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.)



I hope it'll be a taste of HD programming and not some unfunny April Fool's Day prank.

I am in Downers Grove, and I believe our Comcast head-end is Elmhust. With my six-month introductory price on "Digital Starter" about to expire, I am thinking about dropping down to "Digital Economy" with an everyday price of $29.95 a month. This tier is not well advertised, and seldom do customer service representatives offer it, but it is documented down in the corner of the recent Channel Lineup and Price List as follows:

Includes

Basic Service
HD broadcast channels
A&E
Animal Planet
BET
Cartoon Network
CNN
Comedy Central
CSPAN
CSPAN2
Discovery Channel
Disney Channel
E!
EWTN
Food Network
Fox News Channel
HSN
Lifetime
QVC
Spike TV
USA Network
The Weather Channel
and where available the corresponding HD channels for these networks

(HDTV equipment is required to view Digital Economy HD channels)

Does anyone have experience with having this service installed? I am told them have to put a filter in the cable line outside, but I cannot get a definitive answer about what I will and will not receive in the clear using my new HD television without a Comcast set-top box.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has tried this. Thanks.

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?


donn,

Comcast does not have ESPNU. Do you know what markets have
VH1 HD and MTV HD?

Is there a link to this on-line?

Haven't seen anything online; here's the original ad.

donn,

Comcast does not have ESPNU. Do you know what markets have
VH1 HD and MTV HD?








That's the problem, Comcast doesn't have any of these channels at the moment which is why the satellite & telco companies are taking away cable subrscribers due to HD channels. The only HD channel that Comcast is adding soon is MLB & that's because of the baseball season & I don't like baseball!

Haven't seen anything online; here's the original ad.
Thank you.

Does anyone have experience with having this service installed? I am told them have to put a filter in the cable line outside, but I cannot get a definitive answer about what I will and will not receive in the clear using my new HD television without a Comcast set-top box.
I'm not clear as to what you are wondering will be filtered out, but...

If you were to get basic service, with the HD channels, and also internet from Comcast, they can't put a filter on the line as it would disrupt the services you are paying for. But I think all this buys me is analog channels 35-99, when a cable box is NOT used.

They can pretty much electronically filter any digital channel they want when you use the cable box.

He means they are going to put a filter on the line to filter out all the ANALOG, EXPANDED basic channels out, since he would NOT be paying for them, obviously he should NOT be getting them. Since this is the case, he then must have a box to get any of the economy basic channels (CNN, A&E, Lifetime, etc) as digital encrypted channels, as there would be no other (practical) way for cc to restrict all those other expanded basic channels he SHOULDN'T be getting. The only things you can still get in clear QAM, will be the limited basic channels, (locals, PEG's, etc) as those are normally not encrypted.

BTW, cc IS advertising this down here as well - their ad down here says you also get Music Choice on EB.

He means they are going to put a filter on the line to filter out all the ANALOG, EXPANDED basic channels out, since he would NOT be paying for them, obviously he should NOT be getting them. Since this is the case, he then must have a box to get any of the economy basic channels (CNN, A&E, Lifetime, etc) as digital encrypted channels, as there would be no other (practical) way for cc to restrict all those other expanded basic channels he SHOULDN'T be getting. The only things you can still get in clear QAM, will be the limited basic channels, (locals, PEG's, etc) as those are normally not encrypted.

BTW, cc IS advertising this down here as well - their ad down here says you also get Music Choice on EB.

Yes, I believe that is the exact question I answered. Isn't expanded basic channels 35-99? It is in my area. I further tried to explain that their is some type of frequency overlap if he also subscribes to cable internet. This overlap would prohibit the use of an inline filter, as it does in my house. I guess I should conclude my answer with "that is how it works in my house in mount prospect".

Haven't seen anything online; here's the original ad.

Just what is Comcast 101? Is Comcast 100 too busy??

Yes, I believe that is the exact question I answered. Isn't expanded basic channels 35-99? It is in my area. I further tried to explain that their is some type of frequency overlap if he also subscribes to cable internet.

Not at all - I don't think you understand that the actual frequency of analog channels 95-99, actually fall between cable channels 6 & 14 - & since the freqs for internet are usually above ch 78 (which is not part of expanded basic), the existing analog expanded basic traps that cc uses to knock it out, will NOT affect either internet, NOR the digital freqs used to carry the digital versions of those economy channels. which most likely are carried above ch 78 as well. That's why I said that in order to have the economy tier, you will ONLY get the limited channels in analog as well - the rest requires a digital box.

Not at all - I don't think you understand that the actual frequency of analog channels 95-99, actually fall between cable channels 6 & 14 - & since the freqs for internet are usually above ch 78 (which is not part of expanded basic), the existing analog expanded basic traps that cc uses to knock it out, will NOT affect either internet, NOR the digital freqs used to carry the digital versions of those economy channels. which most likely are carried above ch 78 as well. That's why I said that in order to have the economy tier, you will ONLY get the limited channels in analog as well - the rest requires a digital box.

Yes, you are correct, I didn't know the frequencies. I appreciate the explanation. When I initially hooked up basic cable, hd stb and internet 5+ years ago there was some range of channel I recieved that I wasn't entitled to because cc couldn't block them. It was common knowlege at the time. Im pretty certain that it was the expanded basic channels.

Never the less, you are probably correct, but I don't know anybody around me having any analog blocked. I'm not saying it isn't done, I simply haven't heard of it being done around here. ADS was done around here quite some time ago, but I for example have several tvs that don't use a stb and they all receive 2-99. My HD DVR on the other hand only recieves 2-35 and local HD channels. If/when they start removing analog channels, I will be screwed.

For reference, this is a list of cable channels, ordered by frequency:
2-4, OOB, 5-6, 95-99, 14-22, 7-13, 23-94, 100+
OOB=Out-Of-Band, downstream data to cable boxes. It's only 4MHz wide vs 6MHz for video channels. I don't know why broadcast has that gap between 4 and 5, which carried over into cable.

Here in Schaumburg:
Cable modem - 107-110
CDV - ??
ADS - 83, 84, 86, 122-125 (86, 122 and 123 are mostly clear QAM locals)
digital broadcast - 105, 114, 115, 120 (HD and subchannels)

These are currently unused here as far as I know: 3, 79-82, 91-92, 96-97, 121, 127-128. (96-97 may be due to interference from full-power FM radio.)

I am in Downers Grove, and I believe our Comcast head-end is Elmhust. With my six-month introductory price on "Digital Starter" about to expire, I am thinking about dropping down to "Digital Economy" with an everyday price of $29.95 a month. This tier is not well advertised, and seldom do customer service representatives offer it, but it is documented down in the corner of the recent Channel Lineup and Price List as follows:

Includes

Basic Service
HD broadcast channels
A&E
Animal Planet
BET
Cartoon Network
CNN
Comedy Central
CSPAN
CSPAN2
Discovery Channel
Disney Channel
E!
EWTN
Food Network
Fox News Channel
HSN
Lifetime
QVC
Spike TV
USA Network
The Weather Channel
and where available the corresponding HD channels for these networks

(HDTV equipment is required to view Digital Economy HD channels)

Does anyone have experience with having this service installed? I am told them have to put a filter in the cable line outside, but I cannot get a definitive answer about what I will and will not receive in the clear using my new HD television without a Comcast set-top box.

Would appreciate hearing from anyone who has tried this. Thanks.

You should call and say you want to drop Comcast for ATT. I did that and the CSR immediately took $30 off my monthly bill for 6 mos. She said they currently have "special offers" for customers during these "tough times". She wouldn't give me 12 mos, but actually said to call and ask again in 6 mos.

The last two days ABC7 has had some serious audio issues with Jeopardy. Anyone know if its a production issue? In both cases, ABC7 has switched the signal from HD to SD to get rid of the issue.

The last two days ABC7 has had some serious audio issues with Jeopardy. Anyone know if its a production issue? In both cases, ABC7 has switched the signal from HD to SD to get rid of the issue.It was the same on "Wheel of Fortune" on the twenty-fourth.  On the twenty-fifth WoF started out in SD, probably to avoid it.

Does anyone know the latest information on when the internet speeds are supposed to be increasing downtown? I haven't heard anything about it in a while, though I thought it was supposed to happen by the summer.

Does anyone know the latest information on when the internet speeds are supposed to be increasing downtown? I haven't heard anything about it in a while, though I thought it was supposed to happen by the summer.

Possibly March 31, if this link can be trusted:
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Leaked-Tentative-Comcast-DOCSIS-30-Schedule-101507

It's been a while, so here's an updated sheet.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3391825163_e52f516535_o.png

For a while National Geographic Channel HD was in 1080i, then it went back to 720p.  Go figure.

It's been a while, so here's an updated sheet.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3391825163_e52f516535_o.png

Referencing FSugino's listing above from March 19, 15 [or more] HD channels have yet to activate thru the Elmhurst headend, including: Channels 227, 229, 231, 261, 263, 264, 266, 269, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284.

Chicago and some other suburban areas have had all or many of these HD channels for 6 months, we do not. My March 3 'Channel Lineup' does not include one of these 15 Channels for subscribers that receive service thru Elmhurst. Calls to Comcast Customer Service for answers have proved fruitless.

My patience is wearing thin---Why are these not activated here & does anyone know when these channels will activate? Or, is there another avenue one can suggest to get accurate info from Comcast?....Thanks, Chuck

Referencing FSugino's listing above from March 19, 15 [or more] HD channels have yet to activate thru the Elmhurst headend, including: Channels 227, 229, 231, 261, 263, 264, 266, 269, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284.

Chicago and some other suburban areas have had all or many of these HD channels for 6 months, we do not. My March 3 'Channel Lineup' does not include one of these 15 Channels for subscribers that receive service thru Elmhurst. Calls to Comcast Customer Service for answers have proved fruitless.

My patience is wearing thin---Why are these not activated here & does anyone know when these channels will activate? Or, is there another avenue one can suggest to get accurate info from Comcast?....Thanks, Chuck

The Romeoville head end has none of the 15 or so channels either. We are waiting also with no news as to when we might see some of these channels. FWIW, I soke to a Comcast rep one Saturday afternoon and he said we should see an increase in HD channels by summer. All I can say is I'll beleive it when I turn on my TV.:rolleyes:

What about Travel Channel HD? Comcast has added it in other markets except Chicago.

Just noticed in the above table that ABC is listed as only 720p that explains to me why it looks better in OTA HD, at least at my house. Anyone else think the HD on OTA is as good if not better than comcast. I am comparing 7-1 QAM (I only have basic cable no STB) versus OTA 7-1. OTA 7-1 IS crisper IMHO.

I just got a Tivo and don't know if it would be worth it to upgrade my service and get some cable cards? What would I gain?

From cable? Proper QAM mapping and channel guide info, and easier programming.

If by "upgrade" you also mean upgrading the programming tier, even if you only switch to Digital Starter, you should get a few more channels than from extended basic analog.

From cable? Proper QAM mapping and channel guide info, and easier programming.

If by "upgrade" you also mean upgrading the programming tier, even if you only switch to Digital Starter, you should get a few more channels than from extended basic analog.

Basic cable (actually I think it is expanded basic) lets me get the CLEAR QAM channels but they just don't seem as sharp as my OTA HD.

Is anyone getting channel 243 (or for that matter, WTTW Prime on OTA 11.2) yet?  If not, what time was it supposed to start?

