Anyone else having problems with ABC HD? The last few shows I have recorded on my DVR have had the sound volume constantly going up and down during shows. The volume is fine during commercials (go figure) but during shows its getting very annoying.

I didn't record it, but I did watch "Pushing Daisies" last night. It does seem as if HD shows tend to have a lower volume than SD stuff (commercials.)

I didn't record it, but I did watch "Pushing Daisies" last night. It does seem as if HD shows tend to have a lower volume than SD stuff (commercials.)
Its not that the sound is lower than the commercials, its that the sound level is varying during the show. It will get loud, then soft, then loud, then soft. The commercials are a level volume throughout. ABC HD seems to be the only channel I'm having this problem on.

Its not that the sound is lower than the commercials, its that the sound level is varying during the show. It will get loud, then soft, then loud, then soft. The commercials are a level volume throughout. ABC HD seems to be the only channel I'm having this problem on.
Is your audio going through a receiver or TV with some form of audio enhancement enabled (those things that make it sound more like a theater or cinema or whatever)? They often work on various forms of phase relationships between channels, and if the audio between channels is a bit goofy, it can amplify into odd level or location changes.

I have my audio going through a receiver via digital audio, and it's set to plain 5.1, with no ambiance enhancement.

Comcast, Joliet, 6:48 PM CST

Given the weather in Chicago how reliable is DirectTV?

I'm in a Comcast only building where expanded basis is provided free of charge and then you'll be paying on top of that. I think it's expanded basis I forget but there's some service initially provided.

I'm thinking of splurging on a nice TV for the living room area and I can totally justify a nice 50" TV if the signal I'll get is decent.

So in Chicago is the weather a big factor when considering DirectTV? I know DirectTV is suppose to offer more HD channels right?

I care very little for American sports and wish that FSC (Fox Soccer Channel) came in HD but I don't think it does thru either provider.

Our DirecTV almost never goes out. Only during a major heavy downpour it might for a few minutes, but other than that it's up and running.

Comcast, Joliet, 6:48 PM CST

This isn't a Comcast problem, as I can't get it over the air either. Called the station (312-565-5532) a minute ago, said they're working on fixing it.

This isn't a Comcast problem, as I can't get it over the air either. Called the station (312-565-5532) a minute ago, said they're working on fixing it.

You'd think for the WS they should have HD.

It is a WFLD problem, I'm getting the game in HD on FOX 6 in Milwaukee OTA.

Has Anyone heard a Buzz about new channels in November? Dish has Discovery, TLC, Science and Animal Planet in HD. As well as History and the HDNet channels. We really should get these soon, I mean doesn't Comcast want to stay competetive?

For the record the Voom! Networks on Dish are boring and repetitve -- wouldn't even give up Comcast to have those stations.

But basic networks like those above, plus the upcoming SPEED, F/X, Weather Channel, CNN & ESPNNEWS -- we should get for what we are paying a month. Not that Dish or DirecTV are a bargain.

Were just asking for a dozen or so more HD channels, just dump a few more analogs -- we would be set.

Coments?

We have Comcast in Chicago (in Dupage) and DirecTV up in Wisconsin at our weekend house. I just came back from the house in Wisconsin and it was nice watching all of the new HD channels. Finally the DirecTV channels have as good, if not better PQ than the Comcast HD channels. I hope Comcast starts rolling out new channels soon. The thing I still like about cable more is that there isn't a long pause when switching channels. On DirecTV it takes about 3 seconds for a HD channel to come in, while here on Comcast it's pretty much instant. Watching CNN in HD on DirectTV was nice though, not all the programming is in HD though, but the stuff that was in hi-def made watching news more interesting. Also watching the old Bond movies in HD on MGM-HD was so nice, I never saw so much detail in a movie recorded in the 1960's. I look forward going up to Wisconsin on the weekends even more nowadays because of the HD. I just wonder how long we will have to wait to have at least 50 HD channels with Comcast.

We have Comcast in Chicago (in Dupage) and DirecTV up in Wisconsin at our weekend house. I just came back from the house in Wisconsin and it was nice watching all of the new HD channels. Finally the DirecTV channels have as good, if not better PQ than the Comcast HD channels. I hope Comcast starts rolling out new channels soon. The thing I still like about cable more is that there isn't a long pause when switching channels. On DirecTV it takes about 3 seconds for a HD channel to come in, while here on Comcast it's pretty much instant. Watching CNN in HD on DirectTV was nice though, not all the programming is in HD though, but the stuff that was in hi-def made watching news more interesting. Also watching the old Bond movies in HD on MGM-HD was so nice, I never saw so much detail in a movie recorded in the 1960's. I look forward going up to Wisconsin on the weekends even more nowadays because of the HD. I just wonder how long we will have to wait to have at least 50 HD channels with Comcast.
I really hope its soon. I was at my sister's house over the weekend and they just got their new box for their dish. They had FX HD, USA HD, multiple HBOs in HD, Sci-Fi HD, and a bunch of other HD channels that I want. Why does Comcast drag its feet so much rolling out new HD channels? Seeing all the channels my sister has really makes me think about getting a dish instead of Comcast.

I really hope its soon. I was at my sister's house over the weekend and they just got their new box for their dish. They had FX HD, USA HD, multiple HBOs in HD, Sci-Fi HD, and a bunch of other HD channels that I want. Why does Comcast drag its feet so much rolling out new HD channels? Seeing all the channels my sister has really makes me think about getting a dish instead of Comcast.

The major reason Comcast doesn't have these yet is bandwidth. We just got a message that Oxygen is moving from analog to digtal on November 27th, the same day it's reported that History-HD is being added. Once there is more room cleared off on their system we'll see more HD.

The major reason Comcast doesn't have these yet is bandwidth.

Thats true in the burbs, but they forced everyone to digital in the city and cut the extended basic to hardly anything.. so we HAVE the bandwidth.. but no love

The major reason Comcast doesn't have these yet is bandwidth. We just got a message that Oxygen is moving from analog to digtal on November 27th, the same day it's reported that History-HD is being added. Once there is more room cleared off on their system we'll see more HD.
If that is really the case, who's the moron deciding the order of HD channels to add? History HD over USA HD, FX HD, Sci-Fi HD, or another HD channel? Demand can't be that great for History HD.

If that is really the case, who's the moron deciding the order of HD channels to add? History HD over USA HD, FX HD, Sci-Fi HD, or another HD channel? Demand can't be that great for History HD.
I guess it's all a mater of opinion. I don't know how it happened to me, but I now watch more on the history channel than any of the others you mentioned. Must be old age setting in!

I guess it's all a mater of opinion. I don't know how it happened to me, but I now watch more on the history channel than any of the others you mentioned. Must be old age setting in!

Agreed (about matter of opinion) :) I would only watch Psych on USA and nothing on others. On other hand I tune History channel quite frequently.

How much bandwidth is Comcast Phone using? OnDemand is using 4 channels, HSI is using a couple.

On 850Mhz system that Schaumburg headend is on (analog 2-135), I think there are as of right now a about 10 channels not in use. That would leave room for at least 20 new HD channels to be added (without even removing any more analog channels).

Are you a Comcast Engineer?

Has anybody ordered ESPN Full Court from Comcast yet? I called and asked, and they quoted me the price of $159 for the entire season, and $79 for half the season. This seems excessive, cause everywhere else I look it's $109 for the entire season. At the very least, there always seems to be discounts for the entire season over just half the season.

Is this correct?

So am I doing to be happy with what I see from broadcast on a 50" 1080P display then? What about Pioneer Kuro 1080p sets with broadcast? What does that look like overall? Either with Comcast or DirectTV HD programming?

Are you a Comcast Engineer?

Not at all. Just a geeky 30 year old with a binary watch :)

I'm just making assumptions based on observations with my QAM tuner and TSReader.

So am I doing to be happy with what I see from broadcast on a 50" 1080P display then? What about Pioneer Kuro 1080p sets with broadcast? What does that look like overall? Either with Comcast or DirectTV HD programming?

The highest resolution offered on both Comcast and DirectTV is 1080i so you're not going to get the full benefit of 1080P with either provider, only a disc format such as Blu Ray is capable of providing that resolution at this time.

Its not that the sound is lower than the commercials, its that the sound level is varying during the show. It will get loud, then soft, then loud, then soft. The commercials are a level volume throughout. ABC HD seems to be the only channel I'm having this problem on.

I have the same problem and it occurs if I'm listening through the TV (via HDMI connection or Component) or thorugh the receiver (optical). The audio on Desperate Housewives kept going up and down during the show. It was almost in a predictable pattern. My signficant other didn't notice, but I have better hearing. I've seen the same thing on ABC in the past and I always attributed it to the network feed.

Does schaumburg comcast have an alternate HD channel when the bulls and hawks play at the same time?
Like tonight bulls on channel 200 comcast sports HD and the hawks are only on channel 41 nonHD.

Does schaumburg comcast have an alternate HD channel when the bulls and hawks play at the same time?
Like tonight bulls on channel 200 comcast sports HD and the hawks are only on channel 41 nonHD.


No, but it wouldn't matter. Hawks are a road game and not broadcast in HD.

First Hawks home game is 11/11 and that will be HD. It does bother me when CSN chooses to put a road game on CSN and a home game on CSN+ and we lose an HD game. That happened a few times with the Cubs/Sox this year.

Not much schedule available yet through the on-screen guide -- they supposedly will be doing live games, though the schedule will differ from the Canadian version of the channel. There's also an HD version of the channel but I don't think it's on Comcast yet, wonder if Comcast will put live games in HD on a special channel.

DirecTV has the NHL network in HD. I'm hoping Comcast adds the HD feed as soon as the bandwidth's free.

Just a quick FYI. I called Verizon to see if they had any plans for Chicago and I was told that someone else owned the territory and they would not be coming to Chicago. Lol, didn't the legislature pass a bill about that recently?

Verizon doesn't really have a presence in Illinois outside of wireless and business services. When they said somebody else owned the territory, they were referring to the fact that SBC/ATT is the Bell company that covers this area. Verizon is the Bell company covering the East Coast, formerly NyNex and god knows who else at this point.

So if you want to talk to a phone company about competing with Comcast in Illinois, you want to call AT&T. And from what I understand their IPTV rollout has gone nowhere but I'm sure they'd be happy to try and sell you their crappy dish solution.

Isn't Verizon phone company in DeKalb?

Isn't Verizon phone company in DeKalb?

Yep, but I don't know if they'll put in FiOS just for us. :(

I have a feeling we're being overcharged on our Comcast bill.

We have just one box in our house. It's a DCT6412.

We used to have two boxes, but turned one in. What should be on our bill?

There is one entry that shows up every month that says "Dig Ad Outlet Access Fee" for $5.99... I thought this was for an additional box, but when we called Comcast they told us that fee is for the DVR in addition to the $13.99 for DVR service. Seems like a lot.

DVR rate went up to 13.99 last month. I don't have any additional dvr charges. Actually I complained about the latest icrease and they gave me $5 off per box for 12 months.

DVR rate went up to 13.99 last month. I don't have any additional dvr charges. Actually I complained about the latest icrease and they gave me $5 off per box for 12 months.
What is 'Cable Guard'?

I've been charged $7.99 HD equipment fee plus the DVR fee. I used to have a non-DVR, so don't know if that's something that should have been dropped, or if it's needed to receive HD?

Cable guard is monthly fee that protects you from any charges if they have to come out and fix anything you.

How much are they charging you for the DVR fee (Is it 13.99)? I don't think there should be any additional equipment charges besides the $13.99 DVR fee.

I'm assuming since no one else has mentioned this that there's something wrong on my side, but is anyone experiencing any video problems with the NFL games on CBS and NBC today (11/4)? The picture is "stuttering" (audio is fine) during game action, but not during things like the studio shows. Very annoying. This didn't happen with the Packers game on Fox or on the college game on ESPN tonight, but it happened on all the CBS games and on NBC game tonight.

