Hey Guys,
I decided to write to Darrell Brown at KMGH to say 'thank you' for getting KMGH on Comcast and fixing the stretch issue. Here is my E-mail:

I want to thank you guys for not only getting the HD signal on Comcast,
but also fixing the stretch issue so quickly. I know you get allot of
complaints when things are bad, so I wanted to send you a thank you when
things went well. The Denver HDTV community is very strong, and we
appreciate you understanding the issues with the 4:3 stretch. Please
keep up the good work.

If you want to see what people are saying about you/Denver television in
HD, check out:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=293562&perpage=20&pagenumber=38

His response was:

Thanks for the kind words. They are appreciated.
I'll check out the link.
Darrell Brown
General Manager


Followed by this E-mail:
By the way, I check out the link and saw "Tim's" comments about taking
credit for resolving the stretch issue on 652. Tell him he can take
credit. I got his email, looked at the picture, called our engineers
and asked them to fix it.
Glad you're enjoying the picture. I am too. I just bought a new Sony
Wega 70" and it sure is nice to watch our own station in HD on cable.
Now we have to get the Lookout Mountain tower issue resolved and get it
built. We think it will be operational by October next year.
Darrell Brown


It looks like KMGH is trying to fix the issues, I know it isn't as fast as many would like, but I think showing them the AVS forum might allow them to see what people are saying about them and their competition in regards to HDTV and signals. I recommend writing to KMGH to let them know what you want, but also to let them know what you enjoy.

Benzyl

Wow.

I'm seriously floored.

The previous manager of KMGH just pretty much ignored anything us HD viewers had to say. I'm glad to see Mr. Brown is not only paying attention, but taking action.

I've gotta give KMGH a thumbs-up here. Don't tell anyone in the OTA thread, OK? :)

Originally posted by Benzyl

Followed by this E-mail:
By the way, I check out the link and saw "Tim's" comments about taking
credit for resolving the stretch issue on 652. Tell him he can take
credit. I got his email, looked at the picture, called our engineers
and asked them to fix it.
Glad you're enjoying the picture. I am too. I just bought a new Sony
Wega 70" and it sure is nice to watch our own station in HD on cable.
Now we have to get the Lookout Mountain tower issue resolved and get it
built. We think it will be operational by October next year.
Darrell Brown


Wow, I was joking about taking credit, but I guess I really did earn it. :)

dr_mal, sorry that I can't help you with OTA strength. I've never even tried any OTA. Living at the bottom of Bear Valley, I seriously doubt I'd be able to get any reasonable signals from downtown. Also, I don't have the $400,000 it would take to buy them a more powerful coathanger. :)

So, I still haven't seen the 652. :( Yesterday a technician came out and spent two hours here doing tests. The whole time saying, "I'm pretty sure it isn't anything I'm going to be able to help you out with, but they want us to eliminate any possibilty of problems on your end before calling a line tech." So, as expected, there is nothing wrong on my end and they call a line tech. The line tech gets here and starts working with the guy that was already here. I ask if the line tech needs access to my house to fix the problem because I really need to get back to work. They say go ahead and leave. I do. I come home later to find nothing has changed. Still no 652. I call this morning and tell Comcast the whole story and they say they will send out another line tech today. So, just now a new technician shows up -- not a line tech, a technician. He's confused as to what he's doing there and so am I. He calls in and they tell him the work order from yesterday was "cancelled at the door." The tech tells the phone, "no it wasn't I am sitting here with the customer-signed work order from yesterday." Well, because HQ has it as cancelled they don't ahve any of the tests from yesterday, so they have to do it all over again. Now I am sitting here still waiting for a line tech to come out. Still without 652!

The line techs have come and gone. Still no 652. :(

Do you have any hair left? Think I would have pulled out what I have left by now if I were in your shoes.

Originally posted by Your User Name:
The line techs have come and gone. Still no 652. :(

Have they replaced your STB?

That was the first thing they did.

They finally fixed it. It was apparantly a faulty amp somewhere down the street. Although the line techs said that it is really strange because the digital channles usually come in packets of two and 652 was the only channel I wasn't getting. Furthermore, I wasn't having any signal issues other than not receiving that channel. They took readings at the STB and at the box outside and the signal was strong. But, replacing the amp worked, so I'm not complaining. I just wish they would've gotten their act together a little better. I spent about a total of eight hours on something that could've been fixed without me even being home.

I'm seeing lots and lots of picture and audio breakups across all the Comcast HD channels, and even on some of the non-HD digital channels. The more action and scene changes in the show, the worse the breakups. For example, we watched 'Cold Mountain' on PPV (non-HD) last night and the picture was breaking up every 2-3 minutes or less.

This tells me that there's a bandwidth problem somewhere in the stream. Is anyone else noticing this with their Comcast HD and/or non-HD channels?

thanks!

652's audio breaks up pretty consistently (once or twice/minute) for me. I haven't noticed more break ups on other channels lately.

Also, what was th deal with KDVRDT last night? Just a test screen on 655 during (at least) the news.

Anyone lose their HD channels today? Happened about 5:15 this afternoon.

After the typical Comcast PD..sending the signal to the box, resetting, etc etc. They have to send out a tech tomorrow. <sigh>

TIA,

Ken

Anyone lose their HD channels today? Happened about 5:15 this afternoon.

After the typical Comcast PD..sending the signal to the box, resetting, etc etc. They have to send out a tech tomorrow.

I don't think you will need a tech. In fact, I am suprised they scheduled one to come out at all. When you call Comcast, there is a voice message saying that they are experiencing difficulties with their digital stations in metro Denver. If you go further to a human, they say the same thing. I'm sure it will be fixed by tommorow. Mine came back for about a half hour tonight, then went down again. I do suggest that you call comcast and have them comp your account for the time without the channels, that's what i did.

brett

Brett,

Thanks for the update. When I did call Comcast around 6pm, the recording said there were no "reported" outages for my area. Nothing like being the first :-)

The rep on the phone did say he just took a call from someone in Aurora that reported a similar outage, so I must've gotten my call in early. And they hadn't corellated the different complaints into a common outage / problem.

