http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/tunedin/archive/2010/01/26/new-hd-channels-on-comcast.aspx

Rob Owen listed the new Pittsburgh channels in his blog. We already have a few of these out here in the suburbs, but I'd like to see them add some of the others, like Encore-HD, MGM-HD, and TCM-HD.

ugh, im getting the "channel will be available shortly" problem again

im getting pretty sick of this, especially every time i call comcast up they want to send a tech out even after i tell them that a ton of other people in my area are getting the same thing.

they keep wanting to send a signal to the box and have me call them back in an hour if the problem is still happening

ugh, im getting the "channel will be available shortly" problem again

im getting pretty sick of this, especially every time i call comcast up they want to send a tech out even after i tell them that a ton of other people in my area are getting the same thing.

they keep wanting to send a signal to the box and have me call them back in an hour if the problem is still happening

I always tell them, i am watching tv now and don't want to loose the guide info., do it at 4am.

Well, here in the N. hills, we now have all of the HD ch's in the 800's also. They actually have atleast 4 of them logical, 2, 4, 11, 13 are on 802, 804, 811 and 813, respectively. Kudos comcast ! And even better they automatically added them to my favorites channel list for me !!! Double Kudos !

The duplicate channel numbers are mapped to the original channel freq. i.e. 212 and 802 are both 531 Mhz. Thats the only channel I checked. I guess Feb. 9th is getting close, and I didn't even realize it.

Of course, 'The Unit' program on wpmy looks like its in 3D, wpmy or someone has something screwed up ??

is anyone else in ross not getting history HD, and hdtheater, and a bunch of other channels?

im still not getting them, they worked a tiny bit earlier today, but now im getting the same "channel will be available shortly" message.

also i noticed today that i have double of all of the HD channels in the 800's, i didnt notice this till today, but i seen a mention of it earlier in this thread

is anyone else in ross not getting history HD, and hdtheater, and a bunch of other channels?

im still not getting them, they worked a tiny bit earlier today, but now im getting the same "channel will be available shortly" message.

also i noticed today that i have double of all of the HD channels in the 800's, i didnt notice this till today, but i seen a mention of it earlier in this thread

Mine are fine here in ross

Whatever happened to the channel that displayed the video from multiple channels, allowing you to see whats on them all and select the audio from one of them, and then select the channel you want to watch ????? I thought comcrap was doing this ?

http://www.multichannel.com/article/366586-Cablevision_Launches_Quick_View_Channel_Mosaics.php

which was linked to from the olympic version of the chnnel

http://www.multichannel.com/article/449136-Cablevision_Skates_Out_Interactive_TV_Mosaic_For_Olympics.ph p

15 NEW HD channels in north hills ! If only they could COMMUJNICATE to their paying customers these details !!!!

HLN - too bad AOL ruined it
FBN
E!
WE
TRU TV
TV ONE
G4
DXD
FUSE
TCM - Woooo Hooooo
ENC
MGM - I think this is good ! ?
IFC - Woooo Hooo
Hall - hallmark movies
Style

What channels are these assigned to? I'd like to keep an eye out for some of these new channels on Comcast Greensburg. Hopefully we'll get them soon too.

Not in Canonsburg either. I really need more HD Lite channels. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

What channels are these assigned to? I'd like to keep an eye out for some of these new channels on Comcast Greensburg. Hopefully we'll get them soon too.

816 HLN - too bad AOL ruined it
821 FBN
833 E!
834 Style
836 WE
841 TRU TV
865 TV ONE
867 G4
877 DXD
885 FUSE
890 TCM - Woooo Hooooo
891 ENC
892 MGM - I think this is good ! ?
893 IFC - Woooo Hooo
894 Hall - hallmark movies

I think that makes 69 HD channels here in the north hills, including the premium HD channels. Ooops, i mean't 6,900 channels ;-)

Kool, comcast doesnt cut into HLN during the last 5 minutes of every half hour (even if it is an hour long show) ! I guess they cant stuff their crappy SD "local edition" signal into the high-def feed. Woo hooo !

