This didn't work as I think it's for Schaumburg and I'm in Hoffman so I get the Rolling Meadows channel line up.


Thanks but they're coming with a cablecard on Monday and I don't have an antenna.

While I'm asking about the Fox digital channel, what's the one for CBS. If I can get them to work I can watch the Bears and the Sox tomorrow. Sorry, I thought you meant OTA. If you have Comcast analog cable now you can try and scan for the local digitals with the QAM tuner. They are supposed to give them to you free with the analog tier - I know they do by me.

I've tried the scan and I get nnn.n channels showing up in my list but when I tune to them nothing comes in. I ad mit that I haven't tried every one yet and I have notinced that I'm getting music on 117.1, 117.2 and on.

Here in Crystal Lake the local digitals are between 173 and 191. Don't know if that would mean anything by you, especially since they map so differently on QAM tuners anyway.

Thanks. Perhaps someone with the Rolling Meadows channel lineup will chime in. Otherwise I'll wait for the cable guy on Monday.

Had a problem with On Demand, not connecting... After 5 days of resets, it's finally working... But during that time, someone told me how to go into diagnostics, and observe d4 and d12 (I think those were the locations for On Demand data is, I'm entering this from memory).... and after exiting from diagnostics, it worked! I did nothing, and I'm assumeing that this was just luck that I observed the diagnostics screen and it started working at same time....

However, is there any document that indicates what these settings are, and what the data should be when things are 'normal' ?????

I'm just interested in how I can use this to confirm good connections, and to be able to know when things are good.

Thanks in advance...

P.S. Hit power off, and then OK. Use arrow keys to scroll up/down, OK to select menu below....

Update on On Demand..... Worked last night, not tonight...Meta-6 is the error message.
When I talked to the nice lady at comcast, she sent codes twice, and box did not respond with a reboot.
Scheduled for a box replacement Friday PM.
Anybody know in detail what a Meta-6 error message means? Just nosy....

There was a subthread here where Channel 3 & 4 combiners were discussed.
Here's a tip for anyone using them: The "F" connectors make a poor ground on the metal chassis box, which, as cables flex, will cause signal level fluctuations.... If you've had to adjust the pots more than once, your problem is probably the poor grounds on the coax's...

I got rid of that permanantly by soldering some solder wick across all 3 F connector grounds on the inside of the combiner box.... Solid groundplane.... solid levels....

Several new cable channels and changes:
127 - PBS Kids Sprout
149 - MoviePlex
619 - Docu TVE (was Grandes Documentales)
624 - Video Rola

Here in Schaumburg, 127 and 149 are on 585MHz (analog 84), which has been updated to 256QAM, too.

I also noticed that some channels have changed frequencies, or maybe my original list was too out of date. It looks like everything on 435 (59) and 663 (102) swapped frequencies.

I was surprised how easy a remote control extender worked with "The BOX"
Got a set off Ebay, and put one end in TV Room, other in Bedroom, and it works flawlessly!!!

Here's a question for you... DCT6200 Box. Meta-6 message from On Demand...
I've heard this is a cryptic message indicating that "All On Demand hardware is in use"

Could someone confirm or deny this?

Also, when you hit pause during an On Demand movie, there is an occasional coded error message of 4 characters in length (only seen it once, late at night, and didn't write it down)... This would seem to indicate that there are other messages this can occur...

Is there a list of these messages, and what they mean?

Just nosy....

You mean there is no one in this forum that knows for certain about Meta-6?

In my experience Meta-6 means nothing specifically except that there was a communication error with the server. It could be your box or it could be something else. I have two boxes one is phase 1 and the other one is phase 3. phase 1 gets Meta-6 all the time and the other one doesn't. Often I get the sound and video from on demand preview and then meta-6 pops up. I change channels few times, maybe swap tuners, give it 5-10 minutes and it all works fine. It would bother me more if I watched on demand more, but for now I can deal with it.

Then let me ask this.... Meta-6 error on On Demand access

How often does it happen to people here?

Thanks

I could care less about On Demand. Not enough HD content to hook me in.

Never seen a Meta-6 error.

Jan, sounds like you got a FUBAR'ed setup at home or something. You've gone through like 16 replacement boxes and you still have problems. You keep talking about digiplexers, combiners, flux capacitors, and all kinds of weird stuff. Why don't you get rid of all that junk? Run some quality RG-6 from the outside to your box with no other gizmos in the path.

Then let me ask this.... Meta-6 error on On Demand access

How often does it happen to people here?

I've never seen a Meta-6 error. Way back when... when VOD was first activated in Schaumburg I did see an occasional error message informing me that the connection was lost to the server, followed by an error reference number. I even posted a few pictures in this thread to show what I was getting. However, VOD has been very stable for me ever since and I haven't seen any error messages at all this year.

I just wish they would put more shows in the HD VOD section - the current selection is pathetic.

FSugino, thanks for your comments...

I gotta tell you.... Wife tells me that one of her VHS decks is recording snow... I haven't been in it in years, so figured a head cleaning was in order. Cleaned, but still had snow....

Until I discovered CH13 (WYCC) the channel she had tried to record, had no signal...
Feed Snow to Tuner, Record Snow!

It seems that comcast moved WYCC from channel 13 to channel 20....

There are no messages on my cable box.... A message would have been nice (Seeing that that is what messages are there for!!!)

But we have a clean VHS Tapepath!!!! :D!

Oh Yes, Looks like TV Guide is on Channel 4 now, (Covered up by HBO Here! :)!

It looks like Comcast has done a stealth rearrangement. My mother (in Wheeling) sent e-mail saying TVGuide and WYCC had moved. There were no messages on the cable box about this, and I don't remember seeing anything in the TVGuide scroll (not that I see it that often.)

Here in Schaumburg, TVGuide also moved from 30 to 4 (the former HBO analog), and CSPAN2 has moved from 27 to 98 (the former Cinemax analog). WYCC was already channel 20 here.

I also just realized that the Schaumburg Village channel moved from 13 to 17.

Has anyone else lost their Espn/EspnHD and Espn2?.......even Espn Classic's out as is TNT and TBS[i wonder if there's a problem at Comcast w/their satellite equipment].

I posted this in the JVC forum, but thought i would check with the comcast
gurus here :)

Got the jvc 61z886 (with integrated HD tuner) delivered and after setting it up,
I am unable to get any digital channels.

I have comcast digital stb (motorola dct ???). The box has only composite outputs
and a coaxial. I used the splitter that came with the TV and connected the coaxial
output from the STB to the TV's 75 ohm & ATSC/Digital inputs.

Analog channels show up (with bad PQ by the way) but no digital/HD channels.
For example, When i tune to a comcast nbc HD (channel 188 in chicago area),
i get a blank screen in the TV.

What am i doing wrong ? I have been using the coaxial output from the morola box before, with my old std def tv and it worked/works fine.

By the way, I bypassed the cable box totally and the PQ of the analog channels improved. No digital channels of course due to the lack of the box.

I am not very eager to go to cablecard due to lack of pgm guide & on-demand.

After some fiddling i found that the tv only picks up the channels only if fed thru the 75 ohm coax input. When i connect the same input to the atsc/digital in
coax, no channels are displayed at all.

Any ideas on what is the problem here ? Defective input in TV ??

You aren't using an HD STB from Comcast, you are using a regular cable box. If you were, you would have component and HDMI jacks STB. HD can not be sent to your tv any other way when using the STB - regardless of what type of tv you have.

You also said you you have an internal hd tuner. This tuner is generally made for use with an antenna, but some of them can be used with cable. To make use of it, the tuner must be a QAM tuner and you would use the coax from the wall, not the cable box. The channel numbers are totally different and IMO to much of a pain to even deal with.

Give the cablecard a try and see how you like it. Comcast provides it for free, so you have nothing to lose.

Here is a comcast HD thread (HD PVR thread): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6495677#post6495677

Channel changes effective Dec. 14:


Lifetime Movie Network (504) is moving from Digital Premier to Digital Plus
History Channel West (277) will be dropped
Movie Channel West (591) will be dropped
AmericanLife TV (123) will be dropped


This is for Schaumburg; other areas/regions may vary.

Channel changes effective Dec. 14:


Lifetime Movie Network (504) is moving from Digital Premier to Digital Plus
History Channel West (277) will be dropped
Movie Channel West (591) will be dropped
AmericanLife TV (123) will be dropped


This is for Schaumburg; other areas/regions may vary.
The dropped channels will occur Nov 28. LMN will change tiers on 12/14.

I wonder if they are trying to make room for simulcasting, or maybe another HD channel (hope, hope). HIST-W and TMC-W are both on 627MHz (with 11 other channels, mostly West feeds of movie channels, Weatherscan, TVONE, WWME and WFBT). ALN is on 693 with 9 others, mostly ESPN PPV's, NBATV, Azteca America, HotChoice, NBA preview.

You aren't using an HD STB from Comcast, you are using a regular cable box. If you were, you would have component and HDMI jacks STB. HD can not be sent to your tv any other way when using the STB - regardless of what type of tv you have.

You also said you you have an internal hd tuner. This tuner is generally made for use with an antenna, but some of them can be used with cable. To make use of it, the tuner must be a QAM tuner and you would use the coax from the wall, not the cable box. The channel numbers are totally different and IMO to much of a pain to even deal with.

Give the cablecard a try and see how you like it. Comcast provides it for free, so you have nothing to lose.

Here is a comcast HD thread (HD PVR thread): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6495677#post6495677

Yes, my integrated tuner supports QAm so it should support comcast HD.

Why do you say that a comcast HD STB is required to get HD even if i have the
tuner ? My understanding was that they should support the HD version of the local channels they carry without any encryption per FCC rulings.

If all fails, cablecard may be the only option. I really don't want to lose the
pgm guide.

Yes, you can receive the local HD Channels (2,5,7,9,11, and 32) with the QAM tuner built in to your television. All you need to do is plug the coaxial cable in to the antenna input on your TV and do a scan for those channels. I may be oversimplifying the procedure. Check your manual for more details.

However, they do not appear as the same channel numbers as on the Comcast box. If you can scan through previous postings, it will give you the station numbers of the HD broadcasts on QAM.

QAM will not receive your Comcast digital channels. For that you will need your digital STB, HD STB, or CableCard. An HD STB or CableCard, will integrate the digital tier channels with the local HD channels, and possibly provide additional HD programming on the INHD Channels, ESPNHD and Discovery HD, depending on your Comcast package. This is probably alot easier than switching back and forth between the STB input and the QAM tuner, especially if the CableCard is free as previously posted. CableCard will not facilitate VOD as it only has one way communication, and does not provide any DVR function. You will need the STB if these features are important to you.

By the way, your D'ILA JVC is an excellent choice. They are now beginning to ship the models that will upconvert a 1080i signal to 1080HP.

Mike K.

Yes, my integrated tuner supports QAm so it should support comcast HD.
To try this you have to use the cable feed from the wall, not your stb. Also, on my set there is a seperate input for the DTV input. I don't use the regular antenna input.
Why do you say that a comcast HD STB is required to get HD even if i have the tuner? My understanding was that they should support the HD version of the local channels they carry without any encryption per FCC rulings.

I didn't think you were up to speed with the ways in which your tv and comcast provide HD, especially since it sounds like you are trying to get the feed from the cable box. I was trying to simplify things and gave you the seperate scenarios. I guess I wasn't clear with my descriptions - sorry!
If all fails, cablecard may be the only option. I really don't want to lose the pgm guide.
On my tv, when I use my builtin tuner to get the HD locals from the comcast feed, I have to use my remote to switch to the DTV input to view the HD channels. When you do this you don't have a guide, VOD or PPV. As Mike mentioned, the cable card has the same downside, but the difference is that the cablecard will give you all of the channels that a cable box will give you. In addition, the analogs have been reported to be much nicer looking.

I was able to get true HD last night , yay !. It worked as Mike & HD Rookie posted.

I completely bypassed my motorola DCT and retuned the analog and digital
channels. The network HD channels then showed up under the sub channel
scheme. (116-2 for nbc). Also picked up some music choice channels and a
bunch of blank ones. (any way to eliminate the blank ones ???)

I am just perplexed that it does not work when i pass the feed thru my
motorola digital stb. Is my motorola box archaic/defective and is
somehow not passing thru the digital/HD channels thru its coax output
or is that the design ??

I am going to try to exchange it for a newer box before going the cablecard route.
Any suggestions other than the HD one ? (comcast charges extra for the HD
STB :( )

One last question, how does HBO-HD get served ? Will a standard digital STB
be sufficient or would i need the cablecard/HD STB ?

Thanks for all the responses.

I chose the JVC DILA after some reading here in the forums. Hope they have
grown past their initial tech hiccups :)

I just got a new QAM equiped HP 65" 1080P set - has "antenna" and "cable" input. Others have unencrypted QAM working fine in the forums.

I live in Streeterville (downtown chicago) and CANNOT find the HD channels. I find 27-1 to 27-50 for music - I also find like a SD digital channels at 79-1 to 79-12 but the feeds - while BETTER then analog cable, are 480i.

Any suggestions who I can contact at comcast? The people on the phone can't spell QAM

I am just perplexed that it does not work when i pass the feed thru my motorola digital stb. Is my motorola box archaic/defective and is somehow not passing thru the digital/HD channels thru its coax output or is that the design ??
The RF out on the Motorola box is NOT a pass-thru, even when you turn the box off. All turning it off does is send a black picture. You need to use a splitter, with one output going to the cable box, and the other to your TV.

