...So we no longer get the PSIP data.

What's the PSIP data?:confused: Is this information about the program?

Yes, PSIP stands for Program and System Information Protocol. Here is a link to a short and easy discussion (http://www.tvtechnology.com/pages/s.0064/t.9560.html). Google for more, if you are interested.

Does anyone still do the money-saving trick of subscribing to Comcast's Basic service and adding Digital Classic on top of that? Just curious whether that trick still works, and also what channels you end up getting in HD.

Well it's the 8th and no new HD channels. Sigh... I was really hoping for SciFi HD with Stargate Atlantis back now.

I agree wish we had more station but having major issues with the ones now. What are some other peoples OOB Status readings from the tech screen on the Moto Box? I have SNR: 18.0db Fair, AGC 21% Good. I have been having more issues with the NPLY which I am guess is weak signal strengths.

I called Comcast and told me that they would do a reboot etc. But that does not seem to fix the problem. Last few days every show that I have been trying to watch on my DVR ends up with a NPLY half through. Work on trying to skip it but no luck. Not sure why I am spend all the money on Cable if I can not even watch a few show that I record a week.

Hey, it was only a guess based on a date that other areas were supposed to get more channels. Never confirmed by anyone else.

Hey, it was only a guess based on a date that other areas were supposed to get more channels. Never confirmed by anyone else.

I know. Still a little disappointing though.

Comcast did add one new channel (Fox Business Network, channel 130), but that's not HD obviously.

My TV's QAM tuner detected an in-the-clear signal at 107.3 which advertised the "Colorado Channel" (coverage of state congress), which should launch on January 21st. That's the only other channel I know of that will definitely be added. Again, no HD.

Does anyone still do the money-saving trick of subscribing to Comcast's Basic service and adding Digital Classic on top of that? Just curious whether that trick still works, and also what channels you end up getting in HD.

I have comcast basic w/internet and I get 2/4/6/7/9 and fox in HD. Total cost is $55/mo but work pays for my internet!

I have comcast basic w/internet and I get 2/4/6/7/9 and fox in HD. Total cost is $55/mo but work pays for my internet!
That $55 is the actual total bill? Or, is that the amount that you pay and your company pays the rest? I think it should be the total, but I want to be sure.

I'm considering a move to D*, but since I'd be keeping my Comcast HSI, I might as well keep the most basic service level. IIRC, it all nets out to just a couple of dollars extra per month, and I can use my QAM tuner if D* ever goes out.

I agree wish we had more station but having major issues with the ones now. What are some other peoples OOB Status readings from the tech screen on the Moto Box? I have SNR: 18.0db Fair, AGC 21% Good. I have been having more issues with the NPLY which I am guess is weak signal strengths.

I called Comcast and told me that they would do a reboot etc. But that does not seem to fix the problem. Last few days every show that I have been trying to watch on my DVR ends up with a NPLY half through. Work on trying to skip it but no luck. Not sure why I am spend all the money on Cable if I can not even watch a few show that I record a week.

How do you get into the tech screen?

We had some problems with digital when it was first installed here in September. I rewired everything from the amp in (old cable, several splitters, etc.) so the STB now has a direct line to the amp. This cured all problems.

The amp is an old ChannelVision I installed 10-12 years ago for analog (not Comcast's).

How do you get into the tech screen?

Turn off the cable box, then press OK/Select within 2 or 3 seconds after the box shuts off. This will bring up a diagnostic menu which includes, among other things, the in-band (IB) and out-of-band (OOB) signal strengths. If you're having trouble receiving a particular channel, you can check the in-band status while tuned to that channel to see if it's good or not.

That $55 is the actual total bill?

Total cost. Work pays $45 of that.

Total cost. Work pays $45 of that.

That's a scream'in deal! I have advanced basic and high speed for almost $95. I want what you have :D - how do you get basic for $10?

When you have high speed internet, they reduce the rate of the basic TV package by $10. So instead of paying $55 for high speed internet alone, you can get the basic TV package for $10-$15 + internet $45 = $55-$60.

FYI,
We have the Denver locals in HD in Summit county. Finally! Come on scifi!

I am considering getting Comcast Basic Cable in Loveland. I only watch NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox, and the history channel, and occasionally ESPN. I am interested in the basic cable because of the QAM signal for my HTPC. I have been reading the posts and I just want to check my understanding. Through QAM I will be able to get the local stations in HD. But I won't receive espn and history channel at all. Correct? I also read about stations changing numbers. Does that happen often?

That's correct - you will not get ESPN or History at all with basic cable. You can check the channel lineups on Comcast.com, under the TV Programming button on the left side
The channel assignments were changing a lot a few months ago. They haven't moved recently, but I don't think we've seen the last of those moves. The QAM channel numbers vary between locations and even TV's, so be prepared to jump around the "dial".

Will the locals be hd?

Comcast did add one new channel (Fox Business Network, channel 130), but that's not HD obviously.
Thanks for that info. I didn't even know it was there. Guess I didn't get the memo!

Anyone have news on if\when Comcast will get more HD, like HGTV or SciFi? Thx.

Will the locals be hd?I can't say for certain, but they should be. Remember that there is no requirement for Comcast to provide the locals in HD - only digital. There are currently digital versions of all of the analog locals available via QAM, in addition to the HD channels.

Are there differences in HD picture quality for Comcast vs Directv in Denver?

Comcast quality is very good here. D* MPEG-2 quality was clearly inferior when I left them 2 years ago. The newer channels are supposed to be better, but someone else will have to speak to that.

Does anyone have a current list of all Denver Comcast channels with QAM mapping?

martini - I'll try to update my list later today. But QAM mapping appears to be both TV and location dependent, so it may not be exact for you.

I assume everyone saw the Comcast rate increase in the paper this morning?

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/jan/25/comcast-tv-rates-going-up-march-1/

Does anyone have a current list of all Denver Comcast channels with QAM mapping?

Here's the list for my Samsung LCD in Highlands Ranch.

Here's the list for my Samsung LCD in Highlands Ranch.
Thanks! I'll see if it's the same in Castle Rock.

Here's the list for my Samsung LCD in Highlands Ranch.

I used to have Fox HD on 90-1 and then it was on 0-655 for a long time. However tonight it's not on either. Anyone else?

Does anybody have any experience setting up DD 5.1 audio on the Motorola DVR box (old one)? I hooked up the optical cable and it works but there doesn't seem to be anything coming out of the rear speakers. There is some level of audio setup in the menu but it is needlessly vague. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

I used to have Fox HD on 90-1 and then it was on 0-655 for a long time. However tonight it's not on either. Anyone else?

Still on 90-1 here in Superior.

Does anybody have any experience setting up DD 5.1 audio on the Motorola DVR box (old one)? I hooked up the optical cable and it works but there doesn't seem to be anything coming out of the rear speakers. There is some level of audio setup in the menu but it is needlessly vague. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

HDJello,

This probably doesn't help, but are you sure that your receiver is set up correctly? Have you gone through its setup and adjusted the volume levels for each speaker? The reason that I ask is that I don't think the DVR settings matter much, if at all. Mine is set up to output to TV speakers, with no advanced settings at all, and I get 5.1 audio just fine from my speakers. I just plugged in the optical cable and it worked.

I used to have Fox HD on 90-1 and then it was on 0-655 for a long time. However tonight it's not on either. Anyone else?

Comcast seems to have enabled PSIP for KUSA (now 9-1) and KDVR (now 31-1) in HR. ABC, CBS, PBS, CW, and My20 are still at their previous locations. I think they did this just to screw up my channel listing. ;)

This probably doesn't help, but are you sure that your receiver is set up correctly? Have you gone through its setup and adjusted the volume levels for each speaker? The reason that I ask is that I don't think the DVR settings matter much, if at all. Mine is set up to output to TV speakers, with no advanced settings at all, and I get 5.1 audio just fine from my speakers. I just plugged in the optical cable and it worked.

Thanks Tim. I maybe need to select the program more carefully to be sure, then. I put it on Boston Legal briefly when I was fooling around with it. It isn't, by itself, the receiver because it works great with DVDs. I mostly want it working (if possible) for the super bowl on Sunday.

HDJello - I have a 6412 (not sure if that's the old one or not) using optical out to my receiver. My advanced settings are "English - Yes - Advanced - Heavy (which only seems to affect volume) - Stereo" I'm not sure how any of these would affect the ability to provide sound to the surround speakers. Although some shows may show 5.1, I don't always get sound out of the rear speakers, so it may be that there's nothing there to hear. I do know the speakers work.

Comcast seems to have enabled PSIP for KUSA (now 9-1) and KDVR (now 31-1) in HR. ABC, CBS, PBS, CW, and My20 are still at their previous locations. I think they did this just to screw up my channel listing. ;)

Sweet, thanks!!! I've had KUSA on 9-1 for a while....but Fox on 31-1 is new to me as of last night.

I used to have Fox HD on 90-1 and then it was on 0-655 for a long time. However tonight it's not on either. Anyone else?

It's on 31-1 in Boulder today (it moved from 0-655 here).

FOX HD is at 31.1 for me as well (SE Jeffco). I will be very surprised if it stays there, however, because it conflicts with (analog) channel 31, which is Cartoon Network. Those going to channel 31 expecting to see CN will instead get FOX HD if their TVs (like mine) prioritize digital over analog. You can always channel down to 31, or type 31.0 on the remote, to avoid this, but it will still be annoying for those who want to watch Cartoon Network.

(I know someone who used to work for Comcast, and she told me that any time something happened to Cartoon Network, they got flooded with calls, since it's a very popular channel. I don't know how many people will be affected by this 31.1 deal, but I'm sure Comcast will get a fair number of people calling about this one.)

Question -

I've been using only OTA reception of the local channels for the last few years, but now I want to subscribe to either Comcast or DirecTV. My primary interest is in the HD channels (particularly sports channels and Speed) - I want as many as possible, but they have to be high quality.

If you were me, would you lean toward Comcast or DirecTV?

Speed is not in HD on Comcast, nor is it on the list of channels to be added soon.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081
It's possible that it's not on the list since it hasn't actually started broadcasting in HD yet (starts 2/5), but Comcast hasn't provided any new HD channels here in Denver as early as they have other markets (except TNT, which was a special case). I don't know when DirecTV will pick it up, but you can probably search this forum to find the answer.

Comcast currently carries ESPN, ESPN2, Vs/Golf, and shows Altitude HD events on the Mojo channel. If you pay for the sports tier, you get NFL HD, too.

Comcast quality is excellent. There was a lot of talk about DirecTV's HD lite, but that may not be an issue any more with their new satellites and MPEG-4 boxes.

I'd lean towards D* at this point. They have a lot more HD channels (maybe not "choices" :D - but VOD is worthless to me), and the quality of the MPEG4 channels is supposedly very good. Plus, I think you can get what you want for less money than Comcast charges.

The main reasons that I haven't switched is that the D* website is practically incomprehensible to me with all of the different packages and short-term discounts. Also, I really (really!) don't like the 2-year commitment. That said, if Comcast doesn't add the various Discovery properties very soon, I'll switch.

