Well March 10 is here and no new guide yet - Supposed to have been Jan 25, then Feb 3 then Feb 10 then March 10 - now when?

At least A28 deployment has restarted in TN, KY and Florida in the last week.
Only thing here in Algonquin is the MYDVR is suddenly available, and also in Rockford. Checked a bunch of zips in other suburbs and no where else says it's here yet.

I am out in St. Charles, and have been using ClearQAM on my Avermedia tuner in my PC for some time now to watch CNBC in the morning. At 6:20AM, it died. :( One by one, my ClearQAM stations disappeared. RIP ClearQAM. I assume that is Comcast's doing, but I thought I would post here to make sure it was happening to others.

I have not been able to record How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) yet. I search in the menu, and it will sometimes only find the LIFE channel rerun episodes, which we do have recording, and it works. Last night I searched and it only found the cbs SD channel in the menu. I set it to record, and I'm crossing my fingers hoping that it will record next week, but I'd rather it record the HD version. *confused*

Weird thing is, I've jumped forward in the menu to Monday night at 7pm, (I checked this saturday), and HIMYM was not listed in the menu. I forget what was, but it wasn't HIMYM. CSI, maybe? But I KNOW that it was scheduled to come on on march 8th. So I'm thinking it's a menu issue. Anyone else have this problem?

This is my favorite show. :(
I too have had these problems recording the CBS monday night shows. Sometimes they record fine but other times they show up and have the red circle with the line through it like they wont record because of a conflict, even when none exists. It appears to be some sort of menu/software glitch.

I am out in St. Charles, and have been using ClearQAM on my Avermedia tuner in my PC for some time now to watch CNBC in the morning. At 6:20AM, it died. :( One by one, my ClearQAM stations disappeared. RIP ClearQAM. I assume that is Comcast's doing, but I thought I would post here to make sure it was happening to others.

Yup, they're gone here too!

I am out in St. Charles, and have been using ClearQAM on my Avermedia tuner in my PC for some time now to watch CNBC in the morning. At 6:20AM, it died. :( One by one, my ClearQAM stations disappeared. RIP ClearQAM. I assume that is Comcast's doing, but I thought I would post here to make sure it was happening to others.

+1, what's the reason for that? I'm in the Joliet area tho.

I think we can chalk up the encryption of expanded basic to the fact that if things weren't locked down, people would steal 'em, and the fact that controlling access to advanced services, like CNBC, via addressable encryption instead of physical traps, is a big money-saver.

I think we can chalk up the encryption of expanded basic to the fact that if things weren't locked down, people would steal 'em, and the fact that controlling access to advanced services, like CNBC, via addressable encryption instead of physical traps, is a big money-saver.

The next step, when they dump all analog, will be to encrypt everything, including basic. That way, they don't have to deal with physically disconnecting people at all.

The next step, when they dump all analog, will be to encrypt everything, including basic. That way, they don't have to deal with physically disconnecting people at all.

...at this point they will start laying off employees saying they won't be needed anymore.

Funny, you would think there would be a price decrease, but I think we can only expect more price hikes.

The next step, when they dump all analog, will be to encrypt everything, including basic.Though they'll need regulatory approval for that.

That way, they don't have to deal with physically disconnecting people at all.There isn't much logic in being wasteful, true.

...at this point they will start laying off employees saying they won't be needed anymore. Funny, you would think there would be a price decrease, but I think we can only expect more price hikes.It doesn't make sense to expect a price decrease. Them being able to operate more efficiently doesn't reduce the value they provide to subscribers.

Now, if encryption reduces the value they provide to subscribers, then prices will naturally reflect that reduction in value, but as it is, their competitors mostly all already encrypt "basic", so the prices you pay already reflect that cost advantage they won't be able to capitalize on until later. They're basically just eating the loss at this point, until such time as they're allowed to eliminate that waste, that their competitors aren't forced to incur.

Ah well, it was good while it lasted. I am awaiting the Ceton cable card 4-tuner device for my windows media center PC and I can forever rid myself of set top boxes.

Sometime today, I no longer receive ABC HD 7.1 and WGN HD 9.1 and their sub channels. I rescanned but no luck. Anyone else have the same issue?

yep, me too

Can others confirm the loss of fox news channel (54) in clear qam as well?

that would be a shame........... :P

sorry, I don't know.

Yup I'm in OAK FOREST same crap here.

I am out in St. Charles, and have been using ClearQAM on my Avermedia tuner in my PC for some time now to watch CNBC in the morning. At 6:20AM, it died. :( One by one, my ClearQAM stations disappeared. RIP ClearQAM. I assume that is Comcast's doing, but I thought I would post here to make sure it was happening to others.

Add Batavia to the list....:( Lost alot of my freebies above ch50. Happy to still have locals in HD though. I can ride this out until summer is over and hope Uverse makes its way to the house.

so, do you want ClearQAM so you don't have to rent a box? you're still paying for those channels, right?

In my case, I was using a tuner card in my PC for my work, so I could have a little box with CNBC running on one of my screens.

Sometime today, I no longer receive ABC HD 7.1 and WGN HD 9.1 and their sub channels. I rescanned but no luck. Anyone else have the same issue?

I had the same problem. I can get them by manually tuning to 113 -- but even after doing so, they show up as 113.1, 113.2, etc... instead of 7.1/9.1 as before.

so, do you want ClearQAM so you don't have to rent a box? you're still paying for those channels, right?

I have ClearQAM 4 tuners with HDHomeRun boxes connected to SageTV.... so yes having ClearQAM was huge for me!

Out of Elmhurst and seeing the same. Almost all ClearQAM channels other than OTA are showing scrambled on my tuner. They haven't killed the analog here yet and original letters implied things would still be around for a month or so...it's comcastic :mad:

So now a cable box is needed to watch basic cable? F that, I have 5 TVs... :mad:

so, do you want ClearQAM so you don't have to rent a box? you're still paying for those channels, right?

Why yes, I AM paying for those channels. I can't articulate how much I detest the STB. I don't want one on every TV and I hate the limitations that it places on my recorders and ability to time shift. No thanks, I'm not interested in paying CC to rent a DVR either.

So now a cable box is needed to watch basic cable? F that, I have 5 TVs... :mad:

Why yes, I AM paying for those channels. I can't articulate how much I detest the STB. I don't want one on every TV and I hate the limitations that it places on my recorders and ability to time shift. No thanks, I'm not interested in paying CC to rent a DVR either.

I agree, which is why I purchased a Moxi; TV in three rooms with one cable card.

Mark

Some of this was posted earlier, but my latest bill has some more info:

Effective March 29, 2010, Fox will begin to discontinue
the distribution of Fox Reality Channel, available to
Comcast Digital Classic customers on channel 108,
and will replace Fox Reality Channel with National
Geographic Wild. Effective April 22, 2010, Centric will
be added to Digital Classic channel 481.

On May 1, 2010, the price for an Addressable
Reactivation (no home visit required) for
Comcast High-Speed Internet or Comcast
Digital Voice will increase from $3.00 to $4.00.
(Not all products are available in all areas.)

Effective 3/11/10, NHL Network channel 404 moved
from Digital Classic to Digital Starter. This channel
will also continue to be available with a subscription
to the Sports Entertainment Package.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
--- Effective May 12, 2010, TV Polonia Package
will change its name to Polish Super Pack.
This name change will NOT affect the price
or the channels in this package.
--- Effective May 12, 2010, the following pay-perview
channels will move to new channel
numbers, but their service level will not change.
Parental controls may need to be reset as a
result of these changes.
iN DEMAND channels 801-803 to 830-832
ESPN Sports PPV channels 421-426 to 833-838
Fresh! channel 851 to 840
Spice:Xcess channel 852 to 841
Playboy TV channel 853 to 842
Penthouse TV channel 854 to 845

So now a cable box is needed to watch basic cable? F that, I have 5 TVs... :mad:As I understand it, a cable box is not needed to watch basic cable. You can use the QAM tuner in your HDTV. You do need a cable box to watch expanded basic cable (including FNC and CNBC), though. There are a few towns where you do need a cable box to watch basic cable, including a Cablevision system in the Bronx NY, that waiver granted due to the demonstrated high incidence of theft. However, beyond that, all you need is a digital tuner to get B1 service. And that's guaranteed by law, barring such waivers such as that granted for the Bronx NY.

I just got back ABC & WGN I manually put in 113.1 it came on as 7.1,Now I get 7 & 9 back in HD as it was last week?
JIM

Comcast corporate policy is to pass all the local HD they carry in clear QAM. As they do system maintenance and upgrades QAM channels get reshuffled to new locations. First, try re-scanning for channels. If that doesn't work, do a complete reset of all channels and a completely new channel set up. Be sure to look for channels in places you may not expect them, like over 100, as sometimes the PSIP info gets screwed up when QAM locations are changed.

Worse case, call Comcast and keep trying until you get someone that knows what QAM is. It may take a number of calls.

...keep trying until you get someone that knows what QAM is. It may take a number of calls.

I beleive that is referred to as an understatement!!! :rolleyes:

I agree, which is why I purchased a Moxi; TV in three rooms with one cable card.

Mark

And you've already got that up & running with no issues? People I know with cable cards, especially attempting to get M-Cards, have had...shall we say...challenges. Seems to be the typical luck of the draw on how much the person knows that you have to deal with.

And you've already got that up & running with no issues? People I know with cable cards, especially attempting to get M-Cards, have had...shall we say...challenges. Seems to be the typical luck of the draw on how much the person knows that you have to deal with.

Yes that is what I experienced this past Weds. Had an install scheduled for a Cablecard on my Sony 60XBR1, and the tech couldn't get it to activate. He brought one card with him and this Weds they are coming back with another one to try again.
All signal levels were good, and the tv did acknowledge the card, he just couldn't get it to pair. He could not get any support from his office or super to help him out.
We'll see Weds.

As a side note, the Ceton Cablecard system with 4 tuners goes on sale May 31st. Looks interesting.

http://www.zones.com/site/product/index.html?id=003201915

The Moxi DVR looks interesting. Does anyone have one working with a Comcast multi stream cable card?

Does the Moxi DVR use the Comcast cable guide data or does it receive guide data from the internet?

The Moxi DVR looks interesting. Does anyone have one working with a Comcast multi stream cable card?

Does the Moxi DVR use the Comcast cable guide data or does it receive guide data from the internet?

Seems to get it from the internet:

How does my Moxi system’s program guide data stay up to date?
Each night, your data is updated. In order to receive the updates, your Moxi system must be on
and connected to the Internet.
How many days of TV listings are in Moxi Menu?
You have a maximum of fourteen days of data. Each night, you receive an EPG update with
additional data.

Would have been nice to also record OTA which it will not do.

Comcast corporate policy is to pass all the local HD they carry in clear QAM. As they do system maintenance and upgrades QAM channels get reshuffled to new locations. First, try re-scanning for channels. If that doesn't work, do a complete reset of all channels and a completely new channel set up. Be sure to look for channels in places you may not expect them, like over 100, as sometimes the PSIP info gets screwed up when QAM locations are changed.

Worse case, call Comcast and keep trying until you get someone that knows what QAM is. It may take a number of calls.


