I believe Chicago went all digital and, therefore, does not have to make room for analog channels and old technology.

this. love it.

I believe Chicago went all digital and, therefore, does not have to make room for analog channels and old technology.

I don't believe Chicago is 100% digital. They still have local broadcast and public access available as analog. That still opens up a huge block. This was done because much of Chicago still has large areas that only have 750MHz or even 650MHz bandwidth. Most of the suburbs are 850MHz.

I called today, and the service rep said no charge for the first cable card.
They will have to roll a truck, and then charge a one time 17.99 fee for a change of service.

I already have the HD-DVR, and I also split and connect via clear QAM. My only reason for this is so that I can record 2 shows, and watch a third show on the TV's tuner. The cable card will add the channels that are not in the clear.

Before I do this, perhaps one of the last posters can clarify something.
I am aware that there is no interactive guide, and no pay per view with regular cable cards. (as opposed to Tru2Way)

My question is how are the channel numbers handled? Will WBBM come in as 2-1 as it does now on clear QAM, or will it show CH 189 like my HD-DVR?

I called today, and the service rep said no charge for the first cable card.
They will have to roll a truck, and then charge a one time 17.99 fee for a change of service.

I already have the HD-DVR, and I also split and connect via clear QAM. My only reason for this is so that I can record 2 shows, and watch a third show on the TV's tuner. The cable card will add the channels that are not in the clear.

Before I do this, perhaps one of the last posters can clarify something.
I am aware that there is no interactive guide, and no pay per view with regular cable cards. (as opposed to Tru2Way)

My question is how are the channel numbers handled? Will WBBM come in as 2-1 as it does now on clear QAM, or will it show CH 189 like my HD-DVR? I assume 189. I have cable card on my tivo-hd which shows 189.

I finally made the jump to HD, and am noticing something a bit odd. My TV (Pioneer PDP-5020) offers a 'Dot by Dot' mode, as well as various settings that provide overscan. The default setting is "Full," which provides the least amount of overscan. As a test, I tried Dot by Dot while connected to my Comcast box (DCT-3412), and saw a thin green line run along the right edge of the screen. I had read some other posts here that reported the same, so I have been watching primarily in Full mode.

However, I started to notice a "window" like effect on the left side of the screen. It's maybe 1/4" wide, and is not noticable in all scenes, but when watching sports with a pan of the crowd, or watching a movie where something enters the frame from the left side, it's as if that first 1/4" is separate from the rest of the picture, disjointed if you will. Has anyone else noticed this problem? After noticing this, I switched back to Dot by Dot, and the 1/4" window expanded to maybe 1/2 or 3/4 inches wide. So at least I can dismiss a defect with my TV.

Thanks for your help,
Phil

Does anyone using a Comcast cable box / DVR also run a split from the wall straight to the TV, assuming you have a clear QAM tuner in the TV? Is there any chance that network channels will look better this way, bypassing the box? I live in a condo with no balcony, so can't install an exterior antenna, and my experience in the past with rabbit ears for SD when the cable went out was pretty terrible.

Thanks,
Phil

Does anyone using a Comcast cable box / DVR also run a split from the wall straight to the TV, assuming you have a clear QAM tuner in the TV? Is there any chance that network channels will look better this way, bypassing the box? I live in a condo with no balcony, so can't install an exterior antenna, and my experience in the past with rabbit ears for SD when the cable went out was pretty terrible.

Thanks,
Phil

I have the cable split for my 60" Sony and 32" Visio, and I gotta say, they both look better via the hdmi connection from the DCH3416 boxes.

Does anyone know what the current HD-DVR box Comcast is shipping out is? Thanks,

Chris

I get MLB Network SD on channel 410 at no additional cost as I have the digital package. Anyone have any idea if and when Comcast will carry MLB Network HD in Chicago or its suburbs.

I have the cable split for my 60" Sony and 32" Visio, and I gotta say, they both look better via the hdmi connection from the DCH3416 boxes.

So basically I shouldn't waste my time with a splitter?

As to the current box, I don't believe the DCX boxes are out yet. So if the current one is the DCH-3416, other than the extra 40gig of HD space, is it worth "upgrading" from my DCT-3412?

I finally made the jump to HD, and am noticing something a bit odd. My TV (Pioneer PDP-5020) offers a 'Dot by Dot' mode, as well as various settings that provide overscan. The default setting is "Full," which provides the least amount of overscan. As a test, I tried Dot by Dot while connected to my Comcast box (DCT-3412), and saw a thin green line run along the right edge of the screen. I had read some other posts here that reported the same, so I have been watching primarily in Full mode.

However, I started to notice a "window" like effect on the left side of the screen. It's maybe 1/4" wide, and is not noticable in all scenes, but when watching sports with a pan of the crowd, or watching a movie where something enters the frame from the left side, it's as if that first 1/4" is separate from the rest of the picture, disjointed if you will. Has anyone else noticed this problem? After noticing this, I switched back to Dot by Dot, and the 1/4" window expanded to maybe 1/2 or 3/4 inches wide. So at least I can dismiss a defect with my TV.

Thanks for your help,
Phil

#1 - the thin green line is on the source, I think. NBC does this so I do not watch TV in dot by dot on my Pio.

#2 - Dot By Dot will give you pixel for pixel reproduction, which means things that at 1.85 scope (as opposed to native 1.78 scope like newer TV shows) will have a little black on either side of the image and may shift it a bit so as to not always have that in the same spot all the time. It's akin to having tiny bars top and bottom but it makes the image larger instead of smaller. It's fine.

So basically I shouldn't waste my time with a splitter?

As to the current box, I don't believe the DCX boxes are out yet. So if the current one is the DCH-3416, other than the extra 40gig of HD space, is it worth "upgrading" from my DCT-3412?

I only split the signal to allow recording two programs while watching another on the TV's tuner (a rare occurence).

I have used both boxes, and other than the additional 40 gig, I see no difference in performance.

#1 - the thin green line is on the source, I think. NBC does this so I do not watch TV in dot by dot on my Pio.

#2 - Dot By Dot will give you pixel for pixel reproduction, which means things that at 1.85 scope (as opposed to native 1.78 scope like newer TV shows) will have a little black on either side of the image and may shift it a bit so as to not always have that in the same spot all the time. It's akin to having tiny bars top and bottom but it makes the image larger instead of smaller. It's fine.

The "window" effect I'm describing isn't a black bar, but like a strip of picture that's out of alignment with the rest... for instance, watching an HD broadcast of No Country for Old Men, there is a landscape scene where a character is seen from afar, so he's very small, enters the frame from the left. This odd effect I'm noticing has him enter the left side of the TV, then sort of exit that 1/4" strip, and then re-enter the rest of the frame slightly dis-jointed.

I will try to take some photos on a frame by frame advance when I get home.

does anyone know what the current hd-dvr box comcast is shipping out is? Thanks,

chris

dch3416

I didnt sift through this whole thread but does anyone know why Chicago is getting all these HD channels and the burbs are not?

I believe Chicago went all digital and, therefore, does not have to make room for analog channels and old technology.

I don't believe Chicago is 100% digital. They still have local broadcast and public access available as analog. That still opens up a huge block. This was done because much of Chicago still has large areas that only have 750MHz or even 650MHz bandwidth. Most of the suburbs are 850MHz.


So should the rest of us get the extra HD channels on Feb 18 when the whole country goes digital?

Does anyone using a Comcast cable box / DVR also run a split from the wall straight to the TV, assuming you have a clear QAM tuner in the TV? Is there any chance that network channels will look better this way, bypassing the box? I live in a condo with no balcony, so can't install an exterior antenna, and my experience in the past with rabbit ears for SD when the cable went out was pretty terrible.

Thanks,
Phil

I have mine wired this way; one side of the splitter goes straight to the TV, the other side to a DCH3412 (and then via HDMI to the TV).

I think the HD locals using the TV's tuner look just a touch better (nothing major) than they do via the Comcast box. An added plus is that you can see what other people are watching on On-Demand.

But wiring it this way won't do anything for you if the cable goes out (unless just your box dies).

So should the rest of us get the extra HD channels on Feb 18 when the whole country goes digital?

That "whole country goes digital" refers to over the air (OTA) broadcasts only - it is completely different from cable television.

ChicagoPhil -

Although there is no direct impact of the February broadcast cutoff, it does have an impact on cable companies switching their networks from analog to digital.

Cable companies have transitions on hold until March 1 as a result of the broadcast transition (they don't want to confuse customers). This isn't a good thing for those looking for more HD channels in the suburbs.

This article references it pretty well -

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2008-12-17-digital-cable_N.htm?csp=34

I have mine wired this way; one side of the splitter goes straight to the TV, the other side to a DCH3412 (and then via HDMI to the TV).

I think the HD locals using the TV's tuner look just a touch better (nothing major) than they do via the Comcast box. An added plus is that you can see what other people are watching on On-Demand.

But wiring it this way won't do anything for you if the cable goes out (unless just your box dies).

Thanks for the input. Like an earlier poster, the main motivation was to be able to watch a network show if by chance we have 2 programs recording at the same time. Do you think there is any signal degradation to the splitter itself?

What do you mean by "An added plus is that you can see what other people are watching on On-Demand"? Who's feed do you see?

Thanks again,
Phil

Thanks for the posts about the transition to digital. I didn't really think through the two separate events, but it seems that once the OTA becomes digital, the cable should as well. Especially if they will provide a free digital converter, then just make the switch and free up the bandwidth already :D

I get MLB Network SD on channel 410 at no additional cost as I have the digital package. Anyone have any idea if and when Comcast will carry MLB Network HD in Chicago or its suburbs.

I have the digital package and that channel is blocked for me. I thought maybe MLB Network was on the sports tier, but I just read it wasn't.

I live in Evanston, IL. Does anybody else have channel 410 blocked?

I have the digital package and that channel is blocked for me. I thought maybe MLB Network was on the sports tier, but I just read it wasn't.

I live in Evanston, IL. Does anybody else have channel 410 blocked?

It's not watchable by me in Schaumburg. But tonight OnDemamd is even breaking up.

You need digital preferred or classic to get MLB Network on Channel 410. You will not get it you have digital starter or its equivalent. I am wondering when Comcast Chicago will carry MLB Network HD.

Thanks for the input. Like an earlier poster, the main motivation was to be able to watch a network show if by chance we have 2 programs recording at the same time. Do you think there is any signal degradation to the splitter itself?

A two way splitter reduces the signal by 3 to 3.5 db. If your signal strength is good to begin with, you most likely won't notice any difference by adding the splitter.

What do you mean by "An added plus is that you can see what other people are watching on On-Demand"? Who's feed do you see?

You'll see all of the unencrypted On-Demand feeds that the people in your area are watching (i.e. a few hundred or so customers in close proximity to you). They come in on different channels depending on where you are located; where I'm at, they come in on channels 87-90.

If nobody in your area is watching anything from On-Demand (pretty unlikely but possible), then you won't see anything at all. If there's 10 people in your area watching On-Demand then you may see up to 10 subchannels (e.g. 87.1, 88.5, etc...) that consist of whatever those people are watching. You have no control over them (i.e. if the person that's watching it rewinds or fast forwards, you see that too; if they hit stop or pause, that subchannel disappears).