Luckily I'm working from home tomorrow so I'll see if it comes back before the tech is scheduled to arrive.

originally posted by wantin'atheater
Bronco season opener in Hi-Def?

I was looking forward to the Bronco-Chiefs season opener Sunday night on ESPNHD, but notice on my TIVO guide that is it being simul-cast on KUSA.

Does anyone know if Comcast will carry the Hi-Def feed from ESPN or will they black it out in favor of the KUSA broadcast? If they do black it out, will the KUSA feed be in Hi Def?

This was posted in the wrong thread - any comments?

ESPN controls the rights for the game, KUSA is just broadcasting it so people without cable can see the Broncos. So yes, you can catch the game on ESPNHD.

Is anybody noticing a bunch of sound dropouts on Comcasts KMGH? It is very annoying, but the game looks excellent!

Yep, it has been awful all game. About every minute there is a half second dropout.

This is the same as MNF a few weeks ago. I haven't written to KMGH to see if it is their problem, Comcast's, or ABC's.

(jumping in from the OTA thread...) Guys - we've had audio dropouts for at least the last 2 years on MNF watching KMGH OTA. Actually, I thought the game last night was better in that regard than it was all of last year. It's probably a KMGH problem. You guys should send the GM another message. They never listened to the 20 OTA people in town, but obviously they do listen to you about these kind of things.

It is looking more and more like the tower will be a non-issue for many of us. If D* offers Local HD by mid 05, I'm pulling the yagi down. What's the point?

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040908/85955_1.html

Originally posted by MRinDenver
It is looking more and more like the tower will be a non-issue for many of us. If D* offers Local HD by mid 05, I'm pulling the yagi down. What's the point?

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040908/85955_1.html
(you might want to move that comment over to the "Denver, CO OTA pt 3" thread - I doubt Comcasters are interested in D*'s plans :) )

Originally posted by markdl
You guys should send the GM another message. They never listened to the 20 OTA people in town, but obviously they do listen to you about these kind of things.

Sounds like a great idea to me. Here is the link again everyone:

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/denvers7/222549/detail.html

I plan on writing them a note to both thank them for getting on Comcast, and to let them know about the dropouts. That's odd how it only happens on MNF.

Originally posted by Jeremy Tebo
I plan on writing them a note to both thank them for getting on Comcast, and to let them know about the dropouts. That's odd how it only happens on MNF.

Jeremy,

Its a good idea to drop them a note. However, don't say that the dropouts only occur on MNF. They are a constant "feature" on all of KMGH's programming. It doesn't happen with regularity on any other channels (on KMGH it happens about every minute), and its definitely not a Comcast problem. I've tried every audio setting on my cable box and nothing stops the dropouts.

Tim

Whoops, too late, I already sent it. I guess that shows how much non-football ABC I watch. ;) I'm sure if they fix the dropout problem it will fix it for all programs.

Also, glad to see the little problem Comcast was having with digital cable (HD and VOD for me) that started last week got fixed. I called them and talked with a CSR about it, that was certainly painful.

Hi,

Does anyone know how can I get program schedule for channel 658 (PBS HD)? Thank you very much.

Originally posted by xiaoyu
Hi,

Does anyone know how can I get program schedule for channel 658 (PBS HD)? Thank you very much.

Use Comcast's cable guide or use TitanTV's online guide here. (http://www.titantv.com)

Well I finally broke down and decided to "feed the pig." Now that KMGH has been added and the Condo Association is on my case about the antenna (which only works marginally anyway,) I decided to sign up for the bare-bones Comcast HD package. With the $10 savings on my Internet service it should work out to about $10 extra/month. I'll use a Silver Sensor for the rare times I watch KWGN in HD and KBDI's subchannels, and dream of the day next year when it can be used for everything.

Now I just need to find a place to put the extra box and come up with yet another digital audio input....

Originally posted by bikenski
Well I finally broke down and decided to "feed the pig."

Welcome to the DarkSide, bikenski. We have our secret "Let's Take Over the World" meetings on Tuesday evenings. :D

The audio dropouts were unbearable during MNF last night. I've written the KMGH General Manager an e-mail about the problem. I urge everyone to do the same. Go here: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/denvers7/222549/detail.html

This is the e-mail I sent:

I would like to bring to your attention a problem that many of your viewers are experiencing with your HD feed. Every minute or two the audio is dropping out for about 3 seconds. It is very irritating and makes watching TV impossible. I've confirmed with other Comcast customers that they too are experiencing the problem. I've also had one OTA viewer confirm that they too are experiencing it. Last night I resorted to watching Monday Night Football in HD but listening to the SD audio feed by switching my receiver's input. The audio was out of sync, but at least it didn't drop. Please resolve this issue.

When I sent them a message about it last week, I got a reply stating that they are aware of the problem and are working to fix it. I was hoping it would be fixed for last night's game, oh well.

I've got to imagine that the more people who let them know about it the harder they will try to fix it.

All, on the Sunday night ESPNHD game, I had audio breakups as well. This was, of course, in addition to audio breakups on MNF. Although, I must say it was far worse on MNF than ESPNHD.

Seems to be only an issue on live broadcasts though ... taped shows seem to come in OK, without breakup.

Picture is just awesome ...just wish the sound was better.

I called Comcast. They said they were having several complaints about both games. No resolution though, except they are working on it.

Well, I can tell you that the KMGH MNF is a network problem I got the drop outs too OTA. I have Voom & there were NO audio drop outs on ESPN HD for the Bronco game. Everything was great exept no 5.1.

Hmm.....strange I have the dropouts with MNF, but the sunday night game on ESPNHD was great not one dropout.