Speed is not in HD on Comcast, nor is it on the list of channels to be added soon.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=424081
It's possible that it's not on the list since it hasn't actually started broadcasting in HD yet (starts 2/5), but Comcast hasn't provided any new HD channels here in Denver as early as they have other markets (except TNT, which was a special case). I don't know when DirecTV will pick it up, but you can probably search this forum to find the answer.

Comcast currently carries ESPN, ESPN2, Vs/Golf, and shows Altitude HD events on the Mojo channel. If you pay for the sports tier, you get NFL HD, too.

Comcast quality is excellent. There was a lot of talk about DirecTV's HD lite, but that may not be an issue any more with their new satellites and MPEG-4 boxes.

Anybody know when we will get new HD channels here? I would like to have my SciFi and USA HD:o

Spike & Speed too.

Call Comcast. The CSR's will generally be clueless, but there's a chance you could get a knowledgeable one. Even if they are clueless, you can still have them take a formal request. Mention how much you actually use OnDemand, how it doesn't have surround sound, and how Comcast's "choices" don't cut it for you. Mention that DirecTV carries a bunch more channels. You don't have to threaten to leave, but the more calls they get, the better it is for us.

Hmmm ....... They move Fox just before the Super Bowl. Coincidence, or clever ploy to frustrate us QAM users?

It is all part of their cunning plan. Don't you realize how much better your life (and Comcast's profits) would be if you ditched the QAM tuner for the fabulous Moto 6412? :D

My 5.1 worked great for the SuperBowl. I guess that most shows don't have that much coming out of the rear speakers, but the game certainly did.

I could have sworn there was a HBO HD section under on demand, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Have I lost my mind?

I could have sworn there was a HBO HD section under on demand, but I can't seem to find it anywhere. Have I lost my mind?

Do you subscribe to HBO and have the hdtv package?

Do you subscribe to HBO and have the hdtv package?

I have both. I can get to call the SD HBO content and I can get to other HD content like Encore, but HBO is not listed there. :confused:

I have both. I can get to call the SD HBO content and I can get to other HD content like Encore, but HBO is not listed there. :confused:
Don't quote me on this as my memory isn't what it should. However, I seem to recall reading a post here on AVSForum that said HBO had pulled its HD materials from VOD.

Ah, here you go: thread link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=975220).

Don't quote me on this as my memory isn't what it should. However, I seem to recall reading a post here on AVSForum that said HBO had pulled its HD materials from VOD.

Ah, here you go: thread link (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=975220).

Thanks for the info mayest. That sucks!

Does anyone happen to know what the subchannel ranges are for the VOD channels? (101.*, 102.*, 113.*, 114.*) If I do a channel scan my TV only picks up a subset of the channels dependent on what's currently in use...

I've seen VOD on everything from ###-1 to ###-11 or -12. My TV also only picks up a subset, but if I channel up or down, it will find the next active channel in the group at that time. The big problem is if I happen to be scamming on someone else's VOD and someone starts or ends a program on a lower sub-channel, my TV drops to that channel automatically. I'm not complaining, of course, just commenting.

Gakon, thanks for your Digital TV Channels document, it was very
helpful. I had thought that I only got channels 9.1 and 31.1 because
those were the only ones that automatically showed up for me, but your
list of channels made me look closer and put the last piece of the
puzzle in place.

Below is information about channels that my mythtv was able to scan
using an HD-3000 card. I manully entered the callsign, name, and
xmltvid. The channel numbers in the callsign I used correspond either
to the local analog channel, the comcast analog channel, the comcast
digital channel, or if none of that applied then the number from the
frequency scan. For example channel 7 (not shown) is the analog
station for ABC, 7.1 is the HD channel, and 7.2 is the non-HD digital
channel. I only use 7.1, the others are there for reference. The
xmltvid corresponds to the number used by Schedules Direct for program
listings.

47 channels found as of 2008-02-19...


+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+
| freqid- | | | |
| serviceid | callsign | name | xmltvid |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+
| 51-1 | 7.1 ABC | KMGH (ABC) HD | 20293 |
| 51-2 | 4.1 CBS | KCNC (CBS) HD | 21297 |
| 81-1 | 2.2 CW | KWGN | |
| 81-2 | 81.2 Dayst | DayStar (religious) | |
| 81-3 | 20.2 MyTV | KTVD (UPN) | |
| 81-4 | 31.2 FOX | KDVR (FOX) | |
| 81-5 | 4.2 CBS | KCNC (CBS) | |
| 81-6 | 7.2 ABC | KMGH (ABC) | |
| 81-7 | 6.2 PBS | KRMA (PBS) | 10669 |
| 81-8 | 9.2 NBC | KUSA (NBC) | |
| 82-1 | 17.1 Ion | Ion | 10771 |
| 82-2 | 11.1 Tele | KDEN Telemundo | 18082 |
| 82-3 | 53.1 KWHD | KWHD (christian) | 10818 |
| 82-4 | 10.1 KCEC | KCEC (spanish) | 10371 |
| 82-6 | 14.1 KTFD | KTFD (spanish) | 16550 |
| 82-7 | 52.1 WGN | WGN | 17098 |
| 82-8 | 12.1 PBS | KBDI (PBS) | 10342 |
| 82-12 | 104 TVGN | TVGuide Network | |
| 83-1 | 83.1 shop | Shopping | |
| 83-4 | 15.1 Azteca| Azteca (spanish) | 46256 |
| 83-8 | 61.1 Brav | Bravo | 10057 |
| 84-5 | 98.1 CSPAN | CSPAN | 10161 |
| 84-6 | 96.1 CSPN2 | CSPAN2 | 10162 |
| 84-7 | 84.7 shop | Shopping | |
| 85-4 | 16.1 DSC | Discovery | 11150 |
| 90-1 | 31.1 FOX | KDVR (FOX) HD | 21319 |
| 90-2 | 9.1 NBC | KUSA (NBC) HD | 21298 |
| 93-16 | 635 SiTV | SiTV (multicultural)| 18262 |
| 103-2 | 58.1 HALM | Hallmark | 11221 |
| 104-6 | 49.1 TBS | TBS | 58515 |
| 104-9 | 77.1 Speed | Speed | 16011 |
| 104-10 | 59.1 FitTV | FitTV | 16125 |
| 105-9 | 7.3 Wthr | 7 News Weather 24/7 | |
| 107-1 | 165 COTV | CO TV | 20079 |
| 108-9 | 440 NBALP | NBA League Pass | 21115 |
| 110-5 | 1.1 On D | On Demand | |
| 112-3 | 411 mtn | mtn (sports) | 52062 |
| 112-13 | 9.3 Wthr | 9 News Weather 24/7 | |
| 116-1 | 2.1 CW | KWGN HD | 20370 |
| 116-2 | 6.1 PBSHD | KRMA (PBS) HD | 21723 |
| 116-3 | 116.3 Vme | V me (spanish) | |
| 117-1 | 20.1 MyTV | KTVD (UPN) HD | 37087 |
| 118-10 | 139 LOGO | LOGO (gay/lesbian) | 46762 |
| 118-15 | 5.1 CET | Comcast ET | 44959 |
| 120-2 | 8.1 DC | Douglas County | 22221 |
| 120-3 | 8.2 DC | Douglas Cnty EDAC022| 23497 |
| 120-4 | 8.3 DC | Douglas County | |
+-----------+-------------+---------------------+---------+

East of Boulder, south of Longmont, 85.4 is a "no signal" zone.. This isn't good!

85.4 is not Discovery HD, or HD Theater, just a digital version of SD Discovery Channel. You probably have this on your system, just on a different channel.

85.4 is not Discovery HD, or HD Theater, just a digital version of SD Discovery Channel. You probably have this on your system, just on a different channel.

Yes, it's just the boring SD discovery channel as it's always been. Comcast isn't big on HD. But after two years at 85.4 it appears to have disappeared. I was curious if anyone else had noticed this and found it..

i found that 16.1 DSC moved from 85-4 -> 56-4 sometime in the past week.

has anyone ever asked comcast if they would post channel moves on their web site?

I haven't because I'm pretty sure that they're not going to provide that information. They're already reluctant to admit that you can get digital channels without a cable box, so providing information that supports that admission would not be consistent.

Channels 85.x and 86.x moved to 56.x and 57.x, respectively. The only channel in this range that's in the clear is Discovery SD. Meanwhile, there is now content at 79.x and 80.x, which appears to be VOD (not 100% sure though).

i found that 16.1 DSC moved from 85-4 -> 56-4 sometime in the past week.

has anyone ever asked comcast if they would post channel moves on their web site?

Thanks! Saves me re-scanning.

Comcast won't even talk about digital channels unless you get a cable box from them.

Hi everyone. I just purchased a new HDTV and thanks to this thread, I know what is available for my basic service.

Getting all the 'must carry' HD channels, but am experiencing choppy audio with KTVD (UPN MyTV) HD on channel 117-1. The image is fine and all the other channels work perfectly. I am in Broomfield. Has anyone else here experienced audio issues with KTVD HD feed on 117-1? I don't have a STB, just using the QAM tuner built into the TV.

Thanks.

Meanwhile, there is now content at 79.x and 80.x, which appears to be VOD (not 100% sure though).Agreed - it appears the 101-# and 102-# VOD channels have moved to 79 and 80. 113 and 114 still appear to be VOD.

Has anyone else here experienced audio issues with KTVD HD feed on 117-1?
I don't watch KTVD too often unless I'm trying to catch the news early, but I don't recall having audio problems. I'll try again tonight.

For those of you who don't follow the OTA thread, KCNC (CBS 4) will start broadcasting their news in HD sometime in April, about the time they expect to start broadcasting from the new tower.

Actually, at least where I live (SE Jeffco), there are now six VOD frequencies - 79.x, 80.x, 101.x, 102.x, 113.x, and 114.x. Last night all six of these channels showed VOD content. Comcast has apparently decided to expand the VOD bandwidth, possibly because more people have access to VOD and/or more people are watching HD features. (Some weeks ago my brother wanted to watch an HD movie via VOD but got an error when he tried to start it. I looked up the error code via Google and learned that it indicated a lack of available resources. I then channel-surfed on the TV through the VOD channels, and all of them had ~10 feeds going.)

Funny, last week I had the same problem with VOD. Last night I didn't see anything on 101 or 102, so I assumed those had moved. I'll look again.

For those of you who don't follow the OTA thread, KCNC (CBS 4) will start broadcasting their news in HD sometime in April, about the time they expect to start broadcasting from the new tower.
Thanks gakon, I quit reading the OTA forum after the towers were finally approved. This is good news. I didn't realize that the towers were almost ready to go. Are the others moving there in April as well? I may have to get an antenna soon.

Speaking of HD news, has anybody heard anything from Fox 31? A few weeks ago, I think that they completely changed their graphics. I was hoping that was a preliminary move towards HD news on that channel.

Tim

Any word on some new HD channels??? We're way behind the other markets. BS!

Tim - I thought I read that there were two going live from the tower in mid-April, but I can't remember which other station it was. As I look at the four of them, nothing rings a bell.

Haven't heard anything about Fox.

Haven't heard anything about more HD channels. I think the fact that the OD channels were full up last week and they needed to add 20 more says that we probably won't get any new "real" channels for a while. When I say stuff like that I usually get proven wrong pretty quickly - I hope that holds true here.

