Anyone know what's going on with National Geographic HD and A&E HD?

Anyone know what's going on with National Geographic HD and A&E HD?

No clue. I called few times, but CSRs are clueless as usual.

I'm a newb to HD so bear with me here.

I just got a Samsung HLS6187 DLP and I'm now waiting on my D* H20 box to show up. I've heard bad things about this new box from D* so I was looking to get some feedback from anybody, especially users from the Chicagoland area.

I can get Comcast HD cable or I can stick with D* and their H20 DVR. For those who have seen both, which would you recommend? I've always heard that D* has such a better picture than cable, but without having both I don't really know.

I know this the DBS only thread but I'm just looking for some feedback.

Thanks.

For those who have seen both, which would you recommend? I've always heard that D* has such a better picture than cable, but without having both I don't really know.That may have been true a few years back, but D* has declined dramatically since then. Their HD (and SD) is terribly overcompressed, and you will probably notice more annoying artifacts. They reduce the resolution on their HD channels, also (the worst - between them, Comcast & E*).

Comcast's HD is passed as it is originally sent OTA. And OTA HD is generally regarded as the best.

Comcast's SD digital channels are generally a bit better, too.

So, if you're basing your decision purely on picture quality, then Comcast would probably be the way to go. But if there are other reasons you'd prefer D* (such as content or price), then go with them.

Also, D* is supposed to be launching some new satellites, which, "theoretically" will give them more room for bandwith (along with more channels), but there's been no guarantee so far stating that this will alleviate the lousy picture quality of the ones already in existence. For all we know, they could overcram those with new channels, too - probably will eventually, if not immediately. So, if you're the type to go on "blind faith", you could factor that into your decision.

But if you want better HD picture quality NOW, then Comcast would be the choice. Actually, if The Sunday Ticket doesn't mean anything to you, E* would probably be the better choice of satellite right now - at least they have more channels. But you'd have to make sure they can give you your locals first.

I pretty much only care about PQ now so maybe Comcast would be the better option.

I have since stopped getting Sunday Ticket due to the ridiculous price D* charges for it!

Are there the same # of HD channels on Comcast as D*?

I'm supposed to have D* out this month to install my HD DVR (I currently have an SD D* DVR) but they've been giving me the runaround big time! They also require me to sign a new 2-yr contract in order to get this new DVR, which I think is pretty crappy. It kind of makes me wonder if they are getting worse picture-wise, since they want me to sign a contract. I called Comcast and they said there's no contract and I only have to pay a $29 install. fee and it's good to go. If I don't like it, I can cancel anytime! Plus they said they'd give me $25 off my bill(for 16 months) if I let them have my D* equipment. Maybe I'll cancel my D* appt and have Comcast come out. Worst case scenario, I can cancel the Comcast and go back to D*.

Thanks for the help.

Is anyone still having any problems with their DVI output since the Comcast Central update? I just had a tech come on who tryed 2 new STB's both of which exibited the same problem. Apon checking in the service menu he decided that the DVI port had been disabled by the software update. Anyone have any ideas? its the HD-STB not the DVR

I don't have Comcast but on every mode I've seen, HD broadcasts out of the United Center are showing some pixellated frames and overexposed frames. Even the "good" frames don't look very good. The problems are the same on DirecTV MPEG4 and MPEG2 channels as well as over the air. Is Comcast having trouble too? See the Chicago OTA thread for a link to a still picture.

Anyone having issues with the Moto3416 DVR ghost recordings? By that I mean, we had one 60min recorded DVR program and it showed the HD at 78% full. We deleted literally everything, all DVR and OnDemand saved programs, and then it showed 0%. But, we then recorded 1 min of SD material, and it once again shows us at 70% suddenly. Anyone have any clues?

These boxes are extremely flaky. I'm getting the green screen HDMI handshake issues and also remote "lag." Sometimes you'll be sitting there trying to change the channel with no luck, and suddenly every button you pressed will register immediately as it kind of catches up with the remote input.

Also, apparently during the last episode of America's Next Top Model the video locked up but the audio kept going. This happened to both my girlfriend and my sister, who has one of the 6xxx series box.

After experiencing tons of hassle just getting service, and now flaky service and boxes, Comcast has been extremely disappointing.

I sometimes get a similar issue on my 6412. Pull the power plug, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in. You need to reboot the box in order for the hard drive to run through the chkdsk function and straighten itself out. It's annoying because you have to wait for the program guide to download again, but at least the disk space usage problem is fixed.

There seems to be some bug in the free space calculations, or something related to that. There are several resolutions listed in the Wikibook:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#The_DVR_menu_erroneously_states_the_DVR_hard_drive_is_1 00.25_full

I pretty much only care about PQ now so maybe Comcast would be the better option.

I have since stopped getting Sunday Ticket due to the ridiculous price D* charges for it!

Are there the same # of HD channels on Comcast as D*?

I'm supposed to have D* out this month to install my HD DVR (I currently have an SD D* DVR) but they've been giving me the runaround big time! They also require me to sign a new 2-yr contract in order to get this new DVR, which I think is pretty crappy. It kind of makes me wonder if they are getting worse picture-wise, since they want me to sign a contract. I called Comcast and they said there's no contract and I only have to pay a $29 install. fee and it's good to go. If I don't like it, I can cancel anytime! Plus they said they'd give me $25 off my bill(for 16 months) if I let them have my D* equipment. Maybe I'll cancel my D* appt and have Comcast come out. Worst case scenario, I can cancel the Comcast and go back to D*.

Thanks for the help.I left comcast for directv a few years ago because of the poor analog quality of comcast. I switched back to comcast a few months ago and was very surprised how well the digital channels look. It was a bit of a difference vs. directv. directv appears very compressed.

If anybody had problems Sunday night with WFLD-DT (usually channel 190), it wasn't Comcast or your signal or your box. WFLD was having problems as mentioned in the OTA forum.

Finally there is an HD show for National Geographic OnDemand. 2 SD shows are still there too, but they added a new show today about Shaving in HD :)

Hello,

I just purchased a HDTV set. Samsung HL-S5687W. I currently pay for basic cable from Comcast. What I am wondering is whether I can just connect the cable to the TV and get the locals in HD without a box. Also, for anyone who has the TV what input would I use. Cable In or ANT In.

Which one is better? for tonights bears game? WLS HD or ESPN HD on comcast?

Looking to add HD service to my Comcast plan and was wondering if anyone tried buying an HD STB and just seeing if you can get HD programs from the Comcast line?

I see a lot of Motorola HD DVR boxes on Ebay and wondered if I could "cheat" and just buy the box without signing up with Comcast.

Looking to add HD service to my Comcast plan and was wondering if anyone tried buying an HD STB and just seeing if you can get HD programs from the Comcast line?

I see a lot of Motorola HD DVR boxes on Ebay and wondered if I could "cheat" and just buy the box without signing up with Comcast.

Can't be done

1.) I pretty much only care about PQ now so maybe Comcast would be the better option.
2.) Are there the same # of HD channels on Comcast as D*?
3.) Worst case scenario, I can cancel the Comcast and go back to D*.1.) If you care about picture quality that much, I'd stay away from D*. One only has to browse through all the "HD-lite" threads in the HD Programming area to see the general dissatisfaction.

2.) You'll probably get a couple more HD locals (and you should get many of the local digital subchannels) with Comcast, but as far as the rest, I can't honestly tell you for sure. I think they're probably fairly close to equal.

3.) Yeah, that would be the smart way to go.

Hello,

I just purchased a HDTV set. Samsung HL-S5687W. I currently pay for basic cable from Comcast. What I am wondering is whether I can just connect the cable to the TV and get the locals in HD without a box. Also, for anyone who has the TV what input would I use. Cable In or ANT In.You shouldn't have any problems with this. Use the cable input.

I'm pretty disappointed to see that Comcast has once again put ads in the program guide - effectively replacing the bottom line of the screen with an ad for one of the cable channels. Very annoying if you're navigating through the screen line by line; a little less so when navigating using the page-up/down keys.

When I checked around 7 pm tonight I was pleasantly surprised to see the ads gone from the guide. Wonder if Comcast is just running tests during the day?

When I checked around 7 pm tonight I was pleasantly surprised to see the ads gone from the guide. Wonder if Comcast is just running tests during the day?
Maybe they figure the kids and moms home during the day will be more likely to click one of them, most likely by mistake.

When I checked around 7 pm tonight I was pleasantly surprised to see the ads gone from the guide. Wonder if Comcast is just running tests during the day?I still have them now. :(

so fox reality network should be added around midnight tonight.

so fox reality network should be added around midnight tonight.

It's on channel 108 right now.

boooyakasha!

I hate those ads, as if we dont pay enough for comcast service they have to subject us to annoying ads so that they can make a few extra bucks. Man I remeber the days when the Platinum package included all the movies channels now you pay more and only get to pick from 3. Ah commerce at its bext

I hate the adds in the guide, guess I'll be calling comcast again to complain..:)

Anyone have problems recording through firewire now? I'm using the DCT-6200. I try VLC and it shows the time in the bar but no video/audio. I'm in the Rolling Meadows/Hoffman Estates area.

Anyone have problems recording through firewire now? I'm using the DCT-6200. I try VLC and it shows the time in the bar but no video/audio. I'm in the Rolling Meadows/Hoffman Estates area.

I can no longer make a good D-VHS tape via the 3416 firewire. The trouble is, I don't know if it's the box or the new firmware, since I got them both at about the same time.

I get good video, but no audio on the tape. My receiver's 5.1 indicator blinks continuously instead of remaining steady.

Anyone is the Chicago area having 'tiling' or 'pixelating' issue recently since Comcasts latest update? I've noticed a marked increase of it in Chicago Ridge with BOTH SD and HD programming. Since I don't have OTA reception I don't know if its Comcast or of OTA origin. Typical Comcast, beta testing with us as the guinea pigs paying them to frustrate us as they work the bugs out for months and months.

Nutt

Anyone is the Chicago area having 'tiling' or 'pixelating' issue recently since Comcasts latest update? I've noticed a marked increase of it in Chicago Ridge with BOTH SD and HD programming.

I'm in Chicago Ridge as well and if anything, the picture actually looks better to me than it did before the update; especially on the SD channels. That's not to say the video compression is completely invisible; it just doesn't look as prominent to me as it did before.

One thing I've found that helps with the SD channels is to use the plain old composite video connection in addition to the HDMI or component hookup between the cable box and your TV. The lower res of the composite hookup seems to blend / blur the picture enough to hide a lot of the compression artifacts. Of course this only works if you have an open composite video input on your TV (and if you're willing to deal with the hassle of flipping back and forth between two video inputs on your TV).

For a while, I had the 4x3 override on 480i which made the SD look a little better via my HDMI hookup. But I got sick of the delay and audio crackle when the TV switched from 480i for an SD channel back to 1080i for an HD one.

As to the HD channels, they look about the same since the update.

One place where I've noticed a massive amount of pixelating is in NBC's Sunday Night Football -- especially when there's a fast camera pan. If they pan past something red; it's horrendous. With other colors, it's not as noticeable. But I see this with my OTA HD tuner as well so I don't think it's Comcast.

ZZZZZ,

WOW, someone else in CR!

Thanks for the note about your OTA HD tuner showing its not necessarily Comcast. I wasn't really sure if it was just the local networks or all Comcast causing the pixelating.

I've noticed the increased pixelating on nearly ALL channels. Makes little if any difference what channel or time of day. BTW, I'm using the DVI connection since that's what my STB from Comcast and my TV have, no HDMI on either. I may try the composite just to see if its better overall for SD. Now that Comcast has the ability for separate 'favorite' lists this idea might be easier to implement, HD and SD as separate lists.

I don't care much 'who's cutting it or how' there's been a definite increase of tiling as of lately. Whether thats comcast or ota its definitely increased via my Comcast service. Its just an annoyance that I can't help but notice recently its so obvious. Of course it comes at critical times during a program and we're left asking ourselves 'what did he/she say?' during critical dialogue to a plot. Frizzin frazzin technology glitches drive me nutts when I'm 'paying' for it.

Thanks for the input ZZZZZ,

Nutt <><

I am in Naperville and have question regarding COMCAST in this area. I have purchased new HD set which has HDMI input. I was wondering, if comcast provides HDMI cable along with cable box. Also, what is latest set top box (model #) that they are providing? I am new the area.

Thanks!

I didn't see this mentioned on the last page, so pardon if it's already been mentioned.

According to Saturday's Daily Herald, ABC 7 Chicago will start broadcasting all their news casts and other station programs in HD! They're also supposedly one of the first local stations to do so, or something along those lines, which is pretty cool. HD broadcasting will begin January 6th (nice).

Wait. Found it.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=stationinfo&id=4853892

ABC7 first television station in Chicago to broadcast local news and programming in high definition
WLS

December 14, 2006 - ABC 7 Chicago will become the first and only television station in the market to broadcast its entire local news and programming line-up in High Definition television beginning, January 6, 2007 it was announced today by Emily Barr, President and General Manger, ABC 7.

According to Barr, "We are proud to once again lead the way in cutting edge technology by being the first station in town to broadcast local news and programming in high definition. Just like the transition from black and white to color, HD broadcasting infuses a sense of excitement for our viewers. As the Chicago station with the most HD local programming, ABC7's audience will enjoy the "wow" factor that comes with such a high quality viewing experience."

This cutting edge conversion of 4:3 Standard Definition television to 16:9 High Definition television translates to 33 hours of weekly local news in vivid, crystal clear pictures.

ABC7 will provide more hours of HD programming than any other television station in the market. In addition to HD local newscasts, ABC7's High Definition broadcast of local news, sports, entertainment and community focused programming and specials, combined with its extensive network and syndication HD lineup, will make ABC7 "Chicago's premiere HD station."

