I agree that people pay *way* too much for TV.

Yes, and no...it's all relative.

Can someone who earns $650k per year and has $20 million invested afford to "pay *way* too much for TV"? Those people sometimes have Comcast, Fios, Dish, DirecTV, OTA antennas, etc. all at the same time just so they can catch their favorite shows or games that only one source carries for their location.

On the flip side, I know some "average Joes" who definitely should be paying more attention to their credit card bills and kids' college fund instead of their "all you can eat" TV packages.

So what is paying "*way* too much for TV"? Is it market based? Is it based on personal finances? Is it based on one's perception of the value?

Per the recent filings with the city of Denver, Comcast has added two new HD channels, which are up and running in Highlands Ranch as of this afternoon. :D This source of forthcoming channels seems loads more informative than talking to the CSR's that answer the phone at Comcast, as there appears to be no communication whatsoever between the implementation and customer service departments. :p

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

Channel 665 - Fox Sports Network HD
Channel 690 - Major League Baseball HD

Curiously, the Sony Ericsson Open tennis tournament on FSN HD still looks like they have a highly compressed, low quality feed, with lots of artifacts and picture break up, but it's still noticeably better than the SD overcompressed abomination on channel 26. Sadly and utterly inexcusably, Comcast still does not carry The Tennis Channel in Denver, either SD or HD. :rolleyes:

The new NBC Universal Sports on channel 250 has some great winter sports content, but unfortunately it's in SD and the compression is just ridiculous.

So, is YouTube video quality the wave of the future with Comcast, or is that an insult to YouTube??? WHERE IS SDV??????????! :eek:

The guide data for FSN-RM HD on 665 currently shows "Off-Air" for much of the schedule even though the channel is a 24/7 HD channel and has been (officially) since early March.

The new NBC Universal Sports on channel 250 has some great winter sports content, but unfortunately it's in SD and the compression is just ridiculous.

So, is YouTube video quality the wave of the future with Comcast, or is that an insult to YouTube??? WHERE IS SDV??????????! :eek:


The PQ on NBC US has nothing to do with comcast. It is a new subchannel being broadcast by KUSA. The lack of bandwidth is due to KUSA having one HD channel and two SD subchannels on their over the air feed.

The PQ on NBC US has nothing to do with comcast. It is a new subchannel being broadcast by KUSA. The lack of bandwidth is due to KUSA having one HD channel and two SD subchannels on their over the air feed.

I don't know what Comcast is feeding its subscribers for NBC US, but that channel (9-3) OTA is generally quite sharp as 480i channels go. Definitely sharper than the AccuWeather on 9-2 OTA. I'd suspect Comcast is doing or failing to do something that is degrading the PQ.

Does anyone know where you can get all the current rates for Comcast? I can find rate cards for Oregon and Vancouver but no where else. I had the honor of getting my new statement today and my bill jumped almost $60. We have the Premier Bundle and are being charged a base rate of 222.99 PLUS the fee for the HD/DVR (15.95) that I thought was suppose to come with it PLUS an additional $10 for "Performance" Internet. I spoke with a lovely lady at the local Comcast office who insisted that only new customers get their HD/DVR included with the base price. We are also suppose to be part of the Rewards program. Never seen a program reward you with that hefty of a rate increase. I was expecting about $25 a month more when our first year was up, not what we got.

Comcast has a lot of special offers and my understanding is that you can take advantage of those promos as an existing customer once every 6 months. I would call back and ask what promos are available to you.

Try chatting online via their website to get the pricing deals. It takes a lot longer, but I found it easier.

In order to find those deals I first had to put in a bunch of different addresses of my neighbors into the site until I found one that wasn't a subscriber. Then, I was presented with all of the various deals. The triple play premium deal right now is $179, including the HD DVR. Good luck!

I'm not sure if this is a TV or a comcast issue, but is anyone else noticing sound problems on the Local QAM channels? It's like a stuttering sound or a contant clipping. 7.1 is the worst, but it seems 2.1 started and 4.1 is kind of slightly doing it too. I am using a sharp aquos 42d64u.

Also, I am no longer recieving neighbors-on-demand as well. Looks like thats gone.

Anyone know what QAM DTV channel Comcast is running KTVD-DT on now? I'm in Arvada. I really don't want to do a full scan on my M-in-L's DTV again just to find it.

Anyone know what QAM DTV channel Comcast is running KDTV-DT on now? I'm in Arvada. I really don't want to do a full scan on my M-in-L's DTV again just to find it.

There is no KDTV in Denver. If you mean KTVD (My20), it's still at 117-1 here in HR.

I'm not sure if this is a TV or a comcast issue, but is anyone else noticing sound problems on the Local QAM channels? It's like a stuttering sound or a contant clipping. 7.1 is the worst, but it seems 2.1 started and 4.1 is kind of slightly doing it too. I am using a sharp aquos 42d64u.

Also, I am no longer recieving neighbors-on-demand as well. Looks like thats gone.

Yes! I've noticed this as well. I would also describe it as clipping - a click, click as the audio peaks. I have basic service only, and use a Samsung LN40A550, sending the audio out via toslink to an Onkyo 606.

There is no KDTV in Denver. If you mean KTVD (My20), it's still at 117-1 here in HR.

Sorry, brain and fingers out-of-sync. Yes I meant My20, KTVD. Thanks. For whatever reason, M-in-L claims she doesn't get My20 even though the Excel spreadsheet I made her of the Clear QAM scan I did for her shows DTV Channel 117-1 as being her source for My20. Guess I'll have to check it out in person.

May 19th will see Oxygen and truTV move to Digital Starter, while Spike TV moves from channel 44 to channel 70. Expect a handful of more HD channels within the subsequent several weeks or so.

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

What is the best dvr box that Comcast is offering in the denver area right now? I've used some of those Motorola boxes in the past and they are often unresponsive and delayed to remote commands. Hoping they have something better now.

Thinking of switching to E* if not.

What is the best dvr box that Comcast is offering in the denver area right now? I've used some of those Motorola boxes in the past and they are often unresponsive and delayed to remote commands. Hoping they have something better now.

Thinking of switching to E* if not.

How recently have you used the Motorola DVR's? A software update went out back in October (I think) which IMO is very solid. I have had virtually no issues with remote response, nor has the DVR locked up even once since then (it would lock up once every few weeks or so before). It is still not as good as other DVR's, but it is a very serviceable box with the latest software (my only complaint right now is the small HDD size and no option of expanding capacity).

As far as I know, Comcast still only uses Motorola boxes for HD-DVR's (if not for their entire cable box inventory).

My month or so old 3416 does not have any of the old problem the 6412 had.

Comcast is suposed to relese a pany box sometime. http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=16305621#post16305621

May 19th will see Oxygen and truTV move to Digital Starter, while Spike TV moves from channel 44 to channel 70. Expect a handful of more HD channels within the subsequent several weeks or so.

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

I hope you're referring to something like this happening:

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/04/20/daily20.html

That same thing happened in Houston and a few other markets. If they're using Denver as a test market for tru2way, why aren't we getting as much HD as smaller markets?

Has anyone recently started having problems tuning QAM for KWGN (116-1) and KRMA (116-2)? I'm no longer able to capture these channels reliably with my HD-5500 card. I've been having this same problem with KMGH and KCNC ever since they moved from 51-* to 50-* about this time a year ago.

