Hi, I am in Bremerton/Silverdale area and was wondering what new channels you are referring too?

Also do you guys happen to know if we can get the DCX3400 series DVR's? I am going to be signing up soon for my new house next week hopefully.I've got a couple quick pointers for you. First, if you're living in the "Bremerton/Silverdale" area, you might want to check your home address with Wave Broadband (unless you've already checked with Comcast).

Second, in (roughly) April/May, there's been major changes at Comcast in regards to how to watch television. It's nice that they're working on ways to add new channels, but video quality sucks enough as is, and it makes things more difficult/confusing when you're wanting to record a program on a channel between 2 & 99. For those of us less fortunate customers who only rely on a VCR, you must set your cable box to one channel (leave it alone), and have your VCR on Channel 3 or 4. Anybody in the home at the time of recording (who might not like the show) must suffer in watching (if that's the only TV).

Third, in regards to the DCX3400, I don't have the information anymore regarding the Bremerton station for Comcast, but it's rumored to come to Wave Broadband sometime in the first half of 2010.

Oh, before you ask, you can reach Wave Broadband at (866) WAVE-123 (866-928-3123). Also, I know this isn't a Wave Broadband topic, but I have the information needed regarding borderlines for cable operators.

For those HTPC's with a QAM tuner in Seattle your channels moved again to 34.x - 38.x

Here are some of them:
34.10 CNBC
35.1 MSNBC
35.2 FOX NEWS
35.3 TruTV
35.4 Lifetime
35.5 A&E
35.6 Food
35.8 TBS
35.9 USA
36.3 Bravo
36.5 Fox Sports Network
36.6 ESPN
37.2 FX
37.4 Discovery
37.5 TLC
37.6 Spike
37.7 Syfy
37.8 AMC
37.9 Comedy
37.11 CMT
38.1 C-SPAN
38.2 C-SPAN2
38.7 CNN
38.12 HLN
38.82 Animal Planet
60.2 CBUT

Hi, I am in Bremerton/Silverdale area and was wondering what new channels you are referring too?

Also do you guys happen to know if we can get the DCX3400 series DVR's? I am going to be signing up soon for my new house next week hopefully.
I picked up the 320GB version of the DCX3400 from the Bremerton Comcast office about a month ago. If you don't request it specifically, they'll probably give you one of the older boxes thinking you won't know the difference.

The new channels that just appeared in Kitsap a couple days ago - and elsewhere several months ago - are a few dozen HD stations. They're the HD versions of stations Comcast already carried (and still carries) in SD form. Some of them are East coast feeds and some are West coast. Take a look at the channel lineup on Comcast's website and you'll see most of the new HD channels (and some previously existing HD channels) under channel numbers 600 and up.

For those HTPC's with a QAM tuner in Seattle your channels moved again to 34.x - 38.x

Here are some of them:
34.10 CNBC
35.1 MSNBC
35.2 FOX NEWS
35.3 TruTV
35.4 Lifetime
35.5 A&E
35.6 Food
35.8 TBS
35.9 USA
36.3 Bravo
36.5 Fox Sports Network
36.6 ESPN
37.2 FX
37.4 Discovery
37.5 TLC
37.6 Spike
37.7 Syfy
37.8 AMC
37.9 Comedy
37.11 CMT
38.1 C-SPAN
38.2 C-SPAN2
38.7 CNN
38.12 HLN
38.82 Animal Planet
60.2 CBUT

Thank you! I could not find ESPN. This is becoming a pain. Exactly what they want.

Given the recent comcast shuffle, I remapped QAM on my downstairs DLP (Mits circa 2006) last week, but went to tune in the 3A state FB final on FSN tonight (36-5, 83-5) and got NADA. In fact, almost all the expanded clear QAMs I had just two days ago are now gone. Reprogramming tonight made no difference on the Mits. However, all the local QAMs are still there.

Sooooo, went upstairs to my recently purchased LCD (Visio '09) and FSN (36-5) came in just fine. Three days ago, FSN (83-5) also came in... but now the Visio shows that as "scrambled". So why the difference?

Silicondust still shows the full range of QAM extendeds unscrambled for my zip. http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:98059#lineup_1212716

I guess the moral of this story is that all QAM tuners do not operate alike.

Here is the full list of the moved QAM channels I have in Seattle

34.1 ESPN2
34.2 SPEED
34.3 VS
34.5 HISTORY
34.6 ABC FAMILY
34.7 Nick
34.8 HALMARK
34.9 TOON
34.10 CNBC
35.1 MSNBC
35.2 FOX NEWS
35.3 TruTV
35.4 Lifetime
35.5 AETV
35.6 Food
35.7 TNT
35.8 TBS
35.9 USA
35.10 VH1
36.2 EP
36.3 Bravo
36.5 FSN
36.6 ESPN
36.7 HGTV
36.40 MTV2
37.1 BET
37.2 FX
37.3 OXYGEN
37.4 Discovery
37.5 TLC
37.6 Spike
37.7 Syfy
37.8 AMC
37.9 Comedy
37.10 MTV
37.11 CMT
38.1 C-SPAN
38.2 C-SPAN2
38.7 CNN
38.12 HLN
38.82 Animal Planet
38.83 TRAV
60.2 CBUT (HD)

Hello, I am new to QAM and just got a HDHomeRun last couple of days. Reading the last few pages, definitely seems things are in flux. I have got it running and can see some channels in my Vista Media center.
I have only limited basic cable account. The question I have is how do I know which channels in the list above are in HD vs just the SD in digital? For example, for ESPN, should I see the 4:3 signal or ESPNHD? Note in asking this, I am not being greedy, just want to make sure I am getting what I am supposed to ;-)

Hello, I am new to QAM and just got a HDHomeRun last couple of days. Reading the last few pages, definitely seems things are in flux. I have got it running and can see some channels in my Vista Media center.
I have only limited basic cable account. The question I have is how do I know which channels in the list above are in HD vs just the SD in digital? For example, for ESPN, should I see the 4:3 signal or ESPNHD? Note in asking this, I am not being greedy, just want to make sure I am getting what I am supposed to ;-)That's easy. NONE of these "free" channels are HD, except for local stations.

And after this Tues (Dec 8) you should no longer expect to see ESPN - or ANY channels between 30-70 - via a clear-QAM tuner like HD Homerun. That's the date Comcast has said they will start encrypting these former "expanded basic" channels.

Hello, I am new to QAM and just got a HDHomeRun last couple of days. Reading the last few pages, definitely seems things are in flux. I have got it running and can see some channels in my Vista Media center.
I have only limited basic cable account. The question I have is how do I know which channels in the list above are in HD vs just the SD in digital? For example, for ESPN, should I see the 4:3 signal or ESPNHD? Note in asking this, I am not being greedy, just want to make sure I am getting what I am supposed to ;-)

As a limited basic customer I don't believe you are supposed to get ESPN at all, so I wouldn't count on it being there for too much longer, since I'm sure eventually they are going to encrypt most channels above 29. However, to answer your question, the only channels you should expect to see in HD are the locals. Keep in mind that both and SD and an HD version of the locals are transmitted.

Anyone having problems with a few HD channels recently?
Starz HD - 530, 531, 533
Travel Channel HD - 654
Cartoon Network HD - 680
and a couple more I can't remember

Upside of QAM encryption ... I get 22-1 now. Downside ... sniff ... a sad day at my houshold... /sniff.

--
Sang

In SeaTac I still have the Disney channel via QAM, but it looks like the others are gone.

Does anybody know whether or not Discovery HD will be available with limited basic (I would assume not, but then again I'm not even sure why Discovery SD is available)?

All of the 91-x and up channels are encrypted, but the 3n-x channels are still unencrypted at my house. We'll see how long that lasts. Almost all of the expanded basic channels are in that range.

In SeaTac I still have the Disney channel via QAM, but it looks like the others are gone.

Does anybody know whether or not Discovery HD will be available with limited basic (I would assume not, but then again I'm not even sure why Discovery SD is available)?
Discovery SD (channel 8) is part of limited basic
Discovery HD (channel 668) is not
Disney SD (channel 41) is not

Just need to vent here - comcast cut off clearqam for me, a paying digital subscriber. I don't use their box and I loath their "free" HD Box (which, coincidentally, is the only box with firewire they're willing to offer me for an additional $6 /month)

Lets do the math:

Hauppauge 2250 - Dual tuner (1 input) - Basically useless. Can only record 1 input if attaching STB. If attaching DTA, lose QAM HD locals.
2250 + 2 TVs = 4 tuners in my home. Comcast expects me to pay an additional $24/mo to continue to get the same service I have in my house (HD Boxes for each TV, since DTA's don't do locals).

I don't think so. "For the customer" my butt. So enraged. Been peeved since my wife asked me about her shows not recording at lunch today.

I understand Comcast's desire to protect their product from theft, but I wonder if the underlying motivation is to force us to rent their boxes, which I'm guessing is highly profitable. If the goal really was just to protect signal, technically speaking, wouldn't there be a cost effective method to have a single box in garage or point of entry that would unencrypt all channels a person was paying for, for the entire house?

What's next, Comcast encrypting the telephone signal and internet in a way that would force us to rent a de-crypter for each telephone and each PC? Then would be the electric company transmitting electricity at 90 Hz, then letting us rent an adapter for each electrical outlet to drop that to 60 Hz so our appliances could use it? Whoops...didn't mean to give these companies any ideas....

Just need to vent here - comcast cut off clearqam for me, a paying digital subscriber. I don't use their box and I loath their "free" HD Box (which, coincidentally, is the only box with firewire they're willing to offer me for an additional $6 /month)

Lets do the math:

Hauppauge 2250 - Dual tuner (1 input) - Basically useless. Can only record 1 input if attaching STB. If attaching DTA, lose QAM HD locals.
2250 + 2 TVs = 4 tuners in my home. Comcast expects me to pay an additional $24/mo to continue to get the same service I have in my house (HD Boxes for each TV, since DTA's don't do locals).

I don't think so. "For the customer" my butt. So enraged. Been peeved since my wife asked me about her shows not recording at lunch today.

Sorry, but the days of "boxless" TV went out the window with the CRT (and analog TV transmission)... Since you are using a PC, you can cross your fingers and hope that the new Ceton Cable-Card tuners are not vaporware.

Then again, you'll have to buy the new tuner, upgrade to Windows 7, AND lease a Multi-Stream CC from your cableco.

Another way to look at cable now, is that it is an equal playing field in the Cable vs. Sat. wars... everybody needs a box. :(

If Comcast were solely interested in device-leasing revenue, they likely wouldn't be giving away DTAs for free. Overall, I DO think that's one of Comcast's business goals, but in this case Comcast is responding to pressure from their content-provider networks. Many of these channels charge Comcast a per-subscriber fee, and they have expressed concern that Comcast is screwing them out revenue - by distributing a digital version of their channels for "free".

Of course Comcast will soon be solving THAT problem - they'll own all the provider networks, too :-)

I also blame the FCC for caving in to Comcast's DTA-encryption waiver request. Forget the tiny minority of us with PC tuners - this decision was a real disservice to the millions of Americans who've only recently starting using digital TVs (most of which now have QAM tuners).

I use QAM PC tuners and QAM TVs. I really only need extended basic to be available in this manner. But since they are now encrypted (or will be shortly) I downgraded to limited basic because they now have little advantage to me over direcTV (and direcTV has some things I liked back when I switched - at the time it had way more HD channels for instance). I only have 2 TVs that I want access to all the channels from. I was using QAM tuners everwhere else.

I understand their reasonings, but it eliminates a big advantage they had for me as a customer over satellite. Only one of my TVs has a cable card, and it is the same TV I would hook a box to anyway...

Speak with your wallets and feet! Demonstrate your anger by switching to another provider then let Comcast know why you switched.

Cable TV now offers very little advantage over other options, so this shouldn't really impact you much. If it's available in your area, FiOS offers the essentially the same channels in clear QAM as Comcast after the encryption.

I don't want to use Windows 7 Media Center, so my only option now is cable boxes and IR blasters. I realized I mostly record the OTA channels anyway, so I'm going to go without an automated solution for "expanded basic" channels for now and maybe use an IR blaster later. I'm switching to FiOS and bought an additional HD tuner (to replace my analog one). I'll probably use the analog tuner to record the signal from the FiOS cable box. If you want to record HD channels from the STB, you may want to look at the HD-PVR.

What's next, Comcast encrypting the telephone signal and internet in a way that would force us to rent a de-crypter for each telephone and each PC? Then would be the electric company transmitting electricity at 90 Hz, then letting us rent an adapter for each electrical outlet to drop that to 60 Hz so our appliances could use it? Whoops...didn't mean to give these companies any ideas....

Oh Arf, you're joking, right? Or maybe just young...the Bell System had a monopoly on phone equipment until it was broken up in the 1980s. No one owned their phones, they were leased from the phone company, and paid for many times over. Sadly, the feckless FCC and the toothless DOJ have been unable to encourage competition in the STB market, which was what CableCard was supposed to do. They allowed the cablecos to cripple and stall it, always promising something newer/better/cheaper but never delivering (tru2way?). I guess the FCC was busy with dirty words and flashes of breast.

I've always thought cable boxes have no more technology in them than the $20 DVD player, $100 Blu-Ray player, or at most a $250 netbook. Why they should cost $15/month to rent is a mystery - well not a mystery, that's what monopolies do.

As for electricity, I know Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla competed over AC vs. DC transmission. I assume there was some turning point when government standardized the method, voltage, and cycles for the country, but I couldn't find it in a quick Wikipedia search.

I think the lesson is that government needs to set the standards and the terms of competition in a way that promotes the consumer's interest.

No offense Arf, now that I'm almost 50, I've been itching to lord my advanced age over others <g>.

This is a really good excuse for me to watch less TV. I am going to cut my cable and go back to OTA. HD quality on OTA is far superior anyway.

Bye, bye Comcast.

I will say it is a D!CK move to do this in the beginning of the month so that we have to pay for the full month.

This is a really good excuse for me to watch less TV. I am going to cut my cable and go back to OTA. HD quality on OTA is far superior anyway.

Bye, bye Comcast.

I will say it is a D!CK move to do this in the beginning of the month so that we have to pay for the full month.

You can't say you weren't warned. Also, cable charges are prorated, so it doesn't matter much when you drop the service.

As for electricity, I know Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla competed over AC vs. DC transmission. I assume there was some turning point when government standardized the method, voltage, and cycles for the country, but I couldn't find it in a quick Wikipedia search.
Seems to me the turning point was the inability, at the time, to transmit DC over long distances.

Another way to look at cable now, is that it is an equal playing field in the Cable vs. Sat. wars... everybody needs a box. :(Yep, and with that level playing field and the luck to be in a FIOS neighborhood - I switched.

FIOS is absolutely fantastic.
(there is a nice house for sale across the street if you hate cable enough to move ;) )

Art, there must be more to the story than DC transmission. How did we get standardized on 120V, 60Hz AC service with the standard 2-hole and 3-hole outlets? Was Westinghouse dominant enough to make that standard stick, or did some government or engineering standards committee set the standard? Perhaps one of the electrical engineers here could chime in.

Anyway, the point, and it bears repeating, was that breaking up the Bell System via government action fostered competitive markets in telephone equipment, long distance rates, and eventually internet access too, with great benefits to consumers of selection and price. (And the detriment of dinnertime phone calls, "Would you like to switch your long distance to MCI?") The Clinton FCC tried to create a competive market in set top boxes with CableCard, but the Bush FCC dropped the ball. And that's why, if I want HD over cable, I have to pay $25 extra for 2 STBs over and above the already rapacious subscription programming fees.

Art, there must be more to the story than DC transmission. How did we get standardized on 120V, 60Hz AC service with the standard 2-hole and 3-hole outlets? Was Westinghouse dominant enough to make that standard stick, or did some government or engineering standards committee set the standard? Perhaps one of the electrical engineers here could chime in.
...