Re: Dropouts on KMGH -

For every show on KMGH you get an audio dropout, please send a note to Rick Craddock (the chief engineer at KMGH - Rick_Craddock@kmgh.com) to tell him about it. Last year, the audio dropouts were prevalent in every NYPD Blue and Alias episode, and I have no reason to believe that they won't be prevalent this season as well. My opinion is that the problem is in their encoder, but one person sending the messages isn't enough to convince them of that.

I missed MNF last night, has KMGH fixed the audio drop out problems?

Nope!

Thanks Mark for the contact information at KMGH! I just emailed Rick Craddock and mentioned the problem to him.

Maybe emailing works. Here is the reply I got from Rick Craddock:


Thank you, for your comments. We are looking into the problem and expect to have it resolved soon.



Rick Craddock

Director of Engineering

Denver’s 7, KMGH – TV/DT

I sent him an email as well. Its a bummer when I'm showing people HD for the first time and I have to explain why the audio drops out every minute.

We just have to keep up with the emails - I'm pretty sure that they don't listen to the digital feed audio in the booth, so they aren't hearing it at the source. We're the only feedback they have, so continuing to send the feedback will be very important. Used to be there were only 20 of us sending the feedback. Now that there is a significant number, maybe things will get fixed.

Response:

Thank you, Jeremy for your comments. We are aware of the problem and expect a solution prior to the next game.

Rick Craddock
Director of Engineering
KMGH-TV/DT

Guess we'll see if they get it fixed in time. Damn we're good!

I recorded NYPD Blue last night, but haven't watched it yet. Anyone watch it, and more importantly, were there dropouts?

I havent watched it yet either.. I recorded it too albeit from a diff source. But I doubt theres any question thered be dropouts on 17 because I did watch parts of the shows on before it and there was dropouts on those.

Good luck! They were having BIG audio problems earlier in the night. You couldn't really hear anything. I hope it's not that way tonight for LOST.

My NYPD Blue recording also had audio cutting in and out about 30 to 40 times during the hour, often right during the most important dialogue.

With all of their HD hoopla about getting on Comcast, I guess it never occurred to KMGH that they would have quite a few more HD viewers than in the past and might want to try to solve these problems they've had since they erected that twig on their roof. They used to be able to take their HD signal for granted when hardly anybody could tune it in.

Tonight, it's the premiere of Lost, a series I think could be great. I'm set to record it, but after last night's Blue, I hold only small hope that it will even be a mostly clean recording.

Time for a little Craddock email.

Anybody watch Lost at 7p? Did KMGH have their audio dropout problems again? I'm at work until 10:30 and just wanted a heads up on what to expect when I get home...

Originally posted by TommyK
Anybody watch Lost at 7p? Did KMGH have their audio dropout problems again? I'm at work until 10:30 and just wanted a heads up on what to expect when I get home...

No dropouts with OTA this time during Lost, like EVERY Monday Night Foot Ball game so-far this year. It was good by the way I think. Last night all HD stuff had very bad audio problems on ABC.

I watched the second half via Comcast and didn't notice any dropouts. Can't say I'll be watching that one again though.

"Hey, let's make a show about people that survive a plane crash and are stranded on an island."

"Nah, that's been done."

"OK, but what if we throw in some kind of mystery monster-thing?"

"Brilliant!"

I noticed during the last commercial break (right before the scenes from next week) that I was getting 5.1 audio, and there was some popping and crackling. I'm not sure exactly when it switched over to 5.1, since it was just 2.0 when I checked during the actual show, and it switched back to 2.0 for next week's teaser.

Does KMGH ever pass through 5.1 from ABC? (I just got Comcast yesterday, so until then KMGH didn't even exist for me.)

Originally posted by Couch Patato
No dropouts with OTA this time during Lost, like EVERY Monday Night Foot Ball game so-far this year. It was good by the way I think. Last night all HD stuff had very bad audio problems on ABC.
Thanks Couch. I'm off in 15 minutes...tick...tick...tick...

Originally posted by bikenski
I noticed during the last commercial break (right before the scenes from next week) that I was getting 5.1 audio, and there was some popping and crackling. I'm not sure exactly when it switched over to 5.1, since it was just 2.0 when I checked during the actual show, and it switched back to 2.0 for next week's teaser.

Does KMGH ever pass through 5.1 from ABC? (I just got Comcast yesterday, so until then KMGH didn't even exist for me.)

Well yeah, thats what we're talking about here. They've had issues whenever they've passed 5.1 like on MNF and NYPD Blue to name a couple shows.. for a long time.

If you're saying LOST wasnt beng sent out in 5.1 the whole time for whatever reason, that would probably explain why there wasnt a lot of dropouts for those that didnt notice any.

KMGH took their DD encoder offline last night until the end of the 3rd commercial break, and then put it back online. While the encoder was offline, there were no audio dropouts at all, although the audio was DD2.0. After the encoder was put back online, I counted 3 dropouts in the last 7 minutes of the show.

Here's the message that Rick send me this morning, replying to my report from last night and Tuesday night:

Thanks Mark, we purposely aired the first part of last nights program from a different source that did not include 5.1. We are having an issue with re encoding the 5.1 unfortunately the problem will take a while to resolve.

Rick

Bottom line, though, is that I'd much prefer to have clean DD2.0 audio than DD5.1 audio that drops out every 90 seconds.

Originally posted by markdl

Bottom line, though, is that I'd much prefer to have clean DD2.0 audio than DD5.1 audio that drops out every 90 seconds. [/B]

You got that right.

Works for me. MNF in DD 2.0 is much better than 5.1 with dropouts.

I just spoke with a CSR that said she heard that Aspen/Vail are getting 6208's in October. The Metro area is still "possible" for November/December.

If this is true, why Aspen/Vail? I would think these would be difficult areas in which to support a new release.

Anyone heard this or something different?

The last thing I heard is they are going to skip the 6208 altogether & go with 6412's in the Denver area. I don't really expect it untill next summer some time IMHO. As far as the Vail/Aspen area. With all the big media/entertainment people that own homes up there, it does not surprise me in the least.

