants to see. A PDF is attached to this post.

I got it in the mail today also. I am about ready to go fios if comcast doesn't get more hd fast.

Received letter in Covington (SE King Co) today as well. Same start date, 3/16.

Are people requesting cable cards in the Bothell(ish) area able to get M-Cards (vs. S-Cards)? Is there a magic phrase (or dance) to ensure you get one?

Thanks,

-john

You can drive to the Aurora store (in Seattle) and pick one up. Then call Comcast when you get home and "pair it up".

I got one of those too (un-incorporated Snohomish between Lynnwood, Bothell and Mill Creek), but stupidly misplaced it.

I don't recall any dates they may have mentioned.

-john

I live near that area and I usually toss all stuff I get from comcast - I hope I get another notification if I've already gotten one. I will be wanting those boxes for a couple rooms... Hopefully they will provide some other avenue of requesting and receiving them.

I live near that area and I usually toss all stuff I get from comcast - I hope I get another notification if I've already gotten one. I will be wanting those boxes for a couple rooms... Hopefully they will provide some other avenue of requesting and receiving them.

You can always walk into the Comcast office and pick them up. I did that at the Redmond office a month ago, and have yet to receive any mail notification.

I got this in the mail today. Says that the "network enhancement" will begin in my area on March 16, 2009. I scanned in everything I got from them for anyone who wants to see. A PDF is attached to this post.
well alot of analog channels are gone in the Albany area they are as follows...
It looks like in the Portland area, Comcast took off many, but not all analog channels initially. The analog channels were replaced with an on-screen message telling subscribers that more analog would be disappearing soon and to visit a local service center or call an 800 number to get a DTA.

One this hits Tacoma/Lakewood (Pierce County), I'd really like to see what happens with the secondary digital channels (79.1, 79.2, etc.)! After all, I've been able to watch the Speed Network (Channel 408 in Bremerton, Channel 33 in Pierce County) for quite some time without a digital box.

Then, when the time comes for the notification, if I'm still living here (I am moving out of the Comcast programming area), I'd really like to see the blackout!

Believe me, it's going to be real fun with a friend of mine! He is also guilty of throwing Comcast stuff away, and won't rent anything else because he thinks he has to pay for it (not counting the cable modem for internet).

Friday the 13th of what year? ;)

Not sure -- but not this one. Don't expect it tomorrow. The date for FSN HD to go full time is now the old familiar "TBD".

Not sure -- but not this one. Don't expect it tomorrow. The date for FSN HD to go full time is now the old familiar "TBD".Where did you hear this?

Where did you hear this?

Deep Throat.

Is anyone else continuing to get audio dropouts on some KCTS/PBS programming? This is frustrating me no end. I have the problem during some shows and not others. And, my emails to KCTS have not been answered.

Is anyone else continuing to get audio dropouts on some KCTS/PBS programming? This is frustrating me no end. I have the problem during some shows and not others. And, my emails to KCTS have not been answered.
This is a classic finger-pointing problem:
The problem only happens with KCTS-HD, not other stations, and only with recent, nationally-syndicated PBS shows. There's something clearly different about these shows and/or this station.
The problem only happens when using Comcast/Moto boxes, not any other HD cable receivers - in fact it's specific to the Comcast guide software (the old MSFT software didn't have this problem). There's something clearly different about this box/software.
Comcast: clearly it's a KCTS issue, no other stations have this problem!

KCTS: clearly it's a Comcast/Moto issue, no other devices have this problem!

I finally gave up watching KCTS-HD using the Comcast/Moto box entirely. Now I watch/record this channel using Media Center and HD Homerun tuner - no audio problems, works great!

Is anyone else continuing to get audio dropouts on some KCTS/PBS programming? This is frustrating me no end. I have the problem during some shows and not others. And, my emails to KCTS have not been answered.

Hi Art:

It's odd that your emails are not being answered at all. Even with a "canned" response, which we try not to do. What address are you sending them to?

Tim

This is a classic finger-pointing problem:
The problem only happens with KCTS-HD, not other stations, and only with recent, nationally-syndicated PBS shows. There's something clearly different about these shows and/or this station.
The problem only happens when using Comcast/Moto boxes, not any other HD cable receivers - in fact it's specific to the Comcast guide software (the old MSFT software didn't have this problem). There's something clearly different about this box/software.
Comcast: clearly it's a KCTS issue, no other stations have this problem!

KCTS: clearly it's a Comcast/Moto issue, no other devices have this problem!

I finally gave up watching KCTS-HD using the Comcast/Moto box entirely. Now I watch/record this channel using Media Center and HD Homerun tuner - no audio problems, works great!

The problem is with the Comcast/Moto boxes and I can prove it. But that's a whole different story. Have you seen the problem on the Moto boxes in the last three or four days. I've made several adjustments to our encoders and am curious if it is having any affect at all.

The problem is with the Comcast/Moto boxes and I can prove it. But that's a whole different story. Have you seen the problem on the Moto boxes in the last three or four days. I've made several adjustments to our encoders and am curious if it is having any affect at all.Tim, I personally have no doubt the core underlying bug is in the Comcast software. But there also must be something unique to the KCTS encoding or content that is triggering this bug, since it doesn't happen elsewhere.

Tim, I personally have no doubt the core underlying bug is in the Comcast software. But there also must be something unique to the KCTS encoding or content that is triggering this bug, since it doesn't happen elsewhere.

It's just such a frustrating thing. For everyone. I appreciate the feedback I get here as I work towards a resolution.

Hi Art:
It's odd that your emails are not being answered at all. Even with a "canned" response, which we try not to do. What address are you sending them to?
Tim
I've actually been using the form at this page on the KCTS site:
http://www.kcts9.org/tvschedule/digital/help/cable
And, in my last one, I asked that it be forwarded to an engineer.
I don't know about it in the last few days. I've just about given up on KCTS. I'll watch Washington Week tonight, but frankly, I don't remember ever having a problem with WW.

Is anyone else continuing to get audio dropouts on some KCTS/PBS programming? This is frustrating me no end. I have the problem during some shows and not others. And, my emails to KCTS have not been answered.

Probably unrelated, but I don't even use a Comcast box, just direct into the set, and this week the KOMO/KCTS channel's signal strength dropped enough to cause pretty consistent video and audio breakup/dropout. For the past couple of weeks, signal strength for those channels (as seen on my TV) was very low, but not causing a problem. All other channels are fine. This is in Wallingford/Seattle.

Probably unrelated, but I don't even use a Comcast box, just direct into the set, and this week the KOMO/KCTS channel's signal strength dropped enough to cause pretty consistent video and audio breakup/dropout. For the past couple of weeks, signal strength for those channels (as seen on my TV) was very low, but not causing a problem. All other channels are fine. This is in Wallingford/Seattle.

