i have a feeling the problem's with the satellite transmission of the INHD channels and not that they're removing them from the system

Originally posted by torrys
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?

I have no problems with INHDs. What they were probably saying (and there goes their misunderstanding and lack of knowledge what INHD is) that they will be removing IN demand PPV channels. If I remember correctly, a lot of systems that hhave been adding VOD have removed most of their PPV channels.

I apologize if this has been asked in this long thread but, in skimming through it, I see that HD is available in Palatine. However, when I check availability for my address on the comcast page, I get a "give us your email address and we'll notify you when HD is available in your area". What gives?

Also, can someone please give me a rough rundown of the HD packages/channels available?

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

CBS only does Dolby 5.1 sound audio for live events like the Grammy's Award Show last month.

CBS is in the process of upgrading the Equiptment at the studio to do 5.1 audio in the future

Hi everyone. I just got my Comcast HD Box installed yesterday. I'm ruined now, i can't watch dvd or sd anymore. :)

Stupid ignorant question that's driving me crazy. How can i tell if i have the 6200 vs the 5100? On motorolas website i couldn't tell the difference by just looking at the pictures. I know my box that was installed has a dvi conncection and the firmware says 7.07. Is this the 6200(crosses his fingers)? Thanks.

Originally posted by epsilon
I apologize if this has been asked in this long thread but, in skimming through it, I see that HD is available in Palatine. However, when I check availability for my address on the comcast page, I get a "give us your email address and we'll notify you when HD is available in your area". What gives?

The Comcast web site isn't always up to date, so you'll have to call and speak to someone.

Now this may sound a little goofy, but trust me on this...

Call Comcast and ask if HD service is available for your address. Once you get an answer, hang up and do it again - speaking to a different agent. And again. After getting burned a couple of times by uninformed call agents, I've gotten into the habit of double and triple-checking inquiries. You may not be totally convinced that you got the right answer, but at least your confidence is raised a bit if you get the same answer every time.

Epsilon, don't know if this will be of any help but I'm near Palatine Rd. & Plum Grove Rd. and I get HD from Comcast.

Dan


Originally posted by epsilon
I apologize if this has been asked in this long thread but, in skimming through it, I see that HD is available in Palatine. However, when I check availability for my address on the comcast page, I get a "give us your email address and we'll notify you when HD is available in your area". What gives?

Also, can someone please give me a rough rundown of the HD packages/channels available?

Epsilon,
There may be a few areas in Palatine where the necessary upgrades have not been completed. I'm near Hicks and Dundee and have had it since the fall of last year.
Bill M.

Originally posted by Iwgmr
Hi everyone. I just got my Comcast HD Box installed yesterday. I'm ruined now, i can't watch dvd or sd anymore. :)

Stupid ignorant question that's driving me crazy. How can i tell if i have the 6200 vs the 5100? On motorolas website i couldn't tell the difference by just looking at the pictures. I know my box that was installed has a dvi conncection and the firmware says 7.07. Is this the 6200(crosses his fingers)? Thanks.

If you have a DVI connection, you must likely have the 6200. The easiest way to tell is to look at the tag on the underside of the box. It should give you the model number.

Mike.

DVI up in Tinley Park? I got a DVI cable over the weekend because I was under the impression that it was enabled. Hooked it up and got the dreaded blue screen. Any ideas? There is no menu to go into on the Mits you just hook it up.

Thanks for all the replies. I suspect that it is available, since my neighborhood was one of the first to install fiber (for internet) many years ago (I live next to Palatine HS). If customer support has trouble giving me a simple yes or no answer, I dread to ask them what HD packages are available... I'm really only intersted in locals (CBS specifically), since I can get the rest of the channels OTA. I hope I don't have to get the digital package as well.

Check out www.voom.com

If all you want are the local HD channels, all you need is basic analog cable and an HD set top box. Basic analog cable will run you about $12/month and the rental fee for the box something like $6/month.

Dan

Thank you much. That price is very reasonable and the package sounds like the ideal solution for me.

As for Voom, I've toyed with the idea but don't really want to add yet another dish to my roof, since I need to keep E* for the international programming (and their HD package is not too shabby either).

Thank you for your replies. I checked the bottom of the box(before i was checking the back and front) and it says 6200. Thank god!!! I was happy with the picture and everything about it, but when i heard that some people were still getting 5100, i feared the worst. I'm the kind of person who has to have the latest and greatest. Having the 5100 would have drove me crazy.

I just called Comcast for an update on Video On Demand for Chicagoland. He said they are rolling it out in Barrington/Mount Prospect (North Burbs) in mid-March, and then every 2 months in the other 3 areas of Chicago (West Burbs, South Burbs, and City of Chicago). He's not sure of the order with who is getting it next after the north burbs...hopefully the city! :) I really thought they were closer than that in rolling it out here. This would've been a nice substitute to tide us over until the DVR comes out. He said DVR is scheduled for mid-summer release for Chicago. sigh...

In September is the release of the Sony DHG-HDD200 with CableCARD. Features: DVR; records standard and high-definition programming; CableCARD compatible; electronic programming guide; HDMI and DVI output; aspect-ratio control; optical digital audio output; Dolby Digital 5.1 recording and playback; USB ports; Memory Stick Pro slot; The same as the HDD100 but with double the capacity: 250 hours of standard-definition programming or 25 hours of HDTV. All for the bargain basement price of $800.

Being new to VOD services, will I be able to access VOD content through my existing DCT-2000 boxes, as well as my 6200.

Thanks

From reading reports fromother areas that have VOD, I believe that VOD should be available with any digital STB from Comcast (2000,5200,6200).

I currently have the 5100. I called Comcast last night and told them I had issues with the digital output to my receiver (I do, my Denon 3200 won't read the input from the 5100). She scheduled me for a new box Saturday. Do I need to worry that they will bring a 5100? Or are they only doing 6200 boxes now?
I told her I wanted the newer boxes, but I'm sure she didn't pay attention to that.

jsjames

I would recommend a follow up phone call to tech support to confirm that your request is part of the job order, though according to the tech I had 2 weeks ago in Buffalo Grove, they are installing 6200's and the DVI connection is active.

Vince

Is anybody experiencing breakups on all HD channels tonight?

I had no problem with reception last night. OTA and Comcast signals were both clear during Joan of Arcadia, Wonderfalls, and while surfing around after 9:00 pm.

No problems here last night either

I am still experiencing breakups/tiling. It is on espn-hd, and all the locals + I noticed it on nba league pass last night as well. INHDs and HBOHD look fine. They tried resting my box, but it didn't do anything. Today they said that if my box is on all the time that it might be overheating and causing tiling!? I'll give it until 2pm today and schedule a service call. I am thinking that if it is a local issue, it has to be somewhere outside my house. Everything has been working just fine for past 8 months.

Originally posted by jsjames
I currently have the 5100. I called Comcast last night and told them I had issues with the digital output to my receiver (I do, my Denon 3200 won't read the input from the 5100). She scheduled me for a new box Saturday. Do I need to worry that they will bring a 5100? Or are they only doing 6200 boxes now?
I told her I wanted the newer boxes, but I'm sure she didn't pay attention to that.

I called twice to make sure they put 6200 down on the work order (they didn't).
The Comcast tech showed up with a 5100 box, I sent him away asking him to get the 6200, he left and went to the warehouse and came back 15 minutes later with the right box. So, I guess they still are installing the 5100 boxes.

BTW - He also said they just unloaded a 52" truck full of 6208 (PVR model) yesterday. So they should be rolling out soon...

Jeff,
glad to hear of your sucess. I am looking forward to the 6208s.

I have a quick question regarding pricing of cable and HD cable for those of you who live in the city. Many rental buildings include basic cable in your rent. For those of you that this applies to, if you want to upgrade to Digital or HD, what kind of prices do you have to pay. Is it just the difference between basic and digital, or do you have to pay the full price? I am moving to the city this summer and I am planning on purchasing an HDTV, but if it is going to cost me $90 per month for cable I might just stick to regular cable. Thanks

Mike

Originally posted by Cox8884
I have a quick question regarding pricing of cable and HD cable for those of you who live in the city. Many rental buildings include basic cable in your rent. For those of you that this applies to, if you want to upgrade to Digital or HD, what kind of prices do you have to pay. Is it just the difference between basic and digital, or do you have to pay the full price? I am moving to the city this summer and I am planning on purchasing an HDTV, but if it is going to cost me $90 per month for cable I might just stick to regular cable. Thanks

Mike

My high-rise condo building in Old Town is switching to Comcast in the next two weeks. Our basic cable rate is much lower than the normal rate, I assume because Comcast picks up 400+ units at once. The digital and premium add-ons, if desired by individual residents, are at the normal advertised rates.

Of course you also wind up paying for basic cable in your rent or assessments, but it's a good deal compared to what individual homes have to pay.

Does anyone know if I will need a DVI connection to use the 6206 once they start rolling them out. Unfortunately my current TV does not have this input.

Originally posted by jsjames
...they just unloaded a 52" truck full of 6208 (PVR model) yesterday.
It must have been a truckload of "mini-cableboxes"! ;)

Originally posted by gtcharlie
Does anyone know if I will need a DVI connection to use the 6206 once they start rolling them out. Unfortunately my current TV does not have this input.

I'm pretty sure component video is still the most popular connection method, so DVI would be an option, not the requirement.