Is there any word on WBHD in the Denver area? I have heard others having it on comcast, but not necessarily in denver.

So I emailed WB2 to see when the WB would be broadcast in HD via Comcast and twelve minutes later they responded...

"We have been trying to get Comcast to provide WB2 as an HD source since we went on air with our HD signal last November. They have been very difficult to work with and have only been willing to deal with the major stations, ABC, NBC,CBS. We have almost reached an agreement and may be on as soon as November of this year but are guaranteed to be on no later than July of next year. It has been a difficult time for us in dealing with Comcast and the HD signal is not the only issue we have with them. I would strongly suggest contacting the people at Comcast and state your displeasure that they are not carrying WB2 on their HD system.



Thanks!!

Dave Martinez

Engineering Maintenance Supervisor

WB2/KWGN-TV

(303) 740-2860 direct

(303) 796-3738 fax

(720) 635-9436 cell

damartinez@wb2.com"

Originally posted by cadeucsb
So I emailed WB2 to see when the WB would be broadcast in HD via Comcast and twelve minutes later they responded...


Well, that's very interesting. I wonder what the problem could be? I would have thought that Comcast would have grabbed it in a minute. Tribune Company owns KWGN as well as many other WB and Fox network stations (also one ABC and WGN). Have they been one of the companies that are demanding payment for HD carriage? I'm think that WGN HD is not available on any Comcast system (maybe in Chicago).

When he says it is "guaranteed" that Comcast will pick up the signal by July of next year, that indicates to me that Comcast has the option to put it in its lineup now but is not required to do so. In other words, the contract between Tribune and Comcast does not require WB HD carriage until July 2005 but Comcast could put it on now if it wanted.

Do you still have plenty of bandwidth left for new HD channels?

Keeping WB comments to myself... ;)

A few months ago someone here mentioned that they were moving to LoDo and wanted to know how the OTA reception was. If you're reading this - how is it? I'm moving there in a month, and the place I'm moving to only allows D*. I'm really not looking forward to switching back. I'll check with the OTA thread too.

Regarding availability of the Motorola DVR, a Comcast CSR just confirmed to me that it is a 2 tuner 120 Gig model, which infers the 6412. He said they were expecting a Jan 1 'guaranteed' release, but internally shooting for Dec 1. He also said it would be a $5 add on if you already subscribe to the HD service.

$5 extra for the 6412 sounds like a great deal to me. I was under the impression that Comcast was charging subscribers elsewhere $10 per month for the single-tuner version. I would be pretty hesitant at that price, but $5 for dual tuners will work for me. Let's hope this CSR is right.

i got comcast and almost none of the HD content is in DD 5.1, is this normal? if i got it OTA would it also just be in DD 2.0? i thought my receiver was broken since nothing ever showed up in DD but i called and they basically told me that almost nothing except the premium channels, which i dont get, are in DD 5.1

You should be getting at least all of the Fox primetime network programming, most of the live CBS events, and certain Discovery HD Theater and inHD programs in 5.1. If you're not even getting that much you may need to adjust your audio settings in the Motorola box.

The lack of 5.1 on ABC and NBC is both OTA and on Comcast...

ABC primetime HD programming SHOULD be in 5.1, but KMGH stopped passing it a few weeks ago due to a problem with their encoder. I was hoping they'd have it back online by now, but no such luck.

NBC primetime HD 5.1 isn't being passed by KUSA either, and my email asking about it was ignored.

I found the 5.1 broadcasts vary from show to show...and week to week. Sometimes the "big 3" broadcast a show in 5.1 one week and DD (2.0?) the next.

FOX seems to be the most consistent, particularly with their NFL and MLB broadcasts. Nothing like crowd noise coming in from the corners and dialogue from the front.

Ken

Originally posted by yahoojames
Regarding availability of the Motorola DVR, a Comcast CSR just confirmed to me that it is a 2 tuner 120 Gig model, which infers the 6412. He said they were expecting a Jan 1 'guaranteed' release, but internally shooting for Dec 1. He also said it would be a $5 add on if you already subscribe to the HD service.

Anyone know what kinds of outputs this will have? DVI? HDMI?

Originally posted by Your User Name:
Anyone know what kinds of outputs this will have? DVI? HDMI?

Motorola's web site has some information about the 6412, although there are no guarantees that Comcast will have all outputs enabled (the DVI on the 5100 did not work until a firmware upgrade this spring, and I don't know if ethernet or USB have ever been enabled). From the back panel image on the 6412, I see USB, firewire, ethernet, and DVI. No mention of HDMI. I would assume that DVI will be enabled, as it is now, but I'm not sure if Comcast will start out with firewire enabled or not.

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6412.asp

Well, I called again today. I called twice and two different CSR's told me "some time in Q1". So I guess the date has slipped again.

In the 6214 rollout thread the following was posted:

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by stevehof
During Comcast Corporation's Q3 2004 Earnings Conference Call on October 27, company executives told the investment community that the dual tuner DVR "is now available on all our markets."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Seems like Comcast Executives are feeding the investor community a line...

Does anyone know what the hold up is?

This is really frustrating! I droped Dish a year ago because DVR's were coming soon with Comcast.

Let me tell you a little story. I am an HDTV newbie, trying to figure out what HD content is available and makes the most sense for me. Please let me know if my understanding of Comcast HD cable is correct:

I have an HDTV on order. I currently have Comcast Very Basic cable, the $14 a month version. I went out to Comcast's website to see what was available for HD content. After about an hour on their website I was thoroughly convinced (misled?) that the only way to get HD content was by getting digital cable, which runs IIRC $45+ month.

I then learned from one of the friendly folks over on the Denver-OTA thread that you don't need digital cable in order to get HD content. While Comcast doesn't advertise it, they are required by the FCC to provide available HD content on the local channels. All I would need is a rentable STB for about $8/month.

The HDTV I have on order has an integrated QAM tuner. So, as long as my QAM tuner is compatible, I should be able to pick up HD content with my existing Very Basic Cable and no special set top box (and no additional charges!). All I should have to do is call Comcast and tell them to enable HD content on my account, and I'll then get a few stations in the 600s that will be HD NBC, CBS, etc.

