I have noticed a few problems recently on my HD channels. First off, I am using HDMI/DVI cable, Motorola 6412III set at 1080i, my TV can not do 720P.

Right now I am watching the Magic/Bulls on TNTHD. The picture sucks. It is very jumpy and unsmooth, almost like frames are being dropped every few seconds. I noticed this today also on Universal HD when I came home and saw the Mt. Dew skateboarding thing on. Very choppy picture, sometimes it looked like it was in fast forward. I also had this problem last Saturday on NBC during the Penguins (non HD) broadcast on WPXIHD (ch. 211.)
I went down to the Corliss St. Comcast center today to exchange the box but apparently they had no more dual tuner DVRs left. I was told to try tomorrow, which I can't because I will be going out of town.
Could this be the cablebox? I have never noticed this problem or had it before. I also noticed this on TNTHD tonight when I switched to component video cables. Any help would be rad.

*EDIT

I just checked downstairs on my DLP with CableCard and the game on TNTHD looks fine. No choppiness. This makes me really think now it is an issue with the box. Anyone have any input?

Anyone know when Comcast is going to enable the digital simulcast in the Pittsburgh area? I noticed today that most of the basic cable channels(everything below channel 23 plus HSN) are now showing up in the clear via QAM.

Did anyone watch the Pitt/Wright State game last night? It didn't seem to be coming in HD. I watched the previous VCU/Duke game, and that was definitely in HD, but the Pitt game wasn't. I just wanted to see if anyone else had the same problem I did. Also, I'm in the South Hills.

Did anyone watch the Pitt/Wright State game last night? It didn't seem to be coming in HD. I watched the previous VCU/Duke game, and that was definitely in HD, but the Pitt game wasn't. I just wanted to see if anyone else had the same problem I did. Also, I'm in the South Hills.

this was intentional.

Theres 2 types of feeds for the tourney. Flex feeds and constant feeds. Constant feeds will stay on a game, regardless if its a blowout, while flex feeds switch to the best game.

CBS doesnt have the capibility to show the constant feeds in HD.

What KDKA should have done is start by showing the flex feed (which is in HD) and only switch to the constant feed if the flex feed changes games.

I'm moving from Penn Hills to Green Tree which is still COMCAST. And with the move I'm gaining like 5 HD stations, which is like Christmas too me!

Anyone know what's up with the Leased Access 190 that was reciently added? I have it here in Canonsburg.

Interesting - Here in Imperial, we have VSGLF on Ch. 255, but when I go to Comcast.com and look up my Channel Lineup, they show that Ch. 255 is Comcast Sports Net - HD. Does anybody have this Comcast Sports Net - HD? What type of programming do they have?

Either way, I would rather have FSN-HD, but VSGLF looks great, especially the hockey.

I just installed a new TIVO Series 3 (HD) with two Comcast cable cards. Works great and I love it. However, when I entered my zip code and cable provider (Comcast) and package level into the system they mapped out my channels quite well, except it showed the following channels which I actually don't receive here in the North Hills:

209 - HBOHD
214 - WPMYHD
215 - UHD
241 - TUBE
249 - TNTHD
252 - ESPN2HD
255 - GOLFVS (which I assume is a combined Golf and VS HD)
273 - NBATV

I've got the complete package of all channels on Comcast, but don't get these. Comcast says "they're not available in my area". Does anyone get them?

I get all of those except for The Tube, which to my understanding, no one gets anymore. Also ESPN2HD is actually channel 253, not 252.

I get all of those except for The Tube, which to my understanding, no one gets anymore. Also ESPN2HD is actually channel 253, not 252.

What part of Pittsburgh are you. Are you sure about ESPN2HD. You said you get it on 252 - but that is where I get ESPNHD (not ESPN2).

What part of Pittsburgh are you. Are you sure about ESPN2HD. You said you get it on 252 - but that is where I get ESPNHD (not ESPN2).


Ignore the channel references. I meant to state 252 - ESPNHD and 253 - ESPN2HD. It is 253 that I don't get.

I just installed a new TIVO Series 3 (HD) with two Comcast cable cards. Works great and I love it. However, when I entered my zip code and cable provider (Comcast) and package level into the system they mapped out my channels quite well, except it showed the following channels which I actually don't receive here in the North Hills:

209 - HBOHD
214 - WPMYHD
215 - UHD
241 - TUBE
249 - TNTHD
252 - ESPN2HD
255 - GOLFVS (which I assume is a combined Golf and VS HD)
273 - NBATV

I've got the complete package of all channels on Comcast, but don't get these. Comcast says "they're not available in my area". Does anyone get them?

Welcome to the joy of the lousy HD service Comcast provides to those of us on the Ross head end (I'm in Avalon). Send customer service an email complaining about how you receive just a fraction of the HD channels others in Pittsburgh do. If enough of us keep squeaking, maybe we'll get some grease...

Anyone hear anything about when they will be offered in our area? I know they were rolled out in a bunch of other Comcast markets ...

Welcome to the joy of the lousy HD service Comcast provides to those of us on the Ross head end (I'm in Avalon). Send customer service an email complaining about how you receive just a fraction of the HD channels others in Pittsburgh do. If enough of us keep squeaking, maybe we'll get some grease...

I regularly send them e-mails about this. What I've been told is that there has to be a head-end upgrade that should be completed late this summer. I was just surprised that there were so many channels that were being received by others in the county.

I regularly send them e-mails about this. What I've been told is that there has to be a head-end upgrade that should be completed late this summer. I was just surprised that there were so many channels that were being received by others in the county.

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but that's the same old song and dance we've been getting for maybe the last 2 or 3 years now.
If you search this thread for "head" (as in head-end) and you can see for yourself... :mad:

If you search this thread for "head" (as in head-end) and you can see for yourself... :mad:

I feel your pain... Search for "head" at some other sites for better information with pictures. :rolleyes:

Which is ironic, since we seem to be getting more shaft than anything... :p

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but that's the same old song and dance we've been getting for maybe the last 2 or 3 years now.
If you search this thread for "head" (as in head-end) and you can see for yourself... :mad:
Oh, I'm well aware of the promise. I was actually in local politics and headed the committee that negotiated the first local franchise agreement with Comcast many year's ago. I've also talked to the recent negotiators who were promised by Comcast that this upgrade would be completed in 2005.

Oh, I'm well aware of the promise. I was actually in local politics and headed the committee that negotiated the first local franchise agreement with Comcast many year's ago. I've also talked to the recent negotiators who were promised by Comcast that this upgrade would be completed in 2005.

So it's YOUR fault! :p

BTW, Welcome to the boards.

I have been in communication with local officials who have to deal with Comcast negotiations, and have sent hem a list of questions that I have for Comcast as it pertains to the Ross Head-end. This is my list. I would appreciate critique and comment from anyone,

Some of the specific questions that I have had with Comcast, for which they won’t respond, are:



1. They currently have a 550 MHz head end. They say they are upgrading this. When will it be complete? Is the upgrade to the most used version of 750MHz, or will they go to the best available 860MHz system?

2. Are there any other upgrades required, such as the lines within their system? If so, when will it be complete?

3. When will they go to digital simulcast (to eliminate the analog channels for those who have digital service)? Is it dependant on the head end upgrade?

4. What is going to happen on Feb. 17, 2009 when the analog signals will be eliminated from the airwaves? Will they still convert the lower channels to analog and pass them to their subscribers who don’t use the digital service? Or will they force everyone to go digital? If the latter, will they accept the “government $40 vouchers” as payment for the digital boxes?

5. If they decide to go all digital on Feb. 17, 2009 will customers who have a TV with an ASTC (digital) tuner be able to receive the basic channels without a converter box?

6. When will they begin to permit the use of third-party conversion/receiver boxes on their system?

7. When will they begin using two-way cablecards in the system?

8. They announced many months ago that they were converting their DVRs to use TIVO software, but nothing has happened. When will this occur?

9. They currently have a shortage of HD receivers, causing a long delay in installation. What are they doing to correct this, and when will it happen?

10. Their HD receivers will not accept the HDMI cables (industry standard). What are they doing to correct this, and when will it occur?

11. After all the upgrades what HD channels will they be adding to the service?

Pens Playoffs in HD?

So the Penguins actually have me considering switching back from Dish to Comcast *shudder*. I absolutely despise Comcast for a lot of reasons, but I like the Penguins more than I dislike Comcast. Therefore, I am considering a switch back to Comcast so I can see more Pens Playoffs in HD.

I am in the North Hills, so I would only have Discovery, ESPN, and InHD along with the locals and premiums.

Does anybody have any idea how many of the Pens Playoff games will be in HD? A recent article in the trib suggests that most of the first two rounds (crossing fingers that there will be a second round) will be shown on FSN. If I understand correctly, there were 20 FSN games simulcast on InHD this season.

I called Comcast today and they do have a pretty good deal if I switch from Dish...basically the Digital Preferred Package + HBO + Stars for one year for $49.99. Add some $ for the Sports package and the DVR, and I'm still cheaper than I currently am with Dish. However, Dish has 3x the HD channels, but I've come to realize that I never watch any of the Voom channels anyway. I'd basically be losing HDNet, Food HD, Universal HD, TNT HD, and HGHD and gaining InHD (for the Pens games).

I'm still gung-ho to switch to FIOS TV once it is available which should be before the end of the year...

not sure whats going to happen with the pens playoffs since the pirates conflict.

i am pretty sure they will be HD since i dont believe there are many if any Pirates games in HD until June.

Pens Playoffs in HD?

So the Penguins actually have me considering switching back from Dish to Comcast *shudder*. I absolutely despise Comcast for a lot of reasons, but I like the Penguins more than I dislike Comcast. Therefore, I am considering a switch back to Comcast so I can see more Pens Playoffs in HD.

I am in the North Hills, so I would only have Discovery, ESPN, and InHD along with the locals and premiums.

Does anybody have any idea how many of the Pens Playoff games will be in HD? A recent article in the trib suggests that most of the first two rounds (crossing fingers that there will be a second round) will be shown on FSN. If I understand correctly, there were 20 FSN games simulcast on InHD this season.

I called Comcast today and they do have a pretty good deal if I switch from Dish...basically the Digital Preferred Package + HBO + Stars for one year for $49.99. Add some $ for the Sports package and the DVR, and I'm still cheaper than I currently am with Dish. However, Dish has 3x the HD channels, but I've come to realize that I never watch any of the Voom channels anyway. I'd basically be losing HDNet, Food HD, Universal HD, TNT HD, and HGHD and gaining InHD (for the Pens games).

I'm still gung-ho to switch to FIOS TV once it is available which should be before the end of the year...

Hmmm, Comcast may have made my decision for me...I just called and they have no HD boxes at all. The guy I talked to this afternoon said they had single tuner DVR HD boxes, but the lady tonight said it would be 2 - 3 weeks before any came in.

Hmmm, Comcast may have made my decision for me...I just called and they have no HD boxes at all. The guy I talked to this afternoon said they had single tuner DVR HD boxes, but the lady tonight said it would be 2 - 3 weeks before any came in.

which office did you call? The Corliss St. office almost always has HD boxes...

I think I've read on the forums here that this shortage of HD boxes is more than a local issue.

Corliss St. is the hookup though...they've never let me down.

I just called 1-800-Comcast. This is a new install so I didn't think I could call the local office? They used to end up connecting you to a local office, but that didn't seem to be the case the last two times I called.

Does anybody know what the new HD box will have for DVR memory?? This is terrible with so many wanting HDTV and unable to get a HD set top box......

Is there any advantage to the DVR with HDMI over the component video box? Is the PQ better with HDMI?? Any responses will be appreciated....

Thanks....

[QUOTE=scott12v]I'd basically be losing HDNet, Food HD, Universal HD, TNT HD, and HGHD and gaining InHD (for the Pens games).
QUOTE]


Be careful. The VS games are no longer carried on InHd. They are on VSGLF on Ch. 255. Hate to see you switch and not be able to watch the games. Make sure that VSGLF is offered in your area.

They made room for UHD on my system for the Olympics and add NFL HD during the playoffs...I wonder if there's even the slightest glimmer of hope for getting VSGLF for the NHL playoffs, considering how popular hockey is here?

I have been in communication with local officials who have to deal with Comcast negotiations, and have sent hem a list of questions that I have for Comcast as it pertains to the Ross Head-end. This is my list. I would appreciate critique and comment from anyone,

Some of the specific questions that I have had with Comcast, for which they won’t respond, are:


4. What is going to happen on Feb. 17, 2009 when the analog signals will be eliminated from the airwaves? Will they still convert the lower channels to analog and pass them to their subscribers who don’t use the digital service? Or will they force everyone to go digital? If the latter, will they accept the “government $40 vouchers” as payment for the digital boxes?

5. If they decide to go all digital on Feb. 17, 2009 will customers who have a TV with an ASTC (digital) tuner be able to receive the basic channels without a converter box?



Cable has nothing to do with the OTA digital mandate, so I wouldn't even mention that.
Stick with upgrades, the head-end fixing time table, 3rd part support, etc.
I's also tell them getting rid of HDNET is not acceptable.

