Denver, CO - Comcast [Text View] - Page 15

Audixium

03-30-09, 06:33 PM

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?

Pixel Dude

04-01-09, 07:33 PM

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:

dvdmth

04-02-09, 12:50 AM

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.

cjh404

04-04-09, 03:27 PM

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.

CEB II

04-05-09, 11:25 PM

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.

cgmiller80017

04-10-09, 06:31 PM

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.

weldon

04-10-09, 07:40 PM

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.

Audixium

04-11-09, 07:09 AM

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!

jsnipe

04-15-09, 04:54 PM

CEB II

04-16-09, 01:50 PM

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.

gakon

04-17-09, 01:16 PM

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.

MBPedia

04-18-09, 12:14 PM

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.

CEB II

04-18-09, 02:17 PM

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.

dvdmth

04-21-09, 11:30 AM

aerodq

04-26-09, 02:19 AM

dvdmth

04-26-09, 06:07 PM

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).

Couch Patato

04-29-09, 05:07 AM

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

jwalhol

04-30-09, 02:27 PM

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?

vanilla slimfast

05-04-09, 08:24 PM

gakon

05-04-09, 11:02 PM

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.

jquest07

05-05-09, 11:16 AM

vanilla slimfast

05-05-09, 11:26 AM

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!

mimikish

05-06-09, 09:27 PM

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.

gakon

05-06-09, 11:37 PM

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.

dvdmth

05-07-09, 04:33 PM

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.

HD_Trout_Bum

05-07-09, 04:36 PM

gakon

05-07-09, 11:14 PM

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

CEB II

05-08-09, 09:15 PM

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.

gakon

05-10-09, 10:04 PM

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.

Audixium

05-11-09, 12:26 PM

... 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!

Slider5150

05-12-09, 06:09 PM

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

gakon

05-12-09, 10:24 PM

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.

WaldorfSalad

05-12-09, 10:28 PM

Audixium

05-12-09, 11:09 PM

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.

Slider5150

05-13-09, 01:46 AM

CEB II

05-13-09, 11:48 AM

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.

Slider5150

05-14-09, 12:10 AM

jeph2000

05-15-09, 09:48 PM

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

CEB II

05-15-09, 10:45 PM

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

DamiusX

05-16-09, 12:15 AM

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.

buddycat

05-16-09, 04:50 AM

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?

tarunreddy

05-16-09, 01:59 PM

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

CEB II

05-16-09, 10:15 PM

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.

normarlt

05-17-09, 03:42 PM

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

DamiusX

05-17-09, 08:09 PM

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.

dvdmth

05-18-09, 10:56 PM

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.)

DamiusX

05-19-09, 01:13 PM

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.

raffin

05-26-09, 02:40 PM

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!

jmpage2

05-26-09, 03:54 PM

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

Oh ya, we can't switch. :(

rhassle

05-31-09, 12:26 PM

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.

Audixium

05-31-09, 10:17 PM

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...

rhassle

06-06-09, 08:15 PM

+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.

gakon

07-01-09, 03:04 PM

MorrisonHiker

07-01-09, 03:12 PM

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:

vanilla slimfast

07-01-09, 03:40 PM

MorrisonHiker

07-01-09, 03:45 PM

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.

SoIcanSearch

07-01-09, 07:29 PM

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.

dvdmth

07-01-09, 09:14 PM

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?

SoIcanSearch

07-01-09, 09:43 PM

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

MorrisonHiker

07-01-09, 10:40 PM

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:

Zuwadza

07-01-09, 10:52 PM

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.

JeffChristlieb

07-02-09, 08:08 AM

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.

Biff98

07-02-09, 08:16 AM

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...

MBPedia

07-02-09, 09:58 AM

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?

dvdmth

07-02-09, 10:54 AM

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...?

CEB II

07-02-09, 03:36 PM

dvdmth

07-02-09, 07:50 PM

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

gakon

07-02-09, 11:25 PM

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

JeffChristlieb

07-03-09, 12:43 AM

dvdmth

07-03-09, 09:19 AM

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

CEB II

07-03-09, 12:51 PM

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.

Audixium

07-03-09, 09:09 PM

dvdmth

07-04-09, 11:23 AM

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.)

Audixium

07-04-09, 11:58 AM

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

dvdmth

07-04-09, 03:57 PM

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...

JeffChristlieb

07-05-09, 11:35 AM

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.

CEB II

07-06-09, 11:02 AM

MorrisonHiker

07-07-09, 10:15 PM

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?

MorrisonHiker

07-07-09, 10:37 PM

dvdmth

07-08-09, 12:46 PM

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.

mimikish

07-14-09, 05:21 AM

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

asuman1179

07-14-09, 10:03 AM

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

Audixium

07-14-09, 11:51 AM

suebee

07-14-09, 11:19 PM

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.

dvdmth

07-15-09, 11:19 AM

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.

CEB II

07-16-09, 12:42 AM

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.

Audixium

07-16-09, 01:41 PM

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.

asuman1179

07-19-09, 07:43 PM

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

madmike

07-19-09, 09:06 PM

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?

dvdmth

07-19-09, 09:37 PM

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).

dvdmth

07-19-09, 09:59 PM

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...

Sonic icons

07-20-09, 01:58 AM

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

flyingdog

07-20-09, 09:08 AM

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

dvdmth

07-20-09, 02:37 PM

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.)

rhassle

07-21-09, 08:23 PM

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

tk1234

07-22-09, 10:31 AM

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.

mperkovic

07-27-09, 05:38 PM

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

MorrisonHiker

07-27-09, 05:50 PM

madmike

07-27-09, 06:04 PM

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.

mperkovic

07-27-09, 06:56 PM

dvdmth

07-28-09, 09:43 AM

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).

mperkovic

07-28-09, 10:02 AM

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

MorrisonHiker

07-28-09, 10:16 AM

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!

mperkovic

07-28-09, 10:47 AM

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!

madmike

08-12-09, 06:56 PM

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

gakon

08-12-09, 10:58 PM

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

jmichaelf

09-14-09, 07:00 PM

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'.

flood222

10-01-09, 09:19 PM

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!

gakon

10-02-09, 01:10 AM

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.

dvdmth

10-02-09, 11:00 AM

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).

Audixium

10-02-09, 11:15 AM

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.

dvdmth

10-25-09, 12:27 AM

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.

potts.mike

11-03-09, 12:18 AM

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

Audixium

11-06-09, 08:14 PM

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:

sgtpeper

11-06-09, 08:58 PM

dvdmth

11-09-09, 05:01 PM

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).

Audixium

11-09-09, 06:03 PM

...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.

CEB II

11-10-09, 12:07 PM

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.

Greg.Ca

11-11-09, 03:46 PM

Audixium

11-11-09, 04:01 PM

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. ;)

asuman1179

11-11-09, 04:42 PM

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

swtchrly08

12-09-09, 12:00 AM

Is anyone else having problems receiving these channels QAM in the clear? Virtual channel numbers 31.1 and 9.1 respectively. I have Comcast in the Denver, Colorado and since the beginning of November they have been coming in slightly scrambled. DTV signal still reads "good", and I have been missing too much NFL football and HD programming!! I have rescanned multiple times and searched through all the channels in case it had been remapped.

gakon

12-09-09, 12:12 AM

No problem here in Highlands Ranch with either channel, at least up to last night when I checked.

swtchrly08

12-09-09, 12:29 AM

Just changed the coaxial cable worked like a charm.