One last question, how does HBO-HD get served ? Will a standard digital STB be sufficient or would i need the cablecard/HD STB ?
Encrypted. All HD channels (except local networks) are encrypted and require an HD box or cablecard.

I was looking for the local HD channels on my QAM equiped HDTV (Sony KDF60WF655) in the usual area (Channel 115.1 area) and got a No Signal message. Seemed strange, so I rescanned the channels and the HD channels now show up with the same channel prefix as the regular channel (CBSHD was 2.1, NBCHD 5.1, etc). Also, there appeared to be a repeat of the analog channels (2 - 99) in the channel 130 and higher area. The stange thing there was that some of them had no sound. Anyone else observe these changes?

I was looking for the local HD channels on my QAM equiped HDTV (Sony KDF60WF655) in the usual area (Channel 115.1 area) and got a No Signal message. Seemed strange, so I rescanned the channels and the HD channels now show up with the same channel prefix as the regular channel (CBSHD was 2.1, NBCHD 5.1, etc). Also, there appeared to be a repeat of the analog channels (2 - 99) in the channel 130 and higher area. The stange thing there was that some of them had no sound. Anyone else observe these changes?

Comcast is working towards simulcasting their analog channels as digital channels. It will improve signal quality and free up bandwidth for more channels (hopefully more HD channels.)

They are testing the system in some areas. It's possible you picked up some of those simulcasts. Maybe some one else has another explanation.

Mike

I live in Naperville and have DirecTv but don't like their HD / DVR options.

I just got an HDTV and considering Comcast for the HDTV and DVR package ONLY.

The cost for both is $15. Is this all I pay each month or do I need to subscribe to a cable package of some sort?

Thanks!

I'm not sure what the pricing structure for Naperville is but here, in Palatine, I pay $9.99 for the HD DVR service and $7.99 for Basic Broadcast.

Recently, I've noticed that SciFi, which was moved to digital a few months ago, has dropped in quality. It looks like they are really starting to compress the hell out of it. I've been noticing a sort of lag in the video, as if some areas are only running about 5fps instead of 30. It's a bit tricky to see at first, but becomes really annoying once you see it.

About the best way to look is if there is a good head-shot of somebody talking. Don't look at their lips, but at the cheeks and near the eyes. If you look carefully, you can see the video is updating very slowly in areas that have little contrast/color change. Worse, you can see a trail of dark stripes when that 'flat' area suddenly moves. The general effect is like some overlay floating on the picture. It's REALLY bad trying to watch Firefly, as they use hand-held cameras that are not very steady.

I haven't really seen it in other channels yet, but haven't looked to closely so far. I think I'd rather have some occasional pixelation than these floating ghosts.

The only other place I've seen it is on some on-line videos that are highly compressed for dial-up.

I had the same sort of letdown when I got satellite (E*) last year. I saw my Dad's D* about 8 yrs. ago and thought it looked fabulous. Wow! Talk about disappointment. That lag on facial features is really hard to handle. The locals are the worst, so I just went out and got myself a digital OTA receiver for those.

Please help an HDTV / Comcast newbie with a question:

My brother has a Comcast service that provides him with around 70 or so channels and costs $26/month. I think it is called Comcast "basic" or "standard", and is described as being "analog." He recently got an HD-ready tv, and is trying to determine if he can watch HDTV with the *mere* addition of a Comcast HDTV set-top box. The box is installed by Comcast for a one-time fee of $32, with a $5/month rental fee thereafter. I get two conflicting stories regarding this: one story is that HDTV is available *only* with the more expensive Comcast "digital" packages. That is, the addition of the HDTV set-top box will not allow reception of HDTV with the present "standard" subscription. The other story is that *some* of the present channels will be displayed in HD with the addition of the set-top box alone.

Can anyone out there help clear this up for me?

Thanks in advance, and happy viewing,
Joel Dickman

Comcast usually gives you the local digital channels free with basic analog. But if the tv doesn't have a built-in QAM digital tuner , you will either have to rent their box, or there are various name-brand set-top boxes available for purchase in stores or on line that can be used . Comcast also has an HDTV package of a few more channels that you can subscribe to for so much a month. And if you subscribe to HBO &/or Showtime,they each have an HD channel. (I'm really not sure whether you have to have their box or if you have to subscribe to a digital tier to get those last two options - I'm sure someone else can answer that for you here.) You will need their box to subscribe to on-demand (more money).

to get the other HD channels such as Discovery HD, INHD, ESPN-HD, TNT-HD, and Comcast Sportsnet HD you need to at least be in Digital Classic and would require their HD STB or DVR.

In Deerfield (Highland Park), the channels are

187 WLS-DT (ABC)
188 WMAQ-DT (NBC)
189 WBBM-DT (CBS)
190 WFLD-DT (FOX)
191 WTTW-DT (PBS)
192 WGN-DT (WB)

I am getting a new Panasonic with built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuners. In your opinion will the TV be able to tune these channels without a set-top box? I am a "basic" cable subscriber and intend on remaining so until the TV is paid off!!

In your opinion will the TV be able to tune these channels without a set-top box? I am a "basic" cable subscriber and intend on remaining so until the TV is paid off!!
I believe so, but the channel numbers will be totally different than you've listed. These have been on the cable line in Mt Prospect for a few years already.

to get the other HD channels such as Discovery HD, INHD, ESPN-HD, TNT-HD, and Comcast Sportsnet HD you need to at least be in Digital Classic and would require their HD STB or DVR.
A CableCard will do instead of a set-top box, but Comcast does not give any discount to customers who ask for the CableCard instead of the STB.

Part of the fun of QAM is figuring out what everything is. There is no connection between the mapping you would see if you had a converter from Comcast, and where things will be. For example on the system in my area CBS is on 189 with a converter, with QAM it's on 117.2.

Part of the fun of QAM is figuring out what everything is. There is no connection between the mapping you would see if you had a converter from Comcast, and where things will be. For example on the system in my area CBS is on 189 with a converter, with QAM it's on 117.2.


That makes a lot of sense, Comcastic STB channel count includes the analog ones...

By the way, I have a QAM tuner that only shows 128 channels, is this normal or do I have the old QAM verstion as apposed to new QAM256? The tuner is HD capable........

That makes a lot of sense, Comcastic STB channel count includes the analog ones...

By the way, I have a QAM tuner that only shows 128 channels, is this normal or do I have the old QAM verstion as apposed to new QAM256? The tuner is HD capable........
I don't know how high my tuner's channels go, but you must have them all. I can't see Phillips selling a new tv with their latest/greatest hd tuner and only allowing it to tune in a subset of channels.

BTW, do you already have comcast? If so, plug it in to your tuner and check for digital channels. I thought I recall people saying that the local network HD channels are always on the line, even if you have nothing but Comcast's phone service.

BTW, do you already have comcast? If so, plug it in to your tuner and check for digital channels.

Yup, that's the plan! Guess I will have to try to figure out what is what. Are ALL the channels scrambled around? For instance, History Channel is currently 74 on Comcast Highland Park...does that mean the QAM tuner will have it under some other number?

Also...Will the "program information" display (channel, name of program) be accurate on-screen, or will it even be populated with data?

Thanks again.

--G.

Yup, that's the plan! Guess I will have to try to figure out what is what. Are ALL the channels scrambled around? For instance, History Channel is currently 74 on Comcast Highland Park...does that mean the QAM tuner will have it under some other number?

Also...Will the "program information" display (channel, name of program) be accurate on-screen, or will it even be populated with data?

Thanks again.

--G.
Nearly everything is scrambled. You will probably get nothing but the digital version of local network channels and possibly music thru a qam hd tuner - very similar to using an antenna to pickup local networks. The signal that is picked up from the cable line will show nothing relating to comcast.

The signal that is picked up from the cable line will show nothing relating to comcast.

That's the weird part...the signal is generated and distributed by Comcast, right?

--G.

P.S. I was checking the Comcast site and they are offering, for $5/month, a set-top "Comcast HD Box" which pulls in non-premium HD content (ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS stations and a few others). "Basic service subscription is required" and "installation fees may vary."

I am guessing that this service is angled at people who don't have an HD-capable tuner, and that therefore I would gain nothing from it.

Seems like my IND2 channel in my guide has been showing "To be announced" for the past couple weeks. I didn't notice when it happened, but it's starting to be annoying.

Anyone else?

I am guessing that this service is angled at people who don't have an HD-capable tuner, and that therefore I would gain nothing from it.
I believe its the opposite - there isn't much to be gained from a builtin tuner...

I know I'm going to take some heat for this, but I think anybody who gets talked into buying a builtin hd tuner, when comcast is available, is wasting their money (me included). The exception to my statement is cable card enabled tuners.

I have a builtin qam tuner, I have a samsung hd stb and I also pay $10/month for the comcast dvr. The dvr is the only tuner getting used 99% of the time. Before the dvr I was paying the $5/month for the regular hd stb.

It is such a pain to have to switch inputs just to watch hd - and if I'm using my tuner for surround sound, then I have to change its input also. My wife never figured it out. With the comcast setup I can watch everything from one box. When my box goes bad, they replace it. When new technology comes out, I exchange it. I'm on my 3rd different model STB in 3 years. My equipment cost has been $0. Not to mention if you pay for a digital tier you get about a dozen HD channels.

Seems like my IND2 channel in my guide has been showing "To be announced" for the past couple weeks. I didn't notice when it happened, but it's starting to be annoying.

Anyone else?

I've noticed the same thing in my guide for INHD2. I've also noticed some of the picture problems mentioned above. I've noticed it during HomeMakeover especially.

On the other hand it saves you ~$15 a month if you only care about the local networks. Correct me but I'm wrong, but you'd pay $9.99 for the box rental plus $4.99 extra for HD. Or at least that's what I've been told.

I currently subscribe to digital with the DVR. But I'm tired of paying $78 a month to watch TV. Planning on downgrading to the $15.99 locals only package and using QAM.

Are they lying to me?

[QUOTE=HD Rookie]I believe its the opposite - there isn't much to be gained from a builtin tuner...

I know I'm going to take some heat for this, but I think anybody who gets talked into buying a builtin hd tuner, when comcast is available, is wasting their money (me included). The exception to my statement is cable card enabled tuners.
QUOTE]

On the other hand it saves you ~$15 a month if you only care about the local networks. Correct me but I'm wrong, but you'd pay $9.99 for the box rental plus $4.99 extra for HD. Or at least that's what I've been told.

I currently subscribe to digital with the DVR. But I'm tired of paying $78 a month to watch TV. Planning on downgrading to the $15.99 locals only package and using QAM.

Are they lying to me?

My total cable bill is $26. $16 for the locals only package and $10 for the dvr.

Wow, really! I was told the minimum package for the DVR was Digital Classic.

My total cable bill is $26. $16 for the locals only package and $10 for the dvr.

Seems like my IND2 channel in my guide has been showing "To be announced" for the past couple weeks. I didn't notice when it happened, but it's starting to be annoying.

Anyone else?
Same here. I had to reboot the box due to another bout of 'creeping TBA' showing in future listings, and INHD2 is still 'blank'. I think that is because INHD is actually 'INHD2 + Comcast Sports' according to the Favorites listing. Somebody probably is not keeping the channel's information up to date.

As a workaround, you can use 208's listing to see what is on. To record anything, though, you have to set up a manual recording. I did that recently for 'Blade Runner.'

Yes, that's annoying, I've just been checking 208 for guide info though (as long as a special event isn't playing)

Comcast is working towards simulcasting their analog channels as digital channels. It will improve signal quality and free up bandwidth for more channels (hopefully more HD channels.)

Mike

Actually, I belive ADS takes up more bandwidth, as they have to duplicate their analog channels in digital, is this correct?

Anyone in the Oswego area know what has been going on with Comcast yesterday and today? My HD is out. Channels 100+ don't work and channels 2-99 are practically unwatchable with snow. My Internet is also out. I called Comcast last night and got their recording saying they know there is a problem and that they are working on it. Their ETA to get it fixed, according to the recording, was 6am yesterday. I woke up this morning and we still had all the same problems above. I called Comcast again before I left for work and the recording is now gone but I didn't talk to anyone and have to call back. Anyone else experiencing pretty much a total shutdown of Comcast services?

UPDATE: I just got off the phone with Comcast and they said they weren't aware of any current problems in the area. So, of course, they made me set up an appointment for a tech to come out. I told her that it is most likely still an area problem due to the message on their phones yesterday but she didn't seem to care and insisted that I'm the only one having any problems now. Comcast's "tech support" is such a joke its not even funny.

I'm on the Oswego system and am not having any problems.

Actually, I belive ADS takes up more bandwidth, as they have to duplicate their analog channels in digital, is this correct?

That's correct. But simulcasting is just an intermediary step to get them to the point where they can begin shutting off the analog channels. That is where the bandwidth savings come into play. This will, most likely, happen in several phases over several years. The moving of SciFi channel from analog to digital is a similar example.

That's correct. But simulcasting is just an intermediary step to get them to the point where they can begin shutting off the analog channels. That is where the bandwidth savings come into play. This will, most likely, happen in several phases over several years. The moving of SciFi channel from analog to digital is a similar example.

Moving Sci-Fi to the digital tiers was mostly just a ploy to get folks to cough up the extra money for a digital package. :cool:

I'm on the Oswego system and am not having any problems.
Well that just bites. :( I don't understand how one day they can have an area outage and then the next day, when nothing has been fixed, they then say its only my problem. :(

Well that just bites. :( I don't understand how one day they can have an area outage and then the next day, when nothing has been fixed, they then say its only my problem. :(
I had the same problems as you last night. I didn't check my tv/cable this morning, but my internet was working again as of 6:30 am.

