ESPN-HD was working on my 6412 for quite a while before the problem happened to me. I still have no idea what caused it or how they fixed it. As I recall, it took about three days or so.

Today it seems ESPN-HD is working on my 6412 some what. It's full of pixelization and and basically unwatchable but it does have picture which is improvement from before. I do remember seeing this problem shortly before it stoped working altogether. Maybe it has something to do with my signal strengh to that TV. I guess I'll find out when the tech get here Saturday.

I wish the Super Bowl were on CBS (WCCO-HD) rather than Fox's crappier HD. :(

I posted this over at hdtvtwincities too --- someone in the 6412 thread said that Comcast was simulcasting in NJ. Analog seems to have greatly improved here, it's very watchable now. Anybody have any info??

Just thought I would share a deal that I was offered and accepted a couple of weeks ago. Comcast and the Star Tribune have teamed up to offer a package deal involving HBO and the paper. The deal was that they gave me HBO (all channels, including HD) FREE for 6 months if I agreed to also take the Wednesday through Saturday paper for an extra 10 CENTS per week for 13 weeks. Previously I was a Sunday only subscriber and it was $1.90 per week which will now go to $2.00 per week. You can cancel either HBO or the paper at any time with no penalty, so I said, "what the heck, I'll give it a try." We never had HBO before and my wife is enjoying the movie selection, especially the ability to watch them On Demand for no extra charge. Don't know what we'll do when the trial period expires but so far so good.

I also got a deal on HBO. I hope it isn't too late to take advantage if some of you are interested. In the fine print of the notorius rate increase letter, it states that you can subscribe to HBO and Comcast will discount the normal monthly rate by $5. So instead of $14.99 it is $9.99 throughout 2005 OR If you already subscribe to HBO you can select another premium and get the same $5/month discount. Sounded like a lukewarm offer but I thought I would call and see what I could negotiate anyway. I have the Take3 package and I subscribe to HBO and SHO already. With the Take3 or Take2 package you can add a premium channel for $9.99/month. I called and inquired about the $5 discount thinking they might discount SHO another $5 and without hesitation the CSR said, "why don't we just discount both $5 each". I was pleasantly surprised and I am now paying $4.99/month each (the discount showed up on my last statement) for HBO and SHO through Dec. 2005. Not too bad. I also did not see an increase on my Take3 package....yet.

Question for comcast HDTV subscribers, what is your resolution at for your HD channels. My tv shows it at 720x1240? or something similar, just wondering if anybody is getting 1080 or if it makes a difference. Also what are you using for a connection. I am currently using a DVI-DVI connection and wondering if people have tested composite connections to see whats better

Originally posted by zimmetj
Question for comcast HDTV subscribers, what is your resolution at for your HD channels. My tv shows it at 720x1240? or something similar, just wondering if anybody is getting 1080 or if it makes a difference. Also what are you using for a connection. I am currently using a DVI-DVI connection and wondering if people have tested composite connections to see whats better

Both the resolution and the preferred connection will depend on your display. You are best trying both component and DVI and see what looks better to you. Comcast will recommend DVI (at least my installer did) but when I had my TV ISF calibrated the technician said there was no substantial difference, so we ended up using the DVI input on my TV for my DVD player. On my upstairs system it's the opposite, DVI for the box and component for the player (which doesn't have a DVI output).

For optimum resolution some say to match it according to what you are watching; i.e. Fox uses 720P and CBS 1080i. But that's a hassle switching back and forth so I would set it for whatever looks best for what you watch most.

I feel that DVI (if an option for you) is always best because with component the signal goes:
Digital -> Analog -> Digital

Whereas with DVI, it stays digital the whole way from cablebox or DVD player to the monitor (or projector). It never has to convert to analog and then back to digital.

I completely agree with Markito -- especially on long cable runs (often used in front projection), with digital you know the signal gets there perfectly, even if using a splitter.

FSN North Agreement with Comcast - Close with Charter, Talks Ongoing with Mediacom

Blurb in the Sports section of today's Star Tribune...

"FSN North has completed a multiyear carriage agreement with Comcast and is close to a deal with Charter. Talks are also ongoing with Mediacom."

Let's hope these contracts all include a full-time FSN North HD.

Any of you hosting Hi-def Super Bowl parties?
I am having about 35 people in my dedicated home theater.

Same here, though only about 15 folks. The guys and I will be down in my HT room, in the lower level, and the gals and kids upstairs. They'll be Tivoing the commercials for replay, we'll be actually watching the game in HD. The downside for us? They'll be closer to all the great food my wife is making....

Should be fun. I hope the HD PQ on Fox has improved...

I've got just five friends/family over... no dedicated home theater room yet, but two couches, a love seat, and chair are working fine for now... Really good game so far (12:15 left in 4th qtr)!

My experience with CRT's (FP & RP) is that RGBHV is almost always best followed by YPbPr and lastly DVI. I assume alot depends on the DACs and that the CRT displays would use better DACs than the STB's, but that hasn't appeared to be the case.

[Bump]

Did anybody notice audio/video glitchiness last night?

Anyone have any news/info/rumors on when Comcast will be adding
more HD channels? I need more HD content....NOW..:)

Originally posted by VTEChump
Anyone have any news/info/rumors on when Comcast will be adding
more HD channels? I need more HD content....NOW..:) HERE (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=497755) is the latest thread of rumors and speculation about Comcast's HD plans. Comcast rarely announces when they launch an HD channel...it just shows up. You could always try Voom for a buck if you don't care about having a DVR. The link for Voom is at the top of this thread.

Originally posted by JonM in MN
Did anybody notice audio/video glitchiness last night? I'll watch it tonight and let you know.

Has anyone in the Brooklyn Park area managed to either obtain a Comcast DVR or get a timetable for their availability? I keep getting the runaround.

Originally posted by Asynchronous
Has anyone in the Brooklyn Park area managed to either obtain a Comcast DVR or get a timetable for their availability? I keep getting the runaround.

They should be available now. I'm not in BP but they are supposed to be availble to all Comcast subscribers in the Twin Cities.

Do you have digital cable now?

I live in BP and I've had my Comcast DVR for over 6 months. I've had the single tuner one before and now I have the dual tuner one which is much better.

<sarcasm>

Dear Comcast,

Thank you so very much for allowing me to watch my favorite ABC programs in high definition. I especially enjoyed the Academy Awards and my favorite series, Lost, in HD. You are obviously in touch with the needs of your customers.

Regards,

- Dave

</sarcasm>

Sorry, had to vent somewhere. :)

No kidding, Dave. I'm considering leaving Comcast and getting an OTA tuner because I can get practically the same channels (except ESPN... I don't get any premium channels) OTA.

Either that, or demanding that they send me a free OTA box (even to borrow until they can get ABC).. how frustrating to miss out on Lost being in SD.

Comcast has recieved many complaints/suggestions from me via email and over the phone about adding more HD channels. We need to get everyone here to at least send them an email (only takes a couple of minutes) requesting more HD channels.....

Makes me glad that I paid a little extra to get a TV with a built-in HD tuner. When I want to watch something in high def on CH5 I just switch to the antenna input. No intention to gloat or anything, but it does solve the problem.

I'll take my 9 foot HD picture on the wall from my front projector (w/no HD tuner), thanks.

Originally posted by miltimj
I'll take my 9 foot HD picture on the wall from my front projector (w/no HD tuner), thanks.

Mine is only about 6 feet, so you got me there! My wife thought 70" was too big as it was...

The best part is, it takes up zero space in the living room... very high WAF :-)

Originally posted by VTEChump
Comcast has recieved many complaints/suggestions from me via email and over the phone about adding more HD channels. We need to get everyone here to at least send them an email (only takes a couple of minutes) requesting more HD channels.....

I've been doing that continually. They add digital channels regularly and even an SD channel occasionally, but they've only added one national non-premium, non-local channel (DiscoveryHD - and only after a year of complaints) since September 2003. Not a good track record.

Since Comcast doesn't have an HD Tier, they must absorb the cost of any new HD channels and so they just don't want to add them. So they will not be the leader among cable HD suppliers (actually I think Adelphia is, now isn't that a kick!). Not adding ESPN2HD is just silly. For the rest, we just have to wait. Eventually competition will force them to add HDNET/Movies, UniversalHD and TNT-HD.

Very frustrating. I have heard rumors that both 2HD and UniversalHD may be coming in the next few months (Summer?) and that TNT-HD is somewhere on the radar, but evidently Comcast just refuses to add HDNET/Movies, which is what I want most.

This lack of movement and the failure to finalize the Sinclair agreement have left me very pessimistic about Comcast's intentions in providing a top-flight HD service.

Rich N.

Here is my latest reply from Comcast, sent to me yesterday....


Dear xxxxx,

Thank you for your correspondence. While we do not have agreements with
all programmers that would allow us to carry their HD programming, we
continue to have discussions with a number of them in the hopes of
reaching an agreement to carry their signals.

We have specific carriage agreements with each programming service we
offer on our channel line up. We do not have an agreement with ABC and
TNT to carry their high-definition signal on our network. We do not
have a timeframe as to when we will have additional HD channels.

We do not comment publicly on business negotiations. There are many
complex issues to consider when working toward a programming agreement.
As always, our goal is to provide the widest array of
programming choices to our customers at the most affordable price.

Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,
Chanel
Comcast Customer Care Specialist

Yep, the standard line I got too... basically:

- we're working on it
- we don't have it yet
- we're not going to tell you whether we really are working on it
- it's too expensive, so we're trying to hold off as long as possible

Originally posted by raidbuck
I've been doing that continually. They add digital channels regularly and even an SD channel occasionally, but they've only added one national non-premium, non-local channel (DiscoveryHD - and only after a year of complaints) since September 2003. Not a good track record.


Give me a break. You really think Discovery HD was added because they got a lot of complaints via email and phone?

It was added to keep customers from fleeing to satellite. Competition is the only thing pushing Comcast (or any other provider) to add HD channels. You will see that Comcast will add ESPN2-HD very soon after it appears on DirecTv.

E-mails are usually just replied to with a canned response - probably zero tracking is done of what channel(s) the customer was requesting.

Promising news today. Comcast and TiVo have partnered:

http://news.com.com/TiVo%2C+Comcast+reach+DVR+deal/2100-1041_3-5616961.html?tag=nefd.top

Here is some more promising news. Sinclair (WB and UPN in Twin Cities) and Comcast make nice.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050316/phw022_3.html

EDIT: WFTC UPN is a unit of Fox/UTV Holdings, Inc., is part of the News America Group, But the WB is still good news.

Now to get UPN broadcasting in HD...and get Enterprise re-upped...:(

From what I have deduced...WFTC 29 UPN has no plans of ever going HD. But I could be wrong. What is up with those call letters anyway? They are an initialism for Fox Television Channel...too cheap to change them when they went UPN, I guess.

need more info on OUR upn station going HD!
i see in the other thread theyre getting it in someplaces back east....

they carry alot of twins games..............i want, i want:(

TNT-HD will be be added to Comcast "soon" according to the Magic 8 Ball....

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=526649

ugh..of all the channels they dont have, they have to get TNT?

besides the playoffs. TNT blows

I agree, it will be nice for NBA, but the season is almost over. If they add TNT-HD after the NBA playoffs that would be worthless. WE NEED ABC-HD, NOW!!!!

