FSugino

Thanks for the quick response. I guess I made the assumption that all the Sunday night broadcasts were in HD. I'll keep an eye on this board in the future. Wouldn't ESPN want to alert people when HDTV programming is being shown.....On their website for instance?

I also cannot get anything on 174. Is this channel going to be a pay per view movie channel in HD? It is called In Demand HDTV so I assume we will need to pay for each film one at a time like the channels in the 800+ series.

What is up with FOX's HD? Shows that begin with the widescreen resolution(?) icon aren't actually widescreen and don't look enhanced at all. I understand that the signal was out a while back but I would have thought they'd have fixed it by now.

For ESPN-HD programs, check out the ESPN-HD schedule. (http://espn.go.com/espnhd/schedule.html)

Channel 174 and 175 will be iNHD (http://www.inhd.com/) - two channels that specialize in hi-def programming. Both officially come online on September 15, but Comcast is running channel 174 in preview mode. The thing is, some cities around here have it, and some don't. There's an iNHD thread in the HDTV Programming section that's worth following for more info.

Finally, regarding WFLD-DT: for the longest time their encoder was broken. It was finally replaced a couple of weeks ago, but they're only showing in 4:3 mode for now. One of the station engineers left a note that he will enable the widescreen mode when he gets back from vacation on Tuesday.

You can certaily learn a lot from reading the boards here :)

No inHD here in Highland Park, either. I spent some time on the phone with a supervisor who at least sounded sincere in helping me get information. Says he will call me back in a few days. I'll believe it when it happens.
Mike K.

http://www.inhd.com/index.jsp

INHD will be carrying the US Open in HD this week. INHD2 launches Sept. 15.

I was receiving the "Not Authorized" messages for INHD all last week. I was told by three different CSRs that this station had not been “released” in my area yet. I had all three of them send a hit to my cable box. Unrelated to this problem, I called in today to upgrade my package from analog basic to digital silver to get the Showtime HD channel. When the CSR made the switch, I also immediately started receiving INHD. I don't know if this is a coincidence, but I thought I would pass along this information.

All indications seem to point to the fact that you must have one of Comcast's Digital Packages in order to receive the INHD channels.

Great, now that I just cancelled my Classic Digital Package because I was assured by Comcast that I would receive all HDTV channels including INHD without needing to subscribe to a digital package. Just another example of great communication between Comcast employees. Looks like I might have to add the Classic package back to my lineup to get these two channels.

Originally posted by KBKellyUSA
All indications seem to point to the fact that you must have one of Comcast's Digital Packages in order to receive the INHD channels.


Don't jump too fast, I have Comcast digital package and I am not receiving iNHD at the moment yet either.

I thought 9/1 would be the start date, but I've read in more than one place that 9/15 would be the start date too. If 9/15 comes around and I don't get it I'll start asking more questions.

Tom

I just called Comcast and asked about the INHD situation. The person I spoke to said she didn't think that a digital package was required to get INHD. I asked her to send a "hit" to my box as others have suggested to see if that would work. Nothing happened. Then I mentioned the possibility that a Digital Package may be required for just the INHD channels. I then asked her if she could try adding a digital package to my account just to see if something would happen on channel 174. She stated that she could offer me the current digital promotion of 4 months of Digital Plus package for 4 months at $29.99. Since my basic cable is $38.99/month, I jumped at that offer. The minute she added the package to my account, the glorious images of INHD came through on my TV. I now have all the upper tiers of channels (with the exception of the Digital Tier 3 package channels that are $5.00 more per month).

For those of you who already have a digital cable package, I would suggest calling comcast to send a hit to your box. If anyone is actually getting INHD and doesn't have a digital package, I'd like to know that as well.

If you don't have a digital package, I suggest you call Comcast and ask about the 4 month special at $29.99 - You can't beat that deal.

Now I'm off to watch some tennis on INHD :-) (I hope they get the audio worked out---no sound at all for this channel).

After seeing KBKellyUSA's post, I sucked it up and gave Comcast yet another call.

In a nutshell: because I have the "old" platinum package that transferred over from the AT&T days, repeated hits to my box did nothing. The CSR I spoke to (who actually discovered that I was being billed for an extra settop box and applied credit to my account :) ) explained that the current platinum package was $1 cheaper than mine, but did not include the premiere package (i.e. Bloomburg). I could upgrade to the new platinum package for $1 less, but the premiere pack was an additional $5. He couldn't simply remove and reapply my old platinum package because it was no longer available.

Anyway, I said "what the hell" and did the swap. Guess what? I can now see iNHD on channel 174.

Those of you in the Chicago area who still cannot get iNHD - are you using a cable package carried over from the AT&T days? If so, call and see if they can remove and reinstall whatever package you have. Or, if you carried over an old package that no longer exists, consider switching to something else. Yeah, I got screwed out of $4/month but HDTV is worth it to me :)

Well the csr that I spoke with knows NOTHING ............I can Not believe hope uninformed these people are says I should not even be getting 173 because they do not offer it. will try again to get 174

Originally posted by FSugino
In a nutshell: because I have the "old" platinum package that transferred over from the AT&T days, repeated hits to my box did nothing. ...

Anyway, I said "what the hell" and did the swap. Guess what? I can now see iNHD on channel 174.

Those of you in the Chicago area who still cannot get iNHD - are you using a cable package carried over from the AT&T days? If so, call and see if they can remove and reinstall whatever package you have. Or, if you carried over an old package that no longer exists, consider switching to something else. Yeah, I got screwed out of $4/month but HDTV is worth it to me :)

Thanks for the heads up FSugino and good catch. My package was a carry over from AT&T as well and I called and had them switch me over to the similar Comcast package ($1 more or less I think, can't recall) and instantly got 174.

Thanks again...

Tom

You guys must be geniuses. I had the same problem. Changed over to Digital plus ($1.00 more a month, but I lost Fox Movie Channel and Speedvision) and 174 came up instantly.

Tennis looks stunning. Can't wait to see some of the other stuff. I hear it's great.

Mike K.

I was thinking that also. I'm not sure what package I have (the wife takes care of that), but was told that I will have to pay an extra $5 and lose the Starz package. I'm not sure if that's worth it.

Thanks for the info guys.

The more I think about it, the more upset I get. I guess I would prefer the HD channels over the other two, but why do I have to make that decision. I get the digital tier, I should have gotten iNHD with it also, without having to lose the other two stations.

I may try calling back tonight to complain about it, but it's probably too late to get anything done about it.

Mike K.

hi. does anybody know if the HD channels are unscrambled QAM? at least the HD locals. thanks.

Originally posted by memnoch
hi. does anybody know if the HD channels are unscrambled QAM? at least the HD locals. thanks.

I don't know where you live???
They are in the chicago suburbs, but usually not worth it. If you do a scan with your tuner (Im assuming mitsubishi), you'll pick up dozens and dozens of fake channels. When you finally do find your channels, they are often unwatchable/pixelated with the sound cutting out every couple minutes.

I can confirm, I was on an old AT&T package (silver). I upgraded to Gold to get both HBO and Showtime and immediately I started to get both HBO and Showtime in HD, plus INHD. (Plus the other stuff I already had, of course.) Nice work, FSugino.

I have a little more info to add to the INHD saga...
I am a new digital subscriber, so I don't have "old att package" problem. I subscribe to what ever the lowest digital tier is. I haven't been able to get INHD. Last night I was working with a nice rep (Martha). She sent out several hits and tried some things on her end. Nothing! Then I asked if she would upgrade me to the lowest digital package with a color in the name (maybe digital silver?) for 5 minutes, just to test a theory. Sure enough, as soon as I had a digital "color" package, inHD started to work. So, the moral of the story, upgrade to a digital "color" package if you want inHD.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
So, the moral of the story, upgrade to a digital "color" package if you want inHD.
That is so silly of Comcast to do that. I wanted to get the Showtime preview, last month, in HD and was told that I would have to change my cable package to the newer ones. Not really sure of the point in this, but needless to say I didn't subscribe to Showtime.

i'll be getting inHD next week and i don't have digital cable[at least the lady told me all i needed was the HD box]

"That is so silly of Comcast to do that. "
Thats putting it nicely! I just subscribed to cable a couple weeks ago. We're going to pay them for another month to see how everything works. Then I'm pretty certain that we're going to cut back to the barebones analog package with the hd tuner. If I didn't know better, the only difference between analog cable and the lowest digital package (besides about 30 bucks) is the digital TV Guide. All the other channels seem to be identical.

i'll be getting inHD next week and i don't have digital cable[at least the lady told me all i needed was the HD box]
Dream on! Who you gonna believe, your good buddies here or a Comcast rep. I have a buck that says your inHD won't be "authorized". Maybe on the 15th their engineers will change the way it works.

for now i'll trust the rep

Just a quick question, does the 5.1 audio work for any of you guys with the HD tuner? I have a motorola 5100 hooked up to my reciever through the optical output. The other day I was watching something, I forgot what, that said 5.1 in the program guide next to the little speaker icon. No decoding light on my reciever, could find nothing on either setup menu for the 5100.

yes i get 5.1 with the 5100

Originally posted by kevin j
for now i'll trust the rep
OUCH, now that really hurt.

Good luck!

i'm keeping my fingers crossed...but not too tightly...lol

Originally posted by Vic3038
Just a quick question, does the 5.1 audio work for any of you guys with the HD tuner? I have a motorola 5100 hooked up to my reciever through the optical output. The other day I was watching something, I forgot what, that said 5.1 in the program guide next to the little speaker icon. No decoding light on my reciever, could find nothing on either setup menu for the 5100.

Yup, I've received 5.1 on Showtime, HBO, ABC, CBS, and PBS HD channels.

Originally posted by FSugino
Yup, I've received 5.1 on Showtime, HBO, ABC, CBS, and PBS HD channels.
5.1 works fine for me also. Sporting events (as in yesterday's MNFootball) sound fantastic in 5.1.

Originally posted by Vic3038
Just a quick question, does the 5.1 audio work for any of you guys with the HD tuner? I have a motorola 5100 hooked up to my reciever through the optical output. The other day I was watching something, I forgot what, that said 5.1 in the program guide next to the little speaker icon. No decoding light on my reciever, could find nothing on either setup menu for the 5100.

Do you have a Denon receiver??
I do and I can not get 5.1 with that receiver (AVR -3200).

Jeff

Hello,

Does anybody know if the fight on the 13th of Sugar vs De La Hoya will be in HD? Also has there been any boxing in HD?

Originally posted by jsjames
Do you have a Denon receiver??
I do and I can not get 5.1 with that receiver (AVR -3200).

Jeff

I have a sony str-985.

Originally posted by omard.
Hello,

Does anybody know if the fight on the 13th of Sugar vs De La Hoya will be in HD? Also has there been any boxing in HD?

I haven't heard anything regarding that fight being in HD.

I think there was one fight in HD a while back....something makes me think it was Tyson vs somebigstrongdude...I'm not positive, but I think that was the only other one.

Tom

I just moved to chicago. I'm going to live downtown. A comcast rep told me there isn't any HD down here yet (gold coast 60610). That seems crazy to me. Is anyone here getting HD that lives downtown?

You'll have to try an antenna. Refer to the WBBM thread. :)

Just want to do a quick reality check.

Does anyone who actually lives in the city have HD? I'm in the Irving Park neighborhood, and we have digital cable, cable modem, etc., but I keep getting told that HD is not yet available.

Has anyone gotten an ETA? The reps I've spoken to either seem to not have a clue, or are told not to estimate a timeframe (which I remember well from my software product management days).

Has anyone received better info?