I had the same problems as you last night. I didn't check my tv/cable this morning, but my internet was working again as of 6:30 am.
Nobody but myself and keithj in Oswego had shoddy service last night, but my CBS HD looks incredible tonight. Does anybody know of any changes that have taken place in the last 24 hours. My all around PQ (crispness and depth) looks better than ever tonight. Anybody notice anything similar? I have the 6412.

I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but is everyone aware that Comcast is raising their rates again? I haven't seen any mention of it here, so I thought I'd alert you all.

Nobody but myself and keithj in Oswego had shoddy service last night, but my CBS HD looks incredible tonight. Does anybody know of any changes that have taken place in the last 24 hours. My all around PQ (crispness and depth) looks better than ever tonight. Anybody notice anything similar? I have the 6412.
I got home last night and my Internet was back up (faster than ever around 4,600), my low channels were cleared up (no snow), the upper channels were also clear (no pixelation) and my HD was perfect. So much for needing a tech to come out on Saturday.

I hate to be the harbinger of bad news, but is everyone aware that Comcast is raising their rates again? I haven't seen any mention of it here, so I thought I'd alert you all.
That is really unbelievable. They're overpriced as it is. Maybe I'll have to look into a dish and dsl. I'm already paying Comcast almost $190 a month for all my services.

Comcast ought to stop raising their rates so often....i doubt D* and Dish raise theirs as often.

Yeah, it was on the front page of our local paper the other day. (You can probably find the article on the Northwest Herald online.)

So much for needing a tech to come out on Saturday.

I live in Deerfield and we just lived through the EXACT SAME BS...Wednesday afternoon we lost High Speed Internet, and cable TV looked really grainy. I called and had a technician tell me, No problems here, must be your modem, in spite of my vehement objections that, "I've had your people tell me that the problem was my modem EVERY TIME I have had a service outtage in the past four years, and in fact EVERY time it has been a system issue." He put me on hold, came back 2 mins later and said, "Uh, yes, in fact there are reports of an outtage in your area, and we are working on it."

I recycled my modem every few hours for the next day and a half to no avail. While I was out of town, my wife called COMCAST figuring, this time, they must be right. Sure enough, they told her, get ready to schedule a technician visit. She had to end the call, but a little while after that, my 12 year old son recycled the modem and VOILA, high speed internet was back. TV looks good, too.

Isn't it galling that they apparently train their Customer Service (term used loosely) staff to deny any and all issues, and probably incur all kinds of unnecessary service calls (and the related wrath)???

I believe its the opposite - there isn't much to be gained from a builtin tuner...

I know I'm going to take some heat for this, but I think anybody who gets talked into buying a builtin hd tuner, when comcast is available, is wasting their money (me included)....

No heat here. As stated originally, "I am a "basic" cable subscriber and intend on remaining so until the TV is paid off!!" As you noted in a reply, all I can expect is the digital version of local channels...and that's all I want! Call me a cheapskate, but as stated originally, I just came off 18 years with a 25" JVC hooked up to "basic analog" cable, and having just falled off THAT turnip truck, I am DELIGHTED to see anything in HD. For the time being am happy to forgo the "deluxe" HD channels, although once I am hooked on HD I am sure I will want more.

Switching inputs between the cable and the VCR is merely an adoption of our current practice.

I am curious about the cablecard though...doesn't it require digital subscription?

--G.

Another message today on the cable box:
Fuse (476, a music video channel) moves from Digital Premier to Digital Plus on 12/14.

With two channels moving to Plus (LMN and Fuse), and one being dropped (American Life, 123) I wonder if they will drop the Premier Package? All that's left is a few sports channels (also part of the Digital Sports Package), BETJazz, Trio, Ovation and Bloomberg.

The comcast techs are horrible for the most part, I recently had an issue when setting up a new laptop and wireless network for a friend. The cable modem would work when connected to the old desktop, but when plugged into the new router, or directly into the laptop. Anyways to make a long story short the comcast answer was that the router was bad and needed to be replaced and also that the laptop had a currupt tcp/ip stack and needed a OS reinstall. Then 5 minutes after getting off the phone viola it works who knows

The comcast techs are horrible for the most part, I recently had an issue when setting up a new laptop and wireless network for a friend. The cable modem would work when connected to the old desktop, but when plugged into the new router, or directly into the laptop. Anyways to make a long story short the comcast answer was that the router was bad and needed to be replaced and also that the laptop had a currupt tcp/ip stack and needed a OS reinstall. Then 5 minutes after getting off the phone viola it works who knows
Just a note that some cable modems need to be power-cycled after a MAC address change (such as changing computers or routers connected to it.)

Well. this weekend I fired up the new Panasonic HD set, plugged in my Comcast basic cable (from the wall) and used the automatic "program channels" feature to pull Analog+Digital channels from the "Cable" (vs. "Antenna") input.

The QAM turned up all sorts of channels, including digital versions of the all local broadcast channels on 127-128, but no HD channels.

Later, I ran the program all over again...but THIS time, added were 7.1 (right after analog 7), which was WLS HD (720i), and 9.2, which has WGN HD (1080i).

Strangely, I had no other HD channels. Then, today I decided to run the QAM set-up again, and found that 7.1 disappeared (great...just in time for the Bears game), and only 9.2 now remains.

To HD Rookie's point, I am just a cheapskate and trying to get something out of my basic cable without an STB, but...from all the information on this thread, I thought I was going to do better than one HD channel!!

I will also keep searching the Panasonic hardware thread to see if I can find anything, but nothing yet.

If you received all the digital local channels, they should be the ones that are also Hi-Def. Not all broadcasts on them are in HD. Most of the HD programs are on in prime time (sitcoms, dramas), except a few soap operas, SNL and late nite talk shows (Letterman, Leno & O'Brien). The only station that shows HD 24/7 is WTTWHD (11.1). (P.S. - the Bears game was on FOX (32.1), not 7.1.)

To HD Rookie's point, I am just a cheapskate and trying to get something out of my basic cable without an STB, but...from all the information on this thread, I thought I was going to do better than one HD channel!!Try entering the following QAM channels manually and see if anything pops up:
92.1, 92.2, 92.3, 114.1, 114.2, 115.2, 115.5, 115.6. Also check Chs. 116 & 117, entering 116.1, 116.2, 116.3, etc. Around Chicagoland, the HD locals are often found on these channels in Comcast systems.

Seems like my IND2 channel in my guide has been showing "To be announced" for the past couple weeks. I didn't notice when it happened, but it's starting to be annoying.

Anyone else?

Looks like it's fixed here in Schaumburg. Channel 175 has the correct programming info listed in the guide, and 208 is now listed as "Off-Air."

Looks like it's fixed here in Schaumburg. Channel 175 has the correct programming info listed in the guide, and 208 is now listed as "Off-Air."

And they finally renamed 208 from INHD2 to HDSE ... About time :)

Try entering the following QAM channels manually and see if anything pops up:
92.1, 92.2, 92.3, 114.1, 114.2, 115.2, 115.5, 115.6. Also check Chs. 116 & 117, entering 116.1, 116.2, 116.3, etc. Around Chicagoland, the HD locals are often found on these channels in Comcast systems.

I've tried going through the entire QAM lineup manually (which takes about a half hour, given all the "blanks")

After an auto-scan, here's what my QAM pulls up...

127.1, WBBM
127-2, -3 Spanish language
127-4 WLS
127-5 WTTW
127-6 blank
127-7 blank
127-8 UPN (50)
127-10 Univision
127-12 WYCC
128-13 WGN
128-14 WFLD
128-15 WMAQ
128-16 WJYS

All of these are the digital versions of local analog channels, and have a five-second lag time vs. broadcast. None show HD; for instance, while the ABC Monday Night football game was on 7.1 in HD, it was shown in analog (standard) mode on both 7 and 127.4.

At this time I am back to the "maximum" of two HD channels (7.1 for WLS, and 9.2 for WGN).

I'm stumped. I should call Comcast, but I am afraid they won't even know what a QAM tuner is!

If you received all the digital local channels, they should be the ones that are also Hi-Def. Not all broadcasts on them are in HD. Most of the HD programs are on in prime time (sitcoms, dramas), except a few soap operas, SNL and late nite talk shows (Letterman, Leno & O'Brien). The only station that shows HD 24/7 is WTTWHD (11.1). (P.S. - the Bears game was on FOX (32.1), not 7.1.)

Oops, I meant FOX. I do understand that HD programming is limited. Last night, according to TV listings, five local channels were broadcasting in HD during prime time; I was seeing only two (WLS and WGN).

At this time I am back to the "maximum" of two HD channels (7.1 for WLS, and 9.2 for WGN).

I'm stumped. I should call Comcast, but I am afraid they won't even know what a QAM tuner is!Comcast does not carry anything on 7.1 and 9.1. Those are ATSC channels used in OTA transmission. Many sets like yours are programmed to remap the actual QAM channels to the corresponding ATSC numbers which the viewer is more familiar with. In our area WLS-DT is on 92.1 and WGN-DT is on 92.2, but many sets will remap these to read 7.1 and 9.1 in the display. The question is why is your QAM tuner not detecting the other four HD locals that Comcast carries, and remapping them to display 2.1, 5.1, 11.1, & 32.1?

Does anyone know if comcast has plans to offer ESPN2 HD anytime soon. It would be great to have it for college basketball season.

I was listening to the news on WLS today and they mentioned that Comcast is raising prices by 4% in January. The reason is supposedly to offset the cost of some investments and addition of new HD programming.

I recently ordered a second HD DVR for my Front Projector in the basement. They installed it on wednesday and the model # is the new 3412. i no longer get channels 2-99. which isn't a problem since I'm only watching HD on my projector anyway, but I thought it seems odd since these channels haven't been moved to digital as of yet. Anyone else receive this new model?

I recently ordered a second HD DVR for my Front Projector in the basement. They installed it on wednesday and the model # is the new 3412. i no longer get channels 2-99. which isn't a problem since I'm only watching HD on my projector anyway, but I thought it seems odd since these channels haven't been moved to digital as of yet. Anyone else receive this new model?

The 3412 is digital ONLY. Strange that they would give you this box if you don't yet have digital simulcast in your area. Have you called Comcast to ask about this?

The 3412 is digital ONLY. Strange that they would give you this box if you don't yet have digital simulcast in your area. Have you called Comcast to ask about this?

No, It really doesn't bother me since I'm only using that box for 'special' viewings of my favorite HD shows or sports. But it seems like a mistake to be installing these before the conversion. hopefully that means the conversion is coming soon.

I was listening to the news on WLS today and they mentioned that Comcast is raising prices by 4% in January. The reason is supposedly to offset the cost of some investments and addition of new HD programming.

I just logged into my account online and found this:

Thank you for choosing Comcast.

UPCOMING PRICE CHANGES - Due to increasing operating expenses and other investments that we're making to bring you the best that technology has to offer, we will be adjusting some of our residential video prices as outlined below.

EFFECTIVE WITH YOUR NEXT STATEMENT these monthly prices will change: Basic Service from $15.99 to $16.49; Standard Cable (which includes Basic Service & Expanded Basic) from $46.99 to $49.99; and Digital Additional Outlet Service from $4.99 to $5.99.

Digital packages will also change: Digital Silver from $69.99 to $75.99; Digital Gold from $79.99 to $83.99; Digital Platinum from $93.99 to $99.99. If you are currently enjoying a promotion, your price will remain in effect until your promotion's scheduled expiration date. Thank you for choosing Comcast.

That coupled with my $25/month Dish Buy-Back expiring makes me very unhappy. I'm hoping a little "negotiation" will be able to offset a portion of that. CSR roulette here I come...

Don't count on it. Doesn't seem to be hard to get the $19.99 deal out of them for HSI. For some reason though they won't budge on video. I tried several times before resorting to downgrading to limited basic.

I don't know - it's worth a try. I had Comcast cable for YEARS and when I told them I was switching to "E" last year, they offered me analog w/first tier digital cable at half price for a year. I didn't take it, and in my case, I'm glad. I'd be paying more than ever, now - and still have less channels.

I've tried going through the entire QAM lineup manually (which takes about a half hour, given all the "blanks")

After an auto-scan, here's what my QAM pulls up...

127.1, WBBM
127-2, -3 Spanish language
127-4 WLS
127-5 WTTW
127-6 blank
127-7 blank
127-8 UPN (50)
127-10 Univision
127-12 WYCC
128-13 WGN
128-14 WFLD
128-15 WMAQ
128-16 WJYS

All of these are the digital versions of local analog channels, and have a five-second lag time vs. broadcast. None show HD; for instance, while the ABC Monday Night football game was on 7.1 in HD, it was shown in analog (standard) mode on both 7 and 127.4.

At this time I am back to the "maximum" of two HD channels (7.1 for WLS, and 9.2 for WGN).

I'm stumped. I should call Comcast, but I am afraid they won't even know what a QAM tuner is!

Oh, well. I have EXACTLY the same thing here. I just bought a Philips 32" LCD HD, and I can only receive the same 2 local HD channels over Comcast basic service. As UncD2000 said, the TV re-mapped the channels to 7.1 and 9.1 for ABC-HD and WGN-HD. But where are the other local HD channels? I am afraid the Comcast CS won't even know what I am talking about. :(

Greg, have you found anything? Did Comast encrypted all the other local HD broadcast? I live in Schaumburg area.

For anyone interested, NIU game is going to be on ESPN HD tonight.