Cable has nothing to do with the OTA digital mandate, so I wouldn't even mention that.
Stick with upgrades, the head-end fixing time table, 3rd part support, etc.
I's also tell them getting rid of HDNET is not acceptable.
Thanks for the input. I agree that the main problem is the capacity update that they are so lax on. However, believe it or not there are still people who are buying TVs with only a NTSC tuner on board. They are able to get the basic cable channels today and are happy. In 2009 it is very possible that cable companies will take that opportunity (althought not mandated) to eliminate the analog signal altogether. This would give them a tremendous additional amount of capacity for the digital signals (almost 6 to 1 ratio). I think that the cable companies should be telling their customers now what the plans are. If these people are going to be forced to get a converter box they need to know it now.

Those of you who think that Comcast doesn't listen to it's customers - be ashamed!

Next week they will be adding yet another weather channel to their line-up - WTAE Weather on channel 204, and also WQED-DT on channel 200. Hoorah!

Can HD channels for ESPN-2, VS, FSN, TNT, etc. be far behind?

Of course these are digital channels, but not HD. That subchannel will degrade WTAEHD so that it has the quality of WPXI. If that includes sports, they will also become unwatchable!!

can anyone in the Carnegie area tell me how comcast is? zip 15106? I'll be moving there next month and hope I can get a good package with the most HD possible (probably the premier package).

They made room for UHD on my system for the Olympics and add NFL HD during the playoffs...I wonder if there's even the slightest glimmer of hope for getting VSGLF for the NHL playoffs, considering how popular hockey is here?

My response from Comcast regarding this inquiry:

I can appreciate you wanting to watch the Penguins in HD format but
unfortunately they are currently only scheduled to be broadcast in the digital
format. That is not to say that it cannot change before game time. Some times
there can be a last minute agreement to broadcast the games in HD. I wish I had
a better response for you but we have no control over this, we broadcast what
they supply. Let's keep our fingers crossed and Go Pens!

I swear they have no clue what they're talking about. :mad:

can anyone in the Carnegie area tell me how comcast is? zip 15106? I'll be moving there next month and hope I can get a good package with the most HD possible (probably the premier package).

just go to comcast.com and enter your new zip, I know it's accurate for me (of course I haven't gotten a new HD channel in about 2 years, so.... :rolleyes: )

Also got a question if it's worth getting HBO / Starz / Showtime / Cinemax just for the HD channels?

Digital Plus Package (with HBO/Starz) vs the Premier (with all)...


opinions?

My response from Comcast regarding this inquiry:



I swear they have no clue what they're talking about. :mad:
What they are talking about is their decision to blackout the VS telecast in PIT and show the game on FSN, and FSN has not comitted to HD yet.

What they are talking about is their decision to blackout the VS telecast in PIT and show the game on FSN, and FSN has not comitted to HD yet.

Perhaps, but my question to him was if they were going to add VSGLF HD to my channel lineup. I didn't post the follow up but he admitted to giving me bad info.
Then he gave me the whole song and dance about the head end not having the capacity, blah blah blah. I just want them to know what I want.

What they are talking about is their decision to blackout the VS telecast in PIT and show the game on FSN, and FSN has not comitted to HD yet.



this is killing me, because it look slike all the games will have HD cameras there for versus, but they will black it out and fsn will carry it sd.

this is killing me, because it look slike all the games will have HD cameras there for versus, but they will black it out and fsn will carry it sd.

Looks like you're right Jake.

We get penalized because FSN has exclusive rights to the game in the Pittsburgh market, and we get NO HD!!!!

blackout rules are garbage and pointless in todays world

blackout rules are garbage and pointless in todays world
Oh really! Tell that to the sponsors who paid FSN for their exclusive telecast.

does anyone know when x-adelphia customers will get Fox in HD? Mt. Lebanon, PA in particular.

Also I'm using the internal tuner on my TV, and here is a list of the HD stuff that I get with channel numbers. I only pay for basic cable ($8.95) a month.

109.7 cbs
89.3 abc
89.4 nbc
83.1 fsn (only comes in some times)
91.2 my pittsburgh
100.13 TNT-hd
109.8 PBS
109.1 PBS

I also get a weather channel and the music channels.

anybody get anything else?

does anyone know when x-adelphia customers will get Fox in HD? Mt. Lebanon, PA in particular.

Also I'm using the internal tuner on my TV, and here is a list of the HD stuff that I get with channel numbers. I only pay for basic cable ($8.95) a month.

109.7 cbs
89.3 abc
89.4 nbc
83.1 fsn (only comes in some times)
91.2 my pittsburgh
100.13 TNT-hd
109.8 PBS
109.1 PBS

I also get a weather channel and the music channels.

anybody get anything else?

I'd say you are doing quite well for your $9 per month. I assume by "internal tuner" you are referring to a QAM tuner in your set. I am in Ross, so it is the "old" Comcast area. I have multile inputs to my TV, but one of them is the direct cable using the QAM tuner. I get abc, nbc, fox, my, pbs, pbs, music and In-demand preview in HD. The channels all are set at their OTA numbers (2-1, 4-1, 11-1 etc.). However, I do not get TNT-HD. I'm surprised that you do, since that is usually scrambled. I'll bet that Comcast will eventually scramble that for you.

does anyone know when x-adelphia customers will get Fox in HD? Mt. Lebanon, PA in particular.

Also I'm using the internal tuner on my TV, and here is a list of the HD stuff that I get with channel numbers. I only pay for basic cable ($8.95) a month.

109.7 cbs
89.3 abc
89.4 nbc
83.1 fsn (only comes in some times)
91.2 my pittsburgh
100.13 TNT-hd
109.8 PBS
109.1 PBS

I also get a weather channel and the music channels.

anybody get anything else?

I'd say you are doing quite well for your $9 per month. I assume by "internal tuner" you are referring to a QAM tuner in your set. I am in Ross, so it is the "old" Comcast area. I have multile inputs to my TV, but one of them is the direct cable using the QAM tuner. I get abc, nbc, fox, my, pbs, pbs, music and In-demand preview in HD. The channels all are set at their OTA numbers (2-1, 4-1, 11-1 etc.). However, I do not get TNT-HD. I'm surprised that you do, since that is usually scrambled. I'll bet that Comcast will eventually scramble that for you.

I keep checking INHD (226)for the Penguin games - to no avail. Now, however, I have lost the signal to 226 all together (Ross Twp). Anyone else have this problem? I just upgraded to Comcast Triple-Play with Premier Digital last week and think they may have messed this up. All other channels come in fine.

As of last night I still had INHD (I too was looking for the Pens game).
Strange that you're only missing the one channel.

can anyone in the Carnegie area tell me how comcast is? zip 15106? I'll be moving there next month and hope I can get a good package with the most HD possible (probably the premier package).

Here in the Washington, PA area, the following are available in HD:

209 Music-HD
210 WTAE-HD
211 WPXI-HD
212 KDKA-HD
213 WPGH-HD
214 WPMY-22 HD (WB Pittsburgh)
215 Universal HD
220 WQED-HD
225 Discovery Channel-HD
226 INHD
228 HBO-HD*
233 Cinemax-HD*
238 Showtime-HD*
248 STARZ-HD*
249 TNT-HD
252 ESPN-HD
253 ESPN2-HD

Also, digital cable here is actually 100% digital with an all-digital simulcast of channels 2-999. No analog!

Here in the Washington, PA area, the following are available in HD:

209 Music-HD
210 WTAE-HD
211 WPXI-HD
212 KDKA-HD
213 WPGH-HD
214 WPMY-22 HD (WB Pittsburgh)
215 Universal HD
220 WQED-HD
225 Discovery Channel-HD
226 INHD
228 HBO-HD*
233 Cinemax-HD*
238 Showtime-HD*
248 STARZ-HD*
249 TNT-HD
252 ESPN-HD
253 ESPN2-HD

Also, digital cable here is actually 100% digital with an all-digital simulcast of channels 2-999. No analog!

Another reason to move to Washington other than lower taxes. This is one of the best that I have seen, including the digital simulcast. The only thing you are missing is FSN-HD and GLFVS-HD.

Another reason to move to Washington other than lower taxes. This is one of the best that I have seen, including the digital simulcast. The only thing you are missing is FSN-HD and GLFVS-HD.

Sorry that was an oversight on my part.

We have that channel too!!! It's listed as VSGOLF on channel 255.

My mistake.

Another reason to move to Washington other than lower taxes. This is one of the best that I have seen, including the digital simulcast. The only thing you are missing is FSN-HD and GLFVS-HD.

Anytime FSN airs something in HD, Comcast puts it on channel 226 here. We don't miss anything on FSN-HD as far as I know.

Anytime FSN airs something in HD, Comcast puts it on channel 226 here. We don't miss anything on FSN-HD as far as I know.
If by "anything" you mean Pirate and Pens games, we get that also. But I'd still like to get the full FSN-HD channel. Even the non-hd games would be better in full digital.

If by "anything" you mean Pirate and Pens games, we get that also. But I'd still like to get the full FSN-HD channel. Even the non-hd games would be better in full digital.

I don't know if Fox Sports Pittsburgh "High Definition" even exists. Does it?

I know they selectively broadcast certain games in HD. To date, only one Pirate game has been in HD and that was opening day.

There were quite a lot of Penguin games through the regular season in HD, and I got those on my INHD channel.

I don't know of any other Fox Sports programming that is telecast in High Def. I don't think any of their network shows are.

I get the digital feed of FSN Pgh. on channel 29 since all my channel are digital.

FYI, this article about the lack of HD for the first round home Pens games on FSN (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07107/778597-61.stm) states that there will be 40 Pirates games in HD this season. Has anyone seen a schedule of those yet?

I think it's time for a dedicated FSN-HD channel.

FYI, this article about the lack of HD for the first round home Pens games on FSN (http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07107/778597-61.stm) states that there will be 40 Pirates games in HD this season. Has anyone seen a schedule of those yet?

I think it's time for a dedicated FSN-HD channel.


http://msn.foxsports.com/story/5713576#

As I posted earlier, I have the Comcast Digital Premier package, which means I should get virtually everything that Comcast has, except the foreign language channels. I just got it last week and everything is fine, except I do not get 226 (INHD). I have called and they have checked and pinged and updated and whatever, but still no luck. I have a tech guy coming tomorrow, but am afraid he'll just screw up what I already have. I am using two cablecards in a TIVO box, and the problem is there for both tuners. Anyone ever heard of something like this?

As I posted earlier, I have the Comcast Digital Premier package, which means I should get virtually everything that Comcast has, except the foreign language channels. I just got it last week and everything is fine, except I do not get 226 (INHD). I have called and they have checked and pinged and updated and whatever, but still no luck. I have a tech guy coming tomorrow, but am afraid he'll just screw up what I already have. I am using two cablecards in a TIVO box, and the problem is there for both tuners. Anyone ever heard of something like this?

He'll probably insist that you have to use their Motorola DVR box for everything to work correctly.

He'll probably say that if you use "foreign" equiptment that they don't supply, then they make no guarantees.

He'll probably insist that you have to use their Motorola DVR box for everything to work correctly.

He'll probably say that if you use "foreign" equiptment that they don't supply, then they make no guarantees.
He can say what he wants but the FCC says otherwise.

Comcast took over Adelphia cable service in Murrysville, PA. What channels will be detected with a new QAM-tuned tv on the Murrysville system with standard basic service? In other words, what digital and HD stations come through the cable, without a box, unencrypted?

My problem with not getting channel 226 was solved.
Comcast came out and tested it and said that the problem was with the coding at the office. He called and they added the code, but it still wouldn't work. They "concluded" that the problem was with the cable cards in the TIVO, and that they would have to come back later with two new cablecards.
I asked him if he had a Comcast DVR in the truck, and surprisingly he did. I told him to hook it u and see if I got channel 226. He did, and I got all channels except 226 - same as with TIVO.
He called the office again and they "fixed" the coding again. This time 226 came in fine. He disconncted his box, hooked up the TIVO and everything was fine. The first person who "corrected the coding" apparently messed up.

Hard to believe that they have to uses coding at the channel level rather than have packages coded into the system.

Now if only the Penguin game were on HD tonight I could watch them in HD.

My problem with not getting channel 226 was solved.
Comcast came out and tested it and said that the problem was with the coding at the office. He called and they added the code, but it still wouldn't work. They "concluded" that the problem was with the cable cards in the TIVO, and that they would have to come back later with two new cablecards.
I asked him if he had a Comcast DVR in the truck, and surprisingly he did. I told him to hook it u and see if I got channel 226. He did, and I got all channels except 226 - same as with TIVO.
He called the office again and they "fixed" the coding again. This time 226 came in fine. He disconncted his box, hooked up the TIVO and everything was fine. The first person who "corrected the coding" apparently messed up.

Hard to believe that they have to uses coding at the channel level rather than have packages coded into the system.

Now if only the Penguin game were on HD tonight I could watch them in HD.

Can I ask you JRM01 where did you get your Tivo unit and how much was it?

Does it encode all the digital and HD channels properly?

Does it freeze up constantly like the Motorola box supplied by Comcast?

Can I ask you JRM01 where did you get your Tivo unit and how much was it?

Does it encode all the digital and HD channels properly?

Does it freeze up constantly like the Motorola box supplied by Comcast?
I bought the unit at Best Buy. All channels are very good. As you may note frm earlier posts, I had problems with the analo tuners on two units, but after exchanging them all has been fine.

I have the occasional pixialization, maybe once or twice per hour, but overall I am very satisfied.

