Originally posted by Tivolicious
Uh.. Uh... You know HD *is* 16:9. AFIAK, none of the 18 different specs have a 4:3 HD.

Yes, I'm aware of that. But the HD feed from KING has black bars on the sides. It's a SD 4:3 upscaled signal with HD graphics overlayed on it.

I should have been more clear, as they don't seem to be using any HD cameras in the studio that I've seen. The signal was definitely HD as reported by my STB.

-Lance

What shows does NBC currently broadcast in high-definition?

American Dreams, Boomtown, Crossing Jordan, Ed, ER, Frasier, In-Laws, Hidden Hills, Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno are currently broadcast in HDTV. Occasionally, theatrical films and made-for-TV movies are also broadcast in the high-definition format.

Also, Miss Match and Third Watch are on tomorrow night.

You can see NBC's schedule here:

Go to NBC's homepage. Then add this to the URL:
/nbc/header/TV_Schedule/

You can see that there are a number of shows in high-def. Tuesday's and Wednesday's are chock full of high-def content.

I was also extremely pleased that Las Vegas (one of their newest series) was in HDTV from the start. To me, it shows that NBC taking HDTV seriously. Also, West Wing has been airing in HDTV for the first time this season. However, with Friends in their final season, I doubt that it will ever be in high-def.

I dont know if I already said it but rumor has it that Starz & Cinemax are coming sometime after the 1st of the year.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
I dont know if I already said it but rumor has it that Starz & Cinemax are coming sometime after the 1st of the year.

I'm also fairly certain our sun will run out of fuel and expand in size, gobbling up the earth sometime after the 1st of the year but I don't think any of us will be here to see it.

:p

Heh, exactly what I was thinking ianken :D
Though Comcast does carry Cinemax and Starz HD in other areas already, so I would expect we'd be getting them sometime in the not so distant future. We didn't have to wait a very long time for inHD.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
As far as I know Gonzaga-Missouri will be on INHD
Any update on this? The game's not listed in the INHD guide. In fact, promos I've seen say that the Gonzaga-Missouri game is on CBS (KIRO). If that's the case, how can Comcast show the game in HD like they advertised?

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Jeremyfr
As far as I know Gonzaga-Missouri will be on INHD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Any update on this? The game's not listed in the INHD guide. In fact, promos I've seen say that the Gonzaga-Missouri game is on CBS (KIRO). If that's the case, how can Comcast show the game in HD like they advertised?

I actually believe I already edited my post for an error on that statement as I couldn't find it when I went back to see why I'd made that statement.

Jeremy

My experience watching local news on KING-DT has been the opposite of what some of you folks have stated here.

They seem to have one studio camera the gives 16x9 HD head shots of the newscasters as long as no graphics are involved. Anytime they add graphics they switch to upconverted 4x3 SD.

I have noticed that 480i 4x3 upconverts on KING-DT look very good--better than several other stations in Seattle that I have watched over the last 2 years. The upconvert quality looks good on both local programs and NBC network programs. Of course, we would much rather have actual HDTV than the upconverts.

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno has, for a long time, been one of the BEST examples of HDTV shot with HD cameras instead of being converted from film like many of the HD prime time programs are.

Enjoy KING-DT--we OTA folks have been watching KING-DT for a long time.

Just our luck that they chose tonight to not show ER in HD.

Evening Magazine was in HD, but it seemed to be a rerun, since all the material on it seemed old.

Looking forward to seeing Jay Leno in HD tonight.

yeah, no ER HD joy tonite....

And to top it off, my analog ch5 (others as well, but mostly 5) is suffering from some pretty serious herringbone or hum bars (creeping diagonal lines).

Anyone know how to get this fixed? It only happens on channel 4-5 (maybe 6 or 7 as well)...

Cheers,

Rich

Originally posted by boykster
And to top it off, my analog ch5 (others as well, but mostly 5) is suffering from some pretty serious herringbone or hum bars (creeping diagonal lines). I seem to remember growing up in the Midwest, this meant that a tornado was approaching :-)

A quick question or clarification - if I order Comcast HD now or in the next few weeks (before the 6208 comes out), what will I need to do to get the 6208 (or whatever DVR box) when it's finally released? I would just wait until it's released (and make sure I get the right one when I order service), but for a couple of reasons I might switch over from DirecTV sooner than anticipated.

Many thanks!

Cliff

DVR is still a little ways off....but when it is released you should only need to call to have one installed to replace the box you currently have.

Originally posted by boykster
yeah, no ER HD joy tonite....

And to top it off, my analog ch5 (others as well, but mostly 5) is suffering from some pretty serious herringbone or hum bars (creeping diagonal lines).

Anyone know how to get this fixed? It only happens on channel 4-5 (maybe 6 or 7 as well)...

Cheers,

Rich

Its not Hum, hum is one or two horizontal bars rolling through the screen.

Diagonal lines sound like ingress. Is Ch 5 an Local Broadcast channel? If so then my guess would definately be Ingress.

I'm also thinking of moving from Dish Network to Comcast... to take advantage of the Dish buy back program... ($25 off bill for first 16 months). Has anyone here done this? I'm thinking of doing this because of cost: $350 difference over next 16 months, if you factor in cost of reciever with Dish. Anyone have any ups or downs regarding this?

You will have to call them up and have them bring out a 6208 when they become available.

I wouldn't wait till then. The more people who sign up for HD now, the more priority they will give to adding channels and improving services such as HD VOD and the HD PVR.

I hope Comcast gives old timers priority over newbies when it comes to getting one of these boxes. They should offer them to existing HD customers before giving them to people who are waiting until they become available to sign up.

I'd sign up (switch) now except that I love my D-Tivo ... it's a serious regression for our family viewing habits to go back to non-DVR viewing.

However, local HD channels (I'm blocked from easy OTA reception) and replacing a roof is leaning me towards switching now (or soon) and dealing with forced viewing times (I'm not going to spend the money to buy an analog Tivo) rather than just waiting until the 6208 is released. (Where the roof comes in is that I'd rather not have to reinstall the dish for just a month or two.) Although now I will need to buy a component -> VGA transcoder ...

These are interesting times for HD ... :)

Cliff

Here's a question: What are the terms for the satellite equipment buy-back offer? I've got two DTivos, and feel the same as Cliff about giving them up. I also have some Dish equipment that I'm not using. Could I trade in the Dish equipment, and keep D* going for another month* until the 6208 rolled out?

* positive thinking

--Mike

Originally posted by Llamas
Here's a question: What are the terms for the satellite equipment buy-back offer? I've got two DTivos, and feel the same as Cliff about giving them up. I also have some Dish equipment that I'm not using. Could I trade in the Dish equipment, and keep D* going for another month* until the 6208 rolled out?

When I switched from DirecTV I just gave some old equipment I hadn’t been using. They didn’t care. In fact I kept all the accessory hardware including the remote and the card.

My change to comcast digital cable lasted a week, before I went back to D*. Thank god they didn't take my dish. Comcast install went poorly, they didn't bring the 5100 even though I asked for it directly. Reception was very poor for analog stations, and the Motorola STB's were a big step backwards from D* receivers. My 1st gen D* receivers were faster then the Motorola STB's and forget about the guide. My suggestion would be buy the D* HD receiver through the D* buy back plan. If you do try the buy back program, go to Value Village and pick up some old receivers and give those to the installer.

Thanks for the idea about getting a couple of old receivers... I'll do that if I switch. Although they do say that they I have 30 days to call back and get my old stuff back. I wouldn't trust that though...

If I could get OTA HD, or if D* carried network HD, Comcast would not be under consideration...

It sounds like I can give them my E* equipment in order to get the $25x16 from Comcast, and keep my D* DTivos up and running during the transition to the 6208. I know it will pale in comparison to my DTivos, but if I want HD, and I want to record it...

If all else fails, I guess I can carry a minimum amount of service on cable to get HD locals and the recorder, and keep my D* service for SD.

--Mike

To get DVR you'll have to subscribe to a digital Cable package, Unlike the HD box where you can subscribe to limited cable and get the HD box. The DVR service will require you subscribe to a digital package of some type in order to get the box.

Originally posted by miatasm
Its not Hum, hum is one or two horizontal bars rolling through the screen.

Diagonal lines sound like ingress. Is Ch 5 an Local Broadcast channel? If so then my guess would definately be Ingress.

that's it exactly. So, is there a known cause/cure for ingress (and yes, channel 5 is a local, it's our local NBC affiliate)?

I tried using a variable attenuator to fix the problem (just a shot in the dark) and it had no effect, and I lost some of my digital channels as well.

Cheers for any help,

Rich

So, is there a known cause/cure for ingress (and yes, channel 5 is a local, it's our local NBC affiliate)?

Only 8 more posts to go! I'm guessing somewhat, but I believe ingress is caused by an analog OTA signal infiltrating your cable line. Specifically, channel 5 on cable and channel 5 OTA use the same frequencies. Somewhere you have a piece of cable connected to your set that is not only delivering the cable signal but is also acting as an antenna and getting a portion of the OTA signal, hence the disruption.

There are two potential sources, one is from the cable coming into your neighborhood. Only Comcast can fix that and your neighbors would have the same problem. The other is any of the cabling going to your receiver.

There are two pieces to this: the cable run provided by Comcast to your house and the existing cable in your house.

Things to try:

Remove or reduce the number of splitters. Try not to run a splitter off of a another split signal. Use only high quality cable. If your house is wired with poor qualty cable, replace it.

Make sure every run in your house is to the splitter from the home run cable to the Comcast distribution box. No spltters in between. Every time you split a signal you get a 3db loss or more. This makes your signal more susceptible to ingress.

Get Comcast to make another cable run to your house and make that your primary connection to home theater. Do not split the signal. Run it straight into the STB. I had them do this for me (BTW they were great about it) leaving my old cable run in place to service my other TV's and my cable modem. This did the trick for me.

One gets the impression that KING-DT isn't capable of DD5.1, based on the fact that two prime time HD programs tonight were in DD2.0. By contrast, practically everything on KOMO-DT in prime time HD is DD5.1.

Is this impression correct, or is NBC not transmitting their HD programming in DD5.1?

Originally posted by cliffg
However, local HD channels (I'm blocked from easy OTA reception)...

We're also in a horrible location to catch OTA (Bellevue), but we gave it a shot anyways. I called this installer:

http://www.isfmd.com/

He was mentioned on this board in an older post so I gave him a try. Long story short, he was great! He came back 4 times with different antennas (for no extra charge) untill we could get reasonably good signal. We ended up with a Channel Master 4228 antenna and its working fairly well. I put a quick post of our results here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=335670&highlight=98008

He offers money back if you can't get a good signal so it's worth a shot. Took us 4 antennas to get it, but it worked out in the end.

Finally got a chance to watch some HD content on King5. Third Watch looked good, but Leno looks amazing! Any word on Kong, by chance? Any idea about the Sonics games that are broadcast on Kong? Will they be in HD?

I dont watch hdtv too much lately, but is the leno show about is good as it gets? it seems a bit grainy.. and i could see some compression marks in his suit espically tonight.. (its the first time i've watched leno in hdtv at home)... Is there some recompression going on or is it just the fact that my tv's a 64 incher that i'll notice these things alot more?

Leno looks good, but I find HDNet and DiscoveryHD look best from all the HD channels. To get a really good glimpse of HD, watch Insectia on DiscoveryHD. How thats stunning!

Originally posted by mpestrada74
Finally got a chance to watch some HD content on King5. Third Watch looked good, but Leno looks amazing! Any word on Kong, by chance? Any idea about the Sonics games that are broadcast on Kong? Will they be in HD?

