Not HD news, but thought I share it. Comcast added bunch of new spanish channels today.

268 and 622 - Gol TV - 268 is saying not authorized so I am not sure if it is part of the Spanish package.
595 - Playboy ñ
619 - GD
622 - Gol TV
623 - INFNI
628 - SUR
631 - TVCHI
634 - SORPR
635 - Si TV

My apologies if this has already been covered, because I'm sure it already has, though I couldn't find anything quite like it with the search function.
I'm a current satellite customer (Direct) buying my first HDTV in about two weeks when I move into a new home. When I do, I'm thinking of switching to Comcast for several reasons, among them not having to buy $350+ in equipment to receive an HD signal and local channels in HD without another antenna. I'm also not happy satellite wants to charge me $100 to re-install my dish unless I give them a year committment.
However, my big concern - other than losing NFL Sunday Ticket - is that picture quality will suffer greatly on standard signals in comparison with what I'm used to via satellite. Given that most here have Comcast or are very familiar with it, are those concerns well founded? I'm willing to maybe sacrifice a sliver of PQ, but don't want to flinch every time I tune in a non-HD channel.
If it helps, I'll very likely be buying a 46-inch Hitachi RPTV.
Thanks for your help.

I just noticed today that On Demand was working out here in Aurora. Did it just start or have I been missing it for a while?

Pakuni,

I am in LITH and have been a Comcast customer for a long time. The PQ for analog stations will vary from poor to fair to good. It depends on what channel it is. Fox Sports Net is one of the worse and The Weather Channel is one of the best.

As for the PQ on digital cable stations, it will also vary. I would say from fair to very good.

The PQ for all the HD stuff has been excellent!!

For the most part, I have been very happy with Comcast.

BTW, the signal almost never goes out in bad weather, which is much better than SAT.

Gov

Originally posted by Pakuni
...If it helps, I'll very likely be buying a 46-inch Hitachi RPTV.
Thanks for your help.

The downside is that you will be dissappointed with most programming on channels 2-99. The bigger the tv, the more obvious it is, especially on a widescreen, where you will be further stretching/distorting the signal. On my 65" its usually unwatchable.

But there are 2 alternatives...
1) Split the incomming cable at the wall. Run one line directly to your tv and the other to the HDbox. This is my preference. I usually only use the cable box for HD viewing. I have to add that since I've received the 6208 DVR with firmware 7.15 (I had the 5100), the pq has gotten better. Not great, but better.

2) Run a seperate s-video cable from the cable box to a seperate input on your tv. You watch all HD through your component (or dvi) input and everything else through your s-video input.

Split the incomming cable at the wall. Run one line directly to your tv and the other to the HDbox.Excellent idea.

If there is any snow on your analog channels, be persistent with the cable company to get it cleaned up. I had a Samsung set whose digital processor would make analog video look *awful* if it had to deal with even a light amount of snow, which totally screws up interlace-to-progressive conversion. Motion artifacts were 10x worse on stations with snow, since the TV was trying to figure out "where all the snow was moving to" from frame to frame.

Originally posted by PhilJSmith67
Excellent idea.

If there is any snow on your analog channels, be persistent with the cable company to get it cleaned up. I had a Samsung set whose digital processor would make analog video look *awful* if it had to deal with even a light amount of snow, which totally screws up interlace-to-progressive conversion. Motion artifacts were 10x worse on stations with snow, since the TV was trying to figure out "where all the snow was moving to" from frame to frame.

Besides "local access programming", like the neighborhood 10 year old soccer game on channel 3, I've had very good pq from the raw cable feed. So, yes I would also get after them if my channels looked snowy.

when, oh when, are we going to get firmware 7.15 in schaumburg?!? i want to use my D-VHS for extra storage, especially for movies in HBO...
regarding the new spanish channels, i'm glad to see Gol TV in there. how about ESPN Deportes? can i just get these channels without subscribing to the whole package? i'm not spanish, but would like to get some soccer shows!

Originally posted by memnoch
when, oh when, are we going to get firmware 7.15 in schaumburg?!? i want to use my D-VHS for extra storage, especially for movies in HBO...


Not sure. My 5100 never downloaded 7.15. My 6208 arrived with it loaded when I received it about 2-3 weeks ago. You might find further info here (quite large, but loaded with info): http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4368626#post4368626

Originally posted by memnoch
when, oh when, are we going to get firmware 7.15 in schaumburg?!? i want to use my D-VHS for extra storage, especially for movies in HBO...
regarding the new spanish channels, i'm glad to see Gol TV in there. how about ESPN Deportes? can i just get these channels without subscribing to the whole package? i'm not spanish, but would like to get some soccer shows!

I hope Schaumburg headend gets on with the rest of them and sends out 7.15 . The worst tease was, when I had my 6208 replaced with a new one, the new one came preloded with 7.15, but soon after they authorized it it redownloaded 7.07 :(

As for GolTV, I hope they activate it for everybody (because they placed it two locations). They recently added MTV E to in 100s and you can watch it without subscription to the package.

My Comcast tech called and left a message concerning firmware and VOD issues in the NW burbs. Here's the scoop:


The local Comcast headend is scheduled for a hardware upgrade in October.
Local management decided to hold off on the firmware upgrade until then, but "persistent complaints from customers" (wonder who!) changed their minds - we should get v7.15 sometime next week.
The October upgrade, among other things, is supposed to address VOD and other issues. I don't have any other info on this, but I'll call and ask next Monday.


Two things to learn from this:

1. It pays to be friendly with a good tech. Nate has been excellent about following up on the 7.15 firmware upgrade issue for me.

2. Sometimes the most effective way to get a problem solved is work through the tech. It's a pain to get a home appointment scheduled, but a good tech will escalate a problem straight to the people who can solve the problem. Personally, I'm tired of speaking to customer service agents who give lip service to your problem and fail to follow through.

So, fellow NW burbanites, our FireWire woes are about to go away!

Thanks for the info FSugino.

FSugino, I appreciate the info. I was beginning to think I was the only one without VOD. Mount Prospect is part of the Schaumburg head end, isn't it?

Actually, Schaumburg head end was one of the first ones to get VOD back in mid april.
I'm almost positive that Mount Prospect is not on Schaumburg headend (you do have 7.15 unlike anybody else on our headend:) )

Originally posted by DenR
I just noticed today that On Demand was working out here in Aurora. Did it just start or have I been missing it for a while?

Hi,

I think vod started on the 10th. I'm in Oswego (same system).

I had a 6208 installed on Thursday the 9th. I asked the installer when vod would be available, and he said in November. He said he was going to be a tester, so he knew all about it. Next day, *POOF* it was there! Cool technology, but I probably won't watch much til hd programming is offered.

BTW, as limited and as buggy as it is, I'm very happy to finally have the 6208. I've had TiVos for several years, and the ability to time shift almost always trumped watching programming in hd. Now I can do both, and can finally use my system the way I've wanted to for the past year.

Can someone tell me if VOD is worth the money? Apparently I need to switch to one of their new packages which will cost $200/ month more since the package I already have (whatevr they now call the top of the line with all premiums and HD) is no longer avalible if I add VOD. In fact if I simply add the new HD tuner with PVR they also said I need to switch to the new package even without VOD. I'm soooo confused.

Thanks

..VOD is here in st. charles now. Just had to call for my 6208 to receive a download which took 15-20 minutes. Pretty nifty stuff....

Originally posted by asrermd
Can someone tell me if VOD is worth the money? Apparently I need to switch to one of their new packages which will cost $200/ month more since the package I already have (whatevr they now call the top of the line with all premiums and HD) is no longer avalible if I add VOD. In fact if I simply add the new HD tuner with PVR they also said I need to switch to the new package even without VOD. I'm soooo confused.

Thanks

What package do you have now? VOD is usually included with any digital package (even the lowest one). You will get HBO/Starz and other premium channels VOD content if yousubscribe to that content as well.

I will be moving out to Oswego in late December. It's good news to hear that the 6208 is already available there. I wonder if that means they are available here in Aurora?


Originally posted by Hopeless
Hi,

I think vod started on the 10th. I'm in Oswego (same system).

I had a 6208 installed on Thursday the 9th. I asked the installer when vod would be available, and he said in November. He said he was going to be a tester, so he knew all about it. Next day, *POOF* it was there! Cool technology, but I probably won't watch much til hd programming is offered.

BTW, as limited and as buggy as it is, I'm very happy to finally have the 6208. I've had TiVos for several years, and the ability to time shift almost always trumped watching programming in hd. Now I can do both, and can finally use my system the way I've wanted to for the past year.

Originally posted by DenR
I will be moving out to Oswego in late December. It's good news to hear that the 6208 is already available there. I wonder if that means they are available here in Aurora?

Well, FWIW, the installer said they've been available in limited quantities for a couple of months. That would include Aurora. But I'd been calling around the first of each month since May or June, and was always told "soon". Guess they didn't happen to have any when I called in July or August.

According to him, they don't want to install a lot of the single tuner models, because they're waiting for the 2 tuner models. Don't know how much of that is true, based on what he told me about VOD.

Hope you like Oswego! (We sure do!)

Originally posted by asrermd
Can someone tell me if VOD is worth the money? Apparently I need to switch to one of their new packages which will cost $200/ month more since the package I already have (whatevr they now call the top of the line with all premiums and HD) is no longer avalible if I add VOD. In fact if I simply add the new HD tuner with PVR they also said I need to switch to the new package even without VOD. I'm soooo confused.

Thanks

Wow. Comcast amazes me. They never seize to find ways to give you less for your money. I have Digital silver with premium pack for $64.99 + $5.00 . Now they took out half of the channels from premer pack and left the price the same. So to get exactly what I have now it would be $66.99 ($2 increase) for digital silver, 2x $5 for two tiers they have (than include same stuff as premier pack before) and athat would include VOD.

I guess they consider all of us with old packages and that got VOD already grandfathered into it.