Not in Canonsburg either. I really need more HD Lite channels. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

The new channels arrived in Canonsburg today. (or maybe yesterday, don't remember if I checked)

Here's the delta that I saw on my TiVo.
816 - CNN HLN HD
821 - Fox Business HD
834 - Style HD
836 - WE HD
841 - TruTV HD
852 - ESPN News HD
865 - TV One HD
867 - G4 HD
877 - Disney XD HD
885 - Fuse HD
890 - TCM HD
891 - Encore HD
892 - MGM HD
893 - IFC HD
894 - Hallmark Movie HD

Where's that 815 (Weather Channel) that the PG was talking about??? That's the only reason I keep checking!

This list seems slightly different from the other lists that have been posted, no E!, but includes ESPN News.

Those with Fios are lucky:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2360860,00.asp

Don't know if you can use these on Comcrap or not.

You very definately can use the new TiVo Premier with Comcast. I have three TiVos connected to Comcast now and love them. They are much more than just a DVR because of the great interfaces. I watch 100% of pre-recorded TV. I haven't seen a commercial in 7 years.

Ready for a name change? Comcast users, welcome to Xfinity

http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/193476.asp

Does anyone remember that song "tell me something new ..." ?

http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcast031210.htm

They aren't called ConCrap for nothing !

OK. I know that Comcast is continuing to change more and more channels from analog to digital. On my ESPN (chan 27) here in the North Hills I keep getting an obnoxious message saying that next Tuesday (23rd) it will be changed to digital only.

So what is going to happen then? Only ESPN (that's the only one that I've seen with the message)? Or are there more?

Also, I assume that it will still be available in digital form on one of the hard-to-find clear-QAM channels. Anyone know the number?

Even more ComCrap. 3:1 compression is not enough when everyone else uses 2:1 compression for HD channels. Comcast may switch to 4:1 HD channel compression

http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=189405&site=lr_cable&

OK. I know that Comcast is continuing to change more and more channels from analog to digital. On my ESPN (chan 27) here in the North Hills I keep getting an obnoxious message saying that next Tuesday (23rd) it will be changed to digital only.

So what is going to happen then? Only ESPN (that's the only one that I've seen with the message)? Or are there more?

Also, I assume that it will still be available in digital form on one of the hard-to-find clear-QAM channels. Anyone know the number?

I get ESPN on 66-4

Well, as of this morning the North Hills analog channels are now limited to 2-20. However, I did find most of the digital versions of the SD channels on 66.x, 67.x, 80.x and 81.x. Funny thing is that I did a new scan on one TV and found 410 digital channels. Of course most are blank.

The important ones for me that I've found are:

ESPN 66.4
FOXN 66.5
TNT 66.6
VS 66.12
MSNBC 66.14
A&E 67.1
CNBC 67.8
ESPN2 67.9
FSN 81.10

Here in the NorthEAST Hills (Tarentum), nine analog channels went away today, but we still have 40 left. Actually the nine are still with us displaying a notice that "you now need a Comcast digital device to view this channel," so they're still taking up bandwidth. I assume that'll change after a few days or weeks, so that the bandwidth can be used for the additional HD channels that others are discovering.

So correct me if I'm wrong. I have 1 TV with a QAM tuner that used to get HD channels. Now with the "improvements" from Concast, in order to keep my channels I have to now connect this DTA box, which does not get HD.

I'm in the North where there are no alternatives to Comcast, but satellite.

It appears that the channels in the 60's and up are digital, but broadcast at 480i.

I'm already paying for 2 HD boxes and don't want to spend the $$$ on a 3rd.

old blue:

You can still get the HD clear-QAM channels just as you always have. No change. They will be 2.1, 4.1, 11.1 etc.

The only change is that many of the analog channels have disappeared from the lower channel numbers. However, their digital versions are still there, it's just a little hard to find them (refer to my prior post).

You very likely will have to do a new channel scan to get them.

I noticed yesterday I got some more HD channels. I don't remember them all but I got around 6 or 7.
800HSN HG
853 ESPNU HD
899 Investigation Discovery HD
876 History International
887 Gospel Music Channel HD
864 Outdoor network HD.
830 Hallmark Channel HD

I think that's about it. I am in the south side of city of PGH.

I talked to a guy in the North Hills who said that he got 20 new HD channels today (including ESPNU and CNBCHD). I didn't get any on my TiVo, how about you cablebox users?

yup, north hills got about 6 new ones

How many HD channels do we have in the north hills now ? 88 ?

3D golf coming up on channel 986

Anyone know why they can't tell us about new HD and 3D channels?