No word on KONG, but FWIW I doubt they have the games in HD. Judging by KINGs anemic HD newscast I don't think they're trying too hard to do local HD productions.

KIRO, KTWB, KCPQ and KSTW still to go and I want them all yesterday. :D

Originally posted by joker454
Leno looks good, but I find HDNet and DiscoveryHD look best from all the HD channels. To get a really good glimpse of HD, watch Insectia on DiscoveryHD. How thats stunning!


so it will be noticably better then? Thats what i'm hoping for.. when i saw our tv at costco they had some underwater thing and a few other things (some lopping feed) that look amazing i dont really remember noticing the grainy or compression marks, so i dont really think its the tv.. unfrotunately i dont think comcast offers either of the two channels you mentioned, so it will probably be a while before i can see the best of the best to know for sure what to compare to :)

That's not necessarily true, Comcast offers INHD which has similar feeds with nature scenes and the like.......I happened to watch Ultimate Fighting Championships the other night......and normally when watching sports you might catch a glimpse of some fast moving motion artifacts, and I didn't see that at all with the INHD UFC program.....INHD looks very good overrall....

Jinx,

It maybe because you have a bigger TV than most you are going to notice more "artifacts" than a smaller TV, but I have done my share of Avia & Video Essentials "calibrations" and I have been able to minimize these defects by adjusting the Video settings on the Television......If you haven't done it yet......Go purchase the New VE DVD.....It should help with some of your problems.

Originally posted by phunkyphresh
Reception was very poor for analog stations, and the Motorola STB's were a big step backwards from D* receivers. My 1st gen D* receivers were faster then the Motorola STB's and forget about the guide.

Isn't that the truth! I am always amazed at how bad the moto boxes are. Their current boxes are on par with my first DTV STB and that was 10 YEARS ago. 10 years in technology years is nearly dating back to the ice age.

Is there anything that is stopping Comcast from doing a really good upconvert of Kiro and giving that to us? I understand that this isn't HD, but their regular analog offering is sooooo bad as to render it unwatchable on anything greater than a 19 inch tv.

So much for the ads I saw promoting Comcast's Battle in Seattle in HD. I guess that ad was for people who don't have HD and won't know that is wasn't really in HD.

Tivolicious - You're right about the Comcast delivery of KIRO - it's unwatchable. I'm sure glad I can watch the OTA broadcast!

Tim

Originally posted by Tivolicious
Isn't that the truth! I am always amazed at how bad the moto boxes are. Their current boxes are on par with my first DTV STB and that was 10 YEARS ago. 10 years in technology years is nearly dating back to the ice age.

What makes it sadder is when you compare the hardware platforms. The 1st gen RCA DirecTV boxes sported 8bit cpus running at very low clock speeds and a few megs of ram. These DCT5ks sport 250mhz+ RISC CPUs and over 64MB of ram and they are still complete dogs and the features blow.

Hit the guide button and it doesn't even come up on the current channel and shows maybe an hours worth of guide data. Lame. It's an HD box, if I hit guide I should get the guide in 720p, wide, with two hours or more of data around the current channel. When I scroll through the guide it should be fast and smooth. It should have plain text search with an onscreen keyboard and/or T9 predictive text entry.

The sad fact is that the Mot/Gemstar developers can't code their way out of a wet paper bag. I wish we could get the MSFT guide/UI. That thing is snappy even on a low end DCT2K. And it's nice.

Originally posted by Jinx
so it will be noticably better then? Thats what i'm hoping for.. when i saw our tv at costco they had some underwater thing and a few other things (some lopping feed) that look amazing i dont really remember noticing the grainy or compression marks, so i dont really think its the tv.. unfrotunately i dont think comcast offers either of the two channels you mentioned, so it will probably be a while before i can see the best of the best to know for sure what to compare to :)

Ya it is noticably better. Insectia isn't something you wanna watch if you find bugs icky, since they like to zoom in really close to them at times. But its just wild to watch all that detail, definitly the best show to showcase HD in all its glory. I watch on a Sony HD Tube (HS510) which really helps bring out all the detail though. I find that the larger DLP/LCD's tv's seem to blur the images in comparison to a good tube, they just don't seem to have as much detail.

Wow, I guess I'm just not fussy enough. My Sammy 567 hasn't shown blurring or any negative artifacts. Maybe the set isn't adjusted properly. As far as Moto STB's, I am lucky enough to have been supplied the 6200 and I can't agree with negative comments on the analog channels. Yes, even KIRO. I realize this is all subjective to the viewer and I'm not trying to put down previous messages or messagers. I just thought it was time for a positive comment for the maligned (and rightfully so at times) Comcast.

Originally posted by nodrog2
...I can't agree with negative comments on the analog channels. Yes, even KIRO. I realize this is all subjective to the viewer and I'm not trying to put down previous messages or messagers. I just thought it was time for a positive comment for the maligned (and rightfully so at times) Comcast.

On the analog channels: It depends on more than just the box, it's the quality of the system up to the box as well. In MY case the analogs look good for analog. The fiber cable terminates two blocks from my house.

Sure, I get superior analog video on my big c-band rig that beats any signal on cable short of HD but for CABLE the picture is good. No gosting, little noise. It's mainly just an issue of clairity.

What I want is for OpenCabel to get going so I can buy a STB from a real vendor like Pioneer, Sony or whoever.

I was flipping through some of the HD channels and on INHD (664), the guide showed NBA Basketball but no signal was coming through (It would just freeze frame on whatever channel I just switch from). Any ideas why?

Originally posted by mpestrada74
I was flipping through some of the HD channels and on INHD (664), the guide showed NBA Basketball but no signal was coming through (It would just freeze frame on whatever channel I just switch from). Any ideas why? Been asked & answered several times on this thread already - most recently on Dec 10 by JeremyFr (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3035172#post3035172).

Anybody know if I can get a second 5100 even if I only have one HDTV? I have 3 ReplayTVs and they all do an excellent job of recording downconverted HD programming. It sure would be nice to have a second cable HD tuner available at the HDTV so I could watch one show while recording another.

Tim

Originally posted by ianken
No word on KONG, but FWIW I doubt they have the games in HD. Judging by KINGs anemic HD newscast I don't think they're trying too hard to do local HD productions.

KIRO, KTWB, KCPQ and KSTW still to go and I want them all yesterday. :D
I don't think KONG shows anything in HD except the local news, but I can't imagine anyone wanting to watch that. It's so distracting, constantly switching back and forth between 16:9 and 4:3. Why do they even bother? I'd watch it in NTSC just to avoid that.

Anybody know if I can get a second 5100 even if I only have one HDTV? I have 3 ReplayTVs and they all do an excellent job of recording downconverted HD programming. It sure would be nice to have a second cable HD tuner available at the HDTV so I could watch one show while recording another.

They will only issue one box per HDTV ready tv in the home.

I wonder if that will extend to the 6208. For similar reasons, it might be nice to have two to allow for scheduling conflicts.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
They will only issue one box per HDTV ready tv in the home.

Interesting. Will the same restriction be in place when 6208s become available? I'd love to have a PVR on all of my TVs, not just the hi-def capable TVs.

No it will not pertain to the 6208 as there will be an extra fee for that service & equipment above & beyond the price of digital cable.....

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
They will only issue one box per HDTV ready tv in the home.
That's unfortunate. How 'bout for one HDTV ready tv and one PC with an HD card in it? This would - for all intents and purposes - give you 2 HDTV displays in your home.

I tried emailing a number of the stations recently. I got the following response from Q13-Fox:
Thank you for writing us. We are currently in the final phases of negotiations w/Comcast to deliver our DTV signal to them for inclusion into their DTV/HDTV line up. Until then, you would need to acquire a digital receiver to get our digital signal (channel 18). Fox is still doing 480P 16 x 9 (“Widescreen”) but will upgrade to 720P 16 x 9 (High Definition) in the fall of ‘04.

Sincerely,



SHERI LIGUORI

KCPQ Q13 FOX
Programming Coordinator
Seattle-Tacoma-Everett
Sounds like Q13 is getting pretty close to signing a deal with Comcast. Obviously, it would be EDTV for now, but HDTV in the fall.

Originally posted by jhachey
I tried emailing a number of the stations recently. I got the following response from Q13-Fox:

Sounds like Q13 is getting pretty close to signing a deal with Comcast. Obviously, it would be EDTV for now, but HDTV in the fall.
I emailed Q13 as well and got, word-for-word, the exact same response. Which obviously means it's a canned response and could well be out of date. Fox also doesn't have all that much H/EDTV content right now, but it would be nice to have the added clarity a digital signal would provide. When can we expect The Simpsons in HDTV? :-)

Originally posted by jspeton
I emailed Q13 as well and got, word-for-word, the exact same response. Which obviously means it's a canned response and could well be out of date. Fox also doesn't have all that much H/EDTV content right now, but it would be nice to have the added clarity a digital signal would provide.
Yes, it's a canned response, but very different from the canned response I got a couple of months ago. It sure sounds like progress has been made.

As you said, FOX doesn't have that much H/EDTV content, but a couple of the things they do carry (24, NFL football) are things that I watch regularly. I know that EDTV is not HDTV, but DVD-quality widescreen images are pretty darn good - way better than 4:3 analog.

Originally posted by jhachey
I know that EDTV is not HDTV, but DVD-quality widescreen images are pretty darn good - way better than 4:3 analog.

Indeed. Sure, 720p or 1080i is prefered but even 480p 16:9 is appreciated. I'm glad to see they are going to 720p in the fall.

I'm one of those weirdos who like Enterprise on UPN, I'd like to be able to see it at home in HD.

Its probably just a matter of allocating some bandwidth for Q13, as alot of current Comcast systems already have deals with FOX....I know Seattle is in the middle of a system upgrade, so I wouldn't expect it to be much longer.

Its too bad that they took "Fastlane" off the air Tiffany Theissen only looks that much better in widescreen & 480p.......:)

Rumor has it that KCPQ and a couple other HD channels are coming within a week or so.

sorry I just got to say this.......satellite what????? hehe

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Rumor has it that KCPQ and a couple other HD channels are coming within a week or so.

Better not be messing with us. :-) Geeting our hoopes up and all.

You da man, btw. Nice to have a voice on the inside.

Would I ever "mess" with you guys.

Originally posted by ianken
Better not be messing with us. :-) Geeting our hoopes up and all.

You da man, btw. Nice to have a voice on the inside.

Mind you he has to be as general as possible...that's what almost got him in trouble before, being to specific. Things could still change and it would put the Comcast CSR's in a bad position if our 'mole' was specific about a rollout date, then they would ask us who told us, and we would point our fingers at our good friend Jeremyfr. While I don't doubt Jeremyfr and his gallant efforts to inform us, I'll belive it when I see it.

Any news on CBS? They have the superbowl this year and a majority of their hour long shows are in HD. Frankly I can't think of a single show other than monday night football I regularly watch on ABC or NBC. I can think of 5 I watch on CBS. (KIRO specifically)

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Rumor has it that KCPQ and a couple other HD channels are coming within a week or so.
A couple others? If you're going to make me guess then I would bet on the couple others being Cinemax and Starz. I wouldn't mind that at all, though I'm hoping it's something else because those two should get added fairly soon anyway. KCPQ is #2 on my list of locals I still want. Obviously KIRO is #1, but I would like digital widescreen 24. :)

Why is the KING HD channel only in regular sound? How come they aren't broadcasting the 5.1 surround sound for their HDTV programs?