I dont think its corporate policy, I'm pretty sure they are mandated by law to keep those channels open.

In Chicago is there a clear winner b/w Comcast and RCN? Both are available to me in the building I'm.

comcast has almost all of its channels in HD. I think they've now gotten all the channels RCN has, plus more. But it's usually more expensive.

And you've already got that up & running with no issues? People I know with cable cards, especially attempting to get M-Cards, have had...shall we say...challenges. Seems to be the typical luck of the draw on how much the person knows that you have to deal with.

Yes that is what I experienced this past Weds. Had an install scheduled for a Cablecard on my Sony 60XBR1, and the tech couldn't get it to activate. He brought one card with him and this Weds they are coming back with another one to try again.
All signal levels were good, and the tv did acknowledge the card, he just couldn't get it to pair. He could not get any support from his office or super to help him out.
We'll see Weds.

As a side note, the Ceton Cablecard system with 4 tuners goes on sale May 31st. Looks interesting.

http://www.zones.com/site/product/index.html?id=003201915

I first installed cable cards in my Sony DVR's, and then in the Moxi. Both devices had no trouble pairing, but it did require a technician to be present. They call the dispatcher (according to one tech), which is different then when you and I call.

I will say that in both instances, I would tell them "It's like a Tivo", as they do not seem to realize there are any other DVR's in existence. And, the most important thing is that I knew where to find the cable card pairing menu on both devices, which contains the info they need to get it up and running, with the dispatcher's help.

After my devices were paired easily, both tech's complained that Tivo's were difficult to pair, but I took that with a grain of salt.

That is my experience.

Mark

but it did require a technician to be present.

There are some other providers/markets where cable cards are a pick-up/self install. If you're only reading numbers off to someone on the other side of a call why do they need a tech out? Do they charge you extra for the tech to come onsite?

--- Effective May 12, 2010, the following pay-perview
channels will move to new channel
numbers, but their service level will not change.
Parental controls may need to be reset as a
result of these changes.
iN DEMAND channels 801-803 to 830-832
ESPN Sports PPV channels 421-426 to 833-838
Fresh! channel 851 to 840
Spice:Xcess channel 852 to 841
Playboy TV channel 853 to 842
Penthouse TV channel 854 to 845

I guess this means the Chicago area will not be seeing the HD channels in the 800-900 channel range.

Comedy Central HD please

but it did require a technician to be present.

There are some other providers/markets where cable cards are a pick-up/self install. If you're only reading numbers off to someone on the other side of a call why do they need a tech out? Do they charge you extra for the tech to come onsite?

I installed relocated the card the tech had installed from the Sony to the Moxi DVR (see post above for more details), and it worked in the Moxi...until I discovered that I had no HBO.

After lots of back and forth with Moxi support and hours on the phone (over 4 days) with Comcast, they had to send a tech out.

The tech had it fixed in 1 minute after he got through to the dispatcher. They charged me $25 for that visit. In my opinion, it is a revenue stream for them, and an extra way to screw you for not using their POS DVR.

YMMV

Mark

I installed relocated the card the tech had installed from the Sony to the Moxi DVR (see post above for more details), and it worked in the Moxi...until I discovered that I had no HBO.

After lots of back and forth with Moxi support and hours on the phone (over 4 days) with Comcast, they had to send a tech out.

The tech had it fixed in 1 minute after he got through to the dispatcher. They charged me $25 for that visit. In my opinion, it is a revenue stream for them, and an extra way to screw you for not using their POS DVR.

YMMV

Mark

I'm actually thinking of doing this as well, installing it in my Sony tv, then to either the Moxi or the Ceton when it comes out in a couple months. It would require another tech visit? Though I don't subscribe to any premium content like HBO etc.

I'm actually thinking of doing this as well, installing it in my Sony tv, then to either the Moxi or the Ceton when it comes out in a couple months. It would require another tech visit? Though I don't subscribe to any premium content like HBO etc.

If you want to receive any encrypted content with that card--including the HD versions of A&E, USA, TNT, etc.--you will need the card to be re-paired to the new device. If you're lucky, you can get a hold of a specialist in the Tinley Park office that can re-pair it to the new device. Most likely, your call to Comcast will result in a front-line CSR scheduling a truck roll... and the tech will simply call someone to re-pair the device, then charge you for the visit.

The infuriating nature of getting CableCARDs paired properly is the biggest strike against Comcast, in my book.

Comedy Central HD please

April 14th on Digital Starter along with 22 others in HD

April 14th on Digital Starter along with 22 others in HD

Source?

April 14th on Digital Starter along with 22 others in HD

what are the 22 others?

April 14th on Digital Starter along with 22 others in HD

seriously? Source? Are there 22 other channels not already in HD? Or are we talking faux-HD?

Source?

The following was posted in the Comcast TV forum over on dslreports.com:

Hi all,

I just got a message on my TiVo about new channels being added to my lineup. They are all dark right now, but are supposed to go live tomorrow, March 17, 2010. I figured I'd list them here in case people want to check their cable boxes.

Finally some more HD:

227 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
229 Lifetime Movie Network HD
231 ESPNEWS HD
261 Planet Green HD
263 ENCORE 1 HD
264 Fox Business Network HD
266 CNBC HD
269 The Biography Channel HD
278 Bravo HD
279 Fuse HD
280 Independent Film Channel HD
281 Women's Entertainment HD Feed
282 QVC HD
283 Disney XD HD
284 MGM HD Movie Net

**UPDATE**

I just received another letter from Comcast stating that the all-digital changeover will now take place on April 13, 2010. This must be at least the third time they have delayed the transition.

Anyway, the letter also states that the following new HD channels will be added on April 14:

DIGITAL STARTER
225 Nickelodeon HD
226 Cartoon Network HD
228 Lifetime HD
234 NHL Network HD
262 E! HD
270 The Weather Channel HD
287 Style HD
288 G4 HD
290 Spike HD
293 Travel Channel HD
294 Comedy Central HD
295 BET HD
296 MTV HD
297 VH1 HD
317 MSNBC HD
318 Headline News HD
320 truTV HD
321 Hallmark HD
322 HSN HD
323 History International HD
450 Team PPV HD
460 Game PPV HD
829 iN DEMAND HD PPV

DIGITAL CLASSIC
289 TV One HD
298 CMT HD
299 Gospel Music Channel HD
319 Turner Classic Movies HD
324 Investigation Discovery HD
507 ReelzChannel

PREMIUM
257 Starz Kids & Family HD
259 Starz Edge HD
300 HBO 2 HD
301 HBO Comedy HD
304 HBO Zone HD
305 HBO Latino HD
307 ActionMAX E HD
308 Showtime Too HD
309 Showtime Showcase HD
310 Showtime Extreme HD
314 The Movie Channel HD
315 The Movie Channel Xtra HD
316 5StarMAX HD

SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT
232 CBS College Sports Network HD
236 The Tennis Channel HD
254 NFL RedZone HD

I've been waiting for quite a few of these channels for awhile, looks like they are finally arriving.

We've already got most of those in Chicago, but still no Comedy Central HD. There's no guarantee that the Chicago locations will be getting Comedy CentralHD on April 14, then.

Thank you for the information.

Got these in Elmhurst last night:

227 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
229 Lifetime Movie Network HD
231 ESPNEWS HD
261 Planet Green HD
263 ENCORE 1 HD
264 Fox Business Network HD
266 CNBC HD
269 The Biography Channel HD
278 Bravo HD
279 Fuse HD
280 Independent Film Channel HD
281 Women's Entertainment HD Feed
282 QVC HD
283 Disney XD HD
284 MGM HD Movie Net

Today, the expanded ClearQAM disappeared here in Schaumburg. Presumably it is now encrypted. Hallmark, LMN and Fox Business are still clear. Also, BTN is encrypted, but the overflows are not.

Got these in Elmhurst last night:

227 Hallmark Movie Channel HD
229 Lifetime Movie Network HD
231 ESPNEWS HD
261 Planet Green HD
263 ENCORE 1 HD
264 Fox Business Network HD
266 CNBC HD
269 The Biography Channel HD
278 Bravo HD
279 Fuse HD
280 Independent Film Channel HD
281 Women's Entertainment HD Feed
282 QVC HD
283 Disney XD HD
284 MGM HD Movie Net

Is ENCORE 1 HD part of the Showtime package or does everyone get it? Are the movies unedited?

Is MGM HD Movie Net the one owned by Mark Cuban? Did he sell to MGM? Are the movies unedited?

What is the picture quality like?

The ENCORE channels are part of the 'Classic' or 'Preferred' tiers (the one above Starter.)

For MGM HD:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MGM_HD

MGM is triple-muxed HD, shared with Disney XD HD and ESPN News HD in most areas.

Today, the expanded ClearQAM disappeared here in Schaumburg. Presumably it is now encrypted. Hallmark, LMN and Fox Business are still clear. Also, BTN is encrypted, but the overflows are not.
Sometime last evening, those 3 they missed are now also encrypted.

Anyone have any further news on the A28 update?

Last week, expanded basic stopped working over Clear QAM in Wheeling, IL.

Can still receive local ota broadcast via ClearQAM. (2,5,7,9,11,32 didn't test anything else etc).

Can no longer receive TBS, CNBC, Fox News etc all in SD via unencrypted QAM.

I am new to Comcast and was wondering if MLB Extra Innings will have their games in HD and will they show all the games, even with the overlap of hockey & basketball?

I loved this package on D*, but don't know what to expect on Comcast.

Last week, expanded basic stopped working over Clear QAM in Wheeling, IL.

Can still receive local ota broadcast via ClearQAM. (2,5,7,9,11,32 didn't test anything else etc).

Can no longer receive TBS, CNBC, Fox News etc all in SD via unencrypted QAM.

Odds are, it affects everybody that feeds off the Mt. Prospect super-headend.

Try doing a rescan. All that is left are the locals, public access, religious, some Comcast infomercial channels, and stuff like OnDemand preview and Comcast Central.

I am new to Comcast and was wondering if MLB Extra Innings will have their games in HD and will they show all the games, even with the overlap of hockey & basketball?

I loved this package on D*, but don't know what to expect on Comcast.
Comcast only has the MLB Network, which is offered in HD in most areas around here. The PPV (or pre-paid package) sports channels are only in SD.

Comcast only has the MLB Network, which is offered in HD in most areas around here. The PPV (or pre-paid package) sports channels are only in SD.

For $179 you get the MLB package that shows out of town games. I was just wondering if the games were in HD & if they show all the games.
http://www.comcast.com/Corporate/Programming/sports/MLBExtraInnings.html

Comcast only has the MLB Network, which is offered in HD in most areas around here. The PPV (or pre-paid package) sports channels are only in SD.
Comcast Chicago land does not have game 2 HD yet. So they have very little Out Of market sports in HD.

Anyone by chance start having issues with some channels yesterday and today? On both of my S3 TiVo boxes with cable cards, a few channels (mostly 2-99, but also some in HD range) have been blocky or stating that there is no signal. I can't see both of my boxes crapping out at the same time. Is Comcast making some changes perhaps? I'm out in Cary.

Last week I had 100 QAM channels in Highland Park and now I have 45. The 45 are all OTA Chicagoland channels except I also get NHL Network. I discovered this yesterday after several QAM recordings failed.