Amazing $7 more a month for exactly same service just by redesigning the packages.

Is anyone else with two or more 6208s getting charged $9.95 a month for each box for the DVR service???

I am, should I not be?

Would anyone happen to know when VOD is coming to the Winnetka, Northfield area? Thanks

Anyone else notice any changes in the TVGuide software today, the one big one i noticed was when i turn on the box or hit the menu button i get a little drop down menu with the options of going to either the guide, the dvr, or the menu. I havent really noticed anything else yet though

I have had that ever since VOD was enabled few months ago (even on 6200). I though all 6208 in had that dropdown menu with only difference being that ON DEMAND shows up there if you have it enabled or not.

Well still no VOD, maybe it means its coming? we can only wait and see

I also didn't have the drop down menu until they sent the download that enabled VOD. But that was about a month ago.

FSugino. It is almost end of the week and still no 7.15 . Any more updates from that tech guy?

I did notice, however, that that little video preview screen is back in VOD main menu.

I just called and left him a message - hopefully he'll respond shortly.

[Edit]

Man, he's good. He just left a message on my home phone system. The upgrade will take place sometime NEXT Wednesday night, Sept. 29. So check your box on Thursday morning, and hopefully we'll all be on 7.15.

- Frank

Wow. He is good. Thanks for the update.

Originally posted by radarblip
What is the best satellite service alternative to my current Comcast HDTV & Broadband Internet (3Mbits/sec download) service?

I just found out Comcast is making changes in their packages which will increase my monthly bill from $154 to nearly $200 if I add the DVR. I am also steamed about recent HDTV broadcast picture quality in recent days and one movie in particular on one channel last night. Comcast CSR insists they must schedule a service call because they cannot see the broadcast to tell if it is a system -wide problem. Been there done that too many times. Turns out the picture was fine last night after that particular movie (Shattered Glass) ended.

Specifically, Comcast CSR in retention told me the DVR will cost an extra $5 but my Platinum Service with Premium Tier at $86.99 will no longer include any channels from Cinemax, The Movie Channels or Encore. I can add them back for $30 not including taxes and excise fees.

I would appreciate anyone telling me how these satellite services compare. My priorities are HDTV movies and high speed Internet. I could keep the cable Internet or go DSL. I am also a Netflix user and they plan to offer their movies as a download to Tivo.



I appreciate the collective wisdom here.


Well, my advice would be to go to VOOM for your HD and conventional TV needs, keep comcast locals for $8.00 per month, and their high speed internet for 45 per month..you'll get the best of all worlds, have local channels in case of any satalite issues, plus you'll still have the decent price on your cable modem...The vavoom pkg, with every premium is about 80.00 per month now..

NP, radarblip..don't pay attention to alot of the trashing of VOOM on this forum..I have had 5 trouble free months, installation was perfect, and programing is alot different than comcast or DTV..

Noticed this morning that channel 37 is now running a promo loop for Comcast Sportsnet. USA has moved to channel 54 and HSN has moved from 54 to 95.


Tim Gibson

still no VOD here either

Originally posted by kevin j
still no VOD here either

Still waiting in Downers Grove, too - I noticed the new menu yesterday, though.

My VOD is working fine, but a friend of mine in St. Charles is having problems. He can getinto VOD menu, but when he tries to watch anything, he gets an error code SRM-8!? THis has been happening at least for last couple of days. Anyone else in St. Charles or on Wheaton headend having the same problem?

I just want to figure out if it is his problem or a local problem.

I'm in st. charles and been having the same issues. I called a csr and they sent a code to the box, now I just get a meta-6 error, whatever that means. She said VOD would be on and off intermittently as they switch over servers. She had no information when the system would be stable and widely offered, she actually said that VOD was just a test right now, and not an actual feature officially offered. FWIW she was a cool csr and friendly, although i thinked I pushed her buttons when i started asking about more HD channels...hehe

Originally posted by dbernhard
Still waiting in Downers Grove, too - I noticed the new menu yesterday, though.

Downers Grove ditto here.

Comcast Sports Net is launching this coming Friday. According to their running trailer ,which has been up for weeks now, they are offering local Chicago sports in HD.

My question is which channel is their HD coverage going to be on?

Who knows. Either it will have a dedicated channel for it (maybe like a special event channel) or they will interrupt INHD2 to show it.

I just got a DVI cable for my Moto 6208 box to go to my Mits WS55413 CRT and I notice that the picture is a touch brighter than the component cables. Also the non-HD channels show the interlacing lines when scanning thru the program guide fast (i.e. holding the up arrow when the flip bar is on screen). It seems the SD channels are just a touch better with the DVI cable over the component.

I am still waiting for VOD here in the Hickory Hills system (I think I am still serviced by Hicory Hills headend if there is still that headend).

Originally posted by radarblip
What is the best satellite service alternative to my current Comcast HDTV & Broadband Internet (3Mbits/sec download) service?

I just found out Comcast is making changes in their packages which will increase my monthly bill from $154 to nearly $200 if I add the DVR.

Another option to look at, see if WOW is available in your area.

Andy

I just noticed - the channel guide now shows channel 208 as INHD2 (along with channel 175). 208 just has a static screen showing the INHD logo.

I guess we have a channel shuffle coming up, maybe for the HD version of Comcast SportsNet?

Someone on the Seattle Comcast board also mentioned seeing a new NFL-HD channel show up in their guide. I guess this means we could start getting the few HD shows (game of the week, etc) that are broadcast on the NFL Network.

Channel 208 shows GOTW in the guide for tonight from 8-9 and INHD2 on channel 175 doesn't.

I just got a call from my Comcast technician. The firmware upgrade to v7.15 will not take place tonight as originally planned. Apparently, there's some sort of hardware issue at the headend that needs another day or two of work. My tech thinks it'll be done in a couple of days, so hopefully we'll see 7.15 installed by the weekend.

I'm disappointed by this news, but I'm also glad for two reasons. First, my tech is doing a superb job keeping me updated on this issue. Second, he mentioned that this particular issue was run up all the way to corporate headquarters, so it has high visibility within Comcast. We should rest assured that this will be fixed fairly quickly.

I'll post again if I hear anything else.

- Frank

Thanks for the update.

Anybody have problems with WLSDT Tuesday night? I had audio and video breakups during NYPD Blue night, which got worse as the show went on. I watched it recorded on the dvr. After NYPD, I looked at the news briefly, and the breakups were much worse. Other channels seemed ok.

I'm just wondering if it's the dvr. I don't much like the way it's functioning at all, but I do enjoy the greatly increased amount of HD programming I'm able to watch now!

Sure wish Comcast could come to an agreement with TiVo so we could get a great HD DVR!

Originally posted by Hopeless
Anybody have problems with WLSDT Tuesday night? I had audio and video breakups during NYPD Blue night, which got worse as the show went on. I watched it recorded on the dvr. After NYPD, I looked at the news briefly, and the breakups were much worse. Other channels seemed ok.

I'm just wondering if it's the dvr. I don't much like the way it's functioning at all, but I do enjoy the greatly increased amount of HD programming I'm able to watch now!

Sure wish Comcast could come to an agreement with TiVo so we could get a great HD DVR!

I occasionally see breakups on Comcast with the 6208 DVR when I record a show. If I watch the show off the DVR (when it's over) I notice a lot of the breakups are not there anymore. It seems like when a show gets recorded and played back, it "fixes" these glitches.

I had zero problems with WLS-DT OTA, although I only watched the first 30 minutes of the show, and have the latter 30 minutes on disk so I can watch it later. I did not check the cable feed for WLS-DT last night.

On a related note, I have had strange problems with Comcast lately, using my QAM tuner. I used to get all the Chicago stations, on the "high channels" (110 and up), with equally strong signal strength. Lately, I have problems getting a lock on some of the channels, and the signal levels are all over the place. 112 is 30dB, 115 is barely locking at 17dB, 116 is okay with 28dB, and 117 fluctuates daily, between 14dB (unusable) to 20dB.

I'm guessing the problem is probably localized to my area, or the entire Comcast/Peotone system. The signal inconsistencies could probably happen on any Comcast system depending on how well they maintain their equipment.

On a separate issue, the data coming through from CBS2 on 116.1 was totally hosed on the Peotone system after 10pm yesterday, while WTTW-D was fine on 116.2. I know there were strong "skip conditions" in the area (Milwaukee channels 4 and 6 boomed in on rabbit-ears), so my guess is that Comcast's VHF antenna was picking up garbage on channel 3, just like I do on some days with my own antenna. Analog channel 2 looked awful on cable, too. I sure hope that WBBM TV elects to move to a vacated UHF channel once this "channel election" process begins. Staying with 3 or moving back to 2, IMHO, would be a poor (and permanent) choice.

The only way I would have been able to get CBS last night is if I had a sat dish.

We've got FW 7.15 here!! :)

Tim

Same here. Thanks FSugino for keeping us up to date.

WOW is wide open west.

http://www1.wowway.com/

now that we finally got firmware 7.15 in other areas, anybody knows how to properly set up alerts for the 6208 DVR? this is to change channel for a specified show to record unattended with a D-VHS. there is a similar feature in the 6208 but it is just a "prompt". hence, if it's unattended, it won't really change the channel. how are others performing un-attended recording with their D-VHS?

7.15 in Elk Grove

Anyone have any info on the actual QAM channel number for Comcast SportsNet Chicago HD, and whether it will be "in the clear" or scrambled?

comcast sportsnet's HD will be on channel 208 aka the high definition special events channel

now that i have 7.15, can anyone tell me if this will work. i will record an hd show using 6208, with firewire, send it to computer hard drive, finally, burn to dvd? obviously compressed, and standard definition, but how would i do this? i'm mostly interested in being able to maintain the wide screen, as clean as possible, for posterity.

mark

As of yet i do not know that anyone knows if the CSN is going to have an HD channel or if they will be preempting INHD2 when they are showing events in HD. Although channel 208 is now showing in the guide as INHD2 in addition to the normal INHD and INHD2 channels so who really knows. I mean its comcast.

