I posted on the old thread this message but since it is so cluttered with old info I decided to start a new thread. Feel free to delete if you feel it should be.
I just went to Comcasts internet site and found out that the 4 big networks DTV feeds are available
in where I live (Plainfield). So I called to subscribe, (I'm tied of unreliable antenna reception of CBS and others at times, have D* for all else) and was told the ABC,FOX,CBS,NBC digital feeds will be offered to me May 15th. $8.00 subscription charge for just those channels $5 for the HDTV Box (but I'll save $15 on INTERNET service). Called and talked with 2 different people and told the same. Anyone want to verify this info.?
Mike

I just received basically the same information, intro next week, $5.00 for the HD receiver, but that was all. No $8.00 subscription fee. I wonder if that has anything to do with my service area. I already have digital cable, and that could be part of the difference.

No information about additional channels in the HD line up.

I already have the installation as part of the beta test. Excellent service. You all will love it.

The TV Guide channel is now indicating what programming is HD.

It looks like the future has finally arrived.

Mike K.

Hey Mike

Is your CBS out in Chicago Owned and Operated by CBS?

I'm not Mike, but yes WBBM-CBS is owned and operated by CBS.

What he said.

Mike

Those who have called: somebody post either a phone number or the link you used to obtain the number!! Now?!! Thanks.

You can call the regular Customer Service Number, 1 (866) 594-1234, but I'm not sure they will take the order, yet.

The rollout begins May 13th in certain areas (not clear which ones) and will be offered in all areas by June 16th. You may have to wait until it is available in your area to sign up, but give them a call and see what they say.

Mike

Thamks for the info REX and Mike.

The reason I asked this question is tha Comcast in Central New Jersey get it's CBS feed fron New York which is also Owned and operated by CBS. As a result we do not get the CDS HD feed from them because Comcast is saying they do not have an agreement with them.

If anyone can shed some light on this subject but if Comcast has a agreement with Chicago's CBS (O & O) does it carry forward for all CBS O & O for all the other cities Comcast gets it feed from?

Mike,

I called Comcast re: HD service in Naperville. The guy said Naperville & Aurora are not on the list. All surrounding smaller communities seem to be on the list.
He also said that they are not taking orders yet and that rollout is end of May or beginning of June.

Mark

So you're saying they will offer a package with only the digital channels of the big 4 networks? You pay monthly fee for the box and the channel package. No further basic package, etc subscription required? If that's the case based on reception issues, dropouts, etc I'd gladly do that if the price was indeed $10-15/month.

Spoke with a CSR yesterday, they said it is rolling out on the 22nd. I do live in the city..west loop.. and there will be a $5.oo charge for the hd box.

I spoke with two CSR in the last few days nad got two responses:

1. Yes in Plainfield will offer the Didgital locals for 8.36 mth and 5.00 mth for the box May 14th

2. Didn't know if my city will be a roll out they do not have the cities listed yet. But the roll out would be the 22nd....

Well Two different answers, why can't a Large Corporation get there CSR to say the same thing. I don't mind the wait but just be consistent in your responses Comcast.

If this is true this will be a small fee for Local Digital without dropouts for individuals with problems....

I got my Moto DCT5100 installed yesterday as a tester. The only HD channel I received last night was ABC (187) and it was a non HD feed (Bachelor). Does anyopne have a tech support number for HD?


This was only the second box the installers installed, and they admitted knew nothing. They said call the 866 594 1234 number but they also are not up to speed. A number for tech support would help!

Nice PQ on the non HD ABC tho...

thanks

Are you not receiving 188, 189, and 190, or are you saying there was no HD programming available on those channels. Wednesday night seems to be devoid of HD programming, except for Law and Order at 9 PM, and Leno at 10:30.

If you weren't receiving those stations at all, you have a problem. Most likely the box was not initialized correctly. Didn't the installer check those stations before he left? I would think customer service would be able to do something over the system before they send an installer to your home.

Also, and I hate to be remedial, make sure you are viewing the programming on the HD input of your television, the input where they connected the component cables (that's if the installer actually installed component cables). I apologize if it seems I am talking down to you. There are many different levels of expertise, and I am just trying to help you cover all the bases.

Check 189 at 8PM for CSI. Looks good here in Highland Park, you should also enjoy it out there in Vernon Hills.

Mike

Thanks for the input! the installers admitted they were
not informed. They didnt even know the HD channels #'s.
I couldnt get upset as I was so happy to get the box!!!
I gave them a copy of the 5100 FAQ posting!

Interesting you asked if there was any HD content, I thought
the non HD signal was upconverted and that was why I saw Bachelor
on ABC. The guide said it was not HD.

So no HD = no signal? (Sorry , obviously I'm new....)

Alos VERY good news that you get CBS (CSI!) , I also thought CBS hadnt signed on yet with Comcast.

Last night I only got Bachelor. The other channels had the show title on the menu, but the screen just said the channel would be available shortly.

I planned on looking for Law and Order tonight but I will also look for CSI!!

Thanks!!

PS I am using the component input, as I am used to using it with my
JVC 30K.

Are you also a beta tester or have they rolled out in HP?

Have you seen to Motorola announcement on the 6200 series boxes!
Very nice also!

Sorry if I confused you.

Yes, I am also a tester. Have been one for a little over a month.

If you are not getting any picture at all you have a problem. You are correct that you would be receiving an upconverted signal on those stations.

Sounds like the box was not initialized correctly. I am sure if you contact Comcast they will get it straightened out. They may need to re-initialize the box. Most likely a problem on their end. They try very hard to help the testers.

Mike

Thanks Ill give them another call.

Do you have to have a Comcast HD box? What if you have a STB that can decode HDTV over cable (I think it's called 8VSB)? I have a Zenith DTV-1080.

You need something with 256QAM capability, such as the built-in tuners on some Hitachi & Mits HDTVs, or the Mits PM external add-on. Also, the upcoming Zenith HD-PVR330 will have 256QAM tuning.

Any new info on Comcast's rollout? What channels besides the locals are gonna be in HD? Personally I don't see the point in paying for locals in HD when u can get them for free over the air (I get great reception even in Skokie). But any new source of HD is always exciting.

Originally posted by huzefa
Any new info on Comcast's rollout? What channels besides the locals are gonna be in HD? Personally I don't see the point in paying for locals in HD when u can get them for free over the air (I get great reception even in Skokie). But any new source of HD is always exciting.

There is no such thing as "for free" when it comes to HD.

Either you have purchased an OTA STB for probably $600.00 or more, depending on the box you have and its capabilites, or you purchased a television with a built in ATSC tuner, for which you also paid a premium.

So, lets see....using the $600.00 figure (and that's probably the low end) 120 months from now (that's 10 years for the calendar challenged) you and I will be even in our expenditures given the $5.00 per month it will cost me for the HD box. And that is, of course, assuming your HD receiver makes it for 10 years. If my cable box craps out, I'll just call Comcast and have them trot over with a new one.

So enjoy your "free" HD.

Mike.

I was wondering if anyone who is currently in the beta test program, if they would be able to snap a few shots of the Mot 5100 (actual box, types of connectors on back), and the quality of images people are getting on their monitors. I know that analog performance has been an issue for these boxes and I am sure that a screen shot would help me figure the "severity" of the problem. I completely understand if people are hesitant to do this, because the program is still in a beta phase.

Thanks

Originally posted by lanwan97
I spoke with two CSR in the last few days nad got two responses:

1. Yes in Plainfield will offer the Didgital locals for 8.36 mth and 5.00 mth for the box May 14th

2. Didn't know if my city will be a roll out they do not have the cities listed yet. But the roll out would be the 22nd....

Well Two different answers, why can't a Large Corporation get there CSR to say the same thing. I don't mind the wait but just be consistent in your responses Comcast.

If this is true this will be a small fee for Local Digital without dropouts for individuals with problems....

Well Folks, I called Comcast today to order The Locals with HDTV and was told by one CSR that it would not be in my area till July now. I called right back got another CSR, created a stink over the lack of communication between the reps and the second CSR told me that needed to add me in the system and would call me back today.

It's amazing of the lack of Customer Service we receive from Comcast. I will post on the results when they call me back

Thanks for starting this post. I'm a DirecTV subscriber that unfortunately has sunk a lot of $ in DirecTV specific hardware (Mits SR-HD400 HDTV/DirecTV Receiver) and Hughes DirecTV w/TIVO). Does anyone know if I will need to get another box from Comcast to receive their HD content or will I be able to plug the cable into an input on my Mits box?

Also, it would be great if those of you that have not specified your location on your profile would do so. As OTA reception and Comcast services are very specific to your city/location, your postings would be of increased benefit if we knew where you lived. Thanks.

Anyone from St. Charles (east side) talked to Comcast lately to get an idea of availability in our area?

Spoke with a CSR today and they are rolling out HD for chicago tommrow. So I am going to call tommrow and put an order in for it.

I just spoke with a CSR as well and it will be available in my area on the 23rd of May. I really hope this is it, finally. I will be calling on the 23rd and will let everyone know what happens.

Called Comcast at the 1-888-4BESTTV number and punched the numbers to "Change You Service". Talked to a rep. who attempted to put the order in, but said the codes were not yet in the system.

She then went off to talk to her Supervisor. When she came back she gave me 5/16/2003 as the roll-out date for my area (Villa Park). She went on to explain that they were just trained for the HD roll-out last week and that they were told to stop accepting/adding names to the "interested in HD list" today. Her understanding was that they were going to contact those on the list and schedule installs for the list people FIRST, prior to general roll-out. I believe they are going to be starting to call people on the list beginning today, continuing through the end of the week - then they'll start accepting regular orders.

I'll believe it, when I get a call...since I'm on a list of some sort for HD....probably the wrong list :)

Originally posted by rgraves
Thanks for starting this post. I'm a DirecTV subscriber that unfortunately has sunk a lot of $ in DirecTV specific hardware (Mits SR-HD400 HDTV/DirecTV Receiver) and Hughes DirecTV w/TIVO). Does anyone know if I will need to get another box from Comcast to receive their HD content or will I be able to plug the cable into an input on my Mits box?

Also, it would be great if those of you that have not specified your location on your profile would do so. As OTA reception and Comcast services are very specific to your city/location, your postings would be of increased benefit if we knew where you lived. Thanks.

Anyone from St. Charles (east side) talked to Comcast lately to get an idea of availability in our area?

Update: I just received a call from Comcast and they were able to force the code into the system for Locals ($8.35/mth) and the HD Box for $5.00 mth they willbe out to install on the 24th (Yes, I have a work order). Live in Plainfield. Will see if they show.....

Is Comcast requiring an upgrade to the digital package? I currently have basic analog plus internet service, and find it hard to justify the $30-$40 monthly cost to upgrade and then add another $15 for the HD service.

Originally posted by chimchim5
Is Comcast requiring an upgrade to the digital package? I currently have basic analog plus internet service, and find it hard to justify the $30-$40 monthly cost to upgrade and then add another $15 for the HD service.

ChimChim: Great question I asked this particular question, I signed up for basic with the locals for only 8.35/mth and 5.00 for the box. This is the only monthly cost. I do not have Cable at all today, I explained to them that I have Directv today and wanted to test this out first before upgrading any other service....

Are they offering the 5100 with 1394 firewire?

You took the words right out if my mouth Kipp. I asked two different CSR's, and got nowhere. I'll spring for the t165 otherwise...

Yes, it is the 5100. No, I don't think the Firewire is active. I remember reading in a different thread somewhere that Comcast was going to offer the feature later in the year. Can't confirm, though.

Mike

I called this evening and was booked for install Thursday 8-12 AM, live in Plainfield. $8.35 locals ABC,NBC,CBS,FOX that's it + $5 for the HD box. I will post after install to give people and update about the quality of the service. May not see HD until evening though (Unless the Young and Restless is still in HD at 11:30). I called this morning and was told the the codes weren't in but there must have been by evening. Hello CBS HDTV Football, Fall can't come fast enough now.
Mike

Just to add to the flurry of information...I got an e-mail from a Comcast CSR yesterday (5/13) in which she told me that I would be receiving a phone call that day for my install (I have been on the 'list' for testers but was not a tester).

I'm interested in HBO and Showtime HD and have no use for the locals from cable as my OTA reception is just about flawless.

But I am dying for HDNET and HDNET Movies as well as ESPN HD...I'd love to get some word on those two channels. Last I heard a couple weeks back from the CSR was that Comast was negotiating with those programmers...who knows...

I would be hard pressed to keep cable if they cannot soon provide some information relatively soon regarding which channels they expect to add and when.

I have heard as others I'm sure are aware that Discovery HD and PPV HD are out at least at launch.

BTW...still waiting for that phone call;)

Tom

Does anyone currently using that cable HD box (5100) know if it is a simple hook up to rig both the 5100 for cable and still use my Samsung SIR T150 for OTA (to be able to switch between the two?). Thanks.