Does anyone know anything about pricing structures for HD in "commerical" buildings? We're trying to rent the HD box for our dorm TV lounge, and they're saying it's going to be $50 a month, because we have to get the digital package. We don't want any additional channels; we just want to be able to recieve the unencrypted locals in HD. We just want the box; no additional service. Is this possible with a "commercial" account like it is with a residential one?

Edit: N/m, was able to answer my own question by getting lucky and getting some very helpful CSRs on the phone. The commerical price for a HD cable box is 10/month, and it is possible to rent it without paying for any additional service other than expanded basic.

Hi,

I just pulled the trigger in Oswego Il on a New Panasonic 50" Plasma 50PX50U ... I CURRENTLY HAVE COMCAST CABLE ANALOG @ $46.99/Month.

Should I stick with COMCAST for the HDTV (They are offering COMCAST GOLD @ $39.99/Month) And add a Motorola Cable Box DVR DCT 6412 at $9.99/Month?

Question 1: Do I remain with Comcast or go to DISH Satellite or DIRECTV Satellite. Why stick with cable vs Satellite for HDTV?

Question 2: If cable, what should I get in the way of Comcast Hardware to work with Panasonic 50" Plasma Model 50PX50U? Is there hardware compatible with my Plasma?

Thanks
JONESGE

That TV has a built in digital tuner which should be able to pick up the local HD channels which are usually included free with analog basic. You don't need to rent a box from them or upgrade your package, unless you want their extra digital HD package or any premium channels. You can also use the set's tuner to receive any unencrypted (non-premium) digital channels you're paying for. (By the way - you should also be able to get the music channels for free along with the local HD's.)

Question 2: If cable, what should I get in the way of Comcast Hardware to work with Panasonic 50" Plasma Model 50PX50U? Is there hardware compatible with my Plasma? Thanks JONESGE
If you want tivo style recording capability consider getting the HD DVR box, I forget the model no. Al

I'm on the Oswego system and can confirm that Comcast does in fact carry carry the network HD unencrypted (NBC,CBS,ABC,WGN and FOX). In addition there are SD digital verisons of those and a few more as Oswego has ADS running.

In general I don't think the picture quality is as good as OTA though, despite the fact that Comcast is supposed to be getting the signals OTA.

I'm on the Oswego system and can confirm that Comcast does in fact carry carry the network HD unencrypted (NBC,CBS,ABC,WGN and FOX). In addition there are SD digital verisons of those and a few more as Oswego has ADS running.

In general I don't think the picture quality is as good as OTA though, despite the fact that Comcast is supposed to be getting the signals OTA.

So sounds like my TV's QAM tuner has problems. I tried autoscan many times but can always only receive the ABC and WGN local HD channels. :(

Does your TV remap the HD channels to the ATSC numbers, like 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, etc.?

Thanks,

Unfortunately it does not. Here's what's where not including the Music Choice stuff. There's actually a few more video channels, but I haven't been able to figure out what they are. They are either foreign language, or never seem to show any kind of channel identification.

Also pick up the VOD streams. Not of much value though by by their nature. Since there's no way to tell what time they are going to start.

81-1 CBS TV
81-2 I
81-4 ABC TV
81-5 WTTW TV
81-6 PBS TV
81-7 WCIU TV
81-8 UPN TV
81-11 WYCC TV
82-1 WGN TV
82-2 FOX TV
82-3 NBC TV
82-4 WJYS TV
93-2 WCIU DT 2
101-2 Weather Channel
102-2 Govt Access
102-5 TV Guide
111-1 ABC DT
111-2 WGN DT
111-3 ABC DT 2
116-1 WTTW DT
116-2 CBS DT
117-1 NBC DT 2
117-2 NBC DT
117-3 FOX DT

So sounds like my TV's QAM tuner has problems. I tried autoscan many times but can always only receive the ABC and WGN local HD channels. :(

Does your TV remap the HD channels to the ATSC numbers, like 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, etc.?

Thanks,

I notice that there's no WPWR digital. I wonder why that is? What is WCIU DT 2?

Anyone been having problems with HD CBS on ch. 189. I have noticed the channel is not coming up, getting a message that the channel should be available shortly or something like that. I missed last week's recording of survivor because of that and I would have missed again last night if I hadn't checked it at 7pm.

No problem with CBS HD here in Palatine. My DVR recorded the Letterman/Oprah "Lovefest" last night without any problems.

Can anyone in Schaumburg area kindly try an autoscan with no STB nor CableCard, if the TV is QAM capable? Please let me know if you can get all the HD channels that you're supposed to. I seem to getting only 2 local HD channels with the basic cable service. I need to determine if I need to return my TV or I have to call Comcast. Many thanks in advance.....

There is, it's one of the SD digitals. I listed it as UPN on my list. It looks like it's just the upconverted analog signal (can you call 480p upconverted?). Not very good quality at all. As for WCIU DT2, it's one of their subchannels. Can't remember which one at the moment, might have been MeTV.

I notice that there's no WPWR digital. I wonder why that is? What is WCIU DT 2?

Sorry - I didn't notice the UPN. If you can get MeTV with basic, I just might more seriously consider getting it . I thought, from the commercials on TV, that it was only available on their digital tier. That's great! And it's good to know that they also carry WTTW-HD, too. Of course, you're in a different area than me, so this may not apply at all. I guess I'll have to check into that sometime.

I confirmed that was in fact MeTV. They had been only carrying the basics. I had to do a rescan the other day and to my suprise all kinds of new channels. I knew they were coming, the Northern suburbs got all these additions a few weeks ago. But Oswego being a pretty small system, I thought we'd be one of the last.

The other fun that goes along with QAM is every time they do a remap on the back end, you have to rescan. On the plus side is's $10/month less that goes to Concast.

Flying - Comcast probably won't help you, they don't support using a QAM tuner. They will just tell you that you have to rent a box from them and get the HD package. Hopefully you can get someone to confirm if things are encrypted on your system. I started out with a Samsung TV myself and got one channel to come up only. Ended up returning it.

Can anyone in Schaumburg area kindly try an autoscan with no STB nor CableCard, if the TV is QAM capable? Please let me know if you can get all the HD channels that you're supposed to. I seem to getting only 2 local HD channels with the basic cable service. I need to determine if I need to return my TV or I have to call Comcast. Many thanks in advance.....
Since there's nothing really good on TV tonight, I took the opportunity to unplug my 6412 and try a QAM scan with my Mits set. I haven't done this in a couple of years so I was curious to see how much changed. I did this between 9-10pm tonight, if anyone wants to try and figure out the movie channels.

I get the following:

61.05 - Jetix ??? (onscreen bug said "Jetix" - was showing some cartoon)

83.01 - ESPN (no audio)

86.01 - No idea - was showing some infomercial
86.02 - No idea - was showing classical music
86.03 - Community service
86.04 - Comcast Sports - was showing the end of the Wolves game (no audio)
86.05 - Channel 17 community service
86.09 - Schaumburg community access
86.11 - TV Guide channel
86.15 - Weather Channel

87.05 - No idea - was showing movie "The Aviator"
87.08 - No idea - was showing movie "The Aviator"

88.05 - No idea - was showing movie "The Interpreter"
88.06 - No idea - was showing some movie
88.09 - No idea - was showing movie "The Interpreter"
88.11 - No idea - was showing some movie

90.03 - No idea - was showing movie "Air Bud" when I checked
90.07 - No idea - was showing movie "Air Bud" when I checked
92.01 - WLS-DT
92.02 - WGN-DT
92.03 - WLS-DT2

108.01 - Looks like one of the NBA league pass channels

114.01 - WBBM-DT
114.02 - WTTW-DT
115.02 - WFLD-DT
115.05 - WMAQ-DT
115.06 - WMAQ-DT2 (Weather Plus)
117.03 - Looks like the On Demand preview channel

Looks like the OTA analog channels start at 122:

122.01 - WBBM
122.02 - WCPX
122.03 - WSNS
122.04 - WLS
122.05 - WTTW
122.06 - WYIN
122.07 - WCIU
122.08 - WPWR
122.09 - WXFT
122.10 - WGBO
123.13 - WGN
123.14 - WFLD
123.15 - WMAQ
123.16 - WJYS ??? (infomercial)
123.17 - TLN Chicago
123.21 - WFBT-CA ???


To be honest, I kinda skipped around on the channels below 80... there's way too much noise and manually checking all the sub-channels takes way too long to be really thorough.

Hope this helps out... at least you now know where the rest of the HD channels are!

- Frank

Oh, well. I have EXACTLY the same thing here. I just bought a Philips 32" LCD HD, and I can only receive the same 2 local HD channels over Comcast basic service. As UncD2000 said, the TV re-mapped the channels to 7.1 and 9.1 for ABC-HD and WGN-HD. But where are the other local HD channels? I am afraid the Comcast CS won't even know what I am talking about. :(

Greg, have you found anything? Did Comast encrypted all the other local HD broadcast? I live in Schaumburg area.

Flying...

Haven't found out much yet...but other posts in AVS forum on "the Panasonic QAM tuner problem" are not encouraging.

But the fact that you have a Philips whose QAM tuner ALSO gets only these two HD channels is a real stumper. It seems it is not just a Panasonic problem.

I am in agreement with you and others...Comcast will say that, hey, QAM tuners are beyond us, just get a damned $10/mo. STB and be happy.

I have coincidentally had about the worst, most unreliable Comcast high-speed internet problems of the past several years here during the past 10 days, so I wondered, did I have a weak signal that was causing constant IP address drops AND crappy cable TV? I went through the paranoia of tightening connections, testing without splitters, etc. I am tempted to get a Comcast rep out to confirm that the cable signal strength is adequate.

The biggest thing keeping me from taking the Panasonic set back is that no one around here has any stock to replace it, since Consumer Reports gave it their top rating this month, and I don't want another brand. That, and the fact you are having the same issue with another brand. I remain stumped. Meanwhile, all the lists of other people's QAM results make it clear that each brand's tuner maps them COMPLETELY DIFFERENTLY and it would appear that sharing such lists with each other here is mostly wasted effort. That could be ignorance on my part talking!

Meanwhile, all the lists of other people's QAM results make it clear that each brand's tuner maps them COMPLETELY DIFFERENTLY and it would appear that sharing such lists with each other here is mostly wasted effort. That could be ignorance on my part talking!

Don't get freaked out by the differing channel results from different people. The channels vary according to which head-end you're connected to - that's why it's very important to identify your location when you list a scan.

FSugino, really appreciate the help. I think I have the same channel lineup as you do. After read your post, I turned on my TV and checked those digital channels that I am missing. Apparently, channel groups 114, 115, and 86 were not there. When I press "114.1" or other numbers in the groups on the remote controller, the TV shows "Channel not Available". That's why I do not have the other HD channels. So either my cable signal is weak, or my TV's QAM tuner is not sensitive enough/broken.

Will a cable signal booster help? Or will the boosted signal be too strong to damage the TV?

Thanks......

BTW, those "no idea" channels showing the movies are probably unencrypted On Demand channels. Those "no audio" channels are probably SAP channels with Spanish.

Since there's nothing really good on TV tonight, I took the opportunity to unplug my 6412 and try a QAM scan with my Mits set. I haven't done this in a couple of years so I was curious to see how much changed. I did this between 9-10pm tonight, if anyone wants to try and figure out the movie channels
- Frank
It looks like they rearranged since my last check. I also noticed that the digitally simulcast channels (Library, Schaumburg, TVGuide) are currently dead on my cable box. They used to be at 825MHz (channel 129).

As for those on 122 and 123, it looks like they are setting up for digital simulcasting. I wonder if it will happen around the 13th or 14th, as there are several channels being dropped or moving to different tiers on that date. There was also a message that seemed to imply most of the inPPV will be dropped.

For those below 80, try the ones that are otherwise unused for analog channels. For Schaumburg, that would be 13, 27, 30, 59, 61, 72, 77-94, 97, 99+.

I did a search on this forum for Panasonic QAM problems, looks like they suffer from the same problem as Samsung when it comes to QAM. It plain doesn't work right. So a cable booster is not likeley to help. Won't hurt anything though either, a too stong signal just won't tune as far as I know.

I'd say your only options are to pay Comcast to get a box from them, or buy an external QAM tuner. There's an LG LST3100a on Ebay right now for $165.



Will a cable signal booster help? Or will the boosted signal be too strong to damage the TV?

Hey all,

I can't remember where I saw it, but the Comcast president said that they were launching an aggressive campaign to have digital simulcasting of their analog
channels up by December 31.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/science/technology_watch/1197227.html

Another interesting article on what they're doing elsewhere:

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0DIZ/is_2005_August_29/ai_n15385774

Broadband Reports thread on this. They're rolling it out through metro Chicago
now...

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14311090~days=9999

Comcastic employees are on there as well.

I did a search on this forum for Panasonic QAM problems, looks like they suffer from the same problem as Samsung when it comes to QAM. It plain doesn't work right.

I'd say your only options are to pay Comcast to get a box from them, or buy an external QAM tuner. There's an LG LST3100a on Ebay right now for $165.I have two LG 3410A DVR's, and although the Guide (TVGOS) is a PITA, the QAM tuner is great. My "dream machine" would be an LG MPEG4/DirecTV 2-tuner DVR with QAM capability. For obvious reasons, however, DirecTV stopped the manfacturers from putting any kind of cable tuner in their satellite receivers.

It looks like they moved several banks of digital channels to the recently opened analog channels. Those on 82 moved to 30, 83 moved to 72, 84 moved to 27, and 86 moved to 13. Those on 825MHz (129) moved to 597MHz (86).