With azap, I can obtain lock, but get a steady stream of uncorrectable errors:

mythtv@theking:~$ azap -c tmp.conf KMGHHD
using '/dev/dvb/adapter0/frontend0' and '/dev/dvb/adapter0/demux0'
tuning to 381012500 Hz
video pid 0x07c0, audio pid 0x07c1
status 00 | signal 4b11 | snr 0a43 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff |
status 1f | signal f6ed | snr 21d9 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f740 | snr 21cd | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal e2ce | snr 2148 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f571 | snr 219d | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f7ea | snr 21e5 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f69a | snr 21b7 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f5f7 | snr 21a0 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f557 | snr 218a | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f21b | snr 2141 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f557 | snr 218a | ber 00000000 | unc 00000000 | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f46c | snr 216a | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f5a6 | snr 2159 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000000b | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f4ee | snr 217c | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f648 | snr 21ab | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f486 | snr 21a4 | ber 00000000 | unc 00000000 | FE_HAS_LOCK
status 1f | signal f949 | snr 2215 | ber 00000000 | unc 0000ffff | FE_HAS_LOCK

Here is my tmp.conf generated from dvbutils scan, using standard center frequencies:

KMGHHD:381012500:QAM_256:1984:1985:1
KCNCHD:381012500:QAM_256:2048:2049:2
KWGNHD:747000000:QAM_256:2112:2113:1
KRMADT:747000000:QAM_256:2048:2049:2

I just retried azap against KRMA and KWGN and now they are coming through fine without any uncorrectable errors. I was getting a slew of them last night though trying to capture Masterpiece Classic on KRMA

I can watch these channels fine directly on my cable box (Motorola DCH-3200), and have no problem capturing the other clear QAM channels on the line.

Any ideas? Anyone else successfully tuning these channels with a QAM card in the metro area that can give me your frequency and pid values? Perhaps they are slightly off from the standardized frequencies?

Effective May 31, 2009, Comcast will add Fx HD on Ch. 691 to the channel lineup serving Denver customers.

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

Not a bad addition. Maybe they got tired of the DirecTV ads slamming cable about this channel specifically. But USA would be nice, and Discovery.

Has anyone recently started having problems tuning QAM for KWGN (116-1) and KRMA (116-2)? I'm no longer able to capture these channels reliably with my HD-5500 card. I've been having this same problem with KMGH and KCNC ever since they moved from 51-* to 50-* about this time a year ago.


i don't use channel 116-1 (2.1 KWGN HD) much, but i did notice in the
past few weeks while channel surfing a night or two where the video would
regularly slow then catch up while the sound seemed okay. other channels
seemed fine. right now this channel looks fine. i have HD-3000 and
HVR-1250 cards and the problem was the same on both. channel 116-2
(6.1 KRMA) has been of poor and/or variable quality for a while now,
not the same problem described for 116-1. i'm hoping that will improve
in june when the station is expected to switch the channel from SD to HD.

4 months ago i tried an HD-5500 card and it could tune channels 51-1
and 51-2 (ABC and CBS), though the HD-5500 showed less signal strength
on all channels compared to the HD-3000, 89-91% compared to 92-95% on
these particular channels. the HD-3000 captured the channels fine while
the HD-5500 showed damaged video, lost blocks showing on the screen.
i didn't keep the HD-5500 card.

i don't use channel 116-1 (2.1 KWGN HD) much, but i did notice in the
past few weeks while channel surfing a night or two where the video would
regularly slow then catch up while the sound seemed okay.

This is the exact behavior I was seeing as well. The past two weeks my wife's recordings of Smallville have been unwatchable as a result of this.


4 months ago i tried an HD-5500 card and it could tune channels 51-1
and 51-2 (ABC and CBS), though the HD-5500 showed less signal strength
on all channels compared to the HD-3000, 89-91% compared to 92-95% on
these particular channels. the HD-3000 captured the channels fine while
the HD-5500 showed damaged video, lost blocks showing on the screen.
i didn't keep the HD-5500 card.

Ok, so this is what I am seeing as well. It seems to be a problem specific to this card. Perhaps a firmware update and/or a replacement is in order. I'm not sure why the frequency change from 51 to 50 caused this to start happening a year ago, and what caused the recent additional problems on 116, but I've had to resort to firewire capture from the STB ever since (which is flaky at best)

I'll go post on the pchdtv forums as well and see if I have any luck there. Thanks!

Any info on any other HD channels coming to Denver anytime soon? I am getting fed up and beginning to consider something I never thought I would, switching to satellite.

The source I posted is the only reliable one for upcoming channels. There's a lot of news about Comcast gearing up to provide more HD channels (not choices), but most of those stories aren't specific as to the locations that will benefit. As Couch Patato posted, hopefully the move of more analog channels to the digital tier will help, but who's to say when that will occur.

A message on my cable box stated that effective May 26th, Oxygen and truTV will require "digital converter boxes" to view (hope people don't go out and buy the converter boxes for OTA because of the language used here). The Denver Telecom site indicates May 19 for this change, so it appears the timing of events may have changed...

The choice of the term "digital converter box" makes me wonder if they intend to start providing the cheap Digital Terminal Adapters (DTA's) to affected customers. If that's the case, then expanded basic channels (including those made digital-only) would need to be made available via clear QAM.

About a week or two ago, channel 4 and 7 were remapped from their respective 50-x channels to 4-1 and 7-1 for me. I came home one night and they were gone. After a re-scan, they FINALLY showed up where they are supposed to be. Did this happen for anyone else? I'm in SW Littleton (appx. Ken Caryl and Wads.).

About the same time for me on 4 and 7. Nice to have them in the "right" spot.

About a week or two ago, channel 4 and 7 were remapped from their respective 50-x channels to 4-1 and 7-1 for me. I came home one night and they were gone. After a re-scan, they FINALLY showed up where they are supposed to be. Did this happen for anyone else? I'm in SW Littleton (appx. Ken Caryl and Wads.).

I did a rescan of my M-in-L's HDTV last night because we couldn't find several of the local stations. Found 7-1 and 9-1,2,3, which was great, but where is KWGN-DT? When I set her up at XMas it was 2-1, it isn't there now. I also couldn't find RMPBS. What Clear QAM channels are you guys seeing those two stations on?

Thanks.

Effective June 9, 2009, Comcast will add ION HD on Ch. 659.
http://www.denvergov.org/Default.aspx?alias=www.denvergov.org/Telecom

You'd think there were no other HD channels left to be added. :rolleyes:
I called and the CSR said that we should see "lots more channels" after the digital conversion takes place, and took my comment, FWIW. While I won't be holding my breath ('cause the conversion shouldn't drive their ability to provide HD - they're still planning to have analog versions of the digital channels), I'm a little hopeful that these recent adds are an indication of things to come. I just hope we get something other than Oprah HD and Oxygen HD.

... I just hope we get something other than Oprah HD and Oxygen HD.

It seems like they add the channels that everybody says they don't want...so shhhhhhhhhh! ;)


...meaning that some SD shows will be stretched to fit the HD widescreen format....

...ION HD's programming lineup will include repeats of shows such as Mama's Family and Who's the Boss? and movies and original miniseries.

http://www.tvpredictions.com/ion110807.htm

I just can't wait to see a stretched SD upconverted version of Who's The Boss!

Hi all. I know this is a bit off the subject, but this is exactly the crowd I need a bit of help from. I am looking at a new HD TV and have heard that Plasma screens have trouble at our altitude. I am just about to move to a new place in Arvada, hence the excuse to get a new tv. Has anyone had any issues with Plasmas in Denver, or is that seriously over-hyped?

Thanks

Although I haven't kept up with this for many years, I think the altitude issue isn't as big a deal as it used to be. Plasmas could run hot and noisy trying to expel heat, and I think that was a bigger deal (can't remember if the lower air pressure didn't provide as much cooling or if it affected the gas more directly). I knew someone in Estes Park who returned theirs due to the noise of the set (don't recall the mfr, it was several years ago). I remember reading something at the time that Denver (< 6000 feet?) was towards the limit of where plasmas could operate well. I haven't heard nearly as much about the altitude issue lately, so my assumption is that the manufacturers have improved the cooling (either made it more active or just improved the efficiency of the passive system). However, I've also seen a lot fewer plasmas than LCD's, so that may be a factor as well.