Just got my HD box installed last friday. Got a 6200 and using DVI output, nice picture on HD programmes.
However I have a couple questions:
1. Does the RF bypass suppose to work with this 6200 firmware 7.07 or not? No matter I choose RF bypass to 'yes' or 'no', I can't get any signal when connect my tv's 'cable in' to the 6200's 'to tv/vcr'. Accoring to mannul, I should get normal cable signal when I turn the HD box off(that's what RF bypass for, right?). I do notice the A/B switch is showing disabled in the configure no matter choose 'yes' or 'no' for RF bypass.
2. I think ABC is broadcasting with 720p and my sumsung plasma is displaying an 3-inch black bar only to the right edge of the screen. All other HD with 1080i are fine and all screens are filled. I'm not sure it's my tv or everyone is having this right side only black bar?
Thanks in advance.

i'm in the schaumburg area and got a new 6200 HD box last weekend. it had the DVI and FireWire ports but the firmware is still 05.03. i was hoping that over the weekend, the firmware will be updated but no luck. so i guess firmware 7.07 is not widely deployed yet in the chicagoland area...

Originally posted by memnoch
i'm in the schaumburg area and got a new 6200 HD box last weekend. it had the DVI and FireWire ports but the firmware is still 05.03. i was hoping that over the weekend, the firmware will be updated but no luck. so i guess firmware 7.07 is not widely deployed yet in the chicagoland area...

There are few users here from Schaumburg that can give you better info, but I am in Bartlett which falls under Schaumburg office and we've had 7.07 for over a month now.

Palatine is still on 5.03 as well.

When will Comcast start carrying WGN's HD signal? Can't wait to watch the Cubs in High Def.

according to the message i recieved on my box a couple weeks ago, WGNHD will be availible april 1st

Will WGN broadcast all the Cubs games in HD when it launches?

There is a link to the schedule floating around somewher, but basically WGN will broadcast all home games in HD.

here is the link:

http://wgntv.trb.com/about/site/other/wgntv-sports-cubs2004,0,260100.htmlstory?coll=wgntv-sports-1

Well, kind of. A more accurate way to say it would be all Cub's home games broadcast by WGN will be in HD. There will be quite a few home games that will be broadcast on WCIU and Fox Sports Net that will not be in HD. Gotta wait for Comcast Chicago Sports Net before most of the home games will be in HD. For now we'll have to take whatever we can get.

This popped up in my message center today:

NBA TV, the league's 24-hr channel, will be added on digital ch. 439. A digital converter is needed to view NBA TV & minimum service level requirements also apply. Call Comcast for complete details.

This will launch on April 1, along with WGN-DT and TV One.


Quick edit: INHD (channel 174) is currently broadcasting NBA TV. Commercials are stretched a la ESPN, but the recap show's studio shots are in HD. Most of the game clips are upconverts as expected.

Originally posted by FSugino

This will launch on April 1, along with WGN-DT and TV One.



What's TV One?

Originally posted by Hopeless
What's TV One?

It's being billed as a black cable channel that will compete with BET. Here's an article (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3982956/) with more info.

I'm sorry if this has been asked..
I was one of the first to get HDTC on Comcast in Chicago. I have the Mot 5100 box. I have read they are now giving out the newer box the 6200. For someone who connects via component cables and doesn't use DVI is there any significant reason to want an upgrade? Any additional functionality?
Thanks.

Originally posted by hrlyboy1
Palatine is still on 5.03 as well.

I had the same issue in Buffalo Grove. Called Comcast Tech Support, Tech support said that the DVI ports should all be active. Tech support sent out a new box 2 weeks ago with 7.07 firmware and DVI active. Supposedly there has been a problem with 6200's taking the firmware upgrade remotely and must be replaced.

I received my 6200 & HD today. DVI is not enabled. Actually, seems S-video doesn't work either but the jury's still out on that.

How can I check the version of software mine has?

Originally posted by meagain
How can I check the version of software mine has?

Go into the Menus and select Setup. Click on Cable Box, then turn on the See Configuration option.

I am in Aurora, and Comcast says it only has 5100 (which I've got). I know I am not missing much but firewire is great to have given the fact I can hook up my MITS to it. Will I see any picture quality improvement over current Component connection.

thanks

lovehd

Call Tech Support. Don't talk to a CSR. The installer that delivered mine two weeks ago said they were only doing 6200's and that the DVI and firewire are already active.

I will; thanks for the info.

Is IEEE 1394 much better than component ?? or should I wait for 6208 anyways.

lovehd

I don't use the firewire, so I can't say one way or the other. I'm waiting for a 6208 or the 6408 instead of building a PVR. As of right now I do not know of video cards that will record HDTV off cable.

Vince

Originally posted by lovehd
Is IEEE 1394 much better than component ?? or should I wait for 6208 anyways.
If you haven't already seen it, you may want to check the Moto6200-Mits65869 Firewire thread. Im still waiting for the 6200 to go with my Mits, but I've found the thread pretty interesting.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=363217&perpage=20&pagenumber=1

Hey guys is the 6200 any different visually than the 5100?

Any smaller or anything?

Originally posted by lovehd
I will; thanks for the info.

Is IEEE 1394 much better than component ??

Depends on your sets decoder, but with the Mits 2004 line, 1394 is superior to component.

Originally posted by Lee K
Hey guys is the 6200 any different visually than the 5100?

Any smaller or anything?

The 6200 looks just like the 5100. Except for the label that says 6200 on the bottom. In Warrenville the DVI works.

Originally posted by xfoofoo
Just got my HD box installed last friday. Got a 6200 and using DVI output, nice picture on HD programmes.
However I have a couple questions:
1. Does the RF bypass suppose to work with this 6200 firmware 7.07 or not? No matter I choose RF bypass to 'yes' or 'no', I can't get any signal when connect my tv's 'cable in' to the 6200's 'to tv/vcr'. Accoring to mannul, I should get normal cable signal when I turn the HD box off(that's what RF bypass for, right?). I do notice the A/B switch is showing disabled in the configure no matter choose 'yes' or 'no' for RF bypass.
2. I think ABC is broadcasting with 720p and my sumsung plasma is displaying an 3-inch black bar only to the right edge of the screen. All other HD with 1080i are fine and all screens are filled. I'm not sure it's my tv or everyone is having this right side only black bar?
Thanks in advance.

xfoofoo

1)I have the 6200, and the only thing out of the RF connector is broadcast on channel 3. If you tune your tv to channel 3, you will then see whatever chanel the cable box is tuned to. I have a second old 13 inch TV in the kitchen hooked up this way, so whatever the cable box is tuned to is displayed in the kitchen as well (including hi def chanels with letterboxing) as on my hi def TV in the living room.

2)No black bars on ABC for me.

Marc

Originally posted by MarcL

1)I have the 6200, and the only thing out of the RF connector is broadcast on channel 3. If you tune your tv to channel 3, you will then see whatever chanel the cable box is tuned to.
Marc

I believe the RF bypass is an option. I don't know if Comcast includes it or would install it upon request. If you can get this option, the RF bypass out would give you only analog unscrambled channels.

The idea is, for example, that you could watch unscrambled analog on TV (with channel selection controlled by the TV) while recording a different channel on a recording device (the cable box channel).

Western Burbs here. I'm watching CBS HD for the first time (Survivor). I have GREY bars on each side. Not black. Grey. It's horrendously distracting. I've yet to figure out a way to fix my aspect ratio situation, but the grey bars are intolerable.

I assume others have the same situation. Has anyone figured out a way around the grey color? Or do I simply need to complain to CBS. Is the grey bar issue common?

Any new info on the release of the 6208's and/or how long they are delayed for?

Grey bars or bars in general are common on the HD channels when the material being watched is not in HD and is not being stretched.

Survivor isn't in HD, and it is not stretched to fill a 16X9 screen either, so that's why you have the grey bars....I'm not sure if you can change the color or not. If you don't like the bars, give channel 2 a shot...SD and stretched so you won't see the bars.

Anything in HD will fill your screen. SD that is stretched will fill your screen too (on the HD channels)...

Hope this helps some..

Tom

Hey Lisa...if you were just addressing the "grey" bars and not bars in general...sorry for my long post and in that case I just misunderstood you.

If it was just the color of the bars you didn't like....again, I don't know how to make them change.

Tom

Originally posted by meagain
Western Burbs here. I'm watching CBS HD for the first time (Survivor). I have GREY bars on each side. Not black. Grey. It's horrendously distracting. I've yet to figure out a way to fix my aspect ratio situation, but the grey bars are intolerable.

I assume others have the same situation. Has anyone figured out a way around the grey color? Or do I simply need to complain to CBS. Is the grey bar issue common?

As already noted, Survivor is broadcast in 4:3, so you'll have bars on the left and right sides of the picture. As for the color, it used to be black but WBBM decided to use gray - this switch was made about a month ago.

WBBM_TOM frequents this board, so I'm sure he'll see your comment.

the other thing is they are most likely using gray because viewers may have wanted them, because gray bars help to prolong burn in which is a problem with rptv's black bars are much worse for yout tv

Originally posted by MarcL
xfoofoo

1)I have the 6200, and the only thing out of the RF connector is broadcast on channel 3. If you tune your tv to channel 3, you will then see whatever chanel the cable box is tuned to. I have a second old 13 inch TV in the kitchen hooked up this way, so whatever the cable box is tuned to is displayed in the kitchen as well (including hi def chanels with letterboxing) as on my hi def TV in the living room.

2)No black bars on ABC for me.

Marc

Thanks for the reply. It would be great to have RF bypass and watch normal cable when the unit is off. Anyway, I found it's funny if you turn the 6200 off, you still get sound in your channel 3 with whatever channel you were watching but no pictures. I think there is probably a bug in firmware or something.

Originally posted by meagain
Western Burbs here. I'm watching CBS HD for the first time (Survivor). I have GREY bars on each side. Not black. Grey. It's horrendously distracting. I've yet to figure out a way to fix my aspect ratio situation, but the grey bars are intolerable.