Supposedly Comcast is going to encrypt all of these eventually, but I still get quite a few of them unencrypted in my area.

Anyone have one of the new Panasonic tru2way HDTV's w/Comcast?

Supposedly Comcast is going to encrypt all of these eventually, but I still get quite a few of them unencrypted in my area.

I see these also in Lincoln Park area.. I've watched a few movies over the last months that someone else paid for :)

I've watched a few movies over the last months that someone else paid for :)The downside is that you may run into something you wish you hadn't.  I've come across hard porn and standup comedy thick with profanity.  The lesson there is never to surf On-Demand leakage when there are children or easily embarrassed people in the room (which, fortunately for me, there weren't).  You can't lock the subchannels in advance, because they come into and go out of existence and you never know what will be on them.  The same subchannel could have been carrying fare from Sprout or qubo or Noggin a couple hours earlier.

Here is an upside, though: it turns out that not all HD On Demand is 1080i; some is 720p.  If you like having the box pass it in its native resolution, a quick check on through your QAM tuner will tell you what the native resolution is, or you can even watch it that way (since the box will still respond to FF and REW and PAUSE and such).  I'll miss that when Comcast eventually encrypts all VOD.

The downside is that you may run into something you wish you hadn't.*

The downside I ran into was when someone watched like 75% of a movie and left me hanging! :)

I finally made the jump to HD, and am noticing something a bit odd. My TV (Pioneer PDP-5020) offers a 'Dot by Dot' mode, as well as various settings that provide overscan. The default setting is "Full," which provides the least amount of overscan. As a test, I tried Dot by Dot while connected to my Comcast box (DCT-3412), and saw a thin green line run along the right edge of the screen. I had read some other posts here that reported the same, so I have been watching primarily in Full mode.

However, I started to notice a "window" like effect on the left side of the screen. It's maybe 1/4" wide, and is not noticable in all scenes, but when watching sports with a pan of the crowd, or watching a movie where something enters the frame from the left side, it's as if that first 1/4" is separate from the rest of the picture, disjointed if you will. Has anyone else noticed this problem? After noticing this, I switched back to Dot by Dot, and the 1/4" window expanded to maybe 1/2 or 3/4 inches wide. So at least I can dismiss a defect with my TV.

Thanks for your help,
Phil


I have also seen this "window" effect and it is just as you describe. I haven't kept notes about when and where it appears but more often than not I see it on Starz hd and History hd channels.

The downside I ran into was when someone watched like 75% of a movie and left me hanging! :)But you knew you were taking that risk.

Hey guys, just wondering, but is Sci-FiHD supposed to be part of the primary package?

nope. Classic.

Well the tech came out and finally got the channel line up fixed and the ON demand. I spoke to Comcast and they told me that speed HD was not yet available in my area. Because I get it on my guide listing he said it was probably coming but could not or would not tell me when.

Well the tech came out and finally got the channel line up fixed and the ON demand. I spoke to Comcast and they told me that speed HD was not yet available in my area. Because I get it on my guide listing he said it was probably coming but could not or would not tell me when.


Where do you live? Speed should be active where you are if it's in the guide, but you do have to have the sports pack to get it. If you do have the sports pack, there are actually 2 different ways the sports pack can be put into Comcast c/s computers & if it is in incorrectly, you won't get Speed HD. You can send a email to the Comcast Cares email, it is in this thead in an earlier posting. I did & they got it corrected.

anyone ever just take in a box to exchange for an M-Card without calling first? I figure I can, I just wanted to make sure so I didn't waste my time. I'll be going to the one on North Ave. Thanks.

Where do you live? Speed should be active where you are if it's in the guide, but you do have to have the sports pack to get it. If you do have the sports pack, there are actually 2 different ways the sports pack can be put into Comcast c/s computers & if it is in incorrectly, you won't get Speed HD. You can send a email to the Comcast Cares email, it is in this thead in an earlier posting. I did & they got it corrected.



I live in the Wheaton area. It was comcast cares that called me and told me in wasn't available yet. I have the sports and entertainment package. I get Speed SD.

anyone ever just take in a box to exchange for an M-Card without calling first? I figure I can, I just wanted to make sure so I didn't waste my time. I'll be going to the one on North Ave. Thanks.

I was never even ever to get a hold of anyone actually at North Ave. I just showed up and said I need an M-card and they gave me one.. didn't exchange, but same concept.

yeah, did that this morning. thanks :)

Does anyone know when will the city of Chicago get the 5 remaining Cinemax HD channels: 5 Star Max, WMax, @Max, ThrillerMax, & OuterMax? Also, any news about Travel Channel HD, ESPU HD, MTV HD, VH1 HD, CMT HD, Comedy Central HD, MLB HD, Crime & Investigative HD, BET HD, ION HD, Smithsonian HD, Chiller HD, etc.

Does anyone know when will the city of Chicago get the 5 remaining Cinemax HD channels: 5 Star Max, WMax, @Max, ThrillerMax, & OuterMax? Also, any news about Travel Channel HD, ESPU HD, MTV HD, VH1 HD, CMT HD, Comedy Central HD, MLB HD, Crime & Investigative HD, BET HD, ION HD, Smithsonian HD, Chiller HD, etc.

I would love Chiller, but Comcast doesn't even carry the SD feed of it. I think it's DirecTV only still. As of now.

I assume those remaining premium channels will release sometime around the 1/14 release of Spike and the others.

yeah, did that this morning. thanks :)

so, i got on the phone w/a Comcast rep last night because my Cablecard wasn't registering. "Wrong State", etc. Finally got it to recognize, but since 8PM last night until I left at 8AM this morning I still was receiving zero cable channels, only the basic ones like NBC/ABC/CBS/FOX/WGN/PBS, etc.

What can I do? I remember having problems with my other one too but that just worked itself out after a few hours.

This is in a TivoHD

anyone?

Also, any news about ... ION HD ...Does that exist yet?  We can't even get it OTA, just repeatedly delayed promises that it will surely show up in a quarter or two.

Does that exist yet?* We can't even get it OTA, just repeatedly delayed promises that it will surely show up in a quarter or two.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cable_and_satellite_television_network s_in_High_Definition

so, i got on the phone w/a Comcast rep last night because my Cablecard wasn't registering. "Wrong State", etc. Finally got it to recognize, but since 8PM last night until I left at 8AM this morning I still was receiving zero cable channels, only the basic ones like NBC/ABC/CBS/FOX/WGN/PBS, etc.

What can I do? I remember having problems with my other one too but that just worked itself out after a few hours.

This is in a TivoHD

Cablecard in s Sony DVR working OK here...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_cable_and_satellite_television_network s_in_High_Definition
That just says it's promised for first quarter of 2009, not that it's already available.

Last spring the promise was for third quarter of 2008.  Now it's for first quarter of 2009, which has already started.  I'll believe it when I receive it.

Sorry, posted in wrong forum.

so, i got on the phone w/a Comcast rep last night because my Cablecard wasn't registering. "Wrong State", etc. Finally got it to recognize, but since 8PM last night until I left at 8AM this morning I still was receiving zero cable channels, only the basic ones like NBC/ABC/CBS/FOX/WGN/PBS, etc.

What can I do? I remember having problems with my other one too but that just worked itself out after a few hours.

This is in a TivoHD

At the very least you need to call them and give them the generated number (I think its the data number or something.. its been a while). The card and your tivoHD generate a key and they need that in their system. Its all about the pairing when it comes to these thing. It sounds like you are just getting the clear QAM stuff that any QAM tuner could pick up off their system. Also might want to tell them they need to send your card a "hit".

Apparently the card needs to be paired, but after two women on the phone it's still not paired. They sent a ticket to the cablecard tech group who was supposed to get in touch with me within 45 minutes, which was 2 1/2 hours ago...

My card is returning "?" for Val: instead of "V"

Apparently the card needs to be paired, but after two women on the phone it's still not paired. They sent a ticket to the cablecard tech group who was supposed to get in touch with me within 45 minutes, which was 2 1/2 hours ago...

My card is returning "?" for Val: instead of "V"

ah... reminds me of when I picked up my m-card from north ave... grrrrr..

Hopefully the cablecard tech group can help you. If that is the tinley park group, it should be helpful. They didnt solve my issue, but I have read good things. If you havnt already, head over to tivocommunity.com (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=316310) There are like 6000 posts in the comcast thread, but somewhere deep within there you might find help. :(

thanks - i've frequented that thread many a time, for awhile. I guess the techs went home and they'll call me tomorrow........ blah.

Apparently the card needs to be paired, but after two women on the phone it's still not paired. They sent a ticket to the cablecard tech group who was supposed to get in touch with me within 45 minutes, which was 2 1/2 hours ago...

My card is returning "?" for Val: instead of "V"

PM sent

thanks cherry! also, Wilco's great ;)

I was over at a friends place, (Lincoln Park) setting up her Harmony remote.

She has a standard cable package (not sure which), and seems to get all the regulars (fx,tnt,tbs, etc)

She has a no frills DCH70 box.

When I hit the On Demand button on the comcast remote, it gave an error saying that the feature was unavailable, and to try again later. My friend this was normal, and that on demand did not work at her place.

Is this how it is supposed to be with the DCH70? I find it hard to believe they would cut out the potential revenue stream....

Has anybody with a clear-QAM tuner noticed that 11-2 (WTTW-DT's SD feed) has no audio? It used to be happen intermittently, but has been totally out for several days now.

The broadcast 11-2 is fine.

Has anybody with a clear-QAM tuner noticed that 11-2 (WTTW-DT's SD feed) has no audio? It used to be happen intermittently, but has been totally out for several days now.

The broadcast 11-2 is fine.

Yes, same here in Wheeling.

Has anybody with a clear-QAM tuner noticed that 11-2 (WTTW-DT's SD feed) has no audio? It used to be happen intermittently, but has been totally out for several days now.

The broadcast 11-2 is fine.

Andy,

Maybe you're experiencing what I used to find happening a lot on 50-1.  The audio channels would get mixed up.  Try your TV's SAP function and see if the audio is available on one of the other channels.

At least you get 11.2 on 11-2.  We get it on 79-5.  We used to get 11.1, 11.3, and 11.4 on 11-1, 11-3, and 11-4, but now they're on 11-3, 11-5, and 11-6.

#1 - Channel 186 (HBO) will not come in on my good Tivo - doesn't even find a signal, today. anyone else?

#2 - My new cablecard STILL isn't paired. I've talked to probably 10 people over the last 4 days and each time it ends in an escalation to the cablecard experts who will "call you in 5 minutes". That was 50 minutes ago and I'm back on hold trying to get someone for the past 20 minutes. I don't understand how you can run your business this way. Next time I get someone on the phone I'm not letting them hang up until it's done. I'm trying to leave for a poker game which I was supposed to leave for 10 minutes ago, but hell if I'm leaving before this is done.

turns out the card's data number and host ID were already in use so it was conflicting. finally got someone who knew things today and took the card out, put it in slot #2, got a new ID, took it out, put it back in slot #1, and got a new ID. Then gave him that one and POOF it worked.