Any thoughts on what could be causing it or (more importantly) what I can do to fix it? I've unplugged it to reset the box but no change...and the program guide is taking for-ev-er to download again (it's been about 8 hours and the guide for Monday still say "to be announced" for almost all channels). :(

Marc

I think Comcast is having problems - National Geographic HD and Universal HD were out for most of the afternoon/evening here in Schaumburg. Haven't checked in a few hours, but I was getting some noise in the other HD channels, too.

Just a quick FYI. I called Verizon to see if they had any plans for Chicago and I was told that someone else owned the territory and they would not be coming to Chicago. Lol, didn't the legislature pass a bill about that recently?

ATT U-Verse will be going live in the Chicago area on 1/28

Bye Bye Comcast....

I think Comcast is having problems - National Geographic HD and Universal HD were out for most of the afternoon/evening here in Schaumburg. Haven't checked in a few hours, but I was getting some noise in the other HD channels, too.
It was a weird outage. There WAS a signal on the frequencies used (NGCHD and UHD are the same frequency), as the box did show SNR numbers and other information. VSGLF was also dead, but Comcast Central, which is on the same frequency, was working.

My cable boxes got the update last night. New guide with improved Title Search (full keyboard). It also allows you to save searches. http://www.comcast.com/newguide/Search.html

There are also some improvements with DVR and overlapping.
http://www.comcast.com/newguide/DVR.html

There is one entry that shows up every month that says "Dig Ad Outlet Access Fee" for $5.99... I thought this was for an additional box, but when we called Comcast they told us that fee is for the DVR in addition to the $13.99 for DVR service. Seems like a lot.

It's for an "additional digital outlet," which usually translates to "additional box." I get charged that same fee because I have two CableCARDs in my TiVo HD and one in my TV. Comcast treats that as two "digital outlets," even though it's technically one physical outlet with a splitter; they get confused every time I try to explain that to them.

If you don't have any other equipment besides your DVR, the only fee you should see is for the DVR.

ATT U-Verse will be going live in the Chicago area on 1/28

Bye Bye Comcast....


And Bye Bye to watching two HD tvs at once. Or pretty much doing anything with thier service while watching HD. :D

My cable boxes got the update last night. New guide with improved Title Search (full keyboard). It also allows you to save searches. http://www.comcast.com/newguide/Search.html

There are also some improvements with DVR and overlapping.
http://www.comcast.com/newguide/DVR.html

The firmware was also updated to 16.42 in my DCT series. This might fix some of the HDMI bugs the older version had. I don't know if the DCH's were updated.

It's for an "additional digital outlet," which usually translates to "additional box." I get charged that same fee because I have two CableCARDs in my TiVo HD and one in my TV. Comcast treats that as two "digital outlets," even though it's technically one physical outlet with a splitter; they get confused every time I try to explain that to them.

If you don't have any other equipment besides your DVR, the only fee you should see is for the DVR.

Well that's what I figured... we only have one box in our house. We used to have two, but when we got a DVR we didn't need the second box so we turned it in.

So what do we do now? We already called them to get it changed and they wouldn't do it... should we just keep calling until we get a CSR that will do something about it?

Schaumburg, Streamwood, or Bartlett ...

Anyone having problems with their tv guide data? Everything after 12 noon today just shows something like ...to be announced ...on my dvr and another digital box.

Schaumburg, Streamwood, or Bartlett ...

Anyone having problems with their tv guide data? Everything after 12 noon today just shows something like ...to be announced ...on my dvr and another digital box.

I posted this earlier today: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=12152338#post12152338

Schaumburg, Streamwood, or Bartlett ...

Anyone having problems with their tv guide data? Everything after 12 noon today just shows something like ...to be announced ...on my dvr and another digital box.
I noticed mine rebooted last night again. It ended up splitting a recording in two. I hope it was deliberate by Comcast and not a glitch in the new firmware/software. I guess I'll find out tonight.

I also got 2 reboots in 2 nights so im thinking maybe they upgraded the software and then sent out the upgrade again the next day for some reason, also can anyone tell me that the changes are with the new software, i've noticed that when a recording ends it now pauses and takes a bit for the delete dialog to pop up also it seems the bubbles with the menu choices are smaller, anything else?

I also got 2 reboots in 2 nights so im thinking maybe they upgraded the software and then sent out the upgrade again the next day for some reason, also can anyone tell me that the changes are with the new software, i've noticed that when a recording ends it now pauses and takes a bit for the delete dialog to pop up also it seems the bubbles with the menu choices are smaller, anything else?
The second reboot was short. My 60-minute show was in 12 and 46 minute chunks, so only about 2 minutes were lost, depending on how it's rounded. That's not all too different than a normal reboot. They may also have done it to force a guide refresh, or maybe just a configuration update. They've done that in the past, such as the weird bug where the favorites didn't list HD channels.

I actually don't like the 'pause at end of recording' change. Before, I could just hit OK to delete. Now I have to do a STOP, then OK to delete.

You can find details here:
http://www.comcast.com/newguide/#

The Live and overlap features need to be turned on. They are in the Guide setup, in the setup menu.

I'll update the Wikibook this weekend with the new options.

Some other differences I've noticed:
Swapping tuners gives a blank screen for a second or so.
Changing channels seems to be much faster. I think they may have reduced the buffer delay a bit.
VCR-style manual recording no longer have 'Recording' in front. They just say 'Sat 11/10 at 10pm' for example.
In OnDemand, starting a program causes the upper-part of the graphics to go inverse.

It's for an "additional digital outlet," which usually translates to "additional box." I get charged that same fee because I have two CableCARDs in my TiVo HD and one in my TV. Comcast treats that as two "digital outlets," even though it's technically one physical outlet with a splitter; they get confused every time I try to explain that to them.

If you don't have any other equipment besides your DVR, the only fee you should see is for the DVR.

Thanks for your help... we called again today and the CSR said the charge was indeed for a second box. Since we only have one box they took the charge off and gave us a 6 month refund ($36). I know they over-charged us more than that, but it's better than nothing.

andyross63. Do OnDemand controls seem a little faster/responsive to you? I hated how long it takes to respond to play/pause/ff/rewind. It seems a little better now. I might be just my imagination :)

andyross63. Do OnDemand controls seem a little faster/responsive to you? I hated how long it takes to respond to play/pause/ff/rewind. It seems a little better now. I might be just my imagination :)
OnDemand response time varies. I assume it depends on how busy the servers are. In the past, I have noticed that just hitting FF or REW again is often faster than hitting PLAY.

Another new feature of the new software: Hitting Guide while in the guide will toggle between the regular grid and the single-channel program list.

Good Evening All;
Those of you who had to connect via component, or other ways, because the 16.20 Firmware Update turned your HDMI connection into a seizure-inducing psychotic snowstorm, check your boxes firmware version because if it shows 16.42, you may be back in business...
And IMO, Channel Changes are much faster with the update.
I joined, and began lurking, this forum when 16.20 cut my HDMI connection, and if it were not for you, I would have had a Comcast Tech unplugging every wire of my system during his 3 hour visit...Because of your help, I was able to meet him in the driveway and say, "Move on, you can't fix it.".
Thank You All, and hope you HDMI connections are working again...
:D

I would appreciate any input on what brand/model of antenna to install for the following application:

Attic installation in a two story house in Elmhurst IL. 96 degrees and 16.0 miles to Sears/John Hancock antennas.

Attic size (I do not want to mount it outside) and price is not a concern.

Have 80 feet of RG-6 (quad shield) coax. running from attic to TV.

Want to be able to pick up WBBM CH2.

Here are my questions...

Looking for best brands/models for this installation. Is bow-tie antennas better or worse than the rod style of antenna?

Looked at Winegard HD8200P, HD7048P, Channel Master 3678 on the internet. Is it possible to get too large of an antenna?

Should I use a pre-amplifier?

Thanks very much for your help,
Sam

t6sam - you need to post your question in the Chicago OTA (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=815397) thread, not here in the Comcast cable thread.

I'm at my wits end trying to find a list of the channel lineup when discovered off of cable by a QAM tuner. For example, WGN hd is 9-1, Comcast SportsNet is 37, etc. My Vizio TV pulls in the names for some, but not for most. How do people find their way around without a lineup printed out? -- i.e. I'd like to watch something on Fox tonight and don't even see FOX listed. So I have to tick up through changing channels one at a time until I find it. I did some searching here on AVS and couldn't find anything specific to what I'm asking for -- please help!!

Unfortunately, I think that's your only option.

On my Comcast system, PSIP info gets passed through now, so I can find the digitals on 2.1, 5.1, etc. But a year ago, they were all hidden in the 115 and 116 range, and I just had to write them down to remember where they were (until I got a CableCARD, which pulls channel mapping info from the headend).

I'm honestly not sure where the names are coming from. I don't think I got names until I had a CableCARD with lineup data.

Hey, does anyone know if a High Definition converter box is just a regular HD STB? I need to exchange the box they gave me for one with firewire ports.
Anyways, here is what it says on the comcast site for this location (60901).

Digital Video Recorder, Modem, Digital Converter, High Definition Converter

I have the same problem and it occurs if I'm listening through the TV (via HDMI connection or Component) or thorugh the receiver (optical). The audio on Desperate Housewives kept going up and down during the show. It was almost in a predictable pattern. My signficant other didn't notice, but I have better hearing. I've seen the same thing on ABC in the past and I always attributed it to the network feed.
I spoke with someone at Comcast today who mentioned that channel 187 (ABC HD) is under maintenance which is why the volume fluctuates. He had no idea when it would be completed.

Hey, does anyone know if a High Definition converter box is just a regular HD STB? I need to exchange the box they gave me for one with firewire ports.
Anyways, here is what it says on the comcast site for this location (60901).
My guess the HD converter is either the old DCT5100 or 6200, or the newer DCH 6200.

I heard an ad on the radio asking for votes on which HD channel Comcast should launch next - the web page they refer to is here (http://www.cbsdigitalchicago.com/comcast/hd/). I have no idea if they'll actually honor the vote tally, but at least you can see that The History Channel, USA HD, CNN HD, and Discovery Channel HD are coming by the end of the year.

That Man on the Street video is just about the dumbest thing I have seen in a long time.

It almost made me want to switch to Directv :)

I would want DiscoveryHD first. I watch alot on there (Dirty Jobs, Mythbusters, etc...) USA-HD would be next, with Monk and Psych starting the second-half of their seasons soon.

CNN-HD seems like a waste unless their remotes are also HD. NBC News has been HD for awhile, but is anything other than the studio in HD?

I heard an ad on the radio asking for votes on which HD channel Comcast should launch next - the web page they refer to is here (http://www.cbsdigitalchicago.com/comcast/hd/). I have no idea if they'll actually honor the vote tally, but at least you can see that The History Channel, USA HD, CNN HD, and Discovery Channel HD are coming by the end of the year.

As usual, Comcast continues to drag their collective @sses adding HD content. Where are:

HDNet
HDNet Movies
Sci-Fi-HD
MGM-HD
TLC-HD
Smithsonian-HD
Spike-HD
FX-HD

Not to mention a host of lesser HD channels like Animal Planet, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Science, TWC, MTV, VH1, CMT, NHL, Nick, etc...

I know bandwidth availability is an issue, but it's really getting annoying to keep hearing that being rolled out as an argument when they continue to waste it on such analog gems as channel 95 ("You are watching channel 95"), the analog simulcast of Comcast 100, the useless TV guide channel, QVC, HSN, Galavision, Court-TV, TLN, BET, EWTN, etc...

Moving those 10 channels alone to digital would make way for 20 new HD channels (and with the possible exceptions of BET and Court-TV, I doubt most people would notice or even care that they were gone).

End of rant.

I was getting CBS QAM on channel 2.1 on my TiVo S3 up until a couple months ago. I am in the south suburbs - the Romeoville Comcast. Anyone else still getting it/not getting it anymore?

Another feature I found in the new software:
If you try to type in a channel number that doesn't exist, it will tune to the next available channel.
When you reach the end of a recording it will only pause. If you wait 10 seconds, you then get the Delete popup, or you can hit STOP to get it sooner.