Last week I had 100 QAM channels in Highland Park and now I have 45. The 45 are all OTA Chicagoland channels except I also get NHL Network. I discovered this yesterday after several QAM recordings failed.

NHL Network is on a free preview period for all viewers -- could explain why it's open.

Anyone having problems with On-Demand recently? Sunday afternoon our On-Demand was fine. Sunday night the picture and sound started breaking up and was basically unwatchable. Monday night we couldn't even get a program to load On-Demand. Today the picture and sound are breaking up again. I called Comcast (which is now a real pain) and they said there was an outage Monday and that is why it wasn't working but they couldn't explain why my picture and sound is now breaking up. Of course, they want to send a technician out and I have an appointment scheduled for Thursday. We're having the problem on all 3 of our boxes and we live in Oswego. Anyone else have problems recently?

Last week I had 100 QAM channels in Highland Park and now I have 45. The 45 are all OTA Chicagoland channels except I also get NHL Network. I discovered this yesterday after several QAM recordings failed.
Comcast is in the process of re-encrypting all non-Basic channels in the Chicago area.

Anyone having problems with On-Demand recently? Sunday afternoon our On-Demand was fine. Sunday night the picture and sound started breaking up and was basically unwatchable. Monday night we couldn't even get a program to load On-Demand. Today the picture and sound are breaking up again. I called Comcast (which is now a real pain) and they said there was an outage Monday and that is why it wasn't working but they couldn't explain why my picture and sound is now breaking up. Of course, they want to send a technician out and I have an appointment scheduled for Thursday. We're having the problem on all 3 of our boxes and we live in Oswego. Anyone else have problems recently?
Pixelation could mean signal issues. With the recent warmup, it seems as if signal levels drop a bit. Depending on where you are, there seem to be up to 4 or more frequencies set aside for OnDemand. You never know which one you may get.

Anyone having problems with On-Demand recently? Sunday afternoon our On-Demand was fine. Sunday night the picture and sound started breaking up and was basically unwatchable. Monday night we couldn't even get a program to load On-Demand. Today the picture and sound are breaking up again. I called Comcast (which is now a real pain) and they said there was an outage Monday and that is why it wasn't working but they couldn't explain why my picture and sound is now breaking up. Of course, they want to send a technician out and I have an appointment scheduled for Thursday. We're having the problem on all 3 of our boxes and we live in Oswego. Anyone else have problems recently?

I didn't check my on demand, but yesterday, I was getting the spinning "searching for signal" screen on my TiVo boxes for a long time and out of the blue for no apparent reason. Then when it connected, it was blocky on some channels.

I didn't check my on demand, but yesterday, I was getting the spinning "searching for signal" screen on my TiVo boxes for a long time and out of the blue for no apparent reason. Then when it connected, it was blocky on some channels.

dmk

Your signal issues are local to you, there is nothing going on system wide out of Algonquin headend. If you can't pinpoint it yourself, then call for a tech to come out and fix your signal issues. Could be your drop, f connectors, splitters, water issues. Check your f connectors that they are snug in all locations, and the condition of them, if they are tight on the coax. Otherwise call it in.

Last week I had 100 QAM channels in Highland Park and now I have 45. The 45 are all OTA Chicagoland channels except I also get NHL Network. I discovered this yesterday after several QAM recordings failed.

Welcome to the "world of more"...:rolleyes:

[QUOTE=ralphyboy;18359529]For $179 you get the MLB package that shows out of town games. I was just wondering if the games were in HD & if they show all the games.


I subscribe to NHL Center Ice. During baseball season the Comcast in my area (Oswego, IL ) shows the MLB Extra Innings package on those same channels. Most of the programming is SD but there is one HD channel called GAMEHD for select NHL games, so I would expect you would see select MLB games there as well. There are supposed to be two GAMEHD channels but I only get the one as of now. The reply I got from Comcast was the second one is being rolled out but no date yet.

Odds are, it affects everybody that feeds off the Mt. Prospect super-headend.

Try doing a rescan. All that is left are the locals, public access, religious, some Comcast infomercial channels, and stuff like OnDemand preview and Comcast Central.

155, I'm at Euclid/Wolf in Mount Prospect. I mainly only use the qams for HD, but could check some specific channels for you to confirm.

On a side note, anybody in the mount prospect area hear when we will lose analog channels above 34?

still did not fix channel 599 no station call letters or no programming guide too
still did not fix channel 24 local access blank

Today, the expanded ClearQAM disappeared here in Schaumburg. Presumably it is now encrypted.

Yeah I can confirm this (in Schaumburg as well)...lost everything but basic....TV detects the additional channels, but all are weak/encrypted. Oh well...at least I still get basic channels...still much better than OTA.

Why yes, I AM paying for those channels. I can't articulate how much I detest the STB. I don't want one on every TV and I hate the limitations that it places on my recorders and ability to time shift. No thanks, I'm not interested in paying CC to rent a DVR either.

So do like me and Pay TiVo (once) to "rent" an HD DVR. I'll probably be getting a TiVo Premiere as a second HD DVR in the near future.

I have two SD Dual tuner TiVos on the free Comcast DTAs, too. At least for two there's no "rent." I have them hooked up through old VCRs as RF-composite converters so I can dual-tune as long as there are a few analog channels left. I still have live analog channels below 20-something.

tried to hook it up with dvi out to dvi in on the monitor, i got the hd signal for about 2 seconds, but got an hdcp warning and was told to use the component output. the only way i can get it into the computer monitor is to take an rgb to vga cable. has anyone else done this successfully? i can't turn down a $175 23 inch dell monitor. btw, the new monitor would have hdmi on it, could i take the dvi out of cable box to hdmi into the new monitor? so many options. thanks

mark

I get at least 2 missed calls from Comcast on a daily basiis. Are other people constantly getting calls from them? A lot are while I'm at work but I also refuse to answer if I'm home too. Last time that I answered they tried to sell me voice and I said my Vonage pkg was cheaper.I imagine they are trying to sell more xfinity garbage,

Got a letter in the mail yesterday from Comcast detailing again the upcoming transition and the need for digital converters for TVs that don't have cable boxes.

On the back was a detailed listing of channel lineup changes and upcoming channels. At the end of April and May we will finally get the rest of the HD channels we've been waiting for. I can't remember them off the top of my head (sorry, newborn keeping us up at night), but there was a lot.


tim

Comedy Central? :)

Comedy Central? :)

Yes. There was about 20 total.

tim

yes. There was about 20 total.

Tim

woohoo!!! :D:D:D:D

Whenever you have that letter in your possession and a reasonable amount of rest (for a new dad) ... Could you post those 20 channels referenced in your letter. Some areas where a cable box is already necessary may have some of those channels (though not Comedy Central -- at least not here in the city of Chicago, where we've needed cable boxes on all TVs for at least a couple of years)... I'm wondering if once all of the Chicago area is transitioned to cable boxes, that's when the full Xfinity lineup (which is supposed to include channels such as Fox Soccer Channel-HD) will be rolled out.

Got a letter in the mail yesterday from Comcast detailing again the upcoming transition and the need for digital converters for TVs that don't have cable boxes.

On the back was a detailed listing of channel lineup changes and upcoming channels. At the end of April and May we will finally get the rest of the HD channels we've been waiting for. I can't remember them off the top of my head (sorry, newborn keeping us up at night), but there was a lot.


tim

In preparation for the switchover, we just ordered from Comcast an HD stb for our plasma. Any idea which box we might receive? I asked them for a new, non-refurb box with hdmi...dunno if the understood the request or not. We are in Barrington. Our letter indicates that expanded basic analog gets turned off 27April.

I believe that Comedy Central was one of the channels going HD in May.

anyone else get letter recently about rate increase on the set top boxes?
I sure did and not happy about this
more money for the same set top boxes?
not a happy customer here

In preparation for the switchover, we just ordered from Comcast an HD stb for our plasma. Any idea which box we might receive? I asked them for a new, non-refurb box with hdmi...dunno if the understood the request or not. We are in Barrington. Our letter indicates that expanded basic analog gets turned off 27April.

I believe that Comedy Central was one of the channels going HD in May.

The new HD HDMI STB's are Pace RNG110's. I just returned one to the McHenry office, they work great. You would have been guaranteed a brand new RNG110 if you had gone to the official Comcast kiosk at many but not all Best Buys, the official Comcast agents have new hardware to hand out when you upgrade on the spot.

Here are the upcoming channel addtionss. Note that I live in Crystal Lake, so I'm not sure how many other areas will be getting these. This is contained in the letter detailing the transtion to an all digital delivery system, thus need either a box or a converter to get most channels.

No rate hike mentioned in this letter.

Added to Digital Starter effective 4/28/10:
225 Nick HD
226 Cartoon Network HD
228 Lifetime HD
262 E! HD
287 Style HD
288 G4 HD
290 Spike HD
293 Travel Channel HD
294 Comedy Central HD
296 MTV HD
297 VH1 HD

Added to Digital Starter effective 5/26/10:
234 NHL Network HD
270 Weather Channel HD
295 BET HD
317 MSNBC HD
318 Headline News HD
320 truTV HD
321 Hallmark HD
322 HSN HD
323 History International HD
450 Team PPV HD
460 Game PPV HD
829 iN DEMAND HD PPV

Added to Digital Classic effective 4/28/10
289 TV One HD

Added to Digital Classic effective 5/26/10:
298 CMT HD
299 Gospel Music Channel HD
319 Turner Classic Movies HD
324 Investigation Discovery HD
507 ReelzChannel

Added to Sports Entertainment Package effective 5/26/10:
232 CBS College Sports Network HD
234 NHL Network HD
236 Tennis Channel HD
254 NFL RedZone HD

Newly launched Digital subscription service effective 4/28/10:
257 Starz Kids & Family HD
258 Starz Comedy HD
259 Starz Edge HD

Newly launched Digital subscription service effective 5/26/10:
300 HBO 2 HD
301 HBO Comedy HD
304 HBO Zone HD
305 HBO Latino HD
307 ActionMAX E HD
308 Showtime Too HD
309 Showtime Showcase HD
310 Showtime Extreme HD
314 The Movie Channel HD
315 The Movie Channel Xtra HD
316 5StarMAX E HD
567 5StarMAX E

According to this Comcast blog (http://blog.comcast.com/2010/01/new-guide-makes-watching-tv-even-better.html#comments) it sounds like Chicago North should be getting the new guide between today and 4/8.

Looks like those are all the same channels I've had since September/October.

Sorry for the rest of you who have been stuck waiting for them for so long.

294 Comedy Central HD
296 MTV HD
297 VH1 HD
317 MSNBC HD


I think those are the only ones I'm missing that I care about. Oxygen doesn't seem to be in HD, but we rarely watch that.

The new HD HDMI STB's are Pace RNG110's. I just returned one to the McHenry office, they work great. You would have been guaranteed a brand new RNG110 if you had gone to the official Comcast kiosk at many but not all Best Buys, the official Comcast agents have new hardware to hand out when you upgrade on the spot.