Advice for those with problems, try this!

TLCHD and HBOHD are both out on both of my TivoHD's. Those are the only ones not coming in, and it doesn't even see a signal for them.

Maybe you're experiencing what I used to find happening a lot on 50-1.* The audio channels would get mixed up.* Try your TV's SAP function and see if the audio is available on one of the other channels.

At least you get 11.2 on 11-2.* We get it on 79-5.* We used to get 11.1, 11.3, and 11.4 on 11-1, 11-3, and 11-4, but now they're on 11-3, 11-5, and 11-6.
Comcast is using PSIP here in Schaumburg, so my TV shows them as the correct 11-x. The QAM channel is 114 here (shared with WBBM.) Comcast had 26-6 as 26-4 for awhile, but it was fixed just before they added This TV.

As far as 50-1, MTS gives two audio (ENGLISH, SPANISH), but both were identical and correct for the show I tested it with.

It's a little odd that Comcast even carries 11-2, as they don't use it. The analog and ADS 11 (122-5 by me) appear to use the analog feed or a fiber-fed SD from WTTW. Does anybody know if WTTW is using MUST CARRY rules, or do they have a carriage agreement with money?

Does anyone know when the tivo service is coming here? I really want a Tivo but don't want to lose my on demand. So having the tivo service on my comcast dvr is the next best thing I guess.

Comcast had 26-6 as 26-4 for awhile, but it was fixed just before they added This TV.Comcast had the 26-x channels all corresponding to the 26.x OTA channels here, then suddenly they moved FBT to 26-8 and This TV to 26-6 (where FBT had been).

Does that exist yet?* We can't even get it OTA, just repeatedly delayed promises that it will surely show up in a quarter or two.

The HDTV Programming Synopsis has details on upcoming HD channels. Including when ION HD will be up and running.

If you havnt already, head over to tivocommunity.com (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=316310) There are like 6000 posts in the comcast thread, but somewhere deep within there you might find help. :(The HDTV Recorders Forum has a very good TiVo HD topic.

The HDTV Programming Synopsis has details on upcoming HD channels. Including when ION HD will be up and running.Ken, what it includes is when ION HD currently is promised to be up and running.  The synopsis has reliable information about the promise, no question there.

If I say that the sky is brown and then you say that I said the sky is brown, you're right even though I'm wrong.

Ken, what it includes is when ION HD currently is promised to be up and running.* The synopsis has reliable information about the promise, no question there.I understand your point. ION made one commitment to HD being up, and missed it. What I'm telling you now, is this time it should happen as they say, in the top 20 TV markets before 2/17/09.

As always, there are no guarantees, and the proposed further delay of the DTV transition may play a roll in ION's plans.

We shall see.

Does anyone know when the tivo service is coming here? I really want a Tivo but don't want to lose my on demand. So having the tivo service on my comcast dvr is the next best thing I guess.
I wouldn't hold my breath. Last I read it hadn't made it out of new england and the agreement between Comcast and Tivo had expired. Besides, those that did get it had tons of problems.

Buy yourself a TivoHD and enjoy!

I wouldn't hold my breath. Last I read it hadn't made it out of new england and the agreement between Comcast and Tivo had expired. Besides, those that did get it had tons of problems.

Buy yourself a TivoHD and enjoy!

But I'll lose my on demand right?

you can't ondemand through a Tivo. If you really want it, just keep an extra box and hook that up to your TV too.

I don't know if I should post this here or in the HDTV programing forum.

Did anyone have any audio dropouts during last night's (Monday 1-12-09) 2 hour episode of "24" on Fox?

I recorded “24” with my Panasonic DVD recorder. I watched the recording & there are 3 or 4 instances of no audio which lasts anywhere from about 1 minute to 5 minutes.

Either the recorder/disc is acting up or Fox/Comcast had a problem. The video looks great. There is no pop or click in the audio, it just goes quiet for a while & then comes back on.

Did anyone else in the Chicago area experience this problem?

When do Spike, Nick, and Lifetime HD go live?

I don't know if I should post this here or in the HDTV programing forum.

Did anyone have any audio dropouts during last night's (Monday 1-12-09) 2 hour episode of "24" on Fox?

I recorded “24” with my Panasonic DVD recorder. I watched the recording & there are 3 or 4 instances of no audio which lasts anywhere from about 1 minute to 5 minutes.

Either the recorder/disc is acting up or Fox/Comcast had a problem. The video looks great. There is no pop or click in the audio, it just goes quiet for a while & then comes back on.

Did anyone else in the Chicago area experience this problem?

Mine was fine except when those idiots at WFLD switched from HD back to SD to show those annoying "hey it's snowing" weather maps / text crawls.

The audio still ran during the SD portions (albeit at lower quality) but there was a brief stutter whenever it switched from HD to SD or vice verse.

I recorded mine from the HD feed on a Comcast DVR so I can't comment on the SD feed. I assume you were recording the SD feed; did the audio cutouts occur when (or just after) the weather warnings appeared?

When do Spike, Nick, and Lifetime HD go live?

If you live in the south or southwest suburbs -- given the glacial rate at which Comcast is adding HD channels in those locations, I'd guess in about 5 years.

i live in the city of Chicago and they go live 1/14. (today)

I was just wondering what time.

as of 8AM this morning, Lifetime/Nick/Spike not coming in in HD in north Chicago.

i live in the city of Chicago and they go live 1/14. (today)

I was just wondering what time.

I worked from home today. Just checked and they are live in Lincoln Park area.

As of 10 am Lifetime/Nick/Spike are all in HD on the north side of Chicago.

sweet thanks

Can someone in the city please list the channel designators for the three new channels? I need to update my spreadsheet.

Thanks.

Mine was fine except when those idiots at WFLD switched from HD back to SD to show those annoying "hey it's snowing" weather maps / text crawls.

The audio still ran during the SD portions (albeit at lower quality) but there was a brief stutter whenever it switched from HD to SD or vice verse.

I recorded mine from the HD feed on a Comcast DVR so I can't comment on the SD feed. I assume you were recording the SD feed; did the audio cutouts occur when (or just after) the weather warnings appeared?


Thanks for the reply.

I recorded the HD using the recorders QAM tuner. Of course is does not record in HD, but does tune in the clear QAM HD signal direct from the cable. This makes for a nice picture.

The audio drop outs were not anywhere near the weather warnings.

I did have a DVD-RAM disc which did cause some video glitches when doing "chase play" when recording/playing, but otherwise was OK. This was the disc I used for "24". Since it appears there was no signal problem with Fox or Comcast, I have to think the disc is now causing a new problem & time to throw it out.

Thanks again for the reply.

Can someone in the city please list the channel designators for the three new channels? I need to update my spreadsheet.

Thanks.

Lifetime --> 228
Nick --> 225
Spike --> 290

Lifetime --> 228
Nick --> 225
Spike --> 290

he means what they're called. Like, NIKHD, etc. For example, I'm not sure what Nick is called.

Can someone in the city please list the channel designators for the three new channels? I need to update my spreadsheet.NICHD for 225, LIFED for 228, SPKHD for 290, all of them in 1080i.

Oddly, around 5 AM, 225 was in the program guide as SPKHD (which was wrong), and I could tune the channel but it was the (can't remember the exact wording) "service should be available shortly" screen.  Around 8 AM, all three were working on their correct channel numbers.

NICHD for 225, LIFED for 228, SPKHD for 290, all of them in 1080i.

Oddly, around 5 AM, 225 was in the program guide as SPKHD (which was wrong), and I could tune the channel but it was the (can't remember the exact wording) "service should be available shortly" screen.* Around 8 AM, all three were working on their correct channel numbers.

nice. none of them were showing anything when I left at 8 (Andersonville area) so I'll try when I get home.

nice. none of them were showing anything when I left at 8 (Andersonville area) so I'll try when I get home.If JI0005 was getting them in Lincoln Park at 10 AM, you should find them working in Andersonville.  Both are in Area 1, right?

I'm in Area 2; Areas 2 and 3 (the old Group W franchise) have a different setup from that of Areas 1, 4, and 5 (the old Chicago Cable franchise).

Here's the latest update reflecting the addition of Nickelodeon, Lifetime, and Spike.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3197865318_38cb805ccb_o.png

thanks!

Not available in Wheaton.

Thechannel listing on Comcast web site list speed HD as 237. I have not been able to get it for several week. It keeps saying that I'm not authorized. I get speed so I should be able to get speed HD.

Any idea when some of these channels will make it to downstate Il ? (Peoria/Galesburg/Quincy) area !!!!

probably going to be awhile, since those places aren't fully digital and are still using the analog space. i feel for you, I'm from Peoria and I just hooked my parents up with a TivoHD.

I have comcast basic service (no STB) on one input and an antenna connected to my other ant input. I was watching Lost on 7-1 OTA last night and had an incredible picture, better than 7-1 on comcast! Has anyone else noticed this? I read somewhere that HD is better OTA because it needs to be compressed to get in on cable. Hope this hasn't already been discussed alot.

Not available in Wheaton.

Thechannel listing on Comcast web site list speed HD as 237. I have not been able to get it for several week. It keeps saying that I'm not authorized. I get speed so I should be able to get speed HD.

It's likely a coding issue on Comcasts part. There are 2 diiferent codes in their system for the sports pack,. Email Comcastcares, Email address was a few pages earlier in the thread, and they should get it fixed for you.

I have a couple of Tru2Way questions.

I know that Chicago is a test site with the new Viera TVs. Is it only Chicago or does it include the suburbs as well? Also, what is the charge for renting a Tru2Way card? And would you get HD straight through the Coax or do you still need an HD box?

I'm trying to decide if my new TV purchase for an exercise room should be one of these new Viera sets.

Thanks a lot.

Although we've been receiving NICHD on channel 225 here in Chicago Area 2 since Wednesday morning, and it's in the general guide, it isn't listed among the HD stations.  There probably isn't any native HD content and it's surely all upconversions, but that's true of many other HD stations, and they're all listed if you go through Menu -> HD -> HD Channel Guide.

I remember reading Chicago is getting Comedy Central in HD by the end of January...is that still happening and does anyone know an exact date for that?

And thanks so much for keeping that table updated, FSugino! It's a lifesaver.

still no guide data for the 3 new HD stations

After the digital transition for OTA is Comcast planning on shutting off the analog channels on comcast around the same time? QAM will still work for unencrypted channels without a box? If so I hope they will finally correctly channel map the rest of the QAM channels to their proper assignments like they have with WBBM 2-1, and WMAQ 5-1, 5-2 etc.

still no guide data for the 3 new HD stationsWe're getting it in Area 2, so I guess it's an Area 1 (or 1 and 4 and 5) problem.

After the digital transition for OTA is Comcast planning on shutting off the analog channels on comcast around the same time? QAM will still work for unencrypted channels without a box?That's what I understand from having asked a phone rep.If so I hope they will finally correctly channel map the rest of the QAM channels to their proper assignments like they have with WBBM 2-1, and WMAQ 5-1, 5-2 etc.Same feeling here.  Recently they moved five channels that were on the same virtual channel numbers as their OTA counterparts off to different locations that don't match.  It made no sense to me at all.  I rescan every couple of days just to see if they've been moved back where they belong.