Well I don't know the ENTIRE history but I remember that Edison wanted to use DC and Tesla wanted to use AC. AC won out because of the Transformer (which has no easy/cheap DC equivalent). It was realized early on that centralized power plants were more cost efficient and distributing power over long distances had to consider power loss, which is related to wire resistance. Loss is proportional to the square of the current, so increasing voltage and reducing current could deliver the same Power with less loss. Transforming high voltage AC to lower voltage was a snap with a transformer. I can't even imagine a DC scheme on the scale of the US power grid.

The 120 Volt standard was a compromise. Higher voltage was considered too dangerous for home appliances (you can survive a 120 jolt but maybe not a 480 jolt). Because of transformer designs it was easy to deliver two 120 volt lines to a home that were out of phase so that between them you get 240 volts for certain high-power devices like dryers, water heaters and stoves. So most US homes have this 240/120 scheme where 240 is available but neither "hot" wire is more than 120 volts from Ground (Neutral) for safety.

60 Hz came from Westinghouse generator design as a convenient frequency based on their 1800 RPM generator. There was reluctance to use 50 Hz because that was used in Europe and we did not want to appear to "copy" Europeans. 60 Hz also divides easily for timing purposes. I do not know when the US government mandated 120 Volts and 60 Hz as a standard because for decades individual cities had their own standards. I will have to research that one.

Maybe someone else can talk about 3-hole outlets.

Art, there must be more to the story than DC transmission. How did we get standardized on 120V, 60Hz AC service with the standard 2-hole and 3-hole outlets? Was Westinghouse dominant enough to make that standard stick, or did some government or engineering standards committee set the standard? Perhaps one of the electrical engineers here could chime in.
It's my understanding (and I worked for Westinghouse Broadcasting for a number of years), that after Edison sold his electric division to General Electric, that GE moved to AC in the early 1890's. It was clear that DC just couldn't be distributed. Edison's solution was to generate power near where it was going to be used. Meanwhile, George Westinghouse was building hydropower plants and a distribution system. His big success was getting the contract to provide electricity for the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.

As to the three hole plug system, don't know anything about that.

After December 8, all my digital stations were moved to the 3X-XX range.

As of this morning, my tv is now reporting that those channels are scrambled.

Guess it's time to see if Verizon or Qwest offers cable in my area.

As for electricity, I know Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla competed over AC vs. DC transmission. I assume there was some turning point when government standardized the method, voltage, and cycles for the country, but I couldn't find it in a quick Wikipedia search.No firm dates, but interesting articles:

War of Currents
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_Currents)
AC power plugs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets)

Utility Frequencies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_frequency#Standardization)

After December 8, all my digital stations were moved to the 3X-XX range.

As of this morning, my tv is now reporting that those channels are scrambled.

Guess it's time to see if Verizon or Qwest offers cable in my area.

Yes, they are all encrypted now on my segment as well.

I guess I don't really care since the lost channels are all in SD, and I watch them in HD on my HD DVRs anyway. On the PCs and the DVD recorder, I have the free DTA's, and last year's free cable box, the DCT-700.

As long as the local HD channels are still clear QAM, this doesn't affect me much.

Yes, they are all encrypted now on my segment as well.

I guess I don't really care since the lost channels are all in SD, and I watch them in HD on my HD DVRs anyway. On the PCs and the DVD recorder, I have the free DTA's, and last year's free cable box, the DCT-700.

As long as the local HD channels are still clear QAM, this doesn't affect me much.
I thought the local HD stations wouldn't come through on the DTA boxes?

I asked various users and was told it would not.

But my dad said that he was pretty sure it worked at their house.

I thought the local HD stations wouldn't come through on the DTA boxes?

I asked various users and was told it would not.

But my dad said that he was pretty sure it worked at their house.They don't "come thru" on the DTA boxes - those devices are not HD-capable. Run a separate cable into a QAM-capable tuner (either a PC tuner, or built into a digital TV) to tune the HD locals directly

I got this response from TiVo...
"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 <<98125>>. When you are asked to select your provider, please choose <<Comcast Roosevelt/Seattle>>. On the next screen, press the ENTER key. This will take you to a list of available lineups where you must choose <<Digital Rebuild>>. 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.

If you have any further questions, comments or concerns, please contact TiVo Customer Support at 877-367-8486 and refer to your case number. We are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 Pacific Time everyday."

The important part... "Digital Rebuild". Fixed all of my new channels!

Just tried this with both 98125 and 98107 (my zip). No workie. I just see Basic and Extended Basic. Did the channel line up and it looks to be accurate as to what I found on http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx but only certain people at Comcast would know if that is correct or not.

As of today, in Kirkland, my expanded basic channels became encrypted as well. I have multiple PC TV Tuners that could record clear-QAM that are now somewhat obsolete, though I could convert them to recording OTA HD instead.

Still it's a pain. I pay for digital cable in my house and expect to be able to access it on any device I choose. I saw in some messages on this thread that some are switching to Verizon FIOS.

Does FIOS broadcast clear QAM from point of entry to your house so that existing cable wall outlets do not need a converter box? If so, does anyone know if Verizon has plans to encrypt their QAM signals as well?

If not, then it's time to start talking with my feet and switch to Verizon FIOS, which luckily is available in my area.

It's what I've been saying all along. rback has said it that we should be able to get any and all channels we pay for on any device we choose with or without DRM/HDCP. All because they don't want to upgrade traps and have us have another box, we're going backwards. QAM tuners are able to receive entire digital cable lineups...hell I was using my analog cable tuner when analog channels were still plentiful. One way or another it'll always look better using the TV's own tuner, channel changing much faster and picture quality is negligible using direct coax to the back of the HDTV vs HDMI. Nothing but a cash grab by cable companies and overinflated numbers about cable tv piracy. Our split from the pole leading to our houses or our outlets in our apartments, we should do what we want with since we paid for their service. Just one more thing people will cancel cable for altogether, go to FIOS or go OTA HD and watch shows online.

Some ideas I had about how to do this


cable straight into QAM tuner, downside = don't get expanded basic channels
cable straight into DTA, output of DTA into NTSC tuner, downside = don't get HD locals
split cable, one output goes into tuner (QAM), other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into second tuner (NTSC), downside = requires and uses two tuners + hassle of changing between QAM tuner and NTSC tuner + hassle of two remotes
split cable, one output goes into A input of AB switch, other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into B input of AB switch, output of AB switch goes to NTSC/QAM tuner, downside = hassle of getting up to change A/B switch + hassle of two remotes
split cable, one ouput goes into UHF input of VHF/UHF combiner, other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into VHF input of VHF/UHF combiner, output of VHF/UHF combiner goes into NTSC/QAM tuner, downside = hassle of two remotes

If you don't want another cable box and don't mind managing two remotes, #5 sounds like the best compromise, the VHF input picks up channel 3 or 4 of the DTA (the DTA's only available output) and the UHF input should get any QAM channels that Comcast is sending out unencrypted. Assuming Comcast doesn't start carrying QAM channels on any VHF channels. Make sure that your DTA is on when you scan for channels, Also, you will need to switch to analog 3 or 4 to watch the Expanded channels with your TV remote and change to your desired channel with the DTA remote.

I pay for digital cable in my house and expect to be able to access it on any device I choose.
...
Does FIOS broadcast clear QAM from point of entry to your house so that existing cable wall outlets do not need a converter box?

As far as I know, no cable company in the world does this for single homes. I read somewhere that the equipment to do so is thousands of dollars and is used in hotels etc.

If so, does anyone know if Verizon has plans to encrypt their QAM signals as well?

FIOS is no different than cable, FIOS is pure digital and encrypt everything but the 'limited basic' channels.

If not, then it's time to start talking with my feet and switch to Verizon FIOS, which luckily is available in my area.

FIOS is far superior to cable and now that both require STB/CableCARD, there is no reason to avoid FIOS. It can be cheaper too.

Some ideas I had about how to do this


cable straight into QAM tuner, downside = don't get expanded basic channels
cable straight into DTA, output of DTA into NTSC tuner, downside = don't get HD locals
split cable, one output goes into tuner (QAM), other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into second tuner (NTSC), downside = requires and uses two tuners + hassle of changing between QAM tuner and NTSC tuner + hassle of two remotes
split cable, one output goes into A input of AB switch, other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into B input of AB switch, output of AB switch goes to NTSC/QAM tuner, downside = hassle of getting up to change A/B switch + hassle of two remotes
split cable, one ouput goes into UHF input of VHF/UHF combiner, other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into VHF input of VHF/UHF combiner, output of VHF/UHF combiner goes into NTSC/QAM tuner, downside = hassle of two remotes

If you don't want another cable box and don't mind managing two remotes, #5 sounds like the best compromise, the VHF input picks up channel 3 or 4 of the DTA (the DTA's only available output) and the UHF input should get any QAM channels that Comcast is sending out unencrypted. Assuming Comcast doesn't start carrying QAM channels on any VHF channels. Make sure that your DTA is on when you scan for channels, Also, you will need to switch to analog 3 or 4 to watch the Expanded channels with your TV remote and change to your desired channel with the DTA remote.

I guess if you just got an HD cable box, you could avoid most of this.

However, the plan for my bedroom system is to feed the DTA into the DVD recorder, then feed the DVD recorder into an HDMI input on the TV. The RF will be split coming out of the wall outlet and fed directly into the TV for the clear QAM HD locals.

FIOS has *always* limited clear-QAM channels to just local (SD/HD) plus a few random limited-basic channels. Comcast is just now "catching up" to them, in terms of restrictions. There may be other reasons to prefer FIOS (if you're lucky enough to even have a choice) but making full use of your clear-QAM tuners is NOT one of them.

So questions, now that the channels are encrypted, didn't the DTA's lose those channels too? And doesn't Comcast still broaddcast analog for channels 1-13 (more?). If this is true, then except for getting the digital version of the analogs, what use is a DTA? I don't have a DTA and have not watched any analog in months, just curious.

So questions, now that the channels are encrypted, didn't the DTA's lose those channels too? And doesn't Comcast still broaddcast analog for channels 1-13 (more?). If this is true, then except for getting the digital version of the analogs, what use is a DTA? I don't have a DTA and have not watched any analog in months, just curious.The encryption is more like simple "scrambling" - and the DTAs can decrypt it just fine. It's using what they call "privacy mode". Remember the controversy a couple years ago when people discovered they could see their neighbor's OnDemand p*rn movies when scanning thru clear-QAM channels? Comcast added "Privacy mode" - a lightweight encryption layer - to all OnDemand streams to solve that problem.

And now they're using it to protect expanded-basic channels, because "Privacy Mode" decryption is built into all their set-top boxes, even the cheapo DTAs. Despite the FCC ban on proprietary integrated box security, Comcast successfully argued that "privacy mode" in DTAs isn't really "integrated security". And the FCC back on Aug 28 caved in and agreed, granting Comcast a waiver to do what they did this week.

Hey I was just wondering about doing OTA in the olympia/lacey area? I did antennaweb.org and it looks like there aren't many channels I can even pick up. Does anyone do OTA in Olympia/Lacey area? Or am I just stuck with comcast...(no fios in this area)

Some ideas I had about how to do this


cable straight into QAM tuner, downside = don't get expanded basic channels
cable straight into DTA, output of DTA into NTSC tuner, downside = don't get HD locals
split cable, one output goes into tuner (QAM), other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into second tuner (NTSC), downside = requires and uses two tuners + hassle of changing between QAM tuner and NTSC tuner + hassle of two remotes
split cable, one output goes into A input of AB switch, other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into B input of AB switch, output of AB switch goes to NTSC/QAM tuner, downside = hassle of getting up to change A/B switch + hassle of two remotes
split cable, one ouput goes into UHF input of VHF/UHF combiner, other output goes into DTA, output of DTA into VHF input of VHF/UHF combiner, output of VHF/UHF combiner goes into NTSC/QAM tuner, downside = hassle of two remotes

If you don't want another cable box and don't mind managing two remotes, #5 sounds like the best compromise, the VHF input picks up channel 3 or 4 of the DTA (the DTA's only available output) and the UHF input should get any QAM channels that Comcast is sending out unencrypted. Assuming Comcast doesn't start carrying QAM channels on any VHF channels. Make sure that your DTA is on when you scan for channels, Also, you will need to switch to analog 3 or 4 to watch the Expanded channels with your TV remote and change to your desired channel with the DTA remote.

So for #5, rather tham inputing UHF, you would input QAM, which this device would pass thru? Looks like one can get one of these at radio shack for ~15$? Can someone verify this will work as directed, as it seems simpler than a mechanical A/B switch...Just not sure how many more times I can split a signal in my house, which already has 4 TVs, Internet, and now Tele on the cable...

The encryption is more like simple "scrambling" - and the DTAs can decrypt it just fine. It's using what they call "privacy mode". Remember the controversy a couple years ago when people discovered they could see their neighbor's OnDemand p*rn movies when scanning thru clear-QAM channels? Comcast added "Privacy mode" - a lightweight encryption layer - to all OnDemand streams to solve that problem.

And now they're using it to protect expanded-basic channels, because "Privacy Mode" decryption is built into all their set-top boxes, even the cheapo DTAs. Despite the FCC ban on proprietary integrated box security, Comcast successfully argued that "privacy mode" in DTAs isn't really "integrated security". And the FCC back on Aug 28 caved in and agreed, granting Comcast a waiver to do what they did this week.

Oh, I see, so that's why the fuss over DTA's. So I can get back the digital SD version of the channels as long as I am paying for them which would also indiacte that Comcast must be able to "see" the DTA and ping it to turn on expanded basic. Also explains why you lose the HD portion. Thanks! :D

PS...I wonder if in using #5 above, I could program a Logitech remote to access any channel, without the need to use 2 remotes, and explain to wife what to do...

PS...I wonder if in using #5 above, I could program a Logitech remote to access any channel, without the need to use 2 remotes, and explain to wife what to do... You would need macros to make that work which of course the Logitech can do (I own a MX850 which has similar capabilities). Problem is I cannot think of a singe way to make it completely seemless. You need to "switch" from one configuration to the other. Merely cyclying with the channel up/down is not going to do it. I suupose you could use a device where you've set up macros for the different channels and then "hit" the channel button you want to see but no surfing via channel button.

My best guess is that you'd be able to get 80% of the way there by setting up two separate devices which when you switch to the device fires off a macro to change the setup. Cool thing is you only have one remote to deal with. Downside, not seemless.

Oh, I see, so that's why the fuss over DTA's. So I can get back the digital SD version of the channels as long as I am paying for them which would also indiacte that Comcast must be able to "see" the DTA and ping it to turn on expanded basic. Also explains why you lose the HD portion. Thanks! :DNot quite. The DTAs aren't Cablecard devices and therefore can't - legally - support Comcast's full security system. They're either fully activated (in which case you get 2-99), or not - they don't support different tiers or packages.

They "lose HD" because their modulated RF output filters out everything except ch. 3-4. You need a splitter & separate cable if you want the full CATV spectrum to reach your TV or PC's tuner.

Not quite. The DTAs aren't Cablecard devices and therefore can't - legally - support Comcast's full security system. They're either fully activated (in which case you get 2-99), or not - they don't support different tiers or packages.

They "lose HD" because their modulated RF output filters out everything except ch. 3-4. You need a splitter & separate cable if you want the full CATV spectrum to reach your TV or PC's tuner.

So how do you get a fully configured DTA? I understand that they are *really* dumb devices so I originally thought they would not be able to do encrypted QAM (hence the request for the exception) and therefore you lose the upper channels even if you have the full digital package. Sorry for being dense but I don't see how they can decrypt the QAM that supports the upper channels (20-99? May have the low number wrong).

Which brings me back to my origianl position taht as long as they continue to have simultaneous analog on the lower channels the DTA's are worthless.

BTW: Yes, I understand the need for the splitter. What a PITA. :)

Here's my work around:

I already have a powered splitter in my enclosure, too boost the signal in the house and not risk any degradation on any of the TVs in the house. I also had a 2ghz splitter and Harmony remote. Unfortunately, my Panasonic TV only has one coax connection.