I watched Las Vegas last night, and while it looked awesome, I found the sound to be very lacking.

If I remember correctly, the OTA feed had 5.1 sound. Can anyone verify this?

According to this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2630339&highlight=5.1+komo#post2630339) and several others on page 60(!) of this thread, KOMO is the only local station broadcasting 5.1 and that's most likely the source of their lip-sync issues (I haven't been noticing it much myself lately)

So I don't think it's Comcast. I watched Las Vegas last night too, and thought that 5.1 would've added to that show, especially since Threat Matrix came on ABC right after it.

A couple others? If you're going to make me guess then I would bet on the couple others being Cinemax and Starz. I wouldn't mind that at all, though I'm hoping it's something else because those two should get added fairly soon anyway. KCPQ is #2 on my list of locals I still want. Obviously KIRO is #1, but I would like digital widescreen 24.

cough KCPQ cough cough KTWB cough cough KONG cough cough cough

Be careful Jeremy!

Seems odd no one has mentioned this, but 105 KingHD (NBC) was added to Comcast's line-up a few days ago. I would not have known myself unless my TiVo had alerted me to a change in the channel line-up.

Edit: oops, now I just saw it mentioned a few posts back...

No Comcast system currently has a WB station in HD, so that would be quite a coup.

No Comcast system currently has a WB station in HD, so that would be quite a coup.

Dunno what to tell ya but that the "rumor" is very "well supported" Not to mention our WB affiliate here in Seattle is still a localy family owned Station as it always has been so I'm sure negotiations are a lot easier with a situation like that vs. trying to negotiate with WB O&O

Both KCPQ-13 (Fox) and KTWB-22 (WB) are owned by the Tribune Corporation (www.tribune.com). It makes sense that if you negotiate a deal for one of those two stations, you end up picking up the other station too.

I am moving to Bothell at end of this month and hope to evaluate both my Comcast HD and OTA HD options from my new location. I understand that I am looking at a minimum of about $52 for a digital package plus another $5.10 per month for HD. I believe that I will have a good change of getting OTA signals from my location and would like to evaluate this. My understanding after reading this thread is that the only HD advantage to Comcast is the HD ESPN and HD "Demo" Channel; and the disadvantage is their lack of local HD. Besided subscribing to HBO or other premium channels, what HD advantage does Comcast offer?

Do either the 5100 or 6200 STB inclue an OTA tuner? ( I know this may be crazy for Comcast to include a free OTA tuner, but I'd like to give it a try without investing the $$$ until I know it will work).

My goal is to have HD mostly for local channel viewing at a minimum cost; half or more of my TV viewing is DVD.

Thanks, this thread has been helpful,
Marcus

Mbyers, right now you could get an Analog Cable package from Comcast and still recieve the Local HD channels for an additional $5.10 a month. However if you wanted INHD 1 & 2 which have a variety of content from movies, to concerts etc. and ESPNHD you would have to have a Digital Package.

As for HD locals Comcast currently offers KOMO, KING, and KCTS, and appears to be adding a few others like KCPQ,KTWB,KONG in the very near future.

CBS will probably be online once Comcast reaches a national agreement with Viacom rumored to be happening sometime shortly after the 1st of the year.

No word on UPN yet. Comcast has been making a huge push in the Puget Sound Area to add HD content in the recent months now that they have most of the state's upgrades done. It doesn't appear they plan to slow down HD channel launch's anytime soon.

Originally posted by mbyers
Do either the 5100 or 6200 STB inclue an OTA tuner? Nope.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
CBS will probably be online once Comcast reaches a national agreement with Viacom rumored to be happening sometime shortly after the 1st of the year.
Do you think there will be a linkage between a Viacom-Comcast deal and us getting KIRO here locally? KIRO is owned by Cox Broadcasting, so I would think carrying KIRO would be a separate deal.

Comcast is carrying CBS some areas where the local station is an affiliate (as opposed to being owned and operated by CBS). I'm hoping that Comcast and Cox strike a deal soon. Maybe we'll get KIRO before Comcast and Viacom strike a deal.

Oddly enough Viacom owns our our local UPN affiliate (KSTW / UPN-11) and the local Cox (KIRO-7) and Viacom (UPN-11) stations appear to have a cozy relationship - KIRO's newscast also airs on UPN-11. Maybe there is linkage there after all?

Originally posted by mbyers
I am moving to Bothell at end of this month and hope to evaluate both my Comcast HD and OTA HD options from my new location. I understand that I am looking at a minimum of about $52 for a digital package plus another $5.10 per month for HD. I believe that I will have a good change of getting OTA signals from my location and would like to evaluate this. My understanding after reading this thread is that the only HD advantage to Comcast is the HD ESPN and HD "Demo" Channel; and the disadvantage is their lack of local HD. Besided subscribing to HBO or other premium channels, what HD advantage does Comcast offer?

Do either the 5100 or 6200 STB inclue an OTA tuner? ( I know this may be crazy for Comcast to include a free OTA tuner, but I'd like to give it a try without investing the $$$ until I know it will work).

My goal is to have HD mostly for local channel viewing at a minimum cost; half or more of my TV viewing is DVD.

Thanks, this thread has been helpful,
Marcus
Post your nearset intersection or PM me and I will check your OTA line-of-site from you new location.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
cough KCPQ cough cough KTWB cough cough KONG cough cough cough

You be careful now. We can't afford to have you get sick.

;)

You be careful now. We can't afford to have you get sick.

Yeah I think I'm coming down with that call letter flu thats been going around! hehe :)

Now if only I could find out something regarding STARZ HD and Cinemax HD besides sometime next year.

and TMC HD (now on Voom) and DiscoveryHD.

I've been resisting posting lately........."NBATV!!!!!" Those INHD games blacked out kill me every time. I would rather see Discovery HD over any other one though in my book...

Sorry if this doesn't belong in this thread since it's a Comcast thread, but I live in Tacoma and just got off of the phone with a Click! Network CSR. I asked about when they were going to be offering HD content and was told in the next couple of weeks. The CSR gave me a rundown of the channels they are supposed to have at launch:

ABC, NBC, CBS, KTWB, KCTS, FOX, Showtime, HBO, Starz, Cinemax, ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, HDNet, and HDNet Movies.

Pretty impressive if they really do have these lined up. Sadly no INHD, but CBS and Discovery? Very tempting... I've signed up on a list to get called when it's all available. I'm going to call again later to try to get another CSR to see if this list is legit.

I'm getting ready to take the Comcast cable HD plunge finally (roofers just dropped off a load of supplies, so the sat dish is coming down soon). A few quick questions:

1. Ordering - What do I need to do when ordering to take advantage of the "dish buyback" offer? Are there any other special offers I should know about that are not in the web order page? Should I use the web order form or make a phone call? Have HDTV installs become common enough that I don't need to do anything special to make sure installation goes as smooth as possible?

2. Component -> VGA transcoder - is anyone else using the KD-CTCA3 transcoder? (In particular, cable box thru the transcoder to a CRT front projector ...) I also play DVDs through a HTPC to the projector - anyone using the CTCA3 VGA pass-thru capabilities? Does the cable STB need to be turned off to enable the pass-thru?

Many thanks for any comments!

Cliff

Cliff,

1. You have to call Comcast on the phone. You can ask them which offer works with the buyback, but in my experience, they won't let you add any other offers to it. Also, take note that you need to choose one of their premium packages to take advantage of the buyback offer. If you ever lower your level of service in the future, they will cut off the monthly rebate you get. Short answer: call them to get the fine prints.

-eric

Originally posted by jhachey
Do you think there will be a linkage between a Viacom-Comcast deal and us getting KIRO here locally? KIRO is owned by Cox Broadcasting, so I would think carrying KIRO would be a separate deal.

Comcast is carrying CBS some areas where the local station is an affiliate (as opposed to being owned and operated by CBS). I'm hoping that Comcast and Cox strike a deal soon. Maybe we'll get KIRO before Comcast and Viacom strike a deal.

Here is a list of areas with CBS HD channels currently carried by Comcast, composed by another avsforum member (the q) and posted in another thread:

Chicago, IL
Washington, DC
Atlanta, GA
Tampa, FL
Indianapolis, IN
Nashville, TN
Kansas City
Harrisburg, PA
Louisville, KY
Jacksonville
Little Rock, AR
Knoxville, TN
Huntsville, AL
Chattanooga, TN
Charleston, SC
Augusta
Salisbury, MD
Eugene, OR
Panama City, FL
Spokane, WA
Orlando, FL
Springfield, MA

You are right that this is something between Comcast and Cox, owner of KIRO. An agreement between Comcast and Viacom will have little, if any, influence on getting an agreement done between Comcast and Cox.

Cox has not allowed Comcast to carry the HD signal of any of Cox's stations anywhere in the U.S. Why Cox is doing this is unknown. (Except for the areas with Viacom owned CBS stations, Seattle is the largest market area in the U.S. without a local CBS HD signal on Comcast.)

Has anyone written to KIRO and received a response as to their current status of negotiations (or lack thereof) with Comcast? Is it actually the case that a deal must be struck with Cox nation-wide or is KIRO capable of negotiating the deal themselves? I must admit I had assumed KIRO was a O&O CBS station given the lack of perceived progress on Comcast carrying them. I've not read anything that says Cox is doing something similar to Viacom as far as CBS-HD carriage is concerned. Don't they know the SuperBowl is only 6 weeks away?? :)

[edit] I see the following posted on KIRO's website:
KIRO transmits a digital signal from our transmitter daily, but you can only receive the digital signal over the air with special receivers that are sold by area electronics retailers. If you would like to receive the signal through your cable operator please write or call your local cable provider to request that they carry our signal.

Gee, that almost reads as though they'd willingly let Comcast carry the signal, if only someone would ask...

Originally posted by jspeton
Is it actually the case that a deal must be struck with Cox nation-wide or is KIRO capable of negotiating the deal themselves? Technically, the owner of KIRO is a local partnership, but Cox totally controls the partnership. Also technically, the partnership is supposed to be able to negotiate on its own and reach an independent deal with Comcast, but that is not what really goes on behind the scenes. The reality is that the Cox executives at Cox's corporate HQ in Atlanta are the ones who call all the shots.

Originally posted by jspeton
Has anyone written to KIRO and received a response as to their current status of negotiations (or lack thereof) with Comcast?I have sent several emails to KIRO over the past nine months or so and have never received a response. All of the other stations that I wrote to (KBTC, KOMO, KTWB, KCPQ, KSTW, KING) responded to inquiries about HDTV, even if their responses weren't particularly informative.

origionally posted by mpestrada74: ...Click! Network gave me a rundown of the channels they are supposed to have at launch: ABC, NBC, CBS, KTWB, KCTS, FOX, Showtime, HBO, Starz, Cinemax, ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, HDNet, and HDNet Movies.

Happy times to come for Tacoma!

Come on Comcast! I'd sell my OTA reciever if you could match that! (plus KSTW please)

Click is struggling to offer what Comcast has SD wise I seriously doubt that all of a sudden they're just gonna pop up with 10-15 HD channels out of the blue.

Hi all, new member here, Larry, if your still waving your magic ToPo wand, care to look at Education Hill, 166th Ave N.E and n.e.104th in Redmond and see what she says. Thanks a mil.

How about keeping the OTA lookup stuff in the "Seattle Changes" thread so this thread doesn't get polluted by those lookups and responses.

KCPQ, KONG, KTWB all launch tomorow in High Def on Comcast Cable in Western Washington.

