My patience with D* was finally rewarded when I got the long-awaited HR20-700
MPEG2-4 DVR a week ago. I find it to be a definite improvement over the Moto 6412 that
I rented from Comcast for 13 months. The HR20 has 2 sat tuners and one OTA, but the
latter hasn't been activated yet. When it is (late 2006?) three simultaneous programs
can be recorded. Currently 5 MPEG4 spotbeams are carrying 2-1, 5-1, 7-1, 32-1, and
Comcast SportsNet HD. When Spaceway 10 & 11 are launched in 2007, there will be
room for up to 150 national MPEG4 HD c hannels.

How does the HD quality compare with Comcast? I've heard that the compression used by satellite causes some noticeable loss of resolution.

I no longer have Comcast, so I can't make a direct comparison. Some time ago, DirecTV cut resolution to 1280 x 1080 in order to squeeze more HD channels into existing MPEG2 bandwidth. They also reduced bitrate on some channels, resulting in the term HD Lite. The five new MPEG4 channels look pretty good, but it's too soon to make a definitive judgment. At this point I am hoping for the best when the new system is fully implemented, but in the past D* has often compromised quality for quantity.

I can comment that OTA HD does look better than what must be compressed Local HD channels... off Comcast

Have any other Chicago users switched from Comcast to Dish or DirecTV for HD? I'm on my 3rd DCT3416 I in less than two weeks and am ready to give up, as I'm still staring at "One Moment Please – This channel should be available shortly." on many channels.

Does anyone have any comparisons between the providers they can share? If location matters, I'm in River West.

Thanks – appreciate any info.

How does the HD quality compare with Comcast? I've heard that the compression used by satellite causes some noticeable loss of resolution.
HD on comcast is pretty compressed. Satellite uses a better form of compression but its still compressed. OTA is your best bet.

HD on comcast is pretty compressed. Satellite uses a better form of compression but its still compressed. OTA is your best bet.

HUH? :confused:

Comcast has always claimed that they forward the signal they recive from broadcasters without compression. In any event, Comcast PQ is far superior to D* (HD-Lite) and has always been assumed to be a result of D*'s compression.

I live in the NW Burbs and have been experiencing some problems with my NBC and FOX stations recently. The other stations appear to be working fine, but when I switch to NBCHD or FOXHD (and sometimes ABCHD), I often get "One Moment Please. Channel will be available shortly." or the reception is digitally scrambled. In addition, I've noticed that the SD FOX channel has occassional pauses in the picture (although the sound is fine).

This isn't a constant problem. There are times when all channels work fine.

I had a Comcast tech at my house last Thursday, and he installed a free amplifier between the wall outlet and my HD STB. Seemed to fix the problem temporarily, but when attempting to watch the baseball games on FOX this weekend, I found the issue had returned.

I called back and set up another appointment for later this week, but was wondering if there was anything I could do on my own to troubleshoot. Does this appear to be a signal-strength issue? Any suggestions?

Should I go buy a better amplifier at Radio Shack?

NOTE: I get phone, computer and cable through Comcast. Currently connected are the cable modem, the HD STB and a digital cable STB.

Thanks in advance.

I called back and set up another appointment for later this week, but was wondering if there was anything I could do on my own to troubleshoot. Does this appear to be a signal-strength issue? Any suggestions?
Check your signal and noise levels. Information is here:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_Your_Incoming_Signal_Strength

posted this in the HD forum, might as well put it here too:

got 3 new channels called HDMOV (283-285), but you aren't missing anything, as they are SD channes that show the box art of movies :confused: and since it is As Good As It Gets, Terminator, etc, loos like it's just a listing of the On Demand of HD movies. What a waste

HUH? :confused:

Comcast has always claimed that they forward the signal they recive from broadcasters without compression. In any event, Comcast PQ is far superior to D* (HD-Lite) and has always been assumed to be a result of D*'s compression.
Everybody compresses. For instance a Cubs game (in HD). The truck outputs 1.485bgps. It gets fibered to me at 270mbps. From there it hits the airwaves at roughly 14.5mbps. Comcast I believe is around 9mbps. D* I am not sure of but they use the same compression technology as the networks use to distribute their HD content (QPSK/8PSK). Cable companies use Qam technology (typically 256 qam). Gotta remember, their trying to cram all those channels down a piece of coax!!

Everybody compresses. For instance a Cubs game (in HD). The truck outputs 1.485bgps. It gets fibered to me at 270mbps. From there it hits the airwaves at roughly 14.5mbps. Comcast I believe is around 9mbps. D* I am not sure of but they use the same compression technology as the networks use to distribute their HD content (QPSK/8PSK). Cable companies use Qam technology (typically 256 qam). Gotta remember, their trying to cram all those channels down a piece of coax!!

Not sure I understand?! WHat does QAM 256 have to do with compression? It is a modulation and it basically allows for approx. 38.4 Mbps to be sent in a 6Mhz slot. It does not mean that they are compressing it to fit it in there. They can easily fit 2 full bandwith 1080i channels or 3 720p channels in one slot without compressing it.

When you say "Comcast is around 9mbps" what are you refering to? I have monitored it in TSReader and most HD channels are over 9mbps, with many at full bandwith.

Also now have the interactive menu/mix channels on my HD/DVR receiver

Firmware is up to 16.20.

Noticed that whether a show is in HD or not is now in the show info in the guide, that is pretty nice. Also some minor changes, like different looking onscreen scrolling. Slightly diff looking text.


The thing I would want is having an option to only view the channels you receive in the guide (I think there was a way to do it, but had to manually do it with every channel)

Since they did this upgrade I am having all sorts of problems.

Last night it wipped out my 9pm tapings of CSI NY and Project Runway. It added a 11:05 showing of Oprah.

Now this normally wouldn't have been a big deal but My wife almost took off my head because she missed the first 5 minutes of Project runway and I guess something happened.

So I set that show up to record and then switched tuners to turn on CSI ny. Which I couldn't get to record to save my life.

Tonight I have the DVR set up to record a bunch of stuff and a couple shows at the same time. Did this firmware upgrade remove the ability to record 2 shows at once while watching recorded material? Or worse yet the ability to record two shows at once at all.

Everybody compresses. For instance a Cubs game (in HD). The truck outputs 1.485bgps. It gets fibered to me at 270mbps. From there it hits the airwaves at roughly 14.5mbps. Comcast I believe is around 9mbps. D* I am not sure of but they use the same compression technology as the networks use to distribute their HD content (QPSK/8PSK). Cable companies use Qam technology (typically 256 qam). Gotta remember, their trying to cram all those channels down a piece of coax!!

From an interview last month with Comcast's COO, Steve Burke:

TVP: Some HD enthusiasts have reported a decrease in the picture quality of your HD channels, the most notable being pixelation in scenes with fast motion. Does Comcast compress or reduce the resolution of HD offerings or have any plans to do so in the future?

SB: Unlike DIRECTV, we pass through HD signals directly to our customers as they are distributed to us by programmers.

The rest of the interview, by AVS member JWHIP, can be found here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/burke091306.htm) .

I live on the NW side of Chicago and have Comcast Digital w/HD. So I have the DCT6200 (or some # close to that) Motorola STB with firewire output (no DVR). The short version of my post:

Could someone tell me whether you can archive 5C=1 programs over the Comcast DVR's firewire port to a PC?

We are buying a new computer so I decided to take my (very) old computer and turn it into a simple PVR with the firewire MPEG stream provided by the Motorola. I am able to record the firewire output on all the channels that are 5C=0. I am not able to record on channels with 5C=1. This is what I expected.

What I did not expect was for everything except OTA channels (and some channels like C-SPAN) to be 5C=1. I was of the impression that SD channels were 5C=0 and HD were 5C=1. I checked this out a while ago (months and months) via the diagnostic menu and thought I found this to be mostly true. In any case, it is no longer true.

For me this is pretty likely to be a dealbreaker with Comcast since my baseball season is over as of last night. Comcast prices are high enough compared with satellite that I don't think I should have to pay another $120 a year to record something I already can record with previously purchased hardware. To boot I have the right to record it, though not distribute it.

My understanding is that 5C=1 should not prevent recording, it should prevent making more than one subsequent copy of the recording. Of course firewire doesn't implement this so that's why they kill the signal on 5C=1. It is my understanding that the 5c flag isn't actually required by the FCC because their rules on the matter were found to exceed the FCC's authority. Instead the broadcast flag is demanded by the cable providers like ESPN, etc. So until someone outlaws it, which is unlikely, it's basically the cable providers holding us by the cojones.

Tom

Can anyone in or near downtown Chicago verify that they have a Motorola CableCARD with v. 4.21 firmware? (Certain suburbs do have it.) I want to upgrade from 4.05, but have been unable to get a straight answer from Comcast. Unfortunately, my contact at the North Avenue office has transferred elsewhere, leaving me without reliable information.

The upgrade apparently cannot be done remotely. It requires a 4.21 card to be brought to your location.

Thanks!

Firmware is up to 16.20.

What box do you have?

Anyone on Schaumburg headend recieve any updates yet? My 3412 is still on 12.31.

What box do you have?

Anyone on Schaumburg headend recieve any updates yet? My 3412 is still on 12.31.
Doesn't seem to have made it to Schaumburg yet. I have a 6412P2, and it's still 9.19 firmware and the 71.44 software.

In my bill, there was a piece of paper that said the update to the menu would be coming in November between the 14th and the 18th. The menu would fit on one page and have a video that will tell you what's playing. Some of the categories will be combined. It will be renamed Comcast Central. They also said that the expiration dates and HD indicators for shows would be marked more clearly for On Demand, plus they will now tell you how much time you have left on your show when you pause, rewind, or fast forward.

Looks like we've got about a month wait, for Schaumburg anyway.

Hasn't been pushed to me in Lakeview, either.

Doesn't seem to have made it to Schaumburg yet. I have a 6412P2, and it's still 9.19 firmware and the 71.44 software.
Same versions in Palatine.

From an interview last month with Comcast's COO, Steve Burke:

TVP: Some HD enthusiasts have reported a decrease in the picture quality of your HD channels, the most notable being pixelation in scenes with fast motion. Does Comcast compress or reduce the resolution of HD offerings or have any plans to do so in the future?

SB: Unlike DIRECTV, we pass through HD signals directly to our customers as they are distributed to us by programmers.

The rest of the interview, by AVS member JWHIP, can be found here (http://www.tvpredictions.com/burke091306.htm) .
Somehow I find that hard to believe. I'll have to dig deeper.

Somehow I find that hard to believe. I'll have to dig deeper.


Even if the signal is not passed through directly, Comcast's compression is visibly less noticeable than DirecTV's. I used to have DirecTV, and just compared an old DirecTV HD recording of Independence Day with a just-recorded Comcast HD broadcast of the same movie; the Comcast picture is MUCH sharper.

i seem to have a problem with comcast local hd channels. i have no problems with the cable hd channels like espn, discovery, etc..., but when it comes to local hd like nbc, fox, abc, hbo, etc..., they are unwatchable! is there a way around this? what can i do? can i pull them OTA without anymore equipment?

thanks in advace for any info possible!

i seem to have a problem with comcast local hd channels. i have no problems with the cable hd channels like espn, discovery, etc..., but when it comes to local hd like nbc, fox, abc, hbo, etc..., they are unwatchable! is there a way around this? what can i do? can i pull them OTA without anymore equipment?

thanks in advace for any info possible!
You should call Comcast. No, you can't get ota from a comcast STB. Others could potentially give you additional help if we knew more. Where are you located? How is your box connected to your tv? What cable box do you have? What does "they are unwatchable" mean? Are the channels scrambled; are they studdering; video but no audio; etc.

they studder (audio and visual) really bad where the picture is unwatchable. i dont know what box i have right now but it is connected directly via component to an H27 projector.

windycitystyle,

I live in Buffalo Grove and have been experiencing the same exact problem. Local HD channels (mostly FOX and NBC, but ABC has done it as well) occasionally become "scrambled" and are unwatchable. I had Comcast out to my place on Friday, and they couldn't find anything wrong with my signal strength or STB, and said they'd forward the issue to their supervisor today (he was gone on Friday).

It's been working the past couple of days, but basically, I'm just hoping that the problem doesn't return.

I'm connected directly from my STB to my TV via HDMI.

they studder (audio and visual) really bad where the picture is unwatchable. i dont know what box i have right now but it is connected directly via component to an H27 projector.


has it ever worked correctly?