Does this sound about right? Anything else I should be doing? How long does it take Comcast to enable the HD content on cable? Should I have them do it now, so it's all ready when the TV arrives?

Thanks!
dsr

You may not need to do anything to get ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and Fox on your QAM tuner. Since FCC rules require them to provide HD for the locals for free, you should be able to plug and play. Whether that actually works is to be determined by you, but I hope it would be that simple. Comcast's HD channels start at 652 for ABC (SHO and HBO are 650 and 651, but you wouldn't receive those anyway). You also would not get Cinemax, Starz, Discovery, InHD 1 and 2 (no great loss) and ESPN. The latter is the only one that a lot of people would miss. Please let us know how this works. When do you expect to receive your TV?

Speaking of having to pay for a bunch of stuff a person might not want, I'm not sure alot of people understand that you can get Digital Classic added on top of just Basic Cable for 9.95 extra.

So for the 13.44 for Basic cable, plus the 5.00 for the HD STB rental and 9.95 for Digital Classic you get not only all the Locals but Discovery HD, the 2 InHD's and ESPN HD. Without paying the extra 20.00 or 25.00 that some more "complete" Digital package might cost. This way you're still under 30.00 a month.

Now this may not matter to dsr if he really has no interest in those other 4 channels although theres some pretty decent HD content on there, if albeit repetitive, that would look really great on that new tv. The true HD video eye candy as opposed to so much of the primetime Network HD thats just transferred from film (which is still really great of course but not really meant to give you that "looking out the window" effect). Even if you only subbed for a month or 2 before cancelling because you found that you really just didnt watch them. I know I'd never spend the bucks on an HDTV to limit myself to only the Networks in HD, even though admittedly I watch alot of the Networks fare.. but thats just me.

Thanks for the feedback gakon and Dp1. That's good info you can get Digital Classic on top of basic cable. Hmmmm, I may need to try that.

I should get my TV by end of month -- it's the new Toshiba DLP 62HM94 at which point a mysterious sickness should keep me home from work for a couple days as I fiddle with the set. Gotta use those sick days sometime!

I'll post when I get the set and let you know if I plug in the cable and BAM - HD channels are ready to go.

I am soooo glad I spent a lttle time on these forums and figured out that I don't need digital cable to get HD. I was ready to go buy and mount an antenna - while keeping my basic cable - to get the networks HD. And problaby suffer the wrath of the Home Owners Association. ;)

dsr

Hello all,

So if I'm understanding Dan's post correctly, you can get HD locals and Comcast's HD pack equivalent for approx $28/month--much better than what I currently get from D* for Total choice plus HD pack.

So here's my question: if I also give Comcast my D* dish ($25 credit/month x ?16 months)--will my total bill be approx $3/month for the next year or so? Furthermore, since I also have Comcast Cable internet ($10 credit/month), would this make my TV service effectively free?

If this is the case, once Comcast has a DVR service in our area, I think I will have to switch.

Thanks for your input,
N

Originally posted by N123

So here's my question: if I also give Comcast my D* dish ($25 credit/month x ?16 months)--will my total bill be approx $3/month for the next year or so? Furthermore, since I also have Comcast Cable internet ($10 credit/month), would this make my TV service effectively free?


I'd say thats prolly one of those "nice try" type things. I would imagine that the dish credit isnt valid without subbing to some sort of full ride... at least say Digital Silver which is like 65.00 or whatever a month. Then theres Gold and Platinum which cost even more.

Originally posted by gakon
You may not need to do anything to get ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and Fox on your QAM tuner. Since FCC rules require them to provide HD for the locals for free, you should be able to plug and play. Whether that actually works is to be determined by you, but I hope it would be that simple. Comcast's HD channels start at 652 for ABC (SHO and HBO are 650 and 651, but you wouldn't receive those anyway). You also would not get Cinemax, Starz, Discovery, InHD 1 and 2 (no great loss) and ESPN. The latter is the only one that a lot of people would miss. Please let us know how this works. When do you expect to receive your TV?
I subscribe to Comcast Analog (enhanced basic or some such stuff) and my QAM tuner receives the HD locals, as follows: KCNC-DT: 18-1, KDVR-DT: 90-1, KUSA-DT: 91-1, KRMA-DT: 91-2, and KMGH-DT: 119-1. There is no program guide, and the other "premium" content is scrambled. There are a few other SD things you can get, but it switches around often and isn't usually very interesting. The biggest issue I have is that there are frequent drop outs and other signal instability issues, and I cannot call Comcast for them to fix it (the problem is with my tuner, yadda yadda yadda). But I just don't have room right now for for the Motorola STB.

Originally posted by HDJello
I subscribe to Comcast Analog (enhanced basic or some such stuff) and my QAM tuner receives the HD locals, as follows: KCNC-DT: 18-1, KDVR-DT: 90-1, KUSA-DT: 91-1, KRMA-DT: 91-2, and KMGH-DT: 119-1. There is no program guide, and the other "premium" content is scrambled. There are a few other SD things you can get, but it switches around often and isn't usually very interesting. The biggest issue I have is that there are frequent drop outs and other signal instability issues, and I cannot call Comcast for them to fix it (the problem is with my tuner, yadda yadda yadda). But I just don't have room right now for for the Motorola STB.

If I remember right, someone said if the line going into your house from the main line is old, it's not good enough to pass the high band width for HD or broad band.

Originally posted by HDJello
I subscribe to Comcast Analog (enhanced basic or some such stuff) and my QAM tuner receives the HD locals, as follows: KCNC-DT: 18-1, KDVR-DT: 90-1, KUSA-DT: 91-1, KRMA-DT: 91-2, and KMGH-DT: 119-1. There is no program guide, and the other "premium" content is scrambled. There are a few other SD things you can get, but it switches around often and isn't usually very interesting. The biggest issue I have is that there are frequent drop outs and other signal instability issues, and I cannot call Comcast for them to fix it (the problem is with my tuner, yadda yadda yadda). But I just don't have room right now for for the Motorola STB.