I assume others have the same situation. Has anyone figured out a way around the grey color? Or do I simply need to complain to CBS. Is the grey bar issue common?

Any new info on the release of the 6208's and/or how long they are delayed for?

Survivor isn't in HD, that's why you see the bars. CBS changed from black bars to grey bars several weeks back. Don't know if it'll do any good complaining as I seem to recall that the word came down from CBS corporate to all CBS stations.

Andy

Personally, I'm glad that CBS doesn't stretch the SD material. I hate it how ABC stretches all their SD shows...I think it looks so funny. After watching a show for a few minutes with the bars on the sides, you don't even notice them anymore. ABC shouldn't stretch because we all have the capability with our TV's to stretch shows if that is how we prefer to watch them...ABC takes that choice away from the user!

Originally posted by timmo
ABC shouldn't stretch because we all have the capability with our TV's to stretch shows if that is how we prefer to watch them.
It would be great if that were true. The motorola hd cable boxes that comcast uses don't have any stretch modes and my 3 year old hd rptv will only strech 480i material.

Originally posted by timmo
Personally, I'm glad that CBS doesn't stretch the SD material. I hate it how ABC stretches all their SD shows...I think it looks so funny.

WLS-DT doesn't really stretch their SD material; instead, they zoom in until the width of the screen is filled (at least on 7.01). EPSN-HD is an example of a stretched picture - the width is stretched to fill the sides, so everyone looks squat and fat. At least people look normal on WLS-DT; the only problem is that portions of the top and bottom of the picture are cropped. Try watching the text crawl when a severe weather warning comes on during a SD broadcast - you'll only see the tops of the letters moving across the screen.

that zoom is annoying, i also would rather have the bars on side i mean if they bother you that much you can always switch to th SD channel and use your tv's strech modes, most cases its not in hd if its not 16x9

I heard today from a CSR (and we all know how reliable they are) that they "soft launched" VOD in Park Ridge. Anybody here from that area that can confirm this? She actually was looking for information on it and read this from a memo.

Is anyone else getting freeze ups when viewing 174/175 (INHD and INHD2) via 1394 to the display? Component works fine.

Originally posted by FSugino
WLS-DT doesn't really stretch their SD material; instead, they zoom in until the width of the screen is filled (at least on 7.01).

I have to correct myself: I was watching Ebert & Roeper tonight and switching between the SD and HD channels. It looks like WLS-DT is doing a slight horizontal stretch of the picture while also doing a slight zoom (the top is clipped more than the bottom). It's really apparent now that The West Wing is being shown letterboxed.

I'm pretty sure this is different from previous behavior; I distinctly remember trying to read a tornado watch crawl, only to see the bottom two-thirds of the letters run off the bottom of the screen.

This may have been briefly mentioned or I may have missed it, so sorry if this has already been covered.

Comcast is picking up WGN-DTV in time to get Sox and Cubs games in HDTV. Here is a release from WGN's HDTV page.

COMCAST TO ADD WGN-DT TO LINE-UP IN CHICAGO JUST IN TIME FOR CUBS & SOX BASEBALL (http://wgntv.trb.com/sports/wgntv-news-hdtv-comcast,0,4621045.story?coll=wgntv-sports-1)

In Chicago they just recently took away all of the analog pay channels (HBO, Showtime, Encore, Starz, etc.). Now you can only get them on the digital channels. Must be using the extra bandwidth for VOD? :) I wish that would start soon... Sux about taking away the pay channels on analog, cause I can't view them on my one tv without a cable box! Oh well...the sacrifices we gotta make to get better services...

I still get HBO on channel 4. At least as of last night I recorded Sopranos from channel 4 (on my PC, no box).

I'm still using the original HD box (Mot 5200)...this past week I've needed to cold boot the thing three times because it has frozen up and not responded to the remote or direct input.

Anyone else having similar problems lately? It may be time to call in for a new box??

Tom

My picture from the 5200 froze last night while we were watching Shallow Hal on HBO HD. I just changed channels, and it was ok. Don't know where the problem was. No other problems in a very long time.

Originally posted by STayfair
I still get HBO on channel 4. At least as of last night I recorded Sopranos from channel 4 (on my PC, no box).
I believe this is a chicago thing only - at least for now.

I'm still using the original HD box (Mot 5200)...this past week I've needed to cold boot the thing three times because it has frozen up and not responded to the remote or direct input.
I didn't have any problem this past week, but the week before I did have to unplug it twice because it froze. I was hoping that we would get firmware 7.07 and/or VOD, but nothing changed after the box came back.

still get analog HBO here in western burbs of chicago

Originally posted by timmo
In Chicago they just recently took away all of the analog pay channels (HBO, Showtime, Encore, Starz, etc.). Now you can only get them on the digital channels. Must be using the extra bandwidth for VOD? :) I wish that would start soon... Sux about taking away the pay channels on analog, cause I can't view them on my one tv without a cable box! Oh well...the sacrifices we gotta make to get better services...

Yeah and CBS-2 News did a story on today, that people were complaining about it.

And the news anchor said that most of them were pirating the Cable signal anyway :)

in fact here the news link to the story

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_089175506.html

having a couple tv's without STB's i would miss the premiums, but in the fact that i crave more HD i think i would coup ok without em, digital isnt that much more then analog these days and if your willing to pay for the premiums they are a better deal with digital anyways since you get the multipacks

Originally posted by timmo
In Chicago they just recently took away all of the analog pay channels (HBO, Showtime, Encore, Starz, etc.). Now you can only get them on the digital channels. Must be using the extra bandwidth for VOD? :) I wish that would start soon... Sux about taking away the pay channels on analog, cause I can't view them on my one tv without a cable box! Oh well...the sacrifices we gotta make to get better services...

I am in Birmingham and have Charter. If you don't already have it, you will love the On Demand channels. I get HBO, Showtime and Cinemax OD at no extra cost. I can watch programming from those three channels at any time, pause, rewind, fast forward, etc. They save partially watched programs so you can pick up where you left off.

It is definitely a cool feature.

Originally posted by openhouse
Yeah and CBS-2 News did a story on today, that people were complaining about it.

And the news anchor said that most of them were pirating the Cable signal anyway :)

That pirating statement is incorrect. The news report at 10:00 talked about consumer notification, which apparently was done on the February bill. It also explained that the Comcast customers were offered free set top boxes.

Apparently most people missed the notification and were surprised when the change took place.

Here is a link to the story.

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_089175506.html

Mike K.

Originally posted by mikek747
That pirating statement is incorrect. The news report at 10:00 talked about consumer notification, which apparently was done on the February bill. It also explained that the Comcast customers were offered free set top boxes.

Apparently most people missed the notification and were surprised when the change took place.


Mike K.

I take it you didn't watch the 4:30 Newscast ?
Edit : Go and on the website look at the Video clip of the story, and right by end of the story the News anchor mentions it

Originally posted by openhouse
I take it you didn't watch the 4:30 Newscast ?
Edit : Go and on the website look at the Video clip of the story, and right by end of the story the News anchor mentions it

I reviewed the clip from the 4:30 newscast. The term used was "some" of the people were pirating the newscast. The story given at 10:00 did not mention the piracy issue. However, and we are probably just talking about semantics, "some" is very different than "most", which is what you said in your original post. Your post seems to go in the direction that the reason for the change was piracy, where in fact it was a system upgrade. Most of the consumer complaints could have been avoided if they were paying attention.

Mike

I just noticed that TV One is up and running on channel 172; I thought this was supposed to go live at the same time WGN-DT goes live on channel 192.

Not that I'm complaining, mind you... as long as WGN is up on April 1 as promised. :)

I am hoping they add NBA-TV a day early as well. I want to watch Kings-Spurs tomorrow. Too bad the game is not in HD, that way I could watch it on INHD.

FSugino, I was just talking to a tech guy at Comcast and he told me that they soft launched VOD in parts of Schaumburg and Streamwood yesterday. I guess they did it by the account numbers (my accoun number didn't fall under the soft launch, I was away by 10 numbers or something like that). Did you get it?

I guess they are looking at sometimes in June for a full launch.

maybe with tv one on early we'll see wgn-DT on a day early too

I noticed TVOne (what is it)?

Also, which channels are VOD suppose to show up on? A quick look didn't show anything unsual for me.

Tom

Originally posted by STayfair
I noticed TVOne (what is it)?

Also, which channels are VOD suppose to show up on? A quick look didn't show anything unsual for me.

Tom

VOD will change the look of your menu quite a bit. You should be a It is not on any particular channel number (although I think that by going to channel 1 you go to VOD menu).

Originally posted by vj9999
FSugino, I was just talking to a tech guy at Comcast and he told me that they soft launched VOD in parts of Schaumburg and Streamwood yesterday. I guess they did it by the account numbers (my accoun number didn't fall under the soft launch, I was away by 10 numbers or something like that). Did you get it?

No, the only change that I can see is the addition of TV One. I don't see anything that looks like VOD in the menus or channel listing.

yeah got tv one here in northbrook but nothing else seems to have changed, seems like an odd channel number assinment to me seeing as how its grouped with HD channels

Here in Aurora Comcast. I saw WGNHD show up as Channel 192 in the guide and nav. However, no programming on it...the prompt says "Please wait..the channel will be available soon" (or something like it)

Looks like they are going to fulfill the promise :)

Originally posted by STayfair
I noticed TVOne (what is it)?
Tom

Can someone please elaborate on this channel?

Is in not an HD channel even though it's placed near ESPN-HD?

Originally posted by SamR.
Can someone please elaborate on this channel?