I went to RadioShack and bought an A/B switch that has a built in IR (came out to $43 before tax, but I had a $10 off coupon in the Entertainment coupon book).

Put the 2ghz splitter at the wall connection, split one output to the A/B Switch for HD stations. Then split the other one to the Comcast DTA box, which went into the A/B Switch.

Then added the RadioShack device into the Harmony software and added it to the TV watching activity. Then went back and modified the custom buttons and added 2 sequences.

Sequence 1 changes the channel on the TV to 0; 3; A/B Switch input B. Sequence 2 changes A/B Switch input A; Previous Channel.

Now, I can switch between Comcast and the analog/local HD stations with the Harmony remote.

The downside, is I need to use the Comcast remote when watching digital stations. I also had to buy 2 A/B switches (I have 2 widescreen TVs) and I had to use up all of my extra coax cables for just 1 TV (I had to use 5 more coax cables).

So how do you get a fully configured DTA? I understand that they are *really* dumb devices so I originally thought they would not be able to do encrypted QAM (hence the request for the exception) and therefore you lose the upper channels even if you have the full digital package. Sorry for being dense but I don't see how they can decrypt the QAM that supports the upper channels (20-99? May have the low number wrong).

Which brings me back to my origianl position taht as long as they continue to have simultaneous analog on the lower channels the DTA's are worthless.

BTW: Yes, I understand the need for the splitter. What a PITA. :)Guess I'm not being clear:
Expanded Basic channels (~30-80) are now "encrypted" with this lightweight "privacy mode" scrambling system, which the cheap, dumb DTAs can decrypt.
Higher channels (100+) are using the same full-strength encryption as always. This requires a full cable box or Cablecard to decrypt.
A DTA will still give you pretty much everything you used to get via analog (2-99); nothing more. You can't get 30-80 without at least a DTA - so they're not worthless.

Guess I'm not being clear:
Expanded Basic channels (~30-80) are now "encrypted" with this lightweight "privacy mode" scrambling system, which the cheap, dumb DTAs can decrypt.
Higher channels (100+) are using the same full-strength encryption as always. This requires a full cable box or Cablecard to decrypt.
A DTA will still give you pretty much everything you used to get via analog (2-99); nothing more. You can't get 30-80 without at least a DTA - so they're not worthless.


Does anyone have a setup working with a DTA and a Media Center with a QAM tuner? Do those two things work together (ie: can I get a DTA to "unscramble" the 30-80 channels and then feed that into my Media Center QAM tuner?)

Guess I'm not being clear:
Expanded Basic channels (~30-80) are now "encrypted" with this lightweight "privacy mode" scrambling system, which the cheap, dumb DTAs can decrypt.
Higher channels (100+) are using the same full-strength encryption as always. This requires a full cable box or Cablecard to decrypt.
A DTA will still give you pretty much everything you used to get via analog (2-99); nothing more. You can't get 30-80 without at least a DTA - so they're not worthless.

So one of 2 things must be happening:

* In addition to its native full-strength decryption capabilities, cablecard can also decrypt privacy mode.
-or-
* Expanded basic channels are sent out twice: once in full-strength encrypted mode (for cablecard devices) and once in privacy mode (for DTAs)

I don't know enough about cablecard to know which of these is true.

Does anyone have a setup working with a DTA and a Media Center with a QAM tuner? Do those two things work together (ie: can I get a DTA to "unscramble" the 30-80 channels and then feed that into my Media Center QAM tuner?)Think of the DTA as an acronym for "Digital To Analog" and you'll have a better idea.

The DTA will convert 30-80 to channel 3 or 4 NTSC ANALOG and output it via the RF connector. It does not output descrambled QAM.

I attempted to do #5 above, with a $5 Philmore UHF VHF combiner / splitter.

In the VHF mode it works as intended, but in the UHF mode, it only lets a couple of the QAM channels thru. Generally it blocks 4-1, 5-1, 7-1, 9-1,9-2, 9-3, but starts letting things thru at 11-1 and 13-1....has anyone actually got #5 to successfully work?

I attempted to do #5 above, with a $5 Philmore UHF VHF combiner / splitter.

In the VHF mode it works as intended, but in the UHF mode, it only lets a couple of the QAM channels thru. Generally it blocks 4-1, 5-1, 7-1, 9-1,9-2, 9-3, but starts letting things thru at 11-1 and 13-1....has anyone actually got #5 to successfully work?

Just try using a splitter in reverse instead of the UHF/VHF combiner. The channel 3 or 4 output of the DTA might be strong enough to wipe out the analog channel 3 or 4 on the QAM feed... or it might just give you weird interference.
Alternatively you could try a channel 3 Join-Tenna (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/Antennas/Jointennas.htm). These are made to join 2 antennae together to allow a single channel to be inserted into the feed from the other multi-channel feed by trapping out the single channel from the multichannel feed. This allows the single channel to be inserted cleanly. So you'd put the DTA output set to channel 3 on the channel 3 input on the jointenna, and the QAM cable feed into the "all channels" input, and the combined output would go to the TV tuner. They're about 20 bucks online so not too expensive to try... (note, the channel trap portion isn't a razor blade, it will wipe out probably channels 2-4, but that shouldn't really matter).

Edit: I see that the ch3 and ch4 jointennas use 300 Ohm inputs/outputs. That would necessitate using baluns. Not exactly graceful.

Just try using a splitter in reverse instead of the UHF/VHF combiner. The channel 3 or 4 output of the DTA might be strong enough to wipe out the analog channel 3 or 4 on the QAM feed... or it might just give you weird interference.
Alternatively you could try a channel 3 Join-Tenna (http://www.warrenelectronics.com/Antennas/Jointennas.htm). These are made to join 2 antennae together to allow a single channel to be inserted into the feed from the other multi-channel feed by trapping out the single channel from the multichannel feed. This allows the single channel to be inserted cleanly. So you'd put the DTA output set to channel 3 on the channel 3 input on the jointenna, and the QAM cable feed into the "all channels" input, and the combined output would go to the TV tuner. They're about 20 bucks online so not too expensive to try... (note, the channel trap portion isn't a razor blade, it will wipe out probably channels 2-4, but that shouldn't really matter).

Edit: I see that the ch3 and ch4 jointennas use 300 Ohm inputs/outputs. That would necessitate using baluns. Not exactly graceful.

Tried to use splitter in reverse, but it seemed to really mess up the signal...I now have #5 working OK, except for 4-1 and 5-1...7-1 seems to work,,,,I found a fair number of digital channels in the 7x-x and 8x-x range...maybe only temporary, but anyone know if ABC HD or NBC HD can be found up there?

So for #5, rather tham inputing UHF, you would input QAM, which this device would pass thru? Looks like one can get one of these at radio shack for ~15$? Can someone verify this will work as directed, as it seems simpler than a mechanical A/B switch...Just not sure how many more times I can split a signal in my house, which already has 4 TVs, Internet, and now Tele on the cable...
All of the QAM channels on Comcast are currently in the UHF band, so #5 is just using the UHF/VHF combiner to combine Comcast UHF and the output of the DTA (analog VHF channel 3 or 4) into one signal. Another downside is that you are giving up analog channels 2-13, which you probably don't want to watch since you get HD versions of 4,5,6,7,9,10,11 and 13 and SD versions of 2,3,8 and 12 instead.

With option #5 going into a Media Center, does anyone have an idea if the Media Center will actually be able to 'see' the analog version of channels 30-80?

Since they are all coming out of the DTA on one 'channel' (3 or 4), is this going to render the Media Center useless when it comes to recording things on channels when I'm not there to manually switch the channel on the DTA?

I'm trying #3 with a splitter, one side going to my Hauppauge 2250 and the other going to the DTA then to my PVR 150 and an IR blaster.

But 7MC is seeing the cable box but is not detecting my IR blaster so not working yet.

What sucks for me, is I just bought another HDHomeRun from Newegg.com during their black friday sale. Used a week, and now it's mostly useless...

What sucks for me, is I just bought another HDHomeRun from Newegg.com during their black friday sale. Used a week, and now it's mostly useless...

Same here.... epic failure. Oh well. Life goes on I guess. Now to wait for the Ceton tuner. Better not be vapourware.

Same here.... epic failure. Oh well. Life goes on I guess. Now to wait for the Ceton tuner. Better not be vapourware.

can't you pay a restocking fee and return it?

No firm dates, but interesting articles:

War of Currents
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_of_Currents)
AC power plugs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets)

Utility Frequencies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_frequency#Standardization)
You've found a wealth of information. I had no idea there were all those plugs around the world.

Now to wait for the Ceton tuner. Better not be vapourware.

I'll believe it when I see it.

I got Option 3 working. The problem was that I had the IR blaster plugged in to the PVR 150 and it needed to plug in to the back of the IR Receiver.

I now have the HD channels coming in through the cable directly in to my 2250, and the 30-99 channels coming in through the DTA in to the pvr150.

All in the 7MC guide again. A little slower to change the channels but it works.

So one of 2 things must be happening:

* In addition to its native full-strength decryption capabilities, cablecard can also decrypt privacy mode.
-or-
* Expanded basic channels are sent out twice: once in full-strength encrypted mode (for cablecard devices) and once in privacy mode (for DTAs)

I don't know enough about cablecard to know which of these is true.Yes, this "privacy mode" scrambling was created a couple years ago (in response to the p*rn issue), before DTAs existed. Cablecards and full cable boxes can decrypt it just fine, as can DTAs.

All of the QAM channels on Comcast are currently in the UHF band, ...I think that's currently true for all HD clear-QAM channels, but not all the SD clear-QAM channels. Today's scan with my HD Homerun shows clear-QAM physical channels clustered across several broadcast TV bands:

CH 18.x CATV MID-BAND (in VHF range, in-between ch. 6-7)
CH 34.x CATV SUPER-BAND (in-between VHF and UHF ranges)
CH 36.x "
CH 37.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in-between VHF and UHF ranges)
CH 38.x "
CH 60.x "
CH 67.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in UHF range)
CH 79.x "
CH 80.x "
CH 82.x "
CH 83.x "
CH 84.x "
CH 85.x "
CH 90.x "
CH 91.x "
CH 96.x CATV MID-BAND (in VHF range, in-between ch. 6-7)
CH 108.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in UHF range)
CH 110.x "
CH 111.x "
CH 114.x "
CH 115.x "
CH 116.x "
CH 117.x "

I'm not sure how precise these UHF/VHF combiner devices are, but it seems you'd likely lose those channels below UHF range. But if the goal is simply combined access to 1) DTA output on 3/4 plus 2) HD clear-QAM channels, then re-injecting the UHF band should work.

Edit: note, looks like you'd lose one HD clear-QAM channel with this scheme after all: KMYQ-DT (virtual ch. 110) is the one transmitted on physical ch. 96.1 above. That's in-between VHF channels 6-7.

Since things look relatively stable clear-QAM wise in the post-transition areas, I went ahead and did an update. Not many changes have been made, other than the addition of the KPST MUX on 18-X. (CNN en Español was briefly unencrypted on 120-5.)

Pastiche,
any updates since the 8th of Dec?
Thanks

I think that's currently true for all HD clear-QAM channels, but not all the SD clear-QAM channels. Today's scan with my HD Homerun shows clear-QAM physical channels clustered across several broadcast TV bands:

CH 18.x CATV MID-BAND (in VHF range, in-between ch. 6-7)
CH 34.x CATV SUPER-BAND (in-between VHF and UHF ranges)
CH 36.x "
CH 37.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in-between VHF and UHF ranges)
CH 38.x "
CH 60.x "
CH 67.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in UHF range)
CH 79.x "
CH 80.x "
CH 82.x "
CH 83.x "
CH 84.x "
CH 85.x "
CH 90.x "
CH 91.x "
CH 96.x CATV MID-BAND (in VHF range, in-between ch. 6-7)
CH 108.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in UHF range)
CH 110.x "
CH 111.x "
CH 114.x "
CH 115.x "
CH 116.x "
CH 117.x "

I'm not sure how precise these UHF/VHF combiner devices are, but it seems you'd likely lose those channels below UHF range. But if the goal is simply combined access to 1) DTA output on 3/4 plus 2) HD clear-QAM channels, then re-injecting the UHF band should work.

Edit: note, looks like you'd lose one HD clear-QAM channel with this scheme after all: KMYQ-DT (virtual ch. 110) is the one transmitted on physical ch. 96.1 above. That's in-between VHF channels 6-7.

is 4-1 or 5-1 available at some higher # that will pass thru my UHF /VHF combiner? Also, I noticed Home Depot had 2 different splitters 5 MHz - 1 GHz, and 5 Mhz - 2.3 Ghz. Would using one of those, as opposed to the other, help me work around this mess?

is 4-1 or 5-1 available at some higher # that will pass thru my UHF /VHF combiner? Also, I noticed Home Depot had 2 different splitters 5 MHz - 1 GHz, and 5 Mhz - 2.3 Ghz. Would using one of those, as opposed to the other, help me work around this mess?All the HD local channels appear to be on the same frequencies as reported in Pastiche's last QAM update on 10/31. With the exception of KMYQ-DT (110), they are all ch. 82 or higher. That is well up into the UHF range, so in theory they should be present when re-combining UHF back into your feed.

I doubt there'd be any difference between 1GHz and 2.3Ghz-rated splitters, since Comcast's channels (at least the clear-QAM ones I can see) are all below 800Mhz.

What happened to the 30-60 channels? They seem to have disappeared today? I went to watch FSN and it was gone.

I rescanned and most of the guide number 30-60 did not show.

What happened to the 30-60 channels? They seem to have disappeared today? I went to watch FSN and it was gone.

I rescanned and most of the guide number 30-60 did not show.

Duh!

What happened to the 30-60 channels? They seem to have disappeared today? I went to watch FSN and it was gone.

I rescanned and most of the guide number 30-60 did not show.For those who've joined this program already in progress (hint: the last 10 pages or so of this thread) - Comcast has now encrypted all of the former "expanded basic" channels. Shouldn't be a surprise - they've been telling us for almost a year that they've planned to do this, although it took an FCC waiver ruling back in August to give them the legal go-ahead.

The former expanded basic channels (30-80, more or less) now require either a free Comcast DTA device, a full Cable Box, or a Cablecard tuner to view. It is no longer possible to view them on a clear-QAM tuner.

From Brier Dudley's blog in the Seattle Times: (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2010486762_comcast_finishes_digital_switc.html)
Comcast finishes digital switch in WA, starts encrypting
Posted by Brier Dudley

Comcast just announced that it has completed its digital conversion in Washington (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/brierdudley/2008484428_brier09.html) and begun encrypting premium cable channels. That ends a complicated transition that began late last year and forced "expanded basic" customers to add conversion devices to all their TVs.

The company ended up giving out more than 1.5 million converter boxes to customers in Washington state.

As a few readers have pointed out recently, the encryption ends a brief free ride for some "limited basic" customers with QAM TV tuners who were receiving some unencrypted channels in the 30 to 70 range.

Spokesman Steve Kipp explained the closure of this loophole in an e-mail:
"Many of our programming contracts require that we protect our channels from unauthorized viewing. Comcast has always protected content through the use of physical traps for analog content and encryption for digital content on cable boxes. In Washington, there was a small window of time during our digital upgrade project in which customers with televisions with QAM tuners were able to view Expanded Basic digital channels without digital set-top box equipment. Encryption is a more reliable, secure method of protecting content and in compliance with our contractual and FCC requirements."
Comcast is now encrypting channels in the 30 to 70 range (the numbers may have shifted but that was the previous range, before the digital conversion).

Still available unencrypted are the "limited basic" channels -- 2 to 29 and 75 to 99, including C-Span and C-Span2.

By switching 30 to 70 from analog to digital, Comcast freed up bandwidth to offer new services and more high-definition channels, Kipp noted.