Hi my first post here... Thanks for the info, but unfortunatly this isn't working for me, I hope it's not something I'm doing wrong. I have a Samsung TX-P2675WHD with a built in QAM tuner. When I scan for HD with the Atenna it finds all but channel 7, appears to remap them fine. I scan the cable channels, tell it to use QAM and it finds no digital channels. I would like to recieve the locals like you are as the digital cable is expensive. Could I be doing something wrong? I live near park meadows mall... Thanks in advance!

Anyone check on 6412 availability in Denver lately? I started following the 6412 thread and I'm getting seriously jealous :D

One poster over there indicated 1Q05, wonder if anyone got a better answer.

Ken

Oops never mind, scrolled back a coupla pages. Sorry!

Not sure what the hold-up is in Denver. I can't seem to get any information.

It appears that all the other major markets either have the 6208, 6412 or will have the 6412 sometime in November or December.

Doesn't seem to be much outcry in Denver though. Maybe this market isn't as thirsty as others are for the DVR and therefore Comcast isn't in as much of a hurry to roll out here.

Having had a Dish PVR, I'll say it truly does change the way you watch TV and makes things sooo much easier...

Some people on this thread took to writing to KMGH a short while ago, and we started hearing some positive feedback, and not too long thereafter saw KMGH on Comcast. Of course, these letters were probably the least contributing factor to that event, but at least it made some of us feel like we helped.
However, I don't think there's anyone at Comcast to write to like there is at KMGH. Every time I've used their email link for feedback, I get a canned response that sometimes is only barely related to my original question or comment. It's not just the 6412 issue - it's the addition of WB2 and existing cable HD channels like TNT and Bravo. It seems like they're always in negotiations - their lawyers must make a killing. I can understand Comcast's position on Altitude, since that channel's bargaining power was reduced significantly with the hockey lockout and it wouldn't be in HD anyway, but I have no idea why they wouldn't provide at least all available local channels, especially since KWGN seems to be pretty willing to allow Comcast to carry their signal.

kkelley - what's the 6412 thread url? I'd like to read up on it before I call a CSR to complain. It won't be much of an outcry, but it will make me feel better.

FYI, Altitude sports in now being carried on Comcast channel 25.

Originally posted by raffin
FYI, Altitude sports in now being carried on Comcast channel 25.

Now if there was only some NHL . . .

Even though it will be interrupted by commercials, it would have been nice to see LOTR in HD tonight (WB2). Most times I'm not jealous of the OTA folks. I'm definitely calling to complain tomorrow.

Sorry if this has already been asked... Anyone heard roomers (or facts) about whether or when Altitude Sports will be In HD?

-Tim

There was a post in the OTA thread that mentioned it would be about 18 months. That's a long time for some of us.

http://www.altitude.tv/news/newsDetails.aspx?NID=59

I called to complain to Comcast about not having KWGN in HD. The CSR opened a report for me (whatever that means). I encourage others on this thread to do the same. While on the line, I also bugged her about the 6412's, and got the same story (we hope to have them by the end of the year). It sounds like availability might be an issue. She said they would be going to training on them in the next couple of weeks, so that's a good sign.

Finally, I typically ignore most of the HD advertisements, but SoundTrack's ad during LOTR just bugs me. I HAVE an HDTV (from SoundTrack) - and LOTR still looks a little too warm and fuzzy. If only I could receive KWGN in HD, maybe that would help. I think I'll call Dave Workman, too.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Thanks gakon,

Here's the salient quote from that link:

CED: High-definition TV is gaining momentum, and in the next few years, will be a mainstream offering by service providers. How is Altitude preparing for HD and will the network launch with any type of HD programming?

ALTITUDE: HD has huge potential for us, but we felt it just wasn’t necessary for our launch. We will be prepared to deliver HD when our distribution affiliates are in a position to take and distribute our events to their customers. It’s definitely coming, and affiliates are asking us to be ready for it. We’ve purchased the switchers, routers and audio equipment that can grow into the HD component at Crown Media, where we will eventually build an HD island. It costs 30 to 40 percent more than standard definition, so it’s a financial commitment, but we’re planning on offering HD service in about 18 months. Until then, we will speak to the masses and will launch with standard definition service.

What Tom Philand (VP? at Altitude) told me was that nobody (meaning the carriers, who are the ones who actually pay Altitude for coverage) was asking for an HD channel, so they aren't making one. Once they have the demand (from Comcast, D*, and E*) for an HD channel, he thinks they can be up an running within a matter of months.

Chicken, meet the egg.

I spoke with Comcast today and they said (RE: HD) "it's up to them, if they broadcast in HD we'll pass it on." This is probably true, IMO. The onus is on Altitude Sports. Just because Comcast is not begging for HD, doesn't mean they wouldn't effectively be obligated to offer it, should Altitude Sports broadcast that way.

-Tim

And thus my comment about the chicken and the egg.

Comcast will offer it if Altitude makes it.
Altitude will offer it if Comcast demands (and pays for) it.

Originally posted by gakon

kkelley - what's the 6412 thread url? I'd like to read up on it before I call a CSR to complain. It won't be much of an outcry, but it will make me feel better.

gakon, here you go 6412 roll out thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=455705&perpage=20&pagenumber=1)

I asked for an email address so that I could provide feedback. The CSR put me on hold for about 5 minutes and then came back with they don't accept external emails because of virus' and such...

Hey all. Glad to be here. So I'm loving my new 50V500, and decided to utilize Comcast for local HDTV broadcasts in Denver. I'm currently subscribed to Comcast HSI, and plugged that signal into my LG3510 and am able to pick up KDVR-DT 90-1, KUSA-DT 91-1, and KRMA-DT 91-2. But I am not getting a signal for KCNC 18-1, and a VERY weak signal for KMGH-DT 119-1 (so weak that it's unwatchable). I'm getting ready to call Comcast to get an official subscription to their basic locals package... but I'm hesitant that an official subscription will fix my problem of not being able to get CBS and ABC signals.