New channel added today. WPWR-D (MY 50) is on channel 184.

I may never watch it, but it's always good to see more HD channels coming online.

I may never watch it, but it's always good to see more HD channels coming online.

Same here. Unless I get an urge to watch upconverted Jerry Spinger.

IT is on qam channel 105 on Schaumburg headend and they are running it at 18Mbps :eek: Who says we are short on bandwidth :)

windycitystyle,

I live in Buffalo Grove and have been experiencing the same exact problem. Local HD channels (mostly FOX and NBC, but ABC has done it as well) occasionally become "scrambled" and are unwatchable. I had Comcast out to my place on Friday, and they couldn't find anything wrong with my signal strength or STB, and said they'd forward the issue to their supervisor today (he was gone on Friday).

It's been working the past couple of days, but basically, I'm just hoping that the problem doesn't return.

I'm connected directly from my STB to my TV via HDMI.

I also noticed what seems like the same exact problem on Sunday. I'm in Naperville. Picture was "scrambled" on the digital channels of FOX, NBC, PBS, and HBO. The analog channels were fine. I called it in (at least 5 hours after I first noticed the problem on HBO), and she told me there were no known issues. She didn't seem to want to do any troubleshooting; she just wanted to make an appt. I made one for Saturday morning, but the problem was magically "fixed" within about an hour. I haven't noticed a problem since then, but I won't be canceling the appt. until Sat. morning.

Chris

New channel added today. WPWR-D (MY 50) is on channel 184.

Now that Veronica Mars has moved to the CW and I can watch her in HD there, I have no reason to watch this channel. Nice timing Comcast... :rolleyes:

New channel added today. WPWR-D (MY 50) is on channel 184.
With UPN gone, a bit a waste now.

Here in Schaumburg, it's on 681MHz, shared with INHD (which is currently just showing a logo and music for some reason.)

Im guessing that the mytv shows are all in HD hence the add, though I agree that there are other channels I would rather have, I cherish any new HD channel we are given

I, personally don't cherish WPWR, as long as they're showing that junk. It's up there with some of the worst trash I've ever winessed on TV. I honestly don't think I've ever seen worse acting in my life. :rolleyes: :)

But, judging by the ratings, hopefully there'll be something better taking it's place soon, and it'll be in HD. (I just pray it's not reality shows. ;) :))

Can anyone in or near downtown Chicago verify that they have a Motorola CableCARD with v. 4.21 firmware?

I'll answer my own question. A new card with 4.21 FW was installed in my Sony DVR today.

It's been so long since any channel has been added, I haven't bothered to check on this thread as much as I once did. As has been said, this channel is unfortunately a waste. The only other local HD not on Comcast WCIU, does at least show sports events. Intersting that UHD is still out there, obviously we have space to add channels, what's the hold-up?

New channel added today. WPWR-D (MY 50) is on channel 184.

They should have added ch. 26 WCIU.

Yeah I agree, why not UHD, or the HDNETs oh that would be nice. Anyways i'm guessing it is a lot easier for them to negotiate to carry a local like WPWR then it is to get a big national channel, but who knows

Yeah I agree, why not UHD, or the HDNETs oh that would be nice. Anyways i'm guessing it is a lot easier for them to negotiate to carry a local like WPWR then it is to get a big national channel, but who knows
Also remember that WPWR is owned by Fox, who have some weight behind them to force channels to be carried.

Does anyone in the Barrington/Lake Zurich area have Comcast coax directly to their unit, no box or cable card, and know what channel/sub-channel WPWR is on? I don't want to go through the hassle of scanning all channels again as it is a real task to delete the 100+ encrypted channels my set picks up but, obviously, can't display. I don't watch any of that junk in the evening but I agree with those who said one more HD channel is better than none.

Still don't have the firmware upgrade and new ondemand menus, but they are broadcasting all the animated menus on channel 13 256 QAM (Schaumburg headend).

Does anyone in the Barrington/Lake Zurich area have Comcast coax directly to their unit, no box or cable card, and know what channel/sub-channel WPWR is on? I don't want to go through the hassle of scanning all channels again as it is a real task to delete the 100+ encrypted channels my set picks up but, obviously, can't display. I don't watch any of that junk in the evening but I agree with those who said one more HD channel is better than none.
Here in Schaumburg, it's on 105. If WLS & WGN are on 92 and WMAQ and WFLD on 115, your WPWR may be similar.

Still don't have the firmware upgrade and new ondemand menus, but they are broadcasting all the animated menus on channel 13 256 QAM (Schaumburg headend).
They have moved things around quite a bit. Several 64QAM's have been upgraded to 256QAM and extra channels moved onto them. What used to be on 13, 30 and 61 have been moved elsewhere. I currently see the following channels open, although some are probably used for OnDemand, and phone or cable modems:
13 (supposedly just the new menus right now)
30
61
77-82
87-90
97
102
109
121
127+

I've updated my big spreadsheet:
http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

I also noticed there is a channel 855, which goes to Adult OnDemand.

Here in Schaumburg, it's on 105. If WLS & WGN are on 92 and WMAQ and WFLD on 115, your WPWR may be similar.


That's it. Thanks! It's on sub-channel 105-2!

Does anybody know when our local sports teams road games will be broadcast in HD.......I live in Chicago and Cubs & Bulls road games are still SD on WGN & CSN, I thought this might be the year when they would start but no such luck, also does anybody know WHY they don't broadcast them in HD?

Ask them! Then lets us know.

Please do! I just signed up for Comcast and wasn't aware of this...that is very disappointing.

I have had DirecTV for 5 years and hate to switch...but my neighors BIG OL'TREE is blocking the HD satellite...so now I am going Comcast and this bit of news just sucks.

The cost of doing road games in HD is a lot more than doing them in SD. CSN did some Cubs/Sox road games in 16:9 SD so I wouldn't be surprised if they do the same for the Bulls this year.

How many Regional sports networks do their road games in HD? Turner is one of the few since they own their HD truck and can send it out on the road. I'm sure it is a lot more $$$ to manage to hire a local HD production truck for every road game and it costs a lot more $$$ to rent satellite slot for HD.

I've gotten emails back from CSN about this very subject in the past & costs & capacity are the main reasons they've given me. What we need to see is an arrangement between RSN's to exchange HD video feeds. Right now there doesn't seem to be enough bandwidth out there accomdate this since the games are mostly being played at the same time. When more capacity exists I'm sure this is something we'll start seeing.

NESN does all road games in HD and I believe YES does also. Cost is a cop out.

NESN does all road games in HD and I believe YES does also. Cost is a cop out.

Agreed when you pay to have an exclusive broadcast license you need to meet customers wants, needs, and this case demands.


I emailed them yesterday when I read this thread...below is their response.
Shad:

Unfortunately, we don't know at this time.

Thanks for writing and watching.

George

-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Tuesday, October 31, 2006 9:21 AM
To: WGNTV Programming
Cc: WGNTV Programming
Subject: SPORTS

When will WGN road sports game be broadcast in HD. For example the Cubs,
Sox, and Bulls road games.

Thanks,
Shad


This stinks...I am a Cardinals fan and I am regulated to watching WGN broadcast when they play the Cubs already...don't make me watch in SD! Another reason to hate the Cubs.

This stinks...I am a Cardinals fan and I am regulated to watching WGN broadcast when they play the Cubs already...don't make me watch in SD! Another reason to hate the Cubs.

And we should feel bad for you? :)

Just for that I hope even when they start doing road games in HD, they don't do Cardinals games in HD. ;)

Well I replied to WGN

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From:
Sent: Wednesday, November 01, 2006 9:25 AM
To: WGNTV Programming
Subject: Re: SPORTS


George,

I will not be watching if its not in High Definition. With the explosive growth of HD and sports being one of the top programs watched in HD I would hope you can provide a time line.

Thank you for your response,
Shad





This is their response.

Shad:

The expenses for high-definition road games are much higher than home games and local television stations are unable to afford that expense at this time. Currently, only national television networks are able to do so. I expect that will change in time.

Thanks again for writing.

George


I would agree that for local TV stations its more expensive but WGN is

-1 not a local channel. They are a syndicate station that is broadcast nationwide

-2 this is the second largest TV audience in the nation with a ubsurd loyal fan base in the Cubs and now again the Sox. - they are getting a premium for ad space and will get more this year because of Pinnella if he does anything.

Does Comcast offer the Fox Sports package? or MLB extra innings? like DirecTV?

And we should feel bad for you? :)

Just for that I hope even when they start doing road games in HD, they don't do Cardinals games in HD. ;)

LOL! I expected that one...someone is jealous!

LOL! I expected that one...someone is jealous!

Very jealous :)

I dressed up as a loser yesterday for Halloween.... I wore my Cubs shirt.

I just saw that Comcast added another pseudo-channel:

166 (FEAR) is a link to OnDemand horror movies.

^LMAO! I saw a guy dressed up like that poor Steve Bartman guy...

Hi all,

I have the 3412 and was wondering about my signal strength. When I checked it, it was running about 21 dB and 17%, but was listed as "good." That doesn't look good to me- the web page I was linked to for signal strength said I should be going at least 50%.

My HD and SD are not nearly as good as I think they could be- should I be giving Comcast a call?

Thanks!

^Yes

I have the 3412 and was wondering about my signal strength. When I checked it, it was running about 21 dB and 17%, but was listed as "good." That doesn't look good to me- the web page I was linked to for signal strength said I should be going at least 50%.

My HD and SD are not nearly as good as I think they could be- should I be giving Comcast a call?

Those look like the OOB (Out-Of-Band, the receiver used for communications) status numbers. They are pretty much always lower numbers than the real channel. You need to go to the 'd04 INBAND STATUS' screen to get the numbers for a real channel.

Those look like the OOB (Out-Of-Band, the receiver used for communications) status numbers. They are pretty much always lower numbers than the real channel. You need to go to the 'd04 INBAND STATUS' screen to get the numbers for a real channel.

Thanks for the help- I checked the Inband status (forgot to check the upstream status) and I'm reading 31.5 dB with zero correctable and uncorrectable errors. I'm guessing that is pretty good- I will check the upstream later tonight and report back, but if it's not the signal strength, could it be the box itself?

I have a 3412, with the 16.20 firmware.

First my guide/main menu doesn't look like it does in the postcard they sent or on the website. http://www.comcast.com/newguide/ Its like that on both of my 3412's my 6412 P2, and my 2244. I will hook up my 700 now and see if its ok.

But the main thing is, (just noticed this with the new firmware) if the TV has been off for a while, upon turning it back on it has a slow-like image on it. Its not the usual snow you see, the best I can describe it as is... high def snow. I will take a picture later if the problem appears.

I have it hooked up via a HDMI -> DVI cable. And the image is coming from the box, i don't notice it on my other non-hdtv's hooked up to 3412 and 6412P2 via red-white-yellow RCA.

Images: http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0495.png
http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0496.png
http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0497.png

Anyone know what the VRN channels from 960-962 are about. I just noticed them today, plus some other channels around 284? Look like ondemand channels, which aren't accessible with my cablecard.

I live in Hammond, IN and have Comcast analog cable.

Using the OnAir USB HDTV GT on my PC, I have the following digital QAM channels:

QAM Channel____Station___TitanTV Channel____Resolution
107-1___________CBS_________2.1_________1920x1080
106-2___________NBC_________5.1_________1920x1080
105-1___________ABC_________7.1_________1280x720
105-2___________CW_________9.1_________1920x1080
107-2___________PBS_________11.1________1280x720
106-1___________FOX_________32.1________1280x720
100-2___________MNT_________50.1________1280x720

Just found MNT (My Network TV) in digital!! CW used to be WGN. Hope this helps anyone near the Chicago area.

I have a 3412, with the 16.20 firmware.

First my guide/main menu doesn't look like it does in the postcard they sent or on the website. http://www.comcast.com/newguide/ Its like that on both of my 3412's my 6412 P2, and my 2244. I will hook up my 700 now and see if its ok.

But the main thing is, (just noticed this with the new firmware) if the TV has been off for a while, upon turning it back on it has a slow-like image on it. Its not the usual snow you see, the best I can describe it as is... high def snow. I will take a picture later if the problem appears.

I have it hooked up via a HDMI -> DVI cable. And the image is coming from the box, i don't notice it on my other non-hdtv's hooked up to 3412 and 6412P2 via red-white-yellow RCA.