YES WE DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TNT-HD is showing up on the iGuide here in Roseville!!! Only problem is its saying "unauthorized to view" even though I have the HD package...Anyone else have this problem??

Interesting, I'll check this when I get home tonight... what channel?

Originally posted by miltimj
Interesting, I'll check this when I get home tonight... what channel?

204

Thanks for the channel, blitzen.. do you get the same "unauthorized to view" message as well?

Originally posted by miltimj
Thanks for the channel, blitzen.. do you get the same "unauthorized to view" message as well?

I'm not home yet - a happy hour is gettin in my way. ;-) Dammit!

Someone at HDTVTC reported the channel #.

..in Cottage Grove...204 on the Guide but "not authorized" when I try to tune in...according to a CSR I spoke with he got an email saying it will be up TODAY. He sent a hit to my box, blah blah. I'll keep looking.

Ali is playing on TNTHD as I write this! Sweeeet!

Still nothing on my cable box....Roseville.

Any word on when Comcast will start simulcasting all analog channels in digital? I hear that in certain other parts of the country Comcast is already doing this.

After talking with a CSR, I think I found out why I am "not authorized" to get TNTHD, even though I pay for the HD package.

Sounds like long time customers who have the "old" Digital silver package will not be getting TNTHD unless they "upgrade" to the new Digital silver package. However "upgrading" to the new Digital silver you will lose one premium movie channel. To get two premium movie channels is $15/mo extra with the new package...
This doesn't make sense to me, I pay for the HD package, I should get all the HD channels.

WHAT A JOKE....Thanks COMCAST, for staying loyal to your long term customers.

That's incredibly lame. I remember needing to switch to the new Digital package (I think I got the lowest one available and still get HD) when I upgraded to the HD STB.

Not exactly loyal, as you said..

Originally posted by JBaumgart
Any word on when Comcast will start simulcasting all analog channels in digital? I hear that in certain other parts of the country Comcast is already doing this.

No real word or words other than "soon" and/or "this year".

See the first post of the thread below for how you can check to see if an analog channel has begun being DS'ed...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=500545

Originally posted by VTEChump
After talking with a CSR, I think I found out why I am "not authorized" to get TNTHD, even though I pay for the HD package.

Sounds like long time customers who have the "old" Digital silver package will not be getting TNTHD unless they "upgrade" to the new Digital silver package. However "upgrading" to the new Digital silver you will lose one premium movie channel. To get two premium movie channels is $15/mo extra with the new package...
This doesn't make sense to me, I pay for the HD package, I should get all the HD channels.

WHAT A JOKE....Thanks COMCAST, for staying loyal to your long term customers. Just raise hell with em and tell them they should offer you what I got when they sent out the "raise the rates cuz our service is so great" letter which is a premium channel for $5/month through Dec. 2005. This was mentioned in the letter received in January. I already had HBO and she added SHO for $5/month and dropped HBO down to $5/month.

I have the Take3 package (HSI, Digital Phone, CableTV) for $99/month; it was $78 before the March increase. I think there is a Take2 package (HSI and CableTV) for the same price.

Getting TNT-HD here on channel 204. Digital Classic package on Motorola 6412 box.

But they stretch SD content! That blows.

Originally posted by tall1
Just raise hell with em and tell them they should offer you what I got when they sent out the "raise the rates cuz our service is so great" letter which is a premium channel for $5/month through Dec. 2005. This was mentioned in the letter received in January. I already had HBO and she added SHO for $5/month and dropped HBO down to $5/month.

I have the Take3 package (HSI, Digital Phone, CableTV) for $99/month; it was $78 before the March increase. I think there is a Take2 package (HSI and CableTV) for the same price.

Raising hell with them didn't work for me. They're "escalating" it to a marketing manager, but I told them if they don't fix the problem immediately (by adding TNT-HD to my lineup with no change in price and without removing any channels from my current lineup) then I'll take my $150/mo for TV & internet somewhere else. It's completely outrageous for them to treat their loyal, existing customers this badly!

I can't believe this cielo. My bill is $150 a month for HSI and cable and I get TNT. That also includes 2 6412s and HBO/SHO. I have Take3 and pay for digital phone separately but for $150 you should be able to get TNT-HD. Here is my last statement:

Monthly Charge(s)
04/27 - 05/26 Modem Rental 3.00
04/27 - 05/26 Addl Digital Connection 4.95
04/27 - 05/26 DVR Service 9.95
04/27 - 05/26 DVR Service 9.95
04/27 - 05/26 HBO 14.99
04/27 - 05/26 Service Discount -9.99
04/27 - 05/26 Take 3 Package 99.99
04/27 - 05/26 Showtime 14.99
04/27 - 05/26 Service Discount -9.99

Includes: Standard Cable, Digital Plus Channels, Music Choice, Interactive Program Guide, Digital Receiver, Remote Control, Cable Guard and Comcast High Speed Internet Service. Your Comcast Digital Phone Service Is Billed Separately.

Subtotal 137.84

Taxes & Fee(s)
04/18 Sales Tax 6.41
04/18 Franchise Fee 4.75
04/18 Local Programming Fee 1.46
04/18 FCC Fee .06

Subtotal 12.68

Total $150.52

Maybe the fact I am part of the Northern Dakota County Cable deal and a former AT&T / Mediacom customer makes it different for me though. My Take3 package went up in March to $99.99 from $78. Good luck.

Wow, thanks for filling me in on your deal, tall1! Now I'm REALLY mad! I don't know what the Northern Dakota County Cable deal is, but I'm also a former AT&T/MediaOne customer ... and a very pissed off one at that! I'm already shopping around for satellite and DSL, but I think I'll call Comcast back to give them a little more hell...

The Take 2 package is only for cable TV and phone. They don't care that I have cable and HSI and won't give me any discount. So to add TNT-HD without losing any of my current programming would cost me another $15/month ... on top of the 2005 price increase.

I talked with five different people, and the last one (presumably the one with the most authority) was incredibly rude. She was unwilling to fix the problem and didn't care whether I take my business elsewhere or not. They clearly do not value their long-term customers and don't deserve ANY customer loyalty whatsoever.

DSL is WAY cheaper than Comcast HSI without cable tv. It's even cheaper than Comcast WITH the cable tv discount, so that's a no-brainer. So ... time to shop for satellite options now.

WOW!! -- As I was browsing the DirectTV and DishNetwork sites, I just got a call back from Comcast. They are upgrading my "old" silver package to the "new" gold package and paying for the difference ($8/mo) for the next year. TNT-HD is now available on my box, and I keep all my existing programming, including HBO & Starz.

The woman apologized profusely and was wonderful. She even gave me her name and telephone number for friends who are having similar problems: Molly 493-5990, choose option 1, then enter 2595 for her voice mail. So if you're stuck in this same situation, give her a call.

I wonder if they read this thread too... :) Congrats...

On another note, tall1's post made me curious about the 6412s... is there an initial hardware cost for the HD-DVRs? For $10/month and no initial cost, that'd be worth it... (especially because regular HD is an addt'l $5 anyway).

Tim, you're right. There is no initial hardware cost for the HD-DVR. It's just $9.95/mo instead of $5/mo for the box.

You will have to pay an install fee for the 6412. I was charged $30, others have been charged $16.00. Others in different parts of the country did a self install for nothing. That wasn't an option for me as of last November.

I also had to pay a damage deposit sort of thing, I think $75 (?)

Great, thanks for the info guys. $30 & $5 month (difference) is still much better than $1000 to buy it. And I always choose owning over "renting"... :)

I'm calling tomorrow to get hooked up...

You rock man! Thanks for giving that info about Molly at Comcast---I just called and left her a message. I had resolved to either bolt Comcast or wait it out a bit. My last contact with them was quite negative, a manager of some kind called me back on Sunday (!) and basically said take it or leave it. If Molly can help me out here Comcast has saved a customer.

Way to go my friend! And thanks for following through.

JonM, you are very welcome! I hope Molly is able to work things out for you, too.

JBaumgart, you had to pay a damage deposit for your DVR??? I never paid one.

I think I only paid an install fee when I upgraded to the single-tuner DVR. If I remember correctly, because one CSR had already told me there was no fee to trade up to the dual-tuner DVR, they waived the $30 fee.

Okay, I called Comcast to upgrade my HD STB to an HD DVR, and came away with the following interesting information (edit: not all of this is true... see my next post):

- There is a $75 deposit for the DVR, but only if you've been delinquent in the past 6 months with your account. Mine was flagged because we switched our autopay (different credit card), and it didn't go through, so we had to pay twice the next month... they were fine with it, no extra charges, etc, but I guess it was flagged due to that.

- There is a $16 install fee if you elect to have someone come out and install/swap the DVR. Otherwise, you go to one of the four Twin Cities Comcast locations (Brooklyn Park, Roseville, St Paul, and Inver Grove Heights), and pick up the box (or swap, in my case) for no charge.

- Cost is $9.95/month, and it replaces the $5/month I pay for just the HD STB (if I kept the HD STB it'd be addt'l to the $5, but there's no reason to do that unless you have 2+ HDTVs)

- They are using the Motorola 6412s (dual-tuner, the rep pointed out, but didn't know the model #)

Now to go to the Roseville location and do the swap, and report back if anything didn't go as explained above...

Update on what actually happened when I went to the Roseville payment center:

- The lady at the counter said that they don't have DVRs and it requires a service call to come out and install/swap

- She said that there was an install fee

- When I told her that the CSR I talked to on the phone said there wouldn't be a service charge if I physically bring in the box and swap for one, she said that she wouldn't charge me the install fee

- I'm setup for Thursday afternoon! (Nice to know it's going to happen then, but sucky since I thought I'd have it tonight... :))

Wow they must have just changed the Walk in/ Swap policy.

I had a defective 6412 just a couple of weeks ago and they won't let me swap it. I had to have a tech come out. The rep I talked to also serviced Michigan and said they could there....and wasn't sure why Minnesota wasn't allowed.

Good news though!

Eric, see my most recent post... I went to the physical Comcast site and they corrected what the CSR had said...

Darn, I guess I should have refreshed quick before I finally posted :)

Thanks KSTP for turning my 50" HDTV DD 5.1 HT setup into a 32" SDTV 2 channel analog audio POS during Lost due to a weather alert in BF Minnesota.

ARGHH! I know... totally sucked. At least it got dropped halfway in... Save your public service announcements for the sirens in your local area...

I just found out that Comcast is in the process of converting all the analog channels to digital. They are starting in Roseville and Shoreview.

That's news. nrucker---how do you know this?

Comcast of MN (St. Paul/Shoreview) currently Digital Simulcasted (QAM256):

3 KPXM
8 KMWB
10 WFTC
13 CMCST
14 ACC
15 PA
16 GA
18 EDUC
19 PA
20 EDUC
21 NASA
23 CSPAN
25 CSPAN2

I've only checked channels 2-25 so far.

Comcast of MN (St. Paul/Shoreview) currently Digital Simulcasted (QAM256):

3 KPXM
8 KMWB
10 WFTC
13 CMCST
14 ACC
15 PA
16 GA
18 EDUC
19 PA
20 EDUC
21 NASA
23 CSPAN
25 CSPAN2
27 WGN
41 TCM
53 DIS
95 HSN
98 EDUC
99 UNIV

19 of 72 analog channels digitally simulcasted.