I just had DIY freeze, and have seen some tiling too. Anyone also notice more picture freezing and tiling ?

3D golf coming up on channel 986

Anyone know why they can't tell us about new HD and 3D channels?

3D TV can be a little confusing as there are really 3 standards being used. What you are referring to with the 3D golf is the old standard (using red and cyan pair of glasses). It is not a 3D channel, but just a 3D format being transmitted on regular HD channels. It tends to lower the resolution of the picture, but produce the 3D effects. It will also be used by CBS with the Masters this weekend.

What most people are waiting for are the new 3D channels with new standards. The picture is actually transmitted with side-by-side frames, slightly offset that are put back together with new polarized glasses that can be quite expensive (up to $150). Direct TV is to start with some VOD and PPV next month. The drawback here is a much lower picture resolution, but higher quality 3D effects. There are other channels in the drawing room including ESPN. I'm sure that Comcast will join in with this format, but I haven't heard of any date.

The top of the line standard is that using Blu Ray Format. Instead of having the frames side-by-side, they are transmitted one after the other, full rsolution, at 120 frames per second (something that broadband can't do yet). It requires special TVs that will acept the 120 fps. Although many TVs were sold in the past two years as 120 mhz (even 240 mhz) they can only accept a max of 60 fps and then just double the display rate. This format requires very special, powered, glasses that cost $150 or more.

Bottom line, you may see some old style 3D on regular channels, but it will be awhile before we see the new formats and channels. There will very likely be a handful later this year (ESPN in development), but who knows who will carry them.

I stand corrected on my comments above concerning the 3D feed of the Masters on Comcast (CBS). They actually have flipped the switch for their new 3D broadcast using the side-by-side frames, but only in Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Twin Cities, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami, and Indianapolis (per Engadget).

There is no impact on 2D channels since this is on a seperate 3D channel.

I stand corrected on my comments above concerning the 3D feed of the Masters on Comcast (CBS). They actually have flipped the switch for their new 3D broadcast using the side-by-side frames, but only in Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, Denver, Twin Cities, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Miami, and Indianapolis (per Engadget).

I'm curous as to whether it reduces resolution for us 2D viewers.

Comcast is offering the Masters in 3D in most all Comcast locations, not just the ones listed. Of course, you need a 3DTV set and 3D Stereoscopic glasses. http://www.xfinity.com/masters/

Comcast is offering the Masters in 3D in most all Comcast locations, not just the ones listed. Of course, you need a 3DTV set and 3D Stereoscopic glasses. http://www.xfinity.com/masters/

Your link lists the exact same cities that I noted above?? And it certainly is not "most" locations.

I can tell you that the list provided on the site is only a "sampling" of places of where it is offered. Very few Comcast locations are not offering the 3D event.

Two key phrases from the referenced site

"In most markets, Comcast will be airing approximately 2 hours of live 3D content from the Masters" and "including but not limted to"......

From other forums, I know it is available in West Palm Beach, FL and most of New Jersey for example, but those locations are not listed on the site.

What happens if you go to channel 986 or 897 where you live?

Actually Comcast Pittsburgh (North Hills) has added channel 986 to their lineup today and have a note there that they will be carrying 3D Masters from 5-7 p.m. today.

If you don't have 3D TV it should be displaying a side-by-side image. There are stories out there that say that if you stare at it and cross your eyes properly you will see 3 images, with the center one in 3D. That sounds like fun.

I didn't get a full list this morning, but I was able to watch The Weather Channel in glorious HD this morning on channel 815.

(The inner weather geek has been forcing me to attempt to tune that channel every morning since the last block of analog channels went dark here last Tuesday, April 6th)

815 TWC HD is showing on my guide. However, if I attempt to tune to that channel, I get the "This channel should be available shortly" message.

2 new channels for me in the Southside today. Tennis HD and CBS College Sports HD.

2 new channels for me in the Southside today. Tennis HD and CBS College Sports HD.

Yup, north hills has them also.