For those with QAM tuners, or if you are just curious, I have updated my Excel spreadsheet with all the channels and their frequencies/QAM channels. I haven't rechecked every channel, and it will need to be updated again around the 14th when the next round of changes occurs. Information on the correct subchannels would help me make it more complete.
http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

Also, does anyone know about a Showtime free preview going on? While checking things, I found that the Showtime channels are not encrypted. You QAM tuner people should be able to watch them. Look on channels 30, 93, 99, 101 (Comcast channels 575-585).

There is a free preview, until Monday if I remember right.

Also, does anyone know about a Showtime free preview going on? While checking things, I found that the Showtime channels are not encrypted. You QAM tuner people should be able to watch them. Look on channels 30, 93, 99, 101 (Comcast channels 575-585).

I am in agreement with you and others...Comcast will say that, hey, QAM tuners are beyond us, just get a damned $10/mo. STB and be happy.


Sure enough...to confirm jdomini's prediction:

As an "experiment" today I call two different Comcast tech support staff, at two different times.

Both said that "no TV will pick up HD channels from analog cable." When I explained that I already had picked up two, and was looking for the others, they said that was just a freak occurence, and that "somehow" the QAM tuner was picking up HD from the standard signal.

They then both proceeded to tell me I "had to have" an HD set top box to get any HD channels ($5/mo) or, for a one time charge of $23.99, I could get a cablecard.

I am getting weary of the battle and am thinking of going with the cablecard (we never use pay-per-view and don't know what we're missing re: TV Guide).

Hopefully the issues I am having with the Panasonic QAM tuner not finding channels, and frequently dropping ones it does, will be somewhat diminished by using a cablecard, and that the "new host of problems" associated with a cablecard described by others on the forum won't be too severe.

Don't get freaked out by the differing channel results from different people. The channels vary according to which head-end you're connected to - that's why it's very important to identify your location when you list a scan.

Good point. I am easily freaked out these days. I have yet to find a QAM result for the northern burbs on this website, so if anyone happens to know of a member who lives in the Highland Park service area, please let me know. Thanks...

--G.

So sounds like my TV's QAM tuner has problems. I tried autoscan many times but can always only receive the ABC and WGN local HD channels. :(

Does your TV remap the HD channels to the ATSC numbers, like 2.1, 5.1, 7.1, etc.?

Thanks,

Flying...you are in Schaumburg, correct?

How is your struggle going?

Well, it's even worse now. I exchanged my TV set thinking its QAM tuner might have some issues. You know what, the new TV (same model) just can not receive a single HD channel now! I don't know what to do now....

or, for a one time charge of $23.99, I could get a cablecard.

I am getting weary of the battle and am thinking of going with the cablecard (we never use pay-per-view and don't know what we're missing re: TV Guide).
This is probably your best choice. If the card doesn't work properly, they should be willing to refund the charge.

I just ordered a Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR (bestbuy.com is closing them out for $499 + free shipping + $25 cash card). If its QAM tuner works properly without card activation, I'll be able to loan one of my LG DVR's to a relative who can't get the HD locals but has basic cable. I won't be activating the card, so if the Sony disappoints I'll just return it to BB. Will report results on this thread.

Could someone with Comcast in the Algonquin-Carpentersville-Cary- East Dundee- Elgin headend tell me the QAM channel numbers for the 6 local HD channels?

Broadband Reports thread on this. They're rolling it out through metro Chicago
now...

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,14311090~days=9999


I read through this info and found it quite interesting. I wasn't sure (after reading all 5 pages) how to figure out if my headend was ADS ready. Anyone know how to figure this out?

Well, it's even worse now. I exchanged my TV set thinking its QAM tuner might have some issues. You know what, the new TV (same model) just can not receive a single HD channel now! I don't know what to do now....

Don't be completely depressed just yet...if you started up your TV during the past 48 hours, you won't have received HD in at least SOME Comcast areas, because of a service issue. I was without high-speed internet AND had a very poor cable signal, meaning no HD on "my two measely HD stations."

Service was back up this afternoon...

No. I did an auto-scan and it is still no good. :( I will wait for another couple of days maybe. However, I am still getting Showtime HD.

Don't be completely depressed just yet...if you started up your TV during the past 48 hours, you won't have received HD in at least SOME Comcast areas, because of a service issue. I was without high-speed internet AND had a very poor cable signal, meaning no HD on "my two measely HD stations."

Service was back up this afternoon...
Comcast Internet and Cable was out in my area (Oswego) yesterday night from 8-10pm. I called around 9pm and they were aware of the problem. Everything came back on around 10pm and it was fine, until I woke up this morning. Internet and cable was out again. I called Comcast again this morning and the recording saying they were aware of a problem in my area was gone. This is pretty much exactly what happened a few weeks ago when they insisted on scheduling a tech to come out and then the service mysteriously got fixed before my appointment. I think I'll wait until I get home from work to check my cable and Internet again before I call again. :(

Keith

Keith,

That is interesting because I had the same issue (no cable or internet), but on Monday night from 8-10. Yours was last night, correct? As we are on the same head-end, this makes me wonder if they are doing some upgrading in our area.

Keith,

That is interesting because I had the same issue (no cable or internet), but on Monday night from 8-10. Yours was last night, correct? As we are on the same head-end, this makes me wonder if they are doing some upgrading in our area.
Yes, it was last night (Tuesday night). Its possible they are doing upgrading but what kind of idiot does it during primetime? :(

Keith

Is it me or does everyone else have problems whenever monday night footbal. everything else on ABC seems to be fine but MNF pixellates and freezes, and only on the 6412

I've noticed a pesky little annoyance when using QAM. A few times a week my TV will display "encrypted program" and go to a blank screen. If I change the channel and go back things are fine.

I wonder if this is a quirk in Comcast's systems, or if it it's their way of poking a stick at QAM users to encourage box rental?

86.04 - Comcast Sports - was showing the end of the Wolves game (no audio)


Just for clarification that would be public access. The Wolves games aren't on CSN.

Anyone else having problems with the HD channels tonight (12/9)? I am in naperville and I am getting severe macro blocking and some channels are not available. I have a tech coming out tomorrow, but I am wondering if it is just me or what....

Anyone else having problems with the HD channels tonight (12/9)? I am in naperville and I am getting severe macro blocking and some channels are not available.
No problems here in Schaumburg - every HD station is coming in fine.

Another message today that Trio is being dropped on 12/14. Can't blame Comcast on this one, as NBC/Universal is partially pulling the plug. It'll only be available on the Internet.

Also, CMT (Country Music Television) is moving to Digital Classic from Digital Plus.

Now if only Comcast would use some of the freed up bandwidth to improve SciFi's horrible picture!

I was without high-speed internet AND had a very poor cable signal, meaning no HD on "my two measely HD stations."



My service outtage went on and on...almost the entire week. Finally high speed internet was back on Friday eve., along with decent cable reception and my two HD stations.

I have a service call set for Monday, but now I may cancel it. Also have a cablecard install set for Tuesday...that one, I think I'm keeping. Comcast is throwing so many sticks and stones in the way of QAM (and/or Panasonic and Comcast just don't want to play together) that I think I'd better go that route.

My prior price quote was misstated...It's a $23.99 install charge plus $5/month.

$5/month for CableCARD? When did that start? It has always been free (after installation) in Comcast systems nationwide. After all, you can rent an HD STB for $5 or a 2-tuner DVR for $10. Maybe we're the guinea pigs here to see if they can get away with this.

I just got a Sony DHG-HDD250, and like my LG LST-3410A the QAM tuner gets all the unencrypted digital channels. Since the Sony has CableCARD, I was considering it, but not if they're tacking on a monthly fee. I'll just keep my 6412 and pay the $10 in that case.

Is anyone else getting a "dl" message on their 6412 right now???

I'm on hold waiting for comcast :mad:

I'm back for now

Anyone have the remote for their 6412 DVR go dead unexpectedly? It worked last night, but not today. It is not the box. I've got two and the remote from the other works on both boxes. Changing the batteries didn't help. Thinking about taking the remote in for exchange but they usually discourage that if you call them. They always want to set up a service call.

Is anyone else getting a "dl" message on their 6412 right now???

I'm on hold waiting for comcast :mad:

The 'DL' typically means it was downloading a software/firmware update. Normally, it happens overnight so it doesn't interfere with most users.

Was there any change to your firmware or software versions?

I currently have a Phase I 3412, a Phase III 6412, and a older 6412 (6412/2005) so if anyone needs any comparison done between the three, ask. Currently working on getting the other two replaced with 3412 P I's as soon as I get the recordings onto my DVD Recorder. My only HDTV has DVI (well, component too, duh) , and I have a HDMI to DVI adaptor also. The other TVs are hooked up via S-Video and Coax RF.

Also I asked the Comcast Tech about bigger storage for the DVR's. He said Comcast is switching to Sony for their DVRs. Anyone have any info on that.

Also the Tech went through and tested EVERYTHING. He checked that OnDemand worked, that a whole bunch of channels worked, and some settings in the diagnostic menu worked, even the signal strength off the wall. There was a DVR there before though. Thats the first time I saw any tech check all those things. Mainly they turn it on and see that it makes picture and sound and thats it. And fiddle with some settings like auto-tune and thats it.

This means nothing, but Channel 3 (Local Origination) is now also on channel 100.

Apparently Southside of Chicago has gone all digital... My 3 3412's will be installed on the 23rd. Thats is the EARLIEST they could get me in.

I just talked to 2 Comcast CSRs and one verified that ADS was available in my area (Oswego headend) and the other indicated that it was not yet available. I have a 6412 that is still tuning analog for channels 2-99 and was calling to request the addition of ADS to my account (apparently this is necessary even if it's up and running in your area).

Has anyone in my area received the new 3412 "all digital" box or been successful in getting the ADS added to a current account?

Whether ADS is officially avalible on the Oswego system, it is currently up and running.

Rumor has it that only new subscribers are going to be put on ADS at first. Then at a later date existing subscribers will get it.

I just talked to 2 Comcast CSRs and one verified that ADS was available in my area (Oswego headend) and the other indicated that it was not yet available.

I'm a Comcast Dealer and I called our rep. and he said it is indead done in our area (they actually finished earlier than expected), and that only new subscribers would be offered ADS at first. Of coarse he said he would take care of my personal boxes at home now for me. Per our conversation, it sounds like a download to the box. I will report when I get home and see the results.

-b

only new subscribers would be offered ADS at first.

Gotta love the "screw the current customer" business model. :mad:

I have an older 2nd TV plugged directly into the cable with no box, and get the basic analog channels. With all digital, will I still get that or will I need a box to get anything on the old set? (I have an HD DVR box for my main HDTV.) Al

I have an older 2nd TV plugged directly into the cable with no box, and get the basic analog channels. With all digital, will I still get that or will I need a box to get anything on the old set? (I have an HD DVR box for my main HDTV.) Al

For now, you will still get the analog on your second TV. They are sending both the analog and digital signal simaltaniously, so subscribers with a STB will get the digital conterpart instead of the analog signal.

Eventually all/most analog will be gone and a STB would be required for all TV's. This is why they are now deploying the DCT-700 box wich is the size of about a pack of cigeretts.

-b

Be aware that if you have a CableCARD device that uses Gemstar TV Guide and Comcast provisions the card for digital service, you may not be able to download Guide data because it needs an analog host channel.

Comcast knows about this and the plan AFAIK is to duplicate the local PBS station as analog somewhere up in the 90's.

So I guess I'm asking if anyone on ADS has such a setup and is getting the TV Guide data OK?

I didn't receive the update that I was expecting yesterday. I will try again today. Here is the e-mail I received from our rep.:

"ADS (all digital simulcast)- ADS allows us to broadcast a 100% digital
signal to our customers instead of broadcasting analog on channels below
100. All existing digital equipment will accept the new signal, as well as
the old signal. The new DCT 3412 DVR, and DCT 700 digital box will only
accept the new signal as they do not have an analog tuner. We will
systematically begin switching existing customers to ADS, but at this time
only new subscribers will be put on the ADS lineup. Customers on ADS will
experience a much improved picture on lower channels, and will not have to
do anything to their equipment in order to enable it. When installing a DCT
3412 in a home that is not ADS yet, the box will not display any channels
below 100. Dispatch will be able to fix the issue when an order is being
closed out. Dispatch needs to be told that the lower channels are missing
and that the customer needs to be moved onto the ADS lineup. The dispatcher
will correct the problem and send another signal to the equipment."

-b

Gotta love the "screw the current customer" business model. :mad:

For what it's worth, I had a tech out for a separate high-speed Internet issue, and he said I could call the 866 number and have them send a singal to my set-top box to give me the digital signal on 2-99.

I did so, still not sure that ADS had come to my area. (A letter to my village's board said it was supposed to be done Sept. 22). The CSR zapped my box and I believe I have a marginally better picture on these channels now. FYI: This is in the Elmhurst head-end.

Be aware that if you have a CableCARD device that uses Gemstar TV Guide and Comcast provisions the card for digital service, you may not be able to download Guide data because it needs an analog host channel.

Comcast knows about this and the plan AFAIK is to duplicate the local PBS station as analog somewhere up in the 90's.

It seems that the CARD could be configured for analog reception on the Ch. 11 frequency to enable TVGOS and let the digital channels remain as they are.

For what it's worth, I had a tech out for a separate high-speed Internet issue, and he said I could call the 866 number and have them send a singal to my set-top box to give me the digital signal on 2-99.

