A Brief History of Comcast Seattle ch. 30-70
Prior to 2006:
analog only
Spring, 2006:
analog plus digital simulcast (encrypted QAM), to support Moto 34xx rollout (no analog tuners any more)
Dec, 2008:
analog plus digital simulcast (now un-encrypted QAM to support DTA boxes)
Now (soon?):
analog shutoff, digital only (un-encrypted QAM to support DTA boxes)
Near future?:
digital only (encrypted QAM), assuming FCC grants waivers for DTA box "privacy mode"To add to this with terms from your bill, 'Basic cable' was analog 2-99, which was unencrypted, required no set-top box and no additional outlet fees.

With the analog cutoff, 'Basic cable' is gone and is replaced by 'Digital Starter' (at the same price), but it was/will be encrypted, requires a set-top box and per-outlet charges for additional TV sets.

'Limited Cable' has always been analog channels 2-30 + local broadcast passthru.

JasG: As you pointed out in a previous post: "Yes, but with the previous set I got 2-99 without a box.

IMHO, 'Digital Starter' should remain unencrypted and customers with only Internet or Limited Cable should get a filter trap.

I object to Comcast's business policy of putting the inconvenience and cost of theft protection on the customers who are NOT stealing the signal."


Considering how it used to be with basic cable to where they're going now, I full agree with you and shouldn't be limiting channels to just OTA/government and a few shopping channels if you're paying for the package.

We're going backwards instead of forward, they should just continue to rely on traps. Instead they see this as more of a money grab forcing boxes on those of us who would rather have the TV handle it all and watch in multiple rooms. After Cable makes it fully mandatory, there are no other alternatives as FIOS and Satellite does the same.

JasG: As you pointed out in a previous post: "Yes, but with the previous set I got 2-99 without a box.

IMHO, 'Digital Starter' should remain unencrypted and customers with only Internet or Limited Cable should get a filter trap.

I object to Comcast's business policy of putting the inconvenience and cost of theft protection on the customers who are NOT stealing the signal."


Considering how it used to be with basic cable to where they're going now, I full agree with you and shouldn't be limiting channels to just OTA/government and a few shopping channels if you're paying for the package.

We're going backwards instead of forward, they should just continue to rely on traps. Instead they see this as more of a money grab forcing boxes on those of us who would rather have the TV handle it all and watch in multiple rooms. After Cable makes it fully mandatory, there are no other alternatives as FIOS and Satellite does the same.I disagree. Traps are expensive because they require a truck-roll. To keep all of our costs down and make our lives more convenient, Comcast should be working more and more towards automated systems that do not require truck rolls or require us to be at home during working hours to get something installed.

Remember the days before "cable-ready" TVs when you needed a box to view anything above channel 13? I really hope that Tru2Way becomes the digital era's equivalent of the cable-ready TV and that in a couple of years from now we will be able to plug our TVs straight into the wall and that Comcast will be able to activate our service entirely without a truck roll.

jhachey: True, I entirely forget about Tru2Way because there hasn't been much mention of any progress with it so I keep thinking about traps. I'm sure Comcast and the rest of the cable cos are doing anything they can to kill it so they can keep their set-top box fee stream rolling in this digital era.

After Cable makes it fully mandatory, there are no other alternatives as FIOS and Satellite does the same.Recently a Comcast tech told me that encrypted channels/requiring a box made their life more difficult - but since 'everyone else requires a box' (FIOS/Sat), Comcast would too....

Reminded me of my teenage years when I would say 'but all the kids are doing...'

Didn't work for me, but it seems justified as a business proposition.

...We're going backwards instead of forward, they should just continue to rely on traps.... Have to disagree with you there; traps/filters are the old-old-school solution. Requiring a tech to get in his truck, drive to your neighborhood, and make physical adjustments inside a backyard box every time someone wants to change their subscription level would be ridiculous in this day & age. Can you say "$60 activation fee and three-week wait"?

I disagree. Traps are expensive because they require a truck-roll. To keep all of our costs down and make our lives more convenient, Comcast should be working more and more towards automated systems that do not require truck rolls or require us to be at home during working hours to get something installed.

Remember the days before "cable-ready" TVs when you needed a box to view anything above channel 13? I really hope that Tru2Way becomes the digital era's equivalent of the cable-ready TV and that in a couple of years from now we will be able to plug our TVs straight into the wall and that Comcast will be able to activate our service entirely without a truck roll.Color me skeptical when it comes to Tru2Way - it missed a key July 1 deadline. It is just a brand name on OCAP, which has not generated much CEA excitement. Also, don't forget that if it succeeds, you get to junk your nice shiny new QAM capable set and buy a new Tru2Way set.

Cablecards in consumer equipment pretty much failed - and it was basically a set of decoding keys. Tru2Way puts an entire middleware stack to run Java in every device - expensive and bug prone IMHO. Currently, only Panasonic provides Tru2Way sets - and these must be installed by the retailer - moving the 'truck roll' from the MSO to the retailer. Clever, huh?

Tru2Way / OCAP is much more than signal theft protection, but we are discussing encrypted QAM - my point is that if QAM 'basic cable' were in the clear - then a truck roll to install a filter could be an install cost for limited cable or internet-only customers - who, as publicly stated above - will steal the signal if it is not encrypted.

Let the potential thieves bear the cost - not those of us who already subscribe to full packages. Let us rent boxes based on whether we need PPV and interactive guides on set by set basis.

I wonder, with all of the millions spent on OCAP, why hasn't some clever fellow come up with a simple addressable filter? Not channel by channel as a cable card, but a frequency based filter that can be turned on or off. Install it outside the house and it controls what frequency blocks (service tiers) can pass throught to all sets in the house.

Forgot to say, that currently Tru2Way is not compatible with FIOS TV. Not sure how CEA members will like that. The added expense of Tru2Way (doubtless WAY more than Cablecard) is useless to a significant portion of the potential customer base.

...Let the potential thieves bear the cost...Sounds good, but exactly how would Comcast go about getting revenue from "potential thieves"?

I would guess that traps for digital signals would be much more difficult to implement. Digital signals take much less bandwidth than analog and filters have to be much steeper and more precise than analog filters. Plus the aforementioned truck roll. A non-starter. I'd rather see Comcast continue to invest in infrastructure improvements.

Y'all might as well get used to the new digital age. There's pressure on the cableco's to offer ala cart pricing. No filter is gonna handle that.

Let me add that even if Comcast does continue to provide "expanded basic" channels in clear-QAM - this is FAR from a consumer-friendly solution. Doesn't even begin to pass the WAF or EPTS (Elderly Parent Tech Support) test. Search the internet & print out Pastiche's magic list of channel mappings? Have your TV re-scan every week? Right... I was just trying to explain to my daughter today why Disney channel is now on digital channel 80-5, and where the the "dash" button is on the remote.

Focusing on what's "free" & what's not misses the point. This industry has totally failed its customers by not coming up with a usable, non-proprietary, digital alternative to analog cable TV - regardless of whether it's "free" or not. Anything embedded in current TVs - QAM, Cablecard, even Tru2Way - is already obsolete and will never gain more than fractional market share.

Internet video is looking better & better every day...

Ala cart pricing for cable TV....my dream come true....

Sounds good, but exactly how would Comcast go about getting revenue from "potential thieves"?Simplistic, but if you want limited cable, you pay a high enough install charge to pay for the truck roll & filter. Ditto for internet-only.

If you change your mind and go for a higher tier, you pay for a truck roll to undo the filter.

MSO's then use incentives/package deals to discourage limited/internet-only customers.

Let me add that even if Comcast does continue to provide "expanded basic" channels in clear-QAM - this is FAR from a consumer-friendly solution. Doesn't even begin to pass the WAF or EPTS (Elderly Parent Tech Support) test. Search the internet & print out Pastiche's magic list of channel mappings? Have your TV re-scan every week? Right... I was just trying to explain to my daughter today why Disney channel is now on digital channel 80-5, and where the the "dash" button is on the remote.

Focusing on what's "free" & what's not misses the point. This industry has totally failed its customers by not coming up with a usable, non-proprietary, digital alternative to analog cable TV - regardless of whether it's "free" or not. Anything embedded in current TVs - QAM, Cablecard, even Tru2Way - is already obsolete and will never gain more than fractional market share.

Internet video is looking better & better every day...My 'kitchen QAM' set is showing PSIP data on the 78 and 80 channels. That meets WAF in my house. Constant scanning should be a thing of the past once things settle down.

I would guess that traps for digital signals would be much more difficult to implement. Digital signals take much less bandwidth than analog and filters have to be much steeper and more precise than analog filters. Plus the aforementioned truck roll. A non-starter. I'd rather see Comcast continue to invest in infrastructure improvements.

Y'all might as well get used to the new digital age. There's pressure on the cableco's to offer ala cart pricing. No filter is gonna handle that.What about blocks of frequencies - not channel by channel (that is cablecard)?

GHz is GHz - simply use a block for limited, another for basic, another for preferred and filter accordingly. For premium channels or ppv, you have to buy into the set-top box concept. I'd bet that desire for premium in kitchen, guest & kids rooms is small.

Much as I think I'd love a la carte pricing, I doubt it will happen and it probably wouldn't save me much. My Roku box is more promising in that area....

What about blocks of frequencies - not channel by channel (that is cablecard)?

GHz is GHz - simply use a block for limited, another for basic, another for preferred and filter accordingly. For premium channels or ppv, you have to buy into the set-top box concept. I'd bet that desire for premium in kitchen, guest & kids rooms is small.

Much as I think I'd love a la carte pricing, I doubt it will happen and it probably wouldn't save me much. My Roku box is more promising in that area....

Filters themselves take up bandwidth. How much is matter of how steep the filter is. Having blocks of frequencies is very inefficient. To do more than two blocks you have to have a lowband filter and a high band filter. Doable, maybe (see note), but again you lose bandwidth around each cutoff frequency and two band filters are more expensive that a single filter plus you have to have filters for the different blocks? And the truck rolls? Yuck.

Comcast, please spend my money elsewhere (like some 1080P, maybe?) and force these analog guys into the digital age! :p :rolleyes: :D

Once done, give us ala carte pricing! Gotta get the former done though before we can have latter.

Note: Each "passive" filter you put in adds to some signal loss to the entire spectrum. Too many filters and you end up with a situation similar to too many splitters in the line.

Filters themselves take up bandwidth. How much is matter of how steep the filter is. Having blocks of frequencies is very inefficient. To do more than two blocks you have to have a lowband filter and a high band filter. Doable, maybe (see note), but again you lose bandwidth around each cutoff frequency and two band filters are more expensive that a single filter plus you have to have filters for the different blocks? And the truck rolls? Yuck.

Comcast, please spend my money elsewhere (like some 1080P, maybe?) and force these analog guys into the digital age! :p :rolleyes: :D

Once done, give us ala carte pricing! Gotta get the former done though before we can have latter.

Note: Each "passive" filter you put in adds to some signal loss to the entire spectrum. Too many filters and you end up with a situation similar to too many splitters in the line.I understand the drawbacks of filters, and am not what I'd call an 'analog' guy. Relying on filters should be the exception, not the rule.

My point is that encrypting everything is a brute force approach - it deprives paying customers of what they have purchased. The only use for filters should be for limited customers. As long as you pay for basic Digital Starter, you get it on all digital TV's - no filter, no truck roll.

Likewise, you want more than basic, a la carte, etc. You pay for a box. No filter, no truck roll

In my experience, Comcast has created more truck rolls than I have. Over the past six years I have gone from no box to digital set-tops, to HD, to DVR along with a Cablecard. All of those I picked up at the Comcast store - no tech/truck needed.

This spring, Comcast knocked on my door and explained they would be working in the neighborhood to 'improve' things for the digital rollout. Since then I have had 3 service calls, all related to varying signal strength. 2 have been resolved by changes outside my house. One is still open, but seems related to re-compression of some signals...

Going back a few messages, here is a recent take on tru2Way (http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=180596&site=cdn). Not very encouraging.

Ala cart pricing for cable TV....my dream come true....

Was mine too - until, that is, Comcast completely dropped the one channel we really want... though I think it still would be preferable to having to pay an exhorbitant amount every month for a large number of channels we have no interest in ever watching, just to be able to acces the very few channels we actually do ever watch...

Much too customer-friendly for Comcast though. I'm sure they're lobbying heavily against it...

I agree with JasG on this one. I'm not an analog guy either, we're just saying there should be an option similiar to what was offered when we were able to get analog channels 2-99 without boxes. Why force people to rent STBs when they don't want or need them just to watch TV and that's it?

Tru2Way isn't likely going to happen as mentioned above, plus the cable cos wanting to kill it anyway are getting their wish. 1080p on TV is a long ways off, we all have a bad enough situation as it is with cable cos squeezing 3-4 HD channels in a QAM and sticking 6-8 and sometimes 10 channels in a QAM for SD channels with picture quality issues. DOCSIS 3 will have to be the standard on top of moving to MPEG-4 equipment before we would see major improvements in that area on top of SD being a small segment of the lineup to free up more bandwidth.

At the risk of being too strait-laced.. Yes, you will get them - but since you aren't paying for them, it is 'signal theft'. Comcast used to put a filter on the line to stop that, but now they have decided to force us to rent a box to prevent you from stealing the signal.

Thank you for confirming Comcast's decision to encrypt.

Wouldn't that make Clear-QAM use illegal then? I bought a tv that has Clear-QAM on it, and Comcast provides the channels unencrypted. So how can it be theft if Comcast provides it even if I don't pay for it?

That's like saying if I just tuned into PPV channels, and they somehow worked without me ordering anything, I am stealing it. That wouldn't be my fault.

Ala cart pricing for cable TV....my dream come true....Maybe - if Comcast wasn't the mandatory middleman. If I want to watch Comedy Central, or CBC, or Showtime - why shouldn't I be able to go to their website, purchase a "pass", "subscription" or whatever - and then watch it over Comcast's pipes. Oh, wait a minute .... that sounds like this newfangled thing called "the Internet" !!!

Wouldn't that make Clear-QAM use illegal then? I bought a tv that has Clear-QAM on it, and Comcast provides the channels unencrypted. So how can it be theft if Comcast provides it even if I don't pay for it?

