i've never had a not authorized message on espnHD[not even the last few days]

Originally posted by kevin j
i've never had a not authorized message on espnHD[not even the last few days]

Apparently there's a lot of local work going on. The ESPN-HD outage looks like it's specific to the NW burbs; likewise, I don't think I received a firmware update (I don't see any of the additional service menu items mentioned by bkozlowski).

Originally posted by FSugino
Apparently there's a lot of local work going on. The ESPN-HD outage looks like it's specific to the NW burbs; likewise, I don't think I received a firmware update (I don't see any of the additional service menu items mentioned by bkozlowski).

Power you 5100 box off and press the select button.

ESPN HD still out in Palatine..... :( Gone since Monday night.

-Kevin

Originally posted by bkozlowski
Power you 5100 box off and press the select button.

The Select button doesn't do anything on my 5100 box. The Menu button brings up the User Settings, but there's nothing new there.

There's nothing new in the Setup screens in the 5100 onscreen menu, either. The firmware in my set is 05.03, S/W version 51.42-2002. Does your set contain something more current?

Originally posted by FSugino
The Select button doesn't do anything on my 5100 box. The Menu button brings up the User Settings, but there's nothing new there.

There's nothing new in the Setup screens in the 5100 onscreen menu, either. The firmware in my set is 05.03, S/W version 51.42-2002. Does your set contain something more current?


Don't remember the firmware version I have but there is another menu that is accessable by power the 5100 down and immediatley press the select button. An onscreen menu should appear.

b

Got it - it's the diagnostics screen. I forgot this was even here.

You're right, the PVR and HDD status seem new.

ESPN HD and both INHD channels up in Palatine. All Starz channels gone.... The explanation had something to do with the AT&T Digital Silver vs. the Comcast Digital Silver and how they just flipped the old AT&T folks to the Comcast plan.

I was also told the INHD channels will be pay-per-view only soon....


Cheers,

Kevin

Just got off the phone with Comcast Chicago CSR who apparently didn't know anything.

Asked her if/when either the 6208 or 6408 model number HD PVR cable boxes would be available in my area.

First she thought I meant (or only knew about) the 5100 HD box.

After a minute on hold, she said when you sign up for HDTV you might get either or (she meant the 5100 or 6200 I think) depending on availability.

Oh well, will try another person later. That was my second call to CSR. First one was a couple days ago, lady said she would call me back that day, never did.

Did anyone else notice that they have finally removed the channel 113 (ABC)?

V

Just got off the phone with a very nice CSR from Tinley Park, IL. He used to work at Lucent and IBM and was learning about the cable industry etc, so he didnt have a lot of background knowledge.

We were on the phone for a good 15 mins.

He did not even know about the 6208/6408 cable boxes. He did know they were starting to phase out the 5100 and replace it with the 6200.

He also said Comcast was going to start to use the Smart Card readers on the cable boxes. He said something about using them for PPV.

He also did not know anything about OnDemand yet. He said they do not inform them of much. Or do it late.

I pointed him to this website.

He also said he sees lots of updates/upgrades coming around spring time, but he doesn't know the specifics. Said something like the North side of Chicago is testing/upgrading stuff with their network infrastructure.

Here's another one of those horror stories about a Comcast HD install.

My neighbor was scheduled for install of a DTC5100 today on his Toshiba 42HDX82. Installer came out and asked if this was an HD install to which my neighbor replied, "Yes". He then proceeded to hook up the box. Unfortunately, he neglected to install Component Video cables so my neighbor could actually see HDTV.

They also had a problem with him receiving all his premium stations. Supposedly another tech is coming out Saturday to straighten this out. I just have a hard time believing, over a year after testing began, and over six months since the actual rollout, that their installers still don't know how to hook up the box with the proper cables.

Fortunately, I had an extra set of component cables handy (the piece of crap cables they gave me when they did my install) and I was able to get him hooked up.

Just add this story to the long list of bad installs.

Mike K.

All I want for Christmas is Comcast HD in time for the Superbowl (Feb. 1st).

Called Comcast today and they said HD would be available in my area sometime either January or February 2004. Apparently, my address in 60610 puts me in the 'area 1 north' location.

Does anyone know if this estimate is too optomistic?

My friend in Lincoln Park had his HD service installed three weeks ago and the picture looks incredible on his 65" Mits RP.

Crossing my fingers.

Well, I'm in 60614 and we are negotiating with Comcast for our 400+ unit condo building. Comcast tells us that HD, DVR, and Internet (3.0 Mbps) will be available here "by September, 2004". Very disappointing.

Where in Lincoln Park is your friend with Comcast HD? Maybe we have special problems due to being a large building.

After a number of false starts (including an appointment to install HDTV that was cancelled by Comcast, who didn't bother to tell me that the appointment had been cancelled), HDTV is supposedly now available in Old Irving (i.e. Addison and Pulaski, 60641).

I have an appointment on Saturday the 27th -- I'll let you know how it goes.

I got HD Comcast cable installed yesterday. It was supposed to be installed about 2 weeks ago, but they canceled on me saying they ran out of the cable boxes. I checked my box, and it's a Motorola 6200! Good luck on your installs.

See this link for Rate increase:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/121703_ap_ns_Comcast.html

My friend who had Comcast HD installed mid-November lives on the corner of Sheffield & Montana.

OK, so that's near Fullerton and Sheffield. I'm on North & Wells. Seems strange it will be 10 more months for us to get HD.

Anyone near Old Town have Comcast HD and/or Internet now?

Has anyone heard any more news when Starz HD and Cinemax HD will launch in Chicagoland?

b

I thought Cinemax HD and Starz HD were supposed to on line on Dec .22. Has anyone heard a thing??

This is what I received from Comcast when I emailed them on Dec. 19th:

"Thank you for contacting Comcast regarding your programming choice(s).
It is our desire to provide our customers with a product that suits
their needs. We have a diverse channel lineup to meet the interests of
many of our customers. Although we do not currently provide the
channels you requested but we will certainly consider it.

We receive requests for different services all the time. I will add your
e-mail comments to our programming database, which is used to measure
customer satisfaction and channel request. Our marketing department
tracks customer requests and they do periodic surveys asking what
channels our customers want. In addition, the marketing department also
looks at how much it will cost to provide the service. Lastly, the
physical capacity to provision the programming service is also reviewed."

blah blah blah...

I received the same mail from comcast .........I asked about the NBA and INHD and they told me that I can get the NBA pass .....LOL I told then that has Nothing to do with INHD ............Like we all say all the time these people do NOT have a clue

I was just on the phone with Karen, a Comcast CS rep, BEGGING to get a DVI-based MOT installed at my place in place of the non-DVI MOT 5100 I currently have. In discussing DVI "stuff" with her, she informed me of the following "facts" (used lightly...;o):

1. No Starz and Cinemax HD...yet. I prodded her a bit on this and she wouldn't give me dates, but did sound like she knew something.

2. Said she just received an internal communication today saying that the MOT 62xx is not yet available for market roll-out, and that when it is, existing customers would be notified. Yeah, right...

She then passed me to Rick, her supervisor, who came on and said "Can you explain DVI?" :eek:...I thought as I then explained to him what it was. However, he totally surprised me by saying that he would try to get me set up with a 6200 MOT box even though their system is not yet able to handle this type of request "officially". WOO HOO!!!!

I'll update as soon as he gets back to me.

There have already been reports of 6200 installed in chicagoland area. I was scheduled for an instalation to replace my 5100 2 weeks ago, but the installer just showed up with another 5100 because Schaumburg area warehouse didn't have any 6200.

CSR and installers/local comcast have no way of communicating what's in the warehouse. I was told that the only way to do it is to keep rescheduling, so I did. They should be at my house around 10-12 tomorrow. I will feel bad turning them away at the door if they show up again with 5100, but it's their fault since both times I specifically noted that I want 6200 to replace my 5100.

Again, don't trust anything CSR's tell you. 99.9% of the time you will be better informed than they are (if you follow these forums closely).

V

Originally posted by vj9999
There have already been reports of 6200 installed in chicagoland area. I was scheduled for an instalation to replace my 5100 2 weeks ago, but the installer just showed up with another 5100 because Schaumburg area warehouse didn't have any 6200.

CSR and installers/local comcast have no way of communicating what's in the warehouse. I was told that the only way to do it is to keep rescheduling, so I did. They should be at my house around 10-12 tomorrow. I will feel bad turning them away at the door if they show up again with 5100, but it's their fault since both times I specifically noted that I want 6200 to replace my 5100.

Again, don't trust anything CSR's tell you. 99.9% of the time you will be better informed than they are (if you follow these forums closely).

V

When I wanted a L series DCT 2244 to replace my standard cable box, I was told by the CSR on the phone to go down to my local bill payment center to request one.

I did that day and she located one and scheduled an install date.

I would keep on calling back or just go down to the local office.

Originally posted by spaceboyusa
2. Said she just received an internal communication today saying that the MOT 62xx is not yet available for market roll-out, and that when it is, existing customers would be notified. Yeah, right...


I had HD installed about 2 weeks ago, the installer came out with a 6200. So yes they are available for roll out, and they are being rolled out.

Andy

As I posted earlier, I got a 6200 and I live in Downers Grove, so they are giving people them...

I had a yet another unsucessful attempt to replace my 5100 with 6200. They showed up with 5100 again. This time the installer told me that they are starting to roll out 6200, but not until second week of january. He left me a business card of a Techical Supervisor at Schaumburg office. He said that he should be able to set me up with an appointment once they get it.

I would think that Streamwood and Bartlett are both covered by Schaumburg office?!

V

Anyonw withing chicago city limits get a 6200 or 6208 yet?

Well, I live in the west loop (sangamon and vanburen) and they are telling me that I can now get HD. So I have an appt for wed afternoon. I am not holding my breath... I went through this in May when I bought the place!

Wish me luck!

I finally had my HD installed on Saturday, and the installer arrived (an hour and a half after my time window) with a 6200. Since I never had a 5100, I can't compare, but I was happy to see the newer box anyway.

The installer know nothing apart from hooking the component cables to the TV, so I had to finagle my way through the manual and trial and error to get everything set up correctly, but the picture is worth it!

Only problem is that the SO won't watch TV without Tivo, so I'm stuck occasionally catching glimpses of inHD or whatever's on HBO HD. I'll be monitoring closely for availability of the 6208!