I would guess that if the 5100 replaces my current cable digital box then it will be no different than I do now...

Anybody live on the north side? Here at Lake Shore Drive and Addison they first scheduled me for installation on the 14th, but then called to cancel. They said I shouldn't expect HD service until sometime in 2004.

Anyone know anything about this? Everyone who's getting service -- what are your locations?

I live near Roscoe and Paulina and am scheduled for Fri. morning. They haven't called to cancel...yet.

Just got off the phone with a customer rep who scheduled me for installation on Saturday(I live in Evanston). He told me I was on the old silver digital package and would have to switch to a new one. I was paying $61 a month and the new package would cost $64 a month. Add on the $5 a month for the HDTV box and it comes to $69 a month(not including the 29 dollar installation charge). Is this what everyone else is paying and does anyone know what channels I will get in HDTV. The rep was not very helpful in this regard all though he did inform me I would no longer be receiving the 7 HBO channels plus the STRZ movie channels I was getting in the old silver digital package. Starting to wonder about this whole deal.

I am currently beta testing, and can get

Showtime ch 185
HBO-east 186
ABC 187
NBC 188
CBS 189
Fox 190

I have the basic digital package and jsut added HBO for $13/mo more.

Remember, ABC will have some of the B-ball playoff games in HD-720p!!! I believe the first one will be 5.22.03
I really wish they would have kept Discovery-HD. Now that is what gave the "shock and awe" factor. (sorry I had to use that phrase)
During this past fall and winter I literally had friends come over just to take a glimpse of it. Oh how I miss it. :(

Originally posted by gtcharlie
Just got off the phone with a customer rep who scheduled me for installation on Saturday(I live in Evanston). He told me I was on the old silver digital package and would have to switch to a new one. I was paying $61 a month and the new package would cost $64 a month. Add on the $5 a month for the HDTV box and it comes to $69 a month(not including the 29 dollar installation charge). Is this what everyone else is paying and does anyone know what channels I will get in HDTV. The rep was not very helpful in this regard all though he did inform me I would no longer be receiving the 7 HBO channels plus the STRZ movie channels I was getting in the old silver digital package. Starting to wonder about this whole deal.

Something doesn't sound right, Charlie. I have digital cable (around $49.00 a month, don't recall which one it is) and was told it would just be a $5.00 upgrade for the HD box. If you moved up to a bigger package (sounds like "Gold" or "Platinum" or something) you should be receiving more channels, not losing some.

I would suggest calling in to check. There are people on here ordering basic analog cable for $8.35 a month and paying $5.00 for the HD box. I think your CSR was goofy.

Mike

Called Comcast on Monday and they said nothing until mid June. Called back today and the csr seemed to be an old pro at adding the HDTV package. WooHoo.... I have standard analog and internet..... $29.99 install fee and $5 /month rental for the 5100..... scheduled to be installed next Monday the 19th. I'm located in DeKalb for those wondering about availability. They don't seem to have a "fee" for the HD local signals, no mention of the $8.95/month charge posted earlier. I'll update after install.

I just spoke to two CSR's within 5 minutes of each other at Comcast and got to completely different stories.

The first CSR told me that the package was starting May 15th and that it was an additional $5.00 for the 5100 box. When I told her I did not have any cable service I asked what the minimum package I needed to get the HD channels. I was told I needed the Digital Classic package and the cost for that was $51.69 plus the $5.00 for the box. I said thank you and immediately hung up and called back.

The second CSR told me the basic package was $12.84 plus an additional $5.00 for the box to receive HD. The current HD package included CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX (I know it isn't HD). She told me you could also add Showtime, HBO and Discovery HD channels. This CSR indicated that roll-out was scheduled for 5/23 in my area, and she took my name and number for someone to call me when they had boxes available to install for customers.

Not sure what the real story is, but if Comcast adds ESPN-HD anytime before September, I think I will kiss D* goodbye.

JT

Whooaaah! Just called and got an appt. for 5/21. I have internet, basic cable and dig. phone already. The cost for HD is simply rental of the box, $5.00. I may finally see what CBS has to offer in HD since CBS-OTA is so awful!

I live in the fox valley, and was just told that comcast is now able to do hdtv in my area. I am now using directv for my htdv using a zenith set top box. I order to use comcast service will my zenith box be useless?

After reading the intial flurry of messages regarding Comcast accepting hi-def service orders, I took the plunge and started calling.

*** One big tip: if the CSR you speak to insists that they're only testing, hang up and call again. ***

The first two guys I spoke to late this afternoon insisted that there was a select pool of 600 users in the Chicagoland area, and service will launch to the general public sometime during the summer. I got a little frustrated, so I hung up and made myself some dinner. I guess there was a shift change around 6:00 pm, because I called again and spoke to a rep named Mike. He said I was his first customer to sign up, and yes - they were just informed about the program today. It took him a while to schedule a service call for me, but I was more than happy to spend the extra minutes on the phone with a guy who was willing to sign me up for the service.

As reported in other messages, the cost is $29.99 for installation and $5/month for box rental. I already subscribe for the Platinum package, so there was no additional charge for HBO and Showtime.

Can't wait until next Wednesday, sometime between 1:00 - 5:00 pm. :)

Thanks for the tips! I'd called Comcast previously and gotten responses ranging from May 2003 to Q1-2 2004, but I just called and I'm scheduled for Saturday from 1-5! I'm in Old Irving Park (addison/pulaski area).

It does seem to be luck of the draw whether you get a CSR who actually reads the memos from management or whatever internal communication mode they use.

Anyway, one question for any of you beta testers: will the 5100 allow for simultaneous component and s-video out? I plan on hooking the box up at 720p to my Samsung, but want to continue to let me Tivo get a feed. Will this be possible?

Other than that concern (which should be alleviated when Tivo finally releases their HD version -- fall?), I'm incredibly excited to finally see HDTV on my new TV!

Michael

Hi, I've been reading about Comcast HDTV in Chicago for a long time but never registered until now. I just signed up and have an installation date this coming Tuesday. Just a quick question, do the installers supply all the cables and what DD audio cable do they use, coaxial or optical? And another thing the CSR told me, she said that I would have to change to their new digital silver package which would debut at the end of the month. I asked what the difference was and it was $65/month but the main difference was that she said Starz was becoming a premium channel and no longer offered together with Encore in the digital basic and higher packages. So in essence I will have to pay $65/month for digital silver and $5/month for the Motorola 5100 box, which comes to $70. Is that right and are we losing Starz at the end of the month?

Sanman19, the installer will provide component video cables. They do not provide a digital cable. The box will accept a coaxial or optical cable. I used an optical because my receiver only has one coaxial input which I use for my DVD player..

MJVanDam, the box does have simultaneous S-Video and Component Output. I have my S-VHS VCR hooked up that way.

I have not heard a thing about new packages. I will have a difficult time accepting a $70.00 a month cable bill

Mike K.

CURRENTLY WATCHING yOUNG AND WRESTLESS IN HD FROM CBS!!! (not that I watch the show but I knew it was in HD. Looks great so far. Come on September, I'm ready (and hope) for some NFL football, hell college too!!
MIke

They signed me up for the $50+ HDTV package. Now I was told Local Digital channels for $8.35 FOX, CBS,NBC, ABC and nothing else. Now I'm on the phone with them and being told otherwise. Anyone a tester that just receives those channels for that price? I will be might upset if I will have to pay that much for channels I receive from D*. And i'll tell them to stick their $30 install charge.
Mike

Thanks everyone for keeping us informed that this event is finally happening!
It'd be great if those who receive the new Comcast service could post their impressions of picture quality and, if possible, make comparisons to DirectTV and Dish (which just announced HD offerings).

Although I have Comcast for Internet, local phone, and basic cable, I haven't yet made a decision about what to do for HDTV. Your comments and especially your comparisons would be very helpful.

Thanks,
- Scott

Everyone remember to post where you are!!!!!

We folks in parts of the city where service "won't be available until first quarter 2004" and so on want to know whether the guys across the street are getting the new service!!!

This is just as important as price and package.

Keep the info flowing! Long live the INTERNET!!!

Does anyone in Wrigleyville have this service yet or know if it is it available in the Wrigleyville area?


thanks--john

I am borderline Wrigleyville (3450 North and the Lake); they say nothing till 2004. But don't let this stop you from calling!

I live in Elmhurst and have been a tester for about a month or so.
The picture isn't as good as OTA, but I can't get HBO and Showtime OTA.
That's the main reason I got it. Although I wish I could record on my JVC D-VHS from the 5100 box.

MJVanDam,
I have mine running to my Samsung 507 and TiVo and have not come across any issues. The one thing that is a pain is that my TiVo is recording shows all the time and if TiVo is recording a show, I can't watch HD HBO or Showtime. That's my biggest issue.

I also had to upgrade my package to get HBO and SHO.
Does anyone know if they plan on offering a HD package that includes HBO and SHO? I really don't care about locals.

Jeff

Another Tivo user here wondering how the non-hdtv channels look using the 5100. Wiil the tivo be able to record the HD channels through it's s-video input?

I'm currently using comcast's motorola 2000 series digital cable box and it does not even have an s-video output. I'm guessing that picture quality will be better with the 5100 on all channels but is comparable to DTV or Dish?

Thanks

I didn't notice any difference in quality of the picture through TiVo. All my OTA channels look better than TiVo still.

However, I have been recording some shows that are in HD on the HD channels on TiVo. They will record but not in HD. However, they look alot better than their digital counterparts. But, the image will not be as big as the digital channels image. It's hard to explain but it works.



Jeff

Hey, for those of you that just recently ordered HDTV, about how much would you be spending a month including the $5/month for the cable box. Is the minimum requirement their digital silver package?

I'm asking because I'm already subscribed to the present silver package at $61.99 a month and I was asked to upgrade to their "new" silver package which would debut at the end of the month for a price of $64.99 or else I couldn't get the HD box. Should I call back and switch back to their old silver plan? I'm confused what's going on here...

Did anyone that has the 5100 get the remote for it?
When they swapped my digital cable box in February they didn't leave me a new remote. Instead they left the same one.
Just wondering.

I got a new remote, Sam. Same as before, but it says Comcast instead of AT&T. No additional features.

So take a piece of masking tape and write Comcast on it, stick it over the AT&T logo, and you will be there with the rest of us. :)

Mike

jsjames, how does CBS HD look compared to OTA HD? I heard last year that one of the delays in negotiating with CBS was that they would not compromise quality by allowing their 19.2Mbps HD signal to be compressed. I think you said all the OTA HD signals looked better?

I live in Naperville and I don't think HD is available from Comcast yet. My telephone service is available through them and I am thinking of switching back to Ameritech. Comcast customer service is the worst I've ever experienced.

ALthough I can't reliably recieve HDTV reception OTA, I can at my work. I believe that Comcast has every bit as good of picture as OTA.
MIke

Originally posted by mikek747
I got a new remote, Sam. Same as before, but it says Comcast instead of AT&T. No additional features.

So take a piece of masking tape and write Comcast on it, stick it over the AT&T logo, and you will be there with the rest of us. :)

Mike
Yeah, but I thought I read in a post (can't find it right now) that there is an "enter" button which will bring up a diagnostics mode similar in fashion to the "menu" button which brings up the settings mode when the box is turned off. (wooh! read that in one breath)
I could be mistaken. Thanks for the help.

Originally posted by WishIdInventedTivo
My telephone service is available through them and I am thinking of switching back to Ameritech. Comcast customer service is the worst I've ever experienced. I am keeping their cable phone service for the moment ($22/month for unlimited local calls) because the incoming cable brings in the 256QAM channels over 100. The local digital stations are unencrypted (WBBM-DT is on 114.1 I believe). I don't have a 256QAM cable tuner yet, but I am hoping the promised Zenith HD-PVR330 will supply that (along with HD recording). I received WBBM-DT in 8VSB on cable channel 117.1 for two years, but Comcast killed that last month when WBBM received the approval to activate the new antenna. The OTA reception is good here, but it's nice to have cable as a backup when atmospheric conditions are causing problems.

Originally posted by UncD2000
I am keeping their cable phone service for the moment ($22/month for unlimited local calls) because the incoming cable brings in the 256QAM channels over 100. The local digital stations are unencrypted (WBBM-DT is on 114.1 I believe). I don't have a 256QAM cable tuner yet, but I am hoping the promised Zenith HD-PVR330 will supply that (along with HD recording). I received WBBM-DT in 8VSB on cable channel 117.1 for two years, but Comcast killed that last month when WBBM received the approval to activate the new antenna. The OTA reception is good here, but it's nice to have cable as a backup when atmospheric conditions are causing problems.
Has anybody found any new (or different) channels using a 256QAM tuner with "basic" cable? I've been using my Mitsubishi builtin for quite a while without any problem, but now (last two weeks) CBS is unwatchable and Discovery seems to be gone.