Is in not an HD channel even though it's placed near ESPN-HD?

I believe it is similar to BET (Black Entertainment Television). It is not an HD channel. Like you, I find their channel placement curious at best. They are mixing digital channels and HD channels, 182, and 183, for instance falling in between INHD and Showtime HD.

I wish they would assign numbers that are more like the original channel numbers. I think WGN-DT should be on 199. Better yet, I wish they could do channel mapping like the OTA recieivers do, 2-1, 5-1, 7-1 etc, instead of putting them off in a whole different area. This would simplify things for everyone.

Mike.

It's up on the Aurora area system, but it's choppy. Once in a while, the video will freeze momentarily, and then quickly jump to where it's supposed to be. Happens enough to be annoying.

When viewed through composite, the picture is extremely jumpy. This doesn't matter, since I won't ever watch it this way, but none of the other hd channels act like this.

I do watch composite through a TiVo, but I don't think that has anything to do with it. Anybody else seeing this?

no wgn up in northbrook yet, hopefully it will show up tomorrow so i can check the quality and see if there is any choppiness over here

no WGN-DT here yet either... hopefully I'll have a nice suprise in the morning though. :)

Not on here in Laporte. In northwest indiana tvone is up though. WHat a crappy channel. They could of at least gave us bet.

No WGN-DT in Buffalo Grove yet. I'll be calling them by 8:30 if I don't have it.

WGNHD is up here in Gurnee!

b

WGN-DT up and running here in Warrenville. Started Wednesday (31st). Bring on the CUBS!!!!!

I didn't have WGN-HD yet around 5AM this morning when I left for work. NBA TV was there on channel 439, but I was getting not authorized message!? I believe I should have it with my digital silver, and that extra $5 package for all the sports channels (plus I subscribe to NBA league pass). Myabe it is just a temporary thing since they always have issues when they first launch new channels. I'll call them and have them reauthorize my box.

WGN-DT is on in Streamwood.

Andy

Ok now over here in Rolling Meadows we have the channel selectable -- but are getting the "This channel will be available shortly" message.

Hope it comes on sometime this afternoon so I can catch some of the channels HD programming later tonight. (yes I know its only like one show) :)

On a side note, I still have the old 5100 box... anyone know of any differences between that and the new 6200? There are tons of things about this box that bother the heck outta me. For instance trying to type in channels -- there is always a delay after every key press and very often it doesn't even get half of my commands, causing me to switch to the wrong channel a couple times before I get it right. It's heinously frustrating. Also, channel changes are extremely slow. What can I say, I HATE the thing really! Also a couple of the "lines" that makes up the numbers on the display are "burned out" and don't show up, causing me to think it's 9 o' clock when it's really 8 and so on.

So I guess that would be somewhat of an excuse for a new box anyways. Would it be worth the upgrade in my case?

Well, I am in Palatine, and still only have firmware 5.03 and the 5100 box (I got HDTV in Sept.). I have my Sony 34XBR910 just waiting to get a DVI input to it, but still no updates. Meanwhile, I have to constantly juggle 3 sets of components (5100, Xbox, DVD player) between 2 sets of inputs on the TV.

Who at Comcast should I call to se about getting some stuff updated? Tech Support? I rather not talk to the bonehead customer service people if I don't have to.

Ideally, I'd like a 6208 delivered, with DVI and Firewire all activated. But for some reason I doubt that'll happen anytime soon. :( So I'd settle for a 6200 with both activated.

Thanks all.
Brian

WGN-HD on ch. 192 was up and working fine in Wheeling this morning. I forgot to check NBA TV (we don't have the sports package, so I don't know if we would even get it), and we also have had TV One since Tuesday.

I am really looking forward to the Cubs in HD and the WB shows in HD.

And is it just me or does it seem like WLS changed their stretching/cropping scheme for WLS-HD on Ch. 187? It seems I can see a little bit more on the top and bottom, but it still seems cropped a little.


tim

Buffalo Grove still has "should be available shortly"

WGNHD was up in Aurora on 31 Dec. As for PQ - Not great, some audio drops. Most of the programming, as expected, was 4:3 except for WB shows (I only watched Smallville). Friends re-run looked better here than on NBC-HD; or maybe a first-time-seen reaction.

Good job comca$t for the lineup. PQ/ service/ price may be debatable.

WGN-DT is up and running in Schaumburg.

NBATV is now listed as channel 439, but no program is currently running - I have a blank screen.

i looked on channel 439 and i also get a not authorized message[i have the digital classic package btw]

I got the same thing on 439 and I have the digital plus

Just checked again, and NBATV is up and running on channel 439. There's a program called Vintage NBA on - old black & white film of old-time players.

I've got the Comcast Platinum package, btw.

comcast should open up nba-tv for all digital cable customers...cripes

btw i just emailed comcast to find out which level of digital service you need to get nba-tv[figured that'd clear it up once and for all]

comcast emailed me with a channel lsting but it didn't include nba-tv[so i'm no clearer on the subject than i was before]

Ok I'm kinda pissed... I just got back from a friends house in Barrington, and his WGN HD was on, as of about 12pm (probably much earlier). However I just got back to my place here 2 hours later and it's still giving me the ONE MOMENT PLEASE message.

:(

Originally posted by Lee K
There are tons of things about this box that bother the heck outta me. For instance trying to type in channels -- there is always a delay after every key press and very often it doesn't even get half of my commands, causing me to switch to the wrong channel a couple times before I get it right. It's heinously frustrating. Also, channel changes are extremely slow. What can I say, I HATE the thing really!

I never had the 5100, but heard that the speed of it was similar to the non HD 2200 box. Compared to that the 6200 is a speed demon. I can bring up the guide and hit page down as fast as I can and the 6200 will keep up.

So yes, get a 6200.

Andy

Originally posted by LYU370
I never had the 5100, but heard that the speed of it was similar to the non HD 2200 box. Compared to that the 6200 is a speed demon. I can bring up the guide and hit page down as fast as I can and the 6200 will keep up.

So yes, get a 6200.

Andy

My 5100 races along like Andy's 6200. Maybe it's the setup?

WGN looks good here in DG.

WGN-DT up and running good in McHenry County!

"Like Family" is looking pretty decent.

Still no WGN in Buffalo Grove. Anyone know whats up?

I just got off the phone with comcast and they dont know why I'm not getting it and how successful their launch was so far. I advised them of the areas that have reported getting wgnhd.

They said they would call back tonite with more information

wgnHD and nbatv both up and working here in northbrook, havent had a chance to catch any hd programming on wgn yet but all i wanted it for was the cubs anyhow, on a side note i still have the 5100 and dont have any problems with it, is there really any point in trying to get the 6200 since i have no need for firewire at least not in the forseeable future, or is it worth the hassle with comcast to get my box switched out?

The 6200 has an active DVI port and I understand it does have some performance enhancements like speedier channel changes

Looks like everyone around me got WGN HD.

ok so another question, if i want to swap out my 5100 for a 6200, will comcast let me do a self install or will i need to waste my time and money haveing them come out only to watch me set it up because i wont let anyone touch my ht stuff

interesting question. although they really only have to plug the component cables from one stb to another and don't need to touch your gear.

yeah but i still dont trust em i mean crap when they came out for the 5100 install they thought the optical out was for video, and he couldnt figure out that he had to change the video settings on the box to output properly, but anyways i just dont feel like paying someone to do something i can do in 2 minutes and sitting at home for half a day because comcast gives a 4 hour window

Still no WGN HD. Comcast will be out tomorrow. Anyone else from Buffalo Grove with a problem?

Lee,
I'm in Palatine and don't have it yet either. I was on the phone with two CSR's last night and this morning and they don't have a clue. It's difficult to get to someone that understands what is going on at the Rolling Meadows headend. I wish I had the local number!

Okay there is 57 pages here so I hope I'm not asking a question that hasn't already been answered. I live downtown and was wondering if anyone in the city is getting High Def? Also I was wondering if anyone is using a tivo with their Motorolla boxes and how that is going.

I started getting WGNHD yesterday in MT Prospect.

I'll post the results after they visit. It appears that neither BG or Palatine are active yet. My CSRs didn't know either. You might try to insist on a service call.

Mine is scheduled between 8-12 tomorrow. Note that I have a 5100 box.

I wish we could get some confirmation from other BG Palatine folks. The CSRs had no current info on the rollout success or failure. Knowing if it is us individually or something larger would help.

Not that I'm complaining, but has anyone else lost the ads on the guide pages? The ads went missing around the time the new channels got added. The two areas along the left of the screen that usually advertise products are empty and have the "...press OK for more info" text in it's place.

I'm wondering if this is a much bigger upgrade on Comcast's part than just adding a few stations...

Yup, lost those too!

I live in Buffalo Grove and as of this morning I do not have WGN-HD either... the display just says "This channel will be available shortly"

WGN is up and running in Justice, southwest suburb of Chicago.

I'm in BG. Also no WGN-HD. Just the channel available shortly message.

Got to call in guys. We need to let them know there are a number of us with the problem. That's three of us now. I'll do my best to nail the tech in the morning when he comes. That is assuming that he can even read and write

WGNHD is now operational in Buffalo Grove!!!

does anyone know if i can go pick up a 6200 to swap out myself or do i have to schedule a tech?

You will have to schedule a tech to come out. They will try to charge you an installation fee again (I got lucky, lady that scheduled my appointment said that it made no sense to pay the fee only to swap the box so she waived it).

Is anyone else here using 1394 firewire from the 6200 to your display???

Originally posted by kippjones
Is anyone else here using 1394 firewire from the 6200 to your display???