As usual, Comcast continues to drag their collective @sses adding HD content. Where are:

HDNet
HDNet Movies
Sci-Fi-HD
MGM-HD
TLC-HD
Smithsonian-HD
Spike-HD
FX-HD

Not to mention a host of lesser HD channels like Animal Planet, Bravo, Cartoon Network, Science, TWC, MTV, VH1, CMT, NHL, Nick, etc...

I know bandwidth availability is an issue, but it's really getting annoying to keep hearing that being rolled out as an argument when they continue to waste it on such analog gems as channel 95 ("You are watching channel 95"), the analog simulcast of Comcast 100, the useless TV guide channel, QVC, HSN, Galavision, Court-TV, TLN, BET, EWTN, etc...

Moving those 10 channels alone to digital would make way for 20 new HD channels (and with the possible exceptions of BET and Court-TV, I doubt most people would notice or even care that they were gone).

End of rant.

you can get all or most of this with either Dish Network or Direct TV..

My DCH-3416 is running the 18.34 firmware, but I dont have the new iguide. How/when does this get pushed to the box? Im in zip 60452 (oak forest), i think thats the Homewood head-end. Is that right?

I spoke with someone at Comcast today who mentioned that channel 187 (ABC HD) is under maintenance which is why the volume fluctuates. He had no idea when it would be completed.

They need to hire brighter CSR's. Unless they have a really outragous setup there (which they don't), it would be impossible for Comcast to influence the audio level of any DTV station. (Basically data in, data out.) Although I am shocked that they didn't automatically blame the broadcaster. :eek:

Anyone else not have FoxHD for this morning's game?

Anybody having this issue?

I'm at my parent's house in Wheeling, and they have 3 basic DCT-2000 series boxes. All of them are having problems with the channels using 585MHz. 25 (Food), 37 (CSN), 53 (Hist), 67/123 (Oxygen), 71 (HGTV), 73 (Court), 74 (E), and 76 (VS). They either display a blank screen, or a very pixelated version of another channel, which are all on 579MHz:
25--63 (MSNBC)
53--60 (ESPN2)
71--58 (ESPN)
73--43 (Spike)
74--55 (A&E)
123--131 (Halmark)

It was working earlier, and they said it started doing it yesterday, too. I'm assuming it's a Comcast issue.

Hey,
yeah, same issues here, same channel types.
anyways, after 30 mins on hold with comcast, they picked up, and as I started talking, it fixed itself.
weird..

Anybody having this issue?

I'm at my parent's house in Wheeling, and they have 3 basic DCT-2000 series boxes. All of them are having problems with the channels using 585MHz. 25 (Food), 37 (CSN), 53 (Hist), 67/123 (Oxygen), 71 (HGTV), 73 (Court), 74 (E), and 76 (VS). They either display a blank screen, or a very pixelated version of another channel, which are all on 579MHz:
25--63 (MSNBC)
53--60 (ESPN2)
71--58 (ESPN)
73--43 (Spike)
74--55 (A&E)
123--131 (Halmark)

It was working earlier, and they said it started doing it yesterday, too. I'm assuming it's a Comcast issue.

Same problem here (Wheeling). After spending an hour trouble shooting, and not finding any problems with TV's not using a STB the problem fixed its self.

I just got an e-mail from yesterday and my mother said it happened again 15 minutes before a movie ended that she was watching on Oxygen. I wonder if it's just Wheeling, or if it also covers related towns as Wheeling is fed from Mount Prospect.

Just bought a Sharp LC-19SK24U-W and plugged it in via the antenna/cable in coax plug to the Comcast feed (Glenview, which is Mt. Prospect, I believe). Set has a QAM tuner. I do NOT have a cable box attached or a CableCARD.

Does anyone know if there is a way to get the HD channels via this type of hookup without getting another set top box?

Comcast service was all you'd expect from cable customer service.

yeah, get Direct TV or Dish network....

Just bought a Sharp LC-19SK24U-W and plugged it in via the antenna/cable in coax plug to the Comcast feed (Glenview, which is Mt. Prospect, I believe). Set has a QAM tuner. I do NOT have a cable box attached or a CableCARD.

Does anyone know if there is a way to get the HD channels via this type of hookup without getting another set top box?

Comcast service was all you'd expect from cable customer service.
You should be able to scan for digital channels in your setup menu and detect them. You will get nbc, cbs, wgn, abc, wttw, fox and a few others.
They will show up like 2.1, 5.5, ... also around 118.1 or so

Not sure how many coax inputs you have? make sure the cable is connected to the regular cable input. Not the OTA/ATSC input.

Only have one coax input. Tried scanning for analog and digital at first setup. Will choosing Cable STD, Cable IRC or Cable HRC make a difference?

Was anybody's box reset overnight?

you can get all or most of this with either Dish Network or Direct TV..
And this is why that at the beginning of the year, I am going to seriously look at getting rid of Comcast.

Looks like History HD will be on channel 175.

tv.yahoo.com added it to the lineup already. weird that they also have regular History Channel listed on channel 270.

Also, on my latest bill there is a note that they are moving all local access channels from analog to digital.

Picture Quality

Watching 174 (MOJO) basketball game tonight. Picture does not look as sharp as normal
( pixelated). Other HD channels look OK but noticed the same thing during the Bears game yesterday. Anyone else seeing this?

racerx9,
Yes I watched basketball on MOJO tonight as well, and yes I noticed the same thing, that it was not as sharp as normal, I noticed motion blurr but I'm not sure if I noticed it pixelated, where I think ( I'm still a newbie owner of my 5265, going past 3 weeks ) when I'm watching TNT HD, they are showing older movies, and when the signal is not the best, I see pixelation where the pixels are a different color, and are grouped together, it's different than motion blurr where it's a fast pann or moving and spinning lights where they pan from camera to camera very fast.

For the most part MOJO is always very crisp in their HD feed, but what I have also noticed, it depends on where they are broadcasting, if you watch the LA Lakers on Mojo, it's always perfect.

I found your review about your 5265F, and see that you like it as well as I do.
I have never bought a HD TV before till Nov 1st of this month, and it's been someting to get use to, going from a 15 year old Sony 32" CRT. I'm wanting Blue ray, wondering how Blue ray or HD-DVD look on these 5265 sets. Thanks.

No History HD yet on cable box (no channel mapped), but I am seeing 2 HD channels on 113 (729MHz). I know only NFL HD was on there before.

This is on Schaumburg headend.

I'm researching for a family member who lives in Lombard, IL., i.e., a west suburban location. They have standard analog cable presently, but just purchased an hdtv from a 'black friday' sale and so it's time to upgrade their Comcast package to get the better digital channel quality (as the analog channels now look atrocious on the new HD digital display :eek:).

I'm attempting to understand Comcast's pricing structure as it pertains to getting all digital and some HD channels, at least more than those which are already available for free via the QAM tuner (network HD, PBS HD, etc.). They don't want to go so far as to pay for any of the premium HD channels though, i.e., HBO-HD, etc.


So, after perusing this thread and the Comcast website, here's what I've come up with...


To bump up to digital/HD, and have use of a DVR for recording in HD/digital quality, you must sign up for Comcast "Digital Cable" (as described on their website, although there is no plan by that exact name). It appears that the minimum digital plan you can get by with is the "Digital Starter" plan (same as "Digital Classic"?).


The charges would break down like this:

Digital Starter package @ $56.98/month
+ DVR @ $13.99/month
=
$70.97/monthly basis


Does this sound about right? If "Digital Starter" is indeed the same as "Digital Classic", looking at the associated channel lineup, there doesn't appear to be any HD channels available (again, not counting CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, PBS). That's not so great, but at least they would get all of their old analog channels in digital quality now and recorded in the same.

Please correct any miscalculations, or if you know of a savvier way to approach this, please chime in. Or at least chortle in, if I've botched this pricing interpretation horribly. :o:D

I noticed that last UFC PPV is now available in HD On Demand. Does anyone know how quickly it was available on On Demand?

Also we got the History-HD message this morning as well but it hasn't shown up yet.

I'm researching for a family member who lives in Lombard, IL., i.e., a west suburban location.
The charges would break down like this:

Digital Starter package @ $56.98/month
+ DVR @ $13.99/month
=
$70.97/monthly basis

Does this sound about right? If "Digital Starter" is indeed the same as "Digital Classic", looking at the associated channel lineup, there doesn't appear to be any HD channels available (again, not counting CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, PBS). That's not so great, but at least they would get all of their old analog channels in digital quality now and recorded in the same.

Please correct any miscalculations, or if you know of a savvier way to approach this, please chime in. Or at least chortle in, if I've botched this pricing interpretation horribly. :o:D
I'm sure your family will be pleased that you've jacked their bill up from about $20/month to over $70! ;)

I believe you'll get more HD channels than you mentioned. You should get the HD version of any digital channel you get. Ex. ESPN/ESPNHD, TNT/TNTHD, etc.

We do have History HD on 175 this am, but the guide info is all still TBA.

I have a 256-QAM tuner and subscribe to Comcast analog cable only. I am able to see local HD stations through the tuner, but in the "odd" locations as most here are aware. With this setup, will I be able to see digital and/or HD versions of the analog stations Comcast is adding (such as History HD, etc.)?

Also, with Comcast moving so many analog stations to digital, any rumors on what happens to us with only analog service? Will we be 'forced' to buy Digital? (I tried this summer, but Comcast decided not to show up at the time they stated, nor honor the price they quoted, so I told them to not come and am enjoying a deep discount for the time being.)

Showed up this morning as 175, guide still needs to be updated. I wonder when FX, USA, & Discovery HD channels will be added? It would be nice if the added FX in time for the new season of the Shield!

I have a 256-QAM tuner and subscribe to Comcast analog cable only. I am able to see local HD stations through the tuner, but in the "odd" locations as most here are aware. With this setup, will I be able to see digital and/or HD versions of the analog stations Comcast is adding (such as History HD, etc.)?

Rarely, as most digital channels are scrambled.

Also, with Comcast moving so many analog stations to digital, any rumors on what happens to us with only analog service? Will we be 'forced' to buy Digital? (I tried this summer, but Comcast decided not to show up at the time they stated, nor honor the price they quoted, so I told them to not come and am enjoying a deep discount for the time being.)
I'm with you. I still have an analog only package. At some point we'll be forced to upgrade. I believe/hope channels 2-34 will be around until they get rid of analog totally. As for channels 35-96, we seem to lose a couple a month.

Its great that we have History Channel in HD! I'm really excited because its my favorite channel. Does anyone know if its 720p or 1080i?

Also, another question. We've got History Channel HD, but just how much HD does the History Channel have? TBS HD was a nice addition, but none of thier programming that I've seen, (apart from the MLB playoffs, that was spectacular by the way), is even broadcast in HD. I was pretty bummed that "The Office" reruns that they show aren't HD. NBC certainly had them in HD. Most shows look like the streached stuff that TNT occasionally shows. On my Sony, (which does a fantastic job with upscaled and SD stuff), I really can't tell to much difference from the standard def station, for TBS and the HD one. I find myself asking does it really matter that we got TBS HD? Thought I'm happy for the future potential.

History Channel has a lot more original programming, so I'm guessing they have more control over the HD broadcasts than TBS, which shows sindicated programs and old movies. I'm wondering if History Channel is going to get all of thier old Modern marvel shows up to HD.

I'm researching for a family member who lives in Lombard, IL., i.e., a west suburban location. They have standard analog cable presently, but just purchased an hdtv from a 'black friday' sale and so it's time to upgrade their Comcast package to get the better digital channel quality (as the analog channels now look atrocious on the new HD digital display :eek:).

I'm attempting to understand Comcast's pricing structure as it pertains to getting all digital and some HD channels, at least more than those which are already available for free via the QAM tuner (network HD, PBS HD, etc.). They don't want to go so far as to pay for any of the premium HD channels though, i.e., HBO-HD, etc.


So, after perusing this thread and the Comcast website, here's what I've come up with...