Same here. I'm on Capital Hill/Seattle and don't use a Comcast box, just my TV's QAM tuner. Signal strength on KOMO and KCTS has been low to non-existent since I got my Samsung HDTV last Spring. I usually switch to OTA when I want to watch those channels. All the other locals come in fine.

I can't get any of the QAM 9X-X channels either, although they're supposedly unencrypted.

Since I get cable service through my condo association, I haven't tried calling Comcast to see if they could diagnose the problem. Figured I'd just wait until they switch everything to digital and see what happens.

Same here. I'm on Capital Hill/Seattle and don't use a Comcast box, just my TV's QAM tuner. Signal strength on KOMO and KCTS has been low to non-existent since I got my Samsung HDTV last Spring. I usually switch to OTA when I want to watch those channels. All the other locals come in fine.

I can't get any of the QAM 9X-X channels either, although they're supposedly unencrypted.

Since I get cable service through my condo association, I haven't tried calling Comcast to see if they could diagnose the problem. Figured I'd just wait until they switch everything to digital and see what happens.

It is possible that Comcast maintains the cable distribution system within the condo complex.

We had an issue with some channels (higher-numbered native channels) that were marginal at best. Had a Comcast tech come out, he looked at signal levels for individual channels and immediately decided that the splitters were old versions that lacked sufficient bandwidth for the higher-frequency channels.

He found one splitter in the wall behind the living room cable outlet and the other behind a bedroom cable outlet. He replaced both and all has been perfect reception-wise since. Had the resulting signal levels been outside of acceptable range, he was prepared to make upstream changes to correct it.

I should have taken down his name because he is the ONLY Comcast tech I have encountered that is deserving of the title technician. All others I have dealt with for the last 20+ years (includes pre-Comcast AT&T/TCI) could barely place and terminate cable wiring correctly.

Are there any other comcast specials other than what's listed on their website? My mother is moving to seattle and needs cable/phone/internet. Was thinking of just getting a comcast bundle of these 3. Looking for the best deal. Any help would be appreciated. Thx,

Kipa

Are there any other comcast specials other than what's listed on their website? My mother is moving to seattle and needs cable/phone/internet. Was thinking of just getting a comcast bundle of these 3. Looking for the best deal. Any help would be appreciated. Thx,

Kipa

depends on what part of Seattle she is moving to. You might get a better deal if you go through Verizon and get the FIOS service. Their pricing is way better than anything you will ever get from Comcast.

Tried to get Fios, but got denied. She's moving to Queen Anne, which is Qwest territory. Would you also steer me towards the Qwest/DirectTV route?

Kipa

depends on what part of Seattle she is moving to. You might get a better deal if you go through Verizon and get the FIOS service. Their pricing is way better than anything you will ever get from Comcast.

Tried to get Fios, but got denied. She's moving to Queen Anne, which is Qwest territory. Would you also steer me towards the Qwest/DirectTV route?

KipaI wouldn't use Qwest if it was the only landline service out there. Believe me, I switched from Qwest to Comcast Digital Voice. It's cheaper for what I do, LOL! But, DirecTV is kinda nice in a way! I've seen improvements since 2003, that's for sure!

So, whatever works, I guess!

I've been reading through the last 30 pages of this thread so I might have missed but I have a TivoHD with a Motoral Mcard and I can't access the new channels for the life of me. Whenever I access a new HD channel, say for example 657 (which is CNNHD) or 664 (which is TBSHD) I get a message saying "Channel not available. You may need CableCARD decoders to view this channel."

What do I need to do to get the new channels to work. I have the Digital Classic Package.

...
What do I need to do to get the new channels to work. I have the Digital Classic Package.

Do you have reason to believe that your area has the new HD channels? If so, call Comcast. If not, you may have to wait.

Do you have reason to believe that your area has the new HD channels? If so, call Comcast. If not, you may have to wait.

Usually my Tivo severely lags behind on guide data (as much as 4-5 weeks) when it comes to new channels. I have my zip code set properly (98056) so I'd figure that if it is seeing the new channels with the proper zip code, that I am getting the channels. Also on unrelated note (but perhaps it is related?) is that DOCSIS 3.0 cable modems are being rolled out to my area as well.

Where can I verify what zip codes have the new channels?

.

Where can I verify what zip codes have the new channels?

If this helps try 98498. That's my zip code and I have the new channels. The channel lineup should be the same.

Tried to get Fios, but got denied. She's moving to Queen Anne, which is Qwest territory. Would you also steer me towards the Qwest/DirectTV route?

Kipa

I would stay away from DirecTV. Unless you guys like a 2 year contract, DTV is not that great.
Comcast might be the way to go until FIOS becomes available in more areas around Seattle.

I would stay away from DirecTV. Unless you guys like a 2 year contract, DTV is not that great.
Comcast might be the way to go until FIOS becomes available in more areas around Seattle.

I've got DTV (along with a basic cable subscription for my non DTV rooms) and I have liked it. Cable is catching up with the # of HD channels though. When I first got it, it was way beyond comcast in HD. The two year subscription doesn't bother me, as I signed up under a couple of specials (AAA, new member, etc.) that last two years and will keep it much less expensive than the equivalent cable package over that time anyway.

I think it gets down to specifics (do you do okay with contracts, what features do you want with your DVR, your location, how many rooms you want service in, what channels you want) They don't have the exact same set of channels. When I got direcTV, there was no Tennis channel on comcast. Now Comcast has the tennis channel, but not in HD like DTV. I'm a big tennis fan, so this is important to me. Similarly for NFL Sunday Ticket games in HD. DirecTV Olympic coverage and tennis coverage of the majors knocked comcast out the park (it had multiple channels dedicated to multiple events/tennis courts in HD). On the flipside, cable has some channels I like that DTV doesn't.

The DirecTV DVR has it's own advantages and disadvantages as well... but that's another subject. Just know what you want and do your research before deciding... For me what is better has changed over time...

Does anyone know if Comcast has ever admitted to the 'infinite recording' bug and, if so, is there any 'internal language' one could use to remind the service rep you're dealing with about it?

Does anyone know if Comcast has ever admitted to the 'infinite recording' bug and, if so, is there any 'internal language' one could use to remind the service rep you're dealing with about it?
Is it really an infinite recording? The recording problems I've had seem to have self-limited to 12 hours.

Just thought I'd inform you guys that NBA TV is now unencrypted! I just picked it up on a ClearQAM scan in Kitsap County. I'm really confused here!

Just thought I'd inform you guys that NBA TV is now unencrypted! I just picked it up on a ClearQAM scan in Kitsap County. I'm really confused here!