I'm in Irving Park -- Addison and Pulaski area.

Michael

Well we just got our hd setup. We got a motorola 6200 and the picture looks amazing on the hd stuff. I have a question about the channel lineup on HD though. The only 'pay' hd channels are showtime and HBO right? I am currently getting ESPN, INHD,INHD2,nbc,abc,cbs,fox,and pbs in hd does that sound right?

JPWS6, that is the current HD channel line-up. StarzHD and CinemaxHD will be available eventually for free with a subscription to the SD service as with HBOHD and ShowHD. e.g. You pay for the HBO package and you get HBOHD free.

b

I am new to this forum but I wanted to let everyone know that after two attempts, Comcast finally set up my HDTV in zip code 60625 (Western/Lincoln) and looks great, it is the Motorola 6200.....he was a longer guy but it took about three minutes and he knew some limited information.

Originally posted by vj9999
I would think that Streamwood and Bartlett are both covered by Schaumburg office?!

V
Streamwood is supported out of the Schaumburg office, I would assume Bartlett is also covered out of Schaumburg. But you know what happens when you assume....

Andy

Earlier in this thread there was some discussion about whether Comcast's QAM channels are broadcast in the clear, and whether this included the HD cable channels. Can someone now clarify or confirm this? (I'll be getting the LG LST-3410A DVR.)

I'd also like to know if the standard analog channels are scrambled, since I'm told I can't get HD here until September (60614). :mad: I like to split the incoming cable to at least two recording devices, but don't want a cable box for each.

Actually, I've been led to believe that the analogs are not scrambled, but my friend on the northwest side of the city DOES NEED a box for each of several TV's. I tried bypassing one of his boxes and got ONLY the locals (CBS, etc.) unscrambled. All the cable channels were scrambled. He has only analog service. Could the problem be due to a "leftover" old package from a previous cable company?

Don't know if this is old news, just came across this Tribune transcript (http://www.tribune.com/investors/transcripts/creditsuisse_03.html) dated 12/11/2003. The excerpt below is from Patrick Mullen, President/Tribune Broadcasting:

Dennis [FitzSimons, Tribune's CEO] mentioned our transaction with Comcast. In addition to the Chicago sports channel and Golf Channel elements...
we've renewed our retransmission consent rights agreement for our local stations,
As Comcast rolls out HDTV, Tribune digital signals will be added to that tier,
and, I am happy to report, Comcast has agreed to substantially increase the number of Superstation WGN homes on its owned and managed systems across the country.
With the new Comcast agreement and agreements we have reached with other cable and DBS companies, WGN will add approximately 7 million additional homes over the next four years. As you would expect, similar negotiations with other cable companies continue to take place, and we fully expect our scale to prove beneficial in those discussions as well.

I was at the in-laws home yesterday and checked out their full HD lineup. Everything looked great.

Originally posted by dyaros
....he was a longer guy but it took about three minutes

???

The Comcast 6200 misinformation soap opera continues...

In my previous post, I told you about Rick the manager guy and his offer to help me get a 6200 MOT box. The reason for this is so I can hook up my Sammy HLN617W to it via DVI (versus my current component 5100 setup).

Today I received a call back from Rick with "the bad news". He said that he talked to a number of "higher ups" in the org and bottom line is they are not supporting the DVI connection on the 6200 at this time. Said differently, there's no reason why I need the 6200 cuz the DVI don't work anyway...:eek:

Here's where you come in. All of you 6200-ers out there running/using the DVI out to drive your tv/monitor, please respond (just a few of you...not all of you...;o) so I can tell Rick to back off the Cheeto's and that he is absolutely incorrect...the 6200's DVI output does work. In addition, anyone willing to PM me with the city and/or street (not address...just street) of your residence where this is happening so I can call Rick back and tell him enough of the lies and give me my gosh darn 6200...

Brain...starting...to...swell...
Anger...beginning...to...rise...

Oops..forgot...tying up another thread...

Bartlett is covered by/out of Schaumburg...

Got a message on my box yesterday saying that Starz Kids will be available 1/2. I'm crossing my fingers that Starz HD will also be added that day. It seams the only messages I get are concerning SD channels, anyone else notice this?
Here's to hoping.

b

Originally posted by bkozlowski
Got a message on my box yesterday saying that Starz Kids will be available 1/2. I'm crossing my fingers that Starz HD will also be added that day. It seams the only messages I get are concerning SD channels, anyone else notice this?
Here's to hoping.

b

I got this in Mundelein also, but I thought it said 2/2, not 1/2.

Yep, got the same message. Available 2/2/04.

Sorry I did put in the wrong date. It is 2/2.

b

Originally posted by spaceboyusa
Today I received a call back from Rick with "the bad news". He said that he talked to a number of "higher ups" in the org and bottom line is they are not supporting the DVI connection on the 6200 at this time. Said differently, there's no reason why I need the 6200 cuz the DVI don't work anyway...:eek:


I didn't realize that was why you were trying to get the 6200. Unfortunately he's right, the DVI port isn't activated yet. There was a firmware update sent out a while back to activate it, but that update was rolled back.

You can check the following two links for updates:

Motorola High Definition STB FAQ http://cjhengineering.com/DCTHDFAQ.htm
Official AVS Comcast Moto 5100 Upgrade topic http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=194404

Andy

Well, Comcast came out and of course they had no clue what they were doing. So I had to hook up the whole thing. It work however some sation are 4:3 and some are 16:9 and ESPNHD looks really streched... anythoughts

Besides that Great picture for 5$ a month. Sure beats spending 500$ on a direct tv box!

this may be old news to everyone, but i was able to get the installation fee credited back to my acct.

the csr said she could not waive it, so i asked to speak to her manager. i explained to him that the last cable guy who "installed" a box didn't understand my HT setup so i had to "re-install" it myself anyway. i told him i didn't feel i should have to pay for someone to drop off the box and they wouldn't give me a pickup option. he said he couldn't waive the fee, but he credited the exact amount back to my acct.

the key is to be incredibly nice but persistent. :)

btw, this was in woodridge, il.
-T

Originally posted by rastargate
ESPNHD looks really streched... anythoughts

Not everything on ESPNHD is HD. A lot of it is their regular SD programming which they stretch before broadcasting.

Andy

Is anybody experiencing problems with CBS (189) and PBS (191) today? Since this morning I have been getting "One moment please....This channel should be available shortly." message. I have tried unplugging my box (since I heard that sometimes this will solve the problem) and I have also tried calling Comcast to send a hit to my box, but to no avail. I just want to eliminate it being a problem at my end.

V

Yep, I had the same problem this morning when I was catching the news. All other SD & HD channels came in fine.

I have no idea if it was fixed since both my wife and I are at work.


tim

i watched about 45 minutes ago and had no problem with either channel

It's back on as of 12:30.

anybody get comcast hdtv in the chesterton/valparaiso area ?

:confused:

Got a message on my box this morning Cinemax HD and Starz HD will be available 2/3/04 on channels 195 and 196!

b

I have Comcast High Speed Internet and my promotional period is coming to an end. This means the price is going up $15. However, I can get a $15 discount on it if I sign up for cable and my representative informed me that this is the price of "Locals Only".

So my question is; If I did this and paid the $5 extra to rent the HD box I was told the HD locals are included. Is this correct? Is anybody out there doing this and if so is there anything special that I need to ask for? Would the InHD channels be included in this since they're HD or do you need to sign up for a better package to get them?

I am currently doing exactly what you describe.....comcast HSD and then subscribe to the basic package and extra $5 for HD channels. You will get CBS NBC ABC WTTW WFLD and comming sometime WGN....you will NOT get INHD or INHD2....to get these you have to subscribe to one of their digital packages.....ESPN HD is up in the air depending on where you live. I live in Elmhurst and still currently get it but from what I understand it is just a matter of time before that you will have to get a digital package to get ESPN HD

Originally posted by esimonso
Is anybody out there doing this and if so is there anything special that I need to ask for? Would the InHD channels be included in this since they're HD or do you need to sign up for a better package to get them?
I get the $15 "local" service and pay $5 for the hdbox rental. The digital channels that come thru are cbs,nbc,abc,fox,pbs. My InHD channels shut off when I changed my service from the "digital tier" to locals only.

When ordering the "local" service, the next csr you talk to may tell you there is no such service. Don't waste your time arguing. Keep calling back until you get a csr who will help you.

I sent you a pm with additional info.

Originally posted by bkozlowski
Got a message on my box this morning Cinemax HD and Starz HD will be available 2/3/04 on channels 195 and 196!

Excellent news... I was beginning to wonder when those would pop up in our area!

I got the same message out in Mundelein.

Now if we can just get WGN-DT and WPWR-DT (which should start doing HD shortly) I'd be a happy camper.

I am supposedly getting the 6200 on Sat. Can anyone comment on the picture quality of the SD channels vs the 5100? is it worth the change? anyother new features on the 6200 ? I am in the 60614 zip code and last night called comcast and they said that they are now rolling out the 6200

My 5100 died again this morning. So far I have 2 boxes that have died on me in the last 5 months. Is this normal? Anyone else having problems with their 5100 boxes? I have it plugged into a good surge protector, and none of my other components ever have problems. The customer rep. on the phone is trying to blame me for this happening, saying it's my electric or something. I have a technician coming out this weekend.

No problem with my 5100, I never turn it off, have had it for 7 months.

Originally posted by seanb61
I am supposedly getting the 6200 on Sat. Can anyone comment on the picture quality of the SD channels vs the 5100? is it worth the change? anyother new features on the 6200 ? I am in the 60614 zip code and last night called comcast and they said that they are now rolling out the 6200



Where are you located?

lincoln park.........W Montana Street

I've had some issues with WideOpenWest HD. I have a Comcast install set up for next week. I'm trying their local service+HD for $14.99+$5+tax. I'm told this includes HD on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX and PBS. It looks like this is generally the case for Chicago area Comcast based on replies in this thread. Can anyone confirm this for Naperville? Wideopenwest repeatedly told me they had CBS in my area, but upon installation I found this was not the case... I'll happily trade UPN HD on WideOpenWest for CBS on Comcast, at least until WOW! gets their issues resolved.

Any other quirks I should know about this Comcast package?

Any known issues with audio or HD on any of the channels?

Any input appreciated, especially from Naperville area subscribers.

Thanks!

Originally posted by bkozlowski
Got a message on my box this morning Cinemax HD and Starz HD will be available 2/3/04 on channels 195 and 196!