I just noticed MTV-HD when the power failed and my fav. channels were reset. Was that there since the last round of about 9 ch's were added ?

hey guys.. im wondering if anyone else has this problem:

about 15-20 times per day my tv will go black for about a second, then the picture will come back.. it seems to happen on certain channels, but i have not really put any thought into it

i know history HD does it a lot

edit* oh yeah, and another thing.. when i go in on demand, they have the video at the top right, but there is also a smaller one down at the bottom left of the screen... only i can only see 1/4 of the picture, and it looks really crummy, is there any way to stop that?

hey guys.. I'm wondering if anyone else has this problem:

about 15-20 times per day my tv will go black for about a second, then the picture will come back.. it seems to happen on certain channels, but i have not really put any thought into it

i know history HD does it a lot

edit* oh yeah, and another thing.. when i go in on demand, they have the video at the top right, but there is also a smaller one down at the bottom left of the screen... only i can only see 1/4 of the picture, and it looks really crummy, is there any way to stop that?

That black screen you mention is a problem I noticed for months. I always thought that my DVR was on death row and planned on exchanging this summer when there is little to record. Sometimes the black screen is so long that I go to the adjacent station and back trying to reacquire the signal. Should not have to do that!

Does it just happen randomly or is it after some commercials and before going back to the program you were watching ? In our area it seems like they are missing one thirty second commercial or cutting off commercials , something is off kilter.

Does it just happen randomly or is it after some commercials and before going back to the program you were watching ? In our area it seems like they are missing one thirty second commercial or cutting off commercials , something is off kilter.

it happens randomly.. actually, it usually never happens during commercials

ESPN 3D on channel 980 in north hills

An interesting 3D tidbit"

"...Whether a customer’s provider is cable, telco or satellite, viewers must own a 3D TV and glasses, but Comcast customers have an additional hurdle to jump: They also must have an MPEG-4 set-top box ..."

I didn't know comcast used any mpeg4 settops.

http://www.cable360.net/ct/news/ctreports/commentary/3D-Motivates-Comcast-To-Think-MPEG-4_41841.html

They have been deploying MPEG-4 capable boxes, but this is their first use of it. Interesting to me is the comment that currently ESPN 3D is available in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4. I thought that it was all MPEG-4. Maybe only the World Cup portion is MPEG-4 only. I know that it is causing problems for TiVo HD users since it currently does not support MPEG-4 for cable.

I read elsewhere today they'd start using MPEG4 for 3D starting in August.

Is anybody not getting the QAM channels anymore?

Is anybody not getting the QAM channels anymore?

Mythtv user in the SoSide here, HDHR, Comcast.

I used to get a bunch of digital stations up until about last week or the week before. They've either replaced my filter, or properly encrypted the stations. Let me explain.

With the newer version of MythTV .23, I noticed that during a channel scan, that there was a 'test decryption' option. When I turned that on, I was able to get syfy, amc, tnt, and a bunch of others. It is my understanding that MythTV doesn't actually decrypt anything -- the channels were marked as encrypted by Comcast, but are not actually encrypted. I believe that MythTV ignores the encryption flag, and displays the channel if it is able to.

Up until a couple of weeks ago, we were pulling in all kinds of channels with interesting stuff on them. This week, we have only the federal minimum of available channels.

Comcast is still not rebroadcasting WBGN, so an antenna for me is necessary in order to record theitsaliveshow.com The It's Alive Show.

Yeah, up until last week I was getting over 40 digital stations on clear-QAM in the North Hills, but all except for the local-HD channels have now disappeared. I knew they would encrypt them some day, but hoped it would last until next year.

I especially used them on my bedroom TiVo HD to add ESPN and FSN to my local OTA HD channels. So, I guess now I'll have to break down and pay Comcast the Additional-Digital-Outlet fee so I can get a cablecard installed.

Atleast I'm not the only one that watches the Its Alive TV show

Has the Adelphia areas such as Bethel Park gotten new cable boxes yet? Also any news on the digital migration is the Bethel Park area. Thanks

Does Comcast carry HDNet or HDNet Movies in this area?

Does Comcast carry HDNet or HDNet Movies in this area?

As far as I know, the answer is, no. I carefully qualify for there are branches of Comcast previously known as Adelphia, and they may have something about which I am unaware.

Were you bumping what looked like a dead thread? :) Comcast has not given us much reason to be excited this past year.

As far as I know, the answer is, no. I carefully qualify for there are branches of Comcast previously known as Adelphia, and they may have something about which I am unaware.

Were you bumping what looked like a dead thread? :)No, I'm interested in the answer to the question.