Does anyone have any actual programming on 208 yet? When I tune to 208, it says I am not authorized although I can watch 174 and 175.

in baltimore/washington dc/philly they use INHD2 for the csn HD programming so it makes sense that they'd do that here too

Originally posted by mck024
Does anyone have any actual programming on 208 yet? When I tune to 208, it says I am not authorized although I can watch 174 and 175.

This shouldn't be. When I tune to 208, I get the blue INHD logo against the white background.

Unfortunately, I was not able to be at home when last week's GOTW was broadcast on the NFL Network. This channel is also supposed to carry the HD version of that as well.

Tim

Channel 208 did show the Game Of The Week in HD last Wednesday evening.

As for the other hours, I now see a screen with "HD/SE - HI-DEF SPECIAL EVENTS" logo with some music looping in the background. The program listing still mirrors INHD2 except for Wednesday night at 8:00pm when the GOTW is scheduled.

I need help.

My RCA HDTV TV w. built in QAM tuner just got delivered. I get most of the local HD channels using an antenna except WBBM...

However, I want to pull down HD channels from the Comcast cable that I current subscribe to. I am in the Romeoville, IL area. Should I be getting QAM in the clear on those local channels?

I did a full channel scan and I could not find any thing I could use. I found many digital channels but signal was unusable...

Does anyone have any idea what channel to tune to. Specifically what channel and sub channel for the HDTV channelsl.

example... 121.3 114.1

Please help. TIA

92-1 WLS 7-1
92-2 WGN 9-1
92-3 WLS 7-2
114-1 WBBM 2-1
114-2 WTTW 11-1
115-2 WFLD 32-1
115-5 WMAQ 5-1

Mine are a little different for the first 3 stations :

109-1 WLS
109-2 WGN
109-3 ABC NEWS

Originally posted by UncD2000
92-1 WLS 7-1
92-2 WGN 9-1
92-3 WLS 7-2
114-1 WBBM 2-1
114-2 WTTW 11-1
115-2 WFLD 32-1
115-5 WMAQ 5-1

Still trying to get the DVR with the HD locals only without having to upgrade to a digital package. Here's a sample of the wonderful responses I get to asking why there is a requirement for a digital package:

> The technical reason would be that the DVR box can't decode the analog channels.

and when I asked about recording the analog channels (given that it can't decode analog):

>You would be able to record those channels through the DVR box if the
DVR box is hooked up to the TV. The Analog feed would be changed to
digital.


Basically at this point, I know I'm not going to get a DVR because I refuse to upgrade to a digital package, but I'm really just trying to get Comcast to admit the only reason that a digital package is required is because they want to charge me more $$.

I really wish that a standalone HD DVR/receiver wasn't so damn expensive.

Is everyone aware of the free HBO preview? Actually, the OnDemand section with HBO works also. Three episodes of the Sopranos, etc.

Jack G

MLB HD Playoff Baseball.... on Fox.

Looks kind of bad....

Originally posted by acaoacao
MLB HD Playoff Baseball.... on Fox.

Looks kind of bad....


It's not HD, only WS.

Just got my Comcast DVR today. A few questions;

They brought a 6208/2005 w/v 7.15. Is this the latest & greatest for around here? I've seen threads posted taking about a 64xx & 8300. Are these available in Chi?

Why is this thing so noisy?

Other than the self explanatory features, are there any other things to know about this unit? Of course I didn't get a manual. Is there one available somewhere on-line?

Is the DVI active on this puppy? Don't want to spend the $$ on a 4 meter cable to find out not.

Has anyone tested the DVI up against the component on this model?

Are there any downloadable upgrades to this unit?

Oh yeah...what is "PQ"???

Thanx!

I am kind of surprised that no one is mentioning losing the 7.15 upgrade. I had mine taken away Sunday morning. I'm now back to 7.07. I live in Buffalo Grove.

I'll have to check that when I head home for lunch. I hope my box didn't go back to 7.07.

I am still on 7.15 .

WaWaZat,

Yeah, the DVI is active. At leat it is on my unit here in Huntley.

Also, if you're looking for a DVI cable check out Abt Electronics. I was just there the other day and they gave me a 3 footer for $19. I was pretty happy with that price. :)

Whew. Still on 7.15 here.

Originally posted by WaWaZat
Just got my Comcast DVR today. A few questions;

Has anyone tested the DVI up against the component on this model?

Thanx!

I have been using the Comcast 6208 for a few months now and have compared the component connection to the DVI connection several times (using both Monster and Blue Jeans cables) on the same source material. On my display (a Sony GWIII), the picture quality (PQ) on component is much better than DVI. The colors are brighter, the picture is sharper and more vibrant. Even using the Comcast supplied component cables, the picture is much more impressive.

I was surprised by this result. YMMV.

Went to check out the GOTW on 208 (it was actually listed in the guide) but I'm getting a blank screen on InHD, InHD2, and the SE channel. Anyone else seeing this?

Yup, all three channels (174, 175, 208) are black here.

All 3 blank here and still on 7.15


Tim

They're dead in Buffalo Grove too!

Dead in Crystal Lake, and Bravo has "noise"

Same here.

My INHD and INHD 2 are still dead as of this morning. Anyone call Comcast yet?

Originally posted by JCF
My INHD and INHD 2 are still dead as of this morning. Anyone call Comcast yet?

Maybe they're creating a new level of "service" so they can charge us all even more $$ :(

How about everybody's VOD? Mine has been out since yesterday morning saying "Connection to VOD server lost". Could this be connected to what FSugino reported from his tech that in Schaumburg headend they have to fix some hardware issues with VOD?

INHD, INHD2 and VOD are working here.

INHDs are back for me too.

They are back here now. We don't have VOD here yet so I can't comment on that.

My VOD is out, too.

Another problem that I noticed tonight is a dotted vertical line at the right of the screen on all the analog channels. It does not appear on the digital channels. On my 65" set, the dotted line appears about 1/2" to the right of the picture's edge.

I noticed the dotted line as well.

Gotta love Comcast huh

I noticed the dotted line on analog channels a few months ago. I've always wondered what that was.

I'm not sure if this is the best place to post this but here goes . . .

I live in Schaumburg. I just got a new Sony GWIII. I want as much HD content as I can get. I have Comcast cable (not digital) and HS internet which is discounted $15 per month due to having both. I also have four other TVs in the house that are not digital or HD monitors. I currently do not need STBs on any TVs in the house.

What is the best deal that you've been able to get from Comcast? If I go digital will my other TVs still receive an analog signal or will all need a STB?

Man, I though shopping for a home theater was confusing. I can't begin to express how daunting a task it is to decide between cable or one of the three satellite services.

Any help with hardware I should be asking for or service packages that give the best value is appreciated!!

BigE

Heya BigE...

I'd say you posted in the right place, there are a few of us here that are either in (including me and FSugino) or around Schaumburg (many of us on the same headend).

I have no complaints with Comcast and their HD content. They seem to add HD channels at a fairly steady pace as they become available.

As far as STB's....you only need the STB (same looking box as the digital cable box) for the TV you want HD on (I'd recommend the HD DVR). All other sets not currently using a box will remain serviceable just as they are now.

As far as suggesting cable or satelite....I can't really help you because I've never had a dish. But for the most part, other than football packages or HDNET, I think you get as much or probably more content from Comcast than you will from any dish service (with the most likely exception being VOOM - I think).

Hope this helps some.

Tom

FWIW...I have the Digital Silver Package with HBO and I think that's $65/mo...$9.95 for the DVR....and $4.99 for Digital A/O package (what the heck is this charge for???)

Tom,

Thanks for the shout back. What should I ask for in regard to the HD DVR? Model no., name, etc. What about firmware? Its 7.15 now, correct?

As far as programming, how do you negotiate the best deal on this. Is there a way to combine service packages with HD and the hardware I want that makes better sense than others? What programming do you have? How much $$?

Thanks,
BigE

Go Saxons!!


Just posted this and on the refresh saw your edit. Thanks for your response.

Good news: my VOD is working again as of this morning.

Bad news: that pesky vertical line is still there on the analog channels.

FSugino,

What package have you got with Comcast? Were you able to negotiate any deal with them?

BigE

Originally posted by BigE43
What should I ask for in regard to the HD DVR? Model no., name, etc. What about firmware? Its 7.15 now, correct?

Comcast only offers one DVR model, and it's the Motorola 6208. The current firmware version is 7.15. Just call and ask for a DVR, the customer service rep should be able to set you up.

As for service level, I'm the wrong guy to ask. I must be Comcast's favorite customer: the uber Platinum package, HD DVR, Internet service, and phone service. Needless to say, I pay a lot per month for all their services.

Does anyone in Napeville have VOD yet? I hit the botton, and it says communications error.

Good news!!!

VOD is back here and they fixed the issues we had with incorrect time being displayed.

But wait... there is more :) They added HDTV on demand section. There is movies section under it but no listings available yet. I know movies will be overpriced, but it is progress nontheless.

IN main VOD menu, scroll down to the second page to locate HDTV on demand section.

..VOD is back here in st. chrles, although I don't see the HDTV section and some of the audio seems to be coded wrong in some of the offerings, g4tv videogame reviews for example.

Lingerie Bowl was pretty sweet huh?

Last night my QAM tuner was receiving HBO West "in the clear" on 82-3 and HBO Family West on 82-9. HBO is having a weekend freebie I think.

HDTV on demand section is gone as of this afternoon.

I seem to remember this being an issue.

I am currently a Platinum Subscriber. I get all the "Pay" channels and in HD (Starz, Cinemax, HBO and Showtime). I think they changed the plan to now not include one of them.

Well, I now want to add another HD STB to my house. Will they try and take one of my channels away when I add a box? Or will my plan be "grandfathered" in and I will get to keep all the channels with the current Platinum I have and add another STB?