EDIT: apparently the time was noon.  It's now coming in OTA on 11.2 and by QAM on 11-2, but not yet through the box on 243.

My signal has been pretty stable on most channels except for FX HD - anyone else get digital noise (sparkles/lines) on this station? All I really watch on it is Damages right now, but every show is imperfect.

It's now coming in OTA on 11.2 and by QAM on 11-2, but not yet through the box on 243.

Same here in Downers Grove. I called to report 243 missing, and the Comcast tech I spoke to didn't know anything about it at first, but did finally verify it's supposed to be there on Comcast 243 today. I think they forgot.

Is anyone getting channel 243 (or for that matter, WTTW Prime on OTA 11.2) yet?* If not, what time was it supposed to start?

EDIT: apparently the time was noon.* It's now coming in OTA on 11.2 and by QAM on 11-2, but not yet through the box on 243.

243 is showing here in Schaumburg as of 4:00pm.

Something a bit weird right now. Masterpiece Classic is on, but has descriptive audio enabled! This is both through the box and clearQAM 11-2. Broadcast is fine though. Comcast is messed up.

Got it here in Joliet on 243.

We were receiving 243 (from the box as 243) in Chicago Area 2 as of a few minutes after 2:00 PM; I'm guessing it started at 2:00.

What a strange situation with WTTW Prime. About a month or so ago I started getting Clear QAM channel 11.2, a SD version of the HD channel. Around noon today 11.2 started airing the new channel seperate from WTTW HD. WTTW Prime was on 11.2 like it should have been then it went off around 2PM. Now I do a rescan and its coming in on QAM 115.1. Sounds like it was fine earlier and comcast started messing with it and just made it worse.

Here Prime has gone to 11-6, where V-Me was.  V-Me is now on 115-4.  WTTW Digital is still on 11-3 and Create on 11-5.  Why they are not on 11-2, 11-4, 11-1, and 11-3 respectively like the corresponding OTA stations beats me.

Also, ThisTV still is on 26-6, bumping FBT to 26-8.

Here Prime has gone to 11-6, where V-Me was.  V-Me is now on 115-4.That turned out to be the case on only one of our TVs where we're using the QAM tuner, although both are off the same splitter that is inside our house and therefore both must be getting the same signal from Comcast.  The other still has V-Me on 11-6 but Prime on 115-6.

My wild, uninformed guess is that V-Me's physical channel is 115-4 and Prime's is 115-6, but both are keyed for virtual channel 11-6 (which is not right for either of them), and the two tuners disagree about which should win and which should yield.

This is after Prime had been on 11-2 for a while yesterday (with V-Me still incorrectly on 11-6).

Update: a third QAM tuner put both V-Me and Prime onto two different 11-6's, so my guess turned out to be a lucky one.

The following postcard arrived today in my snail-mail box..."The NFL Network may soon terminate Comcast's right to carry NFL Network & NFL Network HD begininng April 30. We are seeking the right to continue to carry these networks but if unsuccessful they may be removed on or after May 1, 2009."

This will be a major bummer for us NFL fans, let's hope this does not happen. What is going on here?

The following postcard arrived today in my snail-mail box..."The NFL Network may soon terminate Comcast's right to carry NFL Network & NFL Network HD begininng April 30. We are seeking the right to continue to carry these networks but if unsuccessful they may be removed on or after May 1, 2009."

This will be a major bummer for us NFL fans, let's hope this does not happen. What is going on here?

What else, money! Comcast wants to keep it in the Sports/Entertainment tier. NFL wants it in basic so EVERYBODY pays for it.

What else, money! Comcast wants to keep it in the Sports/Entertainment tier. NFL wants it in basic so EVERYBODY pays for it.

Agreed. Let those that want to pay for the Sports Tier (like me) bear the additional cost instead of putting it in basic digital and make all the subscribers pay for it. I have to side with Comcast on this one.

No I agree with NFL network. All other companies have it in their basic lineup. Meaning every subscriber gets it. Comcast wants to put it in a different package so they can charge extra for it. The NFL is upset that everyone isn't able to get the channel like with other companies.

Hey all, I am on the north side of Chicago, zip code 60640. I am unable to get VersusHD. VersusSD comes in fine, and I don't seem to be having any trouble with other HD channels. Is anyone else unable to get VersusHD? I just get a black screen with no audio.

Go Hawks!

Hey all, I am on the north side of Chicago, zip code 60640. I am unable to get VersusHD. VersusSD comes in fine, and I don't seem to be having any trouble with other HD channels. Is anyone else unable to get VersusHD? I just get a black screen with no audio.

Go Hawks!

Same here.. 60614. I called and they said they weren't carrying, which is BS because other people in the area have the game. I got a credit, and lost part of my life by calling.

MLB Network HD is live in Schaumburg. Channel 233

MLB Network HD is live in Schaumburg. Channel 233
It's on 777MHz, analog 121 (seems to be 121.2), a previously unused channel. It is encrypted, of course. Video is 720p.

Anybody know what the 'preview' note mentioned earlier means? Isn't MLB/MLBHD part of digital starter anyways?

What else, money! Comcast wants to keep it in the Sports/Entertainment tier. NFL wants it in basic so EVERYBODY pays for it.

If my memory is correct, in '07 NFL Network initially was basic, then in '08 Comcast moved it to the Sports/Entertainment tier. Regardless, hope this gets resolved.

MLB HD Ch 233 has yet to activate here in Darien-Willowbrook. Not a surprise as no new HD channel has been added thru Elmhurst in over 4 months.

MLB Network HD is live in Schaumburg. Channel 233It didn't get to Chicago Area 2 that soon, but we had it by 8:30 AM. As Andyross63 said, it's at 720p.

MLB Network HD is live in Schaumburg. Channel 233


Got it here in South Bend. Same channel number.

Chuck7548, same here in LaGrange no MLB HD. It is comforting to know that we are paying the same amount as the towns that are getting it (same price less content). You would think I live in the country rather than 3 miles from Chicago. I am going to UVERSE as soon as it is available.

No MLB Network on Uverse. SD or HD.

Chuck7548, same here in LaGrange no MLB HD. It is comforting to know that we are paying the same amount as the towns that are getting it (same price less content). You would think I live in the country rather than 3 miles from Chicago. I am going to UVERSE as soon as it is available.

No MLB HD in Oak Forest either.

Daystar, a religious channel, was added on channel 485. Here in Schaumburg, it's on 747MHz (analog 116).
http://www.daystar.com/

Daystar, a religious channel, was added on channel 485. Here in Schaumburg, it's on 747MHz (analog 116).

So far Chicago Area 2 has been spared, but we still have Word on 486.

Nothing against Andy, of course: calling a Christian station or program "religious" rather than "Christian" and classifying its content as "religion" rather than "Christianity" are standard operating BS in TV and radio.  But it's not really forthright or accurate for any programming that is wholly Christian and doesn't cover any other religions.

Daystar's fare appears (their schedule page actually comes up with all blank boxes) to run the gamut from evangelical Protestantism all the way to evangelical Protestantism and back again.

Nothing against Andy, of course: calling a Christian station or program "religious" rather than "Christian" and classifying its content as "religion" rather than "Christianity" are standard operating BS in TV and radio.* But it's not really forthright or accurate for any programming that is wholly Christian and doesn't cover any other religions.

Daystar's fare appears (their schedule page actually comes up with all blank boxes) to run the gamut from evangelical Protestantism all the way to evangelical Protestantism and back again.

I was just being generic as far as the description.

Their on-line program guide is a bit weird and takes a few seconds to load. I think it's some sort of Flash or Javascript. You may have an ad blocker preventing it. I know it works as I checked it against the Comcast guide to make certain it was the correct web site.

I was just being generic as far as the description.You were keeping with the common usage that people are accustomed to.  As I said, my quibble isn't with you.

Haven't seen anything online; here's the original ad.
That suggests that the burbs won't be getting all the city hd channels at least through mid-June.

My signal has been pretty stable on most channels except for FX HD - anyone else get digital noise (sparkles/lines) on this station? All I really watch on it is Damages right now, but every show is imperfect.

All the time!
4-6 times per hour

I was wondering if anyone else has had an issue with the Dolby Digital sound on some HD channels. I have a Panasonic plasma with Cable Card, with optical audio input to an older Denon AVR-1802 receiver. On the following HD channels, the audio is muted except for a short burst every couple of seconds or so:

171 – AMC
174 – VS.
206 – National Geographic
209 – MHD
227 – Hallmark
233 – MLB Network
263 – Encore
264 – Fox Business
265 – Fox News
267 – FX
279 – Fuse
280 – IFC
281 – WE

My other set up has the coax output of a Motorola STB going into a B&K receiver, with no issues. There is some information in other forums that suggest a possible issue with the Denon (and others) on some DD sources, but it is impractical for me to swap receivers to verify. Interestingly, the issue also occurs on 2-Ch Stereo mode but NOT on Virtual Surround mode. I’ve brought this up with Denon and of course they blame it on the source, as I am sure Comcast will probably blame it on the receiver.

I would be interested if someone has any insight on how these channels are encoded for DD and any differences vs. other channels, and whether this is a function of the individual channel or Comcast. Most of these channels are relatively new to Comcast, and many of these are on shared or consecutive QAM channels (maybe just because they’re new).

All the time!
4-6 times per hour

weird. maybe it's the original signal. thanks.

I was wondering if anyone else has had an issue with the Dolby Digital sound on some HD channels. I have a Panasonic plasma with Cable Card, with optical audio input to an older Denon AVR-1802 receiver.

I just checked the channels you listed on my system and the audio was just fine. I have a Mot DCH6416 connected to a Yamaha receiver via optical cable.

Try this with CSN+HD (usually channel 285). Tune to it, then hit GUIDE or whatever so it shows in the little window in the upper right. Look odd? Normally, HD would show as letterboxed in that window. Instead, CSN+HD channel is shifted to the upper part of the window, with the lower part showing some flickery frame repeat from some previous channel.

This is while airing the Comcast help stuff. I haven't tried it with any real programming, if there ever is any.

I just checked the channels you listed on my system and the audio was just fine. I have a Mot DCH6416 connected to a Yamaha receiver via optical cable.

Yeah, I am suspecting it is something with the DD bitstream on those channels that it causing the Denon to behave badly, especially if others have not seen this issue. I wish I had a spare DD receiver around to swap out and check...

My googling led me to a UK forum with a thread about a similar issue on some Sky TV channels, something about using a newer DD codec. Looked like this may have caused an issue with certain receivers.

weird. maybe it's the original signal. thanks.

I will be watching Rescue Me, tonight.
I will take a screen capture and post it here. Been wondering why no one else complains about it on the board.

I am in lakeview, just south of Wrigley Field

I'm in Andersonville, couple miles north on Clark.

does comcast carry Fox Sports Net (FSN) here in Chicagoland? Fox has gotten the rights to UEFA soccer for next season and FSN has been airing some major tennis competitions...

The FSN affiliate in the Chicago area's CSN.

The FSN affiliate in the Chicago area's CSN.


They carry some of the FSN shows, not all. Comcast also carries the Fox Soccer Channel on ch 401 but you have to have the Sports Pack to get that.