SoIcanSearch

01-01-10, 11:46 AM

Looks like they changed one of the RMPBS channels in QAM... KBDI I think. Doing a rescan now to see if it has moved.

EDIT - found it. It's on 81.9 now.

gakon

01-01-10, 04:41 PM

Gee, great. Another random number assignment. Thanks, Comcast.

flash47

01-02-10, 11:24 AM

I just moved out of a condo complex into a standalone house in the Highlands and my clear QAM channels have all but disappeared (Basic Cable + HSI). I get the HD major network channels still, but the analog channels I used to get in the condo are pretty much missing. How do I get them back?

gakon

01-02-10, 01:04 PM

Most of us don't get anything but the major networks in HD, plus a few others via clear QAM. It's been a long time since anyone posted a full list of digital channels available in the metro area. It seems that there are some differences between neighborhoods, at least as far as channel assignments. If you let us know what you're missing, maybe we can help. I assume you've done a full rescan (or two) since moving?

I am having a little trouble reconciling your "analog channel" and "clear QAM channel" statements. QAM is for digital channels, not analog. If you're missing analog channels first check on the Comcast.com (not .net) site to make sure you're getting what you're paying for. Basic cable is pretty limited, and you may have just had "residual" service at your condo (i.e., you or the previous owner/renter downgraded service but Comcast never really updated it).

flash47

01-05-10, 12:24 AM

Thanks for the reply. In the condo I used to receive channels (e.g. Comedy Central, etc.) in the Starter Cable package as SDTV even though I was only subscribing to Basic Cable. Now in the house, those analog cable channels are no longer available. I get all the Basic Cable channels and the basic HDTV channels (clear QAM). Since I was getting the Starter Cable analog channels, I thought maybe they could be picked up by the tuner anywhere.

Audixium

02-02-10, 06:55 PM

Comcast ending analog format for 40 channels, including ESPN (http://www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=131990)

DENVER (DP) - Comcast plans to stop providing more than 40 cable channels in analog format by year's end, including ESPN and MTV, a change that will allow the cable giant to add high-definition content but could force hundreds of thousands of Colorado customers to install new equipment.

/snip/

The transition, to begin in select cities next month, will free capacity on Comcast's network to allow it to add HD and digital channels. One analog channel takes up as much space as 15 standard-definition digital channels and up to three high-definition channels.

Comcast plans to double the number of HD channels it offers to 100 after the digital switch is completed, said spokeswoman Cindy Parsons.

DJ Rob

02-03-10, 01:09 AM

It's pretty annoying that they will require an external converter box instead of us being able to use our QAM digital tuners on our TVs.

HDJello

02-03-10, 01:09 PM

Had cable cards been effective and continued to be supported, it would have solved the problem. I have a Sony LCD from 2005 that has a slot, and I used it for a while until the Rockies games on FSN were going HD, but FSN-HD was only overlaid on top of Mojo, or whatever the thing was that preceded Mojo, but for some reason the cable card wouldn't tune it but a box would tune it.

I don't think you can buy a TV with a card slot any more.

dvdmth

02-03-10, 04:38 PM

Comcast ending analog format for 40 channels, including ESPN (http://www.9news.com/rss/article.aspx?storyid=131990)

From the Denver Post article - http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14313503
Changing: More than 40 channels will no longer be available in analog format, including MTV, USA, ESPN, HGTV, BET, MSNBC, Food Network, E!, Golf Channel.
Hasn't MSNBC been digital-only for some time now?

gakon

02-10-10, 09:19 PM

CSR I spoke with tonight (for another reason) said that we would not see any new HD channels in my area until June, and then they would be rolled out periodically thereafter until the transition was complete (no specifics). FWIW

I bitched about the inability to use our QAM tuners for all the channels we actually pay for, just to be on the record.

dvdmth

02-11-10, 07:56 PM

Does anybody here have any of the new DTA's yet? If so, I'm wondering if the DTA will receive the channels that were made digital-only but still have channel numbers in the 2-99 range (MSNBC, truTV, KRMT, and the like). I have heard they are available now and might be interested (even before the big shut-off) if the recent digital converts can be received with them.

dvdmth

02-11-10, 09:34 PM

Just got a call from Comcast saying that our HD-DVR (Motorola DCT3416) will be updated next Thursday, 2/18, between 1 and 6 am. It is my understanding that this update can cause scheduled recordings, reminders, favorites, and parental controls to be lost (due to source ID changes or something like that).

Something to watch out for.

mjh99

02-12-10, 04:18 PM

Today, I received my DCI1011COM Digital Adapters. The adapters support ONLY the Digital Starter channels including the 10 new channels listed on the channel list that came with the bill your received in December. (119,128,129,136,163.164,169,183,275,276). The Digital Adapter tunes ONLY channels listed for Digital Starter. If you have the Preferred Package, the Digital Adapter will NOT tune those additional channels, nor will it tune any premium channels like HBO. It does not tune the music channels, nor is the interactive Program Guide or Video on Demand provided. It's a DUMB box!!! Once the box has been activated, it can normally be moved to another location within your house without reactivation. If you lost channels like Oxygen, MSNBC and the TV Guide Channels when they went digital a couple of years ago, they WILL now be available to you with this Digital Adapter.

Audixium

02-12-10, 04:23 PM

musiclover408

02-12-10, 05:34 PM

It's a DUMB box!!! Once the box has been activated, it can normally be moved to another location within your house without reactivation. If you lost channels like Oxygen, MSNBC and the TV Guide Channels when they went digital a couple of years ago, they WILL now be available to you with this Digital Adapter.

Just curious why you think this is a "dumb box"?? With the box, we are now getting more channels than we did before and for free on top of that. If you want on demand and all the other channels, you need to get an additional digital cable box and pay for it. That's the way it's always been...

mjh99

02-13-10, 03:09 AM

I called it a "dumb box" because that's exactly what the Comcast tech support guy called it. It doesn't even have an on/off power switch. Channel programming is rudimentary. And NO, that's NOT the way it's always been. Back in the day, one could get ALL the channels they paid for on EVERY TV in the house without any set top box. They used chokes out in the connection post. Considering what the set top boxes cost Comcast, the monthly charge for the SD box of $7.45/month pays for the box a couple of times (or more) per year. Comcast is not really doing us any favors as they remove the analog channels and gradually force everyone to have a box on every device. VCR recording with the new "free" (for the first two) digital adapters, is more than a little cumbersome. The digital adapter must be preset to the desired channel before the recording on channel 3 is initiated. Without human intervention, only the programs on a single channel can be recorded over the evening. It's a dumb box.

wmarkw

02-13-10, 07:58 AM

dvdmth

02-13-10, 11:38 AM

Just curious if you all have received any new HD stations? I dropped Comcast almost 2 years ago and switched to D* because of no HD programming. I moved last yeary near Augusta, GA and their Comcast lineup has 100+ HD channels. My jaw almost hit the floor. I still have D* but now Augusta is part of the new Xfinity service and I'm curious how that is going to work.