I want to make sure I'm prepared when I call them.

EDIT:
Nevermind, I called and got another DVR. My Platimun plan IS grandfathered in :D

Got a message this morning detailing WYIN, another PBS station (Indiana I presume) will be added on channel 10 on 11/3.

tim

Originally posted by jsjames
I seem to remember this being an issue.

I am currently a Platinum Subscriber. I get all the "Pay" channels and in HD (Starz, Cinemax, HBO and Showtime). I think they changed the plan to now not include one of them.

Well, I now want to add another HD STB to my house. Will they try and take one of my channels away when I add a box? Or will my plan be "grandfathered" in and I will get to keep all the channels with the current Platinum I have and add another STB?

I want to make sure I'm prepared when I call them.


The Comcast web site gives confusing info. Their order page says Digital Platinum subscriptions get three premium channels (HBO, Showtime, Starz!), but if you click on the number "3" in the list you see the following:

Number of Premium Channels allowed per package:
Digital Platinum allows you to enjoy all 5 of the Premium Channels listed above.
Digital Gold allows you to choose 2 of the 5 Premium Channels listed above.
Digital Silver allows you to choose 1 of the 5 Premium Channels listed above.

I have the Digital Platinum package and I get all five premium channels (HBO, Showtime, Starz!, Cinemax, TMC). It may be a flimsy argument, but if the customer service rep tries to take away your channels I'd point them to this screen.

Originally posted by timdgibson
Got a message this morning detailing WYIN, another PBS station (Indiana I presume) will be added on channel 10 on 11/3.

tim Has Encore vacated Ch. 10?

Originally posted by UncD2000
Has Encore vacated Ch. 10?

It's never been on channel 10 for me.

tim

Originally posted by timdgibson
Got a message this morning detailing WYIN, another PBS station (Indiana I presume) will be added on channel 10 on 11/3.

I got a similar message but on channel 14.

Anyone get the dual-tuner DVR yet??

My company is looking at buying the building Comcast Sportsnet broadcasts out of. I was able to drop in there and they say all the HD material will be on 175. I thought it was 208....

Well, 208 currently mirrors the 175 programming schedule (but not the broadcasts). Maybe they're a bit confused...

Originally posted by FSugino
I got a similar message but on channel 14.

I thought it was channel 10. I deleted it right after I read it.

tim

Originally posted by pjonkheer
Anyone get the dual-tuner DVR yet??

I'd been hearing Q1 2005, but I just spoke to a Comcast rep who told me they should start rolling out Mid-November. I'll believe it when I see it...

i noticed on last night bulls cablecast the schedule of upcoming games had no mention of HD at all so i emailed em to find out if it was an oversight or if the preseason home games might not be in HD afterall

I finally have on-demand showing up here in Downers Grove but when I press o.k. to activate it it will not do so.

Anyone still having reception problems with 174 INHD and 175 INHD2? They're on but unwatchable. I've been fighting Comcast since 9/30 and they've both been pixelating badly since sometime before 9/25 when I got back in town. Two service calls and then emailing through their website since the CSR's were using the same lame story about them being pay per view In Demand and I shouldn't even be receiving them. Now the story is its a head end issue and its still no better going into 3 weeks. I'm in Chicago Ridge near Worth and Oak Lawn. Needless to say I'm being given no clue as to when they expect a fix. 208 is still blank for me.

Thanks for any replies,

Nutt

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
I finally have on-demand showing up here in Downers Grove but when I press o.k. to activate it it will not do so.

I'm in DG, too, I'll check when I get home tonight. I didn't notice anything last night, though.

EDIT: Same deal for me, channel 001 is On Demand, Press OK to activate, nothing happens.

i found out tomorrow nights bulls game'll be on 175[really on 208]

On our system here InHD, InHD2, and the special events channel(208) are all gone. Anyone else seeing this?

Originally posted by jolietconvict
On our system here InHD, InHD2, and the special events channel(208) are all gone. Anyone else seeing this?
I just checked at 3:38pm and its out here too. 174 and 175 were coming in earlier this morning but they've both been unwatchable since before 9/25 (date, not time) sometime. 208 has never worked so far here in Chicago Ridge. Please keep posting as I'm curious as to how widespread this is in the Chicagoland area. I'm currently getting the runaround from Comcast since 9/25.

BTW, your message is showing as coming in at 9 something pm today when its only 3:40pm here. Your system clock?

Nutt

Originally posted by Musicnutt
BTW, your message is showing as coming in at 9 something pm today when its only 3:40pm here. Your system clock? Nutt

jolietconvict is online now New Post Today 09:30 PM
jolietconvict
New Member
Registered: Oct 2004
Location: Joliet, IL
Posts: 3

Well, it was. Now its been corrected somehow.

Nutt

Last night both INHD channels were operating in Naperville. Will have to check tonight.

Originally posted by bigalw22
Last night both INHD channels were operating in Naperville. Will have to check tonight. Bigal,
Have you been having any noticable reception quality problems? Mine have been "operating" also, but pixelating so badly as to be unwatchable since 9/25 or earlier.

Nutt

Our channels were working this morning. I was watching the MLS game on InHD this morning when the picture froze. I then switched over to InHD2. After a while it froze as well. I then just watched other things for a while. Then this afternoon, shortly before my first post, I checked the guide and all 3 channels were missing. Now all three are back in the guide but show the 'This Channel Will Be Available Shortly' message.

Originally posted by jolietconvict
Our channels were working this morning. I was watching the MLS game on InHD this morning when the picture froze. I then switched over to InHD2. After a while it froze as well. I then just watched other things for a while. Then this afternoon, shortly before my first post, I checked the guide and all 3 channels were missing. Now all three are back in the guide but show the 'This Channel Will Be Available Shortly' message.


Same message here on all 3.

Mike

have the 3 channels returned yet?

bulls game's on...is it in HD or is comcast still having problems?

It's on 175, in HD. 208 says "Not Authorized".

Originally posted by FSugino
Well, 208 currently mirrors the 175 programming schedule (but not the broadcasts). Maybe they're a bit confused...

I stand corrected; the Bulls game is on 175. 208 is still showing the HDSE logo.

So what they told me was true....

Here's how it went for me tonight. Like all of you, the three indemand channels were out for hours. A few minutes before the bulls game started, the channels were back on. 175 had the bulls game while 208 just said hidef special events. The problem with the bulls game was that the first 5 minutes of the ball game were in sd. Someone must have flipped the switch with 7 minutes remaining in the 1st quarter. There were many technical glitches over the night though. Sometimes they would come back from break and go back into standard definition, then timeout and back to hd again. For whatever reason, when they had a replay in hi def, the audio kept going out for Johnny Kerry and Tom Dore to analyze. They obviously have to work the kinks out, but the few times when there was no problems the picture looked great. They definitely have to fix the audio issues. Great game though. Go Bulls!!!

174, 175, and 208 (INHD's) are still out today with Comcast here in Chicago Ridge, IL. Who else and where is having the same problem? Anyone get the same old excuse from Comcast that these are Pay Per View channels? If only Customer Service had a clue. They're not according to INHD's own website.

Nutt

It all turned out ok, but I thought I'd pass this on in case anyone ever has a similar problem. Skip to the last paragraph if you don't want all the details.

My HD DVR was pausing sometimes during playback, and would sometimes take up to a minute to respond to commands. I put up with it for a while, since it didn't happen all that often. Then a couple of days ago, I started getting bad, then severe tiling on channel 187, and ONLY on 187.

I called Comcast, and tried to explain the 2 problems. That was too much for the CS person to handle. I had to go over it 4 or 5 times. Anyway, he scheduled a service call, but I had a feeling he still didn't understand the 2 seperate issues.

So the service guy comes to the door on Friday with an HD box, (no DVR). His work order said I didn't want the dvr anymore - just an hd box. Well, at least he was smart enough to think that it sounded kind of fishy, so he said he made sure he brought a dvr with him.

I show him the tiling problem, and explained the pausing problem. He was sure it's the dvr at fault (so was I), so he replaces it. He goes through the setup screen, plays around a bit, and says, "ok, looks good". I noticed he never looked at 187, so I asked him to do that. He basically said, "Well duh, that's why I'm here, isn't it!" We both about fell over when we saw the tiling still there.

So he gets on the Nextel and asks a couple of people if they'd ever seen this. Nobody had. I thought of a couple of off the wall things to try, like unplugging our wireless router. He thought they were great ideas, and thanked me for trying to help, but the problem persisted. So he went outside and found a couple of problems.

One problem was that a contractor left some device on the cable after burying it. It looks like one of the old traps they used to put on the line to block premium channels. He said they're used to prevent shocks while the cable is exposed on the ground. He said it should have been removed.

Well, removing that thing only made the problem worse. Now I had tiling on all the hd channels. Next he checked the signal strength. He was really surprised to fid it was 26db, which I guess is WAAAAAY too high. So he said a lineman had to come out, fix the signal, and he was sure that would clear up the problem. In the meantime, he put that anti-shock thingie on the cable inside the house, just before the cable box. He told me to take it off once things cleared up. Funny thing was that it didn't help much. I still had at least a little tiling on all the hd channels, and more than ever on 187. Also had it on VOD.

He gave me the impression that the lineman would be around sometime this weekend, but said he wouldn't come to the door. This morning at about 10:00, I turned on the tv, and all the hd channels had that "should be available shortly" message. So I called Comcast, and was promptly told that I don't have hd service. When I told him that I've had it for a year, he put me on hold. Once he figured things out, he tried sending some stuff to the box, and told me to leave it off for at least an hour while it dl's some stuff and resets. He said everything should be ok after that.

2 hours later I call back with the same problem, and again I'm told I don't have hd service. UGH!! So this person goes through the same routine and says to leave the box alone for an hour. She also scheduled a service call for Monday, "just in case".