Hi all! First post here, but I've been lurking around for many years.

I'm in unincorporated Littleton (South Jeffco), near Wadsworth and Ken Karyl. I have comcast feeding a Panasonic 42" plasma HDTV (well, no 42" is TRUE HD).

Anyway, though my built-in QAM tuner, I lost Discovery digital last weekend which was at 85-4.

After reading several posts here saying it went to 56-4, I tried that. I'm still not getting it there, and I can't locate it elsewhere. Anyone else near me having the same problem? Any other channel I should try? TIA.

PS - I get KUSA digital HD at 9-1 and fox at 31-1 (since well before the super bowl). All others appear similar to the two lists posted recently on page 102.

Hi all! First post here, but I've been lurking around for many years.

I'm in unincorporated Littleton (South Jeffco), near Wadsworth and Ken Karyl. I have comcast feeding a Panasonic 42" plasma HDTV (well, no 42" is TRUE HD).

Anyway, though my built-in QAM tuner, I lost Discovery digital last weekend which was at 85-4.

After reading several posts here saying it went to 56-4, I tried that. I'm still not getting it there, and I can't locate it elsewhere. Anyone else near me having the same problem? Any other channel I should try? TIA.

PS - I get KUSA digital HD at 9-1 and fox at 31-1 (since well before the super bowl). All others appear similar to the two lists posted recently on page 102.

I live in the same area you do. If I recall correctly, Discovery went to 56.8 on my TV. Bear in mind that sub-channel numbers are (somewhat) arbitrary and can change depending on the TV model. Also, in the past I've occasionally had to perform a full channel scan before the TV picked up on changes in the line-up, so if you're still having trouble, you might try that.

Has anyone else here experienced audio issues with KTVD HD feed on 117-1?
It took a while to check, but I'm not hearing any issues with KTVD's audio.

I live in the same area you do. If I recall correctly, Discovery went to 56.8 on my TV. Bear in mind that sub-channel numbers are (somewhat) arbitrary and can change depending on the TV model. Also, in the past I've occasionally had to perform a full channel scan before the TV picked up on changes in the line-up, so if you're still having trouble, you might try that.

That's the first I've seen where sub-channels are different. Discovery still shows up as 56-4 on mine. Although it didn't require a re-scan this time, my TV has required one in the past to pick up certain changes.

hi all, i'm in golden and have comcast hd through a moto box into a sony 46v2500.

lately i've been having trouble receiving MHD or HDT. when i tune to either channel it says "one moment please" but either channel almost never ends up coming in, even when i leave it there for several minutes. all other channels work perfectly.

any suggestions?

I experienced a similar problem on a set that was at the far end of the house - at least two or three splitters away from the service entrance. I had to cable the Moto box BEFORE any splitters going to the other devices in the cable chain in that room. It also helped to get a high-quality cable - the "Wal-Mart special" was cheap, but so were the connectors. Good quality screw-on connectors are a must along with the shortest run that you can get away with. Make sure all the connections are tight - a wrench is a good thing and gets the connections tighter than you fingers can (unless you've been really good about eating your Wheaties!).

After all this, my problem with "one moment please" seemed to be eliminated.

HTH...

Similar problems here in the past. For me, the problem seemed to occur more often in hot weather. Comcast came out and checked connections, replaced a splitter, and put caps on unused cable outlets. Since their visit last summeer, I haven't experienced that problem.

I have that problem with UHD, VSGLF, & ch.48 scifi SD. it's also random when it's out.

Hi all,

I'm a Comcast subscriber near SW Plaza. I've been paying for the HD tier or whatever its called and a Moto DVR for about a year now and I'm fed up with the lack of channels available for what I'm paying. I considered Direct TV but I may be moving to a Cox market next fall so I'm gunna hold off on that.

My perhaps temporary solution is going to be a HDHomRun box, I just took delivery of one today and am in the process of a clean install on my Vista HTPC. The Vista box will be DVI-HDMI into my Toshiba 1080P with a QAM tuner, I also have a 19” Wallyworld Sanyo with a QAM tuner.

And so my questions... what is the minimum service I can pay Comcast for (Broadband is a must) and still get the clear QAM channels? If I shut all the cable TV down and pay for Internet only will I still get the QAM channels? What is the minimum package I can pay for and still get CNN/FOXNews/Comedy Central? (I think I know the answer to this, and I don't like it)

I know if you request the mandated “basic only” package for $14, they install a choke or something that filters out most of the better analog channels, but what happens if I bring my box back and ask for Internet only... will I still get QAM? ...are they likely to install that choke?

Sorry for the long post, just me thinking out loud. And thanks in advance for any info.

*Bump

You can combo the broadband ad basic cable together. If you only get broadband... they charge you $10 more... if you add basic cable $13, the broadband price drops $10 so it's only $3 more and you get a lot of the QAM channels.

As for the Discovery conversation... i found it on 56-11, I'm at Morrison & Indiana.

Actually, at least where I live (SE Jeffco), there are now six VOD frequencies - 79.x, 80.x, 101.x, 102.x, 113.x, and 114.x. Last night all six of these channels showed VOD content. Comcast has apparently decided to expand the VOD bandwidth, possibly because more people have access to VOD and/or more people are watching HD features. (Some weeks ago my brother wanted to watch an HD movie via VOD but got an error when he tried to start it. I looked up the error code via Google and learned that it indicated a lack of available resources. I then channel-surfed on the TV through the VOD channels, and all of them had ~10 feeds going.)

Anyone know what the VOD channels are in the Ft. Collins area? I pick up some content on 83.x and 93.x, but it's pretty sparse compared to a few months ago and there used to more (82.x and 92.x). I would imagine it's been moved, but I can't seem to find it.

Newsweek has an article in this week's edition talking about the digital TV transition. What irks me is this statement, which I've seen repeated in a number of places:
The good news is that the majority of couch potatoes will be unaffected when the switchover occurs. If you receive programming via cable or satellite, you can relax. According to the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, most cable operators will continue to transmit both digital and analog signals to customers (your existing cable box will function normally).
This assumes that cable customers are already using cable boxes. I don't know what percentage of cable customers use boxes, but I'm sure not all of them do. And even though Comcast and others will continue to provide analog versions of the digital channels, the number of analog channels available after the transition is likely to be smaller than it is now. There is a group of people out there being told that they don't have to do anything, but it's not really true...

After about three months of getting the seven local HD channels via the QAM tuner on our new TV, I decided to give Comcast's HD service a try for $7 a month.

I picked up the box today, and it's a Motorola DCT 5100. Is that a good thing? At first glance, I'm thinking not. It's roughly the size of an aircraft carrier, and I understand it's a model that's been around for several years. :(

Is this the box that everyone is getting?

That is an old model. I thought that was what we all originally used in 2003 when Comcast first launched HD in this area. I did a Google search and found no mention of it being a DVR, which I thought it was. So, I may be wrong because I thought that the original box that I had was a DVR. I'm mis-remembering something.

Well, it turns out it's a DCT 6200. I was confused/misinformed because the instruction sheet they gave me was for a DCT 5100.

One thing I'm trying to figure out is whether a DVI-HDMI cable running from this unit into my TV will work -- and if so, whether it will improve the PQ. I don't have that type of cable and am wondering whether to buy one.

I returned the DCT 6200 and am going back to QAM viewing for now. I was supposed to get quite a few additional HD channels (ESPN, etc.) but ended up with only the seven local ones.

Comcast could not solve this and did nothing to try to make up for the inconvenience I went through (three and a half hours of disassembling the old setup, assembling the new setup, disassembling the new setup and reassembling the old setup).

When I do take the plunge for more HD channels, it will be one of the satellite services for me. So long, Comcast! :mad:

One thing I'm trying to figure out is whether a DVI-HDMI cable running from this unit into my TV will work -- and if so, whether it will improve the PQ. I don't have that type of cable and am wondering whether to buy one.

It should...I have an older Samsung DLP that is DVI only. Found a HDMI to DVI cable on eBay for $1, and the PQ is as good, if not better, than some high-quality component cables I installed.

Only problem is the digital 'handshake' goes out when I switch TV inputs to something like the xbox360, then try to switch back to DVI -- the image goes out and I need to power off/on the cable box.

Might be worth a shot...

Can somebody post just the free (basic) Comcast HD channel scan (recent)for:

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, MyTV20, PBS, CW? Are there any others that have been added?

Thanks!

Go back one page and you'll see the list of digital channels. Your area may be different, but this scan matches what I have. Note that there are both SD and HD channels in this list.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13166357#post13166357

All right, I finally bit the bullet and ordered Comcast service for my HD TiVos (1 Series 3 and 1 TiVo HD).

The installer's coming tomorrow morning - any last minute words of advice from anyone who's had CableCard installs? Horror and success stories are both welcome :)

All right, I finally bit the bullet and ordered Comcast service for my HD TiVos (1 Series 3 and 1 TiVo HD).

The installer's coming tomorrow morning - any last minute words of advice from anyone who's had CableCard installs? Horror and success stories are both welcome :)

lol.....well good luck.

I have the Series 3. The 1st install went fairly well....but no one (installers and head end) knew what they were doing. I had to convince them that my Tivo Series 3 needs two cards regardless if they are S or M cards.

Both worked well for about 3 weeks then.....the 2nd card would not get all the channels I pay for. The first appointment....again techs did not have a clue, swore it was a Tivo problem and left. Researched and called Tivo (Tivo tech support is very nice btw)....found out the card was not probably authorized. Called Comcast....nope have to have another tech come out. New appointment and new tech. This guy is even more clueless than any of the others. I had to tell him what all the screens and codes mean....I'm pretty good at it by now. Tech installs new card....has the head end hit. No channels...his comment "It takes a while for the channels to download" and he wants to leave and check back later. I check the codes...see the card is still not authorized and tell him to stick around the card is still not setup right. Well....longer story short...after almost 3 hours they finally check the computer at the headend and see they have the information entered wrong.

So my advice....there is a great thread on the Tivo forum. Spend some time learning the codes, so you know everything is correct before Comcast leaves.

Good luck!! :)

-Bill

Well....dr_mal, just curious how your install went.

Painless I hope. :)

-Bill

Sorry I didn't reply sooner - I'm swamped at work and at home right now.

But in short, the install went smoothly. The installer was aware of TiVo and had previous experience installing CableCards in them (he said he does one about every other month). He brought 8 cards (4 S and 4 M) with him, but we only ended up using 2 S (in the Series 3) and 1 M (in the TiVo HD). The Series 3 threw the -4 error, which seemed to confuse the installer, but thanks to the Comcast CableCard thread at tivocommunity.com, I knew that error was harmless. I've got dual tuner access to everything on both sets, so I'm very happy.

The installer also told me he had just been told that they're adding 5 new HD channels in April. He didn't know which channels, though :(

Thanks for the advice - I've passed it along to a friend at work who just picked up a HDTV and TiVo HD (his install is tonight). Hopefully his install is as painless as mine was!

Excellent.....glad your install went so well. Sounds like your installer was very well prepared. Those that came to my house only had M cards and no spares in case anything went wrong.