Michael

I talked to someone there but he stated they really don't have dates to hand out because they don't know because of the old different cable company systems. The only thing is that they have planned is to have all of Chicagoland (including Northwest Indiana) by the end of 2004. It's hard to believe that they don't have any game plan but what are you going to do? In my case, get directv hd.

And what really drives me crazy...If I lived on the opposite site of the street, I could get it, no problem.

It's out there, though. I have friends who have it on the north side.

anybody else still not getting inHD?

I don't have it,channel 174 says "not authorized for INHD".I called Comcast several times but keep getting told that channel 174 doesn't exist,when I insisted that it did and quoted this forum the CSR put me on hold to check with a supervisor.He came back with the erroneous assertion that "Oh that's indemand pay-per-view".I've given up trying to get the preview,I just hope it shows up on the supposed launch date of Sept.15th.

Originally posted by kevin j
anybody else still not getting inHD?
Now who are you going to trust, your good buddies here or the sweet voice at Comcast? ;)

Originally posted by timgo
I don't have it,channel 174 says "not authorized for INHD".I called Comcast several times but keep getting told that channel 174 doesn't exist,when I insisted that it did and quoted this forum the CSR put me on hold to check with a supervisor.He came back with the erroneous assertion that "Oh that's indemand pay-per-view".I've given up trying to get the preview,I just hope it shows up on the supposed launch date of Sept.15th.
You may have run in to the same problem that many of us did. We were still on old digital packages leftover from AT&T, and had never upgraded to newer Comcast Digital packages.

I went through much the same type of stupid replies that you have heard. The answer is simple, but not necessrily satisfying. I upgraded to a new package with the lowest level of digital programming. iNHD came up immediately with the change. Costs me about $1.00 more per per month, but I lost a few of the stations I really enjoyed, Fox Movies, Lifetime Movies, Speedvision and one or two others. I felt the trade off for iNHD was worth it, and ultimately it probably will be, but I still miss those muscle cars.

Call in and check on your current package. If it is an old AT&T package, then iNHD is just moments away.

Mike K.

Thank you Mike.

Comcast.com is now showing three channel lineups for downtown Chicago areas, including an expanded "Rebuild" lineup. One could speculate this is a precursor to HD availability.

https://www.comcast.com/localization

A CSR told me they had to rebuild/update their equiptment before HD could happen downtown. Hopefully this is the first phase.

Originally posted by kevin j
anybody else still not getting inHD?
Last night my guide displayed inHD2, but I was "not authorized". Was anybody able to tune it in?

Same with me, but its up and running today.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
Last night my guide displayed inHD2, but I was "not authorized". Was anybody able to tune it in?

After a lot of flaky behavior on both INHD and INHD2, both finally kicked in for me around 6:30 pm last night.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
Last night my guide displayed inHD2, but I was "not authorized". Was anybody able to tune it in?


I had the same problem, but I called Comcast today and the woman sent a "mild" hit to my box. Within about 10 seconds everything was fixed and it didn't even reboot my box.

Got em both now... nice

If you go to HD with Comcast, do you still have the option to view those channels in SD?

The reason I ask is that I use SageTV to record shows from my current box (DCT2200) and also get OTA HD via an AccessDTV card (which also works with sage now.. Yippee!) but I'd love to see HBO in HD.

Thing is, I can't record HD that comes out of a box, so I'd still like to be able to record HBO for non-live viewing, but have the option of HD if I happen to be around when something (*cough* Sopranos *cough*) is on in HD.

Originally posted by jjarmoc
If you go to HD with Comcast, do you still have the option to view those channels in SD?

I'm not sure which HD channels you are referring to...but you should be able to get all of the channels in either SD or HD, with the exception of INHD1, INHD2 and PBS (the HD PBS is WTTW OTA, for that matter ABC, CBS, NBC are HD OTA too).

ESPN and HBO both have SD counterparts too.

Hope that helps.

Tom

i called comcast and the lady i talked to sent a hit to my box but i still can't get inHD/inHD2

Originally posted by kevin j
i called comcast and the lady i talked to sent a hit to my box but i still can't get inHD/inHD2

Just in case you haven't read back a little bit in this thread Kevin...make sure that the package you currently have with Comcast is a Comcast package...IOW...I could not get INHD and INHD2 during the preview because the package that I had was a "hold over" from when my cable provider was AT&T (before they were bought by Comcast).

So if you were an old AT&T subscriber, call and have the rep change you over to the equivalent Comcast package and you should get INHD and INHD2 immediately...at least I and several others here have.

Hope this helps...good luck.

Tom

They are doing the same thing in S.F. Bay Area Comcast-- won't let you get InHD or InHD2 if you have a "grandfathered" AT&T package, no matter how expensive your digital subscription is. Then, to switch over to the "Comcast" digital which gets you InHD & InHD2, you either pay more for the same thing, or you lose channels and pay the same.

Something smells very wrong about this... legal research is ongoing.

I don't know of any other former AT&T area besides Chicago and S.F. where this is happening. Anybody know of others?

Originally posted by HD Rookie
Last night my guide displayed inHD2, but I was "not authorized". Was anybody able to tune it in?
I am now able to tune in both without calling comcast for a hit. The ball game looked sweet last night, too bad I was watching the Cubs on wgn9 instead!

I tried to see if I could pick up either channel in the clear and was unable to.

So, does the comcast HD box have any output other than composite or dvi? Having the SD feeds available is the first hurdle I needed to pass, but if they aren't available via coax, svideo, or component, I still can't record 'em.

Originally posted by jjarmoc
So, does the comcast HD box have any output other than composite or dvi? Having the SD feeds available is the first hurdle I needed to pass, but if they aren't available via coax, svideo, or component, I still can't record 'em.

I believe my motorola 5100 hd box has all connections except DVI and firewire. It actually has dvi, but it is not enabled.

Awesome, Maybe I'll talk to comcast about getting signed up then. I'd resisted going with HD cable because of the inability to timeshift it, but if I can timeshift SD, and watch HD live on occasion, it might be worthwhile.

i don't have digital cable btw...but i do have espnHD,the music choice channels and espn now[but not all the extra channels which i wouldn't watch anyhow]

oh,and i also get all the ppv channels

Interference and sound drop out
I have been watching hdtv for about 3 weeks. I have been getting interference and sound drop out on the hd channels. Comcast has been out 3 times and say I need a new cable run under the road. Three week wait. I watched channel 174 previews for about 2 weeks and would not have any problems with drop out at all. When they put it on full time on Sept. 15 I now have the drop outs on channel 174 even worse than the other hd channels.

I would like to know if any one else has had a similar problem. I live in Sandwich

Thanks

Originally posted by rhough
Interference and sound drop out
I would like to know if any one else has had a similar problem. I live in Sandwich

Thanks

No problems at all by me.

Tom

I've got the new Comcast Package, I have INHD but still no INHD2? I will call for a "HIT" tonight.

Any other possibilties?

Originally posted by mjn
I've got the new Comcast Package, I have INHD but still no INHD2? I will call for a "HIT" tonight.

Any other possibilties?

I didn't get INHD2 until I took, I mean...called for a hit...worked perfectly.

Tom

Yep, thanks. The hit cleared it up. Fantastic!

CSR from Comcast told me today that on Oct 16 they will be broadcasting DiscoveryHD and 2 more new stations. She would not tell me what the other 2 stations are going to be

maybe i should read the thread better, but i am still confused.

i signed up for Comcast basic cable and HD ($13.84 + $5).

it worked for about 3 days and now it is dead. no channels coming through the 5100, but i do get the menus, etc.

all basic channels are coming through without the STB.

now comcast says i need digital service to get any HD.

i just want basic plus HD. anyone know if this is possible?

i'm in arlington heights, IL.

thanks.
sc

Originally posted by stevecub
maybe i should read the thread better, but i am still confused.

i signed up for Comcast basic cable and HD ($13.84 + $5).

it worked for about 3 days and now it is dead. no channels coming through the 5100, but i do get the menus, etc.

all basic channels are coming through without the STB.

now comcast says i need digital service to get any HD.

i just want basic plus HD. anyone know if this is possible?

i'm in arlington heights, IL.

thanks.
sc I just signed up for the same package and it was installed yesterday and I have a friend who has had the same package we do for a couple of months and he is still good to go. I don't think Comcast can charge extra for our local HD channels (above what we are being charged for the basic package). I think the CSR you talked to is confusing it with their policy that you need Digital package to get the HD package (non-locals) they offer.

You are aware that the Basic plus HD you are setup for is for ONLY our local channels that are in HD? The amount you mention is different from mine. I was charged $15.99 installation, and $13.84 for Basic including the $5 HD box fee. I already had Comcast Cable Internet and it ends up being cheaper for me to have the basic cable w/ local HD channels and cable internet then to just have cable internet alone!

thanks for the reply.
it looks like we have the same set up. I also have Comcast internet.
as a matter of fact, my HD just came back today and my basic cable is working again. i guess i will wait for my bill to make sure they are not charging me for a digital package.
sc

What is the current line-up of HD channels in the Chicago area. The list on the Comcast web-site is useless.

Thanks

Originally posted by mlx52
What is the current line-up of HD channels in the Chicago area. The list on the Comcast web-site is useless.

173 - ESPN
174 - INHD
175 - INHD2
185 - Showtime
186 - HBO
187 - ABC
188 - NBC
189 - CBS
190 - Fox
191 - PBS

Thanks

In the next few weeks, I will be getting an HDTV as a wedding present. I see that Wheeling is on the list for HD service. Thd HDTV will be in the living room, but in the bedroom will be a SDTV. I still want cable in the bedroom. When I call Comcast to set up the appointment what do I tell them. Will a 5100 box work with a SDTV. I do have component inputs on it. Or would I connect it through S Video, allowing a DVD to be plugged into the component inputs?

I want to make sure I get this right, since my fiance assumes that I know all of this anyways. ;)


Thanks

tim

Tell them you have two televisions: one is hi-def and the other is not. They'll bring two boxes, the Mot5100 for the living room and a normal digital cable box for your bedroom.

I think there is no price difference in getting either box. So you should get both HD boxes--you will have more channel choices, for example INHD. The Motorola box will work with a regular TV. If the component output doesn't work with your TV then connect the composite or S-video output.

Anyone have info on when Comcast Chicago will add WGN, Discovery and/or HD Net?

Mike ...........did you see today that Comcast Chicago will carry the Wolves games head this on ABC news today

Originally posted by Golf19
Mike ...........did you see today that Comcast Chicago will carry the Wolves games head this on ABC news today Here's a press release where they confirm ALL 80 games, ALL playoffs will be on Comcast! No hockey team outside of the NHL has ever had all their games televised.
Press Release (http://www.chicagowolves.com/cw_game/html/tv_radio.html)

Could this be a part of Comcast's effort to buy Foxsportsnet and have their own regional sports channel? It gives them a significant amount of local content, and if combined with Bulls, Hawks, Cubs and Sox creates a pretty full plate of local sports.

I also wonder, given Comcast's support of HDTV, if some of this programming might not show up in High Def. They have a lot of HD content on their east coast sports channel.

Mike K.

Originally posted by Mike2567
I think there is no price difference in getting either box. So you should get both HD boxes--you will have more channel choices, for example INHD. The Motorola box will work with a regular TV. If the component output doesn't work with your TV then connect the composite or S-video output.

Good idea. I asked for a second 5100 and they said they were in short supply, so I couldnt have one. BUT that was 3 months ago... Ill try again.....

Originally posted by dwk
Good idea. I asked for a second 5100 and they said they were in short supply, so I couldnt have one. BUT that was 3 months ago... Ill try again.....