That's like saying if I just tuned into PPV channels, and they somehow worked without me ordering anything, I am stealing it. That wouldn't be my fault.Hey, it's not my fault they left their door unlocked, and their wallet just sitting there on the table... :-)

Obviously normal people wouldn't consider this "theft" but Comcast's suppliers (you know, the people who actually create TV shows) would. Thus Comcast has to show these suppliers they are at least trying to protect their IP.

Thus Comcast has to show these suppliers they are at least trying to protect their IP.

Which is why they are in such a huge hurry to encrypted these channels.:)

I agree with JasG on this one. I'm not an analog guy either, we're just saying there should be an option similiar to what was offered when we were able to get analog channels 2-99 without boxes. Why force people to rent STBs when they don't want or need them just to watch TV and that's it?

Tru2Way isn't likely going to happen as mentioned above, plus the cable cos wanting to kill it anyway are getting their wish. 1080p on TV is a long ways off, we all have a bad enough situation as it is with cable cos squeezing 3-4 HD channels in a QAM and sticking 6-8 and sometimes 10 channels in a QAM for SD channels with picture quality issues. DOCSIS 3 will have to be the standard on top of moving to MPEG-4 equipment before we would see major improvements in that area on top of SD being a small segment of the lineup to free up more bandwidth.

Just one thing, it isn't 2-99 you need to worry about, it's 30-99 (correct me if I'm wrong). The local channels will not be encrypted, ever. And I may have the upper limit wrong, but channels up to 30 will also not be encrypted. It's the 30-99 that will be encrypted. Finally, if you have a wide screen hdtv, what (after the digital build out in Sept) what are you doing on these SD channels? Almost all of them will be in HD and I for one am willing to pay for them. But, I admit, that's just me. :)

... we're just saying there should be an option similiar to what was offered when we were able to get analog channels 2-99 without boxes. Why force people to rent STBs when they don't want or need them just to watch TV and that's it?I agree, the cablecos had an opportunity with the shift to digital to differentiate themselves from their telco and satellite competitors - but so far, are blowing it.

They seem to be playing 'me too' (requiring a set-top box) and locking down their product. Premium movie services are out of their control, but following the MPAA policies on the rest of the channels will probably be as successful as the RIAA attempts to sell DRM controlled music. Encrypting channels will probably lose more eyeballs for those channels than anything else.

This recent thread activity shows that many view the shift to digital as a way to shaft the customer. Few seem to need PPV and VOD on all sets in a house, but Comcast seems to think we do.

It appears that as they attempt to control 'interactive TV' with their own (well, ok CableLabs) proprietary inventions, they will end up eating the dust of more nimble open and Internet based solutions for delivery...

I find it very interesting to see how quickly the CEA members have released TV and DVD players with built-in Netflix, Amazon VOD, MLB etc. while Cablecard and tru2way never seem to quite gain a foothold.

Hey, it's not my fault they left their door unlocked, and their wallet just sitting there on the table... :-)

:D

Obviously normal people wouldn't consider this "theft" but Comcast's suppliers (you know, the people who actually create TV shows) would. Thus Comcast has to show these suppliers they are at least trying to protect their IP.Actually, as I said way back in this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16531230&highlight=#post16531230)Comcast suppliers may not be requiring encryption.

JasG: If the cable tv industry could, they would've stripped all TVs of having cable tuners and just made them A/V receivers with NTSC tuners for OTA reception and that's it. They have the me too attitude because ultimately why wouldn't they get used to people automatically thinking to have to get a set-top box to get channels? It all works in their interest with getting rental fees. Getting rid of cable/DTV cable ready TVs and having to rely solely on boxes, they were behind the times according to FIOS and satellite.

I just watched Episode 1 of Season 3 of Mad Men on On Demand, and it's a joke to call that HD. Upconverted DVD's look significantly better. They are compressing the hell out of it, leading to tons of artifacts. Even my wife who never complains was mad.

I just got done with Season 2 on (normal) DVD, and then fired up my Tivo'd Season 3 premiere.

It's terrible. Terrible color, compressed like you wouldn't believe, artifacting. I might as well buy the episodes off of iTunes; the quality isn't as good but at least I know that up front.

I'm in Kirkland, Wa.

Just having purchased a 54" Panny plasma and having scanned all channels on the QAM tuner on my limited basic, I too, was concerned if it were "theft of service" given the fact that I was accessing data not allocated to me.

I contacted Comcast and was told by more than one "analyst" that it was "not my fault" that I was getting those channels. The second person did say, however, that I would need the Digital Starter package to actually watch programming on my new set - patently untrue at this juncture.

Not having any interest in watching stuff I am not paying for (ESPN, Speed channel etc...) I resent now being stuck with a much higher bill for (in essence) OTA programming if limited basic goes away. If it were not for the fact that my OTA reception is crap at best (below crest of a hill in N. Seattle) then I'd drop comcast in an instant.

And please don't tarnish every Limited Basic customer with the term thief; just because the candy jar lid is off, doesn't mean everyone will stick their hand in and grab a freebie. As long as the missus can get Fox Sports NW on channel 30 (regardless of the fuzzy SD quality) to watch the Mariners, the rest of the spectrum can go dark, as far as I'm concerned.

Just having purchased a 54" Panny plasma and having scanned all channels on the QAM tuner on my limited basic, I too, was concerned if it were "theft of service" given the fact that I was accessing data not allocated to me.

I contacted Comcast and was told by more than one "analyst" that it was "not my fault" that I was getting those channels. The second person did say, however, that I would need the Digital Starter package to actually watch programming on my new set - patently untrue at this juncture.

Not having any interest in watching stuff I am not paying for (ESPN, Speed channel etc...) I resent now being stuck with a much higher bill for (in essence) OTA programming if limited basic goes away. If it were not for the fact that my OTA reception is crap at best (below crest of a hill in N. Seattle) then I'd drop comcast in an instant.

And please don't tarnish every Limited Basic customer with the term thief; just because the candy jar lid is off, doesn't mean everyone will stick their hand in and grab a freebie. As long as the missus can get Fox Sports NW on channel 30 (regardless of the fuzzy SD quality) to watch the Mariners, the rest of the spectrum can go dark, as far as I'm concerned.

Limited cable cannot and will not go away, and price should not escalate appreciably, as it is the one level of service that has its price regulated by the gov't. Cable companies are required to offer a basic package that includes local broadcast and gov't access channels. If Fox SPorts NW is not available OTA, then potentially Comcast could relocate it to a higher tier package..

OK, got my first statement (ie bill) since receiving the letter about additional charges, which(letter, not bill) correctly noted 1 cablecard, and 1 basic STB...but no mention of my 2 free DTA boxes...My new bill lists the 2 DTA boxes...with the fee by each one listed as $0.00, but makes no mention of my CC or STB or extra digital outlet...what the heck is going on???

OK, got my first statement (ie bill) since receiving the letter about additional charges, which correctly noted 1 cablecard, and 1 basic STB...but no mention of my 2 free DTA boxes...My new statement lists the 2 DTA boxes...with the fee by each one listed as $0.00, but makes no mention of my CC or STB or extra digital outlet...what the heck is going on???

Maybe you should call a CSR and find out. :D

Maybe you should call a CSR and find out. :D

Or call two CSRs and get two different explanations... :rolleyes:

Here's an update of the QAM list.

* Added style. to 107-9.
* Added CBUT (60-2) and simulcast MUXes (34-X through 38-X) for post-transition areas.
* Added KVOS (110-1021) and Univision (91-4) for North Sound.
* Corrected OTA transport channels.

I removed the notes about the out-of-market locals and the occasional sports feeds. I don't want to watch TV with more than one page, front and back, and I had to make room for the additions that are probably more useful for more people.

What is the purpose of the simulcasts?

This is the second week that the NFL channel has listed the Seahwks game and shown something else. I suspect they are doing it on purpose to get people to notice the channel. It certainly is annoying becuase my TiVo keeps recording the NFL feed instaed of the KING feed. Pisses me off.

Told ya. The NFL Network is showing every pre-season game, but it's blacked out in local areas.

What is the purpose of the simulcasts?

I can only speculate, but the new simulcasts are in a channel range that is blocked by the trap that blocks "Limited" customers from seeing "Standard" channels. It seems unlikely to be coincidence that the MUXes that are mostly made up of "Limited" channels are NOT being simulcast in that range, but those that are mostly made up of "Standard" channels are.

It would certainly make sense that if Comcast is unable, either legally or technologically, to encrypt those channels, that they'd "put them back" into filtered bandwidth post-transition.

I can only speculate, but the new simulcasts are in a channel range that is blocked by the trap that blocks "Limited" customers from seeing "Standard" channels. It seems unlikely to be coincidence that the MUXes that are mostly made up of "Limited" channels are NOT being simulcast in that range, but those that are mostly made up of "Standard" channels are.

It would certainly make sense that if Comcast is unable, either legally or technologically, to encrypt those channels, that they'd "put them back" into filtered bandwidth post-transition.Maybe, but wouldn't the original versions of these channels already be blocked by a Limited-Basic low-pass filter? (91/92/102/103/116 are all > 625Mhz). Why shuffle them within the already-filtered range?

Maybe, but wouldn't the original versions of these channels already be blocked by a Limited-Basic low-pass filter? (91/92/102/103/116 are all > 625Mhz). Why shuffle them within the already-filtered range?

I might be missing something, but the only filters that I've seen take out (nominally) 260-520Mhz (channels 30-73). More limited basic channels come back above that frequency (75-78), as do the downstream cable modem MUXes. The unencrypted QAM MUXes on channels 79+ have been accessible to those with the filter, as far as I've seen.

I'm aware of the existance of another filter that takes out everything from 54MHz, well up into the 700MHz range (allows only low-frequency cable modem upstream/high frequency cable modem downstream), but I've never seen one. They'd surely all be filtered on that configuration. :)

I guess I assumed Comcast would be using simple low-pass filters rather than band-pass. The shuffling makes more sense in this case.

Best Comcast Triple Play HD deal?

If anyone knows of any current Comcast Triple Play deals with free HD, please pass them along, as I think I am ready to sign up now that my last promotion has ended, and we are ready to try VOIP. I think the one with the Dell netbook just expired, which is fine as I was waiting to see what was next...

These channels show up in my guide as TMCW and TMCXW and yet I am not subscribed to them (I have premiere). When I spoke to comcast, they said they were not available in my area. I asked why they were in the guide then, and I was told "no idea."

:-|

So, anyone else getting the info in the guide, but not the channels? This is in Sammamish, btw.

These channels show up in my guide as TMCW and TMCXW and yet I am not subscribed to them (I have premiere). When I spoke to comcast, they said they were not available in my area. I asked why they were in the guide then, and I was told "no idea."

:-|

So, anyone else getting the info in the guide, but not the channels? This is in Sammamish, btw.They should be available, but they are NOT part of the Digital Premiere package or any other package. You have to subscribe to TMC separately.

TMC used to be part of the Digital Platinum package, but seems to have disappeared when Digital Platinum morphed into Digital Premiere. I failed to notice this until a few weeks ago when TMC-HD became available. I can no longer stand to watch movies in low-def, so I hadn't turned my box to TMC in a long time. I was a little surprised to find that I no longer received it.

By the way, I am also in Sammamish.

Quick note: A week or two ago I received the "we're about to shut off analog" letter from Comcast. The shutoff date is 9/28. I'm near downtown Kirkland... though a friend in rural Redmond got the same letter at the same time mentioning the same 9/28 date.

We already have lots of HD channels, so I guess the analog shutoff will herald the arrival of the last hold-outs like Comedy Central HD, CBC-HD, TruTV-HD, etc.

Does Comcast tend to use the extra bandwidth to improve bit rates at all, or just to stuff ever-more channels onto the wire? I'd welcome picture quality improvements, though I don't notice any real problems on HD channels now, and would prefer they not go to SDV to get more channel capacity.

Anyone else on here with an HTPC? I can't seem to locate Comedy Central any more. Using a dual tuner Fusion 7 card.

answering my own question! the channel was there, but the way Fusion cards handle channel numbers its not exactly where you would expect it.

As expected, the FCC has granted waivers for the Comcast DTAs
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=180850&site=cdn

Are the new(er) DVRs available in Seattle yet? If so, has anyone swapped their DCH3416 (or older) DVR and picked up a DCX3400?

And most specifically, at the North Seattle Comcast office on Aurora?

We're down to two recordings on our 3415, so it would be great to swap it out before the fall TV season starts (plus, I've had a couple of flaky recordings in the last month, and I'm a bit worried there's a bad spot on the disk).

Thanks!

Cliff

Yes I got one a couple weeks ago...

I want to set a series recording for the English Premiere League on ESPN, however the box doesn't seem to allow to add a series for "live" events. Is there a way around this??

I want to set a series recording for the English Premiere League on ESPN, however the box doesn't seem to allow to add a series for "live" events. Is there a way around this??

None other than using VCR type setting (day and time) or TiVo (my solution for Formula One events).

Are the new(er) DVRs available in Seattle yet? If so, has anyone swapped their DCH3416 (or older) DVR and picked up a DCX3400?

And most specifically, at the North Seattle Comcast office on Aurora?

We're down to two recordings on our 3415, so it would be great to swap it out before the fall TV season starts (plus, I've had a couple of flaky recordings in the last month, and I'm a bit worried there's a bad spot on the disk).

Thanks!

CliffI picked up a DCX-3400 in Redmond. It seems to hold about 35 hours of HD content, so I've been very pleased.

As expected, the FCC has granted waivers for the Comcast DTAs
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=180850&site=cdnSo long, QAM tuners (for everything but locals). We hardly knew ya...

Hey... picked one up 2 weeks ago..(dcx) traded my 3 year old motorola... the Aurora store had them...250gig!! seems to navigate quicker.. comcasts software still sux.. I really miss the microsoft software from a few years back ..

Any updates on when Seattle will get what everyone else already has, or are we still screwed until sometime in December?

I'd say you'll probably get it about Thanksgiving, or a couple of days before.

Which will Seattle get first? New HD channels or the Viaduct replacement?

Which will Seattle get first? New HD channels or the Viaduct replacement?

Two different ways Seattle gets the shaft... (sorry, just couldn't resist... ;) )

Am thinking of giving in and renting a HD box..as I think if I return the standard box (and use a free DTA on that older TV), I can use the HD STB on a new LCD for only an extra $6.50 a month...Do the basic HD boxes include some type of IR receiver "dongle" so I can keep the box in a cabinet, but still use a remote?