The same message just showed up today here in the Schaumburg area. Woohoo!

I have comcast HD service and live in Oswego. Is there any reason I would NOT get the message regarding Starz and Cinemax??

Thanks

Darren_C, I have not really experienced any quirks with Comcast. The PQ is generally excellent. I have had a couple of audio issues in three months - no big deal. Right now, I am more concerned about whether my Sony GWIII LCD TV will power on.

By the way, the Fox channel has no HD programming; I believe this will not occur until sometime this fall.

When did WOW begin offering HD? I have WOW high speed internet service. You would think they would contact their internet customers or send them something in the mail. What channels do they offer? I will have to check out their website later tonite.

With their basic cable package, WOW! offers HD ABC, NBC, FOX, UPN and PBS. So far, I have only seen HD programming on ABC and PBS... PBS looks great. So far, I have only seen Dolby Digital 2 channel from the digital output, nothing in 5.1 yet. I suppose there isn't much content, but I'd like to see if WOW! at least passes it.

I'm not sure when they started. Probably only recently, given how confused they are.

Has anyone lost ESPNHD on Comcast, today?

I tuned to 173 and got the "Not Authorized" message. It was there yesterday. I subscribe to a Digital Plus package and was told by a CSR that I should be authorized for that channel. Just curious if any one else was having the same problem.

Mike K.

Originally posted by mikek747
Has anyone lost ESPNHD on Comcast, today?

I tuned to 173 and got the "Not Authorized" message. It was there yesterday. I subscribe to a Digital Plus package and was told by a CSR that I should be authorized for that channel. Just curious if any one else was having the same problem.

Mike K.

Same problem in Mundelein, it was working this AM, not now. I called it in, the CSR tried to reauthorized the box, no change. I mentioned that you were also reporting the problem over in Highland Park, she said she noted that on the trouble ticket and would pass it up.

Not working here in New Lenox,IL either. I was going to call, but decided to check the forum first and it is good to see that I am not the only one.

Originally posted by jpws6
Not working here in New Lenox,IL either. I was going to call, but decided to check the forum first and it is good to see that I am not the only one.

If you haven't done so please go ahead and call it in so they know what regions are having the problem. Thanks

The CSR had me schedule a service call for next Saturday, even though I told her the problem probably wasn't here. It looks like we have confirmed that it is a widespread problem. Hopefully, they will pay attention, now that they've gotten a few calls, and get the problem resolved so I can cancel the repair visit.

Thanks for checking in, everyone. It shows what a great service this forum can provide in identifying problems, and hopefully resolving issues.

Mike K.

Now getting the same message on InHD2. Called the office, CSR said that he'll add that to the ticket and refer it to the 'central office' since he's received multiple calls about the problem.

ESPN-HD and INHD2 are back for me.

I called earlier to complain about ESPN-HD and spoke with a CSR named Omar who seemed to be knowledgeable about the situation. He said the signal from ESPN was marked as restricted even for those subscribers who should have access to it. They were working on it and they gave me a credit for the day.

I'm just happy it didn't interrupt either of the football games.

This is my first post to this forum. Thanks for all the useful info that I have gained reading this forum in the past.

Now that I have joined the ranks of actually having HDTV I feel that I can now contribute as well.

I will give my install experience. I am in Mundelein, IL and scheduled HDTV install on Dec 30th. They showed up on time with a 6200 and a crappy component cable. Plugged it all in and left. Later found out that ESPN-HD, inHD1 and inHD2 were showing Not Authorized. Called CS and they scheduled a service call. Called right back and got someone with more of a clue. They figured out that I had been signed up for digital classic pre-rebuild at $46/mo and I needed Digital classic post-rebuild at $53/mo to get those channels. I reluctantly agreed, but since I only had the 4 locals in HD, I needed to get the other three available channels in HD too. She made the change, and there they were. Picture is awesome when true HD. I get DD 5.1 when broadcast as well. Only other issue was on 1/11/04 I lost ESPN-HD and inHD2 as noted by other members. I called CS and they were aware of the problem, and told me to give it a few days. They were both back on later that night. I think I am going to get HBO too now, as they have a good HD lineup.

Originally posted by MarcL
This is my first post to this forum. Thanks for all the useful info that I have gained reading this forum in the past.

Now that I have joined the ranks of actually having HDTV I feel that I can now contribute as well.

I will give my install experience. I am in Mundelein, IL and scheduled HDTV install on Dec 30th. They showed up on time with a 6200 and a crappy component cable. Plugged it all in and left. Later found out that ESPN-HD, inHD1 and inHD2 were showing Not Authorized. Called CS and they scheduled a service call. Called right back and got someone with more of a clue. They figured out that I had been signed up for digital classic pre-rebuild at $46/mo and I needed Digital classic post-rebuild at $53/mo to get those channels. I reluctantly agreed, but since I only had the 4 locals in HD, I needed to get the other three available channels in HD too. She made the change, and there they were. Picture is awesome when true HD. I get DD 5.1 when broadcast as well. Only other issue was on 1/11/04 I lost ESPN-HD and inHD2 as noted by other members. I called CS and they were aware of the problem, and told me to give it a few days. They were both back on later that night. I think I am going to get HBO too now, as they have a good HD lineup.

MarcL, hows the quality of your analog channels? Mine don't look very good at all, very noisey. A line tech is scheduled to come out on Thursday afternoon to see if he can find anything wrong, just curious what yours looks like (also, what size screen's on your HD set?). Thanks - Rici

Originally posted by rad
MarcL, hows the quality of your analog channels? Mine don't look very good at all, very noisy. A line tech is scheduled to come out on Thursday afternoon to see if he can find anything wrong, just curious what yours looks like (also, what size screen's on your HD set?). Thanks - Rici

My analog channels through the 6200 are not quite as good as when using just the TV tuner to tune them in. They are a little fuzzier, but not really noise, more of an analog to digital to analog conversion issue I think. I read on another board that the analog channels look better when viewed through the S-video out of the 6200 as opposed to the component outputs. I have not tried that yet. I also have the 6200 set to output at 480p for 4:3 programming, but it does not really improve much over 480i. I have a 34 inch widescreen Sony XBR800. I must say however that I can record the HD chanels onto my DVD recorder (Panasonic DMR-HS2) using the S-video out of the 6200, and the recorded material is spectacular-easily DVD quality. I have not had much problem with the signal (I have had analog for a while now). I also have a new home with RG6 and high quality splitters throughout.

Originally posted by FSugino
The same message just showed up today here in the Schaumburg area. Woohoo!
Will these channels be limited to certain Chicago-land areas? I'm in Justice and have yet to receive this message.

Im in Buffalo Grove and I think my SD channels look pretty good. As a matter of fact, they are significantly better on my 51s500 than on my 27 in Sony Wega upstairs. I have the digital package and am pleased.

The component cables were really crappy and I replaced them with outlaw silver core coax for a much improved picture. My box is a Moto 5200. Might want to go 6200 if they activate DVI.

Also I am using the outlaw silver for a digital link to the Moto box. And yes, the HD is spectacular.

What I want to know is when do we get WGN HD

by baseball season...hopefully

Any area Comcast insiders on here?

I'm out in Algonquin, on the east side. I think I'm probably served by the Carpentersville facility.

Anyway, my digital cable lineup has recently changed and now lists the HD channels..

But when I call the 800 number, the CSRs tell me I can't get an HD box yet.

Originally posted by rayorleans
Any area Comcast insiders on here?

I'm out in Algonquin, on the east side. I think I'm probably served by the Carpentersville facility.

Anyway, my digital cable lineup has recently changed and now lists the HD channels..

But when I call the 800 number, the CSRs tell me I can't get an HD box yet.

I got a letter in the mail today stating that Comcast HD will be available in the Crystal Lake and Lake In The Hills area starting 2/26/04. I have a cousin that lives in Huntley and he had a Comcast HD install scheduled for today, but the installer didn't know what he was doing and couldn't get the HD channels to work (claimed it was a problem with the box...all the other channels worked though...they rescheduled his appointment for Friday). So if Huntley is available now and Crystal Lake and LITH are available at the end of February, I'd imagine Algonquin should be available real soon as well.

Marc

I am getting HD in Crystal Lake on 2/26. I have the basic digital cable box, I think a General Instruments. Will I have two boxes? The existing box and an HD box for the extra $5.00? Does anyone have two boxes? Which HD box should I try to get? Do they have any kind of DVR capabilities yet?

Thanks.

Jack

You'll just need one box.

I, and most others, have the Motorola DCT 5100. According to earlier posts, the DCT 6200 is now being rolled out.

The DCT 6208 has DVR capabilities and, per earlier posts, is scheduled to be released early this year.

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/dct5100/
http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/dct6200/
http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6208.asp

Originally posted by Heymike
You'll just need one box.




Will they let me have two boxes? (No additional charge?) Sometimes I watch HD, while taping other shows on my ReplayTV.

If I can only have one box, can I use both outputs easily. Component to my TV and Cable-out to my ReplayTV?

Thanks again!!

I e-mailed WGN TV yesterday regarding WGN HD availability for Chicago area Comcast customers. This is their response (which I received this morning):

>Tim:
>
>Sometime this year. They haven't given us a launch date.
>
>Thanks for writing.
>
>George

So hopefully we'll have it in time for baseball.


tim

Has anyone in the 60657 zip code, (Sheffield and Belmont area) heard anything about when Comcast will be providing HDTV service to our area? How about Wow?

Originally posted by timdgibson
I e-mailed WGN TV yesterday regarding WGN HD availability for Chicago area Comcast customers. This is their response (which I received this morning):


tim

I'm in Vernon Hills and I get WGN HD via Comcast.....??

Originally posted by dwk
I'm in Vernon Hills and I get WGN HD via Comcast.....??

What channel number is it on?

V

Originally posted by dwk
I'm in Vernon Hills and I get WGN HD via Comcast.....??

Reading is a skill, which I respectfully suggest you work on. If you go back and read the entire post, of which you quoted only a portion, you would see that the response from WGN indicated it would be available at some point during the year, but that date was not yet determined.

Here is the complete post:

>I e-mailed WGN TV yesterday regarding WGN HD availability for Chicago area Comcast customers. This is their response (which I received this morning):

>Tim:
>
>Sometime this year. They haven't given us a launch date.
>
>Thanks for writing.
>
>George

>So hopefully we'll have it in time for baseball.