It also ended up encouraging some customers to upgrade to Comcast digital video recorders after the switch reduced the capabilities of equipment such as VCRs.

I think that's currently true for all HD clear-QAM channels, but not all the SD clear-QAM channels. Today's scan with my HD Homerun shows clear-QAM physical channels clustered across several broadcast TV bands:

CH 18.x CATV MID-BAND (in VHF range, in-between ch. 6-7)
CH 34.x CATV SUPER-BAND (in-between VHF and UHF ranges)
CH 36.x "
CH 37.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in-between VHF and UHF ranges)
CH 38.x "
CH 60.x "
CH 67.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in UHF range)
CH 79.x "
CH 80.x "
CH 82.x "
CH 83.x "
CH 84.x "
CH 85.x "
CH 90.x "
CH 91.x "
CH 96.x CATV MID-BAND (in VHF range, in-between ch. 6-7)
CH 108.x CATV HYPER-BAND (in UHF range)
CH 110.x "
CH 111.x "
CH 114.x "
CH 115.x "
CH 116.x "
CH 117.x "

I'm not sure how precise these UHF/VHF combiner devices are, but it seems you'd likely lose those channels below UHF range. But if the goal is simply combined access to 1) DTA output on 3/4 plus 2) HD clear-QAM channels, then re-injecting the UHF band should work.

Edit: note, looks like you'd lose one HD clear-QAM channel with this scheme after all: KMYQ-DT (virtual ch. 110) is the one transmitted on physical ch. 96.1 above. That's in-between VHF channels 6-7.
I stand corrected. I was operating on the naive assumption that cable and OTA VHF were for the purposes of this project close enough. So it sounds like a better replacement for the VHF/UHF combiner is a Jointenna for channel 3 or 4 (I think someone mentioned this previously). If the skirt for the jointenna doesn't stretch from channel 3 or 4 to the CATV MID-BAND, you should still be able to pull in 18.x and 96.x.

Another gotcha is that Comcast may move any and all digital channels to any channels they choose (excluding analog channels).

I stand corrected. I was operating on the naive assumption that cable and OTA VHF were for the purposes of this project close enough. So it sounds like a better replacement for the VHF/UHF combiner is a Jointenna for channel 3 or 4 (I think someone mentioned this previously). If the skirt for the jointenna doesn't stretch from channel 3 or 4 to the CATV MID-BAND, you should still be able to pull in 18.x and 96.x.

Another gotcha is that Comcast may move any and all digital channels to any channels they choose (excluding analog channels).I think it still may work for many people - depends on whether they care about HD channel 110 (KMYQ-DT) or not. That one will get nuked by a simple VHF/UHF combiner for sure. All the other clear-QAM channels that might get dropped by a combiner I think are already available on the DTA.

And yes, Comcast can - and probably will - move channels around some more.

Here's another problem with using a DTA, which I hadn't considered until actually trying one: it may not work for some people (like me) who modulate security cameras onto their cable feeds.

I've been using 2 different setups for cable feeds:

1) DIGITAL - full-bandwidth, unmodified feed.

2) ANALOG - low-pass filter removes everything above ch 78, insert modulated security cameras onto upper channels.

#1 goes to locations where I have a cable box, cablecard or HD Homerun tuner. #2 goes to all my old analog TV locations (spare bedroom, workshop, etc). Some locations get both types.

This worked great when ch 2-78 were actually transmitted on ch. 2-78! But now the digital versions of most of these channels are found on physical channels 79 and higher. So for me, a DTA does NOT just replace my TV's analog tuner. It can only pickup a couple channels, in fact, given my setup.

I'm going to have to re-architect my cable distribution system to make this work -- grrrr.....

Well, I had my first taste of Comcast since March, and seeing the "after effects" of the new HD channels and whatnot. The first words out of my mouth were ... "Since when did Bremerton get BITV on Channel 22?"

That questions remains to be unanswered at this time. Also, I read on the Comcast site that Speed HD was not available in Kitsap County. Apparently, that information is incorrect as well.

Finally, one little piece of information seemed a little odd to me. With the DTA boxes, you can watch Speed for free because it's available via ClearQAM. However, the standard digital boxes don't allow it. Wouldn't you think they would open that up because it's already in the clear?

...
Finally, one little piece of information seemed a little odd to me. With the DTA boxes, you can watch Speed for free because it's available via ClearQAM. However, the standard digital boxes don't allow it. Wouldn't you think they would open that up because it's already in the clear?

I believe Speed requires the Sports Entertainment package in Kitsap County, for some reason. You should be losing it soon, if that's true.

Pastiche,
any updates since the 8th of Dec?
Thanks

I'm a bit late on this, huh? I'll get an update together sometime in the next few days. I was waiting for the dust to settle. This one should be pretty easy: delete almost everything... :-D

Am thinking of putting up the white flag and renting a box...but is it going to be $8 for the HD box, or $8 + $6 outlet fee?

I'm a bit late on this, huh? I'll get an update together sometime in the next few days. I was waiting for the dust to settle. This one should be pretty easy: delete almost everything... :-D

Pastiche,
No intent to push you, just that I'm seeing changes weekly, or at least it appears that way! I;ve got an LG 3410 digital pvr and using it to get clear qam off of comcast. Everytime I scan I either lose the guide or get it back, no rime or reason that I can see. Update when you can, i appreciate the listing.
Thanks

Pastiche,
No intent to push you, just that I'm seeing changes weekly, or at least it appears that way! I;ve got an LG 3410 digital pvr and using it to get clear qam off of comcast. Everytime I scan I either lose the guide or get it back, no rime or reason that I can see. Update when you can, i appreciate the listing.
Thanks
Virtually all digital stations that were available as part of the digital starter package is now encrypted. There isn't going to be much QAM channels in the clear now.

Am thinking of putting up the white flag and renting a box...but is it going to be $8 for the HD box, or $8 + $6 outlet fee?
I thought the HD box was $8 as well, as that was the price I was quoted. But, when I called them a few days ago to complain about the QAM encryption, they told me it was $12. I asked if there was any sort of deal that could be done, and she said there was a promotion where you could get the HD box for $5 per month. She didn't say how long that price would last.

If you have more than 1 widescreen TV, the cost is ridiculous per month.

I believe the $6.10 digital outlet fee applies to your second & subsequent devices - not the first one.

I believe the $6.10 digital outlet fee applies to your second & subsequent devices - not the first one.

Problem is, I have 3 HDTVs (32, 37, 56), and 2 tubes, though 1 of the tubes 12-29 is fine...56" has a cable card; I have a DVR cheap from a promotion on the 36" tube...its the 32 and 37 HDTV I need to figure out how to "equip", and don't really want to spend another $400 (8+6 per month, x 2, + tax) a year for those 2...so to get close (but still a little worse) than 2 months ago, my cbale bill would go up 40%...I say a little worse, because I prefer the faster channel changing, 1 TV with PIP, less electricity, and "cleaner" setup with less wiring and equipment, that I had until recently...

I believe Speed requires the Sports Entertainment package in Kitsap County, for some reason. You should be losing it soon, if that's true.Speed has been in the open for quite some time. It doesn't make sense to me, either.

Problem is, I have 3 HDTVs (32, 37, 56), and 2 tubes, though 1 of the tubes 12-29 is fine...56" has a cable card; I have a DVR cheap from a promotion on the 36" tube...its the 32 and 37 HDTV I need to figure out how to "equip", and don't really want to spend another $400 (8+6 per month, x 2, + tax) a year for those 2...so to get close (but still a little worse) than 2 months ago, my cbale bill would go up 40%...I say a little worse, because I prefer the faster channel changing, 1 TV with PIP, less electricity, and "cleaner" setup with less wiring and equipment, that I had until recently...

You have 5 TVs and you're going to try to use 'less electricity' as a reason to not like the new setup?

Price, sure. PIP, sure. Less wiring, sure.

But less electricity really seems to be a little.... much.

ObComcast: Weren't we supposed to be getting BBCAmerica HD?

You have 5 TVs and you're going to try to use 'less electricity' as a reason to not like the new setup?

Price, sure. PIP, sure. Less wiring, sure.

But less electricity really seems to be a little.... much.

ObComcast: Weren't we supposed to be getting BBCAmerica HD?

The electricity part was only one, and granted one of the smaller reasons...but in total, the TVs all added together are on about ~3 hours a day. Yes, I understand they are drawing power in standby mode, but these boxes are too, and its simply adding a few more devices to my house that draw power 24/7. I am attempting to REDUCE the number of devices...unplugging appliances, and even unplugging electronics when we leave town for more than 1 night. I turn off PCs if unused for more than an hour. My server powers down 11 pm to 6 am...

LOL ... just read this article (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010508049_webdirecttv14m.html)that basically says that our state is suing Direct TV on our behalf. I wonder if they'd do something similar to Comcast ....

--
Sang

LOL ... just read this article (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010508049_webdirecttv14m.html)that basically says that our state is suing Direct TV on our behalf. I wonder if they'd do something similar to Comcast .... Comcast isn't nearly this sneaky. With their legal monopolies, they don't need to be. In fact, they're quite up-front about it: we're charging you whatever the hell we want, and there's nothing you can do about it!

The comcast Store in Redmond will give free splitters, a decent quality A/B switch, with buttons rather than a slider, and multiple short segments of cable for free...and fortunately, its not too far from my house...

Anyone know if the DCX-3432 is available at the Aurora Comcast store?

I picked up a 320GB DCX3400 at the Redmond office Friday.

The comcast Store in Redmond will give free splitters, a decent quality A/B switch, with buttons rather than a slider, and multiple short segments of cable for free...and fortunately, its not too far from my house...The same in Seattle - they would rather you use stuff they provide than take a chance on the quality of the stuff you buy. btw, the 'short segments of cable' can be as long as 25, 50 and 100 feet.

I got a couple of 3' and 6 ' segments from Comcast Redmond...

Now that I have gone from ZERO Comcast equipment (other than cable card) to a HD DVR and a SD DVR, I need to figure out how to use it...

I have found instructions to program a 30 second commercial skip, but it mentions possbily older s/w versions - will that feature still work?

Also, there are SO MANY channels, many of which I don't subscribe to. I have found a way to lock some, but is there a way to BLOCK some, so that when I use the up-down arrows on the remote, they are completely ignored/skipped over? How about removing them from the guide also?

Here's a good Motorola DVR reference:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR

The 30-second skip works. You'll have to use "Favorites" to pare down the guide listings, or to skip channels.

I picked up the 320GB version of the DCX3400 from the Bremerton Comcast office about a month ago. If you don't request it specifically, they'll probably give you one of the older boxes thinking you won't know the difference.

The new channels that just appeared in Kitsap a couple days ago - and elsewhere several months ago - are a few dozen HD stations. They're the HD versions of stations Comcast already carried (and still carries) in SD form. Some of them are East coast feeds and some are West coast. Take a look at the channel lineup on Comcast's website and you'll see most of the new HD channels (and some previously existing HD channels) under channel numbers 600 and up.

I didn't know their was a Comcast bremerton office. The closest I see is Gig Harbor. Are you happy with your DCX box?

I didn't know their was a Comcast bremerton office. The closest I see is Gig Harbor. Are you happy with your DCX box?It's at 1225 Sylvan Way in east Bremerton.

As for the DCX box, yes I am happy. I didn't have a DVR before this one so I can't compare it to anything, but I haven't had any problems with it. I just can't figure out why I waited so long before getting one.

It's at 1225 Sylvan Way in east Bremerton.

As for the DCX box, yes I am happy. I didn't have a DVR before this one so I can't compare it to anything, but I haven't had any problems with it. I just can't figure out why I waited so long before getting one.

because its costing you $100-$200 a year ...

I'm not sure it will stick, but I am seeing CBUT HD on 124-6.

I'm not sure it will stick, but I am seeing CBUT HD on 124-6.

It should. It's part of "Limited" basic. Just like CBUT SD on (mapped) Channel 99.

Cheers,
Kermee

It's at 1225 Sylvan Way in east Bremerton.A couple "landmarks" include the Kitsap Regional Library & the Post Office (that got closed down, pretty much).

Gotta love Hockey Night in Canada in HD. I've watched more hockey in the last few weeks since this came live than I have in the last few years.

Does everybody here getting CBUT HD @ 124-6? I just did a full scan on all three of my QAM TV/tuners and I'm not seeing anything that resembles CBC in HD. I'm in Woodinville, BTW.

I would be VERY interested in getting that channel during the Olympics. It would give us an alternative to NBC's coverage at the very least.

I'm not receiving CBC-HD on 124-6 or anywhere else. Seattle-Maple Leaf neighborhood, limited basic.

My HD Homerun setup says CBUTDT is on 60-2 here in North Bend. Right now it's showing hockey in HD, and commericals for web sites ending in .CA - so I assume that's really what it is...

CBUT-HD == 60-2 in Bellevue.

I have it at 124 something - I already mapped it to another station and I don't remember it was 124-2 or 124-6 like others have seen above. I'm near mill creek. Hockey did look great!

CBUT-HD == 60-2 in Bellevue.
ditto in Lake City/Matthews Beach area. I get nothing at all on 124.

Won't the Olympics coverage in Canada be on CTV this year? I heard something about that a while back.

Won't the Olympics coverage in Canada be on CTV this year?

Yes.

CBUT-HD == 60-2 in Bellevue.

Thanks for the info. That means it's not available to people with limited basic then since 60-2 is filtered out. :/

Too bad for the Olympics... didn't know that CBC didn't get it. I still wouldn't mind getting CBC in HD. They show a lot of movies and have some decent shows you can't really get elsewhere. Personally, it's the only HD channel missing that I care about in my listing. :)

Is anyone having problems with channel 110. I have a Tivo HD and the channel doesn't come in. I have been having these problems off and on for several weeks. I am trying to figure out if it is just me, or if the problem is more widespread. thanks

Is anyone having problems with channel 110. I have a Tivo HD and the channel doesn't come in. I have been having these problems off and on for several weeks. I am trying to figure out if it is just me, or if the problem is more widespread. thanks

Works okay for me with a TiVo HD and CableCARD in Lake Forest Park.

Is anyone having problems with channel 110. I have a Tivo HD and the channel doesn't come in. I have been having these problems off and on for several weeks. I am trying to figure out if it is just me, or if the problem is more widespread. thanksBeen discussed several times in this thread previously. In our area, Comcast transmits KMYQ-HD (virtual channel 110) on physical QAM channel 96-1. That's right in the middle of the FM band, so you're probably seeing "ingress" or interference on your coax, esp. if you live near an FM transmitter. Need to make sure you have high-quality coax & splitters, make sure all connectors are tightly screwed on, etc.

Been discussed several times in this thread previously. In our area, Comcast transmits KMYQ-HD (virtual channel 110) on physical QAM channel 96-1. That's right in the middle of the FM band, so you're probably seeing "ingress" or interference on your coax, esp. if you live near an FM transmitter. Need to make sure you have high-quality coax & splitters, make sure all connectors are tightly screwed on, etc.

Thank you. Now that I think about it, I did recently replace a splitter and after that is when i started noticing problems. i will have to get a better splitter and hopefully that will fix the problem.

Adding a splitter could have also reduced your signal strength to the point where the interference is overwhelming the signal. Depending on how many splitters you have, length of cable, etc - you may need to also consider a signal amplifier.

Adding a splitter could have also reduced your signal strength to the point where the interference is overwhelming the signal. Depending on how many splitters you have, length of cable, etc - you may need to also consider a signal amplifier.

Tried changing splitters to another one that I have (one given to me from Comcast) and it still didn't fix the problem. My setup is from the wall to a 2-way splitter, then from the 2-way splitter to my cable modem and to my Tivo. the cable length to the TV is 50 ft (I think). Because I don't have an outlet by my tv (and having comcast install one nearby isn't an option because I live in an apartment) I have to run the cable across part of my living room and up to the ceiling and over to the TV. I really don't want to move the TV to closer to the outlet except as a absolute last resort. If I had to get a signal amplifier, where in my setup should it be installed (before or after the splitter)? Thank you for the help.