Images: http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0495.png
http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0496.png
http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0497.png

Since the firmware upgrade, I see the same "snow" on my 3412 everytime I switch my TV input from my Xbox back to the 3412. I have to power the 3412 off and back on to get it to go away. I now have to remember not to play the Xbox when something's recording, because a power off is not an option at that point.

Is there any HD in the clear on Comcast Batavia system?
I'm in unincorporated area west of Elgin served by the Batavia feed of Comcast. Are there any QAM channels in the "clear"? I just picked up a Westinghouse 27W7 for the kitchen and the tuner found a couple of channels (TNT, Sprout, and some menu channels), but with no audio. Before I try to navigate through Comcast customer service, I thought I'd ask the experts :) .

Thanks!

There's no sound because the audio is encrypted on those channels. There is closed captioning data present though. I actually thought that it was pretty funny that the video was in the clear but the audio was encrypted.

There's no sound because the audio is encrypted on those channels. There is closed captioning data present though. I actually thought that it was pretty funny that the video was in the clear but the audio was encrypted.
So I guess the answer is there's none in the clear and I need a HD box, right? :(

Here are the Comcast Clear (unencrypted) QAM channel lineup for Rolling Meadows.


Does anybody knows what is on the channel 88.1, 88.2, 89.1, 89.2, 90.1, 90.2. I was getting those on Saturday night (Nov 4), but I am not getting those now.

Here are the Comcast Clear (unencrypted) QAM channel lineup for Rolling Meadows.

http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/424/chko6.jpg

Does anybody knows what is on the channel 88.1, 88.2, 89.1, 89.2, 90.1, 90.2. I was getting those on Saturday night (Nov 4), but I am not getting those now.

87, 88, 89 and 90 are VOD streams. So far they are unencrypted. Basically if someon in your area is watching something OnDemand you can watch it too.

vj9999, thanks. That explains alot. Do you know what is on 109.2, 103.2 and 103.5 ?

vj9999, thanks. That explains alot. Do you know what is on 109.2, 103.2 and 103.5 ?
I don't know how close Rolling Meadows setup is, but my Schaumburg list shows nothing on 109 (maybe more ONDemand?). 103 is the MusicChoice channels, although they could be using some of it for something else.

OnDemand has been having a lot of problems lately. Ever since Friday, I have noticed that a lot of videos would be unavailable, then available, then unavailable again. It gives me the error message that it "Could not retrieve the video, and to please try again. If the problem persists, call this number." It seems like a majority of the videos don't work, but a few do. It keeps changing.

Has anyone else been having any problems lately with OnDemand?

I've been having the same OnDemand issues. Glad to know it's not me.

Anybody else have problems last night with their digital box upgrading in the middle of programming? My 6412 reset itself and started downloading something during the middle of my taping of Lost. Needless to say I and the wife were not happy to discover the recording was interrupted. First time this has happened to me. I did not check to see if I have new firmware. Is Comcast in the middle of rolling out a new version?

Sorry to change the topic, but I was considering getting an additional HDTV for my living room.

The TV had a built in ATSC tuner, which would let me get the over the air stuff, but I don't think it would let me get the HD cable channels, (yes I do have the digital classic subscription, so I get them on my other HDTV with the set top box). The TV did not mention if it had a "QAM" tunner, so I'm wondering if this would make the difference. Would I be able to pick up ESPN HD, INHD, Discovery HD theatre, etc. with out having to get another set top box from comcast if I got a TV that has a QAM ATSC tunner?

Also, I was told that TV manufacturers are stopping the Cable Card in the newer HdTVs because it causes problems, and doesn't work reliably. Anyone know about this?

Would I be able to pick up ESPN HD, INHD, Discovery HD theatre, etc. with out having to get another set top box from comcast if I got a TV that has a QAM ATSC tunner?Not without a cablecard because those are encrypted.

BTW, the only use you may have for a TV w/ QAM tuner is to receive channel 2, since it's hard to get OTA (without a VHF antenna).

Anybody else have problems last night with their digital box upgrading in the middle of programming? My 6412 reset itself and started downloading something during the middle of my taping of Lost. Needless to say I and the wife were not happy to discover the recording was interrupted. First time this has happened to me. I did not check to see if I have new firmware. Is Comcast in the middle of rolling out a new version?
Unbelievable. You mean to tell me this can't be done at 2 am? No, it's better to schedule it in the middle of prime time. Last new episode of Lost until February, too. It's Craptastic!

cthame1,

The ATSC tuner will get you channels over the air. QAM 256 tuner will get you channels on cable which are not encrypted. Check if your cable provider puts local channel unencrypted.

HDTV which has QAM256 tuner and also cable card will get you encrypted channels also. BUt you will need to tell your cable provider about this setup so that they can enable.

Hope this helps.

I had no issues watching Lost the other night?

For those of you asking what channels are what and where. You can go to comcast.com choose your package and zipcode and it will give you your channel line-up.

I copied and pasted it into Excel and sorted it by number printed it off and then by category. Hope to program the remote with this info so no more hunting for a lesser watched network!

I can't wait to have more HD channels...25 isn't much in comparision to SD.

Messages on the Cable Box this AM. Fox Reality channel coming in Dec. Other channels moving between Digital Plus & Digital Classic. Also, our On Demand is not working this AM.

On 12/14:
Encore East and West feeds moving from Digital Plus to Digital Classic
Fox Reality being added on channel 108

Ovation, BETJ, and another channel being added to Digital Sports (but also staying in Digital Premier)

Noggin OnDemand will require Digital Classic

Logo OnDemand will require Digital Plus

User generated videos will be available ONDemand.

Any plans for comcast launching NFL Network HD in chicago area? Anyone has scoop on this.

my question is what does ovation and betj have to do with sports?

My mistake, it was supposed be a new posting instead of reply to your ART subject.

Any plans for comcast launching NFL Network HD in chicago area? Anyone has scoop on this.


THey have been showing it on INHD, I'm sure they'll keep doing it & showing games there until they give it it's own dedicated channel.

I have a 3412, with the 16.20 firmware.

First my guide/main menu doesn't look like it does in the postcard they sent or on the website. http://www.comcast.com/newguide/ Its like that on both of my 3412's my 6412 P2, and my 2244. I will hook up my 700 now and see if its ok.

But the main thing is, (just noticed this with the new firmware) if the TV has been off for a while, upon turning it back on it has a slow-like image on it. Its not the usual snow you see, the best I can describe it as is... high def snow. I will take a picture later if the problem appears.

I have it hooked up via a HDMI -> DVI cable. And the image is coming from the box, i don't notice it on my other non-hdtv's hooked up to 3412 and 6412P2 via red-white-yellow RCA.

Images: http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0495.png
http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0496.png
http://www.peanyscafe.com/images/IMG_0497.png


I have the same problem with an identical setup. Glad to hear it's not my TV. I found that if you unplug and replug the video cable between the TV and the box, the picture will come back on. Allows you to turn on the TV while the DVR is recording.

Comcast has not seemed to recognize the problem yet - make some noise!

I have the same problem with an identical setup. Glad to hear it's not my TV. I found that if you unplug and replug the video cable between the TV and the box, the picture will come back on. Allows you to turn on the TV while the DVR is recording.

Comcast has not seemed to recognize the problem yet - make some noise!
Also found out if you are watching a DVR recording, and go to the menu, the new menu with the videos, adn then go back to the DVR program, it blacks out the screen.

THey have been showing it on INHD, I'm sure they'll keep doing it & showing games there until they give it it's own dedicated channel.

Thanks.I knew that one, I was wondering about the dedicated HD channel. BTW, they are putting Ovation as a part of SPORT package starting tomorrow :-) .. I guess that is the relationship.

Is ESPN HD available on the QAM? My darn cablecard crapped out on my again, and since they don't give signal hits any longer, I have to wait until Tuesday for a tech to come out.

Also found out if you are watching a DVR recording, and go to the menu, the new menu with the videos, adn then go back to the DVR program, it blacks out the screen.

Anyone with a HDMI to HDMI connection having problems? Just wondered if it was the HDMI to DVI's that were having the problem.

Did anyone have static spikes come across while watching the Bears game last night? I watched Fox football all day yesterday w/o any issues and the Bears game on NBC kept having static spikes and sometimes on the screen?

So far after a week of Comcast I am not impressed by any means (constant digitial hicup's, the menu's are slow and ugly, TiVo is much easier to use than DVR, sound can be thin at times, channel selection is lacking particuarly HD). I want my Dish back...but until the tree in my neighbors yard falls over I am stuck.

Did anyone have static spikes come across while watching the Bears game last night?
Not one. I don't recall a single video or audio hicup.

Did anyone have static spikes come across while watching the Bears game last night? I watched Fox football all day yesterday w/o any issues and the Bears game on NBC kept having static spikes and sometimes on the screen?

So far after a week of Comcast I am not impressed by any means (constant digitial hicup's, the menu's are slow and ugly, TiVo is much easier to use than DVR, sound can be thin at times, channel selection is lacking particuarly HD). I want my Dish back...but until the tree in my neighbors yard falls over I am stuck.

I'm in the western suburbs. Be careful what you wish for. Both E and D have poorer picture quality than Comcast so you will be trading down. I have had both sat services in the last year and am getting Comcast installed this afternoon because I want the best picture

I'm in the western suburbs. Be careful what you wish for. Both E and D have poorer picture quality than Comcast so you will be trading down. I have had both sat services in the last year and am getting Comcast installed this afternoon because I want the best picture
What are the criteria for your "quality" decision?

hvs10trk. DO you mind me asking what are your criteria?

You have made, in my opinion, unsubstantial claims to Comcast's poor quality in the past.

Can you show that sat providers have superior quality to Comcast? I can't prove othere way around, but from all the discussion it seems that Comcast is superior. Now when it comes to customer service and equipment Comcast is using I will not argue there, but as far as the quality I'm not sure what you are basing your claims on (other than your personal experience maybe).

Don't want to speak for anyone else, but you'll find a consensus on many reasons in the HDTV Hardware and HDTV Programming threads.

Generally, it's because Comcast passes the signals as are, and the satellite companies water them down with less resolution and lower bit rate (referred to as "HD-lite"), generally causing more artifacts (and sometimes softer, less-detailed picture). Plus, the fact that they won't admit to doing it ticks people off even more.

Don't want to speak for anyone else, but you'll find a consensus on many reasons in the HDTV Hardware and HDTV Programming threads.

I'm guessing your post is directed at hvs10trk as well since you and me posted at virtually the same time :)

I'm guessing your post is directed at hvs10trk as well since you and me posted at virtually the same time :)Yes.

I can't compare HD DirecTV to HD Comcast. I just picked up Comcast last week because I can't get DirecTV HD due to a tree in my neighbors yard.

The picture quality Comcast is great...but SD is not. DirecTV's SD picture is much better

I have had more audio and video hiccup's from Comcast in the last week than I had DirecTV in the last 3 years. Once or twice a year due to a big storm (the same tree blocking the HD sat would mess up the picture)...almost daily I have a pause, a hiccup, or pixelation in Comcast. Something I didn't expect to ever have.

The menus are very slow (not to mention ugly) and the OnDemand/DVR is a poor comparision to TiVo.

hvs10trk. DO you mind me asking what are your criteria?

You have made, in my opinion, unsubstantial claims to Comcast's poor quality in the past.

Can you show that sat providers have superior quality to Comcast? I can't prove othere way around, but from all the discussion it seems that Comcast is superior. Now when it comes to customer service and equipment Comcast is using I will not argue there, but as far as the quality I'm not sure what you are basing your claims on (other than your personal experience maybe).
Ok I dont want to start a fight. I make my decisions based mostly on equipment used, technology used, and a little bit of watching the tube. I have never seen Direct TV HD to compare to Comcast HD. As far as technology, Comcast has been and will always be limited in their abilities by a copper cable. There's only soooo much you can cram through that cable. Their distribution system is somewhat state of the art (depending on where you live). Direct TV is based on the technology that we (the television people) use to distribute programming. Direct TV's specs are exactly those of most uplinks. They have plenty of room for expansion. If anything is watered down its not because of a limit of technology it's because of cheapness. Not to mention you, the comsumer, aren't paying for the thousands of miles of fiber and copper in the ground. As far as reliability and speed I would have to lean towards the Sat's for a couple of reasons. The 2 years I had comcast and the many times I am at friends/families houses' I see bit errors, slow tuning, channels not working. I don't have those problems with the Sat's. The only problem I have is "End 'o' World" storms that happend maybe once a year.
My other problem with Comcast is their attitude. They have this God complex. They are not now and will never be on a pedistal like they place themselves.