>tim

I hope this clarifies the issue for you.

Mike K

Yes, reading is a skill. He says he already has "WGN HD via Comcast." Do you doubt him? I guess writing is a skill also. :)

Yea, I'm curious what channel he's getting WGN-DT on via Comcast. According to Comcast's web site it doesn't show it: http://www.comcast.com/Support/viewCLU.asp?CLUID=83616

An engineer that I've communicated with down at WGN says that Tribune and Comcast are in discussions but no date yet. He said the best thing to do was to contact Comcast and say you want the channel.

Last night (at 6:30), my hd box was displaying a time of 4:20. I turned the box off and then back on, but it never really came back on. I get sound from the channel the box was on the night before, but no picture. Nothing appears in the box's display and nothing (besides power) works from the remote.

I didn't have time/patience to call service last night. Before I call service today, I was wondering if anybody has an opinion on this problem? Did anybody else have this problem last night?

Originally posted by rad
Yea, I'm curious what channel he's getting WGN-DT on via Comcast. According to Comcast's web site it doesn't show it: http://www.comcast.com/Support/viewCLU.asp?CLUID=83616


It's nice to see that they have added cinemax hd and starz hd to the lineup. Usually those are out of date, but this time it seems to be ahead :)

One other thing, from looking at that lineup, they don't show channel 501 which I noticed few weeks ago. Seems that they have added Turner Classic Movies to digital tiers so now we have analog and digital version. I'm actually kinda glad they did this since picture quality on digital one seems a little bit better.

V

Originally posted by Todd76
Yes, reading is a skill. He says he already has "WGN HD via Comcast." Do you doubt him? I guess writing is a skill also. :)

Well, Todd, I think you better stick to the reading part. Go back and look at his post about WGN HD on Comcast, especially the part that went ".....??".

I read it as a question, not a statement of fact. I stand by my statement, apparently confirmed now, that reading is a skill.

Mike K.

Originally posted by vj9999
It's nice to see that they have added cinemax hd and starz hd to the lineup. Usually those are out of date, but this time it seems to be ahead :)

V

You got Starz and Cinemax HD?

Originally posted by bkozlowski
You got Starz and Cinemax HD?

Starz HD and Cinemax HD are scheduled to be added to the lineup effective February 4th (I'm reasonably sure that is the date announced). You must subscribe to a package that includes those channels to receive the HD broadcasts. I believe they will be added in on channels 194 and 195 when they are activated.

Mike K.

I'm back with more info. I had to call Comcast to clear up a problem on my bill (which was really easy to do) and while I had her on the phone I asked the lady about WGN HD. She didn't see anything on the info she had, which in the end might not mean much since she deals with billing. And she said that the DVR should be rolling out in the next quarter.

FWIW....



tim

Oh, and I'm going to say that dwk was asking "Hey I live in Vernon Hills. Do I get WGN HD? If I do I didn't know about it?" dwk are you out there? ;)

Last night (at 6:30), my hd box was displaying a time of 4:20. I turned the box off and then back on, but it never really came back on. I get sound from the channel the box was on the night before, but no picture. Nothing appears in the box's display and nothing (besides power) works from the remote.

Try unplugging your HD box for 10 seconds or so and then plug it back in again.

Just powering off the Motorola boxes doesn't completely "reboot" them.

Originally posted by bkozlowski
You got Starz and Cinemax HD?

I was implying that channel lineup on comcast's webpage is actually already updated with starz hd and cinemax hd as channels 194 and 195.

V

kinda off-topic (not HD-related) but since we're talking about Comcast in the Chicago area, I was wondering if anybody has any idea if Comcast here will be carrying ESPN Deportes and/or GOL TV.

Wow!!!! I respectfully submit that I made an error and I hope I can be forgiven!

I am so used to recording WGN HD via (yep via) my OTA Samsung box I got them mixed up.


Guess we get spoiled and careless when we get HD via Comcast AND OTA. :D :D :D





vi·a ( P ) Pronunciation Key (v, v)
prep.
By way of: went to Pittsburgh via Philadelphia.
By means of: sent the letter via airmail.

I don't subscribe to showtime HD (only to HBO), but it is on right now!? Are they doing some kind of free preview? This is only on channel 185, other showtime channels say subscription service.

I hope I don't jinx it somehow :)

V

I think I did jinx it. Now I am not even getting HBO HD which I subscribe too. On both channels I get either black screen or a frozen picture from whatever channel I watched last. Is anybody else experiencing this?

Originally posted by vj9999
I think I did jinx it. Now I am not even getting HBO HD which I subscribe too. On both channels I get either black screen or a frozen picture from whatever channel I watched last. Is anybody else experiencing this?

My HBO HD and Showtime HD were also frozen last night.

Originally posted by vj9999
I was implying that channel lineup on comcast's webpage is actually already updated with starz hd and cinemax hd as channels 194 and 195.

V

That's what I thought you ment. Actually it is channel 195 Cinemax and 196 Starz.

b

Last night I turned on my TV and all the Comcast HD channels were being shown "letterbox-ed" instead of filling my full wide-screen TV (as they always had in the past). Anyone else notice this?

I also noticed that the DVI output was working for the first time since I connected it, but the DVI signal also had the the black letterbox bars at the top and bottom of the screen.

Anyone know what's up?

Firmware updated yesterday to 7.07. I'm in zip code 60660. I wonder if this means the DVI port is activated? I don't have a DVI cable yet for my 5100 box. May have to pick one up and check it out! Unfortunately I don't have firewire on my box, so not sure if that would be activated for those of you with a 6200 box. Maybe we're closer to the DVR now that the firmware is updated?!

Rockville MD has started receiving the PVRs...
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=194404&perpage=20&pagenumber=122

I also heard one report this week of a person using their firewire to record to a DVHS.

It's still 05.03 here in Bartlett. Hopefully we will be getting 7.07 soon too. It is my understanding that they are pretty uniform about updates in all of Chicago market (in upgraded areas).

V

I'm 60607. I didn't get a chance to check the firmware - I'll do so tonight. But it sure makes sense there was an upgrade as the DVI works now.

So no one else had the letterboxing? Weird.

Originally posted by MattyP
So no one else had the letterboxing? Weird.

My apologies for pointing to the obvious, but if you accidently switched your TV to a different antenna your HD channels will be letterboxed...if I recall correctly from when I had done that.

Just a guess...I've had no problems.

HBO HD and SHO HD are back as of this morning, and I am still receiving SHO HD even though I don't subscribe for it!? Not that I am complaining or anything.

Originally posted by vj9999
HBO HD and SHO HD are back as of this morning, and I am still receiving SHO HD even though I don't subscribe for it!? Not that I am complaining or anything.

Comcast is getting ready to roll out STARZ and Cinemax, so you may be benefiting while they prepare channels 195 and 196. See if you can still get Showtime on or after Feb. 3 when the new channels fire up.

East Village, zip code 60622 now has firmware 7.07! Highdef signal coming in crystal clear through the DVI port!

Seems that my letterbox problem was caused by the fact that the cable box tv aspect ratio setting had been changed from 16:9 to 4:3. I set it back and all is well. I'm guessing this occurred on the 7.07 firmware upgrade.

Now I'm trying to decide which I like better - the DVI or Component connection.

I am in Mundelein and am getting SHO-HD and HBO-HD even though I don't subscribe to either. I am also getting some but not all of the SD - HBO, SHO, TMC, and STRZ channels even though I only have digital classic.

Not complaining - we will see how long it lasts though. I wonder if I will get STARZ-HD and Cinemax HD when they come online?

i've got an old 5100 hd box without the dvi output and a sony xbr grand wega with a dvi input. now that dvi is activated, should i attempt a call to comcast or try to pick one up at a local comcast outlet (either skokie or morton grove). also, any word on the pvr 6108's being available around here? thanks

mark

Mark

I am getting my 5100 swapped out this afternoon. I believe the DVI is still not enabled (Comcast "does not know when it will be enabled")

I opted for the swap to get faster channel lock ( better CPU) and to be ready if they DID enable the DVI. I have read the analog signal is improved on an HD set, we'll see...

As for the 6208, sadly I can get no info from Comcast at all...

Its sounding like 2nd quarter...

hi dwk,
just got off a call back from comcast "manager". they wanted to know why i thought i needed a "dve" port. they claimed to not even have a "dve" port on hi def boxes. after i explained to them what and where the port was they expressed they "couldn't keep up with the changes anyway." they were going to come today, but the service truck had no hd boxes anyway. they'll come on saturday (probably with another box without the port). i just checked my firmware, and noticed it's still 5.03, so i haven't been upgraded yet.

i did get some information about the 6208 pvr.....they said it would be available on february 13th, starting in Mt. Prospect then rolled out. they couldn't give me a date for skokie yet, but we'll see if i can get more info from the tech. we'll see how things go saturday, hope yours goes well.

mark

DVE huh... typical..

As for the 6208 WOW!

I have not gotten any info on the 6208. Per normal operating procedure, Comcast did not show or call for my appt today.

I will reschedule and try to get a 6208....

Let us know if you have any luck!!!

Welll let see..

I just called Comcast 3 times in a row, 3 differant sales reps.


The first said I would NEVER be able to get a PVR that I could only get video on demand.

The second said I couldnt sign up for it until March 13th.


The third said that Comcast was not installing the PVR in Mount Prospect, it must be someone else doing it...





:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

I think that the CSR's are confusing PVR with VOD (Video On Demand). I had an installer swap my 5100 for a 6200 on Saturday, (I said I was having intermittent technical problems with the 5100) and he said something about VOD being rolled out in Mt. Prospect very soon.

As of yesterday, I had not recived a firmware update. I'm not sure if I want to swithch to DVI from component. I may have to do a side by side comparison.

I also had a CSR tell me last week that the new box didn't have DVI. I tried to explain to her that it had been confirmed here in the forum. She checked with a superviser who gave her the same erroneous information. Pretty typical.

It's a good thing we are here to straighten them out. :D

Mike K.

Came home for lunch and what do you know? Cinemax HD (195) and Starz! HD East (196) are now up and running.

Now we can bask in the warm glow of 12 HD channels on cable! (And for you purists, I know WFLD isn't HD... but hey, widescreen is still better than SD!)

On here too! Now we just need WGN-DT before baseball season

on where? anyone in chicago city limits have this?