Anywho just checking in as I've followed this thread for years but haven't checked it in a while.

We should have the 100+ HD channels sometime before the end of the year. Comcast's "Project Cavalry" is just starting up here (it's already been completed in Augusta, GA). The project involves converting Expanded Basic analog channels to digital, about 40 analog channels in all. Each analog channel taken off the system clears enough bandwidth for 2-3 HD channels.

We did get a few HD channels since you left, but not many (well under 50 in total).

runelind

02-14-10, 03:21 PM

gakon

02-14-10, 06:35 PM

Sorry, rune, but I have no clue. I remember that people "used" to be able to get digital channels with a basic package and HSI, but don't recall if it was ever with HSI by itself. Without paying for TV, it's not like you can call Comcast or anything. Does your TV support OTA?

rbphilip

02-18-10, 12:03 PM

I am in the process of trying to scan for Clear QAM channels. I live in an apartment complex in Aurora, and only subscribe to Comcast HSI. Plugging the coax feed into the cable input on my Sony KDS-R50XBR1, it says it finds over 40 digital channels during the channel sweep, but I can't actually seem to tune into any of them. At this point I only care about the broadcast stations, but am I out of luck?

When I lived down the street in a different apt complex a year ago, I was able to get the broadcast stations in both SD and HD.

You are (and should be) out of luck. Subscribe to basic cable as well, for an additional $5/month and then you'll be able to get the QAM HD channels.

Oh yes.. the $5/month is the additional cost. They discount the HSI by $10 and then charge $15 for basic cable.

asuman1179

02-18-10, 10:51 PM

So anyone think the upgrade will happen tonight or just be delayed.

Audixium

02-18-10, 11:32 PM

So anyone think the upgrade will happen tonight or just be delayed.

Um, it happened for me in the wee hours today as scheduled. This morning I noticed that my living room unit wasn't displaying anything on the LED. So I hit the power button and the time showed up. When I checked the guide on the DCT 3416 NONE of my future scheduled recordings were showing up. They were listed in my series priority list, just not on dates that I knew the shows were scheduled. This ended up being a guide issue due to the intended reboot after the upgrade (I'm guessing). After a while the guide info for those channels came back and all the scheduled recordings showed up tonight in the "future" list.

I did not have anything scheduled for recording on the emailed list I posted earlier. I do have all the movie channels in my subscription package, just nothing scheduled for recording on those channels.

dvdmth

02-19-10, 11:02 AM

The upgrade has two phases to it. I think Comcast only did phase 1 yesterday. The first phase is the "source ID cleanup" which, from what I read, changes how the guide data for each channel is linked behind the scenes. The second phase is the actual update to the I-Guide software, from a25 to a28. When I checked yesterday, our box did reboot and the guide was flushed, but the software version was unchanged (still a25).

Note that it is the first phase, the "source ID cleanup," that affects scheduled recordings, et al. I did not lose any scheduled recordings, but I didn't have any set on the posted list of affected channels. The second phase should not affect scheduled recordings, unless the software download window intersects the scheduled recording time (since DVR functions are temporarily disabled during the update process, at least on DCT's).

Schimmy

02-22-10, 11:19 AM

I got the two DTA boxes about a week ago and had no problem activating it. Then a day or two later I noticed that the picture is zoomed in. Examples are: half of the ABC logo is missing on the corner of the screen, the "N" on ESPN is missing. If I take the box off and have the cable running from the wall to the TV, there's no problem and looks normal. Both TV's are older tube TV's and don't have the option to change the size of the screen.

Called Comcast to have them hit the boxes but no luck. Tried Channel 4 vs 3 and no difference then comcast sent a Tech out this weekend to take a look at it since no one has reported this problem before. He did everything I've done, scratched his head, called 3 other techs to ask them about it then said there's nothing he could do and would let his boss know what was going on.

Anyone else experiancing this issue? I'm down in the Castle Rock area.

jmpage2

03-05-10, 06:52 PM

Can anyone tell me if Denver area Comcast is now allowing customers to do their own Cable Card installations or does it still require a truck roll and service charge?

rbphilip

03-06-10, 09:09 PM

It seemed to have vanished a couple of days ago. Haven't gone searching yet, hoping that someone else has found it..

gakon

03-06-10, 10:29 PM

I got the two DTA boxes about a week ago and had no problem activating it. Then a day or two later I noticed that the picture is zoomed in.
...
Anyone else experiencing this issue? I'm down in the Castle Rock area.

Same here in Highlands Ranch. I have the DTA on a TV I rarely watch, and it's a tube as well, so PQ isn't a major concern.

gakon

03-06-10, 10:31 PM

Can anyone tell me if Denver area Comcast is now allowing customers to do their own Cable Card installations or does it still require a truck roll and service charge?

So few people actually have Cable Card TV's that I doubt you'll find many people who have tried to install a card recently. I hope that instead of waiting for a response on this thread you called Comcast, since they can give you the best answer.

gakon

03-06-10, 10:47 PM

It seemed to have vanished a couple of days ago. Haven't gone searching yet, hoping that someone else has found it..

Here, too. The TV that isn't hooked to a cable box doesn't have the option to automatically delete scrambled channels after a rescan, so I don't rescan very often.

dvdmth

03-07-10, 12:46 AM

Discovery is now at 85.2 on my QAM tuner. There are also a bunch of unencrypted channels now at 85.x and 86.x, mainly channels in the Expanded Basic tier (BET, MTV, TLC, Oxygen, Nick, and others). Not sure if this is a mistake or intentional. Comcast has a waiver to use encryption with DTA's, so they don't have to turn off encryption with their analog shut-off project.

Other QAM channels moved as well (there's no longer anything at 99, for instance), but I think the other moves involve encrypted content only. According to the Denver Telecom site, four analog channels are supposed to move on March 16 (TBS to 18, WGN to 99, Hallmark to 70, and Spike to 59). These moves are apparently causing other stuff to get shuffled around. I would not be surprised if still more moves happen in the coming weeks.

gakon

03-07-10, 12:54 AM

I've read that Comcast doesn't encrypt the Expanded Basic tier until some time (weeks) after the analog shut off is complete.

rbphilip

03-07-10, 03:07 AM

It seemed to have vanished a couple of days ago. Haven't gone searching yet, hoping that someone else has found it..

Answering my own post - Discovery is now on 85.4

jmpage2

03-07-10, 11:16 AM

So few people actually have Cable Card TV's that I doubt you'll find many people who have tried to install a card recently. I hope that instead of waiting for a response on this thread you called Comcast, since they can give you the best answer.

In the past I've gotten different answers from Comcast depending on what agent I spoke with. I even drove across town after an agent in an online chat told me I could pick up a cablecard for my own installation at only one of a couple of service locations. This turned out to be false.

I would much rather poll the actual user experiences here than play merry go round with Comcast.