I've got the Mits 256QAM as well. Reconnected basic cable in living room (I'm a satellite guy) to check when HD was announced. Since then I've checked several times. Nothing with auto channel search in "normal" or the other two modes, nor with same setup using the OTA digital antenna setting.

Anyone else? Elsewhere on this forum I read about digital CBS at 114, 117, and so on. Can't find it. Will keep looking if everyone else tries as well!

WishIdInventedTivo,
I will check tonight.
I don't remember specifically comparing channel 2. But the other channels I can tell the difference. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad at all, but OTA is just a little better.

Also OTA is going in via DVI and HD cable is component. Not sure if that would be the difference though.

Jeff

Originally posted by Dr. A
I've got the Mits 256QAM as well. Reconnected basic cable in living room (I'm a satellite guy) to check when HD was announced. Since then I've checked several times. Nothing with auto channel search in "normal" or the other two modes, nor with same setup using the OTA digital antenna setting.

Anyone else? Elsewhere on this forum I read about digital CBS at 114, 117, and so on. Can't find it. Will keep looking if everyone else tries as well!

113,114 and 115 have programing, at least in my neighborhood. CBS is still on 114.1, but the breakups (every few seconds) make it unwatchable. I believe I saw "watchable" programming on both 113 and 115 last night.

Much to my amazement, Comcast did not cancel my installation appointment and now I have a 5100 and a few HD channels.

Originally posted by cjb
Much to my amazement, Comcast did not cancel my installation appointment and now I have a 5100 and a few HD channels.

Congrats cjb! A question for you...does your 5100 have the IEEE 1394 Firewire output so you can record HD?

Originally posted by jsjames
WishIdInventedTivo,
I will check tonight.
I don't remember specifically comparing channel 2. But the other channels I can tell the difference. Don't get me wrong, it's not bad at all, but OTA is just a little better.

Also OTA is going in via DVI and HD cable is component. Not sure if that would be the difference though.

Jeff

I seem to recall reading in a reputal video magazine where there was a noticable improvement with a digital connection because it eliminated the dual analog/digital conversion steps. If so this would make sense. Hard to know in your case if it is this or a real difference from Comcast if you can not do an apples to apples comparision. Everything I know about cable companies leads me to believe if there is any way they can compress the signal to conserve bandwidth - they will. Cable and satellite companies are about quantity, not quality. CBS is known for very high standards and is the HDTV leader. Their signal is 19.2 Mbps. Too bad we got stuck with channel 3...

Originally posted by Dr. A
Anyone else? Elsewhere on this forum I read about digital CBS at 114, 117, and so on. Can't find it. Will keep looking if everyone else tries as well!

I reported the channels I have available a few months ago. I'm in Schaumburg, and my line-up is

113.01 - WLS (HD source is great; other stuff is stretched)
114.01 - WBBM (always looks great)
114.02 - formerly Discovery HD Theater; now dead
115.02 - WFLD
115.05 - WMAQ

Comcast is scheduled to set me up with their official box next Wednesday, so I will no longer have to reprogram between OTA and cable feeds just to watch WBBM. Thank god for small conveniences!

Well, I can only get WLS-DT to come in with my Hitachi XWX QAM256 tuner. Lately, it will not even complete a scan and hangs at channel 84. I get WLS-DT only by manually putting in that channel (115.01, I think).

Odd thing is that the existing DCT2000 box WILL lock onto some of the other channels (no picture, obviously) down in the 18X range.

I'm scheduled to get my official HD box tomorrow (or is it later today) morning from 8-12. So I should at least have them through the box...if not, then Comcast may actually get to figure out what might be preventing my Hitachi from tuning the locals...

Originally posted by dalilama
Congrats cjb! A question for you...does your 5100 have the IEEE 1394 Firewire output so you can record HD?

Nope, unfortunately. But they claim that over time more of the ports will be used. Also, the tech, who seemed to know what he was talking about, told me that an HDPVR was next on their schedule.

Well, I'm now seriously considering DirecTV for my HDTV needs.

I called Comcast on Wednesday, after reading that HDTV seemed to be more widespread in my area. A customer service rep checked my address and told me that HDTV was indeed available in my area. We arranged for an install today between 1 and 5.

When I hadn't received a confirmation call, I called Comcast again, and this time, was told that my appointment had been cancelled because HDTV was not yet in my area. Of course, they hadn't bothered to tell ME that my appointment had been canceled. Thank God I called, or I would have been sitting here until 5 (and later) fuming even more than I am now.

The CSR I spoke to today took my information on an "HDTV Request Form" and said they would contact me when it's available in my area. He had no idea when that would be and -- probably wisely -- wouldn't even venture a guess.

Yes, I'm venting, but consider it a cautionary tale. Until the installer actually installs the box, there's no guarantee that you'll actually see HDTV in your home.

Michael

Well I can't say I'm surprised but I am at a loss. The Comcast installer just came by with the Motorola 5100 and installed the box. The only problem is the guy(who was exceptionally nice) had never done an install before. He basically brought the cables( a component) and I supplied the optical cable for audio. He then called in to activate the box. Now heres the problem. Where are the HD channels. He had no idea and either do I. I have seen numbers like 115.1 and 116.1 but how do I type find those kind of channels. Plus how do I change the box settings(like setting the resolution to 1081i. I am typing this as the Preakness is being run which I know is in HD but I can't find it. Any help would be appreciated.

Originally posted by gtcharlie
Now heres the problem. Where are the HD channels. He had no idea and either do I.[/B]

185 - Showtime
186 - HBO
187 - ABC
188 - NBC
189 - CBS
190 - Fox

Comcast installed my 5100 today, here are some observations:

Installer said it was his third install so far. He brought a component cable (which also had L/R audio), but no optical. The component cable is a 3 Meter cable (I think) and all five cables are connected together into a ribbon (but you could zip them apart if needed, I guess). Install was quick, but standard wait (5 minutes) for dispatch to authorize the new box. After authorization, get HBO, ABC, NBC, CBS and FOX. Picuture quality with HD programming is nice, not quite up to the same level as my OTA channels, but at least there are no drop-outs like my OTA from time to time (Silver Sensor, so I've never seen CBS-HD and NBC has been VERY sensitive to antenna position.) The analog picture quality through the box is acceptable.

Motorola 5100 box does not have firewire ports at all. Also doesn't appear to have DVI, unless it is behind a black plastic cover under the component (haven't looked yet). It does have USB on the front and back (not active), Ethernet (not active), DD Optical (active). Box is default set to 16x9 output with 480i override for non-HD channels. MUCH snappier than my old DCT2024 with channel changing and locking. I did get a new remote, which is identical to the old one I had with my DCT2024, except it says "Comcast" on it.

I also have an AT&T Tivo Series 2, which I used to have connected to the DCT2024 via composite video and using serial control. Since the 5100 lacks serial control - I also didn't want the Tivo to prevent me from using the 5100 for HD viewing - I moved my Tivo off to regular analog cable.

Was $5.00 more a month for the box and $29.95 for the install. Otherwise, I'm still paying $61.99 for Digital Silver package that I had prior to HD.

Overall, I'm pretty pleased, but I do hope they add some more HD channels soon...

I can't believe they are making me pay for this service right now. I have found the HD channels but of course HBO is not coming in. Two calls to customer service have yielded the same response--"We don't really have any experience with HDTV so we are not really sure how to fix the problem". Anyone have any ideas as to how to get them to enable the HBO that I am paying for? Do you think they need to reinitialize the box?

i'm going to hold off on getting HD through comcast til they get their act together[and so should everyone else imho]

Originally posted by kevin j
i'm going to hold off on getting HD through comcast til they get their act together[and so should everyone else imho]

Thank you for your opinion, but you don't have any idea what you are talking about.

I have had the HD service for around six weeks and am very pleased with the performance. PQ is excellent. Installation went very smoothly.

I understand and have read the problems that some people have had on their installs, but we are seeing few complaints from those that actually have it up and running.

My install was the first one for the guys that came to the house. Their actions were somewhat deliberate but everything went OK. There is a learning curve for these installers, but its not rocket science. Plugging in a few wires and calling in for the box to be initialized is all there is to it.

Why wait when the service is available now. Enjoy it is as soon as you can.

Mike K

I have had HD installed for two weeks now. I only get HBO 186 and ABC 187. On channels 188-190, all I get is 'program will be available shortly'. Comcast completely eliminated all inhouse possibilities as well as swapping the box. They are now checking the outside lines. I must say they are very diligently working on the problem so I have no doubt they will resolve it, but I'm wondering if anyone else experienced a similar problem? The Comcast people admit they are short on training, but hey, it's Beta testing.

PS.
The PQ on the two channels I have is stunning. Comparing it to a friends OTA, I see no difference. Even the analog channels are MUCH better than my digital box.

I checked over the weekend and my Disc-HD is finally gone. I still get CBS, ABC, NBC and Faux.

I am having a similiar but not exactly the same problem. I receive channels 187-190 but no 186(hbo). I have been in contact with Comcast support but so far no one their seems to have any idea how to fix the problem. I have spoken with three different representatives and they all have no experience with HDTV. All three have said they would have a technician call back and so far no one has. Very frustrating.

As far as it being beta testing, I am now paying a monthly charge plus a 30 dollar installation charge. This hardly qualifies as beta testing as far as I'm concerned. With this in mind I expect a higher level of service than I am receiving.

I understand some areas are past the beta stage. We are still in beta so not paying any fees or hookup costs. I had problems when they first installed my broadband connection but they removed the monthly charges until it was fixed.

Stay tuned, Ill post if I get any resolution.

So much for Dekalb. Had a 10am appt., phone rang at 9:48....Hello, Mr. xxx this is so and so from Comcast calling to let you know that you wasted a vacation day to stay home for an appt. that's not going to happen. Apparently we are not in the fiber-optic loop yet!?......But, I have been put on my local area supervisors high priority call when available list......YA WHATEVER! Anybody got a good line on a dish installer!!!!

No offense COMCAST I'm just venting.

Good luck to all others scheduled for an install.

Anyone remember when someone on one of these forums linked to that first, long-ago press release announcing HD service in Chicago?

Boy, that was a long time ago.

Anyone remember when the first "beta testers" started sharing their experiences with members of the Local HDTV Info forum?

Boy, that was ALSO a long time ago. Whatever did they test? Anything?

The moral of this story is, call DirecTV or Dish and get your dishes installed! Prices will never be lower than now! Forget cable. Compared with satellite it is an inefficient, non-competitive, monopolistic parasite.

The proof is documented right here on the Local HDTV Info and Reception forum!

Originally posted by Dr. A
Anyone remember when the first "beta testers" started sharing their experiences with members of the Local HDTV Info forum?

Boy, that was ALSO a long time ago. Whatever did they test? Anything?

The moral of this story is, call DirecTV or Dish and get your dishes installed! Prices will never be lower than now! Forget cable. Compared with satellite it is an inefficient, non-competitive, monopolistic parasite.

Whatever did they test?
I have been a tester since August and I have received all the channels indicated above as well as Discovery-HD.

I would call DirecTV if I had more than $400 to spend just for the HD-receiver. They have been in the HD game for much longer than Comcast-chicago, who has been in the game for less than a week (in terms of their launch date).

My moral is:
Give Comcast a break, this is the first run of a relatively new technology.

One last question:
What do you mean by "Prices will never be lower than now!" Is that a fact or because there is nowhere for the prices to go, but up?

Sam, I hear where you are coming from. However, I think you were overly generous when stating the cost of the satellite hardware.

HD receivers still retail in the $600.00 to $700.00 range. I am sure a bunch of you can jump in with stories of lower prices, but this is still a good example. The elliptical dish from DirecTV costs around $200.00, plus the installation charges, and then what about the rooftop antenna to receive local HD. You are looking at roughly $1,000.00 including installation for HD satellite. And that's for a service that drops out every time the wind blows too hard, and when it rains or snows.

Despite the shortcomings, HD cable is still the transmission method that will do the most good for the growth of HD television. 70% of the consumers in this country get their TV from cable. It is the easiest product and concept for them to deal with. The more HD there is on cable, the better the market will be for all of us.

For the consumer that wants HD, cable is far and away the best way to go.

Enjoy your dish. Even with the problems and shortcomings, I'm staying where I'm at.

Mike

Originally posted by SamR.
Whatever did they test?
I have been a tester since August and I have received all the channels indicated above as well as Discovery-HD.

I would call DirecTV if I had more than $400 to spend just for the HD-receiver. They have been in the HD game for much longer than Comcast-chicago, who has been in the game for less than a week (in terms of their launch date).

My moral is:
Give Comcast a break, this is the first run of a relatively new technology.

One last question:
What do you mean by "Prices will never be lower than now!" Is that a fact or because there is nowhere for the prices to go, but up?