To bump up to digital/HD, and have use of a DVR for recording in HD/digital quality, you must sign up for Comcast "Digital Cable" (as described on their website, although there is no plan by that exact name). It appears that the minimum digital plan you can get by with is the "Digital Starter" plan (same as "Digital Classic"?).


The charges would break down like this:

Digital Starter package @ $56.98/month
+ DVR @ $13.99/month
=
$70.97/monthly basis


Does this sound about right? If "Digital Starter" is indeed the same as "Digital Classic", looking at the associated channel lineup, there doesn't appear to be any HD channels available (again, not counting CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, PBS). That's not so great, but at least they would get all of their old analog channels in digital quality now and recorded in the same.

Please correct any miscalculations, or if you know of a savvier way to approach this, please chime in. Or at least chortle in, if I've botched this pricing interpretation horribly. :o:D

The answer is simple; get them either Direct TV or Dish Network!
If they dont need to stay with Comcast for their phone or their High speed Internet, then satalite and their offers to new subscribers cant be beat..plus, no more dealing with Comcast!!

The answer is simple; get them either Direct TV or Dish Network!
If they dont need to stay with Comcast for their phone or their High speed Internet, then satalite and their offers to new subscribers cant be beat..plus, no more dealing with Comcast!!



Stop it please. This is a Comcast topic.

Tivo trumps the extra channels (that comcast will be getting eventually.)

I am well aware of what topic this is..:cool:

The person is obviously having a problem de-ciphering Comcast's convoluted pricing policies, so I was offering him/her a clearer solution to that issue only; hell, I have satalite AND Comcast, so i know of what I speak!

I am well aware of what topic this is..:cool:

The person is obviously having a problem de-ciphering Comcast's convoluted pricing policies, so I was offering him/her a clearer solution to that issue only; hell, I have satalite AND Comcast, so i know of what I speak!


Not going to get into a pissing match but you said the same thing in #s 6189, 6318, 6327, 6344. (In which you have analog only and offered exactly zero help to help them decipher the pricing policy)

I'm not going to reply to you again so feel free to have the last word but I'm tired of reading the same response from you. I think I asked nicely.

Showed up this morning as 175, guide still needs to be updated. I wonder when FX, USA, & Discovery HD channels will be added? It would be nice if the added FX in time for the new season of the Shield!
Ads have said they will be adding up to 3 by the end of the year (Discovery, CNN, USA). They had some sort of contest to get an idea on the priority.

Here in Schaumburg, it is on analog 113 (729MHz). Unfortunately, it looks like SD material is in Stretch-O-Vision©.

andyross63, aren't you the guy who put together that nice spreadsheet of qam/digital channels? If so, any chance you can repost the link? It was a huge help to me about a year ago, but I seem to have misplaced it. TIA, Pete

Not going to get into a pissing match but you said the same thing in #s 6189, 6318, 6327, 6344. (In which you have analog only and offered exactly zero help to help them decipher the pricing policy)

I'm not going to reply to you again so feel free to have the last word but I'm tired of reading the same response from you. I think I asked nicely.

You DID ask nicely, and I will have the last word..
I have been a comcast customer for over 15 years now, and, until recently, I spent over 200 dollars a month with them on ALL their services; phone, HSI, cable, etc...After tons of frustration, poor service, un-trained sub-contractors/techs unable to fix issues that come up, AND Frequent service outages, I finally dropped their Digital Voice, and Video Services, and went with ATT and Dish Network.
I only report the facts as I see them, and if you feel I say the same thing over and over, and you don't want to read them anymore than don't!

At some point we'll be forced to upgrade. I believe/hope channels 2-34 will be around until they get rid of analog totally.I don't know about up to channel 34, but they have to keep the analog locals until at least 2012.

andyross63, aren't you the guy who put together that nice spreadsheet of qam/digital channels? If so, any chance you can repost the link? It was a huge help to me about a year ago, but I seem to have misplaced it. TIA, Pete
http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

I roughly updated both the spreadsheet and channel list today with History HD. I updated the channel list for upcoming channel changes. During the holidays, hopefully after some of the other HD's are added, I may go through and do a full channel-by-channel scan to verify the information.

There is also a new pseudo-channel, 890, which is an OnDemand link to Election '08 information.

I don't know about up to channel 34, but they have to keep the analog locals until at least 2012.
I said channels 2-34 because they are the channels contained in the discontinued analog-basic package that many people still have. I can hope for the best, right!

I'm still grandfathered into a discontinued $16 cable package + $12 HDDVR + $42 HSI, which gives me channels 2-99, local channels in HD, DVR and internet for about $75/month.

that is a pretty nice package!

I said channels 2-34 because they are the channels contained in the discontinued analog-basic package that many people still have. I can hope for the best, right!

I'm still grandfathered into a discontinued $16 cable package + $12 HDDVR + $42 HSI, which gives me channels 2-99, local channels in HD, DVR and internet for about $75/month.

Do the HD OTA networks come with that too?

http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

I roughly updated both the spreadsheet and channel list today with History HD. I updated the channel list for upcoming channel changes. During the holidays, hopefully after some of the other HD's are added, I may go through and do a full channel-by-channel scan to verify the information.

There is also a new pseudo-channel, 890, which is an OnDemand link to Election '08 information.

You the man!

http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

I roughly updated both the spreadsheet and channel list today with History HD. I updated the channel list for upcoming channel changes. During the holidays, hopefully after some of the other HD's are added, I may go through and do a full channel-by-channel scan to verify the information.

There is also a new pseudo-channel, 890, which is an OnDemand link to Election '08 information.


I think there have been few more rearrangements. I am showing 3 (yes 3 :) ) HD channels on 67 now. Starz HD, HGTV HD and AE HD are all on 67.

This is what I am seeing (only HD channels):

Ch. Ch. # Freq. Analog Ch.
VS 199 213 13
FOOD 181 261 30
TBS 219 261 30
ESPN2 203 357 46
TNT 204 357 46
MAX 195 435 59
NGC 206 447 61
UHD 207 447 61
ESPN 173 453 62
CSN 200 453 62
HGTV 179 483 67
STARZ 196 483 67
AE 208 483 67
ABC 187 633 92
WGN 192 633 92
MOJO 174 681 105
MyTV 184 681 105
SHO 185 717 111
HBO 186 717 111
NFL HD 169 729 113
CBS 189 735 114
PBS 191 735 114
NBC 188 741 115
FOX 190 741 115
MHD 209 747 116
HDT 205 753 117

Something mysterious :)

The list above is channel mappings verified by what my cable box shows and my Fusion HDTV tuner (using TSReader).

Now the mystery is. There are also 3 HD streams on analog channel 102. No channels on cable box are mapped to it. Could it be that they are testing the other 3 announced channels (USA, CNN and Discovery)? Channels are encrypted so I don't have a slightest clue what they are.

Rarely, as most digital channels are scrambled.


I'm with you. I still have an analog only package. At some point we'll be forced to upgrade. I believe/hope channels 2-34 will be around until they get rid of analog totally. As for channels 35-96, we seem to lose a couple a month.

Many digital stations are not scrambled, and I actually get several digital stations not listed in the basic lineup. I also get the On Demand feeds.

Since I already have History in analog, should be no reason it is scrambled in HD. Just wondering if anyone with a QAM tuner is picking them up.

(I'm on the Elgin feed).

If I upgrade to Digital Classic, or other added packages, will I be able to see the channels with a QAM tuner, or do they require a box to be unscrambled? I have a couple TVs where I don't want a box, and don't mind if the locations are different than Comcast specifies, as I won't be using TiVo on those sets nor using On Demand.

Many digital stations are not scrambled, and I actually get several digital stations not listed in the basic lineup. I also get the On Demand feeds.

Since I already have History in analog, should be no reason it is scrambled in HD. Just wondering if anyone with a QAM tuner is picking them up.

(I'm on the Elgin feed).
I agree about being able to find other digital feeds with a QAM tuner, but it seems to me like the majority of stations that comcast puts above channel 100 (cable box channel 100) are scrambled. Most of the digital channels I find are simply the ADS version of the analog channel that I already get.

Additionally, I never get the HD version of anything but locals. I'm pretty sure you'll need a cablecard/qam (or hdbox) to pick up historyhd, even if you subscribe to a digital tier.

If you're getting anything unencrypted on QAM other than the locals, it's a fluke. You really shouldn't be getting any of them, but occasionally a QAM tuner will pick up one or more of the HD package or premium HD channels. Upgrading to a digital tier isn't going to get you more. You won't get anything you're not paying for if you're using their cable box or CableCARD. And if you split the feed to your QAM tuner, you certainly won't get anything more than you're getting now. In fact, in time you may not even get what you're getting now. Sometimes they just disappear - sometimes they don't.

The ONLY way you're going to be assured of getting History HD is by paying for the HD tier (and using their box or card).

With a QAM tuner, you're more likely to pick up some of the the standard, digital channels, and oftentimes they're video only, without audio. That's actually a lot more common than getting any non-local HD channels. And the OnDemand you're picking up is what your neighbors are watching - you don't have any control over it at all. Which means you'll often see it rewinding or fast-forwarding over scenes (it's a good way to learn about your neighbors viewing preferences - if you can figure out who's watching what.)

I think there have been few more rearrangements. I am showing 3 (yes 3 :) ) HD channels on 67 now. Starz HD, HGTV HD and AE HD are all on 67.

This is what I am seeing (only HD channels):

Ch. Ch. # Freq. Analog Ch.
VS 199 213 13
FOOD 181 261 30
TBS 219 261 30
ESPN2 203 357 46
TNT 204 357 46
MAX 195 435 59
NGC 206 447 61
UHD 207 447 61
ESPN 173 453 62
CSN 200 453 62
HGTV 179 483 67
STARZ 196 483 67
AE 208 483 67
ABC 187 633 92
WGN 192 633 92
MOJO 174 681 105
MyTV 184 681 105
SHO 185 717 111
HBO 186 717 111
NFL HD 169 729 113
CBS 189 735 114
PBS 191 735 114
NBC 188 741 115
FOX 190 741 115
MHD 209 747 116
HDT 205 753 117


I still see FoodTV on 102 (663MHz). The others appear correct.

Are HGTV/Starz/A&E 720p channels? That seems the only way they could put them all on the same frequency unless they are compressing them.

Are HGTV/Starz/A&E 720p channels? That seems the only way they could put them all on the same frequency unless they are compressing them.

A&E is 720p; the other two are 1080i.

I still see FoodTV on 102 (663MHz). The others appear correct.

Are HGTV/Starz/A&E 720p channels? That seems the only way they could put them all on the same frequency unless they are compressing them.

I must have entered it wrong. I see Food on 663 as well.

I'm researching for a family member who lives in Lombard, IL., i.e., a west suburban location. They have standard analog cable presently, but just purchased an hdtv from a 'black friday' sale and so it's time to upgrade their Comcast package to get the better digital channel quality (as the analog channels now look atrocious on the new HD digital display :eek:).

I'm attempting to understand Comcast's pricing structure as it pertains to getting all digital and some HD channels, at least more than those which are already available for free via the QAM tuner (network HD, PBS HD, etc.). They don't want to go so far as to pay for any of the premium HD channels though, i.e., HBO-HD, etc.


So, after perusing this thread and the Comcast website, here's what I've come up with...


To bump up to digital/HD, and have use of a DVR for recording in HD/digital quality, you must sign up for Comcast "Digital Cable" (as described on their website, although there is no plan by that exact name). It appears that the minimum digital plan you can get by with is the "Digital Starter" plan (same as "Digital Classic"?).


The charges would break down like this:

Digital Starter package @ $56.98/month
+ DVR @ $13.99/month
=
$70.97/monthly basis


Does this sound about right? If "Digital Starter" is indeed the same as "Digital Classic", looking at the associated channel lineup, there doesn't appear to be any HD channels available (again, not counting CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, CW, PBS). That's not so great, but at least they would get all of their old analog channels in digital quality now and recorded in the same.