I'd say you are doing quite well for your $9 per month. I assume by "internal tuner" you are referring to a QAM tuner in your set. I am in Ross, so it is the "old" Comcast area. I have multile inputs to my TV, but one of them is the direct cable using the QAM tuner. I get abc, nbc, fox, my, pbs, pbs, music and In-demand preview in HD. The channels all are set at their OTA numbers (2-1, 4-1, 11-1 etc.). However, I do not get TNT-HD. I'm surprised that you do, since that is usually scrambled. I'll bet that Comcast will eventually scramble that for you.

Yeah I'm using my QAM tuner, and I just found Fox tonight. Channel 91.1 if anybody is intersted.

First post, been lurking for a while, I didn't see this posted yet.

Legal Notice from the post gazette

ON or after May 22, 2007, Comcast will add National Geographic HD on Channel 254 on the Standard Cable level of service.

Question for those living on the other side of the Liberty tubes, particularily Dormont. It looks like this is where I will be purchasing a house in the next year. After doing a channel lineup search with the Dormont zipcode on Comast's site, I noticed there are no ESPN2, Universal, My Network, MHD, or TNT HD channels. Is this correct, or is it just not updated.
I know some areas south on 19 were once Adelphia, maybe Dormont was too?
In any case, anyone living in Dormont with any info is helpful.

First post, been lurking for a while, I didn't see this posted yet.

Legal Notice from the post gazette

ON or after May 22, 2007, Comcast will add National Geographic HD on Channel 254 on the Standard Cable level of service.

Fantastic, another channel we likely won't be getting in the North Hills! :rolleyes:

Question for those living on the other side of the Liberty tubes, particularily Dormont. It looks like this is where I will be purchasing a house in the next year. After doing a channel lineup search with the Dormont zipcode on Comast's site, I noticed there are no ESPN2, Universal, My Network, MHD, or TNT HD channels. Is this correct, or is it just not updated.
I know some areas south on 19 were once Adelphia, maybe Dormont was too?
In any case, anyone living in Dormont with any info is helpful.My sister lives just past Dormont right off of 19 in Mt. Lebanon (Academy Ave.) They were definitely Adelphia, recently changed to Comcast.

My sister lives just past Dormont right off of 19 in Mt. Lebanon (Academy Ave.) They were definitely Adelphia, recently changed to Comcast.

If her guide shows HD channels (assumming she has a STB) can you let me know what channels she receives?
Thanks!

Question for those living on the other side of the Liberty tubes, particularily Dormont. It looks like this is where I will be purchasing a house in the next year. After doing a channel lineup search with the Dormont zipcode on Comast's site, I noticed there are no ESPN2, Universal, My Network, MHD, or TNT HD channels. Is this correct, or is it just not updated.
I know some areas south on 19 were once Adelphia, maybe Dormont was too?
In any case, anyone living in Dormont with any info is helpful.

I'm not trying to be a smartass Abeas, but why don't you just call Comcast and ask them? I'm sure they will tell you what's available in that area, and if it's not to your liking, then get DirectTV or DishNetwork.

I'm not trying to be a smartass Abeas, but why don't you just call Comcast and ask them? I'm sure they will tell you what's available in that area, and if it's not to your liking, then get DirectTV or DishNetwork.


I did that. I guess I should have mentioned that. The "helpful" CSR told me she didn't have that information readily available and to input Dormont's zipcode on the Comcast site. Granted it does show what channels MAY be available, but when I put in my zipcode it still does not show WPIXHD (ch. 211) as being available and it states that ch 255, VSGOLFHD, is Comcast Sportsnet, which also is obviously wrong. Furthermore, it also still lists "The Tube" as channel 241.
Hence is why I was asking for info from someone actually living there.

Can anyone that lives in OAKMONT verify the HD line-up? Again I hope the Comcast website is screwed up.

Earlier I posted that I was working with local officials to send a letter to Comcast with a detailed list of specific questions dealing with service and upgrade issues. Well, we received the typical Comcast response, which basically said for each question: "Comcast is developing plans to address this issue. Customers will be notified once the plans have been finalized."

The only meaningful pieces of information were that the North Hills head-end is 625 Mhz (I had thought they still had the 550 MHz), and that their shortage of HD boxes has been resolved and are now in plentiful supply".

Hard to get straight answers from them.

A CSR also told me that the Ross head end is 625mhz...good to get confirmation.

Thanks for your efforts JRM01, sorry it wasn't more fruitful.

did anyone get 208 and 200 as new channels also?

I know I got WTAE's weather subchannel and WQED's new subchannel (which is currently just a digital simulcast of WQED)

WTAE's weather channel is way better than NBC Weather Plus, IMO...

I know I got WTAE's weather subchannel and WQED's new subchannel (which is currently just a digital simulcast of WQED)

WTAE's weather channel is way better than NBC Weather Plus, IMO...

I think WQED's new channel 200 on Comcast is going to eventually be "The Neighborhood Channel"


http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07089/773665-237.stm

Of course these are digital channels, but not HD. That subchannel will degrade WTAEHD so that it has the quality of WPXI. If that includes sports, they will also become unwatchable!!

I'm not absolutely sure of this, but I believe that Comcast does not get their local channel feeds from over-the-air broadcasts. That would make this argument a moot point.

I say this because last year WQED was having technical problems with their HD (channel 38) broadcast feed, and it was off the air for a couple of months. During this time the HD channel was still available on Comcast.

I'm guessing, but I bet they are getting their feed via fiber optic cable directly to the headend.

Well this week FSN will finally produce some Pirate games in HD (Tue-Wed-Fri-Sat) and we'll get a chance to see if Comcast will deliver them on Channel 226.

I did that. I guess I should have mentioned that. The "helpful" CSR told me she didn't have that information readily available and to input Dormont's zipcode on the Comcast site. Granted it does show what channels MAY be available, but when I put in my zipcode it still does not show WPIXHD (ch. 211) as being available and it states that ch 255, VSGOLFHD, is Comcast Sportsnet, which also is obviously wrong. Furthermore, it also still lists "The Tube" as channel 241.
Hence is why I was asking for info from someone actually living there.

AFAIK Dormont was never Adelphia. I used to have Adelphia (pre Comcast) and I'm in the same zip as Dormont so there's more than one lineup.

Well this week FSN will finally produce some Pirate games in HD (Tue-Wed-Fri-Sat) and we'll get a chance to see if Comcast will deliver them on Channel 226.
i think the opener was in HD. I was at the game so i dont know if Comcast carried it, does anyone else know?

i think the opener was in HD. I was at the game so i dont know if Comcast carried it, does anyone else know?
It was in HD, and Comcast did carry it on 226. I'm just hoping they do it for all the telecasts that FSN produces in HD. I never trust them from day to day. They may decide to show some NBA playoff game instead. That's always a big market in Pittsburgh!!!

I live in Bethel Park and have Comcast. I have been using my cable card to get HDchannels. But my cable card has been giving me errors 161-6 161-4 so I removed the card and did a digital search. This was last week. I received several digital channels. I went back to the cable card, then today I took the card out again and did another search only to received one local digital channel. I think there are over 200 digital channels found but only WPXI 11.1 shows up.

Did Comcast just encrypt all the channels this week? Don't even get the digital music channels anymore. Anyone else have this issue?

With my cable card, I am receiving the following channels that I don't receive with my expanded basic package. These channels are in Digital and HD: DiscHD 776, TNTHD 775, Fox Sports HD 769, ESPNHD 772, ESPN2HD 773, PBSHD 713, WQEDHD 700, WTAE 704, WTAE Weather 100, KDKA 725, WPXI 748, FOX 706, and WPMY 707. Flix 235 and Flix West 236, and the Digital music channels 400. Was also receiving last week the MLB ticket pkg 531-539. But looks like they ended that this month.

I live in Bethel Park and have Comcast. I have been using my cable card to get HDchannels. But my cable card has been giving me errors 161-6 161-4 so I removed the card and did a digital search. This was last week. I received several digital channels. I went back to the cable card, then today I took the card out again and did another search only to received one local digital channel. I think there are over 200 digital channels found but only WPXI 11.1 shows up.

Did Comcast just encrypt all the channels this week? Don't even get the digital music channels anymore. Anyone else have this issue?

With my cable card, I am receiving the following channels that I don't receive with my expanded basic package. These channels are in Digital and HD: DiscHD 776, TNTHD 775, Fox Sports HD 769, ESPNHD 772, ESPN2HD 773, PBSHD 713, WQEDHD 700, WTAE 704, WTAE Weather 100, KDKA 725, WPXI 748, FOX 706, and WPMY 707. Flix 235 and Flix West 236, and the Digital music channels 400. Was also receiving last week the MLB ticket pkg 531-539. But looks like they ended that this month.

Cable Card error 161.4 can usually be ignored, however, error 161.1 usually means you have a bad card that needs to be replaced.

With Expanded Basis, you should be receiving WPXI as the only digital or HD station. This has nothing to do with the CC, or whether the channels are encrypted. Your service is flagged to only deliver certain stations to you and the others are blocked. The fact that you were receving the stations before was probably a coding error on the part of Comcast and was eventually corrected.

If you only subscribe to Expanded Basis the Cablecards are of no value, as you will not receive any additional channels. If you want to stay with Expanded Basic, get rid of the CC and attach a cheap indor antenna to receive local HD channels. I get six local HD channels with a $5 indoor antenna that just hangs from the back of my set.

Cable Card error 161.4 can usually be ignored, however, error 161.1 usually means you have a bad card that needs to be replaced.

With Expanded Basis, you should be receiving WPXI as the only digital or HD station. This has nothing to do with the CC, or whether the channels are encrypted. Your service is flagged to only deliver certain stations to you and the others are blocked. The fact that you were receving the stations before was probably a coding error on the part of Comcast and was eventually corrected.

If you only subscribe to Expanded Basis the Cablecards are of no value, as you will not receive any additional channels. If you want to stay with Expanded Basic, get rid of the CC and attach a cheap indor antenna to receive local HD channels. I get six local HD channels with a $5 indoor antenna that just hangs from the back of my set.

I have never gotten the 161.1 error, only the 161-4 and 161-6.

You are wrong, I have expanded basic and I use the Cable Card. I listed in my prior post, the channels I receive in addition to the normal expanded basic channels I get when using the cable card.

My tv is digital cable ready which is able to pick up digital channels thru a digital scan w/o use of an antenna. I have always been able to pick up digital channels which constantly change. Just no need for using them because I was getting more channels with use of my cable card. But since I was having issues with the CC I was checking to see if I could just use the tv instead of going thru the cable card. But just this week the only digital one that comes up is WPXI, when last week I had a lot more digital channels.

My QAM channels are back on Comcast Bethel Park. Here is what I am now receiving.

WPXI-DT
FOXHD
WPMYHD
TNTHD
Digital Music Channels
Some Arabic channel
Comcast On demand channels.

Anyone in the South Hills getting any others?

is anyone with Armstrong getting any QAM channels in the clear ? if so i may go out and get a QAM tuner. any info is appreciated.

is anyone with Armstrong getting any QAM channels in the clear ? if so i may go out and get a QAM tuner. any info is appreciated.

Click here for the link (http://pa.mypublicnotices.com/PublicNotice.asp?Page=PublicNotice&AdId=528935)
ON or after June 19, 2007, Comcast will launch The Neighborhood on the Basic level of service on digital channel 201. Comcast will also move GSN from channel 52 on Standard Cable to the Digital Classic level of service on channel 179. Additionally, CMT will move from channel 65 on Standard Cable to the Digital Classic level of service on channel 146.

In addition, on or after June 19, 2007, Comcast will add Comcast SportsNet HD (channel 255), MHD (channel 209), TNT-HD (channel 249), ESPN2-HD (channel 253) and National Geographic HD (channel 254) to the Standard level of service. NBC Universal HD (channel 215) will be added to the Basic level of service.

Viewing of high-definition channels requires a high-definition television set and may also require a Comcast high-definition digital converter or CableCARD.

These changes will occur in the service areas listed below:

Boroughs of: Aspinwall, Avalon, Baldwin, Bellevue, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Braddock Hills, Brentwood, Castle Shannon, Chalfant, Dormont, Edgewood, Emsworth, Etna, Forest Hills, Portions of Fox Chapel, Franklin Park, Jefferson Hills, Millvale, Sharpsburg, Whitehall, West Elizabeth, West View, Wilkinsburg

City of: Clairton

Municipality of: Penn Hills

Town of: McCandless

Townships of: Baldwin, Kilbuck, portions O'Hara, Ohio, Reserve, Ross, portions of Shaler, South Park

For customers receiving service through commercial accounts or bulk rate arrangements, some of the information contained herein may not apply. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the separate agreement. Where terms are inconsistent with the information in this notice, the terms and conditions of the separate agreement will apply. Certain restrictions may apply. If you have questions, please contact us at 1-800-COMCAST.

Great news. It's about time.

Notably absent from the list is GOLFVS and FSN-HD, but could it be that Comcast will show those events on their SportsNet (255) channel?

Interesting that they even mentioned the word "cablecard", like it is something that they support.

Great news indeed. Thanks for the post.

My guess is that 255 will be the catch-all HD sports channel as well.

They list 255 as Comcast Sports Net but it is actually Vs-Golf Hd here (Canonsburg). They list Comcast Sports Net on the channel guide on the website for some reason. I believe that FSN will still be put on 226 when they broadcast in HD.

I just noticed that I am now getting National Geographic HD on channel 254. I live in the Southside. Didn't notice this yesterday, so it must have been added today. I did not receive a message about it on my cable box.