"Sign-up now" deals are generous; free installation and a basic receiver for under $100. Then go to Radio Shack, etc., and find a <$200 close out on any of the second- or first-generation HD DirecTV or Dish STBs.

Free upgrades to HD are everywhere right now; only new subscribers can tell whether they're easy to get with new accounts.

Just curious, if satellite is the way to go why would you be tuned in to Comcast cable thread?

I've been following the topic from the very beginning. For the forseeable future local HD channels are available only OTA (too much multipath in my location) or via cable -- THEORETICALLY at least!

Just wanted to add that I successfully got my HD box installed today by Comcast without any problems. I thought the PQ was excellent after watching CSI: Miami, Everybody Loves Raymond, and King of Queens. So far so good.

Still no luck getting my HBO activated. Comcast did give me a new reason today. The service rep said that they were doing work on the the system and that HBO would be added to my area(Evanston) today. This was the first time I was told that. Anybody else in Evanston heard this. She also told me a new channel would be added today-- Channel 191 which I think she said would be HD Discovery channel. We shall see.

FWIW the tech that installed my box yesterday afternoon also said that Comcast would bring back Discovery HD. I hope they do.

am in skokie and currently hooked up with new box. any idea if the optical output is supposed to work, am seeing dolby 5.1 symbols all over the place and still only have analog left and right out. also have the grand wega II, is the dvi ouput going to work. again, i knew more than the tech, and he said he knew more than his supervisor. what a system. thanks in advance! mark anderson

I called today. The first woman I talked to kept repeating "Not until June sir" to every HD question I had. Finally, I hung up, re-dialed and got a new rep.

This rep said that sure, HD is available in my area. I upgraded my cable to the Digital Silver package (took HBO as my premium.) She said in addition to the Silver package I would pay $5 per HD receiver and $29 dollar install fee. That's that. She had install times within two days, but I pushed her off until next week when I have to be home for the day anyway... Now I'm seriously jonesin' for it to be next Thursday :-)

Anyway, looks like Lockport has their HD already. Can't wait!

So, I haven't seen in this thread, is there a link anywhere to the pics and specs of the receiver we'll be getting? Would just like to know what everything looks like before they get here...

Thanks all,
Grey

Originally posted by Greyhawk68
So, I haven't seen in this thread, is there a link anywhere to the pics and specs of the receiver we'll be getting? Would just like to know what everything looks like before they get here...

Thanks all,
Grey

Comcast is coming to install at my house tomorrow but I recall seeing that the receiver is the Motorola DCT5100.

Don't have time to find a link to a pic right now, but a search through Google.com would find one somewhere.

Tom

Well I finally spoke with a service rep who was willing to put in a little time with my HBO problem. She even called me back(gasp). Turns out that there are two codes(at least) for activating each high def channel. The other people who were attempting to activate my HBO were using the code for "rebuilt" areas. I am not really sure what that term means and either was she but it turns out evanston is not rebuilt. So she simply put in the other code and what do you know--HD HBO. Anybody else having problems receiving a specific channel or channels may want to try telling their service rep this. Anyway I am grateful someone took the time and got it right for me. Unfortunately it took me 5 calls to find that one person. She also said she has heard nothing about Comcast readding HD discovery channel but said that information they receive is so spotty and changes so often that who knows- it could be available tomorrow.

As far as the Motorola 5100 questions, I wish I could provide the link I found in these forums a couple of days ago to a site with a guide to HD and specifically the 5100. It was called "A guide to high definition and standard definition video processing on the dct-5100" and was written by someone at Motorola. I printed it out and in my opinion it was much more informative than the FAQ which is normally referred to here. If someone knows the site maybe they could provide a link.

To find out info about the 5100 look here: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/miatasm/HT/5100FAQ.htm

Also here: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=194404

I called up Comcast and asked if I could get just basic cable and the HD box, and she said I could. It costs $8.35 a month + $5 rental fee, but I would get all the HD locals, and theoretically be able to subscribe to HBO/SHO/Discovery HD as well. About the only thing missing would be ESPN-HD.

Originally posted by huzefa
I called up Comcast and asked if I could get just basic cable and the HD box, and she said I could. It costs $8.35 a month + $5 rental fee, but I would get all the HD locals, and theoretically be able to subscribe to HBO/SHO/Discovery HD as well. About the only thing missing would be ESPN-HD. That would be great if Discovery-HD was brought back. I love seeing those bugs on Insectia. Not sure about that geeky French guy though, he's way to over zealous.
If they added Discovery-HD, ESPN-HD, HDNet and a PPV-HD I would be in heaven. Not sure if my fiance would like that as I probably would never leave the house. :)
Is there any other HD channel out there that I missed?

Remember, an NBA playoff game is supposed to be in HD on ABC tomorrow, 5.22.03!!!

My scheduled day for HD cable installation is today, and here's my story.

I must be extremely lucky because

1) Comcast didn't call and cancel my appointment

2) My appointment window was 1:00 - 5:00 and the tech showed up at 1:05 pm

3) After swapping my digital cable box for the Mot 5100, all the channels came in - including Showtime and HBO

A few observations. First, the tech said he installed about six or seven of these HD setups in the past few months, so he seemed fairly confident as he started hooking things up. However, the real fun began when the box was powered on and he called his dispatch person to configure things. The front LED display flashed "F1 - find" and then after a minute switched to "D1" with a twirling animation. The tech was completely puzzled by this - he said he never saw any box do that before. I suggested that the box was probably finding the frequency and then downloading an upgrade, but he seemed to shrug off that suggestion and kept talking to his dispatcher. After a few minutes, the box reset and voila! Up came a picture on the screen.

Anyway, I went directly to the hi-def channels and checked out Showtime and HBO. Showtime had a 4:3 movie on, but HBO was in glorious HD (Roxanne). The local channels came in pretty the same as OTA. I wasn't getting a 5.1 signal from the optical connection (Pro-Logic only), but I'll check again later tonight.

All in all, a fairly painless 15 minute install. Now if they would just add more HD programming...

Oh, and I asked the tech if he knew anything about Discovery HD Theater coming back, and he didn't have a clue.

** Update **

Dances With Wolves on Showtime and Summer Catch on HBO both came in beautifully in 1080i and Dolby 5.1. Somehow HDTV makes crap like Summer Catch somewhat tolerable :)

was asking earlier about optical digital output and found it (there is a small plastic tab inside the tube that "protects" the signal that makes it look like there is nothing there). i've gotten 5.1 from hbo hd and it sounded great. now my problem is an audio delay or lip sync problems. it's evident on most hd channels, and on some standard analog channels like weather channel and cltv. any ideas.

thanks

mark

Originally posted by mark anderson
now my problem is an audio delay or lip sync problems. it's evident on most hd channels, and on some standard analog channels like weather channel and cltv. any ideas.

Are you currently using an optical connection with any other equipment? I'm going to assume no otherwise you would have known about the cover tab which is common. Make sure the optical cable is fully seated.

I have read of people experiencing this kind of problem in the past (not specific to your HD box, just generally) and it has usually turned out to be a problem with the A/V receiver. If possible try another optical port on your receiver or try the optical out from another piece of equipment to see if the problem still exists. Call Comcast as a last resort. You will probably have to work hard to get them to swap your box.

Is your A/V receiver a Yamaha? I think that may be the brand that I've seen the most complaints about.

Personally I prefer digital audio outputs. Cables cost less, can be longer, are not as fragile, and don't require the extra signal conversion. Try digital audio connects if the HD box supports it.

I just got my HD Box installed yesterday. I read the owner's manual before the tech came out so that I could have all the wires hooked up and ready so all we had to do is pug in, register and watch! This was his 2nd install and he was pretty green, but a nice guy nonetheless.

When we turned it on the it kept returning weird code values on the box's display and he did not know what to do. He phoned the techs and they had no idea either. Then we noticed that they had me down as an existing digital cable box owner, which was fishy because I returned it back to the former ATT 3 years ago.

Well what happened was that they sent a ping to register my old bx, which I did not have and it got picked up by the new box and did not understand what to do. So, once they realized I did not have a digital box, they found the problem and we were up and running. Total time of installation - 30 minutes.

I am bummed that all I have is 4 channels (CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX). I need to get my OTA hooked up as well to get WTTW, UPN, WGN. It was $5.00 a month additional to my current package of Expanded Basic.

Other observations with the Moto 5100. I have outputs from the HD Tuner of S-Video and Component to my set. The Component output of analog is awful. The S-video output is better. But the normal (Coax) analog cable input directly to the set is the best for analog channels. Also, when viewing through S-video, you do not get TV guide/Menu information. You only do via component. This is wierd and I'm not sure why yet.

______________________
Samsung 43" DLP
Onkyo HT Receiver
Samsung SIR-T151 HD-OTA

I had Comcast install my HD cable today...it was the installers first install.

I was not home when he did the install so I could not ask him this question so I'll throw it out here.

He installed the DCT 5100 to my Colorstream HD2 input and disconnected my Panasonic DVD RP62 from that same input (and left it hanging there). I have my Samsung SIR T150 connected to my Colorstream HD1 input. This leaves me without a colorstream input for my DVD player.

Would anyone be able to lead me in the right direction to getting the DCT 5100, Panny RP62 and my SIR T150 all hooked up and working nicely together?

My TV is a Toshiba 57HX81...

I greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks.

Tom

The fact is that 3 doesn't go in to 2. You need to find an additional Component input, but it isn't on the TV.

Do you have any component inputs or outputs on your receiver. Many Dolby Digital receivers have component switching. Second option would be to get a seperate component switcher. You could share a television component input with several sources if you try either one of these options.

Beyond that, you would be stuck using the S-video inputs of the TV for one of your devices, but it kind of defeats the purpose of all this fancy hardware we have.

Mike K.

Depending on what you are looking for, there are a few options available. If you only need to switch the 3 component video cables, you could use any a/v switcher that has audio L/R + composite video. Use all 3 for the component video. There are many 4 to 1 switch boxes like this for $25-$50.

I have also seen a JVC JXS111 3 to 1 switchbox designed for the 5 cables (3 video + L/R) for $75 - $100.
http://www.svideo.com/com3.html

All of the above are manual switching (you have to walk up and push the desired button to switch inputs).

JVC also sells units with a remote control that switch component video and dolby digital, but they run for $350 and up.

Sony also sells a (manual) unit SBD-30 that switches dolby digital for around $100.
http://www.audio-direct.com/cgi-bin/pgen_asp/pagegen.asp?itemnum=SBD-30

-Kurt

Thanks for the pointers Kurt and Mike...I'll head over to RS today to try and pick up a decent component switcher...


FWIW...Comcast installed my HD service last week Thursday and I've had a few days to observe and compare cable HD to my OTA which I've been viewing for a little over a year.

I'm happy to say I see very little to no difference so far in quality between the two :) I'm just a layman (carpenter by trade) not an AV guy, but to my eyes so far I have no complaints.

I've watched parts of two movies on HBO (Black Knight and Sabrina) and I thought the pq was excellent on both.

The pq on CBS, NBC and WLS through the 5100 (those channels in the 180's, can't recall exact numbers at the moment) was excellent too, much better than their local (2, 5, 7) counterpart.

Now we just have to find a way to get Comcast to add ESPN HD and HDNET. There are plenty others as well, but these two are the ones I'm most interested in.

For a service that is technically only a week or so old, I'm very happy with it at the moment :D

Tom

STayfair,

Here is another option for component video switchers.
http://www.inday.com/

I don't have any experience with these products, but I saved this link from another thread on the same topic, because I may be in the same situation as you are soon.

Originally posted by RayB
STayfair,

Here is another option for component video switchers.
http://www.inday.com/

Thanks RayB...I just found that same switcher this morning in a post at thehometheaterspot.com forum.

Taking a look at it myself.

Tom

Got Comcast HDTV Box installed today...

It's funny how unexposed some people are. The installer was a really cool guy. Everythings all good and setup now but I found this funny...

He is going through the regular channels going "yeah this is obviously not HD" and I'm like "yeah but it's expected that analogue channels will come in like crap like that cause it's a digital TV displaying a low resolution signal"

But he started going through the HD channels (which are not currently displaying anything in HD right now). He is going through NBC, ABC, etc (the High Def channels though) which are displaying regular 4:3 signals at this time of day. Anyways he gets to this "The Firm workout" infomercial that happened to be playing on one of the High Def CHANNELS and he's like "yeah there you go, the firm in HD -- now that's a good picture"

I was sitting there like "is this guy serious?"