Please correct any miscalculations, or if you know of a savvier way to approach this, please chime in. Or at least chortle in, if I've botched this pricing interpretation horribly. :o:D
CruelInventions,

I had Digital Starter and the only HD channels I got were the ones you would get with QAM tuner for free. If they want other HD channels (NGHD, Discovery, TNT etc.) you will have to step up to next level Digital Preferred (I think), which is about another $15/Mo more. Unless they really want the DVR functionality, they may be better off using their QAM tuner and subscribing to the minimum level. Good luck.

I was getting CBS QAM on channel 2.1 on my TiVo S3 up until a couple months ago. I am in the south suburbs - the Romeoville Comcast. Anyone else still getting it/not getting it anymore?
i noticed you live in romeoville. i to lost channel 2.1. i thought the kids scrwed up the tv. but i was wrong. also are you using a box or a tv to get your quam channels thxxx

i noticed you live in romeoville. i to lost channel 2.1. i thought the kids scrwed up the tv. but i was wrong. also are you using a box or a tv to get your quam channels thxxx

I have not tried to get CBS QAM 2.1 with anything other than the TiVo S3. I have been meaning to try the QAM tuner on my TV, but have not had a chance yet

i have a DTB-H260F with quam and connected to my comcast. i recieve digetal channels but i do not get other channels. my 2 digital hd tvs get regular channels and digital channels. is this normal for this box or is there something wron with it thxxx
robert romoville

Does anyone know what the clear QAM channels are on Comcast for the Vernon Hills Chicago area? Or in the alternative could direct me to a list or site that provides those digital channels?

I'm guessing it's just me since I see no other posts, but these last few days all my channels on both receivers keep skipping and macroblocking big time (not just HD), at this point it's unwatchable.

Last week I sent a complaint letter about bad installation people/customer service from months ago, and I just got a response on my answering machine a few days ago. Main question, do they have any control over anything like this? I just find it weird with the timing, this started the same day they left me a message, and I haven't had time to call back, but it's been worse now

i have a DTB-H260F with quam and connected to my comcast. i recieve digetal channels but i do not get other channels. my 2 digital hd tvs get regular channels and digital channels. is this normal for this box or is there something wron with it thxxx
robert romovilleIt's normal. The TV's have NTSC tuners also, which pick up the analog channels, while the Samsung only has QAM (and ATSC), which can only pick up the digitals.

If you're using the Samsung on a TV with an NTSC tuner, you run a "RF coax out" from it to your TV. That way you can pass the signal through and watch the analog channels through the TV's tuner (after you scan for the channels with the TV first).

i have a DTB-H260F with quam and connected to my comcast. i recieve digetal channels but i do not get other channels. my 2 digital hd tvs get regular channels and digital channels. is this normal for this box or is there something wron with it thxxx
robert romovilleIt's normal. The TV's have NTSC tuners also, which pick up the analog channels, while the Samsung only has QAM (and ATSC), which can only pick up the digitals.

If the TV doesn't have an NTSC tuner, you can daisy-chain with an old VCR in between using coax.

I hate to ask again, but was anybody's box reset last night (Friday?) It was reset Saturday night/Sunday morning, and now last night again. I hope this is deliberate by Comcast and not some new bug.

I hate to ask again, but was anybody's box reset last night (Friday?) It was reset Saturday night/Sunday morning, and now last night again. I hope this is deliberate by Comcast and not some new bug.

Yes, same here in Wheeling.

And now again last night!! This is getting ridiculous. Just why are they doing it so often? I see no obvious firmware/software change. Are they trying to guarantee some configuration changes are loaded?

I hate this as it takes 2-3 days for the guide to fully settle in. The first day other than the near-term data, it mostly seems to fill in the second week. Later, much of the second week disappears as the first week fills in, then finally the 2nd week fills back in.

I noticed the guide has been incomplete both yesterday and today, is that how you can tell if the box was reset?

Aside from that, I had some terrible service interruptions yesterday on some HD channels....notably 187 trying to watch the football game last night and on 219 while recording a Christmas show. The channel would intermittently go to all static or fuzz....then come back, then go out. Definitely unwatchable.

Storm related I suppose, but why should a storm interfere with an underground cable?

I suppose I'm on the Schaumburg headend also.

I noticed the guide has been incomplete both yesterday and today, is that how you can tell if the box was reset?

Aside from that, I had some terrible service interruptions yesterday on some HD channels....notably 187 trying to watch the football game last night and on 219 while recording a Christmas show. The channel would intermittently go to all static or fuzz....then come back, then go out. Definitely unwatchable.

Storm related I suppose, but why should a storm interfere with an underground cable?

I suppose I'm on the Schaumburg headend also.

Just noticed most of my guide is also mostly TBA in Mount Prospect.

No one else has had problems with complete breakups of the HD channels the past day or so? Just noticed mine doing it again during the Lions/Vikes game. Breaks up (all static) for a second and comes back. Yesterday is the first I have ever had this type of problem. Things might be good for minute or two then same happens again.

No one else has had problems with complete breakups of the HD channels the past day or so? Just noticed mine doing it again during the Lions/Vikes game. Breaks up (all static) for a second and comes back. Yesterday is the first I have ever had this type of problem. Things might be good for minute or two then same happens again.

Replying to my own post here but it may be an issue with the box or just a cable problem on my end. I don't seem to be having the same issues with an older HD DVR on a different HD display.

Replying to my own post here but it may be an issue with the box or just a cable problem on my end. I don't seem to be having the same issues with an older HD DVR on a different HD display.

Replying to my post again, hopefully for the last time. It seems the HDMI port on the cable box is not good. I switched to component and have been a half hour or longer with no breakups....

I know it's not the HDMI cable because it worked fine on a different box I had it on a week ago.

Changing Channels

Occassionaly when changing channels I will see a split second burst of static before the channel switches over. Anyone else noticing this?

My neighbors TV does a split second of audio static when changing channels once in a while. Mine is visual.

Do any of the clear QAM HD channels ever broadcast test patterns? IOW, maybe CBS, FOX, etc transmit a test pattern at 4:00 am or some other not prime time hour that I've never seen. I'd like to see what kind of resolution my DVD recorder is actully capable of recording at the various speeds.

Do any of the clear QAM HD channels ever broadcast test patterns? IOW, maybe CBS, FOX, etc transmit a test pattern at 4:00 am or some other not prime time hour that I've never seen. I'd like to see what kind of resolution my DVD recorder is actully capable of recording at the various speeds.

We don't from our facility.

Do any of the clear QAM HD channels ever broadcast test patterns? IOW, maybe CBS, FOX, etc transmit a test pattern at 4:00 am or some other not prime time hour that I've never seen. I'd like to see what kind of resolution my DVD recorder is actully capable of recording at the various speeds.WYIN-DT does, but I don't know how available that is over Comcast in the various areas.

Take this for what it's worth.

On my Guide in Vista Media Center (not sure who they get the guide info from):
216 - CNN HD
218 - HDT (HD Theater same guide info as 205 HD Theater - maybe this will be one of the other Discovery networks , probably Discovery HD)
221 - USA HD

I noticed the guide has been incomplete both yesterday and today, is that how you can tell if the box was reset?
Several clues:
Guide data has lots of 'To Be Announced'. You may only be able to go out a day or so instead of the normal 15 days, depending on if it's started to download the long-term data.

Your default Menu selection (your first press of the MENU button) has changed. It normally remembers the last used. I have my Menu defaulting to the Favorites (heart) icon. Whenever it reboots, it will reset back to the first icon.

It also seems to be more responsive when it isn't dealing with alot of Guide data.

Take this for what it's worth.

On my Guide in Vista Media Center (not sure who they get the guide info from):
216 - CNN HD
218 - HDT (HD Theater same guide info as 205 HD Theater - maybe this will be one of the other Discovery networks , probably Discovery HD)
221 - USA HD
They are all open channels, so very possible.

WYIN-DT does, but I don't know how available that is over Comcast in the various areas.

I do get WYIN, but have not found a digital version, yet. I pick it up the analog on Comcast channel 21. Their logo/banner at the bottom of the screen does state WYIN-DT on this analog feed. I just don't know if Comcast also has a clear QAM HD feed. Every so often I "channel up" with the remote to see what's new out there. That's how I found METV at 100.11. And some digital SD versions of the local channels. I'll have to keep a look out for WYIN-DT.

Thanks,
Mike

I found the listing online with new channels. I guess Media center uses tv.msn.com (makes sense :) )

I really think it's about time for a channel realignment. Knock out the open analog channel numbers, put channels into them packages, put all HD programming together, without SD channels in the middle, etc. And why are all the 300's empty? I do see from Comcast systems around the country are trying to keep the 800's as the music channels.

My HDTV gets 6 local clear QAM HD channels in the 108.x to 117.x range. That's where they came up when I did an initial scan way back when.

My DVD recorder scan placed 4 of these in the same upper channels, but mapped ABC to 7.1 and WGN to 9.1. What would trigger the recorder to map two channels & not the rest? And if I directly enter ABC-108.1, it does not work. Yet still works on the HDTV.

I would have thought that manually entering the actual channel/frequency would have worked. After all, that is where the real channel is, correct?

Tuesday evening I turned on the DVD recorder & all 4 of the upper range HD channels were gone. I did a scan and now all 6 are mapped to the lower virtual numbers. This is OK, but I'm surprised they did not still show up under the actual channels where they used to be. Is something telling the tuner that the information is not there, when of course it is because the HDTV still receives the actual upper channels? I'm guessing the recorder tuner is detecting the mapping data and blocking the tuner from receiving the signal on the actual frequency, whether the unit did a another scan or not.

My concern is missing a timer scheduled program if Comcast re-maps channels when I'm away. Obviously the odds of this happening are small, but right now NBC is 5.2, not 5.1 and WTTW-D is 11.2, not 11.1. So I'm guessing they could change these two at any time.

Any comments on the basics of how channel mapping works would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

I understand it to be that local markets get to watch their home team even if they are playing on the NFL network....anyone know where I'll be able to find the Bears game tomorrow (besides the NFL network)?

I understand it to be that local markets get to watch their home team even if they are playing on the NFL network....anyone know where I'll be able to find the Bears game tomorrow (besides the NFL network)?

I believe I heard it was going to be on wpwr. I know I get wpwr in HD through my comcast dvr, but I haven't looked to see if I get a qam version in HD.

I believe I heard it was going to be on wpwr. I know I get wpwr in HD through my comcast dvr, but I haven't looked to see if I get a qam version in HD.

Yep. WPWR in HD. Evidently, they paid about 700k for the rights. There was some stuff in yesterday's trib.

Yep. WPWR in HD. Evidently, they paid about 700k for the rights. There was some stuff in yesterday's trib.

Along with a huge headline and big article in Sundays Suntimes, along with a ton of ads on both WFLD & WPWR.

Looks like we're going to be getting 3 more HD channels this month and 2 more in January.

http://www.cbsdigitalchicago.com/comcast/hd/

I agree with Sparkman, what will it take for a channel remapping?

Looks like we're going to be getting 3 more HD channels this month and 2 more in January.

http://www.cbsdigitalchicago.com/comcast/hd/

I agree with Sparkman, what will it take for a channel remapping?
Its good to see Sci-Fi HD coming in January. Now as long as they get FX HD by the time Rescue Me comes back on, I'll be happy.

Here's a question that has been bothering me.

WPWR has the syndication rights to Stargate Atlantis. Atlantis has always been in widescreen on Sci-Fi. However, when WPWR HD shows Atlantis, they are forcing it into 4:3 and keeping the black widescreen bars on the top and bottom of the screen. Why don't they show it in full widescreen? Watching it with a black border all around the screen looks stupid and annoying.

Looks like we're going to be getting 3 more HD channels this month and 2 more in January.

http://www.cbsdigitalchicago.com/comcast/hd/

I agree with Sparkman, what will it take for a channel remapping?

I'm glad it's all a game to Comcast. Why not add them all at the same time?