Hi all. I know this is a bit off the subject, but this is exactly the crowd I need a bit of help from. I am looking at a new HD TV and have heard that Plasma screens have trouble at our altitude. I am just about to move to a new place in Arvada, hence the excuse to get a new tv. Has anyone had any issues with Plasmas in Denver, or is that seriously over-hyped?

ThanksModern plasmas aren't a problem at 5000-6000'. Its above around 9000' where there can start to be a problem.

Modern plasmas aren't a problem at 5000-6000'. Its above around 9000' where there can start to be a problem.

+1

I have relatives in Estes and nobody up there gets plasmas...don't think it is an issue in the metro area.

Hmm. Sounds like one would be taking a chance, but a rather small chance. I know the noise seems to be the major issue. My girlfriend is going to put a 125gal saltwater fishtank in the same basic room.:eek: So noise from the tv will never be noticed.:rolleyes: Such is life. She can have her fish tank as long as I get the tv!

Given the number of folks on the forum that seem to like the Pioneer Pro 151, I am kinda leaning towards that. Now my mission is to figure out what the glare is like. Have a large west-facing window across from where this TV will go. Fun stuff!!! Thanks so much for the input so far! Any more suggestions/ideas are very much valued.

Next obvious question. Comcast or satellite? I am a hockey nut dating a girl from MI. Ya'll know what that is like... (How did the wings lose to the ducks tonight????) I play on three really bad beer league teams, one with the girlfriend, and we watch the Center Ice package to the exclusion of all else. Summer is bearable only with the help of the Rockies. But I have heard that the dreaded DTV is going to carry Center Ice next year in HD. Comcast hasn't said a thing about this. So at this point, HD Center Ice and LD Altitude Avs away games. Gee that sucks.

I have a bad history with DTV. I had a 1 year contract with them. I canceled after 1 year. They decided that it was a 2 year contract and put me in collections. For almost a year we went at it like two cats in a sack. I sent them the arbitration paperwork. 4 days before I could contractually file the arb paperwork, they just settled and started sending me 'come back' ads. I am reluctant to do business with those crooks again. They had no interest in the facts of the case, only whether they could force me to settle using collections harrassment techniques. Once they ran out of time with arbitration, they chickened out. Would have been fun to eat their lunch in arbitration too darn it. But I digress. So, Comcast or DTV for HDTV?

Thoughts?

Hmm. Sounds like one would be taking a chance, but a rather small chance. I know the noise seems to be the major issue. My girlfriend is going to put a 125gal saltwater fishtank in the same basic room.:eek: So noise from the tv will never be noticed.:roll eyes: Such is life. She can have her fish tank as long as I get the tv!

Next obvious question. Comcast or satellite? I am a hockey nut dating a girl from MI. Ya'll know what that is like... (How did the wings lose to the ducks tonight????) I play on three really bad beer league teams, one with the girlfriend, and we watch the Center Ice package to the exclusion of all else. Summer is bearable only with the help of the Rockies. But I have heard that the dreaded DTV is going to carry Center Ice next year in HD. Comcast hasn't said a thing about this. So at this point, HD Center Ice and LD Altitude Avs away games. Gee that sucks.

I have a bad history with DTV. I had a 1 year contract with them. I canceled after 1 year. They decided that it was a 2 year contract and put me in collections. For almost a year we went at it like two cats in a sack. I sent them the arbitration paperwork. 4 days before I could contractually file the arb paperwork, they just settled and started sending me 'come back' ads. I am reluctant to do business with those crooks again. They had no interest in the facts of the case, only whether they could force me to settle using collections harassment techniques. Once they ran out of time with arbitration, they chickened out. Would have been fun to eat their lunch in arbitration too darn it. But I digress. So, Comcast or DTV for HDTV?

Thoughts?

Electronics are qualified by limits on operating conditions. Usually, somewhere in the detailed specs (check out a PDF copy of the owner's manual for operating limits in the specs) they will actually list an altitude limit for which the item has been tested to operate properly. I would be reluctant to use an HDTV qualified up to 6,000 feet in Arvada at 5,600 feet, since that's not much margin in my opinion. That said, a few years ago they actually marketed some plasmas in the Denver area as "high altitude" or some such qualified plasmas. Don't know if they still differentiate some product that way anymore.

As to your problems with DirecTV, Dish is no better, and I'm not impressed with Comcast's customer service in support of my broadband internet. I think modern businesses are all nice while they are trying to sell you something. After the sale, you are a doormat. I'm currently in a battle with OnStar (I really wanted a one year renew at there special promo price for the whole year. But, once they had my new credit card number, they started billing me at a monthly charge at their highest rate). It's all about getting the revenue and subscriber numbers to keep those executive bonuses flowing.

Good idea, and I apreciate your point Ceb. However, here are the operating specs for Kuro 151fd

Operating Environment
Operating environment temperature and humidity:
+0 ºC to +40 ºC (+32 ºF to +104 ºF); less than 85 %RH (cooling vents not blocked)
Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or strong artificial light)

So, no altitude recommendations. Darn. Anyone out here had problems with their plasmas?

4-1 (clearQAM w/ cable direct to tv) has gone missing for me... tried remapping with no luck. Anybody else seen this issue. I'm in the Lowry area

Good idea, and I apreciate your point Ceb. However, here are the operating specs for Kuro 151fd

Operating Environment
Operating environment temperature and humidity:
+0 ºC to +40 ºC (+32 ºF to +104 ºF); less than 85 %RH (cooling vents not blocked)
Do not install this unit in a poorly ventilated area, or in locations exposed to high humidity or direct sunlight (or strong artificial light)

So, no altitude recommendations. Darn. Anyone out here had problems with their plasmas?

You are correct, I couldn't find any altitude spec for any of the current Pioneer plasmas. However, I did find this link, which is only 2 years old (can't give you a direct link because the AVS Forum software won't allow it; just type it in your browser without the spaces:

www. plasma tv buying guide.com/plasmatv/plasmatv-altitude.html

4-1 (clearQAM w/ cable direct to tv) has gone missing for me... tried remapping with no luck. Anybody else seen this issue. I'm in the Lowry area

It's missing near Hampden an Wadsworth too. No idea why.

4-1 (clearQAM w/ cable direct to tv) has gone missing for me... tried remapping with no luck. Anybody else seen this issue. I'm in the Lowry area

No more 4-1 for me in S. Aurora (Mission Viejo)
Where'd it go?

Rescan on your TV and go to 50-2. It worked for my up in Lafayette, CO this morning.

Rescan on your TV and go to 50-2. It worked for my up in Lafayette, CO this morning.

Do you think that Comcast does this switching around of the clear QAM channels just to irritate the Clear QAM users enough to get them to buy their digital cable package.

I did not get any satisfaction from chatting with an online rep, who would not specifically admit to deleting the 4-1 channel.

Rescan on your TV and go to 50-2. It worked for my up in Lafayette, CO this morning.

50-2 remaps to 7-1 (ABC) for me, still can't find CBS after several rescans. Wish I could find it, it is getting annoying switching to the antenna or watching in SD (I still get CBS SD on channel 4 on QAM).

Just hope this doesn't set a precedent that they are planning on pulling all of the local HD from QAM.

50-2 remaps to 7-1 (ABC) for me, still can't find CBS after several rescans. Wish I could find it, it is getting annoying switching to the antenna or watching in SD (I still get CBS SD on channel 4 on QAM).

Just hope this doesn't set a precedent that they are planning on pulling all of the local HD from QAM.

All digital cable channel are QAM. Whether they are encrypted or not is another matter. However, Comcast is not legally allowed (from my understanding) to encrypt locals, including HD locals.