Am thinking of giving in and renting a HD box..as I think if I return the standard box (and use a free DTA on that older TV), I can use the HD STB on a new LCD for only an extra $6.50 a month...Do the basic HD boxes include some type of IR receiver "dongle" so I can keep the box in a cabinet, but still use a remote?

Yes, I use the non-dvr box (actually two of them) and both use the same remote used by the fancier Motorola stbs. The newer box even has an HDMI output instead of DVI.
sam

Am thinking of giving in and renting a HD box..as I think if I return the standard box (and use a free DTA on that older TV), I can use the HD STB on a new LCD for only an extra $6.50 a month...Do the basic HD boxes include some type of IR receiver "dongle" so I can keep the box in a cabinet, but still use a remote?

And as the current non-DVR HD box has absolutely nothing on the front (other than a single "power on" LED) - not even a simple channel readout - you'd lose absolutely no functionality by hiding it away....

And as the current non-DVR HD box has absolutely nothing on the front (other than a single "power on" LED) - not even a simple channel readout - you'd lose absolutely no functionality by hiding it away....

Doesn't the HD box change channels? Therefore, if it is hidden away in a cabinet, your remote control would no longer work and you can't change channels?

Yes, I use the non-dvr box (actually two of them) and both use the same remote used by the fancier Motorola stbs. The newer box even has an HDMI output instead of DVI.
sam

I think we lost something in the translation...I called Comcast and they said the HD boxes do NOT have an IR extender - IE the box must be in line of sight with the remote control for it to work, it cannot be hidden in a cabinet. Do you say otherwise???

Hell, the remote for my HD DVR has to be SPOT ON just to change channels! Hate it!

I think we lost something in the translation...I called Comcast and they said the HD boxes do NOT have an IR extender - IE the box must be in line of sight with the remote control for it to work, it cannot be hidden in a cabinet. Do you say otherwise???


Weil appeared to answer yes to the IR extender question. I should've been more clear that I don't know about that part of the question because mine didn't come with an IR nor did it come with any instruction manual, but that's all too typical for Comcast to not mention or furnish accessories or an instruction manual that it may indeed furnish to other custstomers with the same equipment... So, maybe the box can use an IR extender, maybe not... Again, Weil appeared to answer yes. What I was trying to point out is simply that, as there are no controls or even any channel readout on the front of mine, if it does have or can use an IR extender, putting the box in a cabinet will result in no loss of functionality.

Of course the box can change channels - that's its purpose, but the only way to do it (or to do anything else with it) is via the remote because there are no conrols or readouts on the box itself...

Hope this is more clear.

Did Anyone Catch the notice in wednesday's Seattle Times
Comcast is adding the new HD channels in Shoreline and Edmonds
at the end of september

Did Anyone Catch the notice in wednesday's Seattle Times
Comcast is adding the new HD channels in Shoreline and Edmonds
at the end of septemberNo, but I got a mailer saying 'network enhancements' will be complete in Shoreline on September 15th.

I have a question regarding clear QAM channels 30-69.

I just installed an AVerTV HD Duet tuner card in my HTPC. Win7 RC media center works well with the card. I have Comcast basic cable service. My comcast set-top-box picks up not only the local HD channels like King5 or Komo, but also channel 30-69 like Bravo, HGTV. However, the tuner card can NOT get 30-69 channels. Aren't those channels in clear QAM? Anyone gets them with tuner cards?

I have a question regarding clear QAM channels 30-69.
Those number sound like NTSC analog numbers to me, not QAM.

Also, with Vista MC (haven't tried Win7) yet, QAM was not supported. Usually the AverMedia application can tune them - but that is outside MC.

NTSC channels and ATSC are fine but on digital cable systems (where everyone is heading, like it or not), the NTSC and ATSC signals are muxed on a QAM carrier.

Probably a moot point anyway, most QAM channels will end up encrypted and will require a certified CableCard HTPC tuner - generally available only with a certified HTPC with special bios/motherboard.

@cyli: Win7 has full clear QAM support. You had to use the OEM 2008 TV Pack [Fiji] to get it in Vista.

The channel scan will only pick up certain mapped ones [maybe 35 of them], you then have to go into settings/tv/guide/edit channels and add the other ones manually. You can use the previously posted QAM PDF and txt files to map them. As of last week the expanded tier was still available in the clear in the 90.xx plus range. [I'm in Snohomish]

Thankfully rumors for CEDIA this year are introduction of new non-OEM Cablecard setups which will be nice for us since our upper tier QAM will be going away when Comcast decides to encrypt.

That is very interesting news, thank you. jasg

wonder if there will be any Linux support for cable cards (not holding my breath :).

Today I came back from vacation and noticed that my HTPC guide (Vista Media Center, Cable-Card enabled) doesn't have SPEED-HD listed any longer (it used to be on channel 620). Anyone else affected by this same issue?

I am located in Kenmore, 98028 and I am using the Comcast Edmonds guide location.

Thanks
Daniel.

Today I came back from vacation and noticed that my HTPC guide (Vista Media Center, Cable-Card enabled) doesn't have SPEED-HD listed any longer (it used to be on channel 620). Anyone else affected by this same issue?

I am located in Kenmore, 98028 and I am using the Comcast Edmonds guide location.

Thanks
Daniel.

I just noticed that all HD channels added a few months ago were gone. By looking at the Comcast website, the same channels were not listed there as well! So, I changed the Media Center setup to use the Seattle - Comcast (Digital) and all channels automatically reapeared.

Check out the chat session I had with a Comcast CSR yesterday (at Flicker)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25046782@N07/3874434307/
:rolleyes:

So, maybe the box can use an IR extender, maybe not... Again, Weil appeared to answer yes. What I was trying to point out is simply that, as there are no controls or even any channel readout on the front of mine, if it does have or can use an IR extender, putting the box in a cabinet will result in no loss of functionality.

With the right setup you can use an IR Extender. The emitter portion of the cable will need to attach to the front of the box where the receiver is. You can't just plug it into the back of the box if it has an IR port.

Comcast does not supply this cable. They provide the basic setup, nothing fancy like that. Except for the DTA which has an IR extender, and that one is not compatible with the other boxes that have an IR port. From what I can tell the software of the boxes supports that port as an emitter, not a receiver.

... Except for the DTA which has an IR extender, and that one is not compatible with the other boxes that have an IR port. From what I can tell the software of the boxes supports that port as an emitter, not a receiver.

Wrong...I plugged the cable that came with my free DTA into the back of my Motorola DCH100 STB (basic, standard defn) and it works just fine. That is the reason I am hoping it will also work if I plug it into the back of a HD STB I hope to get soon. Has anyone actually tried that? According the the samsung and motorola websites, all the HD boxes offered by Comcast do actually have this input jack.

and why would that port work as an emitter??? Those boxes have no reason to emit an IR signal!

I know we usually use this forum to gripe about Comcast's lousy customer service - but thought I'd mention a good experience for once.

My ancient DCT-6412 DVR finally stopped working, so I swapped it for one of the new DCX-3425 boxes. Unfortunately it wouldn't activate - all subscription channels just kept showing "this channel will be available shortly". The first CSR actually listened (and understood!) as I went thru the symptoms and all the troubleshooting steps I had tried. She sent some signals to re-activate and then re-boot the box, but it didn't work. We both agreed that I should try some more troubleshooting in lieu of waiting for a truck roll, mainly moving the box to another known working outlet in my house to make sure it wasn't just a problem with a specific outlet or splitter.

After trying that - and finding the box still wouldn't activate - I called back and got another equally knowledgeable CSR. He reviewed the previous call records (wow, sharing records so we don't have to waste time repeating things! What a concept!) and decided to try one further: re-downloading the software onto the box. That worked.

Maybe it was because I called during daytime business hours - or maybe I just got lucky - but I have to say I was impressed how professional these two CSRs were: they listened to what I said, they appreciated that I had some level of expertise and basic troubleshooting skills, and they had good knowledge of their products. Let's hope this becomes the norm!

I know we usually use this forum to gripe about Comcast's lousy customer service - but thought I'd mention a good experience for once. You are not alone. Over the last few months I've been experiencing signal problems. There were two truck rolls involved, the first tech told me to replace the line into the house, the second had to replace the drop to the house(water in the line). That cleared up the problem - the techs were very thorough, on time and easy to work with.

Billing... however charged me for two truck rolls, but when I called and explained that the root problem was their drop, the charges were backed out.

These are the only times in 6 years I've had to get service and it certainly was not a problem.

Thanks JasG and Johnhardyiv for the reply on my question.

I searched through the thread, trying to find the mapping list of clear QAM channels. However, I could not find it. Could anyone post it again? Thanks a lot!

See this post for the latest QAM list:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17047107#post17047107

From the Seattle Times (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2009786819_comcast_raising_rates_in_washi.html) today.

FWIW, on a 9/2003 Rate Card - Basic Cable was $37.99.... Digital Starter is now $57.45.

Cost of living accounts for $5.86 of that increase (according to this calculator (http://www.aier.org/research/worksheets-and-tools/cost-of-living-calculator)).

From the Seattle Times (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2009786819_comcast_raising_rates_in_washi.html) today.

FWIW, on a 9/2003 Rate Card - Basic Cable was $37.99.... Digital Starter is now $57.45.

Cost of living accounts for $5.86 of that increase (according to this calculator (http://www.aier.org/research/worksheets-and-tools/cost-of-living-calculator)).But basic cable didn't include OnDemand! Clearly that feature is worth the additional $13.60/month :-) ... or not.

hello there. i'm a newbie to HDTV and avs forum. i live in the bellevue area. just bought an HDTV, and now i'm deciding which HD provider to subscribe to. i watch relatively few channels, mainly network, discovery, espn, food net, tnt, so the number of channels isn't all that critical. i'm more interested in better PQ. i'm currently deciding between comcast and direct TV (Fios TV is not available to me yet). i've read that direct TV have a bit better PQ b/c comcast is compressing their HD content too much as of last year. is that still the case currently? all response would be appreciated.

Sounders FC playing in US Open Final on Weds night and Comcast is only showing in Standard Def on 401. I'm sure there are all sorts of broadcasting "rights" involved that prevent customers from getting a quality product yet again. Tell me this is on HD on Satellite and I may finally have to throw in the towel on Comcast.

hello there. i'm a newbie to HDTV and avs forum. i live in the bellevue area. just bought an HDTV, and now i'm deciding which HD provider to subscribe to. i watch relatively few channels, mainly network, discovery, espn, food net, tnt, so the number of channels isn't all that critical. i'm more interested in better PQ. i'm currently deciding between comcast and direct TV (Fios TV is not available to me yet). i've read that direct TV have a bit better PQ b/c comcast is compressing their HD content too much as of last year. is that still the case currently? all response would be appreciated.Not quite true:
1) DirecTV has ALWAYS re-compressed HD channels to save bandwidth, including locals.
2) Comcast just started doing this last year
3) Comcast only does this for some cable channels (specifically, those channels for which they are the distributor). Local channels are passed thru "as-is" - exactly the same as the local OTA broadcast.

hello there. i'm a newbie to HDTV and avs forum. i live in the bellevue area. just bought an HDTV, and now i'm deciding which HD provider to subscribe to. i watch relatively few channels, mainly network, discovery, espn, food net, tnt, so the number of channels isn't all that critical. i'm more interested in better PQ. i'm currently deciding between comcast and direct TV (Fios TV is not available to me yet). i've read that direct TV have a bit better PQ b/c comcast is compressing their HD content too much as of last year. is that still the case currently? all response would be appreciated.


Well, I'm sure some HD "snobs" (no offense intended) on this forum have strong opinions regarding picture quality of Comcast v. Satellite, but for a normal viewer, all HD looks great, and you probably can't tell the difference. Base your decision on other factors !

Well, I'm sure some HD "snobs" (no offense intended) on this forum have strong opinions regarding picture quality of Comcast v. Satellite, but for a normal viewer, all HD looks great, and you probably can't tell the difference. Base your decision on other factors !I agree, there are many other factors that are going to affect your enjoyment of HDTV.

IMHO, viewing distance is one of the most important - much more important than compression differences. Here is a calculator (http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html).

Regarding 'HD snobs', a wise friend commented long ago that 'audiophiles listen for distortion, music lovers listen to the music'. Extending that concept, he would now say to relax and enjoy the movies on your HDTV... (or 'videophiles watch for artifacts...')

I live in the Juanita area of Kirkland (WA0310) and saw a notice from Comcast that they are killing the remaining analog channels towards the end of September (28th I think).

From the time they pull the trigger on the cutoff, approx how long would it be before they made the newest batch of HD channels available?

I live in the Juanita area of Kirkland (WA0310) and saw a notice from Comcast that they are killing the remaining analog channels towards the end of September (28th I think).

From the time they pull the trigger on the cutoff, approx how long would it be before they made the newest batch of HD channels available?Additional HD channels will arrive two weeks after the second cut of analog channels.

I got a message on my box the other day announcing that the NFL RedZone Channel will be added on September 13th (I think the message said it will be on Channel 410). The message did not specify whether the channel would be HD or SD and only one channel number was given.

The NFL RedZone Channel is being produced in HD, but I assume that an SD version will also be distributed (although maybe not, there are a couple of HD-only channels out there). Does anyone know whether Comcast will be bringing us the HD version of the channel or is it possible that we will get SD only?

Comcast raising rates in Washington by 3 percent
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2009786819_comcast_raising_rates_in_washi.html

Comcast raising rates in Washington by 3 percent
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2009786819_comcast_raising_rates_in_washi.html

that article implies if I get Comcast voice, I use the same modem as the internet, but when I call, Comcast tells me that it is a separate modem - thus I have to pay for the price increase for each modem...so my question for the forum is - 1 modem or 2 to have voice and internet?

that article implies if I get Comcast voice, I use the same modem as the internet, but when I call, Comcast tells me that it is a separate modem - thus I have to pay for the price increase for each modem...so my question for the forum is - 1 modem or 2 to have voice and internet?

I have just one modem but I am leasing that from Comcast. It's theirs. I have the Triple play package.

@wareagle: thanks for the pointer to qam channels.

One more question regarding receiving KINGDT or KOMODT using AVerTV HD Duet tuner card. I get stuttering video/audio when tuning to those two channels on tuner card (PQ on KiroDT or CW DT is great), while cable box has no problem. How can I get good signal? Call comcast? Thanks!

I have just one modem but I am leasing that from Comcast. It's theirs. I have the Triple play package.