That is great news on the new HD channels....about time too. Hopefully they'll be good ones.

-Bill

The installer also told me he had just been told that they're adding 5 new HD channels in April. He didn't know which channels, though :(
Well, that's some good news. If they are the right channels, that will keep me with Comcast for a few more months. I'm hoping for Discovery, Science, and History. Food Network and HGTV would fill out the five very nicely.

I'd prefer USA and Sci Fi over the latter two, but that's me. Whatever we get, I hope it's better than MHD and TBD stretch-o-vision.

The only channel I'd care about them adding is Sci Fi HD. Gotta get my BSG in HD!

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum and thought I would share my recent experience with Comcast.

I just bought a new Panasonic 42" Plasma a few days ago, along with a TiVo HD. So I called up Comcast and asked them to upgrade my service. The woman seemed like she was in a rush to get me off the phone. I guess just spending an extra $7/month isn't worth too much effort to them.

Well the day for my install came, and almost from the minute he walked in the door the tech starts complaining about how much he hates cable card installs, and about how TiVos always take forever to setup. So he plugs in the card, calls in the numbers, and then starts the guided setup on the tivo. Now the tivo came with instructions specifically for the tech, and they clearly state not to go through guided setup until everything is working. But he had started it before I could stop him, and he was in no way interested in even glancing at them.

Since the tivo won't really let you go back once you start guided setup, we start going through the motions. After 45 minutes it completes (which the tech complained about the entire time). Then we get a screen that says "Acquiring Channel Information..." We wait about 30 minutes and nothing else happens. By this time it's 7:00 PM, so the tech offers to call me in the morning and come by if things still aren't working.

In the meantime I called tivo, and they said the card hasn't been activated properly. So morning comes, and of course nothing has changed. So the tech comes back, and he tells me that his supervisor told him about a guy who knows something about problems with cable cards in Lakewood. The tech calls the guy, and we sit around waiting for him to get back to the shop. Then they essentially tried activating the card again, but still nothing. So the guy on the phone reveals that they've been having problems with cable cards, especially in tivos, in Lakewood and Castle Rock.

So now I'm stuck waiting. The guy on the phone has no idea what the problem is, or when it will be fixed. He made a vague promise to contact me when they know more, but I doubt they'll live up to that. I have no idea what to do at this point. Tivo says it's Comcast's problem, and Comcast actually agrees. But now I'm left with no HD service (I've had analog service for a couple years), no information on when I will get service, and I don't even know when Comcast will contact me next. Anyone have any suggestions? Anyone know someone at Comcast who might be able to find out more?

Well looks like the Springs will be getting some more channels soon. What can we expect?

Rumor has it, 4/22 new HD channels coming for Comcast in Colorado Springs/Pueblo:

- HGTV
- Food Network
- TLC
- ABC Family
- Disney Channel
- Discovery Science channel
- History (in Pueblo, Colorado Springs already has it)
- Discovery (in Pueblo, Colorado Springs already has it)

Even after a re-scan, still can't find Discovery digital. That sucks!

I hope the 5 new channels are for the EI pgk. I need more CUBS in HD!! :D



seriously though, I find it completely weak that my dad who lives 35 mins. outside of atlanta is getting HD broadcasts during the free previewthis week and we get absoutely ZERO here in the metro denver area all year long. If Directv werent forced to ghetto rig a dish in front of my townhome unit in order to get a reception Id really consider giving them a call.


but hey, any kind of word on the possiblity of finally getting some new channels here is always good news.

Well those are 8 channels I could care less about seeing in HD.

Most likely Denver will get the same ones.

I'd much rather see the scifi channel & speed in HD. DT is looking better & better.

I just want SciFi, before tomorrow night. But that isn't going to happen....

http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/Telecom

CHANNEL LINE UP CHANGES -
Effective April 22, 2008, Comcast will add the following channels to the lineup serving Denver customers.
In the High Definition Tier, added on Channel 677 will be TLC HD, Channel 679 will be Disney HD, Channel 680 will be ABC Family HD, Channel 681 will be Food HD, Channel 682 will be HGTV HD and Channel 683 will have Discovery Science HD.

On the Standard Cable line up, QVC will from Channel 77 to Channel 96.

Ugh. While I'm happy to see that we will get Discovery Science, FOOD, and HGTV, I couldn't care less about the others. I really can't believe that they aren't adding the regular Discovery HD. Also, what about History HD? They've been on HD On Demand for quite awhile, though with very little content when I've checked.

I agree. That's crap. We wait this long for new channels and no History HD? No Discovery HD? No SciFi HD? What's the point then? At least my kids can watch more cartoons in HD on their 21" tv from 1976 :rolleyes:

Not only that, are they going to start compressing the QAM channels to fit everything in?

Not only that, are they going to start compressing the QAM channels to fit everything in?

You betcha! 3 in 1 for everyone...COMpressionCAST has the best quality HDTV in the entire world...:rolleyes:

Supposedly Denver is a test market for SDV, but I haven't seen any evidence myself. From my limited understanding it seems SDV would solve the problem for those of us with STBs. I'm not sure how that affects folks using other tuners (probably not good for your current configurations).

I'd go completely OTA, but there are a few shows (BSG on SciFi mostly) that I just can't bring myself to wait for the DVD releases.

Not only that, are they going to start compressing the QAM channels to fit everything in?

There is enough room for Comcast to add these HD channels without compressing them. Two HD streams can co-exist on one QAM channel, and there are at least three frequencies available (85, 86, and 89, if I remember right).

Yes - but these aren't the only new HD channels coming. And they're already squashing 3 into 1 QAM in various parts of the country. It will come...if not immediately, then sometime soon. If you haven't already, check out the forums at comcast.net

Those channels suck. Discovery science is okay, it might have more programming I like then DHT does, but I'm pissed there's no sci-fi HD. I have to find a way to get BSG HD video files online...

Is the Avs Game 3 Home playoff game available in HD tonight on Comcast?

Message on the box today shows CSPAN2 moving to digital on April 22, so it appears we will get the new channels that day. Now if only Comcast would take some input from their customers on which channels to add...

Anyone seeing these new channels yet?

In the High Definition Tier, added on Channel 677 will be TLC HD, Channel 679 will be Disney HD, Channel 680 will be ABC Family HD, Channel 681 will be Food HD, Channel 682 will be HGTV HD and Channel 683 will have Discovery Science HD.

I'm getting guide data (TiVo Series 3) for those channels, but no picture or sound. Just a message "Channel not available"

So far, the only change I've seen is that on my box C-SPAN 2 is at channel 170 instead of 96. However, on analog cable C-SPAN 2 is still at 96, though a crawl at the bottom of the screen is advertising the channel move (citing April 22nd as the move date).

booooooooooo-urns.

so.... about those new hd channels....?

I'm getting guide data (TiVo Series 3) for those channels, but no picture or sound. Just a message "Channel not available"

Same thing here. :rolleyes:

Happy to say I dumped Comcast for D*. Not rubbing it in and I do appreciate the posts in this thread, but I'm so glad I switched. The PQ is seriously better than Comcast; that I was surprised about. My rational was I could save some serious $$ going with D* and have more, way more HD channels and have some PQ issues (HD-Lite) rather than spending more $$$ for way less HD channels that are now compressed. But now that the PQ is seriously better than Comcast, I'm pissed I didn't switch sooner. Comcast let me keep internet for 12mo @29.99. PM if you want more info.

Nothing yet in lakewood/green mountain.

I love it....
"The Mile High City isn't about to be shown up by nearby Salt Lake City or faraway Detroit, as it becomes the third city in the past week to flip on an HD news channel. As of now, residents of Denver, Colorado can catch their local news in high-definition on CBS4, and in case that wasn't enough, Comcast users can look forward to six more networks in glorious HD. Yep, subscribers in the area can finally tune into TLC HD (677), Disney HD (679), ABC Family HD (680), Food HD (681), HGTV HD (682) and Science HD (683). Stay classy, Denver -- we'll be seeing you in five months or so."

Yet I can't find a soul that recieves them!

ughhhhh

You know somebody at Comcast screwed up when Zap2It's TV listings show the new HD channels before they're added...

Happy to say I dumped Comcast for D*. Not rubbing it in and I do appreciate the posts in this thread, but I'm so glad I switched. The PQ is seriously better than Comcast; that I was surprised about. My rational was I could save some serious $$ going with D* and have more, way more HD channels and have some PQ issues (HD-Lite) rather than spending more $$$ for way less HD channels that are now compressed. But now that the PQ is seriously better than Comcast, I'm pissed I didn't switch sooner. Comcast let me keep internet for 12mo @29.99. PM if you want more info.

I'm probably going to switch to D* in about a month, or at least look at it very seriously. I really hate D*'s two-year commitment, but my cable bill is quickly approaching $200 a month (including HSI, but not phone). How much did you save, and was it a short-term deal or will your full price still be significantly less than Comcast?

Tim

I did have to buy their HD-DVR for $100, so that was the big cost but like it much better than Comcast’s moto's.

D* has that deal going on were you get an $18 month credit for a year after rebate. So, their HD plan w/ rebate is $52.99 a month for a year. I also got Starz/SHO/HBO free for 3 months and they also gave me the HD Extra pack free for 6 months. The HD exrta pack is 4.99 a month and would have subscribed to it regardless as the Smithsonian channel is unreal; you also get 7 or 8 channels more with this package. I also referred a friend which gives me a $50 credit (and him) spread out over 5 months. My Comcast bill was creeping too $150+, and I even signed up for the triple play deal but mine was expiring this summer and probably would have been close to $200. Anyways, very happy I switched, and after a quick count I have easily 60+ HD channels. Plus D* seems to be the first to carry the new HD programming and the new birds are going up this month or next to provide more mpeg 4 channels. I’m not bashing Comcast or the people in this thread but I’m really surprised about how much better the PQ is; my wife agrees too and she is the first one to point out what looks like sh*t to annoy me. lol. I still have Comcast’s internet for $29.99 a month for a year. So my total bill will be under $90. PM if you want to know about D* referal info and this deal is good until 6/24/08 I think.

For those looking for the added HD channels in Denver that were supposed to happen on 4/22, it didn't. Comcast claimed "technical problems" and is currently targeting 4/29, though they wouldn't promise that date. Plus, of course, we're not getting channels (such as SciFi HD) that other markets have gotten already.

Satellite is looking more and more interesting.

For those looking for the added HD channels in Denver that were supposed to happen on 4/22, it didn't. Comcast claimed "technical problems" and is currently targeting 4/29, though they wouldn't promise that date.

Yeah, and at the link below the date has changed to say (gulp):

"CHANNEL LINE UP CHANGES -
By the First Week of May, Comcast will add the following channels to the lineup serving Denver customers."


I just want SciFi, before tomorrow night. But that isn't going to happen....

http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/Telecom

CHANNEL LINE UP CHANGES -
Effective April 22, 2008, Comcast will add the following channels to the lineup serving Denver customers.
In the High Definition Tier, added on Channel 677 will be TLC HD, Channel 679 will be Disney HD, Channel 680 will be ABC Family HD, Channel 681 will be Food HD, Channel 682 will be HGTV HD and Channel 683 will have Discovery Science HD.