NBATV is currently in the middle of a free preview.

Is it really an infinite recording? The recording problems I've had seem to have self-limited to 12 hours.

Well, good point. Infinite isn't really the best word, but it's shorter than 'Until it runs out of space'. It only seems to stop on my box if it runs out of space or if something else is scheduled to start recording on whatever tuner is recording.

Well, good point. Infinite isn't really the best word, but it's shorter than 'Until it runs out of space'. It only seems to stop on my box if it runs out of space or if something else is scheduled to start recording on whatever tuner is recording.
I knew what you meant... I've had several recordings that ended in 12 hours. Maybe the drive was full, can't remember. None was HD.

Does anyone know if Comcast has ever admitted to the 'infinite recording' bug and, if so, is there any 'internal language' one could use to remind the service rep you're dealing with about it?

Did you see my post earlier in this thread about a way to consistently repro the problem? I've not had any luck trying to get through to tech support. But maybe you will. I wish there was a good way to submit bugs.

All tech support wants to do is send me a new box.

Does anyone notice that something is wrong with the Emergency Alert System. It came on around 6 pm today and I was hard to read, the message was flickering and moving up and down the screen. I've noticed a month ago it used to work just fine.

All tech support wants to do is send me a new box.That might be the only way to fix that problem. I have had one specific problem with my box since they released the current guide software from the Microsoft guide and the only fix for it is to send me a new box as well.

In fact, it might be the infinite recording problem you're referring to! When I turn the box off, the video stays on, there's no sound, and the recording light comes on.

Does anyone notice that something is wrong with the Emergency Alert System. It came on around 6 pm today and I was hard to read, the message was flickering and moving up and down the screen. I've noticed a month ago it used to work just fine.

Yes, both Amber Alerts generated yesterday were similar with C-SPAN along the top quarter and then the message along the bottom three=quarters, though it was legible.

Did you see my post earlier in this thread about a way to consistently repro the problem? I've not had any luck trying to get through to tech support. But maybe you will. I wish there was a good way to submit bugs.

All tech support wants to do is send me a new box.

Your steps were pretty much my steps, but they can't repro the problem. I was really hoping for a 'Yeah, it's Bug #45324' so I could get them to comment on any kind of fix.

...When I turn the box off, the video stays on, there's no sound, and the recording light comes on.

Here's the bug report on the record light coming on:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#When_I_turn_the_DVR_off.2C_the_Record_light_turns_on.2C _but_there_is_no_recording_going_on

That might be the only way to fix that problem. I have had one specific problem with my box since they released the current guide software from the Microsoft guide and the only fix for it is to send me a new box as well.

In fact, it might be the infinite recording problem you're referring to! When I turn the box off, the video stays on, there's no sound, and the recording light comes on.

I think Abeck actually has a handle on the problem. A new box will not help. Having three recordings scheduled for the same time on the same box is a no-no. I can see how this hapened. The sotware writers never thought about that scenario, who would do such a thng? (their thoughts), the testers never though about that scenario. The bug got out. I really think it was good work by Abeck to discover the problem. It's a software problem and new hardware will not fix it unless it has new software in it that fixes the problem (yeah, right).

That said, never, ever set up three recordings for the same time. Problem solved. And it does suck there is no way to report this bug to tech support.

If this helps try 98498. That's my zip code and I have the new channels. The channel lineup should be the same.
I have Comcast, a Tivo Series3, and live in Seattle. I've been perplexed for the past month by the extra ~19 HD channels that I cannot receive, too. I called Comcast and was told that these new channels are part of an "HD JumpStart" program or something and they're only being tested in certain areas. At the time that I called them (early Feb) Seattle wasn't on the list of available markets for this "HD JumpStart" package. I assume that Tivo is picking up all reported available Comcast channels and isn't filtering for geography.

I have Comcast, a Tivo Series3, and live in Seattle. I've been perplexed for the past month by the extra ~19 HD channels that I cannot receive, too. I called Comcast and was told that these new channels are part of an "HD JumpStart" program or something and they're only being tested in certain areas. At the time that I called them (early Feb) Seattle wasn't on the list of available markets for this "HD JumpStart" package. I assume that Tivo is picking up all reported available Comcast channels and isn't filtering for geography.I don't even know if they can accurately identify the upgraded areas by zip code. It seems to be neighborhood-by-neighborhood, depending on the age, type, and bandwidth of the currently-installed repeater equipment. Some neighborhoods got the new HDs right away; others will have to wait until analog 30-80 are shut off to make room.

I have to make a run to Costco last night but didn't want to miss the Washington-UCLA game on 627. I set it to record with an extra 15 minutes and headed out the door. When I returned I got busy with the family until the game would've been over. Later, I tried to play the recording and it only went to the opening frame and wouldn't advance no matter what I did. I'm sure it was recorded because it's taking up about 15 percent of the drive and the progress bar shows a 2:15 length. It's just "stuck" on the opening frame which was a blue screen with white text saying something about FSNHD programming being shown on this channel.

I'm really bummed that I didn't get to see the game, but more than that I want to make sure it doesn't happen again if it's just a matter of swapping out the box. Normally I would've just set it to record on one of the TiVoHD's, but I was in a hurry and set it the fastest way I could at the time.

Anybody else have a problem like this or know what the deal is?

tluxon - shoulda gone with the Tivo! They have actual working software. Moto boxes are famous for these events and I have had it happen a few times myself. All I would get is a black screen. Yesterday I happen to glance at the Moto front panel as I was leaving for work and saw the record LED was on. WTF? I did not have anything scheduled so I powered up the TV and found that the Moto had gone into the "infinite recording mode" during Conan. It had 487 minutes of King5 infomercials and my drive was 97% full. Life in Moto land is never dull...

I have Comcast, a Tivo Series3, and live in Seattle. I've been perplexed for the past month by the extra ~19 HD channels that I cannot receive, too. I called Comcast and was told that these new channels are part of an "HD JumpStart" program or something and they're only being tested in certain areas. At the time that I called them (early Feb) Seattle wasn't on the list of available markets for this "HD JumpStart" package. I assume that Tivo is picking up all reported available Comcast channels and isn't filtering for geography.

This has been discussed many times but I will reiterate: Seattle has old, outdated hardware that can't support any more channels without first losing some more analogs. So we are at the mercy of the analog phase-out program at Comcast. This is supposed to start in about 2-3 months. Don't hold your breath.

This has been discussed many times but I will reiterate: Seattle has old, outdated hardware that can't support any more channels without first losing some more analogs. So we are at the mercy of the analog phase-out program at Comcast. This is supposed to start in about 2-3 months. Don't hold your breath.