They carry some of the FSN shows, not all. Comcast also carries the Fox Soccer Channel on ch 401 but you have to have the Sports Pack to get that.
what channel is our FSN affiliate exactly? i am aware of the collegiate Fox channels but none seemed to broadcast the tennis show (indian wells tournament from a couple weeks ago)...
yes i get FSC but it looks like they'll be splitting matches between FSC and FSN, kinda like how ESPN2 and ESPN Classic splits matches...

what channel is our FSN affiliate exactly? i am aware of the collegiate Fox channels but none seemed to broadcast the tennis show (indian wells tournament from a couple weeks ago)...
yes i get FSC but it looks like they'll be splitting matches between FSC and FSN, kinda like how ESPN2 and ESPN Classic splits matches...

ch 37, or ch 200 in HD. Comcast Sports Net. They won't carry too much of those type shows. If they do it will be on tape delay overnight. Bulls, Hawks, Sox, & Cubs are the priority on CSN.

Just looked ahead over the next 2 weeks, it looks like the only FSN programming they are showing is FSN Final Score overnight.

I'm in Andersonville, couple miles north on Clark.

Going to be a bad night. I have seen 4 glitches in the first 5 minutes.
Here's hoping I can get an accurate capture of it.

Going to be a bad night. I have seen 4 glitches in the first 5 minutes.
Here's hoping I can get an accurate capture of it.

Here you go. Perfect example of the weird stuff I get on each and every FX show. Dont see this sort of artifact on any other station

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0106/temp2.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0106/temp2)

Click for larger view

Is anyone aware if Comcast plans on offering any of the MLB Extra Innings games in HD? During the free previews this week on the channel lineup, Extra Innings shows a couple of games a night in HD, but those games are showing up as SD.

I'm on the feed for Batavia (but live west of Elgin, and not on the Elgin feed, go figure!).

Does anyone know if on May 1st Comcast will no longer carry NFL network? Might be time to switch to DirectTv

I have watched a number of MLB Extra Innings games in HD this year on channel 460 which is Game HD in Chicago.
Frank

Here you go. Perfect example of the weird stuff I get on each and every FX show. Dont see this sort of artifact on any other station

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0106/temp2.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0106/temp2)

Click for larger view

I've seen that on many channels, even ones with GOOD SNR and no errors showing. I don't think it's normal local noise as that would tend to be more extreme and cause audio muting. I wonder if it's glitches due to the 3:1 multiplexing they are doing with many of the national feeds.

NatGeo used to be really bad, but is a bit better since they changed to 1080i and swapped multiplexing with SciFi (or is it SyFy now?). On the other hand, I've seen it occasionally freeze for a split second occasionally.

I've seen that on many channels, even ones with GOOD SNR and no errors showing. I don't think it's normal local noise as that would tend to be more extreme and cause audio muting. I wonder if it's glitches due to the 3:1 multiplexing they are doing with many of the national feeds.

NatGeo used to be really bad, but is a bit better since they changed to 1080i and swapped multiplexing with SciFi (or is it SyFy now?). On the other hand, I've seen it occasionally freeze for a split second occasionally.

I will post a few more examples in a little bit

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0304/temp1.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0304/temp1)

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0645/temp3.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0645/temp3)

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0297/temp2.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0297/temp2)

NatGeo used to be really bad, but is a bit better since they changed to 1080i and swapped multiplexing with SciFi (or is it SyFy now?). On the other hand, I've seen it occasionally freeze for a split second occasionally.Is National Geographic Channel still (or once again) 1080i there?  It went back to 720p here.  Video freezes and sound dropouts are very common on NatGeo HD for me.

Today I was watching something recorded from Discovery Channel HD, and while I can't see a difference between 1080i and 720p, the smooth flow without those glitches was such a pleasure compared to comparable content on NatGeo.

I have watched a number of MLB Extra Innings games in HD this year on channel 460 which is Game HD in Chicago.
Frank

Are you in the actual city? I don't think the suburbs have MLB:EI in HD :mad:

I'm getting major picture break up on ESPNHD/ESPN2HD/TNT-HD and Big Ten Network HD is anyone else having trouble with these channels?[it's been that way since this morning btw] i'm hoping the trouble's on their end and not on mine.

I'm still having the same problems today.......the break ups only happen when there's motion on the channels......I keep hoping the problem'll clear up on its own but it isn't......I emailed Comcast to see what can be done[if anything].......they emailed me back saying they don't know what the problem is.[i know it's a weak signal but they don't]

Is National Geographic Channel still (or once again) 1080i there?* It went back to 720p here.* Video freezes and sound dropouts are very common on NatGeo HD for me.

Today I was watching something recorded from Discovery Channel HD, and while I can't see a difference between 1080i and 720p, the smooth flow without those glitches was such a pleasure compared to comparable content on NatGeo.

Odd, it is back to 720p. I wonder if the 1080i was due to the swap with SciFi, and they forgot to change the resolution? I didn't check SciFi after I noticed the swap, so I don't know if it was 720p for awhile.

Since the box converts everything to 1080i in my setup, it's hard to notice any difference. Discovery HD has rarely had issues, even when it was the first triple with USA and SciFi. It had occasional frame skips initially, but never really had the smearing and major pixelation the other two had.

Odd, it is back to 720p. I wonder if the 1080i was due to the swap with SciFi, and they forgot to change the resolution? I didn't check SciFi after I noticed the swap, so I don't know if it was 720p for awhile.

Since the box converts everything to 1080i in my setup, it's hard to notice any difference. Discovery HD has rarely had issues, even when it was the first triple with USA and SciFi. It had occasional frame skips initially, but never really had the smearing and major pixelation the other two had.

I think you know this, but SciFi has been 1080i since it came to Chicago. I dub several shows off of it, for my library,

I have been having problems with CNBCHD+ and CNBC for a few weeks now. I originally thought it was a problem of my amplifier/cable feed not being strong enough b/c I have 3 HD-DVRs and 2 regular boxes as well as a TV hooked up directly to a cable jack.

I've recently noticed though that the problems only occur with these two channels. Sometimes everything is fine and other times the picture is slightly pixelated and other times it is completely unwatchable. I've noticed this on my two main TVs but haven't regularly checked the other TV sets when this is happening.

Is anybody else having problems with these channels? Does it sound like the problem is with my own personal feed or if it is specific to these channels do you think it is more of a problem on Comcast's end?

Thanks.

Here in Schaumburg, OnDemand now appears to be encrypted. No more watching movies and shows on a QAM tuner.

I have been having problems with CNBCHD+ and CNBC for a few weeks now. I originally thought it was a problem of my amplifier/cable feed not being strong enough b/c I have 3 HD-DVRs and 2 regular boxes as well as a TV hooked up directly to a cable jack.

I've recently noticed though that the problems only occur with these two channels. Sometimes everything is fine and other times the picture is slightly pixelated and other times it is completely unwatchable. I've noticed this on my two main TVs but haven't regularly checked the other TV sets when this is happening.
Typically, CNBC and CNBCHD would be two separate frequencies. If both pixelate at the same time, it could be an issue with CNBC. Here in Schaumburg, CNBCHD is paired with BravoHD and QVCHD. You can try checking those out and see if they also pixelate. Here in Schaumburg, CNBC (SD) is shared with MSNBC, TVLand, ESPN2, ESPN, A&E, Lifetime, Spike.

Here in Schaumburg, OnDemand now appears to be encrypted. No more watching movies and shows on a QAM tuner.Not yet the case in Chicago Area 2, though with three of the On-Demand leaks I can receive right now being episodes of "Phineas and Ferb" it's not much to rejoice about.

Also, BET and TBS are still available here without a box only via analog cable, not yet by QAM.

I have finally gotten around to watching "Inside Guantanamo" on NatGeoHD.
I dont watch this channel very often, but an seeing the same issues as I see on FxHD.

AndyRoss, can you expand on what could be causing this? You seemed to indicate that it was unlikely to be a problem with my home wiring.

Thanks for any input.

For the record, the intrusions are not as often, or as "big", but they are the same pattern.

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0304/temp1.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0304/temp1)

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0645/temp3.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0645/temp3)

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0297/temp2.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0297/temp2)

This looks like signal dropout on Comcast's end, like the receiver had a problem, or if the uplink is bad, this will happen, too. Call and send this to Comcast customer care, along with the photos here.

Here you go. Perfect example of the weird stuff I get on each and every FX show. Dont see this sort of artifact on any other station

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0106/temp2.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0106/temp2)

Click for larger view

yep that's why get. Never affects the sound, just the picture.

Here in Schaumburg, OnDemand now appears to be encrypted. No more watching movies and shows on a QAM tuner.
Same is true for Mount Prospect analog as of 4/10.

Typically, CNBC and CNBCHD would be two separate frequencies. If both pixelate at the same time, it could be an issue with CNBC. Here in Schaumburg, CNBCHD is paired with BravoHD and QVCHD. You can try checking those out and see if they also pixelate. Here in Schaumburg, CNBC (SD) is shared with MSNBC, TVLand, ESPN2, ESPN, A&E, Lifetime, Spike.

So if I don't notice any other channels pixelating at that time does it rule out that I'm overloading the signal strength in my house?

Comcast 101 was added, and Weatherscan moved to 116.

CN101 right now has no audio is is just displaying an SD copy of the CSN+HD help video loop.

I'd rather they would have added the MLB HD channel instead of wasting the bandwidth with that Comcast 101 channel.

I'd rather they would have added the MLB HD channel instead of wasting the bandwidth with that Comcast 101 channel.

Uh, don't you have channel 233 active in your area yet?

Nope not yet. when I type in 233 on my box it jumps to 237.

Nope not yet. when I type in 233 on my box it jumps to 237.

A search of Comcast's website shows it should be there. Have you rebooted your cable box to see if it comes in?

I went to the Comcast website entered my zipcode and the listing doesn't show 233......I just did a reboot and it's not there.[i'm on the Elmhurst headend I believe or is it Morton Grove i'm not sure]

I went to the Comcast website entered my zipcode and the listing doesn't show 233.

60202 or 01?

It is showing for me in both zipcode when I search in the guide.

You're on the Elmhurst headend in Evanston?

60201

I put that in the "get Tv listings for your area", pick Evanston Digital and 233 is there in the guide.

is Nick HD still stretch-o-vision? I switched back to recording Home Improvement on the SD station instead to avoid that. It wasn't at first, then they changed to it. I'll never understand that - if we want to stretch it, we can stretch it. Why give us no choice? It's crap.

Comcast 101 was added, and Weatherscan moved to 116.Same here in the city.CN101 right now has no audio is is just displaying an SD copy of the CSN+HD help video loop.101 does have audio here now, but 285 has some White Sox thing, maybe unexpected overrun of wrapup commentary after a game earlier this evening?

On another note, I seem to have forgotten to post that as of yesterday morning On Demand was encrypted here as well.  Now to do a QAM rescan to see if CN101 is unencrypted.  (We get CN100 unencrypted on 80-23.)

Has Comcast increased the compression on the HD channels in Schaumburg? There seems to be more compression artifacts around text and graphics and there is more macro-blocking in faster moving scenes along with some color smearing/creeping when SD (commercials and such) are being shown on the HD channels. I don't know how to describe it really, but it is really disappointing.

Recorded shows that I am catching up on from over a month ago look nice and do not exhibit these problems. This happens on both my Moto 6412 and TivoHD :( The Tivo HD is set to Native resolution output too.

Is it possible that Comcast is testing or using 4:1 HD compression now? Is there an easy way for me to figure out if they are?