From the dry responses it would appear I will be dealing with an inept Comcast technician again when my new TiVo units show up in a few weeks.

rbphilip

03-08-10, 08:23 AM

Answering my own post - Discovery is now on 85.4

It seems, actually, that Comcast may be moving Discovery around. 12 hours after discovering it on 85.4 it was gone from there. SDTV, perhaps?

mjh99

03-08-10, 12:31 PM

Has anyone else noticed that the clear QAM digital version of the channel is not as sharp as the analog version? Since Comcast just added about 20 clear QAM channels (105.x and 106.x) in the north metro area. I've been comparing the the picture on the Syfy Channel analog 48 versus clear QAM 105.8. The analog channel is "sharper" and with a little more "grain". It's kind of like adjusting the sharpness control from minimum to maximum. Interestingly, the DTA box restores the lost sharpness. In fact, the DTA box gives a slightly sharper picture than the Motorola set-top box does which also restores some sharpness. One would think that all QAM tuners should be the same, but clearly they are not. It's just ones and zeros, why the difference?

I'm making these comparisons on a 23" Samsung (1920x1080) HDTV. The clear QAM and over-the-air ATSC high def pictures are excellent. It's only the processing of standard definition channels that seems to be the issue.

JeffChristlieb

03-14-10, 03:06 PM

Actually, the clear QAM channels (105.x and 106.x) are better than the analog channels here in Highlands Ranch. Our analog channels had alot of noise, very few had a good picture. I just installed an antenna in my garage attic. I'm planning on just switching to over the air and keeping comcast's internet. We have four digital LCD TVs in our house, as I sold all my analog televisions. I did a test run with my antenna a few days ago and was quite impressed with the picture quality thoughout the house. Hooking my Comcast back up, I did a rescan on all my TVs and found the clear QAM channels (105.x and 106.x). This is what I wanted 2 years ago when I signed up with Comcast. Crystal clear Discovery, History and HGTV channels, with no boxes, etc. Of course, local stations, Discovery, History and HGTV are the only things we really watch, so I can no longer justify keeping Comcast for TV content, not at their rates.

UserNameTaken

03-15-10, 09:37 AM

Since Discovery had moved, I did a scan yesterday and found several new channels I've never seen in clear QAM: Disney XD, Nickelodeon, The Learning Channel and VH1.

keving89

03-15-10, 11:29 PM

In the past I've gotten different answers from Comcast depending on what agent I spoke with. I even drove across town after an agent in an online chat told me I could pick up a cablecard for my own installation at only one of a couple of service locations. This turned out to be false.

I would much rather poll the actual user experiences here than play merry go round with Comcast.

From the dry responses it would appear I will be dealing with an inept Comcast technician again when my new TiVo units show up in a few weeks.
I had cable cards installed for my TivoHD about a year ago or so. Comcast wouldn't let me do it on my own and required a tech visit. Best advice I can give is to know ahead of time exactly how to do it yourself, and don't be surprised if you have to walk the tech through the process. My experience went well, the tech knew most of it but I had to volunteer a couple pieces of info that he didn't know (mostly to do with the Tivo menus). Everything has worked perfectly since. Good luck!

cmiller80017

03-16-10, 05:27 PM

Any idea what happen to the channel switches today. I thought they said it was gonna happen on March 16th?

mjh99

03-16-10, 07:09 PM

cmiller80017

03-16-10, 08:29 PM

I wonder if Aurora was excluded at this time. It wouldnt surprise because that seems to be how Comcast works.

dvdmth

03-16-10, 11:55 PM

Hasn't happened in south Jeffco yet.

Where we live, channel 59 is Fit TV (both analog and digital). Not that I care about it, but I'm curious where it'll end up.

rbphilip

03-17-10, 06:55 AM

The channel swaps did occur in Erie (via Boulder head-end). The former channel 18 ended up on channel 50 (Jewelry TV). The rest of the channels changed as advertised. 49=>18, 52=>99, 58=>70 and 70=>59.

Anyone know where the QAM channels shifted to? I noticed last night that FOX & NBC had vanished from 99.1 & 99.2 respectively. Discovery vanished last week and I haven't had time to go looking for it yet. Set the TV to scanning just now and will take another look this evening. But knowing in advance where to look would be good.

Maybe it's time to put up that HDTV antenna to stop this QAM insanity :)

dvdmth

03-17-10, 11:00 AM

Anyone know where the QAM channels shifted to? I noticed last night that FOX & NBC had vanished from 99.1 & 99.2 respectively. Discovery vanished last week and I haven't had time to go looking for it yet. Set the TV to scanning just now and will take another look this evening. But knowing in advance where to look would be good.

Maybe it's time to put up that HDTV antenna to stop this QAM insanity :)

KUSA-DT and KDVR-DT swapped places with WGN, moving from 99 to 52 as WGN moved from 52 to 99. My QAM tuner is still re-mapping the channels to 9.x and 31.x, though a re-scan was required. Discovery, last I checked, was at 105.

The announced channel moves have now taken place here in south Jeffco. It appears Fit TV is now digital-only (I think it was 222). There is currently no QAM signal at 57 or 58, so there is a little room for digital channel expansion (though I wouldn't expect much until Project Cavalry).

cmiller80017

03-17-10, 11:40 AM

Looks like the changes have taken place in Aurora as well. As far as Project Calvary, the CSR I spoke with last week to make changes to my service said that Longmont was starting to go through the initial stages of the switch this week. Not sure how accurate that is though.

rbphilip

03-18-10, 09:59 AM

KUSA-DT and KDVR-DT swapped places with WGN, moving from 99 to 52 as WGN moved from 52 to 99. My QAM tuner is still re-mapping the channels to 9.x and 31.x, though a re-scan was required. Discovery, last I checked, was at 105.

The announced channel moves have now taken place here in south Jeffco. It appears Fit TV is now digital-only (I think it was 222). There is currently no QAM signal at 57 or 58, so there is a little room for digital channel expansion (though I wouldn't expect much until Project Cavalry).

And there they are. Thanks!

cool_hand_2k

03-19-10, 02:16 PM

Any idea where they moved 9.1 to? It was the HS version of ch9 - NBC (kusa).
Thanks

PWF

03-19-10, 02:27 PM

picked it up today on 52-2

Melk79

03-19-10, 08:29 PM

gakon

03-19-10, 11:58 PM

They don't. Try getting a CSR to admit there's such a thing as QAM. If they can't get the extra $10 or $16/month for the HD box from you, they want you to do the work.

dvdmth

03-20-10, 12:20 AM

Thanks for helping me find the vanishing Fox and NBC HD channels. I don't understand why the only place I could find this answer is this great online forum; not the networks' sites or from Comcast. Where do they announce they are making changes like this?

Digital channels get shifted around somewhat regularly, in order to make efficient use of the bandwidth. You don't see most moves because the channels moving are encrypted and require a cable box or cable card. The only channel moves announced are when the "user-friendly" channel number (the one you see on cable boxes) changes. If a channel moves its physical location but keeps the same "user-friendly" number, there is no announcement.