I thought I heard using a single modem for both voice and internet is OK if you have just one phone, but if you want to "activiate" all your phone jacks in the house, it takes a second modem?

I thought I heard using a single modem for both voice and internet is OK if you have just one phone, but if you want to "activiate" all your phone jacks in the house, it takes a second modem?

Nope, all my jacks are live.

Nope, all my jacks are live.

Time to buy a cable modem with rental rates going from $3 to $5. Motorola SD5101 for $50 at New Egg. Recovery in 10 months.

I hope this isn't off-topic, but I wanted to share my recent experience with Comcast's CSR:

I live in Olympia. I noticed on that my latest bill looked different. For my internet, it listed the same price of $27.95 its listed the past few months (I switch to "Economy" internet speed to save money.) However, the cost was now broken up between $24.95 for the actual internet service, and $3.00 for a modem lease. I've owned my own Motorola Surfboard Modem for about 7 years, so this was a surprise to me.

I called and the CSR looked it up and confirmed that my serial was my own modem. She said she then took that $3 off my future bills and that she would also credit my account for the years that I was charged this lease fee.

She then also mentioned several new promotions, including an upgrade from Digital Starter to Digital Preferred for $10.99 a month, including a year of Showtime. Even though I really want channels like ESPNU and National Geographic, I turned it down because I'm trying to save money.

I then grabbed my co-worker and told him I had a decent CSR on the phone and he needed to speak to her immediately. She promptly took $20 a month off of his Triple Play package.

It all depends on who's on the other end of the line!

I have had issues with KOMO on Comcast since last Sunday... PQ dropping and audio dropping too every few seconds.
Is it KOMO or Comcast ?
I've seen it before but not for more than a few hours at a time. It's been a few days now... :(

I often see signal strength problems on KOMO (in Seattle proper) and then will also see problems with KCTS, since they are both in the same band. I can usually get enough signal by tweaking my cables - moving them around and cleaning/reattaching.

I have had issues with KOMO on Comcast since last Sunday... PQ dropping and audio dropping too every few seconds.
Is it KOMO or Comcast ?
I've seen it before but not for more than a few hours at a time. It's been a few days now... :(If you check back on this forum over the last several years, you'll see lots of problem reports for KOMO-HD, particularly audio issues. Many of those were caused by encoder equipment problems at KOMO, and showed the same symptoms across Comcast, Satellite and OTA broadcast. Hard to tell with your specific problem - household or neighborhood wiring issues can cause localized problems.

I live in Sammamish, I still have problems getting the proper guide data, particularly for channels 700-706. I am giving two choices: comcast, or comcast king county jerald. If I choose the latter, I get weird channel names for 700-706 and thus no guide data.

What do others in the area pick for their provider?

While I'm at it, I'm seeing a TON of problems with HD tonight. Max Payne is breaking up, WALL-E had major issues....Anyone else having problems tonight?

While I'm at it, I'm seeing a TON of problems with HD tonight. Max Payne is breaking up, WALL-E had major issues....Anyone else having problems tonight?I'm just a few blocks from you and have spent most of the night watching old Criminal Minds episodes on A&E (I didn't watch the show during its first few seasons) and have had no problems. I also caught the end of the Mariners game on FSN and it looked great.

Time to buy a cable modem with rental rates going from $3 to $5. Motorola SD5101 for $50 at New Egg. Recovery in 10 months.

Looking on newegg I see they do not support DOCSIS 3.0, which seems to be the new holy grail.

I just started leasing their modem as mine was very old. $5 is a big jump from $3. Comcast does have DOCSIS 3.0 modems but you have to have the more expensive internet plan to get them.

I have to say that their modem has been very reliable.

I often see signal strength problems on KOMO (in Seattle proper) and then will also see problems with KCTS, since they are both in the same band. I can usually get enough signal by tweaking my cables - moving them around and cleaning/reattaching.

I've seen a few instances where 82-X has been killed by ingress on the line: CATV 82-X, where KOMO and KCTS live occupies roughly the same bandwidth as KONG (OTA 31-x) does. A loose fitting or a bad splitter, and if you're within a few miles of Queen Anne Hill, it can make reception really difficult. This is, essentially, the digital equivalent of the ghosting we saw from line ingress (on 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13) in the analog days.

OK I see the same problems on KCTS-D. Never noticed before. In TiVo all channels strength is at 100 while KOMO/KCTS are in the lower 40's.

So who's to blame ? Me? or comcast ?
I haven't changed anything in my installation since it started...

I live in Sammamish, I still have problems getting the proper guide data, particularly for channels 700-706. I am giving two choices: comcast, or comcast king county jerald. If I choose the latter, I get weird channel names for 700-706 and thus no guide data.

What do others in the area pick for their provider?

Anyone? I can't believe I'm the only person with a Tivo.

Anyone? I can't believe I'm the only person with a Tivo.

I live in Bellevue, but I use 98042 since it has the correct listings. Just answer that you don't know, and respond to the subsequent questions about what channels you see.

I live in Sammamish, I still have problems getting the proper guide data, particularly for channels 700-706. I am giving two choices: comcast, or comcast king county jerald. If I choose the latter, I get weird channel names for 700-706 and thus no guide data.

What do others in the area pick for their provider?
I'm in 98074 Sammamish, and reported guide issues a while back. Tivo support told me to use "Comcast Roosevelt" instead of Jerald. Since then, the guide has been correct for at least the enhanced digital and HD channels. (I don't get the rest, so I don't know if they're right or not.)

Why would anyone want DOCSIS 3.0?

Cable modems NEW on ebay runs around $20-$30. If you want to continue paying Comcast to rent, okay.

I used to use various ZIPs, but have found that at least with the latest channel additions, my actual ZIP of 98004 provides me with accurate information.

I used to use various ZIPs, but have found that at least with the latest channel additions, my actual ZIP of 98004 provides me with accurate information.

Nausicaa - Are you getting guide info for channels 700-706? (btw - I do get correct channel info, it's the guide info that's not listed) If so, do you know what provider you specified during channel setup on your TIVO?

I tried 98004 (as well as my actual zip code) with "Comcast" and "Comcast King County Jerald" as providers and don't get the guide info for these channels and a couple of others, though I do get correct info from many of the other new ones...

I also saw that Comcast's Fancast TV Guide listing site (http://www.fancast.com/tv-episode-listings) doesn't even show 700-706 channel range as existing in their online channel guide. When I spoke with a Comcast CSR about this, she said that they had a tech note that said the guide info probably wouldn't be working until the end of the year... The guide info is correct with a Comcast DVR

Why would anyone want DOCSIS 3.0?

Cable modems NEW on ebay runs around $20-$30. If you want to continue paying Comcast to rent, okay.

I'm using a rented modem just for phone service. (I've owned the cable modem for my internet connection for years, but it's on a portion of the line that for some reason the Comcast installer said he could not use when he added the phone portion of my service last year.) So if I'm using a rented cable modem just for the phone service, if I want to ditch it and replace it with a modem I'd buy, do I need to do anything to install the modem other than just plug in the phone cables & the power cord? That is, is there any initialization that need be done either at my end or at/by Comcast?

Thanks.

I'm using a rented modem just for phone service. (I've owned the cable modem for my internet connection for years, but it's on a portion of the line that for some reason the Comcast installer said he could not use when he added the phone portion of my service last year.) So if I'm using a rented cable modem just for the phone service, if I want to ditch it and replace it with a modem I'd buy, do I need to do anything to install the modem other than just plug in the phone cables & the power cord? That is, is there any initialization that need be done either at my end or at/by Comcast?

Thanks.

My understanding is that it is NOT possible to buy a PHONE modem...they must be rented...

The trick is to use "Comcast Roosevelt" as the provider and to set the sub-source (?) to "Seattle, WA - Digital Rebuild - Extended Basic" - you can also probably use your actual zip code... Note that these settings also seem to work on http://www.fancast.com/comcast-tv-listings so you can probably verify that your zip code gives you the correct info before having to go through the Tivo setup

Here are the exact steps to correctly set/change the guide provider... (I emphasized the advanced setup reference below since you don't want to miss it otherwise you'll waste 10-20 minutes...)

Complete a small portion of the Guided Setup by following these steps:

Go to:

- TiVo Central (by pressing the TiVo button on your TiVo remote)

- Select Messages and Settings

- Select Settings

- Select Channels

- Select Channel List

- Press the ENTER key

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete this portion of the Guided
Setup. Your TiVo DVR will ask you to answer questions regarding your
channels to determine the correct channel lineup.

Please ensure that the TiVo is using zip code <<980XX>>. When you are asked to select your provider, please choose <<Comcast Roosevelt - Seattle, WA>>.

On the next screen, press the ENTER key to perform Advanced Setup. This will take you to a list of available lineups where you must choose <<Seattle, WA - Digital Rebuild Extended Basic>>. You will have an opportunity to review the lineup before finalizing your selection.

Please note that it will not display any of your premium channels (such as
HBO) until you advance to the next few screens.

Wrong...I plugged the cable that came with my free DTA into the back of my Motorola DCH100 STB (basic, standard defn) and it works just fine. That is the reason I am hoping it will also work if I plug it into the back of a HD STB I hope to get soon. Has anyone actually tried that? According the the samsung and motorola websites, all the HD boxes offered by Comcast do actually have this input jack.

and why would that port work as an emitter??? Those boxes have no reason to emit an IR signal!


I tried it on my DCH3416 and it did not work ... from what I understood the software or firmware had it set as a transmitter ... which did not make sense but the diagnostics read IR XMIT was enabled and active so I may have just believed for no reason.

for people with the comcast DVRs...Some cool stuff here

http://comcastbonnie.blogspot.com/

The trick is to use "Comcast Roosevelt" as the provider and to set the sub-source (?) to "Seattle, WA - Digital Rebuild - Extended Basic" - you can also probably use your actual zip code... Note that these settings also seem to work on http://www.fancast.com/comcast-tv-listings so you can probably verify that your zip code gives you the correct info before having to go through the Tivo setup

Here are the exact steps to correctly set/change the guide provider... (I emphasized the advanced setup reference below since you don't want to miss it otherwise you'll waste 10-20 minutes...)

Complete a small portion of the Guided Setup by following these steps:

Go to:

- TiVo Central (by pressing the TiVo button on your TiVo remote)

- Select Messages and Settings

- Select Settings

- Select Channels

- Select Channel List

- Press the ENTER key

Follow the onscreen instructions to complete this portion of the Guided
Setup. Your TiVo DVR will ask you to answer questions regarding your
channels to determine the correct channel lineup.

Please ensure that the TiVo is using zip code <<980XX>>. When you are asked to select your provider, please choose <<Comcast Roosevelt - Seattle, WA>>.

On the next screen, press the ENTER key to perform Advanced Setup. This will take you to a list of available lineups where you must choose <<Seattle, WA - Digital Rebuild Extended Basic>>. You will have an opportunity to review the lineup before finalizing your selection.

Please note that it will not display any of your premium channels (such as
HBO) until you advance to the next few screens.

This worked like a charm. Thanks!

Has anyone else lost audio when doing 30second skips too quick?

I can't reliably reproduce it, but, basically, while skipping through commercials, occasionally I lose all audio and the only way I've found to get it back is to load up OnDemand, start a program and then stop it and then, suddenly, audio.

Not on HDMI.

Has anyone else lost audio when doing 30second skips too quick?

I can't reliably reproduce it, but, basically, while skipping through commercials, occasionally I lose all audio and the only way I've found to get it back is to load up OnDemand, start a program and then stop it and then, suddenly, audio.

Not on HDMI.

It happens to me all the time. It happened when I used the optical port, and still happens now that I use HDMI. The easiest "fix" is to mute the cable box and then unmute it. Make sure you are muting the box and not your receiver or TV.

engadgethd.com/2009/09/09/media-center-cablecards-freed-from-oem-requirement/#comments

I'd buy a couple Cetons tomorrow. :-) This solves the problem of the slow removal of the Comcast clear QAM channels for me and my setup. I'll be able to get all my expanded basic channels again and not have to map to boot. :-) Maybe even pony up for additional HD content on another tier, heh. Woow!

TNTHD (662) is suddenly coming up "no signal". I'm in 98033 but a friend in 98052 is reporting the same.

We're both on Media Center PCs with CableCARDs.

Is the channel really out or is this somehow equipment-specific? Or is Comcast perhaps moving this channel?

EDIT: I called Comcast and asked them to re-zap the CableCARDs, which they did. This did not fix it. The tech said he would report it to engineering.

This worked like a charm. Thanks!

Ditto. Excellent.

Why doesnt comcast send out an email or something with your statement for everyone with TIVO. They know who we are?

It happens to me all the time. It happened when I used the optical port, and still happens now that I use HDMI. The easiest "fix" is to mute the cable box and then unmute it. Make sure you are muting the box and not your receiver or TV.

Ooo. That's a better alternative. I'll try that. I'd expect it from HDMI, not as much from optical, which I'm 99% sure I'm on (I *should* know, but I had someone move everything to the closet and I've been too lazy to actually make sure everything was cabled the way I wanted it)

TNTHD (662) is suddenly coming up "no signal". I'm in 98033 but a friend in 98052 is reporting the same.

We're both on Media Center PCs with CableCARDs.

Is the channel really out or is this somehow equipment-specific? Or is Comcast perhaps moving this channel?

EDIT: I called Comcast and asked them to re-zap the CableCARDs, which they did. This did not fix it. The tech said he would report it to engineering.

I'm in 98053 and have the same issue, ESPNHD and ESPN2 are both gone. Using MCE w/ cable cards as well.

Is anyone in 98033, 98052, or 98053 able to get TNT-HD on their Comcast-supplied set-top box? (Channel 662)

A lot of channels are moving from 64 QAM to 256 QAM. If TNT HD isn't showing up it should come back shortly

662 should be working, check channel 627 for giggles.

ESPN/ESPN2 should be coming back shortly as well.

For some, a new channel should be popping up in the 400s today.

Looks like older HomePC's will soon be able to use Cable Cards. (http://arstechnica.com/hardware/news/2009/09/cablecard-now-a-go-in-homebrew-home-theater-pcs.ars)

Well, old MCs with Win7 on them. ;)

BTW - Ben from Engadget got word from AMD they're leaving the space so that leaves Ceton, and Hauppauge announced they'll have a cableCARD tuner by the end of the year. Avermedia may be in the mix too.