Would someone kindly post all 12 Comcast Chicago area HD channels and their number assignments, please?

Originally posted by Darren_C
Would someone kindly post all 12 Comcast Chicago area HD channels and their number assignments, please?


173 - ESPN
174 - INHD
175 - INHD2
185 - Showtime
186 - HBO
187 - ABC (WLS)
188 - NBC (WMAQ)
189 - CBS (WBBM)
190 - Fox (WFLD)
191 - PBS (WTTW)
195 - Cinemax
196 - Starz!

Thank you! I was missing 173-175....

Has comcast provided anyone with DVI cables? When they setup my 6100, I got a set of component cables with it...

Originally posted by seanb61
on where? anyone in chicago city limits have this?
Why don't you guys both put your location in your profile?

Originally posted by dwk
As for the 6208, sadly I can get no info from Comcast at all...


I also spoke with comcast today. The CSR had never heard of the 6208 and had never heard of "PVR" - no big surprise. She did ask me if I meant Video On Demand, which they are being trained on and rolling out soon.

Originally posted by mikek747
I think that the CSR's are confusing PVR with VOD (Video On Demand). I had an installer swap my 5100 for a 6200 on Saturday, (I said I was having intermittent technical problems with the 5100)


I also had a CSR tell me last week that the new box didn't have DVI.
Mike K.


I like that... intermittent technical problems ... Comcast is coming out tomorrow. I have a 5100 and want to swap for the 6200. I told the rep that I was getting a bad analog signal and slow channel changes. I like yours better so I will use that! :D :D

I understand that the 6200's have DVI but it is not enabled . :mad:








..

Originally posted by dwk
I like that... intermittent technical problems ... Comcast is coming out tomorrow. I have a 5100 and want to swap for the 6200. I told the rep that I was getting a bad analog signal and slow channel changes. I like yours better so I will use that! :D :D

I understand that the 6200's have DVI but it is not enabled . :mad:
..

There are a few posts around that indicate that some people have received a firmware upgrade (7.07 I believe) that has enabled the DVI port. As of last night I had not received that upgrade, so I can't confirm the information.

Yeah, I like the "Intermittent technical problems", too. Feel free to use it to your best advantage. How can they argue with that. It happened to be true in this case, but I can see where they will begin getting alot of calls with these "intermittent" problems.

Mike K.

I already have a 6200, and I'm actually having "intermittent technical problems." Problem is -- I don't know if it's just the ineptitude of the broadcasters or if there's a problem with my box.

The problems have all been with audio. Whether analog or digital, the audio will occasionally just stop. Changing the channel sometimes brings it back, sometimes not. In addition, we occasionally get a second audio track (i.e. descriptions for the blind -- I thought The Simpsons was parodying a documentary, until I realized that it was lasting the entire program).

Anyone else have these issues, or should I just call Comcast and get it replaced? I'm hoping to wait until the 6208 is available, but, as it is, HDTV is more frustrating than fabulous.

Any advice is appreciated. BTW, I'm in Old Irving -- Addison/Pulaski area.

Thanks,

Michael

The only "intermittent technical problems" I'm having with my 6200 is that every now and then some of the HD channels will lock up. For example tonight, everytime I switch to INHD the picture will freeze with whatever was on the last station along with no sound. I've noticed that this usually occurs on one of the INHD channels, but has happened on other stations as well.

Also anyone else notice that the volume on StarzHD, HBOHD, SHOHD and ABCHD is a LOT lower than the other stations. I turn up the sound, then get my eardrums blasted when I switch stations.

BTW, still 5.03 out here in Streamwood, and I called last week to check on the 6208's and the the rep put me on an interested parties list for the PVR's.

Andy

Originally posted by MJVanDam
In addition, we occasionally get a second audio track (i.e. descriptions for the blind -- I thought The Simpsons was parodying a documentary, until I realized that it was lasting the entire program).

That Simpsons' episode was a Fox issue, not your settop box. There are a couple of message threads discussing the descriptive audio for the sight impaired.

Originally posted by LYU370
The only "intermittent technical problems" I'm having with my 6200 is that every now and then some of the HD channels will lock up. For example tonight, everytime I switch to INHD the picture will freeze with whatever was on the last station along with no sound. I've noticed that this usually occurs on one of the INHD channels, but has happened on other stations as well.


Andy, notice that this usually happens when there's a program on that's 'blacked out' in our area? As you noticed it's usually an InHD channel when some sports game is on.

I have seen it on some other channels but it's usually when there's an issue at the headend and it's not the STB.

Last night I was experiencing severe pixelation on channels 188 through 191 on Comcast. I had no problems with 173, 174, 175, 186 and 187, those all looked great. I still had the same issue as of this morning. I have the 6200 box. Anybody else experiencing this?

I am having the same pixelization problems with the exact same channels. I called Comcast last night and reported the problem. I asked them if there was an outage but the csr had no idea. They scheduled a tech to come out on Saturday. If the problem doesn't clear up by then I'm hoping I get a new 6200 box when the tech arrives! Even though I know it won't solve the problem.

Has anyone with a new 6200 box experienced the loss of audio while watching a channel?

I should consider myself lucky. I live in Tinley Park and have the 6200. I have had very little trouble. Last night I had a scene or two pixelate on CBS but that was over a two hour period. I had no issues with other stations. The only real issue I have had is sometimes on CBS the sound will drop to a lower level then come back up. I understand that is a common problem across the country with CBS.

Originally posted by redhound
Last night I was experiencing severe pixelation on channels 188 through 191 on Comcast. I had no problems with 173, 174, 175, 186 and 187, those all looked great. I still had the same issue as of this morning. I have the 6200 box. Anybody else experiencing this?

I have the 5100 box and the reception during 24 was rock steady on Fox (190). However, I did get occasional horizontal flashes during Line of Duty on ABC (187) - maybe once every 10 minutes.

Last night I was able to see Spiderman on CinemaxHD (first day it was on) and durning sceens with lots of movement there were more digital artifacts then when I saw it on HBO-HD.

Rad I don't know about your sig. Cable has always been pretty poor by me which is why I moved to E*. Again maybe I am one of the lucky ones, but I have not been bothered by compression except for recently on locals. I will say Comcast HD that I have for my locals has been relatively trouble free and the picture has been good. I can't compare it to E* because I don't have HD with E*, I am waiting for the price of the 921 to come down.

Originally posted by foowigs
Rad I don't know about your sig. Cable has always been pretty poor by me which is why I moved to E*. Again maybe I am one of the lucky ones, but I have not been bothered by compression except for recently on locals. I will say Comcast HD that I have for my locals has been relatively trouble free and the picture has been good. I can't compare it to E* because I don't have HD with E*, I am waiting for the price of the 921 to come down.

The signal level and SNR of my line coming onto the house is good, Comcast line techs have been working on that for a month to get a better analog picture on my HD set. I had E* with a 6000 and an 811 and Spiderman didn't look like it looked last night on Cinemax-HD. I'm just chaulking it up to being the first day that my system had Cinemax-HD and Starz-HD up.

As of an half hour ago the firmware on my 6200 was still 5.03. So it has not been upgraded out of Rolling Meadows.

Is anyone else getting red,blue, or green lines when watching some programs on cbs hd? Off and on there will be a single line on the left of the screen which will appear for a few seconds and then disappear. One day its red, the next blue,etc. It does not appear to be on of the shows that are live,ie the superbowl, but I see it everytime I watch csi or any other hd programming on cbs. It does not show up on any other channels. I have a 6200 box and am in new lenox.

Originally posted by jpws6
Is anyone else getting red,blue, or green lines when watching some programs on cbs hd? Off and on there will be a single line on the left of the screen which will appear for a few seconds and then disappear. One day its red, the next blue,etc. It does not appear to be on of the shows that are live,ie the superbowl, but I see it everytime I watch csi or any other hd programming on cbs. It does not show up on any other channels. I have a 6200 box and am in new lenox.

Yes, I have been seeing the line (sometimes two) for 2-3 weeks. My line is one pixel wide and stretches from top-bottom of screen. In the left 1/3 of the picture. Sometimes red, sometimes blue, never green. I'm using the 5100 box with quality component cables to a 65" mits rptv. I've seen the lines on both CSIs, without a trace and coldcase. I've never seen this on any other channel. Thats why it really hasn't worried me - but it does bug the hell out of me.

Yep I got em too. It seems like it starts after they have come back from a commercial break and go from SD to HD. Mine is also kind of wierd in that it seems to happen right around 9:45, almost like clockwork. I put on that goofball movie yesterday to test things with the sound and wouldn't you know no sound drops. Very odd.

StarzHD and MaxHD showed up on my TiVo guide today, so I don't think it'll be long before they're added here (Comcast/Oswego). I just get snow on those channels now...

Originally posted by Hopeless
StarzHD and MaxHD showed up on my TiVo guide today, so I don't think it'll be long before they're added here (Comcast/Oswego). I just get snow on those channels now...

They were turned on in Mundelein on Tuesday.

Originally posted by jpws6
Is anyone else getting red,blue, or green lines when watching some programs on cbs hd? Off and on there will be a single line on the left of the screen which will appear for a few seconds and then disappear. One day its red, the next blue,etc. It does not appear to be on of the shows that are live,ie the superbowl, but I see it everytime I watch csi or any other hd programming on cbs. It does not show up on any other channels. I have a 6200 box and am in new lenox.
Yep I just noticed it too on CSI. I've got a 6200, switched over to OTA and it's there too. So it's not Comcast or the boxes, looks like it's CBS. I've also seen them during commercials so it's not just during HD programming.

Andy

Andy thanks at least I know it's not the 6200. Antennas don't work well by me so I don't have OTA. Do you have the sound problem where it gets louder and softer on CBS too?

OK! They just turned on MaxHD and StarzHD here!!

I found a $20 rebate coupon on www.cinemax.com, so I subscribed tonight. I already have HBO, so my bill only went up $10. 2 months of Cinemax for free - great deal!! I was thinking of switching to Cinemax as soon as Curb Your Enthusiasm and Sopranos are over this year, (more movies), so this will work out very well for me. Not sure I'll even keep Cinemax after the 2 months, but it's a great opportunity to see if it'll be worth the money!

BTW, isn't CYE just hysterical this year??? The final line of this week's show had me chuckling for 10 minutes! (Larry calling to cancel his date.)

Does anyone know if MLB will be available on InHD1 on Comcast this year? I am really looking forward to the Red Sox in HD.