I suspect that channel moves will be more common in the coming weeks, with the analog shut-off of Expanded Basic coming near.

dvdmth

03-21-10, 10:30 AM

Hallmark moved back to channel 58 for some crazy reason...

dvddud

03-21-10, 05:23 PM

Ok, so i have the cable hooked directly to tv( to get local tv hd), when i do a scan(when comcast moves something) i always use auto program and digital. why do channels that i cant receive( channel not available) appear. when i use the remote just to up a channel i get many channels that i can't .see.......also why are there several , example.....9.1's, 9.2's,9.3's,etc. when i only need one and the others dont's work.....thanks:confused:

gakon

03-21-10, 06:55 PM

dvddud

03-21-10, 07:11 PM

If you can't see anything on 9.2 and 9.3, something's wrong. Those are valid channels (Weather and Universal Sports). There are tons of scrambled channels that your TV will register, but they won't show anything. Some TV's now can automatically screen out scrambled channels (once they complete their scan). Mine, unfortunately, does not.

i'm sorry if i did not make myself clear.....i do get 9.1 etc....but i get two and sometimes three of them. only one is watchable. i have gone into and try to manually remove them but the duplicate and triplcate remain, so when i use remote to go up one i get....9.1(its there)9.1(not),9.1(not).

gakon

03-21-10, 09:29 PM

Interesting. Never heard of that before. What type of TV? Have you looked for any information on the thread for your TV? Maybe try doing 2 rescans in a row? When the digital transition occurred, a lot of people needed to do multiple rescans in order to clear out old information. That may have been more applicable for the converter boxes, not TV's.

dvdmth

03-22-10, 10:10 AM

i'm sorry if i did not make myself clear.....i do get 9.1 etc....but i get two and sometimes three of them. only one is watchable. i have gone into and try to manually remove them but the duplicate and triplcate remain, so when i use remote to go up one i get....9.1(its there)9.1(not),9.1(not).

A "fresh" re-scan (one that removes old mappings from memory before starting) will remove the defunct 9.x channels. An "additive" re-scan (one that keeps prior mappings in place and searches only for new channels) will keep the defunct channels in memory and result in what you're seeing. Most TV's offer some way to clear the old channel mappings and start fresh. You may want to consult whatever documentation exists for your particular model to see how to get rid of the old stuff. If there is no way to clear out the old mappings, look for a way to restore factory settings.

huntroll

03-22-10, 03:05 PM

You can try disconnecting cable, scanning, then reconnect and scan again.

dvddud

03-22-10, 07:01 PM

Thanks..............reset tv.......re-scanned, duplicates gone! But still puzzled, why do the analog channels appear (local, 4,7,9) as well as 4.1,7.1,9.1, when i request to scan for digital. thanks again

cool_hand_2k

03-22-10, 10:32 PM

I did a rescan here in Aurora tonight after loosing ch 30 - Animal Planet. The rescan didn't find it with my QAM tuner. Anyone know where Comcast put it?
thanks

dvdmth

03-23-10, 11:39 AM

I did a rescan here in Aurora tonight after loosing ch 30 - Animal Planet. The rescan didn't find it with my QAM tuner. Anyone know where Comcast put it?
thanks

If you're talking about analog (NTSC), Animal Planet should still be on channel 30. Maybe there was an outage last night? What do you get when to type in "30" or "30.0"?

If you're talking about digital (QAM), that channel, AFAIK, has always been encrypted.

cool_hand_2k

03-24-10, 10:18 PM

DamiusX

03-25-10, 10:34 AM

Is anyone else still missing NBC and FOX HD channels (9.1 and 31.1)? I am in Northwest Littleton and after the switch it looked like all of the changes took affect, but I STILL dont't have those two channels. I've done multiple rescans over the past week and no luck so far. I have looked at the channels others posted here, but they aren't there either. The last time Comcast did a shuffle it took a couple days for some of the network stations to come back on, but this time it has been over a week. Did they encrypt them??
PS, I am also still missing 9.2 and 9.3 but don't care about those.

cool_hand_2k

03-25-10, 10:47 AM

Try looking at 52.1 and 52.2. All my local HD channels are now grouped together on 50.1, 50.2, 52.1 and 52.2 for my QAM in Aurora.

dvdmth

03-25-10, 12:52 PM

dvdmth, I wish it were the case that it was caused by an outage unfortunately ch 30 has a big old "We're enhancing our network" screen showing. We all call these the Red Screen of Death (RSoD). This is Comcasts way of saying that the analog channel you used to watch here is now gone. What I was hoping was that someone new where the digial channel was. Most of my analog channels have always had a twin (the digial, something like 85.x) but because the analog picture quality was just a bit better I hid the digitals after a scan. Now with Animal Planet (analog) gone I'm forced to find the twin (digital) but no luck so far. what a disappointment. Comcast kept a bunch of channels I have never watched and ended one of my favorites. Now I'll need boxes all over my house (some of which I'll have to pay extra rent on). I'm now debating if this is the time to switch to satillite, maybe DirecTV.
Sorry for the rant.
If anyone sees Animal Planet in Aurora please post.
Thanks.

Odd, here in south Jeffco AP is still on analog 30 (I just double-checked on an analog TV). Something must be different in Aurora.

The digital version of Animal Planet is encrypted (I double-checked this through the diagnostic menu on one of our cable boxes). You will not find it anywhere via clear QAM. You must get a digital box/adapter or a cable card (provided you have something that will take cable card) to get the digital channel.

If it's any consolation, all expanded basic channels are going digital-only within the next few months (for future HD channel expansion, something called Project Cavalry). You should be able to get one cable box plus two digital adapters for free. Additional adapters cost something like $2 a month. I don't know how many TV's you have, but before you decide to switch to satellite, be sure to compare how much it will cost you with them (you pay for each box with satellite as well). We have both Comcast and DirecTV here, and though each has its advantages, I like DirecTV overall better (though I'd definitely miss Comcast if we had to cancel).

dvdmth

03-25-10, 12:59 PM

DamiusX

03-25-10, 05:41 PM

In south Jeffco (near Littleton):
52.1 = 9.1 (NBC)
52.2 = 31.1 (FOX)
52.3 = 9.2 (Weather)
52.4 = 9.4 (Universal Sports)

All channels are in the clear.

Thanks, but no, I tried those already. Nothing there. Just did another scan and still nothing.:confused:

dvdmth

03-28-10, 09:53 PM

It's a few days old now, but I ran across this while searching for analog shut-off info:

http://www.coloradodaily.com/ci_14758282?source=most_viewed#axzz0jWf0jyei

Parsons said the changes should be completed statewide by the end of the year. Broomfield, Louisville and Superior will see the transition by the end of this month. Boulder and the rest of Boulder County will see the analog signal turn off in July. Longmont was the first city to receive the digital treatment and will have high-definition channels added next month.

jfh3

03-28-10, 10:51 PM

Regarding CableCARD installations/re-pairings - since there is now a "Digital Self-Install Kit" listed in the Products and Services price list, doesn't that imply that you can/should be able to do a CableCARD self-install?

I'm going to try and get some existing cards re-paired over the phone over the next few days for some new Tivo Premieres. Hopefully, it'll be a lot easier than it was three years ago.