If I had to get a signal amplifier, where in my setup should it be installed (before or after the splitter)?The signal amplifier should be the first thing off the wall. Then, it would go to your splitter.

I've been in your situation before, and I actually still have my signal amplifier when I got it from Comcast (whoops)! It was a big help when I needed it! And, if it was possible, I'd just send you mine since I don't need it anymore!

Then again, if you need a repair technician out there, I'm sure you could maybe ask about one of those ... since they are free!

We have limited cable and don't receive CBUT on 60-2 or elsewhere. Is it actually broadcast on a frequency that is filtered, or is it remapped to that channel? I thought that anything that is available in analog/SD to limited basic customers would be available in HD too?

On another subject - I also can't get KMYQ-HD on 1 of 3 tuners. One TV and a tuner card with short cable runs receive it fine, but the other one with perhaps 70' of cable can't receive it. I put an amplifier on that run just after the splitter - might try it before the splitter and see if it makes any difference. Might also try an FM trap again, but it didn't make any difference before.

We have limited cable and don't receive CBUT on 60-2 or elsewhere. Is it actually broadcast on a frequency that is filtered, or is it remapped to that channel? I thought that anything that is available in analog/SD to limited basic customers would be available in HD too?...Supposedly ch. 30-73 is the range affected by "limited basic" filters. So CBUT-HD on 60.2 would be eliminated. Comcast transmits Seattle-area digital stations on ch. 79 and higher, so those should still be present even with a filter.

Previous posters here said they were assured by Comcast that CBUT-HD would be available to limited-basic subscribers. That's true for some areas (where it's on ch 124-x) but not others (where it's on 60-2). Not sure if this is final, or if they still plan to move this to 124 for everyone...

...as for re-mapping, CBUT-HD is mapped to virtual channel 619 (same as on the cable box) but in my area is transmitted on physical channel 60-2.

Supposedly ch. 30-73 is the range affected by "limited basic" filters. So CBUT-HD on 60.2 would be eliminated. Comcast transmits Seattle-area digital stations on ch. 79 and higher, so those should still be present even with a filter.

Previous posters here said they were assured by Comcast that CBUT-HD would be available to limited-basic subscribers. That's true for some areas (where it's on ch 124-x) but not others (where it's on 60-2). Not sure if this is final, or if they still plan to move this to 124 for everyone...

Silicondust has a great resource for finding out what is available (and the SD or HD resolution) according to HD Homerun users for a give zipcode. Just go to http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us and enter your zipcode to see if CBUT HD is available in your area.

silicondust shows CBUT on 60-2 in my zip code. Since expanded basic is no longer available in clear QAM, does the filter on my line serve any purpose at all? Has anyone tried to get Comcast to remove it? (I won't ask if anyone has removed it themselves...) Furthermore, it seems to me that KMYQ dropped off around the time they installed the filter, although I wouldn't swear to it.

silicondust also reported several subchannels on digital antenna that are not broadcast on Comcast, including KONGDT2, four subchannels of KTBW, KMYQDT2, KBTCDT2, 3 extra subchannels on 33, and two channels of 3ABN. Don't know if these are advertiser/shopping channels or foreign language channels.

The SiliconDust lineup server is a useful tool, but you shouldn't consider it to be 100% accurate. Much of the data is user-submitted from people with HD Homerun tuners in those zip codes.

And of course they have no way of knowing whether your house has a filter on your cable feed.

Part of Comcast's motivation for encrypting expanded basic was to get away from physical line filters, which require a truck visit for any changes - so no, I can't imagine they serve a useful purpose anymore. However, if they're already in place - I doubt Comcast would be willing to remove them unless you upgrade your subscription beyond limited basic.

Perhaps I'll do some research after Xmas to see whether they advertise CBUT-HD as part of limited basic and thus "owe" it to me, and then see whether they will remove the filter or let me remove it myself (it's at ground level and wouldn't take more than an adjustable wrench). I don't want to just do it w/o authorization and get into "theft of cable services."

Perhaps I'll do some research after Xmas to see whether they advertise CBUT-HD as part of limited basic and thus "owe" it to me, and then see whether they will remove the filter or let me remove it myself (it's at ground level and wouldn't take more than an adjustable wrench). I don't want to just do it w/o authorization and get into "theft of cable services."
Here is a link to the Comcast January 2010 lineup. CBUT HD is in the limited tier.
https://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx?print=1&CGID=6625

My gut feeling is CBUT-HD in areas where it's on physical 60-2 will "move" next month. Course, I could be wrong.

Happy Holidays,
Kermee

The signal amplifier should be the first thing off the wall. Then, it would go to your splitter.

I've been in your situation before, and I actually still have my signal amplifier when I got it from Comcast (whoops)! It was a big help when I needed it! And, if it was possible, I'd just send you mine since I don't need it anymore!

Then again, if you need a repair technician out there, I'm sure you could maybe ask about one of those ... since they are free!


In my experience I've found that a *distribution* amplifier (with adjustable gain, 2-4 outputs) is the best way to go. Then you get rid of all splitters and can control signal levels.

Make sure it is high quality and capable of passing 2-way communication to take advantage of all cable features. I have an old one that is 1-way and it won't work with modern cable systems.

My gut feeling is CBUT-HD in areas where it's on physical 60-2 will "move" next month. Course, I could be wrong.



Sounds OK to me. Hope folks will let us know if it gets moved - wouldn't expect Comcast to do so.

Does everybody here getting CBUT HD @ 124-6? I just did a full scan on all three of my QAM TV/tuners and I'm not seeing anything that resembles CBC in HD. I'm in Woodinville, BTW.

I would be VERY interested in getting that channel during the Olympics. It would give us an alternative to NBC's coverage at the very least.

I'm in the Mill Creek/Bothell area (Unincorporated Snohomish Co.)

CBUT-HD is showing up on 124-6 in my area.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3623/cbuthd1246.png

Not sure what encrypted 124-4 and 124-5 is or was but 124-4 is 25Mbps+ QAM256 and 124-5 is about half that. 124-6 is in-the-clear.

Cheers,
Kermee

In my experience I've found that a *distribution* amplifier (with adjustable gain, 2-4 outputs) is the best way to go. Then you get rid of all splitters and can control signal levels.

Make sure it is high quality and capable of passing 2-way communication to take advantage of all cable features. I have an old one that is 1-way and it won't work with modern cable systems.

Great advice.

As for distribution amplifiers, unless you pay a premium and get something like a Electroline EDA-FT08300 distribution amplifier with an "active return", most folks use a basic amplifier like a Channel Master CM 3414 or 3418 but use a 2 port splitter first off the main feed. One leg goes to your cable-modem, the other leg goes into the distribution amplifier.

Usually, splitting the main feed with a passive 2-port isn't too harmful. Only issue with distribution amplifiers with a "non-active return" is if your STB's require two-way communications with the headend... then you might run into issues unless you use a more expensive "active return" amplifier.

Cheers,
Kermee

Just curious how widespread this problem is. At my house, the guide listings are incorrect for KIRO-HD (Comcast channel 107). The guide listings are correct for the SD simulcast of KIRO on Comcast channel 7.

I did the on-line chat routine with Comcast. They reset my boxes, which downloaded the same incorrect data (as expected). The technician said he would create a ticket to investigate the problem further at their end.

The problem cropped up either overnight or this morning. The guide was fine last night.

Just curious how widespread this problem is. At my house, the guide listings are incorrect for KIRO-HD (Comcast channel 107). The guide listings are correct for the SD simulcast of KIRO on Comcast channel 7.

I did the on-line chat routine with Comcast. They reset my boxes, which downloaded the same incorrect data (as expected). The technician said he would create a ticket to investigate the problem further at their end.

The problem cropped up either overnight or this morning. The guide was fine last night.

I don't use Comcast boxes. I have an S3 TiVo and the listings for 7 and 107 are correct on the TiVo.

In Bellevue, the listings for 107 are definitely wrong -- e.g., "ABC7 News at 9PM". TiVo listings seem OK.

The guide listing for 107 is also still wrong in Seattle 98103. Looks like the info is for some ABC affiliate on some other channel 7/107.

The guide listing for 107 is also still wrong in Seattle 98103. Looks like the info is for some ABC affiliate on some other channel 7/107.Got a follow-up phone call from Comcast yesterday afternoon to say that they had identified the problem and that it would be fixed by morning. Sure enough, the guide listings are correct this morning.

Merry Christmas!

Traded my old 3416 in for a DCX-3432 on the 24th. Love the 320GB drive and new features of the box. So far no problems at all. Using HDMI direct to TV using "Native" setting for output. It adds a slight delay at times when changing channels but it does appear that removing scale conversions in the stream gives a slightly better PQ, although it is difficult to see it at times. I may go back to fixed 1080i if it gets too annoying (I don't do a lot of surfing though). I sure wish Comcast would enable and use all the other nifty features this box is capable of. *sigh*

Traded my old 3416 in for a DCX-3432 on the 24th. Love the 320GB drive and new features of the box. So far no problems at all. Using HDMI direct to TV using "Native" setting for output. It adds a slight delay at times when changing channels but it does appear that removing scale conversions in the stream gives a slightly better PQ, although it is difficult to see it at times. I may go back to fixed 1080i if it gets too annoying (I don't do a lot of surfing though). I sure wish Comcast would enable and use all the other nifty features this box is capable of. *sigh*

Which location did you go to trade in? I went to both Redmond and Lynwood and they are fresh out of the new model of boxes.

Anyone?

Which location did you go to trade in? I went to both Redmond and Lynwood and they are fresh out of the new model of boxes.

Anyone?

Seattle-north. 1140 N 94th St. Just east of Aurora Ave on 94th. The stores have no direct line for us to call so you have to go there and take your chances.

Hi All,

Does anyone have any recent experience with firewire recording from a Comcast Seattle STB? Are they still issuing STBs with firewire enabled? Is at least some (i.e. extended basic 31-70) content non-5c flagged?

I've been trying to recover from the loss of clear QAM extended basic. I was previously using MythTV with 2x HDHomerun units, and I was very happy with the setup. Since the loss of clear QAM, I've been trying fruitlessly to get a single DC50X working with a PVR150's IR blaster. I think my best bet now is to bite the bullet and lease a full STB, but I want to be sure I can record via firewire before I make the leap (I'd also upgrade to their first tier digital package so I can get a few additional HD channels).

Thanks!

Hi All,

Does anyone have any recent experience with firewire recording from a Comcast Seattle STB? Are they still issuing STBs with firewire enabled? Is at least some (i.e. extended basic 31-70) content non-5c flagged?

I've been trying to recover from the loss of clear QAM extended basic. I was previously using MythTV with 2x HDHomerun units, and I was very happy with the setup. Since the loss of clear QAM, I've been trying fruitlessly to get a single DC50X working with a PVR150's IR blaster. I think my best bet now is to bite the bullet and lease a full STB, but I want to be sure I can record via firewire before I make the leap (I'd also upgrade to their first tier digital package so I can get a few additional HD channels).

Thanks! Only with the older DCH series (or in other words, as long as it is not a DCX series). Firewire is broken on the DCX. It kinda works but you can't get a recording off of it without the video stream being badly garbled. Reported also in the DCX forums, I'm not the only one reporting this. For that reason I have a DCX3425 AND a DCH3412.

Also, I would expect the 30-70 range to be 5C protected. I have a DVHS deck that is 5C compliant so I can't say for sure.

Hi All,

Does anyone have any recent experience with firewire recording from a Comcast Seattle STB? Are they still issuing STBs with firewire enabled? Is at least some (i.e. extended basic 31-70) content non-5c flagged?

I've been trying to recover from the loss of clear QAM extended basic. I was previously using MythTV with 2x HDHomerun units, and I was very happy with the setup. Since the loss of clear QAM, I've been trying fruitlessly to get a single DC50X working with a PVR150's IR blaster. I think my best bet now is to bite the bullet and lease a full STB, but I want to be sure I can record via firewire before I make the leap (I'd also upgrade to their first tier digital package so I can get a few additional HD channels).

Thanks!

gaebisu, I too am particularly interested in doing this, and have an almost identical setup and situation (1 analog tuner on a PVR150 and one HDhomerun with 2 tuners of course ;). I've also been thinking about leasing an STB and going firewire...but I'd really like to know before I go down that path what channels are/aren't available via firewire that are NOT 5c.

Only with the older DCH series (or in other words, as long as it is not a DCX series). Firewire is broken on the DCX. It kinda works but you can't get a recording off of it without the video stream being badly garbled. Reported also in the DCX forums, I'm not the only one reporting this. For that reason I have a DCX3425 AND a DCH3412.

Also, I would expect the 30-70 range to be 5C protected. I have a DVHS deck that is 5C compliant so I can't say for sure.

Thanks for this James, it'd be really nice to know what are not 5c, but like you said, no way for you to tell.

Anyone else out there that might be able to shed some light on this subject? I tried calling Comcast and they had no idea what I was talking about (and kind of accused me of trying to steal from them and that I had to get their recorder if I wanted to record stuff, period)...

Can you still tell the CCI and 5c settings in the diagnostic screen? Back when I used to use firewire to record this was reliable, but you had to change the channel each time before going into the diagnostic screen to see what that channels settings were...

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_If_5C_DTCP_is_Enabled

Does anyone have experience using a DTA box as input into an analog tuner on a Media Center? Is the Media Center able to 'detect' all of the channels and can it switch between them correctly, or do you need to use an IR blaster setup to signal the DTA box to change the channels for you?

Thanks guys.

Does anyone have experience using a DTA box as input into an analog tuner on a Media Center? Is the Media Center able to 'detect' all of the channels and can it switch between them correctly, or do you need to use an IR blaster setup to signal the DTA box to change the channels for you?

Thanks guys.

You'd need an IR blaster to change the station on the DTA. I don't think there is another way to change the stations on the DTA.

Thanks for this James, it'd be really nice to know what are not 5c, but like you said, no way for you to tell.

Anyone else out there that might be able to shed some light on this subject? I tried calling Comcast and they had no idea what I was talking about (and kind of accused me of trying to steal from them and that I had to get their recorder if I wanted to record stuff, period)...

I use firewire pretty regularly. As long as you have a stb with firewire out it will work. I transfer to a pc which is not 5C compliant, and I can record most channels but recently lost some recently as the CCI setting changed. The movies channels (HBO, Showtime, etc) and on demand are copyright protected so those are out of the question, everything else should be recordable. If you want the list of channels I'm having problems with I can post that too, it's about a dozen or so I think.

I have two dvr, one is the dcx model. I can still record with firewire and the audio/video are choppy but it still transfers in its entirety. Every once in a while it seems like it fast forwards for a few seconds, so a 30 minute show transfers in about 25 minutes. I prefer using one of the previous models instead when I want a show to keep.

When you call Comcast they aren't really trained on using that port for connections. As long as you aren't hacking the box I think you are safe and able to record shows legally for personal use. Just can't burn your own dvds and sell those.

I use firewire pretty regularly. As long as you have a stb with firewire out it will work. I transfer to a pc which is not 5C compliant, and I can record most channels but recently lost some recently as the CCI setting changed. The movies channels (HBO, Showtime, etc) and on demand are copyright protected so those are out of the question, everything else should be recordable. If you want the list of channels I'm having problems with I can post that too, it's about a dozen or so I think.

I have two dvr, one is the dcx model. I can still record with firewire and the audio/video are choppy but it still transfers in its entirety. Every once in a while it seems like it fast forwards for a few seconds, so a 30 minute show transfers in about 25 minutes. I prefer using one of the previous models instead when I want a show to keep.

When you call Comcast they aren't really trained on using that port for connections. As long as you aren't hacking the box I think you are safe and able to record shows legally for personal use. Just can't burn your own dvds and sell those.

I'm using the firewire port off of a DCT5100 to do my recordings with BeyondTV/Externinator. Also using the port for the channel changing. I can confirm (based on my usage since I haven't tried to record every new channel) that the only content that isn't available over that port appear to be the premium (HBO, Encore, etc.) channels and On Demand.