When the cable guy came to install my Mot 5100, he made the comment that the 5100 boxes were in short supply, and the techs were instructed not to install them unless the television set was wide-screen (I guess that's Comcast's definition of HDTV). This was back in May - things may have changed since then.

If worse comes to worst slip the tech a double sawbuck for the extra 5100 :D

Cool. When I call, I'll ask for 2 5100s. I just wanted to make sure it would work with the SDTV.


Thanks,

tim

Shoot, you guys know everything. I am new to this and would love some help. I am a longtime DirecTV guy that is getting a new HDTV monitor in the next few days. I am thinking about scrapping DTV and getting Comcast. Can you really get 100 channels including the local channels in HDTV as well as ESPN in HDTV for just $51.68 + $5.00 for the box rental? I pay about that now for DTV with locals.

I live in Joliet and my TV won't have an HDTV tuner but the settop box should do this for me right? Thanks for the help!!

Originally posted by kaneboats
Shoot, you guys know everything. I am new to this and would love some help. I am a longtime DirecTV guy that is getting a new HDTV monitor in the next few days. I am thinking about scrapping DTV and getting Comcast. Can you really get 100 channels including the local channels in HDTV as well as ESPN in HDTV for just $51.68 + $5.00 for the box rental? I pay about that now for DTV with locals.

I live in Joliet and my TV won't have an HDTV tuner but the settop box should do this for me right? Thanks for the help!!

Yep, when you get the STB from Comcast you'll be set.

My bill is around $65/month. Channels we get in HD are CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS, HBO, SHO, ESPN, INHD, INHD2.......

......there is quite a bit of speculation going around that on Oct. 16 Comcast will be adding 2 additional HD channels as well. Purely speculation at this point, but several different folks who post on these boards have mentioned this. Talk of Discovery and who knows....HDNET?????

We can hope....

Good luck.

Tom

Hey one more question. When the tech comes to install the boxes, are any cables included or should I provide my own? Component, optical, coax, etc.


Thanks,


tim

Originally posted by timdgibson
Hey one more question. When the tech comes to install the boxes, are any cables included or should I provide my own? Component, optical, coax, etc.

My install included a 5-strand set of cables. 3 for component video, 2 for audio.

True story...
I had an optical audio cable sitting on the shelf when the installer got there. He said what do you want with this. I said I want it hooked to the box. He said, this isn't a good cable. I said yes it is. He said, you'll have to hook it up yourself, I only know how to hook up this kind. He held up the 5-strand, color coded cables. This long explanation was my way of saying they only hook up the basic rca audio cables. Some of the guys don't even know what the digital audio is.

They will provide cables if you don't have any. You should provide your own cables if you want better quality stuff.

Originally posted by Mike2567
They will provide cables if you don't have any. You should provide your own cables if you want better quality stuff.

I actually thought the cables they provided were pretty decent...I did my own little unofficial experiment with their cables and with a set of pretty decent cables that I had (RS variety) and I couldn't tell a difference ... although I never switched 'em back... :eek:

Tom

Originally posted by STayfair
I actually thought the cables they provided were pretty decent...

Tom, I didn't actually use/test their cables, but they definately did have a "quality feel" to them. I was pleasantly surprised and kept them for future use. I didn't measure them, but I thought they were 12 footers. We all know what even an average set of 12' component cables cost.

Does anyone know how I could find out when Comcast intends to roll out HDTV in the DeKalb area? Customer Service doesn't know anything about it (of course).

TIA.

Hey Gang,

I am in Palatine and have had the 5100 for a few months now. PQ is great on the HD channels and in general I am happy with the product. However, I do not seem to be getting 5.1 on any of the programing.

For example, MNF last night and Crimson Tide on HBOHD last night both looked like they should be in 5.1 (The little DD5.1 showed up in the info line) but my receiver only picked up L & R front. I have my receiver set right (My DVDs play 5.1 fine) so I am wondering if there is anything I am missing with the 5100 settings.

Has anyone had this issue? What was the resolution?

Cheers,

Kevin

Originally posted by STayfair
I actually thought the cables they provided were pretty decent...I did my own little unofficial experiment with their cables and with a set of pretty decent cables that I had (RS variety) and I couldn't tell a difference ... although I never switched 'em back... :eek:

Tom



I agree on the cables they gave me. Nice quality. Even if I had cables I'd take their set...

Originally posted by kpd
Hey Gang,

I am in Palatine and have had the 5100 for a few months now. PQ is great on the HD channels and in general I am happy with the product. However, I do not seem to be getting 5.1 on any of the programing.

Do you have the audio connected correctly from your Mot5100 box to your receiver? The Comcast installers only come with the component cables with stereo audio support (the five headed cable). This will provide stereo output only. If you want surround sound, you need to supply and connect your own optical or coax audio cable from the 5100 to your receiver.

Originally posted by FSugino
Do you have the audio connected correctly from your Mot5100 box to your receiver? The Comcast installers only come with the component cables with stereo audio support (the five headed cable). This will provide stereo output only. If you want surround sound, you need to supply and connect your own optical or coax audio cable from the 5100 to your receiver.

Do you have a Denon receiver? Maybe the AVR-3200?
The digital output doesn't work on the Denon 3200 receiver. That's what i've read and it doesn't work on mine.

Jeff

Thanks Guys, I am a dork! I just had the analog audio connected. I will get eithe a coax or fibre cable today, try it out, and report back....


Cheers,

Kevin

So, as it turns out D5.1 works fine once the owner (that would be me) installs the correct cable.

Thanks FSugino!


Kevin

Originally posted by jsjames
Do you have a Denon receiver? Maybe the AVR-3200?
The digital output doesn't work on the Denon 3200 receiver. That's what i've read and it doesn't work on mine.

Jeff

Are you a 100% sure about this? Are they attempting to fix it? This is the receiver I have and I was thinking about getting the HD box, but that would really suck. :( There are way to many equipement problems that are still out there when it comes to HD...

been a long time directv guy, with the hd package from them with the toshiba dst-3000...

Just built a house in Chesterton, IN on an extremely wooded lot and have no place to put the dish without cutting down a lot of trees...

anywho, how is the picture quality for comcast, both hd and not hd ?

thanks
Jim

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by jsjames
Do you have a Denon receiver? Maybe the AVR-3200?
The digital output doesn't work on the Denon 3200 receiver. That's what i've read and it doesn't work on mine.

Jeff
-------------------------------------------------------------------

I have the Denon avr-3200 receiver and Dolby Digital works with my 5100. I use the digital coax output from the 5100 and assign it to the coax digital input on the avr-3200 (I use the TV/DBS input on my receiver). It automatically switches between Dolby Pro Logic and Dolby Digital depending on the audio output from the 5100.

The only thing I can think of as to why most people's avr-3200 doesn't work with Dolby Digital from the 5100 is that maybe my avr-3200 receiver was manufactured at a later date which has the "fix" implemented. Was your avr-3200 purchased from an "authorized" dealer of Denon products, or is it refurbished? Hope this helps.

Originally posted by jim_green_1
anywho, how is the picture quality for comcast, both hd and not hd ?

thanks
Jim

I'll save you the searching...my experience is that Comcast HD is indistinguishable from OTA HD. I believe if you search some threads you'll find that the common feeling is the same.

Also there are several Comcast HD channels that are unavailable OTA.

Give it a shot, I really doubt you'll be disappointed.

Tom

Originally posted by STayfair
I'll save you the searching...my experience is that Comcast HD is indistinguishable from OTA HD. I believe if you search some threads you'll find that the common feeling is the same.

Also there are several Comcast HD channels that are unavailable OTA.

Give it a shot, I really doubt you'll be disappointed.

Tom I totally disagree with this statement! I can quite obviously see a difference between OTA and Comcast's HD! Comcast's HD suffers from artifacting and overblown contrast as compared to OTA (via a Dish 6000). Go Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=308328) to see other Chicago local Comcast customers who see a difference as well.

What local HD channels does Comcast have that isn't avalable OTA? I know Comcast doesn't have WGN and a few other OTA channels themselves. If you are tlalking about HSB, Showtime, ESPN-HD etc.. well obviously those are not OTA but you can get more HD on Satellite the Comcast. And it looks better then Comcast as well!

Uh oh, sounds like the groves are off. :)

I have done side by side comparison between Direct TV and Comcast (HBO/Showtime) and Direct's picture doesn't even compare to the picture from Comcast. Direct is not passing the full signal. As for Dish, I have not had the opertunity to do a side by side yet but I am planing this experiment in the next couple of weeks. (I love that my job lets me do this and I get paid for it:D ). I think the weak link for Comcast is their box from Motorola. I am not very confident in it's built quality, circuitry, etc... Let's hope that eventually we will be able to get a third party box that will allow programming from the cable co. to get our premium channels.

-bak

Originally posted by FrankS
What local HD channels does Comcast have that isn't avalable OTA? I know Comcast doesn't have WGN and a few other OTA channels themselves. If you are tlalking about HSB, Showtime, ESPN-HD etc.. well obviously those are not OTA but you can get more HD on Satellite the Comcast. And it looks better then Comcast as well!
Can you please give us break down of what is offered on D* in HD? I would like to know what channels, not including OTA, can be had by Satellite and not by Comcast.
I ask for non OTA since, correct me if I am wrong, D* doesn't actually offer the OTA channels, but rather of means of obtaining them (setting up a separate antenna to the dish, which can decode OTA signals). I can receive those with my OTA receiver. I would like to know what is offered by D* themselves, as if I didn't have the resources to connect the antenna.
And if there are any additional costs for any of the channels.

Comcast:
ESPN-HD
INHD1
INHD2
HBO
Showtime

By Oct.15:
Discovery-HD (and yes, for no extra cost)
two HD channels which have not been announced.

Thanks for the input.

Originally posted by FrankS
I totally disagree with this statement! I can quite obviously see a difference between OTA and Comcast's HD! Comcast's HD suffers from artifacting and overblown contrast as compared to OTA (via a Dish 6000). Go Here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=308328) to see other Chicago local Comcast customers who see a difference as well.

What local HD channels does Comcast have that isn't avalable OTA? I know Comcast doesn't have WGN and a few other OTA channels themselves. If you are tlalking about HSB, Showtime, ESPN-HD etc.. well obviously those are not OTA but you can get more HD on Satellite the Comcast. And it looks better then Comcast as well!

Well Frank, I guess we can disagree then. I did read through several of the post in the thread you started about Comcast being subpar....I don't agree.

I've compared OTA HD and Comcast HD and if there is a difference, it is minimal. I had been watching OTA HD for over a year and a half prior to getting Comcast HD...so it wasn't just a view OTA once and Comcast once and draw my conclusions type of comparison.

KenH did post that it was possible some areas around Chicago were having some problems with Comcast, however, he has also posted on several occasions that there is no difference between Comcast HD and OTA HD. I would have no trouble with you not respecting my opinion, but KenH has been around much longer than I and has probably forgotten more than I'll ever even know about HD and the like...his opinion is one I'd think would carry some weight.

And I did not say that Comcast had locals that you couldn't get OTA...I said there are "several Comcast HD channels that are available OTA". If you are not sure which channels I'm referring to, then read SamR's last post...he defined them nicely.

Tom

Note that I'm most definitely a layman type of TV viewer...I'm a carpenter by day and a HD fan by night. My comparisons are nothing more that sitting down and watching and deciding which I like best. I don't have any equipment and I don't have the critical eye that some on these boards seem to have. I can however tell if one picture on my display looks better than another picture on my display (57" RPTV).

Guys I am eagerly awaiting what is to come on the 15th of this month.