Still, very exciting. Ceton is saying Q1 2010 officially but may have them out sooner if production can ramp. First iteration will be their internal 4 tuner card utilising a single M-cable card from your MSO. Tuning adapter support is already in.

I got a letter in the mail from Comcast the other day stating that they'd be switching off analog in my area (Greenlake, Seattle) on October 26th. I'm guessing we'll finally see new HD channels in Seattle around this time.

Took 'em long enough.

Hi, I'm in Issaquah 98027, have 4 tivo's and 5 cablecards, extended Digital Package. Today I wasn't getting 623, 624, and 627 (Husky game HD). After chatting with a Comcast rep in the Philippines, he finally put in a tech report. About 20 minutes later, everything worked. Did this happen to anyone else today? Do or can they reset your card remotely?

Funny thing was the Comcast truck got here before I could cancel the call. He was an Idaho football fan. He came and watched some of the game "just to make sure everything was working OK" LOL.

Thanks to you guys on this forum I did the digital reprogram (Seattle, Rosevelt)and I now get stations I didn't even know I had. BIG THANKS GUYS! Mike

Is anyone in the Seattle area getting NFL RedZone on 410. Here (Bellevue) it isn't working -- just the "this channel will be available shortly" sign, and no signal on the channel.

Is anyone in the Seattle area getting NFL RedZone on 410. Here (Bellevue) it isn't working -- just the "this channel will be available shortly" sign, and no signal on the channel.The NFL RedZone is up and running in Sammamish. If it were in HD, I'd probably watch it a fair bit. I caught bits and pieces of it during the Vikings - Browns game and I liked that it was all game action with no commercials.

Will show up after the Fall TV Season is over! :) :rolleyes: :cool:

Noticed two changes today.

All four of KHCV's channels are now on the 18-X MUX:

18-1 "KPST/Puget Sound Television"
18-2 Azteca America (Spanish)
18-3 AAT TV (Mandarin/Cantonese)
18-4 MBC America (Korean)

There is no PSIP. KPST is not listed in the FCC database.

Also:

89-13 Tennis Channel

I'm in Kirkland (98033) and I got a letter in the mail saying that the Analog conversion would be happening on Sept 28th in my area. Does anyone know if this comes with the new HD channel lineup immediately? Or does anyone have insight into when they are releasing those new channels in Kirkland?

Thanks

All I can say is FSN-HD Pac 10 pseudo HD is better than SD, but it pales in comparison to real HD. The Husky game looked terrible. Their digital encoder choked terribly on the light/shadow problem that has always plagued Husky stadium. If you want to see how it is done right, watch the impressive Seahawk HD game on 113.

I haven't seen one real HD Pac 10 game on FSN-HD this year, at least not yet. At least last year, when they said HD, it was usually in real HD. Compared to last weeks LSU game, which had outstanding HD on ESPN, yesterdays game looked like your brother in law borrowed your camcorder and recorded it for you.

When is the PAC 10 going to sign with a real network, like ESPN, instead of this lousy FSN stuff?

I'm in Kirkland (98033) and I got a letter in the mail saying that the Analog conversion would be happening on Sept 28th in my area. Does anyone know if this comes with the new HD channel lineup immediately? Or does anyone have insight into when they are releasing those new channels in Kirkland?

Thanks

Probably about two weeks after the completion of the transition.

Noticed two changes today.

All four of KHCV's channels are now on the 18-X MUX:

18-1 "KPST/Puget Sound Television"
18-2 Azteca America (Spanish)
18-3 AAT TV (Mandarin/Cantonese)
18-4 MBC America (Korean)

There is no PSIP. KPST is not listed in the FCC database.

Also:

89-13 Tennis Channel

I also found 45-2 Tennis HD in my scan.

All I can say is FSN-HD Pac 10 pseudo HD is better than SD, but it pales in comparison to real HD. The Husky game looked terrible. Their digital encoder choked terribly on the light/shadow problem that has always plagued Husky stadium. If you want to see how it is done right, watch the impressive Seahawk HD game on 113.

I haven't seen one real HD Pac 10 game on FSN-HD this year, at least not yet. At least last year, when they said HD, it was usually in real HD. Compared to last weeks LSU game, which had outstanding HD on ESPN, yesterdays game looked like your brother in law borrowed your camcorder and recorded it for you.

When is the PAC 10 going to sign with a real network, like ESPN, instead of this lousy FSN stuff?This week's game wasn't produced in HD, which is why it looked so lousy. The widescreen upconvert was better than their old analog SD broadcasts from last season, but as you say it wasn't great.

FSN did produce some games in HD last year and, when they did, the games looked great. If you saw any of the Purdue-Oregon game on FSN on Saturday night, that game looked great.

I am surprised that they don't do all of the games in HD at this point. Maybe FSN-NW only has the capacity to produce one HD game per weekend and this weekend they chose the Ducks????

Hopefully the rest of this season's Huskies games will all be in HD.

I also found 45-2 Tennis HD in my scan.

You're in a post-transition area, then. You're lucky. :) 45 is still in the analog realm here. I poked around a few suburban zipcodes on silicondust.com, and it seems to be on 89-13 in pre-transition areas; 45-2 in post-transition areas.

I also saw someone had mentioned that CBC was gone from 60-2. I've never seen it here, since we're pre-transition, but it's still showing up on the bandscans from the suburbs on silicondust.com, so don't write it off as "gone" just yet.

It also looks like the 79-X and 80-X MUXes have moved to 87-X and 88-X in some South Sound post-transition areas. (And, in some other post-transition areas, it looks like the simulcasts of the five expanded basic MUXes are gone now...)

I'll try to update the lists when I've been able to wrap my head around what's going where. :)

Anyone else notice on their latest bill that in addition to cable cards they're charging for a digital outlet?

I'll try to update the lists when I've been able to wrap my head around what's going where. :)Based on the Times article this morning, keeping the list updated is going to get very easy ;)

Comcast has been transmitting the digital signals unencrypted. That means people with TVs that have built-in digital tuners haven't had to use the adapters yet. Some people with bare-bones $14 cable service (and a TV with a "QAM" tuner) have been getting expanded basic channels for free.

But not for long. Late last month, the FCC authorized Comcast to use the free converter devices as descramblers. That's a green light for the company to start encrypting signals, which it began doing a few weeks ago in Spokane. The rest of Washington will follow soon, meaning all expanded-basic customers will truly have to use converters soon.

"We're still on track to encrypt, definitely, by the end of the year," spokesman Steve Kipp said Friday."

Seattle Times story (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2009860393_brier14.html) here.

Anyone else notice on their latest bill that in addition to cable cards they're charging for a digital outlet?

Yes, added last month. I also got a letter informing me that they had reviewed my account and i was not to be charged for digital outlet, another cable card (apparently I only get 1/2 of an M-card for free!). They also added some other charge cant remember. The worst part is that comcast has to dig up my yard because my line is busted. Have to wait 4-8 weeks for permits. I cant imagine how long it would take if I had to do that with FIOS though. For all comcasts faults, there customer service has always been good to me.

So until it is fixed i have such a lovely picture........but at least comcast isnt charging me for it in the meantime.

Does anyone know when Comcast will add NFL Redzone in HD in Seattle. Adding in SD was about as lame as lame can get. Looks like it is in HD in a few markets so I assume they plan to roll it out everywhere, but come on Comcast, get with the program.

does anyone know when comcast will add nfl redzone in hd in seattle. Adding in sd was about as lame as lame can get. Looks like it is in hd in a few markets so i assume they plan to roll it out everywhere, but come on comcast, get with the program.

+1

Comcast Public Notice on Page C6 in the Seattle Times today - Seattle WA-0069, Des Moines WA-0121, King County WA-0082 WA-0083, Renton WA-0068, and Normandy Park WA-0188 all get the new HD channels on or about October 20.

Finally includes my neighborhood.

Comcast Public Notice on Page C6 in the Seattle Times today - Seattle WA-0069, Des Moines WA-0121, King County WA-0082 WA-0083, Renton WA-0068, and Normandy Park WA-0188 all get the new HD channels on or about October 20.

Finally includes my neighborhood.
Hmmmm. The letter I got recently says the 30-70 analog nix will happen October 26. Usually it takes 6 weeks from that point to get all the HD. So which is correct? I don't believe the Oct. 20 date for new HD.

Comcast Public Notice on Page C6 in the Seattle Times today - Seattle WA-0069, Des Moines WA-0121, King County WA-0082 WA-0083, Renton WA-0068, and Normandy Park WA-0188 all get the new HD channels on or about October 20.

Finally includes my neighborhood.

Yeah!!!! Got the postcard in the mail a few weeks ago saying that the conversion of Channels 30 - 99 were being converted on 9/22. Getting the new HD channels on Oct 20 seems to fit right in. Can't wait!

Noticed two changes today.

All four of KHCV's channels are now on the 18-X MUX:

18-1 "KPST/Puget Sound Television"
18-2 Azteca America (Spanish)
18-3 AAT TV (Mandarin/Cantonese)
18-4 MBC America (Korean)

There is no PSIP. KPST is not listed in the FCC database.

Also:

89-13 Tennis Channel

I'm having a difficult time also locating KPST-TV other than it's DTV 44.1 and the call sign was formerly used by KFSF-TV in Vallejo, California until January 2002...

There's an HD channel on 18-28 but it's encrypted so I have no idea what it is.

Cheers,
Kermee

Noticed two changes today.

All four of KHCV's channels are now on the 18-X MUX:

18-1 "KPST/Puget Sound Television"
18-2 Azteca America (Spanish)
18-3 AAT TV (Mandarin/Cantonese)
18-4 MBC America (Korean)

There is no PSIP. KPST is not listed in the FCC database.

Also:

89-13 Tennis Channel

Is that "18-3 AAT TV (Mandarin/Cantonese)" available on Comcast in Seattle, and if so, on what channel and at what level of service? I'd be interested, in light of Comcast's having dropped CCTV-9 (the Chinese English language channel) earlier this year with no sign of it returning.

Thanks.

AAT TV is on 92 and MBC is on 93 on my system. They are probably Digital Starter. AAT TV also appears on 825 for some reason.

Hmmmm. The letter I got recently says the 30-70 analog nix will happen October 26. Usually it takes 6 weeks from that point to get all the HD. So which is correct? I don't believe the Oct. 20 date for new HD.

I never received any postcard, perhaps because I already got my DTA's back in June. However, I get the scroller messages saying "If you can see this message, you may lose this channel on 9-21 to 9-22". That would be consistent with the on or about October 20 date.

Is that "18-3 AAT TV (Mandarin/Cantonese)" available on Comcast in Seattle, and if so, on what channel and at what level of service? I'd be interested, in light of Comcast's having dropped CCTV-9 (the Chinese English language channel) earlier this year with no sign of it returning.

Thanks.


Don't know about Comcast in Seattle.
But AAT TV is available over the air as channel 44.3
http://aattv.com/

Does anyone know why I can't get KMYQ-HD in clear qam? I'm able to get every other qam channel except that one.

I'm using an HVR-1600 pc tuner in Windows 7 media center and I live in south Seattle.

Does anyone know why I can't get KMYQ-HD in clear qam? I'm able to get every other qam channel except that one.

I'm using an HVR-1600 pc tuner in Windows 7 media center and I live in south Seattle.

It's supposedly on 96-1. My HDHomerun won't tune it, but then neither will the DVR. It's a very weak signal. The good news is that I don't really miss it.

Oh wow. It's just nice to have because my dad likes to watch Raymond in HD. I think it's also on 13 in HD as well, so no biggie. Haha.

Does anyone know how to actually contact someone at FSN to comment on their lame pseudo HD or straigth SD broadcasts? I've sent email to Fox Sports on a number of occasions commenting on how their coverage of Sounders games on 401 FSC is basically punishment to fans. Now they're going to cover the Champions League games, presumable in HD. Brutal!
I always get a canned autoreply and no further comment from FSN or Fox Sports.

Does anyone know why I can't get KMYQ-HD in clear qam? I'm able to get every other qam channel except that one.

I'm using an HVR-1600 pc tuner in Windows 7 media center and I live in south Seattle.

When there're problems with KMYQ-DT, it's usually becuase of ingress on the line. Channel 96 lives in the same spectrum as the FM band, so any point of ingress can be responsible for one -- or many -- competing signals/sources of interference. The 96-X MUX is QAM64, which is somewhat more resiliant to interference than QAM256. Check that all cabling is well shielded, fittings are tight, etc. It's also possible that the tuner itself is poorly shielded.

Does anyone know how to actually contact someone at FSN to comment on their lame pseudo HD or straigth SD broadcasts? I've sent email to Fox Sports on a number of occasions commenting on how their coverage of Sounders games on 401 FSC is basically punishment to fans. Now they're going to cover the Champions League games, presumable in HD. Brutal!
I always get a canned autoreply and no further comment from FSN or Fox Sports.FSN Northwest is owned by Liberty Media, not Fox. The FSN Northwest is at:

http://northwest.fsninsider.com/

There is a "Contact" link at the bottom of the page that will give you phone numbers and email addresses.

I see they also have a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/FSN-Northwest/127577420483

Good luck!

When there're problems with KMYQ-DT, it's usually becuase of ingress on the line. Channel 96 lives in the same spectrum as the FM band, so any point of ingress can be responsible for one -- or many -- competing signals/sources of interference. The 96-X MUX is QAM64, which is somewhat more resiliant to interference than QAM256. Check that all cabling is well shielded, fittings are tight, etc. It's also possible that the tuner itself is poorly shielded.

Yeah, signal issues have been a problem in this house before. Plus, I'm running the line out of the wall into a phone modem, cable box and the qam tuner.

I'm using a GE digital splitter that's 2300 mhz for the cable box/qam lines.

Please help me figure this out. I got the letter in Ballard regarding Oct 26th. I have a Tivo Series 3 with a couple cable cards and a digital preferred package. I have no Comcast boxes in the house. Am I entitled to one free full featured box or does my cablecard count against that? My windows PC is going to need a box w/ USB IR because I also record shows on it, as well as my basement TV plugged directly into cable.

Will either box work with the PC? Will the digital adapter pick up my preferred subscription? By the description it looks like the channels available won't be the same which is probably OK, because that's what I have now.