On the Standard Cable line up, QVC will from Channel 77 to Channel 96.

How much confidence do I have when they say "by the first week of May"? Well, 100% confident that those channels with be in place by the first week of May - next year; with 10% confidence that it will be in any week of May this year.

Um, today is May 1st...and the online guide is showing the new HD channels. (sorry, I posted SCIFI in HD originally, but I read the guide wrong - SCIHD is Discovery Science.

http://tvplanner.comcast.net

Um, today is May 1st...and the online guide is showing the new HD channels. (sorry, I posted SCIFI in HD originally, but I read the guide wrong - SCIHD is Discovery Science.

http://tvplanner.comcast.net

that's encouraging

Sorry, but these new channels are pitiful. HGTV I can live with from time to time and maybe the Food Channel, but the SCI Channel should be the SCI-FI Channel and TLCHD is a lot of what is on DISCHD. What a horrible new addition! Seriously, it's time to start thinking about going to D* for me, too. Both the quantity and quality of Comcast's HD is unforgiveable!

i guess i'm one of the few people that could care less about sci-fi hd or speed hd. i would literally NEVER watch these channels. i would rather get history hd and cnn hd, but that's just me.

i'm not thrilled either by the new additions, but maybe it's paving the way for denver to catch up with the rest of the country. my parents in the dc metro area have had these channels for the last year.

Are there any new unencrypted HD channels available? If so, could someone indicate the channel numbers? Thanks.

Nothing new is showing up for me. Is anybody in Denver (or Highlands Ranch) getting any new Comcast HD channels? --Greg--

nothing yet here in golden. do i have to reset my box or like, power it down and then back up?

just curious. so far, no new channels.

Anyone know what happened out here in the Lakewood area this morning about 1:30. Lost everything & the local office said they had an outage. It took around 4 hours to get cable back but I didn't get broadband back for 10 hours or so.

Nothing new is showing up for me. Is anybody in Denver (or Highlands Ranch) getting any new Comcast HD channels? --Greg--

Broomfield here....and no channels yet. At least when I checked late yesterday afternoon. :rolleyes:

-Bill

These channels still aren't showing up on Comcast.com under "My Channel Lineup" either. Technically, they've got until next Wednesday night to add them, according to what we've read.

These channels still aren't showing up on Comcast.com under "My Channel Lineup" either. Technically, they've got until next Wednesday night to add them, according to what we've read.

One post on another site suggests we'll have them by the end of May...

I've also seen May 5, but who knows anymore?

One post on another site suggests we'll have them by the end of May...

I've also seen May 5, but who knows anymore?

You may have read my comments on DSLReports, not sure, but I did post something there. A rep who I spoke to last week said that there were some unexpected delays and that they channels may hit at the end of May.

This is starting to get comical.

Yup - while some Comcast markets will be getting Speed and FX, we'll be watching home improvement shows on HGTV.

Anyone hear anything today on the new HD channels? Awfully quiet here today...

Was today supposed to be the day? I thought we were in an indefinite holding pattern.

I got a flyer today from Comcast. They were trying to get me to save money by bundling my services. One of their selling point is their "exciting channels." These include History, Discovery Channel, MTV, HGTV, "and more." At first I thought that they were saying that these are HD channels. Reading more closely, I see that they say "100% crystal-clear digital quality."

Well, I was disappointed that they weren't saying HD. However, that raises another question: Are History and Discovery now digital? Or, are they still analog?

Was today supposed to be the day? I thought we were in an indefinite holding pattern.

I got a flyer today from Comcast. They were trying to get me to save money by bundling my services. One of their selling point is their "exciting channels." These include History, Discovery Channel, MTV, HGTV, "and more." At first I thought that they were saying that these are HD channels. Reading more closely, I see that they say "100% crystal-clear digital quality."

Well, I was disappointed that they weren't saying HD. However, that raises another question: Are History and Discovery now digital? Or, are they still analog?

I think if you have an STB they are digital, and if you watch them on an analog cable-ready TV with no STB they are analog. I don't know if they are available in unencrypted QAM, but somehow I doubt it.

I don't know if they are available in unencrypted QAM, but somehow I doubt it.

This is something I'd benefit from so most likely it wont happen.

This is something I'd benefit from so most likely it wont happen.

You've got to love the optimism around here lately. :D

But it makes you wonder what's going to happen in the future. What if a number of popular channels on the "standard" tier (CNN, ESPN, History, Discovery, TBS, TNT, etc.) drop to a single, HD channel next year? Will Comcast not provide them to its subscribers with digital tuners (not STB's)? Will they force everyone to get a STB? Will they include an STB in the price of the standard package? Drop the price of the package? These are rhetorical questions, of course, since no Comcast rep would ever admit that you could receive digital channels without a STB, but it will be interesting to see what happens. I'm sure it won't be good. ;)

I think if you have an STB they are digital, and if you watch them on an analog cable-ready TV with no STB they are analog. I don't know if they are available in unencrypted QAM, but somehow I doubt it.

Was today supposed to be the day? I thought we were in an indefinite holding pattern.

I got a flyer today from Comcast. They were trying to get me to save money by bundling my services. One of their selling point is their "exciting channels." These include History, Discovery Channel, MTV, HGTV, "and more." At first I thought that they were saying that these are HD channels. Reading more closely, I see that they say "100% crystal-clear digital quality."

Well, I was disappointed that they weren't saying HD. However, that raises another question: Are History and Discovery now digital? Or, are they still analog?

Here in south Jeffco, we're getting Discovery in digital (not HD) at channel 56.4 without a STB. If there's a digital version of History, I have yet to find it.

Here in south Jeffco, we're getting Discovery in digital (not HD) at channel 56.4 without a STB. If there's a digital version of History, I have yet to find it.

Discovery is part of the basic package, which cable companies must provide in-the-clear. History, however, is in the expanded basic package, which is generally encrypted.

Incidentally, my TV gets Discovery at 56.6 instead of 56.4, but it's probably due to my TV sorting the sub-channels in a different order.

What if a number of popular channels on the "standard" tier (CNN, ESPN, History, Discovery, TBS, TNT, etc.) drop to a single, HD channel next year? Will Comcast not provide them to its subscribers with digital tuners (not STB's)?

Good point. At some time HD will need to be the standard and not a premium price option.

Did anyone else catch NCIS last night on Comcast 654 (HD feed for channel 4)? No HD and no 5.1 in Arvada. It was shown in 4:3 with stereo audio. I'm just wondering if this was a Comcast problem, or channel 4, or....?

I feel a great need to place blame, and don't know where to start! :mad:

Same with D*; very annoying. I bet it had to do with CBS and the political coverage.

Hi All,

I don't come in here very often, but searching the forum for information on which HD-DVR Comcast in Denver is now offering, it appears that the current model is the Motorola DCT 3412 or possibly, the Motorola DCH 3412.

I currently have a Moto DCT 6412 which has worked pretty well (given the known glitches). I have upgraded my AVRx to an Onkyo TX-SR605 and I'm getting HDMI handshake errors when trying to watch HD-TV using a DVI to HDMI conversion cable.

So my question is what is the general impression of the current Moto STB? It is HDMI, right?

Are the known bugs significantly worse than those on the 6412?

I searched this forum for "3412" and found very little "user experience" kinds of information.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

GEBrown - this thread isn't focused on the boxes themselves (actually, this is more for the folks without STBs).

However, you should keep up with this official one (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142).

BTW - I have a DCT 3416i. Only HDMI handshake problems I encounter is when I tried using the Monoprice 4x1 switch. If I go directly to my Sony HDTV or Epson Projector I rarely have issues.

Hi All,

I don't come in here very often, but searching the forum for information on which HD-DVR Comcast in Denver is now offering, it appears that the current model is the Motorola DCT 3412 or possibly, the Motorola DCH 3412.

I currently have a Moto DCT 6412 which has worked pretty well (given the known glitches). I have upgraded my AVRx to an Onkyo TX-SR605 and I'm getting HDMI handshake errors when trying to watch HD-TV using a DVI to HDMI conversion cable.

So my question is what is the general impression of the current Moto STB? It is HDMI, right?

Are the known bugs significantly worse than those on the 6412?

I searched this forum for "3412" and found very little "user experience" kinds of information.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

The only difference between the 64xx and 34xx boxes is that the 64xx series can tune analog channels, while the 34xx is digital-only (this is no longer important in our area, because all channels are available digitally). The two use the same firmware/software and exhibit the same bugs.

I'm still waiting for Comcast to get around to upgrading the box firmware beyond the somewhat buggy 16.20 version (the latest is 16.41 or so). The HDCP handshake issues (green screen) are supposedly addressed in the newer firmware releases (I occasionally get a green screen if I switch quickly between SD and HD channels, or if I change channels while the TV is warming up). Also, we're supposed to be a test market for SDV, but as I understand it, the current IGuide software is incompatible with SDV...

My advice - if it ain't broke, don't fix it. If you replace the box, you may run into the problem a neighbor of mine had where each new box you try is worse than the one you started with. That said, if you can get a 3416 (with a 160GB hard drive instead of 120GB), you might want to try your luck to get more storage space.

Did anyone else catch NCIS last night on Comcast 654 (HD feed for channel 4)? No HD and no 5.1 in Arvada. It was shown in 4:3 with stereo audio. I'm just wondering if this was a Comcast problem, or channel 4, or....?

I feel a great need to place blame, and don't know where to start! :mad:


Yep wmarkw was right. this is from KCNC:

On nights when CBS is covering primaries and doing "squeezebacks" with election information, they're not providing the Mountain time zone with an HD feed.

We've passed on the complaints we've received and added ours, but they just don't have enough room to send it to everyone. We're almost done with this primary season, and it won't be a problem by the next time it comes around.

Audixiam, DVDMth,

Thanks for the replies.

Actually I did look at the hardware thread, but the most authoritative poster over there is CharterJames who works for Charter out east somewhere - I am more interested in Denver specific experiences with Comcast - the way these boxes are provisioned and deployed varies around the country, even within a single provider, like Comcast.

As for "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" - sage advice, always. I currently run 720P out the component outputs, since that seems to give me the best image overall. And most sports are 720P, so it is a good match.

Thanks again!

GEBrown - this thread isn't focused on the boxes themselves (actually, this is more for the folks without STBs).

I disagree, in that this thread is for all Comcast subscribers getting HD content. Asking a question about Comcast-provided STBs is completely within the scope.

Yep wmarkw was right. this is from KCNC:

Many thanks (and to wmarkw, too).

I guess the big WTF!!? goes to CBS on this for wasting all their backbone bandwidth on the primaries.

Whadda complete waste, too... Y'know, they could do the primaries in B&W and it would actually be more interesting. I know who to write now, though. Thanks!!

I disagree, in that this thread is for all Comcast subscribers getting HD content. Asking a question about Comcast-provided STBs is completely within the scope.

Yeah, but there are separate (and better) forums for the boxes themselves.

The first week of May is pretty much over. I didn't see any new HD channels before turning off the TV - maybe tomorrow morning? :rolleyes:

SURPRISE!