So another 2 hours later I check the channels, and the same thing is going on - that same message on all the hd channels. I sheepishly tell the wife that she'll have to deal with Mr Comcast on Monday. I know she dreads stuff like that... Then it dawns on me to remove that thing from the back of the cable box. That cleared everything up instantly. Apparently whatever the lineman did made that thing block all the hd.

So if you see tiling, keep in mind that your signal might be too strong. Your service guy probably won't know what to do. And above all else, KEEP AN EYE ON THE SERVICE GUY so you can fix what he breaks!!! At least I got a new dvr out of the deal, and it's working much better so far.

What are you complaining about... "you don't have HD service" :) just kidding. Sorry to hear about all your troubles. It can ge frustrating (especially whan you deal with CSR for extended periods of time). Sometimes you luck out and get a knowledgable technician (like the one that FSugino got if you read his back posts). Most of the time they will have average knowledge (which is equal or lesser than that of most people that post around here).

I had a tiling problem 4-5 months ago and I checked all my connections that I could inside the house and everything was alright so I set a service call. I guess in the mean time few people on my street complained about the problem and a day before may scheduled appointment I got a call from a field technician saying they were just working on a problem on my street and if I could check my HD channels now (wow that was a run on sentence :) ). Amazingly everything was fixed. I was very pleased with proactivnes they took on the issue and the fact that they called me to make sure everything works.

I think that field techinicans (the ones that actually work on cable lines outside) are far more knowledgable than the average installer ( I don't think some of them even deserve to be called service guys)

Hope everything gets fixed for you.

Originally posted by vj9999
It can ge frustrating (especially whan you deal with CSR for extended periods of time). Sometimes you luck out and get a knowledgable technician (like the one that FSugino got if you read his back posts). Most of the time they will have average knowledge (which is equal or lesser than that of most people that post around here).

... I was very pleased with proactivnes they took on the issue and the fact that they called me to make sure everything works.

Hope everything gets fixed for you.

Yep, it gets frustrating when you can't seem to communicate the simplest things. Generally I'm a big Comcast fan. Our cable service and options have drastically improved since they came in. We kept getting promises, but few results from the old companies.

I've often thought the same thing about their CSRs and sometimes their service people. With minimal training, I think most of us here could do a better job than most of them.

Oh well, like I said, everything seems ok for now, so I'm happy... :)

Just a little irony though - I'd been meaning to cancel Cinemax for a while, since we don't watch it much. On my last call to them, I was feeling pretty frustrated, and I figured now would be a good time to cancel it. "I'll show THEM!" :) When I tell the guy I want to cancel, he reminds me of the grandfathering situation, and says it'd be more expensive for me to cancel it than to keep it. Well, harrrrumph! One more smack in the face! I hung up feeling more frustrated than ever! :)

Just ordered my HD STB from Comcast (Palatine resident), and was wondering if they supply the Componant Video cable?

If they do, should I use it or would you suggest that I purchase one of the monster or similar cables??

Originally posted by Hopeless
I show him the tiling problem, . . . .

Can I assume that what you're referring to as "tiling" is just your word for pixelization? Where the image breaks up into box like sections? Just to differentiate from what you're describing as something different from what the usual case might be.

Nutt

Well, 174, 175 and now 208 are working again as of sometime yesterday afternoon. 174 and 175 are vastly improved but still breaking up (pixelating). They "were" breaking up badly every second or so. Now they're still breaking up to a much lesser degree and only every few minutes instead of seconds. I'm also noticing the audio portion dropping out much more frequently now where it was so rare before so as to be almost unnoticeble. I'm still using stereo vs 5.1 since I don't have that capability. Till yesterday 208 was blank or showing the wait a minute message. Now its showing INSE so thats new with whatever they did. Bottom line, the bugs are better but not all gone here. At least 174 and 175 are reasonably watchable now. I think from straining to watch them while I was experiencing my problems I've learned to spot the minor breakups more easily as I'm even noticing it slightly on the other HD channels now where I hadn't before. That or the "fix" spread my issue across all of them thus diluting it on any single channels if that makes any sense. I'll probably call it in as a "close but no cookie yet" and see if it can be tweaked a bit more. Supposedly, the service supervisor is going to call me once its been fixed, ah ha ya right. If he should, maybe I can explain it to him vs. talking to the wall with the CSR's.

Nutt

Originally posted by Musicnutt
Can I assume that what you're referring to as "tiling" is just your word for pixelization? Where the image breaks up into box like sections? Just to differentiate from what you're describing as something different from what the usual case might be.

Nutt

Yes, I'm talking about pixelization. I used that term initially with Comcast, but everyone I talked with there called it tiling, so I started to.

Update: This afternoon we got a recorded call from comcast saying that a problem had been reported in our neighborhood. They said they fixed it, and to call if we were experiencing any problems. Nice of them to let us know!

Originally posted by Musicnutt
Bigal,
Have you been having any noticable reception quality problems? Mine have been "operating" also, but pixelating so badly as to be unwatchable since 9/25 or earlier.
Musicnutt - They both are coming in fine. No problems. Al

Originally posted by djops
Just ordered my HD STB from Comcast (Palatine resident), and was wondering if they supply the Componant Video cable?

If they do, should I use it or would you suggest that I purchase one of the monster or similar cables??

Yes, they'll supply you with cables (unless things have changed in the last 6 months). They're not the greatest quality, but they're not that bad. At least the set that I got, I assume they use the same type of cables everywhere.

I for one would stay away from Monster, my feeling is that you are paying for over-priced, over-hyped cables that are not as good as some other brands that can be had for MUCH less $$$.

Just my .02
Andy

Originally posted by LYU370
Yes, they'll supply you with cables (unless things have changed in the last 6 months). They provided to me in Sept. so I'd think they still do. The installer told me that I'd pay $150 at Best Buy for them. I thought, yeah if I was a moron. Didn't use them, had my own set already. Al

You should have offered to sell them to the installer for the insanely discounted price of $100. :D

I have permission to post this here from an AVSFORUM MODERATOR. (CPANTHER95)

I just would like to let you folks know that there is a forum I set up locally for us to converse in. We have over 150 members and 1300 posts. Please stop by and have a look.

www.chicagoavforum.com

Thanks

Received a message on my box: Effective 12/07 PPV channels 803 to 822 & 835 will be eliminated.
That should free up some bandwith!

b

Haven't seen that message yet. I did get one saying the Schaumburg customer care office is moving to a new location on Wise Road.

I finally have OnDemand on one of my three 6208s working. The DL started at 10 p.m. and finished about 10 minutes later. Cool.

Originally posted by Kipp Jones
I finally have OnDemand on one of my three 6208s working. The DL started at 10 p.m. and finished about 10 minutes later. Cool.

Kipp, you beat me to it - I do have to give Comcast a big WTF on the timing of this download, though. The timing of this was lousy - being that it was the 7th inning of a historic ALCS game broadcast in HD. It took closer to 20 mins (almost an inning) for my download for some reason.

I'll try out the VOD tonight, but the timing of the download, thus losing the HD feed of the ballgame, left me a little sour on the subject. Why not do this at 2 or 3 am when the number of affected users is minimized?

Now, I need that 2 tuner DVR and I should be content for a while.

My 6208 rebooted at 9PM last night, then took about 15 minutes to dl the VOD update.

The VOD stuff is nice. Don't see any HD VOD yet, but I hear there will be some down the road.

The timing struck me as odd, but wasn't a big deal - just switched my Hitachi XWX over to antenna and watched the rest of the ALCS with the TVs HD tuner. Were that my Comcast signal strength was good enough, I'd split it once more and hook that up (XWX does QAM in the clear), but I only dare split it once (once to 6208, once to ANT A on XWX) since the HD channels start breaking-up if I do more. I really need to get Comcast out to check this...

My other box was downloading at 6 a.m.

Originally posted by drossn
Were that my Comcast signal strength was good enough, I'd split it once more and hook that up (XWX does QAM in the clear), but I only dare split it once (once to 6208, once to ANT A on XWX) since the HD channels start breaking-up if I do more. I really need to get Comcast out to check this...

I'm using a the RS 15-1197 4-way bi-directional distribution amplifier. Two lines go to HD boxes (6208, 3410A), one to VCR, and one to TV. Comcast HD is beautiful on both boxes.

I'm in Downers Grove as well, I'll have to check and see if I have on demand now.

My box was locked up Sunday morning when I got home so I figured they must have tired to push something through. I missed a couple of shows being recorded because of it but no biggie.

Is anyone else on Schaumburg headend having VOD problems? I keep getting "We are unable to authorize your order.....Reference 225" error whenever I try to watch something. This is on all "free" content.

I got it all sorted out. I called them up and it turns out that even if I am subscribed to HBO, when I watch HBO on demand content it counts towards PPV limit that is set up. THere is no charge, but it adds up. I guess the limit is $150/mo. They cleared up my limit and raised it to $200 and now my VOD works again.

..first I heard about limits...how stupid is that for subscribers...

Appreciate the support. We now have 160 members in the local Chicago AV Forum.

I have permission to post this here from an AVSFORUM MODERATOR. (CPANTHER95)



www.chicagoavforum.com

Thanks

So, is there a fee to watch any of the VOD shows?
I haven't clicked on any yet, because I didn't want to get charged.

There's a fee to watch some of the latest movies, and I believe if you're not a subscriber to the premium service you'll get charged for watching their shows (for example, if you don't subscribe to HBO but want to watch The Sopranos).

Go ahead and check 'em out, you'll always be warned about charges before the show begins.

Kind of off topic, but it looks like a RJ45 jack on the back of the 6208 DVR...is that good for anything when hooked up on a wired home network?

I don't have a PC anywhere near my TV, but I do have Cat5e in place running from the TV room to my central wiring closet....I can't move anything over Cat5e (from the DVR to PC), can I?

If this was a really ignorant question, my apologies in advance.

Tom

Does anybody have any idea when we will be able to get Comcast HD downtown (60611)? Every time I call they tell me to try calling back in a couple of months. It sucks that there is no way to get HD downtown. OTA just doesn't work, DirecTV is blocked by the building, and Comcast doesn't offer service.