It's just funny -- he is installing HDTV and he can't even tell a 720p/1080i HD signal from an analogue one (that happened to be playing on one of the HD channels).
Oh well what can I say... I have HD now so I'm happy. :cool:

But the next thing to be broadcasted is at 8:00 tonight and it's Touched By An Angel. :( I didn't ever expect to say something like "man I can't wait till Touched By An Angel comes on tonight!!" :D

Originally posted by Lee K
I didn't ever expect to say something like "man I can't wait till Touched By An Angel comes on tonight!!" :D

Now thats funny!:)

Originally posted by kakster
Depending on what you are looking for, there are a few options available. If you only need to switch the 3 component video cables, you could use any a/v switcher that has audio L/R + composite video. Use all 3 for the component video. There are many 4 to 1 switch boxes like this for $25-$50.

I have also seen a JVC JXS111 3 to 1 switchbox designed for the 5 cables (3 video + L/R) for $75 - $100.
http://www.svideo.com/com3.html

All of the above are manual switching (you have to walk up and push the desired button to switch inputs).

JVC also sells units with a remote control that switch component video and dolby digital, but they run for $350 and up.

Sony also sells a (manual) unit SBD-30 that switches dolby digital for around $100.
http://www.audio-direct.com/cgi-bin/pgen_asp/pagegen.asp?itemnum=SBD-30

-Kurt Using a A/V switcher will NOT work for HD and won't work very well for 480p DVD as well. The problem is the Audio part of the switcher does not have the bandwidth to carry the signal. And the Video part is probably not going to work without degrading the picture on even 480p. You then have one cable with a higher bandwidth then the other two and you then have a real inconsistant picture. For HD and 480p the only thing that works is a expensive ($250+) component switcher.

Well guys, I've had the chance to watch a couple of hours worth of programming through this Comcast box. I have been pretty much satisfied with the bulk of the material I have seen. I am smart enough to realize that things like Anna And The King and Toy Story aren't to be judged in terms of "full blown HD." So I have not been very critical with such broadcasts.


Some things that have bothered me...

I have noticed things like focusing problems on some shows. That really bothered me. One shot would look incredible, and then it would cut to another shot which would be ever so slightly out of focus. It seems every time this happens I am reminded that I am watching a TV. :) I am sure these are just issues with the different camera types and such. Doesn't bother me all that much, but I definately did notice it more on some shows as opposed to others.

Right now I am tuned into Leno for the first time and it looks fantastic. I can see myself watching this a lot now, as it is just so much more enjoyable and "live" watching in high definition. Hell I might go around telling people I met Jay Leno tomorrow. ;) I really felt that I was a part of the show and I loved it.

Now I understand why there are so many on here complaining about the lack of material being shown in high def. It really is a completely different experience, and quite underwhelming when going back to regular shows.

I am really yearning for the whole Discovery-HD thing though. I could definately see myself paying an extra 5 or 6 bucks for that channel. Now what the heck is Comcast waiting for? I want my Discovery channel now!!

We need to get Mark Knopfler (of Dire Straits fame) to do a new rendition of Money for Nothing... I can hear it now...

"I want myyyyyy DTV..............." :D

Until then, I will be busy watching what we have now. :)

Wishing you all the best,
Lee K

BTW, Jimmy Buffet just played on Leno and it was the most impressive display of HD I have yet to see. WOW!! Simply stunning!!!!! :eek:

Originally posted by lanwan97
ChimChim: Great question I asked this particular question, I signed up for basic with the locals for only 8.35/mth and 5.00 for the box. This is the only monthly cost. I do not have Cable at all today, I explained to them that I have Directv today and wanted to test this out first before upgrading any other service....

Saturday Comcast came out to install the Basic with the 5100 Box. installation went smoothly. I receive CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX 187-190
in HDTV when programs are listed.. It was nice to see CSI Miami finally in HD.

All in all very pleased, I now am running Directv through a Hughes E86 component (DTV input), ANtenna for WGN (through the Huges E86 DTV Input), Ultimate TV SAT (DBS S-VID input) and Comcast component (Cable Input for the other locals). Not to gripe but so many remotes and changes of inputs on MITS 65411 but I will take it.... Have Optical for the Hughes, 5100 and DVD running through my Yamaha Receiver all good..... Live in Plainfield....

Anyone have any idea if there is a way to DIM or turn off the display on the front of the 5100 box? :)

I have had the 5100 box from Comcast for about a week now and it has worked flawlessly until tonight. Tonight I can only get the HD ABC signal and it is noisy/pixellated, HD CBS and NBC nada, no Fox either. All the analog and SD digital cable stations are coming in fine. Since I'm new to this I'm wondering -- is this common? Or do I have some sort of problem?

Originally posted by drebnord
I have had the 5100 box from Comcast for about a week now and it has worked flawlessly until tonight. Tonight I can only get the HD ABC signal and it is noisy/pixellated, HD CBS and NBC nada, no Fox either. All the analog and SD digital cable stations are coming in fine. Since I'm new to this I'm wondering -- is this common? Or do I have some sort of problem?

I've had the 5100 for a couple weeks now and this is the first night I've experienced any problems. As you say, 188, 189 and 190 do not come in... 187 is badly pixilating with massive dropouts. 186, HBO HD, is working fine.

Hope it's fixed soon.

Tom

Guys I've been having that same problem ALL DAY!!!!! I called early today about it and the lady sent a hit out to my box. It didn't fix it right away so she scheduled to have a guy come out tomorrow (Friday). It ended up coming back on (the digital channels) about a half hour later but now it's back to it's antics again.

I'm currently experiencing the exact same problems you two have described. This is getting very frustrating. I've had this box for less than a week. Between this, the flickering problem, and the lack of channels this is definately is turning out to be quite a bumpy road. :mad:

Same here too. NBC, CBS, and Fox all don't come in. So it's pretty much a Comcast problem since everybody is experiencing it right?

*edit*
I just noticed that closed captions don't work on any of the digital channels, including the HD channels. It comes in fine on the analog channels and on Ch. 4 analog HBO on the other TV's in the house, so it's I think it's just the digital stations. Btw, I've tried using both the CC decoding from the TV and the Motorola 5100 box, same results. Anyone else notice this too?

I'm trying to stay optimistic about this. You never know, they could be testing something and possibly adding Discovery HD back to the lineup. Doesn't hurt to dream right?

I had my HD installed on 5/7 and have only gotten HBO and ABC since the install. No 188 189 190. Comcast has spent considerable time troubleshooting, but no answer yet. They eliminated all possibilities inside, and are still working on it outside. At least HBO and ABC come in very well, tho.

Hope they figure this out soon, I'm anxious to see CSI!

I should add that Comcast's efforts to fix the problem are commendable.
They keep in contact, phone me with status updates, and give me direct line #'s to return calls.

Originally posted by sanman19
I'm trying to stay optimistic about this. You never know, they could be testing something and possibly adding Discovery HD back to the lineup.

Here's my problem with that. When I called to tell them about the problem yesterday, I asked about the discovery HD channel and the lady didnt know anything about it. In fact, when I mentioned Discovery HD, she started to go on and on about all of the standard def discovery channels they had. Then I reminded her that I meant a high definition discovery channel and she was like "yeah that's something that discovery may come out with sometime in the future, yes... more and more will be turning to HD as time goes by."

Ummmmm... HELLO? It's great to know that these people are well informed. :rolleyes:

Ok, I just checked and noticed that NBC, CBS, and Fox are all showing up again but ABC still has pixelation problems. Is that just a Comcast problem or are OTA people noticing this too? And can anybody try closed captions on any digital cable channels (preferable any of the HBO multiplexes) with both the decoding from the TV and the Moto 5100 box and see if either work? Digital channels don't have any CC showing up anymore.

*edit* Another edit, ABC seems fine now.

Originally posted by sanman19
Ok, I just checked and noticed that NBC, CBS, and Fox are all showing up again but ABC still has pixelation problems. Is that just a Comcast problem or are OTA people noticing this too? And can anybody try closed captions on any digital cable channels (preferable any of the HBO multiplexes) with both the decoding from the TV and the Moto 5100 box and see if either work? Digital channels don't have any CC showing up anymore.

*edit* Another edit, ABC seems fine now.

The pixelation was a Comcast issue - OTA signals were fine last night, but Alien Resurrection kept breaking up on Comcast's feed.

I'm getting closed captions on channel 185 (Showtime-DT, during Street Time), 186 (HBO-DT, during The Wire), 188 (WMAQ-DT, during Law and Order SVU) and 189 (WBBM-DT, during 48 Hours Investigates), but not on Fox nor ABC.

Did you go into the Motorola 5100 setup screen and turn on closed captions? Mine was set to disabled, and I had to turn them on in order for them to show up.

I tried turning on both the CC decoding in the Moto 5100 box and the TV, neither worked. Not even the digital cable channels.

Well my install happened Thursday, and it's mostly good. First, they sent out a guy with only the standard digital boxes, not the hi-def ones, so they had to send out another tech.

He showed up and we went to work. I was installing on two sets, so they got all the right channels set up upstairs, but got my analog and hi-def ONLY downstairs... it was then that their computers went out :-)

So, at this point they can't do the downstairs, so we check the upstairs. All the hi-def channels come in but they ALL pixelate and drop audio a lot. All except ABC. ABC is rock solid and looks great. They checked everything in my house, connections, signals the whole nine. No problems.

So he checked at the pole and got the same results. He said that a tech would come out to the pole today to see what the problem was. I haven't heard anything, but some of the stations are out completely now. [sigh] Getting closer though.

Since the install, I added a brand new TiVo. I have it hooked up via s-video. The problem I'm having is that some of the standard digital stations seem slightly blurry. I know the big screen (65" 16:9 Mitsu) will accentuate flaws, but the blurriness is bothering me. Has anyone else noticed this? Maybe it's just me...

Anyway, still no full hi-def and I got blurriness. I got a ways to go...

Take Care,
Grey

Hey,

I can see all the north siders having fun with Comcast finally going live with HD in Chicago.

Anyone from Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, Palos Hills area, listening out there? Anything happening out this way? I thought Orland Park was Beta also.

Us South siders need some good news too. *lol*

Nutt

Originally posted by Greyhawk68
Since the install, I added a brand new TiVo. I have it hooked up via s-video. The problem I'm having is that some of the standard digital stations seem slightly blurry. I know the big screen (65" 16:9 Mitsu) will accentuate flaws, but the blurriness is bothering me. Has anyone else noticed this? Maybe it's just me...

How does the picture look if you change the aspect ratio of your screen so it is not altered? How does the picture look stretched if from a different source?

I have a 58" 16:9 TV and blurry, soft, or simliar terms are appropriate. You get used to it. What's difficult is when you were just watching a HD broadcast and then switch back to a stretched picture. It's really awful.

Originally posted by Musicnutt
Hey,

I can see all the north siders having fun with Comcast finally going live with HD in Chicago.

Anyone from Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights, Palos Hills area, listening out there? Anything happening out this way? I thought Orland Park was Beta also.

Us South siders need some good news too. *lol*

Nutt
I'm in Justice, IL and received a letter stating that the area I'm in will officially be offered HD-Cable 6.10.03.
AND, they will be adding WTTW-HD (Ch. 191) by 6.5.03!!!

Originally posted by SamR.
AND, they will be adding WTTW-HD (Ch. 191) by 6.5.03!!!

You just made my day!!!!!!!!!! :eek:

Too bad WTTW rarely offers any HD other than their demo loop.

I also received my letter stating 6/10/03. Did you notice that CBS is not on the list? (at least on my letter) Looks like they traded CBS for PBS?

What is shown on the PBS demo loop?

And dwk, this is a letter from Comcast? What else did it say?

Yep, its from Comcast.
Sorry, wish I could scan it in, but scanners dead...

I have been a beta tester for HDTV ( although I still only get HBO and ABC, they are diligently working on getting the rest working).

The letter says that the official launch date for the Chicago market is 6/10/03. It says I will have to start paying the $5 fee for the box but there is no additional charge for the HD channels at this time.
I need to let them know that I want HD before 7/1 or they will cancel my service. They also said I do not have to pay an install fee.

They list these channels

185 Sho 186 HBO 187 ABC 188 NBC 190 FOX 191 PBS.


Anyone else get a letter listing the channels? If so, is CBS listed on yours?

Funny, in the small print at the bottom of the letter it says 'an HDTV premium may apply'

Looks like they are positioning to charge for HD?

Just took a look at today's mail. Received the same letter. I also noticed the omission of CBS (189) from the lineup. While I am glad to be getting Channel 11 added (they have some wonderful demo loops, but little esle to offer) I am very upset about losing CBS. They had far and away the best HD programming. I've become a big fan of CSI and CSI: Miami since the HD was installed.

From what I understand, CBS was being provided through an old arrangement with AT&T. Comcast has been working to finalize an agreement with CBS, but I guess these things take time. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will get it worked out in the near future. I'm also hoping they get WGN HD added. I'm sure we will be getting information in the next couple of weeks about some HD broadcasts (the Cubs\Sox series is coming up, seems like a logical choice).

I had heard a few weeks ago, from a reliable soure, that there will be more channels added in late June. Let's hope it goes beyond the letter we received today.

Mike K.