I did so, still not sure that ADS had come to my area. (A letter to my village's board said it was supposed to be done Sept. 22). The CSR zapped my box and I believe I have a marginally better picture on these channels now. FYI: This is in the Elmhurst head-end.

One good way too tell (without going to service menu). All digital channles have Dolby icon on them, analogs don't.

Well, I did it. I finally found a Comcast employee that was willing to got the extra mile and now I'm set up on ADS (have to wait until I get home form work to see the results).

If you are interested, here's what you need to do (Thanks to Rob in Video Support in the Schaumburg office):

1. Get through to a Video Support Supervisor (preferrably from the Schaumburg office as Tinley Park office has not had as much training).
2. Have them go to the "house screen" and determine your Node #
3. Once they have the Node #, have them find someone on your same Node who is already set up on ADS (I found out that my next door neighboor already had ADS)
4. Have them copy the ADS related info into your account and send a couple of hits to your box
5. Enjoy ADS

Hope this helps!!

It seems that the CARD could be configured for analog reception on the Ch. 11 frequency to enable TVGOS and let the digital channels remain as they are.

It's confusing, but when you are on ADS all channels <100 are remapped to point to the digital version of each channel. The only temporary solution is to pick an unused channel <100 and map it to point to the analog duplicate of PBS. So everyone on ADS has digital PBS on 11 and the analog version on , say, 94. The Gemstar guide will find 94 and use it as the host. Comcast apparently does not want to map each individual customer differently.
They just want two groups --- ADS and non-ADS.

I know this because they wanted to do me a favor after taking three months to get my card working. They put me on ADS that day, but the Sony DVR with the card could not download the guide. So they had to switch me back to non-ADS, while explaining that they could later do what I've explained above --- after making sure of the proper way to insert the analog PBS channel. (Part of the problem seemed to be some kind of authorization they needed from the FCC.) Mind you, this came from a real live Comcast engineer that was at my home.

I have not tried to contact the local tech supervisor to find out if they have set this up here yet. The CC gets a good picture on the analogs, and they also had given me a 6412 Phase III that does well on the analogs. Everything has been working so flawlessly that I don't want to rock the boat.

Thanks, Phil. Now I have an actual problem. Just noticed that my (Phase II) 6412 is displaying "One moment please - this channel should be available shortly" on all the analogs 2-99. Not that I ever use the 6412 to view these channels anyway, but what is the solution to this? I'll probably get CableCARD on my Sony DHG-HDD250 pretty soon, so I don't want to go ADS if that will mess up my TVGOS download.

UncD2000, I can't imagine what is causing that, unless Comcast is doing some work.

I don't think you'll be switched to ADS, since it's only for new customers right now. Let me know if you have any problems with the CC install when you get around to it. The Sony DVR is an "officially" supported device. Comcast has figured out a lot in the last few months, so all may go smoothly for you.

Well, I did it. I finally found a Comcast employee that was willing to got the extra mile and now I'm set up on ADS (have to wait until I get home form work to see the results).

If you are interested, here's what you need to do (Thanks to Rob in Video Support in the Schaumburg office):

1. Get through to a Video Support Supervisor (preferrably from the Schaumburg office as Tinley Park office has not had as much training).
2. Have them go to the "house screen" and determine your Node #
3. Once they have the Node #, have them find someone on your same Node who is already set up on ADS (I found out that my next door neighboor already had ADS)
4. Have them copy the ADS related info into your account and send a couple of hits to your box
5. Enjoy ADS

Hope this helps!!

That's very good info. How do you know when you call what office your call went to? If you are talking to a tech (saying this very loosely :) ) when you call 866-594-1234, can you request to be transferred to Video Support Sup at Schaumburg? Just asking to know in future.

I have been getting runaround and multiple hits (one of which fried my DVR) so they setup an appointment for today. Tech came out replaced both my DVR boxes with 3412s, had them switch me from Schaumbrug node to Streamwood (or other way around) and they sent hits and ADS is working.

Thanks again, Phil.

My $29.99 6-month deal on Digital Silver w/HBO runs out on 12/28, so I think I'll try to switch to their current "special" - $39.99 for Digital Gold w/HBO & Starz. (I think my $10/month price on Cinemax has another 6 months to run). I'll try to run the CableCARD installation in with this change. When I call in, I'll mention the analog problem on the 6412 if it hasn't cleared up by then.

I loaned my extra 3410A to a relative in Carpentersville. It's QAM tuner is doing very well there with their Comcast basic service. They haven't told me yet if it is getting the TVGOS listings. It was showing 0 x B Host Channel here (Ch. 11), but all I was seeing recently was "No Listings." Other than that, it has been working fine.

....and they sent hits and ADS is working.

I've got mine finaly working today also. Most of the channels don't display the Dolby symbol (which I though was a quick indication of ADS), but in the service menu it indicates digital.

Are you getting the Dolby symbol for all of channels 2-99?

-b

I've got mine finaly working today also. Most of the channels don't display the Dolby symbol (which I though was a quick indication of ADS), but in the service menu it indicates digital.

Are you getting the Dolby symbol for all of channels 2-99?

-b

My ADS is up and running. Picture and audio are much improved. I am not getting the Dolby symbol on any of the 2-99 channels. I guess this makes sense, as the software used in the channel guide probably doesn't know we have digital and not analog.

I've got mine finaly working today also. Most of the channels don't display the Dolby symbol (which I though was a quick indication of ADS), but in the service menu it indicates digital.

Are you getting the Dolby symbol for all of channels 2-99?

-b

I just checked and on both of my DVR boxes I am getting Dolby symbol on all channels 2-99.

Does anyone's cable card work correctly?

I just checked and on both of my DVR boxes I am getting Dolby symbol on all channels 2-99.

Maybe it's because you now have the 3412. Is the guide software the same as before? I still have the 6412 and it doesn't give me the Dolby symbol.

I guess this makes sense, as the software used in the channel guide probably doesn't know we have digital and not analog.

That would make sense, the ADS channels they have been testing for awhile are the only ones that are showing a Dolby tag for me.

I also see a much improved picture quality from these channels.

-b

Maybe it's because you now have the 3412. Is the guide software the same as before? I still have the 6412 and it doesn't give me the Dolby symbol.

It's all the same.

When I made my original post I had Dolby symbol on all channels. I checked after midnight last night and it was gone from all of them.

It seems like it comes and goes :)

It's all the same.

When I made my original post I had Dolby symbol on all channels. I checked after midnight last night and it was gone from all of them.

It seems like it comes and goes :)

Hit SWAP

How do you know when you call what office your call went to? If you are talking to a tech (saying this very loosely :) ) when you call 866-594-1234, can you request to be transferred to Video Support Sup at Schaumburg? Just asking to know in future.

Sorry - I missed this question earlier. I was told awhile ago that when you call the 866 number you are randomly put through to either Schaumburg or Tinley Park. You simply have to ask the first person you speak with which office they're in. I'm fairly certain they cannot transfer you to the other office, so you'll probably have to hang up and dial again until you get the office you want.

Does anyone's cable card work correctly?Kipp, I am thinking about getting a card for my Sony DHG-HDD250 and I was wondering what problems you are experiencing. Since I also have a 6412, accessing the scrambled channels on the Sony DVR isn't a big priority. It's working fine as it is, and I don't want to mess it up if there are CableCARD issues.

Call Comcast to ask about ADS. Told it hasn't available in Orland Pk. Think it's true or am i just getting the usual Comcast run around??

Just called the toll free Comcast number spoke to a CSR in Canada and she sent the "hits" to my 6412 STB to receive ADS. She said it worked on her end, but I am at work right now, so I have to wait and check later.....It took all of 5 minutes and was no hassle!!

Hit SWAP

Are you saying that Dolby symbol shows on all channels only on one tuner and not on the other one? I'll have to check it out when I get home.

Are you saying that Dolby symbol shows on all channels only on one tuner and not on the other one? I'll have to check it out when I get home.
There is an occasional quirk where tuner 2 will not show the Dolby symbol. It comes and goes and usually fixes itself after a few days. Try tuning in a known digital channel (>100), and see if it shows the symbol. If not, do a tuner swap and try again.

There is an occasional quirk where tuner 2 will not show the Dolby symbol. It comes and goes and usually fixes itself after a few days. Try tuning in a known digital channel (>100), and see if it shows the symbol. If not, do a tuner swap and try again.

Interesting. Thanks.

Well my ADS "hit" worked on my 6412. 2-99 does look better, but not dramatically. Definately worth it tho.

In addition to channel 100 being added (just a duplicate of channel 3, Comcast Local) I also noticed that the PPV's were rearranged. 815-822 were deleted, but 803-806 were added. Also, a new adult channel was added on 854 (TeN, The Erotic Network.)

American Life Network (123), Trio (137, now Internet only), History channel west feed (277), The Movie Channel west feed (591) were dropped.

Wisdom TV (138) changed it's name to Lime TV.

Anyone in Schaumburg with ADS enabled willing to get me a list of the frequencies the analogs are duplicated on? I'd like to add them to my master list I've been keeping. Any digital box should work, although 1-tuner models just need to be done one channel at a time.

This would be the general procedure:
If you have a 6412/3412, start by turning it off, then back on so you know you are on tuner 1.
Set the first channel on tuner 1, swap, then the second on tuner 2.
Turn it off, then within 1-2 seconds, hit OK/Select.
Scroll down to d04 and use right arrow to view.
Note the QAM level for both tuners.
Scroll left to exit.
Scroll down to d06 and use right arrow to view.
Note the frequency for tuner 1.
Use down arrow to move to tuner 2 and note the frequency.
Hit power twice to turn off and back on.
Repeat for other channels.

Here you go. I think I got it all right :) I think I am on Streamwood or Schaumburg head end. Looks like they are putting max 10 channels per frequency.

579 MHz:
--------
43
46
48
55
58
60
62
63
64
68

585 MHz:
--------
25
37
53
67
70
71
73
74
76

591 MHz:
--------
16
17
34
50
51
57
66

597 MHz:
--------
3
4
15
24
26
39
96

783 MHz:
--------
2
6
7
8
10
11
14
18
19
20
23

789 MHz:
--------
5
9
12
33
35
41
56
65

795 MHz:
--------
21
28
31
36
38
42
44
47
49
52
54

801 MHz:
--------
22
29
32
40
45
69
75
95
98

Thank's for the list, vj9999. It fits in perfectly.

A few more things for anybody to check on:
What frequency is your cable modem using? For most, use the address http:192.168.100.1, then see if there is diagnostics page. Mine is using 711MHz (channel 110). From my list, it looks like 705MHz is open.
Any QAM tuner people willing to see if they can check any available channels and their subchannels? I have a few that were posted by Frank (uncD2000) a few months ago.

You can download the current list here:
http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

Anyone in Evanston getting ADS yet? We're considering purchasing a new HDTV for our dorm's TV lounge and we're trying to decide whether or not to spring for one with a built-in tuner. I'm wondering if the TV's built-in tuner will properly number the ADS channels, or if they'll be all mixed up like they are in vj9999's list.

Could someone with Comcast in the Algonquin-Carpentersville-Cary- East Dundee- Elgin headend tell me the QAM channel numbers for the 6 local HD channels?I can now answer my own question, just in case anyone in this area needs to know:

116-1 WBBM-DT CBS
116-2 WTTW-DT PBS HD
117-2 WFLD-DT FOX
117-5 WMAQ-DT NBC
117-6 WMAQ-DT2 (Weather)
119-1 WLS-DT ABC
119-2 WGN-DT WB

Thank's for the list, vj9999. It fits in perfectly.

A few more things for anybody to check on:
What frequency is your cable modem using? For most, use the address http:192.168.100.1, then see if there is diagnostics page. Mine is using 711MHz (channel 110). From my list, it looks like 705MHz is open.
Any QAM tuner people willing to see if they can check any available channels and their subchannels? I have a few that were posted by Frank (uncD2000) a few months ago.

You can download the current list here:
http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

Mine is using 711MHz as well.

Does anyone know what Comcast is going to charge for these DCT-700 boxes when they cut off the analog signal?

When they do cut off analog I will need two more digital boxes (one for my kitchen TV, and one for my basement TV).

Thanks!

Brad

What frequency is your cable modem using? For most, use the address http:192.168.100.1, then see if there is diagnostics page. Mine is using 711MHz (channel 110). From my list, it looks like 705MHz is open.
Mine indicates 711 MHz downstream, 24 MHz upstream.

Hi,

Can someone please clue me in as to how I can view local HDTV channels on Comcast Basic (analog) service? Or is a CableCard necessary to view any HD programming at all? I have a TV with a built-in QAM tuner, so I should be able to view at least the local HDTV channels without a card or STB, right? I'm in Lake County, IL.

~Futron

I should be able to view at least the local HDTV channels without a card or STB, right? I'm in Lake County, IL.
Yes you should. Connect your cable line directly to your qam tuner's antenna input. If you look a few posts higher, UNC listed the channels being used in Mount Prospect. Give those a try since we don't know your town.

You should be able to tune in well over 100 unencrypted digital cable channels (more than half are music channels). This should include the 6 local HD stations that Comcast carries, but as posted above, some TV's seem to have problems in this area, and are only able to get two local HD stations. You should be able to run a scan for digital cable channels and see what turns up.

I tried those subchannels but to no avail, and scanning the digital channels didn't yield anything, either. Should I be able to view those digital channels even though I'm on analog? I'm in Mundelein, IL (near Libertyville).