The full lineup will be as follows

KOMO HD 104
KING HD 105
KONG HD 106
KCTS HD 108
KCPQ HD 113
KTWB HD 114
ESPN HD 173
HBO HD 549
SHO HD 574
INHD 1 664
INHD 2 665

BTW Comcast is also launching KREM CBS in Spokane which happens to be owned by BELO same company as KING/KONG.

It sounds as though KONG reairs episodes of ER, The West Wing in HD and I've also seen some stuff to indicate possibly that Sonics Games will in fact be in HD on KONG.

I've been seeing some pixelization and breakups on King hd. Any on else seeing it?
I get less on the antenna.

It would make sense that all those channels would show up tomorrow since Thursday seems to be the day they add channels, and the next two Thursdays are holidays.

If the channels do show up tomorrow, that will be a great Christmas present for all of us.

If the channels do show up tomorrow, that will be a great Christmas present for all of us.

Unless there's an major earthquake or the world comes to an end before you wake up tomorow they'll be there. :)

Bruceko,

I've been seeing the same breakups...

Rich

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Unless there's an major earthquake or the world comes to an end before you wake up tomorow they'll be there. :)
That's awesome; thanks Jeremy for your continued involvement and information. That really is a great Christmas present!

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
KCPQ, KONG, KTWB all launch tomorow in High Def on Comcast Cable in Western Washington.

That's cool. Considering the BS happening with KIRO I don't expect to seem them any time soon. Any news on KSTW or are they in the same boat as KIRO?

Anyway, more HD. Happy day!

Thanks for the continued heads-up on these channels, Jeremy!

The channels were there as advertised this morning. Also, a message saying KING 5 HD is on the system (last week's news).

Jeremy:
Thanks for all the current updates on HDTV! This forum is the fastest way to find out what's happening or what's not happening with Comcast. It's just getting better and better! Now all we need is CBS and Discovery. That would make things perfect!

The new channels are up and running here. It's too bad that 24 isn't on again until after New Year (Fox Digital WS is better than nothing, I guess).

Originally posted by stevelew
Jeremy:
Thanks for all the current updates on HDTV! This forum is the fastest way to find out what's happening or what's not happening with Comcast. It's just getting better and better! Now all we need is CBS and Discovery. That would make things perfect!

Yes! Thanks Jeremy! Its great to see the new channels. I am looking forward to exploring the new hdtv offerings.

Off topic question: I noticed my Comcast Cable Internet IP changed for the first time since Comcast took over from AT&T. Is this related?

unfortunately kcpq & ktwb are breaking up like crazy - unwatchable... hopefully will get fixed soon

I guess this is why KING was breaking up a lot last night, more upgrades. So far everyt time they've added an HD channel I've had some glitches for the first few days. I think inHD killed my old cable box. :p

Jeremy........tell more of your Sonics HD discoveries? I haven't seen a thing even once but that would be great. Where's NBATV? I thought there were talks going on?........guess more smoke blowin'. I don't even get excited about it anymore. For Comcast to carry INHD and have to black those 5 hour blocks out is embarrising IMHO.

The new HD channels 105/106/113/114 are mapped to lower frequencies (717 MHz & 723 MHz) than INHD 1/2 (753Mhz) so breakups are less likely to be caused by local wiring/splitter bandwidth problems. A while back, when INHD was breaking up constantly a lot us were told we must be using cheap splitters or something (even though we weren't). So if the new channels are breaking up but INHD is not - then it's most likely a head-end problem, not a house wiring problem.

i'm assuming kcpq is 480p, kong is 1080i, anyone know what ktwb is sending out? i wish the moto boxes would send a native hd signal...

Originally posted by brente
i'm assuming kcpq is 480p, kong is 1080i, anyone know what ktwb is sending out? i wish the moto boxes would send a native hd signal...
According to their website KTWB is 1080i. And agreed 100% on the moto box comment!

Here is the link along with a listing of which shows are in HD.
http://ktwbtv.trb.com/about/station/ktwb-hdtv-programs,0,7121797.htmlstory?coll=ktwb-about-station-1

jspeton - thanks!

Anyone know which shows on FOX are shown 480P? Or a website to check the shows shown in 480P.

Ok. Now we're talking. All we need now is Kiro and for Comcast to strike a deal to license TiVo.

The real question is which will happen first. ;)

Originally posted by alma321
Anyone know which shows on FOX are shown 480P? Or a website to check the shows shown in 480P.
http://q13.trb.com/about/station/kcpq-hdtv,0,3357136.htmlstory?coll=kcpq-about-station-utility

The real question is which will happen first.

Considering Comcast basically told TIVO to go stick it a while back from my understanding. I'd say we'll see CBS long before you ever see anything Comcast/Tivo.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Considering Comcast basically told TIVO to go stick it a while back from my understanding. I'd say we'll see CBS long before you ever see anything Comcast/Tivo.

I understand. That's what puts them about even. ;)

Heck, you can't blame me for wishing. I just wish that all Moto STBs didn't suck ass. :(

Originally posted by Tivolicious
I understand. That's what puts them about even. ;)
Heck, you can't blame me for wishing. I just wish that all Moto STBs didn't suck ass. :(

Open Cable is comming. Comcast will support it. At that point there is nothing stopping TiVO or Replay from deploying OpenCable compliant units that handles pretty much everything. It will be a while, 2005 at the soonest IMHO. But it will happen.

However, services that require a back channel like VOD and PPV will be limited to Comcast deployed STBs. But I think many people would invest in say, a Pioneer or Toshiba Tivo with dual tuners and Open Cable support if they could.

Actually companies are working on OpenCable equipment/STB's/TV's that support RF Return capabilities in order to be able to use items like the guide/PPV/and VOD.

The other thing is that here in the Seattle area there is no release date of when they will start offering Cable Cards. Which means that right now the only thing you can get is Unencrypted Digital and analog stations with non Comcast equipment.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Actually companies are working on OpenCable equipment/STB's/TV's that support RF Return capabilities in order to be able to use items like the guide/PPV/and VOD. The other thing is that here in the Seattle area there is no release date of when they will start offering Cable Cards. Which means that right now the only thing you can get is Unencrypted Digital and analog stations with non Comcast equipment.

Cool. I didn;t know they were doing that. All the demos I've seen have been with the qualifier of no return path. Cool.

Well, I hope Comcast does offer the cards in time with the CS guys. Next year seems to be the start of it. It'd suck for folks to have complaint TVs but still be stuck with the DCT boxes when they don't need them.

Originally posted by biz_qwik
Jeremy........tell more of your Sonics HD discoveries? I haven't seen a thing even once but that would be great. Where's NBATV? I thought there were talks going on?........guess more smoke blowin'. I don't even get excited about it anymore. For Comcast to carry INHD and have to black those 5 hour blocks out is embarrising IMHO.

I seriously doubt we'll be seeing the local Sonics broadcasts in HD this season. It's good to know they are technically capable of it and if they do it we'll get it on cable, but I'm not keeping my hopes up.

Yesterday I saw an ad on the back of the Sports section of The Seattle Times. It listed all the HD channels and whats on them, but they didn't make any distinctions for HD shows. It said something like, What's on KONG? Oprah, Dr. Phil and Sonics games.

just saw this across the newswire...

[VIA, CMCSA, CMSCK] VIACOM, COMCAST CONFIRM MULTI-YR TV AGREEMENT

The deal includes retransmission consent for Viacom's CBS affiliates in Comcast's markets, as well as Viacom's cable networks like MTV, Nickelodeon, Spike TV, Comedy Central and BET. The deal also provides for joint development of new video-on-demand services featuring content from CBS News and MTV Networks.


http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=340133

There's already a thread on the CBS-Viacom deal:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=340133

The deal appears to pave the way for Comcast to carry CBS in HD on CBS owned-and-operated stations. Given that our local UPN affiliate is owned by Viacom, it would appear to pave the way for UPN-11 to get carried locally.

Unfortunately, as our local CBS station is an affiliate, not an O&O, I don't know that this deal will help us get KIRO any time soon. On the other hand, now that Comcast is done with Viacom, maybe Cox Communications is their #1 priority (I can dream, can't I?).

Is there an e-address that we can use to contact Comcast with our wishes and concerns. Its great that more HD is now available, my hang-up is the lack of captions - except for KING which did it right. Why can't we see the same captions on HD that are showing on the analog channels. The improvement in video is awesome but enjoyment is dampened by the struggle to hear clearly. I'm sure its a minor point to most of you but dammit, it is really annoying to ones like myself who have lost much of our hearing.

Looks like my STB was upgraded last night. The S/W version is 51.42 and the firmware is 05.03 In the setup menu, it looks like a "Timers" option was added. I don't remember this being there and it looks like it's setting up for the PVR.

Marc - do you have the 6200? Have you tried the DVI outpput? Hopefully this is the start of 6208 being available. Fingers crossed.

No. I have the 5100. I just checked and DVI isn't enabled, either.

I have the 6200 (lucky me) but the way I'm set up I have to nearly disassemble my rack to get at things. I guess I'll wait till more news comes out. Sounds promising though. I can't remember how to check firmware - read multi posts till head swam. A little help please.

Originally posted by jhachey


On the other hand, now that Comcast is done with Viacom, maybe Cox Communications is their #1 priority (I can dream, can't I?). After the Viacom owned CBS HD stations come on line in their respective areas, Seattle will be the largest market area in the U.S. where Comcast does not carry the local CBS HD signal.

Time to start an email campaign directed at Cox. If you can succeed in getting KIRO carried, we should be able to get our Cox-owned Fox affiliate (KTVU) carried by Comcast down here at the same time. Let's find out the appropriate Cox email addresses and coordinate our efforts!

Looks like my STB was upgraded last night. The S/W version is 51.42 and the firmware is 05.03 In the setup menu, it looks like a "Timers" option was added. I don't remember this being there and it looks like it's setting up for the PVR.

This is in prep for upcoming VOD launchs which should start sometime mid January or so from rumors I've heard.

got a pamphlet in the mail yesterday about "coming" hdtv stations fox, WB , and kong... Looks like comcast actually BEAT the flyer to the punch!! figures though :) But hey i'm glad i can get the channel sooner then i would expect if i only payed attention to comcasts alerts in the mail on the cablebox messages (which NEVER say anything about HDTV, just try to sell me crap)..

Are Fox and WB out yet? I found KONG yesterday (106) but didn't see Fox and WB. What are there channel numbers?

alex

FOX 113 and WB 114

Must....wait....for.....recorder....

It hurts...

--Mike

If only TiVo had an OpenCable solution, I would give serious consideration to staying with Comcast. Even though I'm not excited about the rates going up, they have been adding a lot of content to at least somewhat counteract the increase.

That being said, I can't see going to a Motorola DVR after having a SD TiVo for 3 years. Since I can get all the locals OTA, having them on cable is a convenience, not a requirement. Unless TiVo has a surprise announcement at CES, it looks like I'm headed back to D*.

I'd be staying with D* if Cougar Mountain weren't so determined to block my LOS. It's my dependence on DirecTivos that's keeping me with D* until the 6208 ships. The change in device usability is going to hurt, but I'll take the hit to get HD.

llamas - i'm with you. the reduced resolution of hd on d* isn't encouraging for d* either...

Originally posted by Jinx
got a pamphlet in the mail yesterday about "coming" hdtv stations fox, WB , and kong... Looks like comcast actually BEAT the flyer to the punch!! figures though :) But hey i'm glad i can get the channel sooner then i would expect if i only payed attention to comcasts alerts in the mail on the cablebox messages (which NEVER say anything about HDTV, just try to sell me crap)..