Quijbe

03-30-10, 04:14 AM

Up in Longmont here, we have had many channels switched over to digital (completely removed from analog broadcast). I've been able to locate most channels with my TV's auto-scan feature, but seemed to have lost cartoon network. Perhaps it went to a scrambled transmsission, can someone confirm this?

jmpage2

04-01-10, 12:04 AM

I am also looking for information on what channels should be tuneable with a QAM tuner after the digital switch happens.

My wife has several TVs at her office and Comcast has been pestering her that she must put converter boxes on ALL of them. Most of the TVs are less than 2 years old and have QAM digital tuning.

The TVs are installed in difficult locations and putting cable boxes on them will be a huge hassle.

mjh99

04-01-10, 03:16 AM

Right now, there are 77 clear QAM channels in Erie. This number is up from 55 just a month ago. Regardless of what channels are available today, there is no guarantee that anything beyond the local channels will be available in a month or two from now when Comcast has completed its digital "enhancement" process. Comcast can't even get its printed or website channel lists to match what is actually being delivered, so there is no reason to believe that what we end up seeing as clear QAM will make any real sense. When the conversion is over, you'll be able to receive the locals for sure, but beyond that who knows, maybe not even Comcast. Over the years, I have often received an extra channel or two not listed for my package, but there is no certainty that will continue in the future. Comcast is NOT obligated to provide anything but the locals in clear QAM. You will probably see all the "Basic" package channels in clear QAM, but that may be it. Only time will tell.

jmpage2

04-01-10, 09:26 AM

Thanks for the info. Looks like I will have her rescan her TVs after they make the switch and maybe periodically afterwards until something she really needs is no longer available.

dvdmth

04-01-10, 11:02 AM

The only digital channels guaranteed to remain in the clear are those in the limited basic package, including local channels (SD and HD). Anything in a higher package - expanded basic, digital starter, etc. - is subject to encryption (channels above digital starter will always be encrypted). There are 20 or so channels in expanded basic that recently went in the clear, but I doubt they will stay that way (I suspect someone may have made a mistake configuring those channels).

We have several TV's that need to be addressed (by the end of May according to the notice we received yesterday). Since we subscribe to both cable and satellite, we may decide to move cable boxes out of rooms already set up for satellite and place them in rooms with only analog cable at present. Even then, the need is still there for digital adapters. We have quite a few old, but still working TV's scattered throughout the house for the convenience of watching something in (nearly) any room. We'd like to keep that convenience, but it may be too costly.

mjh99

04-02-10, 04:00 PM

The 105.x and 106.x clear QAM channels are now encrypted again (except for 105.4, Discovery Channel). That's not exactly a big surprise. One channel has been added at 57.1 (Channel 897), which will be used to provide 3D/HD service, starting with the Masters on 4/7. We now have 53 clear QAM channels, most of which are likely to remain available. ABC Family HD is at channel 63.2 for now, but for how long?

TBR_999

04-03-10, 02:15 PM

I received Comcast's "death notice" and now wonder if my dvr will become useless. I have bypassed the cable box in the past in order to record programs while I was watching others.

Since the dvr doesn't have an IR blaster to control the box, the only way to change channels was by using the built-in NTSC/Qam tuner. Pretty much everything is going to be encrypted now so this means I am screwed. :(

mjh99

04-03-10, 06:31 PM

If you have the Comcast Motorola DCT700 standard definition set-top box, you CAN program the box to turn on and change to the proper channel for recording. The option is available on the Program Guide. You can even adjust the start and end times if necessary. I feed the composite output of my DCT700 to my VCR and then program the VCR to record the Line Input at the appropriate time. I am now using this process to record two shows on Wednesday night (USA & COM) and one on Friday night (Syfy) on a weekly basis. All of your local network shows on ABC, CBS, CW, Fox, MyN and NBC can still be recorded directly from the cable without using the set-top box. The RF input of my VCR is used for local network recording from the normal Comast analog channels: 7, 4, 2, 13, 3 & 9

CEB II

04-04-10, 07:20 PM

It's a few days old now, but I ran across this while searching for analog shut-off info:

http://www.coloradodaily.com/ci_14758282?source=most_viewed#axzz0jWf0jyei

Can someone who has made the Comcast forced digital switch tell me if the "free" Comcast digital cable box provided has an HDMI output? If not, what is the highest level of output connection available on that "free" box?

GeorgeAB

04-04-10, 07:36 PM

The free box only has an RF output, channel 3 or 4. To get component video or HDMI, you will have to pay for a typical set top box rental.

rbphilip

04-05-10, 01:45 AM

Today, magically, all my QAM HD channels (7.1, 9.1, 31.1, etc.) still claim to be 720p, but are formatted as 4:3 rather than 16:9.

Anyone else notice this?

CEB II

04-05-10, 05:48 PM

The free box only has an RF output, channel 3 or 4. To get component video or HDMI, you will have to pay for a typical set top box rental.

Thanks for the quick response. That kind of negates the plan I had to keep the RF input for Clear QAM to get the locals in HD and to have the Comcast digital box for Enhanced Basic Cable channels. It's my M-I-L's TV and cable and she can't afford any more charges on her cable bill.

GeorgeAB

04-05-10, 06:14 PM

Thanks for the quick response. That kind of negates the plan I had to keep the RF input for Clear QAM to get the locals in HD and to have the Comcast digital box for Enhanced Basic Cable channels. It's my M-I-L's TV and cable and she can't afford any more charges on her cable bill.
I haven't tried this myself, but you should be able to use an RF splitter, run one half to an A/B RF switch, the other half to the new upgrade box, from that ch 3 or 4 output to the other half of the A/B RF switch, then simply switch between the direct cable service feed vs. the modulated ch 3 or 4 feed. You would have to alternate between the antenna and QAM settings in the TV for the RF input. This would get you both types of signals with a minimum of fiddling.

cjh404

04-06-10, 05:02 PM

Got my DTAs installed today. Can Comcast get rid of the analogs now? :)

I don't understand why you can't receive Create on the DTA. V-Me and the NBC sub-channels are available.

mjh99

04-07-10, 10:55 AM

dvdmth

04-07-10, 05:51 PM

You should receive Create, V-me and the NBC sub-channels if you are paying for the Digital Starter package or above. My DTAs receive the following channels:

2-48,53-4,58-9,61-2,64-69,71-8,95,98-9,104,119,128-9,135-6,163-5,169-71,183,230,236-39,243,245,247-250,275-6,477,484,504

Even if you are paying for a higher package (like Digital Preferred), the DTA does NOT provide the additional channels above the Digital Starter level. Also, it does NOT provide the Digital Music channels either.

You list some channels that aren't listed on Comcast's site for digital starter. Either their site is wrong (which may very well be the case) or the DTA's are tuning some channels they probably shouldn't.