Has Comcast increased the compression on the HD channels in Schaumburg?Have they added any more channels lately, or are they planning on doing it very soon? If so, then it's likely.

adding multiple channels to a frequency isn't a huge deal as long as everything is digital. it's the grandfathering analog that is still happening that is creating the quality problems because of space.

adding multiple channels to a frequency isn't a huge deal as long as everything is digital.It is if it's too many. And if it isn't right now, it will be at some point.

you think so? There would have to be a LOT of channels.

Hasn't Schaumburg already dropped the extended basic analogs, though? I thought they did in some places in the NW suburbs, but maybe I'm mistaken about that town. Maybe I'm thinking of Palatine.

Thing is, once they've degraded something, there's usually no going back.

Nope, we still have the expanded basic analogs here in Schaumburg. I would be happy to see them go away IF they restore the HD quality to a reasonable level. What sucks, is that too many of their customers think that watching SD on an HD set is outstanding and don't really give a damn. Comcast, I'm sure, wished that we were all this naive.

As far as switching to SDV, I would be OK with this, but my TivoHD would need one of those external boxes to assist with the channel changes and Comcast would probably not improve the quality of the HD channels anyway, so I would rather they not switch over to SDV if that's the case.

Rammitinski, I have considered dropping back to basic analog only for the smaller sets in the home (and to keep the slight discount on their HSI) and go OTA for my TivoHD. This would save me a substantial amount of money and the PQ would be better than what Comcast is giving me. Personally, I would be happy if all this craziness would end and we could just go HD IPTV via FTTH and be done with this BS.

I doubt if 4:1 HD will be done, except possibly for 4x720p.

Most of the national cable 3:1 HD is mixed together in Colorado, then sent to local areas. Local broadcast HD is passed on as-is.

As for Comcast 101, the audio is messed up right now. The rear channels of my receiver are cutting sound in and out a bit. Nothing front-center.

Just a note I've updated my documentation with the frequencies and other stuff for Schaumburg and nearby areas. Updated with all channels as of 4/17, and fixed a few mistakes. I haven't done a full scan in awhile, so it's possible there are some hidden changes.

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

Comcast Network 101 is on 789MHz (123) and is encrypted.

andyross63, Thanks a bunch for the channel and frequency listings. That is very nice to have.

Comcast Network 101 is on 789MHz (123) and is encrypted.
Here it's at 561 MHz; I don't know how to tell positively whether it's encrypted, but inability to receive it by clear QAM implies that it is.

I wonder what they have in mind for it.  When Comcast was intent enough on using channel #101 for it that they bumped Weatherscan to a different channel, I thought it might be for something comparable to DirecTV's The 101 Channel.  That would explain the encryption, but it doesn't explain bringing it on line with only placeholder stuff there now.  After all, if you have the STB to decode and watch channel 101, you could be seeing the same fare on channel 285 or in the Help & Services area of On Demand.

Just a note I've updated my documentation with the frequencies and other stuff for Schaumburg and nearby areas. Updated with all channels as of 4/17, and fixed a few mistakes. I haven't done a full scan in awhile, so it's possible there are some hidden changes.

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

Comcast Network 101 is on 789MHz (123) and is encrypted.

Thanks buddy! I can see you've put a lot of work into this since I last downloaded it.

Local OTA subchannel 7.2 changed to 720p some time today, and so has its carriage on Comcast channel 217 and whatever QAM channel has it off your headend (here, surprisingly, it's 7-2).

Local OTA subchannel 7.2 changed to 720p some time today, and so has its carriage on Comcast channel 217 and whatever QAM channel has it off your headend (here, surprisingly, it's 7-2).

Is this a city-only thing? I checked in briefly during the 10pm news and it was still SD here in Schaumburg (channel 217).

Is this a city-only thing? I checked in briefly during the 10pm news and it was still SD here in Schaumburg (channel 217).

It's 720p on clear-QAM here in Schaumburg. So that 2x720p + 480i. They must really be compressing it. From the OTA thread, it is ABC rolling out Livewell or something like that.

Now I have to color it purple on the spreadsheet I just updated!

I tried thread searching but didn't see anything.

A family member in Lombard hasn't been able to receive ABC HD or WGN HD channels for weeks now. For channels 7.1 & 9.1, the message is "poor signal quality". Those channels used to come in fine. They tried manually searching the higher # channels (80.1 and higher) to see if those two channels are mapped elsewhere, but they haven't been able to find them. They don't have a cable box or DVR service.. this is strictly through the Panasonic plasma digital TV tuner.

Any suggestions?

PS: I looked on the Schaumburg speadsheet posted in this thread, but those digital channel positions don't seem to apply to Lombard.

Ok, that might explain part of my previous post about seeing increased compression artifacts around text and graphics on some channels. I'm thinking that WLS may have reduced the bandwidth for 7.1 a week or more ago in preparation for the eventual changeover to "Livewell" on 7.2. Of course I can't blame Comcast in this case as they are just passing what they get through to us.

Hopefully Livewell (7.2) still carries the ABC7 News replays as that is a very nice feature as I don't always get home in time to see the news. Right now, they are still showing the news, but the source is definitely SD. As long as they're screwing the PQ on 7.1, I hope they start using the HD newscasts as the playback source on 7.2.

I tried thread searching but didn't see anything.

A family member in Lombard hasn't been able to receive ABC HD or WGN HD channels for weeks now. For channels 7.1 & 9.1, the message is "poor signal quality". Those channels used to come in fine. They tried manually searching the higher # channels (80.1 and higher) to see if those two channels are mapped elsewhere, but they haven't been able to find them. They don't have a cable box or DVR service.. this is strictly through the Panasonic plasma digital TV tuner.

Any suggestions?

PS: I looked on the Schaumburg speadsheet posted in this thread, but those digital channel positions don't seem to apply to Lombard.

Without cable box or DVR service using the TV tuner, you need the clear QAM channels - try 81.4 (ABC) and 82.1 (WGN)

Edit: If 82.1 doesn't work, try 82.13

Let me guess, this new Live Well Network is to compete with that ION Life channel? It doesn't sound too exciting to me. I like the ABC7 News reruns when I miss the news at a regular time. So now they are going to be trying to sell vitamins and mineral waters?

No thanks!

What is the best, most effective way to contact WLS to voice my concern of the deteriorated PQ on the main channel now that 7.2 is 720p?

What is the best, most effective way to contact WLS to voice my concern of the deteriorated PQ on the main channel now that 7.2 is 720p?

Here or on the Chicago OTA thread. I'll direct Kal, their chief engineer, over here to take a look-see once more people look at it and voice their opinions.

According to the program Guide, it looks like the new LiveWell programming will begin next Monday, 4/27. There are occasional preview shows this week.

It looks like the 6PM and 10PM newscasts will be repeated at 6:30/10:30. 190N and Chicagoing will also air at various times.

Right now, it's sort of weird with many newscasts, as I get 4 copies simultaneously: analog 7, HD 7.1, 7.2 (not in HD despite the update), and the ADS on 122.4.

Has anybody found any info about this network?

Where can I find reviews from people that have Comcast cable, digital voice and high speed internet?
I am thinking of dumping AT&T phone and internet and picking up Comcasts offerings

Thanks

Just wondering if you Comcast customer in the Chicago area also lost the WeatherScan channel the other day?It was replaced here(Valpo) by the Comcast HD info channel.Anyone know if it will be back?:confused:

Just wondering if you Comcast customer in the Chicago area also lost the WeatherScan channel the other day?It was replaced here(Valpo) by the Comcast HD info channel.Anyone know if it will be back?:confused:

It just moved - Weatherscan is on 116 now.

FSugino, Thanks for the update !:)

Where can I find reviews from people that have Comcast cable, digital voice and high speed internet?
I am thinking of dumping AT&T phone and internet and picking up Comcasts offerings

Thanks

I dumped AT&T phone because it cost far too much for the level of service I was getting, my bills were often over $80 a month and yes I did have one of those packages that supposedly saved me money. I save a lot due to the bundling with Comcast, as I already had cable and internet through them. So from a pure cost perspective, the triple play is the way to go.

As for quality of service, and you can see from this discussiopn group, Comcast's customer service is generally poor. However, the product is generally good if not high priced.

The Comcast modems haven't given me trouble but the cable boxes seem very quirky. I have gone through four in a year. I also read lots of people having trouble with the Comcast DVRs. I have none of the troubles discussed here with my TiVo.

I never had AT&T's internet service, but from my limited experience with others' internet using AT&T, it seems to be far slower than Comcast's, probably because it was DSL.

^^^ thanks for your input. Anyone else have any Triple Play input?

I have Triple Play and it's really no different, except for the bill layout, from having each of the three services.

There's no U-Verse nor RCN nor WOW service where I'm located, and I'm too far from the CO for DSL, so Comcast is about the only way I can get broadband Internet.  Their local phone service certainly has been better than AT&T's (but in all fairness we've not had any cable outages since we switched telephone carriers), but I found that our burglar alarm system won't work with Comcast's phone service, so we had to give one of our lines back to AT&T, and the result has been more expensive than having two lines from the same telephony provider.

I have Triple Play and it's really no different, except for the bill layout, from having each of the three services.

There's no U-Verse nor RCN nor WOW service where I'm located, and I'm too far from the CO for DSL, so Comcast is about the only way I can get broadband Internet.* Their local phone service certainly has been better than AT&T's (but in all fairness we've not had any cable outages since we switched telephone carriers), but I found that our burglar alarm system won't work with Comcast's phone service, so we had to give one of our lines back to AT&T, and the result has been more expensive than having two lines from the same telephony provider.

What is the reason that your security system does not work with Comcast's service?

What is the reason that your security system does not work with Comcast's service?

I don't know the details.  Protection One tells us that when a customer's system uses a Comcast phone line to check in or to report an intrusion, only about 10% of calls reach them.  Comcast says that ADT's systems have no trouble with Comcast Digital Voice.

Protection One offers a dedicated cellular line for the system, advertised as something that will work even if an intruder cuts your landline phone cable.  But we'd still need a second landline for our voice usage anyway, so we transfered the second line back to AT&T.

Besides HBO, what premium movie channel do most of you prefer? Are there any that do HD better than the other? I have been away from premium channels for quite awhile so I am clueless.

Thanks

I have updated the spreadsheet yet again. I fixed a few misnamed channels and other issues. A big change is the QAM column, which I changed to tell whether a channel is ENCrypted, CLeaR, or Analog. Other than MusicChoice, they are all 256QAM now.

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

Without cable box or DVR service using the TV tuner, you need the clear QAM channels - try 81.4 (ABC) and 82.1 (WGN)

Edit: If 82.1 doesn't work, try 82.13

Appreciate the response, rec630. I had tried those channels before (the first two, anyway), and those only show up as 480i for ABC & WGN/WB.

But I fixed it for them as I suspected I might have to do.. did a full rescan of all the digital channels through their plasma tuner. Both 7.1 and 9.1 are back now.

Didn't want to have to resort to that since it requires manually re-deleting a bunch of channels they had previously taken off of their channel list, but oh well.

I have been watching FXHD at least once per week since it began broadcasting in Chicago.

This past tuesday, for the first time ever, I did not get the pixelation I have been complaining on this board. As I do not believe in random coincidence, I recognize that someone at Comcast saw my posts, and took action.