Even if we just got Discovery-HD, it would be a godsend. We are truely lucky to have all of the channels we are getting from comcast at this time. Even though the service is horrible (when the consumer knows more about the service than the CSRs, thats a problem IMHO), we are still getting quite a lineup. :)

Any more info on these possible channel additions?

If it is Discovery HD, and the HD Net channels, that would be the best possible thing ever. :D

SamR, where did you hear about a Oct. 15 roll-out of Discovery HD?
I have been told that we will get HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Discovery HD on Oct. 16. It would be great to have a press release making it official.

I am a current Directv subscriber and I'm sorely tempted to switch to Comcast. I've a projector in the basement and I'm thinking of replacing my 13 year old Mits in the family room with something with HDTV.

I think its a little ridiculous that each HDTV requires an outlay of a few hundred bucks for a tuner with DTV. On top of that, you have to pay extra for their HDTV package, and you can't even get HiDef local channels.

Anyway, my question is this: has anyone been able to wrangle a deal out of Comcast to switch from Directv?

Mike,
Comcast does have a satellite "buy back" deal going where they will give you $25 a month off your bill for 16 months if you switch to their service. I'm having mine installed today, and they will take the satellite receiver with them, so make sure you have an old Diretv receiver around and don't give them your HD unit if you make the switch.

Bill M.

I just received the letter that Comcast will be upgrading the network in Lake in the Hills 'soon' (whatever that means). I am currently a D* customer, and I definetly plan on switching, as long as the 'basic' channels do not look horrible.

$25 off for 16 months is a great deal. I'll gladly give them an old Hughes receiver.

Originally posted by STayfair
..........there is no difference between Comcast HD and OTA HD. .

The signal Comcast delivers to you is derived from the OTA transmitter signal, it is not the original full bit rate video/audio leaving the studio that they are encoding to their QAM format. It would be great if this were so, but it isn't. That will probably change a few years down the road, tho.

The ATSC encoding process takes a video signal that in 1080i format has a raw bit rate from the studio of around 1500Mbits and compresses it to around 18Mbits. That's a lot of compression, and it produces a signal that is surprisingly good for display on a home receiver. A program producer would NOT want to use this heavily compressed ATSC signal for further recording, editing and duplication and then have it recompressed again. The results would generally be awful.

Comcast is not distributing our HD signals the same as they leave the transmitter. They are using QAM encoding to optimize the bandwidth of their cable systems. I do know they "convert" the ATSC transmitted signal to their format using a digital MUX. But I am fairly sure the algorithms are not totally transparent. There is going to be some deteriorations or artifacts at times. It is not a lossless process. Just as in the previous paragraph, you are compressing an already compressed signal, tho not in the exact same way.

If you have OTA reception issues you cannot overcome to get a decent OTA signal, Comcast will provide a very good signal that the majority of viewers will not object to. And DTV via either OTA or Comcast is definitely cleaner (less graininess) and more detailed than NTSC can ever hope to achieve.

I appreciate the comments Bob and appreciate you participating in this forum (and respect your opinion as well).

Just to be clear, if you reread the entire sentence rather than just the quote you pulled from my post you would see that it is not me who said they are the same. I suggested that the differences are minimal at best (and even so, that is just my opinion).

I posted as best I could remember, without quoting, what another member (highly respected as well) had posted on more than one occasion in more than one thread. If I was wrong in my recollection, I'm sure I'll be reminded.

Tom

Originally posted by Bob_Olsen
The ATSC encoding process takes a video signal that in 1080i format has a raw bit rate from the studio of around 1500Mbits and compresses it to around 18Mbits. That's a lot of compression, and it produces a signal that is surprisingly good for display on a home receiver.
Could you elaborate a bit, since this relates to the signal quality passed along to the cable companies?

How much prefiltering, if any, do you and other stations typically use before final MPEG-2 encoding? I understand dynamic MPEG-2 processing occurs within each macroblock, 'tossing out' moving details to achieve this compression at ~18 Mbps. One reads newer MPEG-2 encoders do a better job than earlier models, but I see little discussion how this might relate to overall 1080i resolvable detail.

For example, I understand CBS requires Panasonic HD D5 tapes for network broadcasts. I assume, as you indicate, your station is receiving standard-format 1080i signals with 1920 horizontal pixels. But, HD D5 recordings, of telecined films (not test patterns) at least, are limited to less than 1300-pixel horizontal resolution, according to testing recently reported by Joe Kane (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2487513#post2487513) and confirmed by member sspears here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2498224#post2498224). I assume this means 1920 horizontal pixels are still present, but compression has filtered higher frequencies that create resolvable (contrasting) details above 1300-pixel resolution. That would leave continuous unresolvable tones where resolvable detail once existed. Most home displays can't present 1080i's limiting horizontal resolution of ~1700 resolvable pixels (sampled cameras, telecines), but some can.

So it appears, unless the source is an uncompressed Philips D6 tape, with ~1.2 Gbps payload video (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2516871#post2516871), or a live HD broadcast, many 1080i stations are limited to <1300-pixel resolution, or perhaps 1440-pixel resolution if a Sony HDCAM is the source. With either compressed-tape source, I assume there's a final filtering during decompression in home STBs, reducing horizontal resolution perhaps an additional ~7-15% (see ATSC tests (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=326565#post326565)).

Since live 1080i broadcasts appear similar to HDCAM-based programming such as the PBS loop or Rudy Maxa travelogues, can anything be derived from that in terms of typical station filtering? (My CBS/PBS sources, via Time Warner Cable, don't involve subchannels, and believe my 9-inch-CRT display can resolve 1600-1700 pixels). --John

Is there anymore info on those new channels coming Oct 15 or 16?

Originally posted by bkozlowski
SamR, where did you hear about a Oct. 15 roll-out of Discovery HD?
I have been told that we will get HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Discovery HD on Oct. 16. It would be great to have a press release making it official.

Some bad news. I initially was given this info from a personal friend at Comcast. I also spoke with the HDTV Project Manager at Comcast who stated that she was not at liberty to say. (I presume any negotiations are still in the infantile stage) I today spoke with a CSR who stated they have been told of some new channels, but nothing as far as dates.

FrankS, can you please advise?

Originally posted by SamR.
Can you please give us break down of what is offered on D* in HD? I would like to know what channels, not including OTA, can be had by Satellite and not by Comcast.
I ask for non OTA since, correct me if I am wrong, D* doesn't actually offer the OTA channels, but rather of means of obtaining them (setting up a separate antenna to the dish, which can decode OTA signals). I can receive those with my OTA receiver. I would like to know what is offered by D* themselves, as if I didn't have the resources to connect the antenna.
And if there are any additional costs for any of the channels.

Comcast:
ESPN-HD
INHD1
INHD2
HBO
Showtime

Thanks for the input.

Any word on VOD, or DVR?

Any confirmation on "HDNet, HDNet Movies, and Discovery HD on Oct. 16"?

Any idea when WGN-HD will be available on Comcast also?

No new channels today. They did send a firmware/sowtware update last night (02.52 - 51.42)

V

Originally posted by vj9999
No new channels today. They did send a firmware/sowtware update last night (02.52 - 51.42)

V

Just curious, do you know anything that was changed or any visible difference? I haven't checked my box yet.

My box did reset itself last night, but I didn't have time to check what might be different. I did watch CBS HD last night. Was it just me or was the CSI PQ more "digitized" and less crisp and clean than it usually is?

Originally posted by HD Rookie
My box did reset itself last night, but I didn't have time to check what might be different. I did watch CBS HD last night. Was it just me or was the CSI PQ more "digitized" and less crisp and clean than it usually is?

Probably a dumb question, but how can you tell the box reset overnight when it is always on. Do you have to go into the menu or is there an indication on the front display?

Originally posted by dwk
Probably a dumb question, but how can you tell the box reset overnight when it is always on. Do you have to go into the menu or is there an indication on the front display?

I never turn my box off. When I went to use my tv last night, as soon as I hit a button on my remote the cable box started doing "something". It shut off for a couple seconds, then came back on and was still doing "something" for a few seconds. When I got control back all of the channel guide information said something like "will display soon".

I thought it was happening to give us the new HD channels. I didn't see anything new.

The only new feature, I think, is in the menu, under setup, there is Timers tab. Which I guess allows you to tell you box to turn to specified channel at specified time. I think that is the only new feature that I have noticed. Also, SD channels quality seems a little bit better.

V

My guess is that the "Timers" tab would likely have to do with compatibility with a PVR or Tivo. The DCT2000 digital cable box has a 9 pin connector to interface with a Tivo recorder. I haven't checked the DCT5100 (too difficult to get it out of the cabinet) but I would think it has the same controller connector.

The new Timers function probably has a lot to do with that interface for recording from the box and recording start and stop times.

Mike K.

did anyone noticed that HBO-D and SHOw-D now are named HBO-E and SHOW-E instead? or am i just crazy?

HBO-E and SHO-E are just means HBO east and Showtime East forwhatever reason (or maybe it varies by market) they have selected the HD movie channels to be the same programming as the East channels

i know that, but i swear the used to be named hbo-hd and show-hd, just wondering if anyone else noticed a change on tv guide or if i am imagining things and this is how they have always been named

My HBO was HBOHD....I haven't checked in the past few days to see if mine has been changed as well.

Tom

Mine say SHOHD and HBOHD.

hum wierd, oh well i guess they did change then, not a big deal just good to know im not crazy

I would just like to say that I am extremely disappointed that we haven't recieved any new channels mid month. :(

Originally posted by Lee K
I would just like to say that I am extremely disappointed that we haven't recieved any new channels mid month. :(

That's what will happen when you rely on a Comcast CSR to provide information regarding new channels.

I finally got Comcast's HD installed yesterday, they kind of pushed me along as my latest bill indicated that their digital garbage was going up in price. A quick phone call and 4 days later it was up and running with the bonus of them waiving the install fee. :) My installer was quite glad that I had everything good to go for him as his previous customer was insisting on HD with no HDTV. :confused: I gotta tell you, its a remote button push for me to bounce back n forth from Comcast's HDTV and OTA and the difference is so small that only the most discerning of viewers would notice it. In some cases, Comcasts clarity is even better than OTA...but OTA is just marginally, I mean VERY marginally better. Overall, Im very pleased with Comcast's product plus the bonus of by dropping Digital and going to Basic cable with the HD lowered my bill by $8 a month...ya cant go wrong with that. The only thing Im not getting are the 2 INHD channels...is that part of the package or are they pay channels like HBO or Showtime? I thought I read in another thread that they were NOT pay channels, anyone know for sure?

After a long go around I can tell you that the INHD channels are not premium channels, however you do have to subscribe to a certain level of the digital packages to get them....kinda screwy?? i did the same thing as you and dropped to just basic cable + HD and now can't get 2 of the HD channels!

comcast should let everyone with the HD channels have the INHD channels without digital[ripoff]cable

yeah i agree, its like their teasing us....you can have the bare minimum HD content but if you want all the good stuff, you will have to pay us more! I am anxious to see as they add more HD channels if they will all be part of the upgraded services.....on a seperate note i understand that Comcast is testing an HDTV PVR box in the california market right now anybody know if such a thing is planned here anytime soon?

Originally posted by kevin j
comcast should let everyone with the HD channels have the INHD channels without digital[ripoff]cable

And exactly why is that they should provide these extra channels at no additional charge? Though I am no great lover of Comcast, I do appreciate their effort in bringing us HD programming. Let's remeber that this is a business for Comcast, and that they are in it to make money. If they have programming which has value to someone, then it is logical that they will be charging for it, just as they do with premium movie channels, and other step up tiers of programming. We all make choices. I choose a tier that includes those stations. You have chosen not to. But why complain about it.