Can anyone comment on Sci-Fi HD availability in the Starter and Classic packages? I'm under the impression from the website that it's included in Starter, but FSugino's table shows otherwise.

Can anyone comment on Sci-Fi HD availability in the Starter and Classic packages? I'm under the impression from the website that it's included in Starter, but FSugino's table shows otherwise.
SciFi SD is not in Starter, so the HD wouldn't be either. You need Classic to get SciFi.

I assume it was the cold was making a mess of the analogs this morning. Many of them (mainly the expanded basic) were pixelating and muting audio as if I was watching a digital signal. Seems OK now. The ADS versions through the cable box were fine.

I want to add HBO again with Big Love starting up. Anyone know if there is by chance any existing customer deals for adding it? Or maybe even who to talk to? I really hate to pay much more than I do now.

Thanks

a month ago I added HBO for $2.99 for 6 months. ask them. there is/was a deal. Showtime too.

We're getting it in Area 2, so I guess it's an Area 1 (or 1 and 4 and 5) problem.

scratch that, I forgot to mention I have Tivo. It's probably a Tivo problem.

a month ago I added HBO for $2.99 for 6 months. ask them. there is/was a deal. Showtime too.

Thanks! I will try it!

After spending years of dealing with Comcast's sub-standard dvr service and ever increasing prices, I decided to make the switch to a TivoHD using only an OTA signal. Everything is hooked up and working great. I also plugged the existing Comcast feed into the Tivo so that I could record some kids shows on Disney before I canceled. Again, everything works fine.

When I called to cancel the Comcast service, they offered me a new "Digital Economy Package" for $30 a month which includes about 20-30 digital channels, including Disney and Discovery. Since I get a $17 discount for having both cable and internet service, it's a net increase of only $13 per month -- so I took them up on it.

The rep said that I did not need a cable box to receive the channels that will still be available to me after they downgrade me. They're sending out a technician later this week to "put something on the pole".

My question is how will they prevent me from receiving the other digital channels that I'm now getting? I assume they're putting an analog trap on my line, but my understanding is that they can't block digital chanels this way. I thought they could only encrypt them, which would seem to require me to have a Comcast box. Something doesn't seem right, any insight would be appreciated.

My question is how will they prevent me from receiving the other digital channels that I'm now getting? I assume they're putting an analog trap on my line, but my understanding is that they can't block digital chanels this way. I thought they could only encrypt them, which would seem to require me to have a Comcast box. Something doesn't seem right, any insight would be appreciated.

Comcast told me that I do need a set-top box for that service, as the non-OTA channels are encrypted. I do not have the service (yeat), and I have not tested that, however.

Anyone actually tried it?

I don't quite see how they can do that service in areas that still have full analog. You'd still get the full expanded basic. If they tried to block the expanded, they would end up blocking the digitals, too. By me, the non-broadcast digital ADS are mostly on 83 - 85 and 124 - 125, broadcast/local/clear QAM are on 86 and 122 - 123.

Do they use some mega-filter to block everything except the digital frequencies?

I live in the Darien-Willowbrook area and referencing FSugino's Jan-14 comprehensive listing of HD channels available I count 15 channels I should receive but do not. I have digital classic w/Sports Entertainment. Ch 237 Speed, Ch 265 Fox News, Ch 267 FX & Ch 285 Comcast Info are the only four that have activated in past 30 days.

1] Can anyone confirm if any of the following have been activated in this area: Ch's 227, 229, 231, 261, 263, 263, 264, 266, 269, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284.

2] Numerous channels on this Jan-14 list are noted 'Chicago only'; in the past, Comcast would add most new HD channels within days to all areas, why the regional roll-out? Thanks.

I am a former D* subscriber who had to cancel my subscription with D* because of a bad signal and a signal strength that isn't up to D* standards. Been fighting with them for months to get out of the contract as I cannot watch a show without losing the signal as well as there are channels I can't even get because of the signal even though I am paying for them such as ESPN, TNT. Long story short a Superviser came out and deemed the location to not be up to snuff so I am out of my contract without a cancellation penalty.

That being said I've called Comcast 3 times and have spoken with 3 different CSRs and they will not budge on their pricing for me. I've mentioned that I have D* and what I'm paying for it, that U-Verse and E* are other options in my area and what their pricing is and nothing. My friend has Digital Classic, HBO, Starz with an HD DVR and HD box and 8MB internet service and is paying $140 yet they are quoting me for Digital Classic, no premiums & 6MB internet service with an HD DVR and HD box for $159 + tax. With D* I pay $75 for Choice Extra with locals, all HD channels except the premiums and 2 HD boxes. I pay $35 for U-verse 6mb internet service for a total of $110 with D*. And Comcast is trying to get me to pay more for less.

What is that magic word or phrase that I'm not using to get them to lower their price? I don't even want their internet service but was told that that would give me a discount and it's raises the overall price to $35 more than just the $15 I would pay getting just their video service.

U-verse video is very soft and the constant popping noises are annoying and E* is an option as I had them before I had D* and never lost signal do to their dish aiming away from the trees that are causing me to lose my D* signal but to not sign up for a 2 yr commitment will cost me $99 up front and not having CSN+ is another problem. =(

I live in the Darien-Willowbrook area and referencing FSugino's Jan-14 comprehensive listing of HD channels available I count 15 channels I should receive but do not. I have digital classic w/Sports Entertainment. Ch 237 Speed, Ch 265 Fox News, Ch 267 FX & Ch 285 Comcast Info are the only four that have activated in past 30 days.

1] Can anyone confirm if any of the following have been activated in this area: Ch's 227, 229, 231, 261, 263, 263, 264, 266, 269, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284.

2] Numerous channels on this Jan-14 list are noted 'Chicago only'; in the past, Comcast would add most new HD channels within days to all areas, why the regional roll-out? Thanks.

1. In the North suburbs we do have all of these channels. I don't believe your area has them yet, still systems upgrades to do.

2. CHicago is an all Digital system, in the suburbs we are not. Much more bandwidth available in the city. Hopefully this will be coming to the suburbs in 2009.

I am a former D* subscriber who had to cancel my subscription with D* because of a bad signal and a signal strength that isn't up to D* standards. Been fighting with them for months to get out of the contract as I cannot watch a show without losing the signal as well as there are channels I can't even get because of the signal even though I am paying for them such as ESPN, TNT. Long story short a Superviser came out and deemed the location to not be up to snuff so I am out of my contract without a cancellation penalty.

That being said I've called Comcast 3 times and have spoken with 3 different CSRs and they will not budge on their pricing for me. I've mentioned that I have D* and what I'm paying for it, that U-Verse and E* are other options in my area and what their pricing is and nothing. My friend has Digital Classic, HBO, Starz with an HD DVR and HD box and 8MB internet service and is paying $140 yet they are quoting me for Digital Classic, no premiums & 6MB internet service with an HD DVR and HD box for $159 + tax. With D* I pay $75 for Choice Extra with locals, all HD channels except the premiums and 2 HD boxes. I pay $35 for U-verse 6mb internet service for a total of $110 with D*. And Comcast is trying to get me to pay more for less.

What is that magic word or phrase that I'm not using to get them to lower their price? I don't even want their internet service but was told that that would give me a discount and it's raises the overall price to $35 more than just the $15 I would pay getting just their video service.

U-verse video is very soft and the constant popping noises are annoying and E* is an option as I had them before I had D* and never lost signal do to their dish aiming away from the trees that are causing me to lose my D* signal but to not sign up for a 2 yr commitment will cost me $99 up front and not having CSN+ is another problem. =(

Have you tried ordering on their website? many times they have web specials.

Chuck7548

I live in Lagrange and I have only the same new HD Channels you have. It is getting frustrating reading this Forum.

Those of us on the Elmhurst and Romeoville head ends feel like the red headed step children! C'mon Comcast, show the love and spend some $$$.

Those of us on the Elmhurst and Romeoville head ends feel like the red headed step children! C'mon Comcast, show the love and spend some $$$.
Maybe you're the ones being loved and protected while we in the city are the guinea pigs.

If if make the suburbanites feel any better, almost all of you have access to 50/10 and 22/5 high speed internet.

We wont get this in the city for a couple of months.

Chuck7548

I live in Lagrange and I have only the same new HD Channels you have. It is getting frustrating reading this Forum.

Info appreciated. Let's hope Comcast expedites their upgrades to Darien, LaGrange, Romeoville and other areas that have yet to receive these new HD channels.

I don't know if its Comcast, the broadcaster or me, but lately many of the HD channels have periodic audio dropouts and or brief bursts of pixilation. It's not excessive, but still annoying.

My question, is this something that I should expect from Comcast, or is it possible to get flawless HD?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Steve

I don't know if its Comcast, the broadcaster or me, but lately many of the HD channels have periodic audio dropouts and or brief bursts of pixilation. It's not excessive, but still annoying.

My question, is this something that I should expect from Comcast, or is it possible to get flawless HD?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Steve

This has only been a problem for Bulls games for me (wgn, csn and 50). It's pretty bad, but I haven't noticed it on any other shows.

I am a former D* subscriber who had to cancel my subscription with D* because of a bad signal and a signal strength that isn't up to D* standards. Been fighting with them for months to get out of the contract as I cannot watch a show without losing the signal as well as there are channels I can't even get because of the signal even though I am paying for them such as ESPN, TNT. Long story short a Superviser came out and deemed the location to not be up to snuff so I am out of my contract without a cancellation penalty.

That being said I've called Comcast 3 times and have spoken with 3 different CSRs and they will not budge on their pricing for me. I've mentioned that I have D* and what I'm paying for it, that U-Verse and E* are other options in my area and what their pricing is and nothing. My friend has Digital Classic, HBO, Starz with an HD DVR and HD box and 8MB internet service and is paying $140 yet they are quoting me for Digital Classic, no premiums & 6MB internet service with an HD DVR and HD box for $159 + tax. With D* I pay $75 for Choice Extra with locals, all HD channels except the premiums and 2 HD boxes. I pay $35 for U-verse 6mb internet service for a total of $110 with D*. And Comcast is trying to get me to pay more for less.

What is that magic word or phrase that I'm not using to get them to lower their price? I don't even want their internet service but was told that that would give me a discount and it's raises the overall price to $35 more than just the $15 I would pay getting just their video service.

U-verse video is very soft and the constant popping noises are annoying and E* is an option as I had them before I had D* and never lost signal do to their dish aiming away from the trees that are causing me to lose my D* signal but to not sign up for a 2 yr commitment will cost me $99 up front and not having CSN+ is another problem. =(

You may be black flagged as a problematic customer, one they don't WANT to have.

I don't know if its Comcast, the broadcaster or me, but lately many of the HD channels have periodic audio dropouts and or brief bursts of pixilation. It's not excessive, but still annoying.