I tried those subchannels but to no avail, and scanning the digital channels didn't yield anything, either. Should I be able to view those digital channels even though I'm on analog? I'm in Mundelein, IL (near Libertyville).
The cheapest comcast package should have the hd locals.
Are you sure of two things:
1) That you have plugged the cable line from your wall directly into the proper input on the back of your tv? My Mitsubishi builtin qam tuner has a seperate input which is labeled something like DTV or DTV-antenna. I split my cable line 3 ways coming out of the wall. One to the cable box, one to the cable input and one to the qam tuner.
2) When you do your scan, are you sure you are scanning with the qam tuner?

My Panasonic set (PT-61LCX65) does not appear to have a separate QAM input in the back (there is only one RF input). The website lists it as having a QAM tuner, but strangely enough the manual makes no mention of it, only ATSC and a "digital cable module," which probably refers to the CableCard. Also, I'm not using a cable box to receive the analog signal.


~Futron

If you have a Panasonic you probably won't have much luck. Seems that their QAM tuner doesn't work right. If you go back a few pages in this thread, you will see someone else that was having the same problem.

You will probably have to either by an external QAM tuner or get a box from Comcast.

My Panasonic set (PT-61LCX65) does not appear to have a separate QAM input in the back (there is only one RF input). The website lists it as having a QAM tuner, but strangely enough the manual makes no mention of it, only ATSC and a "digital cable module," which probably refers to the CableCard. Also, I'm not using a cable box to receive the analog signal.


~Futron

Is there a list of sets with known-good and bad QAM tuners? A guide of which brands are known to have QAM tuners that work with Comcast would be a great shopping aid.

Strange, I fiddled with the set some more and now two HD channels can be received.

~Futron

Obviously the cable companies are not enthusiastic about QAM tuners that can receive all the unencrypted channels. They appear to have influenced some TV manufacturers to limit the functionality of such tuners, especially those with CableCARD capability. We need a "sticky" thread to keep track of the characteristics of various QAM tuners.

Kipp, I am thinking about getting a card for my Sony DHG-HDD250 and I was wondering what problems you are experiencing. Since I also have a 6412, accessing the scrambled channels on the Sony DVR isn't a big priority. It's working fine as it is, and I don't want to mess it up if there are CableCARD issues.

I was not getting all the channels on both cards that I get on my stbs. No 100-183 and such. I knew it was a programming issue on the head end but could not get a CSR to figure it out.

Comcast said they needed to send someone out so I said o.k. The tech came out and agreed with me and actually contacted a CSR that recognized the problem and now everything is working correctly. For the record, the pq is better than HDMI/DVI via cablecard. No bs.

Of course they are not enthusiastic, if people use QAM to get their locals for free it cuts into the cable companies box rental profits. That said I'm not entirely convinced of a conspiracy to limit functionality. If they wanted to stop people badly enough, they could just start encrypting everything.

I'm starting to wonder if the tuners that aren't working were designed for QAM64 systems. Where as most if not all Comcast systems have been converted to QAM 256.

I agree that we need a thread to start tracking these issues though. Perhaps then we can figure out what's going on.

Obviously the cable companies are not enthusiastic about QAM tuners that can receive all the unencrypted channels. They appear to have influenced some TV manufacturers to limit the functionality of such tuners, especially those with CableCARD capability. We need a "sticky" thread to keep track of the characteristics of various QAM tuners.

If they wanted to stop people badly enough, they could just start encrypting everything.

Luckily, I believe the FCC requires that free-to-air stations be unencrypted on cable systems. So they can't take the unencrypted locals away!

Many cable operators (WOW is a local example) say that applies to analog locals only, and they encrypt the HD locals on their systems. Fortunately Comcast does not encrypt them. Comcast also removes the encryption from channels like HBO HD when the corresponding premium service has one of their periodic freebies.

My 6412 has been turning on and off and downloading for the past 45 minutes. Anyone else experiencing anything like this? After a half hour, I unplugged it for a few minutes and when I plugged it back in it seems to have picked up right where it was when I pulled the plug. How freaking annoying!! Can't they do this at 2AM instead of during prime time?

Hey Everyone! Merry Christmas!

My parents recently moved to Chicago and I am up visiting for the holidays.

I went to change the channel on their Moto 3412 STB from Comcast to TBS to watch a A Christmas Story and find that channels 2-99 are not listed.

I am from North Carolina and have DIRECTV, so I have no idea how comcast and moto boxes work. I've read alot about this ADS stuff. How do I view channels 2-99 on this box. I can't even find the menu to determine the firmware version.

Any help would be much appreciate and I would consider this a festivus miracle if I could get this working without having to call a comcast CSR.

Thanks,

Chris

My parents recently moved to Chicago and I am up visiting for the holidays.

I went to change the channel on their Moto 3412 STB from Comcast to TBS to watch a A Christmas Story and find that channels 2-99 are not listed.

I am from North Carolina and have DIRECTV, so I have no idea how comcast and moto boxes work. I've read alot about this ADS stuff. How do I view channels 2-99 on this box. I can't even find the menu to determine the firmware version.

Any help would be much appreciate and I would consider this a festivus miracle if I could get this working without having to call a comcast CSR.
The 3412 does not have an analog tuner. Are 2-99 listed in the guide? If not, something is really wrong. If they are in an area where analog/digital simulcasting (ADS) is not active, they should NOT have a 3412, but should have the 6412 instead. Otherwise, their box is not properly configured with the proper channel mapping information that tells it where to find a particular channel number. It's probably been programmed with a standard digital box w/ analog (5100/6200/6412) setup, and not a digital-only box setup.

There are two areas to get version information.

In the regular menus: Hit Menu twice to get to the full menu, scroll down to 'Setup', hit OK/Select, then go to 'Cable Box Setup', hit OK, then scroll down to 'Configuration' and hit OK. This gives the general software and firmware versions. I'm not certain of the firmware revisions of the 3412 series. The 6412 phase 1 and 2 are typically at 9.19. The Phase 3's are 12.something. I think all will probably show software version 71.44-1203

In the diagnostics menu: Turn box off, then hit OK/Select within 1-2 seconds. Scroll down to 'd08 Code Modules' and hit OK. This also lists the firmware, along with some other different numbers. Hit power twice to turn it off and back on normally.

If you have a Panasonic you probably won't have much luck. Seems that their QAM tuner doesn't work right. If you go back a few pages in this thread, you will see someone else that was having the same problem.

You will probably have to either by an external QAM tuner or get a box from Comcast.

I am the person that was experiencing all the troubles with a Panasonic QAM tuner (I have the new TH50PX50U). I was also the person whining incessantly about getting only 2 HD stations on my expensive TV. I'm in Lake County and have Comcast basic cable.

Yes, it's true that Comcast does not scramble the HD local channels, but, it's also true that several makers' QAM tuners do a lousy job of getting them and at least two brands get only 2 off of Comcast. (Let me guess, Futron: You're getting WLS/7 and WGN/9, and maybe your Panasonic drops them from time to time...)

The "cure," sadly, is to bypass your QAM tuner and either get a set-top box (allowing you to use Pay Per View and get the super-duper TV Guide), or a CableCard (allowing you to use your TV remote more freely, and to dispense with the box).

After a few weeks of frustration, I went for the latter. On 12/13 Comcast sent out a technician with a Motorola CableCard. He turned the TV on; popped the card into the back of the set; called his tech support office and read the card setting data that appeared on the screen to them; and waited for a "hit" from the network. We ran a channel set-up scan (which took half the usual amount of time) and were both relieved to see the set had found all six HD digital versions local channels available, as well as all the usual analog stations and a handful of digital channels such as music, etc.

The analog channels look a little softer than they used to, but with Comcast working to go "all digital" in the near future, I'm not sure I care. The HD channels look spectacular. And, most important of all...I've experienced NO CHANNEL DROPS since the CableCard was installed. In addition to my usual analog channels, I am receiving the following digital channels:

187 (WLS/7/ABC)
188 (WMAQ/5/NBC)
189 (WBBM/2/CBS)
190 (WFLD/32/FOX)
191 (WTTW-Digital/HD/PBS -- Different programming than VHF 11)
192 (WGN/9)
194 (WMAQ Weather Plus)
217 (WLS News Rebroadcast)
223 WWME-TV
248 WFBT (Asian)
599 WOCK (Hispanic)
701+ (Music channels)
801 PPV -- If we believe what we hear, someday soon to be enabled for CableCard)

I had a lot of misgivings about CableCard given configuration horror stories on various threads in AVS Forum, and even the misgivings of the technician (when done he said we were "lucky" they got someone at the network office who "knew their stuff" and hit the Card the right way the first time). With all the prior trouble with channel drops, and only two HD channels, I had been worried that I had a weak signal, but that was not the case.

Panasonic owners having trouble: Give up on your QAM tuner (yeah, you should have bought the tunerless version from Costco!) and get a box or card. And give the industry another year to get its act together on digital cable and CableCard.

Happy New Year.

Thanks for the informative update. Glad to hear you got your problem resolved. How much did Comcast charge for the CableCARD installation? I have a new Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR; the QAM tuner gets all the unencrypted channels fine, but I just signed up for the $39.99 6-month special on Digital Platinum and am considering whether to get the card installed on the Sony.

Thanks for the reply Andyross.

I called comcast and they sent someone out. However, before the technician arrived they called and said they had made a change...while on the phone they reset the box and low and behold channels 2-99 were there in the guide. Some mistake on their end. Thanks again!

Has anyone here had any luck with this HDTV card(Capable of OTA, QAM) ? I just got mine and not able to tune any channels off comcast, not even the analog channels. Downloaded the latest drivers, software, but no use. However, when I connect it to an antenna, it is able to pick up the DT channels. I was just wondering if anyone had a similar experience with comcast in the elkgrove-schaumburg area ?

how does the pic look now Chris???? They sent out the wrong boxes, so I have to wait a while longer to get the 3412's

Has anyone here had any luck with this HDTV card(Capable of OTA, QAM) ? I just got mine and not able to tune any channels off comcast, not even the analog channels. Downloaded the latest drivers, software, but no use. However, when I connect it to an antenna, it is able to pick up the DT channels. I was just wondering if anyone had a similar experience with comcast in the elkgrove-schaumburg area ?

Sounds like you don't have the cable wired properly or the card configured correctly. I used to use a FusionHDTV 3 card to watch HD locals from Comcast in Evanston with no problems.

I'm sure this is discussed somewhere in the 130+ pages of this thread, but instead of searching for the answer I thought I'd just post the question for a quick response.

I currently have DirecTV HD and an OTA antenna for the locals. Soon, I'm moving into a new condo complex that is pre-wired for both DirecTV and Comcast. I'll be able to continue with my DirecTV HD there, but will lose the capability to pick up the OTA channels (I have no where to put an antenna and don't want to mess with an indoor one).

My question is...does Comcast allow you to subscribe JUST to an HD package an nothing else? What is the cheapest way I could get my HD locals (and hopefully Comcast SportsNet HD as well) from Comcast while still using DirecTV for all of my other programming?

Thanks to you Comcast veterens. I vowed 4 years ago to never go back to Comcast after a horrible experience, but I may have no choice now!

MJC

Well, you should be able to get the local HD's with just the lowest basic. The HD package Im not too sure if you can get without having a higher tier. Have to wait for someone else here to help you with that. I know you will at least have to rent a box or cable card to get the HD pack or any premiums. If your TV has a QAM tuner you won't need it for the locals. Yeah, that Comcast HD SportsNet is always the big snag.

I'm still with Directv- but may be switching to Comcast if the cablecard standalone hd tivo comes out as rumored next year. I do have a couple questions- in the west burbs, what is the monthly charge for a cablecard? I hear you may need two in order to make use of the dual tuner in the new tivo.

Also, does comcast carry the Sprout channel? (PBS Kids)

My question is...does Comcast allow you to subscribe JUST to an HD package an nothing else?

As Rammitinski said, you can get the HD locals with just basic or expanded basic service (and a QAM capable tuner). Keep in mind that Comcast doesn't carry *all* of the HD locals; they don't have UPN and probably won't have WCIU/26 when they go HD in the spring.

If you want ESPN-HD, Discovery HD Theater, TNT HD, etc..., then you *must* get their "Digital Classic" service. In essence, they force you to get more crappy over-compressed SD channels that you most likely won't want just to get the other HD channels that you do want.

It's like buying a car and having the salesman tell you that you can't get it unless you also pay extra for a motorcycle and a jet ski.

I'm still with Directv- but may be switching to Comcast if the cablecard standalone hd tivo comes out as rumored next year. I do have a couple questions- in the west burbs, what is the monthly charge for a cablecard? I hear you may need two in order to make use of the dual tuner in the new tivo.

Also, does comcast carry the Sprout channel? (PBS Kids) By me in the NW 'burbs the card and box are the same price - I think somewhere around, oh, 6 bucks, maybe.

How much did Comcast charge for the CableCARD installation? I have a new Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR... and am considering whether to get the card installed on the Sony.

Sorry for the slow reply...holidays have been hectic! Comcast quoted the install at $23.99 I think, and the card at $5/month. (Same price as so-called "HD set-top box.")

We'll see what actually shows up on the invoice.

Thanks for the info. I think I'll pass on CableCARD if it costs $5/month to keep it operating. In fact, I think I'll just return the Sony DHG-HDD250 to BB while I can still get my $500 back. It's a nice unit, but I have other DVR's and can get along without it. A better short term option might be to rent a 2nd 6412 for $9.99/month. It will be interesting to see if the new D* MPEG4 DVR is shown at CES. I'll probably trade the HD Tivo in on one of those eventually.

In the latest comcast bill, in the little pamphlet included, they actually made a mention that early in 2006 TIVO will be an option.