Hey, I was flipping through my channels late last night and came across PBS-HD on channel 240 !!!!
I wonder when they added that one?!?

I am very happy!
But I still want ABC-HD super badly for my Alias/Lost fix.

Anyway, did anyone else notice the PBS-HD?

Hi Markito, Marty at HDTV Twin Cities reported it HERE (http://hdtvtwincities.com/mainframe.php/news?p=61)on May 31st. I haven't been watching PBS-HD so I can't even comment on what you have missed. I feel your pain about Lost/Alias. I have an ATSC tuner but I want to be able to record ABC! I hate all those commercials.

Hi Markito, Marty at HDTV Twin Cities reported it HERE (http://hdtvtwincities.com/mainframe.php/news?p=61)on May 31st. I haven't been watching PBS-HD so I can't even comment on what you have missed. I feel your pain about Lost/Alias. I have an ATSC tuner but I want to be able to record ABC! I hate all those commercials.

Guys, I am LOVING PBS-HD. I could get it OTA before, but now that I can use my 6412 I'm really enjoying it. I'm about half-way through the Martin Luther documentary, very interesting. I've really enjoyed Secrets of the Dead and History Detectives too. Great Museums in particular---seeing all that great stuff in HD is as close as you can get to being there.

I may just have to re-up my subscription and get another tote bag!

OTA and Time Warner also have a channel with a PBS-HD loop of visually stunning clips to show off your system, etc. Anyone know if the channel with the loop is also now available on our Comcast?

OTA and Time Warner also have a channel with a PBS-HD loop of visually stunning clips to show off your system, etc. Anyone know if the channel with the loop is also now available on our Comcast?

To my knowledge, PBS-HD was the only HD channel added from PBS, though they did add a couple SD PBS channels too.

Hey JonM,

According to Comcast's website DVR's aren't available in Cottage Grove(I'm in St Paul Park and have been holding my breathe for one). How did you get one? Are you a beta tester? Or did you call a CSR?

Thanks for any info

Hey JonM,

According to Comcast's website DVR's aren't available in Cottage Grove(I'm in St Paul Park and have been holding my breathe for one). How did you get one? Are you a beta tester? Or did you call a CSR?

Thanks for any info

WJ, I'm not a beta tester or anything like that, I just called back in November when I heard they were finally here---in the Metro. Call 'em up and get yours, my next door neighbor has one too, I'm sure if they have any available you'll get one.

Bumping to bring us back up to the top of the food chain

Poster at hdtvtwincities.com says Comcast tech. told him that KSTP (ABC) will be added in August or September.

That's awesome news... let's see if it happens... just in time for MNF!

Hey my fellow Minnesoootan's,

I am new to HDTV and was hoping for some help...in fact, quite honestly, I am not only new, but I am kinda, electronically challenged. I have recently purchased the 60" XBR HDTV LCD. Comcast will be here next week to set me up with HD and DVR. Is this all I will need to get optimum HD programming, without getting DirectTV or Satellite. I understand there is over-the-air and other ways to get it. Which is the best, what will I need. I thank you for your help in advance!

DJC

If you're getting HD and the HD DVR (Motorola 6412) from Comcast, that is basically all you need. Use the DVI out from the DVR to connect to your TV for the best picture.

You may also want to add an antenna to receive local channels Over the Air (OTA). Your TV is capable of receiving these directly since it has a built in HD tuner (I have the 70" version). However now that Comcast has KTCA in high-def and will shortly be adding Channel 5, there is less of a need than previously. I have a small indoor UHF antenna, called the Zenith Silver Sensor, which costs about $30-$35 online, connected and it works great from here in Plymouth, even though it is positioned right at ground level at the opposite end of the house from Shoreview. The picture quality on HD broadcasts is a touch sharper than Comcast and I use it regularly, even though I also have the 6412 DVR box connected to the other antenna input.

Last night I was scrolling through my HD channels and found KMWBD right before the newish KTCA HD channel (I'm at work, so don't know the channel number, I think it might be 235). I'm not sure any WB shows are for me, but it's great to have another option! Any suggestions for WB HD shows?

I'm in Golden Valley on the border of Robbinsdale.

Yep. Channel 235. Over at HDTVTwinCities (http://hdtvtwincities.com/forumbb/viewtopic.php?t=1288) they posted a schedule. I have never watched any of these shows but Smallville is quite popular.

bump (to get back to the top of the list) :)

I am contemplating dumping D* in favor of Comcast. My reason is because I am already a broadband internet comcast customer (paying $60+ per month). I am considering bundling phone, cable and internet.

I have a dedicated theater (110" screen, Infocus 7200) and an analog tv upstairs for the kids. We presently have Tivo.

Thoughts?

bump (to get back to the top of the list) :)

I am contemplating dumping D* in favor of Comcast. My reason is because I am already a broadband internet comcast customer (paying $60+ per month). I am considering bundling phone, cable and internet.

I have a dedicated theater (110" screen, Infocus 7200) and an analog tv upstairs for the kids. We presently have Tivo.

Thoughts?Comcast has some good deals for new customers. I think you would still qualify as a new cable customer. I had the Take3 package (HSI, Phone, Cable) for $78/month for 12 months. HD DVR is another $9.95/month. If you have an HD Tivo you may be disappointed in the DVRs functionality. You could try comcast and see how you like it because there is no contract. I would keep D* until you're satisfied and even if you decide to keep comcast you may want to suspend the D* service just in case it doesn't meet your needs. My opinion is comcast has it in spades over D* for HD (better PQ except no HDNet) but D* has a better interface and HD DVR (Tivo). Good luck.

I absolutely hate Comcast. But I have to agree with tall1. My parents have been on Comcast for a couple years, now. The PQ of their analog and SD local channels has improved over that time.

I agree that the switch would be worth it. I'd also add that if you use any kind of phone features at all, and have a cell phone, go with VoIP. We use Sunrocket.com, and the difference is absolutely no features w/Comcast for >$25/month, versus every feature imaginable including emailing you voicemails, two lines, call waiting/ID, etc.. for $16.50/month. No contest, IMO, and we love it. Now would be the time to do it if you're planning on switching anyway.

Thanks for the responses. I'll call comcast and see what they can do.

Comcast has some good deals for new customers. I think you would still qualify as a new cable customer. I had the Take3 package (HSI, Phone, Cable) for $78/month for 12 months. HD DVR is another $9.95/month. If you have an HD Tivo you may be disappointed in the DVRs functionality. You could try comcast and see how you like it because there is no contract. I would keep D* until you're satisfied and even if you decide to keep comcast you may want to suspend the D* service just in case it doesn't meet your needs. My opinion is comcast has it in spades over D* for HD (better PQ except no HDNet) but D* has a better interface and HD DVR (Tivo). Good luck.I need to clarify my post. I paid $78 a month for HSI and Cable (you get everything except for a few obscure channels and premiums are extra of course). I got this deal because I also got the digital phone service which I was billed separately for at around $32/month. I just saw an ad in today's st. paul paper for $99/month for 3 months (HSI, Cable, Phone), then it goes up to $139/month (this is approx. what I pay now) until the end of the year. Then they will raise prices again of course like they do every year.

I called yesterday and found a pretty good deal. Digital Gold package (2 premium channels: Starz & HBO) for $29 per month for 16 months. My HSI will drop $15 per month since I subscribe to Comcast cable. I ordered two DVRs ($20 per month) and I'll finally be able to record some HDTV. Pretty good deal, I thought. No contract either.

Oh, I almost forgot, thanks for your help!

What's the latest on Comcast's transition to simulcasting the analog channels to digital, here in Mpls? I forget the procedure on how to check.

What's the latest on Comcast's transition to simulcasting the analog channels to digital, here in Mpls? I forget the procedure on how to check. I posted an update at HDTV Twin Cities HERE. (http://hdtvtwincities.com/forumbb/viewtopic.php?p=9619#9619) 37 of 71 channels are DS here in eagan Comcast Northern Dakota County. To check if a channel is DS, hit power, select. Then scroll down to d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS and it will either display TYPE: ANALOG or TYPE: DIGITAL.

I posted an update at HDTV Twin Cities HERE. (http://hdtvtwincities.com/forumbb/viewtopic.php?p=9619#9619) 37 of 71 channels are DS here in eagan Comcast Northern Dakota County. To check if a channel is DS, hit power, select. Then scroll down to d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS and it will either display TYPE: ANALOG or TYPE: DIGITAL.

I saw your post earlier today, but noticed that your channel numbers are different than mine (I'm in Plymouth). Thanks for the instructions - I'll do some checking when I get time!

Anyone heard any more about KSTP (ABC affiliate) offering an HD channel on Comcast in August or September as was reported here earlier?
~Markito

Hello..........
Anyone out there in this ghost town???

I'm here, haven't heard about ABC yet, but do have a comment... The Fox HD broadcast for NFL football this weekend absolutely sucked. So did the announcers.

I'm here, haven't heard about ABC yet, but do have a comment... The Fox HD broadcast for NFL football this weekend absolutely sucked. So did the announcers.

So did the Vikings! :o

Anyway, couldn't agree with you more - the picture hardly looked HD, I'd say more like 480P at best.

So did the Vikings! :o

Anyway, couldn't agree with you more - the picture hardly looked HD, I'd say more like 480P at best.
At least my other favorite team won (the Lions -- but only because they're playing the Packers this week :))... Without Birk we're struggling to protect Daunte.

Both broadcasts kept switching between SD and HD, and audio/no audio. Grrr...

Hi guys.
Do any of you use a Harmony remote to control your Moto 6412?
I used to use the Harmony 659 but just recently bought the Harmony 880.

Anyway, I know that the 6412 could do a "30-second" quick skip for skipping past commercials, but then some areas of the country reported that when the Moto's firmware was updated, it no longer could do a quick skip.

What is the sitch here in Saint Paul?

Specifically do you guys do the quick skip? And if so do you do it with a Hamony remote?
I am so sick of FastForwarding through commercials.

PLEASE do share.

Thanks!
~Makito

I use the Harmony 880 with my 6412, but I haven't setup the quickskip. I never got around to setting up the quickskip using the normal remote. I'd like to get this working as well, so maybe I'll play with it sometime in the next week. Everything else seems to work fine.

No sitch yet using 9.19 FW in eagan. 30 sec skip still works.

How To Add 30-Second Skip

The following technique can be used to map an unused or unneeded button on the "silver" remote to the 30-second skip command. Current versions of the iGuide DVR software will skip forward 30 seconds into a recording when this command is sent. The '15-second back' button can be a good choice, since PgDn already provides that functionality.

Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
Type in the code 00173.
Press whatever button (personally I use the "Live" button on the silver remote and a hard button on the harmony 659) you want to map the 30-second skip command to.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorola_6412

Tim, don't yo just love the Harmony 880!
It is WAY better than the 659.
I love everything about it, but especially that it automaticaly lights up when you pick up the remote.
And so nice to have a charging dock since the 659 used regular batteries and drained them superfast
Have you assigned logos to each of the HD channels yet?

tall1, thank you SO mch for the tip. I assume we program it on the Comcast silver remote and then save it to our Harmonies via IR.

I can't wait to try it.