I was initially told that they would not give me an HDMI STB unless I also subscribed to the extra HD package...in person at local office, over the phone and in web chat...not true, but you must be persistent and may need to go to another office. As for the RNG110, it's a more compact unit which is good. However, it has no display on it, so you don't necessarily know what channel you have on without checking the TV. Also it does not have an RF out which would have been useful for my particular set-up.

Does anyone know where WCIUHD AND WPWRHD went as far as QAM goes? Joliet area.

Chicago - Near North Side: As I'm using an older LG clear QAM tuner, after Comcast shuffled some channels a few days ago, I needed to do a full rescan and manual station search. Such fun!

I found preparations for a 3D channel at 109-1. Just a static screen talking about what was going to be happening. I did not jot down what it said, as I have little interest in having a 3D setup.

Does anyone know where WCIUHD AND WPWRHD went as far as QAM goes? Joliet area.

Can't speak for the Joliet area, but look on 26.1 & 50.1

nada. Was on 102-1 and -2 respectively. Now gone.

nada. Was on 102-1 and -2 respectively. Now gone.

Might keep an eye on http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/channels_us, but it's showing the old info for you at this point.

Different QAM tuners aren't consistent in how they do their mapping perhaps due to the way Comcast is doing their PSIP. Just in the crazy chance there might be some consistency, does 27.1 show anything for you?

I noticed there is now a channel 986 for 3D HDTV. Here in Schaumburg, it's on RF33, formerly used by WJYS, and is ClearQAM. It's the only signal there, and from what I've read, 3D requires the full 6MHz. Right now, it's just broadcasting a slide with a little info on it and a web link for scheduled programming.

I also found CSPAN and CSPAN2 on 95-1 and 95-2 in ClearQAM.

I noticed there is now a channel 986 for 3D HDTV. Here in Schaumburg, it's on RF33, formerly used by WJYS, and is ClearQAM. It's the only signal there, and from what I've read, 3D requires the full 6MHz. Right now, it's just broadcasting a slide with a little info on it and a web link for scheduled programming.

I also found CSPAN and CSPAN2 on 95-1 and 95-2 in ClearQAM.

Will be used for the Masters next week.

I noticed there is now a channel 986 for 3D HDTV. Here in Schaumburg, it's on RF33, formerly used by WJYS, and is ClearQAM. It's the only signal there, and from what I've read, 3D requires the full 6MHz. Right now, it's just broadcasting a slide with a little info on it and a web link for scheduled programming.

I also found CSPAN and CSPAN2 on 95-1 and 95-2 in ClearQAM.

Comcast...ugh! Couldn't get 7.x and 9.x in QAM so I had to rescan. I've now got two 62.1 channels, one of which is the 3D channel you referenced with a splash for the golf tournament and the other is still WJYS.

ETA: No longer have CSpans in ClearQAM, but CSpan 2 has shown up now on the analog side.

BTW, I also still have several channels in ClearQAM with video but no audio e.g. Local Access, TVGuide, Triton, infomercials etc

Comcast...ugh! Couldn't get 7.x and 9.x in QAM so I had to rescan. I've now got two 62.1 channels, one of which is the 3D channel you referenced with a splash for the golf tournament and the other is still WJYS.

One 62-1 is actually the PSIP'd digital WJYS that is actually on another frequency. The other 62-1 is the direct ClearQAM channel for the 3DTV. I have a similar issue with 56-1 by me. If I type in 56-1, my TV ends up tuning the RF56-1, and not WYIN. To get WYIN, I have to tune to a nearby channel, then channel up or down to it.

I think Comcast should put ALL of the SD broadcast as 2xx, like they did with the ones that are carried in HD (2-1 gives WBBM-HD, 202-1 is SD.)

Lost WBBM-DT on ClearQAM during the game last night. A rescan didn't work. Will try another one some time today.

does everyone who is trying to use ClearQAM just do that because they don't want a cable box? I don't see any other benefit. Seems like a lot of work to me, trying to keep the channels mapped.

Some people may need more tuners than they have in Comcast boxes and they want to utilize the QAM tuners in their TVs and/or HTPCs. Channel remapping has been going on for years, it's just gotten worse lately.

How come I can get WYCC using my HDTV’s QAM tuner but not using my stand alone DVDR’s QAM tuner?

With the TV, WYCC HD is 20.5. With the DVDR I get nothing. I even rescanned the DVDR channels. I’ve previously recorded WYCC with the DVDR but it’s been a while & I don’t recall if I tuned the SD or HD channel.

I noticed Comcast’s listing sheet that came with a digital adapter does not list WYCC channel 20 as part of basic cable. I called them & was told that WYCC is only available as digital and not simulcast in analog. I did not get into the fact that the TV was able to get it because I’m sure the person I spoke with would have no idea. I do have a Comcast DVR, but I needed a third tuner so I’m glad I had picked up the digital adapter.

What is Comcast doing that makes these channels invisible to the DVDR’s tuner?

WYCCDT should be available in the clear in analog SD, digital SD (PSIP 220.1) and digital HD (PSIP 20.1). WYCCDT3 is only available in clear digital SD (PSIP 20.3).

Real RF locations for these would vary by system, and you didn't state where you are located. Most recent digital tuners should pull in the PSIP data, but older tuners might not.

I got a28 here in Bartlett around 3am.

http://www.comcast.net/mydvr/#

Has anyone got this working that got a28?

WYCCDT should be available in the clear in analog SD, digital SD (PSIP 220.1) and digital HD (PSIP 20.1). WYCCDT3 is only available in clear digital SD (PSIP 20.3).

Real RF locations for these would vary by system, and you didn't state where you are located. Most recent digital tuners should pull in the PSIP data, but older tuners might not.

My signal comes from the Elmhurst head end. The list that came with the adapter did not list channel 20 as part of basic but did list in the section that said you needed the adapter, etc.

With the Comcast DVR, WYCC is 20 and WYCC HD is 240. On my HDTV WYCC HD is 20.5. That may be the actual QAM freq because I have not done a channel scan on the TV in over 3 years and usually use the QAM channels.

When I first turn on the stand alone DVDR I can get 20.1 by using the channel up button, but that only works once. The on screen info states WYCC HD, but it is really ION. Once I leave 20.1 I cannot get back to it until I turn off/on the DVDR.

The signal is out there since the TV tunes it in, but the DVDR cannot get it. It reminds me of years ago when some cable freqs were slightly shifted from the norm and you needed your TV auto fine tuning set to be able to capture the off center freq.

http://www.comcast.net/mydvr/#

Has anyone got this working that got a28?

My box upgraded to A28 last night. I just checked the web site and "myDVR Manager is coming soon to your neighborhood" is the message I received.

Comcast will supposedly send you an email when it's available. We'll see.

Yeah this morning it was just saying it wasn't available. I did a chat with a rep and they said that myDVR is available but our DVRs weren't compatible? We have 2 DCX3400s but according to them we have 3425s...I don't get it.

Wow, crapcast sports channel did it again! I was about to start watching Champions League quarterfinal game live when they interrupted the broadcast with some local "breaking" news conference because some college hired a new basketball coach.

While it must be important thing for them, is it really earth-shattering news that are worth interrupting live game? This is just beyond stupid!

Also got the A28 update, along with a firmware update. The result is that my scheduled recordings were wiped out. Existing recordings are still there.

Wow, crapcast sports channel did it again! I was about to start watching Champions League quarterfinal game live when they interrupted the broadcast with some local "breaking" news conference because some college hired a new basketball coach.

While it must be important thing for them, is it really earth-shattering news that are worth interrupting live game? This is just beyond stupid!

Well, since it is Comcast Sportsnet CHICAGO, the college was a local college, Depaul, there would be more local interest in Depaul then some soccer game from overseas somewhere. And since Comcast is just a minority owner of CSN, this thread is probably not the right place to complain about it.

channel 249 mctv no programming guide. channel 599 which is megatv still no station call letters or programming guide. channel 24 still is blanks local access channel

Anybody watching the 3D channel without a 3DTV? lol, kinda funny...

Oh, and I got the A28 update today in Cary on the Carpentersville line.

Yeah this morning it was just saying it wasn't available. I did a chat with a rep and they said that myDVR is available but our DVRs weren't compatible? We have 2 DCX3400s but according to them we have 3425s...I don't get it.

The rep was confused. I have a DCX3400 and with today's A28 update, mydvr was successfully activated and is working. Out here, the mydvr web site said it was "available" in my area 3 weeks ago already.

Your DVR's will work once they update the mydvr web site for your zip. Right now I don't know of any other area's in N & NW suburbs beside the C'ville system having a "available" at the mydvr site.

The rep was confused. I have a DCX3400 and with today's A28 update, mydvr was successfully activated and is working. Out here, the mydvr web site said it was "available" in my area 3 weeks ago already.

Your DVR's will work once they update the mydvr web site for your zip. Right now I don't know of any other area's in N & NW suburbs beside the C'ville system having a "available" at the mydvr site.


I'm on the C'ville system in Cary and can't activate MyDVR yet :(

http://www.comcast.net/mydvr/#

Has anyone got this working that got a28?

Well, I just read a post over at dslreports.com where someone entered 60102 for the zip code and got their myDVR Manager feature working. I just tried it and it reports that "myDVR Manager will be available to use at Comcast.net TV Listings after it syncs with your DVR. Please allow up to 24 hours to complete."

So I guess I'll find out sometime tomorrow whether this really works or not.

Also got the A28 update, along with a firmware update. The result is that my scheduled recordings were wiped out. Existing recordings are still there.
We got the update yesterday also. I was lucky, no series recordings were removed.

It seems like the menus/guide are more responsive, but I am running into an annoying "mute" issue. When I start playing a recording, there is no sound until I skip back 15 seconds. When a recording ends and I go back to live tv, same thing, no sounds until I skip back.

Well, I just read a post over at dslreports.com where someone entered 60102 for the zip code and got their myDVR Manager feature working. I just tried it and it reports that

So I guess I'll find out sometime tomorrow whether this really works or not.

Holy crap, it actually worked. I changed my zip code on the xfinity fancast page to 60102 and myDVR Manager loaded right up. Now I have options to record shows in the TV listings.

anyone else get the 3D channel yesterday? 983 or something.

My TiVo alerted me to its existence, but I didn't try to tune it in.

My TiVo alerted me to its existence, but I didn't try to tune it in.

same here

Holy crap, it actually worked. I changed my zip code on the xfinity fancast page to 60102 and myDVR Manager loaded right up. Now I have options to record shows in the TV listings.

I did the same thing. Very cool. It would be nice if you could view what's currently recorded on your DVR.

Anyone have a link that describes the new features of the guide update?

Anyone have a link that describes the new features of the guide update?

http://www.comcast.net/newguide/

Holy crap, it actually worked. I changed my zip code on the xfinity fancast page to 60102 and myDVR Manager loaded right up. Now I have options to record shows in the TV listings.

When I entered my zip, it said "coming soon to your neighborhood". When I changed the zip to 60102, it said "Uh oh, we have a problem". Any suggestions?

Only the DVR portion of the menu was changed on my two DVR's. The guide portion remains unchanged. Weren't we supposed to get an updated guide interface?

anyone else get the 3D channel yesterday? 983 or something.