Jeremy sent the flyer out as a PDF file to the people on his mailing list the day before the channels were added. So technically, Comcast did not beat the flyer to many on this forum.

Originally posted by brente
llamas - i'm with you. the reduced resolution of hd on d* isn't encouraging for d* either...

That does worry me a bit. However, I have a 36" TV. Even if I replace it, the replacement won't be much larger due to size restrictions in the entertainment center. Given our viewing distance, I don't think the reduced resolution is going to be an issue. The other main factor in Comcast's favor is the HD Mariner games since I doubt they will show up on D*.

Still, we love TiVo.

I sent a email off to John Woodin, Kiro's General Manager, and got the following response. This doesn't mean much but at least I got a response. I previously sent multiple emails to the contacts on their website with no luck. It's amazing how easy it is to guess someone email address.



We are currently negotiating at our corporate level with Comcast and should
have an agreement soon. Thanks for the comments and keep watching.

-----Original Message-----
From: jason@thehotzes.com [mailto:jason@thehotzes.com]
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 12:17 PM
To: Woodin, John (CBI-Seattle)
Subject: Kiro High Definition on Comcast


I apologize for sending a email directly to you, but I haven't been able to
get a response from anyone at your station. As you may be aware Comcast
added all of the available local Seattle High Definition channels to their
lineup this week except for Kiro. With the Super Bowl on CBS in HD only two
months away I was wondering if you could tell me the status of negotiations
between Comcast and Kiro. I am sure you are very busy so a quick note with
the status would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and I hope
you have a wonderful Holiday.

Thanks

Originally posted by drewba
That does worry me a bit. However, I have a 36" TV. Even if I replace it, the replacement won't be much larger due to size restrictions in the entertainment center. Given our viewing distance, I don't think the reduced resolution is going to be an issue. The other main factor in Comcast's favor is the HD Mariner games since I doubt they will show up on D*.

Still, we love TiVo.
Is there some reason you wouldn't consider a Replay? We have three of them and they work great with the Comcast boxes. Recording OTA HD content at 16:9 480i is as stunning as you can get and recording off the DCT-5100 isn't too far behind.

A couple of the things we really appreciate about the Replays are

1) being able to receive shows we somehow miss using IVS (not available in the latest model at the time);
2) streaming between them and between our PCs with DVArchive;
3) pushing a recording to a networked Replay;
4) easy acquisition of files for editing and burning to DVD; and
5) Show/Nav which "tabs" through a program like skipping from chapter to chapter on a DVD.

There are many other attributes to the Replays also that I bet would make the loss of your TiVo(s) a little more bearable :). Even when you get your 6208, I'm sure it won't do everything you need, so the Replay(s) would still be quite useful.

Just thought I should toss that in there...

Tim

Originally posted by Al Shing
Jeremy sent the flyer out as a PDF file to the people on his mailing list the day before the channels were added. So technically, Comcast did not beat the flyer to many on this forum.
I didn't know Jeremy was still sending out updates to his mailing list after he had to take down the website. My name must've fallen off the list - can you put me back on, Jeremy?

Thanks,

Tim

I haven't removed anyone but anyone that was using a Hotmail address which ended up being around 8 people didn't accept the message due to the PDF file attached you may have been one of those people.

Also DO NOT READ INTO THIS IN ANY WAY but I am getting hopeful about KIRO now for the simple fact that even though KIRO is not VIACOM owned KSTW UPN 11 is and they are quite snug in bed with KIRO so I feel that if we were to launch KSTW soon I'd expect KIRO not too long after that.

This is simply just my feelings and does not come from any inside info I've recieved or anything but its just a thought that makes logical sense to me.

I have a couple of questions about the new moto STBs that I am hearing about. I currently have the 5100 but am hearing talk of the 6200 and the 80 Gig PVR enabled 6208. I called Comcast Customer Support and they said likely availability would be towards the end of January. Does anyone have further info on this subject, or can you point me to a place this has already been posted? Has anyone heard rumored costs of the 6208 (upfront and monthly) and does anyone know if the PVR will do HD content?

Paulwk:

First off welcome! I see you're a new member. The only available DCT's in Seattle area are currently the 5100 and the 6200, theres really no significant difference between the 2 to throw a fit if you have a 5100.

The 6208 does not have any release date and no rumored release date at this time so I would take the end of January very very very lightly. The 6208 will be a single tuner DVR that does record HD content up to 8-10 hours worth.

There is also the 6408 coming out sometime mid to late next year that will be a dual tuner DVR.

Pricing for DVR service will be an additional 9.95 a month which will include the monthly rental fee and the service fee for the box.

Thanks for the quick feedback Jeremyfr. Very glad to hear about the HD PVR capability! I have been following this thread for a couple of months now, but have yet to jump in with any questions. Maybe now that I have a couple of weeks off over the holidays I can participate further . . . & more importantly, get some use out of the Home Theater and all of the fantastic new HD offerings. One clarification . . . will the anticipated $9.95/ month for the 6208 also cover the HD service fee, or is that the DVR rental and service fee alone?

Here is the link to the thread on the 6208 & PVR, and you can obviously keep an eye on my FAQ which will have updates as more info is known......The fee will include the price of HD since there is no extra cost if you subscribe to digital cable, for now anyways......

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=256230

Originally posted by tluxon
Is there some reason you wouldn't consider a Replay? We have three of them and they work great with the Comcast boxes. Recording OTA HD content at 16:9 480i is as stunning as you can get and recording off the DCT-5100 isn't too far behind.

A couple of the things we really appreciate about the Replays are

1) being able to receive shows we somehow miss using IVS (not available in the latest model at the time);
2) streaming between them and between our PCs with DVArchive;
3) pushing a recording to a networked Replay;
4) easy acquisition of files for editing and burning to DVD; and
5) Show/Nav which "tabs" through a program like skipping from chapter to chapter on a DVD.

There are many other attributes to the Replays also that I bet would make the loss of your TiVo(s) a little more bearable :). Even when you get your 6208, I'm sure it won't do everything you need, so the Replay(s) would still be quite useful.

Just thought I should toss that in there...

Tim

Thanks for the suggestion. We only have one TV and archive very little so most of the features you listed don't add value for us.

As for recording 16x9 480i, I can do that now on my TiVo, although I rarely do. I will probably do it more now that KCPQ and KING have been added. In addition, I can readily tell the difference between HD and downconverted HD on my set.

Besides, if I got rid of TiVo, my wife would divorce me! :D

Thanks Miatasm . . . very informative links.

Ok, I see that Comcast is now offering a ton of HD channels.

Does anyone know if I can get them over here in Keyport/Poulsbo? The CSR wasn't sure and said she could schedule an installation. Then another person would call me back to talk specifics.

I thought that was weird!

All I want to know is can I get all the same channels so I can then get excited about scheduling an installation appoinment???

From the info I have available Poulsbo should have all the HD channels available.

anyone else seeing lots of breakups tonight (around 9:15pm) on all hd channels EXCEPT inhd1 & inhd2?

espnhd, komo, king, and kcts are coming in with some breakups. kong is bad. kcpq & ktwb are reporting "the channel will be available shortly" and are coming in bits & pieces... inhd1 & inhd2 seem solid.

all seemed to be working yesterday (i've got a strong incoming signal). i've made no changes on my side, so hoping it's a comcast problem...

Originally posted by tluxon
Is there some reason you wouldn't consider a Replay? We have three of them and they work great with the Comcast boxes. Recording OTA HD content at 16:9 480i is as stunning as you can get and recording off the DCT-5100 isn't too far behind.

A couple of the things we really appreciate about the Replays are

1) being able to receive shows we somehow miss using IVS (not available in the latest model at the time);
2) streaming between them and between our PCs with DVArchive;
3) pushing a recording to a networked Replay;
4) easy acquisition of files for editing and burning to DVD; and
5) Show/Nav which "tabs" through a program like skipping from chapter to chapter on a DVD.

There are many other attributes to the Replays also that I bet would make the loss of your TiVo(s) a little more bearable :). Even when you get your 6208, I'm sure it won't do everything you need, so the Replay(s) would still be quite useful.

Just thought I should toss that in there...

Tim

I'm sorry this is OT but, when you record off of your 5100 do you record the Digital versions of the channels (104,105,106, etc...) Or just the regular channel (4,5,6.)?

When I watch a Digital channelthrough my 5040 connected via S-video to the 5100, all I get is the postage stamp with bars on all 4 sides. Any way to change this?

Originally posted by bpdp379
When I watch a Digital channelthrough my 5040 connected via S-video to the 5100, all I get is the postage stamp with bars on all 4 sides. Any way to change this? I don't think you can change this. The 5100 does have a "4:3 override" setting in the setup menu - which lets you have different output resolutions for 16:9 and 4:3 programming. But that only applies to actual 4:3 SD signals. When you're watching a 4:3 SD program on say, KING 105 - KING is actually sending a 16:9 HD signal with black bars on the side, so the 5100's 4:3 override never kicks in. It's still a 16:9 HD signal as far as your box is concerned.

When I watch a Digital channelthrough my 5040 connected via S-video to the 5100, all I get is the postage stamp with bars on all 4 sides. Any way to change this?

You can try setting the output to 4:3 pan/scan instead of 16:9 I know on my TV hookedup S-Video I just switch the box to 4:3 P/S when they're showing 4:3 on an HD channel and it fills my screen. You might wanna try the same.

is anyone getting a good picture on kcpq today? i wired right into my amplifier (so signal level should be high) and get nothing but blocky pixels with any movement...

kcpq looks fine in Sammamish

ok - thanks. comcast is out tomorrow to try to find out what's wrong...

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
You can try setting the output to 4:3 pan/scan instead of 16:9 I know on my TV hookedup S-Video I just switch the box to 4:3 P/S when they're showing 4:3 on an HD channel and it fills my screen. You might wanna try the same. But you have to manually go into setup to change this and then change it back when you want to watch real 16:9 HD, right? I don't suppose there's any remote code shortcuts for changing this...

Looks fine here, remember too high of a signal can be just as detrimental as too low of a signal especially when you're talking about a digital signal.

Originally posted by bpdp379
I'm sorry this is OT but, when you record off of your 5100 do you record the Digital versions of the channels (104,105,106, etc...) Or just the regular channel (4,5,6.)?

When I watch a Digital channelthrough my 5040 connected via S-video to the 5100, all I get is the postage stamp with bars on all 4 sides. Any way to change this?

See the first two links below for more info on this.

Does anyone have any information on if we can expect Comcast to carry the HDTV feed of CBC? Sure would be nice to see HNIC in HD once CBC gets ramped up...

Thanks for any info.

Originally posted by jspeton
Does anyone have any information on if we can expect Comcast to carry the HDTV feed of CBC? Sure would be nice to see HNIC in HD once CBC gets ramped up...

Thanks for any info.

Excellent idea!

Originally posted by miatasm
See the first two links below for more info on this.

I have read them, and when I run the 5100 to my Samsung DLP it works just the way you describe. However, i was thinking a ReplayTV recording of a D channel would come out with better quality like was described by other replayTV users. But for me it is adding the black bars to the top and bottom when I watch through the Replay.

Also, I started a new thread in the ReplayTV forum looking for ideas.

Yes you will get better picture quality.....but I think the other Replay users have just failed to mention that the BB would be added. There is no way around that other than changing the settings in the setup menu.