Not meant to excuse for them, but remember the history. First we had TCI and the technology at that time was "state of the art". Then they got bought out by AT&T. They let the system fall into disrepair. I still can't figure out why they even got involved. Worst cableco we could have had as they really had no interest in cable.

Then we had Comcast. At least they are trying to make a difference. But they bought a system that was not maintained very well and they are left picking up the pieces, even after 8 years. It's a huge system and changing the infrastucture is both costly and difficult. Even simple things like the permitting system to allow Comcast to put cable on city poles was/is antiquated and time consuming. If anything, blame our city officials for forming such poor agreements with the previous cablecos and for not helping in every way to help the latest cableco, Comcast.

Here in Tacoma, as an example, they started up a cableco called Click! to compete with Comcast which is an abomination. What a crock. Comcast is not perfect, but our city government is not helping the matter at all. Click! IMO has no reason to exist except to allow me to get a few bucks off my Comcast bill because I live in an area where there is a competing cableco that I have no interest in. I get a Comcast discount because there is a competing useless cableco in my city.

james - agree, there is plenty of blame to go around for the mess we have in Seattle (and other cities). The lack of competition is partly to blame. FIOS is finally giving some a choice but again, not in Seattle. Verizon is locked out. So I'm paying $110 a month for what I consider to be $40 worth of service. Lots of SD channels I never watch. Not much HD compared to others. If I did not have a problem with satellite reception (trees) I'd have gone to a sat system years ago.

Noted that 91.2 -- Speed, 103.7 -- Sci-Fi, and up here 117.1022 CBCDT (16:9) are now blank.

Noted that 91.2 -- Speed, 103.7 -- Sci-Fi, and up here 117.1022 CBCDT (16:9) are now blank.

Still good here in Seattle.

<<snip >> Not much HD compared to others. If I did not have a problem with satellite reception (trees) I'd have gone to a sat system years ago.

Not sure I agree with you on this one as long as you accept one caveat. If you are not a sports fan then there is not much difference in HD programming. DirectTV looks like it beats the socks off of Comcast when it comes to HD Sports but I couldn't care less (no, I am not a girly man). There is an advantage to Direct TV, you do get east and west coast feeds of the same networks. That's kinda nice but not enough to make me switch. Anyway, I am happy with the new HD lineup on Comcast. Of course, if you don't have the new lineup, well then I would be forced to agree with you.

huh? "not much difference" ??? DirecTV has 90-130 HD (depending on how you count them) and Comcast in Seattle currently has about 30-35 HD depending on what premiums you have. I have about 30 HD since I don't have any premium channels (and no new HD) and still pay $105 a month. That is not much of a baragin in today's market.

What's up with KOMO? The 3pm syndicated red carpet show is in SD instead of HD.

huh? "not much difference" ??? DirecTV has 90-130 HD (depending on how you count them) and Comcast in Seattle currently has about 30-35 HD depending on what premiums you have. I have about 30 HD since I don't have any premium channels (and no new HD) and still pay $105 a month. That is not much of a baragin in today's market.

Believe me, not trying to start an argument. We've both been on this forum for a long time and just wondering why some people say that Sat is so much better. I'm sure I'm not the only one that does not care about sports but maybe the reason I hear this is because I am in a small minority.

Ok, so that out of the way, it is how you count them for DirectTV and this is from their home page. I counted 115 total HD channels which includes a lot of duplicates and East/West feeds which I say should not count as separate channels. There is one nice thing they have and that is multiple channels of premium multiplexes in HD. For exmaple:

Showtime HD
Showtime Extreme HD
Showtime Showcase HD
Showtime West HD
Showtime 2 HD

Comcast has the some of the multiplexes but not in HD.

In my count, I leave off east coast feeds, any HD that I can't get in Seattle sports channels, and any other duplicates. If you add in sports channels I have no point to make at all. Satellite blows away Comcast.

So if I remove channels per the rules above (including premium multiplexes) there are about 30 HD channels on DirectTV which is really no different than cable. So what's really left? I am honestly trying my best to be fair. About the only channels I wish we had in HD that DirectTV has that follows these rules is Spike, Speed, and the Smithsonian Channel and the premium multiplexes. Otherwise, the list is basically the same between the two. Add lots of caveats because I am making some judgement calls that others may not agree with.

Problem is, there just is not much more HD for the getting. As far as price goes, can't argue with you there as you are paying way to much for just TV. In fact, I can't find a package for $105 that does not include premier stations which you say you don't get. I'd call Comcast. :rolleyes::D I think you're including internet which you don't get directly from DirectTV. If I went that route I'd have to use Qwest internet to get away from Comcast completely and since I am a long way from the POP the best I can get from them is 256KB (not a typo) up and down. Not an option.

For me, my bill is about $210 per month which includes 15MB+ internet, phone, all the premium channels and 2 DVR's. To me, that's not bad. I may be the only one, but I am happy with Comcast.

What's up with KOMO? The 3pm syndicated red carpet show is in SD instead of HD.

Seems like there are a few channels that aren't in HD that were there yesterday (KOMO, HIST,FOOD...)

jameskollar - well my count does not agree with yours, but who cares. Yes, my bill is around $105 but let me look it up....

Here is the detail online: basic + digital classic $67 + HD-DVR $15 + sports $5 + taxes/fees ~$18 = $105. If I were a new subscriber I could get a discount but us old timers just get reamed. No cable internet - I went with Clearwire when it first came out ($30). No broadband phone. Just Cable. Like I said, not much of a bargain.

Note: my package is not offered by Comcast to new customers. The closest one is Digital Preferred w/HBO which is $90.73 per month (discounted for newbies). So after you subtract HBO you'd have what I have.

Edit: I actually have Digital Plus not Digital Classic, which adds about 30 more SD channels sprinkled between 122 and 606. Digital Classic and Plus are not offered any more. See Digital Preferred w/HBO then take out HBO.

Seems like there are a few channels that aren't in HD that were there yesterday (KOMO, HIST,FOOD...)I think the lack of HD on this particular show was a KOMO problem.

jameskollar - well my count does not agree with yours, but who cares. Yes, my bill is around $105 but let me look it up....

Here is the detail online: basic + digital classic $67 + HD-DVR $15 + sports $5 + taxes/fees ~$18 = $105. If I were a new subscriber I could get a discount but us old timers just get reamed. No cable internet - I went with Clearwire when it first came out ($30). No broadband phone. Just Cable. Like I said, not much of a bargain.

I agree. And really I hope this helps. I just put togher a package that costs $67 but does not include taxes and fees. The prices I am qouting reflects ongoing fees, not the discounts for newbies. Here's what is included:

Digital Starter Package
HDTV
HD STB (I think in addtion to the DVR)
HDDVR ( your paying 15 bucks for that alone)
Sports Package

Your basic package, by my calulcation is $20 too much.