ABC7 has paved the way with technological firsts including having the only HD helicopter in the market as well as being the first station to provide video and audio podcasting as well as making up-to-the-minute election results available via web enabled cell phones and wireless devices.

Kal Hassan, Vice President of Engineering said, "ABC7 has one of the most advanced, all digital facilities in the country, pioneering the way here with an all HD infra structure that includes HD control rooms, HD studio and remote cameras, HD graphics weather system and HD capable live trucks. Broadcasting from our Emmy Award winning news set, we will be providing 16: 9, pictures that will fill the screen with stunning clarity. ABC7 viewers will now have a front row seat to a brand new technology."

Like I said; Nice, right?

I'm not sure if it was brought up in this thread, but the announcement was noted last week over in the OTA thread. In fact, one of WLS's engineers confirmed it and expanded on their HD capabilities.

Great news - I look forward to watching the local news in HD!

Anyone is the Chicago area having 'tiling' or 'pixelating' issue recently since Comcasts latest update?

Yes, I noticed a definite increase in infrequent but annoying tiling glitches and other reception glitches several weeks ago in Evanston (north of Chicago border).

I have switched boxes twice. It was OK at times but the problems always returned eventually.

I am seriously thinking of going back to satellite. The increase in ads on the TV Guide is is the straw that brought me to consider changing providers.

I came here today to start my research to see if my problems are commonplace or the same with satellite.

Comcast says I am the only one having these problems and I should schedule a third appointment to tell me what a great signal and picture quality I have. When the tiling occurs for a split second every 15 minutes or so, the techs say. "Oh that's nothing."

I will start reading backwards on this thread to see if others have posted about these issues. Pardon me, if I am behind the learning curve, but my reception was so great for six months so late last year and early this year, I became complacent.

The last six months have involved unpluging and resetting every few weeks until the update which made it impossible to go a few days without having to reset (remote not responding too often). Then I called and they suggested changing boxes. The third box (DCT-3412?? vs older 6412s), the new cheaper looking one seems better in that regard.

I am specualting the free uncluttered space on the hard drive might effect overall performance in some way. One of the techs suggest a newly formatted hard used to clear up such problems but of all the boxes I tried, none were formatted.

radarblip,

Yes, I noticed a definite increase in infrequent but annoying tiling glitches and other reception glitches several weeks ago in Evanston (north of Chicago border). Its been going on here for well over a month now. And it happens several times an hour regardless of channel even though it only lasts 2-5 seconds on average. But its just long enough to miss an important part in a plot since the audio skips too. GGGRRR! I'm not wasting my time even calling since all they'd do is make numerous service calls that wouldn't fix anything here. Its a 'head end' (buggy software/inadequate hardware) issue that they have to fix starting at their distribution points. These are 'bandwidth' bottlenecks or dropouts that are causing the pixelating/freezes and pauses in audio. I am seriously thinking of going back to satellite. The increase in ads on the TV Guide is is the straw that brought me to consider changing providers. Dish is going through its own growing pains also. I'm guessing everyone loves emulating Microsoft by making us consumers their beta testers and we are being granted the privilege of paying for that honor. It puzzles me how it works like that but it does. Ain't capitalism great *lol*. Comcast says I am the only one having these problems and I should schedule a third appointment to tell me what a great signal and picture quality I have. When the tiling occurs for a split second every 15 minutes or so, the techs say. "Oh that's nothing." "Comcast says I am the only one having these problems" Don't you know? Those are the first words they're taught to say, even before Mommy or Daddy. God forbid they admit to anything. That's an immediate class action suit if they did, even once. My answer when they use this excuse is this. If I'm the 'only one' experiencing this then they shouldn't mind discounting my bill for every day it isn't fixed and I simply call every day to remind them of that. But I refuse to take an appointment for it because we both know that won't solve anything but waste my time (and theirs). Eventually people get tired of excessive service calls that accomplish nothing so they live with it . . . and Comcast wins . . .cause they're still getting paid whether the service is acceptable or not. Free is not in their vocabulary for being a beta tester. I am specualting the free uncluttered space on the hard drive might effect overall performance in some way. One of the techs suggest a newly formatted hard used to clear up such problems but of all the boxes I tried, none were formatted. I don't have the DVR with Comcast or I'm at least not using and paying for it if there's one in my STB. My cousin has dish with Tivo and he's noticed a large difference in response times since he got the Tivo (DVR). The STB he has in another room without the Tivo is much faster.

Good luck, I'm considering going to dish too. When HD first rolled out with Comcast it worked well for nearly a year. Then they did a major software update. It took them over 3 months and nearly a dozen service calls (since that's all Comcasts CSR's know how to do besides blame it on the customers) to finally fix what the first tech said it was, a 'head end' problem that had to be fixed there and not at my location. Yup, Comcast excels at pointing fingers in every direction but at their own problems. Stall, stall, stall, deny, deny, deny, while they continue to collect our monthlies. They should run for elected office, they'd win overwhelmingly and we'd get stuck for the bill for it. In other words, snafu.

And some people call me cynical . . . why is that? *lol* I've been a Comcast customer for too long.

Nutt <><

"we will be providing 16: 9 pictures"
This is very good news! Al

This morning, there are a bunch of dead channels here in Schaumburg:
ESPNHD/CSNHD, both on 729MHz (105)
ESPN2HD/TNTHD, both on 357MHz (46)
SciFi/NatGeo/etc..., all on 807MHz (126)

Diagnostics show there is a signal, but no PCR lock.

I didn't see this mentioned on the last page, so pardon if it's already been mentioned.

According to Saturday's Daily Herald, ABC 7 Chicago will start broadcasting all their news casts and other station programs in HD! They're also supposedly one of the first local stations to do so, or something along those lines, which is pretty cool. HD broadcasting will begin January 6th (nice).

Wait. Found it.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=stationinfo&id=4853892

Like I said; Nice, right?


Wow, this is great! I'm really looking forward to this. Thanks for bringing to light this great information. Now, the HD offering for channel 7 should look like this, (week days)

5-7am Eyewitness News in HD! (2hrs)
7-9am Good morning America in HD! (2hrs)
10-11am The View in HD! (1 hr)
11:30-12pm Eyewitness News in HD! (1/2 hr)
3:30-4pm Jepordy in HD! (1/2 hr)
4-5:30pm Eyewitness News in HD! (1-1/2 hr)
6-6:30pm Eyewitness News in HD! (1/2 hr)
6:30-7pm Wheel of Fortune (1/2 hr)
~7:30-10pm Primetime (~2-1/2)
10-10:30pm Eyewitness News in HD! (1/2 hr)

11-1/2 hrs. daily of HD programming. I'm either sleeping or at work the other hours so it doesn't matter to me. What fun! This will be my channel of choice for news should they flip the switch on January 6th. I guess thats a Saturday, so the first news cast in HD should be the morning news, and then the 5:00pm evening news, and after that the 10:00pm news.

"We are proud to once again lead the way in cutting edge technology by being the first station in town to broadcast local news and programming in high definition."

I guess it isn't just the news, but also local programming. So, I take this to mean all televised Chicago parades, and maybe even the 190 N. and Chicagoing program that comes onon weekends. Does this also mean the all weather station that ABC has on its digital channel is going all HD now to? How about the other digital channel where they rerun the news and some of the local programming?

I got my Comcast HD DVR installed today. I'm really happy with it so far but I have a question that I hope someone can answer for me.

I have it connected to a Samsung HL-S6187 via HDMI and when I watch SD channels I get the vertical bars on either side of the screen. I can get rid of them by switching screen size from 16:9 to Wide. When I switch to an HD channel, then the bars are gone, but if I leave the size on Wide, it looks real bad on HD channels. This basically means I have to switch the screen size from 16:9 (for HD) to Wide (for SD) everytime I switch between SD and HD. Is there any way to get around this? I had heard that there was something you could change on the DVR so that it would automatically switch the screen size when going from SD to HD and back again.

Any ideas?

I have it connected to a Samsung HL-S6187 via HDMI and when I watch SD channels I get the vertical bars on either side of the screen. I can get rid of them by switching screen size from 16:9 to Wide. When I switch to an HD channel, then the bars are gone, but if I leave the size on Wide, it looks real bad on HD channels. This basically means I have to switch the screen size from 16:9 (for HD) to Wide (for SD) everytime I switch between SD and HD. Is there any way to get around this? I had heard that there was something you could change on the DVR so that it would automatically switch the screen size when going from SD to HD and back again.
Check the 'SETUP' section of the Wikibook. The link is in my .sig below.

Personally, what is wrong with the pillarboxing? Stretching a picture only distorts it.

Check the 'SETUP' section of the Wikibook. The link is in my .sig below.

Personally, what is wrong with the pillarboxing? Stretching a picture only distorts it.


I don't really like it stretched, but I hate the bars on the screen.

For anyone else who needs to know how to do it:

Power off the STB
Hit menu
scroll down and change the 4:3 option(can't remember the exact option) to stretch
Hit power again and your STB will automatically stretch the SD channels, while leaving the HD channels in 16:9

I was told charges for cablecards will be dropping to $1.99 per month in January. Any truth to this? I have four of them.

I was told charges for cablecards will be dropping to $1.99 per month in January. Any truth to this? I have four of them.

This is what was in my last bill:

"Comcast periodically reviews and adjusts prices to ensure they best reflect the value of the products and services customers receive. Below are monthly price changes that take effect with January 2007 bills. There is no change to High-Speed Internet or Digital Voice pricing.

Basic Service increases from $13.99 to $15.59; Standard Cable (Basic & Exp. Basic) from $49.99 to $52.49; HDTV Equip. from $5 to $7; Digital Classic & DVR Service from $9.99 to $11.99 each; Digital Premier & Digital Sports from $5 to $5.99 each; $1.50 fee applies to CableCARDs.

Monthly digital packages also change: Digital Silver from $75.99 to $79.99; Digital Gold from $83.99 to $88.99; Digital Platinum from $89.99 to $94.99. If you are receiving Comcast services under a promotional offer, the new prices may apply when your promotion ends. We appreciate your business--thank you for choosing Comcast."

I guess according to that CableCard fee will be $1.50?!

Thanks. Is Comcast adding the Soapnet channel???

I have a new problem for a couple of weeks with my HD menu selection:
If I click the HD listings I don't see all my current HD shows. It used to show all current HD shows (e.g. ABC,..). Not anymore. Did anyone else have this problem?


P.S. Please someone figured out how to get rid of the ads at the bottom of the menu...

If you list 'by time', it only appears to list programs tagged as 'HD'. If you list by channel, then it shows everything.

You can't get rid of the ads from the normal guide, but there are a few ways around it a bit:
1) Use your TV's ZOOM mode to cut off the top and bottom while viewing the guide (on some TV's, this may only work for 480i signals.)

2) Use Menu/Menu/TV Listings by Channel. This only lists one channel at a time (use left-right to change), but does list 7 programs at a time.

I don't know when it was added, but I found another new channel:
475 - Gospel Music Channel (243MHz, analog 27).

I checked the "missing" channels and they are tagged as HD. The little HD icon shows on the menu bar if I select the HD show.

I was told charges for cablecards will be dropping to $1.99 per month in January. Any truth to this? I have four of them.


Interesting, I have had CableCARD for over a year, and have never been charged a monthly fee. :confused:

Interesting, I have had CableCARD for over a year, and have never been charged a monthly fee. :confused:

I believe the price list says that first CC is free and additional ones are $1.50.

Same here, I 've had mine since May of 05 then I see the darn 1.50 charge :mad: beginning in Jan. 07. Interesting that they are charging money for something they give very little support to.

Same here, I 've had mine since May of 05 then I see the darn 1.50 charge :mad: beginning in Jan. 07. Interesting that they are charging money for something they give very little support to.

How many CableCards do you have?

If you only have one card in a device it will be free. If you have more than one in same device, each additional card will be $1.50 .

Anyone else having problems with analog feeds tonight? My HD DVR is working fine,but the three other tv's that only have analog feeds (coax into the tv) are showing nothing but snow. I'm located in Chicago/Lakeview.

How many CableCards do you have?

If you only have one card in a device it will be free. If you have more than one in same device, each additional card will be $1.50 .


Ok, then I'm fine, I have 3 stb's and just the one card.

I checked the "missing" channels and they are tagged as HD. The little HD icon shows on the menu bar if I select the HD show.
Can you give some examples of missing shows/channels?

I've been noticing some oddities with the HD icon. I've been seeing it on some History Channel shows such as Modern Marvels and others, even though there is no HD version of History Channel, as far as I know!

Ok, tell the wives, 2/22 Soapnet comes to Comcast on ch 109. I know this was a beef my wife had when we left D* four years ago. Hello Melrose Place and 90210.

Lots of messages on the box today:
On 1/22, inDemand channels 804-807 will be dropped.
Coincidentally, 4 new Sports PPV channels will be added as 477-480.
On 1/4, a new HD channel will be added. NFLTV-HD? NOPE. HGTV-HD? NOPE. National Geographic HD? NOPE. Try Versus/Golf HD on 199! Why? Comcast owns them!!

Lots of messages on the box today:
On 1/22, inDemand channels 804-807 will be dropped.
Coincidentally, 4 new Sports PPV channels will be added as 477-480.
On 1/4, a new HD channel will be added. NFLTV-HD? NOPE. HGTV-HD? NOPE. National Geographic HD? NOPE. Try Versus/Golf HD on 199! Why? Comcast owns them!!

Versus/Golf HD is just fine by me. I would like the other HD channels, including A&E HD & UHD to that list, but I watch a ton of Golf & will love to watch as much HD Golf as possible. NFL-HD will be nice, but they did pick up every live game on INHD, so the only HD missing programming was the NFL replay. They can wait and add this next August, when all the preseason games are on NFL. Rather see them add ESPNU & CSTV now for college hoops. I also wish up north they would add WYIN from Gary. I now it's a long way away, but it is on the DISH network local package and they carry alot of college hoops as well.