It would be really nice if the 5100 or 62xx boxes could output an anamorphic signal on the s-video port. This would have no loss of vertical resolution and would eliminate the postage stamp problem when recording HD channels with a Tivo, Replay, or other device.

alex

Originally posted by brente
anyone else seeing lots of breakups tonight (around 9:15pm) on all hd channels EXCEPT inhd1 & inhd2?

espnhd, komo, king, and kcts are coming in with some breakups. kong is bad. kcpq & ktwb are reporting "the channel will be available shortly" and are coming in bits & pieces... inhd1 & inhd2 seem solid.

all seemed to be working yesterday (i've got a strong incoming signal). i've made no changes on my side, so hoping it's a comcast problem...

as jimre surmised, it looks like my hd problems are comcast problems. the tech that came out today said someone else in the neighborhood was also having the same problems (said my signal levels were fine). not sure exactly what the cause is, but somewhere in their cable plant. comcast is supposed to have the repair done in 48 hours - fingers crossed they fix it soon.

Originally posted by Alex Wetmore
It would be really nice if the 5100 or 62xx boxes could output an anamorphic signal on the s-video port. This would have no loss of vertical resolution and would eliminate the postage stamp problem when recording HD channels with a Tivo, Replay, or other device.
alex

I agree, this seems like a pretty common issue. I imagine many people will stick with their Replay and Tivo units even when the Comcast DVR boxes ship simply because they are used to them. In the settings menu you should be able to specify the shape of your TV and have the box spew the correct aspect on the 480i ports.

I just got hooked up with HDTV last month and I have a question. Has any one else encountered a problem with their HD boxes shorting out? For the past several days this has been happening to me. Today, it shorted out and only a picture would flash on without sound. I called comcast, and they told me that they have had many calls about this and are bringing me a new box. I would like to know if this is a common occurrence, or if I just got a messed up box?

Though I haven't seen anyone post regarding it, ESPN-HD was encrypted last week and is no longer available with grandfathered AT&T packages so if it all of sudden recently disappeared on you stating "channel not authorized" this is because you have a grandfathered plan.

Hi,

Now that most of the locals are available in HD thru Comcast. I want to get HD locals only since I already have the HD package thru D*. I called Comcast this morning, and the CSR was adamant that I needed to upgrade my basic cable to a digital package in order to recieve HD local channels. I don't think this is true based on what I've read here. Does anyone have any advice for me to get what I want? This guy sounded like he might have had a big red nose and floppy shoes, since he said 4,5, and 9 were all that were available. Should I just call back and hope for someone a little more "educated" in HD?

Thanks for any help,

Ron

If at first you don't succeed.... :)

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
ESPN-HD was encrypted last week and is no longer available with grandfathered AT&T packages "

That's what I thought, ESPN-HD is gone.
Do you know what channels KCPQ and WB are on if you are using an integrated HDTV set? [no cable box, period] I cannot find them after doing an autoscan. Thanks, ...from across the trestle!

Originally posted by davegtestr
That's what I thought, ESPN-HD is gone.
Do you know what channels KCPQ and WB are on if you are using an integrated HDTV set? [no cable box, period] I cannot find them after doing an autoscan. Thanks, ...from across the trestle! Assuming you mean KCPQ-HD and WB-HD - you won't find them, because you simply can't receive digital cable channels on a standard HDTV tuner. Digital cable signals uses a completely different modulation system (called QAM) from over-the-air HDTV signals (which uses 8VSB). To receive ANY digital cable channel, you either need 1) a digital-cable-compatible QAM tuner of your own (not very common yet) or 2) a Comcast digital cable box.

Jim he has a Mits TV which many of the new ones have integrated QAM tuners.

Dave: I would not know what the channel numbers would be for a integrated QAM tuner, I'm not sure if they are encrypted if they are then you would not be able to pick them up without a Comcast box.

110-1 KCPQ (13)
110-2 KTWB (22)
111-1 KCTS (9-1)
111-4 KOMO (4)
111-5 KCTS-HD (9-5)
112-1 KING (5)
112-2 KONG (16)

There are some other channels on the wire via QAM, but nothing worth watching.

85-2 IN Demand Preview
101-10 Local Access
104-9 FETN (Homeland One)
105-8 ESPN NOW
114-3 SportsWest
114-4 EWTN

-Lance

Anyone else getting dropouts on KING? It's unwatchable here and it has been that way since I hooked the tuner up to cable yesterday.

-Lance

Yep, I had a bunch of dropouts, pixellations, etc on kingHD tonite....

Rich

My STB has reset itself three times in the last two days for no apparent reason, the SW and FW are the same levels so i know Comcast is not making any updates, right now all the channels say to be announced. Anyone else seeing this or is it just my STB?

saw this in the seattle times today...

it's on the 25th from 6am to 10am - wonder if it's in fox digital widecreen... :D


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/artsentertainment/2001821069_yule23.html

A little piece of Christmas in New York debuts in Seattle this year — the televised Yule Log.

KCPQ-TV will broadcast a blazing fireplace backed by holiday music from KRWM-FM on Christmas morning, a concept borrowed from Tribune-owned sister station WPIX-TV in New York. The first televised Yule Log, in 1966, was a shot of the fireplace at Gracie Mansion, home of New York's mayor.

Skeptical of the warmth from television's glow? Viewers in Denver, Atlanta and Washington D.C. bought it — the Yule Log topped ratings in those markets for its time period.

The Yule Log has been re-shot and re-mastered in a high-definition TV version, though the HDTV option won't be available in the Seattle market this year.

The Yule Log will air commercial-free from 6 to 10 a.m.

Watched my favorite new show Arrested Development in Fox Digital WS last night, and although it ain't nowhere near HD I didn't hate it.

Originally posted by [PCC] El Guapo
My STB has reset itself three times in the last two days for no apparent reason, the SW and FW are the same levels so i know Comcast is not making any updates, right now all the channels say to be announced. Anyone else seeing this or is it just my STB?

I had this happen too. the last time it reset, the sound went out for 10 hours. I called comcast, and they brought me a new box.

Mine's been resetting itself too. I assumed it had something to do with all the changes they've been making. Glad it's not just me.

Mine's not been resetting, but it's been doing that lock-up thing where it becomes nonresponsive--you'll hit channel buttons a few times, and have to wait for about 45-60 seconds--then they all happen in rapid succession. This has happened once a day for the last 4 days, and before this it's happened maybe twice in the past few months. Weird. Annoying too.

Finally got a hold of someone who didn't want to upgrade me to a digital pkg. for HD locals. Bringing a box out on Mon. $15.00 to bring it out and $5/mo for the box. Good deal!

Happy Holidays,

Ron

Originally posted by brente
saw this in the seattle times today...

it's on the 25th from 6am to 10am - wonder if it's in fox digital widecreen... :D

A little piece of Christmas in New York debuts in Seattle this year — the televised Yule Log.



Uhhhh, I think I will watch my own logs in my own fireplace, but for those who lack the real thing, this will give you the basic idea...

Originally posted by RGoldberg
Finally got a hold of someone who didn't want to upgrade me to a digital pkg. for HD locals. Bringing a box out on Mon. $15.00 to bring it out and $5/mo for the box. Good deal!

Happy Holidays,

Ron
Cheeses H Christmas, how long is it going to take those people to get properly trained on their products and services?

Hey guys, wondering if you could offer some advice here. I just recieved a lst-3100a ota/qam reciever and hooked it up to my Comcast cable, and when I scanned, I picked up about 25 stations, with about 90% of them being digital audio, and also a few upconverted religious channel, and the league pass, and IN HD promos. I recieved no network Locals at all. After "playing" with the box for a while, I finally took my comcast supplied splitter out of the loop and went directly to the wall with the box, and now I was able to get the locals, albiet with many breakups that seemed to subside as the evening got later. Anyway, I'm wondering what kind of splitter I should try to get it to pass the HD Network local signals. Seems strange that I can recieve some stations, with the splitter in the loop, and some need it removed. The splitter is a 5-1000 "digital" splitter. Any Ideas here? Could it just be that with the weak signal I'm getting, the splitter is just weakining the signal enough that I get no signal, or is there a special splitter I need to pass certain HD channels. My splitter btw, splits the cable between the stb and my cable modem. This is in the Everett area.
Thanks, Rick

Great choice on the tuner! :D

I'm only having breakups on KING via cable, but the signal is split several ways when it enters my house. It might be a weak signal problem, but at the same time all the other channels are fine. Luckily I get all the locals OTA.

Your splitter should be adequate from a frequency perspective, it just sounds like your overall signal is too weak.

-Lance

Just wondering if anyone is using the DCT 5100 or 6200 via a component->RGBHV transcoder to a computer monitor. I tried this with a Sony HD300 DirecTV receiver (which actually has a direct RGBHV output), and got strange artifacts on the screen. I returned the receiver and thought I would try it with Comcast since they have so much more HD content now than DirecTV anyway.

--
Steve

P.S. Hey Lance! :)

My picture was just pulsating off, then on, then off, then on, for quite a while. The front of the stb was blinking "no signal" everytime the picture would blink off. As I said, it seemed to stabilize as the eveving went on. Still I couldn't watch the Sonics game on Kong, do to all the 'lack of picture" issues.
If it indeed is a weak signal, do you think Comcast would try and resolve the issue even if I'm not using one of their HD Converter Boxes?
I have a hunch that they won't.
Rick

I called Comcast today to add an HDTV box for $5.10 per month with a $14.99 installation fee. CSR told me that I would only be able to get Komo and King with this service. I would need to upgrade to the Digital Classics for $11.99 more. This would get me the extra digital stations and several more HD stations including WB, FOX, PBS and 3 others. Does this sound right? They are installing on January 3rd. I'll keep everyone posted.

Art in Seattle

You get the local channels and a few other nondescript ones (see channel list by lkinley above) for no extra fee. I am getting ABC, NBC, PBS, WB (HDTV) plus FOX (EDTV) with no cable box whatsoever using an integrated Mitsu RPTV. Digital classics will give you some digital cable channels.

Now I'm even more confused. The CSR told me that I would only get KOMO and KING with the analog package. In order to get Kong, WB, PBS, etc I would have to pay the extra $11.99 for the Digital Classics package. Can anyone clarify? JeremyFr?

Two Questions:
1) Do I need Digital Classic to get HDTV Mariners, WB, Kong, PBS?

2) Are new installations in Seattle getting the 6200? If not, should I postpone?

Thanks,

Art

My install three weeks ago was the 6200. Can't answer the first question with any real certainty but you will need digital for the Mariners if they are aired the same as last year.

Originally posted by nodrog2
My install three weeks ago was the 6200. Can't answer the first question with any real certainty but you will need digital for the Mariners if they are aired the same as last year. Actually the Mariners HD games on ch. 100 last summer were un-encrypted. Should have been able to pick them up with an HD QAM tuner. But who knows if there'll even be any HD Mariners broadcast next year? I was under the impression last year's broadcasts were a one-time deal with NHK. If the club hadn't re-signed Ichiro, I think the chances would be zero for NHK to produce an HD Mariners broadcast at all. But we'll see...

I stand corrected. I assumed (bad thing to do) they were over Comcast and wasn't referring to OTA. I hope they will be aired by Comcast this year, wife and I are both fans of the team.

This week Comcast hooked me up with HD and the DCT-6200 STB. I wasn't interested in Digital Cable and since my TV doesn't have an integrated HD tuner, this seemed like the best option at $6.75 per month. I seem to get all local HD channels in the 100 range as well as ESPNHD, but not the INHD channels.