New channels are now up and running! (South Jeffco)

Changes on QAM:
* ABC HD and CBS HD moved from 51.x to 50.x
* Channel 63 (formerly unused) now has three (encrypted) QAM channels
* Channels 51, 65, and 91 now have three QAM channels each (again, encrypted)

It appears HD compression is a reality now in this market.

SURPRISE!

New channels are now up and running! (South Jeffco)

Changes on QAM:
* ABC HD and CBS HD moved from 51.x to 50.x
* Channel 63 (formerly unused) now has three (encrypted) QAM channels
* Channels 51, 65, and 91 now have three QAM channels each (again, encrypted)

It appears HD compression is a reality now in this market.


Now I can bitch about what channels we DIDN'T get! hahahahahha! Thanks for the info. Nice to finally get some new stuff.

I disagree, in that this thread is for all Comcast subscribers getting HD content. Asking a question about Comcast-provided STBs is completely within the scope.

Sorry - I stand corrected. :o

Yeah, but there are separate (and better) forums for the boxes themselves.

That was my intention - pointing towards (perhaps) more relevant help. :)

SURPRISE!

New channels are now up and running! (South Jeffco)

...

It appears HD compression is a reality now in this market.

Confirmed in Roxborough - both the new channels AND the compression artifacts showed up for me last night. :eek:

Now I can bitch about what channels we DIDN'T get! hahahahahha! Thanks for the info. Nice to finally get some new stuff.

Why not SCIFI in HD? Oh, that's right my kids need Disney in HD...but most importantly we can now discern the exact RGB value of rice and cabbage on the Food network. :rolleyes:

SURPRISE!

New channels are now up and running! (South Jeffco)

Changes on QAM:
* ABC HD and CBS HD moved from 51.x to 50.x
* Channel 63 (formerly unused) now has three (encrypted) QAM channels
* Channels 51, 65, and 91 now have three QAM channels each (again, encrypted)

It appears HD compression is a reality now in this market.

They're not up yet in North Thornton...

Hmm.. wondering if Comcast is having issues? Channels 4-1 and 7-1 have disappeared from my Samsung H-260F's tuner I use with an older LCD TV in the bedroom - watching the SD feeds on 81.x for now.

Tuning in clear QAM BTW...

EDIT: Thanks dvdmth, missed your post! I tapped in 50 + select/OK on my remote and it re-mapped 4-1 and 7-1 to their correct spots.

Tried the others and nothing .. perhaps the new premium digital channels mentioned earlier?

They're not up yet in North Thornton...

We must be neighbors, in north Thornton, too and don't see them, either. I am guessing we should be getting close though!

thornton here as well...nothing as of this morning

I called Comcast last night because I had gotten an error code from my cablecard. The greeting message stated that they were in the process of adding new HD channels in Denver. The woman I spoke with said they were having some problems, but they hope to be done soon.

Yeah channels aren't in Boulder either

More info on the new HD channels in Denver here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13819771#post13819771

Pixel Dude this is a much better thread to talk about Comcast in the Denver area. We have known about the new channels coming since early April from this post by Audixium.

I just want SciFi, before tomorrow night. But that isn't going to happen....


http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/Telecom

CHANNEL LINE UP CHANGES -
Effective April 22, 2008, Comcast will add the following channels to the lineup serving Denver customers.
In the High Definition Tier, added on Channel 677 will be TLC HD, Channel 679 will be Disney HD, Channel 680 will be ABC Family HD, Channel 681 will be Food HD, Channel 682 will be HGTV HD and Channel 683 will have Discovery Science HD.

On the Standard Cable line up, QVC will from Channel 77 to Channel 96.

Obviously April 22 changed to early May. Still no channels in Boulder, maybe we will get them on Monday but who knows.

Here's the list of HD channels that are currently in a 3-in-1 QAM slot and are therefore getting stronger compression. I tried to determine which channels were being compressed by watching them, but neither myself nor my brother could see any difference (then again, we're not videophiles). I ended up using the cable box's diagnostics menu to determine the tuned frequency for each HD channel.

Channels being compressed (South Jeffco):
* HBO HD
* Starz HD
* Cinemax HD
* Universal HD
* National Geographic HD
* A&E HD
* TLC HD
* Disney HD
* ABC Family HD
* Food HD
* HGTV HD
* Science HD

Interesting. I haven't noticed any degradation lately, but I'm no videophile either. However, I did record "Really Big Things" on Science HD the other day. It was 16:9, not stretched, but it looked pretty bad. Not even what I would expect of a DVD. Everything else on that channel has looked pretty good, so maybe it was just that one showing, or maybe the program isn't really in HD.

I'm getting blocking, dropout, and audio sync problems almost daily now. I'm not sure if they are directly related to the new compression, but over the past three years it has only happened a couple of times. If it continues I'll try the "switch out the STB" routine until it improves.

For me, most of the content on the new "HD" channels definitely falls into the "HD Lite" category. Very disappointing.

im not getting any dropouts, but i can concur with the above statement. finally got the new channels in thornton this morning and was less then impressed. everything seemed stretched and none of them could hold a candle next to HDT and the episode of sunrise earth that was showng this morning. not even close. heres to hoping they get better!

Yeah got the channels in Boulder today, except for some reason no FOOD HD here. Disney, ABC Family, and Science are not watchable as they break up around every 3 seconds and there is no audio.

I haven't had breakups and there is audio ( at least in Westminster ), but what a bunch of nothing HD channels. Do ABC Family or Disney show ANYTHING in HD?

Sorry about the rant, but this is really a waste as far as I can tell.

I haven't had breakups and there is audio ( at least in Westminster ), but what a bunch of nothing HD channels. Do ABC Family or Disney show ANYTHING in HD?

Sorry about the rant, but this is really a waste as far as I can tell.

Sometimes a cable company is obligated to carry certain channels in order to continue providing other channels owned by the same company. Disney owns ABC and ESPN, so it's possible Comcast was forced to add Disney HD and ABC Family HD, or else lose ESPN. (EchoStar had a dispute with Viacom back in 2004 which, for a brief period of time, caused all Viacom networks, including CBS, to disappear from Dish's lineup.)

im not getting any dropouts, but i can concur with the above statement. finally got the new channels in thornton this morning and was less then impressed. everything seemed stretched and none of them could hold a candle next to HDT and the episode of sunrise earth that was showng this morning. not even close. heres to hoping they get better!

Great. All that waiting for nothing. Hmmm, DTV is sounding so much better right now.

They're up (in all their SD stretch-o-splendor) in Brighton as well.

Whoopee. :(

Here in Golden I've got squat. Oh, except that A&E is now on the channel that KCNC used to be on, and I don't get KCNC at all. That's just COMCASTIC! Someone I work with knows someone at Comcast, and he's been told that a few people are going to be losing their jobs over the roll-out. I'm starting to wonder if it should be more than a few.

They are up here in Boulder, but as another poster described are completely unwatchable, the audio never comes in on most of them and the picture breaks apart every three seconds.

Should I call Comcast about this, or think they will just fix it on their own?

Very disapointing. It's Comcraptic!

They are up here in Boulder, but as another poster described are completely unwatchable, the audio never comes in on most of them and the picture breaks apart every three seconds.

Should I call Comcast about this, or think they will just fix it on their own?

Very disapointing. It's Comcraptic!

If you want them to fix it you should call them for service. Boulder always seemed to be on the hairy edge of signal strength. I get them fine in Superior. The feed into the house goes through a 3-way splitter and it seems to survive that OK. I still have the cable amp from my Boulder days should I find the signal getting weaker.

In Broomfield, ABC and CBS have moved from 51-1 and 51-2 to 50-1 and 50-2.

Jeff

If you want them to fix it you should call them for service. Boulder always seemed to be on the hairy edge of signal strength. I get them fine in Superior. The feed into the house goes through a 3-way splitter and it seems to survive that OK. I still have the cable amp from my Boulder days should I find the signal getting weaker.

Would it be fair to say that a channel with higher compression would be more sensitive to signal strength?

Just a thought...

The channels are working now in Boulder, still no Food though.

Pixel Dude this is a much better thread to talk about Comcast in the Denver area.

Thanks for the tip and for that City of Denver link. I'll keep a closer eye on this thread. :cool:


Given that most of these new HD channels are just ugly stretched SD content, should we assume that the jobs cut at Comcast are the result of bad decisions that just further irritated the viewing public?

The most positive thing about the recent HD additions would be Discovery Science Channel HD (if only minus that damn logo) and some of the shows in HD on TLC HD. Food HD, now in simulcast with the SD channel, has some shows in HD, but they seem really low-res HD, which is not a really big deal for a food show, I suppose, but thus it's not the best use of bandwidth. ABC Family HD is lost on me, and Disney Channel HD is nice in theory but they need more HD content, plus it's basically for the kids. I haven't seen anything yet in HD on HGTV HD, and since everything SD is stretched, that channel is currently of no value.

Incredibly, SciFi HD, Discovery Channel HD, CNN HD, Animal Planet HD, and Tennis Channel HD/SD are STILL NOT available with Comcast in Denver. HD (or mostly non-HD) channels like TBS HD (I know, baseball excepted), HGTV HD, ABC Family HD, Disney Channel HD, etc. just are NOT justified over other HD channels that have far more HD content. It's really a HORRIBLE use of bandwidth until SDV makes its very late entry next year, maybe.

Notwithstanding contract negotiations and carriage agreements, Comcast consistently proves that they do not have the customer in mind when they make these decisions. I'm not defending DirecTV because they have their own set of problems, as well, but their anti-cable TV ads are hysterical, yet sadly don't seem too far from the truth. Don't even get me started on Comcast's INSANE commercials for HD "choices"...

Thought I would chime in on the new HD channels a bit. After months of anticipating new channels then hearing what they were going to be to finally getting them, all I can say is dismal. Obviously the quality of the channels is horrible. I have noticed a show or two that look very good, but ABC FAM HD and DisneyHD are a waste of space. Rather than add practical and useful channels like SpeedHD and SCI-FI HD, we got some of the worst channels in the lineup. I am very disappointed in this latest offering and if I knew that DTV's quality was better, I would leave Comcast.

Im in Greeley and all the HD channels were gone for about an hour, now some of my stuff has been remapped. hmmm...time to rescan...

Even my wife (who, in the past, has said "I can't tell a difference between the normal channel and HD"*) has started suggesting we switch to D*TV to get the HD channels we want.

Too bad Pixel Dude's analysis is correct - that Comcast doesn't put the customer first. Sure, they have to please the shareholders. But once market share (and earnings) slip past a certain point the shareholders will get pissed and start dumping.

I'm considering hooking up D*TV and doing side by side comparisons for about a month (or whatever their trial period is - if they have one). I'm guessing SDV will turn out EXACTLY like COMpressionCAST's Tivo implementation - years behind schedule and riddled with problems.

* she stopped saying that once I hooked up out STB to the 156" PJ image.

So any idea what happened to ABC HD on Comcast Denver?

So any idea what happened to ABC HD on Comcast Denver?

Meaning what exactly? I watched LOST just fine.

Do a re-scan. It was moved from 51.1 to 50.1.