Thank you so very, very much. Most of my favorite shows are on FX :D

Here you go. Perfect example of the weird stuff I get on each and every FX show. Dont see this sort of artifact on any other station

http://f.imagehost.org/t/0106/temp2.jpg (http://f.imagehost.org/view/0106/temp2)

Click for larger view

Is anybody else not getting HDNET (ch. 291) today? I talked to customer service, they reinitialized my cable card. No effect. She said she'd report the problem.

Is anybody else not getting HDNET (ch. 291) today?Not getting HDNet in city area 2 either as of a few minutes ago.

I don't know the details.* Protection One tells us that when a customer's system uses a Comcast phone line to check in or to report an intrusion, only about 10% of calls reach them.* Comcast says that ADT's systems have no trouble with Comcast Digital Voice.

Protection One offers a dedicated cellular line for the system, advertised as something that will work even if an intruder cuts your landline phone cable.* But we'd still need a second landline for our voice usage anyway, so we transfered the second line back to AT&T.

I heard the same nonsense from SAI... until I pressed them on the issue.

Comcast Digital Voice is far more reliable than services like Vonage.
If you check with Comcast, their phone system should work with just about any modern alarm system. Only 10% of the calls get through??? Seems unlikely. I have yet to dial a phone call or fax call that won't go through.

My alarm company also wanted to sell me the cell backup... not needed. I am connected via the Comcast Digital phone line.. no issues.

Comcast Digital Voice is far more reliable than services like Vonage.I suppose they'd tell me the same about Vonage.  All I know is that I can't see why it would be in their interest to lie; it's not as if Protection One owned the landline provider.Only 10% of the calls get through??? Seems unlikely. I have yet to dial a phone call or fax call that won't go through.Same here, but several people at Protection One swore that the automated calls when the alarm system checks in or reports an alarm fail about to reach them 90% of the time over Comcast lines.  Maybe they meant that the calls are completed but the information isn't passed; I don't really know.

My alarm company also wanted to sell me the cell backup... not needed.They didn't push it hard and were quite content when we decided to return the second line to AT&T instead.

In a way we get some piece of mind this way: if the cable connection goes out, we can call Comcast about it on the AT&T line.  Of course, if you have a cell phone where you're paying for unlimited airtime, that's not a factor for you.

I heard the same nonsense from SAI... until I pressed them on the issue.

Comcast Digital Voice is far more reliable than services like Vonage.
If you check with Comcast, their phone system should work with just about any modern alarm system. Only 10% of the calls get through??? Seems unlikely. I have yet to dial a phone call or fax call that won't go through.

My alarm company also wanted to sell me the cell backup... not needed. I am connected via the Comcast Digital phone line.. no issues.

I was curious since I had heard this from time to time that people have issues with security systems and digital voice, but I don't know how there would be an issue, since the equipment produces a dial tome and otherwise acts just like a normal phone line. I have ADS service connected to Comcast and no problems either. Wonder if there are incorrect connections -- I had discovered that the original install on my security system was incorrect, that it would not disconnect the other phones in the house when it went off.

For us it went like this: we had both landlines switched to Comcast, the alarm's connection stopped working, and it probably was hooked up wrong anyway.  We contacted Protection One, who said that even hooked up right it would work only 10% of the time, something incomprehensible to me about a difference with digital lines (maybe the frequency range from Comcast doesn't encompass that of their system's signals?), and that we'd have to get a cellular line from them or change the provider for one landline to an LEC with compatible service.  Then Protection One had to come back here to fix the wiring, since neither Comcast's tech nor AT&T's had done it right.

Great channel lineup spreadsheet! Thx

HDNet was back this afternoon.

Wierd comcast chicago hd signals.

under the limited basic service, my magnavox 2080 used to get hdtv channels through comcast chicago, but I lost them in late 2008 and only receive the sub par digital channels. they came back for a few days last week and went out. the 2080 doesnt see the channel. something about wciu not being broadcast on a digital tier but only in hd possibly? a hdtv set can see the local brodacast channel, though. Is comcast also now blocking the on demand channels. I dont get them anymore. happened after 2 weeks ago. received them with a hdtv with the internal qam digital tuner, but no more. I read they did that in Indiana two weeks ago. or is it just the wiring is off?

Did you do a re-scan? They occasionally just move them around.

Anybody else see that Nick's picture is shifted down and showing the CC lines at the top? Both analog and ADS are doing it.

I was curious since I had heard this from time to time that people have issues with security systems and digital voice, but I don't know how there would be an issue, since the equipment produces a dial tome and otherwise acts just like a normal phone line.

Compression.

Like any digital phone connection, Comcast uses compression to reduce the traffic required to sustain a phone call. The codecs used are designed to transmit voice, and cut out as much as possible while still sounding okay.

Modems, on the other hand, are designed to transmit as much data as possible within the frequency range provided by a normal phone line.

There are different codecs specifically designed to support analog fax, and it's entirely possible that modern systems like Comcast take modems into account when choosing a codec and compression rate. But, VOIP-alarm incompatibility is not an urban legend; it does have a basis in fact.

Thank you for the explanation, Ksdhg.  I'm a little embarrassed not to have thought of the possibility myself that the compression codec was the reason.

Compression.

Like any digital phone connection, Comcast uses compression to reduce the traffic required to sustain a phone call. The codecs used are designed to transmit voice, and cut out as much as possible while still sounding okay.

Modems, on the other hand, are designed to transmit as much data as possible within the frequency range provided by a normal phone line.

There are different codecs specifically designed to support analog fax, and it's entirely possible that modern systems like Comcast take modems into account when choosing a codec and compression rate. But, VOIP-alarm incompatibility is not an urban legend; it does have a basis in fact.


Compression codec, I didn't think about that. Thanks!

Question: what is the cheapest and simplest package I can get through Comcast to get HD? I really only want ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc. I don't care about anything else (Discovery, HGTV, FX, etc.) No way am I paying $60/month for that.

Antenna for OTA broadcasts is largely out of the question.

I already have a TiVo HD, which has a built-in ATSC & QAM tuner.

Question: what is the cheapest and simplest package I can get through Comcast to get HD? I really only want ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, etc.

I already have a TiVo HD, which has a built-in ATSC & QAM tuner.

For just local stations in HD over cable, since you don't need a box, you just need basic service :)

For just local stations in HD over cable, since you don't need a box, you just need basic service :)

Thanks. I'm actually in OP too, hehe.

What do they call "basic service"?

Thanks. I'm actually in OP too, hehe.

What do they call "basic service"?

that's what they call it. you have to ask for it as "basic service" though, its about $10/month. if you have comcast internet and no video service, you can often save money by adding basic service, since then you get the video discount.

Thanks, bclbob. I might try that. I'm just curious how good of a signal I'd get with OTA HDTV as opposed to giving Comcast any more of my money (I despise them). I live near Lombard @ Madison in OP.

Antenna is going to set me back $50, but many have said the picture quality can surpass even digital cable.

Antenna is going to set me back $50, but many have said the picture quality can surpass even digital cable.

As I'm posting over in the OTA thread, i recently set up my neighbors new Panasonic TV and was able to receive all of the OTA channels using a pair of rabbit ears, fully extended, completely horizontal, against an east facing basement wall.

What are you thinking of plugging the OTA antenna into?

Unsure, probably the Radio Shack "UFO" that's popular and supposedly pretty good:

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2131034&tab=summary

I'm curious of the picture quality would actually be better with OTA versus Comcast's basic service.

I'm curious of the picture quality would actually be better with OTA versus Comcast's basic service.

Basic theory says OTA is always the best, since it's the same source that the providers like Comcast get, and re-encode. Re-encode generally means loss of quality.

Thanks, bclbob. I might try that. I'm just curious how good of a signal I'd get with OTA HDTV as opposed to giving Comcast any more of my money (I despise them). I live near Lombard @ Madison in OP.

Antenna is going to set me back $50, but many have said the picture quality can surpass even digital cable.If you have a line of sight to the transmitters on Sears Willis Tower and the Hancock Center, an $8 indoor antenna will do the job.  I'm farther out than you and getting the HD channels just fine in an interior room with such an antenna.  (A couple of the SD stations don't come in so well, but that's the location, not the antenna.)

Sears Willis Tower

:mad:

Basic theory says OTA is always the best, since it's the same source that the providers like Comcast get, and re-encode. Re-encode generally means loss of quality.

True, OTA does look better because it's essentially encoded once before you see it. Where cable is more likely to run into quality issues is the transcoding process 8vsb (or ASI) to QAM. Certain transcodes work better than others. Converting 720p to 1080i works better than 1080 to 720.

Basic theory says OTA is always the best, since it's the same source that the providers like Comcast get, and re-encode. Re-encode generally means loss of quality.

The only change is converting from ATSC to QAM, and maybe adjusting the PSIP to point at the correct cable frequency. The actual MPEG stream(s) should not change. 256QAM can hold two ATSC streams with effectively no compression (I guess technically, it's not quite double, but there is probably enough overhead normally.)

I did a scan but the maganovox didnt see the hd channels.
tuned every one independantly and abc shows up as 117.1, wciu as 105.1 . added in memory but they are memorized as 7.1 but not 26.1 . the u is 105.1
the on demand channels show up as "no broadcast now" or blank on the tv via a sharp aquos. I think they are being blocked. anyone else see this of late?

This worked for me. I went from 8mb to 16mb on my cablemodem (12mb is not available here for some reason)

Took 3 minutes on the phone

http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=1315747

The offer mailed to me was a choice between a twelve-month Internet speed upgrade (which I don't need now that I'm out of the file transfering hobby) and six coupons for a free On-Demand movie with a maximum value of $4.99 each.  Since I prefer to watch in HD, when I phoned I asked whether they could be applied toward the $5.99 cost of an HD On-Demand movie, and the rep asked me to hold and came back with an answer that it's a gift card for $29.94 that one has to mail back (or give away to someone else) and is applied toward one's bill in general.  Why the heck they just can't credit the customer's account without needing to mail the gift card and get it returned is beyond me.

I spoke with them a week ago Thursday and it hasn't arrived yet, so we'll see.

Mine was a choice between the pay per view movies and a year's Free Starz. I took the Starz offer.

Mine was a choice between the pay per view movies and a year's Free Starz. I took the Starz offer.
I guess they tailor it to what suits your current account and pick two things that you might want but don't have.  Right now I'm on a package that includes Starz, so offering me free Starz would not make sense; if your account doesn't include Internet access or already has Internet access at the highest speed they can sell you, a speed upgrade wouldn't make sense as an offer to you.