My question, is this something that I should expect from Comcast, or is it possible to get flawless HD?

Any comments would be appreciated.

Steve
I have the same problem in Crystal Lake. Exactly as you described, audio drop outs, pixelization and skips.

I have the same problem in Crystal Lake. Exactly as you described, audio drop outs, pixelization and skips.


I had this problem with my SD service a few months ago. I swapped out the box (well, swapped it three times), and the problem was gone. I don't know if the problem is the same with HD, but the symptoms sound identical. I also put an amplifier on the incomming Comcast service, which also helped, especially after I fastened it to my cement foundation wall which keeps it running very cool.

Probably not exactly the topic here, but I was trying to determine speeds of internet service available through Comcast. I have the typical service included with the triple play packages (I assume it is "power boost", or whatever they call it, I never specified exactly but it's >$40/month), but a family member is interested in somethign called "Economy" service. Anyone know the differences in speeds? This family member is still using dial-up so it will definitely be better, but we want to find out exactly what "economy internet" is.

Probably not exactly the topic here, but I was trying to determine speeds of internet service available through Comcast. I have the typical service included with the triple play packages (I assume it is "power boost", or whatever they call it, I never specified exactly but it's >$40/month), but a family member is interested in somethign called "Economy" service. Anyone know the differences in speeds? This family member is still using dial-up so it will definitely be better, but we want to find out exactly what "economy internet" is.

it's basically 1mbps internet. A little bit slower than DSL, but definitely better than dialup.

I have the same problem in Crystal Lake. Exactly as you described, audio drop outs, pixelization and skips.

Same here in Lindenhurst. Started about 2-3 weeks ago? I've seen it on ESPN, Fox and ABC. Very annoying

I'm also getting dropouts here in Downers Grove. Seems to be happening on all of the HD channels including CNN and HBO. It also happens on SD channels too. My line seems to have no problems so I think it's on Comcast's end.

I have the same problem in Crystal Lake. Exactly as you described, audio drop outs, pixelization and skips.

Yeah, it seems like the more HD channels Comcast adds, the worse it gets.

Not sure if anyone can answer this but for the past maybe half a year or so I've been picking up NBA TV on my QAM at 101-7. As of last week I'm no longer getting it, it's showing up as scrambled. Just wondering if I'm alone in this?

Is anyone else having problems with HDNet? I'm getting a lot of pixelation. The SNR always says 'Good' and is in the 35-36 dB range. The uncorrectable errors are in the hundreds and correctable errors in the thousands according the 5 second error rates on the box status page. HDNet is at frequency 657 MHz, not sure what else is at that frequency.

it's basically 1mbps internet. A little bit slower than DSL, but definitely better than dialup.

Thank you. I just got the other piece of info from Comcast yesterday in the mail letting me know they upgraded the regular internet service. So it seems the tiers are the following:

Original Internet: 6 Mbps, Comcast is upgrading to 12 Mbps
PowerBoost: Intermittent 15 Mbps download
Economy Internet: 1 Mbps

All better than my family member, she has 56kbps dialup.

So being an analog customer here in the village of Barrington, should we expect the dreaded letter from Comcast shortly, telling us that analog will be shutdown in February? Not looking forward to renting STBs from Comcast.

So being an analog customer here in the village of Barrington, should we expect the dreaded letter from Comcast shortly, telling us that analog will be shutdown in February? Not looking forward to renting STBs from Comcast.You'll really need to ask Comcast to find out.

My understanding is that any unencrypted analog cable channel you can receive without a box now is or will be available in clear QAM; so if you have a clear QAM tuner in your television, you won't need a box.

Currently in my area (Chicago Area 2) two channels are available in clear analog but not in clear QAM, but clear analog hasn't been cut off yet.  Presumably they'll become available in clear QAM (as another recently did) or Comcast will formally remove them from the Basic tier.  All other channels of the Basic tier plus some more are available here in clear QAM.

Thank you. I just got the other piece of info from Comcast yesterday in the mail letting me know they upgraded the regular internet service. So it seems the tiers are the following:

Original Internet: 6 Mbps, Comcast is upgrading to 12 Mbps
PowerBoost: Intermittent 15 Mbps download
Economy Internet: 1 Mbps

All better than my family member, she has 56kbps dialup.

The economy package sounds like a bargain relative to the standard monthly cost. I also need to set a family member up and will look into the economy package. 1 Mbps will blow away her dialup.

I recently received the same letter. My normal speed has 1-1.5Mbps for several years, even though comcast rates it at 6Mbps. After reading the letter, I shut everything down and restarted. I still run at 1.5Mbps (using cnet bandwidth meter). What a joke. How are they allowed to print this b.s. and not provide anything close to their rated bandwidth. My speed didn't even increase.

So being an analog customer here in the village of Barrington, should we expect the dreaded letter from Comcast shortly, telling us that analog will be shutdown in February? Not looking forward to renting STBs from Comcast.

Me neither. I hate using a stb. I use analog on most of my tvs for convenience. It is the only thing that keeps me from considering the alternatives.

The economy package sounds like a bargain relative to the standard monthly cost. I also need to set a family member up and will look into the economy package. 1 Mbps will blow away her dialup.

I recently received the same letter. My normal speed has 1-1.5Mbps for several years, even though comcast rates it at 6Mbps. After reading the letter, I shut everything down and restarted. I still run at 1.5Mbps (using cnet bandwidth meter). What a joke. How are they allowed to print this b.s. and not provide anything close to their rated bandwidth. My speed didn't even increase.


Have you had a Tech out to look at your problem? what kind of modem and router are you using?

I get 12-30 Mbps on my connection no problem.

You should have complained long ago, but it doesn't hurt to start now. You should be able to get some money off a bill at the very least.

So being an analog customer here in the village of Barrington, should we expect the dreaded letter from Comcast shortly, telling us that analog will be shutdown in February? Not looking forward to renting STBs from Comcast.

If I recall correctly, Comcast had predicted at one time to have all areas converted by 2010. However, I seem to remember reading that the cable companies have agreed to stop any area conversions for the moment until the February DTV conversion due to the confusion (and in some reported cases of what would seem to be misinformation) with the DTV conversion vs the cable analog-->digital migration.

You could try asking Comcast, but when I asked the people at my local office, she started rattling on about the DTV conversion and obviously didn't understand what was actually happening. Going back to STB is a step backward. It seems most of the cable companies have fought CableCards and there are very few card enabled devices as well as I've read many reports of problems to get them working correctly. I guess we'll see where Tru2way goes.

You'll really need to ask Comcast to find out.

My understanding is that any unencrypted analog cable channel you can receive without a box now is or will be available in clear QAM; so if you have a clear QAM tuner in your television, you won't need a box.

Currently in my area (Chicago Area 2) two channels are available in clear analog but not in clear QAM, but clear analog hasn't been cut off yet.* Presumably they'll become available in clear QAM (as another recently did) or Comcast will formally remove them from the Basic tier.* All other channels of the Basic tier plus some more are available here in clear QAM.

I would be totally OK if the same channels I get now with my analog service were available in clear QAM, but from what I've read that doesn't seem to be the way most cable systems are going...those STBs are revenue streams. After shutdown, I believe they are required to offer the local OTA channels in the clear until 2012 but I could be confusing the specifics of that.

Have you had a Tech out to look at your problem? what kind of modem and router are you using?

I get 12-30 Mbps on my connection no problem.

You should have complained long ago, but it doesn't hurt to start now. You should be able to get some money off a bill at the very least.

I had a motorola surfboard modem, then comcast replaced it with their digital phone modem. No difference in bandwidth. I've also gone through a few different routers over the years with little difference. My wired and wireless computers all register about the same bandwidth. On a luck day I might hit 3Mbps, but it is usually well under 2.

Having a tech out is generally a complete waste of time and energy. The last time I had them out, they noticed that I was using a ratshack signal booster. They let me know "this is the problem. these things are junk." So they replaced it with one of theirs. It didn't help with the issue at hand, but they left anyways. While my HDDvr still worked properly, I realized a day or so later that their booster degraded the signal just enough to knock out most of my qam channels and add snow to my analog feeds. They don't have a great deal of knowlege and pride in their work. They seem to be contractors that get paid based on the numbers of customers they visit, not problem resolution.

I would be totally OK if the same channels I get now with my analog service were available in clear QAM, but from what I've read that doesn't seem to be the way most cable systems are going...those STBs are revenue streams. After shutdown, I believe they are required to offer the local OTA channels in the clear until 2012 but I could be confusing the specifics of that.

That's my understanding as well, that only local OTA broadcast channels will be offered in clear QAM, and all others (like CNN, VH1, etc.) will be encrypted, and therefore require a STB. I read somewhere that Comcast is required to provide one STB for free, and can charge for all others.

I would be totally OK if the same channels I get now with my analog service were available in clear QAM, but from what I've read that doesn't seem to be the way most cable systems are going.Connect the Comcast coax to a TV with a clear QAM tuner and see what is available now.  That's probably the best indicator.

Today I found a link to a full list of HD channels available from Comcast in the Chicago area. This site won't let me post links until I've posted 3 times....

Quite a few are labeled as "Chicago only". We live in the western suburbs (Woodridge, to be exact). So I went to the online support/chat area on the Comcast site today - to ask when the "Chicago only" channels would be offered in HD in the suburbs. I got a lot of "I don't know" answers, and the first attempt at the chat resulted in them disconnecting me. So I called. I got the same "we don't know". I replied back that they have to have planned conversion dates for those channels - there has to be "a plan" - and she got real snotty with me, saying they have no dates.

Gee - I'd love to do that at work - say that I'll finish my project "whenever" and have be a scheduled date. Wouldn't you??

I'm sure they have dates - they just don't want to give them out.

So being an analog customer here in the village of Barrington, should we expect the dreaded letter from Comcast shortly, telling us that analog will be shutdown in February?The February analog cutoff mandate only applies to OTA.

If they were planning to cut off the analogs on your cable, you would've gotten a notice about it by now - at least a month or two ago.

Today I found a link to a full list of HD channels available from Comcast in the Chicago area.

FYI - I post that same list on this site in this thread, too. No need to refer back to DSL Reports.

That's my understanding as well, that only local OTA broadcast channels will be offered in clear QAM, and all others (like CNN, VH1, etc.) will be encrypted, and therefore require a STB. I read somewhere that Comcast is required to provide one STB for free, and can charge for all others.
In many areas, Comcast is starting to roll out DTA's. Since they don't support encryption (but do support a simpler 'privacy mode'), the expanded basic tier is usually left unencrypted. That means a TV with a QAM tuner would be able to pick them up.

For those who don't know, a DTA is basically a very simple digital cable tuner. No on-screen Guide, no OnDemand. Whey they are already being rolled out, you can get 2 or 3 for free, with extras being a very low cost of about $1-$2/month.

As of about 5PM here in Schaumburg, WLS-SD (both analog and ADS on cable box) is in freeze frame with no audio. WLS-HD is OK.