Any thoughts?

Originally posted by MileHighAko
Hey all. Glad to be here. So I'm loving my new 50V500, and decided to utilize Comcast for local HDTV broadcasts in Denver. I'm currently subscribed to Comcast HSI, and plugged that signal into my LG3510 and am able to pick up KDVR-DT 90-1, KUSA-DT 91-1, and KRMA-DT 91-2. But I am not getting a signal for KCNC 18-1, and a VERY weak signal for KMGH-DT 119-1 (so weak that it's unwatchable). I'm getting ready to call Comcast to get an official subscription to their basic locals package... but I'm hesitant that an official subscription will fix my problem of not being able to get CBS and ABC signals.

Any thoughts?

When you subscribe to Internet only, Comcast installs a filter that blocks most (but not all) of the channels. If you subscribe to Basic Cable they'll remove the filter, and you SHOULD be able to receive the other unscrambled channels, but there's no guarantee.

To find out for sure, you can try it out risk-free. Just call and ask for one of their "3 months free" offers with free installation. If it works, with the $10 discount off the Internet service, your bill will only go up by a few dollars each month. If it doesn't work, you can either rent the converter or cancel the Basic service before you start being charged.

Originally posted by jalpert
Hi my first post here... Thanks for the info, but unfortunatly this isn't working for me, I hope it's not something I'm doing wrong. I have a Samsung TX-P2675WHD with a built in QAM tuner. When I scan for HD with the Atenna it finds all but channel 7, appears to remap them fine. I scan the cable channels, tell it to use QAM and it finds no digital channels. I would like to recieve the locals like you are as the digital cable is expensive. Could I be doing something wrong? I live near park meadows mall... Thanks in advance!
I'm sorry I didn't see your post sooner, or I would have replied sooner. Anyway, I know very little about your particular set-up. My QAM tuner is an LG3100A (OTA ATSC + QAM only). There are some considerations, however:
The channels 14 and higher are different between OTA and Cable. There may be a setting separate from the ATSC vs. QAM that you need to set to tell it to go to Cable frequencies. This would be stupid since there is no OTA QAM (that I am aware of) but you never know.
There are some different cable modulation setings, which, IIRC, are normal, IRC, and FRC. I have mine set to normal.
There might be a separate coax input for Cable vs. OTA.

You would probably have to check the manual on these things.

Just found this so I thought you guys might be interested. (It's about Comcast launching DVR in the Vail area.):

http://www.vaildaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041026/NEWS/110260002

Is Vail and surrounding area part of the Denver "designated market area" or does it have its own area? (If its local stations are the Denver stations, then it is probably part of the Denver DMA.)

Just got my HDTV w/built in QAM tuner and thought I'd share my results. I have basic ($14/month) cable, no STB - just picking up HD off the QAM tuner.

Here's what I'm currently seeing for HD broadcast. Thanks HDJello for your post earlier - it really helped me find these stations (which are oddly slightly different than you).
18-2 CBS
90-2 Fox
91-1 PBS
91-2 NBC
119-1 ABC

In addition to this, I was able to pick up a whole bunch of Music Choice stations in the 84s and 86s, as well as other assorted junk.

Over the last couple days I've picked up random movies on 114-1 through 114-4. Today Boogie Nights was on from about 11-1. I don't know what these stations are - most of the time there's no signal, and if a movie is playing on one of these, the signal goes dead as soon as the movie ends. Strange. Anyone else seen anything like this?

This TV is also has an integrated TV guide, but it hasn't populated yet. It will be interesting to see how well that works. I kinda doubt it will understand my HD channels.

dsr

Originally posted by AkaStp
Hi. you mentioned this to me over in the Denver OTA Pt. 3 thread. I looked it up on Comcast's web site but it states $35 (sales price which goes up to $45 after a couple of months) for digital classic, not $9.95. Where did you find the $9.95 price?

Well in essence it would be 45 ish simply because if you're talking about Standard cable vs Basic cable (38.00 vs.13.50), if you add the 9.95 to the 38.00 it comes out to 48.00 or whatever. But the thing is you can add Digital Classic to the Basic cable price of 13.50 although it may not say so in their literature. Digital Classic is just the low end digital cable add-on. You just have to apparently talk to the right CSR to set it up with Basic cable.

And for just the Locals in HD you dont have to have Digital Classic anyway. Thats just to get the ESPN's and InHD's in HD. Otherwise with just Basic Cable and their HD STB (13.44 plus 6.75 for the rental*) you can get the HD Locals.

* the rental is like 6.75 without Digital Classic, only 5.00 if you have DC.

With that said, I'm still not sure why a person would go buy a QAM tuner solely for this purpose. Yes you'd be saving the rental fee's every month but depending on the cost of the tuner it'd take quite awhile to even out. You'll prolly have HD Locals available to you from D* ( to hear D* tell it) before you'd ever break even. Even 2.5 years of rental fees would "only" be around 2 hundred bucks.

In any event the LG QAM tuners like the one HDJello mentioned above seem to be popular standalone units for a purpose like this..

Well if you're worried about commitments, theres more good news.. there wont be any. Whatever you do it can be month to month. When it comes to adding on the Digital Classic, like I say, in the HD realm all that'd get you is Discovery HD and ESPN HD (which you're already getting from D* if you have their HD Pack) and the 2 InHD's. Now those InHD's have some eye candy on them to be sure, but theres alot of repititon. Still though you might give it a whirl for a month just to see some of it and then if you think it isnt worth the extra 10.00 a month go ahead and cancel that add-on and still get just the Locals in HD.