It's on 986 here in Schaumburg. There's a static screen up right now with info about the coverage that starts this afternoon at 2pm. Unfortunately I don't have the necessary hardware to watch in 3D, so this is just a passing curiosity for me.

When I entered my zip, it said "coming soon to your neighborhood". When I changed the zip to 60102, it said "Uh oh, we have a problem". Any suggestions?

Restart your browser and try again? Don't know what to tell you - I didn't encounter any problems.

Holy crap, it actually worked. I changed my zip code on the xfinity fancast page to 60102 and myDVR Manager loaded right up. Now I have options to record shows in the TV listings.

Worked for me too. The only (small) issue is that analog lineup is slightly different for 60102, but I rarely watch/record anything non HD anyway.

I use a Series 2 TiVo with one of the old Motorola SD digital boxes that Comcast supplies. Yesterday the TiVo lost the ability to change the channel of the STB through the serial port. A change to the IR cabble restored everything. I searched a little online and there was an old (2006) thread that Comcast was disabling the serial port in some markets. Anyone know if this is happening in Chicago, or just yet another Motorola STB dying on me?

It seems like the menus/guide are more responsive, but I am running into an annoying "mute" issue. When I start playing a recording, there is no sound until I skip back 15 seconds. When a recording ends and I go back to live tv, same thing, no sounds until I skip back.

I'm in Northbrook and have the same issue. I didn't think about using skip-back; I pause and then un-pause, which does the trick. Skip-back makes more sense, since I missed what they said and need to back up anyway.

Just in case anyone wondered how the Masters in 3D looked on a non-3D set:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4500288459_c0d7f2d356.jpg

Lol

It seems like the menus/guide are more responsive, but I am running into an annoying "mute" issue. When I start playing a recording, there is no sound until I skip back 15 seconds. When a recording ends and I go back to live tv, same thing, no sounds until I skip back.

I have the same issue. You don't have to skip back. A simple pause/play (or pause/live) will fix it.

Received latest bill today. Included is a price sheet with a number of changes. Most video services going up by $1-$3 although DVR service is decreasing.

Equipment also going down....a remote is going from .25 to .23...woohoo:rolleyes:

Installation and service charges mostly going down, although now charging for self-installation kits.

digital voice and internet services also going up a couple of dollars.

New prices apply April 24.

Holy crap, it actually worked. I changed my zip code on the xfinity fancast page to 60102 and myDVR Manager loaded right up. Now I have options to record shows in the TV listings.


I did that last night, and now it says I'm already activated, but I can't figure out how to record from the internet :confused:

I just see the TV listings, but no other options

I did that last night, and now it says I'm already activated, but I can't figure out how to record from the internet :confused:

I just see the TV listings, but no other options

Click on a show in the grid. When the expanded listing shows up, you'll have an option to record the show or create a series recording.

Click on a show in the grid. When the expanded listing shows up, you'll have an option to record the show or create a series recording.

Yeah, that doesn't show up for me :(

[IM G]http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/4770/96788353.jpg[/IMG]

Yeah, that doesn't show up for me :(


Did you also change your location (change service area link) on the listings page? I had to change my zip code there as well in order for myDvr manager to show up.

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7338/capturebx.jpg

Okay, this is what you should be seeing:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4501079163_ae206b5b0b_o.png

On your cable box, check Setup/Remote Access Setup. Do you have a Cancel Service option? If the service is active, you should see an option to cancel.

Also, at the top of the Fancast TV Listings page, does the region say "Comcast Algonquin/Carpentersville - Carpentersville (Digital) 60102"? If not, correct it and try again.

The zip code trick worked for me. I had to put 60102 in the comcast.net/mydvr and in the tv listings area. I also changed to 60102 in the comcast iPhone app and can schedule from that as well.

Did you also change your location (change service area link) on the listings page? I had to change my zip code there as well in order for myDvr manager to show up.

[IM G]http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7338/capturebx.jpg[/IMG]



Yep, that did the trick! THANKS!!

Just in case anyone wondered how the Masters in 3D looked on a non-3D set:

Yup.  Saw that too.  Later I wondered how it would look through component instead of HDMI (Comcast's instructions say 3-D viewing requires and HDMI connection) and how it looks through QAM, but it was over for the day and I won't be home during the 3-D broadcast tomorrow, so I'll have to check again the day after tomorrow.

I use a Series 2 TiVo with one of the old Motorola SD digital boxes that Comcast supplies. Yesterday the TiVo lost the ability to change the channel of the STB through the serial port. A change to the IR cabble restored everything. I searched a little online and there was an old (2006) thread that Comcast was disabling the serial port in some markets. Anyone know if this is happening in Chicago, or just yet another Motorola STB dying on me?

Did you recently get a firmware or guide update on your box? It's been pretty common for the serial port to get disabled after a firmware update. Since it was never officially supported, once it's gone, you're probably not getting it back.

Okay, I've got another issue:

I signed up for MyDVR last night, and now today I had a recording that I didn't even schedule show up.

I'm guessing this was someone else's recording that got programmed to my DVR. Also, a series recording that I set up online has yet to show up on my unit.

(I was able to set a recording online that worked though)

Did you recently get a firmware or guide update on your box? It's been pretty common for the serial port to get disabled after a firmware update. Since it was never officially supported, once it's gone, you're probably not getting it back.

I'll have to check if there was a firmware update. I really don't pay much attention to the box unless it gives me trouble, I do everything through the TiVo and rarely use OnDemand. The "Messages" light is on, but I tend to ignore it since most messages are just advertisements.

By the way, this isn't a DVR, just a very basic and old SD Motorola box. Doesn't seem that anything COULD be updated on this dinosaur.

Glad in a way to hear the serial port can get disabled, was getting nervous that it was the TiVo giving out on me... Took a few tries to get the IR working (interference mostly and the Motorola box not behaving well), lost programming a few shows, but so far so good.

I use a Series 2 TiVo with one of the old Motorola SD digital boxes that Comcast supplies. Yesterday the TiVo lost the ability to change the channel of the STB through the serial port. A change to the IR cabble restored everything. I searched a little online and there was an old (2006) thread that Comcast was disabling the serial port in some markets. Anyone know if this is happening in Chicago, or just yet another Motorola STB dying on me?

Mine still works.

It's looking like everything is locked down here in Highland Park, I can't even get locals in clear QAM anymore. My BeyondTV channel scan only found 4 channels today (it was 24 last night). So much for HD recordings...

Just in case anyone wondered how the Masters in 3D looked on a non-3D set:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2803/4500288459_c0d7f2d356.jpg

:D That's what I saw when I tuned in the channel on my Series 3 TiVo HD. They had some music video up at first. That is NOT what the TV industry is showing as 3D at the technology shows. It's usually the funny green and red colored fringe around the picture - not two screens.

I guess I gotta look it up, but specifically what kind of HDTV do you have to have to actually view it 3D? Is Comcast putting the 3D on its cable boxes?

I have a new Mitsubishi WD73 DLP that has 3D, but of course the odds are real good that there's no content that matches the 3D system it has, even if I were to get the compatible 3D Glasses.

I'm thinking 3D is gonna be as big a hit with consumers as Quadraphonic was, although in that case there was a standard.

fyi, 3D channel is gone now.

netringer

Right now out of the box, these Mitsubishi DLP's are “only” 3D compatible with games using a 3D capable PC.

Mits will make a adapter (3DC-1000) available in June for compatibility with 3-D Blu-Ray players and 3-D television (cable & satellite), for over/under and side/side 3D.

So, right now we are out of luck until the adapter is available.

For some reason on MyDVR it lists

DVR 1
DVR 2
DVR 2

I do have 3 DVRs. I'm testing it now by recording something on each. Does anybody know how to relabel the DVRs after I discover which is which?

----
About 30 seconds on the site and I found it.

Just click in the MyDVR bar and then choose DVR settings in the manager

Received the A28 software update in Elmhurst last night. I notice the changes in the DVR screen, but the actual guide itself looks the same. Just played with it a couple of minutes this morning though.

I just got a new DCX3400 to replace a DCH3416. After activating all the channels were fine. However, pressing the guide button, the OnDemand button, the menu button. the MyDVR button had no effect.

The IR light blinks but nothing happens.

After several hours, 3 activation tries by Comcast, and no resolution, I put the old box back in and have a service call to look at the new box.

Anyone else ever experience anything like this?


Thanks.

I just got a new DCX3400 to replace a DCH3416. After activating all the channels were fine. However, pressing the guide button, the OnDemand button, the menu button. the MyDVR button had no effect.

The IR light blinks but nothing happens.

After several hours, 3 activation tries by Comcast, and no resolution, I put the old box back in and have a service call to look at the new box.

Did you get a new remote control when you swapped boxes? I believe there was an issue where the old remote didn't work 100% with the DCX boxes. If this is the case, then go to your local Comcast office and ask for a new remote.

Yes - got new remote with new box.

It's looking like everything is locked down here in Highland Park, I can't even get locals in clear QAM anymore. My BeyondTV channel scan only found 4 channels today (it was 24 last night). So much for HD recordings...

Did the local channels ever come back on QAM for you?

Woke up this morning to all of the non-OTA analogs now gone also. A few days earlier than what letter I received said. So much for those overnight recordings I had set.

Woke up this morning to all of the non-OTA analogs now gone also. A few days earlier than what letter I received said. So much for those overnight recordings I had set.

Why did they cut off all the analog channels? Do they still offer analog channels?

have one tv with direct Comcast feed into it, so using the QAM tuner
the 3D channel came in on 109.1
the screen looked like two pictures side by side

My DVR working here in Elmhurst now, including working with the iPhone app!

Why did they cut off all the analog channels? Do they still offer analog channels?Just the locals.

Why? As they like to put it, "more efficient use of the bandwith".

Did the local channels ever come back on QAM for you?
No, now I don't find anything anymore.

Here are the upcoming channel addtionss. Note that I live in Crystal Lake, so I'm not sure how many other areas will be getting these. This is contained in the letter detailing the transtion to an all digital delivery system, thus need either a box or a converter to get most channels.

No rate hike mentioned in this letter.

Added to Digital Starter effective 4/28/10:
225 Nick HD
226 Cartoon Network HD
228 Lifetime HD
262 E! HD
287 Style HD
288 G4 HD
290 Spike HD
293 Travel Channel HD
294 Comedy Central HD
296 MTV HD
297 VH1 HD

Added to Digital Starter effective 5/26/10:
234 NHL Network HD
270 Weather Channel HD
295 BET HD
317 MSNBC HD
318 Headline News HD
320 truTV HD
321 Hallmark HD
322 HSN HD
323 History International HD
450 Team PPV HD
460 Game PPV HD
829 iN DEMAND HD PPV

Added to Digital Classic effective 4/28/10
289 TV One HD

Added to Digital Classic effective 5/26/10:
298 CMT HD
299 Gospel Music Channel HD
319 Turner Classic Movies HD
324 Investigation Discovery HD
507 ReelzChannel

Added to Sports Entertainment Package effective 5/26/10:
232 CBS College Sports Network HD
234 NHL Network HD
236 Tennis Channel HD
254 NFL RedZone HD

Newly launched Digital subscription service effective 4/28/10:
257 Starz Kids & Family HD
258 Starz Comedy HD
259 Starz Edge HD

Newly launched Digital subscription service effective 5/26/10:
300 HBO 2 HD
301 HBO Comedy HD
304 HBO Zone HD
305 HBO Latino HD
307 ActionMAX E HD
308 Showtime Too HD
309 Showtime Showcase HD
310 Showtime Extreme HD
314 The Movie Channel HD
315 The Movie Channel Xtra HD
316 5StarMAX E HD
567 5StarMAX E

AWESOME!!! I didn't get a letter, but I'm next door in Cary and sure hope we get the same channels!

dmk

You should have received the 3rd letter around April 1, it said Xfinity in big red letters on the envelope, with all the details on the big changes April 27/28 and May 25/26.