Mine was between 6 free On Demand movies and 1 free PPV event

the above mentioned antenna model 151892
does it work pretty well?
I am in the schaumburg area and am having issues in 2 rooms
one is racing slightly ne and the other slightly sw as my house is at an angle
I bought the rca 55db amplified indoor antenna ant1251

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=WOGUDCL52BGM1KC4D3DFAGQ?_dyncharset=I SO-8859-1&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=ant1251&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960

from best buy, but works ok in the ne room but not the sw room

BB said to try a terk tv anywhere wireless system lf30sTerk - Wireless Multiroom A/V Distribution System
Model: LF-30S | SKU: 5433587
has anyone used this, and will it split the signal too much from the other tv
I have not set it up yet, got confused but is $106

the above mentioned antenna model 151892
does it work pretty well?
I am in the schaumburg area and am having issues in 2 rooms
one is racing slightly ne and the other slightly sw as my house is at an angle
I bought the rca 55db amplified indoor antenna ant1251

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp;jsessionid=WOGUDCL52BGM1KC4D3DFAGQ?_dyncharset=I SO-8859-1&id=pcat17071&type=page&st=ant1251&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=&list=n&iht=y&usc=All+Categories&ks=960

from best buy, but works ok in the ne room but not the sw room

BB said to try a terk tv anywhere wireless system lf30sTerk - Wireless Multiroom A/V Distribution System
Model: LF-30S | SKU: 5433587
has anyone used this, and will it split the signal too much from the other tv
I have not set it up yet, got confused but is $106

Wrong Thread

sorry,just stumbled upon this thread
where do I go please?

sorry,just stumbled upon this thread
where do I go please?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=815397

Mine was between 6 free On Demand movies and 1 free PPV event

I got this same offer. Another thread mentioned it may depend on your current subscription level(s) - I think this is the case because I already get all the premium channels and highest Internet tier. Too bad they didn't throw in free Comcast phone service for a year...

the above mentioned antenna model 151892 from radio shack
does it work pretty well?
I am in the schaumburg area and am having issues in 2 rooms with out antenna jacks
one is facing slightly ne and the other slightly sw as my house is at an angle
I bought the rca 55db amplified indoor antenna ant1251

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....egories&ks=960

from best buy, but works ok in the ne room but not the sw room

BB said to try a terk tv anywhere wireless system lf30sTerk - Wireless Multiroom A/V Distribution System
Model: LF-30S | SKU: 5433587
has anyone used this, and will it split the signal too much from the other tv
I have not set it up yet, got confused but is $106

I am in schaumburg and also am not gettin g7.1 very well and usually not any of the 5's at all thrugh my attic antenna
What is the spreadsheet someone mentioned and tunning to 81?

For OTA (over-the-air) questions, check the Chicago OTA forum:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=815397

I'm in Chicago and have the Sports and Entertainment Package but I am not getting CBS College Sports HD (ch. 232) and Tennis HD (236). Is this happening to anyone else? I get the SD channels (418 & 417).

I'm in Chicago and have the Sports and Entertainment Package but I am not getting CBS College Sports HD (ch. 232) and Tennis HD (236). Is this happening to anyone else? I get the SD channels (418 & 417).

Not getting the channels as in tuning into black channels, or the channels don't exist in your listing?

In either case, a Comcast CSR should be able to configure you box to get those channels.

I like to watch "Book TV" on C-SPAN2 on the weekends. This is a regular old SD 4:3 program on digital channel 104, and I'm watching on a regular old 4:3 CRT. Much of the time it's shown properly, but often Comcast appears to stretch it horizontally and then crop off the left and right edges. This results in a 4:3 image, but distorted and with loss of information such as the date the show was recorded. Has anyone else observed this? Any ideas as to why this is happening?

Not getting the channels as in tuning into black channels, or the channels don't exist in your listing?

In either case, a Comcast CSR should be able to configure you box to get those channels.
The channels are in the listing, but I'm getting the "Not Authorized" message. Thought it might be happening to others. I'll give a call.
It's not that I'll actually watch them, but since I'm paying for them.

Talked to a CSR and apparently CBS College Sports HD (ch. 232) and Tennis HD (236) are "not available in my area" even though I get the SD channels (418 & 417) here on the north side.
She also said that they came to an agreement with NFL Network and it will remain on the Sports and Entertainment package.

Talked to a CSR and apparently CBS College Sports HD (ch. 232) and Tennis HD (236) are "not available in my area" even though I get the SD channels (418 & 417) here on the north side.I'm receiving them just fine in Area 2, so I guess you're in Area 1?

I'm receiving them just fine in Area 2, so I guess you're in Area 1?
Yea, I'm in area 1. Seems odd we wouldn't get it.
I guess I'd be upset if I were into college softball.

Tuesday's Chicago Tonight on WTTW had a story about lip sync issues, including their own show.

You can view a clip here:
WTTW - Chicago Tonight - Chicago Tonight Recent Stories (http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,8&vid=050509f)

There is even a survey asking questions if you are having problems:
WTTW - Chicago Tonight - Lip Sync Problem Survey (http://www.wttw.com/main.taf?p=42,8,52)

I hope this is the right place to put this question. I've been a member of the AVS TiVo forum for many years, but this is my first venture to this side of the domain.

My parents are just moving into a new apartment in downtown Chicago. They are wanting to set the place up with at least one HDTV screen, perhaps 2. However, being almost 70, they really don't know what to look for. I have made a few recommendations based on some reading I've done, but I don't have an HDTV yet myself, and I don't know the layout of their apartment, so I really don't feel qualified either.

They're looking for someone or some company that would come out and assess their situation and make a recommendation for a good size screen, mounting bracket (they are thinking about something that swivels possibly for viewing from multiple areas), and some other questions they have. When my Dad was at Best Buy, of course they recommended sending a Geek Squad guy out for $100 to do this, saying that you'd get a $100 credit if you bought a unit there. But I just don't trust those guys....

So....who would you folks recommend for me to have them contact for this type of thing?

Thanks in advance!!!

Any news on when the suburbs will get HD channels that Chicago gets?

When they remove most of the channels you now receive without a cable box. Chicago has had very few channels available without a box since April 2007. For example you cannot get any version of ESPN, CNN, Fox News or A&E without a box in Chicago.

I hope they don't delay giving us The Weather Channel HD until they start shutting off analog. I'd rather have that channel in HD than Hallmark Movie Channel HD, QVC HD or half the other stuff that's shown up on my lineup recently that I don't care about.

I received a postcard from Comcast today with several channel changes. I'm in Schaumburg. Some were posted earlier, others are new:
4/27:
217 become LiveWell HD on Basic, replacing ABC Plus

5/14:
MLB HD officially added for Digital Classic on 233 (it's been technically a preview since 4/1)
HSN becomes available on channel 3 (and still on 95).

5/27:
WYCC HD added as 240 on Basic
WYCC World added as 250 on Basic
WYCC SD (15, 16 or 20) will be digital only on Basic (huh?????)

6/4:
HSN on 95 will be dropped, only available on 3

6/12:
WCPX HD added as 238 on Basic

6/30:
Lifetime Movie Network HD and SD moving to Digital Starter from Digital Classic.

cool thanks

20.3 OTA is actually WYCC MHz, or something like that - I don't believe it's called WYCC World. You might be thinking of PBS World (or else the listing is incorrect), which we don't have in this market yet (the closest is Milwaukee, on OTA channel 36.3).

Two different channels with different programming.

I hope the MLB HD channel comes to my area soon[I still don't have it].

20.3 OTA is actually WYCC MHz, or something like that - I don't believe it's called WYCC World. You might be thinking of PBS World (or else the listing is incorrect), which we don't have in this market yet (the closest is Milwaukee, on OTA channel 36.3).
That is what the postcard says. Here is a scan (that smear is due to the laser printing being scuffed off in the mail):
http://home.att.net/~andyross/Comcast.gif

Wow - I have the same smudge marks on my postcard!

Just looked it up on the WYCC website, and the official title is "MHz Worldview".

Got a similar postcard in Downers Grove, called the number list, was told it didn't apply to my area. We'll see, as I have several older televisions without converter boxes.

Most striking to me, this seems to violate the Comcast promise, printed on my bill for many months, "As a Comcast customer, you are not affected unless you have a TV not connected to cable."

Got a similar postcard in Downers Grove, called the number list, was told it didn't apply to my area. We'll see, as I have several older televisions without converter boxes.

Most striking to me, this seems to violate the Comcast promise, printed on my bill for many months, "As a Comcast customer, you are not affected unless you have a TV not connected to cable."
I haven't yet received a notice about this (Near North Side). But I will NOT be happy about this as I regularly record WYCC-20 on an NTSC DVD recorder and also watch it on a TV w/o a Comcast box.

Good point about violating the Comcast promise!

Same smudge, same notice about WYCC-20. One fewer channel again, but I get to pay the same! Don't watch it a lot, but I do, (or rather did), watch it.

Their promise about "you are not affected unless you have a TV not connected to cable." is in regard to the OTA digital conversion on 6/12. That is still correct as this change has nothing to do with that. It's part of Comcasts continued move to all digital programming (which will most likely requiring a STB when complete as they won't provide the current analog unscrambled signals in clear QAM)) which they want to get to ASAP.

Nothing about Comcast adding the following channels: Smithsonian, MTV, CMT, VH1, BET, Comedy Central, Crime & Investigation, ESPNU, Chiller, etc. Here in Chicago we still don't have Travel HD & other markets such as Boston, Atlanta, & Seattle had it for months.

True, OTA does look better because it's essentially encoded once before you see it. Where cable is more likely to run into quality issues is the transcoding process 8vsb (or ASI) to QAM. Certain transcodes work better than others. Converting 720p to 1080i works better than 1080 to 720.

Actually, whether a transport stream is broadcast over 8VSB or QAM makes no difference in the quality unless there are unrecoverable bit errors.

In Comcast's case, I'm assuming they take the feed from the network and then re-encode (MPEG2) at the bit-rate necessary to fit the 2 or 3 channels they want into a single transport stream which then gets broadcast on one 256-QAM channel with a bitrate of 38.4 Mbit/sec.

So, its not the transmission method but the bit rate of the video stream that affects quality. But I will agree that 2 MPEG encodes does degrade quality, even if the second encode is at the same bit-rate as the original.

Nothing about Comcast adding the following channels: Smithsonian, MTV, CMT, VH1, BET, Comedy Central, Crime & Investigation, ESPNU, Chiller, etc. Here in Chicago we still don't have Travel HD & other markets such as Boston, Atlanta, & Seattle had it for months.

Ha! The western burbs doesn't even have many of the HD channels Chicago has and we pay the same amount for our package that you do yours. Comcrap is horrible. Just sucks I don't have any other alternative for cable channel viewing.

It's part of Comcasts continued move to all digital programming (which will most likely requiring a STB when complete as they won't provide the current analog unscrambled signals in clear QAM)) which they want to get to ASAP.[/QUOTE]

Are you saying the QAM channels are going away? This means no hd with only basic cable? I do not have a STB and I do not want one. Currently I get the local QAMs and I have noticed that OTA is better than QAM. It will just be another reason to drop cable and just keep the HSI.

Are you saying the QAM channels are going away? This means no hd with only basic cable? I do not have a STB and I do not want one. Currently I get the local QAMs and I have noticed that OTA is better than QAM. It will just be another reason to drop cable and just keep the HSI.

I'm saying they're not going away...they'll just be scambled and not watchable without a STB or a DTA (I think that's what they are called: a digital to analog adapter Comcast is working on):( . Once their grand plan is done the only in the clear QAM channels will be the local must carrys. I don't currently have a STB nor do I want one either (nor one of their adapters). I would be ecstatic for someone to show that I am incorrect.

ETA: A cablecard or tru2way device should also work...think Tivo, but you're still not getting most channels without another device although I'm sure the cableco will be happy to provide and/or rent you one :eek:

Ha! The western burbs doesn't even have many of the HD channels Chicago has and we pay the same amount for our package that you do yours. Comcrap is horrible. Just sucks I don't have any other alternative for cable channel viewing.