Since the wife and I are now watching more recorded tv on the 6412 because of the new seasons, i.e.: Rome, Lost, Alias, My Name Is Earl, How I Met Your Mother, etc.
We are so used to the automatic commercial skip and 30-sec on oue Replay units, that it has been very painfull on the 6412.

I hope I can get it to work.
I'm SO gad that I asked.
Thanks guys!
Still no more talk about KSTP (ABC) going HD on Comcast?

Awesome info, Tall1! I'm going to have to try that when I get home.

Markito, I definitely like the 880. I guess I was spoiled from the start since I went from about 7 remotes to that single one, and a whole bunch of it just makes sense. The thing I don't like is that it takes quite a few button clicks to go between the different devices and do what I want with each. That's just a matter of setting everything up correctly though. The other added complexity is that I have multiple displays (32" SDTV & PE7700 projector), so it's hard to set an activity when you may want to watch it on one display or the other.

The question I have about the 6412 is that it doesn't display the OSD menu when going through S-video to the TV. So I can't schedule anything unless I use the projector (component). I know, I should just look up why this is in the 6412 thread... :)

I still use the 659 remote which works great for what I need it for. Some day I will upgrade but am specifically looking for a new Harmony that will do RF. Anyway, as I recall, when I programmed the 659 on Harmony's website, the 30 second skip was already in there, so there was no need to "teach" it from the Comcast remote (which is also programmed for the skip, but I rarely use this remote).

KSTP and Comcast Reach Deal!!!!!!!

good news people!! .... kstp FINALLY!!! :D





got the news here..

http://hdtvtwincities.com/forumbb/viewtopic.php?t=1497

Whoo hoo!!!!!!!
Now you're talkin'!
Sydney Bristow in high definition! Finally!
Lost will be great too.
I am VERY happy about this.
Thanks for the heads up.

KSTP and Comcast Reach Deal!!!!!!!

good news people!! .... kstp FINALLY!!! :D





got the news here..

http://hdtvtwincities.com/forumbb/viewtopic.php?t=1497

Good news. Just did a channel sweep on my TV with a built in tuner. 5-1 is active through comcast.

Not through the 6412, just straight cable. I have not looked for it on the box other than right around the other local HD channels.

KSTP-DT now showing on channel 231 on the 6412

somewhere...in hell














its very cold

KSTP-DT now showing on channel 231 on the 6412

Cool - thanks for letting us know!

KSTP-DT now showing on channel 231 on the 6412

Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

somewhere...in hell
its very cold

So cold that the pigs can barely fly! But they're flyin'!!!!!!

I really didn't think we'd ever see KSTP-DT.

Thanks Mr. Hubbard, Dick Rice andall the others!

Can't wait to finally watch "Lost" in HD tonight! And "Alias" tomorrow night!

Likewise! Unfortunately I'll be busy this evening, but that's what the HD DVR is for.. :)

Hopefully we will get an evening free of SkyMax 5 weather alerts. :rolleyes:

Hopefully we will get an evening free of SkyMax 5 weather alerts. :rolleyes:

`There's a cloud over Willmar, run for your lives!'

Surely you care about a thunderstorm watch for a single county in the BWCA?

It's too bad they don't have a way to turn that off manually. Such is the nature of broadcasting..

It was great to finally see some NHL on HD (OLN/INHD on Comcast. It has been far too long since hockey has been on, and it was great to finally see it in HD!

jpe

It was great to finally see some NHL on HD (OLN/INHD on Comcast. It has been far too long since hockey has been on, and it was great to finally see it in HD!

jpe

I got to watch the Wild almost blow it there in the 3rd period, but I forgot it was on INHD! Am I correct in saying that it will also be on in HD this Saturday and Sunday evenings?

I got to watch the Wild almost blow it there in the 3rd period, but I forgot it was on INHD! Am I correct in saying that it will also be on in HD this Saturday and Sunday evenings?


YOU ARE CORRECT SIR!!



SAT Oct-8 9:00 PM MINNESOTA @ PHOENIX
SUN Oct-9 7:00 PM MINNESOTA @ LOS ANGELES
SUN Nov-6 7:00 PM MINNESOTA @ ANAHEIM
THU Dec-8 6:30 PM MINNESOTA @ PITTSBURGH
THU Dec-22 8:00 PM MINNESOTA @ COLORADO
THU Feb-2 9:30 PM MINNESOTA @ SAN JOSE
THU Mar-2 9:30 PM MINNESOTA @ LOS ANGELES
FRI Mar-3 9:30 PM MINNESOTA @ ANAHEIM
WED Mar-22 7:30 PM MINNESOTA @ DALLAS
SUN Apr-9 8:00 PM MINNESOTA @ COLORADO

Source: Comcast


click>>>http://hdtvtwincities.com/mainframe.php/news?p=106


====================================================

in addition that , check THIS out

SAINT PAUL, MN October 4, 2005 - Comcast joins the NHL and OLN to make hockey history as the first Internet provider to stream live NHL games over the Internet. Comcast’s more than 7.7 million High-Speed Internet customers will be the first and only broadband users to experience hockey action live on their PCs, during the 2005-06 NHL season. Comcast High-Speed Internet is available to over 665,000 homes in the Twin Cities / Western Wisconsin area.

This exclusive agreement gives Comcast High-Speed Internet customers access to up to two live games daily, for a total of up to 300 throughout the season, up through the Stanley Cup playoffs. Beginning October 5, users can view the live NHL games in the Sports channel on Comcast.net.


http://hdtvtwincities.com/mainframe.php/news?p=105

<Bump>

Does anyone here have a 6412 without subscribing to one of the digital tiers? I will be downgrading my service to basic cable sometime soon (I had D* installed) rather than dropping cable altogether because HSI is cheaper if you subscribe to basic cable.

If you do have a 6412 with basic cable do you receive the local HD channels? Does the blue iGuide appear as the user interface? Can you subscribe to an HD premium channel if you only have basic cable? I have read other comcast areas do send local HD programming and let you sub to premium HD movie channels if you have only basic cable. I would like to know if this is possible before I call an uniformed CSR. Thanks.

From my understanding...you can't have the 6412 if you don't have some kind of Digital tier. That is what I've been told....so you have to have a minimum of Digital Classic

I got a new mitsubishi wd62825 tv and have it hooked up to medicom cable at college. We get the basic 78 channel package, but I am also able to pic up 11 and 2 in HD. My tv did a scan of digital channels and picked up a few stations. They are mainly black screen and off air, but I have been picking up random on demand movies on these digital channels. People are fast forwarding and rewinding the shows. How am I picking up others signals?

Is anybody else freaked out that Chow is getting HD in his DORM??

Sheesh. When I was in college I was weird because I ran my TV sound through my stereo.

Suddenly I feel very, very old.

From my understanding...you can't have the 6412 if you don't have some kind of Digital tier. That is what I've been told....so you have to have a minimum of Digital ClassicI believe this is true but from what I have read, technically you do indeed get the local HD channels if you sub to basic cable and no digital tier. I think what I may do is go ahead and cancel digital cable, keep basic and see if the HD locals still tune in. I want to be at home when I do this though, maybe this weekend. Although, they might deactivate the 6412s too. If it doesn't work I'll have them turn digital cable back on. I'll post what happens.

Is anybody else freaked out that Chow is getting HD in his DORM??

Sheesh. When I was in college I was weird because I ran my TV sound through my stereo.

Suddenly I feel very, very old.I'm more freaked that he has a 62" HDTV in his dorm room.

I'm more freaked that he has a 62" HDTV in his dorm room.

That's a 62"!?!?!?!

That's just wrong. On so many levels.


And I'm jealous --- all I have is 55". :rolleyes:

Is anybody else freaked out that Chow is getting HD in his DORM??

Sheesh. When I was in college I was weird because I ran my TV sound through my stereo.

Suddenly I feel very, very old.

You mean you had a TV in college? And I bet it was a color one too, right? And you think YOU feel old! ;)

You mean you had a TV in college? And I bet it was a color one too, right? And you think YOU feel old! ;)

JB, I was just about to say the same exact thing!!!
Man how times have changed!
~M

JB, I was just about to say the same exact thing!!!
Man how times have changed!
~M

Fortunately during my last two years I had a rich roommate, who's dad bought him a color TV...all I had was a table radio - a KLH back when it was a very good brand - that still works to this day!

Getting back to topic, has anyone had a problem lately of some commercials literally blasting at 3-4 times the normal volume of the program you are watching? Any solutions to fix this?

Getting back to topic, has anyone had a problem lately of some commercials literally blasting at 3-4 times the normal volume of the program you are watching? Any solutions to fix this?

Local commercials or national? Analog channels 2-99 (digitally simulcasted) or all digital 100 +? Or a mixture?

If it's only on the analog range channels than I'm guessing it's related to the switching over to DS -- they'll work the bugs out. With DS of analogs they are using new hardware and software in insert the local commercials.

Local commercials or national? Analog channels 2-99 (digitally simulcasted) or all digital 100 +? Or a mixture?

If it's only on the analog range channels than I'm guessing it's related to the switching over to DS -- they'll work the bugs out. With DS of analogs they are using new hardware and software in insert the local commercials.

I haven't noticed any pattern to it, in fact it's sporadic on any given channel and it seems to happen on both analog and digital. It's not the normal "turn the commercials up a little louder" thing we're all used to, but rather when it happens I'm literally BLASTED out of the room when the program itself is on a moderate-to higher volume. I would say it goes up by a factor of 4 or 5 - VERY annoying! :mad:

I just purchased a Sony HDD250 PVR and called Comcast to get a cable card installed.

I was told they only install cable cards into TVs. Does any here have a cable card installed in anything other than a TV?

Thanks

I haven't noticed any pattern to it, in fact it's sporadic on any given channel and it seems to happen on both analog and digital. It's not the normal "turn the commercials up a little louder" thing we're all used to, but rather when it happens I'm literally BLASTED out of the room when the program itself is on a moderate-to higher volume. I would say it goes up by a factor of 4 or 5 - VERY annoying! :mad:

Was hunting through this thread and found this. I've experienced this problem since I got a new Motorola DCT 3412 box. It tends to happen on the local commercials that comcast plays over the national ones. I tried calling Comcast to complain about it but the CSR rep was not helpful.

I'm guessing it is some kind of issue with the analog-digital conversion on the digital simulcast channels.

Was hunting through this thread and found this. I've experienced this problem since I got a new Motorola DCT 3412 box. It tends to happen on the local commercials that comcast plays over the national ones. I tried calling Comcast to complain about it but the CSR rep was not helpful.

I'm guessing it is some kind of issue with the analog-digital conversion on the digital simulcast channels.

I've noticed this too, and I don't think it's just an anolog to digital problem. I've notcied in on DHTV, even with their own commercials plugging their own shows, which I assume are inserted at their end.

I read in another thread to have audio compression `high' in the menu, that hasn't helped, I have a 6412.

I've noticed this too, and I don't think it's just an anolog to digital problem. I've notcied in on DHTV, even with their own commercials plugging their own shows, which I assume are inserted at their end.

I read in another thread to have audio compression `high' in the menu, that hasn't helped, I have a 6412.

The "high" audio compression setting didn't do it for me either!

Anyone else not able to access KMWBD, channel 235? It has been "frozen" for a number of days now for me.