I'd be interested in finding what you find wrong with the way I count the channels but really it is no big deal. I do think you are paying too much for what you are getting. I think the grandfathered package is no longer saving you money but actually costing you more. Same thing happened to me a few years back.

James - Digital Starter + HDTV does not get you all the channels I have. Look at the Digital Preferred w/HBO and you'll see a bunch more not in the DS+HD package. Based on their current pricing the $67 is about par for the channels I get. With a sat package I'd be paying about $70 a month but I'd have to pay up front for 2 HD-DVR's. I don't see where I can save $20 unless I cut out channels. Maybe that is worth doing though.

We use Tivos right now for some recording so the Basic Cable (analog) is necessary for those. Of course, I'll have to get DTA boxes pretty soon for the Tivos when analogs go away.

I think the lack of HD on this particular show was a KOMO problem.

I'm not able to tune the channels with clear QAM... wouldn't that be a comcast problem?

James - Digital Starter + HDTV does not get you all the channels I have. Look at the Digital Preferred w/HBO and you'll see a bunch more not in the DS+HD package. Based on their current pricing the $67 is about par for the channels I get. With a sat package I'd be paying about $70 a month but I'd have to pay up front for 2 HD-DVR's. I don't see where I can save $20 unless I cut out channels. Maybe that is worth doing though.

We use Tivos right now for some recording so the Basic Cable (analog) is necessary for those. Of course, I'll have to get DTA boxes pretty soon for the Tivos when analogs go away.
Well, sorry I couldn't help :( Best to you though and I hope someday we will all be in HD nirvana! I have no idea what that means :)

I'm not able to tune the channels with clear QAM... wouldn't that be a comcast problem?Yes. That's something different. My post was about the fact that KOMO aired a 4:3 SD version of an HD feed. The signal was fine, just wrong.

About the only channels I wish we had in HD that DirectTV has that follows these rules is Spike, Speed, and the Smithsonian Channel and the premium multiplexes.

Comcast now offers SPEED HD here in Seattle. Channel 620.

Comcast now offers SPEED HD here in Seattle. Channel 620.
Oops. :(

This has been discussed many times but I will reiterate: Seattle has old, outdated hardware that can't support any more channels without first losing some more analogs. So we are at the mercy of the analog phase-out program at Comcast. This is supposed to start in about 2-3 months. Don't hold your breath.

Is this true for Sammamish too? I was at my sister's house last night in Redmond and she had all sorts of channels we never saw in Sammamish. I am with DirecTV right now, but am considering a switch back (tired of rain fade). I won't make the switch until they upgrade us though. Looking for anyone who can confirm a when on that one.

Comcast now offers SPEED HD here in Seattle. Channel 620.

We shouldn't rub it in -- that's one of the channels we have in Bellevue that's not yet available in most of Seattle.

Is this true for Sammamish too? I was at my sister's house last night in Redmond and she had all sorts of channels we never saw in Sammamish. I am with DirecTV right now, but am considering a switch back (tired of rain fade). I won't make the switch until they upgrade us though. Looking for anyone who can confirm a when on that one.I live in the north end of Sammamish and was told that July was the likely timeframe for my neighborhood to get the extra channels.

Fios is available in my area, but my apartment won't sign the permissions to allow Verizon to come onsite and install the equipment. If I could switch, would save about $20/mo and get MORE HD channels. Legal monopolies suck.

...The date for FSN HD to go full time is now the old familiar "TBD".

Look for it tomorrow (2/24).

Yep. FSN-HD is on Ch 627 this morning.

We shouldn't rub it in -- that's one of the channels we have in Bellevue that's not yet available in most of Seattle.

Yeah, we still don't have SpeedHD (or any of the "new" channels) in Normandy Park yet. I keep holding out hope that I'll get it in time for the F1 season, but that's about as likely as another American F1 champion...:rolleyes:

Yeah, we still don't have SpeedHD (or any of the "new" channels) in Normandy Park yet. I keep holding out hope that I'll get it in time for the F1 season, but that's about as likely as another American F1 champion...:rolleyes:

...named Danica Patrick! (Much longer odds.)

I'm very excited to see FSN HD full time now! Now, I wonder if the College Basketball games will be in HD tonight! Go Cougs! :p

Yes. That's something different. My post was about the fact that KOMO aired a 4:3 SD version of an HD feed. The signal was fine, just wrong.

Noticed KOMO has been doing that a lot lately. Regis and Kelly is sometimes in HD but this morning was SD. In hindsight, must be the national feed because the View immediately following is in HD.

I'm very excited to see FSN HD full time now! Now, I wonder if the College Basketball games will be in HD tonight! Go Cougs! :p

Even the SD stuff on FSN-HD 627 is about ten times better than the crappy Comcast digital SD on channel 30. Last night during the Husky game, I switched back and forth between 30 and 627. While both were basically SD broadcasts, the one on channel 30 looked like I was viewing through a fish tank. Plus it had all kinds of digital noise whenever the scene panned fast. 627 looked pretty good, not HD, but not bad. Praise the Lord.

Does Comcast even begin to understand how terrible their precious digital SD looks on good TVs? Comcast Digital SD is the worst TV I have ever seen. This is the Comcast plan - 400 channels of terrible digital SD crap.

When we are lucky enough to finally get HD games on FSN-HD, watch how whenever FSN wants to run their stupid scroll about the game that is on next, the picture drops from HD to SD. Right when the game is ending and running over their time slot, FSN-supposedly-HD will drop into SD mode to give us some lousy little promo information about the next game. Lame is the only way to describe this. FSN is run by Jed and Jethro Clampett.

Even the SD stuff on FSN-HD 627 is about ten times better than the crappy Comcast digital SD on channel 30. Last night during the Husky game, I switched back and forth between 30 and 627. While both were basically SD broadcasts, the one on channel 30 looked like I was viewing through a fish tank. Plus it had all kinds of digital noise whenever the scene panned fast. 627 looked pretty good, not HD, but not bad. Praise the Lord.

Does Comcast even begin to understand how terrible their precious digital SD looks on good TVs? Comcast Digital SD is the worst TV I have ever seen. This is the Comcast plan - 400 channels of terrible digital SD crap.Why do you assume the problem is at Comcast's end?

Comcast must carry something like 150 SD digital signals. Something like 148 channels feed Comcast a signal that Comcast successfully transmits clearly to my home. Two channels look lousy -- FSN and CBC. Which seems more likely - that Comcast screws up two channels out of 150 or that Comcast gets a lousy feed from two channels? My guess is that CBC looks bad because Comcast is passing along a weak OTA analog signal from CBC. I don't know how FSN delivers the analog signal that Comcast converts to SD digital, but I'd bet good money is the signal is crap when Comcast gets it.