Try Versus/Golf HD on 199! Why? Comcast owns them!!

That's great news. Hockey in HD is the nuts!

Anyone else having problems with analog feeds tonight? My HD DVR is working fine,but the three other tv's that only have analog feeds (coax into the tv) are showing nothing but snow. I'm located in Chicago/Lakeview.

Odd solution to my problem. Not HD related at all, but somehow my line had a video signal blocker on it. The tech wasn't able to see any signal, even though the HD HVR was working fine. Went out to the box, removed the blocker, and all my analog tv's are working again.

Odd solution to my problem. Not HD related at all, but somehow my line had a video signal blocker on it. The tech wasn't able to see any signal, even though the HD HVR was working fine. Went out to the box, removed the blocker, and all my analog tv's are working again.


A question for you and those others who have multiple boxes and splits. Do you use a signal booster? If so, how many, and how many decibles is it boosting.

A question for you and those others who have multiple boxes and splits. Do you use a signal booster? If so, how many, and how many decibles is it boosting.

This is the one that Comcast provided

https://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.asp?SKU=510-8610&SEARCH=&n=1639833&DESC=VSA601C&R=510%2D8610&sid=45945A805A59617F#

It's placed where the line comes into the house and is later split to three TVs and internet.

OK I am a new guy here but actually been lurking around for quite some time. I read thru most all of this thread, but I am torn right now on a decision.
I just purchased an LG 30FS4D I am picking up the HD "in the clear" channels on the TV with basic cable service. I am also getting all of the standard channels 2-99 because of no filter on my line and I have HSI and phone.
Here is my situation, I called today to get the HD box because I don't want to deal with the switching between the sub-channels via the QAM. Will I lose my 2-99 channels when I get the box installed next Thursday? If that is the case I might cancel the HD box and just get used to the setup i have now. The person I spoke with also set me up with DVR even though I do not have digital cable which also makes this an even more difficult decision. So what are some opinions on this?

If your only paying for basic, then yes they will put on a trap to block the everything but what's included with basic. How'd you manage to get a DVR with only basic? I've tried several times and they insist you must have at least Digital Classic for a DVR.

I've had a DVR with basic for more than 2 years and they also removed the trap. That policy may have changed and may also vary between headends.

If your only paying for basic, then yes they will put on a trap to block the everything but what's included with basic. How'd you manage to get a DVR with only basic? I've tried several times and they insist you must have at least Digital Classic for a DVR.

Not sure, I originally called in because of a flyer in the mail I received about digital for 9.99 more a month on my plan (which was false). Asked about HD with basic, then asked if I could get the DVR too, she set it up without a thought. The woman on the line also did either seem as if she had no clue what she was doing or pre-occupied with something else though.

I've had a DVR with basic for more than 2 years and they also removed the trap. That policy may have changed and may also vary between headends.
Just curious what channel tier do you receive on your STB? As for the trap, if it is the line filter that they put out in the box on my line that should not be an issue ;)

I just noticed that none of the HD channels are showing up on my favorites list. If I try to add them I get a message saying that they are already in the list. If I press the favorites button on the remote to step through the favorites, they show up.

I spent 3 hours talking to 4 different Comcast techs. They sent various reset signals to my box to no avail. I mentioned to one tech that this happened about the time the ads appeared on the guide. She said it's probably a trade off between displaying HD channels on the favorites list and having the ads (very bad trade off).

I next went to my neighbors and guess what? ... same problem. Called Comcast back... they are sending a tech. (for a system software problem?) Oh well, we'll see what happens.

I am in the Wheeling area. Does anyone else have this problem? If so, please complain loudly.

Just curious what channel tier do you receive on your STB? As for the trap, if it is the line filter that they put out in the box on my line that should not be an issue ;)
On the DVR, I only get the local channels (including HD). All others are blocked. Because of the missing trap, TVs with cable plugged in directly to them get all analog channels.

I just noticed that none of the HD channels are showing up on my favorites list. If I try to add them I get a message saying that they are already in the list. If I press the favorites button on the remote to step through the favorites, they show up.

I'm seeing exactly the same problem in Chicago Ridge.

I even tried creating a brand new favorites list with just ESPN-HD on it. When I try to bring up the guide on that list, nothing happens.

I didn't even bother trying to call them -- those CSR's are clueless (and doubly so when it comes to HD and/or the DVR's). I did send them an e-mail describing the problem via their website (also mostly a waste of time -- but at least it was a waste of less time than it would have been via the phone).

Comcast - It's Craptastic!

Has anybody else with HD service noticed that when you go "Menu", "HD", "By Time", the guide list no longer displays all of the HD channels? This started happening with the 16.2 firmware.

If you use "Menu", "HD", "By Channel", all the channels are listed; but a lot of the time slots are missing.

On the plus side, neither of these HD guide listings have ads on the bottom. Of course, they're useless since they no longer show everything -- but I guess we're supposed to be happy that they're ad-free.

Comcast - It's Craptastic!

I think whether something shows up in the HD listings depends on if the PROGRAM is listed as HD. As I scroll forward in time, channels come and go depending on the programming. It also only shows programs BEGINNING at that time. It's similar for the 'by channel' option. Time slots will be skipped if there is no HD program BEGINNING at that time.

I'm seeing exactly the same problem in Chicago Ridge.

I even tried creating a brand new favorites list with just ESPN-HD on it. When I try to bring up the guide on that list, nothing happens.

I didn't even bother trying to call them -- those CSR's are clueless (and doubly so when it comes to HD and/or the DVR's). I did send them an e-mail describing the problem via their website (also mostly a waste of time -- but at least it was a waste of less time than it would have been via the phone)
I just had this happen to me, and it later fixed itself! All I can think of is that I changed the 'default' on the mini-menu (when you hit MENU the first time) from the HD icon back to DVR. When I went back to the Guide and did a favorites, all the HD channels were back.
With all the talk lately about the HD channel listings, I wonder if more people started using it, and have exposed a bug?

OK, I've been playing around with the missing HD channels in the favorites list problem and discovered this:

If you press "Guide" then "FAV" (on the remote) the HD channels show up.

If you press "Menu" and select the heart icon, the HD channels do NOT show up.

Apparently a bug was introduced with the last software update.

A question for you and those others who have multiple boxes and splits. Do you use a signal booster? If so, how many, and how many decibles is it boosting.

No booster, two splitters (one entering the house, the other in the living room), no issues.

OK, I've been playing around with the missing HD channels in the favorites list problem and discovered this:

If you press "Guide" then "FAV" (on the remote) the HD channels show up.

If you press "Menu" and select the heart icon, the HD channels do NOT show up.

Apparently a bug was introduced with the last software update.
There is still something odd going on. I don't know if this has been there since the last update and we are just noticing it, or if some minor configuration change triggered it.

I've been noticing it coming and going randomly. In fact, one time, I was going through channels to see what was on, and the HD's were listed. I then moved forward about 2 hours and went back through the list, and they were gone! I did NOT leave the guide during that time!

It also appears that the guide is 'blinking' every once in awhile, similar to the way it does at the half-hour change.

More software problems... if you select a program in a favorites list and press the record button, the favorites list is instantly replaced with the regular TV guide.

This makes the favorites feature useless. I know this is a wide spread problem, but if you call Comcast, they will tell you that they have no knowledge of this and you should replace the batterys in your remote!

I don't think it would be out of line (now that they have raised the fee to $11.99 for the DVR) everytime the box locks up or doesn't perform as expected to call and ask for credit. If they want to send a technician to take a look at it let them do it. It will cost them alot more than a dollar or two credit. Since there is at least one malfunction every day, it should add up pretty quickly :)

After 4 phone calls and one email to Comcast, and speaking to 5 CSR's, and enduring 3 reset signals and one service tech visit, a CSR finally admitted that there is a software problem with the Guide and Favorites lists.

I was offered a discount for the next two weeks or until the problem is fixed.

Haven't posted here in a while...
Question for you-all about the Motorola DCT6200/2005. HDTV Cablebox. The Luminance on the analog component output is low in level compared to other analog component levels of other devices. Verified it with a scope, as well as a swap of other component sources..

Does anyone know of any adjustement for this?

I haven't found it in the setup menu.

I'm presently getting around this problem poorly by increasing the contrast on that paticular crosspoint on the DLP.

Thanks.

On the DVR, I only get the local channels (including HD). All others are blocked. Because of the missing trap, TVs with cable plugged in directly to them get all analog channels.

I just added another Comast box, and though I have the digital classic package I had the same problem on the new box. That is until I called in and had them register the new box. This cleared up everything instantly. Assuming you have a Digital package, (Classic, Silver, plus, etc.). This should work for you as well.

If you don't have a digital package all you'll get are the free local HD channels.

There is an unmapped hd stream on qam channel 13 (running at 18Mbps). It's encrypted so I can't tell what it is, but I would dare to guess it is the new Comcast Golf/Versus HD channel. They'll probably map it later tonight/tomorrow.

This is on Schaumburg headend.

I just added another Comast box, and though I have the digital classic package I had the same problem on the new box. That is until I called in and had them register the new box. This cleared up everything instantly. Assuming you have a Digital package, (Classic, Silver, plus, etc.). This should work for you as well.

If you don't have a digital package all you'll get are the free local HD channels.
I wasn't expressing a problem, I was replying to another poster. I'm aware of what I'm entitled to get.

There is an unmapped hd stream on qam channel 13 (running at 18Mbps). It's encrypted so I can't tell what it is, but I would dare to guess it is the new Comcast Golf/Versus HD channel. They'll probably map it later tonight/tomorrow.
That's it. It's on 213MHz (analog 13).

So whoever is in charge of flipping the switch didn't do their job and i'm not getting VS./Golf HD in Buffalo Grove. I wouldn't be so upset if they hadnt made such a big deal by sending their stupid message and teasing it coming on 1/4/07.

Customer (lack of)Service wanted to send a guy out -- that's their solution for everything. I know some of you with different head ends are getting it, otherwise this board would be on fuego.

I'm a first time poster here, but lurk everyday. Finally thought I'd throw my hat in the ring. My real question is this: You guys gotta be getting sick of Comcast, how much longer before you switch (back to) DirecTV or DISH?

The only reason I went with Comcast is because I went HD and (at the time) Comcast was the best HD service. Im starting to think I'll suffer with SAT and it's limitations instead of putting up with Comcast's lack of professionalism and upcoming rate hikes.

If it wasn't for the Bulls and Sox, I'd just get the biggest antennae I can get and save the money every month -- screw all of them. When is that AT&T service getting here?

My real question is this: You guys gotta be getting sick of Comcast, how much longer before you switch (back to) DirecTV or DISH?

The only reason I went with Comcast is because I went HD and (at the time) Comcast was the best HD service. Im starting to think I'll suffer with SAT and it's limitations instead of putting up with Comcast's lack of professionalism and upcoming rate hikes.

If it wasn't for the Bulls and Sox, I'd just get the biggest antennae I can get and save the money every month -- screw all of them. When is that AT&T service getting here?

Does WideOpenWest (WOW) provide cable service in your area? I know it does in the western suburbs.

Called Comcast again today and got someone who actually wanted to help. The guy said to hold on while he reached a technician. After a few minutes on hold the guy came back and told me to check my box, they switched it on for me! I kind of take back some of what I wrote yesterday.

The trick is to call during business hours when thei internal lines of communication seem to be working better between Customer Service and the local offices. It also helps that I reached someone in the U.S. as opposed to the folks in Western Canada that I dealt with originally.

As far as VS./GOLF HD -- The Mercedes Championship and Golf central aren't in HD. Instead I have bars on the side -- what a waste, the only thing that'll be in HD will probably be hockey and hopefully boxing. I thought a big tournament like today's would be in HD, but it is coming from Hawaii, maybe that has something to do with it.

Would have prefered Universal, HDNET, HDNET Movies, HD News, National Geographic HD, History Channel HD, FSN HD or even the Scripps Howard HGTV/FOOD HD Channel. Forget A&E HD -- who wants to see cut up Sopranos, even in HD.

Way to really give us nothing Comcast.

The trick is to call during business hours when thei internal lines of communication seem to be working better between Customer Service and the local offices. It also helps that I reached someone in the U.S. as opposed to the folks in Western Canada that I dealt with originally.


Calling during business hours is key if you want better help. I think all calls during business hours are picked up by one of two local call centers (Schaumburg and Tinley Park I think). On the other hand if you want easy credit for your troubles I had better luck calling during off hours. The other night there was a "scheduled" interner down time (which they never inform users off) at 1am. I called and said I was doing something for work and their "scheduled" downtime is an inconvenience for me. They gave me $10 credit no questions asked (for 3 hours of down time)


As far as VS./GOLF HD -- The Mercedes Championship and Golf central aren't in HD. Instead I have bars on the side -- what a waste, the only thing that'll be in HD will probably be hockey and hopefully boxing. I thought a big tournament like today's would be in HD, but it is coming from Hawaii, maybe that has something to do with it.


Check the thread in the main HDTV forum. Golf HD programming is supposed to start on 2/1.


Would have prefered Universal, HDNET, HDNET Movies, HD News, National Geographic HD, History Channel HD, FSN HD or even the Scripps Howard HGTV/FOOD HD Channel. Forget A&E HD -- who wants to see cut up Sopranos, even in HD.


FSN HD? There is no FSN station in our area anymore. History Channel HD? ANyone have this yet? NGC HD. Check OnDemand. There are 4 NGC HD shows available. Not a real thing but a good start :)

I realistically see no reason why we dont have NGC HD, UHD and A&E HD. THere is bandwidth for it and contracts are in place (and other Comcast markets have them). Considering they just raised our prices again I think they should hurry up and add them.