They are providing us with most of the local channels of HD broadcast at no charge except for the HD STB, (only $5.00 per month, pretty reasonable). You would have significantly higher costs for an OTA STB or HD satellite service. I am sure that WGN will be falling in at some time in the future. I would guess that those negotiations are a part of the overall package that will involve the move of the Cubs, Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks from Foxsportsnet to a Comcast operated Sports Channel in conjunction with the Tribune, Reinsdorf and Wirtz.

In regards to the inHD channels, I feel their programming is visually stunning, but am disappointed at the lack of diverse programming they are providing at this time. This, by the way, applies to WTTW, also. How many times can we watch Peter Cetera on Soundstage? I'm hoping they all add some new shows to watch.

Mike K.

Originally posted by trk306
yeah i agree, its like their teasing us....you can have the bare minimum HD content but if you want all the good stuff, you will have to pay us more! I am anxious to see as they add more HD channels if they will all be part of the upgraded services.....on a seperate note i understand that Comcast is testing an HDTV PVR box in the california market right now anybody know if such a thing is planned here anytime soon?

I have been told that the Motorola DCT-6208 will be available in Chicago 1st Q of 2004. It has a 80 gig hard drive, can record HD, and the box and the service will be about $10 per month.

Has anyone else lost the INHD channels. I don't watch them very often but checked what was on yesterday morning and noticed I was getting the "channel will be available shortly" message. I didn't thnk much of it as it is comcast after all but when I checked this morning the channels were still out. Is this problem specific to me or is it a system problem?

I too have the same message on the INHD channels....and I do not even receive them normally. As for comcast charging for the INHD channels I completley understand that they are profit driven and not there just to provide me with entertainment. However, why not set up an HDTV package where I can pay more and get all the HD channels. I have no need for all the digital chopice channels. Just my thoughts!

Originally posted by gtcharlie
Has anyone else lost the INHD channels
I briefly watched both inhd channels last night without problem.

Has anyone else noticed that comcast rarely broadcasts in dolby digital? The "info" button often shows that a broadcast is Dolby Digital, but the signal is always prologic. For days I thought I had a problem with my setup until NYPD Blue came on last night and the signal was DD.

Originally posted by HD Rookie

Has anyone else noticed that comcast rarely broadcasts in dolby digital? The "info" button often shows that a broadcast is Dolby Digital, but the signal is always prologic. For days I thought I had a problem with my setup until NYPD Blue came on last night and the signal was DD.


I also thought it was my setup until I saw a DD signal come through.

Does anyone know if it is channel or show specific?

I think it must be show specific.....because ABC seems to have the most DD programs, yet last night the 8:00pm According to Jim was not in DD but the 8:30 show (forgot the name already) was in DD and then NYPD Blue was also in DD.

Originally posted by trk306
I think it must be show specific
Absolutely, but when you talk about network shows, comcast is at the mercy of what the networks are transmitting.

What ticks me off is that comcast movies are not DD. I don't think I've ever gotten DD from HBOHD, INHD or INHD2, not to mention the other dozen hbo channels. Its pretty crappy that they transmit a movie in hd, but send analog audio.

So most people are receiving INHD? I don't understand why just two channels would go out but I will give Comcast a call. If others are having problems maybe put up a post and if I see others are having problems I will post the results of my phone call.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
Absolutely, but when you talk about network shows, comcast is at the mercy of what the networks are transmitting.

What ticks me off is that comcast movies are not DD. I don't think I've ever gotten DD from HBOHD, INHD or INHD2, not to mention the other dozen hbo channels. Its pretty crappy that they transmit a movie in hd, but send analog audio.

I have gotten some programming on HBOHD and the INHD channels in Dolby Digital. I have also gotten some ABC and CBS programming in DD. Part of the reason is that not all the source material is provided in Dolby Digital to Comcast. I am curious though why the same shows change audio output from week to week.

Mike K.

Originally posted by HD Rookie
What ticks me off is that comcast movies are not DD. I don't think I've ever gotten DD from HBOHD, INHD or INHD2, not to mention the other dozen hbo channels. Its pretty crappy that they transmit a movie in hd, but send analog audio.

I've watched movies and shows in DD from SHOHD, HBOHD, INHD, INHD2, ABC, CBS, and PBS (I've never seen an NBC program in DD). However, please keep in mind that not all movies/shows are in 5.1 surround.

For example, the premiere showing of Soundstage on PBS is in 5.1 surround, but the reruns shown in the 3 hour demo loop is Pro Logic. Go figure.

Even HBO and HBO-W feeds on channels 550/551 are passed along in DD from time to time.

My INHD channels are out also. Just spend the whole day talking to customer support and even had a tech come out. They were no help what so ever. I spoke to four different people got four different answers. These are ppv channels, I had them as a test channel, I never had them, And the last girl told me that they are aware of the situation and are trying to fix it. Finally somebody with a good answer.

Originally posted by FSugino
I've watched movies and shows in DD from SHOHD, HBOHD, INHD, INHD2, ABC, CBS, and PBS (I've never seen an NBC program in DD). However, please keep in mind that not all movies/shows are in 5.1 surround.

For example, the premiere showing of Soundstage on PBS is in 5.1 surround, but the reruns shown in the 3 hour demo loop is Pro Logic. Go figure.

Even HBO and HBO-W feeds on channels 550/551 are passed along in DD from time to time.
Same thing for me. I have no problems with 5.1 from Comcast when the show is being broadcast(ed?) that way.

I am watching both INHD and INHD2 right now......

I have the basic digital and HBO only... ?

I have had much less misery with Comcast HD than I have with OTA!!


All I need is the 6208 (or better the 6408) PVR and I'm in heaven!!!

Originally posted by gtcharlie
Has anyone else lost the INHD channels. I don't watch them very often but checked what was on yesterday morning and noticed I was getting the "channel will be available shortly" message. I didn't thnk much of it as it is comcast after all but when I checked this morning the channels were still out. Is this problem specific to me or is it a system problem?

Both 174 and 175 were up and running when I was home during lunch. I caught the end of the program documenting the blind climber going up Mt. Everest.

yeah my inHD and inHD2 are out also, has a call to CS fixed this for anyone or should i just wait it out instead of dealing with all the crap?

My INHD1 and 2 have been out for a couple of days.I thought they might come back but they haven't so I called Comcast last night and got the same run-around mentioned above.No one there had any idea what they were.Finally I was transferred to a "video technician" who tried to send out some "hits" to my box but said my box was "busy".He then said he had to send someone out for service which I scheduled for tomorrow evening.I doubt it'll do any good but we'll see.

I am still getting INHD and INHD2 (last night at least), so the outage in the area seems strange. Are we sure it is not because the digital pack is required?

I had the channels up until Tuesday night i was watching TB and my reception got real bad allot of snow on the screen I looked at my HD and they where all out I got that Channels will com back message. Then all the HD channels came back except for INHD 1 &2. I emailed CS last night and they don't even mention INHD & INHD2 as a HD channel? Are they backing out of these two channels? God I hate dealing with Comcast.

Check out these responses from Comcast.


Dear Mr. Diaz,

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable.
The networks in question on HDTV Digital 174, and 175 are HDTV feeds of
Pay-Per-View. I have analyzed your account, and do see that you
subscribe to the HDTV level of service and have all appropriate
equipment.

We have no reported issues with these networks area wide at this time.
If you are receiving the "One Moment Please" message on your television
screen it is usually caused by a signal problem, and would need a
technician visit to correct. Please be sure to check any other digital
channels above channel number 101 for this problem, then call the
Customer Care Center for an appointment. They can be reached at
888-266-2278.

Thank you again for your e-mail. We appreciate you taking the time to
contact us.

Sincerely,
Charles
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

My reply


These Channels are not ppv they are 24 hour HD channels. As mentioned in
www.inhd.com . I had a tech come out on 10/22/03 and said that
everything is
fine. Also I see all my other channels just fine. This is a problem that
other subscribers are experiencing. How can I solve this problem?


His Reply

Dear Mr. Diaz,

The channels have been reserved for future HD use. The channels will be
used for PPV access featured in HD. I am sorry that the message that
you receive on the screen has lead you believe that you are missing
channels. My hope is this has not caused a great impact on you or your
household, and if it has again my apologizes.

At this writing no launch date information has released for these
channel. Once they become available you will be notified.

Thank you again for your e-mail. We appreciate you taking the time to
contact us.



Sincerely,
Reginald
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

My Reply

How did I get these channels for a month. I had them from September 15th
till the 21st of October? These are not ppv channels I have been watching
them for over a month and they have regular programming.

Four words for you: Customer service knows nothing.

You have to go several layers of bureacracy higher than you have. Try a tech supervisor, for example.

Thanks for the advise

They keep telling me that these channels are ppv when they become available.

Originally posted by omard.
They keep telling me that these channels are ppv when they become available.

I have two suggestions for you:

1. Try calling after 6:00 pm. For some reason, it seems the night shift personnel are slightly more knowledgeable about HD stuff than the day shift. Maybe they have better training sessions in the late afternoons <shrug>

2. Persistence usually pays off. When INHD/INHD2 originally started broadcasting, I had to make five calls until I finally spoke to someone who was willing to go the extra mile and investigate my problem rather than repeat standard response #7 on their script. I spoke to a really great CSR the last time I called - I just wish I could remember his name!

I called during my lunch break and finally was able to speak to a Tech Supervisor. She said that she would investigate it. She just called me back after speaking to MIS and they told her that I should be getting these channels and that they were going to send so hits to my tv and that is should work now. Can't wait to get home to see if this is true. Thanks for the help.

As of today 174 & 175 are back on for me.

Thats good news Sam. Did you have to call somebody?

My channels just came up.

more CSR buffoonery.......

> Dear Mr. ********,
>
> INHD Channels are not apart of your current channel line up. These are
> not channels that are currently provided by Comcast. I will forward
> your request for them to our Programming Group for further
> consideration.
>
> Thank you again for your e-mail. We appreciate you taking the time to
> contact us.
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
> Reginald
> Comcast Customer Care Specialist

Mine never went away. You should forward this thread to the CSR. Unbelievable!

mine are also back up as of today, not sure what the problem was but as long as they work again i guess i dont really care that much

My "pay per-view" INHD channels came back last night.

Where do these CSR's get there answers from? They argue with you as if there are 100% sure of what they are saying how can this be?

and the beat goes on....

Dear Mr. *********,

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable.

I believe you are referring to the HDTV feeds of InDemand Pay-Per-View
on channels 174, and 175. I have analyzed your account, and have found
the following. To access these channels you must have a subscription to
a digital value package of Digital Classic, or higher. These channels
are part of an actual digital cable tier, not just HDTV.

Your service level is Standard Cable plus the charge for HDTV equipment.
This level of service entitles you to the HDTV feeds of local networks
WBBM, WMAQ, WLS, WFLD, and WTTW.

If you require further technical assistance please feel free to let us
know, or call toll free 1-888-COMCAST.

Thank you again for your e-mail. We appreciate you taking the time to
contact us.

Sincerely,
Charles
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

and my latest response.........

First, INHD(174) and INHD2(175) are NOT pay-per-view...I cant even believe I
have to tell you this. They are both 24 hr a day channels made specifically
for HDTV IN_HD and IN_HD2 Get it? No one would pay for play on the old
stuff they're showing...u might want to dig a little deeper in your
"analyzation" as there are many others with the same Basic +HDTV I have who
are recieving these channels.