Thanks, Jim. That's good news.

So do we have any changes effective Jan 1? I'm so used to going to 173 for ESPN I wonder when they will make me go to 623 instead. Reading about the Fox/Time Warner bruhaha has been interesting. Looks like Cablevision users in NY, NJ, and Connecticut lost HGTV and Food Network for good. That would make me mad enough, let alone possibly losing Football games, Simpsons, American Idol, etc.

I'm using the firewire port off of a DCT5100 to do my recordings with BeyondTV/Externinator. Also using the port for the channel changing. I can confirm (based on my usage since I haven't tried to record every new channel) that the only content that isn't available over that port appear to be the premium (HBO, Encore, etc.) channels and On Demand.

Its just a few that don't work for me, like Bio on 275 and History International on 276 and other random ones on the starter package that aren't working either over firewire. I am using a dvr, and the CCI is set to 0x02 or the copy once settings. Since the dvr is the one copy it won't let me do another. And since it is always buffering and I believe playing from that buffer, in other words never playing "live", I am blocked on those channels. I think that's why we may be seeing the differences. Thoughts? Or am I totally off base?

Its just a few that don't work for me, like Bio on 275 and History International on 276 and other random ones on the starter package that aren't working either over firewire.

Bio 275 comes up protected when I record it on my TiVo so it can't be transfered to the other TiVo or my computer. Curiously shows on the newly added Bio HD channel 694 aren't protected.

I haven't recorded anything lately on History International, but I imagine those are protected too based on your experience. No equivalent HD one for that.

Bio 275 comes up protected when I record it on my TiVo so it can't be transfered to the other TiVo or my computer. Curiously shows on the newly added Bio HD channel 694 aren't protected.

I haven't recorded anything lately on History International, but I imagine those are protected too based on your experience. No equivalent HD one for that.

I don't normally record the HD channels that I want to backup onto the pc and burn to dvd (can't burn hd dvds yet ... someday soon I hope). Those ones I did not check out. I'll try the Bio HD channel and see what happens, but of course it will fill up my dvr quicker ;) I'm not recording anything on HI but noticed that was an issue too when I tried other channels. Thanks for the help!

Since I was putting the new DCX3400 in the media closet, and I had a loose network cable handy, I plugged it in. Looks like it lit up the MoCA light on the front of the box. Has anyone tested to see if there are any available functions? Definitely appears to be getting an IP address.

Well... it's January 2nd, and I'm still not seeing any CBC HD for limited cable users in the Kirkland/Woodinville area, even though it should be there as per their 2010 line-up. Anybody having a different experience?

Since I was putting the new DCX3400 in the media closet, and I had a loose network cable handy, I plugged it in. Looks like it lit up the MoCA light on the front of the box. Has anyone tested to see if there are any available functions? Definitely appears to be getting an IP address.

I noticed the same network light up but as MoCA isn't ethernet, it is coax, I don't know what that light is an indication of other than network is connected (MoCA has a different icon). Note that Motorola specifically mentions MoCA as part of its DCX3400-M version, this is not the -M so I'm assuming the capability is not there (or is disabled).
I've looked at motorola manuals and can't find anything that mentions what the ethernet connection 'could' do.

One other sad thing I didn't find in any instructions is how to dim the freaking bright display. Doesn't appear to be a way to do so.

Its just a few that don't work for me, like Bio on 275 and History International on 276 and other random ones on the starter package that aren't working either over firewire. I am using a dvr, and the CCI is set to 0x02 or the copy once settings. Since the dvr is the one copy it won't let me do another. And since it is always buffering and I believe playing from that buffer, in other words never playing "live", I am blocked on those channels. I think that's why we may be seeing the differences. Thoughts? Or am I totally off base?

Just had a look and I can confirm that 275 BIO and 276 HI are not available over the firewire port for me. I've never recorded from those channels so it wasn't an issue. Recordings over BIO HD work just fine though.

I noticed the same network light up but as MoCA isn't ethernet, it is coax, I don't know what that light is an indication of other than network is connected (MoCA has a different icon). Note that Motorola specifically mentions MoCA as part of its DCX3400-M version, this is not the -M so I'm assuming the capability is not there (or is disabled).
I've looked at motorola manuals and can't find anything that mentions what the ethernet connection 'could' do.


Yeah, me either. And silly me for thinking MoCA would be ethernet based. =) I should verify that it is getting an IP address and portscan it.


One other sad thing I didn't find in any instructions is how to dim the freaking bright display. Doesn't appear to be a way to do so.

Pay for a closet organization? =) From what I recall, the solution was tracing paper/grey translucent taped over.

Since I was putting the new DCX3400 in the media closet, and I had a loose network cable handy, I plugged it in. Looks like it lit up the MoCA light on the front of the box. Has anyone tested to see if there are any available functions? Definitely appears to be getting an IP address.

What happens when you put that IP address into a PC browser on your LAN? Do you get a web page interface?

Well... it's January 2nd, and I'm still not seeing any CBC HD for limited cable users in the Kirkland/Woodinville area, even though it should be there as per their 2010 line-up. Anybody having a different experience?

If this is caused by old 'limited' filters blocking the signal, good luck getting a Comcast worker to visit you for removal.

Last time i tried to contact Comcast customer service for a HD related problem, they've cut me short saying I must pay for the HD tier before they'll give me any support.

You might have better luck, please share your experience.

I was at the Redmond local office and decided to ask the question. The clerk got rude and to the defensive really quick, saying that HD channels require a box, even at the limited level, and because of that, the CBC-HD channel won't work any other way. I tried to explain to him that because they have it between 30-70, even a box won't help me in this case, but he didn't quite grap that concept. Sigh.

Do they even let people take HD boxes for limited now? I was under the impression that you needed to sign for all sort of (unneeded) services to even get the "right" to pony up more money to rent an HD box...

I would really like to get access to that channel if I'm entitled to at my service level. But I won't pay $30+ a month for it. :)

I was at the Redmond local office and decided to ask the question. The clerk got rude and to the defensive really quick, saying that HD channels require a box, even at the limited level, and because of that, the CBC-HD channel won't work any other way. I tried to explain to him that because they have it between 30-70, even a box won't help me in this case, but he didn't quite grap that concept. Sigh.

Do they even let people take HD boxes for limited now? I was under the impression that you needed to sign for all sort of (unneeded) services to even get the "right" to pony up more money to rent an HD box...

I would really like to get access to that channel if I'm entitled to at my service level. But I won't pay $30+ a month for it. :)Maybe you should get a box even if you have to upgrade to digital starter, which will force Comcast to remove the trap. Then you can return the box and downgrade to limited basic service again a week later. Now that Comcast scrambles channels they won't schedule a truck roll to re-install the trap.

Maybe you should get a box even if you have to upgrade to digital starter, which will force Comcast to remove the trap. Then you can return the box and downgrade to limited basic service again a week later. Now that Comcast scrambles channels they won't schedule a truck roll to re-install the trap.

I never thought of it that way, but that kinda makes sense.

Thanks for the idea. I might just do that.

Quote:
Originally Posted by jhachey
Maybe you should get a box even if you have to upgrade to digital starter, which will force Comcast to remove the trap. Then you can return the box and downgrade to limited basic service again a week later. Now that Comcast scrambles channels they won't schedule a truck roll to re-install the trap.

I never thought of it that way, but that kinda makes sense.

Thanks for the idea. I might just do that.



You may want to ask Comcast if they have some "Satisfaction guarantee" that let you to switch back to Limited Basic without any cost.
Otherwise, they may try to charge you $ to downgrade.

Maybe you should get a box even if you have to upgrade to digital starter, which will force Comcast to remove the trap. Then you can return the box and downgrade to limited basic service again a week later. Now that Comcast scrambles channels they won't schedule a truck roll to re-install the trap.

Unless I am missing something I am getting the canadian channel on 124-6 and 125-6. Are we talking about the same one, CBUT-HD? I did a channel scan again today and found both of those.

You are able to lease an HD box for $8.15/mo (with remote) on limited cable without needing an upgrade, but since you have a capable tuner doesn't make sense to pay that unless you want their on screen guide too. I could not find a copy of their rate cards online but they have them in the stores and it was with my october bill.

I think if you don't receive the channel then get a technician out to you and have them find out why you are not getting the channel, and if it's the trap then they will remove it. They may just remove it anyway.

...
I could not find a copy of their rate cards online but they have them in the stores and it was with my october bill.
...

Here is a copy of the one I received with my bill: http://home.comcast.net/~waregle/Comcast%20Products%20and%20Services%20Price%20List%20%28Seat tle%29.jpg

Unless I am missing something I am getting the canadian channel on 124-6 and 125-6. Are we talking about the same one, CBUT-HD? I did a channel scan again today and found both of those.I think you're missing the previous discussion back a couple pages. For much (most?) of Puget Sound, CBUT-HD has been moved to 124-6, so it's unaffected by limited-basic filters (which remove ~30-70). But in some areas, like ericjut's, it's still on 60-2 so it's being nuked by the filter.

I think if you don't receive the channel then get a technician out to you and have them find out why you are not getting the channel, and if it's the trap then they will remove it. They may just remove it anyway.As he pointed out - they refuse to send a technician out for an HD channel problem, since he just has Limited Basic.

My guess? They've simply screwed up & forgot to move CBUT-HD to 124-6 in some areas. Works fine if you rent their box, so why should they care? May require a letter to Steve Kipp, some complaints to the media, or both.

Oh... I highly suspect that even if I rent a box, it won't work in my case, which would give me an excuse to get a tech here to resolve it, something I can't get right now with just QAM use. I'm pretty sure that non-AVSFORUM-savvy limited basic users even know that they're eligible to get that channel in HD as part of their package (I even didn't until a few weeks ago), which is probably nobody complains about it. I'm not even sure how "popular" limited basic is in my region. For all I know, maybe everybody's on full digital cable. :)

I think you're missing the previous discussion back a couple pages. For much (most?) of Puget Sound, CBUT-HD has been moved to 124-6, so it's unaffected by limited-basic filters (which remove ~30-70). But in some areas, like ericjut's, it's still on 60-2 so it's being nuked by the filter.

As he pointed out - they refuse to send a technician out for an HD channel problem, since he just has Limited Basic.

My guess? They've simply screwed up & forgot to move CBUT-HD to 124-6 in some areas. Works fine if you rent their box, so why should they care? May require a letter to Steve Kipp, some complaints to the media, or both.

Sorry I was slow, I did not connect the dots. It had been a while since I really used the qam tuner to watch anything (only using it when the DVR is recording two shows and I want to watch another). I checked out the silicondust site to get the location.

I decided to check the frequency of CBUT-HD through the set-top and found that it is tuned to 441 Mhz which corresponds to RF channel 60 in QAM. So I tried 60-2 on the television and there it is too. As far as I can tell I am getting CBUT-HD on three channels on QAM and I don't have any traps. QAM channel 124 is on 795 Mhz, is it possible there may be a splitter somewhere that is not passing through that frequency? I had a splitter a while back that only went to 700 mhz and when I replaced that with a 1000 mhz splitter my missing channels came in. There may be some other signal loss too with long cable runs or just old/bad cables. Since its not coming in on either channel I think its hard to tell if its blocked or just poor reception.

I don't think they can refuse to send a tecnician since that channel is part of the lineup and a QAM tuner is capable of receiving it in the clear. They should care because they have to, right? May need some escalating to a supervisor.

Of course, we all knew this, but here are some more details courtesy of the Seattle Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/olympics/2010738218_olytv08.html

Canadian TV coverage of the Vancouver Olympics won't be available here
By Bob Condotta
Seattle Times staff reporter

With the opening of the Vancouver Winter Olympics just five weeks away, Northwest fans may be planning to tune in to the games once again on Canadian television, where they grew accustomed to live, relatively unfiltered coverage of the action.

Most of them will be out of luck.

For the first time since 1992, the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) won't be covering the games. That leaves most Seattle-area cable subscribers with no opportunity to catch the Vancouver games on Canadian television.

CTV, the largest privately owned network in Canada, outbid CBC for the broadcast rights in that country. But CTV is available almost nowhere in the state of Washington.

A local spokesman for Comcast, the primary cable carrier in the area, said, "We don't carry CTV anywhere in Washington and don't have plans to carry it for the Olympics." Apparently, CTV is also not available on satellite in this area.

A CTV spokeswoman said some neighboring U.S. cities do get the network, but "we do not negotiate directly with the Seattle-based cable and satellite providers."

Most Olympics fans will have little choice but to watch the big Olympic events on NBC, which holds the rights to the games in the United States.
<-- snip-->
The rest of the article can be found at: Times: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/olympics/2010738218_olytv08.html

Most annoyingly, NBC will continue to show key events (e.g. the Gold Medal Hockey game) on a tape delay for the west coast, even when those events are available live on the east coast. The only good news for us is that we get the east-coast HD feeds for several other NBC-Universal channels, such as USA-HD and Universal-HD, so we will get to see some live events on those channels.

Most annoyingly, NBC will continue to show key events (e.g. the Gold Medal Hockey game) on a tape delay for the west coast, even when those events are available live on the east coast. The only good news for us is that we get the east-coast HD feeds for several other NBC-Universal channels, such as USA-HD and Universal-HD, so we will get to see some live events on those channels.

Wait, are you serious? We're going to get delayed events even though we're not only in the same time zone, but almost at spitting distance (in global terms anyways)? This is just silly. :/

Wait, are you serious? We're going to get delayed events even though we're not only in the same time zone, but almost at spitting distance (in global terms anyways)? This is just silly. :/I'm not kidding. I didn't post the entire Seattle Times article, which included such tidbits as:
But the premier events won't be shown live here. Instead, they are either carried live or taped for prime-time coverage on the East Coast — and then further delayed for prime time in the West.and
But the big events — think the women's figure-skating final or the men's gold-medal ice-hockey game — will be reserved for NBC's prime-time coverage.
NBC did the same thing eight years ago when the games were held in Salt Lake City, just one time zone away. If the event was of interest to me, I watched it live on CBC...

I don't know if this is the right place to post this but.... I was just looking at my Comcast bill for this month. I have 4 HD Tivo's. I rent 4 of their cards for $1.60 a month. On the latest bill there is a line item for "Additional Digital" for 4 of their set-top boxes at $6.10 each. I don't have their set boxes, I have Tivo's. I called and got some twit who said the charge was in addition to the card because I had the ABILITY to have the boxes. What's with that?
I told her that I wanted to talk to her manager. After waiting she got back on the phone a said a manager was not available. I'm now waiting for the mamager to call me back.

For $117.... a month, I could go back to Directv Platinum with all premiums, not just HBO.

What's a guy suppose to do? Thanks for listening, Mike in Issaquah.

What's a guy suppose to do? Watch Hulu instead? Oh wait, that's now Comcast, too... :-(

I don't know if this is the right place to post this but.... I was just looking at my Comcast bill for this month. I have 4 HD Tivo's. I rent 4 of their cards for $1.60 a month. On the latest bill there is a line item for "Additional Digital" for 4 of their set-top boxes at $6.10 each. I don't have their set boxes, I have Tivo's. I called and got some twit who said the charge was in addition to the card because I had the ABILITY to have the boxes. What's with that?
I told her that I wanted to talk to her manager. After waiting she got back on the phone a said a manager was not available. I'm now waiting for the mamager to call me back.

For $117.... a month, I could go back to Directv Platinum with all premiums, not just HBO.

What's a guy suppose to do? Thanks for listening, Mike in Issaquah.I'm pretty sure this is Comcast's official pricing policy, not a mistake. Each cablecard-capable device that they have to provision/activate - is $6.10/month. That cost includes either a) a standard-def digital box rental, or b) an S-card cablecard rental. M-card cablecards (or a second S-card for the same device) are an extra $1.60/month.