Do a re-scan. It was moved from 51.1 to 50.1.
I'm sure that couldn't be what he meant, since that information was contained just 7 posts up on this page and also on a previous page. :rolleyes:

The channels are working now in Boulder, still no Food though.

I'm in Boulder as well...are any of these "new" HD channels in the clear :) or all encrypted? If they're in the clear, what are the channel numbers?

dvdmth's post on the previous page indicates that these are encrypted.

Even my wife (who, in the past, has said "I can't tell a difference between the normal channel and HD"*) has started suggesting we switch to D*TV to get the HD channels we want.

Too bad Pixel Dude's analysis is correct - that Comcast doesn't put the customer first. Sure, they have to please the shareholders. But once market share (and earnings) slip past a certain point the shareholders will get pissed and start dumping.

I'm considering hooking up D*TV and doing side by side comparisons for about a month (or whatever their trial period is - if they have one). I'm guessing SDV will turn out EXACTLY like COMpressionCAST's Tivo implementation - years behind schedule and riddled with problems.

* she stopped saying that once I hooked up out STB to the 156" PJ image.

Let us know how it goes because I would leave if the quality was good.

I discovered something new on QAM today. At 85.x and 86.x (which have been empty for some time now), I'm beginning to see encrypted sub-channels. I initially thought they might be adding new channels, but that might not be the case. The streams on these channels are only there temporarily, much like the VOD streams at 79, 80, 101, 102, 113, and 114. It's as though 85 and 86 are now being used for VOD, but the content is being encrypted on those channels.

I don't know if these channels are being used for testing or if they're being used "in the wild." Also, I can't say for sure whether it's VOD or something else (SDV, perhaps?). Anyway, I found it rather interesting, and I might keep an eye on it to see what happens. I'm in the south Jeffco area.

ooooh, you think it could be SDV? let us know if you see any other anomalies...

Or they're making sure they can encrypt all VOD.

anyone else's guide remain unchanged? i have some of the new channels, but everything is still screwy.

just a few examples:
i get VS/GLFHD on CinemaxHD, FoodHD on VS/GFLHD, HFLN on A&EHD, and ABCHD on NFLHD.

The other chanels don't show up on the guide, or my tv, at all.

comcast in golden, co needs help!

parsec, any improvement for you since your last post?

anyone else's guide remain unchanged? i have some of the new channels, but everything is still screwy.

just a few examples:
i get VS/GLFHD on CinemaxHD, FoodHD on VS/GFLHD, HFLN on A&EHD, and ABCHD on NFLHD.

The other chanels don't show up on the guide, or my tv, at all.

When the new HD channels rolled out, a number of existing channels were shuffled around. It sounds like your box is unaware of the new QAM mappings. Have you called Comcast and asked about it?

When the new HD channels rolled out, a number of existing channels were shuffled around. It sounds like your box is unaware of the new QAM mappings. Have you called Comcast and asked about it?

yeah, they had me unplug the box for 30 sec and plug it back in. when that didn't fix the problem they said, "well, just wait and maybe it'll work right soon."

very comforting:rolleyes:

UPDATE: Tried again with another comcast agent. they sent a new signal to the box and it still didn't update, so they wanted to immediately schedule a tech to come to my house to check the cable. i said the cable signal is fine, it's the channel mapping in the box. then i said, can't i just go swap out my box for a new one? the tech said, well, i yes, you could do that too. i hate scheduling things. rather do it on my own time.

In Broomfield, ABC and CBS have moved from 51-1 and 51-2 to 50-1 and 50-2.

Jeff

I'm using the HDHomeRun from SiliconDust with Beyond TV. I get these unencrypted QAM channels, but need to know the physical channels. I don't think they're the same. Anyone know?

After four months in my new home with OTA and no internet, I caved and called Comcast. Digital TV (digital preferred tier), HD service, and high-speed internet through their current 12-month promotion. Also includes 6 mos. of HBO. Tech is set to install Saturday morning; anything I should be aware of/look out for/ask for?

My gear: Panasonic TH42PZ77U, Onkyo TX-SR601 receiver, Onkyo SKS-HT500 speakers, Panasonic S-53K DVD

I do have one question that may or may not be able to be answered here. My home was remodeled before I bought it, and the contractors didn't install any cable jacks - all of the wiring is still connected to the outdoor box, but is piled in the crawlspace. Will Comcast charge me an arm and a leg to drill and run wires through the floor, or is it included in their new residential service install? I'm certainly able to do it myself, but would like to avoid belly-crawling through the dirt if possible.:o

After four months in my new home with OTA and no internet, I caved and called Comcast. Digital TV (digital preferred tier), HD service, and high-speed internet through their current 12-month promotion. Also includes 6 mos. of HBO. Tech is set to install Saturday morning; anything I should be aware of/look out for/ask for?

My gear: Panasonic TH42PZ77U, Onkyo TX-SR601 receiver, Onkyo SKS-HT500 speakers, Panasonic S-53K DVD

I do have one question that may or may not be able to be answered here. My home was remodeled before I bought it, and the contractors didn't install any cable jacks - all of the wiring is still connected to the outdoor box, but is piled in the crawlspace. Will Comcast charge me an arm and a leg to drill and run wires through the floor, or is it included in their new residential service install? I'm certainly able to do it myself, but would like to avoid belly-crawling through the dirt if possible.:o

I'd recommend cycling through all the channels to make sure your getting the channels your expecting and ensuring they all come through watchable. The install includes only plugging you to an EXISTING jack. I'm pretty sure they will charge you to run the cable for you within the house. How much that is, I have no idea.

I'm not happy about the quality of the HD movie channels since the addition of the new channels. Getting pixelation during high action scenes and some macroblocking.

I'm using the HDHomeRun from SiliconDust with Beyond TV. I get these unencrypted QAM channels, but need to know the physical channels. I don't think they're the same. Anyone know?

The physical channels (OTA) are 35 (CBS) and 17 (ABC), but they typically remap to 4-1 and 7-1. If you're getting the QAM channels, why do you need these numbers?

ooooh, you think it could be SDV? let us know if you see any other anomalies...

I'm almost positive the QAM channels at 85 and 86 are SDV (either that, or a very weird VOD implementation). I have never, on any of the VOD channels (79, 80, 101, 102, 113 or 114), seen a sub-channel designation higher than 10. Since I first found the channels at 85 and 86, I have occasionally left my TV tuned to one of those channels to see how many unique sub-channel ID's would show up. Right now, my TV has in memory a whopping 22 sub-channels at 85 and 13 sub-channels at 86. This despite the fact that there have never (to my knowledge) been more than three video streams at any time on either channel (usually only one or two). The content has always been encrypted, so I don't know what is being sent, but based on how the sub-channels are being allocated, it doesn't feel at all like VOD (certainly not the way Comcast currently allocates VOD streams). The only thing I can think of that these QAM channels might be used for is SDV testing.

What's the highest Video On Demand sub-channel number anyone here has seen using QAM?

I'm almost positive the QAM channels at 85 and 86 are SDV

be still my heart...

What's the highest Video On Demand sub-channel number anyone here has seen using QAM?

Up to 11. Both of your channels beat that, so it certainly could be something different.

Just as a followup, I went by the Comcast service depot on Tucson Way, down south off of Arapahoe the other day and swapped out my 6412. I got a DCH3416 in return. It was nice to get the increased hard disk space. They had about 35-40 of them in a stack on the floor. They gave me back my power cord and my remote - they apparently are the same.

So far, so good! I haven't experienced any of the lags or hang ups that I had on my 6412. The unit has both HDMI and Component outputs that do 480i, 480P, 720P and 1080i.

FYI

Hi All,

I don't come in here very often, but searching the forum for information on which HD-DVR Comcast in Denver is now offering, it appears that the current model is the Motorola DCT 3412 or possibly, the Motorola DCH 3412.

I currently have a Moto DCT 6412 which has worked pretty well (given the known glitches). I have upgraded my AVRx to an Onkyo TX-SR605 and I'm getting HDMI handshake errors when trying to watch HD-TV using a DVI to HDMI conversion cable.

So my question is what is the general impression of the current Moto STB? It is HDMI, right?

Are the known bugs significantly worse than those on the 6412?

I searched this forum for "3412" and found very little "user experience" kinds of information.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

What is SDV?

In Broomfield it looks like KCNC is no longer available on QAM. I can still get it in SD on 81-5.

What is SDV?

Switched Digital Video. It's a technology that allows cable companies to save bandwidth by only streaming digital channels that viewers are actually watching, rather than send every channel in their lineup at the same time.

Anyone catch the F1 race on Fox?

They need to do more of that. It helps to show how bad Nascar really is.

I got a DCH3416 in return.

Can you confirm that you got a DCH, and not a DCT? I have the DCT3416i but run into HDMI switch problems that apparently might go away with the DCH...

Yep, it is mostly certainly a DCH3416 - says so plainly on the front.

HTH

Can you confirm that you got a DCH, and not a DCT? I have the DCT3416i but run into HDMI switch problems that apparently might go away with the DCH...

Hello all.

I recently got a new TV and got Comcast to come out and setup a cablecard on the tivo and give me an cable box (for OnDemand).

The tech was extremely friendly, but funny.

He had never installed a card in a tivo before. He had to keep calling his supervisor. The funniest thing was that he tried to install the card with the case on it. :lol: I had to tell him, no it wasn't too wide, just a case over the card. He felt stupid.

Got it installed and almost as he left got a 161-38 error on the Tivo. Chatted CS and they 'pinged' the card and never came up again.

Also the tech that came out dropped off the cable box, but it was one of the old ones without HDMI. He ran out of them yesterday and only had the DVR one, which I didn't want.

He left and went to local Comcast center and exchanged the box for a brand new DCH-3200. Works great so far.

Just figured I'd share my experience.

I'm not a fan of Comcast (namely the internet side), but everyone was very helpful (though maybe slightly not knowledgeable).

He gave me three way splitter, though said it is something that might lose signal, though we should be good enough where I live. The three was was for the TV, Tivo, and the STB.

Question. He cut me pretty long coax cables. I have some older comcast ones that are a bit shorter, does it matter that much?

Well, after a lifetime of cable I finally jumped ship to D*. So far, so good. I've only had it for about half a day, but the picture quality seems to be the same as Comcast. Not better, not worse from what I've seen so far. I'll save a significant amount of money over the next year, and still about $20 a month after that (more if I move to a lower-cost plan). And I get a lot more HD channels and a DVR that holds about 50 hours of HD programming.

I discovered something new on QAM today. At 85.x and 86.x (which have been empty for some time now), I'm beginning to see encrypted sub-channels. I initially thought they might be adding new channels, but that might not be the case. The streams on these channels are only there temporarily, much like the VOD streams at 79, 80, 101, 102, 113, and 114. It's as though 85 and 86 are now being used for VOD, but the content is being encrypted on those channels.

I don't know if these channels are being used for testing or if they're being used "in the wild." Also, I can't say for sure whether it's VOD or something else (SDV, perhaps?). Anyway, I found it rather interesting, and I might keep an eye on it to see what happens. I'm in the south Jeffco area.

I am in south denver (off hampden & I-25), and I am watching a moon landing special on 85.5 right now (I was just flipping through). No idea why it isn't encrypted...