I don't want to start a fight either. I just want to discuss it :)

I don't agree with your statement about abilities of copper cable. Sat providers are just as limited with bandwith available. SUre they can keep adding satellites, but Comcast is also making progress by trying to phase out analog channels. Just think about when they get rid of all 70+ analog channels how much bandwidth will that leave (6Mhz slot can hold 2-3 HD channels and 8+ SD channels).

When you say that Directv is based on technology that "television people" use, that worries me a little. I sure hope that Networks are not distributing their feed by down converting the resolution so that they can get the transponder time cheaper.

How do you think Comcast is getting most of their programming? Sure they get local stuff from you over the fiber or ota, but still the general knowledge is that they leave original signal untouched. They don't compress it or change the resolution.

I play with C-band and Ku-band stuff as a hobby and some stuff you can find untouched as providers intended it(for themselves) cannot in million years compare to what Directv is sending to the end user.

All your problems with COmcast most likely have to do with poor equipment or poor signal which is not a system wide problem (and with little persistence Comcast will solve the problem).

I do agree with your second problem with Comcast. They do have God complex, but I have had good experience with them. THey are available 24/7 (I'v called them up at 2am few times because I was playing with my box and messed something up and they sent a signal to reset my box). Their customer service is hit or miss. Most times they have no clue what they are talking about, but 80% of them are at least polite.

8+ SD channels is on the low end. Most 256QAM channels (virtually all are 256QAM now) are typically 10-16 SD per frequency. Even many frequencies with HD have one or two SD's on them.

Comcast may be passing on HD with little to no compression, but SD is another matter. Most if not all SD are probably compressed beyond what comes from the satellite feed. A few weeks after SciFi moved to digital, the picture quality dropped sharply. For a few months, until the next season of SG1 started, it had an obscenely high black level, noticeable background blocking (big green/pink squares) was VERY fuzzy, and had lots of delayed streaks on some movements. It's better now, but you can still see the little streaks at times, especially on scenes that are hazy.

Even the ADS has issues. I often see times where the background seems to having brightness that jumps every second or two. You can even see it on the so-called 'analog' feed (which just appears to the digital feed reconverted to analog.) One good check is Whose Line Is It Anyways? on ABC Family. Look at that multi-color background behind the main stage. You can see it blink every once in awhile at times. It does this on both the ADS and analog feeds.

I agree on SD channels. Luckily I don't watch enough SD to be able to complain :)

Not sure if this is the right place to ask, but would it be possible to repair a stream at all once I get it on my PC via firewire?

I watched some of the six Star Wars HD movies and noticed several digital hiccups in the picture when playing it back from the box itself, in the first 5 mins of the movies. So I re-recorded and watched Return of the Jedi and about the last quarter of the movie had hiccups.

Last night again only on NBC I get static spikes (not sure if its the correct term) it comes across the audio and video?

Strange it only happens on NBC? No one else is getting this?

Comcast may be passing on HD with little to no compression, but SD is another matter.

I have never had Comcast digital cable myself, but my sister does, and to me, it doesn't look any worse than My E* SD channels. If we're talking only SD, then all of them leave a lot to be desired. I can barely even stand to watch the local SD's on E* - I use my OTA ATSC tuner for those.

I assumed we were talking HD. By and large, if you read in those other areas I mentioned, you'll find that overwhelmingly the order of people's perception of quality is Comcast, Dish, the Direct. I'm not sure about other cable companies, other than the fact that Charter seems to be all over the place. And this is coming from people that have developed a keen eye for such things, and who've had different providers over the years - not your average Joe Schmoe that can't perceive any differences and/or has never been able to really compare, especially over time. There have also been people who've been able to measure the specs, and have generally come out with the above order of quality. If you don't want to take my word for it, then go over to those threads and do some serious reading some time.

But as far as having analog cable only, I can tell you that personally, I've had analog cable (all new wiring installed from the street on in) that looked better than what I'm getting with Dish's SD's these days. But this was with the coax directly into the TV, bypassing the use of any of their boxes, which can also make a difference.

Both satellite's quality, SD & HD, has steadily gone downhill in the last few years. I remember seeing SD Direct about 8 years ago and being blown away at how good it looked. Not any more.

Remember though, I'm speaking "in general". There can be individual differences.

Last night again only on NBC I get static spikes (not sure if its the correct term) it comes across the audio and video?

Strange it only happens on NBC? No one else is getting this?Sounds like some kind of electrical interference you're getting on that frequency.

My suggestion (if you can't trace it to anything and remedy it), would be to try a line conditioner.

Direct TV's specs are exactly those of most uplinks. They have plenty of room for expansion. If anything is watered down its not because of a limit of technology it's because of cheapness.
Yikes!!!

Not to argue about it myself (because, what do I know?), but I can guarantee if you went over to those threads with what you've written in your post, those people would jump all over you.

If you really do have any real, inside lowdown that proves anything differently, maybe you should go over there and set them straight.

But, if you do, just don't say that I didn't warn you! :) For sure, I'll start frequenting those threads again just to watch all the mayhem that will ensue! ;) :D It should make the mod.'s day less boring, too!

Sounds like some kind of electrical interference you're getting on that frequency.

My suggestion (if you can't trace it to anything and remedy it), would be to try a line conditioner.

That's kind of what I thought too...I picked up a line conditioner at lunch today hoping that'll solve my problem.

Every since my area M'ville went ADS, or atleast since I noticed it in August, the SD pq is noticeably different than analog SD. When my cablecard crapped out Sun, and I had to use the QAM, the analog channels wow! very bad. I can live with the ADS, but analog is another story.

Yikes!!!

Not to argue about it myself (because, what do I know?), but I can guarantee if you went over to those threads with what you've written in your post, those people would jump all over you.

If you really do have any real, inside lowdown that proves anything differently, maybe you should go over there and set them straight.

But, if you do, just don't say that I didn't warn you! :) For sure, I'll start frequenting those threads again just to watch all the mayhem that will ensue! ;) :D It should make the mod.'s day less boring, too!

How diplomatic was that...Nice job! His comment that he's never seen D* HD kind of says it all.

Question to anyone on firmware updates. Kipp reported he was up to version 16 something and a number of others have expressed a variety of situations. I have the DCT 6400 box and am just on 9.19. I'm up in Gurnee and am wondering if I can go anything (cold boot) or have Comcast do a reset from there or if its a matter of waiting until the update happens. Any feedback from fellow Gurnee'ers or anyone is appreciated.

Yikes!!!

Not to argue about it myself (because, what do I know?), but I can guarantee if you went over to those threads with what you've written in your post, those people would jump all over you.

If you really do have any real, inside lowdown that proves anything differently, maybe you should go over there and set them straight.

But, if you do, just don't say that I didn't warn you! :) For sure, I'll start frequenting those threads again just to watch all the mayhem that will ensue! ;) :D It should make the mod.'s day less boring, too!
I'll have to look into the exact specs. I will admit Comcast HD looked pretty good when I had it Both run VBR which is good. Comcast has some work on their SD channels. I dont have Comcast anymore so I can't compare and contrast.

How diplomatic was that...Nice job! His comment that he's never seen D* HD kind of says it all.

I don't have D* HD because they offer too few channels for the price.

How diplomatic was that...Nice job! His comment that he's never seen D* HD kind of says it all.

Question to anyone on firmware updates. Kipp reported he was up to version 16 something and a number of others have expressed a variety of situations. I have the DCT 6400 box and am just on 9.19. I'm up in Gurnee and am wondering if I can go anything (cold boot) or have Comcast do a reset from there or if its a matter of waiting until the update happens. Any feedback from fellow Gurnee'ers or anyone is appreciated.

Also in Gurnee and on 9.19. I think we just need to wait util it's rolled out in our area. I'm wondering, what improvements will we really get with this update anyway?

We finally got updated to 16.20 last night.

In other news... Someone in the main HDTV forum reported that in Detroit the got NGC HD and A&E HD this morning. I wounder if and when we will get it.

We have the new FW and guide downtown. BIG DEAL. "Comcast Central" is simply annoying and you can get stuck there with no way to exit. At least I did. :rolleyes: It now takes TWO key presses instead of one to get to the recordings list, although it takes fewer presses than before to get to your scheduled recordings.

And Monday a recording failed. I went to begin watching the program from the beginning at about 20 minutes into the hour. There was no recording, just an on screen message that the disk was full. In reality, it was only 67% full and the next program recorded OK.

This is on a 3416, which I've already had to unplug once to clear the same slooooowww FF/REW problem that frequently visited my 6412.

So again I say: BIG DEAL.

We finally got updated to 16.20 last night.

In other news... Someone in the main HDTV forum reported that in Detroit the got NGC HD and A&E HD this morning. I wounder if and when we will get it.


Who knows about this? Can someone else confirm this, and I wonder when it'll come to Chicago. NGC HD - (National Geographic Channel HD?) and Arts and Entertainment. I didn't even know A&E had a HD channel and I'd be really happy about National Geographic HD.

I'm assuming both channels are seen in Detroit under the Digital Classic Package.

After looking on the Detroit forum, it turns out that Detroit area patrons are reporting 4! new HD channels.

NGC HD
A&E HD
FSN HD
UHD

Chicagoland has a way bigger market. I would be pretty bummed if we got MY50 HD instead of one of these channels, (I guess I wouldn't be disappointed if that was given instead of UHD, though).

If this does happen for Chicago, it'll be a good year for additional HD channels, (with 6 weeks still to go),

ESPN2 HD
MHD
My50 HD

That'll make 7 new ones! Almost doubling the premium channel lineup. We'd be getting more for our money. (That is if comcast chooses not to raise their prices.)

I've noticed for every new channel they've added this year the 5C encryption flag is not enabled for copy once. Its copy freely. If the same trend continues I'll be able to record these channels to my PC via IEEE 1394 firewire if their is something interesting that I want. In Des Plaines I lost the ability to record all the channels in February, (only having the ability to copy the local channels).

These new channels would fit really nicely in 202, 206, 207, & 208.

Does anyone have these channels now?

After looking on the Detroit forum, it turns out that Detroit area patrons are reporting 4! new HD channels.

NGC HD
A&E HD
FSN HD
UHD

Chicagoland has a way bigger market. I would be pretty bummed if we got MY50 HD instead of one of these channels, (I guess I wouldn't be disappointed if that was given instead of UHD, though).

If this does happen for Chicago, it'll be a good year for additional HD channels, (with 6 weeks still to go),

ESPN2 HD
MHD
My50 HD

That'll make 7 new ones! Almost doubling the premium channel lineup. We'd be getting more for our money. (That is if comcast chooses not to raise their prices.)

I've noticed for every new channel they've added this year the 5C encryption flag is not enabled for copy once. Its copy freely. If the same trend continues I'll be able to record these channels to my PC via IEEE 1394 firewire if their is something interesting that I want. In Des Plaines I lost the ability to record all the channels in February, (only having the ability to copy the local channels).

These new channels would fit really nicely in 202, 206, 207, & 208.

Does anyone have these channels now?

No new channels but did get the firmware update here in Gurnee. And I don't think we we'll get FSN-HD in this market.

-b

I noticed many changes in the diagnostics menus. Many new items, but some information, such as AGC%, is no longer listed (or it's buried where I didn't see it).

In the user setup menu (where you set resolutions), there is an entry at the top for subtitles? Anybody know what that is about. Also, when poking around, the box rebooted on me.

After looking on the Detroit forum, it turns out that Detroit area patrons are reporting 4! new HD channels.

NGC HD
A&E HD
FSN HD
UHD


I just spoke to a Comcast CSR and she indicated that CSRs have been made aware that UHD, A&E and NGC HD channels will be added to the Chicago market, but that they haven't been given a definite date as of yet. So, if this info has already made it to the CSRs, I have to believe that it won't be long.

I just spoke to a Comcast CSR and she indicated that CSRs have been made aware that UHD, A&E and NGC HD channels will be added to the Chicago market, but that they haven't been given a definite date as of yet. So, if this info has already made it to the CSRs, I have to believe that it won't be long.

Maybe we'll get this Channel too:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=751387

Maybe we'll get this Channel too:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=751387

I think that one is pretty much given :)

I think that one is pretty much given :)

This wasnt' obvious to me. So Golf channel in HD during the day and OLN in HD at night. Another golden nugget. Really cool!