Do the DTA's respond to the same remote codes as full-service cable boxes, or do they have their own code set? In one room we have two analog TV's on opposite ends, so if the boxes use the same remote codes, it might make things a little tricky in that room.

mjh99

04-07-10, 07:10 PM

The channels I listed are more or less (except for the recent channel shuffle) the channels that Comcast listed on their January billing (mine was dated 12/18/09) that you received in December. Other than that, almost all of the Comcast lists seem to be incorrect in one way or another. The Comcast website list for Starter Cable does NOT list some of the channels that were on the January Billing list. Comcast seems incapable of producing a list that is current, accurate and actually matches the channels they are delivering in a given area. Sometimes additional channels that are NOT listed are actually delivered. Comcast has listed Channel 55 (Goverment Access) on the Basic Cable list for a number of years, but there NEVER has been anything on that channel in my area. In the end, you get what you get at the whim of Comcast. If they list a channel for your package that you are not getting (with the exception of Channel 55), they probably can be made to provide it to you.

cjh404

04-07-10, 09:30 PM

You should receive Create, V-me and the NBC sub-channels if you are paying for the Digital Starter package or above. My DTAs receive the following channels:

2-48,53-4,58-9,61-2,64-69,71-8,95,98-9,104,119,128-9,135-6,163-5,169-71,183,230,236-39,243,245,247-250,275-6,477,484,504

Even if you are paying for a higher package (like Digital Preferred), the DTA does NOT provide the additional channels above the Digital Starter level. Also, it does NOT provide the Digital Music channels either.

Hmm of the over 99 channels I get 104, 119, 128, 129, 136, 163, 165, 169, 170, 171, 183, 222, 230, 236, 237, 238, 239, 243, 245, 247, 249, 250, 275, 276, and 504. No Create on 248, not that I really care but it would be nice to have. You also get a few more that I don't including 135, 477, and 484.

mjh99

04-08-10, 02:33 AM

dvdmth

04-08-10, 11:33 AM

It would appear that the DTA available channels are not consistent throughout the metro area. That makes no particular sense, but then much of what Comcast does seems to fall into that category. So, you are missing 135, 164, 248, 477 and 484, and I am missing 222. For my area, channel 222 is on the Basic list, which is not even possible without a set-top box, which certainly is not consistent with the Basic Package principal. I marvel at the complete lack of organization on Comcast's part when it comes to what channels are listed in what packages and what channels are actually delivered via analog, clear QAM, scrambled QAM, DTA and full set-top boxes. The only rule appears to be that there are no rules.

Channel 222 is Fit TV, what used to be at channel 59 until the recent channel switch.

Speaking of channel switches, KTVD My20 (SD) is moving from 3 to 5 next Tuesday. CET is switching to Digital Classic (which means DTA's won't get it, if I'm understanding all this) and will move from 5 to 105. On May 4, KCDO 3 (out of Sterling) will be added on channel 3. (DirecTV added KCDO about a year ago. When I looked at the schedule at the time, it was almost all paid programming. Don't know what's on the channel now.)

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

mjh99

04-08-10, 04:14 PM

There is no longer a Comcast package called Digital Classic, so CET on Channel 105 should remain available in the Digital Starter Package and via the DTA. The Comcast package above Digital Starter is called Digital Preferred. Over the last year, Comcast has reduced the number of package options available.

mjh99

04-09-10, 06:50 PM

For some reason, Comcast does not appear to be in any hurry to provide KTFD (14.1) or KCEC (50.1) in high definition. Both are now broadcasting in 1080i. Since Comcast is already mapping the channels to 14.1 and 50.1, I wonder why they are waiting?

gregkauf

04-13-10, 11:30 AM

Has anyone been out to http://www.tvguide.com/listings for the Denver area lately? I dont know if I am doing something wrong, its a mistake, or a sign of something to come? HD channels remapped, added and starting at 702?

ZaphodBx

04-13-10, 01:42 PM

I got a postcard late last week from Comcast saying that on the 12th, I'd be getting 70-something new HD channels, and listing all of the new channels and mappings. Over the weekend, a lot of the new channels showed up, and overnight last night, the existing channels mapped to their new places. I kind of like the new mappings... Seems like a lot of channels have their same two digits, just with a 7 in front of them... 9 -> 709, 16 -> 716, etc.

gregkauf

04-13-10, 02:04 PM

OK, that is what is showing up on the tvguide.com website. I like the new schema for channels, the only thing better would be to map HD channel 9 to channel 9 on an HD cablebox.

blitzen102

04-13-10, 02:55 PM

ZaphodBx

04-13-10, 03:41 PM

Where are you located?

When were your analogs shut off? Did all of Denver metro get the new channels, or only certain areas?

Thanks

I'm in Parker... Analogs were turned off on the 5th, so exactly one week prior. I don't know the scope of the roll-out, I'm afraid.

dvdmth

04-14-10, 12:07 AM

My brother knows someone who lives in Aurora and supposedly has the new HD channel lineup. Anyone here in Aurora who can confirm this?

It would really be nice if there was a way to know the current rollout status for the Denver region as a whole (which areas have made the switch, which areas will be transitioning next, etc.) Here in south Jeffco we've been told to have our adapters in place before the end of May, so I'm guessing we'll see something in June.

In other news, Comcast is again late with their channel changes here (KTVD from 3 to 5, CET from 5 to 105). Those changes were supposed to happen today.

gregkauf

04-14-10, 01:13 PM

Comcast is supposed to be turning off Analogs on 4/19 in Commerce City. Hopefully we will get these new HD channels yet this month...

cjh404

04-15-10, 01:43 AM

In other news, Comcast is again late with their channel changes here (KTVD from 3 to 5, CET from 5 to 105). Those changes were supposed to happen today.

It happened today sometime. Channel 3 is a blue placeholder saying KTVD is on channel 5, and I get CET on 105 on my DTA.

Justins123

04-15-10, 11:36 AM

Is there a list of the new HD channels being added?

Audixium

04-15-10, 02:33 PM

is there a list of the new hd channels being added?

+1

CEB II

04-15-10, 03:09 PM

I haven't tried this myself, but you should be able to use an RF splitter, run one half to an A/B RF switch, the other half to the new upgrade box, from that ch 3 or 4 output to the other half of the A/B RF switch, then simply switch between the direct cable service feed vs. the modulated ch 3 or 4 feed. You would have to alternate between the antenna and QAM settings in the TV for the RF input. This would get you both types of signals with a minimum of fiddling.

Thanks for the suggestion, but that setup would be a bit more complicated to use than my M-I-L can fathom. I figured I could teach her to use the Input/Source button on her HDTV remote, but dealing with an A/B switch would, I think, cause her to "lock up".

gregkauf

04-15-10, 03:12 PM

Is there a list of the new HD channels being added?

I found a listing on the following website:
http://text.dslreports.com/forum/r24004035-Denver-Cable-System-Changes

Audixium

04-15-10, 03:54 PM

I found a listing on the following website:
http://text.dslreports.com/forum/r24004035-Denver-Cable-System-Changes

Thanks - I'm putting the image at the end of that thread inline here:

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff254/Audixium/comcast-1.gif

bskrtich

04-15-10, 04:53 PM

I am in Lone Tree (where 470 meets 25) and I received the new HD channels on the 12th. My only problem is that my Tivo doesn't have the guide data for the channels.

gregkauf

04-16-10, 04:01 PM

I am in Lone Tree (where 470 meets 25) and I received the new HD channels on the 12th. My only problem is that my Tivo doesn't have the guide data for the channels.