Update: nevermind, it appears to be a digital non-hd version of discovery??

I am in south denver (off hampden & I-25), and I am watching a moon landing special on 85.5 right now (I was just flipping through). No idea why it isn't encrypted...

Update: nevermind, it appears to be a digital non-hd version of discovery??

Where I live (south Jeffco), channels 85 and 86 used to contain various digital channels, mostly encrypted (Discovery being the only exception). However, a few months ago those channels moved to 56 and 57, respectively. I think 56 and 57 are access channels in the city of Denver, so I suppose this move might not have happened there.

Anyone in Longmont have the inside scoop on when the new HD channels will be available. I saw one story that said they would open them up as they complete each section of the upgrade. We had our neighborhood done last Monday. When I had a tech come out to replace my cable modem (the upgrade doesn't behave well with the older ones), he said it wouldn't happen until all areas were done.

Expecting the worst, hoping for the best...

Edit...
Wow - I just decided to check now and I've got them. It looks like Longmont has finally caught up with the rest of Colorado.

What is SDV?

In Broomfield it looks like KCNC is no longer available on QAM. I can still get it in SD on 81-5.

One of the better (in terms of simplicity) explanations of SDV

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/07/02/ask-engadget-hd-what-is-switched-digital-video-sdv/

Sound quality on HD channels??

I'm not sure if it is the true source (the channel it self) of comcast, but anyone get intermittent audio static from HD channels like KWGNDT (channel 656)?

Thanks.

I'm not sure if it is the true source (the channel it self) of comcast, but anyone get intermittent audio static from HD channels like KWGNDT (channel 656)?

Thanks.

FSN HD had occasional audio stutter during the Rockies game last night. That's the only HD channel I watched, so I don't know if others were affected or not.

FSN HD? Where on Comcast?

It shows up on 664 (Mojo) when they have HD games

It shows up on 664 (Mojo) when they have HD games

Static or stutter?

I haven't noticed stutter just random audio static.

I didn't notice any stutter I just thought he was asking where FSN was

I'm thinking about canceling my Comcast Digital subscription and just getting basic cable and HSI. If I keep my HD DVR, will I get any HD channels beyond the local networks? In particular, will I still get Universal HD?

I found this list of unencrypted QAM channels (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13166357#post13166357) from a post in February. Have there been any updates since then?

I'm thinking about canceling my Comcast Digital subscription and just getting basic cable and HSI. If I keep my HD DVR, will I get any HD channels beyond the local networks? In particular, will I still get Universal HD?

I found this list of unencrypted QAM channels (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13166357#post13166357) from a post in February. Have there been any updates since then?

You must subscribe to the digital HD package to get most HD channels (except locals). This includes Universal HD. I don't know what other package(s) are required to qualify for the HD tier.

For unencrypted QAM, there have been at least a couple of changes since that post. Most notably, ABC HD and CBS HD moved from 51.x to 50.x when the HD lineup was expanded back in May. Also, in some parts of the metro area, channels 85.x and 86.x moved to 56.x and 57.x, respectively. The only unencrypted channel in this group is Discovery SD. Note that the exact sub-channel numbers tend to vary depending on the receiver and possibly on where you are located. Also be aware that NBC HD may be re-mapped to 9.1 and FOX HD to 31.1 (my TV does this, anyway).

Hello folks...my first post here but I have been lurking & learning for awhile.

I am in the Aurora rebuild area & just lost KUSA HD (9.1) in the last few days. Also lost Speed (104.8) which suddenly became Fit tv.

I was getting these via bypassing the cable box. KCNC, KMGH & KDVR are still in the clear.

Has anyone else experienced this?

Hello folks...my first post here but I have been lurking & learning for awhile.

I am in the Aurora rebuild area & just lost KUSA HD (9.1) in the last few days. Also lost Speed (104.8) which suddenly became Fit tv.

I was getting these via bypassing the cable box. KCNC, KMGH & KDVR are still in the clear.

Has anyone else experienced this?

I just checked my QAM tuner. Both KUSA-DT and KDVR-DT are no longer being re-mapped to 9.1 and 31.1, so you'll have to go to 90.1 and 90.2 (the "true" QAM channel numbers) to receive them. If you have trouble, do a re-scan.

Speed is no longer in the clear (it was never supposed to be). I checked cable box diagnostics on that channel and it's now reported as Digital ENC (encrypted). It's still at 104.x, though I don't know the sub-channel (they sometimes get shuffled around when a change is made to one of them).

I'm in south Jeffco.

I just checked my QAM tuner. Both KUSA-DT and KDVR-DT are no longer being re-mapped to 9.1 and 31.1, so you'll have to go to 90.1 and 90.2 (the "true" QAM channel numbers) to receive them. If you have trouble, do a re-scan.

Speed is no longer in the clear (it was never supposed to be). I checked cable box diagnostics on that channel and it's now reported as Digital ENC (encrypted). It's still at 104.x, though I don't know the sub-channel (they sometimes get shuffled around when a change is made to one of them).

I'm in south Jeffco.
Thanks for the info.

I found KUSA and also Discovery. Looks like I am stuck with Speed in analog on ch77.

Having issues finding the following QAM channels in South Jeffco:

KWGN-DT (found at 116-2-1, no signal)
KCNC-DT (found at 50-0-2, no signal)
KMGH-DT (found at 50-0-1, no signal)

This is using my Hauppauge HVR-1600.

Any updates are appreciated.

(Oh yeah, and 1st post!)

Having issues finding the following QAM channels in South Jeffco:

KWGN-DT (found at 116-2-1, no signal)
KCNC-DT (found at 50-0-2, no signal)
KMGH-DT (found at 50-0-1, no signal)

This is using my Hauppauge HVR-1600.

Any updates are appreciated.

(Oh yeah, and 1st post!)

I am also in south Jeffco. I checked my TV's QAM tuner and it is having no trouble with channels 50.1 and 50.2 (CBS and ABC). However, it is having problems with several higher frequency channels, including 116 and 117. My HD DVR box from Comcast, however, has no problems tuning any of the channels mentioned, although diagnostics is reporting a "fair" signal strength instead of "good."

May or may not be related to your issue. I do have a few splitters, and I don't feel like messing around to see what happens with them removed (especially since the DVR can tune the channels without any problems).

Having issues finding the following QAM channels in South Jeffco:

KWGN-DT (found at 116-2-1, no signal)
KCNC-DT (found at 50-0-2, no signal)
KMGH-DT (found at 50-0-1, no signal)

This is using my Hauppauge HVR-1600.

Any updates are appreciated.

(Oh yeah, and 1st post!)

Congrats, and welcome to the forum. Unfortunately, I can't help, since I'm in HR and have no problems with either of the 50's, or 116-1.

Sound quality on HD channels??

I'm not sure if it is the true source (the channel it self) of comcast, but anyone get intermittent audio static from HD channels like KWGNDT (channel 656)?

Thanks.

I get this as well. It happens on SD Channel 2 and HD Channel 656. It's been this way for me since the start (Oct 2007). Using a Moto DCH-3416 BTW.

It's annoying, and I have complained to Comcast, but nothing has changed.

I checked my TV's QAM tuner and it is having no trouble with channels 50.1 and 50.2 (CBS and ABC). That's the odd thing, I also ran a channel scan on my TV, and it can tune in 50.1 and 50.2. My guess is I need to figure out how to tell the HVR-1600 the correct frequency (transform 50.1 into 50-0-1 or 50-1-1 etc.). Although it's not as easy as that, since I've tried all of the combos I can think of.

I've been away on vacation for awhile and I can no longer find Discovery HD (DSCHD) on comcast. I'm pretty sure it use to be there, but may be I am wrong. I've also searched the comcast lineup at comcast.com for my zip (80134) and it is not listed....just the sd discovery channel. I've tried a quick search of the forum and the internet in general and found nothing that mentions the station going away. :confused:

I don't recall Discovery HD ever being on Comcast - I've got Discovery HD Theater and Science Channel HD.

I don't recall Discovery HD ever being on Comcast - I've got Discovery HD Theater and Science Channel HD.


Maybe Discovery HD Theater is the one I thought I use to have, but I don't see that anymore either (I do have Science Channel HD however).

It looks like comcast is currently doing something with new hd channels (at least new to me since getting home from vacation). My tivo s3 shows in the guide the USA and oxygen channels in the 66x's channels iirc, but the actual comcast stb didn't have those channels listed yet...at least as of last night (08/17/08). I'll try to check after work.

Maybe Discovery HD Theater is the one I thought I use to have, but I don't see that anymore either (I do have Science Channel HD however).

HD Theater is channel 663. It used to be called "Discovery HD Theater" and was abbreviated DHD in the guide. However, Discovery changed the name to simply "HD Theater" (to avoid confusion with Discovery Channel HD, I suppose) and the abbreviation for the channel became HDT.

Ah, I now see HDT on my tivo...I needed to cold boot the cable box to get all my channels correct (but I seldom use the comcast stb....pretty much for on-demand stuff only). Thanks for the info

Quick question here. I am in Boulder and am trying to pick up QAM HDTV channels with a Hauppauge HVR-1800 and haven't had any luck. I can get the SD QAM channels but none of the HD channels will come in. Some people have suggested that since cable providers are only required to broadcast one channel subset on QAM they just used the SD ones. Is this a Comcast Boulder thing or a software/hardware issue on my end?

It could be either. We've seen differences in QAM lineups in different parts of the metro area. This would be disappointing, but not a surprise if Comcast withheld the HD channels from QAM.

Yeah, it wouldn't surprise me either. Well, I can't confirm it's the card or my local Comcast(I have extended analog) as I don't have a ATSC/QAM capable TV. If someone else in Boulder could that would be a big help.

What are they thinking at Comcast? There was no way to get the CU-CSU football game in high def. If they didn't make that game available in HD, is there any chance at all for the weekly Big 12 games on Fox Sports Net? Do they WANT us to switch to satellite? :(

What are they thinking at Comcast? There was no way to get the CU-CSU football game in high def. If they didn't make that game available in HD, is there any chance at all for the weekly Big 12 games on Fox Sports Net? Do they WANT us to switch to satellite? :(

Comcast has, IMO, done a lousy job with FSN HD. They have an annoying tendency to wait until a half-hour or longer (depending on how many people call in to complain I guess) after start time before flipping the switch, and the guide data isn't always in sync with what is actually going to be shown. They do a better job with Altitude HD though.

DirecTV has a 24/7 feed of FSN Rocky Mountain (which started a couple of weeks ago), so this is no longer an issue there. Once Comcast either turns on SDV or shuts off the bulk of its analog channel lineup, we may see FSN HD (and possibly Altitude HD) get dedicated channels.

When comcast has their PPV service is that encrypted? I am thinking it is, but I know that the on-demand stuff sometimes is not (which is why I can see stuff someone in my community has paid for).

I am basically wanting to know if I have any chance of watching the UFC fight this weekend?

I have never seen anything like a UFC event on the unencrypted "on-demand" channels. I've gotten a movie on demand and watched that on my QAM TV (without a cable box) but never tried a PPV. Plus, none of the porn I've seen on those OD channels is the hard stuff, but I'm guessing the PPV porn is. ;)