Last year, the OLN hocky games were shown on INHD. Now there will be no need since it has its own dedicated channel. I read in the other post that INHD2 will be coming back, but combined with INHD. That'll be really nice also, but the whole thing with the combined channels gets me kinda confused, especially when I look at the program guide thinking theres something that I want to watch on and it something else. Why doesn't Comcast just came 2 separate channels? Reports say that Chicago has plenty of bandwidth.

INHD currently shows some fo the NFL Network games in HD. Really nice, but confusing. I know the games from the previous week are shown on Saturday mornings, but I haven't been able to figure out the schedule for the other days; and this isn't shown in the program guide.

Last year INHD used to show some of the OLN hockey games in HD. Really nice, but confusing. I don't think this shows up in the program guide either.

Dispite my confusion, all the additional services should they come would be nice.
With that, my questions are:

-In what package will these channels be added, (Digital Classic, Plus or premium);
-What will the quality be like;
-What will be the increase in cost;
-How is this going to affect the quality on the other HD stations.

On another note, who has had a chance to see the new comcast Central. I think it's really cool! 4 news programs at once and multiple kids programs and you can switch the sound to the screen you're interested in. Its Comcastic, baby!

Also in Gurnee and on 9.19. I think we just need to wait util it's rolled out in our area. I'm wondering, what improvements will we really get with this update anyway?

FYI, yesterday, I noticed the new guide on my SD Digital box but not on the HD DVR. I called Comcast and they sent over a full download and re-map to the 6400 Box about 7PM last night. I waited the full 15 minutes and powered the box on and turned in about 10 last night with absolutely nothing but the old guide and firmware. But, a different story this morning. The new guide and firmware 16.20 if I remember right. Its very much worth it, if as I've read the freeze-ups are less often but the real kicker is the little HD indicator for programs in HD in the guide and the bottom scroll area. The box seems more responsive too. Now bring on the new channels :)

FYI, yesterday, I noticed the new guide on my SD Digital box but not on the HD DVR. I called Comcast and they sent over a full download and re-map to the 6400 Box about 7PM last night. I waited the full 15 minutes and powered the box on and turned in about 10 last night with absolutely nothing but the old guide and firmware. But, a different story this morning. The new guide and firmware 16.20 if I remember right. Its very much worth it, if as I've read the freeze-ups are less often but the real kicker is the little HD indicator for programs in HD in the guide and the bottom scroll area. The box seems more responsive too. Now bring on the new channels :)

Got the update as well and have had quite the opposite experience (at least through one day). Performance is very sluggish and I had a reboot and loss of guide. Haven't had that happen since my last 6412. I do like the improved FF speed though.

Got the update as well and have had quite the opposite experience (at least through one day). Performance is very sluggish and I had a reboot and loss of guide. Haven't had that happen since my last 6412. I do like the improved FF speed though.
I'm with you! I just posted a near identical post in the 6412 thread. The only difference is that mine didn't reboot, but I did have to pull the plug because all remote and front panel controls went dead.

On the sluggishness, yes I've had the same experience. The DVR is not responsive sometimes when I change the channel, and because I've pushed the button 3 or 4 times in frustration, it skips a few channels when it finally does change. Anyone know the remedy for this?

Also, in talking to the Comcast CSR last night I had a few of my other questions answered. At the Comcast Central screen, you can't cusomize the windows to show the channels you want. These channels are sent down by Comcast, (bummer). But I was informed that there wil be a sports tab coming in December with the Premier Sports package. This will be a nice touch.

Comcast should have it so the user can customize/make his own tab for all his favoite channels and be able so choose the window size. This would let you watch all your favoite channels at the same time. That would be really cool!

I've run into a nasty recording issue. Wednesday night, it only recorded the last 20 minutes of Letterman. Last night, it didn't record him at all, although the tuner was changed to the right channel.

I deleted and recreated the series recording to see if that fixes it. I also set my VCR to record it, too, albeit in fuzzy SD instead of HD.

I had no problems with several other series recordings last night (..Earl, 30 Rock).

Hi folks, I really don't know where to post this. I'm with Comcast digital. I just wanted to know if what I'm seeing is correct. There is a boxing tomorrow on PPV, Pacquiao vs Morales on channel 801 PPV at 7:30pm. I went to TitanTV and it didn't say that it will be in HD. I've searched this boxing game on google and found sites that says that the boxing game will also be telecasted in HD.

Can someone please confirm? I hope it will be in HD or else my HDTV box is useless for this game then. :( I also invited many friends to watch.

Here are few links which says HD

http://www.toprank.com/news/2006/november/morales.htm

Thanks!

I'm starting to :mad: love :mad: this new software. Today, when trying to delete a program after watching it, it froze solid. After 20 minutes, I had to unplug it. In the two years I've had it, it's never frozen for more than 15-20 seconds.

I have two HD Tivo DVRs with two cable cards in each. Both boxes cannot get premium channels. The boxes are configured to do so. I am currently working with a Comcast tech who is very good and trying very hard. It is not a regular CSR but a tech who called me from a local office.

We think we have it narrowed down to copy protection not being enabled on the cards but we are not sure. This status shows up on the CC menu as disabled. Anyone know experience this before and if so, what did they do to correct it? We know the cards are not bad.

I have two HD Tivo DVRs with two cable cards in each. Both boxes cannot get premium channels. The boxes are configured to do so. I am currently working with a Comcast tech who is very good and trying very hard. It is not a regular CSR but a tech who called me from a local office.

We think we have it narrowed down to copy protection not being enabled on the cards but we are not sure. This status shows up on the CC menu as disabled. Anyone know experience this before and if so, what did they do to correct it? We know the cards are not bad.

It sounds like this is what you're already doing, but maybe it'll help

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4550673&&#post4550673

cg,
Thanks, the guy I am speaking to is Chris as well. I wonder if its the same guy??? That helps, I will give them some direction. Thanks again.

ever since Comcast downloaded the new firmware to my cable box, the channel selection, program guide, etc.. are all very sluggish when I change channels. It takes 6-8 seconds to change a channel sometimes & if I try to skip over a few channels quickly, the box freezes up. Now I figured out that this only happens while I am using the component outputs to my projector, if I turn on my TV, which is on the same box via DVI, the sluggishness immediately stops and all is back to normal. As soon as I turn off the TV with the DVI feed, the sluggishness returns. So, it must have something to do with the DVI cable handshaking with the TV that is turned off at the time. Anyone ever heard of this problem?

After looking on the Detroit forum, it turns out that Detroit area patrons are reporting 4! new HD channels.

NGC HD
A&E HD
FSN HD
UHD

Does anyone know if we might be getting Food Network HD in the future?

I'm with you! I just posted a near identical post in the 6412 thread. The only difference is that mine didn't reboot, but I did have to pull the plug because all remote and front panel controls went dead.My 3412 seems to have a hissy fit every so often. It will work like normal and out of nowhere, it will freeze. Just sit there for like 20-30 seconds. If i press anything while it's "thinking", it will remember it and when it's done, will do everything i press.. very quickly..
This didn't happen as much with the previous firmware.

I think my model is the Motorola DCT5100, it has DVI out on it. When I have the DVI cable disconnected and am using component out, all is fine...as soon as I plug in the DVI cable, the sluggish problems reappear. If I use the DVI only, no problems. It seems to only have problems when I try & use the component outputs when the DVI is also connected to a second TV that is turned off...weird.

Have any of you demoed the new Tivo 3 cable dvr? I highly recommend it.

BTW, I still can't Comcast to call me back to fix my issue. Stay tuned.

Have any of you demoed the new Tivo 3 cable dvr? I highly recommend it.

I haven't heard much about it, and sure haven't demoed it. :) Who is the manufacturer and what is the model number? Are they available for mass distribution at this point?

Well, I confirmed today that the new update broke the HDMI port on the Motorola (seems to happen to people using HDMI (box) to DVI (tv) cables; can anyone confirm that this is also the case for HDMI to HDMI?).

My problem was that since the update, every time I turned the TV on, the picture would be complete "snow" (audio worked just fine). I would have to either turn off the box or unplug/replug the HMDI cable to get a picture. It would then work fine until I turned the TV off.

After replacing the cable and reinstalling my DVI card (I have the Panny professional series), the problem continued. Comcast was convinced it was a problem with my TV or a corrupted update. They came this morning and replaced the box - the snow continued. One of the guys decided to go get an older box - one with a DVI output rather than a HDMI. Lo and behold, it worked perfectly - problem solved.

Now I know this isn't a problem with the TV, connecting cable or the DVR - my setup worked fine for a full year until the update. My question for the group is whether anyone using a HDMI to HDMI setup is having any problems or if this is just limited to sets using HDMI to DVI.

Well, I confirmed today that the new update broke the HDMI port on the Motorola (seems to happen to people using HDMI (box) to DVI (tv) cables; can anyone confirm that this is also the case for HDMI to HDMI?).

My problem was that since the update, every time I turned the TV on, the picture would be complete "snow" (audio worked just fine). I would have to either turn off the box or unplug/replug the HMDI cable to get a picture. It would then work fine until I turned the TV off.

After replacing the cable and reinstalling my DVI card (I have the Panny professional series), the problem continued. Comcast was convinced it was a problem with my TV or a corrupted update. They came this morning and replaced the box - the snow continued. One of the guys decided to go get an older box - one with a DVI output rather than a HDMI. Lo and behold, it worked perfectly - problem solved.

Now I know this isn't a problem with the TV, connecting cable or the DVR - my setup worked fine for a full year until the update. My question for the group is whether anyone using a HDMI to HDMI setup is having any problems or if this is just limited to sets using HDMI to DVI.


I'm using hdmi to dvi with no problems....moto 6412 with 16.20...connected to a sony 34xbr960

I'm using HDMI to DVI as well on my 3412 and I haven't had any problems since the upgrade.

Has anyone been having any sound problems with Comcast HD lately (I'm in Oswego)? Last week all the dialog sound on Ugly Betty was non-existent. The sound effects and music were all there but there were no voices. The commercials were miraculously fine but when the show came back on, the voices were gone again. Something very similar happened last night on CBS. All of the dialog was very very low volume and the laugh tracks, music, and sound effects were normal volume. If you turned up the volume to hear the dialog, everything else would be too loud and would drown out the dialog. Is this a feed problem or a box problem?

Has anyone been having any sound problems with Comcast HD lately (I'm in Oswego)? Last week all the dialog sound on Ugly Betty was non-existent. The sound effects and music were all there but there were no voices. The commercials were miraculously fine but when the show came back on, the voices were gone again. Something very similar happened last night on CBS. All of the dialog was very very low volume and the laugh tracks, music, and sound effects were normal volume. If you turned up the volume to hear the dialog, everything else would be too loud and would drown out the dialog. Is this a feed problem or a box problem?
It was the dumb f**** at CBS. The first 15 minutes of CSI Miami were nothing but surround sound - coming out of the front channels. Even with my receiver on, there was still no front channel sound from any channel. It is very aggrivating.

Two weeks ago the sound was very low, so every time a commercial came on it was blaring. As you mentioned, I have never heard the commercials on the fritz.

Has anyone been having any sound problems with Comcast HD lately (I'm in Oswego)? Last week all the dialog sound on Ugly Betty was non-existent. The sound effects and music were all there but there were no voices. The commercials were miraculously fine but when the show came back on, the voices were gone again. Something very similar happened last night on CBS. All of the dialog was very very low volume and the laugh tracks, music, and sound effects were normal volume. If you turned up the volume to hear the dialog, everything else would be too loud and would drown out the dialog. Is this a feed problem or a box problem?

I'm glad i'm not the only one. I had problems with soung on the first half of Ugly Betty last week, and w/ CBS shows last night (all sit-coms and the beginning of CSI: Miami). As noted, the surrond worked, but the center channel had no sound. As a result, for Ugly Betty and CSI, there was NO dialogue. For the CBS sit-coms last night, i had dialogue, but at very low levels (nothing through the center channel) only though the left and right front speakers.

I have a feeling that the commercials were fine b/c advertisers don't make commercials in 5.1 surround OR b/c they send dialogue though all the channels to make an impact.

Anyone know if this is a Comcast problem, something going on at the networks (unlikely since it's ABC and CBS both having issues), or something else going on? Or could it be our set-ups?

HELP!