Great, I hope Tivo gets something figured out before I get them, but I suspect that won't be the case.

dvdmth

04-16-10, 05:20 PM

For those in an area with the new HD lineup, what happened to the PPV and adult channels in the 800's? Some of the new HD mappings conflict with some of the channels currently in the 800's.

I also noticed no additional Showtimes listed in the above image. Were there no added Showtimes, or were they just left off in that posted lineup?

mjh99

04-16-10, 07:06 PM

The new TV Guide program listings for Castle Rock no longer include the three PPV channels or the two adult channels now that all the HD channels have been moved to the 700-800 block. It's unlikely that the channels have actually been removed, but apparently TV Guide has lost track of where they are. Maybe Comcast has misplaced them as well. It wouldn't surprise me, considering the lack of accuracy in all their other channel line-ups.

Audixium

04-19-10, 03:52 PM

dbucciar

04-19-10, 07:13 PM

I am in Lone Tree (where 470 meets 25) and I received the new HD channels on the 12th. My only problem is that my Tivo doesn't have the guide data for the channels.
I called TiVo on this and they were not able to find the new channel lineup in whatever database they pull from Comcast. I also checked the Comcast web site to see if I could bring up the interactive program listings, and they have not been updated yet either.

I'm pretty sure Comcast is responsible for this problem, not TiVo, so I called Comcast to let them know what's going on. The tech said she'd escalate the problem... no idea when it might be resolved.

gakon

04-19-10, 09:51 PM

Does anyone in the Littleton/Highlands Ranch area have the DCX series of HD DVR? I want to replace two boxes (DCT3412 & DCT3416), but not with another of the same model. Mine seem to spin the fans and disks all the time like race cars even when the unit is off.

Yes. Assuming there was another question in there, the disk always spins. I don't notice the noise since it's in our family room. I'm not sure if I would notice if it were in the bedroom; it's pretty quiet, but it could be noticeable when trying to sleep.

Audixium

04-20-10, 11:50 AM

Yes. Assuming there was another question in there, the disk always spins. I don't notice the noise since it's in our family room. I'm not sure if I would notice if it were in the bedroom; it's pretty quiet, but it could be noticeable when trying to sleep.

Thanks! I've now had 7 of the DCT models and unfortunately yes the disks have always spun. But some are much louder than others. The one I currently have in the living room is always ramping up and down - and louder than a full tilt XBOX 360. The one in my office is about three feet from my head and I occasionally hear it kick in. Both have at least 12" of free air above them, 4" on each side, open to the front, and another 12" behind. (Can you tell I've had problems in the past with my STB overheating?) :)

My goal was to get two DCX3400 series models with this swap - one for the living room and one for the office. Then, when my basement build is done I'll move both to the rack down there and distribute to the rest of the house.

Now if they'd only kick in the DVR networking I'd be a pretty happy camper. :D

dvddud

04-23-10, 06:48 PM

Ok so i do not use the comcast box, i connect the cable directly to the tv. i do this for a couple of reasons. the first one is because i get local and a couple of other channels in HD. if i use the box no HD. i don't care about any of the on demand stuff. now today i get in the mail a note telling me that i have to order some new box's to get their 'new and improved digital' stuff or all i will get is channels 2-20. is there away around this? or is it time to go to purchase a HD package, and if i have to do that, i'm thinking Direct Tv is the way to go.....help....thanks

mjh99

04-23-10, 07:27 PM

dvddud

04-23-10, 08:22 PM

Without a Comcast box. you will get 28 analog channels and 54 clear QAM channels. The analogs are mostly local. The clear QAM channels are digital duplicates of the analog channels plus the locals mostly in HD. The list does include WGN, TBS, Hallmark, Discovery and ABC Family HD, the local sub-channels and The Colorado Channel

Confused....the letter from comcast says that any tv without a digital device will only received, 2-20. to continue receiving all your current channels and more you need to order digital equimpment for each tv.
you say that i will basically get what i'm getting now. so is this comcast's way of trying to lure me into using their box and not get local HD stuff?

gregkauf

04-23-10, 09:03 PM

Confused....the letter from comcast says that any tv without a digital device will only received, 2-20. to continue receiving all your current channels and more you need to order digital equimpment for each tv.
you say that i will basically get what i'm getting now. so is this comcast's way of trying to lure me into using their box and not get local HD stuff?

If you have an older analog only TV, you will only receive 2-20. If you have a newer TV that has a digital (QAM) tuner, you can pickup any clear QAM channels as well. The digital (QAM) channels that are transmitted in the clear are typically the local stations.

I hope that helps.
Greg

dvddud

04-23-10, 09:23 PM

yep helps, i really don't need to hook up anything then, i have a newer plamsa tv. so it status quo. so comcast is just not telling it all, in their letter. thanks

i mean why on earth would i use their box and not get the few HD channels i do get, by not connecting to the box, and just going straight to tv?

dvdmth

04-23-10, 10:30 PM

For some really crazy reason, tonight Detroit/Phoenix NHL game is BLACKED OUT on Versus HD (channel 689) on Comcast. The game is coming in just fine on DirecTV.

Comcastic!

ColoThistle

04-23-10, 11:18 PM

even better, the Detroit/Phx game is on the standard def channel.

mjh99

04-24-10, 04:02 AM

The 27 analog channels that I receive on my 30+ year-old Sony TV are: 2-19, 21-22, 53-54, 58, 61-62, 98-99.

The clear QAM local HD + SD sub-channels are mapped to match their over-the-air channels from 2.1 to 59.1. ABC Family HD is at 63.2. The digital duplicate channels are 81.x, 82.x, 83.x, 84.x, 85.9, 103.2, 104.6, 105.4, 107.1, 110.5 and 120.x

jfh3

04-24-10, 12:14 PM

iampete4

04-24-10, 01:28 PM

jfh3

04-24-10, 02:18 PM

I have a similar problem. I use SageTV with and HD PVR and a comcast box.
This morning the guide changed but it appears the channels are all at their old locations.
Bummer, messed me up abit. I am able to copy the old lineup to get by this until comcast catches up with the guide info that Sage is using.

I presume you use a CableCARD? If so, sounds like the same problem. Either Tribune loaded the guide changes early or Comcast has a problem.

Thanks for the confirmation. Unfortunately, it's not quite as easy to remap channels with Tivo (trying to see if the guide data for the old locations will load now)

kokobucks

04-24-10, 03:19 PM

For those using CableCARDs and Tivo in the Denver area -

My Tivos received the new HD guide data, but apparently Comcast hasn't completed the channel remapping for the cards. I can still tune the channels in their old location, but not the new 7xx/8xx location. (I'm on Comcast suburbs lineup)

Comcast tech support says this is a known issue and that CableCARDs should have the proper mapping "within the next two weeks".

I'm never sure I can believe anything a phone rep tells me - can anyone else confirm this?

I was suprised by this, this morning... I have the TivoHD with a M cable card. All the HD channels changed according to Tivo/Tribune, but none have really changed, as the channels show up as a black screen.

I checked my Cable Box that I have via Comcast and the new channels are not part of that...

Did Tribune mess up?

Also proper mapping "within the next two weeks"?? Really two weeks.

Any solution or is patience the only one?