I'll make a website with a poll on how should I pay my Comcast bill next month:
1. Send them something of equal value
2. Pennies
3. Check

Psych starts on USA on 12/7. So I guess I'll miss only first episode in HD (if it is in HD).

YES!! Discovery in HD. But the day AFTER the new Mythbusters... aww poop... always reruns on the weekend.

Discovery HD was just added on channel 218.

Why is it that Comcast SportsNet is the only channel that looks terrible compared to other HD channels?. For instance, I just got done watching Bears Blitz and whenever the anchors are in studio their facial features look all blobbed and words on screen are jaggy. I know it's not just me too because my buddies looks even worse on his t.v. I'm watching it on a Samsung fp-t5884. In the past I had a 37" and it looked bad on that too.

I believe I heard it was going to be on wpwr. I know I get wpwr in HD through my comcast dvr, but I haven't looked to see if I get a qam version in HD.

I agree Comcast needs to remap all the HD channels. When I had more time for HD and TV I had no trouble remembering all the channels locations but now I don't have so much time and I CRS.

WPWR in HD....can someone jog my memory and tell me the channel number (both locations for QAM or HD DVR would be great)? I too have a couple HD DVR's so I should get it in HD I assume.

I didn't think Comcast got WPWR in HD. Weren't there Cubs and Sox games on WPWR this year or am I thinking of a different channel?

Thanks.

I agree Comcast needs to remap all the HD channels. When I had more time for HD and TV I had no trouble remembering all the channels locations but now I don't have so much time and I CRS.

WPWR in HD....can someone jog my memory and tell me the channel number (both locations for QAM or HD DVR would be great)? I too have a couple HD DVR's so I should get it in HD I assume.

I didn't think Comcast got WPWR in HD. Weren't there Cubs and Sox games on WPWR this year or am I thinking of a different channel?

Thanks.

Replying to my own post here...looks like channel 184 for WPWRDT.

Could anyone confirm for me this is the channel they'll be on...I won't be home until game time. No, I won't die if I have to search when I get home, it would just be nice if I didn't have to :D

Yup, 184 is correct.

Yup, 184 is correct.

Thanks.

Have we had that channel in HD for a long while? And is that the channel the Cubs and Sox HD games are on? Lastly, is there a QAM channel for WPWR HD?

Have we had that channel in HD for a long while? And is that the channel the Cubs and Sox HD games are on? Lastly, is there a QAM channel for WPWR HD?

We've had WPWR-HD for quite a while - I remember watching one of the last Veronica Mars episodes on it when it first came out last spring.

The Cubs/Sox games are on WCIU, which is analog channel 26 (6 on Comcast). Unfortunately, Comcast doesn't carry the digital version of that channel.

I don't have the QAM channel for WPWR handy, but andyross63 has a spreadsheet attached to a message somewhere in this thread with the QAM channels on our system.

Psych starts on USA on 12/7. So I guess I'll miss only first episode in HD (if it is in HD).
As far as I know, the Monk and Psych episodes this Friday are just Christmas specials. It'll be a month or two before they restart the main season episodes.

Of course, the stupid box was reset again last night, just as the Guide data had finally fully filled in from Saturday night's reset!

It also looks like Discovery-HD (TDCHD, why not DSCHD?) is a Stretch-O-Vision affiliate.

The Cubs/Sox games are on WCIU, which is analog channel 26 (6 on Comcast). Unfortunately, Comcast doesn't carry the digital version of that channel.

Yet. :)

http://www.suntimes.com/news/roeper/683654,CST-NWS-roep06.article

Discovery HD was just added on channel 218.

thanks much i never would have guessed that from the name.
No message about it.. just something about jewelry channel

I'm with you.....FX in HD!

We've had WPWR-HD for quite a while - I remember watching one of the last Veronica Mars episodes on it when it first came out last spring.

The Cubs/Sox games are on WCIU, which is analog channel 26 (6 on Comcast). Unfortunately, Comcast doesn't carry the digital version of that channel.

I don't have the QAM channel for WPWR handy, but andyross63 has a spreadsheet attached to a message somewhere in this thread with the QAM channels on our system.

Ah yes, how easily I forget. Don't have time to check out the link from HVS10TRK but I hope it means WCIU will follow, at least by next baseball season.

And I do have Andy Ross' spreadsheet somewhere...I'll have a look.

Thanks.

Yet. :)
Talk to me! Anything on the horizion?

http://www.suntimes.com/news/roeper/683654,CST-NWS-roep06.article

Nice story. I'm glad to hear Roeper survived the outage :)

I dumped Comcast HSI 3 months ago. Their stealth "policy abuse" department called me and said I was using too much bandwidth (over 30gb) , but they couldn't tell what the limit was. They threatened if it happens again they will suspend my account for a year. I set up my router to measure the bandwidth going in and out and in and in 15 days I measured about 3 gb of usage. So either they goofed up or somebody tapped into my network (which is very unlikely). I don't do any heavy downloading (music, movies, etc).

I have been with Comcast for 7 years at this point, but I hate to be threatened and not provided any legit explanation. I dumped them and went to DSL. Comcast is definitely superior to DSL, but they lost me as a customer. I'd rather put up with slower speed than with Comcast BS.

Comcast called me 2 days ago offering HSI for 19.99 for 6 months :) I was surprisingly polite, but declined.

Talk to me! Anything on the horizion?

Possibly but I can't talk about it. Don't loose hope. :D

Why is it that Comcast SportsNet is the only channel that looks terrible compared to other HD channels?. For instance, I just got done watching Bears Blitz and whenever the anchors are in studio their facial features look all blobbed and words on screen are jaggy. I know it's not just me too because my buddies looks even worse on his t.v. I'm watching it on a Samsung fp-t5884. In the past I had a 37" and it looked bad on that too.

I dont think most of their shows are actually hd.. they are just 16x9. The actual sports that they show in HD look fine to me. Sometimes they will show the Blackhawks away games in 16x9 but not HD.

I dont think most of their shows are actually hd.. they are just 16x9. The actual sports that they show in HD look fine to me. Sometimes they will show the Blackhawks away games in 16x9 but not HD.

Well, I know all their away games are in sd while all home games are hd. But for the pre and post game shows when they are in studio, it looks terrible for some reason.

Is there a QAM channel for WPWR-HD? I assume since I get it on my DVR with my regular package (no extra HD chans like ESPN) then there must be a clear QAM for it? I tried 8.1 and 50.1 and scrolled through the upper channels 111 up. Or do I have to rescan for digital channels. I have seen where I can't directly tune to some HD channels without a scan?

thanks much i never would have guessed that from the name.
No message about it.. just something about jewelry channel
They are busy putting out another message about the latest PPV Boxing match that I would never buy than make a announcement about a new HD channel...Hey while I'm at it how about getting rid of TBS-HD and trading it in for a good channel. I saw my Cubs short playoff stint and this channel is a total waste now.

In Aurora the QAM channel for WPWR-HD is 105.

Well, I know all their away games are in sd while all home games are hd. But for the pre and post game shows when they are in studio, it looks terrible for some reason.

Yea.. to be more clear, they do sports in HD (home games, as you said) but their actual studio shows are generally NOT. THey are just 16x9.

So I am getting discovery HD, but Tivo is showing the guide data for discovery theatre. Anyone have tivo showing the right data? Hopefully they get that fixed.

So I am getting discovery HD, but Tivo is showing the guide data for discovery theatre. Anyone have tivo showing the right data? Hopefully they get that fixed.

I noticed the same thing. I sent in the error to Tivo. Hopefully more people are doing the same. There is a link for reporting on the Tivo support website.

I noticed the same thing. I sent in the error to Tivo. Hopefully more people are doing the same. There is a link for reporting on the Tivo support website.

I didnt know that. Ill report it also.

thx.

Nice story. I'm glad to hear Roeper survived the outage :)

I dumped Comcast HSI 3 months ago. Their stealth "policy abuse" department called me and said I was using too much bandwidth (over 30gb) , but they couldn't tell what the limit was. They threatened if it happens again they will suspend my account for a year. I set up my router to measure the bandwidth going in and out and in and in 15 days I measured about 3 gb of usage. So either they goofed up or somebody tapped into my network (which is very unlikely). I don't do any heavy downloading (music, movies, etc).

I have been with Comcast for 7 years at this point, but I hate to be threatened and not provided any legit explanation. I dumped them and went to DSL. Comcast is definitely superior to DSL, but they lost me as a customer. I'd rather put up with slower speed than with Comcast BS.

Comcast called me 2 days ago offering HSI for 19.99 for 6 months :) I was surprisingly polite, but declined.

I had very rude service and bad quality in DeKalb. I harbor ill-will towards no one, but I sincerely hope U-Verse, which launches on 1/28/08 in metro Chicago, shows 'em how to do it right. I left them 3+ years ago, just have an antenna and DSL now, and far better picture and service than Comcast!

I had very rude service and bad quality in DeKalb. I harbor ill-will towards no one, but I sincerely hope U-Verse, which launches on 1/28/08 in metro Chicago, shows 'em how to do it right. I left them 3+ years ago, just have an antenna and DSL now, and far better picture and service than Comcast!

Any idea if the Chicago U-Verse system will be able to support more than 1 HD stream at a time? I know many others, including Milwaukees, can't. If not, this is not a viable option for me.

Any idea if the Chicago U-Verse system will be able to support more than 1 HD stream at a time? I know many others, including Milwaukees, can't. If not, this is not a viable option for me.


I'm fine with Comcast for TV. My only interest in U-Verse would be for internet.

In Aurora the QAM channel for WPWR-HD is 105.
that's funny, I'm in Warrenville and all the digital qam channels are like 32.1 , 5.5 etc, no integers. I tried 105 and around and I don't see it by me. I think it's 184 on the dvr.

thanks

Bought a 26" Westinghouse LCD today and trying to hook it up to my old DCT6200. Got a DVI to HDMI cable at Walmart and can't get it to work for anything. It flashes between having a picture and filling the screen with grey static. Any ideas what's going on and how to fix it? The best solution is probably to get a box with DVI, that's probably not an easy task though. The folks at the Aurora office aren't exactly the nicest or brightest. Works fine over component of course though.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Bought a 26" Westinghouse LCD today and trying to hook it up to my old DCT6200. Got a DVI to HDMI cable at Walmart and can't get it to work for anything. It flashes between having a picture and filling the screen with grey static. Any ideas what's going on and how to fix it? The best solution is probably to get a box with DVI, that's probably not an easy task though. The folks at the Aurora office aren't exactly the nicest or brightest. Works fine over component of course though.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

Are you going HDMI on the BOx to DVI on the LCD or the other way around?

Also what LCD model? It might not have HDCP support westinghouse still has a few non HDCP models floating around..

Found the answer to my question, seems this is a known issue with the DCT6200 and 6400 and a firmware upgrade is required to fix.

The box is the DVI end and it's a SK-26H520S.

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs#The_DVI_or_HDMI_output_works_intermittently_or_not_at_a ll

It looks like Comcast may have figured out why the DVR can freeze for several seconds and queue up your remote key presses:
http://newteevee.com/2007/12/06/pushing-buttons-comcasts-key-queuing/

It looks like Comcast may have figured out why the DVR can freeze for several seconds and queue up your remote key presses:
http://newteevee.com/2007/12/06/pushing-buttons-comcasts-key-queuing/

Hooray! Just the fact that Comcast admits that there is a problem is a step in the right direction. I've had CSR's tell me that they know nothing of this problem.

I am almost always recording on both tuners while watching a recorded program. It would be soooo nice to get this queueing problem resolved.

It looks like Comcast may have figured out why the DVR can freeze for several seconds and queue up your remote key presses:
http://newteevee.com/2007/12/06/pushing-buttons-comcasts-key-queuing/

Excellent! Thanks for the post....'key queuing' is a danger to my TV set as well. Even though I know it's not my TV there are times I want to throw the remote through the screen.....like the Wii commercial.

Thanks again.

Hey, is everyone getting channel 218 (the new discovery HD channel)? The other day it showed up and I watched it fine, and when I got me new cable box (I had to exchange it because of a lack of firewire ports) it was not there anymore! I unplugged the power and plugged it back in again, yet no luck with it.
It would be nice to watch this new channel.