Anyone else not able to access KMWBD, channel 235? It has been "frozen" for a number of days now for me.

Just checked mine - it's frozen too. I live in Plymouth.

Well, KMWBD is back. I don't watch a lot on it, but any temporary loss of an HD channel hurts my surfing!

Yep, mine came back mid-afternoon also.

KARE-11 News to go HD in April:

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=117742

KARE 11 announced Wednesday that it will begin broadcasting its news programs in High Definition beginning in late April.

KARE 11 will be the only station in Minneapolis/St. Paul to broadcast its news in high definition, and only one of a handful - about one dozen - nationwide.

Congress has mandated that all television stations convert from the current analog format to Digital Television -- with analog broadcasts ending by February of 2009.

With High Definition, the viewer will see high-resolution broadcasts with sharper, crisper and clearer pictures with enhanced audio regardless of whether the viewer has bought a high definition television.

For viewers with an HDTV set, the picture will be presented in wide-screen format -- what is called 16x9 format. But even for viewers without an HD set, the improved picture quality will be obvious. (Traditional TV is 4x3 format, or four inches wide for every three inches tall. HDTV is wider.)

"This investment is about giving all of our viewers the best possible viewing experience for local news. High Definition Television is the best technology ever for our viewers and we will lead the way in HD," KARE 11 president and general manager John Remes said.

The upgrade to HDTV requires KARE 11 News to upgrade to a new state-of-the-art news set.

"I think you're going to see some dramatic changes. The picture is spectacular and the sound is better," KARE 11 News Director Tom Lindner said. "The studio set is designed to showcase both our news-gathering and local weather."

HD television's expansion has been a bit of a chicken and egg proposition - consumers have held off on buying the HD sets until there was more programming, and some broadcasters have waited for more sets to be sold before committing to HD production.

"Instead of waiting for more homes to purchase HD sets, our choice is to lead the transition," Remes said. "Most of NBC's prime-time programming, more and more sporting events-including the return of the NFL to NBC are being presented in high-definition. The timing couldn't be better."

NBC will also air most of the Winter Olympics in High Definition at the same as the events are broadcast on regular TV. Many events from the 2004 Athens games were broadcast in HD -- but they were delayed at different times.

This is great news, and it's about time! No doubt it will put pressure on the other stations to quickly follow suit.

Thanks for sharing.

Some more details from today's Star Tribune: :(

http://www.startribune.com/535/story/220306.html

However, even owners of HDTV sets won't see the whole local newscast in the high-definition format. KARE said only its studio cameras will broadcast HDTV signals; news reports from the field will be broadcast in a lower-quality digital format.

What's more, KARE won't take full advantage of the wide-screen capability of HDTV to avoid irritating viewers watching on conventional sets. While those watching in HDTV will see a wide picture that fills the entire screen, viewers with narrower conventional TVs will see a picture that fills the whole screen (something most viewers want) but has been cropped on both sides so it will fit. To cope with this problem, KARE will keep everything important in the middle of the picture so viewers watching on HDTV and conventional sets will see it.

Are you guys able to NBC in HD via comcast with basic cable? I get CBS, ABC, and UPN, but no NBC?

I'm starting to think its a TV issue... :(

Are you guys able to NBC in HD via comcast with basic cable? I get CBS, ABC, and UPN, but no NBC?

I'm starting to think its a TV issue... :(Yes. Basic cable only here and I get NBC in HD on channel 232.

232? Hmm maybe thats why probably, I got a samsung 6163, and I just goto the .1's so like 4.1,5.1, etc, but there never is a 11.1 anymore. Trying to get this figured out before the Olympics in case they are in HD.

232? Hmm maybe thats why probably, I got a samsung 6163, and I just goto the .1's so like 4.1,5.1, etc, but there never is a 11.1 anymore. Trying to get this figured out before the Olympics in case they are in HD.Oh, I have a comcast receiver. I do have an LG QAM tuner that gets KARE-DT but I am not home right now. I will post the channel/subchannel tonight.

Yeah I dont have a comcast receiver, I just use the built in tuner for SD/HD that the Samsung comes with it.

Yeah I dont have a comcast receiver, I just use the built in tuner for SD/HD that the Samsung comes with it.

If it's like my TV you might want to do a new scan of your digital channels - they may have moved it.

I checked my LG QAM tuner on comcast basic and KARE-DT is mapped to 75-2

I also get WCCO-DT on 75-1

I get the SD locals on 104-1 through 104-6

I can't find FOXDT nor KSTP-DT after doing a scan. Anyone know where these are mapped on comcast?

Tried rescanning last night, got 11 HD for OTA but still no COMCAST HD.

Universal HD showed up this morning on channel 208 (Shoreview).

Universal HD showed up this morning on channel 208 (Shoreview).

Also have it here in Plymouth.

I checked my LG QAM tuner on comcast basic and KARE-DT is mapped to 75-2

I also get WCCO-DT on 75-1

I get the SD locals on 104-1 through 104-6

I can't find FOXDT nor KSTP-DT after doing a scan. Anyone know where these are mapped on comcast?
FOX9 HD is on 9.1

KSTP-DT is on 5.1

I called yesterday and found a pretty good deal. Digital Gold package (2 premium channels: Starz & HBO) for $29 per month for 16 months. My HSI will drop $15 per month since I subscribe to Comcast cable. I ordered two DVRs ($20 per month) and I'll finally be able to record some HDTV. Pretty good deal, I thought. No contract either.
are you sure you're getting $15/month on HSI because you have Digital Cable?

i have Basic 1 (most basic) and HSI is $42.95/month.

are you sure you're getting $15/month on HSI because you have Digital Cable?

i have Basic 1 (most basic) and HSI is $42.95/month.


Yes They are correct...If they didn't have Cable previously, HSI would be 57.95 a month for non-subscribers

My HSI is $15 cheaper because I have digital phone with comcast. I was going to carry basic cable at ~$8/mo to save $15 on HSI but when I mentioned I have phone they said the same $15 discount applies.

I'm not a Comcast subscriber but I use a Voom box to get OTA locals. Does anybody know what the future holds for OTA? I see quite a few slots among the locals reserved for future use. Is there enough bandwidth for other HD offerings, and if so would the local stations take it upon themselves to offer up more variety to compete with cable and satellite? Nothing except premium channels seem to be commercial-free anymore and the infrastructure is already in place so would it be feasible for stations to hook up with ESPN for example or other networks that are currently the exclusive domain of cable and sat or am I just being ignorant here?

I did search on this thread and didn't see an answer to this question.

What channels on comcast are clear QAM?

Thanks

Joe

Does anybody know what type/size of system Comcast has in MN, more specifically the northern suburbs? I hear a lot of people talking about losing INHD2 for EspnHD2, but we still have it here. I also entered a lot of different zip codes from areas through out the country, and many comcast systems have a lot less HD Stations. Seems 9 is pretty common. That makes me hopeful that Comcast of MN has enough room to add more HD stations as they become available to Comcast (contract wise) instead of having to wait to free up bandwidth. We currently have 16 HD Channels in my area, PLUS some HD-VOD.

202 ESPN HD (Must subscribe to at least Digital Classic to receive)

203 ESPN2 HD (Must subscribe to at least Digital Classic to receive)

204 TNT HD (Must subscribe to at least Digital Classic to receive)

205 Discovery HD Theater (Must subscribe to at least Digital Classic to receive)

206 INHD (Must subscribe to at least Digital Classic to receive)

207 INHD 2 (Must subscribe to at least Digital Classic to receive)

215 Cinemax (HDTV) Must subscribe to Cinemax in order to receive HD channel

219 HBO HDTV (Must subscribe to HBO in order to receive the HD channel)

223 Showtime (HDTV) Must subscribe to Showtime to receive HD channel

227 Starz (HDTV) Must subscribe to Starz! in order to receive HD channel

231 KSTP-ABC (HDTV

232 KARE-NBC (HDTV)

233 WCCO-CBS (HDTV)

234 KMSP-FOX (HDTV)

235 KMWB HD

240 TPTHDTV (PBS)

300 HBO East (HDTV) (Must subscribe to HBO to receive HD channel)

319 Cinemax (HDTV) (Must subscribe to Cinemax to receive HD channel)

339 Showtime East (HDTV) (Must subscribe to Showtime to receive HD channel)

369 Starz (HDTV) (Must subscribe to Starz! to receive HD channel)

What type of system are we on? Am I correct in hoping/assuming we are on a large system with room for more HD as it becomes available?

Thanks!

Can't answer your question, but in the NW suburbs (I'm in Plymouth) I believe all of the HD channels are the same, except HBO-HD is 215, and 300 seems to be the same as 215; i.e. not HBO East. HBO East is 301, but it's not HD.

I am going to purchase a TV tuner/PVR for my PC and I would like to know if anyone knows which, if any, Comcast digital channels are clear QAM (unencrypted), since the tuner will not work with encrypted channels.
I live in the NW suburbs of Mpls.

Thanks.

Is anyone having reception quality issues with ESPNHD through Comcast ? ESPN always looked great for me then a couple days ago the PQ went down big time. I get the blocking and fuzziness all the time . Nowhere near as nice as it looked in the past. All my other HD stations still look great. Just ESPNHD is looking bad lately. Even ESPN2HD still looks good.


Anyone else having these issues ? FYI- Im in Eagan.

Haven't watched it much lately, but right now it looks just fine (Plymouth).

Is anyone having reception quality issues with ESPNHD through Comcast ? ESPN always looked great for me then a couple days ago the PQ went down big time. I get the blocking and fuzziness all the time . Nowhere near as nice as it looked in the past. All my other HD stations still look great. Just ESPNHD is looking bad lately. Even ESPN2HD still looks good.


Anyone else having these issues ? FYI- Im in Eagan.

ESPN is awful right now (Comcast customer in northwest suburb). It has been bad for a few days. There are motion artifacts like the field grass is out of focus. The PQ is grainy...it's bad. I've been a Comcast HD customer for a long time and always thought ESPN HD was the best looking HD period. But something is wrong right now.

I have checked the HDTV Twin Citites forum and there are people complaining about it there, too. I also advanced searched this site and found some Cox cable customers complaining the last few days as well.

I guess its time to call Comcast.

ESPN is awful right now (Comcast customer in northwest suburb). It has been bad for a few days. There are motion artifacts like the field grass is out of focus. The PQ is grainy...it's bad. I've been a Comcast HD customer for a long time and always thought ESPN HD was the best looking HD period. But something is wrong right now.

I have checked the HDTV Twin Citites forum and there are people complaining about it there, too. I also advanced searched this site and found some Cox cable customers complaining the last few days as well.

I guess its time to call Comcast.


Thanks for the reply. There is definately something wrong with ESPNHD right now. I spent the whole weekend checking every piece of equiptment I own trying to solve the problem to no avial. But as your post states there is something wrong with ESPN. I am having your EXACT same issues.

I will call Comcast tonight and report back if they say anything useful. Suks because ESPN was always my best HD channel.

FYI- I called Comcast and reported th issue with ESPNHD. They said there were no other complaints on file yet. They said they would reset my cable box remotely and see if that helps. I wont be home till later tonight so I will post back with the results .


I suggest anyone else having this issue with ESPNHD in the Minny area call Comcast and get the problem on file.