About two years ago, Comcast & HDNet reached a carriage agreement and it seems like not much has changed in most Comcast areas.

anyone else noticing some very obvious combing on the ravens-broncos game? most noticeable in the graphics and text crawl. never noticed this before and i don't think it's my system because everything else is fine.

Didn't see the combing, but did get a few 3-4 seconds of video freezing during the game. Also on TBS baseball game.

I replied in the OTA thread, but I'll add this:

It was KDKA's fault, and not Comcast or any other carrier. I have Consolidated now where I noticed it first, but I checked it via the antenna and it showed the same thing.

Did Comcast take away local HD for free? I am not getting any of them now.

What kind of setup do you have, markavellie?

markavellie,
Where are you located ?

I am located in Wexford area; Franklin Park to be exact.

I have the cheapest comcast package with the cable going directly into my Panasonic TC-P42S2.

It appears that you are referring to the clear-QAM channels that Comcast provides with Basic cable package (as required by the FCC). This should give you all the local channels in HD, showing up with sub-channel numbers. Here in Ross those channels are on channel numbers equivalent to the OTA channel numbers, i.e. 2-1 for KDKA.

Is that where you did get them before? I think, but am not sure that Franklin Park is on the same head-end as Ross. I just checked and channels 2, 11 and 53 are missing, but 4 and 13 are OK. Looks like Comcast is playing games again with this. I would suggest calling Comcast and complaining, but prepared to talk to people who have no idea what you are talking about.

I was able to get through to a Comcast Rep who understood the problem and promised that an engineer will call me back to discuss the problem. I had a little influence since three years ago I filed a complaint with the FCC when Comcast was "hiding" these channels up in numbers like 73-2304. Comcast contacted me then and we met with the local Cable Franchise Authority and got them moved to the proper OTA-equivalent numbers.

Yeah, that's annoying. I'm gonna try to call when I get a few minutes.

I'm also located in Wexford. Franklin Park is part of the Ross head-end.

Never called, but the problem seems to be fixed.

Got a flyer in the mail stating Comcast is offerring Any Room DVR now. Anyone have any details on it? Additional cost? Pro's/Cons to their setup?

Got a flyer in the mail stating Comcast is offerring Any Room DVR now. Anyone have any details on it? Additional cost? Pro's/Cons to their setup?

Well, I don't have any cost details because it can't possibly benefit my situation. I have a kitchen TV utilizing clear-QAM channels. To get DVR benefits in that room means giving up the free channels and connecting to some type of cable box that will certainly change THEIR bottom line and my aesthetics.

Well, I don't have any cost details because it can't possibly benefit my situation. I have a kitchen TV utilizing clear-QAM channels. To get DVR benefits in that room means giving up the free channels and connecting to some type of cable box that will certainly change THEIR bottom line and my aesthetics.


Of course it will cost more (it IS Comcast!), but for some people, like me, receiving a signal OTA is not possible because of the surrounding geography.

Well, I don't have any cost details because it can't possibly benefit my situation. I have a kitchen TV utilizing clear-QAM channels. To get DVR benefits in that room means giving up the free channels and connecting to some type of cable box that will certainly change THEIR bottom line and my aesthetics.

Of course it will cost more (it IS Comcast!), but for some people, like me, receiving a signal OTA is not possible because of the surrounding geography.


Clear-QAM channels are received with cable connected, but no cable box is used. As an example, I receive WPXI as channel 11.1 HD on this set. It is not free OTA, just free of cable box add-on charges.

Does any one know of any techs I could talk to, to get the Clear-QAM PSIP info corrected on the Morgantown system? Is the PSIP info on the Pittsburgh systems still ok? I talked to some one at comcast, who from my talking to him, didn't have a clue what I was talking about. He told me I had to get one of the DTA's and an A/B switch to fix the channel number problem. The morgantown system's numbers have been screwed up for over a month or more now. Ironicly the 2 channels from Clarksburg that they have the clear qam HD's for are correct, but nothing else is.

thanks

I doubt that you would even find anyone who even understood your question let alone was able to help you. Several years ago in Pittsburgh North Hills Comcast had the clear-QAM channels on weird numbers (73-2305, etc.). I filed a complaint with the FCC and with the local Franchise Authority resulting in a meeting with Comcast local management. After several months of discussion they finally moved them to the OTA equivalent numbers and all has been fine sine then.