I'm about to take the plunge and upgrade to the 6200 just for that reason. I'd love to cut down on the cable clutter between my Mits WS65869 and the zillion things plugged into it. How's the display quality compared to component video?

Finally got WGN-HD in here last night... also got a 6200 finally. I can't really tell any differences, but oh well -- atleast the display on my box works properly. I also got the newer silver remote which I am liking a lot more than the old one.

Looking foreward to the Cubs game!!!

Originally posted by kippjones
Is anyone else here using 1394 firewire from the 6200 to your display???

I would like to know if/when they will be enabled. A call to Comcast several days ago got me to a csr who was very nice, but she didn't know what firewire or IEEE 1394 is. Neither did her supervisor. They promised a callback from tech support within 2 days, but it never came.

I want to use it ro record to DVHS. Anybody have any idea what Comcast's plans are? As of April 1, the FCC mandated an active firewire connection for anyone who requested it, but if the csrs don't even know what it means, what hope do I have? :)

I have a 5100 box, so I suppose it'll have to be swappd out for a 6200?

Hopeless, 5100 doesn't have firewire ports. In my area firewire on my 6200 has been enabled since early february. CSRs usually won't know anything and some will even try to prove you wrong (like they tried proving many of us wrong that INHD channels are pay per view :) ) .

Your best bet is to tell them that a friend of yours who live in the same area had 6200 installed recently and that you would like yhours exchanged. They will probably schedule an appoinmtent and in case they show up with 5100 (which I should be unlikely since I would think they are phased out by now) just tell the installer that you wanted 6200 and cancel the appointment at the door. It shouldn't cost you anything.

Thanks for the info - I guess I'll do that. But I wish the process could be straightforward. I should be able to find out if firewire is enabled here and then get a new box if it is, with everybody understanding what's going on.

Oh well...

:rolleyes:

Originally posted by FSugino
I'm about to take the plunge and upgrade to the 6200 just for that reason. I'd love to cut down on the cable clutter between my Mits WS65869 and the zillion things plugged into it. How's the display quality compared to component video?

The 1394 pq is better but this will depend on your sets MPEG2 decoder. I am using two 2004 Mits sets.

Originally posted by Hopeless
I would like to know if/when they will be enabled. A call to Comcast several days ago got me to a csr who was very nice, but she didn't know what firewire or IEEE 1394 is. Neither did her supervisor. They promised a callback from tech support within 2 days, but it never came.

I want to use it ro record to DVHS. Anybody have any idea what Comcast's plans are? As of April 1, the FCC mandated an active firewire connection for anyone who requested it, but if the csrs don't even know what it means, what hope do I have? :)

I have a 5100 box, so I suppose it'll have to be swappd out for a 6200?

Yes, swap for the 6200. I have been recording away for almost a month now. Its great. :cool: :cool: :cool:

Originally posted by Hopeless
Thanks for the info - I guess I'll do that. But I wish the process could be straightforward. I should be able to find out if firewire is enabled here and then get a new box if it is, with everybody understanding what's going on.

Oh well...

:rolleyes:

I'm not sure if the firmware for 5100 and 6200 is same (I think it is), but you could check what your current firmware is. If it is at least 7.07 than there is a good chance that it is enabled in your area.

Originally posted by kippjones
The 1394 pq is better but this will depend on your sets MPEG2 decoder. I am using two 2004 Mits sets.

How are the 2003 Mits sets? - I have a 55511...will it make a lot of difference. I am currently using Component Cables.

Originally posted by kippjones
Is anyone else here using 1394 firewire from the 6200 to your display???

Does it display the program guide via firewire? I thought I heard that it didn't. Also, does anyone know offhand what type of firewire cable you need, 6200 on one side Hitachi S700 on the other. I'm not looking forward to venturing into my rats nest of wiring.:eek: But then again, it might make me clean it up.

Andy

The 2003 Mits should be fine.

Nothing other than the program via 1394. 6 pin to 4 pin 1394 cable.

I finally decided to upgrade my Motorola 5100 box to the 6200 so I can mess around with the FireWire ports. The cable guy came this afternoon (at 3:15; the appointment range was between 3:00 - 5:00pm) and swapped cable boxes. The entire operation took about five minutes, and after I got a good look at the back of the 6200 I went to Best Buy to get the appropriate FireWire cable.

I connected the 6200 to my Mits WS65869. The Mits immediately said it found a 1394 device, and after a couple of clicks on the remote it was configured and operational. I changed the video input to 1394 and started browsing around the channels.

The HD channels look very good, but I don't really notice any difference in quality between FireWire and component video. I was a little surpised that the normal overlay graphics (channel guide) don't show up on screen when using FireWire. I got the 6200 manual from Motorola's web site (http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/DCT6200/downloads/DCT6200-08_UserGuide.pdf) and found out this is normal. Also, there is a three second pause when changing channels - much slower than via component video, which is practically instantaneous. All this is probably mute, because the FireWire connection is mainly for recording programs and these things shouldn't really matter that much.

One big thing I noticed while watching SD channels is the overscan setting is noticeably different from the component video setting. In fact, I'm guessing the overscan via FireWire is little to nothing, maybe 1% at most. The picture is much wider when viewed via component video, and the text crawls on CNN and other channels is fully visible on the FireWire screen.

Anyway, I'll start tinkering with the DVHS recorder and a hookup to my computer in the next few days.

Originally posted by vj9999
I'm not sure if the firmware for 5100 and 6200 is same (I think it is), but you could check what your current firmware is. If it is at least 7.07 than there is a good chance that it is enabled in your area.

Well, this brings up another issue that I've wondered about for a while. The software version on my 5100 is 50.00-1078, and it says Firmware 08. When I check the firmware version through the diagnostics menu, it says 2.48.

It's been that way since I got it last October, and I've never seen those numbers reported by anyone else. I checked the 5100 faq site, and they say 7.07 is the most recent version for both the 5100 and 6200. Anybody have any idea where I stand on the firewire issue? Anybody in the Oswego/Montgomery/Aurora system have 7.07? Or, is there anybody in the Chicago area that doesn't have 7.07 yet?

I can get the 5100 swapped for a 6200, but if the ports aren't active, I won't be able to use a D-VHS deck anyway. I'd like to have some assurance that I'll be able to use the tape deck before I purchase it. There are some refurbs on Ebay at a real good price, so I don't want to have a return hassle if I can't use it.

Thanks for any help!


John

I currently have E* and have loved to PQ. But, I have reception issues because of neighbors trees. I recently bought a Hitachi 51S500 and now want HD. E* says to get a HD receiver (the 811) it would be a 2 month wait. This along with the reception problems have made me consider Comcast again. What kind of PQ will I get with that big of screen on Comcast analog and digital? Also, is the WTTW digital feed the same programming as regular channel 11 or some national PBS feed?

Originally posted by illini22
What kind of PQ will I get with that big of screen on Comcast analog and digital? Also, is the WTTW digital feed the same programming as regular channel 11 or some national PBS feed?

The HD picture quality from Comcast is very good - I've compared the OTA channels with their cable counterparts, (except WBBM which I can't get OTA) and they're pretty much on par with each other.

It's been a while so I'm not 100% positive, but I could swear the analog channels looked sharper when I had an analog-only cable box.

The WTTW-DT programming is NOT the same as analog channel 11. It doesn't match the national PBS feed, either. You'll have to check the WTTW web site for the program schedule.

i would agree HD pq is great, all other channels are decent at best especially on a big screen were defects are alot more noticable. If you want to take the jump to HD its a great choice

I have to disagree about Comcast pq.
I have been having tiling problems for months and comcast can't figure it out. i just got the 6200 installed with no difference.

anyone else having tiling? generally occurs when there is alot of movment on the program and usually on channels 191, 192, 190, 189,188.

I haven't tested Comcast PQ against my OTA STB in a while (year?), but when I did I noticed no difference at all (as noted earlier by FSugino).

It was pretty widely debated when Comcast HD first came out as to whether it was as good as OTA and I think the prevailing thought was that there was no difference (including comments by KenH that there is no difference).

I notice some occasional glitches but nothing on a consistent enough basis that I could say Comcast HD service is sub par.

I have no real complaints other than my 5100 freezing up on a semi-regular basis (every week?). If I have time today I'm going to try to drive my 5100 over to my local Comcast office and see if I can swap it...I don't know how this will go over because I'm sure they are going to want to send a tech out...but I'll try anyway.

Tom

I do not get any pixelation. I have an excellent signal. Have Comcast add their amp if your signal is poor which can be the source of the pixelation.

Originally posted by STayfair
I have no real complaints other than my 5100 freezing up on a semi-regular basis (every week?). If I have time today I'm going to try to drive my 5100 over to my local Comcast office and see if I can swap it...I don't know how this will go over because I'm sure they are going to want to send a tech out...but I'll try anyway.

A couple of things:

First, the local Comcast office (by Morton's Steakhouse) won't do swaps; they'll only accept returns. You'll have to schedule an appointment and wait for the tech to stop by your house. You may not wait long - I called on Saturday and scheduled the appointment for Monday afternoon. It sounded like they had a lot of open time slots for the Schaumburg area.

Second, I had a great phone experience this time around by complaining that my "hi-def cable box" froze for a minute or two every evening. Make sure you tell the CSR that you have a hi-def box - they'll transfer you to the HDTV trained technical support agents. In my case I told them I had a 5100 box that paused for a minute or two at a time during the evenings, and I specifically requested that the replacement box be a 6200. If you just ask to upgrade your box to a 6200 the CSR will try to slap you with an upgrade fee; if you tell them it's a faulty box they'll do the swap for free.