I am going to purchase a TV tuner/PVR for my PC and I would like to know if anyone knows which, if any, Comcast digital channels are clear QAM (unencrypted), since the tuner will not work with encrypted channels.
I live in the NW suburbs of Mpls.

Thanks.

Locals are not encrypted.

This post may be piggybacking on the above and previous page's posts (not to mention some random stuff gleaned from hdtvtwincities.com), so bear with me.

I'm going to be a new Comcast customer, mainly because of HSI, but getting local HD channels without worrying about reception would be an added bonus. I'm moving to downtown St. Paul, and I'm thinking reception would become more of a problem down in all that multipath.

Anyway, I'd like to get a clearer picture of what HD channels I'd be getting currently as just an HSI + Basic customer. This is what tall1 posted at hdtvtwincities.com (http://hdtvtwincities.com/forumbb/viewtopic.php?p=14665#14665) back in February:
71-2 TPTMN 243
71-3 TPTKD 242
71-4 TPT-Y
75-1 WCCOD 233
75-2 KAREH 232
75-3 NBCW+ 249
77-1 NO SIGNAL
81-3 NO SIGNAL
82-21 THROUGH 28 MUSIC
86-1 THROUGH 86-8 NO SIGNAL
87-1 THROUGH 87-9 NO SIGNAL
87-10 OnDemand Advert
88-1 THROUGH 10 OnDemand
89-1 THROUGH 10 PPV
89-19 PPV
90-09 ondemand
90-10 ondemand
91-16 WTHSN 101
104-1 KSTC-SD
104-2 Comcast 13
104-3 KTCI-SD 17
104-4 KARE-SD 11
104-5 KSTP-SD 5
104-6 KMSP-SD 9
104-9 TWC 23
105-1 THROUGH 10 NO SIGNAL
108-3 NO SIGNAL
108-13 THROUGH 14 NO SIGNAL
108-15 NASA
108-16 community
108-17 TST
108-18 TST
115-3 THROUGH 4 NO SIGNAL
Is that a current and accurate list? If not, can we compile one?

It sounds like channel numbers may have been changing or just different relative to your tuner or location, but I'm wondering what the current situation is for free HDTV through the basic package. I'm a little concerned about seeing channel numbers above 125 since my only QAM tuner is an ATI HDTV Wonder in my MCE box. Are the channels in the 230's listed in this thread the actual channel numbers or just what the cable box remaps them to?

Also, I'm hearing that it may be possible to receive the same HD channels without even subscribing to the basic package (in my case, HSI only). I realize there's a $15/mo penalty for being an HSI-only customer, but Comcast is offering a $19.99/mo introductory rate on HSI that supercedes the penalty. Does anybody have any experience with this? Would I be losing money in installation fees by adding basic cable after the introductory period?

FYI -

INHD2 Goes Offline, and MHD Comes online on 8-30-06 on Comcast of MN Systems

Just curious, I have Digital Plus, with HBO, and I have my yamaha receiver hooked up by optical dolby digital, and my first HBO channel #301 is always broadcasting dolby digital, as with #300 which is the HD channel, but the rest of the hbo's are not comming in as dolby digital, which bothers me, there should be no reason why all the HBO's should be dolby digital if the movie supports 5.1 digital souround. Is there a reason for this?

FYI -

INHD2 Goes Offline, and MHD Comes online on 8-30-06 on Comcast of MN Systems

Any word as to where they will move FSN's HD broaccasts when this happens? Somtimes they've been using IHHD2 to show the Twins in HD.

Any word as to where they will move FSN's HD broaccasts when this happens? Somtimes they've been using IHHD2 to show the Twins in HD.

Yeah, I saw a TechNotice about what channel the FSN HD Games will be carried on, but I don't remember what it said unfortunately. I was too excited to see we were getting MHD Finally lol. I will look on Monday if I rememer for ya. BUT, there are going to be somewhere :-)

Just curious, I have Digital Plus, with HBO, and I have my yamaha receiver hooked up by optical dolby digital, and my first HBO channel #301 is always broadcasting dolby digital, as with #300 which is the HD channel, but the rest of the hbo's are not comming in as dolby digital, which bothers me, there should be no reason why all the HBO's should be dolby digital if the movie supports 5.1 digital souround. Is there a reason for this?

I don't think HBO broadcasts anything besides the main HBO Channel + its HD broadcast of the main channel in DD5.1. None of the other channels are in 5.1 on my Comcast HD Boxes, nor on my Dish Net HD Boxes. I'd guess that HBO might not transmit in DD5.1 on the sub stations for bandwidth reasons though, but I do not know for certain.

Yeah, I saw a TechNotice about what channel the FSN HD Games will be carried on, but I don't remember what it said unfortunately. I was too excited to see we were getting MHD Finally lol. I will look on Monday if I rememer for ya. BUT, there are going to be somewhere :-)

Please help the ignorant. What is MHD?

Please help the ignorant. What is MHD?

MHD is a channel that is music 24/7 in HD. They have content from MTV, VH1, and CMT. Everything is produced in HD, so it isn't just upconverts either. You can goto mhd.tv, and get more info about their schedule, and get a good idea about what they have. I'm a big music fan, so thats why I am looking forward to it.

MHD is a channel that is music 24/7 in HD. They have content from MTV, VH1, and CMT. Everything is produced in HD, so it isn't just upconverts either. You can goto mhd.tv, and get more info about their schedule, and get a good idea about what they have. I'm a big music fan, so thats why I am looking forward to it.

Thanks, that is awesome! I'm a big music fan too.

So what makes you a big music fan? Are you in a band or something?

Joe

Thanks, that is awesome! I'm a big music fan too.

So what makes you a big music fan? Are you in a band or something?

Joe

Nope, I'm not in a band or anything like that, but I just REALLY like music. Not sure why though lol

I always have music on whenever possible though. At home I always have the TVs/recievers playing Music choice (those Comcast music stations) or Sirius from Dish. I've found a lot of great music leaving IMF on also (dish network station called the International Music Feed)

I do like to watch local bands play shows downtown though, there are some really good local groups in the twin cities area.

Codee:
Well, it's odd, the main HBO station #301 has everything in DD 5.1, and it's awesome, for bandwidth reasons, what about satellite? I guess I may be not informed as to the correct deal as regards to how many channels are available, there is two HBO Channels # 215 and 300, they are the same channel, but they have two of them, and it's broadcast in DD 5.1, so I'm wondering why they can't offer more DD 5.1 over the other channels, but I'm sure your right, bandwidth is whats up.

Wondering what's up with Fiber Optic? Since no Verizon here to compete?
This may be something I may be asking my state represenative about, Verizon is offering fiber optic tv and internet for way less then comcast, but no choice available to consumers, so we are left in the dark about having no choices......

Codee:
Well, it's odd, the main HBO station #301 has everything in DD 5.1, and it's awesome, for bandwidth reasons, what about satellite? I guess I may be not informed as to the correct deal as regards to how many channels are available, there is two HBO Channels # 215 and 300, they are the same channel, but they have two of them, and it's broadcast in DD 5.1, so I'm wondering why they can't offer more DD 5.1 over the other channels, but I'm sure your right, bandwidth is whats up.

Wondering what's up with Fiber Optic? Since no Verizon here to compete?
This may be something I may be asking my state represenative about, Verizon is offering fiber optic tv and internet for way less then comcast, but no choice available to consumers, so we are left in the dark about having no choices......

215 + 300 are the same feed - We just have them mapped to 2 different channels. It takes the same about of bandwidth to have a channel mapped to 1 station, or 50, as the mapping is done at the box itself. Comcast of MN has some available bandwidth still, we have a lot of HD on Demand, and are adding more at a higher rate then some Comcast areas in other parts of the country. Qwest would be the one to deply fiber optics in this area, and I think the only chance of that would be if they spent a ton of money they didn't have to do the upgrades, and then file bankruptcy. Comcast is still in the process of getting cable systems to be all-digital, not just ADS. Removing analog stations will free up a TON of bandwidth. Dish is also launching a satellite late in 2007 I believe. There will be more bandwidth soon, just not immediately. If there was some really compelling HD content available, I'm sure these companies would be moving quicker to "one-up" each other.

Anyone selling a 50"+ Samsung locally? :)

I live in Eagan and I cannot find KARE (NBC). I do not get any 75 DTV stations.

Anyone know if it is still on 75.1 or did they switch it again?

Also when I am watching Fox 9.1 - I get video but no audio.. Any ideas?

Thanks

I live in Eagan and I cannot find KARE (NBC). I do not get any 75 DTV stations.

Anyone know if it is still on 75.1 or did they switch it again?

Also when I am watching Fox 9.1 - I get video but no audio.. Any ideas?

Thanks

If you are referring to over-the-air reception, I suggest you post your questions on www.hdtvtwincities.com

Does anyone know if Charter sends unencrypted HD through the basic analog line, a la Comcast?

I've been noticing that none of my HD channels actually transmit in surround.

Sure my receiver thinks it's getting Dolby Digital EX. But I usually only get stereo, and somtimes a center channel, but it's all muddled, so I think it's just the receiver putting some sound there. I get no rear channels at all.

When I go to a SD channel I get surround sound.

So for instance when watching TNTHD - Alias -- no rear channels.
TNT - Alias - rear channels.

KARE HD - Conan O'Brian - simple sterro
KARE SD - Conan - surround.

What's up? Is this what others are getting?

I did want to mention that I have the 3416, but I noticed this with the 3412 and 6412, as well.

Any word as to where they will move FSN's HD broaccasts when this happens? Somtimes they've been using IHHD2 to show the Twins in HD.

:eek: I never realized that! With my luck, I've missed my chance, with the switch to MHD. I even sent Comcast a note, when they started talking about it being available in HD, but got the standard response about working toward adding HD.

Anyway, if anyone knows anything about the Twins in HD, I'd sure appreciate hearing about it here!

:eek: I never realized that! With my luck, I've missed my chance, with the switch to MHD. I even sent Comcast a note, when they started talking about it being available in HD, but got the standard response about working toward adding HD.

Anyway, if anyone knows anything about the Twins in HD, I'd sure appreciate hearing about it here!

For you Minnesota sports fans looking for some local HD broadcast info, here is a good local website:

http://www.hdtvtwincities.com/mainframe.php/sport

jpe

:eek: Anyway, if anyone knows anything about the Twins in HD, I'd sure appreciate hearing about it here!

See the link below and it refers to FSN-HD. To the best of my knowledge, with Comcast here locally, there is still no HD channel dedicated to FSN, and I believe they are now using INHD (206) to show them in high-def when the schedule calls for it. I plan to check it out next Tuesday-Thursday evenings.

For you Minnesota sports fans looking for some local HD broadcast info, here is a good local website:

http://www.hdtvtwincities.com/mainframe.php/sport

jpe

Thanks! Great link, I had never seen that...

Can someone elaborate opn when Comcast will get their act together on HDCP compliant cable boxes???

I have a new Yamaha RX-V2700 receiver, and yamaha tech support says their receiver will pass 1080p through this receiver, but Comcast has issues with HDCP protection. A guy from Ultimate has had the same problem, he told me that Comcast is working on it.

So what's the deal, has there bee na fix, any special programming for my box?

Hooking up HDMI from t he Motorolla stb to the receiver, then from the receiver to the tv.

Thanks.