I am going to be real upset if they cancel CBS, thats the only reason I'm subscribing to Comcast. I can't see why they wouldn't have the 4 major networks up and running. Considering that most of us in Chicago can't receive CBS via antenna, you would think that they would really be working to get this issue resolved. I sure hope that this was a misprint in the letter, and if it's not they better get their act together before August (I want leeway time for the '03 NFL season).
Somebody needs to flip the switch at ABC now, because the NHL game isn't in HD anymore.
Mike

This is not a local Comcast issue, it is a corporate issue. I believe we are the only ones in the country receiving CBS HD via cable. Nationally Comcast does not have an agreement with CBS. They have been negotiating this but have not come to an agreement. We were riding in on the old AT&T agreement that had something to do with the interference issue in the downtown area.

I believe this will be resolved at some point, hopefully sooner than later. Let's keep our fingers crossed and hope that they just leave it alone for a while.

Mike K.

Originally posted by mikek747
I'm also hoping they get WGN HD added. I'm sure we will be getting information in the next couple of weeks about some HD broadcasts (the Cubs\Sox series is coming up, seems like a logical choice).

Mike K.

It would be great to see this in HD again, the game from last year was excellent. However, an engineer at WGN recently told me that they would not be doing any games of the series in HD...at least he said it was very unlikely that they would.

Tom

Wow. If they got rid of CBS, I would be pissed. :mad:

Cant you get ALL the local HD channels through satellite? PLUS all of the other available ones?

Is it just me or does cable have no real benefits over satellite? :confused:

Originally posted by Lee K
Wow. If they got rid of CBS, I would be pissed. :mad:

Cant you get ALL the local HD channels through satellite? PLUS all of the other available ones?

Is it just me or does cable have no real benefits over satellite? :confused:

You CAN NOT get any of the local HD channels over satellite because there simply is not enough bandwidth for even a small number of major U.S. markets. Echostar carries the east coast CBS HD feed, so I suppose technically one could state there is *1* local feed being carried in the ehtire nation. I'm not an Echostar customer but I think even on the west coast they just have the CBS east feed.

Cable has lots of benefits over satellite like more bandwidth (assuming you're on modern cable system), more bandwidth potential, no interruption to signal during heavy cloud cover, no fixed requirement to have a box and pay a feed for every connection, no wife acceptance factor, the ability to receive local emergency broadcast/severe weather alerts no matter how bad the weather is, etc. There are also lots of negatives that I won't rehash here.

I would gladly dump satellite and return to cable. As it stands I rarely watch SHO HD, HBO HD, and HDNet because I have no way to record them. I frequently watch the local HD broadcasts because I can record them with my HiPix. Sometimes I even switch to the digital but non-HD broadcasts to improve picture quality over the soft satellite signal (especially when stretched for my widescreen TV).

Satellite and cable can not compete equally IMHO. I think most people switch to satellite out of distaste with the local cable company but would be willing to switch back if their issues were addressed. (For sokme this is poor service, poor picture quality, or in my case lack of HD channels.)

There are pros and cons to both systems. Neither is perfect, especially when you factor in HD availbility and potential of HD availbility.

Just received a letter from Comcast looks like my free days are close to over. On July 1st it is going to cost me 5.00 to rent the HD box ......very cheap I thinnk. They also will be adding PBS station who cares not me sure would like to see ESPN HD or HDNET or Dis HD back NOT a PBS staion or Drop FOX who cares about that station

Does anyone know definitely if they will or will not be carrying CBS HD??It is the ONLY reason I would add Comcast since I cannot get CBS via OTA.

Thanks

Dunno what happened, but today all of my hi-def stations are rock solid. Maybe the tech did something afterall. Now I just have to get used to the soft picture coming through the TiVo...

I'm finally a true member of the hi-def community. Thanks to all of you for the help (and kipp jones especially for kindly answering PM's a month ago.)

Take Care,
Grey

Anyone else watching CBS and getting a lot of pixilation tonight? Comcast cable should not look like this. This is what I expect OTA to look like. What kind of feed do they get from CBS?
Mike

Dunno what kind of feed they get, but tonight not much is rock solid. Getting a lot of pixelization and dropouts myself. Wonder what happened in one day?

The hockey game looks magnificent on ABC however, and no drops there at all...

Take Care,
Grey

I agreed about the NHL game. NJo issues, just wish 720p looked more like 1080i.
MIke

Is anyone having problems with Channel 190 WFLD-DT It will only comes in at 480i. Service man came yesterday said he fixed it, I wasn't home but no dice. They will be back out Saturday. Also Showtime 185 and CBS-DT pixelation last night

Also regular 2, 5 7, 9 do not come in clear a little fuzzy...

Mits 65411

Originally posted by lanwan97
Is anyone having problems with Channel 190 WFLD-DT It will only comes in at 480i.
...
Also regular 2, 5 7, 9 do not come in clear a little fuzzy...


It's not you, the encoder at WFLD died a few weeks ago. See this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=251548) for all the ugly details.

As for the regular channels, I noticed that a lot of 'em took a hit in quality. Food Network looks particularly bad coming through my Mot box - I may have to switch back to a straight cable feed to get a crisper picture.

Originally posted by asrermd
Does anyone know definitely if they will or will not be carrying CBS HD??It is the ONLY reason I would add Comcast since I cannot get CBS via OTA.

Thanks
I was on the phone with a Comcast CSR just now. She also noticed a conflict in her information (one screen showed nothing regarding CBS, but another did). She put me on hold and asked a supervisor. When she returned she stated that CBS-HD will definitely be in the line-up. It was a typo on the letter.

Interesting information, Sam. I spoke to a person at corporate and was told the reason we were losing CBS is because of demands being made by Viacom for subscriber fees. Apparently Channels 5 & 7 here do not charge fees. CBS feels differently.

I hope you are correct, but we have seen so much conflicting information here about the cable HD service, that I can't help but be somewhat skeptical about the information you received. I would bet that if ten different people called to ask about this subject we would get 12 different answers.

:)

Mike K.

Originally posted by mikek747
I hope you are correct, but we have seen so much conflicting information here about the cable HD service, that I can't help but be somewhat skeptical about the information you received. I would bet that if ten different people called to ask about this subject we would get 12 different answers.


So true!! I agree with you 100%. Let's just all hope for the best. :D

In the meantime, big thanks to everyone who is keeping us updated with all of the latest information, no matter how little. Everything helps. :)

Originally posted by Lee K
So true!! I agree with you 100%. Let's just all hope for the best. :D

In the meantime, big thanks to everyone who is keeping us updated with all of the latest information, no matter how little. Everything helps. :)
Unfortunately, I agree with both you and Mike747. Let's hope they keep CBS. I will try to email another contact I have at Comcast. Will keep you folks posted.

OK, I would imagine this is more of an official answer as it comes from Comcast's HDTV Project Manager:
"CBS will not be included - negotiations are in progress but will not be
complete by launch."

Booooo! Hissssss!

Originally posted by SamR.
OK, I would imagine this is more of an official answer as it comes from Comcast's HDTV Project Manager:
"CBS will not be included - negotiations are in progress but will not be
complete by launch."

Booooo! Hissssss!

Well I guess there is a positive side to it. Seems like we WILL in fact be getting it, just not right away. Oh well. Hopefully PBS will have some nice stuff for now. :)

I'll save some money by not getting Comcast as CBS was the only reason for me. It's too bad that considering the information process I'll never know if and when they ever add it.

Originally posted by SamR.
OK, I would imagine this is more of an official answer as it comes from Comcast's HDTV Project Manager:
"CBS will not be included - negotiations are in progress but will not be
complete by launch."

Booooo! Hissssss!

I was also told that negotiations were continuing. I hope that it can be resolved soon. It may take some input from us out here, alot of us out here, to convince CBS to drop their demands and provide HD as a service to the consumers.

I feel that they are missing out on an excellent advertising opportunity by not having the HD programming available to as many people as possible. Consumers with HD televisions tend to be more upscale, and provide an excellent target for advertising. Guess they don't see it that way, right now.

Mike K

No Comcast HD service in Downtown Chicago!

Comcast came out today even after I request HD service and the 5100 box with the CSR who said they would bring one out. Went round and round with Comcast installer and his manager as I tried to get my hands on a box that had component outputs. They could not even supply a DCT2000 with S-video.

Comcast if you a reading this I sure hope you can fix this and supply us with digital boxes that supply a decent picture, a composite output does not cut it.

What we really want is HD.

Quick taking the easy way out by continuing to install HD in the burbs (sorry guys), fix your real problem and get digital HD and the 5100 boxes into the Chicago, downtown Chicago that is!!

i wish i could get hd through comcast but my bill's too expensive as it is[$80+ a month]anyone watching chicago on wttw in HD?

Originally posted by kevin j
i wish i could get hd through comcast but my bill's too expensive as it is[$80+ a month]anyone watching chicago on wttw in HD?

I tuned in to check the broadcast quality (I'm not a big Chicago fan, and the NBA Finals are on). The video is quite decent, but I'm disappointed that the audio is not 5.1 surround - it's coming through as Pro Logic on my receiver.

Comcast added WTTW (PBS) to their lineup?

Which channel is it on? Not that there is much of anything to watch outside the demo loop, but it something.

It seems like Comcast is really walking a fine line with keeping/losing it's customers.

Tom

Originally posted by STayfair
Comcast added WTTW (PBS) to their lineup?

Sorry, I got a bit off topic there. I was watching WTTW-DT OTA to check out Soundstage, although I've seen posts earlier in this thread that said Comcast will add WTTW-DT as channel 191 in the near future.

I noticed this morning that the channel labels for the HD channels have changed to WBBM HD, WMAQ HD, WLS, HD, etc., instead of the Test 1 or Test 2 thinig they have been doing.

Not seeing WTTW HD, yet, but it looks like they are doing some changes to the set up, so maybe that will pop up later in the day, as they had announced.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they forget about Channel 2 HD and just leave it alone.

Mike K.

PBS here guys!!

But.... I lost CBS. :(

Well this is definately cool that they are labeled correctly now. :)

Originally posted by Lee K
PBS here guys!!

But.... I lost CBS. :(
Oh, how bitter sweet.

Got this today...

I'm sooooo confused


"Thank you for writing to Comcast.

Once the HDTV rollout becomes official, yes channel CBS (call letter WBBM) will be available on HDTV.

Thank you again for contacting Comcast."

Originally posted by SamR.
Oh, how bitter sweet.

I just called comcast and they or CBS has dropped the DT channel from Comcast lineup

So when does this "PBS Demo Loop" run??? :)

Originally posted by Lee K
So when does this "PBS Demo Loop" run??? :)

WTTW-DT (11.01) has hi-def programming on every afternoon between 4:00pm - 7:00pm. The demo loop is shown sometime during this block (although I consider the entire time period a demo loop since they run the same damn programs day after day). You can always look here (http://www.networkchicago.com/wttw/hdtv.htm) for their schedule.

Please note that they're rerunning the hi-def Soundstage show featuring Chicago on Friday evening. :)

"I have checked with someone and in fact CBS HD has been pulled from our line up and we have no plans to offer it at this time."

This is from Comcast corporate!!!

Now I can't get CBS via Cable or OTA.

Oh well.

Originally posted by asrermd
Got this today...
I'm sooooo confused

"Thank you for writing to Comcast.
Once the HDTV rollout becomes official, yes channel CBS (call letter WBBM) will be available on HDTV.
Thank you again for contacting Comcast."
I'm just going to run around in circles since it makes more sense to me. :)
Let the confusion continue.

Ok, just got home and I'm checking out this HD WTTW programming. It looks amazing. This is a godsend to me. Personally I like watching this kinda stuff way more than sitcoms and stuff. I feel that these incredible shots of France and such show off HD much better than anything I have seen on CBS so far. Just my opinion, but I'm pretty satisfied with the "trade" for what I can see. :)

Originally posted by Lee K
Ok, just got home and I'm checking out this HD WTTW programming. It looks amazing. This is a godsend to me. Personally I like watching this kinda stuff way more than sitcoms and stuff. I feel that these incredible shots of France and such show off HD much better than anything I have seen on CBS so far. Just my opinion, but I'm pretty satisfied with the "trade" for what I can see. :)

We'll check back with you in a couple of weeks after you've watched the same thing for the umpteenth time. ;)

Personally, I agree - the video quality is spectacular (although it's slightly better OTA), but I'd rather have WBBM-DT. Let's hope Comcast and CBS come to some sort of agreement quickly. I can make do without the summer reruns, but missing out on hi-def sports will hurt.

As much as I HATE Comcast I must agree with them on the CBS issue....Why should Comcast Have to pay CBS for airing a station that comes in for Free to people over the Air. This is the type of thing that will Hurt HD big time I guess have to break down and buy the 151 for over the air

I just did a comparison between the Comcast feed of WLS-DT and the OTA feed and the OTA feed looks about 30% better than what is coming in via cable. Too bad they are compressing the signal so much. Well at least they are passing through the HD feed.