I just got a notice in the mail saying that on March 31 channels 30-70 are being converted to digital and that I'll need an adapter box to receive these channels. Is this applicable to all TVs or just analog ones? I recently installed a small LCD TV with a digital tuner in our bedroom. Will I need to get an adapter box? Brochure doesn't really say.

I just got a notice in the mail saying that on March 31 channels 30-70 are being converted to digital and that I'll need an adapter box to receive these channels. Is this applicable to all TVs or just analog ones? I recently installed a small LCD TV with a digital tuner in our bedroom. Will I need to get an adapter box? Brochure doesn't really say.

That is one of the things that is going to cost a lot of people a lot of trouble. I suspect that your "digital tuner" is an ASTC tuner which is for OTA only. It will not work on cable. Usually these TV's also have a NTSC tuner so it will work on cable, analog cable, not digital. So you buy the TV, think everything is ok, and whamo, blamo, the digital switch occurs and your TV goes dark (on 30-70). One way you can test this is tune to channel 104 on cable. If you can't tune it, then you're SOL.

You need either a QAM tuner or cablecard capability. LG and others make small LCD's that have the QAM tuners. I would go to thier Web site and look up a few models that might work for you. Good luck!

Here's (http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/tv%7Caudio%7Cvideo_lcd%20flat%20panel__19LG31.jhtml)a model that will work with clear QAM. I can't say for sure of 30-70 will be clear QAM but if they are, youa re good to go.

Jim

That is one of the things that is going to cost a lot of people a lot of trouble. I suspect that your "digital tuner" is an ASTC tuner which is for OTA only. It will not work on cable. Usually these TV's also have a NTSC tuner so it will work on cable, analog cable, not digital. So you buy the TV, think everything is ok, and whamo, blamo, the digital switch occurs and your TV goes dark (on 30-70). One way you can test this is tune to channel 104 on cable. If you can't tune it, then you're SOL.

You need either a QAM tuner or cablecard capability. LG and others make small LCD's that have the QAM tuners. I would go to thier Web site and look up a few models that might work for you. Good luck!

Here's (http://us.lge.com/products/model/detail/tv%7Caudio%7Cvideo_lcd%20flat%20panel__19LG31.jhtml)a model that will work with clear QAM. I can't say for sure of 30-70 will be clear QAM but if they are, youa re good to go.

JimThanks for the quick answer. It sounds like I'll need the adapter box but they say I'm entitled to two free ones because of all the other stuff I already get from Comcast.

Input your zip code here (change to United States) to see a list of QAM channels you should be able to tune in with an appropriate digital tuner. The channel numbers don't correspond to Comcast cable box numbers, though.

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

I just got a notice in the mail saying that on March 31 channels 30-70 are being converted to digital and that I'll need an adapter box to receive these channels. Is this applicable to all TVs or just analog ones? I recently installed a small LCD TV with a digital tuner in our bedroom. Will I need to get an adapter box? Brochure doesn't really say.

TVs have two main types of "digital" tuners - Digital Cable (QAM) and Over-the-Air (ATSC). Many have both; some only have ATSC. Assuming your TV supports QAM, then you MAY be able to tune 30-70 without an adapter, at least for now.

Right now those channels are un-encrypted, and any QAM TV can tune them. However, Comcast has stated they INTEND to encrypt them, IF they receive a waiver from the FCC sometime this year. Once that happens, tuning them will require either 1) a free DTA (adapter) from Comcast, 2) full cable box from Comcast, or 3) Cablecard-compatible 3rd-party device.

<<snip>>

Right now those channels are un-encrypted, and any QAM TV can tune them. However, Comcast has stated they INTEND to encrypt them, IF they receive a waiver from the FCC sometime this year.

Given that, I'd look for a TV that supports cablecard if you do not want to have a DTA. I have a kitchen TV where I have no room for an outboard tuner. Unfortunately, in the smaller sets (19") cablecard support is spotty or perhaps even non-existant. I need to do more searching. Thanks for clearing up the encryption issue jimre!

<<I actually have done a search and to the best of my ability I cannot find a TV at 19" that has Cablecard capability. That sucks! Anyone knows different I'd really like to know. >>

BTW: I may end up wiring my house with cat5/6 (or some other technology) and use that to broadcast HDTV throughout the house from a single point with RF remotes. A little expensive for me right now but I like the idea.

Why do you assume the problem is at Comcast's end?

Comcast must carry something like 150 SD digital signals. Something like 148 channels feed Comcast a signal that Comcast successfully transmits clearly to my home. Two channels look lousy -- FSN and CBC. Which seems more likely - that Comcast screws up two channels out of 150 or that Comcast gets a lousy feed from two channels? My guess is that CBC looks bad because Comcast is passing along a weak OTA analog signal from CBC. I don't know how FSN delivers the analog signal that Comcast converts to SD digital, but I'd bet good money is the signal is crap when Comcast gets it.

At my house, with my 42" LCDTV, I would say out of 150 SD channels, maybe one or two look good. The rest are crap. Where digital SD does look decent is people with older non-HD TVs.

At my house, with my 42" LCDTV, I would say out of 150 SD channels, maybe one or two look good. The rest are crap. Where digital SD does look decent is people with older non-HD TVs.

One thing they don't tell you about is to turn 480i override to off on the STB. Turn the box off and press menu. You'll get a setup screen. Hope that helps. If not, I'd like to know as I am in the market for a new TV. It worked for me with my current 50" dlp.

TVs have two main types of "digital" tuners - Digital Cable (QAM) and Over-the-Air (ATSC). Many have both; some only have ATSC. Assuming your TV supports QAM, then you MAY be able to tune 30-70 without an adapter, at least for now.

Right now those channels are un-encrypted, and any QAM TV can tune them. However, Comcast has stated they INTEND to encrypt them, IF they receive a waiver from the FCC sometime this year. Once that happens, tuning them will require either 1) a free DTA (adapter) from Comcast, 2) full cable box from Comcast, or 3) Cablecard-compatible 3rd-party device.My tuner says its ATSC/NTSC/QAM. I should be okay unless they start encrypting.

My tuner says its ATSC/NTSC/QAM. I should be okay unless they start encrypting.
Yep, you're ok. I'd like to know if you don't mind. Does the box the TV came in say anywhere on the outside QAM? Reason I ask is I was in Costco the other day and all their TVs said they had NTSC and HDTV Digital. Nowhere did it mention QAM and my assumption is that the TV's only have and ATSC tuner, not QAM. I'd like know if I was right. I actualy hope I was wrong and even though QAM is not mentioned, it has a QAM tuner.