Can someone elaborate opn when Comcast will get their act together on HDCP compliant cable boxes???

I have a new Yamaha RX-V2700 receiver, and yamaha tech support says their receiver will pass 1080p through this receiver, but Comcast has issues with HDCP protection. A guy from Ultimate has had the same problem, he told me that Comcast is working on it.

So what's the deal, has there bee na fix, any special programming for my box?

Hooking up HDMI from t he Motorolla stb to the receiver, then from the receiver to the tv.

Thanks.

I have read that the problem you are referring to is common. The format/version of HDMI that the boxes use is a version behind what the receivers/TV use. This often means that HDMI cannot go through a receiver to the TV, properly. This may also explain the "green screen" that I occasionally get. Forces me to turn off the TV and back on.

I believe "offically" the HDMI outputs are not "supported" by Comcast, they will always recommend the component inputs.

What this really means is that they know the component inputs work and they (Comcast/Motorola) haven't figured out (or tried to) make the HDMI outputs reliable.

dean,

A funy thing comes to mind, that we pay a FEE to use these boxes, for which I would not be satisfied, they should be taking these set-top boxes and configuring them on a special need basis, if some of their customers have a brand new home theater reciever with HDMI capability they should be responsable to make the customer satisfied with a fix, if not they are charging customers for something that they are not PROVIDING something for..
I will say this:
As a customer that has to pay a fee for a HDTV set-top-box, and the box provided is not giving the customer the ability to use the HDMI feature is ludicrus.
Hopefully they can just update the ones that need that fuction enabled, not every single customer of comcasts have these up-to-date receivers and have spent thousands to have this kind of equipment.

This is the second time a customer is promissed something, and the customer is left in the dark. I guess, just in one case that came up before on another forum, if they wont create a fix, then the consumer has the right to buy his own box and have the cability to use the HDMI, there are government rules that DO allow the consumer to buy and use their own set-top-boxes.
Wouldnt it be very simple to just fix the ones that are asked for????

Just a FYI, Versus/Golf HD is available on channel 207 on Comcast of Minnesota systems as of now. It was scheduled to launch 2/07, but they got it up early I guess :-) I haven't see anything in HD on it yet, but the picture looks much better then the simulcast on the regular golf channel by far.

I really wish they would have added Universal HD or National Geographic HD instead....maybe even A&E HD...I would like to watch CSI re-runs in HD lol

I was wondering if any one is near the columbia heights area and has had luck with getting OTA signals. I can get 2,9,17, 23 sometimes, and 29 about 95 percent of the time. I don't get the other channels at all. This is interesting to me because I only live 5 miles from the towers. I am however in the SW corner of Columbia Heights and I am kinda of on the bad side of the valley heading toward the river. Anyone have any ideas on how to get good reception?

30' 1980's antenna from my father, and a vboxx 150 for my HTPC. I've got a couple amplifiers inline to boost analog signals and without them I don't get any reception on any channels.

Any help would be appreciated.

I was wondering if any one is near the columbia heights area and has had luck with getting OTA signals. I can get 2,9,17, 23 sometimes, and 29 about 95 percent of the time. I don't get the other channels at all. This is interesting to me because I only live 5 miles from the towers. I am however in the SW corner of Columbia Heights and I am kinda of on the bad side of the valley heading toward the river. Anyone have any ideas on how to get good reception?

30' 1980's antenna from my father, and a vboxx 150 for my HTPC. I've got a couple amplifiers inline to boost analog signals and without them I don't get any reception on any channels.

Any help would be appreciated.

I assume you are talking about HD reception and the old antenna has UHF capability?

"I assume you are talking about HD reception and the old antenna has UHF capability?"

That is correct. I am looking for the ATSC signals of 4,5,11, and 23. I have ATSC signals of 2,9,17, and 29.

Oh, maybe I should also mention that this weekend I went and got 4 different antennas. Some from menards and 2 from Radio Shack. None of these worked better than the one I already have. In fact, I couldn't get any signals from the channels I don't have and the channels I did get with my old antenna were at about 75% of the strength.

I am wondering if its my Vboxx card that has something wrong with it. Even though a) no one else seems to have this problem b) the card comes highly recommended and c) I get channels from both towers in shoreview.

Oh, maybe I should also mention that this weekend I went and got 4 different antennas. Some from menards and 2 from Radio Shack. None of these worked better than the one I already have. In fact, I couldn't get any signals from the channels I don't have and the channels I did get with my old antenna were at about 75% of the strength.

I am wondering if its my Vboxx card that has something wrong with it. Even though a) no one else seems to have this problem b) the card comes highly recommended and c) I get channels from both towers in shoreview.

Have you posted your questions in www.hdtvtwincities.com ? There are some real antenna experts that regularly contribute at this site, and they may be able to help you with your special situation.

I personally have a cheap indoor antenna connected, as a back up to Comcast so I don't use it very often. But I'm in Plymouth which is of course much further from Shoreview than where you are, and the reception on all channels is very good. But I have it connected directly to the TV, not through a Vboxx card, as my TV has a built in HD tuner and Im just using the other antenna input.

Oh, maybe I should also mention that this weekend I went and got 4 different antennas. Some from menards and 2 from Radio Shack. None of these worked better than the one I already have. In fact, I couldn't get any signals from the channels I don't have and the channels I did get with my old antenna were at about 75% of the strength.

I am wondering if its my Vboxx card that has something wrong with it. Even though a) no one else seems to have this problem b) the card comes highly recommended and c) I get channels from both towers in shoreview.
I don't know much about antennae, so I don't know what you have, but I have an old antenna on my roof. It has maybe a 5' wingspan, and I get all the locals with 80%+ signal strength, and I'm 15 miles from the telefarm in Shoreview.

It works equally well with both a FusionHDTV5 and an ATI TV Wonder 650. I was not able to get much of a signal with an indoor antenna.

ok---moving to mound and am going to be getting in to HDTV...was hoping of trying out Digital cable w/hdtv form someone like comcast or time warner, who ever serves in the area...

whats gonna be the best, DISH or comcast/time warner?

ok---moving to mound and am going to be getting in to HDTV...was hoping of trying out Digital cable w/hdtv form someone like comcast or time warner, who ever serves in the area...

whats gonna be the best, DISH or comcast/time warner?

I'd go with cable to start out - no equipment to buy and you can see if it meets your needs first.

I have comcast and I am in Coon Rapids, I have had every HD channel have some kind of macroblocking where the picture "studders" and has a bunch of little blocks all over and the sound cuts out. Has anyone else had this problem? Everytime I call comcast they say they will send a signial to the box and see if that works...it never does. :mad:

I have comcast and I am in Coon Rapids, I have had every HD channel have some kind of macroblocking where the picture "studders" and has a bunch of little blocks all over and the sound cuts out. Has anyone else had this problem? Everytime I call comcast they say they will send a signial to the box and see if that works...it never does. :mad:

Yes, I had the problem. Sometimes it takes a more than average tech guy to stop out and figure it out. Here was my problem:

I used to have the original phone service from Comcast. I then changed to their new VOIP service. It so happens that the old phone service needed a higher voltage on the cable than the new one. He went out to the phone pole and disconnected the higher voltage connection and everything has worked fine since.

I don't know if this is your problem but the way you describe it it was just like mine.

Joe

Yes, I had the problem. Sometimes it takes a more than average tech guy to stop out and figure it out. Here was my problem:

I used to have the original phone service from Comcast. I then changed to their new VOIP service. It so happens that the old phone service needed a higher voltage on the cable than the new one. He went out to the phone pole and disconnected the higher voltage connection and everything has worked fine since.

I don't know if this is your problem but the way you describe it it was just like mine.

Joe

What do they charge for the VOIP service?

What do they charge for the VOIP service?

It is like $33 or $35. Including long distance and voicemail

Joe

I called comcast and set up a tech visit. I'm going to refer to this thread when he gets here on Wed. I'm going to wait and see if they can fix it without upgrading my service right now. If not looks like that I'll be getting their VOIP service (The rep told me that it cost $33 each month for the first year then it will be $39)

Thanks for your help jmorris644,
I'll post the results in a few days.

I called comcast and set up a tech visit. I'm going to refer to this thread when he gets here on Wed. I'm going to wait and see if they can fix it without upgrading my service right now. If not looks like that I'll be getting their VOIP service (The rep told me that it cost $33 each month for the first year then it will be $39)

Thanks for your help jmorris644,
I'll post the results in a few days.

One way you can tell if you have the high voltage is to quickly short the copper wire to the outside part of the jack. If you get a spark you have the higher voltage running. Do it quick though so you don't short anything out.

Joe

This post may be piggybacking on the above and previous page's posts (not to mention some random stuff gleaned from hdtvtwincities.com), so bear with me.

I'm going to be a new Comcast customer, mainly because of HSI, but getting local HD channels without worrying about reception would be an added bonus. I'm moving to downtown St. Paul, and I'm thinking reception would become more of a problem down in all that multipath.

Anyway, I'd like to get a clearer picture of what HD channels I'd be getting currently as just an HSI + Basic customer. This is what tall1 posted at hdtvtwincities.com (http://hdtvtwincities.com/forumbb/viewtopic.php?p=14665#14665) back in February:

Is that a current and accurate list? If not, can we compile one?

It sounds like channel numbers may have been changing or just different relative to your tuner or location, but I'm wondering what the current situation is for free HDTV through the basic package. I'm a little concerned about seeing channel numbers above 125 since my only QAM tuner is an ATI HDTV Wonder in my MCE box. Are the channels in the 230's listed in this thread the actual channel numbers or just what the cable box remaps them to?

Also, I'm hearing that it may be possible to receive the same HD channels without even subscribing to the basic package (in my case, HSI only). I realize there's a $15/mo penalty for being an HSI-only customer, but Comcast is offering a $19.99/mo introductory rate on HSI that supercedes the penalty. Does anybody have any experience with this? Would I be losing money in installation fees by adding basic cable after the introductory period?

Here's what I currently have in Blaine - I just reconfigured my MythTV to get all the QAM channels:

NAME FREQ CHAN PID
KTCADT 495000000 69 1
WUCWDT 495000000 69 2
CCNEWS 507000000 71 13
WCCODT 531000000 75 1
KAREDT 531000000 75 2
KAREDT2 531000000 75 3
KSTPDT 555000000 79 1
KSTPDT2 555000000 79 2
KMSPDT 555000000 79 3
BRAVO 591000000 85 1
TVGC 591000000 85 4
RELIG 591000000 85 5
CSPAN 597000000 86 1
CSPAN2 597000000 86 2
HSN 597000000 86 9
QVC 597000000 86 10
WFTCDT 651000000 100 1
KTCIDT 651000000 100 2
KTCIDT2 651000000 100 3
KTCIDT4 651000000 100 4
KSTC 675000000 104 1
KPXM 675000000 104 2
KTCI 675000000 104 3
KARE 675000000 104 4
KSTP 675000000 104 5
KMSP 675000000 104 6
TWC 675000000 104 9
KPXM 681000000 105 1
WGN 681000000 105 2
WUCW 681000000 105 3
WFTC 681000000 105 4
KTCA 681000000 105 5
WCCO 681000000 105 6
LOCAL 699000000 108 1
LOCAL 699000000 108 5
LOCAL 699000000 108 6
LOCAL 699000000 108 8
LOCAL 699000000 108 9
LOCAL 699000000 108 11
UNI 705000000 109 15
WGN 723000000 112 3

I post updates to that list here: http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Working_QAM_cable_layout#Blaine.2C_MN_.28North_Minneapolis_S uburbs.29_-_Comcast

Well the Comcast guy came by today, I told him about the problems that jorris644 had and he didn't think that Voltage was the problem. The signal was pretty good but he changed the splitter outside to a better one and replaced a fitting that had a small amount of crud on it. The signal got a little bit better. He suggested if that did not fix it that they could replace the cable cards. I hope that what he did fixed it...