Originally posted by Golf19
As much as I HATE Comcast I must agree with them on the CBS issue....Why should Comcast Have to pay CBS for airing a station that comes in for Free to people over the Air. This is the type of thing that will Hurt HD big time I guess have to break down and buy the 151 for over the air

I believe that ultimately Comcast and CBS will work out their little problem. I hope it is sooner than later.

However, I must admit that the HD quality on WTTW was absolutely stunning. I saw a bit of the loop around 5:30. It was breathtaking. This is far and away the best HD thing I have seen to date. It rivals the programming and PQ on HDNet. I miss CBS, but expect I will be watching more PBS (at least until I have seen the programming a few times). It's not exactly an even trade, but for the short term it's a pretty good substitute.

Mike K.

Originally posted by kippjones
I just did a comparison between the Comcast feed of WLS-DT and the OTA feed and the OTA feed looks about 30% better than what is coming in via cable. Too bad they are compressing the signal so much. Well at least they are passing through the HD feed.

I know comparing feeds is pretty subjective, but I disagree a little on the 30% better OTA. CBS, ABC and NBC seem to me to be pretty darn close to equal, maybe a little better OTA but I wouldn't say a third better.

PBS though, I find to be close to a third better via OTA.

This is just my opinion...and I don't even know if it's possible to compress one station but not the others.

And I'll agree with you on the last point Kippjones...at least they are passing through the HD...competition cannot be a bad thing.

At what point though do we start to raise our expectations and stop saying, "oh well, at least it's HD" and start saying, "it's HD and it should be better".?

IOW, when should we begin to expect more instead of the slow to non existent trickle of information and mis/non-information that Comcast has been feeding us for over a year now.

Umm, what happened to SHO-HD (185) and HBO-HD (186)? They don't appear in the guide anymore and I can't tune into them at all? Are any of you guys noticing this too? First they take away CBS and now Showtime and HBO aren't there? :mad: I hope this is just a temporary problem...

*edit* Both HBO and SHO seem to be back now, seemed to be gone only a few minutes. Is anything going on here?

I have been having trouble getting 188-191. Comcast just fixed this today, but my HBO was gone. I called the tech and it reappeared about 5 minutes later. Not sure if it was my call or they fixed the problem.

I have all channels EXCEPT CBS!!! not acceptable...

COMCAST- nice work on my HD but GET CBS BACK.

Ok people this time it is NOT Comcast that is in the wrong. I just got a call from a Comcast rep........We had a nice talk about CBS ...It is Comcast stance to NOT pay extra for HD .........all they want to change is the 5.00 fee to rent the box .......He said they are afraid if they pay 1 station it will open the flood gates for all of them and are bill will go Thur the roof. So if you people want to do something about start calling Viacom the owners of CBS ......also I am calling and writing letters to the sponsors to explain to them that the ads they pay for are NOT going to be seen by everyone because I for 1 will NOT watch anything on CBS that is not HD, This is the best way to hurt CBS

So yeah uhh.... any reason why I got SHO-HD and HBO-HD coming in right now? (even though I'm not a subscriber)

Is this like a free weekend preview or something? I'm not complaining though. :D

Originally posted by Lee K
So yeah uhh.... any reason why I got SHO-HD and HBO-HD coming in right now? (even though I'm not a subscriber)

Is this like a free weekend preview or something? I'm not complaining though. :D

Hold it down. Somebody may hear you and shut it off. :)

Mike K.

Originally posted by Golf19
Ok people this time it is NOT Comcast that is in the wrong.


I think it is their problem. They are the ones offering the service to me (that I am paying for), they need to resolve the issue with CBS, not me.

They rolled out the service and charged $30 to install a box and then two weeks later dump CBS? That is ridiculous.

Tom

Yes, they need to resolve the issue, not us. However, their position is to our benefit. I don't want to have to pay additional fees for the HD stations, yet this is what will happen if Viacom charges Comcast subscriber fees. And if they can get away with it, then the other stations will try, raising the costs even higher. I miss CBS, also, but as a businessman I understand that they need to wait it out to work for a better deal.

Comcast didn't dump CBS. They do not have a national agreement with Viacom. The only reason we had it here was because of the issues between AT&T and Channel 2 with the interference problem.

In as far as the $30.00 install fee goes, I was also charged this fee, but asked about it when I called in to extend the HD service beyond the test period. I was told there should not have been any install fees, and the CSR credited my account. Check it out.

Mike K.

Thanks for the heads up on the install charges Mike, but weren't you an original tester?

They just installed my service three weeks ago, and even though they still appeared to be in testing phase I doubt I'd be considered a tester by them.

As far as CBS goes, yes I agree that it's wrong for them to charge for HD service and I'll be the first to admit to not knowing any details about what is going on. What I do know is that Comcast charged me $30 to install a service, and $5 per month for that service that included CBS. I am now two and a half weeks into it and I no longer have CBS. This is why I say it is their problem and I'm really not interested in hearing what I have to do to make it right.

That may not be the most effective stance by me to get the issue resolved, but I'm a carpenter who pays for and enjoys my HDTV. I was not paying for CBS HDTV while watching OTA and I don't expect to pay while watching through Comcast (who offered it at no charge a couple weeks ago).

Right or wrong that is pretty much how I feel. Time will tell...in the back of my mind I have a feeling things will work out for the better. I'm just a little impatient.

I think the lack of any information by Comcast publicly is adding to my aggravation. All of my information comes from the AVS forum...somehow this does not seem like the right way to do business.

Tom

BTW...I'm able to get CBS OTA flawlessly and have been able to for a little over a year now. I switched to Comcast for two reason; more programming options (HBO, and the hopes of ESPNHD, HDNET, Discovery, etc which I had no chance of receiving OTA), and to make things easier on my wife so she'd have all her channels, both HD and non HD in the "same place" so to speak.

Stayfair, I was installed in the early part of the 2nd phase in early April. I had been contacted to be an original tester, but was missing one very important ingredient, an HD television. I resolved that issue in January, and through some contacts I had made at Comcast, was able to get hooked up two months ago. I missed Discovery HD by a few days. I was able to get the $30.00 knocked off, and would encourage to try for that, also.

I disagree with your position on CBS HD. Using your logic, you are paying $5.00 a month for the service. I guess you could make the point that the channel that replaced it, WTTTW, actually has more hours of HD programming on a daily basis, (at least 3 hours, but it's the same stuff everyday). So shouldn't you be paying more than the $5.00 a month because of the increased programming on a prorated basis? And this fall there will be even more HD programming. By the way, you aren't paying anything until after July 1st. Maybe it will be resolved by then.

I'm being facetious, of course, but I get the impression that you feel Comcast owes you something. I feel they are trying to protect us. If they agree to subscriber fees for what other consumers receive at no additional cost (I won't say it is for free, because of the cost of the hardware to receive it) it opens up a Pandora's box of possibilities for other broadcast companies.

In fact, doesn't the Viacom position seem somewhat discriminatory. We are being excluded from a service that they provide free in the same market, because of the method we choose to receive. This is a national issue with Viacom and Comcast, not a local one. (Incidentally, a lot more consumers receive their TV signal from cable than OTA). Maybe there's grounds for a class action lawsuit? Any attorneys out there on the forum that would like to take up the cause?

I am as disappointed as you are, but perhaps a little more patient in waiting for it to be resolved. On the other hand, the Sound Stage program with Chicago on WTTW looked and sounded better than anything I had seen on CBS.

Mike K.

Just a suggestion ; I think a seperate thread should be started, with a well thought up title. Getting exposure on this ,CBS-HD charge to cable, should not be buried in a thread. Let everyone see what they are trying to do.

Originally posted by mikek747
On the other hand, the Sound Stage program with Chicago on WTTW looked and sounded better than anything I had seen on CBS.

You must have missed the Grammy Awards. That was spectacular, and it was in 5.1 surround. Unfortunately, WTTW-DT seems to only support Pro Logic at this point.

Originally posted by Lee K
So yeah uhh.... any reason why I got SHO-HD and HBO-HD coming in right now? (even though I'm not a subscriber)
Is this like a free weekend preview or something? I'm not complaining though. :D Thanks for the tip.

Originally posted by cubsfan
Just a suggestion ; I think a seperate thread should be started, with a well thought up title. Getting exposure on this ,CBS-HD charge to cable, should not be buried in a thread. Let everyone see what they are trying to do.

There is a thread in the HDTV Programming forum. It's spin is more of a national view than a local view, but the issues are the same.

I agree we should begin posting there, also, and share whatever information we have.

Here it is.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=266441

Mike

Originally posted by SamR.
Thanks for the tip.

Yeah... the moment it gets turned off I'm going to call and cancel my service. This is keeping me happy through this CBS crap. So let's just hope they keep it on. ;)

hopefully comcast and cbs'll get this situation taken care of soon since at some point i'm considering getting HD through comcast

Comcast doesn't want to pay CBS because they don't want to pay anybody. They just want to make money by charging you and incurring as little in expenses as possible.

Why should CBS give away their broadcasts to someone who is going to make money on it. You can get it for free OTA if you want. Do NBC, ABC, etc. charge for their non-HD broadcasts? I don't know the answer to this question but my guess is yes. Maybe NBC, ABC, etc. are waiving the charges for a year but CBS, knowing they offer something others want, see that they don't have to give it away for free. Do you think the Hancock lets them put an antenna on their roof for free because they have to have a roof anyway and already charge their tenents for this privlege? Everyone seems to have forgotten that CBS has spent a lot of time and money upgrading their antenna system, primarily for non-HD, but also for HD, while most of the Chicago area receives CBS non-HD via cable.

To be fair to YOU then Comcast should not charge you anything. You should buy the HD receiver outright or divide the cost among XX months but from then on pay nothing per month. (And if you have your own compatible HD receiver, you shouldn't have to pay anything but installation!) But this isn't the case - they are going to charge you $5 per month forever; until they increase the price even further. Why is CBS the bad guy here?

You guys are not looking at this logically. You can receive CBS OTA for free. If like me you have reception problems then the FCC is at fault for sticking them with channel 3. CBS has a right to charge Comcast, because Comcast is charging you. I haven't heard anyone say you can get everything for free so long as you are willing to do without CBS-HD. You should be asking Comcast why you have to pay them anything for HD channels other than CBS.

$5 a month for HD isn't bad it's when the cost jumps from the original $5 to maybe $10+ the complaining should really start imho

Wish.................. Sorry but you are Wrong ...NBC......ABC ,,,,,Do NOT get paid for the HD station and why should they you get SD abc and nbc for free so why should you pay for HD ,........Comcast is correct on this 1 as much as I hate to say it

I was out of town this weekend and just got back and noticed the changes. All the stations are labelled correctly now but CBS is no longer present and PBS is on channel 191. I have read the thread and realize what is going on but I am curious why I am know receiving Showtime HD now. Previously I had received HBO(which I pay for) on 186 but now I am getting showtime on 185. Is this the way it is supposed to be? I thought you paid for each premium channel separately. If this is a throw-in from Comcast for losing CBS I would be impressed. Unfortunately I have a hard time believing that. What gives?

They from time to time offer "trials" so to speak, for lack of a better word.

So I'm not sure how long it will last (weekend?), but it's a freebie for a short time to get you hooked on the channel;)

This is my opinion..my guess...nothing official of course...

Tom

Originally posted by gtcharlie
If this is a throw-in from Comcast for losing CBS I would be impressed.

Agreed!! :D


Originally posted by gtcharlie
Unfortunately I have a hard time believing that.

...agreed. :(

Ok what is going on guys? Anyone else getting no signal right now? I just have a fuzzy blueish noise on a black background right now! :mad:

On every channel.

Nevermind, got it. :)

The rumor is CBS might be up and running again tomorrow, 6.11.03.
We'll see. :)

After reading the various other Comcast threads in this forum I've decided that things really do look pretty promising with Comcast HD service.

You have to read the information and take it with guarded optimism, but I'm encouraged. Encouraged enough to be a little more patient than I have been.

Time to kick back and enjoy what I have :)

I'm sure I missed some but I posted three of the threads I read through today...let's also hope that FOX Sports HD comes to FOX Sports Midwest.

Tom

If you haven't taken the time recently to read through the various Comcast threads in the HDTV Programming folder, I highly recommend doing so.

iN Demand INHD on Comcast! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=268290)

Comcast and HD (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=268340)

DBS be aware: Comcast is making aggressive deals!!! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=268176)

As of earlier this afternoon, channel 189 re-appeared on my Comcast channel lineup. Unfortunately, it give the "Channel should be available shortly..." message for right now. It is identified by the Mot 5100 as WBBMD.

So it looks like SamR might be right, looks like it is coming back soon!