FSN HD? There is no FSN station in our area anymore. History Channel HD? ANyone have this yet? NGC HD. Check OnDemand. There are 4 NGC HD shows available. Not a real thing but a good start :)

I realistically see no reason why we dont have NGC HD, UHD and A&E HD. THere is bandwidth for it and contracts are in place (and other Comcast markets have them). Considering they just raised our prices again I think they should hurry up and add them.
There is a History Channel HD feed? I guess that explains the HD icons I sometimes see on History channel shows. I do watch many shows on the channel, and with more and more programs being letterboxed (if only they would move up some of the graphics when they identify on-screen speakers), I assumed some may be in HD.

Is A&E still on the air? I haven't watched anything on it for years. It's turned into part reality, and part TLC. Other than Breakfast with the Arts on Sunday morning, there is no Art, and very little Entertainment. (Please don't tell me there is an AMC HD, as they no longer air American shows, Movies, or Classics. Thank God for TCM.)

Is A&E still on the air? I haven't watched anything on it for years. It's turned into part reality, and part TLC. Other than Breakfast with the Arts on Sunday morning, there is no Art, and very little Entertainment.Yep, and it hasn't changed. Actually, I have always thought of the TLC "flip this house" -type stuff "reality TV" also. It's just a different format.

Called Comcast again today and got someone who actually wanted to help. The guy said to hold on while he reached a technician. After a few minutes on hold the guy came back and told me to check my box, they switched it on for me! I kind of take back some of what I wrote yesterday.

The trick is to call during business hours when thei internal lines of communication seem to be working better between Customer Service and the local offices. It also helps that I reached someone in the U.S. as opposed to the folks in Western Canada that I dealt with originally.

As far as VS./GOLF HD -- The Mercedes Championship and Golf central aren't in HD. Instead I have bars on the side -- what a waste, the only thing that'll be in HD will probably be hockey and hopefully boxing. I thought a big tournament like today's would be in HD, but it is coming from Hawaii, maybe that has something to do with it.

Would have prefered Universal, HDNET, HDNET Movies, HD News, National Geographic HD, History Channel HD, FSN HD or even the Scripps Howard HGTV/FOOD HD Channel. Forget A&E HD -- who wants to see cut up Sopranos, even in HD.

Way to really give us nothing Comcast.

I agree with you here. There isn't a whole lot appealing about the new Golf and Vs. HD channel. I would have much rather prefered one of the channels you mentioned.

Called Comcast again today and got someone who actually wanted to help. The guy said to hold on while he reached a technician. After a few minutes on hold the guy came back and told me to check my box, they switched it on for me! I kind of take back some of what I wrote yesterday.

The trick is to call during business hours when thei internal lines of communication seem to be working better between Customer Service and the local offices. It also helps that I reached someone in the U.S. as opposed to the folks in Western Canada that I dealt with originally.

As far as VS./GOLF HD -- The Mercedes Championship and Golf central aren't in HD. Instead I have bars on the side -- what a waste, the only thing that'll be in HD will probably be hockey and hopefully boxing. I thought a big tournament like today's would be in HD, but it is coming from Hawaii, maybe that has something to do with it.

Would have prefered Universal, HDNET, HDNET Movies, HD News, National Geographic HD, History Channel HD, FSN HD or even the Scripps Howard HGTV/FOOD HD Channel. Forget A&E HD -- who wants to see cut up Sopranos, even in HD.

Way to really give us nothing Comcast.

Golf will be in HD starting in a few weeks, so HD from Hawaii. Then coverage of every tournament will be in HD. Live Thursday & Friday coverage in HD every week! Since we already have CSN-HD here & there isn't a seperate FSN outlet here, there is no FSN-HD to put on. CSN DOES show some FSN-HD coverage. So, while I do want a few of the other HD networks, for me, this was the best add they could have had.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/home-entertainment/tivo-comcast-interfacefirst-look-227203.php

Would have prefered Universal, HDNET, HDNET Movies, HD News, National Geographic HD, History Channel HD, FSN HD or even the Scripps Howard HGTV/FOOD HD Channel. Forget A&E HD -- who wants to see cut up Sopranos, even in HD.

Way to really give us nothing Comcast.

I'd love to have HGTV/FOOD in HD. :mad:

After 4 phone calls and one email to Comcast, and speaking to 5 CSR's, and enduring 3 reset signals and one service tech visit, a CSR finally admitted that there is a software problem with the Guide and Favorites lists.

I was offered a discount for the next two weeks or until the problem is fixed.

Hi all, been lurking finally decided to join in....

Just to let you all know that as of yesterday this function is working the way it should again for the Park Forest area.

Hi all, been lurking finally decided to join in....

Just to let you all know that as of yesterday this function is working the way it should again for the Park Forest area.

I can now see HD channels when selecting favorites from the "Menu" then "Heart" icon. I can also select a channel for recording and leave the favorits list intact. All functions are working properly when accessing the favorites list in this mannor.

The one problem remaining is selecting a channel for recording when accessing the favorites list via the "Guide" and "Fav" keys. The instant you make a recording selection, the list is replaced by the full Guide (all channels displayed) although the title of the favorits list remains displayed.

Golf will be in HD starting in a few weeks, so HD from Hawaii. Then coverage of every tournament will be in HD. Live Thursday & Friday coverage in HD every week! Since we already have CSN-HD here & there isn't a seperate FSN outlet here, there is no FSN-HD to put on. CSN DOES show some FSN-HD coverage. So, while I do want a few of the other HD networks, for me, this was the best add they could have had.


I don't know if I'd say this is the best addition. I don't know if anyone noticed, but last night the Golf HD/Versus channel and INHD were broadcasting the exact same thing, The Avalanche vs. Redwings Hocky game! What a waste. Sure the picture was great, but the other channel should have been broadcasting something else, right? They're duplicating the effort here. More variety!

Give us History Channel HD and the NGC HD! How long must are we going to have to wait for it?

They guys better get a move on! Dish is broadcasting that they'll soon have the capacity to offer over 100 channels in HD. Comcast would really be doing something if they got the History Channel HD!

I've heard that Directv offers the following in HD

* A&E
* National Geographic
* Bravo
* NFL Network
* Cartoon Network
* SciFi Channel
* CNN
* Speed
* Food Network
* TBS
* FX
* The History Channel
* HGTV
* The Weather Channel
* MTV
* USA Network

I love Comcast, but want more. Comcast subscribers need all of the above. I'm glad for the HD stations we have, but a lot of the programming on the HD stations are repeats.

INHD - Great HD stuff. A solid staple. Great for sports, (MLB, NBA, NFL), and MOJO brings life, (my favorite is Geared Up), but a lot of recycled programs. Get better movies also. This is suppose to be Comcast's signature HD station. Make it blockbuster!

Discovery HD theatre - Great Channel least amount of recycling of any channel, but how many American Chopper and Make over shows can one get/

MHD - I love the quality, but repeat city! The same thing over and over and over again. After watching for 1 month its easy to get tiered of seeing the same thing.

TNT HD - X Files, Charmed and Law and Order. The quality is impressive but, if you aren't a real big fan apart from the movies and NBA this channel isn't going to peak your interest much.

If not for ESPN HD & ESPN 2 HD, I think I'd jettison my digital classic package and just stick with the over the air channels.

Beef it up Comcast!

cthame1. Directv does not offer all those channels. THye just announced that they plan to offer them (and have agreements to carry them) when they come out later this year.

Most of the channels on that list are not available and do not even exist today.

As for Cartoon Network. Comcast added it under HD ONOdemand->TVEntertainment few days ago. No listings yet though/

I don't know if I'd say this is the best addition. I don't know if anyone noticed, but last night the Golf HD/Versus channel and INHD were broadcasting the exact same thing, The Avalanche vs. Redwings Hocky game! What a waste. Sure the picture was great, but the other channel should have been broadcasting something else, right? They're duplicating the effort here. More variety!

Give us History Channel HD and the NGC HD! How long must are we going to have to wait for it?

Since INHD has a contract with Vs. to show those games & had it before Vs/Golf was a channel, this is a short term thing that will just be. I'd bet next season that there is no more Vs. NHL in HD on INHD. There are still many cable providers with INHD that don't have Vs/Golf yet, so that is their only avenue to watch the game in HD. As for myself, ANY HD channels that have sports programming trump ANY other HD channels they could add. For others I certainly want to see the variety , & it will be there in the next few years, not as quick as we all would like, but it will be here.

Maybe soon we'll see UHD, A&E HD, & Natl Geo HD here in the Chicago market soon. MHD & Vs/Golf are the only 2 mentioned in this article that we now have.

http://tvweek.com/page.cms?pageId=495

5 days without any activity in here :(

I'm not too pleased reading in other threads how other Comcast areas are getting NGC, UHD and A&E and no sign of live from Chicagoland Comcast.

We used to be among first to get new programming.

5 days without any activity in here :(

I'm not too pleased reading in other threads how other Comcast areas are getting NGC, UHD and A&E and no sign of live from Chicagoland Comcast.

We used to be among first to get new programming.


Completely uncalled for. Those channels should have been added a long time ago!

Face it, as far as I'm concearned the Comcast clock is ticking down at my house. They have until September to add AT LEAST 8-10 HD channels or Im getting DirecTV.

I'd rather stay with Comcast because of the convenience, but I'll be damned if I'm flipping through the same HD channels next fall.

tick, tick, tock -- I guess Comcast doesn't want my 84 bucks a month.

By the way, do any of your boxes lock up every other day or so while using your remote? Happens often with my Motorola 3412. I solve the problem by unplugging the power cord. Comcasts equipment sucks.

Well - I tend to agree. I am building a new house that should be done by the end of March / beginning of April. If, by that time, Comcast has not added to their HD lineup, I will likely be switching to D*. I am ready to sacrifice some PQ for additional channels - and D* has promised a slew by the end of the year. And, if reports are correct, the new MPEG4 technology that they are rolling out apparently has cleared up some of the "HD-Lite" complaints (at least in locals - which is a majority of what I watch). As you said, the clock is ticking...

I would be happy if Comcast could just get what they currently have to work properly.

Well - I tend to agree. I am building a new house that should be done by the end of March / beginning of April. If, by that time, Comcast has not added to their HD lineup, I will likely be switching to D*. I am ready to sacrifice some PQ for additional channels - and D* has promised a slew by the end of the year. And, if reports are correct, the new MPEG4 technology that they are rolling out apparently has cleared up some of the "HD-Lite" complaints (at least in locals - which is a majority of what I watch). As you said, the clock is ticking...


Keep in mind that DirecTV is adding alot of HD channels, but let's not fool ourselves, there aren't that many to go around -- they announced HD feeds of CNN and TBS and a few others. But I'm willing to bet that a good majority of their 100 channel HD line up will be Pay Per View movie and events channels (which is cool).

I would be satisfied if Comcast just stayed a little competitive. Give us about 30 HD channels (almost double what we have) and make sure they are essentials! Universal, National Geographic, History and HDNet are essential HD channels.

Any Comcast insiders around here to add some insight?

Not to derail the current train of thought here, but my dual tuner DVR seems to be failing (daily freeze ups where I cannot change channels, work the DVR or even power off)...it's probably considered old as I recall getting it prior to when even most CSR's didn't know it was available (thanks to many here with the heads up at the time).

As far as the dual tuner DVR's from Comcast go, is there a latest and greatest I should hope to get from them as a replacement? Or one I should request that they bring out?

My HD set is around 5 years old and I use the component cables for cable box to TV (not sure without checking what other inputs my set has for HD)...do the new boxes have a full set of function ports on them...as I recall many of the ports on the back of my box are not functional.

The "latest and greatest" is the 3416. I'm in Chicago and just went to my local Comcast office to do the swap. I'm sure they'll come out and exchange it for you too if call them, especially if it doesn't work.

All the audio/video output ports are functional so no matter what kind of TV you have, you'll be able to get picture and sound. Since component is still on the box, you should have no worries.

All the input/output ones on my box are disabled except for Firewire. So no USB, eSATA or Ethernet.

Keep in mind that DirecTV is adding alot of HD channels, but let's not fool ourselves, there aren't that many to go around -- they announced HD feeds of CNN and TBS and a few others. But I'm willing to bet that a good majority of their 100 channel HD line up will be Pay Per View movie and events channels.Or locals or RSN's.

The "latest and greatest" is the 3416. I'm in Chicago and just went to my local Comcast office to do the swap. I'm sure they'll come out and exchange it for you too if call them, especially if it doesn't work.

All the audio/video output ports are functional so no matter what kind of TV you have, you'll be able to get picture and sound. Since component is still on the box, you should have no worries.

All the input/output ones on my box are disabled except for Firewire. So no USB, eSATA or Ethernet.

Thanks for the reply, I'll look for the 3416. Does that have a larger hard drive than the older ones? I know there was talk the newer boxes were going to have larger hard drives but I can't recall the model number of the boxes they were referring to.

I really wish I could swap the box out myself. I thought Comcast would not allow homeowners to do their own switching? I'll definitely try to swap the equipment out myself but I doubt they'll go for it.

I really wish I could swap the box out myself. I thought Comcast would not allow homeowners to do their own switching? I'll definitely try to swap the equipment out myself but I doubt they'll go for it.

If you can get to a Comcast office then they will allow you to pick up a new box. At least the office in Homewood allowed me to do that. After all, it seems silly to schedule a service call just for someone to come and screw a few wires into a box and leave.

Hey everyone, first time poster here...

I just got a new HDTV... I live on the far north side of Chicago (Rogers Park)...

A couple days ago (about the site it started to snow and dip into the 20s), while I was watching Fox in HD, the picture began to break apart. A few minutes later, the channel is gone and I get the error message: "One moment please. This channel will be available shortly," or whatever it says...