My TV shows KMGH-DT at 50.1 (remapped to 7.1) and KCNC-DT at 50.2 (remapped to 4.1). I have no problems tuning either channel via clear QAM. In fact, as of right now all HD locals, as well as the KRMA and KUSA subchannels, are currently being remapped to the OTA equivalents (2.1, 4.1, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 20.1, and 31.1). KTVD-DT is weird because its real channel is 117.5 (or something like that), and there are two encrypted QAM channels at 20.1 and 20.2. Result is that I am now seeing two 20.1's, one in the clear (KTVD-DT) and one scrambled. Typing in "20" or "20.1" goes to the in-the-clear channel. Hitting channel down goes to the scrambled 20.1, while channeling up goes to 20.2. Starting at 19, channeling up first goes to the scrambled 20.1, then the clear 20.1, then 20.2 and finally 21. (I'm sure other TV's handle this differently.)

All digital cable channel are QAM. Whether they are encrypted or not is another matter. However, Comcast is not legally allowed (from my understanding) to encrypt locals, including HD locals.

My TV shows KMGH-DT at 50.1 (remapped to 7.1) and KCNC-DT at 50.2 (remapped to 4.1). I have no problems tuning either channel via clear QAM. In fact, as of right now all HD locals, as well as the KRMA and KUSA subchannels, are currently being remapped to the OTA equivalents (2.1, 4.1, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 20.1, and 31.1). KTVD-DT is weird because its real channel is 117.5 (or something like that), and there are two encrypted QAM channels at 20.1 and 20.2. Result is that I am now seeing two 20.1's, one in the clear (KTVD-DT) and one scrambled. Typing in "20" or "20.1" goes to the in-the-clear channel. Hitting channel down goes to the scrambled 20.1, while channeling up goes to 20.2. Starting at 19, channeling up first goes to the scrambled 20.1, then the clear 20.1, then 20.2 and finally 21. (I'm sure other TV's handle this differently.)

As of last night it is coming in again on 4.1. I think they just wanted me to not be able to watch the season finale of Survivor in HD (nipslips just aren't the same in SD!!)

It was strange, I knew that it should have been at 50.2, but every 50.x remapped me to 7.1.

Not strictly HDTV related, but a warning for all Comcast or potential Comcast customers.

A few weeks ago I was having macro blocking and audio dropouts on TBS-HD and ESPN2-HD over Comcast cable. All other HD channels and everything else was working normally including our Comcast Internet service. I call cusomer service to tell them I think they have a problem with their feed. The CS rep decides to reset the cable box. No change. CS rep schedules a tech visit for the following week. I explain that I don't want a tech to come out since the issue is not a problem with my local cabling. CS insists they can do nothing else until a tech comes out. OK I'll take a half day off work so the tech can verify what I already know.

Of course by the time the tech comes out Comcast has apparently figured out what the problem was and fixed it. Tech shows up and verifies there is nothing wrong on my end, signal strength is good and there is no local reason for the breakups. End of story right? No no no... this is Comcast remember. On my next bill I get a service charge for $27. WTF?? I call customer (dis)service and the rep informs me of a recent change. All visits now incur a service charge regardless of who is at fault. Nice of them to warn us all in advance! Rep informs me that they'll waive the charge if I sign up for their insurance program, free for 3 months and then .99 a month (what are they now, the Sopranos?). Allright, I'll play their game. I sign up and get the charge removed. I'll just remove the "insurance" option after two months.

Beware of this hidden gotcha with Comcast!

Well, if you're not happy with Comcast you can always switch to.......

Oh ya, we can't switch. :(

I have a Pio Elite 111 in Westmisnter and it is beautiful. 151 is even nicer.

You will have no issues. I use Comcast and frankly the pictures are decent.

I would like to see them distribute the new DCX motorola boxes here though. Not sure if they will or not. You will probably get a DCT box if you use them.

By the way, I too can't wait to see Who's the boss stretched and upconverted. That Tony Danza just cracks me up.

I would like to see them distribute the new DCX motorola boxes here though.

+1

By the way, I too can't wait to see Who's the boss stretched and upconverted.

Boy I hope that was some sarcasm...

+1



Boy I hope that was some sarcasm...

Huh? What do you mean??

Next to Frances Bavier (Aunt Bee), Tony Danza may be the greatest comic actor ever.

Anyone else lose 9-1 and 9-3 via QAM? I'm in HR, and haven't seen these channels for a couple of days. I haven't spent the time to see if they moved somewhere (which is very time consuming) or tried rescanning yet (also time consuming, as my TV doesn't remove the scrambled/empty channels automatically).

Anyone else lose 9-1 and 9-3 via QAM? I'm in HR, and haven't seen these channels for a couple of days. I haven't spent the time to see if they moved somewhere (which is very time consuming) or tried rescanning yet (also time consuming, as my TV doesn't remove the scrambled/empty channels automatically).

I noticed two days ago that I've lost 9-1, 9-2, 9-3 and 31-1. I did a complete rescan and wasn't able to find the channels remapped anywhere. I do have the analog versions of 9 and 31...but there are no HD or digital (non-HD) stations for NBC or Fox anywhere. :mad:

NBC (9-*) and FOX (31-1) moved from physical channel 90 to physical channel 44 last week sometime. I found out about this via my wife when a program on FOX failed to record while I was on a business trip. I rescanned when I got back into town and was able to pick up the channels fine

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:80203#lineup_368842

Of course, the two channels I can't seem to tune via QAM at physical channel 50 did not move, so I'm still SOL there. Thanks Comcast

NBC (9-*) and FOX (31-1) moved from physical channel 90 to physical channel 44 last week sometime. I found out about this via my wife when a program on FOX failed to record while I was on a business trip. I rescanned when I got back into town and was able to pick up the channels fine

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:80203#lineup_368842

Of course, the two channels I can't seem to tune via QAM at physical channel 50 did not move, so I'm still SOL there. Thanks Comcast

Thanks for the update. I know the TV tuner found a channel 44.x but I thought it was a different network. I'll check again tonight.

I ran a new scan of the HDHomerun last night but didn't stick around to confirm the results.

I noticed two days ago that I've lost 9-1, 9-2, 9-3 and 31-1. I did a complete rescan and wasn't able to find the channels remapped anywhere. I do have the analog versions of 9 and 31...but there are no HD or digital (non-HD) stations for NBC or Fox anywhere. :mad:

NBC (9-*) and FOX (31-1) moved from physical channel 90 to physical channel 44 last week sometime. I found out about this via my wife when a program on FOX failed to record while I was on a business trip. I rescanned when I got back into town and was able to pick up the channels fine

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:80203#lineup_368842

Of course, the two channels I can't seem to tune via QAM at physical channel 50 did not move, so I'm still SOL there. Thanks Comcast

9.1 (NBC HD) and 31.1 (FOX HD) haven't worked for me since yesterday. I did a rescan last night hoping that they were remapped to another channel and no luck. Now I only have the non-HD versions of both networks. What's the deal Comcast?

The SD channels are 81.8 for NBC and 81.4 for FOX.

Channel 44 used to be an analog channel that was part of the Expanded Basic tier (and still is, but moved to I believe channel 70). If you don't subscribe to Standard cable or above, channel 44 may be trapped.

For those who subscribe to limited basic cable only, are you able to see QAM 44?

I have limited basic cable and no QAM 44 or 70.