The NBA games are not, which is really disappointing.

Also, how does one check one's firmware on the Motorola 5100 box?

Thanks.

Firmware 07.07 was downloaded here in Bartlett sometimes last night.

V

Received the update to 7.07 here in Highland Park, also. Seems to have resolved the subtle flashing problem I was having on the lower analog channels.

Anyone have any good input on DVI cables? Is there a difference in the image quality? My component video picture looks outstanding and I'm not sure what DVI will bring to the table.

My television manual (Toshiba 42HDX82) calls for a single link DVI cable. Is this the correct cable for the DCT6200?

Thanks for all your help.

Mike K.

I just connected the DVI cable to my Sony gwii tv over the weekend, and the picture seems to be just slightly better. I think my analog stations look a little better using DVI, so I'm going to stick to just using my DVI cable. A helluva lot cheaper to use DVI than component cables! Funny considering DVI is superior to component.

As of 5 minutes ago, my DCT6200 still has firmware 5.03.
Buffalo Grove. Awaiting with baited(SP?) breath for DVI to be activated, have my cables and Gefen DVI switch waiting. :(

Where did you buy your DVI cable. It seems that the DVI cables at Best Buy and Circuit City are considerably more expensive than the component cables.

Mike

I got mine from eBay for $15 total, including shipping. Just do a search for DVI and sort from lowest to highest price. I got the $9.99 sucker, though they are probably all the same. From reading other forums/posts on DVI, it's not worth shelling out a lot of money on a DVI cable since it's 100% digital. For analog cables (component, audio, etc.), it IS worth spending the extra money (I like BlueJeansCable.com for these types). I can't imagine you would notice any difference with DVI between a $10 cable vs. a $100 cable. Buy it from eBay and put the savings towards the ultimate universal remote! The Harmony SST-659! :)

Anyone with the 6200 and version 7.07 tried connecting to their display with firewire only?

Does anyone know if MLB will be available on InHD1 on Comcast this year? I am really looking forward to the Red Sox in HD.

Yes, about 3 a week.

http://www.inhd.com/pressReleases/press8_27_03.jsp

I have firmware 07.07 in Mundelein, IL. Downloaded in the past few days. Now I need to get a DVI cable.

Will it really make a difference in PQ with a Sony Kv34XBR800 CRT TV? I heard that it really only improves PQ on fixed pixel digital displays (plasma, dlp, etc).

What is the procedure to determine your firmware version, please?

Originally posted by Darren_C
What is the procedure to determine your firmware version, please?

This is for the 6200 - I think it works the same way on the 5100.
Two ways (either with remote or on front of box) :

1) press menu on remote, then choose setup, then choose cable box, then scroll down to see configuration, then push right arrow.

2) power off, then select, then arrow down to code module, then right arrow. (power off to exit diagnostics menu).

Marc

I live in Tinley park and got the firmware sometime yesterday. Coincidence or not it seems to have fixed my audio problems that I have been having. I watched the Mummy Returns on ABC for a long time with no issues. I switched to CSI on CBS ( CBS is where I have the most trouble ) And absolutely no audio problems there either. If it starts again I know it's probably the feed. Marc On these forums you will get a million opinions on things. The CRT DVI issue seems to be about the only one where everyone agrees that DVI on CRT will not be an improvement and in fact component may perform better. I haven't tried it as I have been too lazy to get a cable.

I went on Discovery's Website and noticed it mentioned Comcast Chicago as a place to view DiscoveryHD Theater. I was among the beta testers in the Chicagoland area and I do remember DiscoveryHD was on during that time. I am assumming that it was a deal made by AT&T. Wouldn't Comcast take advantage of a grandfather agreement made by AT&T like it did with CBS? Just curious if anyone else has noticed this and has contacted Comcast or Discovery for clearifacation.

b

Originally posted by foowigs
Marc On these forums you will get a million opinions on things. The CRT DVI issue seems to be about the only one where everyone agrees that DVI on CRT will not be an improvement and in fact component may perform better. I haven't tried it as I have been too lazy to get a cable.

I hooked up my DVI cable to my Toshiba 42HDX82 this evening. The results are outstanding. It's difficult to say whether it is better than component, but it certainly is every bit as good. I'm possibly seeing some extra smoothness on the DVI hookup compared to component, but that could be my imagination and just a little wishful thinking. At the very least, it allowed me to use the better component cables that I had been using for the cable box, for my DVD player, so I feel I am a winner on two fronts.

Lower analog channels look much better for the most part, also.

Mike K.

Cable Unavailable During Download
I received the upgrade to 7.07 in Lindenhurst yesterday. My Sony RPTV is a couple of years old (ancient ) and dosen't have a DVI connection, so I can't comment on that. In fact I don't yet have a use for firewire or whatever else was activated yet. I really didn't notice any difference in PQ from the previous firmware.

One peculiar thing was that I was watching the TV when the download kicked in and I naturally lost the signal from the cable box (6200). SO I switched my input on my TV to Ant (I have a dual input TV, Ant and Aux, the direct feed from the cable line goes to Ant the TV out goes to the cable box and the cable box goes to Aux). When I did that the download immediately quit. Figuring it was done I switched back to the cable box and it immediately started downloading again. When I turned the TV off (cable box left on), the download again quit. The only way I could complete the download was to leave the TV on with the cable box feed until download completed. Is this normal? Why would the state of the TV have any influence?

Originally posted by drengka
Why would the state of the TV have any influence?
It sounds like your loop out to the cablebox is being "switched" by the tv. My setup is similar, but my loopout is "unswitched". Check your user menus. You might have a setting to override the default setting.

To prove/disprove my theory, try using picture in picture. In one picture use AntA. In the other picture use the cablebox. I'd bet you will always have the same picture in both or nothing at all in the pip screen.

One other thing, by the way you talk about your auxillary input, it sounds like a coax input. This is about the worst connection to use. I know you said you have an old tv, but don't you have component or at least svideo input? My 10year old toshiba has svideo. Svideo might make you a little happier - and maybe not!

Sorry for the double post

I don't recall any menu option regarding any switching of the TV Ant/Aux. WIll check when I get home.

I use PIP all the time (to watch 2 basketball games at once, etc) and one window is from AntA and the other is from Aux and I can switch either one independent of the other.

The Aux input is in fact cable (Coax). I also have Video 1 - 6 available. I use Video 2 for s-video input from the cable box and Video 6 for component. I left the Aux connected for simplicity sake so that my wife can watch TV without being flustered.


Thanks

Originally posted by drengka
any switching of the TV Ant/Aux.
Look for switching of the Loop Out (TV Out). It seems to me like the output of your loopout jack is changing, depending on what signal you are watching. Since you believe your PIP works properly when using AntA and Aux together, this seems less likely. Another problem that some people have reported when using the Loop Out has to do with either a bandwith problem or a bi-directional signal problem. Basically, digital cable requires twoway communication. Something in the TVs electronics hampers the bandwith or the 2way comm. I don't recall the specifics of this. I could see this being a problem for you when you turned the tv off, but seems less likely when you change the inputs.

The HomeTheaterSpot is great resource in many home theater areas. If you haven't already, you may want to look in the sony-specific area to find out if your tv has any known issues. http://www.hometheaterspot.com/htsthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB35

I left the Aux connected for simplicity sake so that my wife can watch TV without being flustered.
I understand fully.

Anyone from Mount Prospect with news/impressions on VOD? It was supposed to roll out in Mount Prospect on 2/10.

Originally posted by vj9999
Anyone from Mount Prospect with news/impressions on VOD? It was supposed to roll out in Mount Prospect on 2/10.
I haven't received it yet.

ok, quick question... what is "VOD"

and if it has anything to do with the firmware 7.07 upgrade, no i don't have it as of tonight...(i am in mount prospect)

linkin8r

Does anyone know why Comcast does not carry the WB in HD? are they going to offer this channel anytime soon? I watch a lot of everwood, smallville, and without a trace and am very disappointed this channel is not offered

Originally posted by linkin8r
ok, quick question... what is "VOD"

Video on demand. A new option that will allow us to "pick" programs like movies/news and watch them any time we choose. Sort of like paperview, but you can start, stop, pause the program when you choose.

The way I understand it...
Some programming will cost extra, some won't. Current primetime programming won't be available.

Originally posted by BrianEK
Does anyone know why Comcast does not carry the WB in HD? are they going to offer this channel anytime soon? I watch a lot of everwood, smallville, and without a trace and am very disappointed this channel is not offered


Hi Brian,
I have received several e-mails from both Comcast and WGN (Tribune) alluding to the fact that they will hopefully be adding their digital signal to the lineup soon. They (as usual) will not give any hint on timing, but with the Tribune announcement that starting with this year's Cubs broadcasts, they would be doing a lot of games in Hi-Def, this is a really big deal for all Comcast HD subscribers here in the Chicago area. IMHO this is the most important missing piece right now. I e-mail them about once a week on this issue and I'm sure they are tired of me by now.

ps-you will find this to be a wonderful forum for information of this type-welcome.

I am considering getting the HD package from Comcast here in Downers but when I call, they are telling me I will get the DTC5100 box. I want the 6200. How did some of you get the 6200?

What is preferable about the 6200 v. the DTC5100? Maybe that's part of my problem as described above!

I got the 6200 but I am guessing it was pure luck. It was right out of the box I am assuming since it still had the scratch protection plastic on the faceplate and had that "new component" smell to it.

It may be worth just seeing what you get because we all know how knowledgable CSR's can be :rolleyes:. If you don't get the 6200 make them take the 5100 back and cancel. Maybe that will get their attention and they may pay more attention to your request then.

Originally posted by pemartin
What is preferable about the 6200 v. the DTC5100? Maybe that's part of my problem as described above!

Firewire. Then you can make glitchy recordings of HD.

See the recorders forum. Lots of info all about it.

Originally posted by kippjones
I am considering getting the HD package from Comcast here in Downers but when I call, they are telling me I will get the DTC5100 box. I want the 6200. How did some of you get the 6200?

CSRs might not be totally up to date with what is being offered. I had 5100 and was persistant scheduling appoinments to have it replaced. Every time I called they were not even aware that it existed except once when lady I talked to took an initiative and actually asked around (and even then they told her that there was no need to upgrade since 6200 is not any different than 5100 - except for "DIV" port which is not even active). I just kept scheduling and turning them away at the door if they showed up with 5100. On my last attempt, about a month ago, they showed up with 6200.