Please help me figure this out. I got the letter in Ballard regarding Oct 26th. I have a Tivo Series 3 with a couple cable cards and a digital preferred package. I have no Comcast boxes in the house. Am I entitled to one free full featured box or does my cablecard count against that? My windows PC is going to need a box w/ USB IR because I also record shows on it, as well as my basement TV plugged directly into cable.

Will either box work with the PC? Will the digital adapter pick up my preferred subscription? By the description it looks like the channels available won't be the same which is probably OK, because that's what I have now.

The "full featured" box we received doesn't pass HD at all.

Anyone else notice on their latest bill that in addition to cable cards they're charging for a digital outlet?
I actually found that they had been charging me for the last year +. Called yesterday and the CSR said this was correct. I said no it should be be one SmartCard since they didn't have multistream on hand when they installed and it is a single outlet. He argued with me (told me he has been doing this along time, I reminded him it was probably not as long as I have been a customer!)

After a bit he had to go check with the tech. Lo and behold he came back and told me I was correct (well he told me they should only bill me for one outlet and one card). Then he told me that he can only go back and credit me for the last 6 months. Letter to comcast goes in the mail tomorrow. I hope this doesn't get worse and require a protracted fight.

I was able to get my Toshiba HDD to select channels on the DCH70 using the IR blaster. However one big problem is that the DCH70 will only change channel after 3 digits but the Toshiba will not add prefixing 0's. E.g. channel 50 is send as '50' but '050' is required to change.

Anyone know if the DCH70 can be setup to also accept 1 and 2 digit channel codes?

Anyone else notice that National Geo HD has moved up to "Digital Preferred Plus". Our family is disappointed to lose this great channel.

Anyone else notice that National Geo HD has moved up to "Digital Preferred Plus". Our family is disappointed to lose this great channel. Typical Comcast. Give us a ton of terrible channels we never watch, but make us pay more money to get a higher digital package because of one or two channels we really like.

Remember that with these boxes, Comcast can basically track what we watch. They know which HD stations are valuable. They know which ones they can throw away as filler that nobody watches, while pretending they are giving you more channels.

This is what happens when you get a government sanctioned monopoly, and you let the cable companies play word games, like with "limited basic" cable.

Typical Comcast. Give us a ton of terrible channels we never watch, but make us pay more money to get a higher digital package because of one or two channels we really like.

Remember that with these boxes, Comcast can basically track what we watch. They know which HD stations are valuable. They know which ones they can throw away as filler that nobody watches, while pretending they are giving you more channels.

This is what happens when you get a government sanctioned monopoly, and you let the cable companies play word games, like with "limited basic" cable.You don't think they should be allowed to use supply & demand - driven by actual consumer data - to set pricing/tiering?

You don't think they should be allowed to use supply & demand - driven by actual consumer data - to set pricing/tiering?

More like bait & switch? Show a channel and then remove it and make you pay.

Either way prices are increasing $3 to $58 for 'basic extended' which isn't really cheap. Also I hate the new DTA's that have no turn off switch (except for the DCH70) and take full second to switch a channel (even the DCH70 is little bit sluggish).
Last my HDD DVD records won't work anymore and I can't unfortunately find a replacement that wouldn't charge me a monthly fee other than DVD based recorders with QAM (what happened to HDD DVD recorders in the US?).

More like bait & switch? Show a channel and then remove it and make you pay.

Either way prices are increasing $3 to $58 for 'basic extended' which isn't really cheap. Also I hate the new DTA's that have no turn off switch (except for the DCH70) and take full second to switch a channel (even the DCH70 is little bit sluggish).
Last my HDD DVD records won't work anymore and I can't unfortunately find a replacement that wouldn't charge me a monthly fee other than DVD based recorders with QAM (what happened to HDD DVD recorders in the US?).

I too am looking for a recording solution, ideally without a monthly fee. Best I can tell, even if I give in and rent one from Comcast, they don't also record on DVD, so there is no practical way to record on one TV, and watch on another? The various DVD recorders with QAM tuners become obsolete once Comcast scrambles the now unencrypted QAM, won't they?

From a technical perspective, wouldn't it have been fairly easy for Comcast to offer some type of "whole house descrambler" so all the channels that you paid for would be distributed, unencrypted, to all outlets in your house so you could do as you please with the signal? NO need for a box at each TV location? Heck, even charge a lot for this service, but seems like life would be simpler...

One DVD recorder I'm looking at is the Toshiba DR570 which has QAM and should be able to record all channels. But one thing I don't like about DR570 is that it has no HDD so you can only record few hours on a DVD.

If Comcast would encrypt then yes it would become obsolete (to switch channels) unless it comes with an IR blaster that would work with the top-box. I can't imagine though they would do this soon but hard to predict. I think their FCC approval is still pending?

What Comcast does offer are M-cards but do not know that much about that other that you may have to pay for more than 1 M-card and there are limited devices supporting this (I guess Tivo but that's a monthly charge).

You don't think they should be allowed to use supply & demand - driven by actual consumer data - to set pricing/tiering?

The concept of a "supply & demand" model is inapplicable to Comcast and the channels they choose to place in (or the charges they choose to demand for) the respective tiers of their tiered pricing structure.

"Supply & demand" means if there are only 100 items to sell, one can reasonably expect to be charged more if there are 1,000 buyers interested in those 100 items than if there are only 10 buyers interested in those 100 items... or, it might mean if there are 100 interested buyers, one can reasonably expect to be charged more if there is an available inventory of only 10 items to sell compared to an inventory of 1,000 such items to sell.

The concept of "supply & demand" is inapplicable in situations where the potential "supply" is unlimited, as in the case of Comcast charging for services which they can sell to essentially an unlimited number of customers without regard to any limitation of "supply" based on the number of customers buying.

Simply put, charging more for something that might be more popular isn't "supply & demand" in a situation where the seller's "supply" is intangible and essentially unlimited...

Given the circumstances, the more appropriate term would, instead, seem to be "price gouging" - something they can get away with thanks only to a government-gifted and essentially unregulated monopoly on the type of service Comcast - and Comcast alone - is allowed to supply within the Seattle City Limits...

If Comcast would encrypt then yes it would become obsolete (to switch channels) unless it comes with an IR blaster that would work with the top-box. I can't imagine though they would do this soon but hard to predict. I think their FCC approval is still pending?



FCC approval has been granted and COmcast is still stating ALL channels above 30 will be encrypted by end of this year...:mad:

FCC approval has been granted and COmcast is still stating ALL channels above 30 will be encrypted by end of this year...:mad:

Oh great:-(. Thanks for the info! Just talked to Comcast support yesterday and said they wouldn't but I don't think he understood the encryption thing in the first place.

So is there still a way to avoid the DTA once they encrypt? M-card I guess but how many HDTV's do take it and are the M-cards free?

For DVR to continue to work I guess the only way would be a working IR blaster (other than subscription based DVR's).
My Toshiba HDD unfortunately doesn't work with the IR blaster. It sends the channel number but doesn't prefix with 0's to get 3 digits. So only 3 digit channels works for me now. The smaller Pace DTA does accept less than 3 digits but can't get it to work with any code with the IR blaster.

Alright, anybody else in Seattle (Greenwood for me and Fremont for another customer) having trouble getting their ABC (104) and KCTS stations (109, etc.) over their Comcast pipes? I've tried a variety of different boxes each at different points along the line with the following results:

TiVo Series 3 w/ CableCard showed a peaked signal strength of 31 on 109 being on all night
QAM tuner set to 9.1-9.3 never received enough of a signal to skip the "No Signal" black screen
Antenna to QAM picked up 9.1-9.3 without hiccups

I focus on these 3 stations because I believe all the KCTS stations are must-carries, right? Anyway, anyone else having a similar issue? Comcast won't be convinced to do anything on my service without a truck roll (and corresponding charge) which I assume will involve a "hmm ... looks ok but no signal" or something similar.

Any advice? Just wait it out?

The concept of a "supply & demand" model is inapplicable to Comcast and the channels they choose to place in (or the charges they choose to demand for) the respective tiers of their tiered pricing structure.

"Supply & demand" means if there are only 100 items to sell, one can reasonably expect to be charged more if there are 1,000 buyers interested in those 100 items than if there are only 10 buyers interested in those 100 items... or, it might mean if there are 100 interested buyers, one can reasonably expect to be charged more if there is an available inventory of only 10 items to sell compared to an inventory of 1,000 such items to sell.

The concept of "supply & demand" is inapplicable in situations where the potential "supply" is unlimited, as in the case of Comcast charging for services which they can sell to essentially an unlimited number of customers without regard to any limitation of "supply" based on the number of customers buying.

Simply put, charging more for something that might be more popular isn't "supply & demand" in a situation where the seller's "supply" is intangible and essentially unlimited...

Given the circumstances, the more appropriate term would, instead, seem to be "price gouging" - something they can get away with thanks only to a government-gifted and essentially unregulated monopoly on the type of service Comcast - and Comcast alone - is allowed to supply within the Seattle City Limits...You're right, supply is not an issue; this is just about demand. And they certainly are a monopoly - to the extent you don't consider them to be in tight competition with Satellite or FIOS. But even those other companies make similar decisions on how to price their channels into tiers or packages. All I'm saying is that it's perfectly legit for Comcast - or any business - to make pricing decisions based on customer demand for certain of their offerings vs others.

You're right, supply is not an issue; this is just about demand. And they certainly are a monopoly - to the extent you don't consider them to be in tight competition with Satellite or FIOS. But even those other companies make similar decisions on how to price their channels into tiers or packages. All I'm saying is that it's perfectly legit for Comcast - or any business - to make pricing decisions based on customer demand for certain of their offerings vs others.Of course, this whole discussion presumes that Comcast actually makes price/tier decisions based on viewer demand, and not some entirely different factor(s) - like, say if Nat Geo had raised the per-subscriber price they charge Comcast.

Any luck on plugging in an external drive to a Comcast HD box and getting extra space?

I like their DVR, but it doesn't have a big enough hard drive.

Any luck on plugging in an external drive to a Comcast HD box and getting extra space?

I like their DVR, but it doesn't have a big enough hard drive.I don't think that this feature has ever been activated on a Comcast DVR. Don't hold your breath, it does not seem to be in Comcast's interest to allow this...

You can get a 250 GB drive in some of the DVRs, that is the max at the moment.

Alright, anybody else in Seattle (Greenwood for me and Fremont for another customer) having trouble getting their ABC (104) and KCTS stations (109, etc.) over their Comcast pipes? I've tried a variety of different boxes each at different points along the line with the following results:

Many people here have had trouble with those two over the years. Usually, the culprit is ingress on the line. The transport channel (82) that carries KOMO and KCTS is in the same spectrum as that (UHF 31) that carries KONG OTA. Any point of ingress (a bad fitting, a poorly shielded cable, a poorly shielded tuner, a bad splitter) can allow that OTA broadcast in and can cause interference. This is similar in concept to the ingress that happened in the pre-transition days when OTA 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 frequently caused ghosting on cable 4, 5, 7, 9, 11.) The difference is that it's hard to see what's going on. Not even a "low signal" reading from a digital device tells you much: it's not a measure of signal strength, it's a measure of bit errors.

Anyone else notice that National Geo HD has moved up to "Digital Preferred Plus". Our family is disappointed to lose this great channel.

Huh. I don't see any evidence that this happened where I am (98033). As of this past Saturday I was still receiving it, and it's still listed in the channel line-up. (I switched to FiOS TV on Saturday so that's the most recent info I'll ever have.)

I think the general strategy is that any channels included in a package are included in both SD and HD. So did they move NatGeo (SD) to the next higher tier too?

preferred plus refers to a certain hd triple play bundle that includes the preferred tier, hd box, hbo & starz. you don't have to do the preferred plus bundle in order to get nat geo. any tv customer who subscribes to digital preferred tier or higher will get nat geo, nat geo hd, nat geo on demand (with certain selections also in hd).

Anyone in the Renton/Fairwood area get new HD channels yet? The letter I received from Comcast a few weeks ago stated that Sept. 22 was the cut off date for ch. 30+ but I still have them, and don't have any new HD channels.

Anyone in the Renton/Fairwood area get new HD channels yet? The letter I received from Comcast a few weeks ago stated that Sept. 22 was the cut off date for ch. 30+ but I still have them, and don't have any new HD channels.Assuming that your area follows the same pattern as everywhere else in Washington, you will only lose about 20 channels in the first cut of analog, which will probably occur within a couple of days of the date specified by Comcast. Another 20 or so analog channels will be cut about four weeks after the first cut.

You will not see additional HD channels until about two weeks after the second cut of analog. Hopefully you will get all of your HD about six weeks from now. It's awfully nice having 100+ HD channels!

I just signed up for the Sports Package so I could watch the Husky/Stanford game, which is on Fox College Sports, which is one of the stations starting around 413.

Anyone know the exact channel for the Husky game, Saturday at 6PM?

I'll probably cancel the Sports Package ($5.99 extra per month) after the game, maybe switch to a premium channel. I love the HD on the premium channels with my new Toshiba 46" LCD. IMHO, the HD is better than the On Demand HD, and if I record the movie, it is much easier to navigate than On Demand. Another good HD movie channel is MGM-HD. The quality of the HD is outstanding, but it is mostly older movies. Encore HD looks pretty good also, depending on the movie. I was unpleasantly surprised to see them showing Twister in SD, not HD.

This next game will really show if we have the new Don James or not.

the next Don James? you mean Don "Mr. NCAA sanctions" James???

I am waiting now for the big huskie letdown...

serves everyone acting like asshats like the won something last sat

i'm out

PS not a couger here

I just signed up for the Sports Package so I could watch the Husky/Stanford game, which is on Fox College Sports, which is one of the stations starting around 413.

Anyone know the exact channel for the Husky game, Saturday at 6PM?

I'll probably cancel the Sports Package ($5.99 extra per month) after the game, maybe switch to a premium channel. I love the HD on the premium channels with my new Toshiba 46" LCD. IMHO, the HD is better than the On Demand HD, and if I record the movie, it is much easier to navigate than On Demand. Another good HD movie channel is MGM-HD. The quality of the HD is outstanding, but it is mostly older movies. Encore HD looks pretty good also, depending on the movie. I was unpleasantly surprised to see them showing Twister in SD, not HD.

This next game will really show if we have the new Don James or not.

I just signed up for the Sports Package so I could watch the Husky/Stanford game, which is on Fox College Sports, which is one of the stations starting around 413.

Anyone know the exact channel for the Husky game, Saturday at 6PM?
...