NBC (9-*) and FOX (31-1) moved from physical channel 90 to physical channel 44 last week sometime. I found out about this via my wife when a program on FOX failed to record while I was on a business trip. I rescanned when I got back into town and was able to pick up the channels fine

http://www.silicondust.com/hdhomerun/lineup_web/US:80203#lineup_368842

Of course, the two channels I can't seem to tune via QAM at physical channel 50 did not move, so I'm still SOL there. Thanks Comcast

I have limited basic and am not getting channel 44...so no HD versions of FOX or NBC. :mad:

I am having the same missing channel problem like the prior posts of the last couple of days. No 653 or 655 on the boxes (HD tuner and PVR) and no KUSA-HD or KDVR-HD on the TV QAM tuner. I called Comcast and the girl that answered said that there has been no other reports of this problem. I know she did not understand what I was saying about the posts on this board because she kept insisting that because I recently changed packages some channels did change, and that the do not support my TV tuner for HD. So it is my impression that Comcast has no clue that there is a large problem because the CSR wants to send a tech to my house and check signals.

Now it just may be an issue with a low signal for those channels, but if it is as wide spread as this forum has indicated, then I don't think a tech at my house will find the source in my back yard. My suggestion is to call and specifically give them channel numbers, since they (Comcast CSRs) do not know how to cross reference any other way apperantly. And with more reports being called in with the same channel numbers, Comcast should fix this problem quickly.

I lost 9.1 and 31.1 via qam five days ago in Highlands Ranch. I'm glad to see other people having the same problem. Looks like I'll be calling Comcast today.

I'll be making a phone call too! I don't know when I lost them, but it was on the order of a week or so ago. Anyone else? I'm in Boulder. Limited Basic as well...

Yeah, NBC and Fox have been gone from my dial for about a week, if not more (9-1 & 31-1) leaving only the 4:3 analog versions. Lame! So, sounds like if you are paying for "Standard Cable" you might find those at 44.something?

Stupid jerks at Comcast! Service just keeps getting worse and worse, while prices continue to rise. Monopolists!

PS- I have versions of the networks in my DTV channels - i.e. FOX at 81-4 and NBC at 81-7. These channels look better than 9 and 31. Are these digital channels? How are these referred to? Is it just wishful thinking on my part that these channels have less static, and are slightly crisper?

I did a full re-scan last night. Indeed, NBC and FOX are at physical QAM 44 (re-mapped to 9.x and 31.x). The other locals haven't moved (ABC and CBS at 50, CW and PBS at 116, MNT and ION at 117, all being re-mapped to the OTA channel numbers). As I said before, channel 44 is within the Expanded Basic trap, so if you don't have at least Standard Cable you probably won't see QAM 44 and therefore won't get NBC HD or FOX HD.

I'm not sure, but I think Comcast is in violation with the FCC by having locals in the trap space. If enough people complain (especially those with HD cable boxes that subscribe to limited basic), something may be done.

Incidentally, I noticed that there is currently no QAM at channels 86, 87, 89, or 90. Channel 88 is used for cable modem (internet). I wonder if this may be a sign of DOCSIS 3.0 coming...?

So you are saying that KUSA and KDVR will still re-map to 9.x and 31.x after a rescan? I don't have Comcast TV, but I have to try to keep my M-in-L's new HDTV up to snuff with the QAM channels so she can get free HDTV. She has expanded basic cable. Looks like a trip to her house to rescan the channels is in order.

So you are saying that KUSA and KDVR will still re-map to 9.x and 31.x after a rescan? I don't have Comcast TV, but I have to try to keep my M-in-L's new HDTV up to snuff with the QAM channels so she can get free HDTV. She has expanded basic cable. Looks like a trip to her house to rescan the channels is in order.

At least for me, all locals are currently being re-mapped to the OTA channel numbers, except KZCO-LP and the down-rezzed versions of the HD locals.

KWGN =2.1
KCNC = 4.1
KRMA = 6.1, 6.2, 6.3
KMGH = 7.1
KUSA = 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
KBDI = 12.1
KTFD = 14.1
KTVD = 20.1 (there is also a physical channel 20.1 that's encrypted - this may cause issues with some TV's I suspect)
KDEN = 25.1 (this is going to be an annoyance when tuning to Altitude channel 25)
KDVR = 31.1 (collision with Cartoon Network 31)
KRMT = 41.1 (collision with A&E 41)
KCEC = 50.1
KWHD = 53.1
KPXC = 59.1

YMMV

9-1, -2, and -3 are back for me, too, along with 31-1.

I did call Comcast today and complained. I just got home from work and 9.1 and also 31.1 are back. I'm not saying my complaining did anything, but I'm glad they're back. I also lowered my bill for six months. I got Comcast high speed internet with power boost for less than my regular high speed interent. I don't notice a difference and speedtest.net shows about the same speed I had before. I did reboot my modem. My bill is a little lower though.

KUSA and KDVR moved back to QAM 90 for me as well. Now scanning for other changes (not expecting any, but who knows?).

I did call Comcast today and complained. I just got home from work and 9.1 and also 31.1 are back. I'm not saying my complaining did anything, but I'm glad they're back. I also lowered my bill for six months. I got Comcast high speed internet with power boost for less than my regular high speed internet. I don't notice a difference and speedtest.net shows about the same speed I had before. I did reboot my modem. My bill is a little lower though.

Regarding Comcast high speed internet, if you have one of the old, large, beige, Motorola modems you probably won't see much, if any, speed increase with the higher speed packages. You need to have one of the newer, small, black, Motorola SurfBoard modems to realize the true benefit of the 6 or 8 Mbps service.

I purchased one of the newer, black, SurfBoard modems a few years ago to replace the Comcast modem I'd had since around 2000. About a 15 to 20% speed improvement. That modem recently conked-out during a nearby electrical storm. The Comcast service tech who came and verified that it was my modem out and not their box in my yard, set me up with a "new" Comcast modem that was the same type as the one I had in 2000. Very noticeable speed decrease. So I bought a new Motorola SurfBoard on Amazon, returned the clunker to Comcast, and now have my download and upload speed back. YMMV.

When I changed from broadband+premium catv to the triple play (adding phone for no extra $), they swapped out that Surfboard for an Arris. Here are my results from speedtest...

Down: 28.87Mb/s
Up: .99Mb/s

http://www.speedtest.net/result/509734025.png

When I changed from broadband+premium catv to the triple play (adding phone for no extra $), they swapped out that Surfboard for an Arris. Here are my results from speedtest...

Down: 28.87Mb/s
Up: .99Mb/s

What do you get if you run the speed test several times in a row, or if you run other speed tests? PowerBoost has a tendency to skew speed test results, making it look like you're getting much faster connection speeds than your "normal" speed (as I understand it, PowerBoost basically works by letting you briefly exceed your speed limit at the beginning of a download so that the first piece of it comes really fast. Nice for surfing but not that helpful for longer-term downloading.)

What do you get if you run the speed test several times in a row, or if you run other speed tests? PowerBoost has a tendency to skew speed test results, making it look like you're getting much faster connection speeds than your "normal" speed (as I understand it, PowerBoost basically works by letting you briefly exceed your speed limit at the beginning of a download so that the first piece of it comes really fast. Nice for surfing but not that helpful for longer-term downloading.)

Just ran it five times in a row (results below). I'm sure the "boost" happens for a short period of time - like you mention - which covers any sort of test. But I can be downloading multiple torrents on multiple clients and sustain at least half these speeds for hours while surfing, streaming Pandora, streaming Hulu, PC gaming, XBOX gaming, and other stuff is going on. Really, my only concern is just to be able to support all the various PCs, gaming systems, iPhones, Blackberries, etc. in the house without *noticing* a slowdown on any of them.