If new TV's do not include a QAM tuner, this is not a good thing for the cableco's. Not a deal breaker, but not good.

BTW: I could not find a TV with Cablecard capability at 19". :(

Does anyone have a list of the actual RF channels to virtual channels? I'm looking to see what channel(s) shares HBO HD on the RF side.

Thanks.

Yep, you're ok. I'd like to know if you don't mind. Does the box the TV came in say anywhere on the outside QAM? Reason I ask is I was in Costco the other day and all their TVs said they had NTSC and HDTV Digital. Nowhere did it mention QAM and my assumption is that the TV's only have and ATSC tuner, not QAM. I'd like know if I was right. I actualy hope I was wrong and even though QAM is not mentioned, it has a QAM tuner.

If new TV's do not include a QAM tuner, this is not a good thing for the cableco's. Not a deal breaker, but not good.

BTW: I could not find a TV with Cablecard capability at 19". :(

I just recently was in the market for a new HDTV and everyone I researched had a QAM tuner, but many did not say so on the box or even in the store descriptions. They often said digital tuner or something similar but didn't specify QAM and/or ATSC. So I think most newer sets do QAM... Just my experience.

I just recently was in the market for a new HDTV and everyone I researched had a QAM tuner, but many did not say so on the box or even in the store descriptions. They often said digital tuner or something similar but didn't specify QAM and/or ATSC. So I think most newer sets do QAM... Just my experience. Cool. Yeah, they typically say analog and digital tuner on the box. Guess I have nothing to worry about. I will be replacing my kitchen TV when the analog on cable goes down.

I just recently was in the market for a new HDTV and everyone I researched had a QAM tuner, but many did not say so on the box or even in the store descriptions. They often said digital tuner or something similar but didn't specify QAM and/or ATSC. So I think most newer sets do QAM... Just my experience.

I went throught the same quandry a while back when looking for a small HD set for my kitchen area. Many sets say "digital tuner" but unless you can get access to the user guide (paper version or online version) you often can't tell what exactly the TV has. I even found one set that makes no mention ANYWHERE about QAM in the manuals or packaging but does actually have a QAM tuner. So manufacturers are really missing the boat here. They must assume that people are too stupid to know what QAM means. But I can't think of one good reason to leave a major capability of a product out of all literature. That is stupid.

I went throught the same quandry a while back when looking for a small HD set for my kitchen area. Many sets say "digital tuner" but unless you can get access to the user guide (paper version or online version) you often can't tell what exactly the TV has. I even found one set that makes no mention ANYWHERE about QAM in the manuals or packaging but does actually have a QAM tuner. So manufacturers are really missing the boat here. They must assume that people are too stupid to know what QAM means. But I can't think of one good reason to leave a major capability of a product out of all literature. That is stupid.Or if "QAM tuner" is too technical, how about just "Digital Cable Tuner"?

In reality, I suspect they omit any mention of Digital Cable or QAM entirely on the advice or their lawyers. It's Class-Action Lawsuit Time when people find out their "Digital Cable Tuner" TV from Costco can really only tune the tiny fraction of digital cable channels that happen to be un-encrypted this week. It's all gotten way too complicated to even attempt to document anymore, sigh...

Doesn't my plasma TV have a QAM tuner if I can get stations like 5.1 or 7.2 while being hooked up to cable?

My 50PX80 manual doesn't say anything about a QAM tuner either but I get the above stations.

Someone mentioned channel 104. I can't get channel 104 with regular cable.

...
Someone mentioned channel 104. I can't get channel 104 with regular cable.

Try frequency 82.4 with QAM. That's 4.1, or 104 with an HD box.

Yeah, I get 4.1, so I guess I have a QAM tuner on my plasma.

However, my other TV's are analog CRT's, so it sounds like I WILL need one of these cable boxes after all or I will lose channels 30-70 on those TV's.

So much for Concast's ads about the digital transition that said "If you have Comcast cable you don't have to worry about a thing!" :(

I have Concast basic cable but no box so I guess we are SOL until we get the box for our CRT's.

...no box so I guess we are SOL until we get the box for our CRT's.

What's your worry, since at least two are free?

As I understand it, the new "free" converter that we will have to use with our analog TV's will require us to use the converter's remote instead of the original TV remote. Also, I'm not sure how this will mess up VCR recordings, but I'm sure it will.

Art

As I understand it, the new "free" converter that we will have to use with our analog TV's will require us to use the converter's remote instead of the original TV remote. Also, I'm not sure how this will mess up VCR recordings, but I'm sure it will.

Art

Yes, the free converter requires the use of its free remote. And it isn't "VCR friendly."

What's your worry, since at least two are free?

I must be missing something here.

How are they free? The government freebies have run out and even those were just $40 off. I didn't get the freebie coupons because Comcast told us that we didn't need them.

Is Comcast now giving the boxes out for free? We haven't gotten any notice from Comcast about free boxes. Maybe we didn't spend enough on our "package."

I must be missing something here.

How are they free? The government freebies have run out and even those were just $40 off. I didn't get the freebie coupons because Comcast told us that we didn't need them.

Is Comcast now giving the boxes out for free? We haven't gotten any notice from Comcast about free boxes. Maybe we didn't spend enough on our "package."

1. Yes, you are.

2. This has nothing to do with the government coupons, which are for the boxes which only work for over-the-air broadcasts.

3. These DTAs are for expanded basic channels, which are moving from analog to digital. The local analog channels (below channel 30, plus a few others) will remain analog, and won't require a DTA. The others are moving to digital, and will require some sort of box. Comcast will provide a regular digital box, which will also receive On Demand, plus up to two DTAs, at no charge to extended basic customers.

Bonus: The FCC won't allow embedded decryption in cable boxes, so until Comcast can get a waiver to use internal decryption in the DTAs the digital versions of the expanded basic channels, which were heretofore encrypted, are currently provided in clear QAM. This means that TVs with digital QAM tuners can tune them without use of a box. Comcast may get the FCC waiver, in which case they will encrypt them, or they may put a filter on the cable line to prevent unauthorized access.

Aaahhh...got it now!

Thanks!

For what it's worth (not much), Spike-HD (659) and Nick-HD (679) were added here in Bellevue today.

Anyone else notice that there is no more HBO OnDemand in HD available? Seems to have been that way for a short while now.....

Anyone else notice that there is no more HBO OnDemand in HD available? Seems to have been that way for a short while now.....

More like a long while.

Spotted this posting on a different forum (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r21604963-Comcast-Seattle-Adds-29-New-HD-Channels~start=40#end):. The post provides a little bit more detail on the reclamation of bandwidth being used by analog channels.

Seattle Market HD Channels

1. I work in the Field in this Market.

2. New HD Channels as of today 2/28/2009 are Only available on Mercer Island part of the 860MHZ overlay project started in Jan.