Thanks, that is the exact same problem we have now. Was thinking about contacting the FCC to see what they may or may not do. Thanks for letting me know that the Pittsburgh ones are correct up there, that will give me some "leverage" since it is "supposed" to be the same system +/- some local channels.

Looks like we will get about 50 more HD channels some time in the near future, since other areas are increasing also.

Most of those are hd premiums. We would get world fishing network, smithsonian, and stations like g4.
I'd like to get HDNET and a new program guide.

1225 BBC America HD† High-Definition TV
1231 Crime & Investigation Network HD† High-Definition TV
1262 NatGeo Wild HD† High-Definition TV
1265 Smithsonian Channel HD† High-Definition TV
1281 Cooking Channel HD† High-Definition TV
1291 DIY HD† High-Definition TV
1315 Jewelry TV HD† High-Definition TV
1325 GSN HD† High-Definition TV
1345 Ovation HD† High-Definition TV
1368 Galavision HD† High-Definition TV
1505 Sprout HD† High-Definition TV
1511 The HUB HD† High-Definition TV
1621 MAVTV HD† High-Definition TV
1630 Outdoor Channel HD† High-Definition TV
1631 Sportsman HD† High-Definition TV
1632 World Fishing Network HD† High-Definition TV
1862 Indiplex HD† High-Definition TV
1911 HBO WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1914 HBO2 WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1915 HBO SIGNATURE HD† High-Definition TV
1916 HBO SIGNATURE WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1917 HBO FAMILY HD † High-Definition TV
1918 HBO FAMILY WEST HD † High-Definition TV
1920 HBO COMEDY HD† High-Definition TV
1921 HBO COMEDY WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1924 HBO ZONE WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1926 HBO LATINO WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1931 CINEMAX WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1932 MOREMAX HD† High-Definition TV
1933 MOREMAX WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1934 ACTIONMAX HD† High-Definition TV
1935 ACTIONMAX WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1936 THRILLERMAX HD† High-Definition TV
1937 THRILLERMAX WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1938 WMAX HD† High-Definition TV
1941 5STARMAX HD† High-Definition TV
1944 OUTERMAX HD† High-Definition TV
1946 @MAX HD† High-Definition TV
1952 SHOWTIME2 HD† High-Definition TV
1954 SHOWTIME BEYOND HD† High-Definition TV
1955 SHOWTIME BEYOND WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1956 SHOWTIME SHOWCASE HD† High-Definition TV
1957 SHOWTIME SHOWCASE WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1958 SHOWTIME EXTREME HD† High-Definition TV
1960 SHOWTIME EXTREME WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1970 TMC HD† High-Definition TV
1972 TMC XTRA HD† High-Definition TV
1981 STARZ WEST HD† High-Definition TV
1982 STARZ EDGE HD† High-Definition TV
1984 STARZ IN BLACK HD† High-Definition TV
1986 STARZ KIDS & FAMILY HD† High-Definition TV
1988 STARZ CINEMA HD† High-Definition TV
1991 STARZ COMEDY HD†

Most of those are hd premiums. We would get world fishing network, smithsonian, and stations like g4.
I'd like to get HDNET and a new program guide.

It's a dead horse and no one cares: BUT, I'd like a picture on The Networks that looks as good as FIOS (uncompressed)!

And what about that "transister radio" sound they carry as 5.1! Yea, that's HD television!

(end or rant) sorry guys

But of course, Fios quality would be nice, especially since they reclaimed so much bandwidth they should be able to go back to two hd channels per QAM (6 Mhz.). Then we wouldn't see the blocks when the scenes change, because the encoders bit rate is limited and has to play catch up, but they know how to do it with no perceptible loss to the eye (BS) !

Maybe, we all just want FIOS !!!! ;)

FiOS is not uncompressed. It's simply not recompressed.

hello all,

I am relatively new to the area (southside) and I had a few questions.

1- Does anyone know when Comcast is going to offer the lesser HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc channels in HD? It seems like a simple enough task that should have been done by now.

2- When is Verizon moving into the Southside?

3- I noticed that Comcast lists some security camera channels. Is there a way to hook up a home security dvr system to them?

4- I have a motorola dvr. Is there a way to hook up an external hard drive to expand the recording space? I think it has a sata usb port on it.

Any answers are appreciated.