I just noticed that I am now getting National Geographic HD on channel 254. I live in the Southside. Didn't notice this yesterday, so it must have been added today. I did not receive a message about it on my cable box.
Well, that makes us even. I received a message saying it was added to the lineup (Ross Twp), but I am not getting it.

I lost most of my premium HD channels over this past weekend (Comcast North Hills). When i tried to call Comcast I was on hold forever, and they had a recorded message saying that they were experiencing problems with digital channels. I hung up and the channels were back on Monday.

Tonight I found out that they are gone again. I'll call in the morning, but I was wondering if anyone else is having similar problems.

I lost most of my premium HD channels over this past weekend (Comcast North Hills). When i tried to call Comcast I was on hold forever, and they had a recorded message saying that they were experiencing problems with digital channels. I hung up and the channels were back on Monday.

Tonight I found out that they are gone again. I'll call in the morning, but I was wondering if anyone else is having similar problems.


Last night, 5-30, FSN was totally black. Couldn't watch the Pirates game. Also 253, ESPN2, was blacked out as well. I have no idea why, although the standard def channel for ESPN2 was working, but had ESPN News instead of the baseball game that was supposed to be on.

Apparently they consider Cleveland to be a local area. I too had ESPN2hd blackedout as well as ESPN2 standard showing ESPN News. FSN worked fine for me last night, as I was able to watch the Pirates game. 9-0, We Will........piss you off to no end.

Well, I found out why I have periodically lost premium channels. I have two cablecards in TIVO and Comcast was charging me for an additional outlet. I called and complained and they said they would take the charge off my bill. They did, but they also took the premium channels off of one of my cablecards. They are trying to fix it right now.

While on hold with Comcast the recorded message said that Cleve games were blacked out in Pgh market due to MLB black ot rules. Go figure.

You didn't miss much on FSN, Pirates lose 9-0. We will.......get shut out again.

Just got my bill...they added on $5 for an "HD converter" charge.
Anyone else get hit w/this or is this b/c I have 2 HD boxes?
Ridiculous. $10 for the DVR. $6 each for 2 additional digital outlets, and now $5 more for HD? :mad:

My 6-4 bill is to the penny as my 5-4.

I have one DVR downstairs feed from an outdoor splitter. Also from that splitter is one kitchen outlet (no cable box involved for an analog tv) and a final line for my internet.

Yeah, I've got an HD DVR, a digital box in the bedroom, and a regular HD box in my HT room.
Maybe they're nabbing me for the HD box in the HT. I might have to consider ditching the one in the HT and just going back to my OTA/QAM box up there, it doesn't get much use outside of football season anyway...certainly not for $11/month.

I put an email in to customer service, we'll see what kind of brain dead response I get back.

EDIT - - -

And here it is:

Dear Scott,
>
> Thank you for your message!
>
> I see from your email that you would like to inquire regarding a charge
> for high definition equipment on your billing.
>
> This information was sent to our subscribers in April. There will now
> be a charge of $8.99 for high definition equipment. This charge only
> applies to your high definition box.
>
> All other boxes you may have will remain the same price.

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

>

I have Comcast-Bethel Park. Last night I had trouble with the Pirates game with the picture breaking up digitally and then the screen would go blank sometimes with sound and sometimes without sound for 1-2 seconds at a time. After the game I was watching the Shield on F/X from my HD-DVR and had the same problems. Did anybody else experience anything like this? Not sure if it is a source problem, DVR problem or cable problem. It wasn't the TV set because my son was watching a DVD with no problems.

I had the same problem with he Pirate game (North Hills). It got so bad that I switched to regular FSN channel for awhile (1/2 hour), then went back to the HD channel and all was fine.

The PQ irritated me, but I didn't mind Bob Walk being on mute for awhile.

I am also in Bethel and had issues also. I have gotten a no signal message on ESPNHD a couple times recently also.

I am glad my tv has cable card, because those fees Comcast charges for HD boxes are criminal.

My QAM channels are back on Comcast Bethel Park. Here is what I am now receiving.

WPXI-DT
FOXHD
WPMYHD
TNTHD
Digital Music Channels
Some Arabic channel
Comcast On demand channels.

Anyone in the South Hills getting any others?

Colonel,

I'm also in Bethel Park and using a QAM tuner. I just got my TV today, but it looks like I have the following:


83.1 - FSN
89.1 - Weather (WTAE)
89.2 - WTAE
89.3 - WPXI
91.1 - Fox53 (I think)
91.2 - my Pittsburgh
92.1-92.39 - Comcast Music Channels
100.1 - TNT-HD
116.3 - Arabic

These next few are weird (might just be my TV, but this is what it says):
13.1 (109) - WQED-HD
13.2 (109) - KDKA-HD
13.2 (109) - WQED-SD (yes, they are 2 different channels that I can flip to, but apparently the same number?)

Would you mind telling me what # your Comcast On Demand channels are?

Colonel,

I'm also in Bethel Park and using a QAM tuner. I just got my TV today, but it looks like I have the following:


83.1 - FSN
89.1 - Weather (WTAE)
89.2 - WTAE
89.3 - WPXI
91.1 - Fox53 (I think)
91.2 - my Pittsburgh
92.1-92.39 - Comcast Music Channels
100.1 - TNT-HD
116.3 - Arabic

These next few are weird (might just be my TV, but this is what it says):
13.1 (109) - WQED-HD
13.2 (109) - KDKA-HD
13.2 (109) - WQED-SD (yes, they are 2 different channels that I can flip to, but apparently the same number?)

Would you mind telling me what # your Comcast On Demand channels are?

I just hooked up a new Sony32XBR2 in my bedroom and I don't receive
FSN, WQED, KDKA. I will try entering those manually when I get home today and see what happens. Whats the (#) mean?

I just tried 83.1 and FSN HD comes in. But if I run thru channel list, it doesn't show up. I guess I always have to manually type it in. I tried the other chanels 13.1 nothing.

My On Demand Channels start at 74.101-10, 75-101-4 and 77.101-06 . Its hard to tell because most of the time the channels are blank because no one is watching the on demand stuff.

My On Demand Channels start at 74.101-10, 75-101-4 and 77.101-06 . Its hard to tell because most of the time the channels are blank because no one is watching the on demand stuff.

Oh... I have a ton of those blank channels. I didn't realize they were On Demand channels. I'm glad you mentioned that. I'm not sure I understand how those work though. Do you mean someone has to be watching on one of the other TVs on your line in order for you to be able to view the On Demand content?

My FSN-HD and KDKA-HD channels only showed up when I did a different type of channel scan on my TV. My first channel scan was done using "cable" as my antenna choice. I have a few other choices including IRC cable, HRC cable, and OTA. When I did a channel scan on "IRC", that's when FSN-HD and KDKA-HD showed up. Incidentally, IRC means "Incrementally Related Carrier"... but I do not know what the heck that means. I'm still learning.

How's this for marketing noise. Comcast is going to have 400 HD channels this year, and 800 HD channels next year.

http://www.engadgethd.com/2007/06/13/comcast-promises-400-hd-channels-this-year-and-800-the-next/

I wonder what their definition of a channel is?

Wake me when they get to 40...and then we'll talk about 400! :p

40! You'll beat Rip Van Winkles record!

Think I just figured it out. They will offer 200 On Demand movies and 175 HD TV series on demand, and call each one a "channel".

OK, how about when they add 4 within 12 months of each other?

Oh... I have a ton of those blank channels. I didn't realize they were On Demand channels. I'm glad you mentioned that. I'm not sure I understand how those work though. Do you mean someone has to be watching on one of the other TVs on your line in order for you to be able to view the On Demand content?

My FSN-HD and KDKA-HD channels only showed up when I did a different type of channel scan on my TV. My first channel scan was done using "cable" as my antenna choice. I have a few other choices including IRC cable, HRC cable, and OTA. When I did a channel scan on "IRC", that's when FSN-HD and KDKA-HD showed up. Incidentally, IRC means "Incrementally Related Carrier"... but I do not know what the heck that means. I'm still learning.

Yes, in order for something to show up on one of the On Demand Channels, someone in your local area has to be watching. So don't go planning any viewing viewing around them.... I usually will just go thru every channel. Like last night someone was watching Steelers On Demand, and I watched that.

I was able to find the CBS HD channel as well as the 2 i believe digital WQED Channels and the WQEDHD Channel.

When I do a Auto Progam and Add Digital they don't show up, but if I punch the numbers in manually they show up. I am going to go thru the channels again to see if I can pick any more up.

What kind of tv do you have? I don't think my Sony has IRC scan.

Those of you using QAM tuners, are you on Comcast that used to be Adelphia?

Yes, Bethel Park Comcast is former Adelphia.

What kind of tv do you have? I don't think my Sony has IRC scan.

I have a 32" Westinghouse (SK-32H510S). I'm really just learning it though.

Thanks for the explanation on the On Demand. It will be interesting to see what my neighbors are watching.

Well tomorrow is D-day for those of us waiting to get caught up on the HD channels most everybody else has...if you're on the Ross or Castle Shannon head ends give a shout if you see any new channels appear.

If this is D-Day we have lost the war!
Today's changes:
CMTV moved from 64 to 146
WQEDDT3 added at 201.

Really? I've got all the channels they said I would (MHD, TNT, ESPN2, NGEO, VSGLF, UHD).
I would've posted sooner but my g/f had to revive me w/smelling salts. :eek:

Oh my God! You're right. I watch thru my TIVO and I hadn't marked these as channels I received. I rechecked and now have added:

209 MTVHD
215 UHD
249 TNTHD
253 ESPN2HD
255 GOLFVS
254 NGCHD

Couldn't find MHD. What and where is this?

Sorry, MHD is Music High Definition (209), not sure how it shows up in the guide.

Really? I've got all the channels they said I would (MHD, TNT, ESPN2, NGEO, VSGLF, UHD).
I would've posted sooner but my g/f had to revive me w/smelling salts. :eek:
Congrats :) :p :rolleyes: :D :o (I couldn't make up my mind)

Now I will not have to feel so bad next month when I get HGTV, Foodtv, and A & E, and you don't.

No flaming, scottro, it's a joke.

Ha ha, no offense taken, I'm just happy to be caught up, at least temporarily.

Who knows, maybe they made some upgrades and shifted enough around this time to leave some extra room in the pipe for those channels too. Unlikely, but a man can dream...

Just got home from work and found A&E HD on channel 256. I live in the southside, zip 15203. Hopefully others get it too.

I only had 1 channel added to my cable card. That is WQEDN. Channel 701. Did a digital scan on my bedroom tv and didn't notice any new channels.

I only had 1 channel added to my cable card. That is WQEDN. Channel 701. Did a digital scan on my bedroom tv and didn't notice any new channels.

Ditto here, Colonel. Just 701 and nothing else. We already had some of the others anyway, but I'd like to have Nat'l Geographic.

ksupmac,

Last night I was watching Planet Earth on DiscHD and the picture left a small part of the screen to the right blank. Did you happen to notice that. I just hope it wasn't an issue with my tv.

A&E on 256 in North Huntingdon

The same 256 here in Canonsburg. Wow, what a line-up of repeats. Sure would rather have had Foodtv to see Giada.

How about you Scottro, in the Northhills outpost next to Fort Apache?

The same 256 here in Canonsburg. Wow, what a line-up of repeats. Sure would rather have had Foodtv to see Giada.

How about you Scottro, in the Northhills outpost next to Fort Apache?

Don't think so, but I'll double check tonight :(

Are you rubbing it in wstanko? :p

Four more channels were added to my lineup here in Ross Township today:
781 - Game 11
782 - Game 12
783 - game 13
784 - Game 14

Of course they are not available unless you subscribe to the MLB Extra Innings package for $160 per season.

ksupmac,

Last night I was watching Planet Earth on DiscHD and the picture left a small part of the screen to the right blank. Did you happen to notice that. I just hope it wasn't an issue with my tv.

Sorry colonel. I wasn't watching at that time, so I don't know. Hopefully you haven't had that issue since.

I have heard rumors that Comcast in North Hills has now switched to digital simulcast. I use cablecards (In a Tivo) and my lower number stations are still analog. Is there anyone there who has the Comcast Digital Box who can check to see if the lower number stations are now in Digital. You can do this by tuning to a lower number channel and:

For most of the Motorola boxes / firmware:

1) Tune to the channel you want to check

2) Turn the STB to Standby/Off and press SELECT on the box OR OK on the remote within 2 seconds to enter the Diagnostic Main Menu.

3) Press DOWN ARROW to "d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS" and press OK/SELECT

It will say TYPE = Digital or Analog

4) Press Power to exit the Diagnostic Main Menu and Power again to turn the STB back on.

I know Comcast has gotten a bad rap in customer service, but I for the 2nd time in a month I got a $20 credit w/o asking because I have had a couple issues with them dropping my service on certain HD channels. They have been very apologetic and it doesn't ring hollow when then are giving me money back.

I have heard rumors that Comcast in North Hills has now switched to digital simulcast.

Still analog as of a few days ago (Avalon - Ross Head end)

www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/today/s_504349.html

Anybody know when the MLB extra innings package, or any other major sports league NHL/NBA will be available in the North Hills area? Why is Comcast so slow to add these packages? I can't believe they wouldnt make money off of them.