Yes the lineup and dates are all the same for Crystal Lake, Cary, Algonquin, Lake In The Hills, Elgin, South Elgin, Sleepy Hollow, Lakewood, Oakwood Hills, Pingree Grove, Fox River Grove, Huntley, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, South Barrington, Barrington Hills.

Anyone around the Arlington Heights area receive any letters? Getting kind of sick of not having HD channels that all the other providers seem to have.

Anyone around the Arlington Heights area receive any letters? Getting kind of sick of not having HD channels that all the other providers seem to have.
Arlington Heights first round of analog cuts starts on July 27, so you should get the third letter in late June.

Did the local channels ever come back on QAM for you?
I tried a QAM scan again, and now I get WCPX, WCIU, WPWR, WYCC, and WLS in HD. The rest of the locals I get in SD only. I was getting the extra WTTW channels like Create, now those are gone. About 24 channels total.

Anyone around the Arlington Heights area receive any letters? Getting kind of sick of not having HD channels that all the other providers seem to have.
I agree! How about the North suburbs? Anyone hear when Lincolnshire, Highland Park, etc. will get this same line-up of HD channels?

I agree! How about the North suburbs? Anyone hear when Lincolnshire, Highland Park, etc. will get this same line-up of HD channels?
Bannockburn, Deerfield, Delmar Woods, Ft. Sheridan, Glenco, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Riverwoods, & Winnetka starts 6/22/10.

Bannockburn, Deerfield, Delmar Woods, Ft. Sheridan, Glenco, Highland Park, Highwood, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire, Mettawa, Riverwoods, & Winnetka starts 6/22/10.
Thanks! --- Finally, a light at the end of this lo-o-o-o-ng tunnel. Will we be getting the same HD line-up as everyone else? (Do you work for Comcast?)

The lineups will be about the same for all 8 north & northwest suburban headends.

(I do not work for Comcast)

These additional HD's and digital transition is Comcast's version of the Chicago area deep tunnel project, 35+ years & counting. It seems just as long waiting for Comcast.

The lineups will be about the same for all 8 north & northwest suburban headends.

(I do not work for Comcast)

These additional HD's and digital transition is Comcast's version of the Chicago area deep tunnel project, 35+ years & counting. It seems just as long waiting for Comcast.
Ha! :rolleyes: How true! (unfortunately).

Last night we got a bunch of new HD channels. We're in Downers Grove but I think the "area" is Elmhurst. Anyway we finally have Comedy Central in HD, woohoo!

Notice on the box this morning about some channel rearranging on June 1. No change in tiers, just channel numbers:
Ovation moving from 182 to 150
ABC Weather moving from 193 to 244
NBC Weather+ moving from 194 to 252

Basically, they are clustering almost all of the broadcast subchannels together now. Only Live Well HD and MeTV will be out of the group.

Got the same message on mine here in Lincolnshire.

Since my cable box's firmware was updated I don't get on demand I get Reference C;-L7 and I get Request Failed any suugestions

Nevermind I had to pull the plug on it.

Any CableCard users here?
Do I relly need a technician to get a CableCard?

Any CableCard users here?
Do I relly need a technician to get a CableCard?

CC is dead! And yes, you do need a technician from what I remember

I feared it is true. They want $20 to come out.

Why are you saying CC is dead? Because of M-Card? I think the opposite is true with the advent of Windows 7 support and the new upcoming tuners....
Can't wait to ditch the Motorola box.

Any CableCard users here?
Do I relly need a technician to get a CableCard?

Its been a couple of years since I put my card into my tivohd. By policy, I could pick up the card and do it myself. The reality ended up being that I needed multiple truck rolls because nobody could get their act together to actually properly enter the card into their system (ironic you need a truck roll to get it finally entered into their system).

If they let you pick it up still, its worth a try.

Any CableCard users here?
Do I relly need a technician to get a CableCard?

Well...all that really matters is that Comcast (in this area) usually says you do!:rolleyes:

Its been a couple of years since I put my card into my tivohd. By policy, I could pick up the card and do it myself. The reality ended up being that I needed multiple truck rolls because nobody could get their act together to actually properly enter the card into their system (ironic you need a truck roll to get it finally entered into their system).

If they let you pick it up still, its worth a try.

As I recall, there was one office in Chicago that would let you pick up the card.

I was unable to convince anyone to let me pick one up from the Naperville office.

Does anyone know when the newer channels like Comedy Central HD will be coming the north side (Lincoln Square area)? I have only seen definitive dates for the suburbs. I only have tivos and no new messages have popped up yet.

thanks.

Does anyone know when the newer channels like Comedy Central HD will be coming the north side (Lincoln Square area)? I have only seen definitive dates for the suburbs. I only have tivos and no new messages have popped up yet.

thanks.

April 28th

Cubs game not in HD tonight on CSN+? :mad:

cubs game not in hd tonight on csn+? :mad:

espn

espn

ESPN = no Len and Bob

Game now in HD, halfway thru... better late than never

Notice on the box this morning about some channel rearranging on June 1. No change in tiers, just channel numbers:
Ovation moving from 182 to 150
ABC Weather moving from 193 to 244
NBC Weather+ moving from 194 to 252

These were noted in my bill this morning, along with a couple other things:

Important Account Information

On 6/1/10, the following channels will move to new channel numbers but their service level will not change: Ovation (chl. 182 to 150), ABC 7 News Now (chl. 193 to 244), NBC Plus (chl. 194 to 252).

New high-definition channels will be added to the Comcast lineup and will require HD equipment.
-- Added to Digital Starter on 5/26/10: Hallmark Channel HD (chl. 321), HSN HD (chl. 322), History International HD (chl. 323) and MSNBC HD (chl. 317).
-- Added to Digital Classic on 5/26/10: Gospel Music Channel HD (chl. 299) and Investigation Discovery HD (chl. 324).
-- Added to Basic Service on 6/1/10: WGBO HD (chl. 182), WSNS HD (chl. 193) and WXFT HD (chl. 194).

I also got an extensive list of new prices - some higher, some lower - and a buzzword-filled explanation for the changes. Highlights:

- My digital preferred w/1 premium is going up from $88.97 to $92.95. That's not too awful, especially after a couple of years with no increases here. Unfortunately, digital additional outlet service is also going up from $5.99 to $7.95. Digital starter outlets go from $1.99 to $7.95.

- Internet is going up $2 for all tiers (I'm not a subscriber).

- Various installation charges are decreasing.

- Good news for those with multiple HDTVs/boxes: "The HDTV Equipment charge will no longer be charged on a per receiver basis, and will now only be charged on the primary outlet."

- SD DVR service will no longer be available for new customers. "If you currently have Standard-Definition DVR Service on outlets as of 6/14/2010, we will continue to support this service on your existing outlets provided that equipment continues to be available or until you receive further notice."

These were noted in my bill this morning, along with a couple other things:



I also got an extensive list of new prices - some higher, some lower - and a buzzword-filled explanation for the changes. Highlights:

- My digital preferred w/1 premium is going up from $88.97 to $92.95. That's not too awful, especially after a couple of years with no increases here. Unfortunately, digital additional outlet service is also going up from $5.99 to $7.95. Digital starter outlets go from $1.99 to $7.95.

- Internet is going up $2 for all tiers (I'm not a subscriber).

- Various installation charges are decreasing.

- Good news for those with multiple HDTVs/boxes: "The HDTV Equipment charge will no longer be charged on a per receiver basis, and will now only be charged on the primary outlet."

- SD DVR service will no longer be available for new customers. "If you currently have Standard-Definition DVR Service on outlets as of 6/14/2010, we will continue to support this service on your existing outlets provided that equipment continues to be available or until you receive further notice."
- Good news for those with multiple HDTVs/boxes: "The HDTV Equipment charge will no longer be charged on a per receiver basis, and will now only be charged on the primary outlet."

So if you have 2 HD DVRs what is the new price?

I assume DVR's are exempt from this.

- Good news for those with multiple HDTVs/boxes: "The HDTV Equipment charge will no longer be charged on a per receiver basis, and will now only be charged on the primary outlet."

So if you have 2 HD DVRs what is the new price?

This is interesting if true. My bill for Triple play has ballooned from about $159 a month to $249.00 My wife just about popped a gourd! The kicker is, I have 3 TVs without boxes. Now I need boxes to continue to receive almost anything except locals. Sure, I can get DTA's, but no HD with those. I am thinking of dumping the TV service, and just keeping cable and phone.

Has anyone had success getting them to comp the HD boxes?

This is interesting if true. My bill for Triple play has ballooned from about $159 a month to $249.00 My wife just about popped a gourd! The kicker is, I have 3 TVs without boxes. Now I need boxes to continue to receive almost anything except locals. Sure, I can get DTA's, but no HD with those. I am thinking of dumping the TV service, and just keeping cable and phone.

Has anyone had success getting them to comp the HD boxes?

The sad thing with the DTA is no CSN +

also about CSN + 2 first game for it is 4/22 just hit the Directv guide with no word about it on being on any other system.

MyDVR now active in Schaumburg (60173). Got an email from Comcast saying it's active, and I just tried it on the Comcast iPhone app and I can confirm it works.

This was on my 2010-04-19 bill, and there were extra pages of details about price changes and a new price list:

Important Account Information

On 5/26/10: EWTN (ch. 119) moves from Dig. Starter to Basic and requires a digital receiver/compatible equip.; six channels move from Dig. Starter to Expanded Basic: Hallmark Channel (chl. 131), Comcast Xtra (chls. 692-694), Leased Access (chl. 103) & Cable Marketplace 2 (chl. 102); eleven channels move from Digital Classic to Digital Starter: CSPAN 3 (chl. 105), PBS KIDS Sprout (chl. 127), Bloomberg TV (chl. 128), Jewelry TV (chls. 129 & 159), G4 & G4 HD (chls. 136 & 288), Hallmark Movie Channel & Hallmark Movie Channel HD (chls. 508 & 227), BIO & BIO HD chls. 275 & 269) and History Int’l (chl. 276).

On 6/1/10: these channels move to new channel numbers but their service level does not change: Ovation (chl. 182 to 150), ABC 7 News Now (chl. 193 to 244), NBC Plus (chl. 194 to 252); and WGBO HD (chl. 182), WSNS HD (chl. 193) and WXFT HD (chl. 194) are added to Basic & will require HD Equipment.

The sad thing with the DTA is no CSN +

also about CSN + 2 first game for it is 4/22 just hit the Directv guide with no word about it on being on any other system.

CSN+ is on CLTV and CSN+ 2 is on TLN.