Yesterday, the automated thing told me there was an outage in my area. Today the problem is still present. I call and the tech tells me there's no outage and wants to set up a service appointment. I don't think this is on my end, and I don't feel like waiting around all day for some stupid kid to come and tighten the cable on the back of my box...

Anyway, any other Chicagoans having trouble receiving our local channels' HD counterparts (i.e., Fox, ABC, NBC, etc.)?

Any advice?

Edit: I guess I figured it out. It has something to do with the connections to my cable box. Tightening the cables seems to have an effect, so that must be the problem... I'm going to retighten everything tomorrow...

If you can get to a Comcast office then they will allow you to pick up a new box. At least the office in Homewood allowed me to do that. After all, it seems silly to schedule a service call just for someone to come and screw a few wires into a box and leave.

Well nobody at Comcast that I've spoken to seems to take such a common sense approach. My box only has composite cable (and of course RF) output. I'd like to swap it for one with *either* HDMI or component output. I'm told "Oh, that's an HD box" like I'm asking for them to gold-plate my garage or something. Then I'm told that it MUST be installed by one of their technicians. When I question why I'm told "Well, because it's (again, near hushed tones) HD". I question further and ask to speak to somebody that can *really* explain why this is so and, after being put on hold, am told that they have difficulty tracking HD set-tops that are distributed from local service centers so they require that they ONLY be given out by techs doing an install. Good grief, Comcast's lousy inventory control system cascades into that type of customer impact?

I have DirecTV in the rest of the house and have been too lazy to cable up that one room that currently has Comcast. That's changing. Pony up a few extra bucks to D* every month and pocket the $80+ I'm currently paying these fools.

Thanks for the reply, I'll look for the 3416. Does that have a larger hard drive than the older ones? I know there was talk the newer boxes were going to have larger hard drives but I can't recall the model number of the boxes they were referring to.

I really wish I could swap the box out myself. I thought Comcast would not allow homeowners to do their own switching? I'll definitely try to swap the equipment out myself but I doubt they'll go for it.

The 3416 has a 160GB hard drive which will get you 40GB more than the older 3412 and 6412 boxes. The last two digits are the hard drive capacity (16 for 160GB and 12 for 120GB)

I was not denied the DIY swap when I showed up at the Comcast office with my broken box.

Well nobody at Comcast that I've spoken to seems to take such a common sense approach. My box only has composite cable (and of course RF) output. I'd like to swap it for one with *either* HDMI or component output. I'm told "Oh, that's an HD box" like I'm asking for them to gold-plate my garage or something. Then I'm told that it MUST be installed by one of their technicians. When I question why I'm told "Well, because it's (again, near hushed tones) HD". I question further and ask to speak to somebody that can *really* explain why this is so and, after being put on hold, am told that they have difficulty tracking HD set-tops that are distributed from local service centers so they require that they ONLY be given out by techs doing an install. Good grief, Comcast's lousy inventory control system cascades into that type of customer impact?

I have DirecTV in the rest of the house and have been too lazy to cable up that one room that currently has Comcast. That's changing. Pony up a few extra bucks to D* every month and pocket the $80+ I'm currently paying these fools.

Speaking of Comcast's inventory control, I had a tech out this week and he swapped out a SD box only for the office to tell him that the new box was already "assigned" to someone else.

I had an HD box installed this week as well, and it had a DVI output (not HDMI). This, of course after asking the CSR 3 times "what is the output of the box?" so I can have the correct digital cable on hand. She said "HDMI" . I asked "are you sure?". She checks with supervisor. "Yes, HDMI". Luckily, I had a DVI to HDMI cable on hand.

For this work order I also told the CSR 3 times. I want a CableCARD as well. I called to confirm my work order to make sure they had "install CableCARD". "Yes, it's on the order". The tech shows up. No cablecard. "where's the cablecard?". You wanted a cablecard"? Then he says, "why?" I explain to be able to record HD to AVHDD and watch a show via cablebox simultaneously. "Oh, you don't want one of those anyway. They're a lot of trouble". "No", I said, "I want a cablecard".

He comeback 3 hours later with 3 cablecards (not new in box). Only one of the 3 works. The other two gave error code "161-1".

Total time for tech to install HD box, Cablecard, and swap a SD box: 2 1/2 hours, not including 3 hours to go fetch cablecards. :mad:

Yikes, is HD still considered "early adopter" technology?

Is anyone receiving TVGOS when passing through a cablecard? My Mitsubishi LT-46231 was receiving it fine until I had the cablecard installed. My guess is that it's being blocked by the cablecard. I also have a cablebox connected to the TV via a DVI to HDMI cable. Is there a channel on the set top box that will pass the TVGOS or do I have to split the cable before the ANT1 input (where cablecard is installed) and feed the raw cable input into ANT2 and designate ANT2 as the TVGOS source?

If your area is on ADS and if your card is provisioned as digital, Comcast provides a single analog channel, usually in the 90's, for TVGOS data. Here, I have 94 as an analog duplicate of PBS 11. If your cable box is a 3416, it is all digital and will not pass guide data.

What's ADS and how do determine if I've got it? Analog Distribution System??? I did have analog channels when I didn't have the cablecard. Yes, I have a MOTO box as supplying my second HD Comcast source to the TV, but it's not the DVR (3412?). I don't seem to have channel 94.

Analog Digital Simulcast. Search the forum for "ADS" or "94". Call Comcast and ask them what you have.

You should split your incoming cable to the box and the TV.

So if I currently have a 6412 and can view channel 94 as WTTW, I should in theory be able to get the 3416 HD DVR and have an additional 40 GB space. Am I understanding this correctly, or have I messed something up?

Analog Digital Simulcast. Search the forum for "ADS" or "94". Call Comcast and ask them what you have.

You should split your incoming cable to the box and the TV.

Thanks Phil. I tuned to 94 last night, and yes, there's the WTTW signal. The Cablecard had it programmed as "skip". I left it tuned to that channel when I turned it off. I turned on the TV this morning and got a dialog screen asking for which channel lineup (Comcast or WOW) I wanted for the TVGOS. Now I'm waiting for the database to rebuild.

This forum has been great help for me. Thanks again.

-John

Well after an entire weekend, the TVGOS data still hasn't loaded on my Mitsubishi LT-46231. Do I need to leave the TV "ON" to get the TVGOS data through the Cablecard?? This is becoming quite frustrating.

I searched back a number of pages but couldn't find what I was looking for, so sorry if this is a rehash.

I live in Lakeview. I have a TV with a QAM tuner. Until I can get a cablecard or box, I am stuck with SD channels. However, it's my understanding I should be able to get the locals in HD just by hooking the cable into the antenna slot, so I did so and ran a channel scan.

I get nothing in HD. First digital channel is 47-1, then I get 50-12 and 50-14, then i get 51-23. After that it's a channel or two in the 60s and then a bunch around 79 and 80 and up from there.

Problem is ... no FOX, no CBS, no ABC, and so on. I thought they were supposed to provide these channels, descrambled, with the cable service itself in HD. However, the first google result for "comcast chicago QAM" indicates that the channels are scrambled here and thus not receivable.

Please advise. If this has already been answered, I'd be grateful if one more adept with the search feature here would link me to it.

Thanks a bunch.

Got a message last night that they are moving ESPN Classic from analog to digital classic. THat should free up room for 2 more HD channels but not like we don't have bandwidth available already).

I searched back a number of pages but couldn't find what I was looking for, so sorry if this is a rehash.

I live in Lakeview. I have a TV with a QAM tuner. Until I can get a cablecard or box, I am stuck with SD channels. However, it's my understanding I should be able to get the locals in HD just by hooking the cable into the antenna slot, so I did so and ran a channel scan.

I get nothing in HD. First digital channel is 47-1, then I get 50-12 and 50-14, then i get 51-23. After that it's a channel or two in the 60s and then a bunch around 79 and 80 and up from there.

Problem is ... no FOX, no CBS, no ABC, and so on. I thought they were supposed to provide these channels, descrambled, with the cable service itself in HD. However, the first google result for "comcast chicago QAM" indicates that the channels are scrambled here and thus not receivable.

Please advise. If this has already been answered, I'd be grateful if one more adept with the search feature here would link me to it.

Thanks a bunch.

YMMV, but out west, I get the HD OTA's on 111, 116, 117 and their subchannels. Channel 50 is also available unscrambled on either 102-5 or 105-2 (I can't remember).

In many of the NW suburbs, WLS and WGN are on QAM Ch. 92, WBBM and WTTW are on 114, and WFLD and WMAQ are on 115.

Got a message last night that they are moving ESPN Classic from analog to digital classic. THat should free up room for 2 more HD channels but not like we don't have bandwidth available already).
I also had a message mentioning that SOAPnet was coming. Neither message gave a date, though!

Opening up a channel doesn't guarantee new digital channels will be added. Comcast is pushing OnDemand really hard and may need an extra channel or two to handle the greater selection of HD.

SOAPnet is supposed to be added on February 22nd. At least that's what I thought the messege said.

Problem is ... no FOX, no CBS, no ABC, and so on. I thought they were supposed to provide these channels, descrambled, with the cable service itself in HD. However, the first google result for "comcast chicago QAM" indicates that the channels are scrambled here and thus not receivable.

In Old Town, local HD's are on subchannels of 107, 115, 116.

thanks illi and philly

Some TV's QAM tuners just won't pick up all the channels - especially Panasonic's plasmas.

I'm not certain what it was added, but there is another new pseudo-channel. 999 is an OnDemand link to Chicago sports.

It looks like I'm going to make the pilgrimage to Chicago to party with friends for the Super Bowl. What's the current HD PQ of WBBM CBS on Comcast in Lombard? Does Comcast do any rate-shaping? Does WBBM have any subchannels? Is OTA reception any better than Comcast?

Thanks.

It looks like I'm going to make the pilgrimage to Chicago to party with friends for the Super Bowl. What's the current HD PQ of WBBM CBS on Comcast in Lombard? Does Comcast do any rate-shaping? Does WBBM have any subchannels? Is OTA reception any better than Comcast?

Thanks.


On my Comcast system WBBM PQ is very good. OTA is impossible here, with a very good roof mounted antenna you should be able to get a signal in Lombard. WBBM has no subchannels. If the friends have Comcast, D*, or E*, those will be your best bets.

It looks like I'm going to make the pilgrimage to Chicago to party with friends for the Super Bowl. What's the current HD PQ of WBBM CBS on Comcast in Lombard? Does Comcast do any rate-shaping? Does WBBM have any subchannels? Is OTA reception any better than Comcast?

Thanks.WBBM-DT OTA looks great if you can actually receive it. I can get where I'm at in Crystal Lake, which is much further out, so Lombard should be possible if everything is favorable and done right (outdoor setup, of course).

I certainly wouldn't wait until the last moment to attempt it, though. From what I've seen of WBBM-DT on Comcast, it looks good. As far as the satellite cos., watch at your own risk :rolleyes: . MPEG-4 might not look too bad.

It looks like I'm going to make the pilgrimage to Chicago to party with friends for the Super Bowl. What's the current HD PQ of WBBM CBS on Comcast in Lombard? Does Comcast do any rate-shaping? Does WBBM have any subchannels? Is OTA reception any better than Comcast?
Generally, OTA digitals are passed on as-is. 256QAM has almost double the capacity of ATSC, so they can fit two HD's into one 6MHz slot. Only if both are 100% ATSC bandwidth would any compression be required, and that would be very tiny. In reality, I doubt if any single broadcast digital channel is using the full bandwidth.
Here in Schaumburg, WBBM (1080i) is paired with WTTW-D (720p) and WTTW-Create (already highly compressed SD) on analog 114.

WBBM-DT OTA looks great if you can actually receive it. I can get where I'm at in Crystal Lake, which is much further out, so Lombard should be possible if everything is favorable and done right (outdoor setup, of course).

I certainly wouldn't wait until the last moment to attempt it, though. From what I've seen of WBBM-DT on Comcast, it looks good. As far as the satellite cos., watch at your own risk :rolleyes: . MPEG-4 might not look too bad.

I have recently been told by a VERY reliable source (that I do have to keep anonymous, sorry) that WBBM-DT is now being compressed more on Comcast. There was a discussion here earlier that said that Comcast does not compress WBBM...that's wrong, and I confirmed it by engineers in the know. In fact, what triggered the compression inquiry was a complaint out in the northwest 'burbs last week saying that camera shots would go bad for a second after they would change (occasionally), much like WLS-DT was doing a few months ago. I can confirm that is NOT occurring over-the-air, and that Comcast, for some reason starting recently, IS compressing WBBM more than they did before, which was "slight". I have no idea why they are doing this, although it is known they are going to be adding new HD channels in the future. Given that they have 2 HD channels on one channel anyway, I have no clue why they'd want to do it except maybe to squeeze in one more 4:3 channel.

You have one week to scream at Comcast, ladies and gentlemen. Your time begins now...and don't kill the messenger, please.

Anybody have the QAM channels/subs for Crystal Lake?

Has anybody pressed the page down key while viewing a program? If I do this, the screen goes black, and the STB (6412 p3) becomes totally unresponsive.

The easiest way that I have found to recover from this is to cycle the input sources on the TV. Powering the TV off/on does not work.

This happened to my wife when she was home alone, and she was unable to continue watching TV.

Anybody have the QAM channels/subs for Crystal Lake?
OK let me be more specific. I'm looking for WBBM-DT. It would be on the Elgin system. Ive done my scan and I have found the others but not WBBM.

OK let me be more specific. I'm looking for WBBM-DT. It would be on the Elgin system. Ive done my scan and I have found the others but not WBBM.Elgin? I thought our area was Carpentersville. At least my part of C.L. is - unless they moved it or something - I haven't had Comcast for over 2 years now - but it's been from Carpentersville as long as I've lived here, which has been over 12 years. My sister used to live in L.I.T.H., not far from you (just past the C.L. border, N of Miller Rd.), and hers was the same as mine.