And I'm SO excited that there is this 250 gig cap to run up against. :rolleyes:

http://www.speedtest.net/result/510096278.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

http://www.speedtest.net/result/510096913.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

http://www.speedtest.net/result/510097772.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

http://www.speedtest.net/result/510099133.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

http://www.speedtest.net/result/510099522.png (http://www.speedtest.net)

And the more accurate results from the Speakeasy and DSLReports tests:

Last Result:
Download Speed: 11349 kbps (1418.6 KB/sec transfer rate)
Upload Speed: 978 kbps (122.3 KB/sec transfer rate)

http://www.dslreports.com/im/74241319/1823.png

OK, I did some speed testing just now, and the connection is definitely faster, though it's hard to say what (because of the PowerBoost). In the past, when doing speed tests, the initial test has generally been around 20Mbps, but if run multiple times (in rapid succession) subsequent results have always ranged between 6 and 8. Upload has consistenly been around 2Mbps. Now, when running the tests, the first result is over 30Mbps, with subsequent results between 12 and 18, while upload is consistenly at around 3Mbps.

I guess I should find something to d/l and see what "real world" speeds I get...

Today I'm getting around 10 mb/s down and 3 mb/s up, using a direct hardwired cable to my modem. I was told there are several factors that slow me down, traffic on the weekends, my wireless router that I run everything though, and I'm running it on a PIII computer. I have been able to get 22 mb/s down, but today is really slow. My PS3 and my laptop usually get around 20 mb/s down using my wireless router. I know my computer is slow, but I was getting better results before. My modem is the Motorola SB5120.

Today I'm getting around 10 mb/s down and 3 mb/s up, using a direct hardwired cable to my modem. I was told there are several factors that slow me down, traffic on the weekends, my wireless router that I run everything though, and I'm running it on a PIII computer. I have been able to get 22 mb/s down, but today is really slow. My PS3 and my laptop usually get around 20 mb/s down using my wireless router. I know my computer is slow, but I was getting better results before. My modem is the Motorola SB5120.

Well you do have the better Comcast rental modem then.

Ok...I have 9.1 and 31.1 back...but now 7.1 has changed to Univision (same as 50.1). Does anyone know where the HD version of 7.1 is now?

Ok...I have 9.1 and 31.1 back...but now 7.1 has changed to Univision (same as 50.1). Does anyone know where the HD version of 7.1 is now?


Hmm. I did another scan and found two 4.1 channels. I was able to remap one of them to 7.1.

Ok...I have 9.1 and 31.1 back...but now 7.1 has changed to Univision (same as 50.1). Does anyone know where the HD version of 7.1 is now?

Hmm. I did another scan and found two 4.1 channels. I was able to remap one of them to 7.1.

Your tune may not like it when one channel's "real" channel number coincides with another channel's "virtual" channel number. KMGH-DT is at real channel 50.1, virtual 7.1, while KCEC is at real channel 81.x or 82.x (forget exactly where) and virtual 50.1. If you have the option to remove KCEC from the channel list, that might help the situation.

Any news on new HD channels? I am considering switching to dish because I don't want to wait any longer.

I am with you on this one. Was at a friends and they have so many more channels it kills me.

Dead horse discussion coming, but....the Dish HD quality is definitely subpar in most cases. There are as many people wanting to leave Dish for Comcast because the HD quality isn't up to snuff. After watching at a friends house they say, "I was at a friends house who has Comcast and their HD channels looked SOOOOO much better than the same channels on my Dish service." :p

I almost made the switch from Comcast for the same reasons. But once I did a little research and found that there were complaints on the other side I decided to stay put. More channels will come, slowly. But look on the bright side, Comcast has been kind enough to give us more HD CHOICES. :rolleyes:

I lost 9-1 as well as 2-1. Reported it to Comcast. They are back on but the signal seems weak as the picture pixelates - sound goes out and then I often lose the signal completely. I'm in south Denver.

NBC HD (9.x) and FOX HD (31.1) moved from QAM 90 to QAM 99 recently (the encrypted channels that were at 99 are now at 44). Those having trouble getting 9.x or 31.1 may want to re-scan (again).

It appears DOCSIS 3.0 is now active, using QAM 86 through 89. For those wanting more HD channels, the addition of DOCSIS 3.0 significantly drops the potential for new HD (Comcast cannot afford to add more than a couple of new HD channels with the current configuration). Since SDV is not coming (Comcast appears to have abandoned it), it seems that analog channel shut-offs will be the only way to get more HD. In other words, don't hold your breath. They are coming, just not for a while.

Dead horse discussion coming, but....the Dish HD quality is definitely subpar in most cases. There are as many people wanting to leave Dish for Comcast because the HD quality isn't up to snuff. After watching at a friends house they say, "I was at a friends house who has Comcast and their HD channels looked SOOOOO much better than the same channels on my Dish service." :p

I almost made the switch from Comcast for the same reasons. But once I did a little research and found that there were complaints on the other side I decided to stay put. More channels will come, slowly. But look on the bright side, Comcast has been kind enough to give us more HD CHOICES. :rolleyes:

Your opinion of Dish HD may have been true for some users with certain receivers many months to over a year ago. It is definitely no longer true at this time. Dish HD PQ is as good as or better than any of its competitors (they have been touting that in recent commercials and so far Comcast and DirecTV haven't hauled them into court to stop those commecials).

The best comparison I can give you is Dish's Denver HD locals versus Denver HD locals received OTA. Using my 6-week old Sony KDL-52Z5100 LCD HDTV and its on-board, latest generation ATSC tuner supplied from my attic antennas, and an HDMI input from a Dish ViP211 HD receiver I've compared the same local HD channels during live and tape HD broadcasts by quickly switching the INPUT to the Sony TV. I see very little, if any, degradation in PQ going from a clean OTA HD signal to the Dish HD signal. Sometimes the Dish PQ even looks a slight bit better.

I have Dish Silver with HD and Starz and Cinemax movies and we seldom watch anything in SD anymore. I could never live with the piddling HD offerings of Comcast even though they keep offering me incredible "deals" and of course the removal of the "no cable TV" surcharge on my broadband internet. If you have a nice new HDTV, quit wasting time with Comcast and enjoy watching most of your TV viewing in excellent HD. You won't be sorry.

Note, their is a moderator that trolls this thread who will probably pipe up that DirecTV is the best HD PQ. However, be aware that AVS Forum moderators tend to push products that support site advertising so this guy comes from a very bias point of view (i.e., it's part of his job). Just a caution.

Your opinion of Dish HD...

Not my opinion...I was just trying to balance out the discussion. I didn't reference myself, just what I've read from others around the net - not just at AVS.

Frankly, I don't really care too much about the quality differences outside of local sports HD coverage (which IMO is more dependent on the station's broadcast), some SyFy shows (did I really type it?), and a few others. Most of the material I throw at my 150" screen is BluRay.

Would I like to have more HD channels? Absolutely. Would I switch at this point to get another 100 channels of crap programming or poor transfers to watch? Nope. Just my two cents.

What is the new link in the dvr menu for? "itv" started showing up.

What is the new link in the dvr menu for? "itv" started showing up.

I don't see it in mine, which brings me to the reason that I came here... **EDIT** Correction, I do see it on my DCT3416. I click and it allows you to turn on Caller ID. I assume it will display Caller ID info on the screen. I don't have landline service anymore, so big whoop!

Anyone have an idea of what the current HD DVR is that Comcast offers here? I've had the same box since we got Comcast back in Jan '07, the Moto DCT3416 I. I was thinking about trading mine in for something more current. Any thoughts?

Anyone have an idea of what the current HD DVR is that Comcast offers here? I've had the same box since we got Comcast back in Jan '07, the Moto DCT3416 I. I was thinking about trading mine in for something more current. Any thoughts?

I'm wondering the same thing... The DCX series of boxes have shown up in some areas, but I haven't heard if Comcast has them here or not. (If you can get your hands on a DCX3432, it will be wort it to have twice as much recording space.)

The most current box Comcast offers that I know of for sure is the DCH3416, which is no real advantage over the DCT (same recording space, same overall functionality, only main difference is the CableCARD slot which really doesn't mean anything for end users).