Still analog as of a few days ago (Avalon - Ross Head end)
Thanks. I've had several people (here in Ross) tell me they were getting them all in digital (but I'm not sure they know what they are talking about). Mine were all analog, but I use cablecards and I've been afraid that the cablecards were just mapping the wrong signal for me.

Anybody know when the MLB extra innings package, or any other major sports league NHL/NBA will be available in the North Hills area? Why is Comcast so slow to add these packages? I can't believe they wouldnt make money off of them.
I have had the channels for MLB (78x) in my line up for over a month. They are just blank, I assumed do to the fact that I don't subscribe. Has Comcast told you they are not available? I've also been looking for College GameDay, but was told that is not available in Ross.

I call on a monthly basis to check since I shelled out money for Dish network, which sucks by the way and Dish lost the MLB package anyways. Now I'm stuck in a contract for Dish network while i have the Comcast bundle. The Comcast CSRs always say its not available in my area and they have no idea when it will be. On my Motorola box the only channels in the 700s is exercise on demand.

Does anyone know why both of my HDTVs cannot find KDKA HD (in the clear QAM) on my Comcast System? I have all the other locals, but my TVs cannot seem to find this QAM.

Some background: I live in McMurray, PA, which is a former Adelphia system...now Comcast.

I have a TiVo Series 3 box, with two Scientific Atlanta Cable Cards. Everything is fine with the TiVo...all channels are received fine.

However, I have two HDTVs (Toshiba 62MX196 and Vizio VX37L that have QAM tuners built in. They do not have cablecards installed. So I should be able to received all "in the clear" QAM channels directly on the TVs. So far, so good...the TV's find all the local HDTV in the clear QAMs (FOX53, WTAE-DT, WPXI-DT, etc)...EXCEPT for KDKA-DT???

This is an issue, as I like to watch Steelers football with Video courtesy of CBS (KDKA) and Audio courtesy of the Steelers Radio Network (WDVE 102.5FM) Radio. If I try to do this through the TiVo, then the Video is much delayed against the play calling on the the Radio FM Audio. So the idea is to have no PVR delay, turn down the TV sound, and watch directly through the Clear-QAM TV signal and listen to the FM broadcast.

Anybody have any info/ideas as to why I can't find KDKA-DT feed on either of these TVs?

Barry

Wow! I called Comcast tech yesterday looking for information regarding QAM tuners. I wanted to buy a kitchen HD with this turner, and he told me that unless I had a cable card I would get no HD station since all digital channels are encoded. :confused:

I live in Canonsburg which is not part of the old Adelphia, but I am now quite curious about this possible dirty little secret. Is anyone else out there using QAM tuning for HD?

I have Comcast in No. Hills, so lineups are different. However, I do get all the QAM channels as expected.

KDKA has moved their frequencies around and some people have reported getting it on channel 25-1 instead of 2-1. Have you checked there?

I have Comcast in No. Hills, so lineups are different. However, I do get all the QAM channels as expected.

KDKA has moved their frequencies around and some people have reported getting it on channel 25-1 instead of 2-1. Have you checked there?


I've tried every "found" QAM that the TVs get during a scan. KDKA is NOT one of them.

I'll try manually at 25-1...

Thanks!

Barry

Wow! I called Comcast tech yesterday looking for information regarding QAM tuners. I wanted to buy a kitchen HD with this turner, and he told me that unless I had a cable card I would get no HD station since all digital channels are encoded. :confused:

I live in Canonsburg which is not part of the old Adelphia, but I am now quite curious about this possible dirty little secret. Is anyone else out there using QAM tuning for HD?

wstanko,

This is obviously bad information. The tech does not know what they are talking about.

The cable companies are required by the FCC to carry any local OTA D-TV channels "in the clear" on their systems. So WTAE-DT, FOX53-DT, WPXI-DT, MYTV-DT, and KDKA-DT all are SUPPOSED to be broadcast in-the-clear...that is without encryption. Sometimes, there are others being broadcast this way as well.

The cable card does two things: it maps the channels to the QAM signals correctly, so you can tune to say CH 725 to get KDKA...just like if you had a set-top box. The second thing is it decrypts those QAMs that are NOT being sent in the clear....which will be all digitial (both HD AND SD) channels other than those above.

Also, just curious: Do you currently have a Set-Top from Comcast? If so, is it Motorola or Scientific Atlanta? My understanding is that Comcast is all Motorola? Which means that here in Peters Twp, Comcast has not yet changed the the Bethel Park head-end yet over to Moto...if they ever will.

Also, (and this from a reliable upper-level Philly Comcast source), that they ARE going to ALL-Digitial simulcast everywhere. In fact my source was surprised that they are not ALREADY doing it throughout the Pittsburgh franchise. I mentioned that I'm in a former Adelphia system, and he was still somewhat surprised. I'll be speaking to him again this week about some other things and hopefully get more info/Pgh contacts that will know what they are talking about.

Verizon just finished FiOS in McMurray (Peters) and TV should be available in Nov/Dec 2007 timeframe. Verizon has NO analog and uses the CableCard as well, so Comcast has a vested interest in fixing this by then...IMHO...

Barry

Wow! I called Comcast tech yesterday looking for information regarding QAM tuners. I wanted to buy a kitchen HD with this turner, and he told me that unless I had a cable card I would get no HD station since all digital channels are encoded. :confused:

I live in Canonsburg which is not part of the old Adelphia, but I am now quite curious about this possible dirty little secret. Is anyone else out there using QAM tuning for HD?
Absolutely. All the local HD stations are in the clear and can be received by basic cable into a HD TV with a QAM tuner. Comcast CSR was probably not lying to you, he (like most of their reps) don't understand this.

wstanko,

Also, (and this from a reliable upper-level Philly Comcast source), that they ARE going to ALL-Digitial simulcast everywhere. In fact my source was surprised that they are not ALREADY doing it throughout the Pittsburgh franchise. I mentioned that I'm in a former Adelphia system, and he was still somewhat surprised. I'll be speaking to him again this week about some other things and hopefully get more info/Pgh contacts that will know what they are talking about.


Barry
I have heard rumors for weeks that they have switched the No Hills Comcast to ADS, but haven't been able to confirm it. I'm using cablecards in a Tivo and it still receives the analog version, but that doesn't mean anything since Comcast is reportedly not mapping the digital version to cablecards.

Anyone with the Comcast STB should be able to confirm whether the are getting digital versions.

I have heard rumors for weeks that they have switched the No Hills Comcast to ADS, but haven't been able to confirm it. I'm using cablecards in a Tivo and it still receives the analog version, but that doesn't mean anything since Comcast is reportedly not mapping the digital version to cablecards.

Anyone with the Comcast STB should be able to confirm whether the are getting digital versions.

According to my source, they (Comcast) want to keep TiVo Series 3 customers happy. So, if they are not NOW mapping to all digital on CableCards, the plan is that they WILL...eventually. I asked about SDV, and that is also a plan, but again, they know they don't want to piss-off TiVo Series 3 customers.

This is all especially true because: 1.) Verizon supports TiVo Series 3 with Cable Cards, 2.) Verizon is "all-digital" from the get-go., and 3.) Verizon does NOT use SDV.

So Comcast views not supporting CableCards as akin to holding the door open themselves for Verizon to come and take customers away...

The "wrench" here in Peter's Twp is that we are a former Adelphia system, with Adelphia infrastructure. Getting accurate information on infrastructure updates/migration to full "Comcast" "SOP" is exceedingly difficult.

Anyway, I guess the whole intent of CableCard is that there is no difference between STBs. In fact, as of July (or early Aug), even their own STBs MSOs deploy now MUST use CableCard technology. So now there REALLY should be no difference (other than VOD).

Anyway, I guess the whole intent of CableCard is that there is no difference between STBs. In fact, as of July (or early Aug), even their own STBs MSOs deploy now MUST use CableCard technology. So now there REALLY should be no difference (other than VOD).
Unfortunately there is still a major difference in the deployment of cablecards. The cards that are included in their own boxes are intialized and paired in the shop, then screwed into place within the box. When the field tech takes the box to the customer he just has to get an authorization hit to activate them.

Standalone cards, however, must be initialized and paired to the host after they are installed in the field. This leaves the process in serious doubt based on the poor knowledge of the tech support people, as well as the dispatcher who has to input the info into the system. If they want to keep happy Tivo customers they need to be better able to successfully install them in the field, which today the are very poor at.

I hope that you are right that they will map the digital channels to the cablecards when ADS is implemented, but that has not been their history in other cities when it was done.

I was told by someone who works at the former Adelphia office in Bethel Park that they will not be redoing their headends for financial reasons. There aren't enough of us to have it make sense. Those of us in the former Adelphia area are stuck with the SA boxes and no all-digital system. They will be reshuffling the channel lineups to match other Comcast systems, but that's about it.

Unfortunately there is still a major difference in the deployment of cablecards. The cards that are included in their own boxes are intialized and paired in the shop, then screwed into place within the box. When the field tech takes the box to the customer he just has to get an authorization hit to activate them.

Standalone cards, however, must be initialized and paired to the host after they are installed in the field. This leaves the process in serious doubt based on the poor knowledge of the tech support people, as well as the dispatcher who has to input the info into the system. If they want to keep happy Tivo customers they need to be better able to successfully install them in the field, which today the are very poor at.

I hope that you are right that they will map the digital channels to the cablecards when ADS is implemented, but that has not been their history in other cities when it was done.

I live in the Washington area where the cable system is all-digital simulcast.

I have a cablecard in my Panasonic plasma television and I get all the channels in the same spot that they're on the cable box, including HD channels.

I live in the Washington area where the cable system is all-digital simulcast.

I have a cablecard in my Panasonic plasma television and I get all the channels in the same spot that they're on the cable box, including HD channels.
Proper functioning of an ADS system is not about what "spot" the channel appears on, but whether the analog or digital version is mapped to that "spot".

For example, the SD version of KDKA may appear on channel 6 for the cable system. In an ADS system users who are using a direct feed cable into the TV will get the analog version of KDKA, and users who have a STB will get the digital version. Both will appear at channel 6. The question is, if you have cablecards, is Comcast properly mapping the digital version of KDKA SD to channel six?

Proper functioning of an ADS system is not about what "spot" the channel appears on, but whether the analog or digital version is mapped to that "spot".

For example, the SD version of KDKA may appear on channel 6 for the cable system. In an ADS system users who are using a direct feed cable into the TV will get the analog version of KDKA, and users who have a STB will get the digital version. Both will appear at channel 6. The question is, if you have cablecards, is Comcast properly mapping the digital version of KDKA SD to channel six?


Yes.
Absolutely.
No question.

I live in Morgantown, WV but I'm in the Pittsburgh Region for Comcast.
I picked up an HD box last week, and it's been a pain ever since

Sometimes, it takes forever for the box to turn on and it eventually returns a message that "advanced services are not available - Press Info When the Message Light Blinks". This means no HD channels and no on screen guides.
Sometimes it is fine.
Sometimes I get all the HD channels, sometimes I get about half of them to tune in immediately, and the others I have to leave the channel, patiently, for a couple of minutes for the channel to come in.

My TV has a QAM, and I used it for a few days before I turned in my std box for the HD box, and I don't recall these issues. Of course I can only get the basic HD channels, no ESPN, ESPN2, DscHD, TNTHD, etc. I did start to have the issues on the std box, and that's why I turned it in. I thought it was bad.

Anyone else have these problems or can comment on them?

According to my "channel lineup" on the Comcast website, using zipcode 15203 (Southside Pittsburgh) I should be getting channels 257 and 258, HGTVHD and Food HD. They aren't showing up on my cablebox or cablecard. Anyone have these channels yet? I did notice NFLHD show up on 261 this week however.

I called Comcast to check. They told me both should be available in the next month. I live in 15317 (Canonsburg). On a side note, I also got them to give me the Digital Sports Tier free for the rest of the year!!!

I live in Morgantown, WV but I'm in the Pittsburgh Region for Comcast.
I picked up an HD box last week, and it's been a pain ever since

My TV has a QAM, and I used it for a few days before I turned in my std box for the HD box, and I don't recall these issues. Of course I can only get the basic HD channels, no ESPN, ESPN2, DscHD, TNTHD, etc. I did start to have the issues on the std box, and that's why I turned it in. I thought it was bad.

Anyone else have these problems or can comment on them?

I called them tonight--now they tell me in order to recieve the above HD channels, I have to subscribe to a digital package.
The pamphlet I picked up when I got the high def box says I only need a std cable subscription. I got these channels for a week, now it says I have to subscribe to them. B.S

According to my "channel lineup" on the Comcast website, using zipcode 15203 (Southside Pittsburgh) I should be getting channels 257 and 258, HGTVHD and Food HD. They aren't showing up on my cablebox or cablecard. Anyone have these channels yet? I did notice NFLHD show up on 261 this week however.
Is that NFLHD part of a paid Sports Tier? Mine just showed up in Canonsburg and it is blocked. I called to complain but they stuck to the story.

I was told by someone who works at the former Adelphia office in Bethel Park that they will not be redoing their headends for financial reasons. There aren't enough of us to have it make sense. Those of us in the former Adelphia area are stuck with the SA boxes and no all-digital system. They will be reshuffling the channel lineups to match other Comcast systems, but that's about it.

Yeah, well that tune might change come November/December when Verizon starts offering TV over FiOS. If not, then no biggie, I'll be switching.