What about Direct Tv, Dish Network, or AT&T U-Verse? I have contacted AT&T about getting U-Verse & they told me that it's not offered in my area as of right now, bummer.

Ha! The western burbs doesn't even have many of the HD channels Chicago has and we pay the same amount for our package that you do yours. Comcrap is horrible. Just sucks I don't have any other alternative for cable channel viewing.







What about Direct Tv, Dish Network, or AT&T U-Verse? I have contacted AT&T about getting U-Verse & they told me that it's not offered in my area as of right now, bummer.

I'm saying they're not going away...they'll just be scambled and not watchable without a STB or a DTA (I think that's what they are called: a digital to analog adapter Comcast is working on):( . Once their grand plan is done the only in the clear QAM channels will be the local must carrys. I don't currently have a STB nor do I want one either (nor one of their adapters). I would be ecstatic for someone to show that I am incorrect.

ETA: A cablecard or tru2way device should also work...think Tivo, but you're still not getting most channels without another device although I'm sure the cableco will be happy to provide and/or rent you one :eek:

Well I do have a tivo but I am using it without any cable cards (basic cable, and OTA hooked-up). I have noticed and commented before that 7-1 looks better OTA, than on cable. Will just have to wait a month to see what if anything will change.

What about Direct Tv, Dish Network, or AT&T U-Verse? I have contacted AT&T about getting U-Verse & they told me that it's not offered in my area as of right now, bummer.

No line of site for both Dish and DirecTv. U-Verse on the other hand has audio issues. It doesn't do 5.1 over HDMI only stereo and I as well as others have had audio drop problems using optical. AT&T's response was to use stereo cables :eek:. I'll give Comcast one thing, at least their boxes have worked correctly for me but their HD offering is incosistant as far as what's available in certain areas/markets and there is no fluidity to their channels. NFL is on 1??, ESPN is on 1?? Comcast Sports Net is 2??. They need a realign their channels.

Hi, i finally "chatted" with comcast today as somewhere in a forum , someone (*thank you) said that they have to offer a bsic low cost cable plan
So they have a intro plan of $10 for 12 months and then it goes to $11.99 (not big deal) but it does not cover any of the subchannels that some of us are now getting acustomed to (if they work) like the weather on 5., and 7.
I am in schaumburg and when I enter basic under channel line up on the comcast web site, it gives the following channels:
2 cbs,3hsn,4wgbo,5nbc,6 access, 7abc,8 (50), 9,10 (26) 11,12 (32),13(38),14(44),15(60),16(62),17(62, 18 access, 19 access, 20, 21 pbs

I see no weather station or channel guide

Does anyone have this service yet? and how does it compare to OTA digital

Does your TV have a digital clear-QAM tuner built-in? If so, you'll probably be able to pick up those subchannels with that, because they're digital-only, and usually left in the clear. (They often list the digital channels at the bottom of the page in very small print. Not necessarily the names, but the channel numbers, which are usually around the 900's.)

ok, I am going to plead ignorance, what is a QAM
I would assume in my 2 new samsungs they have it, the other 2 tvs will be on a converter box ( well acturally one thru the phillips dvr)

Any thoughts on going with the basic with comcast, or just play the waiting game for june12. I still need to have someone go and play with the antenna in the attic, cannot find anyone yet willing to cross over all those beams
and it was recommended I replace the coax up there, but pulling them out of the walls will be not so easy and then get them fed back thru again.

ok just looked it up, it does have qam, but what does QAM stand for (sorry)

http://www.qamtuner.com/

ok, I am going to plead ignorance, what is a QAM
I would assume in my 2 new samsungs they have it, the other 2 tvs will be on a converter box ( well acturally one thru the phillips dvr)

Any thoughts on going with the basic with comcast, or just play the waiting game for june12. I still need to have someone go and play with the antenna in the attic, cannot find anyone yet willing to cross over all those beams
and it was recommended I replace the coax up there, but pulling them out of the walls will be not so easy and then get them fed back thru again.

ok just looked it up, it does have qam, but what does QAM stand for (sorry)
Just a note that in some areas, after May 27, WYCC (20) will no longer be available as an analog channel. It's already digital-only for broadcast. Why Comcast is dropping it's analog feed is unknown, but other PBS's across the country are being dropped from analog, too.

What type of converter box do you mean? The kind you buy in the stores are only for BROADCAST (antenna). For cable, you need a TV that has a digital QAM tuner, which can tune digital channels on cable. For an older analog TV, you will be limited to the analog channels. Do get any digital channels, you will need a cable box. Comcast has not rolled out the cheap DTA adapters here in the Chicago area yet.

I would think that if there's anything digital left in-the-clear, those Sammy's should pick them up.

andy - since you're also in Schaumburg, maybe you can say if there's anything in the clear there, and what?

winnie - absolutely the limited basic channels are worth $10.00/mo. - especially since it would be such a hassle to get that antenna up to snuff. You should get all the local HD channels with that (except WCIU in HD :rolleyes: - unless they've finally gotten around to adding that), and that's what you want for those new Sammy HDTV's.

Comcast has had WCIU in HD for over a year now; WCPX and WYCC are coming soon.  No word about WSNS, though.

hi guys! thanks for your responces
Andy, are you saying that my analog tv with cable will only get 2,5,7 ,9 and what ever else that is analog and that my qam (thanks sparkman for the info on qam) tv will get the substaions or just the analog also
Comcast said they do not broad cast substations.
Then I would not need the digital converter boxes.
Does anyone know if comcast will tell you when you push the info on your tv, the program you are watching and the next one? Like the converter box
My dad is in mt prospect and has twin lead to a new tv and to a analog tv

I know you are comcast forum but does anyone now if att or anyone else offers basic at a low price too?

Andy, are you saying that my analog tv with cable will only get 2,5,7 ,9 and what ever else that is analog and that my qam (thanks sparkman for the info on qam) tv will get the substaions or just the analog also
Comcast said they do not broad cast substations.
Then I would not need the digital converter boxes.
Does anyone know if comcast will tell you when you push the info on your tv, the program you are watching and the next one? Like the converter box
My dad is in mt prospect and has twin lead to a new tv and to a analog tv
A TV with a digital tuner will pick up all the analogs and clearQAM. Here in Schaumburg, the ADS versions (Analog/Digital simulcast of the analogs) are mostly various subchannels on 86, 122 and 123. The HD's use PSIP so they show up as 7-1, 7-2, even though they are actually on 120. They have typically also carried all the broadcast subchannels, even if they are not mapped on a digital box. They had 11-2 (but often without audio) long before it became WTTW Prime and added as 243 to the boxes.

I have a big Excel spreadsheet with all the Schaumburg channels in it (I don't have the HSN move to 3 in it yet.) This latest version does have a column telling whether a channel is Encrypted, Clear, or analog. If you don't have Excel, you can download a viewer from Microsoft or use Open Office. Here is a link:
http://home.att.net/~andyross/Schaumburg_Cable_Channels.zip

The only TV I have with a digital tuner is a Samsung LN19A450 in the bedroom. My main TV is an older Sony HD CRT that uses a Comcast HD DVR.

Cable Box Channel Analog Tuner Channel Digital Tuner Channel Broadcast Channel Frequency Analog Equivalent QAM Channel Name Network
1 104-2 675 104 CLR OnDemand preview
2 2 122-1 2 783 122 CLR WBBM CBS
4 4 86-11 597 86 CLR TVGuide Channel
5 5 123-15 5 789 123 CLR WMAQ NBC
6 6 122-7 26 783 122 CLR WCIU
7 7 122-4 7 783 122 CLR WLS ABC
8 8 122-8 50 783 122 CLR WPWR MyNtwkTV
9 9 123-13 9 789 123 CLR WGN CW
10 10 122-10 66 783 122 CLR WGBO Univision
11 11 122-5 11 783 122 CLR WTTW PBS
12 12 123-14 32 789 123 CLR WFLD FOX
14 14 122-6 56 783 122 CLR WYIN PBS
15 15 86-9 597 86 CLR Schaumburg Park District
17 17 86-5 597 86 CLR Schaumburg Village
18 18 122-2 38 783 122 CLR WCPX ion
19 19 86-20 44 597 86 CLR WSNS Telemundo
20 20 122-12 20 783 122 CLR WYCC PBS
23 23 122-9 60 783 122 CLR WXFT Telefutura
24 24 86-3 597 86 CLR Library Cable Network
26 26 86-2 597 86 CLR Harper College/ARTS
33 33 123-16 62 789 123 CLR WJYS
35 35 123-21 789 123 CLR Public Access
86-15 597 86 CLR The Weather Channel
100 123-23 789 123 CLR Comcast Network
110 85-31 591 85 CLR Local Advertising
114 86-1 597 86 CLR Leased Access
138 123-17 789 123 CLR Total Living Network
183 26-1 681 105 CLR WCIU-DT
184 105-2 50-1 681 105 CLR WPWR-DT MyNtwkTV
187 7-1 771 120 CLR WLS-DT ABC
188 115-5 5-1 741 115 CLR WMAQ-DT NBC
189 114-1 2-1 735 114 CLR WBBM-DT CBS
190 115-2 32-1 741 115 CLR WFLD-DT Fox
191 114-2 11-1 735 114 CLR WTTW-DT PBS
192 9-1 771 120 CLR WGN-DT CW
193 7-3 771 120 CLR ABC Weather and News Now (WLS-DT 7-3)
194 115-6 5-2 741 115 CLR NBC Weather + (WMAQ-DT 5-2)
217 7-2 771 120 CLR Live Well (WLS-DT 7-2)
223 26-2 681 105 CLR WWME (WCIU-DT 26-2) MeTV
241 11-4 735 114 CLR V-me (WTTW-DT 11-4)
242 114-6 11-3 735 114 CLR WTTW Create (WTTW-DT 11-3)
243 11-2 735 114 CLR WTTW Prime (WTTW-DT 11-2)
245 9-2 771 120 CLR LATV (WGN-DT 9-2)
246 26-4 681 105 CLR This TV (WCIU-DT 26-4) This
247 26-3 681 105 CLR WMEU-CA (WCIU-DT 26-3) MeToo
248 26-6 681 105 CLR FBT (WCIU-DT 26-6)
251 5-3 741 115 CLR Universal Sports (WMAQ-DT 5-3)
598 29-11 255 29 CLR Azteca America
599 29-8 13 255 29 CLR WOCK-CA
900 86-24 597 86 CLR Cook County Access
960 104-31 675 104 CLR Comcast Central
961 104-34 675 104 CLR Comcast Central News
962 104-32 675 104 CLR Comcast Central Kids
963 104-33 675 104 CLR Comcast Central Sports

I put this in the HDTV recorders thread but thought somebody here may have an idea.

i have a DCH-3416 with Comcast. This morning the picture stopped working. I have confirmed that the problem is with the video of the box (I connected the cable inputs to a different video component and got a picture and connected a different cable input to the box and didn't get a picture). The box is giving sound and changing channels fine, just no picture.

Before I take it back (and lose everything on the DVR), does anybody know anything I could try first? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

P.S. As a quick follow-up, when I switch the resolution (from 720p to 480i and 480p and back to 720p), I get a split second of either a good picture or a garbled picture before it goes back to black.

Do you have an HDMI cable connected? If so, disconnect it and try component or one of the others. If it works, then it's a handshaking issue with the HDMI/HDCP causing the video to blank.

I have a Comcast Motorola HD-DVR (not sure of the model, but my service started about 16 months ago).