Good luck,

- Frank

I have called Comcast Aurora so many times, that they could be on my speed dial. According to them, they do not have the 6200 box yet...and despite my various claims they say that it's not available in Chicago market at all. When I pointed out about FCC regulation I got the same 'well we would know being Comcast...'.

I don't have an urgent need to go to 6200 but it might work better with my universal remote and respond faster than the 5100...

...wait

I decided not to run the box into the office Frank, instead I called to schedule an appointement.

After a solid 5 minutes on the phone with an incompetent woman, I hung up on her (that's not my style either).

I'll call back later and speak to someone else.

Tom

Finally installed out in Dekalb. Seem to have been waiting forever. Had given up hope and lost track of the "everything you want to know about the Moto 5100/6200" now it's close to 2500 posts. I have been unsuccessful in searching for the key information. Does anyone have or remember the link to the sound setup testing results?

Thanks,
Steve

Originally posted by FSugino
Anyway, I'll start tinkering with the DVHS recorder and a hookup to my computer in the next few days.

Life is good when FireWire works... :D

I now have my Mot 6200 box and Mits HD1100U connected to my Mits WS65869 via FireWire, and recording HD programming (both OTA and via Comcast) works like a dream. I really love the NetCommand system that Mitsubishi uses - it's very easy to setup and record shows with everything being controlled via the TV set, and the onscreen menus are easy to understand.

Connection to the PC will have to wait a few more days - work kinda gets in the way of fun.

By the way, does anyone know of a local store that sells D-VHS tapes? None of the places around here carry them, and I finally wound up ordering blanks from eCost and a head cleaner from Best Buy online.

FSugino,

do you still have 7.07 firmware? I haven't had any luck connecting it to my PC with firewire. It seems to need 7.10 firmware.

Few people in Chicago area have reported that they have it so I am hoping that the rest of should be getting it soon.

Originally posted by vj9999
FSugino,

do you still have 7.07 firmware? I haven't had any luck connecting it to my PC with firewire. It seems to need 7.10 firmware.

Few people in Chicago area have reported that they have it so I am hoping that the rest of should be getting it soon.

Heck, just having 7.07 would be nice. Here in Wheeling we're still on 5.03

Component works great, but the possibility of DVI intrigues me.


tim

Originally posted by vj9999
do you still have 7.07 firmware? I haven't had any luck connecting it to my PC with firewire. It seems to need 7.10 firmware.

I checked last night and it was still 7.07. I'll see if I can get one of my PCs hooked up this weekend.

Originally posted by timdgibson
Heck, just having 7.07 would be nice. Here in Wheeling we're still on 5.03

Do you have the 5100 box? I checked the firmware in my 5100 just before the cable guy swapped it out, and it was still 5.03. I checked the 6200 right after all the cables were connected and it was 7.07.

Originally posted by FSugino
Do you have the 5100 box? I checked the firmware in my 5100 just before the cable guy swapped it out, and it was still 5.03. I checked the 6200 right after all the cables were connected and it was 7.07.

Yeah I still have 5100. I was figuring I'd wait until the FW was updated before I switch; I guess it works the other way around.

Or I might wait until the 6208 comes out, even if it's going to be awhile. I've had no problems.


tim

Hey guys,

Just got my HD a week ago in River Forest/Oak Park area (just in time for Duke vs Uconn). The installer actually brought me a new 6200 (without my asking, as I hadn't a clue at the time anyways). I appear to be getting all the broadcasting I should, including WGN. I haven't checked the firmware version and am unaware if the dvi is active yet. Quite happy altogether so far though.

Craig

Originally posted by timdgibson
Or I might wait until the 6208 comes out, even if it's going to be awhile. I've had no problems.

Yeah, that was my original plan, too - wait for the HD PVR. But I finally got tired of waiting, and besides now I want the dual tuner version. In the meantime I finally got a D-VHS box and I needed to swap out the 5100 to get working FireWire ports, so I went ahead and took the plunge. I'm happy I did and can recommend it to anyone who has a D-VHS deck.

My last post had me hanging up on a Comcast rep whom I had called to schedule a box replacement for my 5100 which had been freezing up regularly.

I had planned on rescheduling sometime soon (never did call back)...well...I'm out back this morning doing some yard work when a Comcast truck pulls up out front of my house. He told me he was here because I had a cable box that was on the fritz.

This is true, but I sure didn't reschedule ;)

Long story short...I have a new HD box.

How do I find out which box he installed? I don't see any model numbers on it. I check the info using the remote and it seems the box is running firmware 7.07...this wouldn't tell me which box he installed would it?

The box does not look any different than the last one I had in here which I'm assuming was the 5100.

Tom

Update...a little closer look at the box and I DO see a model #6200...firmware 7.07

I got my 6200 today as well. Just called for it last night! This is replacing a 5100 box with older firnware. I was relieved to see that the 6200 firmware is 7.07. I have confirmed that dvi is active, although I get a small HD picture on my screen. Played with it just a little and couldn't figure how to expand it. Not too worried about it, since I don't plan to use the dvi port for HD.

I do plan on getting a DVHS deck now. I'm assuming that since the firmware is 7.07, and dvi is active, firewire is too. Is that a valid assumption? I don't have any way of testing the ports. Does anybody have 7.07 and inactive firewire ports?

The installer was really impressed with my knowledge of the box and of my tv. He says he goes to so many homes where people have no clue about the equipment they have, and have no clue about how to use what he's installing. Must be frustrating for him. So, with great irony, I was the one to show him that the dvi port was active. He was very surprised, and wondered why Comcast never told him about it. He said I'd be a great troubleshooter for them. Kinda scary. He didn't know anything about firewire, and asked me to show him the ports.

I do love Comcast for the most part. We have broadband and phone service through them, and both have been wonderful. Just wish they would keep cable cs reps and installers more informed. It's a ridiculous when the customer knows more than they do.

yeah some of the comcast installers know nothing, i can only imagine the number of ppl who think they are watching HD but have a box hooked up wrong because the installers dont know what they are doing, but hey im sure they are getting better, anyhow i think i may have to suddenly find a problem with my 5100 so i can get a 6200 without paying an install fee

Originally posted by LaxStar18
i can only imagine the number of ppl who think they are watching HD but have a box hooked up wrong because the installers dont know what they are doing,


My Father-In-Law ;)

At least until we went over to their place for Thanksgiving dinner and I sat down to watch some football...let's just say he was more than pleasantly surprised at the picture after I fixed things up.

Originally posted by Hopeless
I do plan on getting a DVHS deck now. I'm assuming that since the firmware is 7.07, and dvi is active, firewire is too. Is that a valid assumption? I don't have any way of testing the ports. Does anybody have 7.07 and inactive firewire ports?

I think 7.07 is the magic firmware number. If you have 7.07, then the FireWire ports should be active. At least that seems to be the concensus of all the messages I've read on the subject.

Originally posted by kippjones
Yes, swap for the 6200. I have been recording away for almost a month now. Its great. :cool: :cool: :cool:


Hi Kipp,

You have similar Mits equipment, so I'm wondering if you can answer this question for me. How do you get the Mits D-VHS to record a sub-channel when scheduling an OTA recording? I came across this problem while trying to record WTTW's SD signal on 11.02. You can only select 11 as the channel, and it always goes to 11.01.

Any tips?

Thanks,

- Frank

Quick question...

I currently get Comcast HSI servive without any of the cable TV services. I do notice that I get the basic cable stations anyhow (2-99). If I were to get a HD Digital cable box (like the 5100), can I just hook it up and automatically get those HD channels? Or is it like the DirecTV sat boxes where they all have unique access cards and activation? Sorry if this is a really stupid question, but I'm not too familiar with the cable feed. I love my OTA and DirecTV HD, but I may move soon to an area where my dish won't work well due to trees in the way, but Comcast offerings are available.

There's no card like DTV. Basically, they install the 6200 (or 5100), they make a phone call, and you have HD.

DMK1974........I am in LITH and am wondering how the PQ of your OTA HD stuff is with the Winegard in the attic?

thanks

Gov,

I get great signal strength and PQ on all of the Chicago DT OTA stations. I don't recall the analong OTA quality exactly, but I know the digital was as good as it gets (better than my DirecTV locals quality). WBBM-DT is the hardest to get, but since they juiced up the antenna 6 months ago or so, it's been great...only occasional blips.

I had that antenna professionally installed in March 03 which cost me $350. But I have to say it was done very well and I am very happy with it.

Originally posted by FSugino
By the way, does anyone know of a local store that sells D-VHS tapes? None of the places around here carry them, and I finally wound up ordering blanks from eCost and a head cleaner from Best Buy online.

Glad to hear of all your success. Order from Tapewarehouse.com . Excellent prices and quick delivery. Good selection of product too. Locally, BB and Tweeter sells D-VHS but at crazy prices. Look into the Fuji S-VHS tapes as a D-VHS substitute. Just drill the hole and its a D-VHS alternative.

Originally posted by Hopeless
The installer was really impressed with my knowledge of the box and of my tv. He says he goes to so many homes where people have no clue about the equipment they have, and have no clue about how to use what he's installing. Must be frustrating for him. So, with great irony, I was the one to show him that the dvi port was active. He was very surprised, and wondered why Comcast never told him about it. He said I'd be a great troubleshooter for them. Kinda scary. He didn't know anything about firewire, and asked me to show him the ports.

I hear ya, believe it or not, the Tweeter and Comcast service departments call me for technical support on advanced installs. I am considering starting a consulting business to support these companies. BTW, this is no BS.

Originally posted by FSugino
Hi Kipp,

You have similar Mits equipment, so I'm wondering if you can answer this question for me. How do you get the Mits D-VHS to record a sub-channel when scheduling an OTA recording? I came across this problem while trying to record WTTW's SD signal on 11.02. You can only select 11 as the channel, and it always goes to 11.01.