I believe if you check, there is not anyone with the basic +HD that gets the INHD channels....I know that I do not....earlier in this thread i believe it was decided that you do indeed need to subscribe to one of the digital packages to get INHD, and not just an old AT&T digital package but an updated Comcast digital package....just FYI

I believe if you check, there is not anyone with the basic +HD that gets the INHD channels....I know that I do not....earlier in this thread i believe it was decided that you do indeed need to subscribe to one of the digital packages to get INHD, and not just an old AT&T digital package but an updated Comcast digital package....just FYI

Hmmm, maybe....maybe not.




Dear Mr. ********,

I have just contacted our MIS Department concerning this issue. She has
called the technicians at the headend to see if there is a problem with
these 2 channels. They stated that they were having a problem with
them, but that was suppose to be repaired. They have suggested if you
still are not able to view programs on these 2 HDTV channels, to set up
a trouble call to have a technician come out to resolve this issues.
You may contact our Customer Care Center at 1-866-594-1234 to schedule
this.

I apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding.

Sincerely,
Chas
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

I now get a 'Not Authorized' message on ESPND. I have the basic-basic $15 package + $5 HD box rental. I have never had inHD or inHD2. Anyone having similar problems? I really don't want to call customer service and try to explain it to them...

i'm still getting espnHD and i don't have digital cable so i think you should call comcast and complain

I just called Comcast.... They stated that I should never have recieved ESPNhd. They also said that Comcast is currently auditing channel lineups in the area and removing channels from systems that are not paying for them. The will be sending a tech out to my house to removed all of the basic enhanced channels, as I am not paying for those as well....

I just want my ESPN without paying a boatload....

Whats the most basic package I need to have to still get all the High Definition channels?

Does anybody get NBA-TV? I see on my channel lineup on comcast.com but I dont get it at home.

Originally posted by omard.
Whats the most basic package I need to have to still get all the High Definition channels? Seems to be Digital Classic according to the Comcast response quoted on the previous page.

My in-laws had the Comcast HD box installed back in the first week of October. Last week all of their HD channels were gone. A service tech came out twice, swapped the box twice, checked all of the cabling and after almost a week of no HD it turns out it was the head end programming setup for their account. I know there is a learning curve for Comcast but you would think this would have been the first thing they would have checked before sending someone out.

Originally posted by Pete Metzk
I now get a 'Not Authorized' message on ESPND. I have the basic-basic $15 package + $5 HD box rental. I have never had inHD or inHD2. Anyone having similar problems? I really don't want to call customer service and try to explain it to them...

I also have basic cable with the HD package and have lost ESPN-HD (Not authorized...) - it was working fine for about two months.

I have experienced many of the same issues noted here - CSR's completely unaware of digital/HD channels and arguing over inHD not being PPV, etc.

I went an extra step and visited the Comast offices in Wheaton - a complete bust. The person at the desk had no idea what I was talking about, handed me a channel line up from August 1 and said "We don't carry ESPN-HD". I was too flabbergasted to even be mad.

After my third call to support and a couple of "hits" to the box -I still do not have ESPN-HD. However, I have a whole slew of other digital channels that I never had before. I shared my "new channel" news with the CSR I was working with and he mumbled something about sending this case to engineering and hinting that I should be happy with what I have now.

I have no idea what I should do next. :mad: :confused:

Just had my HDTV connection hooked up. As the tech was setting up the box and browsing the channels he pointed out the INHD channels and mentioned - "These are supposed to be PPV ...." He also mentioned that he has noticed them showing up on his other installed.

Ovation is blocked, but I am getting style ... apparently those are supposed to be PPV as well.

Either way I am paying for Digital Gold and HDTV, and if I need to pay more for ESPN HD ... I will be upset and looking for alternatives.

Though I do have a question ... I can pick up the HD channels clearly except for NBC and Fox. Sometimes I need to wait a minute or two for these channels to show up. I also noticed during the world series that the Fox channel would "sputter." Not sure if these are area wide issues or just mine.

Also, does CBS broadcast their football games without announcers in HD?

I had comcast come in and install the motorola 5100 last week, here are my hd channels, espnhd, inhd1, inhd2, hbohd, nbc, cbs, abc, fox, and pbs, no discovery channel in high def(comcast lost contract-arrgh!!!!!)

Originally posted by 69jag
I had comcast come in and install the motorola 5100 last week, here are my hd channels, espnhd, inhd1, inhd2, hbohd, nbc, cbs, abc, fox, and pbs, no discovery channel in high def(comcast lost contract-arrgh!!!!!)

I don't believe there was ever a contract for Discovery HD. It was offered early on in the beta test phase, but was ultimately dropped when the free preview ended. My understanding is that Discovery and Comcast have been in negotiations for quite some time (those negotiations may have stalled out at this point) and I am sure it is a matter of dollars and cents.

Hopefully it will be resolved at some point, however, as stunning as the imagery may be, I would be reluctant to pay an additional amount to watch HD bugs. I also like the imagery on WTTW-DT and inHD 1 and 2, but also haven't seem much content for which I would be willing to pay a premium.

Mike K.

Originally posted by tschlidt
Though I do have a question ... I can pick up the HD channels clearly except for NBC and Fox. Sometimes I need to wait a minute or two for these channels to show up. I also noticed during the world series that the Fox channel would "sputter." Not sure if these are area wide issues or just mine.

Also, does CBS broadcast their football games without announcers in HD?

I'm not sure why you wouldn't get NBC in clearly.

FOX I can understand because it is not HD. FYI in case you're not aware yet, FOX broadcast in EDTV....extended definition TV, similar to what you would view as DVD quality (though I'd say less than that). They plan to broadcast in HD (720p) relatively soon - possible toward the end of this year for some stuff but most likely Fall of '04.

The local FOX (WFLD) has had some problems with equipment so maybe that explains the "sputter".

Twice this year CBS college football game of the week in HD was broadcast with no announcers (equipment problems I'm guessing). Again, I think this was a local issue only as I recall reading posts from others who had no problems.

Tom

Originally posted by mikek747
Hopefully it will be resolved at some point, however, as stunning as the imagery may be, I would be reluctant to pay an additional amount to watch HD bugs. I also like the imagery on WTTW-DT and inHD 1 and 2, but also haven't seem much content for which I would be willing to pay a premium.

Mike K.

I'm with you completely on this one Mike...as nice as it is to look at the repetition is starting to get to me....I glance at INHD1 and INHD2 now more often than not.

I really enjoy Soundstage on WTTW but how many times can you really watch the same 45 minute show? Other than Soundstage I can't recall when the last time was I saw something on WTTW-DT that I was interested in.

I may have reached the saturation point as far as watching programs for how they look....I'm inching closer and closer to where I was pre-HDTV a year and a half ago...watching shows for content. What a concept :D
Tom

next soundstage show november 27th[farmaid 2003 highlights]btw

Didn't Sheryl Crow tape one recently?

there's a few week[or more] lag between the taping of a show and the airing of a show

Sorry for an off topic post. I know all the talk of GolTV being added to selected Comcast markets on 10/15, but last night I was surfing the channels and on 231 (ILIFE) there was GolTV. It went back to regular programming at 2:00 am. Does anyone know anything more about this (is our Comcast testing it with intention to add it pretty soon)?

Again, sorry for an off topic post.

V

So I'm watching Peter Cetera for the umpteenth time on Comcast and seeing more pixilating than I'm used to...I switch over to OTA and not only is the pixilating gone, but the picture is noticeably more clear and several seconds ahead of the Comcast feed.

I've switch back and forth before and the difference in PQ has always been negligable...tonight it was noticeable. Usually when I switch between the two the delay is barely a second or two, tonight it was so far off I couldn't even tell where they were.

Has anyone recently switched between the two? Might just be a bad night (or bad hour for that matter) for Comcast, but usually when I've check before the delays were small and PQ was very comparable.

Any thoughts?

Tom

...and I was only watching for the umpteenth time because my three year old likes to hear and see the music....and I find the back-up singer very easy on the eyes :D

Originally posted by STayfair
Has anyone recently switched between the two? Might just be a bad night (or bad hour for that matter) for Comcast, but usually when I've check before the delays were small and PQ was very comparable.

Any thoughts?

To be honest, I think the weather is the cause. The picture quality usually goes down when the ground is waterlogged around my house. I'm noticing occasional pixellation across the bottom of my screen when watching via Comcast, but it's crystal clear when viewing WTTW OTA.

In case anyone from WTTW is reading this: will you please change the hi-def demo loop already? I'm fairly certain that I've seen every square mile of Alaska by now, and while Amy Grant is nice to watch and listen, it's getting very old. What is this - the fifth week in a row with the same three program loop? Come on...

I posted this in the HDTV equipment forum but seeing all of the problems logged here I thought I'd see if anyone is having this problem. Overall I am very pleased with Comcast, but...

I am a Comcast HD customer in Chicago so I am using their Motorola DCT5100 box to recieve their signal. I have a question about the reception of the analog channels via the 5100 and fed to my television (Toshiba 57HDX82) via component cables.

The reception of the analog stations is not as clear through the 5100 as they are if split out separately. The Comcast on site tech told me this was due to the component cables were not receiving the digital information they require to send a good picture to the television. The digital stations and HD channels produce a very good picture. According to the tech, my signal strength is just fine. Can anyone shed some light on this? I'm not sure I believe that the analog channel picture quality should deteriorate because it goes though the 5100 and component cables.

I should say that I have had two service calls within the last week. During the first one a troubleshooter disconnected a booster that Wide Open West previously installed. Removing the booster cleared up the poor picture I was getting on channels 2-6. However, the analog picture was never bad when I was watching any of those stations through the 5100. The 5100 is only connected to the television via component cables. The troubleshooter said I either needed a new booster or a new 5100 box.

Has anyone else experienced this with a 5100? I can't believe it would be specific to Comcast Chicago.

Thank you!

I just got off the phone with Comcast and for a change it was a very pleasant conversation. Lady that answered was quite informative. She her self , without me even asking, said that new box should be available soon. I asked her if she was talking about hdtv box with pvr capability and she said yes and reffered to it as 6208. Her guess was maybe by x-mass but of course no promises.

I then asked if she knew of any new channels being added anytime soon and she said that she can see that upgrades are being done in my area that should support new services and new channels. She than offered to send me out a mainling about current hdtv channels and new channels comming soon.

Nothing to get excited over, but at least it was not a frustrating phone call.

V

just got comcast hd installed with the motorola 5100 box to use with my panasonic 480p only television. my tv is 4x3 but has the 16x9 squeeze. can someone give me in a nutshell the settings i need to use on the motorola and my TV for the following types of broadcasts?

--analog channels (everything except 173-201)
--digital channels (173-201) that are not currently showing HD
--digital channels that are showing HD

and can someone explain the 4x3 override and how it works in conjuction with a TV like mine. i am completely confused about this stuff. thanks!!!

ok, i'm watching espn hd, channel 173, outside the lines, which appears to be standard definition to me. on my tv, to get a nonstretched, nonzoomed picture, i have to set my TV to 4x3, then set my 5100 to 16x9. any other combination gives me either zoomed and cropped picture, or too wide and horizontally stretched. what is the deal with that? very confused...

ESPN-HD stretches all SD programming to 16:9.

Originally posted by FSugino
ESPN-HD stretches all SD programming to 16:9.
I thought this show was to be in HD. Is that not the case?
Thanks,

I went back a few pages to the INHD posts and I'm still a little confused. Then I went to the Comcast home page and was even more confused.

I just subscribed to the "basic extended" plus HD package. So I have all the "basic" channels plus channels like ESPN, CNN, etc. I also have the local HD feeds plus ESPN HD. I did not subscribe to any premiun channels, so I assume that I should not get HBO HD or SHO HD. But what about Bravo HD or INHD?