Elgin? I thought our area was Carpentersville. At least my part of C.L. is - unless they moved it or something - I haven't had Comcast for over 2 years now - but it's been from Carpentersville as long as I've lived here, which has been over 12 years. My sister used to live in L.I.T.H., not far from you (just past the C.L. border, N of Miller Rd.), and hers was the same as mine.
Sorry I was just guessing. I can find all HD locals except WBBM. I searched 1 by 1 last night through all the subchannels. Found analog and a SD CBS feed of CSI.

Sorry I was just guessing. I can find all HD locals except WBBM. I searched 1 by 1 last night through all the subchannels. Found analog and a SD CBS feed of CSI.Well, hey - no need to apologize - I was just sayin' :) .

Sounds like you might just be one of the unlucky ones who has one of those tuners that doesn't pick up every available channel - or at least the channels are mapped where the tuner can't pick them up. I do read about people having that issue in other threads around here occasionally, especially with Samsung's and the ones in Panny's plasmas. I know the Sammy's often just don't cover the whole range (on the high end), but with the Panny's, I don't know what's up - I just know there are people in the Chicagoland area (with Comcast) that have that problem with them.

Sorry I was just guessing. I can find all HD locals except WBBM. I searched 1 by 1 last night through all the subchannels. Found analog and a SD CBS feed of CSI.

Could be a signal level issue. I know tuning certain QAM channels can be a challenge with anything other than a cable company supplied box. Did you try running a line direct from the cable coming into the house to the TV? (get rid of any splitters branching off the line before the TV)

Has anybody pressed the page down key while viewing a program? If I do this, the screen goes black, and the STB (6412 p3) becomes totally unresponsive.

The easiest way that I have found to recover from this is to cycle the input sources on the TV. Powering the TV off/on does not work.

This happened to my wife when she was home alone, and she was unable to continue watching TV.
On mine, PgDn is treated the same as Replay (the curly arrow.) Do you have the same problem with Replay? Have you tried turning the STB on and off? Have you tried rebooting (pulling the plug) on the STB?

Could be a signal level issue. I know tuning certain QAM channels can be a challenge with anything other than a cable company supplied box. Did you try running a line direct from the cable coming into the house to the TV? (get rid of any splitters branching off the line before the TV)
I haven't gotten that far yet. I have all other Qam channels I just cant find WBBM. I was hoping to force tune it. I did notice that WFLD-DT does drop at regular intervals. I will probably put an analyzer to my cable line and look at the signal levels. I am amplified with a professional RF amp and only split 2 ways. I'll try again tonight.

I have recently been told by a VERY reliable source (that I do have to keep anonymous, sorry) that WBBM-DT is now being compressed more on Comcast. There was a discussion here earlier that said that Comcast does not compress WBBM...that's wrong, and I confirmed it by engineers in the know. In fact, what triggered the compression inquiry was a complaint out in the northwest 'burbs last week saying that camera shots would go bad for a second after they would change (occasionally), much like WLS-DT was doing a few months ago. I can confirm that is NOT occurring over-the-air, and that Comcast, for some reason starting recently, IS compressing WBBM more than they did before, which was "slight". I have no idea why they are doing this, although it is known they are going to be adding new HD channels in the future. Given that they have 2 HD channels on one channel anyway, I have no clue why they'd want to do it except maybe to squeeze in one more 4:3 channel.

You have one week to scream at Comcast, ladies and gentlemen. Your time begins now...and don't kill the messenger, please.

Well - as I indicated in post #5017 in this thread, Comcast's COO, Steve Burke, contradicts what your "very reliable source" is telling you. He expressly states that they pass through the signal as they receive it from the broadcasters - unlike satellite providers. I watch quite a bit of programming on this channel and I can tell you that I haven't noticed any degradation in the PQ. It looks as good as it ever has here in North Aurora.

OK let me be more specific. I'm looking for WBBM-DT. It would be on the Elgin system. Ive done my scan and I have found the others but not WBBM.

Are you sure you're off the Elgin headend?

If so, I don't have an answer for you, but if you're off the McHenry headend WBBM-DT is 116-1/QAM256.

Regards,

Randy

Well - as I indicated in post #5017 in this thread, Comcast's COO, Steve Burke, contradicts what your "very reliable source" is telling you. He expressly states that they pass through the signal as they receive it from the broadcasters - unlike satellite providers. I watch quite a bit of programming on this channel and I can tell you that I haven't noticed any degradation in the PQ. It looks as good as it ever has here in North Aurora.

I am only going by my local Comcast engineer and WBBM engineer sources. I figure they would know better. Yes, I have seen Steve's quote...but when an engineer tells you flat out they're doing it...

That's not to say you're not getting very good PQ. I'm just saying it could be better, and some people are starting to notice, which prompted my inquiry.

Comcast revealed this week that it's testing a new technology that may let cable operators offer a much larger number of high-def networks. (Most cable operators now offer less than 20 HDTV channels due largely to bandwidth restraints.)

Called 'Switched Digital Video,' Comcast says it will likely deploy the new technology in the second half of 2007 -- when DIRECTV is expected to expand its high-def lineup.

"If a programmer comes to us and says, 'We want you to carry new HD channels' … we’re stuck in that bandwidth problem," Rick Riboili, Comcast's vice president of production platform engineering, said this week at an industry conference. Rioboli's remarks were reported today by Multichannel News.

But with the new technology, the cable op can easily expand high-def capacity, meaning "we don’t have to plan two or three years in advance which channels we’re going to be dropping to carry HD."

Does switched video basically mean same thing how video on demand is handled now?

There is no set channel, but if I want to watch ESPNHD for example, it will start sending it on channel nnn.n . If somebody else wants to watch it at the same time it will tune them ot the same channel. When noboy is watching it there is no bandwidth being used by it.
d
SO for everyone with qam tuner it will be a constant scanning of channels and draw of luck to find what channel CBS is on for example.

Are you sure you're off the Elgin headend?

If so, I don't have an answer for you, but if you're off the McHenry headend WBBM-DT is 116-1/QAM256.

Regards,

Randy
The Weather Channel's Weatherstar computer looks like its in Elgin. Ill try 116-1 tonight.

Are you sure you're off the Elgin headend?

If so, I don't have an answer for you, but if you're off the McHenry headend WBBM-DT is 116-1/QAM256.

Regards,

Randy
Thanx Bink, 116-1 worked like a charm. You are a lifesaver. :D

I am only going by my local Comcast engineer and WBBM engineer sources. I figure they would know better. Yes, I have seen Steve's quote...but when an engineer tells you flat out they're doing it...

That's not to say you're not getting very good PQ. I'm just saying it could be better, and some people are starting to notice, which prompted my inquiry.
Looks pretty good in CL. (Superbowl will be the real challenge) :eek:

Thanx Bink, 116-1 worked like a charm. You are a lifesaver. :D

Happy to help!

The reason I thought it should be 116-1 is that my SO lives in Lakewood and is fed from the McHenry headend.

I'll see if I can do a test cap of some HD from 116-1 tonight and run it through TSRL to see what the bitrate is.

IIRC, Comcast's position is that they are forbiden from modifying the broadcast program stream in ANY way, including reduction of bitrate, so I'll post back with my results.

Regards,

Randy

Happy to help!

I'll see if I can do a test cap of some HD from 116-1 tonight and run it through TSRL to see what the bitrate is.

IIRC, Comcast's position is that they are forbiden from modifying the broadcast program stream in ANY way, including reduction of bitrate, so I'll post back with my results.

Regards,

Randy

That would be AWESOME! Please let us know what you see.

Ok, here's the results from a bit of Letterman just now...

Elementary Stream PID 2176 (0x0880) MPEG-2 Video
MPEG Video: Bitrate 25.000 Mbps Resolution 1920 x 1080i
MPEG Video: Framerate 29.97 fps Aspect Ratio 16:9 Chroma Format 4:2:0
Descriptor: Video Stream Descriptor
Multiple frame rate flag: False
Frame rate: 29.97¼
MPEG-1 only flag: False
Constrained paramter flag: True
Still picture flag: False
Descriptor: Data Stream Alignment Descriptor
Alignment type: video access unit


I'm not that well versed in reading the results from TSReader lite, but it seems to me that this is a full-bitrate stream!

If anyone is able to better interpret TSRL output, feel free to chime in!!!

Regards,

Randy

I'm pretty sure that 25mbps part is not right. Your capture probably has nulls in it.

I'll take a look tomorrow at a live stream, but if I remember in the past it has been around 16-19 mbps.

Ok,

Looking at the chart, not just the PID description... I get this...

PID Usage Chart
0x0000 (0.02% ~ 0.01 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0000 MPEG-2 Program Assocation Table
0x0030 (0.05% ~ 0.02 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0030 MPEG-2 PMT for program 2
0x0031 (0.05% ~ 0.02 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0031 MPEG-2 PMT for program 3
0x0032 (0.05% ~ 0.02 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0032 MPEG-2 PMT for program 1
0x0800 (27.94% - 11.00 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0800 MPEG-2 Video for program 2
0x0801 (1.02% ~ 0.39 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0801 AC-3 Audio for program 2
0x0840 (7.00% - 2.80 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0840 MPEG-2 Video for program 3
0x0841 (0.51% ~ 0.20 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0841 AC-3 Audio for program 3
0x0880 (47.50% - 18.75 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0880 MPEG-2 Video for program 1
0x0881 (1.02% ~ 0.39 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0881 AC-3 Audio for program 1
0x1fff (14.86% ~ 5.77 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x1fff MPEG-2 NULL Packet

This: 47.50% - 18.75 Mbps for Program 3 seems like the un-padded bitrate?

Regards,

Randy

Ok,

Looking at the chart, not just the PID description... I get this...

PID Usage Chart
0x0000 (0.02% ~ 0.01 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0000 MPEG-2 Program Assocation Table
0x0030 (0.05% ~ 0.02 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0030 MPEG-2 PMT for program 2
0x0031 (0.05% ~ 0.02 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0031 MPEG-2 PMT for program 3
0x0032 (0.05% ~ 0.02 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0032 MPEG-2 PMT for program 1
0x0800 (27.94% - 11.00 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0800 MPEG-2 Video for program 2
0x0801 (1.02% ~ 0.39 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0801 AC-3 Audio for program 2
0x0840 (7.00% - 2.80 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0840 MPEG-2 Video for program 3
0x0841 (0.51% ~ 0.20 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0841 AC-3 Audio for program 3
0x0880 (47.50% - 18.75 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0880 MPEG-2 Video for program 1
0x0881 (1.02% ~ 0.39 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0881 AC-3 Audio for program 1
0x1fff (14.86% ~ 5.77 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x1fff MPEG-2 NULL Packet

This: 47.50% - 18.75 Mbps for Program 3 seems like the un-padded bitrate?

Regards,

Randy
Bink, what are you using for analysis?

Ok, here's the results from a bit of Letterman just now...

Elementary Stream PID 2176 (0x0880) MPEG-2 Video
MPEG Video: Bitrate 25.000 Mbps Resolution 1920 x 1080i
MPEG Video: Framerate 29.97 fps Aspect Ratio 16:9 Chroma Format 4:2:0
Descriptor: Video Stream Descriptor
Multiple frame rate flag: False
Frame rate: 29.97¼
MPEG-1 only flag: False
Constrained paramter flag: True
Still picture flag: False
Descriptor: Data Stream Alignment Descriptor
Alignment type: video access unit


I'm not that well versed in reading the results from TSReader lite, but it seems to me that this is a full-bitrate stream!

If anyone is able to better interpret TSRL output, feel free to chime in!!!

Regards,

Randy
25mbps is a wierd #. 256 QAM is good for 38mb per channel and WBBM should be in the 16-19mb range like vj9999 mentioned. Unless for some strange reason Comcast re-clocks the bandwidth. :eek:

25mbps is a wierd #. 256 QAM is good for 38mb per channel and WBBM should be in the 16-19mb range like vj9999 mentioned. Unless for some strange reason Comcast re-clocks the bandwidth. :eek:

Ignore the 25.000 Mbps number, it's kind of a meaningless setting coming from the station's encoder. For example, I see it routinely set to 45.000 Mbps on 720p feeds, and we all know we ain't getting 45Mbps OTA or through the cable...

The software Bink is using is TS Reader Lite.

It would be great to get a screen cap of this, but I beleive Bink is on the mark with:

0x0880 (47.50% - 18.75 Mbps)
0x0880 MPEG-2 Video for program 1

That should be the main HD video stream. Bink - does the little green bar on 0x0880 change a bit over time, but more or less stay around 18Mbps? If yes, then that's a good sign that Comcast isn't messing with it. Also curious what tuner you're using with TSReader.

Bink, what are you using for analysis?

I'm using TSReader Lite...

http://www.coolstf.com/tsreader/

It seems to be the free analysis tool of choice for MyHD MDP-130 owners that post issues with their streams and since I captured with My MDP-130, it seemed to be the logical choice.

Note: the lines in my copy and paste caused me some confusion...

this is what went in the post

0x0840 MPEG-2 Video for program 3
0x0841 (0.51% ~ 0.20 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0841 AC-3 Audio for program 3
0x0880 (47.50% - 18.75 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0880 MPEG-2 Video for program 1
0x0881 (1.02% ~ 0.39 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0881 AC-3 Audio for program 1
0x1fff (14.86% ~ 5.77 Mbps)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x1fff MPEG-2 NULL Packet


It *should* have looked like this...