Just took a look. It is "Interactive TV" and can be accessed either from the Quick Menu (rightmost option) or the main menu (upper-right). Only option that appears (and it does not appear consistently) is "Caller ID" (which I doubt will do anything here since we subscribe to Qwest for phone service instead of Comcast). I suspect other features will come down the road (DirecTV has had some interactive features for some time now, so I guess it's Comcast's turn to get into the act).

I had not noticed it until you mentioned it. Interesting...

At least for me, all locals are currently being re-mapped to the OTA channel numbers, except KZCO-LP and the down-rezzed versions of the HD locals.

KWGN =2.1
KCNC = 4.1
KRMA = 6.1, 6.2, 6.3
KMGH = 7.1
KUSA = 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
KBDI = 12.1
KTFD = 14.1
KTVD = 20.1 (there is also a physical channel 20.1 that's encrypted - this may cause issues with some TV's I suspect)
KDEN = 25.1 (this is going to be an annoyance when tuning to Altitude channel 25)
KDVR = 31.1 (collision with Cartoon Network 31)
KRMT = 41.1 (collision with A&E 41)
KCEC = 50.1
KWHD = 53.1
KPXC = 59.1

YMMV

No YMMV for me - I observed exactly the same list of OTA channels and virtual channel numbers when I rescanned my Comcast Limited Basic signal yesterday. I also noticed something else new: the channel call letters are now shown in the "title bar" that displays at the top of my TV screen for several seconds after a channel change. For most channels (including the major network affiliates), the name and time remaining in the current program are also shown in the "title bar". Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't these features show the use of PSIP data for OTA channels carried by the Limited Basic service, data that was stripped out or ignored before?

If you are not getting the same results (for Limited Basic service) after a rescan, perhaps your TV is failing to completely delete the previously stored information at the start of the rescan. Just a guess, but the "double rescan" procedure recommended for OTA tuners or convertor boxes, in case of virtual channel mapping problems, might also work in this case:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1155180

Damn!! Just upgraded to Comcast HD/DVR digital cable stuff. PQ is horrible. Colors, resolution are so way off.

Damn!! Just upgraded to Comcast HD/DVR digital cable stuff. PQ is horrible. Colors, resolution are so way off.

If they are "way off," then there's probably a problem with your setup. Perhaps the signal is too weak, or the cabling isn't hooked up properly. Also, on the DVR make sure it's set for either 720p or 1080i, and that your TV supports the resolution. (To access the setup menu for the DVR, press MENU while the box is turned OFF.)

If they are "way off," then there's probably a problem with your setup. Perhaps the signal is too weak, or the cabling isn't hooked up properly. Also, on the DVR make sure it's set for either 720p or 1080i, and that your TV supports the resolution. (To access the setup menu for the DVR, press MENU while the box is turned OFF.)

If you are using HDMI then maybe your YCC versus RGB setting is not right. Try changing that.

Richard

Damn!! Just upgraded to Comcast HD/DVR digital cable stuff. PQ is horrible. Colors, resolution are so way off.

rhassle is correct. Which model box do you have? The default color space is YCC444 on most Denver boxes, but a lot of TVs do better with RGB. It depends on both the box and the TV. The older boxes do not do YCC444 very well. The new DCX3400 does. Also, some of my televisions can work with YCC444, but one of my older ones, even though it is an LCD, cannot.

If you tell us your TV model and your Comcast box model, we may be able to help you more. Also, are you using component or HDMI for connection? You can only work with the RGB/YCC444 with HDMI.

Hello, I am moving to Colorado from Wisconsin in two weeks and would like to prepare for the move. I have read through the threads but seem really confused as to my best option. I am trying to limit expenses and am looking to cut cable costs.

I have a 46 inch lcd with hd tuner, recently purchased. I was wondering what the least costly option is for me to get local hd channels in boulder colorado. I am just looking for nbc, abc, fox, and cbs but HD is a key desire. I looked at Comcast's packages and even called but got told by their rep that I cannot get local through the limited basic service after this dtv transition, only pricier packages allow this. Is this true or are they selling me up? I am going to be living in an apartment so an outdoor antenna is not really an option for me, but I would like to avoid an expensive comcast package if I can somehow make limited basic plus HD work.

I may be asking something stupid but I am new to these things. Thank you all in advance and I look forward to any help that I may receive.

Mark

Hello, I am moving to Colorado from Wisconsin in two weeks and would like to prepare for the move. I have read through the threads but seem really confused as to my best option. I am trying to limit expenses and am looking to cut cable costs.

I have a 46 inch lcd with hd tuner, recently purchased. I was wondering what the least costly option is for me to get local hd channels in boulder colorado. I am just looking for nbc, abc, fox, and cbs but HD is a key desire. I looked at Comcast's packages and even called but got told by their rep that I cannot get local through the limited basic service after this dtv transition, only pricier packages allow this. Is this true or are they selling me up? I am going to be living in an apartment so an outdoor antenna is not really an option for me, but I would like to avoid an expensive comcast package if I can somehow make limited basic plus HD work.

I may be asking something stupid but I am new to these things. Thank you all in advance and I look forward to any help that I may receive.

Mark

I think they are just trying to upsell you. You should be able to get limited basic (or lifeline) service for about $15 a month. That's all I have (in Morrison). They will tell you that you can't get HD...but if your TV (or HTPC)has a tuner, you get the HD channels local channels just fine.

I'm wondering the same thing... The DCX series of boxes have shown up in some areas, but I haven't heard if Comcast has them here or not. (If you can get your hands on a DCX3432, it will be wort it to have twice as much recording space.)

The most current box Comcast offers that I know of for sure is the DCH3416, which is no real advantage over the DCT (same recording space, same overall functionality, only main difference is the CableCARD slot which really doesn't mean anything for end users).

Thanks for the reply. FYI, I just went down to the Littleton center and swapped out my old DCT. They gave me a DCX-3400. It must've been brand new, but out of the box. It had protective sheet over the front display.

Thanks MorrisonHiker, my thought was that they were trying to upsell as well. I am just confused as how the process will work with limited basic as I have never done that before. If I purchase limited basic service and then that connects to my lcd tv with hd tuner will I scan and receive channels? In other words, will I not need an outdoor antenna since I am using comcast cable for the signal or is an antenna a must for receiving the local hd channels.

I know I cannot install antennas that is why I am trying to figure out if it is:

limited basic + proper tv = local high def channels (no other components necessary)

Thanks

Thanks MorrisonHiker, my thought was that they were trying to upsell as well. I am just confused as how the process will work with limited basic as I have never done that before. If I purchase limited basic service and then that connects to my lcd tv with hd tuner will I scan and receive channels? In other words, will I not need an outdoor antenna since I am using comcast cable for the signal or is an antenna a must for receiving the local hd channels.

I know I cannot install antennas that is why I am trying to figure out if it is:

limited basic + proper tv = local high def channels (no other components necessary)

Thanks

As long as your TV has a QAM tuner, you can get local HD channels with the cable hooked directly to the TV (just make sure the TV mode is set for cable instead of antenna). Be advised that Comcast occasionally moves channels around, so you may have to re-scan on occasion to continue to receive the channels. In theory, the digital locals should always map to the OTA channel numbers (2-1, 4-1, etc.), but that hasn't always been the case for all channels (last I checked, every local carried by Comcast was properly mapped, but there have been times when one had to tune to odd numbers like 90-2 or 117-5 to get certain locals).

As long as your TV has a QAM tuner, you can get local HD channels with the cable hooked directly to the TV (just make sure the TV mode is set for cable instead of antenna). Be advised that Comcast occasionally moves channels around, so you may have to re-scan on occasion to continue to receive the channels. In theory, the digital locals should always map to the OTA channel numbers (2-1, 4-1, etc.), but that hasn't always been the case for all channels (last I checked, every local carried by Comcast was properly mapped, but there have been times when one had to tune to odd numbers like 90-2 or 117-5 to get certain locals).