I'm pretty sure this is Comcast's official pricing policy, not a mistake. Each cablecard-capable device that they have to provision/activate - is $6.10/month. That cost includes either a) a standard-def digital box rental, or b) an S-card cablecard rental. M-card cablecards (or a second S-card for the same device) are an extra $1.60/month.

I found this when I was pricing cablecard-capable devices a while back. Should help in this case too.

How much will I be charged to use a CableCARD? (http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/FAQViewer.aspx?seoid=charge-to-use-CableCARD&fss=cablecard%20price)

If you look down at wareagle's post with the price list (thanks by the way!) you can see that the additional digital access fee includes one set-top or cablecard for $6.10. Additional cards for a multiple cablecard device are $1.60.

If you have 4 cards without any other equipment being leased from comcast, then the first card is included with the digital subscription. The second is $1.60. The third is included with the additional digital access fee of $6.10. The fourth is $1.60. Total is $9.30 per month. There is no difference in s-card and m-card pricing, and most of what they carry anymore are m-cards.

If you lease any other set-top, then add another $6.10 for a total of $15.40. In theory you should not be charged for each additional digital access fee unless you have 4 tivos on separate outlets with one m-card each and leasing another set-top, but then you would not get the $1.60 charge too.

It will be interesting what the manager says. Hope this helps.

Edit: Just re-read the original post. If you have four different tivos with one card each then there would be a $6.10 charge for each additional one after the first (total $18.30) unless you have a box from them too, then it's $6.10 for each (total $24.40).

I'm pretty sure this is Comcast's official pricing policy, not a mistake. Each cablecard-capable device that they have to provision/activate - is $6.10/month. That cost includes either a) a standard-def digital box rental, or b) an S-card cablecard rental. M-card cablecards (or a second S-card for the same device) are an extra $1.60/month.

Yep, that's my understanding as well. This kinda hoses people with multiple Tivos. The most obvious workarounds include:


Reduce the number of Tivos you have activated; watch content with an unprovisioned Tivo (that works, right?) or some streaming technology like Slingbox
Use Moxi, which has streaming support that doesn't require an additional DVR (and additional digital outlet fee)
Build an HTPC-based DVR (which can, at least in principle, get up to 6 tuners from a single M-Card) with remote viewers for different rooms
Use someone other than Comcast

I don't know if this is the right place to post this but.... I was just looking at my Comcast bill for this month. I have 4 HD Tivo's. I rent 4 of their cards for $1.60 a month. On the latest bill there is a line item for "Additional Digital" for 4 of their set-top boxes at $6.10 each. I don't have their set boxes, I have Tivo's. I called and got some twit who said the charge was in addition to the card because I had the ABILITY to have the boxes. What's with that?
I told her that I wanted to talk to her manager. After waiting she got back on the phone a said a manager was not available. I'm now waiting for the mamager to call me back.

For $117.... a month, I could go back to Directv Platinum with all premiums, not just HBO.

What's a guy suppose to do? Thanks for listening, Mike in Issaquah.


Unfortunelately, the new pricing adds $6.10 for each outlet that you have a digital device hooked up to, after the first one free. So a TV (or TIVO) with a cable card would be $1.60 + 6.10 = $7.60 a month...~$100 a year, if you include taxes...

I found this when I was pricing cablecard-capable devices a while back. Should help in this case too.

How much will I be charged to use a CableCARD? (http://customer.comcast.com/Pages/FAQViewer.aspx?seoid=charge-to-use-CableCARD&fss=cablecard%20price)

If you look down at wareagle's post with the price list (thanks by the way!) you can see that the additional digital access fee includes one set-top or cablecard for $6.10. Additional cards for a multiple cablecard device are $1.60.

If you have 4 cards without any other equipment being leased from comcast, then the first card is included with the digital subscription. The second is $1.60. The third is included with the additional digital access fee of $6.10. The fourth is $1.60. Total is $9.30 per month. There is no difference in s-card and m-card pricing, and most of what they carry anymore are m-cards.

If you lease any other set-top, then add another $6.10 for a total of $15.40. In theory you should not be charged for each additional digital access fee unless you have 4 tivos on separate outlets with one m-card each and leasing another set-top, but then you would not get the $1.60 charge too.

It will be interesting what the manager says. Hope this helps.

Edit: Just re-read the original post. If you have four different tivos with one card each then there would be a $6.10 charge for each additional one after the first (total $18.30) unless you have a box from them too, then it's $6.10 for each (total $24.40).The main point is - each cablecard *device* you ask them to activate is $6.10/month. 4 Tivos are going to cost you $24.40/month (plus some addtional amount between $0 and $6.40/month, depending on how many cablecards of what type they decide to charge you for). EDIT: you're correct that the FIRST $6.10 fee is included in your programming subscription, if the Tivos are your ONLY devices.

So if I build (as I'm planning to) a windows 7 HTPC with the 4 tuner ceton card in it, and only need one cable card do I pay the $6.10 a month? I would have no other comcast boxes in this scenario.

So if I build (as I'm planning to) a windows 7 HTPC with the 4 tuner ceton card in it, and only need one cable card do I pay the $6.10 a month? I would have no other comcast boxes in this scenario.Your first $6.10 "digital outlet" fee is included with your digital programming subscription. So if you really have NO other Comcast boxes, then you shouldn't have to pay it. Just the $1.60 for the M-card (which they usually treat as an "additional" cablecard).

That's how it's supposed to work now - at least until 4- and 6-channel CC tuners become popular and Comcast realizes they're missing some revenue, and changes the rules again :-(

It will be interesting to see how the newly-announced HD Homerun *network* cablecard tuner actually works, and how Comcast treats it. If it works like the current HDHR QAM device, it could be "pooled" among multiple PCs throughout your house. Will each of those PCs need to be paired or activated? If so, then Comcast would presumably treat them as additional "digital outlets" and charge $6.10 each. We'll see...

It will be interesting to see how the newly-announced HD Homerun *network* cablecard tuner actually works, and how Comcast treats it. If it works like the current HDHR QAM device, it could be "pooled" among multiple PCs throughout your house. Will each of those PCs need to be paired or activated? If so, then Comcast would presumably treat them as additional "digital outlets" and charge $6.10 each. We'll see...

I have no idea how they would know however. With Media center any device on the network should be able to access the tuner, and I don't think comcast can count how many devices you actually have.

I have no idea how they would know however. With Media center any device on the network should be able to access the tuner, and I don't think comcast can count how many devices you actually have.I'd like to think that's the case, but we'll have to see. At some point the device will have to be activated & registered with Comcast. Unless the new CC HDHR has it's own user interface, that means activating from a PC - probably from inside Media Center setup, like is currently done with the ATI DCT. Hopefully, it will be the CC HDHR - and not that PC - that's registered with Comcast.

Your first $6.10 "digital outlet" fee is included with your digital programming subscription. So if you really have NO other Comcast boxes, then you shouldn't have to pay it. Just the $1.60 for the M-card (which they usually treat as an "additional" cablecard).

That's how it's supposed to work now - at least until 4- and 6-channel CC tuners become popular and Comcast realizes they're missing some revenue, and changes the rules again :-(

I tried this argument with them, it did not work. The first (box) card is free, the 2nd is $6.10, they see it as your first card, the third (2nd to them) would be $1.60. I've got two and am paying the $6.10 only.
Mike

I tried this argument with them, it did not work. The first (box) card is free, the 2nd is $6.10, they see it as your first card, the third (2nd to them) would be $1.60. I've got two and am paying the $6.10 only.
Mike

If the second card is in the same host device (a 2nd tuner in the same device like tivo or a media center pc) then it's $1.60 for the second card. If they are in separate host devices (for example one tv and one tivo) then it is the $6.10 charge for the second card.

There is no price difference in single stream or multistream cards. Since they can decode up to 6 streams at a time I think it would be hard to figure out how many you were using. They also give out m-cards for televisions, it's pretty much all that is given out any more.

If both of yours are in the same device, then argue the point. The link I posted earlier is from their web site which explains how it should be.

My guess? They've simply screwed up & forgot to move CBUT-HD to 124-6 in some areas. Works fine if you rent their box, so why should they care? May require a letter to Steve Kipp, some complaints to the media, or both.

I endured a thoroughly unsatisfying web chat with Comcast on this subject: blamed it on the "government-mandated Digital Transition Program," suggested I upgrade to "Limited Expanded service (?)," then sent me a link for channels available via digital antenna in Colorado Springs (?!), told me I need an HD box, etc., all in broken English. Then he referred me to the local office.

So I went outside and removed the filter where it enters the house, re-scanned, and all the Limited Basic digital channels disappeared. So that filter seems to be doing more than just filtering out a range of frequencies. Put it back on and things were back to normal. But still can't bring in CBUT-HD.

It's probably something with my system, but for the last few days the sound on channel 104 has been muted on just the commercials. Tonight that has switched around and the commercials are normal and the program is muted. I tried rebooting the DVR and that didn't change anything. Recorded programs on channel 104 also have the muted sound. All other channels are fine. I have two other HD boxes (non-DVR) and they are OK on channel 104 and channel 4 is OK. My sound goes through an optic cable to a 2803 Denon receiver. Has anyone else had a similar problem?

It's probably something with my system, but for the last few days the sound on channel 104 has been muted on just the commercials. Tonight that has switched around and the commercials are normal and the program is muted. I tried rebooting the DVR and that didn't change anything. Recorded programs on channel 104 also have the muted sound. All other channels are fine. I have two other HD boxes (non-DVR) and they are OK on channel 104 and channel 4 is OK. My sound goes through an optic cable to a 2803 Denon receiver. Has anyone else had a similar problem?You might try contacting KOMO directly. They have had audio switching problems for years but have been very responsive on this board.

It's probably something with my system, but for the last few days the sound on channel 104 has been muted on just the commercials. Tonight that has switched around and the commercials are normal and the program is muted. I tried rebooting the DVR and that didn't change anything. Recorded programs on channel 104 also have the muted sound. All other channels are fine. I have two other HD boxes (non-DVR) and they are OK on channel 104 and channel 4 is OK. My sound goes through an optic cable to a 2803 Denon receiver. Has anyone else had a similar problem?

I have an older Kenwood receiver that used to have trouble with Dolby Digital of any flavor when the source switched modes (PCM-> DD or DD -> PCM). The receiver is in "auto" mode and is supposed to detect PCM and Dolby automatically and then set itself properly for that mode. I am using a coax cable between the DVR and the receiver. I noticed that it was always going back to PCM whenever there was a loss of sound from the DVR. This would happen when using FFWD etc. on the DVR. Sometimes when you hit PLAY it would not switch back to DD automatically and I had no sound. The cure was always to force another "transition" by rewinding or stopping and hitting PLAY again. It happened about 10% of the time for me.

THEN, I swapped out the DVR for the newer DCX-3432 (mainly to get 320GB drive). For some reason it is able to maintain the DD 5.1 configuration all the time and my muted sound issue is gone.

It could be that the commercials are not in DD and the programs are. This transition my be causing your system to lose its sync like mine used to do.

I have the Vizio P42 with the QAM tuner and I could pick up the local HD until I moved to Sammamish. Now with the QAM tuner and the limited basic package I could not even scan the channels. (always fail in the middle). So I upgraded to the digital package hoping they could enable the local HDs. Still, I could not scan the channels most of the time using my QAM tuner. For some channels I got a blue screen with "the television station is temporarily unavailable". With 3 appointments with the Comcast tech, they refused to admit there's any trap. They showed me the cable box outside my house and said there's no trap device on my cable. Instead, they said my QAM tuner is broken, because the tuner could not pick up anything.
My question is: how could I find if the trap exists and where could I find it?

Thanks.

I have the Vizio P42 with the QAM tuner and I could pick up the local HD until I moved to Sammamish. Now with the QAM tuner and the limited basic package I could not even scan the channels. (always fail in the middle). So I upgraded to the digital package hoping they could enable the local HDs. Still, I could not scan the channels most of the time using my QAM tuner. For some channels I got a blue screen with "the television station is temporarily unavailable". With 3 appointments with the Comcast tech, they refused to admit there's any trap. They showed me the cable box outside my house and said there's no trap device on my cable. Instead, they said my QAM tuner is broken, because the tuner could not pick up anything.
My question is: how could I find if the trap exists and where could I find it?

Thanks.The trap would be in the cable box on the side of your house, but I suspect your Vizio is at fault. I have a VX20L that used to fail to scan Comcast QAM on occasion and now fails constantly on FIOS. Vizio tuners seem to be very picky about the signals they find.

The trap would be in the cable box on the side of your house, but I suspect your Vizio is at fault. I have a VX20L that used to fail to scan Comcast QAM on occasion and now fails constantly on FIOS. Vizio tuners seem to be very picky about the signals they find.

rather than scanning the channels for HD, what happends when you directly enter 4-1, etc?

rather than scanning the channels for HD, what happends when you directly enter 4-1, etc?Entering 4-1 would work only if the channel had been scanned and the PSIP data parsed. Entering a QAM channel number like 73.101 did not work.

The set is now hooked up to an OTA antenna.

OK, so I just downgraded my service from expanded to limited (local channels only) since my HTPC was not getting the encrypted signals anyway. I was little surprised to hear that they were going to send out a tech to put a filter (why bother when they already encrypt everything???).

I just want to know if I will be able to get all of the local HD channels with this package. Is anyone around here have the same setup? If I cannot get the local HD, I might as well start putting up an external antenna...

OK, so I just downgraded my service from expanded to limited (local channels only) since my HTPC was not getting the encrypted signals anyway. I was little surprised to hear that they were going to send out a tech to put a filter (why bother when they already encrypt everything???).

I just want to know if I will be able to get all of the local HD channels with this package. Is anyone around here have the same setup? If I cannot get the local HD, I might as well start putting up an external antenna...

I have limited (with filter placed 1 year ago when I downgraded) with HTPC, and receive all local HD except 22-1. Tukwila, WA.

--
Sang

Thanks, that certainly makes things simpler. I tried using an (indoor) antenna this weekend and I could not get all the channels to work at the same time, so cable would definitely save me some trouble.

I just went from paying $60/month to $15/month. Thanks, Comcast (for encryption and forcing my hand)!

From the Portland Comcast thread:

looks like the upgrade is scheduled for the 27th
We're usually not too far behind Portland, so hopefully we'll see the A28 guide in February.

From the Portland Comcast thread:


We're usually not too far behind Portland, so hopefully we'll see the A28 guide in February.

Do we know what it will bring?

Do we know what it will bring?The features are described at:
http://www.comcast.net/newguide/

Comcast also has a video demonstration of the new guide at:
http://blog.comcast.com/2010/01/new-guide-makes-watching-tv-even-better.html#trackbacks

Amongst the key features are an improved search function, web-based programming of your DVR, and skip-forward / skip-back functionality when watching on-Demand programming.

The features are described at:
http://www.comcast.net/newguide/

Comcast also has a video demonstration of the new guide at:
http://blog.comcast.com/2010/01/new-guide-makes-watching-tv-even-better.html#trackbacks

Amongst the key features are an improved search function, web-based programming of your DVR, and skip-forward / skip-back functionality when watching on-Demand programming.Web based scheduling is the one killer feature that's missing from Windows Media Center (which is otherwise a very good DVR). I might actually go back to recording more shows on my Comcast DVR if this feature shows up.

The features are described at:
http://www.comcast.net/newguide/

Please let us shut off the 'A scheduled recording has just completed' billboard that obliterates the screen no matter what we're watching. Please? Feature for that? Maybe? Please?

When will Comcast get around to offering KBTC's 1080i HD signal, as well as KBTC's mHz Worldview subchannel?

When will Comcast get around to offering KBTC's 1080i HD signal, as well as KBTC's mHz Worldview subchannel?

Here's a much more concise answer than I'd originally written here. The second paragraph of this page at WNET explains it: in the case of a secondary PBS station, it's up to the station, itself, whether they prefer analog/SD digital simulcast, or to be carried exclusively digital w/ all subchannels:

http://www.thirteen.org/insidethirteen/2009/04/21/special-note-to-ct-and-nj-basic-cable-comcast-subscribers/

A little late, but... here's a QAM update.