I'm asking you guys first, so when I call up a CSR, _I_ will have all the facts even if they don't.


Thanks,

tim

Bravo HD is not available on the Comcast system. You should be getting both INHD channels with the basic digital package.

Mike.

I just had Comcast come by in Gurnee and install the HDTV box. When he plugged it in, it said "FR 1" and "hunt" for about 5-10 minutes. There was NO signal output from the box during this hunt. After that, it said "dl" and had a little looping cursor on the LED -- still no signal. After 10-15 minutes of that, the box output a black signal through both the component and composite outputs.

The box then turned off. I turned it back on. For 10 seconds, a "0" appeared in the left portion of the LED, then went to the right portion and stayed there. Black signal out of composite and component -- no ability to change channels, bring up a menu, or anything. The box is basically locked up.

Powered on and off a few times. Removed power cord. Called a CSR, who had his supervisor send a reset to the box, and the box went through the "FR1" and "hunt" and "dl" modes again -- only to wind up stuck again.

Comcast said a tech will come to my house between 8am and 8pm (yeah, that's a window I want to waste sitting at home on a beautiful Saturday). I have to say that I have been REALLY happy with the friendly service from Comcast both on the phone and in person -- they seem like they've changed 180 degrees in the past few years.

Oh, I have the Basic cable package (not extended) with the HDTV box. No digital services, but from what I've read here that should not make a difference.

Any thoughts? Bad box?

dada

You're right, sounds like a defective box. It shouldn't make any difference in you ability to receive a signal from the box. I believe (as I stated in a previous post) that you will only receive the HD locals with your package. I'm pretty sure a digital package of some sort is required to receive the INHD channels and ESPNHD.

One question, though, if the tech was there and found he had a bad box, why didn't they get him a replacement on the spot, or why didn't he go pick one up and come right back? Better yet, why don't the installers carry a spare box in case of problems like this? Just curious. For the most part I have found the tech guys pretty good, though I have had some trouble with CSR's.

Mike.

He thought it was a bad box also, but he called his CSR and she said it would be fine. He did _NOT_ want to leave, but I felt bad keeping him around for 45 minutes, plus I wanted to get the heck out of there. Yeah, yeah, I know -- who wants to leave the house when HD might start working? But I had faith. Oops.

They're coming out again tomorrow.

Oh, he didn't have a second box in the truck. They're contractors, so I figure they don't keep more than they need.

Good luck tomorrow.

Mike

DADA21

First off NEVER let Comcast send you a subcontractor again Insist on a Comcast person Why

1. Comcast subcontractors do NOT have the same insurance as a Comcast person they get hurt at your house subs have a very small work comp insurance

2. They have NOT been trained like a Comcast person

3. No background check by Comcast at all you have NO idea who they are or will they come back and take everything in your house

4. They get paid by the job they can do some real bad work I have seen it first hand

Golf19:

Good points. The downside is that I am a consultant as well, so I usually never thought about other company's hiring practices... A few guys who come into my store are Comcast consultants, and they seem pretty decent, but you never know who you are going to get!

We'll see today how it goes. I'm not letting them leave until it works, and if it doesn't work, they're pulling out the guest bed :)

Golf19:

Good points. The downside is that I am a consultant as well, so I usually never thought about other company's hiring practices... A few guys who come into my store are Comcast consultants, and they seem pretty decent, but you never know who you are going to get!

We'll see today how it goes. I'm not letting them leave until it works, and if it doesn't work, they're pulling out the guest bed :)

I have a Samsung dlp and a Motorolas 5100.

Almost everything looks GREAT. But WFLD digital is very muddy, especially peoples' faces. ABC is fine when there is an actual hd broadcast, but when they're showing widescreen sd (which is most of the time, of course), there is a narrow black bar on the left side of the screen, and the top and bottom of the picture is cut off at least 2 inches.

Anybody else having these problems? Any suggestions?

Thanks

Originally posted by Hopeless
But WFLD digital is very muddy, especially peoples' faces.

I'm going to guess this is because WFLD does not broadcast in HD. Their 16x9 broadcasts are ED, or Extended or Enhanced Definition (I believe). In the neighborhood of (IMO) a bad DVD.



Originally posted by Hopeless
...there is a narrow black bar on the left side of the screen, and the top and bottom of the picture is cut off at least 2 inches.


I don't have much experience with your type of equipment, but I'd guess there is a setting you can switch to get the picture back so it's not cutting anything off. On my TV (RPTV) there are four different settings that will change how the TV displays a zoomed picture.

Probably not the most concise answers you were looking for, but it might get you on track until someone can be more specific.

Good luck.

Tom

Originally posted by timdgibson
I just subscribed to the "basic extended" plus HD package. So I have all the "basic" channels plus channels like ESPN, CNN, etc. I also have the local HD feeds plus ESPN HD. I did not subscribe to any premiun channels, so I assume that I should not get HBO HD or SHO HD. But what about Bravo HD or INHD?

I'm asking you guys first, so when I call up a CSR, _I_ will have all the facts even if they don't.


Thanks,

tim

Do you get any channels above 100, other than the HD channels? if you do then you should get INHD if you do not that means that you do not subscribe to their minimum digital package and therefore will not get INHD. Hoep that helps

Originally posted by STayfair
I'm going to guess this is because WFLD does not broadcast in HD. Their 16x9 broadcasts are ED, or Extended or Enhanced Definition (I believe). In the neighborhood of (IMO) a bad DVD.


I don't have much experience with your type of equipment, but I'd guess there is a setting you can switch to get the picture back so it's not cutting anything off. On my TV (RPTV) there are four different settings that will change how the TV displays a zoomed picture.

Probably not the most concise answers you were looking for, but it might get you on track until someone can be more specific.

Good luck.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your reply.

WFLD is far worse than a bad dvd. 24 looked HORRIBLE the other night. Everybody else I know who saw it in ED says it looked pretty good. I've played with all the tv settings I can think of, including the service menu. Not too much to play with on the Motorola, and unless there's something besides the small service menu on that, I'm sure I have it set right.

Anyway, I'm hoping that someone with a similar set will see this and have a specific setting for me to try. Not too worried about ABC, but WFLD is BAD!!

Thanks again,

John

Update!

Comcast came today (Sunday) at 1pm, and it was a real Comcast tech, not a contractor. The guy got our HDTV up and running -- turns out our box was never activated properly. 10 minutes, in and out. He didn't set up the box EXACTLY right, but that's my job, as he wasn't familiar with my projector. He wouldn't even accept a $20 tip, after much prodding even.

The PBS HD signal looks great (even with a 1/4HD projector). Upconverted WFLD is awful. I was very surprised to see CBS, when everyone in the rest of the forum is complaining that they don't get CBS. Good for Comcast Chicago, I guess? Or is this random chance?

We only have Basic cable (not even extended), so my channels are limited, but we're considering adding Digital Basic just to see InHD and what few other channels are added.

The Comcast tech said he's very certain they'll be adding a dozen or so channels very soon, although I take that with a grain of salt.

Good job to Comcast for getting the problems resolved. So far I am VERY happy with them, after being on a Cable hiatus for 5 years...

Ordered up Comcast HD and currently enjoying MNF crystal clear.

However, NBC, CBS, Fox, and PBS (channels 188 - 191) do not come in at all. I get the channel banner w/ correct show name, but also get the dreaded 'One moment please . . . channel will be available shortly' message.

I do get ESPNHD, HBOHD, ABCHD, INHD, INHD2 without a problem.

Called the Comcast braintrust - they 'reset' the box remotely - didn't do anything. They are sending someone out tomorrow as they say it 'may be a signal-strength issue'. I have a signal amplifier from Radio Shack, so I'm skeptical about that (especially since the other HD channels are fine).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for any help . . .

Yeah, here's a thought. Get rid of the Radio Shack amplifier. Very likely it doesn't have the bandwidth to give you a good signal. It may just be interfering with the signal. I think that would be a good place to start.

Mike K.

Originally posted by mikek747
Yeah, here's a thought. Get rid of the Radio Shack amplifier. Very likely it doesn't have the bandwidth to give you a good signal. It may just be interfering with the signal. I think that would be a good place to start.

Mike K.

Thanks, MikeK - that worked . . . well, sort of. Now I can get NBC and FOX, but HBO and INHD's are very 'pixelated' and I still can't get CBS.

Looks like it's defintely a signal strength issue.

Do you know of any amplifiers that wouldn't interfere with the signal? Also - any idea why the RadioShack amp works well for some HD stations but interferes with others?

The problem with the Radio Shack amplifier is bandwidth. The digital signals require much higher bandwidth than the RS amplifier will allow. Most splitters used with digital and HD are in the 1.1Ghz to 2Ghz range where the older syles were under 900Mhz. I'm sure this is the same issue with your old amp.

Don't worry about getting a new one. Signal strength issues can be addressed in several different ways. It may be that your incoming cable run is old, and needs to be upgraded to the new RG6 cable (it's the bandwidth thing, again). AT&T (now Comcast) had to do that for me when I brought in their digital phones. It could also be a problem with a signal drop at the box that supplies the signal to your home. Also a repair issue on their part.

I had problems with a weak signal when I installed the HD receiver last spring. Comcast installed their own signal amplifier for that particular receiver. My HD signal is now very good.

Save your money and let them figure it out.

Mike K.

Originally posted by thesnizz
Thanks, MikeK - that worked . . . well, sort of. Now I can get NBC and FOX, but HBO and INHD's are very 'pixelated' and I still can't get CBS.

Looks like it's defintely a signal strength issue.

Do you know of any amplifiers that wouldn't interfere with the signal? Also - any idea why the RadioShack amp works well for some HD stations but interferes with others?

How many splits do you have in your cable run before it gets to you HD box? My in-laws had quite a few and I told the installer to pull a dedicated feed for the HD box. Sure enough my in-laws had problems. Comcast finally sent a supervisor out and they ended up pulling a dedicated feed just for the HD box. Go figure.

Originally posted by kippjones
How many splits do you have in your cable run before it gets to you HD box? My in-laws had quite a few and I told the installer to pull a dedicated feed for the HD box. Sure enough my in-laws had problems. Comcast finally sent a supervisor out and they ended up pulling a dedicated feed just for the HD box. Go figure.

My setup:
Cable In -> Split to TV and Cable Modem
TV Line - Split to HD and Digital Cable boxes

Last night, I took out one of the splits, and the TV was great - definitely a split / signal isssue. Unfortunately, I have only one feed into my place (100 yr. old loft building), so this is not an option if I still want cable / 2 cable boxes.

My splitters may be as old as my building - I saw that Monster makes a high-end splitter - may give that a go. Will still have Comcast come out this weekend.

Thanks for all of your help guys. If you know of anything else I should try, please let me know.

FWIW, I've used both a dedicated run AND a single run split in a few different directions (cable modem included) for my HDTV and other TV sets and I've not noticed a difference in PQ.

I do have new quad shielded coax coming into the house and a good strong signal to boot...without the strong signal coming in and new coax, splitting the signal might cause some issues.

Tom

I got my Hitachi 51F500 on Saturday. I had arranged to cut my satellite service today. I got the "ditch the ditch" program from Comcast which gives you $25 off your package for 16 months. What a deal. They take your old receiver which is worthless anyway.

Comcast was scheduled for yesterday. I got the guy that knows HD. First he found my cable supply was junk so he ran a new line to my house. The trenchers will be out later in the week. He installed the DCT5100. We used the newer cable that I ran when I got the ditch and the picture was perfect. (I did have to do the digital feed to the receiver myself) The HBO-HD looks fantastic. So do the IND 1 and 2 channels and PBS. But, Monday Night Football last night was simply incredible.