0x0840 MPEG-2 Video for program 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0841 (0.51% ~ 0.20 Mbps)
0x0841 AC-3 Audio for program 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0880 (47.50% - 18.75 Mbps)
0x0880 MPEG-2 Video for program 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0881 (1.02% ~ 0.39 Mbps)
0x0881 AC-3 Audio for program 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x1fff (14.86% ~ 5.77 Mbps)
0x1fff MPEG-2 NULL Packet


0x0880 is program 1 (116-1) and TSRL support states...

Why do some PIDs on the PID chart have ~ between the percentage and data rate and others have - ?

The PIDs that have the "-" between the mux percentage and bitrate have an accurate bitrate because the PID is carrying PCR packets. As a result, TSReader is able to calculate the exact data rate for this PID. Those that have the "~" character have the bitrate calculated by taking the mux rate divided the percentage of the mux being used by that PID, therefore the results aren't as accurate.



Program 1's PID has a "-", instead of a "~" so it is indicating an accurate bitrate, vs an estimated bitrate.

I'll see if I can track down better info on the 25mbps question. It may be an issue of Comcast adding nulls to pad the QAM stream.

Regards,

Randy

Re the 25Mbps ES PID question, here's a thread discussing it a bit:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=763595

Conclusion: it doesn't seem to mean much.

TSReader is well worth the money for the full version.

I have a custom source for TSReader to help me tune to a currently tunned rf channel on my Dvico Fusion. I'll try to get some screen caps in next few days.

I'm using TSReader Lite...

http://www.coolstf.com/tsreader/

It *should* have looked like this...

0x0840 MPEG-2 Video for program 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0841 (0.51% ~ 0.20 Mbps)
0x0841 AC-3 Audio for program 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0880 (47.50% - 18.75 Mbps)
0x0880 MPEG-2 Video for program 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0881 (1.02% ~ 0.39 Mbps)
0x0881 AC-3 Audio for program 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x1fff (14.86% ~ 5.77 Mbps)
0x1fff MPEG-2 NULL Packet


0x0880 is program 1 (116-1) and TSRL support states...



Program 1's PID has a "-", instead of a "~" so it is indicating an accurate bitrate, vs an estimated bitrate.

I'll see if I can track down better info on the 25mbps question. It may be an issue of Comcast adding nulls to pad the QAM stream.

Regards,

Randy

Thanks, Randy, for going through all the trouble, I appreciate it. Maybe Comcast was just having problems, then. Because it was looking compressed a few days ago. Maybe they had a problem in their chain. That never happens. :D But the engineers said it was compression, so I go by what they tell me. Maybe this caused them to open it up or fix a problem, and in either case, I am happy about that!

WBBM is not and has not been compressed by Comcast.

Tom Schnecke
VP, Operations & Engineering
WBBM/Chicago

Thanks, Randy, for going through all the trouble, I appreciate it. Maybe Comcast was just having problems, then. Because it was looking compressed a few days ago. Maybe they had a problem in their chain. That never happens. :D But the engineers said it was compression, so I go by what they tell me. Maybe this caused them to open it up or fix a problem, and in either case, I am happy about that!
We engineers will tell you guys anything. :D (sorry Gilbert, I had too.) :D

I'm using TSReader Lite...

http://www.coolstf.com/tsreader/

It seems to be the free analysis tool of choice for MyHD MDP-130 owners that post issues with their streams and since I captured with My MDP-130, it seemed to be the logical choice.

Note: the lines in my copy and paste caused me some confusion...

this is what went in the post



It *should* have looked like this...

0x0840 MPEG-2 Video for program 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0841 (0.51% ~ 0.20 Mbps)
0x0841 AC-3 Audio for program 3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0880 (47.50% - 18.75 Mbps)
0x0880 MPEG-2 Video for program 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x0881 (1.02% ~ 0.39 Mbps)
0x0881 AC-3 Audio for program 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0x1fff (14.86% ~ 5.77 Mbps)
0x1fff MPEG-2 NULL Packet


0x0880 is program 1 (116-1) and TSRL support states...



Program 1's PID has a "-", instead of a "~" so it is indicating an accurate bitrate, vs an estimated bitrate.

I'll see if I can track down better info on the 25mbps question. It may be an issue of Comcast adding nulls to pad the QAM stream.

Regards,

Randy
We just bought Sencore's version. It will do MPEG-2, 8VSB, and a handfull of others all from a USB port on a laptop.

WBBMTOM, first of all welcome. It's nice to see someone visiting here from WBBM. Now sorry to jump on you (and go off topic from this thread). It's no secret around here that your OTA signal is is a challenge to say the least. Just head over to the Chicago OTA thread and you'll see what I mean. Here in far southeast Aurora you're signal is pretty much nonexistant. Why the seeming lack of interest in OTA users? I'd be happy even with WBBM on a SD subchannel. As of right now I'm stuck subscribing to basic "lifeline" cable just to get your channel. Everything else comes in fine with an antenna, I even pick up stuff from as far away as South Bend but WBBM is absolutely hopeless.

Care to comment on this situation?

sorry to throw the thread off, but if anyone can share the qam channels for zipcode 60435 with me I would appreciate it. I recently bought a myhd 130 and was looking to map over these channels. Some come over with video but no audio.

Please PM me if you have this info to share or a link to point me to. Thank you!

Just head over to the Chicago OTA thread and you'll see what I mean. Here in far southeast Aurora you're signal is pretty much nonexistant. Why the seeming lack of interest in OTA users?
I feel your pain. I also started paying for basic cable several years ago because I couldn't pull in WBBM, but...
It has been discussed many times, in many threads, for many years that WBBM got the shaft when the digital channel assignments were handed out. If I remember correctly both their channel assignment and power level is regulated by the fcc and out of their control. I'm sure you can find the same discussion somewhere in the Chicago OTA thread.

Hey guys,

Let me start by saying thank you. The info I have already gathered has been extremely helpful, but unfortunately...I am in need of a little more that i cant find.

I am getting ready to purchase this TV:
Philips - 32" Flat-Panel LCD HDTV 32PF7421D/37

I know it has an ATSC tuner, so that leads me to the following question.

I have Comcast Digital service with HD (have a 50" DLP in another room). This TV has the Comcast box hooked up to it. This new philips TV has the tuner and I am wondering if it will pick up any HD channels without having to get another box from Comcast. I keep reading about getting channels "in the clear", but I dont know what that means and I don't know what channels that is for the Chicago area (I am actually in NW Indiana).

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. I want to buy this TV tomorrow (Super Bowl Sunday).

Thanks again,

E

To pull any of the comcast HD channels without a HD STB you would need to have a QAM tuner built in. If you wanted to try to receive just the locals for the game you could try an OTA antenna as the ATSC tuner will be able to pull in channels via that

WBBM is not and has not been compressed by Comcast.

Tom Schnecke
VP, Operations & Engineering
WBBM/Chicago

Hello Tom,

Thank you for clearing that up. I was having a definite issue on your HD signal up in Lake Of The Hills via Comcast. It definitely looked like it was being compressed, but as of a few days ago, I can report whatever the problem was, was fixed.

WBBM is not and has not been compressed by Comcast.

Tom Schnecke
VP, Operations & Engineering
WBBM/Chicago

Hello Tom,

Thank you for clearing that up, I appreciate it, and please feel free to comment here or on the OTA side! I was having a definite issue on your HD signal up in Lake Of The Hills via Comcast. It definitely looked like it was being compressed, but as of a few days ago, I can report whatever the problem was, was fixed. I apologize for the incorrect information. Do you have any more info regarding that issue? In any case, I will let you know if it happens again.

Take care.

I wonder if this has been asked already...The Comcast program guide says the preshow stuff on ch.2 is HD, but I'm not seeing it in HD. Will the actual game be shown in HD on ch.2?

I wonder if this has been asked already...The Comcast program guide says the preshow stuff on ch.2 is HD, but I'm not seeing it in HD. Will the actual game be shown in HD on ch.2?

Pregame show is in HD on ch. 189 . Game will be in HD on 189 as well.

Ch. 2 on Comcast boxes is not HD.

Ch. 2 on Comcast boxes is not HD.

That's the info I'm looking for. Bummer, especially as my HDTV Wonder can't tune that channel at all.

WBBM is not and has not been compressed by Comcast.

Tom Schnecke
VP, Operations & Engineering
WBBM/Chicago

Tom,

The game is looking good here in Antioch on Comcast.

BUT! It would be nice if they could get the vaseline off the camera lenses down in Miami!!!!!

It looks like Penthouse Presents the Big Game®.

I know, rain and high humidity but still!!!!!!


Regards,

Randy

Hats off to the great crew in Miami---

Did I detect an attempt at a local HD break????

Anyone else experience this? CH189 CBS HDTV 5.1 audio was fine during the entire game, but during every commercial break, the audio drop outs began.

Hi everybody, so I just joined... what a wealth of information here. I could spend days reading and learning... Anyway, before the Bears disappointment today, I optimistically ordered a Pioneer 5070 HD from VisualApex. Tomorrow, I'll call Comcast for the ensuing HD upgrade. My question is: Is there any specific box I should ask for? It seems some folks are not liking the Motorola DCT6412... or even the 3412. What is the lesser of the evils? Or is there some alternative that people are generally happy with? Anything?

thanks,

I'm renting my Motorola 6200/2005 from Comcast. You can get it with or without DVR service. All I can say is it does the job for me. It crapped out on me once (I think I posted about it here) but I went to my local office and got it exchanged that day, no problem.

I've had the 6412 for quite some time with no major problems besides the usual gripes of occasional audio drops and the remote freezing sometimes. I used to have more of these problems but I think some of the recent firmware updates have helped some. Good luck...and I hope you enjoy your new tv and hd programming!

Is 6412 even an option these days? I would think most places would have 3412 or 16

Slightly off topic but hopefully I can get a quick answer and not disrupt this thread ;)

I recently got a new monitor for my PC and I'd like to use the old 15" as a TV in my office...I use it as a TV now through my ATI TV video card, just standard cable - no HD. Picture is fairly low quality.

I was thinking of getting another HD box from Comcast and using that with the monitor. I'm not sure if the input for the monitor is good enough for HD, I'm slightly out of my element when talking about cables. The monitor has a 15 pin D-sub input. If that works for HD my other significant concern would be a 25ms response time.

Any thoughts?

Looking at things a little closer....I don't see an input on my cable box (6412 I think - dual tuner DVR, one of the original ones) that seems to be a 15 pin D-sub. There is a DVI input though.

My new (Samsung SyncMaster 941bw) monitor has both a DVI and RGB (does RGB=15 pin D-sub?) inputs...I'm currently using the DVI connection to my PC. If I use the RGB input for the PC and the DVI for the cable box how does the monitor know which source to display?

Is there a switch I could buy that would either automatically sense a signal and switch, or one that I'd have to manually throw?

Any thoughts/suggestions/insight?

Thanks again.

Tom

I would ask for the 3416... more storage. Mine works flawlessly.

Anyone else experience this? CH189 CBS HDTV 5.1 audio was fine during the entire game, but during every commercial break, the audio drop outs began.

We had the same thing up here in Waukegan. I finally switched to OTA CH 58 feed from Milwaukee and the drop outs went away. Must have been a CBS2/Comcast problem.

Just got 3416 DVR. Works great with Vizio 47" 1080P LCD. HD is great, SD decent.

I believe the only STB's that have the HDMI on them aref the DVRs, feel free to correct me if im wrong

I posted this on the 6412 board but it was suggested I post it here as well to see if anyone knows about availablity of the boxes:

I've had a 6412 PII for just over two years now but I have recently been having more and more problems with it (mostly since that last firmware upgrade around 6 months ago). The box has always hung and lagged but now it is telling me my DVR is full when there is nothing on it, it is stopping recordings in the middle of shows, randomly deleting saved recordings, and it is choosing to just not record shows that should be recorded. I called last week and the Comcast guy on the phone told me, are you ready for this, this is all NORMAL! Yes, he said that these were all normal happenings with my box. Finally, after the box telling me it was 94% full with only about 10 min of HD recorded last night, I decided to take it in and get a new one. They gave me two addresses near me (one in Aurora and one in Naperville) that I can take the box to but they couldn't promise me that either place would have a replacement box in-stock for me (of course they couldn't give me phone numbers for either place). Do these places usually have replacement boxes? Also, should I ask for a specific box when I take it in or should I just take what they give me?

Anyone?

I've had 2 occasions to go to my local Comcast office (in Lisle) for a new DVR. The first time was when i was originally upgrading to an HDDVR and the second time to upgrade to one w/ a larger hard drive. I called Comcast first both times, and they assured me that they had the DVRs in stock at my local center. The first time, they gave me a 3412. The second time i specifically went to get a 3416 which they did NOT have available. I was told by the rep at the office that Customer Service has no idea what each office has in stock and led me to believe that they typically have 1 model of DVR in the office at any given time unless a different model happens to be returned that day.

I had to jump through many hoops to eventually get my 3416. I'd advise you to ask them what they have available when you go to the office, and be prepared to take what they've got. You also should look at what you get carefully; the first time they tried to give me on that was missing one of the "feet" and was wobbly.

Good luck!

-dave

Anyone know if Comcast will be deploying the Pace DVR boxes anytime soon? More specifically the Schaumburg headend?

Hey guys, have a quick question.. I am having a HDTV delivered next Friday (2-16) and I currently have Comcast and a 3412 reciever.. When I called today they said the soonest they could install my new box was 2-19, thus I would not have the Daytona 500 in HD.. As a newbie am I missing something??? Can't I just take my current box to their customer service center and have them switch it there??? They also said that the provide the HDMI cable, is that correct???

The lady I talked to seemed a little confused, just making sure..

Hey guys, have a quick question.. I am having a HDTV delivered next Friday (2-16) and I currently have Comcast and a 3412 reciever.. When I called today they said the soonest they could install my new box was 2-19, thus I would not have the Daytona 500 in HD.. As a newbie am I missing something??? Can't I just take my current box to their customer service center and have them switch it there??? They also said that the provide the HDMI cable, is that correct???