CSN+ is on CLTV and CSN+ 2 is on TLN.

Why can't they mirror CSN + to info sd? like how CSN + HD in on INFO HD? So that a DTA can pick it up?

Hey guys.... I'm moving to Channahon IL right off of 55 and rt 6 and am currently debating my TV options. I will soon have a 58 inch panny plasma and currently own a 32 inch lcd which I want all HD channels and DVR on both. What box should I be looking to get? I am using HDMI only BTW.

Hey guys.... I'm moving to Channahon IL right off of 55 and rt 6 and am currently debating my TV options. I will soon have a 58 inch panny plasma and currently own a 32 inch lcd which I want all HD channels and DVR on both. What box should I be looking to get? I am using HDMI only BTW.
Find a Best Buy that has the Comcast rep's kiosk inside the store in the TV section and sign up with them. They will have brand new RNG110's and DCX3400 DVR's to take with, and set up your installation date. Watch for them with the red Comcast shirts, and they usually start around 11am. If the installation tech or contractor brings out the equipment, you don't know what you will get, and you probably be disappointed.

Not all Best Buy's in Chgo suburbs have Comcast reps, but many do.

Hi,
I just ordered Comcast cable and have a scheduled start date in May. I am supposed to go to the comcast office in chicago to pick up my equipment.

What type of HD-DVR will they provide me?
How can i better my chances of getting the most "up to date" while i am at the office to pick up my equipment?
thanks

For a DVR, be careful with having the latest. The DCX series are the latest, but have some weird issues, such as rebooting every day.

For a DVR, be careful with having the latest. The DCX series are the latest, but have some weird issues, such as rebooting every day.


I have seen other posts about rebooting problems with the DCX
series. I have not had any problems with my DCX 3400.
As a matter of fact I just got the A28 upgrade this past
week and everything went smoothly.

Hi,
I just ordered Comcast cable and have a scheduled start date in May. I am supposed to go to the comcast office in chicago to pick up my equipment.

What type of HD-DVR will they provide me?
How can i better my chances of getting the most "up to date" while i am at the office to pick up my equipment?
thanks

I was afraid of getting whatever they had laying around at the office and called Comcast to have them deliver a box to my house. It took 3 calls till I spoke to someone who said I could get a DCX 3200. The first 2 people I spoke with told me there was no guarantee of what I would receive.

There is a $10 delivery charge but I asked them to wave it and they did.

It beats waiting in line at the office, especially if there is not one near you with convenient hours.

It came UPS with a tracking number in abt 5 days.

It also came with 2 remotes and an HDMI cable.

I wonder why it takes comcast so long to fix channel 599 to download is programming guide and station call letters

We got our DVR software upgrade about 2 weeks ago and I've noticed that ever since we got it, our guide barely goes out about a week before we start getting "To Be Announced" for everything. With the old software, we got at least 2 weeks of programming on the guide. Anyone else noticing this?

I don't have one of those boxes anymore, but I remember something similar happening to me, and what it seemed to come down to is that the memory available is limited, so as more and more and more channels are added, the box can store a shorter and shorter and shorter duration of upcoming programming information. Makes sense: If the table has more rows, it would have to have fewer columns to remain with the same number of cells.

Here's a weird bug we've noticed with the latest software update. If we're watching something while it's recording on the other tuner, when the recording stops, we'll briefly see Info on screen for (I think) whatever program is next on the channel that just stopped recording. Has anyone else noticed this?

I wonder why it takes comcast so long to fix channel 599 to download is programming guide and station call letters

Probably waiting for WOCK to supply TVGuide with information.

Here's a weird bug we've noticed with the latest software update. If we're watching something while it's recording on the other tuner, when the recording stops, we'll briefly see Info on screen for (I think) whatever program is next on the channel that just stopped recording. Has anyone else noticed this?

Yes, I have also seen this.

Another bug that is very annoying is when browsing the guide, if you press info to see more program detail, it returns you back to the top of the guide when you exit. Previous to the update you were returned to where you were.

Speaking of the Motorola DVR, I have a DCT 3416 and lately when I turn it on in the morning the display shows "dui" for a few seconds. Has it it been bar hopping while I slept ?

Speaking of the Motorola DVR, I have a DCT 3416 and lately when I turn it on in the morning the display shows "dui" for a few seconds. Has it it been bar hopping while I slept ?
It actually says DVI and indicates the HDMI/DVI handshake is taking place.

owine Thanks for the info.

Since my Series 2 TiVo is missing recordings as of late, and the Motorola SD boxes are so unreliable, I'm about to move on to a TiVo Premiere with CableCard. I've sent a couple of messages to Comcast, but not 100% clear what the charges are for multiple digital equipment:

- I have one SD box and two DTAs. I don't get any extra charges for this as of now. I am going to add an M-card for the TiVo. I know they will charge me $2.05/month for this, but do I get a break if I return one of the DTAs?

- The Comcast response states that I can pick up the M-card at my local office, which is in Elgin. Anyone have any difficulties with this? I thought some on here had problems with setup, etc. Also, they clear on the difference of an M-card from the other type?

Hopefully someone can give you local-specific and more up-to-date info, by my understanding is that the way Comcast has generally handled this in the past is that one digital device is included in your subscription, over and above the two DTAs. That included digital device can be your CableCARD. You wouldn't get a break if you return one of the DTAs, but may if you returned the SD box.

Another bug that is very annoying is when browsing the guide, if you press info to see more program detail, it returns you back to the top of the guide when you exit. Previous to the update you were returned to where you were.
This only happens when you are in 'favorites' mode. It not only moves to the top, but also to the current time, if you had scrolled over a few hours.

are 1,4,5 is screwed up in the SD channels now. I moved, but I don't think that was the reason. Oxygen is VH1, Comedy Central is Food Network, MTV is Cartoon Network, etc.

supposed to be getting the new HD channels tomorrow, right? Maybe that's the reason.

edit: nevermind, I guess the SD channels are different 8 blocks away. weird. now I'm in area 2,3

do we still get Comedy Central HD and the like tomorrow?

Anyone getting the new HD channels today? I see on the comcast.com website, the channel listings for Cary DOES list the new channels now. As of 7am, nothing showing on the boxes yet though.

talked to a CSR on chat last night - said Area 2,3 will be getting them rolled out over the next couple months, but not all at once. Didn't have a solid date for the first one though. :(

Anyone getting the new HD channels today? I see on the comcast.com website, the channel listings for Cary DOES list the new channels now. As of 7am, nothing showing on the boxes yet though.
Nope, no new HD's today in Algonquin.

Their doing DeKalb, Algonquin/Cville and Lake Zurich the same day, so who knows on the delay.

I am also waiting patiently in Cary. Come on Comcast, don't let us down (again)

All of a sudden we have lost AMC, TNT and MSNBC (ch 49, 53, 54). We still get other expanded basic channels such as CNN, Fox News, ESPN, History, etc. (ESPN on 52, History on 55). It is consistent on 3 TV's with QAM tuners, and we do not have any cable boxes. No problems for 3 1/2 years, now this. The scrrens are all snow with "No Signal" displayed. Comcast says no problems that they are aware of. Any good ideas - maybe a filter of some sort gone bad? We are in Lake Zurich, uses Vernon Hills head I believe.

All of a sudden we have lost AMC, TNT and MSNBC (ch 49, 53, 54). We still get other expanded basic channels such as CNN, Fox News, ESPN, History, etc. (ESPN on 52, History on 55). It is consistent on 3 TV's with QAM tuners, and we do not have any cable boxes. No problems for 3 1/2 years, now this. The scrrens are all snow with "No Signal" displayed. Comcast says no problems that they are aware of. Any good ideas - maybe a filter of some sort gone bad? We are in Lake Zurich, uses Vernon Hills head I believe.
Lake Zurich along with Algonquin/C'ville and DeKalb are right in the middle the digital transition starting on 4/27. If you in Lake Zurich, the head end is actually in LZ and not Vernon Hills.

If your a expanded basic subscriber, you will end up with only analog channels 2-31, 96, 97, 98 and matching digital clear QAM channels without new equipment.

If you want to keep what you had, you will need to subscribe to a digital package, and get digital set top boxes or small DTA tuners for all sets. You should have been getting 2 mailings from Comcast last fall, and one about a month ago telling all about it.

You need to contact Comcast or stop by the Lake Zurich office 880 Donata Ct, off Oakwood Dr.

jay, not to bug you but you seem knowledgeable. Any idea if Chicago Areas 2,3 will be getting the new HD channels like Comedy Central relatively soon? Thanks!

Lake Zurich along with Algonquin/C'ville and DeKalb are right in the middle the digital transition starting on 4/27. If you in Lake Zurich, the head end is actually in LZ and not Vernon Hills.

If your a expanded basic subscriber, you will end up with only analog channels 2-31, 96, 97, 98 and matching digital clear QAM channels without new equipment.

If you want to keep what you had, you will need to subscribe to a digital package, and get digital set top boxes or small DTA tuners for all sets. You should have been getting 2 mailings from Comcast last fall, and one about a month ago telling all about it.

You need to contact Comcast or stop by the Lake Zurich office 880 Donata Ct, off Oakwood Dr.
No letters or anything from Comcast, and no emails. Don't you think the Comcast rep I spoke with might have mentioned a conversion? Anyway, new Comcast hardware for my TV's - 3 wall mounted flat screens and 4 other TV's - is unreasonable. For $28 additional per month I can add the "newly to be missing" channels AND a bunch of Sirius music to my Dish installation (2 receivers, 2 tuners each, 1 with DVR), buy 3 RF remotes ($10 each on ebay) and be happy (except on really bad snow days). I will hang tight for a few days to see what happens to CNN etc. because our area has had some strange results with Comcast. Btw - do you know the digital freq's for MSNBC? I really miss Rachel Maddow.

No letters or anything from Comcast, and no emails. Don't you think the Comcast rep I spoke with might have mentioned a conversion? Anyway, new Comcast hardware for my TV's - 3 wall mounted flat screens and 4 other TV's - is unreasonable. For $28 additional per month I can add the "newly to be missing" channels AND a bunch of Sirius music to my Dish installation (2 receivers, 2 tuners each, 1 with DVR), buy 3 RF remotes ($10 each on ebay) and be happy (except on really bad snow days). I will hang tight for a few days to see what happens to CNN etc. because our area has had some strange results with Comcast. Btw - do you know the digital freq's for MSNBC? I really miss Rachel Maddow.

The previous poster is correct. We are in Barrington, and the transition started yesterday. We've gotten STBs/DTAs for all our sets..what a drag...seems like 1978 all over again. Hoping Uverse comes to Barrington sometime in the near future.

The previous poster is correct. We are in Barrington, and the transition started yesterday. We've gotten STBs/DTAs for all our sets..what a drag...seems like 1978 all over again. Hoping Uverse comes to Barrington sometime in the near future.
I'm not too sure about Uverse, either - have you seen the prices (and @ $7.00 per extra TV it's worse than it seems). Have a look at Dish. Our bill is currently $72/mo for "family" package (50 channels), including local channels (to record Bears games), the full HBO, Cinemax and Showtime tiers, 2 HD receivers (both with 2 tuners) and DVR. It will be plus $28 per month to go to the 200 channel package, which gets all of the old expanded basic channels (MSNBC, AMC, Bravo, Golf, etc.) PLUS NFL, NBA and a bunch of Sirius music channels. The downside is HD on only one TV per receiver and an occasional loss of signal in extremely snarfy weather (which are the reasons we've kept Comcast).