Channel 415 -- glorious SD.

I'm about to move to Edmonds, were both Verzon Fios and Comcast are available. I'm currently a Comcast customer and I wouldn't mind a chance to escape. Not sure of the relative merits of each option. It does look like Fios is going to cost just a little more per month but it may be worth it.

Can't seem to find a thread about Fios in my area, wondering about DVR options and such. Anyone have any advice or a link to some good info?

It's awfully nice having 100+ HD channels!

100+ HD...seriously?! I'm in Auburn, and have the Digital Whatever package (includes HBO and Encore) and when I filter on HD in the Fancast listings I count about 50 or so. Is there another tier of channels that I can anticipate? It looks like AMCHD which is around 690-something is the highest numerical HD channel. Are you including pay-per also?

100+ HD...seriously?! I'm in Auburn, and have the Digital Whatever package (includes HBO and Encore) and when I filter on HD in the Fancast listings I count about 50 or so. Is there another tier of channels that I can anticipate? It looks like AMCHD which is around 690-something is the highest numerical HD channel. Are you including pay-per also?The channels go all the way up to 706 (The Weather Channel - HD). When you go to FanCast, set your area to "Comcast Roosevelt - Seattle (Digital - Rebuild)" and you should see a lot more channels.

I am counting premium channels (Starz, Showtime) and Sports pack channels (ESPNU, NHL network, CBS college sports, etc.), but I am not counting PPV or on-demand. It's a pretty good selection at this point.

I'm about to move to Edmonds, were both Verzon Fios and Comcast are available. I'm currently a Comcast customer and I wouldn't mind a chance to escape. Not sure of the relative merits of each option. It does look like Fios is going to cost just a little more per month but it may be worth it.

Can't seem to find a thread about Fios in my area, wondering about DVR options and such. Anyone have any advice or a link to some good info?The Seattle-area Verizon / FiOS thread can be found at:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=17238013#post17238013

In areas where the Comcast analog reclamation is complete, the channel line-up is pretty comparable between Comcast and FiOS. From what I can see, the main extras with FiOS are having both east- and west-coast feeds of the premium channels (not a big deal if you have a DVR), the Yankees network, and a bunch of obscure ".TV" channels. The two discriminators for Comcast are AMC (for Mad Men and movies) and CBC. Comcast claims to have a broader on-demand selection, but I really don't know.

I think that Verizon uses the same Motorola equipment as Comcast, but has enabled the web-programming and multi-room viewing features. Comcast is rolling out web-programming this fall. Multi-room viewing is presumably farther away.

I understand Comcast is claiming that they will scramble QAM by end of the year, and they already have FCC permission, but anyone know if Comcast has actually done this in any other parts of the country? I am considering some equipment changes which only make sense if QAM remains clear...

...I am considering some equipment changes which only make sense if QAM remains clear...

Probably not a good idea. Apparently Spokane is encrypted and we will be as soon as practicable.

I know this has been discussed in the past but now that Seattle is starting to convert here it goes again?

Will we be able to pick up channels 1-29 including 4.1, 5.1, etc (the HD channels) once the encryption takes place? I think I can give up the Cable channels above 30 on my guest bedroom TV.

Just to be clear - it's my understanding that locals will still be un-encrypted. It's the former "Expanded Basic" channels (30-78) that will get the "privacy mode" encryption.

I know this has been discussed in the past but now that Seattle is starting to convert here it goes again?

Will we be able to pick up channels 1-29 including 4.1, 5.1, etc (the HD channels) once the encryption takes place? I think I can give up the Cable channels above 30 on my guest bedroom TV.

This is a question that is in everyone's mind. The current law along with the 3-year DTA waiver that allows basic security on DTA devices for Comcast's analog reclamation... we're not sure. How most people are interpreting it is potentially the "HD" version of a "must carry" channel could be (lightly) encrypted and the "SD" version (in NTSC CATV analog and "In-The-Clear" QAM) is enough to satisfy the "must carry" requirement. ... On the books as most people interpret it is *by law*, SD of "must carry" channels are enough to satisfy this requirement.

We'll see how Comcast handles it. It would be detrimental for them to encrypt the HD channels of "must carry" in Verizon/Frontier FiOS territories since FiOS offers the "must carry" HD channels in ClearQAM. Here's hoping Comcast leaves the low 100's "in-the-clear".

Cheers,
Kermee

Ouch. If they encrypt the local HDs I think I will get an outdoor antenna installed or move to Fios. All these changes and fee increases and poor hardware performance have pushed me from HD-DVRs to limited basic. I basically use the limited basic so my PC QAM tuners can record from the HD Locals, and to continue to get the discount on my comcast internet(making limited basic a very marginal cost in comparison to having Internet with comcast without cable service). But marginal or not, if my QAM tuners can record the locals, then it's worthless to me. At that point I'd probably switch my high speed internet access too...

The OTA antenna is looking more appealing.

Ouch. If they encrypt the local HDs I think I will get an outdoor antenna installed or move to Fios. All these changes and fee increases and poor hardware performance have pushed me from HD-DVRs to limited basic. I basically use the limited basic so my PC QAM tuners can record from the HD Locals, and to continue to get the discount on my comcast internet(making limited basic a very marginal cost in comparison to having Internet with comcast without cable service). But marginal or not, if my QAM tuners can record the locals, then it's worthless to me. At that point I'd probably switch my high speed internet access too...

The OTA antenna is looking more appealing.

My thoughts exactly. I've been hanging around the OTA thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=254620&page=272) off-and-on and finally jumping onto the OTA bandwagon. Depending on where you live, OTA might be easier than you think now that DTV has sort of settled down a bit.

I too only subscribe to Limited Basic but I have Verizon FiOS Internet. So at this point for me, completely removing Comcast out of my life would be great. I have Hulu, Netflix On-Demand (Roku Box), etc. to fill in the gaps. I only really care about HD locals.

Cheers,
Kermee

.... The two discriminators for Comcast are AMC (for Mad Men and movies) and CBC. Comcast claims to have a broader on-demand selection, but I really don't know.

I think that Verizon uses the same Motorola equipment as Comcast, but has enabled the web-programming and multi-room viewing features. Comcast is rolling out web-programming this fall. Multi-room viewing is presumably farther away.FIOS does carry AMC, but not in HD at the moment - 'real soon now' according to forum chatter.

FIOS is currently using Motorola equipment, slightly different than Comcast - and is planning a change to Cisco next year.

IMHO, the FIOS technology is better - Internet and Video are completely separate and dedicated to your connection. On conventional cable, your internet is shared with a group of neighbors and can slow down (hence the temporary 'Speed Boost' they tout) with heavy usage. Full disclosure here, I'm a DSL user ;)

Rumor also has it that cable systems tend to recompress HD and the PQ is poorer than FIOS.

I know this has been discussed in the past but now that Seattle is starting to convert here it goes again?

Will we be able to pick up channels 1-29 including 4.1, 5.1, etc (the HD channels) once the encryption takes place? I think I can give up the Cable channels above 30 on my guest bedroom TV.

A comcast executive has clearly stated to me they have NO plans to encrypt anything that is available over the air, including local HD.

A comcast executive has clearly stated to me they have NO plans to encrypt anything that is available over the air, including local HD.I know this is pointless in Washington State, but I thought I'd share it anyway ...

5 years ago, I had taken a vacation to Las Vegas, NV. While over there (visiting family), I had learned that it's possible to get MTV 2 using a standard pair of "rabbit ears" ... and, saw it with my own eyes.

Seeing this message today reminded me of that, LOL!

5 years ago, I had taken a vacation to Las Vegas, NV. While over there (visiting family), I had learned that it's possible to get MTV 2 using a standard pair of "rabbit ears" ... and, saw it with my own eyes.I guess it's true - 'What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas'...

I'm surprised that no one has posted that the first set of analog channels have been expunged from the systems that were slated to lose them on Sept 21-25. Yesterday, they all showed the slide that you needed a DTA to watch the channel. Today, many of them are static.

According to one of the reps at the Puyallup Fair booth, they are all supposed to be gone on October 7, and then all the new HD channels come in on October 20. They have a schedule of when different areas are supposed to be converted.

Here in Shoreline, I got a mailer saying 9/15 was the cutoff for analog.

A scan on my clear QAM set showed analog channel counts of 69 (last month), then 51 (9/14) and then 32 (9/24). For a week or so after 9/15, the analog channels from 30 up showed a 'call to activate your DTA' screen, but that has disappeared.

There are 130 unencrypted digital channels found by the scan, so far these include the non-HD non-OTA channels from Digital Starter.

No new HD channels yet - Tuesday will be two weeks.

...

They have a schedule of when different areas are supposed to be converted.

Is this schedule posted somewhere?

Looks like the change was made in my area in Renton.
I had to rescan the channels on my kitchen TV.
I also noticed a lot of Spanish channels now above 669.
No new HD channels such as CNN HD, etc yet

Husky game today....jeez

You got to love Comcast..
You can watch it live on 415 at 6pm (but wait you have to pay $5 a month for the sports package to watch it in crap SD on 415)
OR…..
You can watch it in HD for free 3 hours later at 10:45PM on 627…jeez

Looks like the change was made in my area in Renton.
I had to rescan the channels on my kitchen TV.
I also noticed a lot of Spanish channels now above 669.
No new HD channels such as CNN HD, etc yet

Husky game today....jeez

You got to love Comcast..
You can watch it live on 415 at 6pm (but wait you have to pay $5 a month for the sports package to watch it in crap SD on 415)
OR…..
You can watch it in HD for free 3 hours later at 10:45PM on 627…jeezIt will still be in SD at 10:45 pm, but it will be upconverted.

...and why are Fox and FSN's programming choices Comcast's fault?

FSN Northwest is owned by Liberty Media, not Fox. The FSN Northwest is at:

http://northwest.fsninsider.com/

There is a "Contact" link at the bottom of the page that will give you phone numbers and email addresses.

I see they also have a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/FSN-Northwest/127577420483

Good luck!

Thanks for the info. I assume FSC (Fox Soccer Channel) is a Fox company while FSN is Liberty Media. Is LM a subsidiary of Fox? How else could they use their name? Or does FSN not stand for Fox Sports Northwest?

Looks like the change was made in my area in Renton.

Husky game today....jeez

You got to love Comcast..
You can watch it live on 415 at 6pm (but wait you have to pay $5 a month for the sports package to watch it in crap SD on 415)
OR…..
You can watch it in HD for free 3 hours later at 10:45PM on 627…jeez

On fios it is SD on channel 302 at 6pm
Direct tv 617

Thanks for the info. I assume FSC (Fox Soccer Channel) is a Fox company while FSN is Liberty Media. Is LM a subsidiary of Fox? How else could they use their name? Or does FSN not stand for Fox Sports Northwest?FSC is owned by Fox, as are most of the Fox regional SportsNets (FSN-NW being one of the exceptions).

Liberty Media is not owned by Fox, but they did have a stake in News Corp (Fox's parent). Liberty bought FSN-NW from DirectTV and they acquired News Corp's interest in DirectTV in a stock swap.

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

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

Presumably Liberty Media acquired the rights to use the FSN name somewhere in that corporate tangle.

The "Sports Package" isn't $5 per month, it is $5.99. I will probably cancel after tonights game. While it does include quite a few extra channels, some HD ones also, too many are borderline SD, like the one that will be on 415 tonight. It isn't absolutely horrible SD, like some of the FSN SD stuff from last year, but not great either, especially if you have a nice HDTV.

I don't think Comcast will encrypt the HD OTA channels. There was speculation last year, that maybe they could honor the federal agreement about not encrypting locals, even with the basic cable, by giving you the SD feed and not the HD feed. I don't think this applies anymore, as all the locals went with full HD broadcasts. I'm not saying everything is actual HD, but their OTA broadcast is fully digital, which means HD. So I don't think there is an SD feed of the channel they can give for free, that is unless they convert the signal to SD themselves. This would be pretty darn petty on Comcast's part.

Noticed two changes today.

All four of KHCV's channels are now on the 18-X MUX:

18-1 "KPST/Puget Sound Television"
18-2 Azteca America (Spanish)
18-3 AAT TV (Mandarin/Cantonese)
18-4 MBC America (Korean)

There is no PSIP. KPST is not listed in the FCC database....Using my bedroom Sony Trinitron TV's analog cable tuner, I just discovered KHCV/15 is another "limited basic" channel now requiring a digital box.

Comcast's digital channel migration isn't just with expanded-basic channels, but now includes limited-basic channels 15, 18, 25, 74 and 79 (as well as some channels over 100).

I wonder what limited channel will be next to be bumped to digital-only? How about KBCB 14? Or HSN 16? Or "Leased Access" 17? Instead of those choices, I predict Comcast will bump Northwest Cable News/2 up to "digital".

Will Comcast provide those "free" DTAs to Limited Cable users for those second and third TVs that lack QAM tuners? Not to mention the whole issue of expecting you to rent an HD box to watch HD locals.....

I don't think Comcast will encrypt the HD OTA channels. There was speculation last year, that maybe they could honor the federal agreement about not encrypting locals, even with the basic cable, by giving you the SD feed and not the HD feed. I don't think this applies anymore, as all the locals went with full HD broadcasts. I'm not saying everything is actual HD, but their OTA broadcast is fully digital, which means HD. So I don't think there is an SD feed of the channel they can give for free, that is unless they convert the signal to SD themselves. This would be pretty darn petty on Comcast's part. I think part of the problem is the local broadcasters want to be paid higher retransmission-consent fees from Comcast for the HD feed. It's possible that the broadcasters allow Comcast to downconvert their OTA feeds to SD for a certain fee, and demand a higher fee from Comcast to disseminate their HD feeds. Neither the local broadcasters nor Comcast have been willing to publicly discuss these retransmission-consent fees and their impact on cable consumers.

Is anyone having issues with Cartoon Network? I just tried to watch the last two weeks worth of Robot Chicken and it hardly even played.

Tuning in right now and I'm getting 'this channel should be available shortly'

Is anyone having issues with Cartoon Network?

No problems with the HD feed on 680.

No problems with the HD feed on 680.

Should have specified the SD feed.

Not all of us are lucky enough to be getting the HD feed yet.