I was over at United Audio in 900 N. Michigan today. They don't get a HD signal, but they record HD at another location and replay it at the store for demos.

Arghhhhhh.

-Stuart

Originally posted by jsjames
So, is there a fee to watch any of the VOD shows?
I haven't clicked on any yet, because I didn't want to get charged.

jsjames- you have VOD in elmhurst already? I am in elmhurst as well but only have the channel 1 "channel will be available shortly" message....how long has it been working for you? di you have to call comcast and request a download?

Originally posted by trk306
jsjames- you have VOD in elmhurst already? I am in elmhurst as well but only have the channel 1 "channel will be available shortly" message....how long has it been working for you? di you have to call comcast and request a download?

Yes,
I have it on both 6208's.
I got another 6208 about 2.5 weeks ago and it had it on it after it did the download.
The other one downstairs didn't have it until about a week later.
I haven't actually watched anything yet. I wanted to make sure that I wouldn't be charged. But I guess it will warn you before it charges you.

Because of a job transfer, I will soon be moving from warm AZ, to cold Bartlett, IL. Since I am a HD freak, I went to Comcast site to try and figure out what services they offer. Can someone give me some info/tips as to whats available in that area and approximately how much it will cost? Comcast site provides about as much useful info as out cable carrier out here (Cox). Which is very little :)

What HD stations do they offer

Do they offer an HD-DVR or just regular DVR. How much HD can it record. Does it work well?

How does the VOD work...

What would be the approximate monthly cost of Digital cable, HD, HD-DVR, and HBO?

Is digital Telephone available and what is the cost.

Is Cable internet availabe and what is the cost. What is the upstream/dowstream speed on the cable internet capped at?


Thanks for any info you can provide. Since i doubt I will be able to handle the cold, I need to find out this info because I know I will be inside watching TV a lot :D

You're in luck - you're moving to one of the better HD coverage areas in the country!

Comcast offerings:

HD stations


173 - ESPN-HD
174 - INHD
175 - INHD2
185 - Showtime-HD
186 - HBO-HD
187 - WLS-DT (ABC)
188 - WMAQ-DT (NBC)
189 - WBBM-DT (CBS)
190 - WFLD-DT (Fox)
191 - WTTW-DT (PBS)
192 - WGN-DT (WB)
195 - Cinemax HD
196 - Starz! HD
205 - Discovery HD
208 - HDSE (HD Special Events)


You can get the 6208 HD-DVR from Comcast. I think it can hold around 10-12 hours of HD programming; I always have a mix of HD and SD so I don't know for certain. 80 GB just doesn't cut it for lots of HD storage.

VOD works pretty well. Lots of interesting content, but no HD stuff (yet). The menu did show "HD Movies" as an option for a couple of weeks, but Comcast has since removed that from the VOD menu. I'm sure it'll return soon, but expect to pay a hefty fee to watch those flicks.

I have the uber-combo package, so I can't comment on the bill for the features you requested. I'm sure someone else will chime in with the figures (I don't have my latest bill in front of me).

Digital telephone is available. They're running promos so you'll need to ask a Comcast rep for the best price/package for you.

Cable Internet is available for $42.95/month if you have your own modem, a few bucks more if you need to lease. Just run to the local Best Buy or Circuit City and buy a modem; with rebates it's usually at no cost to you plus you save a few bucks each month. 3M down/256K up is the standard speed.

And don't worry about the cold - it's been relatively mild the last few winters. Of course, that just means we're almost due for a really arctic winter...

I have the Digital silver package (includes VOD and HBO VOD) with HBO and it is 66.99. The DVR service which includes HD is 9.95, and Internet is 42.95.

Grand Total 119.89 and with taxes 124.79.

Marc

Thanks for the info! That is a lot of channels...Now I am happy. I was worried I was going to end up in an area that had less HD, which would be tough after getting used to it :)

Just my two cents...

I have been using SBC DSL for about a year. I have the Pro level of service that is giving me 2.5 mbps down / 256k up for $36.99. Service has been great, with no slow downs and no interruptions. The modem was included for free. My speed actually runs at 2.5 mbps/ 256k.

Jack G

Originally posted by andwhite1
Thanks for the info! That is a lot of channels...Now I am happy. I was worried I was going to end up in an area that had less HD, which would be tough after getting used to it :)


Welcome to Chicagoland, you will be a happy HD viewer here...

I think this might have cleared some confusion.. Just bought an HDTV (sanyo model) which has an HDTV tuner built in (which means I don't need a special cable box to dechipher the HDTV signal). I thought the HDTV signals were simulacasted on the same channel, but I see from this page that they're actually broadcast on a different channel (I'll have to try it when I watch CSI). Anyone have a listing of all shows that are in HDTV? Anyone know if a VCR is capable of recording an HDTV program?

Originally posted by toyotaboy
I think this might have cleared some confusion.. Just bought an HDTV (sanyo model) which has an HDTV tuner built in (which means I don't need a special cable box to dechipher the HDTV signal). I thought the HDTV signals were simulacasted on the same channel, but I see from this page that they're actually broadcast on a different channel (I'll have to try it when I watch CSI). Anyone have a listing of all shows that are in HDTV? Anyone know if a VCR is capable of recording an HDTV program?

The built-in HD tuners are generally meant for OTA (over the air) reception. IE. connecting an antenna. The Mitsubishi built-ins are the exception. They are QAM compliant, which means they can pull in some of Comcasts non-scrambled HD-channels. It is a PITA to find/setup these channels.

I have a built-in tuner. I never use it. I pay the $10/month DVR fee.

I may be out of touch - your tuner may be QAM. In which case you can get a few of Comcasts HD channels. I've just found it to be more hassle than its worth. Maybe others with QAM tuners can chime in and give you the actual channel numbers that comcast is using.

Originally posted by Jacktheg
Just my two cents...

I have been using SBC DSL for about a year. I have the Pro level of service that is giving me 2.5 mbps down / 256k up for $36.99. Service has been great, with no slow downs and no interruptions. The modem was included for free. My speed actually runs at 2.5 mbps/ 256k.

Jack G

I, too, have SBC DSL (1.5/256) for $26.99/month. The catch on that is that you MUST have an SBC phone line. My total phone with the SBC All Connections ($50) (unlimited local/LD)/DSL ($27) and taxes ($10) is about $87.

I negotiated HBO for $1.99 for 6 months, and I have Digital Classic + HD + DVR which runs about $66/month.

I keep getting the run around from Comcast here in Chicago. The first time the installer came out he just had a normal digital box instead of the 6208 that he was supposed to be installing. They say there's a software glitch in the 6208 that prevents them from releasing it until it is fixed, and that I can have an installer put in a 6200 in the meantime, but that I would have to be home again for the installer to replace it with the 6208 when the software glitch is fixed (supposedly by the beginning of the month, but I keep getting a different story). Why can't I just pick up/swap the boxes from their office? Does anyone have any contacts at Comcast that can help me out here?

At this point, I would have to recommend anyone in Chicago who wants a DVR to definitely go the DirecTV route if you can afford it. I had the DirecTV HD Tivo at my old apartment, and it was awesome. I'm currently forced into Comcast by my condo association.

Originally posted by mstjohn
I keep getting the run around from Comcast here in Chicago. The first time the installer came out he just had a normal digital box instead of the 6208 that he was supposed to be installing. They say there's a software glitch in the 6208 that prevents them from releasing it until it is fixed, and that I can have an installer put in a 6200 in the meantime, but that I would have to be home again for the installer to replace it with the 6208 when the software glitch is fixed (supposedly by the beginning of the month, but I keep getting a different story). Why can't I just pick up/swap the boxes from their office? Does anyone have any contacts at Comcast that can help me out here?

At this point, I would have to recommend anyone in Chicago who wants a DVR to definitely go the DirecTV route if you can afford it. I had the DirecTV HD Tivo at my old apartment, and it was awesome. I'm currently forced into Comcast by my condo association.


Where in the city do you live? I live in the Edgewater neighborhood & have had the 6208 since the beginning of Sept? I would call again & hope to get another CSR that's more accommodating.

I'm still waiting for VOD, though.

Originally posted by viaChgo
Where in the city do you live? I live in the Edgewater neighborhood & have had the 6208 since the beginning of Sept? I would call again & hope to get another CSR that's more accommodating.

I'm still waiting for VOD, though.

I live just north of Wrigley Field. I talked to a CSR and a supervisor, they both gave me the same story about the software glitch. The installer said that they were low on them because of a recent advertisement that advertised the PVR.

I've called twice in the last week about the availability of the 6412 or possibly getting another 6208. Both times I was told they've exhausted their supply of 6208's. Both CSRs said the 6412 will be available after Nov 1st. I hope this is true. Comcast is beginning to roll these out in other markets.

Found the Bulls/Wizards exhibition game on 175 in HD last night. (It was also on 37, and I thought let me just check the HD channels.) Picture looked teriffic, first time I've seen Bulls in HD. Unfortunately, I tuned away before the big fight... :eek: Al

Originally posted by mstjohn
I live just north of Wrigley Field. I talked to a CSR and a supervisor, they both gave me the same story about the software glitch. The installer said that they were low on them because of a recent advertisement that advertised the PVR.

I live in the West Loop and have had the DVR since Aug-Sept. I would believe the 'glitch' is they are out of them. Anyone hear anything about VOD in the area?

I just came across a post in the 6208 DVR users thread on how to enable the 30 second skip function on a 6208.

I thought the Chicago DVR crowd would like to have this information.

Thanks to user podux for this post.

Click here for link to post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=4565223#post4565223)

I tried it and it works. You can map the 30 second skip to any button on the Comcast remote.

Marc

Nice job. That was the one thing missing from the Comcast remote.

Thank you so much for sharing with us!