Hey, is everyone getting channel 218 (the new discovery HD channel)? The other day it showed up and I watched it fine, and when I got me new cable box (I had to exchange it because of a lack of firewire ports) it was not there anymore! I unplugged the power and plugged it back in again, yet no luck with it.
It would be nice to watch this new channel.

Call Comcast customer service and ask them to send a "hit" to your box. That should get you the correct channel line-up.

I didnt know that. Ill report it also.

thx.

As of Friday (12/7) guide data was corrected on my Tivo Series 3.

As of Friday (12/7) guide data was corrected on my Tivo Series 3.

Yea, I emailed tivo support and they told me to re-run the channel section of the guided setup and that fixed it for me.. I did it right when I got home and didnt actually look first to see if it was already fixed... it dawned on me after I started the process that I should have looked. I was just too eager to get it going! :rolleyes:

Now, if Comcast can just work something out with the Big Ten Network, I will be one happy guy. My wishlist goes as follows:

1) Big Ten Network (I'd even live with just the SD version)
2) FX HD (Huge fan of almost everything on FX)
3) SciFi HD (just for Battlestar's new season)

Now, if Comcast can just work something out with the Big Ten Network, I will be one happy guy. My wishlist goes as follows:

1) Big Ten Network (I'd even live with just the SD version)
2) FX HD (Huge fan of almost everything on FX)
3) SciFi HD (just for Battlestar's new season)
It would be great if Comcast added FX HD next ....shield...rescue me...etc

Now, if Comcast can just work something out with the Big Ten Network, I will be one happy guy. My wishlist goes as follows:

1) Big Ten Network (I'd even live with just the SD version)
2) FX HD (Huge fan of almost everything on FX)
3) SciFi HD (just for Battlestar's new season)

SciFi-HD is coming in January. Don't know about BTN or FX...

Reading all this has got me wondering - for all of the people outside Chicago who still have the extended basic analog channels - isn't the picture quality degrading more and more as they add all these hi-def channels to their limited bandwith?

I haven't heard anyone bring this up yet, but I've been curious. I was considering switching back to Comcast from E*, because I'm just so tired of all the over-compression, but now I'm having some serious doubts.

Reading all this has got me wondering - for all of the people outside Chicago who still have the extended basic analog channels still taking up bandwith - isn't the picture quality degrading more and more as they add all these hi-def channels?

I haven't heard anyone mention this yet, but I've been curious. I was considering switching back to Comcast from E*, because I'm just so tired of all the over-compression, but I'm having second thoughts as I'm reading this.

(I'm just one of those for whom quality matters more than quantity.)
By outside of chi, do you mean in the chi-burbs? I haven't noticed quality degrading. When using a cable box, the analog channels are no longer analog. They went digitial about a year ago with ADS (analog to digital simulcast) which increased the quality. I also use the analog feed without a box pretty frequently and haven't noticed the quality degrading there either.

andyross63. You might be interested that WLS HD and WGN HD have been moved from 92 to 130. 92 seems to be empty now.

andyross63. You might be interested that WLS HD and WGN HD have been moved from 92 to 130. 92 seems to be empty now.
Excelling info! I noticed I lost two hd channels on Friday, but had a house full of people and didn't have a chance to follow up and find them.

By outside of chi, do you mean in the chi-burbs? I haven't noticed quality degrading. When using a cable box, the analog channels are no longer analog. They went digitial about a year ago with ADS (analog to digital simulcast) which increased the quality. I also use the analog feed without a box pretty frequently and haven't noticed the quality degrading there either.Yes, I mean in the 'burbs.

Curious to know what size screen you're watching on. Mine's 50", so I can see every little flaw. Just because it's digital doesn't automatically make it better. I realize that analog cable can look pretty bad, and switching to ADS can be an improvement, but most of my analog OTA channels look better on my display than my extremely over-compressed, E* digital ones.

Yes, I mean in the 'burbs.

Curious to know what size screen you're watching on. Mine's 50", so I can see every little flaw. Just because it's digital doesn't automatically make it better. I realize that analog cable can look pretty bad, and switching to ADS can be an improvement, but most of my analog OTA channels look better on my display than my extremely over-compressed, E* digital ones.
I have 65" mits which was ISFd in September. I sit about 11' from the screen. I agree with everything you're saying. In fact, my analog channels watched without the cable box are generally of better quality than the same channels which are ads through the cable box. I havent used my antenna in quite some time, so I don't have a good sense for how much better ota would look.

In fact, my analog channels watched without the cable box are generally of better quality than the same channels which are ads through the cable box.I noticed the same thing at my BIL's when he went from Comcast analog to digital. Those channels looked slightly better before. I wonder why that is?

I have 65" mits which was ISFd in September.

Who'd you use for the ISF'ing?

One of my displays is a 57" rear projection Toshiba that is 5 or 6 years old. It doesn't wow me like it used to so either A) I'm used to it. B) the picture isn't as good as it once was. C) the picture on my LCD is good enough to the point it makes my old read projection look bad. D) combination of all of the above.

Anyway, I've thought a few times about having it calibrated to see if I can get the wow factor back. Maybe I'm better off just buying another new LCD and being done with the old rear projection.

Who'd you use for the ISF'ing?

One of my displays is a 57" rear projection Toshiba that is 5 or 6 years old. It doesn't wow me like it used to so either A) I'm used to it. B) the picture isn't as good as it once was. C) the picture on my LCD is good enough to the point it makes my old read projection look bad. D) combination of all of the above.

Anyway, I've thought a few times about having it calibrated to see if I can get the wow factor back. Maybe I'm better off just buying another new LCD and being done with the old rear projection.

Craig Rounds is one of the top calibrators in the country. He moved to Chi this year, so it was easy to get him out to tune my tv. My 5 year old mits looks better today than it ever has. PM me if you'd like his personal info.

I noticed here in Schaumburg the WLS-DT (all 3 subchannels), and WGN-DT have moved to 831MHz (analog 130). That is currently the highest I've seen them push the system.

I noticed here in Schaumburg the WLS-DT (all 3 subchannels), and WGN-DT have moved to 831MHz (analog 130). That is currently the highest I've seen them push the system.
What is the significance (or danger) of pushing higher? Is internet or voip up around the 1ghz range? Does it mean they are running out of band-width?

The higher they go, the easier it is for signal to get lost. If you look at the attenuation chart for various types of cable, you'll see that higher MHz attenuates further.

There also may be a technical restriction as far as tunable channels go.

Comcast SportsNet HD is ridiculously disappointing. EVERY road game looks like complete garbage. The main reason I bought my new t.v. was for sports. The fact that they don't do road games is a complete joke considering there's 41 road games in a season...yes I understand they aren't all on CSNHD. The fact is, I'm paying for the channel in HD and not SD so it just angers me they can't dish out the bucks to put road games in hd.

Comcast SportsNet HD is ridiculously disappointing. EVERY road game looks like complete garbage. The main reason I bought my new t.v. was for sports. The fact that they don't do road games is a complete joke considering there's 41 road games in a season...yes I understand they aren't all on CSNHD. The fact is, I'm paying for the channel in HD and not SD so it just angers me they can't dish out the bucks to put road games in hd.


This is pretty much the norm among the RSNs. I don't know of any major league team in any sport that is broadcasting their entire schedule is HD. Some teams are still at 5-10 games/season in HD. It's getting better all the time, but it just won't happen overnight.

Comcast SportsNet HD is ridiculously disappointing. EVERY road game looks like complete garbage. The main reason I bought my new t.v. was for sports. The fact that they don't do road games is a complete joke considering there's 41 road games in a season...yes I understand they aren't all on CSNHD. The fact is, I'm paying for the channel in HD and not SD so it just angers me they can't dish out the bucks to put road games in hd.

And the main reason there is HD *is* sports! But...

Even though you are paying for CSN-HD, it is still very expensive to send it, much less get an HD truck. Chicago is fortunate to have Trio Video which provides the HD trucks for Sox/Cubs/Bulls, and I think the Blackhawks as well.
It also helps that the signal is microwaved or fibered directly from the venues to the stations. But in other cities like Cleveland, dedicated companies and infrastructure like that doesn't exist. And many (most?) production trucks are still 4:3, some still analog. That's rapidly changing, not fast enough for you and me, but it is happening. All this is happening and CSN gets nearly zero extra money for their HD channel. And this coming from someone who really dislikes Comcast! As others have said, hang in there. Bandwidth and equipment issues need to be dealt with....

This is pretty much the norm among the RSNs. I don't know of any major league team in any sport that is broadcasting their entire schedule is HD. Some teams are still at 5-10 games/season in HD. It's getting better all the time, but it just won't happen overnight.

The Yes network does all Yanks games in HD.Also, all Red Sox game from NESN or in HD. Lastly, the Sun are broadcast all the game hone and away in HD.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/nbahd072007.htm

So it can be done but Comcast just sucks.

What is the significance (or danger) of pushing higher? Is internet or voip up around the 1ghz range? Does it mean they are running out of band-width?

Some of the infrastructure isn't built to handle the higher frequencies. The lack of bandwidth is exactly why they are dumping the analog tier piece by piece.

The Yes network does all Yanks games in HD.Also, all Red Sox game from NESN or in HD. Lastly, the Sun are broadcast all the game hone and away in HD.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/nbahd072007.htm

So it can be done but Comcast just sucks.

I wan't aware of the Suns doing that, that's great. Hopefully more teams will do that soon. But, as of today, it is still the exception rather than the norm. Since many teams are broadcasting home games in HD, what is needed is more agreement between broadcasters to provide their feed to the visiting team. Unfortunately, with so many different entities doing games now, that is slow in coming. No reason that Comcast can't use the feeds when Chicago teams are playing in other cities that have Comcast Sportsnets.


BTW, CNN-HD And USA-HD are on and active now in 216 & 221 respectively.

This is pretty much the norm among the RSNs. I don't know of any major league team in any sport that is broadcasting their entire schedule is HD. Some teams are still at 5-10 games/season in HD. It's getting better all the time, but it just won't happen overnight.

I'm pretty sure the Red Sox do their whole schedule in HD.

I noticed this morning that both USA HD (221) and CNN HD (216) were active. However, when I tuned in to CNN, it was actually A&E HD which already exists on 208. Has this happened to anyone else?

I noticed this morning that both USA HD (221) and CNN HD (216) were active. However, when I tuned in to CNN, it was actually A&E HD which already exists on 208. Has this happened to anyone else?

I see the same thing.

I see the same thing.

That makes me feel better. I am running cable cards on a Tivo Series 3, and up to this point I have had absolutely no issues. I was afraid that maybe this was the beginning of the cards going on the fritz. I am sure the error will be corrected sooner rather than later.

By the way, has anyone heard dates for the TLC and SciFi launch? (other than 'January')

I see the same thing.

As of 7:15 this am, no USA HD or CNN in guide ....hopefully later

I'm pretty sure the Red Sox do their whole schedule in HD.

Not only that, but they've been doing it for a loong time. I think they had at least 90% of their schedule in HD for 5 years. I used to live in Boston, and it was funny that the only real HD channel for a while was NESN.

That makes me feel better. I am running cable cards on a Tivo Series 3, and up to this point I have had absolutely no issues.

I have both a TivoHD and a DVR, and saw the same on both. I got a notification yesterday on the Tivo about adding CNN, but nothing about USA, but I see both in the guide.

As of 7:15 this am, no USA HD or CNN in guide ....hopefully later

They were both in the DVR guide around 9am, and as of 10:55 I see that CNN HD is now being shown. Not sure when they fixed the feed.

I have both a TivoHD and a DVR, and saw the same on both. I got a notification yesterday on the Tivo about adding CNN, but nothing about USA, but I see both in the guide.



They were both in the DVR guide around 9am, and as of 10:55 I see that CNN HD is now being shown. Not sure when they fixed the feed.