I know from all the other discussion that Tivo will just be a software upgrade to current DVRs, but is anyone else aware of what the pricing will be? We are paying $9.99 for dvr service as it is, but knowing Comcast (and the fact that some $$ will have to go to Tivo) I'm sure that Tivo option will be extra.

Does anyone else have an educated guess how much extra we might expect? I have 2 3412 boxes so I pay 2x$9.99 as it is. I'd love to have Tivo software, but not sure if I would pay much much extra for it. My cable bill is huge as it is.

Seems like a one-time upgrade charge would be sufficient, but they might decide to raise the DVR fee to $14.99/month as well.

Are you aware of the current $39.99 6-month special on Digital Platinum? I switched to this last week when my previous 6-month deal expired. With Cinemax ala carte for $10, and one 6412 DVR, I get every HD channel for $63/month including taxes.

Seems like a one-time upgrade charge would be sufficient, but they might decide to raise the DVR fee to $14.99/month as well.

Are you aware of the current $39.99 6-month special on Digital Platinum? I switched to this last week when my previous 6-month deal expired. With Cinemax ala carte for $10, and one 6412 DVR, I get every HD channel for $63/month including taxes.

No I wasn't aware of it. So it is available to existing customers? I never had luck getting any promotions, I always get the "That offer is only for our new subscribers".

IS the offer adveritsed anywhere? Just so I have something to back it up with when I call.

No I wasn't aware of it. So it is available to existing customers? I never had luck getting any promotions, I always get the "That offer is only for our new subscribers".

IS the offer adveritsed anywhere? Just so I have something to back it up with when I call.


Unfortunately that $39.99 deal ended on 12/31. The new offer is now Digital Platinum Plus w/ HBO, Star and Showtime for $64.98/month. While that may be a $25/month discount off of the normal rate, it's still way too much for my pocketbook.

You can read the details by going to Comcast.com, click on What's Available, input your address and then clicking on Digital Cable Offers.

Unfortunately that $39.99 deal ended on 12/31. The new offer is now Digital Platinum Plus w/ HBO, Star and Showtime for $64.98/month. While that may be a $25/month discount off of the normal rate, it's still way too much for my pocketbook.

You can read the details by going to Comcast.com, click on What's Available, input your address and then clicking on Digital Cable Offers.

I know that, but as always with these promotions, if you click to view offer details and read the small print at the bottom it says:

"*Offer applies to Comcast Standard Cable with Digital Plus, HBO®, Showtime® and Starz®; available to new residential customers located in Comcast Cable wired and serviceable areas only (not available to current or former Comcast customers with unpaid balances). ..."

So I always assume that I don't qualify for the offer as the existing subscriber ;)

I apparently stumbled onto the Digital Platinum deal during its last week. The website was showing $39.99 for Digital Gold with HBO/Starz, but when I called in to see if I was eligible (I was just completing the $29.99 6-month deal on Digital Silver w/HBO), the CSR said he had a better offer - $39.99 for Digital Platinum - so I signed up for that. We'll see what happens in 6 months. I expect to stay with both Comcast and D* until the latter adds the missing national HD channels via MPEG4, probably in early 2007.

Wife just asked me if there was a SoapNet channel on cable??????

I manually searched through the channels, but nothing came up that would seem to be that channel name....

Anybody know of that type of channel SoapNet (Soap Opera stuff, I guess)

And what channel number?

Thanks... Jan

Soapnet is not carried by Comcast, but is on satellite.

What you describe indicates that something is being downloaded.

Over time, with Digital Gold I found myself looking at the premium channels less and less often. I have the 6412 with HD and DVR service. I wanted to downgrade to Standard Cable, thinking I would still get my locals in HD, and still have DVR service.

Comcast said to support the DVR, I had to have a Digital plan. So now I am on Digital Classic, with a whole bunch of channels I don't watch, because I don't want to give up the DVR.

Has anyone else been successful in getting HD (locals) + DVR, without a digital plan? I am in Oak Park, by the way.

Thanks!

Has anyone else been successful in getting HD (locals) + DVR, without a digital plan? I am in Oak Park, by the way.
Many of us have locals only ($16) with dvr ($10) and nothing else. I had to call back several times to make it happen. Maybe they don't allow this setup any longer???

With just locals and DVR you don't receive ESPN, INHD, TNT or Discovery in HD do you?

With just locals and DVR you don't receive ESPN, INHD, TNT or Discovery in HD do you?
Correct

Over time, with Digital Gold I found myself looking at the premium channels less and less often. I have the 6412 with HD and DVR service. I wanted to downgrade to Standard Cable, thinking I would still get my locals in HD, and still have DVR service.

Comcast said to support the DVR, I had to have a Digital plan. So now I am on Digital Classic, with a whole bunch of channels I don't watch, because I don't want to give up the DVR.

Has anyone else been successful in getting HD (locals) + DVR, without a digital plan? I am in Oak Park, by the way.

Thanks! It reminds me of the pledge drives on PBS TV - they show all the good stuff to hook people, and then after, it just mysteriously disappears.

With just locals and DVR you don't receive ESPN, INHD, TNT or Discovery in HD do you?
Correct. BTW, my basic fee is currently $7.99 although there's a note in my current bill that this will go up to $9.59 next month.

Edit: Sorry HD Rookie, hadn't refreshed in a while and didn't realize you had already answered the question.

HD Rookie said Many of us have locals only ($16) with dvr ($10) and nothing else. I had to call back several times to make it happen. Maybe they don't allow this setup any longer???

Thanks for the replies about this, guys! I really appreciate your help.

Let me summarize:

1. I ought to be able to get DVR + HD with the Comcast Basic Cable or Standard Cable levels of service
2. This would provide DVR Service (obviously) as well as the local Chicago HD channels (ABC/CBS/NBC/PBD/WGN)
3. I would NOT have HD channels such as ESPN/InHD/Disc/CSN/TNT
4. I may have to call several different service reps to find one that will make this change :mad:
5. For Basic, my cable bill should be $8.19 (Basic) + $5.00 (HD) + $9.99 (DVR) :)

Sound right???

HD Rookie said Many of us have locals only ($16) with dvr ($10) and nothing else. I had to call back several times to make it happen. Maybe they don't allow this setup any longer???

Thanks for the replies about this, guys! I really appreciate your help.

Let me summarize:

1. I ought to be able to get DVR + HD with the Comcast Basic Cable or Standard Cable levels of service
2. This would provide DVR Service (obviously) as well as the local Chicago HD channels (ABC/CBS/NBC/PBD/WGN)
3. I would NOT have HD channels such as ESPN/InHD/Disc/CSN/TNT
4. I may have to call several different service reps to find one that will make this change :mad:
5. For Basic, my cable bill should be $8.19 (Basic) + $5.00 (HD) + $9.99 (DVR) :)

Sound right???
Right on 1-4. The $5/$9.99 is either/or. IOW, I pay $7.99 (soon to be $9.59) + the $9.99 HDDVR fee. BTW, I can still view/record analog channels 2-96 (they had to remove the non-local analog channel filter for the DVR to work properly).

Right on 1-4. The $5/$9.99 is either/or. IOW, I pay $7.99 (soon to be $9.59) + the $9.99 HDDVR fee. BTW, I can still view/record analog channels 2-96 (they had to remove the non-local analog channel filter for the DVR to work properly).
You get 2-96 because you have both cable modem and HD. I don't believe Comcast can block the analogs with this setup. Word of warning - these channels are available on the 6xxx hd boxes, but I don't believe the same is true of the new 3xxx boxes. I'm pretty certain they are now distributing the 3xxx boxes in our area which have no analog ability.

You get 2-96 because you have both cable modem and HD. I don't believe Comcast can block the analogs with this setup. Word of warning - these channels are available on the 6xxx hd boxes, but I don't believe the same is true of the new 3xxx boxes. I'm pretty certain they are now distributing the 3xxx boxes in our area which have no analog ability.
But I assume any cable box would be blocked from tuning in channels you are not subscribed to. You can still hook up a plain TV and/or VCR directly to the cable and record them, though.

But I assume any cable box would be blocked from tuning in channels you are not subscribed to. You can still hook up a plain TV and/or VCR directly to the cable and record them, though.
Nope, they're not blocking any analog channels in the 6412. As I said, I can record all those as well. I think I also get all the Music Choice channels.

Im curious, anyone know what was up with the cable and internet today from about 11 am to about 3:30 pm? Comcast was so flooded with calls at about 12 PM I got a message saying to call back later.

Whats the latest info on comcast adding more HD channels like UPN and ESPN2? Thanks I am too lazy to read through all 132 pages.

Correct. BTW, my basic fee is currently $7.99 although there's a note in my current bill that this will go up to $9.59 next month.

Edit: Sorry HD Rookie, hadn't refreshed in a while and didn't realize you had already answered the question. Don't feel bad - I'm just up the road from you a bit in Crystal Lake and they gouge us 15 bucks or so for basic.

Nope, they're not blocking any analog channels in the 6412. As I said, I can record all those as well. I think I also get all the Music Choice channels.
Probably another reason they are pushing toward 100% digital.

Probably another reason they are pushing toward 100% digital.
I'll probably oblige them soon. I plan to drop America's Choice 180 and HBO/SHO packages from E* at the end of my yearly contract (keeping HD & International) at the end of the month and sign up for one of Comcast's Digital packages. I won't have some channels but I hardly watch them any more.

I can now answer my own question, just in case anyone in this area needs to know:

116-1 WBBM-DT CBS
116-2 WTTW-DT PBS HD
117-2 WFLD-DT FOX
117-5 WMAQ-DT NBC
117-6 WMAQ-DT2 (Weather)
119-1 WLS-DT ABC
119-2 WGN-DT WB

I have a Hitachi 57F710A CRT RPTV. I don't have a cable card installed. I can't get 119-1 and 119-2 with the internal tuner but I get all the rest. I scanned for channels twice.

Many of the SD channels also show up under something like 110-9. Most look much worse than their NTSC equivalent. Hope that's not a sign of things to come.

I bought a Radioshack 15-2186 antenna and it picked up all the local channel except 2-1. It comes with an amplifier that is separate and installed in the cable line. The amp increased signal strength from 30 to 80%. I'm in Frankfort, 28 miles away according to antennaweb.

Many of the SD channels also show up under something like 110-9. Most look much worse than their NTSC equivalent. Hope that's not a sign of things to come.

It is and it will get likely worse. Take a look at E! Comcast is using a tremendous amount of compression on their digital SD channels. They haven't messed with the HD ones yet but I'm sure they will eventually.

Anybody else watch West Wing last night and have horrific sound. I had this screeching noise for the last 2/3 of my recording. Unwatchable. On another note my box seems to have lost the ability to output Dolby 5.1. Maybe I am not watching programs broadcast in Dolby 5.1? Can someone suggest a program which should let me know if it is the box? I have tried the unplugging the box fix which has worked in the past but doesn't seem to do anything now.

Anybody else watch West Wing last night and have horrific sound. I had this screeching noise for the last 2/3 of my recording. Unwatchable. On another note my box seems to have lost the ability to output Dolby 5.1. Maybe I am not watching programs broadcast in Dolby 5.1? Can someone suggest a program which should let me know if it is the box? I have tried the unplugging the box fix which has worked in the past but doesn't seem to do anything now.
Yes it started after the first commercial break and continued into the next show. I am getting tired of NBC HD and all their audio/video problems. Last week during Las Vegas there was HUGE amounts of pixelation and other probs!

Anybody else watch West Wing last night and have horrific sound. I had this screeching noise for the last 2/3 of my recording. Unwatchable. On another note my box seems to have lost the ability to output Dolby 5.1. Maybe I am not watching programs broadcast in Dolby 5.1? Can someone suggest a program which should let me know if it is the box? I have tried the unplugging the box fix which has worked in the past but doesn't seem to do anything now.

The buzzing noise was a WMAQ issue - see this section of the other Chicago msg thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6877260&&#post6877260) As for loss of 5.1, check your STB's audio settings. If the box was reset resently, it may have switched - I know that happened to me once way back when and it took me an hour to figure it out.

Any rumblings out there about when Comcast might be adding to their HD lineup (like ESPN2)?

I'm just wondering if anyone here has observed a noticible drop in picure quality (mostly sharpness and detail) on WTTW-HD since they just went from 1080i to 720p and added 11-3, as virtually everyone on the Chi. OTA thread has. We are planning a massive assault of complaints.

Anybody else watch West Wing last night and have horrific sound. I had this screeching noise for the last 2/3 of my recording. Unwatchable. On another note my box seems to have lost the ability to output Dolby 5.1. Maybe I am not watching programs broadcast in Dolby 5.1? Can someone suggest a program which should let me know if it is the box? I have tried the unplugging the box fix which has worked in the past but doesn't seem to do anything now.

Ugh, that was awful! Since my Pio 1130 is still very new I was quite afraid something had gone horribly wrong with the set. Nope, just WMAQ HD. Grrrr. Retreated back upstairs and watched it on my DirecTiVo in "glorious" SD but at least the sound worked.

Well at least it wasn't just me with the West Wing. That was truly miserable. I couldn't even watch the end of the show.

As far as the settings on the STB how do I go about changing them. I know how to get into the menu for the 6412 but I don't see any audio settings other than close captioning. Am I missing something?

PBS Create just showed up for me today. I'm not sure what the channel number is as I only have expanded basic and only about 2/3 of the analogs are replicated in digital when connected to a digital tuner. I'm using an EyeTV 500 and it shows up as 199 SOP: SERVICE 808 so perhaps that means 199 on a Comcast box?