Jack G

I hate double posting, but here it goes (I just posted this in HDTV recorders forum as well and I'll post it on chicagoavforum too, just in case). This is regarding 6412.

Just talked to Comcast and they have it scheduled for release on November 1st(may not be on the 1st exactly, but should be sometimes during first week of November). This is from talking to 3 different CSRs and they all had same info so I am hoping it is correct information.

If anyone else could call too, that would be great. If other people get same response it should be a good sign.

VJ - I heard the same thing this morning and they actaully agreed to put me on the "waiting list" (if it even exists) and said they will contact me when it's officially available. My guess is that I'll have to call back, but they've never even offered that before.

Switching from D* to Comcast for the 2 tuner HD-DVR. Just got Confirmed for an 11/6 install.

We'll see what happens.

Keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed.

Does anyone know why ABC and NBC have started ending their shows at 9:01 or starting a show at 8:59? It sure messes up the auto recording. Is there an easy way around this problem?

Jack G

Originally posted by MrByteHead
Switching from D* to Comcast for the 2 tuner HD-DVR. Just got Confirmed for an 11/6 install.

We'll see what happens.

Keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed.

Do you record to DVHS? I just want to know if the Firewire out is working with the DVHS machines before I call to try and get one.

If so, can you try it and let us know.
Good Luck :)

Originally posted by MrByteHead
Switching from D* to Comcast for the 2 tuner HD-DVR. Just got Confirmed for an 11/6 install.

We'll see what happens.

Keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed.

Did you do this through the retention dept.? If not, would you share how you were able to get them to admit they have them? My 6208 is terribly unreliable and I would love to try a new unit. However, if I can negotiate a 6412 soon, I'd rather fight one battle than two... know what I mean?

Thanks!

Well, I just spoke to customer service and they had no information about when the dual tuners will be rolled out. I did learn that the customer retention department works from 8am - 8pm. Looks like I'll have to call back during the day.

I called again around 9PM and spoke to a sales person and this time I was told that they were supposed to be released next week, but they are on backorder and to try calling back in couple of weeks.

I guess that means keep calling everyday next week and see what happens.

FSugino. Have you had any more contact with that tech that helped out with firmware update?

Originally posted by vj9999
FSugino. Have you had any more contact with that tech that helped out with firmware update?

I called and left a voice mail asking if he knew about 6412 availability. I didn't hear back today; hopefully he'll respond tomorrow.

Oh man if I can get a 6412 im gonna have to get on the phone and try to work some magic. I am in desperate need of multiple tuners, far to much wonderful HD to record for just one tuner, plus with NBC and now ABC using crazy times it would be nice to be able to pad a little

FWIW - I Just talked to the customer retention department and apparently they had another meeting this morning in which they were informed that the 6412 model will not be available as quickly as originally thought. I was told that anyone with an appointment scheduled for a 6412 install in the next 2 weeks will likely be geting a call in the next few days to cancel. They are expecting the 6412s to arrive in their warehouse in the next two weeks and should begin scheduling appointments again near the end of next week.

What type of monthly fee are you guys hearing on these boxes? The same $10 that I currently pay for the 6208?

I called Comcast yesterday at 5:30 and talked to Crystal. She was very helpful and I have an appointment scheduled for this Monday between 1-3 for a 6412. We'll see what happens. She did say that if they aren't able to bring one out, that I would receive a call. So....

Also, regarding the timed recordings and ABC & NBC, I haven't had any problems catching the beginning or ending of a show. I set-up the recording through the guide.

tim

Originally posted by timdgibson

Also, regarding the timed recordings and ABC & NBC, I haven't had any problems catching the beginning or ending of a show. I set-up the recording through the guide.

tim

The problem occurs when one program ends at 9:01 and a program on another channel starts at 9:00. This impacts both my Comcast box and ReplayTV box. Any ideas?

Jack G

Originally posted by Jacktheg
The problem occurs when one program ends at 9:01 and a program on another channel starts at 9:00. This impacts both my Comcast box and ReplayTV box. Any ideas?

Jack G


Ahhh, I gotcha now. I thought you were saying that when you set-up the box to record say E.R., the recording didn't start until 9:00, whereas the show started at 8:59.

Your situation does suck. I haven't had that situation yet myself. That is definitely something that the 2 tuner model would help evaluate.

Let's hope that the 6412s are ready.

tim

I just obtained Cinemax for $5 a month for a year. It is a special they are running until 10/31/04. Anyway, I noticed an obvious lip sync issue with channel 195 Cinemax-HD. Some movies are real bad and others just off a bit. I have NOT noticed any other lip sync issues with the other HD channels.

Anyone else experiencing this? Unfortunately my A/V receiver does NOT have a lip sync correction feature.

Thanx,

Gov

Gov - I've had Cinemax for about 6 months now and have not noticed any lip synch issues. However, twice in the last two weeks I have had the picture totally freeze for about 5-10 seconds and the audio keep going as if nothing happened. Once was during Charlie's Angels and can't remember what I was watching the other time. It kept happening and became unwatchable, so I switched channels after about 5 minutes.

I just got the 6412 backorder response and to try again in two weeks.
Price quoted was $9.95/mo.

What causes these lip sync problems? Should I call Comcast? Would they even do anything?

There is now a thread dedicated to the Milwaukee, WI DMA. Please direct any issues regarding Milwaukee affiliates or Milwaukee area cable issues to this thread: Milwaukee, WI - HDTV (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=463747)

I'm in Chicago, and I got a 6412 box installed yesterday. The CSR I was dealing with yesterday was still convinced that no DVRs were available, even after I had confirmed that the installer was on his way with it. It is working well, and it appears that the dual tuner functionality works too. It's not quite as nice as the HD Tivo with DirecTV, but it looks like it will get the job done, and is definitely more economical. Also, it would be rough to not have Comcast Sportsnet Chicago in HD, which doesn't appear to be coming to DirecTV anytime soon.

Originally posted by mstjohn
I'm in Chicago, and I got a 6412 box installed yesterday. The CSR I was dealing with yesterday was still convinced that no DVRs were available, even after I had confirmed that the installer was on his way with it. It is working well, and it appears that the dual tuner functionality works too. It's not quite as nice as the HD Tivo with DirecTV, but it looks like it will get the job done, and is definitely more economical. Also, it would be rough to not have Comcast Sportsnet Chicago in HD, which doesn't appear to be coming to DirecTV anytime soon.

Fantastic!!! Is it still the old guide or is it the new iGuide?

http://www.i-guide.tv/
http://comcast.com/newguide/flashdemo.html

If it's still the old guide, what FW? Is it still noisy?


tim

Originally posted by timdgibson
Fantastic!!! Is it still the old guide or is it the new iGuide?

http://www.i-guide.tv/
http://comcast.com/newguide/flashdemo.html

If it's still the old guide, what FW? Is it still noisy?


tim

As you can see, we have many questions for you :D
Do you archive to DVHS?

Here is the latest info (from talking to a sales CSR). They had a meeting about them this morning. She briefed me on features and convinced me that they are talking about dual tuner DVRs. They are not allowed to take any orders until Monday 11/1. DVRs have been on a backorder for last few weeks (old ones and new ones) and they were not able to schedule any DVR appointments. I am guessing this is because they stopped ordering the old DVRs since they will start using only 6412.

The price change will be $.04 so it will go up from $9.95/mo to $9.99 . To swap the boxes it gets treated like any other new installation ad there will be $31 installation charge.

Hope this helps.

p.s. She recomended calling as early as possible on monday since they have had a lot of people asking about DVR (since the increased advertising lately) and they've been telling everyone to call back on Monday.

Has anyone tried going to a local office to see if you can swap your curent box for a new one (6412) if available? I was looking at the Comcast.com site this morning and under the "notes" section of my local office (Aurora) it indicates: "Digital self installs available for current subscribers only." That sounds like what we all want to do.

I may just stop by on my way home from work and see if they have a 6412 there that I can just swap for my 6200.

Originally posted by kblee
Has anyone tried going to a local office to see if you can swap your curent box for a new one (6412) if available? I was looking at the Comcast.com site this morning and under the "notes" section of my local office (Aurora) it indicates: "Digital self installs available for current subscribers only." That sounds like what we all want to do.

I may just stop by on my way home from work and see if they have a 6412 there that I can just swap for my 6200.

I just called and they told me that DVRs do not apply to the Self Installs.

I also asked if there would be a $31 fee per box if I have two 6208s to swap. He said they won't know until Tuesday for some reason.

aside from the hard disk increase and dual-tuner capability of the 6412, is there also a software/firmware advantage over the 6208? that is, would the 6412 be more robust and reliable? i'm seriously considering the Sony CableCard DVRs if only for the perceived reliability over the Motorola boxes.
to mstjohn, quick questions that i hope you could quickly answer:
- does it have faster fast-forward speeds?
- does it have the same IR code as 6208/6200?

For what it's worth, I place an order for a DVR online today through Comcast.com (specifying that I only wanted the DVR if it was the 6412) and got the following response via email:

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable. We are unable to process your
order for the DVR equipment. You will have to call customer service at
1-866-594-1234 the second week in November.

My Comcast tech contact left me a voice mail and here's what he said.

The dual tuner boxes are not available yet because they're still in beta test and they've encountered a few issues. No set launch date yet, but he promised to call back when he hears anything new.

I've read the other posts where installations have already taken place and others are scheduled. Kinda makes you wonder what the real story is, eh?

As for me, my tech contact has been very good with info in the past. But just in case, I'll be calling first thing Monday morning :D

Originally posted by mstjohn
I'm in Chicago, and I got a 6412 box installed yesterday. The CSR I was dealing with yesterday was still convinced that no DVRs were available, even after I had confirmed that the installer was on his way with it. It is working well, and it appears that the dual tuner functionality works too. It's not quite as nice as the HD Tivo with DirecTV, but it looks like it will get the job done, and is definitely more economical. Also, it would be rough to not have Comcast Sportsnet Chicago in HD, which doesn't appear to be coming to DirecTV anytime soon. Please post more details including how you scheduled the appointment, etc. How did you get one when everyone else is being told No.