By the way, the 10 seconds I saw of USA HD this AM looked great, especially compared with TBS HD and A&E HD. For some reason, it seems that I am the only person who doesn't have a problem with TNT HD's broadcasts. Whatever they do to upconvert / stretch old SD seems to work a lot better than TBS or A&E.

For reference, here in Schaumburg:
CNN-HD is on 261MHz (analog 30)
USA-HD is on 447MHz (analog 61), shared with Discovery HD (unless they moved things around already.)

For reference, here in Schaumburg:
CNN-HD is on 261MHz (analog 30)
USA-HD is on 447MHz (analog 61), shared with Discovery HD (unless they moved things around already.)

We have CNNHD (216) and USAHD (221) in Oswego.

For reference, here in Schaumburg:
CNN-HD is on 261MHz (analog 30)
USA-HD is on 447MHz (analog 61), shared with Discovery HD (unless they moved things around already.)

Is USA-HD encrypted or clear QAM? Since I do not have a STB nor a digital package, it would be nice to be able to tune in this channel with my QAM tuners.

Is USA-HD encrypted or clear QAM? Since I do not have a STB nor a digital package, it would be nice to be able to tune in this channel with my QAM tuners.
I can't check now, but it's almost certainly encrypted. Only the local broadcast and local access are typically unencrypted.

My latest bill mentions these upcoming channel changes:
12/31:
120 - Noggin/The N will become Noggin full-time
215 - Nick Games & Sports is shutting down. It will be replaced by The N, running full-time.

1/17
analog 3 - Comcast Network will shut down. It will only be available as digital 100.
analog 96 - Leased Access will move to digital 114.
110 - Comcast Marketplace 1 will be added.
The above is a bit confusing in the message. Here is the full quote:
News About Channel Lineup Changes - We are now able to provide local and leased access programming in a high-quality digital format on consistent channel locations across our region. Beginning 1/17/08, programming from channels 3 & 96 will move and be delivered digitally on new channels on the Basic Service level. Local programming (Comcast Network) will be on ch 100; Leased Access on ch 114 and Cable Marketplace 1 will be added on ch 110. (Chicago Wolves fans can find games on channel 100.) Current Basic Service and Standard Cable customers can continue to receive this programming with a
Yes, the quote actually cuts off right there on my bill. I'm guessing that by being 'basic', they will be unencrypted.

SciFi-HD and TLC-HD are supposed to be added sometime in January, so presumably these changes are to make room.

Anyone in the Western Burbs get the new search yet?
http://www.comcast.com/newguide/Search.html

My brother up north has had it for a month.

So if I'm facing south in a high rise around State and Huron what antenna would I buy and what kind of reception can I expect?

Also, who besides radioshack sells UHF antennas? Any radioshack models recommended for my usage?

Will the fact that I'm facing south hurt my reception? I have line of sight to the sears tower but none to the Hancock.

So if I'm facing south in a high rise around State and Huron what antenna would I buy and what kind of reception can I expect?

Also, who besides radioshack sells UHF antennas? Any radioshack models recommended for my usage?

Will the fact that I'm facing south hurt my reception? I have line of sight to the sears tower but none to the Hancock.

You're probably asking in the topic area, as this is a comacast thread, but www.antennaweb.org has been a good resource for me.

Hmm. I must have gotten lucky since I'm picking up loads of channels just with the coax plugged into my cable box when the Hybrid is set to OTA HDTV mode so it looks like I don't need to worry about any antenna at all.

If I get a Terk indoor antenna am I likely to get more channels?

If I get a Terk indoor antenna am I likely to get more channels?You might get a few extra subchannels and maybe a couple of low powered, ethnic channels. (If you're into the English-subtitled KBS dramas, you can catch them on WOCH-LP, analog 41.)

Currently I get 12 channels but I don't get any PBS.

So if I was only going to get subchannels it wouldn't be worth the effort but if I can then pick up PBS it's probably worth my while.

Anybody knows, what happened to MeTV (Channel 223) ? I used to get that on clear QAM on channel 22.x but I do not get it. Has it been stopped ?

Probably has been moved to a different QAM channel.

Anybody knows, what happened to MeTV (Channel 223) ? I used to get that on clear QAM on channel 22.x but I do not get it. Has it been stopped ?
Here in Schaumburg, it moved to 129.x awhile ago.

Anybody knows, what happened to MeTV (Channel 223) ? I used to get that on clear QAM on channel 22.x but I do not get it. Has it been stopped ?

In Darien it is on 100.11.

Great, the Bulls' game isn't working on wciu hd.

Comcast does not carry WCIU-DT (HD)

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/12/18/comcast-tivo-ready-for-public-at-large/

I checked here and still nothing yet for my zip..

https://comcast.p.delivery.net/m/p/com/tivo/default.asp

Comcast does not carry WCIU-DT (HD)

When the Bulls' games are on, its on channel 174 here in Downers Grove. The MOJO channel.

When the Bulls' games are on, its on channel 174 here in Downers Grove. The MOJO channel.


That's not WCIU-HD, that's NBA-TV HD, which has its SD channel on 439. That has to be blacked out in CHicago when the Bulls are on because a local provider, either WCIU, WGN, or CSN will have the local broadcast rights. WCIU has not yet ever been picked up by Comcast. You could have received the HD feed of the game last night OTA, but not on Comcast.

A couple weeks ago Oxygen disappeared from my TiVo lineup (I recall mentioned here that it was being removed to free up bandwidth). But about a week ago the TiVo had a message that Oxygen was added back. However, the channel comes up blank, despite the TiVo listing being there. So I assume Oxygen analog is gone? If so, where did it go? (My wife loves "Snapped" and would like it back.)

Up here in Waukegan, we still have it on analog @ 63, it is also on digital now on 123.

A couple weeks ago Oxygen disappeared from my TiVo lineup (I recall mentioned here that it was being removed to free up bandwidth). But about a week ago the TiVo had a message that Oxygen was added back. However, the channel comes up blank, despite the TiVo listing being there. So I assume Oxygen analog is gone? If so, where did it go? (My wife loves "Snapped" and would like it back.)
Here in Schaumburg, analog 67 shut down when it was supposed to move to 123. It did 'move' to 123, but my cable box still also lists it as 67. (I also have duplicates of Current and G4).

It it just me or are others experiencing occasional audio drop outs on most all channels?

Somebody added some interesting information to the Wikibook.

On the Setup/Cable Box Setup/Configuration screen, press the FAV key. This gives diagnostics and other info for iGuide. Keep hitting FAV to move from screen to screen. The first screen has a nice uptime clock. One screen has something about logging. I accidentally hit OK/Select on one, and it turned red (hitting it again turned it back green). It also has more information down and to the right.

Hi folks...
I live in Peoria, IL (3 hours from chicago). Currently our cable service provider is Insight Communications. After the first of the year, Insight is going to be taken over by Comcast. I am curious to know if someone tell what their feelings on Comcast is and what things I should look forward to. Do they have a fair amount of HD channels? Do you they offer a DVR of some sort? How are their prices for HD packages? Any other info you can provide would be greatly appreicated.

thanks,
dtprkr

Hi folks...
I live in Peoria, IL (3 hours from chicago). Currently our cable service provider is Insight Communications. After the first of the year, Insight is going to be taken over by Comcast. I am curious to know if someone tell what their feelings on Comcast is and what things I should look forward to. Do they have a fair amount of HD channels? Do you they offer a DVR of some sort? How are their prices for HD packages? Any other info you can provide would be greatly appreicated.
It'll probably take awhile, and also depend on the bandwidth and equipment Insight is using. Here is the current HD list, which probably covers most of the Chicago area:
NFL Network
ESPN
Mojo (formerly INHD)
History (crappy Stretch-O-Vision and inconsistent HD programming)
HGTV
Food Network (slightly different schedule than regular Food Network)
WPWR-DT (50)
Showtime
HBO
WLS-DT (7)
WMAQ-DT (5)
WBBM-DT (2)
WFLD-DT (32)
WTTW-DT (totally different schedule then regular WTTW 11)
WGN-DT (9)
Cinemax
Starz
Versus/Golf
Comcast Sportsnet
ESPN2
TNT
(Discovery) HD Theater
National Geographic
Universal (UHD)
A&E
MHD (MTV/VH1/CMT)
CNN
Discovery
TBS
USA

SciFi and TLC are supposed to be added in January.

Being in Peoria, your local channels will probably be different.

There are also some movies and shows available through OnDemand. Some 100% free, some $$$, some free if you subscribe to a premium channel.

Of course there is a DVR. Check out some of the info on the Wikibook (see link in my .sig below). They are finally starting to roll out a Tivo interface in the Boston area.

Most HD channels are included if you can get the regular channel. An HD box is typically $7 more a month. The DVR is $14/month for the HD version. Only the broadcast channels are unencrypted, so you can get those with a simple QAM tuner, if it can tune up to analog 135. For other digital channels (HD or SD), you will need a CableCard or a cable box.

I'm a former Comcast subscriber. I thought getting service again would be as simple as turning it "on". Lol.

Installer: No signal on cable. You sure the house wiring is right?

Me: Yes

Installer to associate: Go check the signal at the box in the back yard. Make sure there isn't a trap.

Associate: Looks good at the box.

Installer: Underground feed to house must be bad we have to run a new cable

Me: OK.

Installer: All set, signal is good, your service is activated.

Me: No digital channels or HD

Installer: Must be different channel numbers with Cablecard

Me: What are they?

Installer: Sorry they don't tell us stuff like that or give us channel lineups. Don't know why they have these Cablecard things anyway. Call Comcast. Have a nice day.

I call Comcast, noticing that my Cablecard POD information says it hasn't been authorized yet.

Me: No digital channels. Cablecard wasn't set up right.

Comcast: Sorry it can take a few hours for service to start. Call back then.

Next Call:

Me: No digital channels. Cablecard wasn't set up right.

Comcast: What is the highest channel number you can see?

Me (going up one by one until I hit channel 87): Hey does Comcast have Big Ten Network now?

Comcast: No

Me: I'll call you back.

Next Call:

Me: I traced the problem. Installer cut the existing Comcast feed and ran the new cable to the Ameritech box. I have the Wideopenwest cable TV service.

Comcast: That doesn't sound right.

Me: Steps through everything again.

Comcast: I'll put in a ticket and dispatch will call you within two hours to see if they can get someone out today to check.

Next Call, hours later:

Me: I never got a call

Comcast: I don't show any ticket for service. What is the problem?

Me: Steps through everything again.

Comcast: I'll schedule a service visit for Sunday or next week and put in a ticket for dispatch to call you first thing in the morning to see if someone is available sooner.

Next Day:

Me: No one called. Last rep gave me an "ER Ticket" to reference for trying to get this problem fixed.

Comcast: No record of that, I see you scheduled for Sunday. I will talk to my supervisor.... Dispatch will call you within an hour to let you know if someone can be there today. May I help you with anything else?

Me: Yes, you can make sure they actually call this time please.

.
.
.

One hour later. Here I am. If the cable was long enough or I had more, I'd just run it over to the correct box myself. Good thing I can get Fox HD from my antenna for the Bears game lol.

^^^That's comcast for ya.

I had to laugh at your story, Darren. Not because I'm a jerk (jury's still out on that one), but because I had a very similar experience with Comcast. I finally threatened to report them to the AG's office and I got a supervisor to call real quick.

It is pretty funny. I assumed they would, of course, call while I was out with the family today. Instead, I got a recorded message saying to call Comcast if my service issue had not been fixed.

Nope. It wasn't fixed. I called. Same result. I resign to try to be present tomorrow from 12-4 for the scheduled appointment. For future reference, when Comcast tells you, "I am going to escalate this to Dispatch to see if they can get you on the schedule sooner. They will call you back within 2 hours to confirm," it is actually their internal code for, "Sorry I am not willing to help you anymore. I'd rather get you off the phone now and let you call back so someone else can deal with you."

Suffice to say I'm glad the Rose Bowl is on ABC, because my attic antenna doesn't get CBS in SD or HD :-( Go Illini!