-dave

I noticed the sound problems when I watched my recordings of How I Met Your Mother and The Class. Toward the end of The Class they actually switched to SD and the dialog suddenly popped up in volume. Very annoying - I'll have to see how badly they bungled CSI: Miami when I get around to watching it.

One thing I did notice - my receiver did not indicate 5.1 audio for HIMYM or The Class. Aren't these usually broadcast in 5.1?

CSI Miami was severly messed up as well.

I noticed the sound problems when I watched my recordings of How I Met Your Mother and The Class. Toward the end of The Class they actually switched to SD and the dialog suddenly popped up in volume. Very annoying - I'll have to see how badly they bungled CSI: Miami when I get around to watching it.

One thing I did notice - my receiver did not indicate 5.1 audio for HIMYM or The Class. Aren't these usually broadcast in 5.1?

I noticed the sound problems when I watched my recordings of How I Met Your Mother and The Class. Toward the end of The Class they actually switched to SD and the dialog suddenly popped up in volume. Very annoying - I'll have to see how badly they bungled CSI: Miami when I get around to watching it.

One thing I did notice - my receiver did not indicate 5.1 audio for HIMYM or The Class. Aren't these usually broadcast in 5.1?
I noticed the same thing. My receiver only showed standard ProLogic, which is it's default for 2/0.

Anybody know just where the programmers are that write the I-Guide code? I need take my belt and give those 2-year-olds-on-crack a good spanking. They don't know how the f*** to program.

Last night, AGAIN, my box did NOT record Letterman. Thankfully my VCR was set to record, as this was one I didn't want to miss (with Jerry Seinfeld and Michael Richards talking about his little temper tantrum.) At least fuzzy SVHS (it's a cheap JVC HR-S3800U) is better than nothing.

What is weird is that the box was powered off, and Leno (manual recording, set to begin 1 minute early) should have been on tuner 2. Instead, when I turned it on, tuner 1 was set to 188, and tuner 2 was still on 21, which is where it was when I turned it off. I checked at 9pm, and Letterman was scheduled to be recorded.

I've modified the Leno manual recording to not start one minute early, so I'll see how it works. Otherwise, I'll probably have to go to a manual recording for Letterman, too. (Leno is manual due to a repeat at about 2:30am that it keeps trying to record if I set up a series recording.)

I haven't heard much about it, and sure haven't demoed it. :) Who is the manufacturer and what is the model number? Are they available for mass distribution at this point?

Tivo Series 3. They are available everywhere. I have two. Gone are 2 6412s.

Has anyone been having any sound problems with Comcast HD lately (I'm in Oswego)? Last week all the dialog sound on Ugly Betty was non-existent. The sound effects and music were all there but there were no voices. The commercials were miraculously fine but when the show came back on, the voices were gone again. Something very similar happened last night on CBS. All of the dialog was very very low volume and the laugh tracks, music, and sound effects were normal volume. If you turned up the volume to hear the dialog, everything else would be too loud and would drown out the dialog. Is this a feed problem or a box problem?

WLS does the 5.1 switching manually between programs and commercials. They are asleep at the wheel some times. Email the GM and tell him http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=stationinfo&id=3354595

or call them.

It sounds like this is what you're already doing, but maybe it'll help

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4550673&&#post4550673

Well after a week and a half, I finally was able to get their attention with a nasty email. They called me today and I had three employees from tech support on a conference call. Two hours later after they finally listened to me, all is working. I told them to do exactly what the link above said to tell them, just now they finally listened to me.

Anyone happen to know the standard issue Digital Box for non HDTVs? Is it now the DCT 700's or is it still the DCT 2224's or is there another new box? Also what is the standard issue HD box with no DVR?

Also anyone know if the DCT 2224 will be getting the new Comcast Central page? My DCT 700 has it, along with my 6412's and 3412's. I would go with a DCT 700 to replace my DCT 2224 but I got a special DCT 2224 with SPDIF out (letter "L" if i recall correctly, took me lots of phone calls to acquire one) and I like the time display, something the DCT 700 lacks.

Well after a week and a half, I finally was able to get their attention with a nasty email. They called me today and I had three employees from tech support on a conference call. Two hours later after they finally listened to me, all is working. I told them to do exactly what the link above said to tell them, just now they finally listened to me.

Good to hear, enjoy those Series 3s.

I also have the snow issue in my 6200 it is hooked up DVI->HDMI adapter on box side to HDMI on my new samsung 1080p DLP set. I was thinking that this could be a cable issue also but I see that does not seem to be the case. Guess its time to put a call into comcast I wanted to swap my 6412 out for a 3412 anyways. Although I might need to take a peek over at the tivo forums those series3 sound nice

CSI Miami was severly messed up as well.
Yeah. We ended up watching CSI Miami On-Demand in regular def (yuck). Why does CBS offer 8-10 shows on-demand but only the original CSI is in HD? Is that a CBS decision or Comcast decision?

Good to hear, enjoy those Series 3s.

Thanks for your help. ;) ;) ;)

Anyone have a clue when Comcast is going to offer Tivo software in Chicagoland?

Well, I confirmed today that the new update broke the HDMI port on the Motorola (seems to happen to people using HDMI (box) to DVI (tv) cables; can anyone confirm that this is also the case for HDMI to HDMI?).

My problem was that since the update, every time I turned the TV on, the picture would be complete "snow" (audio worked just fine). I would have to either turn off the box or unplug/replug the HMDI cable to get a picture. It would then work fine until I turned the TV off.

After replacing the cable and reinstalling my DVI card (I have the Panny professional series), the problem continued. Comcast was convinced it was a problem with my TV or a corrupted update. They came this morning and replaced the box - the snow continued. One of the guys decided to go get an older box - one with a DVI output rather than a HDMI. Lo and behold, it worked perfectly - problem solved.

Now I know this isn't a problem with the TV, connecting cable or the DVR - my setup worked fine for a full year until the update. My question for the group is whether anyone using a HDMI to HDMI setup is having any problems or if this is just limited to sets using HDMI to DVI.

WILE-E -

I'm having the same problem with my 6412 except I do not have working audio. I have an HDMI to HDMI connection. I get snow when I turn on the TV as well, but if I am on an HD channel and switch to a SD channel it starts to work again. If I am on SD and switch to HD it works again. Everything worked fine for about 6 months until I got this software upgrade. Very frustrating. Please let me know if you find a fix.

Thanks!

Tivo Series 3. They are available everywhere. I have two. Gone are 2 6412s.

Is Tivo Series 3 available via COMCAST?

Is Tivo Series 3 available via COMCAST?

No. If the Chicago area is on the list to be one of the test areas, we should see Tivo software on Comcast boxes by the end of January. If not, then we won't see it until mid/late April.

How about N G HD?

Tivo Series 3. They are available everywhere. I have two. Gone are 2 6412s.

Am I correct that you purchased the Tivo Series 3 boxes?

Is Tivo Series 3 available via COMCAST?


You can purchase the Series 3 directly from Tivo or many electronic stores including BB or Tweeter. You only need to get the CC from your cable co.

hrrrmmm i wonder if we will be able to watch the 3rd nfl game tonight in hd on inhd, too bad we have to have one of the most unorganized cable companies.

NFL Network HD is temporarily on InHD. The bad news: at least for me its badly out of audiosync

NFL Network HD is temporarily on InHD. The bad news: at least for me its badly out of audiosync

It was out of sync for everyone in HD, was an NFL Network problem, not a Comcast problem.

I would bet that you will filnd all 8 NFL Network HD games on INHD.

The new firmware has apparently broken the 1394 output on my 3416. Video is fine, but there is no sound on playback from D-VHS. The 5.1 audio light on my receiver flashes on and off continuously. (Previously recorded D-VHS tapes play back perfectly.) Has anyone else tested this?

Several new pseudo-channels:
283, 284, and 285 are each one page of a list of HD OnDemand movies. Each shows 6 movie posters and information pops up about each one as you cursor around. It's rather confusing because choosing 'Last' just takes you back to the last channel, which may just take you back to one of the other pages! You have to type in a new channel or channel up/down to get out of it. Very poor design.

960, 961, and 962 are the 3 pages for Comcast Central (960 = Comcast Central, 961 = News, 962 = Kids.) It also has the same problem of getting 'stuck' on the pages unless you switch to one of the highlighted channels or type/channel change to something.

Here, all are on 213MHz (analog 13).

Several new pseudo-channels:
283, 284, and 285 are each one page of a list of HD OnDemand movies. Each shows 6 movie posters and information pops up about each one as you cursor around. It's rather confusing because choosing 'Last' just takes you back to the last channel, which may just take you back to one of the other pages! You have to type in a new channel or channel up/down to get out of it. Very poor design.

960, 961, and 962 are the 3 pages for Comcast Central (960 = Comcast Central, 961 = News, 962 = Kids.) It also has the same problem of getting 'stuck' on the pages unless you switch to one of the highlighted channels or type/channel change to something.

Here, all are on 213MHz (analog 13).

Check post 5068

960, 961, and 962 are the 3 pages for Comcast Central (960 = Comcast Central, 961 = News, 962 = Kids.) It also has the same problem of getting 'stuck' on the pages unless you switch to one of the highlighted channels or type/channel change to something.

Yup. These channels are a useless feature for me. Also the broken firewire audio.

edit.

It was my Onkyo receiver screwing with my hd video not the comcast.

Check post 5068
They are sort-of semi-ONDemand. I think they require the new VOD software that came with the other updates. It's just a static page, but you can cursor around, highlight information, and select something.

I picked up a second hdtv and want to get a comcast hd box for it. Since we already have comcast digital cable and a hd dvr box, the only additional charge will be for the additional hd box, is that correct? Also, do they still charge to come out and drop off the hd box or can I just go and pick one up ?

I picked up a second hdtv and want to get a comcast hd box for it. Since we already have comcast digital cable and a hd dvr box, the only additional charge will be for the additional hd box, is that correct? Also, do they still charge to come out and drop off the hd box or can I just go and pick one up ?

You should be able to just pick one up. My friend just got a 3416 at the Lisle payment center.

On another note, did anyone else lose their cable at 12:15 am? I just lost all signal during overtime of Florida/Kansas in the Alaskan Shootout. I'm in Downers Grove.

You should be able to just pick one up. My friend just got a 3416 at the Lisle payment center.

On another note, did anyone else lose their cable at 12:15 am? I just lost all signal during overtime of Florida/Kansas in the Alaskan Shootout. I'm in Downers Grove.


Just a correction, FL/KS was in Vegas, not Alaska. We didn't lose anything here in Waukegan.

You should be able to just pick one up. My friend just got a 3416 at the Lisle payment center.

On another note, did anyone else lose their cable at 12:15 am? I just lost all signal during overtime of Florida/Kansas in the Alaskan Shootout. I'm in Downers Grove.

Thanks. I will give it a try. I called up to add the service and they said someone has to comeout, but it can't hurt to try.

Just wondering has anyone that was having issues with their DVI or HDMI after the latest firmware update found a fix other then going to the component inputs?

Just a correction, FL/KS was in Vegas, not Alaska. We didn't lose anything here in Waukegan.
That's right, I stand corrected.

Cable guy came out today. I had a broken drop outside near where the cable is buried. His guess was that someone tripped on the slack walking through the yard - not sure who was walking through the yard at 12:15 am, though...

Just wondering has anyone that was having issues with their DVI or HDMI after the latest firmware update found a fix other then going to the component inputs?

I have... I now occasionally get the green screen when switching between HD sources. To fix the issue I have to power the box on and off.

This is becoming ridiculous. Next billing period all digital packages are going up by $5. DVR service is going up from $9.99 to $11.99. So I can expect my bill to be $9 more next month (2 dvrs and platinum package). I am really starting to wonder if it is worth spending $120 a month to watch TV. Majority of time I watch local channels anyway.

This is becoming ridiculous. Next billing period all digital packages are going up by $5. DVR service is going up from $9.99 to $11.99. So I can expect my bill to be $9 more next month (2 dvrs and platinum package). I am really starting to wonder if it is worth spending $120 a month to watch TV. Majority of time I watch local channels anyway.

..I feel the pain too..but unfortunately as long as ppl like you and me continue to pay for our services without downgrading or switching to a different provider, expect price increases to be steady and steep.

I'm getting National Geographic HD in the HD On Demand now. They have Impossible Islands and Wrath of the Tsar.
Correction, it's in the hd section but they are not broadcast in hd. Weird.