Biggest changes:

* Lots of shuffling since before the digital transition wound down, and lots of encryption where there didn't used to be any

* Four MUXes are simulcasting

* CBUT HD is simulcasting, but only in 860 MHz (not 750 MHz) areas

* I can't find(!) the FM simulcasts that used to be on 90-X (KPLU, KQMV, KUBE, KMPS, KUOW, KIRO, KING, KWJZ.) It doesn't make sense that they'd be encrypted, so I've probably got a bad cable or some line ingress somewhere...

Here's a much more concise answer than I'd originally written here. The second paragraph of this page at WNET explains it: in the case of a secondary PBS station, it's up to the station, itself, whether they prefer analog/SD digital simulcast, or to be carried exclusively digital w/ all subchannels:

http://www.thirteen.org/insidethirteen/2009/04/21/special-note-to-ct-and-nj-basic-cable-comcast-subscribers/ Thank you for the link. Unfortunately, it's not the answer many of us would like. PBS affiliates wishing to retain an analog cable signal to reach many limited-basic viewers end up waiving their right for retransmission of an HD signal or subchannels.

Also, Comcast has a weird policy regarding the "special set-top converter box" for standard-def limited basic: only one box and remote may be rented for $1.15/month. Any additional boxes are charged at $7.25/month, even though this is STILL for a limited basic standard-def TV (not high definition). Of course, there's also a bit of irony in being expected to pay extra $$ for HD reception of limited basic channels when many of us can receive those HD channels free via OTA.

In the case of KBTC-HD, you must use an antenna to view the station in HD - assuming you can receive KBTC's OTA signal.

Thank you for the link. Unfortunately, it's not the answer many of us would like. PBS affiliates wishing to retain an analog cable signal to reach many limited-basic viewers end up waiving their right for retransmission of an HD signal or subchannels.

Also, Comcast has a weird policy regarding the "special set-top converter box" for standard-def limited basic: only one box and remote may be rented for $1.15/month. Any additional boxes are charged at $7.25/month, even though this is STILL for a limited basic standard-def TV (not high definition). Of course, there's also a bit of irony in being expected to pay extra $$ for HD reception of limited basic channels when many of us can receive those HD channels free via OTA.

In the case of KBTC-HD, you must use an antenna to view the station in HD - assuming you can receive KBTC's OTA signal.I thought Comcast provided TWO of the DTA (SD, limited basic) "converter boxes" for free?

I thought Comcast provided TWO of the DTA (SD, limited basic) "converter boxes" for free?Jim, you are partially right. Comcast does provide 2 DTA boxes, however ... they also provide you with a third box that gives you guide access as well as On Demand. No HD, no DVR.

I know this because I have hooked up 3 homes with these boxes every time in Kitsap County (Bremerton & Bainbridge Island).

Whenever I try to set up a channel guide, e.g., for Slingbox or Windows Media Center, it asks for my zip code (98112), and then presents me with a number of options: South King County, Roosevelt, rebuild or non-rebuild, digital or not, etc. (I don't have them exactly, and the options are not the same for each channel guide provider). How can I tell what I have, or are they all pretty much the same? I know the major channels are the same, but I haven't gone through 1000 channels to check.

Thanks.

I thought Comcast provided TWO of the DTA (SD, limited basic) "converter boxes" for free? The free DTAs are only provided to former expanded basic (Digital Starter) subscribers. Comcast never offered these boxes to limited basic clients.

For limited basic subscribers, i.e. those who receive HD signals via Clear QAM on their primary TV, there are NO free DTAs for secondary TVs in their homes. Comcast allows rental of only ONE SD "converter box" (it's a Motorola DCT-700) for $1/month; any extra boxes are a whopping $7/month and it's still limited to standard def and limited services (i.e. no on demand).

This primarily is an issue with second and third TV sets, with digital-only limited basic channels such as C-SPAN2, KOMO/This, KING/Universal Sports, KIRO/Retro, etc.

Of course, ClearQAM doesn't exist according to the Comcast reps.

Jim, you are partially right. Comcast does provide 2 DTA boxes, however ... they also provide you with a third box that gives you guide access as well as On Demand. No HD, no DVR.

I know this because I have hooked up 3 homes with these boxes every time in Kitsap County (Bremerton & Bainbridge Island). Were these homes with limited basic service?

They had all the channels between 2-99 (with normal unnecessary gaps)

They had all the channels between 2-99 (with normal unnecessary gaps) Those would be expanded basic customers (paying over $50/month for video service). Limited basic is the sub-$20/month service tier: channels 2-29, 75-79 and 99.

When will Comcast get around to offering KBTC's 1080i HD signal, as well as KBTC's mHz Worldview subchannel?

While PBS originates a 1080i HD signal nationally, KCTS has elected to only push out/use 720p... :( so, Comcast is showing what they're getting.

Can't answer the other question...

While PBS originates a 1080i HD signal nationally, KCTS has elected to only push out/use 720p... :( so, Comcast is showing what they're getting.

Can't answer the other question...
seatacboy was asking why Comcast only offers KBTC's HD content in SD. As to why KCTS broadcasts in 720p rather than PBS's standard 1080i format is a different unrelated question.

seatacboy was asking why Comcast only offers KBTC's HD content in SD. As to why KCTS broadcasts in 720p rather than PBS's standard 1080i format is a different unrelated question.

nevermind... :D

Apparently next week all our Comcast services are going to be renamed "XFinity". And the article I read mentioned something about the name change syncing up with 50mbps internet service.

seatacboy was asking why Comcast only offers KBTC's HD content in SD. As to why KCTS broadcasts in 720p rather than PBS's standard 1080i format is a different unrelated question.

KCTS using 720P was done at my suggestion. It significantly increases the overall quality of the picture presented in the presence of the two SD streams.

Comcast passes our 720 signal through bit for bit.

Apparently next week all our Comcast services are going to be renamed "XFinity". And the article I read mentioned something about the name change syncing up with 50mbps internet service.http://www.betanews.com/article/Comcast-to-rebrand-cable-Internet-services-as-Xfinity/1265250092

KCTS using 720P was done at my suggestion. It significantly increases the overall quality of the picture presented in the presence of the two SD streams.

Comcast passes our 720 signal through bit for bit. I remember the 1080i was particularly bad with KCTS, especially if the camera panned or lots of stuff in the picture changed fast. 720P is way better. I personally prefer 720P over 1080i. There is less digital artifacts, such as bad jaggies and macro-blocking. Remember both of these are HD formats. ESPN and FOX both do 720P, which is better with sports and high action stuff. With my 1080P LCDTV, I set my Comcast box to 720P, simply because I think the HD picture looks betters. 1080i is an "interlaced" format, which can cause all kinds of distortions if it is compressed more than it should be.

I realize this is a Comcast forum, but was wondering if any readers have Wave Broadband and are experiencing the same thing. I just have basic cable without a cable provided box. Wave Broadband sends out three versions of KOMO. Analog SD on Ch 4, Digital SD on 92.8, and HD on 104.1. This week the clear-QAM HD feed (Ch 104.1) went away. At first I thought it may have something to do with KOMO's antenna (http://queenanne.komonews.com/content/komo-tower-gets-makeover) move, but that wouldn't explain why the SD signal still works. I'm not sure if it is now encrypted or there is equipment problems which will be fixed. Any ideas on this?

I realize this is a Comcast forum, but was wondering if any readers have Wave Broadband and are experiencing the same thing. I just have basic cable without a cable provided box. Wave Broadband sends out three versions of KOMO. Analog SD on Ch 4, Digital SD on 92.8, and HD on 104.1. This week the clear-QAM HD feed (Ch 104.1) went away. At first I thought it may have something to do with KOMO's antenna (http://queenanne.komonews.com/content/komo-tower-gets-makeover) move, but that wouldn't explain why the SD signal still works. I'm not sure if it is now encrypted or there is equipment problems which will be fixed. Any ideas on this?Did you try re-scanning to see if maybe they just moved it to a different frequency?

Did you try re-scanning to see if maybe they just moved it to a different frequency?

That was it. It moved to a different frequency. Thanks.

Lately, I noticed the two-channel audio on CBUT/99 is shrill and distorted (as though the VU meters were maxed out), particularly during direct a/b comparison with CBUT-HD (which has good audio quality). Until recently, CBUT's audio was fine. Any ideas why Comcast's audio feed has recently become so poor for CBUT/99?

I'm using a KWorld tuner stick to watch Comcast's clear QAM telecasts on my PC. However, the supplied ArcSoft TotalMedia software is very user-unfriendly. The channel numbers are completely different than those on our AVS QAM channel charts, and in many other respects the software is poorly designed.

Any suggestions for better software to use for Clear QAM reception on my PC?

Lately, I noticed the two-channel audio on CBUT/99 is shrill and distorted (as though the VU meters were maxed out), particularly during direct a/b comparison with CBUT-HD (which has good audio quality). Until recently, CBUT's audio was fine. Any ideas why Comcast's audio feed has recently become so poor for CBUT/99?

I haven't noticed it lately, but I did notice it a for a few weeks, several months ago. It seemed to start, last time, for me, when they were briefly downconverting CBUT HD from (OTA) 58-8 to (Cable) 99/79-6. It seemed to go away when they went back to the actual analog feed from (OTA) 2 soon after. (I assume it's since 58-8 was annoyingly far from center-cut safe.)

OK, I was wrong. :) I just checked. The analog on 99 definitely sounds over-saturated to me. The digital SD on 79-6 sounds less-so. The digital HD on 60-2 sounds fine.

On a tangent, this was much easier when CBUT was Ch. 2/Cable 99. A world where it's OTA Analog 2, OTA Digital 58-8 mapped to 2-1, Cable Analog 99, Cable Digital SD 79-6 mapped to 99, Cable digital HD 60-2 mapped to 619 is just... too confusing. :-)

Cmon - 619 is the *perfect* channel number for CBUT-HD! Right between foreign-language channels and sports channels. I suppose it's a little of each :-)

Hey all - I'm watching Chelsea vs Arsenal on FSC 401 right now and it says available in HD in the upper right corner. Any idea if we get FSC in HD yet and which channel or when we can expect to get it? TIA.

I don't see it on the list of HD channels I picked up at the Redmond Comcast Office a few months back.

I'm using a KWorld tuner stick to watch Comcast's clear QAM telecasts on my PC. However, the supplied ArcSoft TotalMedia software is very user-unfriendly. The channel numbers are completely different than those on our AVS QAM channel charts, and in many other respects the software is poorly designed.

Any suggestions for better software to use for Clear QAM reception on my PC?

I used Media Portal for my Kworld PCI card with QAM last year. Google it.

Hey all - I'm watching Chelsea vs Arsenal on FSC 401 right now and it says available in HD in the upper right corner. Any idea if we get FSC in HD yet and which channel or when we can expect to get it? TIA.
The show is on 651 E!. She's great isn't she! Much better in HD.

The show is on 651 E!. She's great isn't she! Much better in HD.

I can't tell if you are joking or not. :)

I can't tell if you are joking or not. :)
LOL. Nope, I love the Chelsea Lately show. And everything is better in HD. It's so nice now that most SD channels have an HD counterpart. I haven't bother with SD in months.

That was it. It moved to a different frequency. Thanks.I also have Wave Broadband, and I would like to point out that they are moving frequencies for a lot of channels because of new HD channels coming to the system. Just so Comcast knows how far behind we are, we just got CNN, Fox News, CNBC, Speed, Versus, & Golf ... in HD (with more to come very shortly). That puts us up to 40 HD channels (so far).

FWIW, on another forum, somebody posted that the A28 Guide should be deployed in all area of Washington by the end of the month.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23779785-a28-Spokane-and-Western-WA

Did anyone else get a lot of audio cut outs last night? Although at times I was thankful when the audio cut out (muting Costas) it did become really annoying especially during the musical performances. I'd flip to another channel and had audio there, so I don't think it's a problem at my house.
gosh I miss seeing the games on CBUT. I can't believe we have to watch it taped.

Other then that, I thought it was a beautiful show. The Canadians did a nice job of showing everyone what it means to be Canadian.

I had the cut-outs. Wonder if OTA people had them?

dropouts here in Bellevue too. thought the quality of the HD left something to be desired. turn off the 5-2 channel when you are broadcasting the olympics. do you really think anyone is watching old sports events on 5-2 when the olympics are being broadcast?

I had dropouts on FiOS as well on opening night ceremonies, but not last (Saturday) night.

I had dropouts on FiOS as well on opening night ceremonies, but not last (Saturday) night.

OTA audio was flawless. Picture quality left a lot to be desired, especially with the close up shots of the 'First Peoples" fancy costumes.

KING is using only about 10Mbps for their HD and 7.5 Mbps for the SD channel. At those bit rates, they are dedicating to much to the SD and need to convert the HD to 720P.

I doubt that ditching the SD, even if contractually possible for them, would have had much impact on the artifacting we were seeing on the HD opening ceremony due to the inferiority of 1080i for pictures with lots of fine motion.

FWIW, on another forum, somebody posted that the A28 Guide should be deployed in all area of Washington by the end of the month.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r23779785-a28-Spokane-and-Western-WAGot a message on the set-top box this morning that the Guide update is coming on February 23.

Got a message on the set-top box this morning that the Guide update is coming on February 23. I don't think it is THE update. I too have a message telling ya to go to http://www.comcast.com/guide/ for details. Doesn't look like it's the A28 release. That said, it is important to go to that site because 4 features are affected including scheduled recordings some of which you may lose after the upgrade.

KING is using only about 10Mbps for their HD and 7.5 Mbps for the SD channel. At those bit rates, they are dedicating to much to the SD and need to convert the HD to 720P.

Out of curiousity, does anyone know if NBC actually feeds anything better than 10Mbps to the affiliates? All of the O&Os run NBC HD @ 1080i, NBC Plus @ 480i, AND Universal Sports @ 480i nowadays, which makes me wonder if they bother feeding at 19Mbps anymore.

(On a tangent, the ABC O&Os are now running ABC HD @ 720p, LiveWell HD @ 720p, AND AccuWeather @ 480i. Ouch.)

I don't think it is THE update. I too have a message telling ya to go to http://www.comcast.com/guide/ for details. Doesn't look like it's the A28 release. That said, it is important to go to that site because 4 features are affected including scheduled recordings some of which you may lose after the upgrade.From what I've read on other threads, this is an update of the channel database that needs to be made prior to the A28 update. In other areas, the A28 update followed a couple of days after the update of the channel database. I guess we'll know more in a couple of weeks.

Did anyone else get a lot of audio cut outs last night? Although at times I was thankful when the audio cut out (muting Costas) it did become really annoying especially during the musical performances. I'd flip to another channel and had audio there, so I don't think it's a problem at my house.
gosh I miss seeing the games on CBUT. I can't believe we have to watch it taped.

Other then that, I thought it was a beautiful show. The Canadians did a nice job of showing everyone what it means to be Canadian.I know I'm late (been out of town) but, I had the cutouts as well. It was on both regular KING 5 as well as KING 5 HD. I have Wave Broadband.

Is this new "xfinity" supposed to result in us getting more HD channels or are we just getting a new fancy name?

From what I've read on other threads, this is an update of the channel database that needs to be made prior to the A28 update. In other areas, the A28 update followed a couple of days after the update of the channel database. I guess we'll know more in a couple of weeks.Saw the following on the dslreports.com forums:

The update on Feb 17 in Spokane and Feb 23 in Western WA is NOT A28. It's an update in preparation for A28.

The autodialer is informing you that there are a few features that may be affected with this update. The 4 things affected are: Scheduled DVR recordings, Parental Controls, Program Reminders, and Favorites lists on CERTAIN channels, not all channels.

Employee trials are starting soon for A28 in WA.

A28 isn't being deployed in WA until April. Any more questions, call 1-800-COMCAST.