Any tips?

Thanks,

- Frank

Frank,
you cannot. The tuner in your 65869 sends out the whole stream (11.1 and 11.2). Upon playback you need to use the either the guide button or channel up and down to view the sub-channel you want. The Moto 6200 only sends out the sub-channel you want to record so with the 6200, you can specify which sub-channel to record.

A good example is that if you connect cable to your 65869 and try to record a 256QAM in the clear channel, it will record, but playback will be pixelized because you recorded a signal that exceeds the 28.8 mbps of the D-VHS deck. (A 256QAM signal is around 38 mbps) I have told Mits about this and hopefully they will modify their tuner in future sets, otherwise their next generation cablecard sets will be useless for recording. I have a feeling they will make the necessary adjustments for their '05 line.

i got a 6200 around mid-March. it had the DVI and firewire ports but the firmware was still 5.03 so those ports were inactive. i was hoping that the firmware would be updated eventually. well, i was surprised to read a couple days ago FSugino getting a 6200 with firmware 7.07 and he's in the same area as me. i immediately called Comcast to replace my box and was lucky to get an appointment that same afternoon! i gathered from the installer that the firmware is being updated all around and that there were 800 more to go before they get to my box. he wasn't quite sure how many boxes were being "hit" each day... anyway, we couldn't wait for that so he just replaced my box with a new one that already had firmware 7.07. so for all those who have the 6200 with firmware 5.03 still, you should be getting an update soon. if you can't wait, you can ask for a replacement and the replacement should have the updated firmware already. now i can record Comcast's HDTV channels using my JVC D-VHS. it's a crude setup but at least I can sit back and let things shake up between the DVRs from Comcast, DirecTV, and Voom first and decide which one will work best for me.

I am curious if you can have more than 1 HD box in the same household? I already have a HD box on the main TV in the family room and am about to purchase a 32" HD-capable for the master bedroom. Problem or no big deal?

Any news on the VOD deployment?

Interestingly, my LG 3410A picked up the WGN cable HD feed of the baseball game today even though I'm in an area where HDTV is "not yet available".

Wish I would accidentally get the other local stations via cable, too. :cool:

Originally posted by mlx52
Any news on the VOD deployment?

Funny you should mention this...

So I'm sitting here watching Solaris on HBO-HD when BLAM! - my Mot6200 box hiccups and starts going through a reset routine unlike any I've seen before. After showing a couple of cryptic letter combinations on the front panel, it eventually settles on "d1" with the left-most LED creating a spinning pattern. That part I remember from the first time I got a hi-def cable box. After ten minutes or so, the display goes blank, Solaris reappears on my TV... and then BLAM! The box resets again.

After two more cycles, the box finally comes back to life and stays that way. I check the diagnostic screens to see if the firmware got updates. Nope, it's still 7.07. But I do notice something completely different when I press the MENU button on my remote. Instead of seeing the usual full screen menu, a smaller menu appears in the upper left of the screen.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/508/59776VODsmallmenu.jpg


Unfortunately, selecting On Demand brings up the following screen.


http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/508/59776VODfailmessage.jpg


Then again, this did just get turned on here, so I'll give it another try in a few hours (or tomorrow). I'll post an update if/when I can get VOD actually working.

Originally posted by jvos
I am curious if you can have more than 1 HD box in the same household? I already have a HD box on the main TV in the family room and am about to purchase a 32" HD-capable for the master bedroom. Problem or no big deal?

Yes, I have 2.

Originally posted by kippjones
Frank,
you cannot. The tuner in your 65869 sends out the whole stream (11.1 and 11.2). Upon playback you need to use the either the guide button or channel up and down to view the sub-channel you want. The Moto 6200 only sends out the sub-channel you want to record so with the 6200, you can specify which sub-channel to record.

Thanks for the reply. I've only got the FireWire hooked up on the D-VHS deck right now, so I can't see any of its menus. When I have time later I'll hook up a coax connection to the TV so I can properly configure it.

any more info on that VOD? im very courious to know if its working and whether or not it was worth the wait, hopefully we will get it soon over here in northbrook

No change this morning. I just checked and I'm still getting that same error message.

Comcast is supposed to call me tonight to troubleshoot.

Good news / bad news time:

The good news: Video on Demand is now up and running on my cable box.

The bad news: No HD content.

If you saw my previous post, clicking on the On Demand button brings up a screen where you can choose from the following categories:


Movies
HBO-SHO-Starz
Kids & Teens
Sports
Cable Favorites
Lifestyle
News & Info
Saved Programs
The Cutting Edge
Music


The Movies section has about 120 movies broken down into several categories including Widescreen-Dolby. Older movies are $2.95 and good for 24 hours; newer releases are $3.95 for the same amount of time.

The HBO-SHO-Starz section contains movies from those channels (as well as The Movie Channel and Cinemax). These are free (I'm assuming if you subscribe to them) and include movies, series, and specials. For example, you can go and watch every Sopranos episode that aired so far this season.

There's a pretty slick feature where you can pause, rewind, fast forward, or stop a video. If you pause or stop a movie and turn off the set, you can come back later and resume it by going to the Saved Programs section.

All in all, VOD is an interesting new feature. Anyone else have this suddenly pop up on their system?

Screenshots?

I wasn't going to take more screenshots because there are just too many menus to go through - you can literally dig down seven or eight levels in some of the sections.

Since you asked, and because there may be a few curious people who want to see what's in store, I took a few representative shots.

This first picture is the top menu that appears when you select the On Demand option in the menu. That picture in the top is actually a little Entertainment Tonight style video preview. Since the same video loop plays every time you enter this screen, you're going to get bored by it pretty quickly.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/508/59776VODtopmenu.jpg

This second screen is the Cable Favorites area. Some of the popular programs that appear on those cable channels are available for viewing. Unfortunately, The Daily Show is not listed under Comedy Central.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/508/59776VODcablefavorites.jpg

If you dig into the HBO section, one of the sub-items is HBO Series. This screenshot lists some of the shows available. You can scroll down the screen for more shows.

http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/508/59776VODhboseries.jpg

No surprise it's running here by me too Frank, too bad no HD as you mentioned. Any plans at all for HD material that you know of?

All in all, HD or no HD, very nice.

Can anyone who has cable and a box installed get VOD? I only have the one box in my house and it's an HD box (6200.

Tom

Originally posted by jvos
I am curious if you can have more than 1 HD box in the same household? I already have a HD box on the main TV in the family room and am about to purchase a 32" HD-capable for the master bedroom. Problem or no big deal?

I have 3.:) :) :)

man i want some VOD this sucks, oh by the way in that cable favorites section are the shows free? and do they have discovery shows like american chopper?

Is there an additional charge for VOD?

Also, if I get the HD service for the extra $5 a month, does that include anything other than locals such as Discovery HD and ESPN HD? I'd guess the HD versions of the premium movie channels may be extra if I just had the lowest digital level.

Thanks so much for posting those screenshots!

VOD is free of charge except for PPV movies. If you subscribe to any of the movie channels, you get that providers VOD content included as well.

Originally posted by vj9999
VOD is free of charge except for PPV movies. If you subscribe to any of the movie channels, you get that providers VOD content included as well.

So, for example, you can use VOD to watch earlier eps of Sopranos at no charge?!? Can this be true?

Originally posted by PhillyC
So, for example, you can use VOD to watch earlier eps of Sopranos at no charge?!? Can this be true?

I believe if your subscription includes HBO, then you should be able to see all of the season five episodes (that have aired so far) at no charge. I don't know for certain what happens if you aren't a HBO subscriber, but I'm assuming you either won't have access to it or you'll have to pay a fee for it. I have a platinum subscription that covers all the premium channels so they're all available to me.

HBO has their on demand schedule posted online. I believe it changes every week.

http://www.hbo.com/hboondemand/

According to the link above, HBO on Demand is not the same as VOD. If you subscribe to digital HBO, you get unlimited viewings of HBO on Demand programming "for a low monthly subscription fee".

Since HBO on Demand is not pay-per-play, it's not clear how you would be charged if it's a subset of VOD. It seems to be left up to the cable provider. I don't think they'll be giving anything away for free.

I guess I'm confused between PPV, VOD, and HBO on Demand (since I have none of these yet).

Originally posted by PhillyC
According to the link above, HBO on Demand is not the same as VOD. If you subscribe to digital HBO, you get unlimited viewings of HBO on Demand programming "for a low monthly subscription fee".

The HBO on Demand schedule looks the same as the HBO section in Comcast's VOD system. Maybe Comcast just put their umbrella interface and sucked in the various cable channels' offerings.

ok, cubs and sox are both playing this afternoon. Who got the HD cameras?

White Sox got it today.

i'm in the Schaumburg area as well and i've got Comcast On Demand as well. it downloaded (i thought it said "DL" instead of "d1" for download... get it?) Monday night and was operational this morning. did not get a chance to play with it yet 'coz i was watching my taped NBA TV HD from last night.
anybody else notice that ESPN-HD is not anymore part of the unscrambled QAM? it used to be in 113.02. also, it's weird that while most locals are in the 112 to 115 channels, WGN-D is mapped to 9.01 and 9.02.

As far as I know the comcast is including the premium on demands like HBO for free if you subscribe that that particular premuim group, just like they are doing with the HD channels, as for the HBO website my guess is it is worded like that because there are probly other carriers who are not providing free VOD services but instead charging for them

So for at least popular programs as determined by Comcast, VOD is basically like a Tivo at a remote location? Or similar to ordering a movie at a hotel? But you can pause and rewind and so on?