Couple of questions on the DCT-6200

1.) Does anyone happen to have the remote codes for this? I'd prefer to use my Sony over the one Comcast provides. Searching the internet and avs forums I could not find any info that was helpful.

2.) This seems very strange to me but the only way I can get HDTV channels to work is by connecting both component and coax/RF cables to my set. Connecting only with the component cables the HD channels are black and read "Channel will be available shortly" and all of the other analog channels have very poor reception. With the coax cable plugged into the default input, everything comes in crystal clear, even though I'm not even viewing the coax feed. Any ideas why this would be?

Try here for remote codes.

http://www.remotecentral.com/cgi-bin/mboard/forums.cgi

What type of Sony Remote do you have?

Sounds like a bad box, jumper from the box to the TV, or wait a second why aren't you using component cables to your TV. That's the only way you can view HDTV anyway......

Thanks Marc, that link helped. The remote code for the 6200 box is 0476.

I also learned that the remote that came with my 60" Sony LCD only accepts 3 digit codes, so entering 476 seemed to do the trick.

miatasm, that was my bad. I meant to say component, not composite. I can view HDTV just fine, but requires coax to also be connected to the TV for some strange reason.

Try setting the "480 overide" output to 480p. If you do not know how to do this please refer to the FAQ.......

edit:

After checking the specs on your TV it should display 480i so the menu settings won't matter. You have another problem then, explain your setup a little more maybe we can help...

I actually tried different override settings last night and had the same result. The Comcast guy is the one that hooked up both inputs initially. It was only after I removed the extra coax cable that I stopped receiving the HD signal, but not until after I powered the STB off and back on.

When I put the coax back on and cycled the power again everything was back to normal. Very weird.

Originally posted by kanefsky
Just wondering if anyone is using the DCT 5100 or 6200 via a component->RGBHV transcoder to a computer monitor. Yep,l I'm using a 5100 hooked up to a KeyDigitial CTCA3 and then to an XGA projector.

http://www.copperbox.com/lite/popinfo.php?lc_code=kd-ctca3&PHPSESSID=742f55e9c02970f2008a550fe9e0bdf3

HDTV signals worked "out of the box" for me. There is some oddness with aspect ratios for NTSC signals, I have to play around with either my PJ or the 4x3 override options in the 5100 to get what I want. A pain when switching channels, so I just use S-Video for NTSC.

Originally posted by Roo_man
This week Comcast hooked me up with HD and the DCT-6200 STB. I wasn't interested in Digital Cable and since my TV doesn't have an integrated HD tuner, this seemed like the best option at $6.75 per month. I seem to get all local HD channels in the 100 range as well as ESPNHD, but not the INHD channels.



Roo_man

I am having an install this Friday and want to clarify as to your exact setup because I also want just the basics and want HD locals. Do you have Basic Cable for $39.99/mo and also receive the local channels and ESPN included in that basic cable package (ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, WB, Kong) in HD for for additional $6.75/mo? The HD is listed at $5.10/mo for those with a digital package. Is yours $6.75/mo because you don't have a digital package?

Thanks,
mbyers23

Mbeyers

With basic cable you'll only be able to recieve the locals in HD, espnhd requires a digital package subscription to receive it now as it is encrypted.

Jeremy

Comcast brought me a shiny new DCT-6200 today. HD locals look great! I only have the limited cable ($14.25/mo) and now the HD locals ($5.10/mo for STB). I get all other HD thru D*. I asked the installer about the 6208 w/PVR and he said "What's PVR?" Urgh!

Ron

I just received my cable bill from Comcast for January, and looks like they decided to increase their prices without notice. I talked to the CSR about my billing questions, but he wasn't quite helpful. I have a couple questions to you guys to understand what's wrong:

1. What's the regular price of Digital Silver Package?
2. Digital Silver/Gold/Platinum subscribers with HDTV boxes, do you pay an extra charge for the HD box? If yes, how much?

Thanks!

Jeremyfr
The new year is almost upon us. Any news about Stars and Cinemax HD?

The January bill will be higher as Comcast is now charging for HD box's like they do in other markets starting 1/04. Also there is a small price increase in many areas of Washington to make it so that all customers are paying the same prices as they are all able to receive the same services now minues a few areas.

As for Starz & Cinemax or anything else dont expect to start seeing anything new untill mid 1Q or so.

Jeremy

Originally posted by mbyers23
Roo_man

I am having an install this Friday and want to clarify as to your exact setup because I also want just the basics and want HD locals. Do you have Basic Cable for $39.99/mo and also receive the local channels and ESPN included in that basic cable package (ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, WB, Kong) in HD for for additional $6.75/mo? The HD is listed at $5.10/mo for those with a digital package. Is yours $6.75/mo because you don't have a digital package?

Thanks,
mbyers23

mbyers23,

Yes, I have basic cable for $39.95/mo. When I ordered Comcast explained that since I'm not subscribing to a digital cable package then the cost for the advanced digital set top receiver by itself is slightly higher ($6.75/mo. instead of the normal $5.10/mo.)

Here's a list of the digital channels I seem to get for $6.75/mo.

104 - KOMOD - ABC in HD
105 - KINGD - NBC in HD
106 - KONGD - KONG in HD
108 - KCTSH - PBS in HD
109 - KCTSD - PBS in SD
110 - KCTSK - PBS Kids in SD
112 - KCTSL - PBS Learns in SD
113 - KCPQD - FOX in ED
114 - KTBWD - WB in ED
173 - ESPND - ESPN in ED
232 - BYUTV - Religious
233 - EWTN - Religious
403 - ESPNC - ESPN Classic
420 - ESPNW - ESPN PPV Previews
440 - NBAPC - NBA PPV Previews
835 - PPV - PPV Previews
900-957 - Digital Audio Channels

Does anybody know if the 6200 letterboxes downconverted HD like the 5100 does? It's driving me crazy and really diminishes the quality I'm able to timeshift with my Replays compared to using my OTA receiver.

Thanks,

Tim

Does anybody know if the 6200 letterboxes

Yes it does,

I dont know how else you would view HD through an SD output unless you Pan/Scan it to fill the screen which to me would look worse than the letterbox output which to me looks great.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
As for Starz & Cinemax or anything else dont expect to start seeing anything new untill mid 1Q or so.


They've been running spots advertising Starz, that say Starz HD is coming soon. Based on past experience, when they start advertising something as coming soon, it doesn't show up for weeks. Stuff they don't advertise, like KING HD, just shows up without fanfare.

What's going to be on Channel 14 when International Channel moves to Channel 70 this Thursday?

Probably a new PPV religious shopping network.

NBATV.......HAS to be.....right?.....I mean, Yeah right. They won't agree on that till there's only one game left in the season.....watch.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
As for Starz & Cinemax or anything else dont expect to start seeing anything new untill mid 1Q or so.Jeremy - does this mean you think that we have a standard-definition Super Bowl in our future (i.e. KIRO-7 won't arrive in January)?:confused:

I have no hopes for KIRO anytime soon as it is not part of the Viacom deal that was recently signed but a seperate thing with COX who owns both KIRO & KSTW 11.

I of course do not know anything regarding this issue as I'm no way in the inside but none the less am not getting my hopes up for anything soon.

Starz & Cinemax will probably launch sometime late January early February this is just my guess and has no substantial informational backing.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
I have no hopes for KIRO anytime soon as it is not part of the Viacom deal that was recently signed but a seperate thing with COX who owns both KIRO & KSTW 11.
Actually, UPN-11 (KSTW) is owned and operated by Viacom, so there may be hope for UPN-11 soon. Unfortunately, UPN-11 doesn't have much in HD, other than Star Trek: Enterprise.

Originally posted by Jeremyfr
Yes it does,

I dont know how else you would view HD through an SD output unless you Pan/Scan it to fill the screen which to me would look worse than the letterbox output which to me looks great.
Well, I guess it could be done like the Hughes HIRD-E86. Its 480i output is NOT letterboxed and looks almost twice as good as the downconverted output of the 5100.

You definitely wouldn't want to Pan/Scan it, since then you'd lose some of the picture. There's no reason the full 16:9 couldn't be shown in 16:9 480i/p output just as FOX does their ED programming.

You see, those nasty little black bars that reside in letterboxing are squeezing the vertical picture content and the Replay has to use some of its available vertical resolution to record black. This is extremely wasteful and makes for very poor timeshifting and/or archiving. With the HIRD-E86 the Replay doesn't waste ANY vertical resolution recording black, and the result is terrific, even at medium quality.

Is that clearer?

Cheers,

Tim

Originally posted by tluxon
Is that clearer? Nope. I'm confused what you're asking for. Are you asking for an ANAMORPHIC output option?

Yes! Anamorphic! :)

Seems to me that would be the obvious way to downconvert from HDTV to DVD-spec 480i/p.

BTW, there are quite a few guys over in the ReplayTV forum who have the 5100 and also really want an anamorphic picture to timeshift. We're all pretty puzzled about how to avoid the non-anamorphic (letterbox) output.

Thanks,

Tim

Is it just me or is 105 now EXTREMELY quiet now?

The HD channels usually need to be turned up just a but. Just like 3 days ago King is now so soft I can't even hear it when switching at normal listening levels. 104, 106, 108, 549, 665....etc are all as they used to be. That scare the hell out of the family when switching thing was enough to wake my household up when I forgot and had it cranked up to watch Leno..! +15 adjustment on my receiver.

Anyone else?

Leno was fine for me last night. The receiver was at a nominal -38 dB or so. I just checked, and it is fine this morning, too.

biz qwik - you weren't alone as far as the volume went. Its okay now but, yes it was way down in the mud for a couple of days. I'll never complain to them though as they are the only station besides HBO that gives us CC which unfortuneately I need.

Do you guys prefer comcast over satellite? I was thinking about switching from comcast to a $25 per month satellite deal.

Originally posted by mattburk
Do you guys prefer comcast over satellite? I was thinking about switching from comcast to a $25 per month satellite deal.

if you can't get local hd ota then you have no choice but to have comcast...

I like the simplicity of digital cable because you can run the standard analog lineup to any tuner you have (Computer, VCR, TV, etc) regardless of how many STBs you have. Also, Comcast already has a lot more HD than any of the satellite companies. So far, I've been pretty happy even though I get all the local HD OTA anyway.

Tim

I've also noticed KING having very low audio levels on hd programing. It isn't Comcast.
Two nights ago I was tuned to king hd on ota. Had to yurn the volume up to almost max level on the TV. Then when an ad would come on the audio would blast away at us.

Count another tally for the funny volume level on 105 the other day.

On another subject, am I the only one that gets a message for Comcast Broadband cable modem service about every two weeks? (Despite the fact that I have had the cable modem service since day 1!) That is starting to get annoying, especially since I have 3 boxes in the house that all need to be cleared out separately.

Originally posted by mattburk
Do you guys prefer comcast over satellite? I was thinking about switching from comcast to a $25 per month satellite deal.

I live in a condo unit without a clear south view. Also, the condo HOA has a site deal with Comcast so everyone gets their basic cable paid for through the HOA dues.

Comcast has largely caught up with satellite, in my opinion. The only thing glaringly missing anymore is HDNET and Discovery HD Theater. Still, the satellite folks can get the CBS HD NFL game of the week, and NBATV, which we can't get on Comcast locally. We got MNF in HD this year, though, which made up for not getting the CBS game.

Even money says we won't get CBS HD locally in time to watch the Super Bowl in HD, which is a black mark on Comcast's side. Maybe we should organize a thousand HD viewers march on KIRO TV's HQ to demand our CBS HD.