Really, I don't see how they have a choice if they want to remain competitive with Verizon. If the above is true, I see a vast migration of customers from the Bethel Park/McMurray areas...

Plus if it IS true, I will be evangelizing to everyone in earshot as to why they should switch to FiOS....and seriously it would be a "no-brainer"...


Barry

Is that NFLHD part of a paid Sports Tier? Mine just showed up in Canonsburg and it is blocked. I called to complain but that stuck to the story.

Call them and when you do pick the option to downgrade service. This got me to retention. I asked about the $1.99/ month for 12 months deal for the sports tier. They said they can't do that but they could give me it for free for the rest of the year. If you don't get the answer you want the first time just call back.

I've tried every "found" QAM that the TVs get during a scan. KDKA is NOT one of them.

I'll try manually at 25-1...

Thanks!

Barry

Did you have any luck? I live on the border of Peters in Bethel and I was having and issue with KDKA, WPGH, and all the PBS channels for a while, and just this week, those channels are back. KDKA is on 109.7. The weird thing is my father also lives in Bethel near the Post Office, and his KDKA was coming in on 2.1. But he lost it for a while also, not sure he has it back.

I am now not getting TBS HD, it was on 100.13

I checked my fathers QAM, he still isn't pulling in KDKA. He gets WTAE at 4.1, and WPXI at 11.1 while I get mine at different channels. Noticed some movie channels coming in 113.1, 113,7, 113.8. Not sure what ones they are.

TBS HD? Are you sure?

Is that NFLHD part of a paid Sports Tier? Mine just showed up in Canonsburg and it is blocked. I called to complain but that stuck to the story.

I have Digital Premier, including sports tier in Ross, but no NFL HD.

Yes.
Absolutely.
No question.

Actually, it is a question. Is anyone who is on a Comcast ADS system getting the digital version of basic cable with their cablecards?

Actually, it is a question. Is anyone who is on a Comcast ADS system getting the digital version of basic cable with their cablecards?


JRM,

I meant what I said in my previous post because I COMPLETELY understood what you were asking.
YES. YES. YES.
I have a cablecard in a Comcast ADS system and ALL OF MY CHANNELS ON THE CABLECARD ARE DIGITAL.
I hope that clears it up.
P.S. If you don't believe me, you can send me a personal message and I will tell you where I live, and you'll be more than welcome to come to my home and see it for yourself.

Benji,

I believe you. I mis-understood your prior resonse. I thought your three answers were responding to 3 different things that I mentioned in my post, not to my final question. Sorry for the confusion. I don't doubt you at all. Really. Truly. No question.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07232/810739-237.stm

Sounds like another digital subchannel for WPXI. I fear that can only be bad for the HD picture quality on the main channel, which already suffers considerably.

For no special reason, I check The Comcast TV Planner page everyday. I lied, there is a reason; I'm looking for new HD channels. Today, they finally added 261 NFL HD, that I have had in my EPG for days. BUTTTT,
also added is FoodTV HD channel 257. I ran to my TV to see it, but it is not there in the EPG as of yet. Do any of you have it yet?

My Tivo found three new channels in the EPG today:
257 - FOODHD
258 - HGHD
261 - NFL - HD

Unfortunately, none of them show up when I tune to them.

I ran home to let the dogs out...Nothing new as of about 12:30pm.

Press release:

FSN, the exclusive rights holder to Pittsburgh Penguins regional hockey game telecasts, announced it will produce a minimum of 70 contests in the 2007-08 regular season.

Coverage on FSN begins with the season opener at Carolina on Fri., Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. The Pens host the Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks on Sat., Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m.

“We are about to begin one of the most exciting seasons of hockey on FSN,” said Steve Tello, FSN Pittsburgh Senior Vice President & General Manager. “FSN plans to bring its viewers at least 70 games this season with 36 of them available in High Definition.”
All 82 of the Penguins NHL games will be televised with at least 70 games regionally on FSN Pittsburgh. Versus plans to carry eight games nationally. In addition, the Penguins can be selected for up to four regular season games on NBC. The NHL will offer flexible scheduling for NBC with games selected for broadcast on NBC thirteen days prior to the scheduled game.

Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey return as the Voices of Penguins Hockey on FSN.

Outside of game coverage, FSN also will provide the team and its fans with related programming highlighted by live on-site pregame Savran on SportsBeat shows and extensive post-game coverage on FSN Live: Penguins Edition.

The high definition schedule will be announced at a later date.




By my math...48 HD Pens games? SWEEEET>

Does anyone know why both of my HDTVs cannot find KDKA HD (in the clear QAM) on my Comcast System? I have all the other locals, but my TVs cannot seem to find this QAM.

Some background: I live in McMurray, PA, which is a former Adelphia system...now Comcast.

Barry... I'm in Bethel Park (also former Adelphia). KDKA-HD for me is 13.2. Somehow there are actually two instances of 13.2 on my TV. One is WQED SD, and the other somehow is KDKA-HD. Not sure why, but that's the way it is for me.

Incidentally, Bethel Park also approved the agreement with Verizon for FiOS. I am pretty interested in going with FiOS, but I'm still trying to learn about how it all works with my current equipment. I currently have one TV using a Scientific Atlanta box connected by HDMI. My other TV (with QAM) is connected directly to the cable. Will I be able to directly connect to a cable with FiOS the same way I do now? Or do I need something special that is compatible with a cablecard (I have no experience with a cablecard). I'm concerned because I'm looking to purchase another TV very soon, and I don't want to buy a TV that won't allow me to connect to FiOS without a box.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07232/810739-237.stm

Sounds like another digital subchannel for WPXI. I fear that can only be bad for the HD picture quality on the main channel, which already suffers considerably.


well, i guess i'll be skipping wpxi entirely this tv season !!!! . it was laughably bad signal PQ as it is now- combined with the horrible advertising breakins that kept the shows in sd widescreen until 10-15 minutes later. thank goodness universal will likely be offering heroes season 2 on hd-dvd... will stink waiting a year to find out what happens next.

For no special reason, I check The Comcast TV Planner page everyday. I lied, there is a reason; I'm looking for new HD channels. Today, they finally added 261 NFL HD, that I have had in my EPG for days. BUTTTT,
also added is FoodTV HD channel 257. I ran to my TV to see it, but it is not there in the EPG as of yet. Do any of you have it yet?

In addition to 257, 258 HGTV HD shows up on the TV Planner, but not my set. I called CS for activation info and she said they are active!! :eek: A spike to my box did nothing, and she said something about 48 hours to be corrected. :confused:

Do any of you actually receive these channels or are you like me too??

Same boat as you.

I mentioned a few posts back that channels 257 and 258 show up on my "channel line up" on comcast website but they are not on my program guide nor can I tune to them. I doubt they are active. I have been checking everyday, and today when I get home, I will check to see if they are there as well.

Hmmm, apparently Doug Sansom is no longer the VP of Pittsburgh/Three Rivers comcast. Does anyone know who replaced him or have his or her e-mail address? Have a few problems/questions I would like to have addressed.

no 257, 258 here yet
:mad:

Where is "here"?

Don't have them in Ross yet either, nor 261 (NFL HD).

Where is "here"?

Don't have them in Ross yet either, nor 261 (NFL HD).


sorry, that was quite unclear on my part. here = inbetween Shadyside and Bloomfield.

In addition to 257, 258 HGTV HD shows up on the TV Planner, but not my set. I called CS for activation info and she said they are active!! :eek: A spike to my box did nothing, and she said something about 48 hours to be corrected. :confused:

Do any of you actually receive these channels or are you like me too??

Finally! 257 and 258 have been activated. EPG is full of TBA but they are on.

Same here. I turned on my TV this morning and found 257 and 258. I am in the Southside. All I saw this morning though were crappy infomercials.

nice timing of my last post here, as of 10am this morning they showed up on my boxes.

we have 3 HD cable boxes in my house and on all but 1 all the hd channels show up. on the other channels like TNT, CBS, PBS, won't show up. Do you think its because the signal strength is weak and need a better cable amplifier? I tried reseting the cable box and everything and that didn't help. Any ideas? I have comcast from bethel (former adelphia).

we have 3 HD cable boxes in my house and on all but 1 all the hd channels show up. on the other channels like TNT, CBS, PBS, won't show up. Do you think its because the signal strength is weak and need a better cable amplifier? I tried reseting the cable box and everything and that didn't help. Any ideas? I have comcast from bethel (former adelphia).

It is possibly a signal strength issue, but it is far more likely that it is an authorization issue for Comcast. When you subscribe to various service levels from Comcast that info is put in their billing system. They then send this authorization down to each additional outlet (settop box) on your account. It is possible (in fact likely) that they did not properly authorize the one outlet (box) on your account. Call and tell them your problem and they should be able to properly authorize over the phone.

:(:(No 257, 258 or 261 in Ross yet.

:( and not in the Greensburg Comcast system yet either, although it shows them in the TitanTV program listings. I tried to surprise my wife earlier this evening by showing her that FoodHD was on only to find that it wasn't yet.

Food HD and HGTV HD showed up yesterday in the Washington ADS.

Talked with Comcast rep about the new channels, they should be online by Friday in my area and most others. I was also told the SciFi & USA are to be added by end of Nov.

I wonder about those of us who were Adelphia.
We already have a completely different channel lineup, and I moved from Imperial in March to Robinson and I still am not used to where things are.

Food HD and HGTV HD showed up yesterday in the North Huntingdon, Westmoreland

Food HD and HGTV HD showed up yesterday in the North Huntingdon, WestmorelandYes, indeed. Noticed it this morning. The Greensburg Comcast system is on board!

Still waiting on the Ross head end.
According to Tvplanner it doesn't look like we're getting HGTV, Just Food and NFL.
Eventually...

I live in Saint Clairsville, OH and I'm pretty sure we get our Comcast out of the Pittsburgh market. Is it just me or has anyone else noticed more and more video and audio dropouts (digital hiccup)? Maybe I should call Comcast but they always seem to be less than helpful.

I have two Motorola HD cable boxes (one with DVR) and it does it on both TVs and it doesn't matter if it is live or recorded. It seems to happen more on sporting events.

Thanks in advance...

OhioLefty,

I have been having the same problem over the last month.

My HD channels became unwatchable over the weekend. (I was getting the "ONE MOMENT PLEASE" message). They spiked the box which helped for about 2 days but they're starting to act up again. However my other HD box is fine, so I'm thinking about switching out the DVR.

OhioLefty,

I have been having the same problem over the last month.

My HD channels became unwatchable over the weekend. (I was getting the "ONE MOMENT PLEASE" message). They spiked the box which helped for about 2 days but they're starting to act up again. However my other HD box is fine, so I'm thinking about switching out the DVR.

Last night I switched out the splitter to that particular TV - that may have done the trick.
Maybe give that shot, Lefty.

I don't know how or why they go bad but the last time I had problems (with my high speed internet) all the tech did was replace the main splitter coming into the house and that solved it.

My A&E and NFL HD channels (256,261) were not working at all last night or this morning. Just got the usual "One moment Please" message on both of these channels. I turned off the box and pressed ok on the remote to bring up the diagnostics menu and checked current channel status and it pulled nothing. Everything was N/A. Anyone else lose these channels?

My A&E and NFL HD channels (256,261) were not working at all last night or this morning. Just got the usual "One moment Please" message on both of these channels. I turned off the box and pressed ok on the remote to bring up the diagnostics menu and checked current channel status and it pulled nothing. Everything was N/A. Anyone else lose these channels?Yes, I noticed while flipping the channels during the NFL games last night that A&E on 256 was "one moment please." This is on the Greensburg Comcast system.

I just got back from checking the Home Theatre system at the University where I work. Their cablecard fed HDTV showed One Moment Please on 256 and 261 also. Must be a problem with Pittsburgh Comcast. I am located in the Southside and the University I work at, Duquesne, is in Uptown. Problem seems widespread though. I am glad it's not just me.

the facility that houses these stations caught on fire yesterday, they are working to restore them.

Oh geez, that stinks. Well, I got A&E HD back, still nothing on NFL HD. I surely hope no one was hurt.

In Bethel near Peters line, my QAM tuner now picks up a Cinemax 100.22, and 3 showtime channels. I did get KDKAHD back on 109.7. Still no longer get TNTHD. My father also in Bethel but near Post Office is still not getting KDKAHD as well as TNT..

NFLHD is back on.

In Bethel near Peters line, my QAM tuner now picks up a Cinemax 100.22, and 3 showtime channels. I did get KDKAHD back on 109.7. Still no longer get TNTHD. My father also in Bethel but near Post Office is still not getting KDKAHD as well as TNT..

NFLHD is back on.

I am going to get a Samsung 19" with a QAM tuner for the kitchen and so am very interested in which channels are "clear" one that can be turned in without the use of a cable box.

Which one do you get, and how could your father not get KDKA HD. Is it not a "clear" station?

wstanko,

This is obviously bad information. The tech does not know what they are talking about.

The cable companies are required by the FCC to carry any local OTA D-TV channels "in the clear" on their systems. So WTAE-DT, FOX53-DT, WPXI-DT, MYTV-DT, and KDKA-DT all are SUPPOSED to be broadcast in-the-clear...that is without encryption. Sometimes, there are others being broadcast this way as well.