This is becoming ridiculous. Next billing period all digital packages are going up by $5. DVR service is going up from $9.99 to $11.99. So I can expect my bill to be $9 more next month (2 dvrs and platinum package). I am really starting to wonder if it is worth spending $120 a month to watch TV. Majority of time I watch local channels anyway.


What are you or anyone here in Chicago using a cable card on Comcast paying for it each month?

Hey, just a quick question. From DeKalb, IL

I have Basic Cable from comcast w/ a set top box. Just picked up the 56HM66 that was on sale from Bestbuy on blackfriday. Just upgraded from a 32" sony wega, the size is great but I am having a problem. I am unable to get any HD content. I looked over comcasts website, they have a extra 5$ charge to let you have ESPN HD, Discovery HD. . .but it never says anything about the local stations.

I currently have the cable going into the cable box then the cablebox into my hdtv. I was wondering if I should be able to get the HD Channels from fox, abc, nbc(Channels 188, 189, 190, 191) I know I can do it OTA, but I dont want to buy an anttena that and I would lose my TVguide/gui. Any help? Thanks in advance.

quick edit: when i do attempt to go to channels 188, 189...etc. the tv shows no picture or lines going on the side w/ perfect audio.

Off-topic posts removed.

I currently have the cable going into the cable box then the cablebox into my hdtv.
I'm guessing you problem is 1 or both of the following...
First, your old cable box probably isn't an HD box. That $5 upcharge will get you an hd stb. Second, HD requires either component (3 video rca cables), dvi or hdmi
cables.

This is becoming ridiculous. Next billing period all digital packages are going up by $5. DVR service is going up from $9.99 to $11.99. So I can expect my bill to be $9 more next month (2 dvrs and platinum package). I am really starting to wonder if it is worth spending $120 a month to watch TV. Majority of time I watch local channels anyway.

I figured this would happen. They've added more ondemand HD programming, more channels, (MHD, ESPN2HD, MY50 HD in Chicago, while others have UHD, NGHD, FSNHD, & A&EHD), and established the Comcast Central page. So a rate increase seemed inevitable for the increased service. Also, since Comcast has plans to offer new HD channels, I would have been very suprised if they kept the same rates.

If they do add the high def. channels like they have been talking, it may be worth it. I believe the interview from the President, of Comcast Burke in September, (http://www.tvpredictions.com/burke091306.htm) stated to expect a total of 35 HD channels next year. That would be an increase of about 2 times the amount we we have now. This sounds kinda ambitious, but I guess we'll see.

Also, I haven't heard how the Comcast phone service is fairing, but I haven't met anyone who has it and I'd bet a lot of people are still clinging to their analog phones as opposed to going Voice Over IP. Just speculation, but maybe the increase is covering that?

As for the DVR box going up in price, it is an increase of 20%, which seems like a lot, but only $2 more per month. That equals $24/year to have the same service you've enjoyed the last few years. If they were to offer an upgraded box, (i.e. Ti vo software and bigger hard drive like they've been talking, and the ability to network multiple DVRs so you can watch shows recorded on each DRV from the others), maybe this may make it worth it. The Comcast Central thing also is being worked on and expanded, so maybe we are in for something amazing from Comcast this year.

Comcast can do this, as the alternative for HD would be to go Over the Air, or with Dish, (WOW not widely offered in Chicago). In my opinion Comcast does have the best high definition package, in comparison to satalite, which doesn't offer renting the setop HD box/HD satillite reciever to their customers. To buy one would be upwards of $500. OTA is an option, but you don't have as many channels. I'm going to see whats in store.

Also, I haven't heard how the Comcast phone service is fairing, but I haven't met anyone who has it and I'd bet a lot of people are still clinging to their analog phones as opposed to going Voice Over IP. Just speculation, but maybe the increase is covering that?
I was under the impression that tons of people were using the phone service. Many of my neighbors are using it. Nobody seems to be clinging to analog over voip because nobody (except techies) knows they are using voip. We went with comcast phone a few years back. The change was (and still is) seamless.

As for the DVR box going up in price, it is an increase of 20%, which seems like a lot, but only $2 more per month. That equals $24/year to have the same service you've enjoyed the last few years. If they were to offer an upgraded box, (i.e. Ti vo software and bigger hard drive like they've been talking, and the ability to network multiple DVRs so you can watch shows recorded on each DRV from the others), maybe this may make it worth it. The Comcast Central thing also is being worked on and expanded, so maybe we are in for something amazing from Comcast this year.


I would put "enjoyed" in quotes. Every time my box locks up for a minute or two while I am changing channels or fast forwarding I curse them out and say that they should be paying me to use the stupid box :)

Sorry if this has already been addressed in this thread, but I don't think there's a way to search through a specific thread only.

I am considering getting Comcast HD.. but instead of relying on their set-top box, I was going to use my laptop which has XP Media Center on it. Apparently I need to know something about QAM being above 125? And if local channels are encrypted or not. I have to find the appropriate hardware for my Media Center.. and if this helps cut back on Comcast fees, all the better.

Thanks

Hello all,

I have been an HD Comcast customer for the past 1 1/2 years. I have just been using the regular HD settop box, not a DVR one. However, I think I might finally break down and get the HD DVR model.

What is the most up to date model that Comcast is using? Is it a dual-tuner?

Any quick bit of info would be appreciated so I know what to ask for when I call Comcast.

Off-topic posts removed.
They were on topic just took a tangent.

Hello all,

I have been an HD Comcast customer for the past 1 1/2 years. I have just been using the regular HD settop box, not a DVR one. However, I think I might finally break down and get the HD DVR model.

What is the most up to date model that Comcast is using? Is it a dual-tuner?

Any quick bit of info would be appreciated so I know what to ask for when I call Comcast.


Im in Chicago and upgraded to HDTV with the integrated DVR. Got a Moto box with 2 tuners and I think 180Gb. check the moto site, this site wont let me post URL. Looks like the unit on the left, but doesn't have any inputs on the face. HDMI connection on the back, though they supply component cables. Seems to work fine, my only complaint is that you cant do Picture in Picture with the 2 tuners. (must have antenna aswell). Additionally, trying to figure out if you can DVR on one box and then watch from another box in the house. Heard you can do this with direct tv, but don't think it's possible with comcast.

What are you or anyone here in Chicago using a cable card on Comcast paying for it each month?

One card on Sony DVR = $0.00. Not sure what TiVo people with two cards have to pay.

Kipp --- I know you are a firewire guy. Did the new firmware break your 1394? I don't know if it is my new 3416 or the new firmware that's hurting me. They both came in a short period of time and I did not test the 1394 with the 3416 before the new firmware was downloaded. (I get good video but no audio when trying to play back a D-VHS tape. My receiver's 5.1 indicator light blinks continuously.)

I pay nothing for CableCARD as well, and it has worked very well!

I've had a cablecard for over a year and a half. As much as I love the convenience and the fact that it is free (no monthly payment) I'm beginning to think I want a HD-DVR. The problem is that I have a defective card. Constant signal drops that require a signal hit or tech visit. Not until the last visit was it determined by a tech that the signal was strong and that it was the card. When he called in to his supervisor on their two-way radios, I clearly hear his supervisor say "we have not received a cable card or installed one in over 8 months, and as far as he knew they would not be receiving anymore. As for my expereince, the techs don't lke dealing with them, and will actually try to sell you on asking your local office for a STB. I have not hear anyone say there is a definite advantage in PQ either way.

Hey, just a quick question. From DeKalb, IL

I have Basic Cable from comcast w/ a set top box. Just picked up the 56HM66 that was on sale from Bestbuy on blackfriday. Just upgraded from a 32" sony wega, the size is great but I am having a problem. I am unable to get any HD content. I looked over comcasts website, they have a extra 5$ charge to let you have ESPN HD, Discovery HD. . .but it never says anything about the local stations.

I currently have the cable going into the cable box then the cablebox into my hdtv. I was wondering if I should be able to get the HD Channels from fox, abc, nbc(Channels 188, 189, 190, 191) I know I can do it OTA, but I dont want to buy an anttena that and I would lose my TVguide/gui. Any help? Thanks in advance.

quick edit: when i do attempt to go to channels 188, 189...etc. the tv shows no picture or lines going on the side w/ perfect audio.

Hi Naiku,

I live here in DeKalb as well. Yes, you do get all the Chicago locals in HD, minus WCIU...but you only get the analogs from Rockford...at least for now.

I've had a cablecard for over a year and a half. As much as I love the convenience and the fact that it is free (no monthly payment) I'm beginning to think I want a HD-DVR. The problem is that I have a defective card. Constant signal drops that require a signal hit or tech visit. Not until the last visit was it determined by a tech that the signal was strong and that it was the card. When he called in to his supervisor on their two-way radios, I clearly hear his supervisor say "we have not received a cable card or installed one in over 8 months, and as far as he knew they would not be receiving anymore. As for my expereince, the techs don't lke dealing with them, and will actually try to sell you on asking your local office for a STB. I have not hear anyone say there is a definite advantage in PQ either way.

I've heard a lot of people having the same type of problem you are having with your cable card. I personally really like the novelty of the Cable Card, but I haven't heard a lot of good things about them. All the TV salesmen, (Best Buy, Circuit City, internet), says they are unreliable, and that a lot of TV manufacturer's are going away from providing the slot. The major reasons are compatibility issues. Kinda like what it sounds like you are dealing with. This is a shame, because the cable card would save you money on renting a box and it wouldn't require another remote control.

In my limited knowledge, I've only seen one brand of HDTV that comes with a cable card slot, the LG models. (Which would support manufac. going away from it). If anyone knows fo another please share.

Has anyone else lost the unencrypted HD channels from the Carpentersville feed?
Mine seem to have disappeared last week - enhanced basic, no box into a Zenith HD CRT w/QAM tuner on North side of Cary. I get no hits in repeated searches ;-(

You can purchase the Series 3 directly from Tivo or many electronic stores including BB or Tweeter. You only need to get the CC from your cable co.

It didn't show up on the BB website, but is on Amazon - $799 SRP.

Was there a charge from Comcast for the cable cards? Installation?

What are the monthly costs for the TIVO series 3 (TIVO not Comcast)?

Did I see that you're feeding a Mits HC3000 projector with one of yours?

How does it work on SD vs the Comcast box?

Also, I haven't heard how the Comcast phone service is fairing, but I haven't met anyone who has it and I'd bet a lot of people are still clinging to their analog phones as opposed to going Voice Over IP. Just speculation, but maybe the increase is covering that?



To me the Comcast phone service is too expensive. I'm running Vonage over Comcast cable modem with no troubles at $10 cheaper per month.

FYI, I did a scan of the HD channels last weekend using the QAM tuner in my Westinghouse 27w7. Although I'm west of Elgin, I'm on the Batavia feed :confused: . Does anyone know why that is?

Anyway here's what I've found so far:

QAM Channel OTA
111.01 WLS-DT 7.1
111.02 WLS News Plus 7.2
111.03 WLS Weather 7.3
111.04 Tube TV 9.2
111.05 WGN-DT 9.1
116.01 WTTW-DT 11.1
116.02 WBBM-DT 2.1
116.03 WTTW Create 11.3
117.01 WMAQ Weather Plus 5.2
117.02 WMAQ-DT 5.1
117.03 WFLD-DT 32.1

I've also noticed that many of the analog channels are available in the clear as well on QAM channels.

I have good news to report about the WLS-DT (ABC 7.1 – Chicago) HD broadcast of college football. As many of you have reported, WLS has had significant “frame de-focus” issues (channel blurring, graphics and all) when broadcasting live HD sporting events over the past couple of years. The problem is most noticeable when the camera and/or camera angle changes and the entire picture goes significantly out-of-focus and then ramps up to crisp in a moment or two.

The ABC Network was made aware of the problems in early 2004. After some investigation and troubleshooting, they discovered that a simple pre-filter setting change from “0” (or adaptive) to “2” (or fixed setting) in the Harris FlexiCoder should resolve the problem.

Unfortunately, WLS-TV would either only temporarily resolve the issue or replace hardware/software on the FlexiCoder and not make the manual re-adjustments necessary to keep the issue in check.

I spoke to the Chief Engineer at WLS last night (11/29/06) who confirmed that the problem has now been resolved. I had written a letter to the station this week (addressed to their General Manager and President) describing the problem and what I believed to be the solution. Apparently, WLS has gone through several hardware and software updates to the HD encoder and the pre-filter settings had changed back to the defaults (“0” or “adaptive”).