Screenshots would also be nice. iGuide?

Originally posted by timdgibson
Fantastic!!! Is it still the old guide or is it the new iGuide?

http://www.i-guide.tv/
http://comcast.com/newguide/flashdemo.html

If it's still the old guide, what FW? Is it still noisy?


tim

It is the old guide, and the guide stopped working once they sent the signal through to change my programming. Everything says "To Be Announced". I've talked to a few people in Comcast's DVR support, and I haven't had much luck.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Please post more details including how you scheduled the appointment, etc. How did you get one when everyone else is being told No.

Screenshots would also be nice. iGuide?

Bear with me, since I never had the 6208. Here's what is currently showing up in the Guide for me. After looking at the two flash demos, I'm pretty sure that it initially had the new iGuide (when the guide was working)

That is the new iGuide.

Got a call yesterday cancelling my appointment for Monday for the 6412. I'll be calling first thing Monday morning.

tim

I called today to upgrade from basic cable to digital silver and I am scheduled to have a 6412 installed this Tuesday afternoon. I'll post if it really happens. I just called 1-800-COMCAST ordered the upgrade and asked for the dual tuner DVR and the rep. on the phone said it would be no problem. We'll see.

BTW thanks to everyone who has posted their experiences in this thread. I have been following it for a long time and it's been great to have a reliable source for facts.

If anyone gets the 6412 could they post screenshots of the new guide set-up, and the DVR functions?

Thanks

I have to say I'm a little dissapointed about the speed (or lack thereof) with comcast's VOD and phone roll out. RCN already ahs both VOD and phone capabilities in Rodgers park but Comcast does not. Even with VOD and phone, I still would be hard pressed to ever go back to RCN.

Called up and setup an install of a 6412 for tomorrow.

b

Called and got a 6412 install scheduled for the 13th. I was told that no appointments were available until the 9th (and I needed a Saturday). Oh well...I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I just called as well and got set up for tomorrow between 8-12.

The CSR first said I'd have to call back the 3rd week of November. I said I don't think so. I'm scheduled for tomorrow between 1-5.

She also said there would be no charge for the swap.

Also, the installation charge for the swap is $16.99

I'm scheduled for a swap tomorrow between 8am and noon.

A couple of interesting tidbits:

* I was told the installation fee is $31.98. I mentioned that messages posted here indicate a $16.99 charge or even free, but the DVR sales guy checked with his supervisor and confirmed the price.

* Anyone get told about the Comcast insurance fee? Apparently they're now going to charge for some service calls, including box replacements if they're faulty, line level checks, etc. The insurance fee is $1.49/month and covers all the stuff we used to get for free.

Anyway, I can't wait!

FSugino. I was told 16.99, but I know often that fee is up to CSRs discretion. I have had occasions when I called and CSR told me it is ridiculous for me to pay the installation charge again just to swap the box (I think this was when I went from 5100 to 6200).

I was told on Friday tha I would be charged a standard DVR installation charge of $31.99.

I added the Cable Guard (insurance fee) last month since I have been messing withmy cables a bit lately and figured if I mess something I'll blame it on them and they can fix it :)

Hi all. I live on the north side, and just had my 6412 installed (well, they brought the box. I had to get it to work). Woohoo! My 6208 was garbage, so I hope this one is better.

Just ordered a 6412 to replace my 6208. Scheduled for Saturday, November 20. They could have done it tomorrow, but a 4 hour window on a weekday just doesn't work for me.

At first the CSR said that they didn't have them. I told her that others in the area are getting them. She checked it out and then took care of me promptly. Installation is free.

I was quoted $31.98 for installation of the two tuner box as well. It is set up for Friday 11/5. The CSR was very knowledgable, which surprised me.
Way to go Comcast!
Does anyone know if the 6412 has more recording capacity than the 6208?

I just called Comcast and the csr for cust. retention told me that there are no 6412's untill the end of November. When i explained that other people in Chicago (you guys) have ordered and recieved them she told me that you guys must be getting the 6208 and not the 6412. Any suggestions? Do I call another department? Thanks

Where in Chicago are you? Try calling sales not customer retention. Every single time I called They reiterated that it is a dual tuner box. It kind of wouldn't make sense if I requested to have my 6208 replaced by 6208 :)

I'm in Rodgers Park. I'll try sales. Thanks for the help vj9999, I'll let everybody know how it goes.

Update: Just called sales and they told me that they don't have ANY dual-tuner dvr's and that they have even stoped offering DVR's altogeather. Apparently, no one at Comcast believes me when I tell them that other people have ordered them. I'm at a loss about what to do.

Originally posted by hogues
I just called Comcast and the csr for cust. retention told me that there are no 6412's untill the end of November. When i explained that other people in Chicago (you guys) have ordered and recieved them she told me that you guys must be getting the 6208 and not the 6412. Any suggestions? Do I call another department? Thanks

Just keep calling and calling. You'll eventually get someone who has a clue.

Originally posted by Drifty

Does anyone know if the 6412 has more recording capacity than the 6208?

Yup, 50% more recording time. The 6412 has a 120GB hard drive - that should be good for around 11 hours of HD programs. The 6208 has an 80GB hard drive that was good for just over 7 hours or so of HD programs.

Originally posted by mck024
Just keep calling and calling. You'll eventually get someone who has a clue.

This, unfortunately, is the Comcast shuffle. It seems like updates/training takes place in groups, so you may have to call multiple times to get someone who's up to date on the equipment situation.

It took three calls on my part to get my appointment scheduled.

Originally posted by FSugino
My Comcast tech contact left me a voice mail and here's what he said.

The dual tuner boxes are not available yet because they're still in beta test and they've encountered a few issues. No set launch date yet, but he promised to call back when he hears anything new.


For the record, my tech called and left a voice mail at 8:00am this morning and said the dual tuner DVRs were available. :)

I have an appointment on Saturday Nov 6th to upgrade 6208 to 6412. Service charge is 15.99, and new monthly fee is 9.99 (as opposed to 9.95).

WhooWhoo - now I just need to watch everything I have taped before Saturday.

I still am experiencing "lip sync" issues (with some movies) and freeze ups on channel 195-Cinemax since getting it added on a few days ago. What department at Comcast should I ask to speak with about this? I am afraid if I speak with Joe or Jane Blow CSR, I will not be taken seriously.


Thanks

Called earlier today and received an install appointment for Saturday the 6th to replace a standard digital cable box with the 6412. Decided to keep my current 6208 in addition to the new 6412 to help get through any bugs with the dual tuner. I asked about an install fee or a box swap fee, and the CSR responded with no charge. I will post again on Saturday if the service tech also says no charge. Upgrade fee from standard box to HD DVR is $5/Mth.

Now if only Dekalb would catch up on VOD :(

Thanks for all the new 6412 info everyone.

Steve

After reading the posts here, I called back to see if I could get the install fee waived. I originally opted for the billing department, but they transferred me to a local representative. He (Marcus) informed me that it was a good thing that I had called because I was scheduled for a 6208 install (even though I confirmed 3 times with the original CSR that it was the 6412). Anyway, he put me on hold for a minute and came back with a promotion code that allowed him to fully absorb the cost of the install.

Five minutes just saved me $31.98 and a ton of headache.

Okay, here's my story. Earlier today, around 12 pm CST, I called and set up an appointment for Wednesday, 11/03/2004, between 8 and 10 am. Although 8 sounds obnoxiously early for me, I was pleased with the concept of a 2-hour window rather than the standard 4. Anyways, at that time, I was quoted with the full $31.98 installation fee.

After reading the posts here, I called back to see about reducing/eliminating that fee. This time, the tech I spoke with gave me the "We won't be able to sell the DVR's until December" spiel. However, he then checked his memos and notes and found the URGENT-labeled memo from Motorola stating that the 6412 was now available for distribution. In addition, he knocked my install fee down 50% to $15.99. He explained that there was no way to eliminate the service fee for the installer to come to the house. The other half for the equipment install, on the other hand, could be cancelled.

Now, I know some folks here are getting their installations completely free. If that's your bill shows it at the end of the month, congratulations. For everyone still having problems trying to set up an appointment, make sure the service representative you're speaking to has either checked his memos or consulted with his/her supervisor.

Cheers,
Anime Nut

I am scheduled for 11/26. They said the demand is so high that is the earliest they could do.

I finally got through to someone who knew what i was talking about. The only hitch is that I have the switch the dish promo where I get expanded Digital, HBO,Starz, DH and the 6208 for very cheap. If I was to switch the boxes, I'd have to pay an extra $9.95 a month. I'm not sure if it's worth it. I'd love to hear your thoughts. thanks.

I called this evening to have the 6412 replace my 6208. They're coming this Thursday (11/4). Was quoted the $31 installation fee.

Anyone have any details on what we can expect performance wise outside of the two tuner capability and larger HD vs the 6208???

I'm not sure about performance, but 6412 and iGuide will let you record first run episodes only, there is going to be a time bar when you are viewing a recordin. From tech perspective, 6412 doesn't have rf out (but that shouldn't matter to us since we have HDTV's anyway).

Most of the enhancments will come from an improved iGuide.

http://cjhengineering.com/hdtv/cablehdtv/dvrdct6412.htm

My biggest concern is if the firewire will work as well as the 6208 when dumping to DVHS. My 6208 has been perfect, but I want the dual tuners and bigger HD.

Any of you that are getting it this or next week dump to DVHS?

Originally posted by jsjames
My biggest concern is if the firewire will work as well as the 6208 when dumping to DVHS. My 6208 has been perfect, but I want the dual tuners and bigger HD.

Any of you that are getting it this or next week dump to DVHS?

I can check this tomorrow.

Originally posted by vj9999
but 6412 and iGuide will let you record first run episodes only

Thanks for the info. Can you be more specific on the above quote???