This is not true, there is currently no regulation regarding D-TV and cable systems. In Feb 2009, broadcasters will be required to resubmit their decision to be must carry, which can be digital or digital + analog for cable systems (meaning the cable company will be required to simulcast the digital signal and a converted analog signal from the digital). As it stands today, there is nothing that states the DTV must be carried. This is why Pittsburgh almost lost WPGH-DT HD and Comcast now pays to carry WPGH-DT HD. Had this been a "must carry", Comcast would have been able to keep it on their system without paying a dime. That's the downside to being a "must carry", you can not charge for transmission. In Feb of 2009, if Sinclair decides to keep WPGH as a must carry, it will have to stop charging Comcast to carry the HD... until then, it can not only be charged for, but compress, encrypt, move it to a premium tier, etc. My locals seem to be on QAM channels 81-87, try to manually tune your tv to that range. Once you find KDKA HD, your TV will remap it to 2-1 as it's station ID is being transmitted on Comcast's system.


Also, (and this from a reliable upper-level Philly Comcast source), that they ARE going to ALL-Digitial simulcast everywhere. In fact my source was surprised that they are not ALREADY doing it throughout the Pittsburgh franchise. I mentioned that I'm in a former Adelphia system, and he was still somewhat surprised. I'll be speaking to him again this week about some other things and hopefully get more info/Pgh contacts that will know what they are talking about.

Upper-level Philly sources have no info or impact on Pittsburgh. The South Hills (out of Castle Shannon), Bethel, and some of the North Hills are on 550 and 650 mhz systems. There is no bandwidth for ADS across the board. Some channels will become ADS before others. Upgrades are in dire need. Please relay that along, PLEASE: upgrades are in dire need. Most of the wires in the South Hills were strung in 1982. Channel line-up and PQ shows this.

I did a quick search on this thread.. which I didnt realize existed till now :)...

I'm assuming on Comcast in Pittsburgh, we dont have HDNET and wont for some time?

Any updated news for "the cw" network being added? (HD)

I'm glad to see it appears Sci Fi is going HD soon though.

I am going to get a Samsung 19" with a QAM tuner for the kitchen and so am very interested in which channels are "clear" one that can be turned in without the use of a cable box.

Which one do you get, and how could your father not get KDKA HD. Is it not a "clear" station?

I dont know why my father doesn't pick up KDKAHD. A few months ago, he got it on 2.1, while I have always gotten mine on 109.7. We get FOXHD 91.1and MYHD 91.2 on the same channels but the others WPXI, WTAE and the PBS come on different channels for us. I don't understand how that can be since we bothe live in Bethel Park.

I forgot, I also no longer pick up FSPHD. I was getting it on 83.1 and channel 0.

Anyone know if the CW is on an OTA station.. if so.. which one.. and would i just need a cheapo Antenna to pick it up.. or does it usually require more horsepower?

Go to antennaweb.org and fill in the info, it will tell you if your good with a coat hanger or will need a roof-mounted directional pre-amp super antenna.

Check the sticky thread at the top to get the link to the Pittsburgh OTA thread. There is a TON of good, useful information throughout that thread.

Go to antennaweb.org and fill in the info, it will tell you if your good with a coat hanger or will need a roof-mounted directional pre-amp super antenna.

Check the sticky thread at the top to get the link to the Pittsburgh OTA thread. There is a TON of good, useful information throughout that thread.

I'm guessing since it says that 49.1 WPCW is TBD.. that it isnt out there yet.. hence probably the reason why the CW isnt on Comcast HD yet either?

Bummer.

Does anyone know.. i cant recall.. if using the OTA for HD.. if the sound that comes down the pipe is in dolby digital like it is with Cable?

I dont know why my father doesn't pick up KDKAHD. A few months ago, he got it on 2.1, while I have always gotten mine on 109.7. We get FOXHD 91.1and MYHD 91.2 on the same channels but the others WPXI, WTAE and the PBS come on different channels for us. I don't understand how that can be since we bothe live in Bethel Park.

I forgot, I also no longer pick up FSPHD. I was getting it on 83.1 and channel 0.
Here's a question / observation that I'm hoping someone can answer for me. Could a signal splitter cut the channel out? Two weeks ago I went to Uniontown to hook up a new set up for my inlaws. They're on Atlantic Broadband down there, and that company makes Comcast look like a techno superstar. They have no cable box, so I tried to see what HD was coming in without it. Picked up 2, 4, 11 and TNT in HD, channel ranges 770-779. The system only carries the premiums plus ESPN and Discovery besides those, and they didn't want to spend another $30/month to get a box just for E+D. Anyway, there was an ABB provided splitter there that I had hooked up their Tivo with 2 yrs ago, only now the picture out of the Tivo was unwatchable on the new set, when hooked up to 1 of the 2 splitter outputs. So FIL goes to Radio Shack, brings back a 5-2MHz splitter marked for satellite system. Tried it, Tivo perked up but 2 and I think 4 no longer come through, so sent him to WalMart and he comes back with a Monster splitter (no mention of satellite on this one) . Hook that up with same results. Signal strength on all digital channels cut by at least half, 2 + 4 gone. As there aren't many more places to go for this stuff in Uniontown, I hooked the old splitter up and told them to get ABB in and make it right. End of long story but the question for colonel7 and anyone else is, could the brand of splitter make the difference in cutting out a digital channel in either of these systems?

Here's a question / observation that I'm hoping someone can answer for me. Could a signal splitter cut the channel out? Two weeks ago I went to Uniontown to hook up a new set up for my inlaws. They're on Atlantic Broadband down there, and that company makes Comcast look like a techno superstar. They have no cable box, so I tried to see what HD was coming in without it. Picked up 2, 4, 11 and TNT in HD, channel ranges 770-779. The system only carries the premiums plus ESPN and Discovery besides those, and they didn't want to spend another $30/month to get a box just for E+D. Anyway, there was an ABB provided splitter there that I had hooked up their Tivo with 2 yrs ago, only now the picture out of the Tivo was unwatchable on the new set, when hooked up to 1 of the 2 splitter outputs. So FIL goes to Radio Shack, brings back a 5-2MHz splitter marked for satellite system. Tried it, Tivo perked up but 2 and I think 4 no longer come through, so sent him to WalMart and he comes back with a Monster splitter (no mention of satellite on this one) . Hook that up with same results. Signal strength on all digital channels cut by at least half, 2 + 4 gone. As there aren't many more places to go for this stuff in Uniontown, I hooked the old splitter up and told them to get ABB in and make it right. End of long story but the question for colonel7 and anyone else is, could the brand of splitter make the difference in cutting out a digital channel in either of these systems?

Splitters will always cause some amount of signal loss. Usually the ports marked 3.5 dB will show a 50% loss, others even greater. if you are having a problem try an amplified splitter, probably +10 dB.

OK. What happened to Comcast QAM channels in North Hills today. They are all gone 2.1, 4.1, 11.1, etc. One TV gets nothing on those channels. The other TV gets a Music Channel (Party Favorites) on them. What gives?

Splitters will always cause some amount of signal loss. Usually the ports marked 3.5 dB will show a 50% loss, others even greater. if you are having a problem try an amplified splitter, probably +10 dB.
I can understand the signal loss, I saw the signal strength meters cut by half on the channels that came through, compared to using the straight cable with no splitter. What I didn't understand is why the KDKA channel for sure, and I believe the WTAE channel as well, disappeared completely with the 2 new splitters. I don't know if colonel7's KDKA disappearing act might have been related to a minor thing like the use of a different splitter, which I wouldn't expect to have that kind of effect. If my FIL hasn't had ABB come out by the time I go back for a visit, I'll take a small signal amp with me to see if it makes it work better.

OK. What happened to Comcast QAM channels in North Hills today. They are all gone 2.1, 4.1, 11.1, etc. One TV gets nothing on those channels. The other TV gets a Music Channel (Party Favorites) on them. What gives?
Hi all. I'm new to posting here but have been reading along for a while. I too live in the NH and can't get any QAM HD channels on our new bedroom LCD HDTV (has an internal ATSC tuner). We were getting them just fine for months but yesterday they disappeared and still aren't back as of tonight. What gives?

I do still get the HD channels through the Comcast HD box on our other HDTV (no ATSC tuner in that one) however.

Run a new digital scan. My brother in law in Franklin Park lost his and I told him to do that and he receives them again.

Run a new digital scan. My brother in law in Franklin Park lost his and I told him to do that and he receives them again.

I found the remapped qam hd channels for the major networks, but they are like 75.2203, 79.2202, etc. what a pain.

Does anyone have a Sony hdd dhg250/500? If so, do you have any tricks to get the tvguide to accept that many spaces? Mine only accepts up to 5 spaces, so I can't use the guide to program recordings.
joe

Found them again. Thanks guys!

You're right jlanzy, it is a pain to work these channels now. Why did they do that? I can only hope they finally upgraded the hub and we're going to get more HD channels. Fios TV is supposedly coming this fall to my area and it's looking mighty tempting right now given Comcast's slow adoption of HD channels in the North Hills.

Well, I ran a new digital scan, and what a mess. Everything has changed. I finally found:

75.1 WPXI HD
75.2 WPXI DT Weather
75.3 KDKA HD
85.1 WTAE HD
85.2 WTAE DT Weather
85.3 WQED HD
85.4 WQED
85.5 WQED DT

I haven't found WPGH yet, still looking.

I also now have about 30 music channels on the sub-channels of 74, 80, 81, 82, 83 and 96.

Then I get the local VOD channels on the subs of 66, 67, 67, 69

I wonder what the logic was of adding the music channels and changing everything to odd channels. Maybe it's just Comcast's way of making it hard to get these channels without subscribing to digital package.

Well now. The TV that I checked in the prior post is a Panasonic Plasma. I just did my other TV (Misubishi DLP). It has the capability of addressing four digits of sub-channels and the sub-channel numbers are all different.

75.2201 WPXI _HD
75-2202 WPXI DT Weather
75.2203 KDKA HD
76.2301 WPGH HD
76.2302 WPMY HD
85.2101 WTAE HD
85.2102 WTAE DT Weather
85.2103 WQED HD
85.2104 WQED
85.2105 WQED DT

Also, all the music channels have different 4-digit sub-channels. Interesting that the Panasonic displayed the video image with the music channels, but the Mitsubishi had sound only.

This really looks like a case of Comcast living up to the letter of the law in providing these channels, but making them so convoluted that no one can find them.

Well now. The TV that I checked in the prior post is a Panasonic Plasma. I just did my other TV (Misubishi DLP). It has the capability of addressing four digits of sub-channels and the sub-channel numbers are all different.

75.2201 WPXI _HD
75-2202 WPXI DT Weather
75.2203 KDKA HD
76.2301 WPGH HD
76.2302 WPMY HD
85.2101 WTAE HD
85.2102 WTAE DT Weather
85.2103 WQED HD
85.2104 WQED
85.2105 WQED DT

Also, all the music channels have different 4-digit sub-channels. Interesting that the Panasonic displayed the video image with the music channels, but the Mitsubishi had sound only.

This really looks like a case of Comcast living up to the letter of the law in providing these channels, but making them so convoluted that no one can find them.
Those channels are exactly what I found JRM01. I was using our little Polaroid LCD in our bedroom. It too shows the graphics with the music channels.

Well now. The TV that I checked in the prior post is a Panasonic Plasma. I just did my other TV (Misubishi DLP). It has the capability of addressing four digits of sub-channels and the sub-channel numbers are all different.

75.2201 WPXI _HD
75-2202 WPXI DT Weather
75.2203 KDKA HD
76.2301 WPGH HD
76.2302 WPMY HD
85.2101 WTAE HD
85.2102 WTAE DT Weather
85.2103 WQED HD
85.2104 WQED
85.2105 WQED DT




Also, all the music channels have different 4-digit sub-channels. Interesting that the Panasonic displayed the video image with the music channels, but the Mitsubishi had sound only.

This really looks like a case of Comcast living up to the letter of the law in providing these channels, but making them so convoluted that no one can find them.


I spent the better part of 3-4 hours tracking down the new qam channels and trying to associate them with the right network since most of the programming at the time didn't have an network icon on. Then I had to enter those new numbers in place of the old numbers on my stb hd sony and lg recievers. What a real pain and now, on the sony I can't use the TVguide to record, I have to do like the vcr system was...now that's progress!!!

That TIVO series 3 with it's m cablecard is looking better each day, if our comcast has the m cablecards yet.

That TIVO series 3 with it's m cablecard is looking better each day, if our comcast has the m cablecards yet.

I have a Tivo Series 3 hooked up to my Mits with two s-cablecards. Comcast doesn't charge for the first, and only $1.50 for the second.

I will be ordering the Tivo HD ($299 retail) today for the Panny. It is the one that supports the m-card. I spoke with a Comcast Sales Rep yesterday (he was visiting BB) and he said they had the m-cards here. I called Comcast and they never heard of them. I'll be calling them back and try to get to a supervisor when the new Tivo gets here.

I have a Tivo Series 3 hooked up to my Mits with two s-cablecards. Comcast doesn't charge for the first, and only $1.50 for the second.

I will be ordering the Tivo HD ($299 retail) today for the Panny. It is the one that supports the m-card. I spoke with a Comcast Sales Rep yesterday (he was visiting BB) and he said they had the m-cards here. I called Comcast and they never heard of them. I'll be calling them back and try to get to a supervisor when the new Tivo gets here.
Let us know how that works out JRM01. We've been considering expanding from 2 to 3 TiVos and if I do we'll most likely buy a TiVo HD. I'm sick or waiting for Comcast to roll out the TiVo software on their own DVR and from what I've read on TiVo forums it's not going to be all that great anyway. No TiVo to Go or network capabilities which is a deal killer for me.