Not exactly on topic but did anyone happen to see the FCS broadcast of the Huskies vs Stanford game? At first I was aghast at how bad it was but it quickly became a source of amusement. I couldn't find a single element that was unfettered. The announcers were horrendous from start to finish with comments like UW is in Bellevue and the score is knotted at 14 all when the score on the screen (and game) was 14-17. The clock on the status bar was either impossible to read because it was unexposed or misaligned the entire game. They didn't even display down and distance until halfway through the 3rd quarter. The editing managed to miss several kick offs, PATs and even actual plays! It was comical it was so bad. I can't believe Comcast charges for such brutal broadcasting. Oh yeah, the Huskies weren't any better. Arg!

Not exactly on topic but did anyone happen to see the FCS broadcast of the Huskies vs Stanford game? At first I was aghast at how bad it was but it quickly became a source of amusement. I couldn't find a single element that was unfettered. The announcers were horrendous from start to finish with comments like UW is in Bellevue and the score is knotted at 14 all when the score on the screen (and game) was 14-17. The clock on the status bar was either impossible to read because it was unexposed or misaligned the entire game. They didn't even display down and distance until halfway through the 3rd quarter. The editing managed to miss several kick offs, PATs and even actual plays! It was comical it was so bad. I can't believe Comcast charges for such brutal broadcasting. Oh yeah, the Huskies weren't any better. Arg!I think it would be fairer to say, "I can't believe FOX charges for such brutal broadcasting."

Not exactly on topic but did anyone happen to see the FCS broadcast of the Huskies vs Stanford game? At first I was aghast at how bad it was but it quickly became a source of amusement. I couldn't find a single element that was unfettered. The announcers were horrendous from start to finish with comments like UW is in Bellevue and the score is knotted at 14 all when the score on the screen (and game) was 14-17. The clock on the status bar was either impossible to read because it was unexposed or misaligned the entire game. They didn't even display down and distance until halfway through the 3rd quarter. The editing managed to miss several kick offs, PATs and even actual plays! It was comical it was so bad. I can't believe Comcast charges for such brutal broadcasting. Oh yeah, the Huskies weren't any better. Arg!WTF does Comcast have to do with Fox's crappy production? Next you'll be blaming Comcast for Dancing with the Stars...

Not exactly on topic but did anyone happen to see the FCS broadcast of the Huskies vs Stanford game? At first I was aghast at how bad it was but it quickly became a source of amusement. I couldn't find a single element that was unfettered. The announcers were horrendous from start to finish with comments like UW is in Bellevue and the score is knotted at 14 all when the score on the screen (and game) was 14-17. The clock on the status bar was either impossible to read because it was unexposed or misaligned the entire game. They didn't even display down and distance until halfway through the 3rd quarter. The editing managed to miss several kick offs, PATs and even actual plays! It was comical it was so bad. I can't believe Comcast charges for such brutal broadcasting. Oh yeah, the Huskies weren't any better. Arg!I'm sure it was *much* better on DirecTV...

I'm sure it was *much* better on DirecTV...

not that you didn't already know this, but it was just as horrible on DirecTV. Just a horrible broadcast. the game wasn't that great either, from the start.

WTF does Comcast have to do with Fox's crappy production? Next you'll be blaming Comcast for Dancing with the Stars...

Can't speak for the OP, but my gripe is that Comcast charges extra for this crappy production since you have to pay for the Sports package to get the channel.

not that you didn't already know this, but it was just as horrible on DirecTV. Just a horrible broadcast. the game wasn't that great either, from the start.Guess I need to add <SARCASM /> tags next time...

Shame on me! Yes, how can Fox charge for this horrendous product? It's not Comcast's fault and in their defense their customer service rep was great. I asked about the package and he said I could order it one day and cancel it the next and it would be prorated. Fair enough and thanks for pointing out the error in my assignment of blame.

It will still be in SD at 10:45 pm, but it will be upconverted.

...and why are Fox and FSN's programming choices Comcast's fault?

I wasn't complaining about the programming I was complaining that you have to pay to watch it live while Direct had it free.

I did find out from the commentators that the UW has moved to Bellevue:D

Guess I need to add <SARCASM /> tags next time...
I knew it was sarcasm... just wanted to confirm for others...

FYI - an email from Comcast:

"Finally, if the TV that you currently have is an HDTV that contains a QAM tuner when it was connected directly to the cable network it most likely allowed you to tune in to local HD digital broadcast channels. When Comcast’s standard definition digital converter is installed, you would still be able to receive all digital broadcast cable channels, excluding the HD channels. However, if you wish to receive the unencrypted HD digital broadcast channels after the installation of the digital converter, Comcast may be able to accommodate this request with a splitter and A/B switch. If you choose to use these, I would send out an expert technician to assist in the set up for you at no charge. "

arf, this e-mail implies that indeed the HD Channels such as 4-1, 5-1, etc will still be available directly through the cable with a built-in QAM tuner. The e-mail describes an A/B switch that would switch between A: direct connection providing channels 2-29 including local HD's and B: cable routed through the free converter which would provide 2-99 without the HD's.

Thanks for posting the e-mail. This is the closest I've read from Comcast addressing this question. For me, I'm going to go with just getting 2-29 on my guestroom HDTV.

So, my cartoon network SD problem?

Solved by a box reboot.

And seriously, comcast? your dvr still dumps all guide data on a reboot? WTF?

It happens to me all the time. It happened when I used the optical port, and still happens now that I use HDMI. The easiest "fix" is to mute the cable box and then unmute it. Make sure you are muting the box and not your receiver or TV.

Thanks for the heads up on the muting fix. It has nothing to do with which output is in use to the TV as my audio comes direct from my DVR to my amp.

Here in Shoreline, I got a mailer saying 9/15 was the cutoff for analog.

A scan on my clear QAM set showed analog channel counts of 69 (last month), then 51 (9/14) and then 32 (9/24). For a week or so after 9/15, the analog channels from 30 up showed a 'call to activate your DTA' screen, but that has disappeared.

There are 130 unencrypted digital channels found by the scan, so far these include the non-HD non-OTA channels from Digital Starter.

No new HD channels yet - Tuesday will be two weeks.It is Tuesday, the two weeks are up and all the new HD showed up - QAM set in kitchen shows 32/131 for analog/digital channels.

The "Sports Package" isn't $5 per month, it is $5.99. I will probably cancel after tonights game. While it does include quite a few extra channels, some HD ones also, too many are borderline SD, like the one that will be on 415 tonight. It isn't absolutely horrible SD, like some of the FSN SD stuff from last year, but not great either, especially if you have a nice HDTV.

so i have comcast digital preferred, which included FSC (401) and ESPN classic (403). a coupla weeks back (early sept) i went to watch the u.s. mens soccer team play a world cup qualifier on ESPN classic and discovered the channel wasn't coming through. i phoned comcast and they said that channel had been moved into their sports entertainment package ($5.99/mo) and i'd have to upgrade to it to watch the game. so i did.

now i'm regretting it, and when i phoned to cancel the package they told me i'd also be losing 401 as they said everything between 401-419 was part of that sports package.

that sounds really fishy to me. i have always gotten FSC through my digi-preferred package, and looking at their package/channel lineup for my area (seattle), i see FSC listed on BOTH the digi-preferred and sports entertainment package.

can somebody clarify for me if FSC is ONLY part of the sports package, or if the two comcast reps i've talked to are high and i should still be receiving FSC through my digital preferred package if i cancel the sports package.

confused... (nothing new with comcast, i've discovered).

401 is on BOTH the Digital Preferred tier AND the Sports Entertainment tier. If you subscribe to either tier, channel 401 will be authorized.

It is Tuesday, the two weeks are up and all the new HD showed up - QAM set in kitchen shows 32/131 for analog/digital channels.
Public announcement in the Times this morning that northeast King County Including Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond/Novelty Hill, and Woodinville will have HD channels by November 3rd. The analog channels above 30 are starting to disappear in King County 0150.

Public announcement in the Times this morning that northeast King County Including Bothell, Kenmore, Kirkland, Redmond/Novelty Hill, and Woodinville will have HD channels by November 3rd. The analog channels above 30 are starting to disappear in King County 0150.

The entire "neighborhood" does not change at the same time. I am also in 0150 (northern Sammamish), and we lost analog > 30 about 2 months ago, and got the new HD contect about 6 weeks ago

401 is on BOTH the Digital Preferred tier AND the Sports Entertainment tier. If you subscribe to either tier, channel 401 will be authorized.

just got off the phone for the 3rd time and spoke to a very polite rep who did some digging (apologizing because comcast has indeed been shuffling the channel deck) and confirmed that they've shifted the channels i'd inquired about (401/403) off of digital preferred and onto the sports package. they were offering 401 to everyone through the month of sept, but as of oct 1 it's off the preferred package.

irksome for a soccer nut like me, as that's really the only channel in that package i'm interested in.

Anyone know (with certainty) if the local major stations still actually broadcast both an SD signal AND and HD signal? My thoughts are it is just HD, and if you buy a gov't sponsored box, that takes the HD signal, and downconverts it to a SD analog...

Anyone know (with certainty) if the local major stations still actually broadcast both an SD signal AND and HD signal? My thoughts are it is just HD, and if you buy a gov't sponsored box, that takes the HD signal, and downconverts it to a SD analog...Here's a list of local digital OTA channels (http://members.shaw.ca/nwbroadcasters/digitaltv.htm). There are a few that broadcast SD only (e.g. KBTC - PBS) and a lot with SD sub-channels, but only one (KONG) that looks like it might be broadcasting an SD simulcast of its HD signal.

Yes - your converter will downconvert the HD signal to SD analog.

Here's a list of local digital OTA channels (http://members.shaw.ca/nwbroadcasters/digitaltv.htm). There are a few that broadcast SD only (e.g. KBTC - PBS) and a lot with SD sub-channels, but only one (KONG) that looks like it might be broadcasting an SD simulcast of its HD signal.

Yes - your converter will downconvert the HD signal to SD analog.

I guess I should have clarified my question - are the locals broadcasting both an HD and SD version of the SAME CONTENT, and from that link, it appears that the locals do, indeed, only broadcast the HD version of the network feed...the sub-channels are different content

I guess I should have clarified my question - are the locals broadcasting both an HD and SD version of the SAME CONTENT, and from that link, it appears that the locals do, indeed, only broadcast the HD version of the network feed...the sub-channels are different content

The only "must carry" which has 720p/1080i as a primary DTV signal that has an "SD" version of their "HD" signal is KCPQ. And that's a sub-channel (22.2) of KCPQ's sister-station, KMYQ-DT's (22.1) channel. -- The only reason being for folks who have issues receiving KCPQ-DT's 13.1.

KOMO, KONG, KING, KIRO, etc. do not broadcast OTA an "SD" (480i/p) version OTA. Their sub-channels generally carry different content (i.e. Universal Sports, RTV, etc.)

Cheers,
Kermee

Did anyone watch Modern Family on ABC Wednesday night? I recorded it to my DVR and about 2 minutes in the audio went all wonkey. I continued to have the effects playing in most of the speakers, but the dialog disappeared. I assume just the center channel information was gone. Anyone else have this happen?

Did anyone watch Modern Family on ABC Wednesday night? I recorded it to my DVR and about 2 minutes in the audio went all wonkey. I continued to have the effects playing in most of the speakers, but the dialog disappeared. I assume just the center channel information was gone. Anyone else have this happen?

Happened on other shows on ABC last night too. FWIW, it's not a Comcast problem, it's happened a LOT over the years on ABC shows. I don't know if it is Komo specific or is from ABC, but given the other problems Komo has had over time I would suspect it's them.

I'd never noticed it before, but it was odd. It was interesting to hear how much ambient sound is in the mix though.

Did anyone watch Modern Family on ABC Wednesday night? I recorded it to my DVR and about 2 minutes in the audio went all wonkey. I continued to have the effects playing in most of the speakers, but the dialog disappeared. I assume just the center channel information was gone. Anyone else have this happen?Yep, KOMO has been struggling with DD encoding for years - but in fairness to them, that might have been a network problem.

I realize this is a bit off topic, but this seems like as good a group as any to post this:

We've got an analog DVD recorder (hooked up to an SD TV) which we use watch movies and occasionally record TV. Now that comcast basically forced us to use a Comcast box, its value to record is quite limited and kids are pressuring me to get rent a DVR. First, I assume the DVR includes the Comcast Box - ie I don't need both a Comcast Box and a separate DVR? However we have 3 TVs that we use regularly, and would like the ability to watch recorded TV in a different room. Assuming it is one single box, can I simply wire my DVD-R in between the Comcast DVR and the TV. When the DVDR is turned off, it simply will pass thru the signal, but when it is on, I can record DVR output to a DVD, to watch in a different room? Or for that matter to transfer to DVD to save DVR hard drive space? there arent any copy protection problems I would have to deal with?

I realize this is a bit off topic, but this seems like as good a group as any to post this:

We've got an analog DVD recorder (hooked up to an SD TV) which we use watch movies and occasionally record TV. Now that comcast basically forced us to use a Comcast box, its value to record is quite limited and kids are pressuring me to get rent a DVR. First, I assume the DVR includes the Comcast Box - ie I don't need both a Comcast Box and a separate DVR? However we have 3 TVs that we use regularly, and would like the ability to watch recorded TV in a different room. Assuming it is one single box, can I simply wire my DVD-R in between the Comcast DVR and the TV. When the DVDR is turned off, it simply will pass thru the signal, but when it is on, I can record DVR output to a DVD, to watch in a different room? Or for that matter to transfer to DVD to save DVR hard drive space? there arent any copy protection problems I would have to deal with?
I have an analog DVD recorder too as well as a rented DVR from Comcast. Although I can't record the digital channels off Comcast on the DVD, I can record programs on the DVR and then transfer them to the DVDR, either to the hard drive or a DVD-R. I use the analog audio and video (SVHS) outputs on the DVR. Editing is pretty easy on the DVDR, so I'm able to take out commercials or just anything I don't want. I have separate antenna cables to the DVR and DVD with a line amplifier to maintain signal. I've never had a problem doing this. I've even transferred HD programs from the DVR with no problem. Of course the HD is now SD, but at least its something I can retain. I've also been able to transfer old video tapes this way and convert into DVD format.

Did anyone watch Modern Family on ABC Wednesday night? I recorded it to my DVR and about 2 minutes in the audio went all wonkey. I continued to have the effects playing in most of the speakers, but the dialog disappeared. I assume just the center channel information was gone. Anyone else have this happen?
We just switched on the Closed Captioning, and enjoyed the show.