I had my installer and then another guy that showed up to "help" or learn or whatever. They agreed that the HD picture was the best they had seen. Over the weekend I had used some of the tweaks found in other areas of this forum to improve the picture so I knew it was pretty good. Anyway, I couldn't be happier right now with the service. Maybe the reasons for leaving cable are gone now. Now if we could just get some more programming!!

I have been watching this thread for two months while I contemplated my tv purchase and signal choice. I just wanted to thank everybody here for all of the info. I had the right questions and the knowledge. Keep up the great discussion!

I'll probably have to add cable back in someday (Comcast will add something I want that D* doesn't offer - like a regional sports network with lots of HD). When this happens, I think I will get the installer to use my cable instead of theirs - probably Belden 7916A (QS) of which I have a good supply - and bury it myself in conduit. I've seen their work in this area, and I'm not impressed with their cable quality or their trenching technique. The cable in my nephew's system (originally installed by Ameritech) is far superior to what Comcast uses. I should mention, however, that I've had excellent results in a variety of setups in several households with the Regal splitters (120 dB EMI isolation) that AT&T/Comcast has been using for years.

Re: radio shack amp.

I have signal strength issues in my apartment and am using a bidirectional amp from radio shack. (actually using two of them - a one-to-one before my cable modem is split and then a one-to-four before I split into two rooms and multiple cable boxes).

have cable modem, HD box, 2 cable boxes (w/Tivos) and 2 tv connections. The amps do not interfere with my HD and vastly improve my normal channels for Tivo.

Again though, this amp is advertised for cable modems and PPV tv.

Anyone notice that ED on NBC tonight was horribly off as far as audio and video. The Audio was a good 1-2 seconds later than the video. It was like watching an old kung fu movie. I am not usually home on wed and only watch the tape of the analog channel. But watching the live HD feed tonight drove me nuts. Is NBC HD always this bad? is this an NBC issue or a comcaset issue?

Has anyone else noticed that WTTW on ch. 191 has not been showing its usual demo loop stuff tonight? Alot more HD programming tonigh. Some short with Ashley Judd is on right now. Actually, most of programming has been 15-20 minute segments.

V

Originally posted by trk306
Anyone notice that ED on NBC tonight was horribly off as far as audio and video. The Audio was a good 1-2 seconds later than the video. It was like watching an old kung fu movie. I am not usually home on wed and only watch the tape of the analog channel. But watching the live HD feed tonight drove me nuts. Is NBC HD always this bad? is this an NBC issue or a comcaset issue?

No. Last night was an oddity. NBC is usually right on, as are all the other HD channels - usually -.

That was brutal.

Tom

Originally posted by trk306
Anyone notice that ED on NBC tonight was horribly off as far as audio and video. The Audio was a good 1-2 seconds later than the video. It was like watching an old kung fu movie. I am not usually home on wed and only watch the tape of the analog channel. But watching the live HD feed tonight drove me nuts. Is NBC HD always this bad? is this an NBC issue or a comcaset issue?

I watch over the air and NBC Chicago always has the audio sync issue.

I'm going to be purchasing one of the new LG HD set top boxes w/ QAM tuner (unscrambled). Does anyone know if Comcast scrambles the ESPN HD channel?

Thanks,
Dan

Originally posted by ned215
I'm going to be purchasing one of the new LG HD set top boxes w/ QAM tuner (unscrambled). Does anyone know if Comcast scrambles the ESPN HD channel?

Thanks,
Dan

I believe that Comcast broadcasts the local HD channels in the clear, which means you can get them with your QAM tuner, but ESPNHD is part of the digital tier of channels which would probably mean that you would need their HD box to receive them, just as you would for INHD.

Mike K

Then that means no ESPN HD for me (too much $$), bummer. Oh well, at least I'll be able to get CBS HD.

Dan

last i checked ESPNHD was also in the clear and can be accessed thru QAM, INHD channels are not (bummer!). one thing i noticed though (and someone please confirm this), QAM is not passed thru FireWire and hence cannot be recorded using my JVC D-VHS. it's either not passed or copying is not allowed. this is a major disappointment because i cannot get CBS OTA...

is it possible to record the output of the hdtv channels to an svhs recorder so that i still get the clear picture and the wide screen picture. the 5100 has an svhs ouput, and i tried it earlier, but all i could pass through was a letterbox image. also, since i have a sony grand wega II, will it even allow me to pass an anamorphic image and then pass it to the monitor via svhs cable? thanks

Folks ..I really need some help.

I have the comcast moto5100 box and picture is great. finally connected a fberoptic cable from the digital out to a digital in on my Yamaha reciever.....No sound coming from the reciever at all!!! I also have a Directv reciever with digital out. I swiched cables. I pit the cable from my directv Which works fine) into the Comcast box and NO sound from the reciever. I then took the cable from the Comcast box(which didn't work) and plugged it into the the Directv reciever and it worked fine. This indicates cables and conecctions seem to be fine. As I said not only do I not get digital sound ....I get NOTHING.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Originally posted by asrermd
I have the comcast moto5100 box and picture is great. finally connected a fberoptic cable from the digital out to a digital in on my Yamaha reciever.....No sound coming from the reciever at all!!!

Do you have the optical and coax digital audio inputs connected? If they're both connected, your receiver may pick up the first active input and ignore the other. I have this problem when I switch between the Mot box and OTA reception via the receiver in my Mits set (coax from Mits to Yamaha for OTA reception; optical from Mot box to Yamaha). I have to turn off the Mot box in order for the receiver to play the OTA audio.

If your setup is similar, try turning off the other digital audio devices first.

Not sure if people already know this. For the people that actually live in Chicago, I just got off the phone with a Comcast csr and HDTV is finally available in the 60622 zip code. They are using the Motorola 5100 set top boxes.

I guess they just completed the upgrade? Because when I called last month they said HDTV was not available. Can't wait!

Originally posted by mark anderson
is it possible to record the output of the hdtv channels to an svhs recorder so that i still get the clear picture and the wide screen picture. the 5100 has an svhs ouput, and i tried it earlier, but all i could pass through was a letterbox image. also, since i have a sony grand wega II, will it even allow me to pass an anamorphic image and then pass it to the monitor via svhs cable? thanks

I have the exact same setup...tv and all. I have the svhs output from 5100 into vcr, then vcr svhs output to tv. I only get a letter box image as well, but the PQ is great (even though it's smaller). I can live with this setup until the 6208 comes out. I'm glad they added the Timers feature on the 5100 so that I can now record any digital channel without having to tune it ahead of time on the 5100 (since I don't have any kind of IR blaster with the VCR).

Originally posted by FSugino
Do you have the optical and coax digital audio inputs connected? If they're both connected, your receiver may pick up the first active input and ignore the other. I have this problem when I switch between the Mot box and OTA reception via the receiver in my Mits set (coax from Mits to Yamaha for OTA reception; optical from Mot box to Yamaha). I have to turn off the Mot box in order for the receiver to play the OTA audio.

If your setup is similar, try turning off the other digital audio devices first.

Bingo!!!!

Thanks.. All is now well. Really appreciate your help.

Now all I need are some more HD stations on Comcast!

Just an update for other downtown people waiting for HD to happen. Comcast rep told me Feb/March at the earliest. Boooo...

I'll give you BOOOOOOOOO...

My high rise building in Old Town is talking to Comcast about switching to their services. The rep came back with a fax stating HD, DVR, and 3.0Mbps Internet "by September, 2004" and VOD "by December, 2004". I hope this is a conservative estimate, but it's usually the opposite.

Sigh.

Anyone else notice that a lot of the premium channels are NOT passing through the Dolby Digital signal thru the 5100 when they are being broadcast? I notice this with Encore (E & W) and the multiplex Showtime channels (SHOX, SHOC, SHOW, SHOT, Flix, etc.). At the beginning of the movie on these channels, they say it's available in Dolby Digital 5.1, but Comcast isn't sending the Dolby Digital signal through. They only seem to send it for the main HBO and Showtime channels. thanks.

I purchased a Toshiba rear projection HDTV this weekend. Called up comcast to upgrade to basic digital cable and HDTV. The earliest they could come out is Dec. 30. Currently all we have is basic cable and do not need a box for that. I have a couple questions though based on what they told me when I called to sign up.

1. I will only need one box, it will do both the digital and HDTV correct?

2. What is involved with the setup when they come out to your house? Will they run a seprate fed for the hdtv/digital cable. The other stuff is split for 3 tvs and I think internet, not sure if they ran a new one for that.

4. I was reading through some of the posts in this thread about the new hd box? Anyone have any idea when they will be available, the last I read was the first of the year?

jpws6

1. That's right, just one box.

2. They just hook up the box to your existing cable and call in a hit to the box to set you up with the right package. Takes about 15 minutes.

4. (No 3?) The new box will be an HD/DVR Motorola 6208. Haven't heard an update beyond what you read here. Here's a link to the proposed box:

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6208.asp

Any news on when the Chicago area will get CinemaxHD and StarzHD?

b

Anyone having problems with ESPNHD in NW suburbs? My friend's setup is showing not authorized message. He called comcast and they said he shouldn't receive the channel until the 16th.

Originally posted by chimchim5
Anyone having problems with ESPNHD in NW suburbs? My friend's setup is showing not authorized message. He called comcast and they said he shouldn't receive the channel until the 16th.

I've had the "Not Authorized" messages since Tuesday around noon. I called and was told that they're doing some work "converting from the satellite feed." I didn't feel up to doing the usual three or four follow up calls to confirm, but they're doing something.

The CSR said the channel should be back up in a day or two. I haven't heard about the 16th until I read your post. I hope I don't miss the Sunday night football game...

Yes, I think the whole Chicagoland area got a firmware update that froze some boxes. All of my premium channel gave a Not Authorized message. Good news though, when I went into the service menu I noticed there were additional iteams including references to PVR, Hard Drive, the USB has been activated, etc... I was part of the beta testing in Chicago so I got one of the first boxes without DVI, so I could not see if this was activated by this latest update.

b

Originally posted by bkozlowski
Yes, I think the whole Chicagoland area got a firmware update that froze some boxes. All of my premium channel gave a Not Authorized message. Good news though, when I went into the service menu I noticed there were additional iteams including references to PVR, Hard Drive, the USB has been activated, etc... I was part of the beta testing in Chicago so I got one of the first boxes without DVI, so I could not see if this was activated by this latest update.

b

I was also a beta tester in Chicagoland, and did not get the DVI box. Has anyone gone back to Comcast and gotten a DVI box in exchange?

I was thinking of trying, but was waiting for the 6208's.

Originally posted by dwk
I was also a beta tester in Chicagoland, and did not get the DVI box. Has anyone gone back to Comcast and gotten a DVI box in exchange?

I was thinking of trying, but was waiting for the 6208's.

I recently got one with DVI because my first 5100 (without the DVI) fried about 3 weeks ago. Of course, before I got it, all of the CS reps denied that Comcast even has 5100's with a DVI port. They sounded like they knew what they were talking about, so I believed them...I was pleasantly surprised when I got my new 5100 that it had DVI. I have a feeling though that I won't be able to tell the difference in PQ once they activate the port.

I was getting Not Authorized message on ESPN HD sa well for past 2 days, but it came back in time for tonight's college basketball game in HD.

When I called comcast yesterday, first time I was told they are switching from the national satellite feed to a local satellite feed and second time I was told that their "24 hour crew" was upgrading computer systems. Both said it should be back by this morning.

V

Yup, ESPN-HD is back on tonight. Whew.