Has anyone in the North Hills service area heard anything new about Food, HGTV or NFL Networks in HD being added anytime soon?

Has anyone in the North Hills service area heard anything new about Food, HGTV or NFL Networks in HD being added anytime soon?

Yes. According to zap2it lineup guide they were added 2 weeks ago. However, as of today I don't have any of them.

Yes. According to zap2it lineup guide they were added 2 weeks ago. However, as of today I don't have any of them.
I see it on the Middleton digital list but not on Ross digital.

I was wondering why the 1st quarter of the Steeler - Buffalo game was not in HD. This is the reply I got from KDKA.

The controller used to remotely move the antenna necessary to receive
the HD feed of yesterday's game malfunctioned. Ultimately the antenna
had to be moved manually. In anticipation of the game, this controller
had been tested as recently as Friday. We understand how important HD
service is to our viewers generally and to Steelers fans specifically.
We sincerely apologize for the delay in providing the HD feed of this
weekend's game.

I see it on the Middleton digital list but not on Ross digital.

Interesting. I am zip 15202 in Ross. When I chose Ross Comcast Digital (Carnegie) all three show up.

Whe I use zip 15237 and choose the same lineup name they don't show up.

Anyone know if Comcast will provide the ESPNU feed of the Pitt-Conn game tomorrow?

No

No

"No" as in no one knows, or "no"" as in no they won't. I seem to remember in times past WTAE would pick up an ESPNU feed for games of local interest, but I don't see it scheduled for this.

You are thinking the ESPN+ games that air in syndication that WTAE will carry from time to time, not ESPNU.

You are thinking the ESPN+ games that air in syndication that WTAE will carry from time to time, not ESPNU.

Yeah, I guess you're right. Now I'm glad they didn't carry it.

Does anyone know what type of bandwidth HDTV requires.. is it 15 mbps per pipe.. ie: for a dual tuner you would need 30 mbps? Does this imply that to have internet plus cable tv, that providers like comcast must have at least a 45 mbps pipeline, if not more (to grow on)?

IE: I think the bit rate on my bluray player was showing 29 Mbps if i recall correctly (with max theoretical at around 54).. so 1080p would require 60 mbps pipeline to be able to record two shows at once, if that day ever comes that they have broadcast 1080p?

Has anyone in the North Hill had a hard time getting ABC? I haven't been able to watch ABC HD through my Comcast HD box for months. I can get the QAM on my newer TV which has an ATSC tuner in it but not my older HDTV that uses the Comcast box.

My box has also been resetting itself intermittently during any and all HD programming which is really annoying. A tech will be out this week to replace it. Anyone else ever experience that problem?

Let me bring up a hypothetical here.
I, in March, moved to an area which is Comcast, but was former Adelphia.
Different boxes (that I don't like), different lineups, and less HD than what most of the rest of you are getting.
However, same price. I am seriously considering DirecTV unless I can get assurances that very soon, this system will mirror the rest of Comcast. Am I overreacting?

I don't think so Mark, especially as a Comcast customer who simply moved.
It's reasonable to expect similar if not identical service. It's one of the biggest gripes I have about being on the North Hills system. Same price, less service than someone just a few miles away.

Problem is, you'll never get a straight answer as to if/when your system will mirror the rest in the area.

Maybe at least try to angle for some service discounts.

Thinking I may be missing something or just have bad luck or maybe I need the tivo HD to be able to see 4 digits of the sub-channel but here is the thing I have now.

I did the scan channels, added them all and slowly flipped through all the channels it added trying to find the network HD channels, I found fox (which is good since I want to see house and bones tonight) and My pittsburgh TV channel, whatever that one is at 91-1 and 91-2 respectively. A big ol mess of music channels and oddly enough the departed was playing on 101-22 but it was standard def, looks like it's the MOMAX channel.

Is there anyone Serviced from the bethel park head end that knows what numbers I could try to tune for the rest of the major networks?

I'm VERY new to this QAM tuning and the numbers I see posted before this don't match up to mine at all unless I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks

Thinking I may be missing something or just have bad luck or maybe I need the tivo HD to be able to see 4 digits of the sub-channel but here is the thing I have now.

I did the scan channels, added them all and slowly flipped through all the channels it added trying to find the network HD channels, I found fox (which is good since I want to see house and bones tonight) and My pittsburgh TV channel, whatever that one is at 91-1 and 91-2 respectively. A big ol mess of music channels and oddly enough the departed was playing on 101-22 but it was standard def, looks like it's the MOMAX channel.

Is there anyone Serviced from the bethel park head end that knows what numbers I could try to tune for the rest of the major networks?

I'm VERY new to this QAM tuning and the numbers I see posted before this don't match up to mine at all unless I'm doing something wrong.

Thanks

Try these for Bethel Park
89.1 - Weather (WTAE)
89.2 - WTAE
89.3 - WPXI
91.1 - Fox53
91.2 - my Pittsburgh
92.1-92.39 - Comcast Music Channels
109.7 KDKA

Colonel7: You rock.

Thank you so much my tivo didn't autodetect the 89 series of channels, but manually tuning got them, this will make the wait for cable cards much much more bearable, AND mean I can detach this crapy antenae(Yeah I dn't thinki can sell that word right)

Try these for Bethel Park
89.1 - Weather (WTAE)
89.2 - WTAE
89.3 - WPXI
91.1 - Fox53
91.2 - my Pittsburgh
92.1-92.39 - Comcast Music Channels
109.7 KDKA

Let me bring up a hypothetical here.
I, in March, moved to an area which is Comcast, but was former Adelphia.
Different boxes (that I don't like), different lineups, and less HD than what most of the rest of you are getting.
However, same price. I am seriously considering DirecTV unless I can get assurances that very soon, this system will mirror the rest of Comcast. Am I overreacting?

I've been asking those questions for awhile now, and no one can give a straight answer. They made the move to change all of the branding, and the VOD upgrade was great, but I was seriously looking forward to more HD content following this merger. If anyone knows when us former Adelphia customers will be getting upgrades, especially in Monroeville, let us know!

Hey everyone, I am moving to the area (Whitehall), to a house that is wired (I think) for both Comcast and Dish. I hate Dish, so I wanted to get your guys thoughts on Comcast in this area, to help me make my decision. I will be getting HD/DVR and HSI.

I was wondering why the 1st quarter of the Steeler - Buffalo game was not in HD. This is the reply I got from KDKA.

The controller used to remotely move the antenna necessary to receive
the HD feed of yesterday's game malfunctioned. Ultimately the antenna
had to be moved manually. In anticipation of the game, this controller
had been tested as recently as Friday. We understand how important HD
service is to our viewers generally and to Steelers fans specifically.
We sincerely apologize for the delay in providing the HD feed of this
weekend's game.

The delay in the HD signal at KDKA is not unusual. It seems every time I watch the first primetime show of the evening, it takes about 10 minutes for them to switch to hd.

Hey everyone, I am moving to the area (Whitehall), to a house that is wired (I think) for both Comcast and Dish. I hate Dish, so I wanted to get your guys thoughts on Comcast in this area, to help me make my decision. I will be getting HD/DVR and HSI.

My aunt lives in Whitehall about 1 minute from Caste Village.

She heard a few months ago that FiOS was moving into the area. In fact she actually saw the guys (contracted by Verizon) laying the fiber lines. Appparently the FiOS service will be available shortly.

I'm sick of Comcast here in Franklin Park and I can't get FiOS because of North Pittsburgh Telco., but I'll stick with them because the HD picture quality (my primary concern) is much better than the dish signal.

I've been asking those questions for awhile now, and no one can give a straight answer. They made the move to change all of the branding, and the VOD upgrade was great, but I was seriously looking forward to more HD content following this merger. If anyone knows when us former Adelphia customers will be getting upgrades, especially in Monroeville, let us know!

I'm a former Adelphia customer (South Hills USC area) as well and am completely fed up with Comcast. Since the switchover, they have taken away HDNET, HDNET Movies, INHD2 and taken NFLHD and put it on a "sports tier" which costs me extra... We have not gotten any of the newer HD channels and as far as i can tell, won't be recieving any soon. I want to switch to E* or D* but am scared of losing PQ. Any former Adelphia customers switch over to E* or D* here?

Well now. The TV that I checked in the prior post is a Panasonic Plasma. I just did my other TV (Misubishi DLP). It has the capability of addressing four digits of sub-channels and the sub-channel numbers are all different.

75.2201 WPXI _HD
75-2202 WPXI DT Weather
75.2203 KDKA HD
76.2301 WPGH HD
76.2302 WPMY HD
85.2101 WTAE HD
85.2102 WTAE DT Weather
85.2103 WQED HD
85.2104 WQED
85.2105 WQED DT

Also, all the music channels have different 4-digit sub-channels. Interesting that the Panasonic displayed the video image with the music channels, but the Mitsubishi had sound only.

This really looks like a case of Comcast living up to the letter of the law in providing these channels, but making them so convoluted that no one can find them.


We just got our "Comcastic!" update to the new hidden HD locals here in Canonsburg today. If anyone is looking for them, and just to see how the mappings compare in various systems for the rest of us, here they are. I was relieved to discover that a modern vizio can handle the .xxxx format.

106.2101 WTAE HD
106.2102 WTAE DT Weather
106.2103 WQED HD
106.2104 WQED
106.2105 WQED DT
107.2201 WPXI HD
107.2202 WPXI DT Weather
107.2203 KDKA HD
108.2301 WPGH HD
108.2302 WPMY HD

They have removed PSIP mapping to the analog broadcast channel numbers, and they have stripped the in-band guide data.

I completely agree that they are just trying to make this so convoluted that no one can figure it out, and if they can find a couple % of existing sets that cannot tune the new channel mappings, that's just icing on the cake for them.

We just got our "Comcastic!" update to the new hidden HD locals here in Canonsburg today. If anyone is looking for them, and just to see how the mappings compare in various systems for the rest of us, here they are. I was relieved to discover that a modern vizio can handle the .xxxx format.

106.2101 WTAE HD
106.2102 WTAE DT Weather
106.2103 WQED HD
106.2104 WQED
106.2105 WQED DT
107.2201 WPXI HD
107.2202 WPXI DT Weather
107.2203 KDKA HD
108.2301 WPGH HD
108.2302 WPMY HD

They have removed PSIP mapping to the analog broadcast channel numbers, and they have stripped the in-band guide data.

I completely agree that they are just trying to make this so convoluted that no one can figure it out, and if they can find a couple % of existing sets that cannot tune the new channel mappings, that's just icing on the cake for them.


That is exactly what they have done, which is why I have filed a complaint with the FCC since both actions are a violation of FCC regulations.

I would encourage anyone else who is affected to go on-line and file a complaint at:

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/complaints_general.html

From: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07271/821094-42.stm

WPXI is about to have the most envied news facility in town.

Many employees have already moved out of Television Hill, Channel 11's home for its first 50 years, and into its pristine, smartly designed new facility, visible from I-279 at the McKnight/Evergreen Road exit.

The station will begin producing its newscasts in the new building on a new set at 6 p.m. Oct. 6, and from that first newscast, Channel 11's local news will be available in high definition over-the-air and on cable.


WPXI will offer the first high-definition newscast in two weeks, but WQED will begin airing its local shows in HD next week.

"On Q" returns for a new season at 7:30 p.m. Monday in HD with a new set, new opening and new music by Michael Moricz, former music director for "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood." Managing editor Michael Bartley offers a series of reports on air quality in Western Pennsylvania.

"Off Q" has its season premiere in HD at 7:30 p.m. next Friday with new panelist John McIntire. "Black Horizons" will begin airing in HD with its season premiere at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 14.

Upcoming WQED specials, also in HD, include "Bedford Springs: Opening History's Door" (8 p.m. Oct. 11), a Pittsburgh mayoral debate (8 p.m. Nov. 1), a town hall meeting on "Our Region's Next Renaissance" (8 p.m. Nov. 8) and "Pennsylvania's Offbeat Museums with Dave & Dave" (8 p.m. Nov. 15).

Let me bring up a hypothetical here.
I, in March, moved to an area which is Comcast, but was former Adelphia.
Different boxes (that I don't like), different lineups, and less HD than what most of the rest of you are getting.
However, same price. I am seriously considering DirecTV unless I can get assurances that very soon, this system will mirror the rest of Comcast. Am I overreacting?
Not overreacting. I've been looking into going back to D* once the new sats go live and I read reviews of the non-HD-Lite signal quality . I was using D* before Comcant brought out the 6408, don't remember how many years ago that was. But since then the promise of parity with the other areas ( I'm in Franklin Park) has never come about, the 6412 boxes are still buggy and short on space, the signal drops out way too often - I see no signs of improvement. Unfortunately FIOS is not going to be an option unless Verizon buys NPTCO, so that leaves the dish. If D* brings out an NHL Center Ice offer similar to what they're doing with Sunday Ticket, I'll switch.

For anyone that has Cinemax HD, is your HD Cinemax channel, 233, showing Discovery Health? On both my cablebox and cable card channel 233 is showing up as the channel mentioned. I tried a channel rescan and it still pulled that in. The other cinemax hd channel (319) works fine and shows the movie listed, but 233, the one grouped with all the other HD channels is messed up. I am in the Southside.