Many thanks to everyone, I plan to leave the $120+ bills for this here in the Midwest and hopefully do it the right way in Colorado. Thanks again

Thanks MorrisonHiker, my thought was that they were trying to upsell as well. I am just confused as how the process will work with limited basic as I have never done that before. If I purchase limited basic service and then that connects to my lcd tv with hd tuner will I scan and receive channels? In other words, will I not need an outdoor antenna since I am using comcast cable for the signal or is an antenna a must for receiving the local hd channels.

I know I cannot install antennas that is why I am trying to figure out if it is:

limited basic + proper tv = local high def channels (no other components necessary)

Thanks

Yes, you only need limited basic and you should still receive the HD feeds of the local channels. I've had limited basic for years and have always received the analog channels, the digital channels and the HD digital local channels (as well as a few other channels such as TBS, etc.)

I moved three weeks ago and when I had cable installed at the new house, the installer said I wouldn't be receiving any HD channels (because I wasn't using their HD receiver). I knew he was wrong so I just connected my TVs to the coax, did a scan and now have HD channels on all TVs in the house...with no 'additional outlet' fees. If they say the cheapest package is digital starter, tell them they are wrong and you want 'lifeline' or 'limited basic'. Don't let them sell you a package you don't need!

Yes, you only need limited basic and you should still receive the HD feeds of the local channels. I've had limited basic for years and have always received the analog channels, the digital channels and the HD digital local channels (as well as a few other channels such as TBS, etc.)

I moved three weeks ago and when I had cable installed at the new house, the installer said I wouldn't be receiving any HD channels (because I wasn't using their HD receiver). I knew he was wrong so I just connected my TVs to the coax, did a scan and now have HD channels on all TVs in the house...with no 'additional outlet' fees. If they say the cheapest package is digital starter, tell them they are wrong and you want 'lifeline' or 'limited basic'. Don't let them sell you a package you don't need!

Excellent info, will do!

So, anyone know of any updates for us in Denver Metro? I'm particularly interested in SpeedHD and SpikeHD. I know that both of these are available from Comcast, just haven't rolled out here. Where do you guys stay up to date on what our market is getting/doing? Thanks.

Mike

This site typically provides changes about a month in advance. As you can see by the current news, all of the changes do not relate to HD.

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

I have basic cable and lost NBC HD about the time Comcast moved Spike. The Denver OTC site doesn't mention anything about it, but the channel lineup (http://www.comcast.com/Customers/Clu/ChannelLineup.ashx) doesn't show additional streams for channel 9. I thought it might have been a trouble, but after reading this, it doesn't look like it.

Ha! Complain and get to work is my moto. I rescanned and everything I lost is back. Feel that feelin'.

I noticed PBS (6-1) is back to doing 1080i programs. There for a while I wasn't sure if they'd ever go back!

I could have sworn I've seen widescreen TV on 658 for a while - even while folks on the OTA thread were complaining about the stretched content and the lack of HD. I never paid close enough attention to see if it really looked like HD or just zoomed widescreen SD, but I thought the PQ looked decent - not upconverted 480i or anything.

Altitude HD is now a full-time channel, at least on DirecTV. I hope Comcast doesn't wait too long to add it. They're supposed to have all Avs and Nuggets games in HD this year.

And for those who didn't notice, NFL RedZone HD is on channel 694 (requires Sports Pack).

They're supposed to have all Avs and Nuggets games in HD this year.

That would be great if they actually do it...I hate having away games in SD.

That would be great if they actually do it...I hate having away games in SD.

Well, it seems Comcast's continuing to carry Altitude HD part-time may be a major issue when both the Nuggets and Avalanche play at the same time. This Wednesday, for instance, Altitude will televise both the Jazz/Nuggets game and the Avalanche/Flames game in HD. DirecTV shows both games in HD in their guide, but I only see the Nuggets in HD on Comcast. If Comcast had Altitude HD full-time, they could use channel 664 for the overflow HD games, but since they don't, we're stuck with only one of the two.

Is there a current list kept anywhere in this thread? I havent seen any mention of it so can I assume that ESPN in unavailable in QAM

Well, it seems Comcast's continuing to carry Altitude HD part-time may be a major issue...

So much for all games being in HD...the Heat game is on 5 in SD glory. :rolleyes:

Hey all,

I have a pioneer elite 930hd plasma tv. I am sick of paying for a dvr/hd box. I called comcast and if i downgrade to the lowest non box package its only 14 bucks a month which is nice and cheap.

However, the woman told me I would only get 16 channels?? Anyone with experience know how many channels I would actually get?

What about HD content since my tv has digital built in, would I still be able to get some HD content other than going OTA?

What about a cable card? I have a slot for it but I have no idea what these are or how to use them.

Thanks for any and all help.

Hey all,

I have a pioneer elite 930hd plasma tv. I am sick of paying for a dvr/hd box. I called comcast and if i downgrade to the lowest non box package its only 14 bucks a month which is nice and cheap.

However, the woman told me I would only get 16 channels?? Anyone with experience know how many channels I would actually get?

What about HD content since my tv has digital built in, would I still be able to get some HD content other than going OTA?

What about a cable card? I have a slot for it but I have no idea what these are or how to use them.

Thanks for any and all help.

The limited basic package contains local channels and not much else. When my brother got Comcast internet, he decided to add basic cable because the cost of basic cable + internet was only a few bucks more than internet by itself (he watches very little TV at his place).

The basic package technically has zero HD, but since local HD channels are in the clear, you can get them if your TV has a digital tuner (though the channel numbers may be different from what you expect, and you may have to re-scan on occasion when Comcast re-maps their lineup to prepare for new channels or other services). Other than HD locals, you will get no HD with the basic tier.

Cable card is primarily used to tune in encrypted digital channels. All basic channels are in the clear, so you don't need a cable card with only that package (though the cable card also maps the digital channels to the "correct" channel numbers, making them easier to find). If you subscribe to a higher level package, you can use a cable card instead of a cable box to tune the channels you subscribe to (though you will lose interactive capabilities, such as On Demand, if you use a cable card instead of a box).

...but since local HD channels are in the clear...

Isn't that changing in the near future? I thought I read that in the Northwest they currently are encrypting everything and requiring boxes at all TVs - as the initial step for rolling it out nationwide.

Isn't that changing in the near future? I thought I read that in the Northwest they currently are encrypting everything and requiring boxes at all TVs - as the initial step for rolling it out nationwide.

When they totally eliminate the analog service (2011 or 2012), every Comcast customer will be receiving digital cable and all will require a STB to receive that digital cable. Those with the lowest level digital package (the force overs from analog cable) will get a very cheap, limited function STB, but an STB all the same.

As to how this will affect one's ability to still scan Clear channels is anybody's guess. Knowing Comcast, if they can find a way to legelly eliminate the Clear channels or lobby Government to make changes to allow them to do what they want to do, Clear channels are probably not going to be around in a few years.

I have a 160GB and a new DVR for Comcast that is a 320GB. It appears that neither of these Motorola Comcast DVR's will support either a USB 2.0 or an Esata drive. Has anybody been successful with adding external drives to Comcast Motorola DVR's here in Denver?

I have a 160GB and a new DVR for Comcast that is a 320GB. It appears that neither of these Motorola Comcast DVR's will support either a USB 2.0 or an Esata drive. Has anybody been successful with adding external drives to Comcast Motorola DVR's here in Denver?

The short answer is kinda, sorta, maybe - ok...NO. But the long story provides the ability to offload recordings to a PC in realtime via firewire. This link is a good start (http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Firewire). Not very appetizing for me, but YMMV. ;)

I need an DVR upgrade to 320. Has anyone heard anything about MyDvr functions coming to the area?