1. I guess you mean the multiple feeds because the ross (and 99% likely pgh. system) has them?

2. When is fios finishing the other 1/2 of west view ? My crystal ball is broken, and verizon has no info. available.

3. No, one of these shows a church mass from somewhere, and I have no idea what the other 3 are for.

4. No idea, i have seen this discusses before, but not sure where, or of the result. My guess is no. Try Google.

hello all,

I am relatively new to the area (southside) and I had a few questions.

1- Does anyone know when Comcast is going to offer the lesser HBO, Showtime, Starz, etc channels in HD? It seems like a simple enough task that should have been done by now.

2- When is Verizon moving into the Southside?

3- I noticed that Comcast lists some security camera channels. Is there a way to hook up a home security dvr system to them?

4- I have a motorola dvr. Is there a way to hook up an external hard drive to expand the recording space? I think it has a sata usb port on it.

Any answers are appreciated.

Oh great ! Even more HD Lite from ComCrap ! Don't they realize they are degrading their prime business ?

"... But there are other tactics it may be pursuing. The Comcast Media Center (CMC) , for example, has experimented with the idea of jamming four MPEG-2 HD channels into one 6MHz channel slot. ..."

Read the whole story at:
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=203902&site=lr_cable&

The more that they do to stay away from SDV the better I like it. That has been a nightmare for the MSOs who are implementing it, especially for us TiVo lovers. I'd rather see a little compression on the niche channels than trying to use the SDV. We are fortunate here that with the increased capacity in the head-ends we won't see problems for awhile, and hopefully MPEG-4 is in the near future. They need it (and are using it) for 3-D.

BTW, the Security Cam feature is being tested in one market (I think Georgia) and according to a local Comcast Exec may be here later this year.

As far as the multiple feeds for HBO; I thought they were added to West View last Tuesday. If not, they are coming soon.

I am trying to help out my parents that have Comcast (Murrysville). They have a Series 3 TiVo with cable card. Comcast recently moved their HD channels from 7xx to 8xx. The switch was finalized recently and now KDKA is having sound issues. From their description it seems that they are only getting the surround or maybe everything but center channel since they say they can hear everything but dialog. They are using a TV via HDMI with built in speakers. They also have OTA and KDKA is fine via that method. Is there anyone else out there with a similar config that can replicate issues? I don't think it is their equipment but not 100% sure.

Thanks.

The first thing I would check is the Audio Output settings on the TiVo. If they are using the TV speakers the setting should be Dolby Digital to PCM.

1. I guess you mean the multiple feeds because the ross (and 99% likely pgh. system) has them?

2. When is fios finishing the other 1/2 of west view ? My crystal ball is broken, and verizon has no info. available.

3. No, one of these shows a church mass from somewhere, and I have no idea what the other 3 are for.

4. No idea, i have seen this discusses before, but not sure where, or of the result. My guess is no. Try Google.

If you didn't know the answers to any of my questions why the hell did you bother to post a response?

Thanks for nothing.

Are you stupid?

Your own post said "any answers appreciated." Why are you pissed off?

Chuck, I am not pissed off. In case you are new to English, "no idea" and "try a google search" are not an answers to a question. If I wanted to hear a bunch of "I don't knows" I would have asked the 90 year old lady who lives next door. Instead, I posted on a forum where people with actual knowledge might be likely to respond with specific and detailed answers.

I do realize that technically any response can be considered an answer, however in the context of specific questions on a forum like this the answers I am looking for are responses with information that would be useful. For instance a resonse to my 4th question that would be useful might read something like this; "yes, but you need to change these settings on your cable box..." or "no, you can not do that with motorola dvrs". I know that sometimes this sort of distinction can be hard for people who are new to English to understand.

If you are not new to English you are likely an imbecile if you think those were answers were at all helpful.

Maybe you should learn to qualify your statements.

If he doesn't know the answers to your questions, did you think to actually contact Comcast or Verizon directly for the information you seek?

If you didn't find what you were looking for here, don't grumble. Pick up a phone.

Chuck, It is common sense that an answer to a question should provide some semblance of a solution. The vast majority of English speaking adults understand this. Hence it being common sense.

Have you spent any time on the phone with comcast? I am guessing not or you would not have made such a foolish suggestion.

As you evidently need me to qualify the above beyond what is common knowledge for most people, here it is; I do not need a reply to this unless you can actually provide an answer to any or all of my original questions. Thanks.