The lady I talked to seemed a little confused, just making sure..

Your 3412 is the right receiver. Why would you need to have anything else installed? All you have to do is plug 3412 to your TV and you should be good to go.

I doubt they provide HDMI cables. You will have to buy your own.

Thanks, thats what I thought and the idea that they would supply a $100 cable seemed like a stretch...

Thanks, thats what I thought and the idea that they would supply a $100 cable seemed like a stretch...

Don't spend $100 on HDMI cable. If you need it imediately check stores like Target or Walmart. You can get it for around $30. I believe WalMart has a Philips 6' http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5000839 .

$100 for an HDMI cable??? Stay away from the Monster-ously overpriced cables at BB. Try monoprice, a fraction of the cost and they work just fine.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&style=

Messages yesterday on the box:
LimeTV (138) will shut down 2/25.
Inspirational Life (231) will be dropped 3/29.
Also, confirmation that SoapNet will be added 2/22.

On the OTA forums, found this link:
http://www.suntimes.com/business/feder/248302,CST-FIN-feder08.article
So it looks like V-me will be added as 241 on 3/5. Not certain if it will be cable only, or yet another subchannel on WTTW's digital signal (they already have 1 HD and 2 SD's!)

$100 for an HDMI cable??? Stay away from the Monster-ously overpriced cables at BB. Try monoprice, a fraction of the cost and they work just fine.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10240&style=


I bought my HDMI cable for $7

http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_list&c=58&gclid=CIaI4IbioYoCFQ6kWAodgmo4uQ

Just noticed the versus channel 199 now, bull-rding is on, and the pq looks very nice.

...bull-riding....sweet :rolleyes:

According to the OTA forum, WTTW's new V-me will be broadcast as 11.4. Look for WTTWD's quality to drop even more.

I just went to the Comcast office in Homewood and exchanged my old cable box for another HD/DVR box, but instead of recieving the usual 6412 or 3412 I got a 3416. Just letting those of you in the area know, in cause you'd like to go there and possibly trade-up.

Regarding WTTW --- 11-2 and 11-3 are not worth watching on my 1280x720 front projection system (with an OTA STB). But 11-1 still looks quite good, depending on the particular program. Not speaking Spanish, I have no interest in V-me on 11-4. Hopefully this won't hurt 11-1 too much. I do like much of the content on 11 (11-2), but I just watch it from Comcast on my old 27" CRT.

Just noticed the versus channel 199 now, bull-rding is on, and the pq looks very nice.

Is anyone getting Golf/Vs. HD channel (199 here) guide info to show up on TV Guide on Screen? I'm on the Batavia (Naperville) feed.

Is anyone getting Golf/Vs. HD channel (199 here) guide info to show up on TV Guide on Screen? I'm on the Batavia (Naperville) feed.


Guide info shows up just fine for me (Schaumburg headend). HD golf is on right now. Guide says: Live, Nissan Open first-round play at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Cal. Rory Sabbatini won last year. (Golf)

Guide info shows up just fine for me (Schaumburg headend). HD golf is on right now. Guide says: Live, Nissan Open first-round play at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Cal. Rory Sabbatini won last year. (Golf)
Just to clarify, are you looking at TV Guide on Screen (tm) which gets its info from WTTW subcarrier, or the cableguide via a set top box? I'm looking for the former.

Just to clarify, are you looking at TV Guide on Screen (tm) which gets its info from WTTW subcarrier, or the cableguide via a set top box? I'm looking for the former.

Sorry didn't see that anywhere in your original post (or I didn't know that TV Guide on Screen was a trademark term for it). I am looking at the guide on my set box (Which is also provided by TV Guide) :)

Is anyone getting Golf/Vs. HD channel (199 here) guide info to show up on TV Guide on Screen? I'm on the Batavia (Naperville) feed.
Golf and VS. are Comcast-owned networks. They may not be releasing the information.

Anybody else having issues with the audio on The Weather Channel? The national feed audio is EXTREMELY low, but the local weather computer voice is normal. This is affecting both the analog and ADS feeds.

I'm noticing the same thing. The local weather voice is okay, but the music volume is low. The local comercials are fine, but everything else has the problem.

I haven't noticed the Weather audio issue, but I've had other issues I'm wondering if anyone has seen. I called Comcast and of course they wanted me to unplug and reboot my box, but I was in the process of recording something else. By the time I was done recording, the problem had gone away.

Last Sunday night, 2/10 the HD feed for Channel 7 was frozen or pixelated from 7 until 9pm. The regular channel 7 was okay, so I quickly programmed the DVR to record the shows on that channel instead of the HD channel. after a couple hours the problem went away. Other HD channels were fine.

Then Saturday 2/17 morning there was nothing on the HD channel 9 at all. If I tuned to that channel, the previous image I was watching just froze on screen. Again the non-HD channel was fine. After about an hour the problem went away. I even went into the channel status menu to see if there was a signal, there was and it showed "aquired" status, but still nothing was displayed.

Then last night watching Channel 7 HD audio was "choppy" Again I called they had no reported problems and they suggested I reboot the box.

Could it be my box ? It seems to be transmission problems more than my box. It's isolated to one specific channel at a time, and it goes away on it's own.

Should I go through the trouble of swapping out the box or could this be a Comcast issue? The box has been working fine (within reason) for almost a year now. I hate to go through the trouble of swapping it out if it's not going to solve the problem.

Thanks,

John

I have been toying with the idea of buying the Motorola DCT3416 so that I do not have to rent the box from Comcast. Has anyone done this? Will you save on the digital and HD costs? So if you have the basic package and then hook this box up you can get the digital and HD? I know stations like HBO, Starz, etc will not work. Just wondering. Thanks for the help!

Shaun

I have been toying with the idea of buying the Motorola DCT3416 so that I do not have to rent the box from Comcast. Has anyone done this? Will you save on the digital and HD costs? So if you have the basic package and then hook this box up you can get the digital and HD? I know stations like HBO, Starz, etc will not work. Just wondering. Thanks for the help!

Shaun
Save your money. Comcast does not allow the ownership option in the U.S.

I have been toying with the idea of buying the Motorola DCT3416 so that I do not have to rent the box from Comcast. Has anyone done this? Will you save on the digital and HD costs? So if you have the basic package and then hook this box up you can get the digital and HD? I know stations like HBO, Starz, etc will not work. Just wondering. Thanks for the help!
In the US, legally you can buy one, but there is no law requiring cable companies to allow you to use it on their system. I don't think any cable system, certainly not Comcast, will let you use a box that is not their own.

Why would you want to own one of these buggy things anyways? In a truly competitive market, they would have been pulled from the market years ago.

Save your money. Comcast does not allow the ownership option in the U.S.

That was the idea of buying one. Too bad Comcast does not allow this. I thought people have actually done it. Thanks.

When I check the DST entry/exit times on my box (Schaumburg), they are still the old DST times. (If you don't know, DST this year starts 3 weeks early, and ends one week later than the past few years.)

To check, turn the box off, then hit OK/Select within 1-2 seconds. On the d01 - General Status screen, check the DST entry and exit dates. They should be March 11 and November 4. If they show April 1 and October 28, it has not been updated. I don't think this requires a full firmware update (other areas have the correct dates), but just a configuration update.

Also, have fun with the MyDVR screen mess this morning? Apparently a glitch in the guide data nationwide. It sort-of works if you use right-arrow, as you get some of the menus.

In the US, legally you can buy one, but there is no law requiring cable companies to allow you to use it on their system. I don't think any cable system, certainly not Comcast, will let you use a box that is not their own.

Why would you want to own one of these buggy things anyways? In a truly competitive market, they would have been pulled from the market years ago.

True these boxes are very buggy, but if the Tivo conversion happens this year I would buy one of those boxes. I will wait till the new Cablecards come out and look into upgrading the MediaCenter box. Thanks.

Can anyone with a non Comcast HD STB confirm they can still receive the digital channels? Everything was working fine for months (and yesterday too), but when I went to tune into the digital locals today, all I get is a black screen. Non-digital channels still come in just fine. TIA. I've got a LG 4200A, if that helps.

Edit: Just my luck, they came back in.

Digital channels are coming up fine here with a non Comcast box.

Anybody else ever have this problem? My DVR recordings page all of a sudden showed nothing other than this at the top of the page ^C^ . My recordings seemed to be gone and if I tried to record something new it wouldn't show up. Finally after unplugging the box and restarting everything reappeared. Time to get a new box? Is the easiest way to go to the Comcast office? Anybody do this in Evanston?

If you look back a few posts someone else reported the same issue and said it was a nationwide issue. If you press the right arrow key when the odd charechters come up it is mostly usable.

Finally after unplugging the box and restarting everything reappeared.
Is it still back to normal now after a few hours of being plugged in again, I ask so I know if I should waste my time moving the entertainment center to unplug it or not.

Is it still back to normal now after a few hours of being plugged in again, I ask so I know if I should waste my time moving the entertainment center to unplug it or not.
It went goofy again this morning, and is still goofy this afternoon.

You can also access the full DVR menus by using the mini-menu (just hitting MENU once), and use the DVR option.

If this is due to some bad guide data, we may have to put up with it for two weeks until it's flushed out, just like the 'No HD in Favorites' bug.

My DVR was goofy again last night but as was suggested using the right arrow button seemed to make it usable. Hopefully this won't last to long.

The DVR screens on my 6412 were working correctly when I checked at noon today. They were wonky last night, so Comcast must have done something to fix it overnight.

Mine was working normal this morning because it has been rebooted. I'm hoping it was Comcast doing a reboot to force a reload of fresh (and hopefully fixed) guide data.

Anyone having any audio dropouts on channels 186-190. I'm watching via cablecard, and this problem just started today. I'm not having any problems on any of the other HD channels, just this block.

Anyone having any audio dropouts on channels 186-190. I'm watching via cablecard, and this problem just started today. I'm not having any problems on any of the other HD channels, just this block.

Yup, during the news tonight on NBC. Didn't check other channels.

The DVR screens on my 6412 were working correctly when I checked at noon today.

Now, if they would just fix the firewire...

Is anyone else experiencing terrible tiling and audio drops on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX HD channels? I'm using a cable card. I've had Comcast come out twice and they still haven't fixed it. I'm pissed off.

Is anyone else experiencing terrible tiling and audio drops on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX HD channels? I'm using a cable card. I've had Comcast come out twice and they still haven't fixed it. I'm pissed off.
No problems here on the Batavia system with my Mitsubishi LT-46231 and CableCARD.

Just a few minutes ago, I noticed I am now getting EPG thru UNencrypted QAM for 2.1 CBS, 5.1 NBC, 7.1 ABC, 9.1 WGN, 11.1 PBS, 32.1 FOX, but no EPG for 50.1 MNT. I live in Hammond, IN and have expanded analog Comcast cable. I am using the OnAir HDTV-GT USB on my PC.

Just a few minutes ago, I noticed I am now getting EPG thru UNencrypted QAM for 2.1 CBS, 5.1 NBC, 7.1 ABC, 9.1 WGN, 11.1 PBS, 32.1 FOX, but no EPG for 50.1 MNT. I live in Hammond, IN and have expanded analog Comcast cable. I am using the OnAir HDTV-GT USB on my PC.
Finally! Thanks for the heads up. I have the OnAir GT too and found that I had to rescan channels (they must've re-arranged them because all the majors were blank, except for 50).

Can anyone else confirm if they lost Chicago Comcast Clear QAM on tuesday night around 7pm? It's been working great for the last 2 months (since I bought my HD set).

It's been too good to be true, so I hate to see it go.

Clear QAM working OK downtown.

Clear QAM working OK downtown.

Thanks for checking, PhillyC. I'm up in Lincoln Square / North Center.

It seems like what happened was they drastically remapped the channels. Whereas I was receiving all the local HD channels around channels 115-117, they're now down with the standard def numbers like 2-1 for CBS.

And added bonus -- I'm actually receiving station IDs and program information when I click on info (and the built-in tv program guide seems to be populating now).

phew... thanks gang.

Anyone see issues with HBO and/or TNT HD? Im in Chicago (Lincoln Park area) and those channels ( but no others ) have been heavily pixelated for the last 12-18 hours. TNT HD has audio but HBO HD is so bad it doesn't even have audio. Everything else is working though including on demand.

Anyone see issues with HBO and/or TNT HD? Im in Chicago (Lincoln Park area) and those channels ( but no others ) have been heavily pixelated for the last 12-18 hours. TNT HD has audio but HBO HD is so bad it doesn't even have audio. Everything else is working though including on demand.

I'm having the same problem on those channels as well as on ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, and Comcast Sports HD. I'm also in Lincoln Park and it started late last night.

Anyone see issues with HBO and/or TNT HD? Im in Chicago (Lincoln Park area) and those channels ( but no others ) have been heavily pixelated for the last 12-18 hours. TNT HD has audio but HBO HD is so bad it doesn't even have audio. Everything else is working though including on demand.


HBO looks fine, but I did notice that when TNT was showing the movie "Seven" last night, it looked like garbage. When TNT shows movies they aren't HD movies but upconverted standard def. HBO might have been doing the same thing.

If you really want to check, watch tonight Cavs/Mavs game. NBA on TNT is some of the best HD out there.

Anybody get the messages today concearning Bloomberg, V-me and 52MX? At least they are cutting back the duplicate 52MX -- good move if they do the same with the duplicate G4 -- free some space up. Otherwise who cares about SD Bloomberg, 52MX and V-me.

I'm having the same problem on those channels as well as on ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, and Comcast Sports HD. I'm also in Lincoln Park and it started late last night.

Same problem here in Gold Coast. Bulls game on Comcast sportsnet HD was unwatchable. Regular sportsnet ch 37 was fine.