Is anyone else experiencing frequent audio drop outs on certain HD channels like Palladia, Nat Geo and AMC. The frequency is erratic, but it happens often enough to make trying to watch anything on those channels annoying (especially the concerts on Palladia).

Does anyone else experience this, and if so, what have you been able to do to resolve it? Is it the HD-DVR?

I have a Comcast Motorola HD-DVR (not sure of the model, but my service started about 16 months ago).

Is anyone else experiencing frequent audio drop outs on certain HD channels like Palladia, Nat Geo and AMC. The frequency is erratic, but it happens often enough to make trying to watch anything on those channels annoying (especially the concerts on Palladia).

Does anyone else experience this, and if so, what have you been able to do to resolve it? Is it the HD-DVR?
Is there any video glitching? That could mean some signal or noise issues.

I've also seen occasional issues where it helps to do a pause, wait a few seconds, then play. This increases the buffer size, which seems to help.

I noticed my box was rebooted overnight. The main menu was rearranged. The change is a new 'Interactive TV' option. The only option under that is for Caller ID. You can pick it and make changes to the options, but if you don't have Comcast phone, you just get an error popup.

The Motorola diagnostics shows a new code module: MACGclnt 32.93

An interesting article which may help explain why Comcast is moving WYCC-20 to the digital tier: It might be that WYCC chose this so that all three digital channels would be carried by Comcast. I sent an inquiry to WYCC and will report what I learn. (I can't find the statement the article mentions.)

--------

http://www.current.org/dtv/dtv0909cable.shtml

Published in Current, May 11, 2009

APTS, PBS and the National Cable & Telecommunications Association issued a statement last week to placate hundreds of angry callers to several pubTV stations whose main channels had shifted from their usual spots on cable.

In their 2005 Public Television Digital Cable Carriage Agreement, APTS and NCTA concurred that each secondary public TV stations -- the ones with smaller audiences in multistation markets -- could choose between having only its main channel carried in the local cable systems' cheapest and most widely available "analog" tier, or having all their DTV multicast channels carried in the cablers' digital tiers. Most of those stations chose the latter.

.... [snipped]

In Chicago Area 2, WYCC-HD and MegaHertz World are already showing up on QAM virtual channels 20-1 and 20-3.  (I can't get them through the box on 240 and 250 yet, but they aren't promised until Wednesday.)  20-2 is vacant: WYCC-SD remains on 79-12.

Also, V-Me's virtual channel was changed to 11-4 (where it should be, though all the other channels of WTTW are still in wrong places), so now WTTW Prime has 11-6 to itself without conflict.  Unfortunately, not all virtual channels are correct yet: Prime should be on 11-2, and WTTW11 on 11-1 rather than 11-3, Create on 11-3 rather than 11-5, ThisTV on 26-4 instead of 26-6, and FBT on 26-6 and not 26-8.

By 8 AM CDT WYCC-HD (as WYCCD in 1080i) and MegaHertz World (as WYCCW in 480i) were coming in through the STB on channels 240 and 250 respectively, as promised for today's date.  I'd checked during a bout of insomnia a couple hours earlier and they weren't yet available then.

Unfortunately, the clear QAM virtual channels have been messed with and MegaHertz World now is on 20-2 instead of 20-3, the correct correspondent to 20.3 OTA; it had been on 20-3 the last three days but is on 20-2 now.

Meanwhile, analog cable channel 20 is dead.  WYCC-SD is still running on QAM channel 79-12.

Here in Schaumburg, the box was updated sometime between 7 and 12. The clear-QAM is on 777MHz (121), I think still shared with MLB HD (haven't had time to double-check.) My TV shows the proper 20-1 and 20-3. There is no 20-2 at all. Signal strength is a bit low, as the TV shows 3 bars. The clear-QAM ADS's on 122 & 123 show 5 bars. The SD is still on 122-12.

Analog channel 20 died in near north Chicago too.
I hauled my old LG ATSC/QAM tuner out of the closet as a stop-gap solution.
(No response from WYCC to my inquiry.)

Analog channel 20 died in near north Chicago too. )Just as Comcast said it would.

In addition to moving MegaHertz World from 20-3 (where it belonged) to 20-2 (where it doesn't), Comcast also changed its label to E1_7 Wo.  Yes, that is

a capital E
the digit 1
an underscore
the digit 7
a space
a capital W
a lower-case o

The closing "Wo" might be for "World" but how E1_7 means "MHz" is anyone's guess.

I have found out that Comcast Detroit market is adding a bunch of new HD channels in June. The following are: Travel Channel, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, CMT, BET, ThrillerMax, 5 Star Max, OuterMax, HBO West, Max West, as well ION which everyone will be getting. Chicago haven't made any annoucements on upcoming HD channels, especially since we still don't have Travel HD & other markets had it for months.

I have found out that Comcast Detroit market is adding a bunch of new HD channels in June. The following are: Travel Channel, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, CMT, BET, ThrillerMax, 5 Star Max, OuterMax, HBO West, Max West, as well ION which everyone will be getting. Chicago haven't made any annoucements on upcoming HD channels, especially since we still don't have Travel HD & other markets had it for months.

Here is the lineup card for Roseville, MI suburb of Detroit. Nice
HD lineup.

The label for MegaHertz World has been corrected to "World" but the channel is still 20-2 rather than 20-3.

Do people inside city limits get E! HD. When will the people in the suburbs get E! in HD?

Do people inside city limits get E! HD. When will the people in the suburbs get E! in HD?

Yes, and who knows?

So I'm assuming that Chicago Comcast customers have been receiving FX HD for quite a while?

I'm running a TiVo with CableCARDs. The listing's been in the guide for months, but it's shown nothing but dead air since it was added. Recently, the Fox Soccer Channel has been showing. Do I need to call them to send a hit to the cards?

So I'm assuming that Chicago Comcast customers have been receiving FX HD for quite a while?

I'm running a TiVo with CableCARDs. The listing's been in the guide for months, but it's shown nothing but dead air since it was added. Recently, the Fox Soccer Channel has been showing. Do I need to call them to send a hit to the cards?

Yeah, definitely give them a call. We've had FXHD on channel 267 for a few months now.

I have found out that Comcast Detroit market is adding a bunch of new HD channels in June. The following are: Travel Channel, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, CMT, BET, ThrillerMax, 5 Star Max, OuterMax, HBO West, Max West, as well ION which everyone will be getting. Chicago haven't made any annoucements on upcoming HD channels, especially since we still don't have Travel HD & other markets had it for months.

I'd be happy if we could get the channels that were added in other suburbs a few months ago. It's pretty ridiculous.

i'd be happy if we could get the channels that were added in other suburbs a few months ago. It's pretty ridiculous.

+1.

I'd be happy if we could get the channels that were added in other suburbs a few months ago. It's pretty ridiculous.

If we all call and threaten to cancel comcast (not actually do it, just get the call transfered to the right department), maybe comcast will give the people in the suburbs the same HD they give people in the city??

When was the last time people in the suburbs got a new HD channel?

When was the last time people in the suburbs got a new HD channel?

Last week.

Last week.

I didn't notice anything new. What did we get?

I didn't notice anything new. What did we get?

WYCC on channel 240. A couple of weeks before that we got MLB on 233 and Live Well on 217.

Next week, for what it's worth, we're all supposed to get WCPX HD on 238, city and suburbs.

The suburbs probably won't get any big blocks of HD channels until they drop their analogs. By me, you can no longer get Standard (expanded) analog cable. The minimum is basic or Digital Starter. I assume that means the analogs will be dropped soon.

Lets hope they roll out DTA's here instead of forcing full cable boxes on everybody like they did in Chicago.

The suburbs probably won't get any big blocks of HD channels until they drop their analogs. By me, you can no longer get Standard (expanded) analog cable. The minimum is basic or Digital Starter. I assume that means the analogs will be dropped soon.

Lets hope they roll out DTA's here instead of forcing full cable boxes on everybody like they did in Chicago.

That's great except the south suburbs are still waiting for
227-HALLD
229-LMNHD
231-ESPND
261-GRNHD
263-ENC1H
264-FBNHD
266-CNBCD
269-BIOHD
278-BRVOD
279-FUSED
280-IFCHD
281-WEHD
282-QVCHD
283-TDHD
284-MGMHD

All of which rolled out in most suburbs last year, IIRC.

It may depend on how much bandwidth is available. Here in Schaumburg, it's an 850MHz system, with channels as high as 855MHz. Maybe you are in an area with an older 750MHz or lower system, or where there are other issues preventing them from expanding.

It may depend on how much bandwidth is available. Here in Schaumburg, it's an 850MHz system, with channels as high as 855MHz. Maybe you are in an area with an older 750MHz or lower system, or where there are other issues preventing them from expanding.


andyross, Do you think that since we are in a updated 850MHz system
we will probably be one of the last areas that Comcast will deploy
analog migration and give out the DTA's?

That's great except the south suburbs are still waiting for
227-HALLD
229-LMNHD
231-ESPND
261-GRNHD
263-ENC1H
264-FBNHD
266-CNBCD
269-BIOHD
278-BRVOD
279-FUSED
280-IFCHD
281-WEHD
282-QVCHD
283-TDHD
284-MGMHD

All of which rolled out in most suburbs last year, IIRC.

According to my channel lineup on Comcast.com, these additional HD channels are supposed to be available for Oak Forest. I dont have them now, but maybe they're in the works?

231-ESPND
261-GRNHD
266-CNBCD
269-BIOHD
278-BRVOD
279-FUSED
280-IFCHD
281-WEHD
282-QVCHD
283-TDHD
284-MGMHD

Greetings-

Not sure if this is the right place- I am in the western suburbs and have a 3412 on which some HD channels have a lot of signal problems: horizontal pixelation, things like that. It's not consistent throughout all the channels. All the local HDs come in fine, but a few nights ago "Titanic" on TNTHD and everything on ESPNHD last night was not good.

Any ideas? I also tried asking in the 3412 forum, so apologies for double posting.

Running HDMI from 3412 through Marantz receiver to Pioneer Elite.

Thanks!

Looks like WBBM will be changing channels on Cable from 22 to ch 2 on Friday

Depends on your area.  It's been on 2 here all along, since the 1980s.

On my bedroom TV today (no cable box), I couldn't get WYCC-HD 20-1, but still got MHz 20-3. After checking with the cable box TV, both had moved to 159MHz (analog 20!) I guess 20-3 is on both the new and old (777MHz) frequencies for now. 159MHz seems to be a stronger signal, with higher SNR than 777MHz (35+dB on the cable box versus just over 3.)

My guess is that WCPX-HD will probably be shared with WYCC-HD when it's added this Friday (June 12).

Unfortunately, this is a pain as my Samsung (LN19A450) has a nasty quirk. Once it sees an analog signal on a channel, the only way to make it see digital is to do a full rescan, losing all my labels, favorites, and hidden channels. Takes awhile to scan, auto-remove scrambled, and then go through and remove those I don't want to see. 'Removing' a channel from the list just hides it from surfing. There doesn't seem to be a way to clear a channel entirely from memory.

BTW, the scan said it found 399 digital channels and 61 analog.

After the rescan, WCPX-HD 38-1 is there! Based on the signal strength, it is probably on 159MHz, too. No subchannels, though. Nothing on the box, and probably will be nothing until the 12th.