An interesting tidbit from the Chief Engineer is that the technicians at WLS are not able to see what they’re pushing out in HD (through the antenna on the Sears Tower) as the Chicago skyline blocks the signal to them at the station. He very much acknowledged the need for viewers to stay in touch with the station to let them know what they’re seeing.

Long story short: the HD broadcast quality of the college football on WLS-DT this weekend should be much better.

I do have the Chief Engineers’ contact information but will refrain from posting it globally to keep him from getting inundated. If anyone is interested in contacting WLS about this or other issues, please contact me privately.

In addition, if anyone wants the technical explanation of HD blurring during the broadcast of a live sporting event, here are the details (from an ABC Network memo to their affiliates sent in early 2004):

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Harris FlexiCoder (the HD encoder) uses a pre-filter to keep the buffers from overflowing. Normally, the HD pre-filter is set to "0", which is "adaptive", meaning that the encoder tries to find a good setting by itself, causing the dynamic defocusing. Setting the pre-filter to "2" selects a steady number and stops the encoder from dynamically changing.

The encoder command in the terminal program is as follows:

Prov vid (board location) prefilt 2
****In addition, remember to save the changes (save context) after making the changes****
Please note that this problem has only been reported by stations with Harris FlexiCoders.

FYI, I did a scan of the HD channels last weekend using the QAM tuner in my Westinghouse 27w7. Although I'm west of Elgin, I'm on the Batavia feed :confused: . Does anyone know why that is?

Anyway here's what I've found so far:

QAM Channel OTA
111.01 WLS-DT 7.1
111.02 WLS News Plus 7.2
111.03 WLS Weather 7.3
111.04 Tube TV 9.2
111.05 WGN-DT 9.1
116.01 WTTW-DT 11.1
116.02 WBBM-DT 2.1
116.03 WTTW Create 11.3
117.01 WMAQ Weather Plus 5.2
117.02 WMAQ-DT 5.1
117.03 WFLD-DT 32.1

I've also noticed that many of the analog channels are available in the clear as well on QAM channels.


Are you getting these channels from the comcast cable feeed. Meaning, are you able to pick up these channels by just plugging the coaxial cable feed directly into your HDTV with the built in ATSC tunner? No antenna or set top box?

To me the Comcast phone service is too expensive. I'm running Vonage over Comcast cable modem with no troubles at $10 cheaper per month.

I agree its to expensive, ($39.99/month). I have Voice Over IP through Voice Pulse, and I only pay $15/month for it and no taxes. (Caller ID, Voice message, call waiting, voice messages sent to my email, Unlimited Illinois calls, etc.). After Comcast applies their taxes 3 months of voice pulse would = 1 month of Comcast.


There are definetly cheaper alternatives. If Comcast was competitive I'd switch because I'd love to send in a check for only 1 bill. That business with the $99/month for cable, internet, and phone only applys to new customers.

Are you getting these channels from the comcast cable feeed. Meaning, are you able to pick up these channels by just plugging the coaxial cable feed directly into your HDTV with the built in ATSC tunner? No antenna or set top box?

I'm plugging in the coax cable directly into the TV and using the built in QAM (digital cable) tuner (not ATSC).

Is anyone getting the Ravens/Bengals games in HD? Last week it was on INHD, this week, some crappy ass movie.

Call Comcast and tell em to put the game on!

It's on INHD here, came on right @ 7PM

Is your INHD 174 for those of you getting the game?

Is your INHD 174 for those of you getting the game?


Yes

Sorry to ask this question since probably it has already been answered. However, the thread is really long and I can't find the answer with the Search function.

I was wondering what, if any channels are available unencrypted thru Comcast in Chicago (Bucktown area). I contacted technical service and the CSR told me all the QAM channels were encrypted and that I would need to rent a STB instead.

Big Thanks!
Alan

I'm trying to get support to understand my question about the game tonight, and not having much luck. He spent 5 minutes verifying that I do not have NFL HD in my channel lineup, and I can't seem to get across the concept of a special event and INHD.

----

edit: No luck. Said there's no one available who could fix this problem. Don't believe it, but got frustrated with first tier support.

Sorry to ask this question since probably it has already been answered. However, the thread is really long and I can't find the answer with the Search function.

I was wondering what, if any channels are available unencrypted thru Comcast in Chicago (Bucktown area). I contacted technical service and the CSR told me all the QAM channels were encrypted and that I would need to rent a STB instead.

Big Thanks!
Alan

Check out this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6149881&&#post6149881).

Thanks wizzy. 6 channels isn't very impressive. I guess I'll stick with OTA HD.

ABC 107.1
WGN 107.2
CBS 115.1
WTTW 115.2
FOX 116.2
NBC 116

Are those of you who don't subscirbe to NFL Network still getting the HD broadcasts on INHD? You must be, right?

My current package was from a special introductory offer that included the Plus group (which I don't watch at all except for the NFL network on occasion). I realize NFL-N is also part of a more affordable sporst tier, but even then it's attractiveness is stifled by the HD broadcasts being made available elsewhere. If I downgrade (after next week's Steelers game of course), am I still going to be able to see these Thursday night games via INHD?

I have Digital Plus but not Digital Sports. Last weeks game was on InHD but this weeks was not.

Thanks wizzy. 6 channels isn't very impressive. I guess I'll stick with OTA HD.

ABC 107.1
WGN 107.2
CBS 115.1
WTTW 115.2
FOX 116.2
NBC 116
I think WPWR-DT is supposed to be added in. There was a discussion back several pages about that.

I have Digital Plus but not Digital Sports. Last weeks game was on InHD but this weeks was not.

What's the deal with that? You're supposed to get it. Are you sure you tried to tune into the game rather than just referring to the guide? I have On Demand Silver Plus (got the game fine last night except for the audio sync), and I'm about downgrade to Digital Classic. Trying to decide whether to tack on Digital Sports for the next couple months.

Last night on ABC HD, the lip synch was off something awful, especially on Grey's Anatomy. It has been this way for two or three weeks. Other channels seem fine. Anyone have any solutions?

I sat on the phone last night with a csr for about 20 minutes trying to figure out why I couldn't get the game. Was stuck watching the game on 168. It's unforunate that when you try and speak HD with the CSR's, they have no idea how to help you. The guy wanted to send out a tech, and with it not being in the guide. Hopefully this won't happen again. I have yet to speak with a CSR who knows anything about HD.

I replaced the DVI cable on to my TV, and the Comcast cable box detected "HDMI tampering" and reverted to 480p. I called Comcast with the simple question: How do I change the box's HDMI output back to 1080i?

After three different CSRs over a TWO HOUR period, they continued to troubleshoot "DVR configuration" even though our box is not the Comcast HD/DVR box -- It is the older HD box without DVR. They had no clue what I was talking about. Neither did their manager.

Luckily, my wife kept a post-it note from the local TV/Antenna shop that actually performed the original installation for Comcast. I called them. They answered my question in 30 seconds. "Turn OFF the HD tuner and press 'Menu.' Wait a moment for the service menu to appear on the monitor. Change the output from 480p to either 720p or 1080i. Press 'Power'."

Gotta love those "well-trained" overseas techs employed by Comcast.

Gotta love those "well-trained" overseas techs employed by Comcast.

Comcast has techs in their Schaumburg and Tinley Park call centers. I've never heard anything about them outsourcing, so I highly doubt you spoke to anyone overseas.

Is Discovery HD encrypted? Would I get this channel if the TV would have a QAM Tuner? I have no STB.

Yes and No to your two questions, but YMMV according to your location.

What's the deal with that? You're supposed to get it. Are you sure you tried to tune into the game rather than just referring to the guide? I have On Demand Silver Plus (got the game fine last night except for the audio sync), and I'm about downgrade to Digital Classic. Trying to decide whether to tack on Digital Sports for the next couple months.

I thought I was supposed to get it too. I was definitely on the right channel and it wasn't in the guide, but last weeks game wasn't either. I didn't have the energy to call and deal with CS.

Last night on ABC HD, the lip synch was off something awful, especially on Grey's Anatomy. It has been this way for two or three weeks. Other channels seem fine. Anyone have any solutions?
It looking like a problem on their end. From what I understand, they don't have an effective way of monitoring their DTV signal. I have been watching our ABC gear really closely and haven't seen any problems yet. I have to email them on monday.

Comcast has techs in their Schaumburg and Tinley Park call centers. I've never heard anything about them outsourcing, so I highly doubt you spoke to anyone overseas.
Boy, do I have stories about one I worked with. :eek:

I'm considering changing my service to Comcast from DirecTv.

Can anyone give me any idea about the quality of Comcast's service - picture quality? Is it as good or better than Directv? 1080i HDMI?

It looking like a problem on their end. From what I understand, they don't have an effective way of monitoring their DTV signal. I have been watching our ABC gear really closely and haven't seen any problems yet. I have to email them on monday.


I too have noticed the terrible lip sync problems lately on ABC. Grey's was especially bad. This is unacceptable!

I too have noticed the terrible lip sync problems lately on ABC. Grey's was especially bad. This is unacceptable!
I agree.

I looking to step up to HD next week. I'm in Naperville and have a choice between Comcast or Wide Open West (WoW) Cable. I was wondering if anyone has compared the two or swtich to Comcast and can give me the run down of any differences.

From what I heard, WoW gets their local stations over fiber, while Comcast gets them over the air. WoW also uses a SA8300 HD DVR while Comcast uses a Moto 6456.

I'm considering changing my service to Comcast from DirecTv.

Can anyone give me any idea about the quality of Comcast's service - picture quality? Is it as good or better than Directv? 1080i HDMI?
In general, HD is genuinely HD on cable, with little to no additional compression. DirectTV is known to compress HD to save bandwidth (hence the term, HD-Lite). I don't now if the new MPEG4 is any better.
On cable, HD is sent in it's original format (720p/1080i). The Motorola boxes typically used only allow one format for output, though. So one or the other will be converted.

Even if you don't plan on the DVR, you can check out the information in the Wikibook link in my .sig below. Some of it applies to all of the Motorola HD boxes that Comcast typically uses. For the DVR, the Phase III 6412, and the 3412/3416 have HDMI. Other models have DVI, which can be used with an adapter if needed.

Be aware that the HDCP (copy protection) handshaking with DVI/HDMI is flaky with these boxes. Some have given up and gone to component to avoid it.

I looking to step up to HD next week. I'm in Naperville and have a choice between Comcast or Wide Open West (WoW) Cable. I was wondering if anyone has compared the two or swtich to Comcast and can give me the run down of any differences.

From what I heard, WoW gets their local stations over fiber, while Comcast gets them over the air. WoW also uses a SA8300 HD DVR while Comcast uses a Moto 6456.
Comcast does grab stations via fiber. I don't know exactly which ones or if its just analog but they have it.

Comcast has techs in their Schaumburg and Tinley Park call centers. I've never heard anything about them outsourcing, so I highly doubt you spoke to anyone overseas.
I asked the second tech I was talking to where she was located, and she said INDIA. My wife called during the same week and also talked to a tech who said she was in India.

Perhaps they have domestic call centers, but they most definitely defer calls to an India-based call center, as well.

I asked the second tech I was talking to where she was located, and she said INDIA. My wife called during the same week and also talked to a tech who said she was in India.

Perhaps they have domestic call centers, but they most definitely defer calls to an India-based call center, as well.

What time did you call? I think if you call during normal business hours calls are routed locally. If you call after hours than it is anyones guess where your call might end up.

Comcast does grab stations via fiber. I don't know exactly which ones or if its just analog but they have it.

For Comcast, it's all OTA *except* WBBM due to problems they had picking it up in bad weather at their head end (I think just off the Ike, visible from the expressway). :rolleyes: , and WCIU since they get great reception now.

Comcast analog is all fiber. WOW is all fiber for analog and HD. RCN is all OTA. But I have a problem with *how* the fiber is set up. In New York, their cable company has fiber to the individual stations' studios. AFAIK, everyone here has their fiber at the tippy-top of Sears near the transmitter rooms. If there's a problem up there, everyone goes down, OTA, cable and satellite. Sure, it's cheaper than going to the individual stations, but...I'd at least have the "big 5" direct to the studios.

sebenste,
Thanks for clearing that up.

Still didn't make the decision any easier. I also posted in the WoW thread, and no one responded. I guess no one has compared them. :(

What's up with CBS? WBBM not giving us HD for the Victoria Secret show when it was the norm for this event