3. We are getting ready for Phase 1 of 2 ADS Conversion, going to happen starting in March-August by NODE no schedule is written (Phase 1 all channels 30-99 switch to ADS, hence DTA Rollout.)

4. Phase 2 of 2 is scheduled for 2010. (Phase 2 all channels 2-29 switch to ADS.)

5. In between Phase 1 and 2 we will start adding channels, what channels and when we will have them will not be released.

All other questions relating to New HD Channels need to go to the call center.

For what it's worth (not much), Spike-HD (659) and Nick-HD (679) were added here in Bellevue today.

We've also got the new channels in the Juanita area of Kirkland. Though, of course, Tivo doesn't have any program data yet...that'll take another six mos.

I live across the street from Comcast in Lynnwood off of 164th st sw and I just got a mailer about March 16th conversion. Does this mean I will get the additional 29 HD jumpstart channels?

Same here in Lakewood. So if these type of channels are at the top of the list to be added, then we're really scraping the bottom of the barrel for new HD channels. They have also added the Starz HD subchannels! There are now 4 Starz HD channels. And the kept the SD channels for those that can't do HD. How cool is that?

I live across the street from Comcast in Lynnwood off of 164th st sw and I just got a mailer about March 16th conversion. Does this mean I will get the additional 29 HD jumpstart channels?Based on what happened in Portland, you should get all of the new HD channels shortly after your analog stations disappear.

If you check the Comcast (Portland) thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=339961&page=123), it looks like folks there got the new channels shortly after the analogs were removed. At least one post reported that they temporarily saw a message saying "As previously notified..." (see attached picture for complete notice). I did not see any posts indicating how long that message stayed live or whether the HD channels were added before that message disappeared.

Though, of course, Tivo doesn't have any program data yet...that'll take another six mos.

If we're lucky. Now that Avatar: The Last Airbender is over I don't watch Nick anymore and the only thing I watch on SPIKE is re-runs of MXC, so whenever Tribune and/or Tivo can be bothered is okay by me. :p

One thing they don't tell you about is to turn 480i override to off on the STB. Turn the box off and press menu. You'll get a setup screen. Hope that helps. If not, I'd like to know as I am in the market for a new TV. It worked for me with my current 50" dlp.

What is "480i override" and what does turning it off do? Is there any downside to turning it off?

Thanks.

What is "480i override" and what does turning it off do? Is there any downside to turning it off?

Thanks.

It basically tells the STB to pass the 480i signal directly to your TV for conversion instead of doing it the STB. Most TV's do a better job of conversion and you'll most likely get a better picture. Only for SD. Does not affect HD.

Thanks, I'll give it a try and see if it helps (though, as my Sony Plasma TV is an old one - vintage 2003 - its conversion is probably no longer close to state of the art & maybe no better than the STB...) Well, we'll see...

Well, I'm not sure I like the result - and I am a bit confused by what is happening.

By way of background, on my vintage 2003 Sony Plasma, when the Sony is receiving a HD (720p or 1080i) signal, the Sony's "wide mode" button is disabled and pressing it just brings us a "Wide Mode Set Not Possible During HD Signal P720 Receipt" message, instead of changing the aspect ratio of the image.

That said, I turned off the STB, pressed the STB Menu button and set "480i Override" to "off". When I turned the STB back on, yes SD signals did look a little better than before, but (and BIG "but") I could no longer change SD signals from 4:3 to any of the "wide mode button" settings, getting the Sony's "Wide Mode Set Not Possible During HD Signal P720 Recept" message whenever I tried. Funny, I thought turning "480i Override" to "off" meant that I was passing to the TV a SD signal in order to let the TV's (presumably better) up-conversion do its thing...

Going back to the STB's setup menu, I noticed that there was a "480i Override" setting labeled, "stretch". Giving that a try instead of the "off" setting was a little better - now SD images were stretched using a form of wide screen stretch provided by the STB. But this form of "stretch" was much less sophisticated (more of an objectionable "fun house mirror effect") than any of the Sony's wide mode choices (none of which seem to be available when the signal is being sent through the STB's "480i Override" "stretch" setting.

So, it looks like I have a choice - get slightly better SD image quality w/the STB "480i Override" set to "stretch" (or to "off"), but at the cost of no longer being able to select picture witdh (or to use any of the Sony's far superior wide screen options) - or go back to the STB's "480i Override" default setting and, at the cost of slightly lower SD image quality, at least be able to continue to control the SD signal's aspect ratio and be able to do so using the Sony's far superior wide screen options...

Well, it was worth a try (unless anyone has a suggestion to overcome this shortcoming - at least on my old Sony Plasma - of changing the STB "480i Override" from its default setting....)

BTW, what's the difference between the STB "480i Override" settings: "480i" (which I know is the default) and "480p"? I really don't see any difference when I set to one vs the other - but I really don't know what visual difference, if any, to be looking for. At least with either of these settings, I CAN use & change the Sony's wide mode button settings (unlike when the "480i Override" is set to "off" or "stretch"...)

Thanks.

BTW, what's the difference between the STB "480i Override" settings: "480i" (which I know is the default) and "480p"? I really don't see any difference when I set to one vs the other - but I really don't know what visual difference, if any, to be looking for. At least with either of these settings, I CAN use & change the Sony's wide mode button settings (unlike when the "480i Override" is set to "off" or "stretch"...)

Thanks.

Can't help you there. IMO watching 4:3 material in stretched mode is a sin. Newer TV's can do this with a 480i signal but vintage sets like mine (2005) cannot. I prefer the higher quality of SD in 4:3 with override off. But, to each their own. :)

Did anybody else receive a call (voicemail in my case) from someone who works for Comcast (or claims to) and has reviewed their rate charts and may be able to offer a better deal? I'm all for lower rates, but this sounds a bit fishy. I'm in the Fremont/Wallingford area if it matters.

Can't help you there. IMO watching 4:3 material in stretched mode is a sin. Newer TV's can do this with a 480i signal but vintage sets like mine (2005) cannot. I prefer the higher quality of SD in 4:3 with override off. But, to each their own. :)

Interestingly, on our brand new relatively top-of-the-line Panasonic TH50PZ800u Plasma , none of the modes for stretching 4:3 into widescreen are really very watchable (even though they at least do all operate on both SD & HD material), but on my old 2003 Sony Plasma, one of the stretch modes in particular ("widezoom") keeps most of the central part of the image unchanged and incrementally stretches toward the screen edges in such a gradual way that it appears remarkably undistorted. In additon to the phrase, "to each his own", maybe we should add, "not all stretch modes are created equal" - some, on some sets, really are much more watchable than others...