Well it has been almost 10 days and still no problems :) .
I think that the splitter was reducing the signal. The one that I had in there was a 3-way 8db, 8db, 4db. The cable tech replaced it with a 5db, 5db, 5db 3-way. When he did this the signal did get a little stronger.

He was talking with someone on the phone when he was here and they said that HD channels needed a stronger signal than analog channels. I think that he might of been right.

I have digital cable with comcast in Hopkins. I currently have the Scientfic Atlantic HD DVR hooked to my 42" LG Plasma TV via an HDMI cable. At this time I use the speakers on the TV only and have noticed some awful lip sync issues with NBC HD and TNT HD to the point where it is hard to watch with the video up to a second ahead of the audio. I don't think it is an imaging processing issue since the video is actually ahead of the sound. Is anyone else having these same issues? Is this normally an issue with the broadcast or the Television? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I have also had issues with very low signal from FSN HD during Wild/TWolves games. I experience a lot of breaks in the signal. Has anyone else had this problem?

After about a week of reading through these forums, I've finally decided to ask a loaded question...D* vs. Comcast.

I live in Cottage Grove and currently have D*. I don't have an HDTV, but plan on owning one by the end of the summer. It sounds like the PQ of Comcast HD is dependant on which city/state you live in.

For those of you in the Twin Cities, which do you prefer for HD PQ? Thanks.

After about a week of reading through these forums, I've finally decided to ask a loaded question...D* vs. Comcast.

I live in Cottage Grove and currently have D*. I don't have an HDTV, but plan on owning one by the end of the summer. It sounds like the PQ of Comcast HD is dependant on which city/state you live in.

For those of you in the Twin Cities, which do you prefer for HD PQ? Thanks.

Hi -

(Moderators: I looked and I don't think this violates forum policy. If I'm wrong, please just delete the post & send me a link to what I missed rather than banning me. Thx.)

I'm looking for two samples (pref. 30 minute chunks, but 5 min would do) of HDTV, one in
720p and one in 1080i. Ideally, these would come from an HD Homerun,
but it really shouldn't matter. I just need the the raw bitstream that was
broadcasted over the air.

Can you help? I know it'd be a bit of a pain to put on DVD, but I'll
happily trade a six pack of your favorite beverage for the favor. All
of the samples I can find on the net of the program streams (transport
streams?) are only a few seconds long. I don't much care what the
content is, but would prefer at least a bit of motion: it'd be harder
to see frames being dropped in a static shot of a flower garden. ;-)

If you know if longer samples on the net, pointers would be great.
But, since we're talking many gigabytes of data, I'm not surprised
that I can find a lot for downloading.

In case anyone's wondering, I've got a system that is right on the
line of what I think will handle the playback without requiring XvMC &
I'm trying to figure out which side of the line it's really on. I'm
thinking about picking up a HD Homerun, but if the budget for toys
needs to get spent to upgrade the playback hardware first then it'll
have to be put off a bit.

EDIT: Request filled. Thanks for all the help!

I'm looking for two samples (pref. 30 minute chunks, but 5 min would do) of HDTV, one in 720p and one in 1080i.
Not as long as you're looking for, but you can get known good clips of ~1 min from http://www.accidentsworld.com/tgb/

If I were to take the coax and hook it up to a NTSC tv, would I receive any video such as local channels? What if I were to attach it to a QAM Tuner, might I get any video that woulld be in-the-clear?

Just wondering.
Thanks,
ej

If I were to take the coax and hook it up to a NTSC tv, would I receive any video such as local channels? What if I were to attach it to a QAM Tuner, might I get any video that woulld be in-the-clear?

Just wondering.
Thanks,
ej
You might. I know some who have, and some who haven't, been able to get cable TV with a cable internet subscription. It largely depends on if you were the first to install cable at your residence, and if not, how the cable service was disconnected in the past. It used to be that it was controlled at the pole where the line was run to the house.

But, of course, we who pay for our cable TV service would rather not subsidize those who don't.

Thanks for the info.

FYI - The Twin Cities region should be getting A&E HD along with NGHD effective June 18th. I almost have no reason to have Dish now besides for HDNet/HDNet movies and Universal HD...

Hi guys, I have been away for a long time and am finally back.
I have had the Comcast Motorola 6412 HD DVR since they first came out a long time ago and used it all the time in my dedicated home theater. But just moved (still within Saint Paul) and until I build a new theater from scratch, I just got a beautiful new 1080P plasma.

So I am wondering:
1) If Comcast issues newer and better HD DVR's than the old 6412's

2) If not, I assume their current 6412's now have HDMI output, as mine just has DVI.

Thanks so much old friends and new!

'kito

The current box is the Moto (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dct3400_settop.asp) DCT-3416 (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model). It has only digital tuners, as ADS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simulcast) has been in use in the area for some time, but otherwise is largely similar to the 6412. You must have a 6412-PI (Phase I) or 6412-PII, as they had DVI.

The 6412-PIII had HDMI, as do the new 34xx boxes. As indicated by the last two digits in the model number, the 3416 also has a 160GB HDD, where th 6412 only has 120GB.

Soon, the DCH-3416 (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3416_settop.asp) boxes will be available. They may already be available in some stores (according to a CSR on the phone), but the store in Inver Grove didn't have any as of this weekend.

ExDeus,
Thanks so much for all of the helpful info.
Yes, I guess I do have the 6412 Phase I [I guess I'm old-school :0) ]
I'll be glad to replace that one with a new 3416 with HDMI. And the larger harddrive space will be most welcome.

I assume it has dual harddrives and dual tuners?

Thanks so much!
Ah... I love that new HD DVR smell!
'kito

My 6412 recently died, and they replaced it with a DCT3416 I. Yes, it has HDMI and dual tuners, but I'm not sure whether it's more than one hard drive.

My 6412 recently died, and they replaced it with a DCT3416 I. Yes, it has HDMI and dual tuners, but I'm not sure whether it's more than one hard drive.
Dual tuners, single 160GB SATA HDD.

I recently learned when talking to Comcast billing that I could actually save a dollar a month by switching my non-DVR (#6200) for a DVR. So last Saturday I took it into the Brooklyn Park location and swapped it for a DCT-3416. This is for the bedroom set.

In my main theater room I've been using a DCT-3412. I've been thinking about exchanging this for a DCT-3416 but I guess I'll wait for the DCH version, assuming it costs the same. Between my cable, phone and internet services I'm already paying Comcast over $200 a month - about the same as electric and gas services combined!

Forgive me for being clueless, but what's the difference between "DCT" & "DCH"?

Also, you can just march into a Comcast location and swap DVR's? Back in the old days (4 years ago) they said that we couldn't do that and had to have a tech bring it via a service call. So can we really just go there?

'kito

Forgive me for being clueless, but what's the difference between "DCT" & "DCH"?

Also, you can just march into a Comcast location and swap DVR's? Back in the old days (4 years ago) they said that we couldn't do that and had to have a tech bring it via a service call. So can we really just go there?

'kito

Yes, you can really just go there and do a swap. The DCH is the latest model and is being introduced in some areas around the country. It does look a lot better than the DCT line - there was a picture posted on the 3416/3412 forum a few days ago. Offhand I cannot remember what additional capabilities it has...
I figured I'd investigate it a little more when it's available here.

Yes, you can really just go there and do a swap.

Cool!

Anyone know where the swap locations are for actual Saint Paul?

Is there a list somewhere of locations where you can swap?

Thanks!

'kito

Cool!

Anyone know where the swap locations are for actual Saint Paul?

Is there a list somewhere of locations where you can swap?

Thanks!

'kito

If nobody answers your question, just give Comcast a call:

651-222-3333

Forgive me for being clueless, but what's the difference between "DCT" & "DCH"?

Also, you can just march into a Comcast location and swap DVR's? Back in the old days (4 years ago) they said that we couldn't do that and had to have a tech bring it via a service call. So can we really just go there?

'kito
I posted links in my original reply (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11241412&&#post11241412).

Wikibook (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Identifying_your_model)
Motorola DCT 3400 series (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dct3400_settop.asp)
Motorola DCH-3416 (http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3416_settop.asp)

I believe "DCT" is "Digital Cable Transceiver", while "DCH" is "Digital Cable Host". The DCH boxes are essentially the same as the DCT boxes, as far as features and hardware are concerned. There's a new case design, and it uses separable security (an M-Card, multistream cable card) instead of built-in security. Part of an FCC mandate for separable security. It also uses a new firmware series, so I'm hoping some of the common DCT bugs (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Bugs) have been resolved.

Find a local office here (https://www.comcast.com/Localization/Localize.ashx?*********/Customers/Contactus/Paymentcenter/LocatePaymentCenter.ashx&area=0).

Thanks so much guys.
It's good to be back in the mix.
'kito

In addition to the features ExDeus mentioned, the DCH box is also built to support Motoralla's "Follow Me TV" functionality, which allows you to "place shift", watch shows recorded on another box in the house. I've heard rumors that Comcast will provide this feature at some point but who knows.... we're still waiting on their Tivo interface too.

BTW, if anyone in the Twin Cities area knows when either of these features will or has become available, please post!

Well I brought my 6412 down to the Comcast building across the Robert Street Bridge from downtown Saint Paul. I swapped it with the newest most current HD DVR they had, which is the DCT3416. It's not the DCH, but I am very happy to have HDMI instead of DVI and to have a bigger harddrive.

Thanks guys.
'kito

I see Discovery channel is starting to do some shows in HD, dirty jobs I saw as well as Myth Busters. Problem is Comcast doesn't have Discovery HD. They have HD Theature but that is different than Discovery HD and Discovery. Being that it is pretty new as far as I know, you think Comcast will add this? I was looking into Dish Network a little bit and it seems they have a lot more HD to offer than Comcast. Comcast did just add some new HD channels and I do like my on Demand. So I'm kinda a coin flip at this point. Does Comcast even have the room to add more HD channels? I'm not really sure how there capacity compares to dish.

I see Discovery channel is starting to do some shows in HD, dirty jobs I saw as well as Myth Busters. Problem is Comcast doesn't have Discovery HD. They have HD Theature but that is different than Discovery HD and Discovery. Being that it is pretty new as far as I know, you think Comcast will add this? I was looking into Dish Network a little bit and it seems they have a lot more HD to offer than Comcast. Comcast did just add some new HD channels and I do like my on Demand. So I'm kinda a coin flip at this point. Does Comcast even have the room to add more HD channels? I'm not really sure how there capacity compares to dish.
I'm not sure about the answers to your questions, but the complaints about Dish employing HDLite (trimming bitrates, downres'ing to 1280x1080i, transcoding to MPEG-4) have kept me away. They've crammed too much programming into too little bandwidth.