Damn, if only i spoke Spanish, I would now be in TV heaven.

Disclaimer: This post is not a response to anyones question. ;)

Comcast added Smithsonian HD ... Wooo Hooo !!!

I recently subscribed to limited basic and the installer installed a DTA box. I explained that I (perhaps wrongly) assumed that I could just plug the cable from the wall into my QAM/Digital receiver on the TV and he said that "No, that ended about 7 months ago". So I was a little irked at myself for not thoroughly investigating what I was signing-up for. So after he left, I unhooked the DTA and was pleasantly surprised to see that I am able to get everything I was hoping for in far-superior-quality without the DTA. The quality without the DTA rivals that of OTA but with the DTA it was worse than OTA SD.

I plan on leaving the DTA disconnected ... unless there is a reason not to. Why would the installer insist that it wouldn't work unless i use the DTA? Anything I should keep in mind?

Thanks!

p.s. if it matters i'm in a formerly Adelphia section of Allegheny county.

Not sure if the former Adelphia is exactly the same as the rest of Comcast, but if so, here is the answer.

With the DTA you should be able to get about 100 channels, all standard definition.

Without the DTA you should get 20-22 channels in standard definition as well as all of the locals in high definition, ie. 2-1, 4-1, 11-1, 13-1, 16-1, 19-1, 22-1 and 53-1, as well as a few other subchannels such as 11-2, etc.

Without the DTA you should get 20-22 channels in standard definition as well as all of the locals in high definition, ie. 2-1, 4-1, 11-1, 13-1, 16-1, 19-1, 22-1 and 53-1, as well as a few other subchannels such as 11-2, etc.

Thanks, JRM01. Since I'm subscribing to limited basic, I was only getting the 20-22 channels with the DTA. That's why I didn't understand the way the installer was insisting that I had to use it. I'm wondering if using the DTA is the only sanctioned installation so that they don't receive tech calls about why some of the QAM channels are in 'weird' locations, like 33.1 for WPGH (53-1). ???

Seems we got 805 and 807 HD channels. WCPBD and IonnHD.

Ok, here we go again with the clear-QAM channels with Comcast in the North Hills. As you may remember several years ago Comcast was hiding the local HD channels on numbers like 73-2304 instead of 2-1. I filed a complaint with the FCC and with the Local Franchise Authority (in Ross). Following a meeting with Comcast they agreed to move them to their proper channel numbers, and did so. It was all fine for several years.

Recently I started having problems, so I ran another channel scan and find many now missing.

The channels that are OK are 4-1, 4-2, 13-1, 13-2, 13-3, 16-1 and 22-1.

The missing channels are 2-1, 11-1, 11-21, 19-1, 22-1 and 53-1.

I did find that 19-1 (CW) was coming in on channel 17-1. I looked for the other missing channels but gave up at channel 100 (maybe they are higher).

Anyone else find the same situation?

Also several of my friends received a notice from Comcast that after 12/6/2011 they would be 100% digital and the DTA would be required even for the lower channel numbers. I checked today and we still have channels 2-19 in analog form. Anyone else?

Recently I started having problems, so I ran another channel scan and find many now missing.Comcast may not be too worried about enforcement at this time. Unfortunately on Oct. 13th the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) considering allowing cable companies to encrypt all channels. "We tentatively conclude that allowing cable operators to encrypt the basic service tier in all-digital systems will not substantially affect compatibility between cable service and consumer electronics equipment for most subscribers."

Right now that is only a proposal which still has a way to go before it could be adopted (although the FCC has already granted an exemption to CableVision to implement it).

Also, I'm not sure that Comcast is encrypting them (maybe) but only hiding them with phony channel numbers.

FWIW - I did find the missing channels. 2-1 comes in on 107-11, 11-1 comes in on 107-2201, 22-1 is on 108-2302 and 53-1 is on 108-2301.

They're playing games again.

They have been that way in the Morgantown system for over a year now. I have complained numerous times to them, and they keep saying I need to get a DTA, even though the DTA doesn't do HD. We did have the two local channels out of clarksburg for a while on 5.1, 5.2 and 10.1, but those have recently changed as well. The interesting thing is on the Waynesburg Comcast system, all the channels are still on the proper PSIP numbers. They also still have analog basic cable channels as well.

I really wish they would fix it, as it is annoying to constantly try and figure out where the channels are moved to.