The new episodes of the new season of Lost have not been added to ON DEMAND in HD. They have been added to ON DEMAND in SD. I did not record the first episodes of Lost in HD on my DVR, because I thought that I could watch them later ON DEMAND in HD. I chatted online with someone from Comcast, and they said that the new episodes of Lost would be added to ON DEMAND in HD soon. They did not know when. I also emailed Comcast. They told episodes are not added to ON DEMAND on a set schedule. I have had to wait for new TV episodes to be added to ON DEMAND a couple of times. Once I had to wait almost a week for an episode of NCIS to be added to ON DEMAND. Usually new episodes are added to ON DEMAND a day after they ari.

Not my first choice, but you know that abc.com has a very nice HD feed of lost and most of its primetime line up, right?

Not my first choice, but you know that abc.com has a very nice HD feed of lost and most of its primetime line up, right?

My mom also watches Lost. She will not watches Lost on my computer. I can't hook my computer up to my TV.

My mom also watches Lost. She will not watch Lost on my computer. I can't hook my computer up to my TV.Maybe your mother will settle for watching it in SD from On Demand, and you can watch the HD edition on your computer (perhaps at the same time, so that neither of you will be tempted to give away any spoilers to the other, in case those things bother you or her)?

Comcast added the last episode of Lost in HD to On Demand, almost two days after it aired. Comcast still has not added the first two episdoes in HD to On Demand. I am going to record Lost in HD on my DVR from now on. I can't wait several days for it to be added to On Demand, if ti is added at all.

I noticed that the recap episode of Lost that aired before the two hour season premerie of Lost was added to On Demand in HD, but it was not added to On Demand in SD. The two hour premerie was added to On Demand in SD, but not in HD. The recap episode and the season premerie aired on the same day. I wonder if someone at Comcast was confused about these episdoes.

Connect the Comcast coax to a TV with a clear QAM tuner and see what is available now. That's probably the best indicator.

I've done that and I get all of the extended basic as well as some of the VOD offerings that I would guess other people on my "node" for lack of a better term are watching I suppose. However once they migrate to a digital only system, I don't believe these will be continue to be in the clear...call me a pessimist I guess.

Also (and I could be wrong) but if they implement Switched Digital Video which Comcast was in some areas, it's possible you may not be able to receive the signals as they are not continuously broadcast without a STB or CableCard or Tru2Way device. Hopefully the poster that wrote about their low cost DTAs was correct and that's how we'll see it roll out.

We'll have to wait and see because it's impossible to get any believeable information from speaking with anyone there.

I sure hope they don't encrypt it all and require a STB after they move to a digital-only system. But I sure would not rule anything out with Comcast. I like being able to watch clear QAM without a box!

comcast is already digital only in 1,4,5 and requires a box for cable.

comcast is already digital only in 1,4,5 and requires a box for cable.

IIRC, I'm in area 1 (gold coast/near north). The OTA channels (plus C-SPAN and Weather) are still available in analog and clear QAM. Other channels do appear to require a box.

In Chicago Area 2 (and presumably also in 3) the only channels available in analog are the local full-power analogs, public access (but not the new Cook County channel, which is available in clear QAM but not in analog), TBS, MSNBC, BET, C-SPAN1, QVC, HSN, CLTV, CN100, and the guide.

Has anyone else been experiencing this?  It started maybe two weeks ago.

Some commercials -- usually those for Comcast itself! -- are shown in SD on HD channels, and the STB must suddenly switch from HD to SD at the start of the commercial and back to HD for the next commercial (or the return of the program) after it.  If you're watching via HDMI it means two renegotiations, and sometimes it's been annoying enough to make me switch to component.

Has anyone else been experiencing this? It started maybe two weeks ago.

Some commercials -- usually those for Comcast itself! -- are shown in SD on HD channels, and the STB must suddenly switch from HD to SD at the start of the commercial and back to HD for the next commercial (or the return of the program) after it. If you're watching via HDMI it means two renegotiations, and sometimes it's been annoying enough to make me switch to component.
Do you stretch your SD content on the box? If not, simply turn off the 480 override (I believe that is how it's called) in the picture settings and it will remain at the HD output the entire time and will not do that switch.

Do you stretch your SD content on the box?Good Lord, no.  In fact, I narrow the picture on signals that already come in spreadvision.If not, simply turn off the 480 override (I believe that is how it's called) in the picture settings and it will remain at the HD output the entire time and will not do that switch.

Thank you, and in fact I thought of that later last night.  Having now heard it from someone else, I'll try it.

Normally I leave the 480i override at 480p and don't like turning it off, but I can't remember what led me to that choice, as it was so long ago; it may have been the way it allowed the DCH3416 to upconvert SD material to HD rather than just deinterlacing it to ED and introduced an extra conversion.  Next time I run into such a commercial I'll try replaying it and the surrounding HD with the 480i override off.

Has anyone else been experiencing this?* It started maybe two weeks ago.

Some commercials -- usually those for Comcast itself! -- are shown in SD on HD channels, and the STB must suddenly switch from HD to SD at the start of the commercial and back to HD for the next commercial (or the return of the program) after it.* If you're watching via HDMI it means two renegotiations, and sometimes it's been annoying enough to make me switch to component.
I have noticed it on History HD. I've noticed the TV (CRT connected via component) resync at the beginning and end.

Maybe either a misconfiguration, or the only way they can tap into the 3:1 merged HD's?

Greets All!

My fiance and I recently purchased a house in Bolingbrook. I'm not a big fan of D* and Uverse is not available in my area yet.

Can someone in Bolingbrook tell me how the Comcast HD service is?

We really only watch History, Discovery, HGTV, and some movies. Not really into sports.

I have noticed it on History HD.Interesting, as I've seen it only on channels that are delivered in 1080i, never yet on a 720p channel like History.

still no Tivo info for NickHD, SpikeHD, LifetimeHD. It's been 3 weeks.

Interesting, as I've seen it only on channels that are delivered in 1080i, never yet on a 720p channel like History.

I may have been mistaken. I watch both Discovery and History alot, and tend to get shows mixed up.

still no Tivo info for NickHD, SpikeHD, LifetimeHD. It's been 3 weeks.

speak of the devil, Tivo channel update today. finally.

Interesting, as I've seen it only on channels that are delivered in 1080i, never yet on a 720p channel like History.
Actually, I wasn't mistaken. I saw it happen while watching a recording of Monsterquest.

still no Tivo info for NickHD, SpikeHD, LifetimeHD. It's been 3 weeks.

Same TiVo guide data problem here in Naperville, but on more channels than that:

227 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
229 Lifetime Movie Network HD
231 ESPnews HD
261 Planet Green HD
269 Bio HD
283 Toon Disney HD
284 MGM HD

And those are just the ones I've checked myself. The lineup on the Comcast site shows a few more. Additionally, Encore HD and Fox Business HD are still labeled as Fox Sports channels.

I called TiVo on January 15 to report an incorrect lineup. I called them again today, referenced my original case number and said this was still a problem. Now I have a second case and it's being escalated.

Does anybody know of any other Comcast phone number(s) other than the general customer assistance number where I can talk to somebody who can actually understand what I am talking about? After several months of trouble shooting I think I have found the problem. It seems there is a rather severe leak in their system somewhere in my neighborhood that allows my antenna to pick up several of their stations. For instance I can tune to channel 8 and see WPWR, on channel 12 I can see ION, on channel 4 I can see the Comcast Network etc. This is causing terrible reception issues on channels 2, 5, 7. and 9. With the probably delay in the dtv transition I am stuck with four more months of analog channel 2 and am growing quite tired of all the double images and pulsing video this is causing me. The general service number puts me in contact with someone who doesn't even understand what I am talking about. Any help would be appreciated.

Does anybody know of any other Comcast phone number(s) other than the general customer assistance number where I can talk to somebody who can actually understand what I am talking about?

Now, that's Comcastic!!! :rolleyes: The last time someone alledgely gave me a number to a local office when I was getting nowhere, the number was never answered and voice mails, left on a rare occasion when the inbox wasn't full, were never returned. Good Luck!

Try here:
http://consumerist.com/320438/email-addresses-for-comcast-executives
http://consumerist.com/257280/contact-comcasts-ceo

Thank you andyross63, I'll give it a try.

Does anybody know of any other Comcast phone number(s) other than the general customer assistance number where I can talk to somebody who can actually understand what I am talking about?

I have had good experiences with their Executive Care Center: 800-630-2140 (Chicagoland area only). This is the group that often takes care of "escalated" issues and is NOT intended to do front-line customer service. If this has gone on for a while and you really can't get a hold of anyone with a clue, try them.

You could also try the Digital Care group, which may pass you off to someone in Executive Care: We_Can_Help@cable.comcast.com

I apologize if this is too basic a question or the wrong spot to ask, but here goes...

I am a comcast subscriber with multiple HD dvr's. I also have a few tv's that are just plugged into the cable directly and pick up the basics (up through 61 at least) I guess these tv's have digital tuners.

I am trying to hook up an old pc with an analog tuner that was going unused, and I am only able to pick up two channels 5&6, and the signal is lousy. Are there no analog signals being sent for the lower channels any more?
Or, are they being filtered out?

My cable comes in to the house and is split by a Genesis II tap. One line goes to the cable modem and the other goes to a ProFormance VSA601C surge protected amplifier. This then goes to a Genesis II 8 way splitter.

Can I get a free converter from comcast to downconvert the digital to analog (This is essentially an old analog tv). I do not expect HD on this, I just want to use it to pick up the news ....


Any help will be greatly appreciated.

ar

I apologize if this is too basic a question or the wrong spot to ask, but here goes...

I am a comcast subscriber with multiple HD dvr's. I also have a few tv's that are just plugged into the cable directly and pick up the basics (up through 61 at least) I guess these tv's have digital tuners.

I am trying to hook up an old pc with an analog tuner that was going unused, and I am only able to pick up two channels 5&6, and the signal is lousy. Are there no analog signals being sent for the lower channels any more?
Or, are they being filtered out?

My cable comes in to the house and is split by a Genesis II tap. One line goes to the cable modem and the other goes to a ProFormance VSA601C surge protected amplifier. This then goes to a Genesis II 8 way splitter.

Can I get a free converter from comcast to downconvert the digital to analog (This is essentially an old analog tv). I do not expect HD on this, I just want to use it to pick up the news ....


Any help will be greatly appreciated.

ar

If your non-cablebox tvs are getting channels 2-61, it sounds like an analog feed. Take the "old pc with an analog tuner" to one of the cable feeds that you know works on channels 2-61 and test it there. If it works on that feed, you know the other cable feed is no good. If it doesn't work, something is wrong with your pc's analog tuner.

Same TiVo guide data problem here in Naperville, but on more channels than that:

227 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
229 Lifetime Movie Network HD
231 ESPnews HD
261 Planet Green HD
269 Bio HD
283 Toon Disney HD
284 MGM HD

And those are just the ones I've checked myself. The lineup on the Comcast site shows a few more. Additionally, Encore HD and Fox Business HD are still labeled as Fox Sports channels.

I called TiVo on January 15 to report an incorrect lineup. I called them again today, referenced my original case number and said this was still a problem. Now I have a second case and it's being escalated.