I believe that when you call Comcast during business hours, your call will be answered by Chicago call center (I don't know where it is). I assumed this since a girl I spoke to once regarding some issue said that where she lived in Chicago they were rolling out HDTV (or something to that effect).

Also, even though it is not advertised anywhere, your local office does have a phone number. I had a business card of a tech guy at my local Comcast office that one of the installers left for me to call and acquire about availabilty of 6200. This might be your best bet for finding out what boxes they have.

I would think by now most of Chicago are should have 6200 since 5100 is out of production.

Phew...long post, I need a break now.

Hope I helped. (sometimes I tend to confuse more than help) :)

Yes, thanks.

BTW, I believe their local call center is located in Oakbrook.

When I set my appointment up at the end of January, they told me I'd get the 5100. My appointment was for 2/14 and the tech brought a 6200. I'm beginning to think that's all they're using now, because the tech said that's all he's been installing for a while now...

Kipp

When I ordered my HD service and scheduled the appointment, the CSR was not familiar with the 6200 or knew what a DVI port was. I briefly, and nicely, explained what the differences were between the the 5100 and the 6200 and the significance of DVI connection. I told him I knew that the DVI port was not activated, but since my set was DVI compatable, and I wanted to plan for the future, I asked hm, again very nicely, to make a note on my work order that I requested a 6200. He said he would and I thanked him for his help. 3 days later I called again and asked to verify my appointment and asked if there was a note on the work order that the customer was requesting a 6200. She said it was there. That Saturday the installer showed up with a 6200.

Two important things to remember:

1. You get more with honey than vinegar.
2 Trust but verify.

Good Luck.

Does anyone know the status of Comcast getting WGN-HD in Chicago area?

Thanks.

Originally posted by pjonkheer
Does anyone know the status of Comcast getting WGN-HD in Chicago area?
Look back one page

Thank you sir...

I live in the Northern suburbs. I Don't have an HDTV yet, but it's coming soon. In the meantime, does anyone know of any bars that present their sporting events in HD? I would love to be able to watch the NCAA tourney and other sports in HD.
Thanks.

The Gas Light Bar and Grill on Norh racine(one block north of fullerton) in chicago, has many 42inch plasma screens, one of these is HDTV and is hooked up to D* HDTV system and they show HDTV games.

I live in Downers also, and they installed a 6200 the first time they came out a month or two ago... There is a really good chance you would get a 6200.

Originally posted by pemartin
What is preferable about the 6200 v. the DTC5100? Maybe that's part of my problem as described above!

Thanks for the replies.

I just purchased a Zenith C32V37 that has both an OTA and QAM HD tuner built-in. Obviously there's no HD on my current expanded basic cable service although the set-up scan saved some strange hyphenated channels with no signals.
What HD channels are not scrambled in my area with an upgrade to digital service? ...or do I need to get HD service?
My other option for the locals is to install an antenna. Any advice on what's needed out here ~40 miles from the transmitters in Cary, 60013 would be appreciated.

Originally posted by maifimd
Obviously there's no HD on my current expanded basic cable service although the set-up scan saved some strange hyphenated channels with no signals.


I have the lowest basic available ($8.95 a month - basically locals only so I can save money on the internet costs) and I get channels 187 through 191 (CBS, NBC, CBS, FOX, & PBS) in digital with even this basic package). I don't know anything about QAM tuners, but I know you don't need digital to get at least some HD content through Comcast.

Originally posted by maifimd
Obviously there's no HD on my current expanded basic cable service although the set-up scan saved some strange hyphenated channels with no signals.
Most of those channels are bogus, but you will find several of the local digitals in there. I no longer use my internal qam, but I believe the channels were in 170-190 range. This thread, many pages earlier have the exact channel numbers.

You don't need any higher level of service than what you have to get these channels.

...or do I need to get HD service?
No, but the qam stuff is a hassle. I used it for a while. I now rent the comcast hd box for $5/month and pay for the local only service for $10 or $15/month.

This is a long thread, but there is a plenty of info buried in these pages. PM me if I can answer any specific questions.

I ordered the Platinum Digital package today. My install is scheduled for 2/23. I have D* now and I want to do a month comparison. I do not mind shelling out the extra cash. I am hoping the installer will show up with the 6200. If not, I will turn him away.

My goal is to see if I can live with the ergonomics of the cable service vs D* guide. I think I am willing to give up the ease of use with D* for the ability to record HD off of cable. My wife is not happy that I currently cannot record HD off of D* (I do not want the 169time route).

I will post my thoughts next week about what I think. So if I have it straight, I will get WBBM, WMAQ, WLS, FOX (ED for now), ESPN, HBO, Show, INHD 1+2, Starz and Cinemax in HD....I have heard the final release of the Firebus software will be out soon. If so, I will be trying to use it with the 6200. It is reported the final version will support QAM. I had limited success recording off of the Mits internal tuner to the FB software/D-VHS because the Mits QAM tuner will not isolate the sub-channel, which unfortunately tries to send a higher bit-rate than the AVHDD or D-VHS can handle.

Originally posted by kippjones
My goal is to see if I can live with the ergonomics of the cable service vs D* guide. I think I am willing to give up the ease of use with D* for the ability to record HD off of cable.

The Comcast guide will drive you crazy after having a E*, D* Tivo or Replay guide. There's supposed to be a new 'blue' guide coming that's supposed to be MUCH better. I really wish that they could have fixed my analog channel problem, I probably would have stayed with them a bit longer.

Do you have any idea on when the new guide is supposed to be released?

Originally posted by kippjones
Do you have any idea on when the new guide is supposed to be released?

I think the rumor mill said it would be made available to Comcast during 1st half this year, now who knows how long before Comcast actually will implement.

Anyone have a problem with their 6200 re-booting at various times? It's started happening more often, usually when I change channels using the channel up/down key. Starting to get annoying. 7.07 firmware, but it was also happening with the 5.03 firmware.

Andy

Originally posted by LYU370
Anyone have a problem with their 6200 re-booting at various times? It's started happening more often, usually when I change channels using the channel up/down key. Starting to get annoying. 7.07 firmware, but it was also happening with the 5.03 firmware.

Andy

I've had my 6200 for little over month now and I haven't had any problems like that.

V

Has anybody heard anything new about VOD?
It was supposed to roll out in Mount Prospect 2 weeks ago.
I'm here, and it ain't!

Comcast showed up with a 5100 so I sent them away. The same day my in-laws were getting Comcast installed and they brought the 6200 to them. My installer told me the 6200 was not available yet. My in-laws live only eight blocks away. Go figure.

Originally posted by kippjones
Comcast showed up with a 5100 so I sent them away. The same day my in-laws were getting Comcast installed and they brought the 6200 to them. My installer told me the 6200 was not available yet. My in-laws live only eight blocks away. Go figure.


Kipp

Did Comcast agree to swap a 6200 for your 5100? If not, what did you tell them to get them out? I called and they said they would not swap unless something was wrong with my 5100, bu they wouldnt guarantee a 6200.


Uh oh!!, I thihnk my 5100 just developed a problem.... :p :p

I did not accept the install. They rescheduled to 3/11 for a 6200 install.

Has Comcast notified anyone about their plans to go "all digital" and eliminate analog channels 2-99 entirely ASAP?

Originally posted by UncD2000
Has Comcast notified anyone about their plans to go "all digital" and eliminate analog channels 2-99 entirely ASAP?

???

Does this mean that they have notified you or you are just asking if anyone has heard about this?

I have read speculations that this might happen (possibly here on avs), but I don't think I have ever heard of anyone being officially notified. This would be a big deal because you would need a STB for every TV in your house. As much as I like a thought of all the extra bandwidth I don't want to have a STB in every room in my house and even worse, it would make my tv card in my computer almost useless.

Originally posted by dwk
Kipp

Did Comcast agree to swap a 6200 for your 5100? If not, what did you tell them to get them out? I called and they said they would not swap unless something was wrong with my 5100, bu they wouldnt guarantee a 6200.


Uh oh!!, I thihnk my 5100 just developed a problem.... :p :p

Honestly I think it all depends on CSR you talk to and how much are they willing to help. When I got mine swapped, first I scheduled few failed attempts (they would show up with 5100) and every time they wanted to charge me $27.99 for HDTV install (since there was nothing wrong with 5100 they considered it to be a new install). ON my last attempt, lady I talked to was extremely nice and after I said "this will cost me 27.99 for a new install" she said "that would be ridiculous, you already have HDTV service" and she scheduled an appointment and waived the install fee.

I know this isn't HDTV related, but has anyone received any of the new non-HDTV cable box converters? Just wondering if they are a lot faster than the very slow DCT-2000 boxes. I'd love to get a faster cable box for my bedroom tv. thanks.

I called Comcast to get a second box for my upstairs TV...nothing special, just so I could watched the upper channels (not HDTV).

The Comcast office is close to my home so I suggested I pick it up...they would have none of it and insisted I have a tech out to install the box so they could test the line at the same time (CSR says it's necessary because I also have internet?!?).

Long story short, I declined having the tech out because I didn't want to pay the installer just to plug the cable in (which is already running to the TV).

Has anyone had any luck not paying an installer just for another box for a different TV? Again...this was not an additional HDTV box, just a standard box.

Had a DCT 6200 installed on january 10th. Have been waiting since then for firmware update to activate the DVI connector. Over the last couple of weeks I had read several posts in surrounding towns that they had received the new firmware. Each day I had checked and no go.

Last Wednesday I contacted Comcast Tech Support, not a CSR, but tech support. The tech rep was very knowledgeable. She knew what the DVI connector was without being told, my first surprize, She said that they have had problems with some 6200's not taking the upgrade, and she scheduled me for a replacement 6200 with activated DVI port for yesterday.

Well, to make a long story short, the tech showed up yesterday and I now have a 6200, firmware 7.07 and DVI connected. Life is good.

So I guess the lesson is, call Comcast tech support not the Sales department. Sales may not want to schedule changing a box out, but if you want the DVI port, and activated, call tech support, they will work with you and they know what you are talking about.

BTW, the tech that replaced my box says he does not know about the date for VOD. There were some last minute glitches and it was delayed, he's not sure for how long, but suspects it to be soon. They are all trained and ready for it to be rolled out.