Funny, I fired off a few e-mails to both Comcast ans CBS/Viacom about this whole "issue". CBS/Viacon has yet to respond in any way, while I've not only received back an apologetic e-mail from Comcast about this where they described the problem as CSB/Viacom wanting Comcast to pay for the re-broadcast. I even received a call from an "escalation Manager" at Comcast today about this...he said they continue to work on the CBS issue, but didn't indicate that any resolution had been reached. He also mentioned ESPN-HD and Discovery-HD coming down the road, but they want to charge as well...and Comcast is holding to a "if we already pay you for your basic cable channels, then we should get the HD ones too; so we can offer them in our basic cable tier." He also mentioned that inDemand HD will be coming in Quarter 4 2003 and will need a new box (the Motorola 52XX series).

Anyone else get channel 191 added when CBS was dropped a week ago? I got the channel, but there is never any signal there...always "Channel should be available shortly" message.

Yahoo... got CBS WBBM back tonight... here to stay????

Originally posted by dwk
Yahoo... got CBS WBBM back tonight... here to stay????
Me too. Woo Hoo!

Originally posted by drossn
Anyone else get channel 191 added when CBS was dropped a week ago? I got the channel, but there is never any signal there...always "Channel should be available shortly" message.

191 is PBS. I've been getting it in mint ever since they dropped CBS. Some FANTASTIC looking stuff on here... it's just that I've seen each program about thirty six times already. :o

But yeah I would definately call Comcast immediately and ask them why PBS isnt coming in. They will probably to to send a "hit" out to your box so make sure you have your box nearby for the serial number. Hope everything works out! :)

Originally posted by SamR.
The rumor is CBS might be up and running again tomorrow, 6.11.03.
We'll see. :)

We'll see indeed, only we won't have to wait until tomorrow! It's up and running now (6:30pm; I never thought I'd be so happy to see Entertainment Tonight).

And life is good again...


Thanks to Comcast, Viacom, or whomever got together to put the best OTA *COUGH* HD channel back on cable!

looks like i'm going to have to get an HD box now that wbbm's back

It's official
Just got this from a contact at Comcast Corporate..

I am pleased to inform you that we have now formally rolled out HDTV and Comcast has been able to quickly reach agreement with CBS HD and the channel is now being aired. If you have any further questions please call me.

I live in DeKalb and I have not been able to get a consistently straight answer from Comcast on whether/when HD will be available in my area. A month ago I thought that I had convinced them to let me be a tester in my area and we even scheduled an appt for them to come out and install it but they cancelled at the last minute because the "equipment" was not available. I called last Sat. to ask when the service would be rolled out and the nice lady that I spoke to said (after discussing it with her supervisor) that it was available in DeKalb now and that I could call today to schedule installation. When I did that, I ended up dealing with what, in my experience, has been the more typical Comcast customer service person - the guy had no clue, put me on hold forever to find out and then told me that the service was not, in fact, available in DeKalb. I insisted on talking to a supervisor and, after another lengthy wait on hold, I was told that the latest "update" was that HD was not available here but that they would get back to me within 48 hours to let me know when it would be. I have literally gotten a different story every time I have called to ask about HD. Can it really be that hard to roll out a service over broadband data lines that are already installed and capable of handling the traffic? Digital cable and broadband Internet service have been available here for months.

This is mostly a rant but if anyone can suggest something helpful I'm listening.

Thanks.

Fellas, I have WBBM coming in -- but it just has the "THIS CHANNEL WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY" message. Are you guys getting the full blown deal already or what?

does this mean comcast hdtv will be available in the ny area too soon?

189 and 191 both display this right now. I called Comcast twice about this and they tried resetting my box (I told them that probably wouldn't help, since the message differs for unauthorized channels), but that didn't help.

Called again, and the rep. told me he'd call back...he did and told me that they are still working on getting the WTTW signal up an running. Then he told me that his list didn't show 189 as being an offered channel.

My guess is that both will eventually come in fine, but it will take time. It seems my local system (Villa Park) always seems to be updated last when a change is made...not sure why.

I surely do hope that Comcast truly reached an agreement with CBS/Viacom, since this bodes well for their negotiations with ESPN and Discovery.

so this means they reached an agreement with all comcast stations?? even ones owned by cbs?

Originally posted by Lee K
Fellas, I have WBBM coming in -- but it just has the "THIS CHANNEL WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY" message. Are you guys getting the full blown deal already or what?

WBBM-DT is coming in fine here. HBO-HD has been flaky for most of the night, but Showtime-HD and all of the other channels have been coming through loud and clear.

WBBM-DT coming in fine here also! Hope it continues!

This is mostly a rant but if anyone can suggest something helpful I'm listening.

Jasrich

Went thorugh the exact same thing here. I just kept calling back (calmly) telling them I wanted to be a beta tester for them and eventually it worked. Looking back on my experience I'd say you were within weeks if not sooner..

Good luck... it's worth the wait!

Originally posted by asrermd
It's official
Just got this from a contact at Comcast Corporate..

I am pleased to inform you that we have now formally rolled out HDTV and Comcast has been able to quickly reach agreement with CBS HD and the channel is now being aired. If you have any further questions please call me.

Hi All,

WBBM has confirmed with Comcast that removing WBBM Digital from their Chicago systems was a misunderstanding. The signal should have been restored last eveining.

Meanwhile, CBS is continuing to work on a long term, national agreement with Comcast that would provide for carriage of the digital signal of all CBS stations in Comcast markets, including Chicago. We hope that agreement can be reached soon.

Bob

Jasrich

I too am in Dekalb and have gone through the same troubles as you have. Last week I was in town during the day so stopped by their office and talked to a tech. He said that we are not hooked into the "fiber optic loop" with the suburbs, and this is why we don't have HD yet. He also mentioned that we are scheduled to be put into the "loop" in August and it should only be a matter of weeks after that.
I know it's not the answer you were looking for, but I at least feel somewhat confident hearing it face to face from a tech. I've waited two years for a signal, I guess two more months aren't going to kill me(hope I don't gnaw off my own arm by then).

Steve

Thanks a lot Steve. If I could only get that straight of an answer from Comcast. I guess we'll cool our heels until August.

Jason

Originally posted by BobRoss
Hi All,

WBBM has confirmed with Comcast that removing WBBM Digital from their Chicago systems was a misunderstanding. The signal should have been restored last eveining.

Meanwhile, CBS is continuing to work on a long term, national agreement with Comcast that would provide for carriage of the digital signal of all CBS stations in Comcast markets, including Chicago. We hope that agreement can be reached soon.

Bob


Thanks for the update from the CBS side of things. It's great to be able to view CBS HD programming again - the week without it really made me appreciate what I was missing!

See everyone it does pay to write these people like CBS and the sponsor. Very happy to have CBS back

Sorry for the 2nd post But I now think Cable is the best bang for the buck on HD content ..............and it really will be if they sign up ESPN and HDNET

Bob Ross,

It's nice to see you posting here again.
So what's the real skinny on this, is CBS looking for a retransmission fee or are they concerned about being retransmitted with full bandwith?

Woke up this morning to see a red light on my box. I got excited and thought it was downloading some new update or something.

However, I got two surprises once I turned my box on.

1. my free HBO-HD and SHOWTIME-HD are now gone. :mad:

and 2. All that red light was was a new message indicator!! YAY!! Two messages about spanish channels that I can't even READ!! :mad:

Not a great way to start my day. :o

I suspect that the free HD movie channels had something to do with the NCTA show here in Chicago this week. It ended yesterday and, coincidentally, so did our freebie.

I also suspect, for no other reason than the curious timing, that the Channel 2 thing was resolved due to the show, also. Maybe a little embarrassment on CBS's part. So I guess we have to weigh the good with the bad. Can't wait for CSI tonight.

Mike.

i called comcast today to get an HD converter now i just have to find out when it'll be installed

Anyone in Lincoln Park/Lakeview/Wrigleyville areas signed up yet? I've given up calling.

I will finally be getting Comcast because of my inability to get WBBM DT OTA. I already have a Sansung T160. The box already has the OTA in one input and directv in another. Also on the box is a input labeled cable. Will I be able to put the incoming cable line in that input and scan for channels since the only ones I aminterested in are the DT channels? Will I need the box provided by Comcast at all since none of the channels are "scrambled"? I don't want to disconnect the OTA antenna and use that input (I seem to remember some discussion about that) since then I lose WGN DT (not on Comcast). Will the cable input on the Samsung work?

Thanks for your help.

The Comcast HD locals are in the 256QAM format. The T160 has no circuitry to handle this, so you'll need the Moto 5100 box. The T165 was said to have 256QAM capability, but Samsung chose not to activate it on that model.

it'll be installed next thursday btw

radarblip- I am having similiar problems with HBO. My wife has been watching it more than me and said that it has been unwatchable. The picture breaks up and the sound goes out. Are other people having this problem? If it is a system wide problem I will take a different approach with the whole thing. HBO is the only channel I am having a problem with (if you don't count the brutal focus problems on NBA games, the lack of HD on the Triple Crown races, bad sound on NHL games, etc.).

Same problem in Highland Park. It's been that way for a few days, now. Sounds like it could be a reception problem from the satellite.

Mike K.

HBO was unwatchable 50% of the time that I had it. In just 3 days or so, half of the movies would break up and sometimes just completely cut out every couple seconds. Completely unwatchable, and I would have been PISSED if I was paying for that garbage.

I think it's sick what radarblip mentioned earlier about the lack of motivated support from the Comcast staff. I feel the same way as him about calling them up for help. They really don't know a thing about what they're dealing with (HDTV) and it's so unbelievably frustrating knowing that every time you call up they're just going to set up a "service call."

You guys know as well as I do that the problems with HBO aren't solveable from our homes. It is obviously a problem over at Comcast or at HBO or whatever. I think it's sad that we are more knowledgeable about this then the people we are supposed to call for "help."

HBO breaking up in Oak Park also.

The people answering phones have no clue (I feel a little sorry for them). No one can confirm an availability date for HD in DeKalb and when they proimised that someone would call me back within 48 hours, naturally no one ever did. The only good thing that can be said about Comcast so far is that they aren't AT&T.

HBO was pretty bad for me also.
Justice, IL

I'll add a reply radar, my HBO HD was unwatchable yesterday too....constant breakups and audio drops.

Tom

HBO HD also breaking up here last night. Unwatchable. Called Comcast service.

I was lucky enough to have tech appointment for today. He/she is scheduled to come any time now. If I have any luck I'll be sure to pass any information along to you folks. When I spoke to the CSR yesterday she noted (after checking some emails) that they did have other people calling about HBO, but no specific problems listed.
Keep your fingers and toes crossed. There is no why I will miss the premier of Star Wars II today

Comcast just sent me an email informing me that their HDTV services has been activited in Orland Park. Just passing this information on for anyone who is interested.

If the service tech doesn't believe you, show them this pic. I get this all the time...

Any luck with the tech today Sam? My HBO is still freezing too much to watch...it is so bad it won't even switch stations to HBO.

This is just about three days running with this problem...about time they fix it.

Tom

I spent some time on the phone with a CSR this evening. She tried to explain that since I am a beta tester, and that I can see the regular HBO, that this was OK. I said "I don't think so". I'm specifically subscribing to HBO becaues of HD.

They set up a service call for Wednesday, even though I told them that the problem was very widespread through the service area. They can't seem to figure that out, however, so I guess I'll have the service call. Seems like a waste of a lot of people's time and effort, for a problem that probably doesn't apply to only my home.

This problem seems to coincide with Channel 2 getting added back in to the channel line up. Wonder if there is any correlation. Maybe they'll wake up over there and get this resolved. The rest of the HD looks very good, maybe I'll just drop HBO and keep the rest of it.

Mike K.

The first hour was pretty unbearable - I actually went back to channel 550 to watch the normal HBO East channel. I was surprised to see that the audio there came in 5.1 surround; I thought non-HD channels only came through in stereo.

I switched back to HBO-HD for the last hour of the movie, and it was relatively clean. The audio dropped a couple of times, but the picture was fairly stable and the presentation was pretty watchable.

I have no idea what the heck Comcast did during that last hour, but whatever it was it seems to be working. No lock-ups or drops since 8:30pm or so.

Originally posted by mikek747
This problem seems to coincide with Channel 2 getting added back in to the channel line up. Wonder if there is any correlation.Mike K.

That is a pretty good catch Mike...the timing does seem to be there.

I had very few problems prior to this with HBOHD. Did you get a chance to run that by them?...or are you going to wait until they come out for the service call? Anything is worth a shot at this point seeing as how they seem to have little to no clue as to what is causing the problems.

I watched a very little of the Robin Williams show after Star Wars tonight and didn't see and breakups or audio drops. Is it just happening with HD material?

It is also possible though as FSugino mentioned perhaps they managed to fix something about halfway through Star Wars...

Tom