Be thankful, we still don't have these channels in Joliet. Does anyone know why they haven't been rolled out yet?

Someone else might look at it another way. They could be thankful that their picture quality hasn't declined any further.

Someone else might look at it another way. They could be thankful that their picture quality hasn't declined any further.

I've got all the above channels, can't notice any decrease in picture quality. Still more channel they need to add here, hope we get them soon.

Try here:
http://consumerist.com/320438/email-addresses-for-comcast-executives
http://consumerist.com/257280/contact-comcasts-ceo

I passed this info on to a firend who has been having problems with intermittent tiling since September 08. Comcast traced the problem to some major cable feed to her neighborhood and she kept getting the run around of when it was going to be fixed. After 4 months with multiple phone calls to Comcast and promises of calls that were never returned I forwarded her the URL's above She fired off the email bomb last night and holy cow she now has a crew digging things up in her area today!!! Thanks andyross63 for the info.

So what is the latest and greatest DVR box from Comcast?

What ever happened to the nice new clean HD menu system that they showed so long ago? Is that ever coming?

I just went to comcast and got a new box (not sure if this is the newest or what, but it looks newer than my old 6412). Man does broadcast HD look terrible. I got this box hoping that those new channels would be in my area too (right outside Chicago in downtown Palatine) and they of course don't. What an underwhelming experience.

The picture on my DCT 2244 turned black and white while watching an On Demand show. At the end of the show it locked up and would not do anything. I could not change the channel or turn it off. After unplugging it for 10 minutes, it still does not work and is flashing 8888 along with all the other dots for the different commands on the lcd. Any one else experience this before?

My latest bill here in Schaumburg has a note that new subscribers cannot subscribe to 'Standard Cable' as of April 1.

It looks like most of the analogs may be dropped this spring.

Friday Disney replaced Toon Disney with Disney XD.

In Chicago Area 2, Comcast is still labeling the SD channel (81 here) and the SD Spanish channel (617) as TDISP, but the HD channel (283) is now designated DXDHD.  Its resolution remains, of course, 720p.

After having a tech come out, they replaced the box. I now have a DCT 700 that is much smaller than my old box. It's also much faster at changing channels and going through the guide and On Demand. I may upgrade to HD and DVR in the near future, so I hope that box is roughly as quick. It'll be big again but should be better than the DCT 2244 anyway.

No more subscriptions to standard cable after April 1? I guess the analog shutdown is going to happen sooner than we thought.

How do I tell what area I am in? I am in Lemont, when I login to Comcast.com it says Chicago West. Is this area 1,2,3,4,5? Is there a list somewhere?

Thanks,

Y2J

My latest bill here in Schaumburg has a note that new subscribers cannot subscribe to 'Standard Cable' as of April 1.

It looks like most of the analogs may be dropped this spring.


andy, my bill says the same thing. Why do you think most of the analogs may be dropped this spring? Did you talk with a Comcast
CSR? I hope this is a start to migrate analogs.

Hopefully this is just to remove the analogs to free up space. Unencrypted QAM should still work after they shut down the analogs on standard cable. I understand that they are not allowed to encrypt broadcast channels via QAM on basic cable due to FCC Sec. 76.630.

On an unrelated note... Is ION's WCPX 38 audio sound overmodulated for anyone else?

How do I tell what area I am in? I am in Lemont, when I login to Comcast.com it says Chicago West. Is this area 1,2,3,4,5? Is there a list somewhere?
The five numbered areas refer to parts of the city of Chicago and would not include any suburbs, except maybe some unincorporated areas adjacent to the city.  I know I'm in Area 2 from the original information about dividing the city in the early 1980s, when Chicago Cable got Areas 1, 4, and 5 and Group W got Areas 2 and 3.  To this day Comcast has different lineups in 1, 4, and 5 from 2 and 3, and each clump of suburbs is different yet.

Your bill will list the FCC ID for your head-end but I wouldn't know where to find out what name to give it.  (Mine is IL0985.)

On an unrelated note... Is ION's WCPX 38 audio sound overmodulated for anyone else?

The digital ADS through the box is overmodulated badly. The analog feed is OK.

I noticed a few oddities with WYCC (SD), not all of which are Comcast issues:
Some programs are anamorphically stretched. 'Wishbone' is doing this right now. It's 4:3, stretched vertically, and narrowed horizontally. Weird.
The analog feed is about 1 second AHEAD of the analog OTA signal.
The ADS version through the cable box is about 5 seconds behind OTA.

Who decides what shows are On-Demand and when? Is it the networks or Comcast? I didn't watch Lost last week and figured I'd just catch it On-Demand. The standard def version of Lost has been up for a few days now but the HD version is still not up.

Free preview of NHL Center Ice this week!

Too bad there's no HD :(

Free preview of NHL Center Ice this week!

Too bad there's no HD :(


Yeah and thats a bummer because the SD quality of Center Ice is awful. It would be nice to at least have the NHL Channel in HD.

Yeah and thats a bummer because the SD quality of Center Ice is awful. It would be nice to at least have the NHL Channel in HD.

Yeah, I'm watching the Coyotes and it looks terrible, not to mention the SD looks like crap :p

I understand your point. ION made one commitment to HD being up, and missed it. What I'm telling you now, is this time it should happen as they say, in the top 20 TV markets before 2/17/09.

As always, there are no guarantees, and the proposed further delay of the DTV transition may play a roll in ION's plans.

We shall see.
Since I previously commented here on this issue, I thought I would post the latest info on the subject:

To "help reduce any consumer confusion" caused by the recent government decision to delay the shut-off of analog TV, ION is moving its launch of HDTV from Feb. 16 to March 16. ION now will launch HD in the top 20 TV markets on March 16 and will roll out HD on its other 40 stations later in the year.

Since I previously commented here on this issue, I thought I would post the latest info on the subject:

To "help reduce any consumer confusion" caused by the recent government decision to delay the shut-off of analog TV, ION is moving its launch of HDTV from Feb. 16 to March 16. ION now will launch HD in the top 20 TV markets on March 16 and will roll out HD on its other 40 stations later in the year.
I'm skeptical over that's being the real cause and have a feeling that ION just wasn't ready yet for unrelated reasons. After all, whom would it have confused?

Any idea why on occasion my cable box jumps to OnDemand when my TiVo changes the channel through the serial port? Seems like it is happening more often now...

I'm skeptical over that's being the real cause and have a feeling that ION just wasn't ready yet for unrelated reasons. After all, whom would it have confused?

Since a number of ION analog stations went off the air on 2/17, they may have felt going HD on the main DTV subchannel could have caused additional confusion. Lame, but.....

From what I understand, they are ready.

I just moved to the Bucktown area, and got the Comcast deal with a cable modem and free local channels. I was not here when the installer showed up (my wife was home) and he did not test the modem before leaving and it is not working at all, so they are sending another tech out Saturday morning to fix it. I can't say that's a great beginning to my Comcast relationship.

But on to my question for you guys: he ran a cable to my QAM-enabled TV, and all I am getting appears to be analog channels and no HD whatsoever. And the picture on the channels is lousy! There's ghosting, shimmering, and the audio crackles. Am I correct in that I should be getting local HD channels via clear QAM? I'd like to know for sure before the tech gets here Saturday morning. I'm hoping the tech is better than the installer :)

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

But on to my question for you guys: he ran a cable to my QAM-enabled TV, and all I am getting appears to be analog channels and no HD whatsoever. And the picture on the channels is lousy! There's ghosting, shimmering, and the audio crackles. Am I correct in that I should be getting local HD channels via clear QAM? I'd like to know for sure before the tech gets here Saturday morning. I'm hoping the tech is better than the installer :)

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Yes you should get the local HD channels, make sure you do a channel scan and then try 2.1 5.1 ect. Let us know your results.

Yes you should get the local HD channels, make sure you do a channel scan and then try 2.1 5.1 ect. Let us know your results.

I did a scan (actually several, I tried the IRC, HRC, and Automatic scans on my TV) and am not getting any of the 2.1, 5.1, etc channels. The scan(s) find 35 analog channels and zero digital channels. The HD would be digital, correct?

Thanks again!

What is the make and model of your TV?

What is the make and model of your TV?

It's an Olevia 537-B11.

It picks up HD OTA fine, and I've picked up QAM from my old cable company (in Toledo)...

Thanks again!

My guess is the filter they have installed is blocking the QAM channels.

Is that legal?

It might not be intentional, just may be an old filter. But yes it would be legal.

Well, hopefully I get a tech who knows what he/she is doing and can get this sorted out. Thanks for the info!

But on to my question for you guys: he ran a cable to my QAM-enabled TV, and all I am getting appears to be analog channels and no HD whatsoever. And the picture on the channels is lousy! There's ghosting, shimmering, and the audio crackles. Am I correct in that I should be getting local HD channels via clear QAM? I'd like to know for sure before the tech gets here Saturday morning. I'm hoping the tech is better than the installer :)
The fact that your analogs are all ghosty and poor audio, and your modem doesn't connect, just about proves you have a very poor signal. Do you pick up any digitals? You should be able to get the ADS copies of the local analogs in addition to HD.

Depending on your TV, there may be a signal strength meter someplace. On mine, it's only available for digital channels.

Well, a different tech came out today and we now have a strong signal. The analogs look pretty good, and the cable modem is working. He said there was a bad connection outside the house.

I'm still not picking up the HD QAM, though. When I do a scan, it picks up 54 or so digital channels, but none of them have any sort of picture. If I tune to them, I just get the "No Signal" message on my screen. 5.1, 7.1, etc are not among them. I'm getting like 80.23 and others along those lines, but again, no picture. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Well, a different tech came out today and we now have a strong signal. The analogs look pretty good, and the cable modem is working. He said there was a bad connection outside the house.

I'm still not picking up the HD QAM, though. When I do a scan, it picks up 54 or so digital channels, but none of them have any sort of picture. If I tune to them, I just get the "No Signal" message on my screen. 5.1, 7.1, etc are not among them. I'm getting like 80.23 and others along those lines, but again, no picture. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Does your TV have 2 separate RF inputs?
Some TV's have 1 for Analog RF, And 1 for Digital RF. I have a JVC, and it is easy to miss this because they are in two different locations on the back panel. See if that is the case for your TV. If so, split the cable 2 ways, and input one cable to analog, and 1 cable to digital.

I live in the Darien area & back on January-21 I inquired: Can anyone confirm if any of the following HD channels have been activated in the Near-West suburbs: Ch's 227, 229, 231, 261, 263, 264, 266, 269, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284.

To date none have activated here, Chicago has had these new HD Channels for months. Comcast is clueless for info & my patience is wearing thin--any timetable when we may see these here? Thanks

Darien's actually considered a Central-Western Suburb (Aurora Line), not a Near-Western one.

(Although I don't know where your headend is.)

Is Darien considered a Near-Western suburb? I would think it would fit into the Central-Western category.

We're 22 miles southwest of Downtown--call it near or central West, we have yet to see these new HD channels.

Darien's actually considered a Central-Western Suburb (Aurora Line), not a Near-Western one.

(Although I don't know where your headend is.)