I am extremely disappointed! For some reason the Tournament of Roses Parade is in HD on Comcast's carriage of KTWB, but I can't get it off the air. The OTA signal is blacked out with a statement that says,
"Due to circumstances beyond our control, we are temporarily suspending alternate programming services on our DTV stations."
Anybody know what the deal is? It's very frustrating to me because I was wanting to timeshift it for those of my family who are not up in time to see it live and Comcast's (5100) downconverted letterboxed signal is awful compared to what I can capture in 480i off the air.

As a matter of fact, the 5100's 480i recorded on a DVR comes out with WORSE quality than the 4:3 aspect ratio SD content on non-DTV stations. The choice I have to make is between widescreen sucky quality and standard quality in "normal" (4:3) screen.

Tim

technical question with the 5100 . . .

One of my neighbor's 5100 boxes is not showing any on screen info (i.e., menu, guide, channel details, info, etc.) The box is receiving the remote command, which you call tell by the box flashing the power light when any command is rendered. Is there a setting that has been selected to take away the OSM? I have tried powering on and off the box but have had no success. On power up I saw a very quick flash of the current channel info so I know the detail is there but I figure somehow this feature has been disabled. Can anyone help me enable the On Screen Menus?

I think there was some issue where if the box is set up in 480p mode for the SD bypass mode, it won't show the menus in the S-Video or composite video outputs. I have it set up for 480i specifically so I can have access to those menus from the S-Video output. That way, I can access the menus in PIP mode on my TV, which only uses the S-Video signal.

Do you ever feel like you are just never going to get what you want?

All I want is to be able to have a Tivo-esque ability to watch HD. It seems that both my hopes for a short-term solution have been smashed.

DirecTivoHD won't include QAM and the 6208 looks like it will be closer to a VCR+ than an actual PVR. I'm now forced to pray for the pipedream of a TiVo opencable box that Comcast will allow.

I just want to scream.

-S

Al . . . thanks for the quick response. However, I am still a bit confused. I think my neighbor is using component outputs directly to his TV set. As for the SD bypass mode . . . can you explain that a bit further. Is that the third setting on the menu page used when powered off, where you can choose 480i, 480p, or off? On my set up I can see OSMs with any of those three settings, so maybe that's not the right adjustment. Is there something else I am not thinking of? Thanks in advance.

FAQ has all of the info for you.......

Originally posted by Tivolicious
Do you ever feel like you are just never going to get what you want?

All I want is to be able to have a Tivo-esque ability to watch HD. It seems that both my hopes for a short-term solution have been smashed.

DirecTivoHD won't include QAM and the 6208 looks like it will be closer to a VCR+ than an actual PVR. I'm now forced to pray for the pipedream of a TiVo opencable box that Comcast will allow.

I just want to scream.

-S

What exactly are you looking for the 6208 to do?....I know a little bit about the Tivo but not all of the specfic functionality.

Paul this is typically a very good indicator the TV is not on the HD input as the box will only render the guide/menu on the component out when set to any resolution other than 480i in the service menu.

Check the TV and make absolutely certain that it is on the HD input if it is the only other thing that would cause you to not have a guide is if you subscribe to a analog only package and get the HD box on top of it you will not receive guide or menu functions that way.

Originally posted by miatasm
What exactly are you looking for the 6208 to do?....I know a little bit about the Tivo but not all of the specfic functionality.

In my opinion, there are three features that separate a PVR from a VCR+(i.e. with trick play).

1) The ability to have a ‘Season Pass’ to a show. That is to say I can say, "Record 'The West Wing'." The PVR will then find 'The West Wing' and record it. Specific implementation of this can vary (i.e. is it bound by a certain channel, a certain timeframe, etc.). However, it must do some of the work for me, and it must compensate for the seemly capricious nature of broadcast 'show shuffle'.

2) Along with a season pass there must be some sort of conflict resolution. You must be able to tell the PVR, "I care about this show more than that show. If you can't get them both, record this."

3) Finally, there is space management. This controls the 'expiration' of a show.

Without these, I am left to do too much work. The life altering aspect of the TiVo is that I set it and forget it. With few exceptions, my interaction with TiVo is limited to actual viewing. I don't have to worry about whether or not Friends has been moved.

I don't want a VCR+. I want a PVR.

-S

miatasm,
In reference to http://www.cjhengineering.com/DCTsetup.htm: This is a very informative page but misses the comparison between the 480i output to the 1080i output.

What we need a SD DVR to be able to do is "see" the full widescreen picture as depicted on a 16:9 HDTV. All that would be required is for the downconversion to be done as if it were going to display 480i (NOT to be confused with 4:3) on a widescreen SD television, exactly like a DVD would do. I'll do a screen capture of the difference between what my Hughes HIRD-E86 does and what the DCT-5100 does on their respective 480i outputs.

Tim

Thanks so far from what I can tell #3 will be taken care of..... Does the Tivo unit have a dual tuner? If not, #2 would become less of an issue when the dual tuner becomes available. #1 I think would be something that will be eventually incorporated into the software but not right away.

From your statement it sounds like you want everything with no compromises. You want a DirecTivo that does HD and has a QAM decoder......I can tell you that will likely NEVER happen....your expectations are too high......

It initially sounds like OpenCable is your only hope....but I think the Providers will have most of the features that you wish in their own units long before OpenCable will be able to help you.

I was just wondering how long it took Tivo to get it to its STB to their current configuration?

You are one consumer that will likely never be happy.

Originally posted by miatasm
Thanks so far from what I can tell #3 will be taken care of..... Does the Tivo unit have a dual tuner? If not, #2 would become less of an issue when the dual tuner becomes available. #1 I think would be something that will be eventually incorporated into the software but not right away.

From your statement it sounds like you want everything with no compromises. You want a DirecTivo that does HD and has a QAM decoder......I can tell you that will likely NEVER happen....your expectations are too high......

It initially sounds like OpenCable is your only hope....but I think the Providers will have most of the features that you wish in their own units long before OpenCable will be able to help you.

I was just wondering how long it took Tivo to get it to its STB to their current configuration?

You are one consumer that will likely never be happy.

This is NOT meant to be antagonistic. However, this is the type of statement that shows that traditional cable guys just don't "get it."

I am really not that hard to please. I have been perfectly happy with the same paradigm for 5+ years. The problem is that we have reached a stage where TiVo (or Replay, etc.) cannot compensate for Comcast/Motorola's inadequacies. It is not realistic to think that an HD signal be converted to analog and then back to digital for storage. This would be ridiculous. As such, Comcast would need to provide what has come to be expected as a 'basic' level of functionality for a whole generation of users.

Furthermore, the Ven diagram of HD users and TiVo users is quite possibly just a plain circle. I would argue that the lack of a good PVR has been one factor in slowing the adoption of HD.

Even you have to agree that cable STBs have moved at a snail’s pace. My first generation DirecTV box (circa: 1993!!!!) is nearly on par with the UI/usability of my current Motorola box. That was 11 years ago!

It is just so frustrating to see the clear cut advantage that cable has with respect to HD and to watch it being squandered by people who don’t get it.

I would suggest the following: Go buy a TiVo. Use it. I mean actually use it. Then try to give it up. I am not exaggerating when I say that I know many people who have said, “You’d have to pry my TiVo out of my cold dead hands.”

This might sound like a tirade. However, when I hear “You are one consumer that will likely never be happy” I get a little upset. It’s just not true. TiVo has made me blissfully happy for many many years. It’s not me.

Originally posted by miatasm
Thanks so far from what I can tell #3 will be taken care of..... Does the TiVo unit have a dual tuner? If not, #2 would become less of an issue when the dual tuner becomes available. #1 I think would be something that will be eventually incorporated into the software but not right away.


My guess is that #3 won't be taken care of. I would suspect that their expiration scheme will be too simplistic.

Dual tuners do help, but it does not solve the problem. It is not the answer.

Both of the above are really moot, if #1 doesn't exist.



From your statement it sounds like you want everything with no compromises. You want a DirecTivo that does HD and has a QAM decoder......I can tell you that will likely NEVER happen....your expectations are too high......



Not true. I would be quite happy with the functionality that TiVo brought to the table 4 years ago.

I realize that DirecTivoHD with QAM would never *actually* happen. The only reason that I cared is that OTA signal in my area is spotty.

What I really wanted it ComcastTiVoHD. Understand that there is VERY little difference between DirecTivoHD and the imaginary ComcastTiVoHD. The only real difference is that they are doing it.

I would also suggest that your expectations are too low.... If you can tell me the *fundamental* difference between cable and sat that would render such a box that much more difficult, I will gladly step aside with my desires. The problem is that all the parts are nearly identical. There is a slight difference in that some of the spectrum is still analog, but there is nothing that stops digital redundancy of those channels.



It initially sounds like OpenCable is your only hope....but I think the Providers will have most of the features that you wish in their own units long before OpenCable will be able to help you.



If cable's pace is any indication. I would strongly disagree.



I was just wondering how long it took TiVo to get it to its STB to their current configuration?


That's not the relevant question. The real question is "How long did it take TiVo to deliver a product that I would be happy with?"

Let's put it this way -- Comcast could certainly have delivered in that timeframe.

Hi all,

i have been monitoring this discussion groups for couple of weeks now and i find it to be extremely informative and an interesting read. thank you all for a great job.

i have recently connected to Comcast mostly due to HD programming (i was Dish customer till now) and i have couple of question which i did see being discussed in this newsgroup

so if i may:

1) 105- king - what happened to it? few days ago it looked fine (in HD) but two days ago i started seeing all their HD within a "window" with back frame. is this expected? Komo for example shows up great.
2) i believe i am missing some local channels. the only one i see are: 104,105,106, 108 and 113 - thought there should be also 110,111 ?

happy holidays.

(hopefully i now posted the question in the right place)

Originally posted by tluxon
What we need a SD DVR to be able to do is "see" the full widescreen picture as depicted on a 16:9 HDTV. All that would be required is for the downconversion to be done as if it were going to display 480i (NOT to be confused with 4:3) on a widescreen SD television, exactly like a DVD would do. Once again, to try & use more common terminology - I think you're simply asking for the box to offer an anamorphic output mode. A reasonable and common feature request. But as far as I can tell, one that's not on Comcast/Moto's radar screen.

Originally posted by r_e_l
1) 105- king - what happened to it? few days ago it looked fine (in HD) but two days ago i started seeing all their HD within a "window" with back frame. is this expected? Komo for example shows up great.This simply means they are currently showing an SD program, not an HD one. Not all their shows (very few actually) are in HD.
2) i believe i am missing some local channels. the only one i see are: 104,105,106, 108 and 113 - thought there should be also 110,111 ?
There is no ch. 111 yet. As has been mentioned before in this thread, Comcast is still negotiating with UPN11/Viacom. And I think what you're looking to find on Ch. 110 (KTWB WB - HD) is actually on ch. 114.

Originally posted by jimre
This simply means they are currently showing an SD program, not an HD one. Not all their shows (very few actually) are in HD. There is no ch. 111 yet. As has been mentioned before in this thread, Comcast is still negotiating with UPN11/Viacom. And I think what you're looking to find on Ch. 110 (KTWB WB - HD) is actually on ch. 114.

i understand and that would be the obvious answer however, i am positive the show i was trying to watch was broadcasted in HD - at least so it was advertised - evening magazine.

i don't recall if it was black bars only on the sides or both sides and top.

as for the channel question - thanks - i now feel better knowing i am not missing out on anything.