Originally posted by dmk1974
So for at least popular programs as determined by Comcast, VOD is basically like a Tivo at a remote location? Or similar to ordering a movie at a hotel? But you can pause and rewind and so on?

Sounds like that's a very good comparison, except that programs can't be stored indefinitely (or can they?)

i would suppose they could be stored indefinetly in a remote location based upon space availible, or could most likely be stored on a pvr with a manual record if you wanted

Does anyone have any news as to when HDTV will be available in the city?

Just an FYI to those in the far NW burbs:

I just scheduled installation of HD service in Lake in the Hills. They are coming out this Saturday. I am a current D* subscriber and they offered me the $25/month off for 16 month deal on any package rated 'silver' or above. My total bill with tax and 2 receivers is $54.51/month.

I'll let everyone know how it goes.

Originally posted by cleaner
Does anyone have any news as to when HDTV will be available in the city?

It depends exactly where you are. Many parts of the city have it.

Early this year, my building near North and Wells was told September for HDTV. When Comcast was installed last month, the installer said (FWIW) that they are ahead of schedule and it could be as early as May. We did just get notices in the mail about possible short outages while our area is being upgraded.

The Midway area has it.

Originally posted by PhillyC
It depends exactly where you are. Many parts of the city have it.

Early this year, my building near North and Wells was told September for HDTV. When Comcast was installed last month, the installer said (FWIW) that they are ahead of schedule and it could be as early as May. We did just get notices in the mail about possible short outages while our area is being upgraded.

I spoke to a comcast person and she said they might be ready as soon as this weekend. By the way I'm on dearborn and ontario.

Originally posted by cleaner
I spoke to a comcast person and she said they might be ready as soon as this weekend. By the way I'm on dearborn and ontario.

Excellent!

I did another scan with my LG 3410A QAM tuner and many of the digital cable channels are suddenly appearing in the clear. Of course, this probably won't last, but it means things are happening.

The good part is that I'm getting WGN HD via clear QAM. The other locals have not appeared, but I'm hoping that they will soon. Comcast's policy so far seems to be that the local HD stations will remain in the clear. If so, the 3410A will pick them up, and the 6208 will become my second tuner when it is available here.

I'll post here if any other HD cable channels appear.

Finally got a chance to watch some HD baseball on WGN today. Is anybody else seeing some flickering on the status bar at the top of the screen? I see it on my dlp set when I'm not looking directly at it.

I watched the game OTA in HD today (and what a frickin game it was...woo hoo!). Yes, I also saw a little bit of a flicker on the top status bar. Ir also seemed like at a few points in the early innings that they forgot to put it up during a few pitches of the at bats.

Yea I've seen it too. It was also there a little bit on the SD broadcast.

tim

I had my HD comcast service installed today in Lake in the Hills. It was up and running in time to watch the Cubs lose in HD.

All of the HD channels look incredible. It is great to receive them and not have to worry about drop outs from my antenna.

The normal SD channels look fine. Some have some grainyness to them that D* did not have, but D* was very compressed.

Is it just me or does the WGN-HD broadcasts at the Sox games look better than the Cubs???

I have no complaints about the video, but I did have some audio dropouts on the last Sox game that I haven't noticed on any Cubs games...

I was using my Samsung OTA. If it happens again I'll switch to the Comcast feed to see if it's the same. I didn't think of it at the time.

It looks like the HD feed is also going to the analog broadcast. I guess they don't want to use two sets of cameras.

If the HD feed were separate, they could be creative and make better use of the wide screen in many shots. As it is now, everything needs to remain centered for the folks watching analog.

And Kipp --- the Sox ALWAYS look better than the Flubs, whether HD, analog, or in person. (Sorry, Cubs fans. Couldn't resist.)

Originally posted by kippjones
Is it just me or does the WGN-HD broadcasts at the Sox games look better than the Cubs???

I'm glad you posted that thought Kipp...I thought the exact same thing.

I guess it's not just me.

Watching Cubs on FSN today was painful. The pq was some of the worst I have seen for SD.

fsn should be ashamed of the quality of their production compared to WGN-DT

Originally posted by kippjones
Watching Cubs on FSN today was painful. The pq was some of the worst I have seen for SD.

Well, I'm glad it's not just us. That's one horrible picture!! I'm sure they'll hsve to address it soon.

they probly just dont care, arnt they lose all the chicago teams to some joint TV channel sometime in the near future? possibly a comcast sports channel that will have HD? i could be wrong but i thought i heard something about that

yes they're switching to a comcast sports channel but no word on HD[that i'm aware of]

yeah like i said i wasnt sure, but anyhow thats probly why the pq is so bad they wont be in existence shortly so why fix it if it aint completly broken, i mean ppl will watch the cubs no matter what, they are the cubs, so why spend cash you dont need to

Originally posted by LaxStar18
yeah like i said i wasnt sure, but anyhow thats probly why the pq is so bad they wont be in existence shortly so why fix it if it aint completly broken, i mean ppl will watch the cubs no matter what, they are the cubs, so why spend cash you dont need to

I respectfully suggest that capitalization and proper use of punctuation would make it much easier to read and understand your messages. Also, spelling words completely instead of using some sort of personal shorthand and using the supplied spellchecker would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your attention and consideration.

Mike K.

Originally posted by kevin j
yes they're switching to a comcast sports channel but no word on HD[that i'm aware of]

I originally posted a thread on this when the press release came out. It did mention HD. Here is the link to that thread. Lint to yahoo news story doesn't work any more, but I found an archived copy of it.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=332735

here is the story:

http://print.google.com/print/doc?articleid=1ck2sRMAI1J

"...Cubs owner Tribune, along with White Sox/Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Blackhawks owner William Wirtz, will own a stake in the channel, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, along with the cable company.

Comcast will be the teams' cable and satellite TV provider, including games broadcast in HDTV. The channel will also pay some license fees to the teams... "

Just wanted to let you guys know of the good service I'm receiving right now from Comcast. I had called them last week to set up an appointment to get a 6200 and to address some signal issues. I had been getting more breakup than usual on the HD channels (specifically 188 & 190 NBC-HD & FOX-ED). We had scheduled the appointment for Tues afternoon. When I was watching TV this morning I noticed breakup on all the HD channels (except for the movie channel ones which we don't subscribe to). Not 30 minutes later I received a call from a Comcast CSR telling me that they had changed some things and asked for an update. I told her that it was worse and that the tech should still come out. Kudos to Comcast.


tim

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by kippjones
Is it just me or does the WGN-HD broadcasts at the Sox games look better than the Cubs???
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by STayfair
I'm glad you posted that thought Kipp...I thought the exact same thing.

I guess it's not just me.

Do you guys think it has anything to do with the upgrades done at The Cell?
I was at a few games last year and their HD JumboScreen looked fantastic. The graphics were great. They were definitely using HD Cams to show the shots of fans/crowd on the screen.

FYI, a form letter from Comcast received today at North and Wells says upgraded services including HD will be available "on or about May 20". There was no specific mention of VOD or DVR.

The digital package price appears to be going up about $5, but I can't tell for sure since our pricing structure is different than individual home prices. The resaon given for the increase is the addition of new channels (that no one wants).

Originally posted by SamR.
quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by kippjones
Is it just me or does the WGN-HD broadcasts at the Sox games look better than the Cubs???
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Do you guys think it has anything to do with the upgrades done at The Cell?
I was at a few games last year and their HD JumboScreen looked fantastic. The graphics were great. They were definitely using HD Cams to show the shots of fans/crowd on the screen.

Very possible. I agree, the games I went to, I noticed the same thing.

Anyone else with info on the VOD roll-out? I've seen Shaumburg / Streamwood mentioned, but I am wondering if it is making its way further south.

The last I heard (and from the most reliable source - CSR :) ) they are soft launching it right now in selected test markets (Schaumburg and few others) and if there are no problems they excpect to launch it by June.

All you Schaumburg guys, how does it look so far? Do you have any problems or it looks pretty stable?

Originally posted by vj9999
All you Schaumburg guys, how does it look so far? Do you have any problems or it looks pretty stable?

It seems to work okay. I watched The Sopranos yesterday and it was nice - even got to fast forward through the parts I already saw (since 24 was on Sunday night I did a lot of channel hopping during commercials). I just wish the service offered HD programming, and they didn't show the preview for the next episode.

BTW, I got a pamphlet in the mail yesterday from Comcast saying that On Demand programming had arrived, so it must not be a soft rollout here anymore.

Originally posted by vj9999
All you Schaumburg guys, how does it look so far? Do you have any problems or it looks pretty stable?

having VOD is cool but to me it is useless at the moment. i thought they would have local network programming in there but so far they only have PPV movies, movie channels (HBO et al), music, and programs from some cable channels. i don't subscribe to any movie package so there's pretty much nothing there i care to watch.

Originally posted by FSugino
It seems to work okay. I watched The Sopranos yesterday and it was nice - even got to fast forward through the parts I already saw (since 24 was on Sunday night I did a lot of channel hopping during commercials). I just wish the service offered HD programming, and they didn't show the preview for the next episode.
So, you watched the Sopranos on the SD channel of HBO since the VOD doesn't work for HBO-HD? Or am I misunderstanding you?

Originally posted by SamR.
So, you watched the Sopranos on the SD channel of HBO since the VOD doesn't work for HBO-HD? Or am I misunderstanding you?

Think of VOD as a library of programming. HBO has it's own library which they update on regular basis (add content/remove content). You can slect anything you want to watch from that library at any time. You have a full control over it (Pause, FF, Rev).

All the content that they have rightnow is SD. Sometimes in future hopefully there will be HD VOD.