Elmhurst is our Headend

Has anyone else noticed that on the Quick Menu there's an option for iTV? It's not working though it says its not currently available

I noticed yesterday that in the Guide, 6 is titled 'The U', and 183 is 'THE U'.

I'm still not picking up the HD QAM, though. When I do a scan, it picks up 54 or so digital channels, but none of them have any sort of picture. If I tune to them, I just get the "No Signal" message on my screen. 5.1, 7.1, etc are not among them. I'm getting like 80.23 and others along those lines, but again, no picture. Any ideas?
Does your TV have any sort of cleanup mode? My Samsung has a mode where it goes through and disables channels that are scrambled. Those are probably the 'no signal' ones you are getting.

Does your TV have any sort of cleanup mode? My Samsung has a mode where it goes through and disables channels that are scrambled. Those are probably the 'no signal' ones you are getting.

I don't think it does, but the problem is that ALL of the digital channels aren't giving a picture :)

I noticed yesterday that in the Guide, 6 is titled 'The U', and 183 is 'THE U'.Same here in the city.

I live in the Darien area & back on January-21 I inquired: Can anyone confirm if any of the following HD channels have been activated in the Near-West suburbs: Ch's 227, 229, 231, 261, 263, 264, 266, 269, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284.

To date none have activated here, Chicago has had these new HD Channels for months. Comcast is clueless for info & my patience is wearing thin--any timetable when we may see these here? Thanks


Chuck7548 - Same thing in LaGrange nothing new. I would also like some sort of schedule. When I ask Comcast about getting these channels a consistent response would be nice.

I posted this in the HD Recorders forums but didn't get an answer so maybe somebody here can help.

I have the DCH-3416 in my rack.

It currently is outputting both HDMI (video and audio) component video and coax digital audio. Will it also output analog audio (red and white)? It seems to me like everything is active with this box but I wanted to make sure.

Basically I have the HDMI going to my receiver for my HDTV. The component and coax digital audio were also wired to my receiver and seem to work on another input. I now want to have the analog audio go to my whole home audio system so I can listen to cable tv in other rooms and was wondering if it would work.

Thanks.

I have the DCH-3416 in my rack.

It currently is outputting both HDMI (video and audio) component video and coax digital audio. Will it also output analog audio (red and white)?Yes.  It has to.  That's your audio source when you're viewing the component video output (or if you're viewing the composite or S-video outputs, for that matter).

Yes.* It has to.* That's your audio source when you're viewing the component video output (or if you're viewing the composite or S-video outputs, for that matter).

But that doesn't necessarily mean that the digital output wouldn't deactivate the analog one.

I wanted to take a moment and thank those of you who helped give me alternate ways to contact Comcast regarding a system leak in my area. It took a couple of e-mails and 3 phone calls but today I finally got a tech out here who found a very serious leak in their system and corrected it. Wow, I had no idea just how much that leak was affecting my ota reception, what a world of difference it makes. Thanks again guys!

I'm curious if you're watching the presidential address, which network you're watching? At least on my Pioneer, NBC is by far the sharpest and has the most natural color. Do they have better cameras, or does Comcast somehow give them more bandwidth? Flip between ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. It's remarkable how different the feeds of the same event look. Which helps explain why a "calibrated" tv will not always look great with every show on television.

Does anyone knows when Travel Channel HD will be added to the Chicago area?

I emailed Comcast to complain that the last new episode of CSI and the last three episodes of Lost are not available On Demand in HD. Comcast emailed me back that they are not responsible for the On Demand programming. The In Demand network is responsible for On Demand programing. The website to contact the In Demand network is:http://www.indemand.com/about/contactUs.jsp. I emailed the In Demand network today, and I hope that I hear from them soon.

I have been with WOW for about 1 1/2 years, and while their customer service has been top-notch, their poor HD offerings - along with a bundle offer from Comcast that brings the monthly cost within 15 or so bucks of WOW - have made me seriously think about switching back to Comcast. Has Comcast's customer service improved any over the last year or so? Has anyone had success in "haggling" for discounts at the end of a promotional rate (WOW would virtually ALWAYS do this if you said you were thinking of switching)? Also - and I know this is a separate thread - how has the internet service been? WOW gave me 16 meg down (and has been rock-solid in terms of uptime), and Comcast will give me 22 down.

The cost drove me to WOW, but now the costs are comparable, and Comcast's HD offerings are far superior. I live in Mt. Prospect, about a mile south of what used to be Palwaukee Airport. I would appreciate any feedback you can provide.

I have been with WOW for about 1 1/2 years, and while their customer service has been top-notch, their poor HD offerings - along with a bundle offer from Comcast that brings the monthly cost within 15 or so bucks of WOW - have made me seriously think about switching back to Comcast. Has Comcast's customer service improved any over the last year or so? Has anyone had success in "haggling" for discounts at the end of a promotional rate (WOW would virtually ALWAYS do this if you said you were thinking of switching)? Also - and I know this is a separate thread - how has the internet service been? WOW gave me 16 meg down (and has been rock-solid in terms of uptime), and Comcast will give me 22 down.

The cost drove me to WOW, but now the costs are comparable, and Comcast's HD offerings are far superior. I live in Mt. Prospect, about a mile south of what used to be Palwaukee Airport. I would appreciate any feedback you can provide.

I'm at Euclid/Wolf. No, customer service has not changed for the better, but internet is pretty stable. My neighbors get great down speed, in excess of the marketing materials you received of 22 down. I on the other hand have had speed issues which I believe are unique to my home. I only get 1.5 - 3mbps. Just this weekend I downgraded my service to the $25/month plan which is rated at 1Mbs. I figured if they can't give me a speed increase, they cant give me a speed decrease. I was correct, my speed is still holding at 1.5-3Mbps.

I have been with WOW for about 1 1/2 years, and while their customer service has been top-notch, their poor HD offerings - along with a bundle offer from Comcast that brings the monthly cost within 15 or so bucks of WOW -

Just make sure you are comparing comcast's HD offering for your area. We get more in the city than in the burbs... that will be changing, but its not there yet (as far as I know).

A couple things I've noticed.

Interactive TV is now working, and so far all it has is a Caller ID for Triple Play customers.

Also kids programming is now grey

I noticed over the weekend that my DCH-3416 has an ethernet port on the back. Does this do anything? If I hook it up to the internet would I get any added features?

I noticed over the weekend that my DCH-3416 has an ethernet port on the back. Does this do anything? If I hook it up to the internet would I get any added features?

I don't think the Ethernet port is active on any Comcast box.

I don't think the Ethernet port is active on any Comcast box.

Talking about DCT-3416, are there any news about the replacement? I had mine for 2 years now. Can't say that I'm thrilled about its performance all the time.

Talking about DCT-3416, are there any news about the replacement? I had mine for 2 years now. Can't say that I'm thrilled about its performance all the time.
I've had my DCT-6412 Phase II for over 4 years now!!

The DCT was replaced by the DCH. Other than the styling and CableCard for encryption, I don't think it's much faster than the older ones.

There is a new DCX series, but I don't think Comcast has started rolling it out yet. I believe it has MPEG4 support and other enhancements.

There is a new DCX series, but I don't think Comcast has started rolling it out yet. I believe it has MPEG4 support and other enhancements.

Here (http://www.motorola.com/staticfiles/Business/Products/TV%20Video%20Distribution/Customer%20Premises%20Equipment/All%20Digital%20QAM%20Set-tops/DCX3400/_Documents/552791-001_DCX3400.pdf?localeId=33) is a link to the data sheet for the DCX3400 (new dual tuner HD/DVR).

You can buy 500GB hard drives for $60 retail these days, but Motorola decides to use a way-too-small 160GB drive in it (although supposedly 250GB is also an option).

Supposedly this new box uses a Tru2Way cable card which makes me wonder if we'll finally be able to buy it instead of having to lea$e it from Comcast.

Isn't there a key command on the remote that lets you switch between 1080i and 720p output?

If so, can someone tell me how to enable this?

Box is a Moto DCH-3416

Um........ I just got around to watching Castle from Monday. Show started and popped from HD to SD immediately. 2 minutes in and it's still in SD. on ABC HD.

Anyone else get this?

Um........ I just got around to watching Castle from Monday. Show started and popped from HD to SD immediately. 2 minutes in and it's still in SD. on ABC HD.

Anyone else get this?

It finally went HD about four or five minutes in. I think it was a WLS issue.

thanks, yeah i noticed that. weird.

For those who have 'EcoBill' and don't get a paper bill, check out the new bill format (log in and use the 'View Paper Bill' option to get the PDF).

The layout is different and they have changed some of the names. My internet service is now listed as 'D3 Performance 12/2'. Also, this month's bill had something very rare: Price DECREASES!

Effective 2/12/09, the standard price for HD Triple Play
bundles will decrease: HD Starter to $129.99/mo from
$134.99/mo; HD Plus to $159.99/mo from $169.99/mo; HD
Premier to $199.99/mo from $209.99/mo. These prices will
also apply to those who subscribe to our HD Triple Play
promotional bundles after the promotion expires.

There is also a new channel listing and price guide.

Anybody have the boxes rebooted the past two nights? Both the firmware and software were updated on mine.

Anybody have the boxes rebooted the past two nights? Both the firmware and software were updated on mine.

Yeah, mine got zapped. Missed a recording because the damn program listing didn't repopulate in time.

There are no new version numbers on mine, but two recordings -- one on Monday night and one in the wee hours of Tuesday -- didn't happen.

I am looking for codes for my Comcast remote for the following tv's:
LN40A550
and A630 series.

Someone told me that Sammy and Comcast dont mingle very well...I am hoping you prove them wrong.

From a notice in last Sunday's Tribune:

MLB Network HD will be added to channel 233, officially on May 14, but as a "preview" starting April 1. (Not sure what the difference is.)

Also WCPX HD (ION, channel 38) will be added to cable channel 238 on June 12.

Thanks for the news, ws16314.

Also WCPX HD (ION, channel 38) will be added to cable channel 238 on June 12.
Do they really expect WCPX to be available in HD by then?  WCPX-DT's OTA signal was supposed to change to HD February 16, then March 16 ... still hasn't happened.

Maybe if it's still 480i Comcast will send a 720p upconversion of its own on channel 238.

From a notice in last Sunday's Tribune:

MLB Network HD will be added to channel 233, officially on May 14, but as a "preview" starting April 1. (Not sure what the difference is.)

Also WCPX HD (ION, channel 38) will be added to cable channel 238 on June 12.

Is there a link to this on-line?

Anybody have the boxes rebooted the past two nights? Both the firmware and software were updated on mine.

I just checked my 3416 and the firmware version is 16.53:eek:
Looks like it hasn't been updated for a while:D

We have the info on MLB HD & ION HD being added real soon, but what about Travel HD, MTV HD, CMT HD, VH1 HD, Crime & Investigation HD, ESPNU HD, ThrillerMax HD, 5 Star Max HD, OuterMax HD, WMax HD, @Max HD, BET HD, Comedy Central HD? Travel HD has been added to select Comcast markets like Boston or Seattle, but not Chicago. What gives?