Also, news for us waiting for DVR. The tech that replaced the my box says that VOD is first, so don't look for DVR for a few months. He also suspects that they will skip the 6208, with a single tuner, and wait for the 6408, with the two tuners, because that is what the customers really want and Comcast will not want to spend all that time and effort to roll out the 6208 and then have to replace all those units again a few months later. Then my VCR's will go the way of a Dodo bird.

Originally posted by VinceP
Also, news for us waiting for DVR. The tech that replaced the my box says that VOD is first, so don't look for DVR for a few months. He also suspects that they will skip the 6208, with a single tuner, and wait for the 6408, with the two tuners, because that is what the customers really want and Comcast will not want to spend all that time and effort to roll out the 6208 and then have to replace all those units again a few months later. Then my VCR's will go the way of a Dodo bird.

Thanks for this bit of info concerning the DVR. I've been contemplating swapping my 5100 for a 6200 (I want a working FireWire port), but decided to hold off until the rumored 6208 upgrade. Guess I may as well go ahead and schedule a swap if we're talking a few months...

Originally posted by vj9999
???

Does this mean that they have notified you or you are just asking if anyone has heard about this?

I have read speculations that this might happen (possibly here on avs), but I don't think I have ever heard of anyone being officially notified. This would be a big deal because you would need a STB for every TV in your house. As much as I like a thought of all the extra bandwidth I don't want to have a STB in every room in my house and even worse, it would make my tv card in my computer almost useless. I heard a rumor from a relative that Comcast would begin phasing out the analog tier on March 1. I remembered reading about a year ago that Comcast wanted to do this nationwide within 3 years. I was just wondering if anyone else had any current updates.

Wow, I can't believe I can't still get HD cable (much less a HD DVR) in Lincoln Park (north side of downtown). RCN doesn't offer it either.

I guess I'm ok with DirecTV for HD and the HD coming in the next couple of months, but I wish cable was an option. Anyone have any updates?

Originally posted by chriscic
Wow, I can't believe I can't still get HD cable (much less a HD DVR) in Lincoln Park (north side of downtown). RCN doesn't offer it either.

I guess I'm ok with DirecTV for HD and the HD coming in the next couple of months, but I wish cable was an option. Anyone have any updates?

I'm in an Old Town high-rise, and have been stuck worse than you (with TV Max). DirectTV says they cannot give us HD cable. RCN wasn't even interested, and now we know why (chapter 11). The ONLY choice is Comcast. Our TV Max contract was up several days ago. Comcast, with whom we have been negotiating since last fall, is so slow and arrogant and seemingly uninterested that they haven't gotten around to finalizing our deal. So we are now month to month with the old cableco. You would think Comcast people would be jumping at the chance to get a 400+ unit building. Amazing.

Anyway, in our conversations, Comcast said we would have HD and DVR's available "by September, 2004". Their press releases have been saying for some time that the "upgrades" for all of Chicago would be finished by the end of this year. I don't know if we can believe them.

The current reports on the 6208's in other areas make it sound to me like they won't be ready for prime time by September. The Motorola DVR seems to be pretty crude. Comcast with a retail CableCARD DVR may be the better (albeit more expensive) answer.

Originally posted by kippjones
Comcast showed up with a 5100 so I sent them away. The same day my in-laws were getting Comcast installed and they brought the 6200 to them. My installer told me the 6200 was not available yet. My in-laws live only eight blocks away. Go figure.

kipp,

Don't hurt your brain figuring. Comcast uses a different logic that we folks here on earth cannot comprehend.

Had a 6200 box installed this morning in Crystal Lake. HD is finally here. Anyone want to buy a Samsung OTA box?

Jacktheg

Originally posted by PhillyC
Anyway, in our conversations, Comcast said we would have HD and DVR's available "by September, 2004

Thanks for the info. PhillyC. I guess I don't have to worry about signing that 1yr agreement with DirecTV when I get the HDTivo in a month or two. Comcast clearly won't be an option for a long time (and I doubt the other alternative Voom will have a decent DVR anytime soon).

Originally posted by chriscic
Thanks for the info. PhillyC. I guess I don't have to worry about signing that 1yr agreement with DirecTV when I get the HDTivo in a month or two. Comcast clearly won't be an option for a long time (and I doubt the other alternative Voom will have a decent DVR anytime soon).

You might want to talk with Comcast to be sure, if you can find someone who knows what's happening. There are cases where one side of your street can have HD, but the other side can't. I think there is someone on this board that lives near Fullerton and Lincoln who has HD now.

I'm near North and Wells.

Originally posted by Jacktheg
Had a 6200 box installed this morning in Crystal Lake. HD is finally here. Anyone want to buy a Samsung OTA box? Jacktheg

I'd save it if you're a baseball fan...WGN in HD (just in case Comcast doesn't get WGN for a while)...if you can get WGN OTA in McHenry.

I have the same box that I'm holding on to just a little bit longer.

Tom

I am at montana and racine one block north of fullerton and two blocks from lincoln, i can get comcast hdtv and i have it, until saturday when my voom system gets installed. Any in the lincoln park area have problem getting wbbm via antenna?

comcast'll be getting wgn-DT on april 1st btw[or so i've read]

Originally posted by UncD2000
Has Comcast notified anyone about their plans to go "all digital" and eliminate analog channels 2-99 entirely ASAP?

I would guess that's not going to happen. They just rearranged about a dozen analog channels here, and they moved 2 channels from the 400s to the 70s. One was the Golf Channel, and I don't remember what the other one is.

Anybody know why they did this??

Originally posted by STayfair
I'd save it if you're a baseball fan...WGN in HD (just in case Comcast doesn't get WGN for a while)...if you can get WGN OTA in McHenry.

I have the same box that I'm holding on to just a little bit longer.

Tom

Comcast is launching WGH-HD April 1st on Channel 192. I have this information from a well placed source at Comcast who read the actual memo to me. Haven't heard anything that makes me believe any different.

Mike K.

Originally posted by mikek747
Comcast is launching WGH-HD April 1st on Channel 192. I have this information from a well placed source at Comcast who read the actual memo to me. Haven't heard anything that makes me believe any different.

Mike K.

Looks like CSRs are pretty well informed about this as well. I spoke to few of them and when I asked about any new HD channels, they immediately say WGN-HD is comming on channel 192 on April 1st.

Originally posted by vj9999
Looks like CSRs are pretty well informed about this as well. I spoke to few of them and when I asked about any new HD channels, they immediately say WGN-HD is comming on channel 192 on April 1st.

Got a messaage on my box this morning confirming this.

b

I have my new 6200 installed. Were there any Dolby 5.1 shows last night? All I am getting is basic Dolby Digital 2/0. I have an optical cable hooked up to my receiver, but no 5.1. Not on INHD, or CBS or ABC, etc.

I thought CBS was doing 5.1 for their HD shows. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jack

My day is a much happier day now!! I got a message on my box this morning telling me that on 4/1/04, WGN-DT will be on channel 192!! Woo-hoo!! Cubs in HD!! :D :D (Plus it'll be nice to see the WB shows in HD now).


tim

Originally posted by Jacktheg
I have my new 6200 installed. Were there any Dolby 5.1 shows last night? All I am getting is basic Dolby Digital 2/0. I have an optical cable hooked up to my receiver, but no 5.1. Not on INHD, or CBS or ABC, etc.

I thought CBS was doing 5.1 for their HD shows. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Jack

I don't think CBS is doing 5.1 for their regular shows, some specials and sports yes but not series. ABC does 5.1 on their shows but I don't remember if any of the Monday shows were in HD. Not sure about InHD, I don't get them anymore since going back to D*.

Originally posted by radarblip
Is there any way to permanently disable this "message" light?

It seems Comcast has removed the option to disable the message light from the set-up menu. Or am I just looking in the wrong place?

It really annoys me to have a bright "red porch light" demanding my attention. It illuminates a large area of my living room ceiling near the STB.

I am glad to come here and find out that you guys are able to tell me the good news. No one I've talked to at Comcast has been able to explain why my message light is on or how to permanently disable it. It's a long story.

Someone in tech support is now researching it.

Do you mean the light doesn't go off after you read the incoming message? The message light should go out after you read Comcast's broadcast message; if it doesn't then I'd ask them for a replacement.

As for a permanent way to disable the message light, I'll have to check when I get home.

Originally posted by FSugino
Do you mean the light doesn't go off after you read the incoming message? The message light should go out after you read Comcast's broadcast message; if it doesn't then I'd ask them for a replacement.

As for a permanent way to disable the message light, I'll have to check when I get home.

I thought you actually had to delete the message, just reading it didn't do it.

Originally posted by rad
I thought you actually had to delete the message, just reading it didn't do it.

Yeah, I usually read and delete at the same time, so I'm not 100% sure if reading is good enough. I guess I'll find out when I check out that WGN message later today.

Originally posted by seanb61
I am at montana and racine one block north of fullerton and two blocks from lincoln, i can get comcast hdtv and i have it, until saturday when my voom system gets installed. Any in the lincoln park area have problem getting wbbm via antenna?

Being on the near north (I'm near Armitage and Halsted) I get a strong signal for all stations via antenna. There seems to be a lot of multipath (radio signal bouncing around) for CBS especially which sometimes flummoxes my AccessDTV PC card, but my DTC-100 receiver is fine and if your equipment is newer it should do fine.

I belive that you can turn the message indicator off by going to Menu->Setup->Guide and setting Message option to "Off"

Originally posted by radarblip
Your are so right! You could be a Comcast CSR. ;)


Hey. I help you and you go on offending me :) Just kidding of course. Glad I helped.

3 words to solve your problem.... Black electrical tape?

Originally posted by PhillyC
kipp,

Don't hurt your brain figuring. Comcast uses a different logic that we folks here on earth cannot comprehend.

Thanks Phil.:) :) :)

Has anyone's INHD1 & 2 go out? Neither of them are working for me. I have a message stating: "This channel should me available shortly."

Thanks.

My INHD's have been fine but my HBOHD and SHOHD have been out all day.

b

Originally posted by SamR.
Has anyone's INHD1 & 2 go out? Neither of them are working for me. I have a message stating: "This channel should me available shortly."

Nope, all HD channels are fine here.

my INHD channels have been out since last night btw

Yeh I'm having the same problems with INHD and INHD2. The CSRs are telling me they are removing these channels to make room for new channels and content. I think they're full of @@it but I went all the way to the manager and got the same story any ideas?