They have triple (or more) LNB's now so 3 (or more) receivers (each with 1 HD TV) is possible if you need that.

I am also waiting patiently in Cary. Come on Comcast, don't let us down (again)

Yeah, let's get it together Comcast! When I look up my channel lineup on your website, it says that I should have been getting these channels since 4/20!

http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx?print=1&CGID=2128

The previous poster is correct. We are in Barrington, and the transition started yesterday. We've gotten STBs/DTAs for all our sets..what a drag...seems like 1978 all over again. Hoping Uverse comes to Barrington sometime in the near future.

If you have more then 4 tv or more then 2 HD less if you want to DVR HD then U-verse is not full you.

There 2HD / 2 sd or 3hd /1 sd limits suck and $7 per tv as well?

Directv is better $5 per box 1 box free and that is for any box 4 HD dvr's just pay $15/m rent for all of them.

I'm not too sure about Uverse, either - have you seen the prices (and @ $7.00 per extra TV it's worse than it seems). Have a look at Dish. Our bill is currently $72/mo for "family" package (50 channels), including local channels (to record Bears games), the full HBO, Cinemax and Showtime tiers, 2 HD receivers (both with 2 tuners) and DVR. It will be plus $28 per month to go to the 200 channel package, which gets all of the old expanded basic channels (MSNBC, AMC, Bravo, Golf, etc.) PLUS NFL, NBA and a bunch of Sirius music channels. The downside is HD on only one TV per receiver and an occasional loss of signal in extremely snarfy weather (which are the reasons we've kept Comcast).

They have triple (or more) LNB's now so 3 (or more) receivers (each with 1 HD TV) is possible if you need that.

Directv is better then dish in Chicago area the lack of CSN CHI HD full time is a joke and even then they don't have the room to show all CSN HD and CSN + HD games as well.

Yeah, let's get it together Comcast! When I look up my channel lineup on your website, it says that I should have been getting these channels since 4/20!

http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx?print=1&CGID=2128
The channel list was updated on 4/20 in prep for the upcoming transition. That doesn't say that you would start getting anything on the 20th. Just like any form, it has a date on it for tracking and version control, nothing more.

The channel list was updated on 4/20 in prep for the upcoming transition. That doesn't say that you would start getting anything on the 20th. Just like any form, it has a date on it for tracking and version control, nothing more.

That may be the actual case, but if I'm someone that knows nothing of a transition or additional channels coming in, I would expect that when I go to the comcast website to look up what channels I should be receiving, that information should be current. It does not say on there anywhere that certain channels are pending or anything of the sort.

jay, not to bug you but you seem knowledgeable. Any idea if Chicago Areas 2,3 will be getting the new HD channels like Comedy Central relatively soon? Thanks!
Sorry, I haven't seen anything on the Chicago city area's getting any more HD's yet.

talked to a CSR on chat last night - said Area 2,3 will be getting them rolled out over the next couple months, but not all at once. Didn't have a solid date for the first one though.Thanks.  I hope that's for real and the CSR wasn't just telling you what you wanted to hear.

Btw - do you know the digital freq's for MSNBC? I really miss Rachel Maddow.

I've been substituting the Internet for the converted Comcast cable channels in my office. It's not the same, but quite acceptable.

CNN often streams live news, and MSNBC makes Olbermann and Maddow available on their web site and also via iTunes fairly quickly after broadcast.

Just another way to deal with this Comcast channel mess.

In Cary, the new channels are now live! My boy will be thrilled to finally see Clone Wars in HD on Friday!

In Cary, the new channels are now live! My boy will be thrilled to finally see Clone Wars in HD on Friday!
Yep, 15 new HD's today on the Algonquin headend.

We got our DVR software upgrade about 2 weeks ago and I've noticed that ever since we got it, our guide barely goes out about a week before we start getting "To Be Announced" for everything. With the old software, we got at least 2 weeks of programming on the guide. Anyone else noticing this?



I have noticed this also. I used to get at least 2 weeks now I get a little
over 1 week. Hopefully this will be fixed.

Yep, 15 new HD's today on the Algonquin headend.

When is TWC HD coming?

When is TWC HD coming?
TWC HD is included in phase 2 HD adds (33 channels) scheduled for around May 26 on ch 270.

TWC HD is included in phase 2 HD adds (33 channels) scheduled for around May 26 on ch 270.
Jay ---- Do you happen to know the Headend for Lincolnshire? It used to be Highland Park, but a Comcast representative told me that our headend is no longer HP, but didn't know exactly where it is now. Also, thanks again for telling me our first set of new HD channels are coming on June 22nd, a date that she confirmed and also mentioned that our "area" is Mount Prospect even tho we're North suburbs and Mt. Prospect is NW. But Mt. Prospect is NOT our Headend, she said! She also said on July 20th we will get the rest of the HD channels. Is that what you've heard, too?
Thanks again for all your knowledge!!! :)

Jay ---- Do you happen to know the Headend for Lincolnshire? It used to be Highland Park, but a Comcast representative told me that our headend is no longer HP, but didn't know exactly where it is now. Also, thanks again for telling me our first set of new HD channels are coming on June 22nd, a date that she confirmed and also mentioned that our "area" is Mount Prospect even tho we're North suburbs and Mt. Prospect is NW. But Mt. Prospect is NOT our Headend, she said! She also said on July 20th we will get the rest of the HD channels. Is that what you've heard, too?
Thanks again for all your knowledge!!! :)
It has gotten more complicated since the 8 headends on the N & NW suburbs are all on a "cluster" with the master headend in Mt. Prospect. Technically, Lincolnshire is still considered Highland Park with a unique channel lineup. There is still a building there, counter people, and actually the dish and tower is still there, it just doesn't process the programming like it used to, it's more like a "hub". CC could also tied your system into Libertyville now. They just don't pull in the OTA and satellite channels at each headend anymore. As far as Comcast, N & NW doesn't really matter, they are all on the same cluster. It is a fact though, each hub does have different channel lineups, possibly different bandwidth on the outside plant, and it's own lineup of RF QAM and analog channels. If you look at the QAM lineups of each of these systems, they are somewhat similar, but still unique to each system, as each hub reprocesses the feed from Mt. Prospect to it's own virtual channel lineup and the RF channel positions.

As far as the HD's here, we got 15 this week, and will get the remaining 33 HD's in 4 weeks. It should be similar for all the N & NW systems, 4 weeks between 1st phase and 2nd phase.

Thanks! I appreciate it.

TWC HD is included in phase 2 HD adds (33 channels) scheduled for around May 26 on ch 270.

The bigger question should be where is the weather star HD?

It has gotten more complicated since the 8 headends on the N & NW suburbs are all on a "cluster" with the master headend in Mt. Prospect. Technically, Lincolnshire is still considered Highland Park with a unique channel lineup. There is still a building there, counter people, and actually the dish and tower is still there, it just doesn't process the programming like it used to, it's more like a "hub". CC could also tied your system into Libertyville now. They just don't pull in the OTA and satellite channels at each headend anymore. As far as Comcast, N & NW doesn't really matter, they are all on the same cluster. It is a fact though, each hub does have different channel lineups, possibly different bandwidth on the outside plant, and it's own lineup of RF QAM and analog channels. If you look at the QAM lineups of each of these systems, they are somewhat similar, but still unique to each system, as each hub reprocesses the feed from Mt. Prospect to it's own virtual channel lineup and the RF channel positions.

As far as the HD's here, we got 15 this week, and will get the remaining 33 HD's in 4 weeks. It should be similar for all the N & NW systems, 4 weeks between 1st phase and 2nd phase.
What is so big about the Mt. Prospect headed and any one have any info on it's history and if there any tie in's to old ON TV / Sportsvision use to have a office right near there.

and how this one end up taking so long to trun off analog tv?

I know alot about Mt Prospect, and in general the history on most systems in the N, NW and West suburbs but do not really want to share too much in fear of being criticized. Basically Mt. Prospect was a huge complicated 450mhz 120 channel dual cable headend Cablenet built in 1981-82 time frame to feed NW sub towns from Niles, Des Plaines, Mt Prospect, Arl Hgts, out towards Schaumburg, Streamwood & Hanover Park. They fed microwave links out to hubs for distribution out to the coaxial network. This system had bragging rights to more channels than any other system along with a complicated upstream coax network for interconnecting all the public buildings and was big on PEG's. This system was troublesome since the beginning and never delivered good clean TV service for many years. It was so unreliable, they ended up duplicating the channels on both the A & B cables to keep the outages down. Finally TCI bought the system, and in Streamwood and Schaumburg, built new standalone headends so they wouldn't depend on the microwave links from Mt. Prospect, and switched to a single cable system. TCI still had alot of complaints, and both Cablenet and TCI were fined by many suburbs for the poor service. The original Cablenet system used Zenith set top boxes.

I don't know of any tie to ON-TV or Sportsvision.

As far as the analog shut down, there are alot of subscribers in the suburbs, and CC needs to do a smooth transition, if you did everyone at once, the support would probably be overloaded causing customer complaints, plus the crew can only do so many at once.

I know alot about Mt Prospect, and in general the history on most systems in the N, NW and West suburbs but do not really want to share too much in fear of being criticized. Basically Mt. Prospect was a huge complicated 450mhz 120 channel dual cable headend Cablenet built in 1981-82 time frame to feed NW sub towns from Niles, Des Plaines, Mt Prospect, Arl Hgts, out towards Schaumburg, Streamwood & Hanover Park. They fed microwave links out to hubs for distribution out to the coaxial network. This system had bragging rights to more channels than any other system along with a complicated upstream coax network for interconnecting all the public buildings and was big on PEG's. This system was troublesome since the beginning and never delivered good clean TV service for many years. It was so unreliable, they ended up duplicating the channels on both the A & B cables to keep the outages down. Finally TCI bought the system, and in Streamwood and Schaumburg, built new standalone headends so they wouldn't depend on the microwave links from Mt. Prospect, and switched to a single cable system. TCI still had alot of complaints, and both Cablenet and TCI were fined by many suburbs for the poor service. The original Cablenet system used Zenith set top boxes.

I don't know of any tie to ON-TV or Sportsvision.

As far as the analog shut down, there are alot of subscribers in the suburbs, and CC needs to do a smooth transition, if you did everyone at once, the support would probably be overloaded causing customer complaints, plus the crew can only do so many at once.
Did they have ON-TV, Spectrum and Sportsvision on it? The OTA ver of them? the cable vers of Sportsvision (1984?) and Hawkvision (1992) came at a later time.

I think they did have sega channel.

Did it have Telaction Cable Shopping? Jones Intercable had it? When did Jones Intercable start and did they have ON-TV, Spectrum and Sportsvision OTA on it?

Is there a listing of all the hardware that Comcast might deliver in Chicago area depending on which package (Digital Starter vs. some of the more Premium, etc...) Packages?. Their web sight seems a little weak with this type of listing.