Another thing you could do if you happen to like HD movie channels (not sure if you sub to like HBO/SHO from D*) is get Starz! on Comcast for their HD channel as another ala-carte add-on. Or Cinemax HD for that matter. Be prepared to pay a little more for the movie packs on Comcast compared to D* though. They run like 15.00 a month each I think. But hey, D* doesnt offer those channels at all. Thats one of the reasons I moved most of my programming from DBS over to Comcast. I still keep the HD Pack from E* because I can buy it ala carte and that gives me the HDNets and TNT-HD which Comcast doesnt offer.

Anyway.. good luck! :)

Theres re-mapping. But read HDJello's post's on using the LG QAM tuner on the page previous to this one and his follow up on this one. He talks about how it works and the quirks he encounters.

If you're into the HTPC scene, you could use a PC-based QAM tuner to make a PVR. One hangup at the moment is that Windows XP MCE 2005 doesn't have drivers for the Fusion III card yet. That will come though.

I am in Littleton and get the following stations thru the QAM tuner and standard cable. My CBS is coming through on 18-2. What channel did you find the 2nd ABC and the ESPN classics on?

18-2 CBS
90-2 Fox
91-1 PBS
91-2 NBC
119-1 ABC

Originally posted by AkaStp
Just for the heck of it I borrowed a LG-3510 QAM receiver (with DVD) today. I was able to receive KDVR-DT (Fox) on 90-1, KUSA-DT (NBC) on 91-1, KRMA-DT (PBS) on 91-2 and KMGH-DT (ABC) on 119-1. Plus, a smattering of other stuff: Gospel, ESPN Classis, a second ABC 7, HBO (sporadic). But, most importantly, I could not find KCNC-DT (CBS) anywhere, not even on 18-1. Where should I be able to find it? I also could not find WB or UPN anywhere. Where should they be? I have Comcast Standard cable.
KCNC-DT is on 18-1 on my setup. dsr15 reported seeing it on 18-2. I suspect there may be a numbering mismatch, between his tuner and mine, which may be a vaguery in the standard that really doesn't matter, or it could be a different modulation in a different part of town.

The so-called second ABC-7 is a news-only feed, which was part of a deal to renegotiate the KMGH local analog carriage in late 12/2002. There is other junk; I don't recall ever seeing ESPN-classics but I haven't rescanned in a long time (since KMGH-DT was added) and the non-HD stuff seems to move around.

WB (KWGN-DT) is not currently being carried, and UPN (KTVD-DT) isn't even broadcasting OTA, never mind on cable.

I also cannot pick up CBS on my LG-3510 here in Highlands Ranch. I got it for about 2 hours a week ago, but it's never been back. I'm very sad. I do NOT want another STB sitting around, that's why I bouht the LG-3510 in the first place. I'd like it to be the ONLY box connected to my TV besides my sound receiver.

I'm on Comcast standard cable as well.

Received an interesting letter from Comcast over the weekend:

Hopefully you have been enjoying our sneak preview of the HDTV channels listed below. The sneak preview of these HDTV channels will no longer be available on or around December 14, 2004.

<snip>

In order to receive Discovery, INHD1, INHD2, and ESPN HD you must subscribe to our Standard Cable Service.

Does this mean that Lifeline + Digital Classic will no longer be enough to get the scrambled HD channels? I already get Discovery & ESPN on D*, but losing the INHDs will be a drag.

If this is the case I'll drop to just Lifeline w/ the HD converter rental. Does that mean I'll also lose OnDemand?

Hurry up and get this tower built so I can put the "cable pig" back into the barn where it belongs!

Hello all!

For anyone interested in attending, we have arranged to get two new projectors for a mini-shootout this weekend - the SIM HT300E plus a JVC HX2. For anyone interested in front projection, you might come check these out - the SIM features the latest HD2 chip from TI, the Dark Chip 3, and the JVC features much improved contrast over previous DILA projectors. As always, we will be showing these without any kind of sales pitch for anyone who wants to see them.

The shootout will be held at my new home/showroom on the north end of Colorado Springs, at Gleneagle and I-25. I point this out because it is only about 25 minutes from south Denver, making it a short drive for any Denver AVS'ers.

We will also have my regular demos, the Screenplay 7205 and 4805, there to compare as well.

Right now we are scheduled for Saturday afternoon, between 2-5 pm.

We are very excited about both of these pieces - the SIM looked great at CEDIA, and we were impressed with the limited look we got at the HX-2 last week at our Denver distributor.

Sorry about the short notice, but we just got notification that we could get these and did not want to conflict with everyone's Thanksgiving plans!

Please contact me at the number/e-mail below if interested in attending.

Thanks!

John

Does anyone have a TV or other component that uses TV Guide On Screen? My new TV (Toshiba 62HM94) has an integrated TV Guide On Screen feature. You enter your zip code (80123) and your source (cable) and within 6-12 hours it should populate an integrated TV Guide feature, kinda like Tivo, that shows you your channels and what is playing for the next week or so.

I'm wondering if anyone around Denver has had success with this? It's not working with my TV. I have Comcast basic cable, no STB. I pick up HD channels through the integrated QAM tuner. According to Toshiba it should work, but it is not for me.

tx,
dsr

Did anybody else get a letter from Comcast today saying that they were switching to a new improved on-screen program guide? The letter came with a pamphlet explaining how to use the new guide, which appears to look alot more like DirecTV's on screen guide. This is long overdue. Oddly, the letter did not say when exactly the new guide would appear, only saying it would be implemented soon. I called customer service, and they only said it would be soon as well.

Does anybody have any insider info as to when this will really occur?

Brett

Originally posted by brhow
Did anybody else get a letter from Comcast today saying that they were switching to a new improved on-screen program guide?

Does anybody have any insider info as to when this will really occur?

Brett

That's great news! If this rolls out like VOD did then we might see the new guide when we get home tonight. If not, I'll bet we will see it with in a few days at the latest.

Hopefully, this is a sign the the 6412 is coming soon...

Motorola 6200.

Hi gang!
I was curious if the 5.1 problems that KMGH was having in any way related to the ESPN-HD feed, which I also do not get in 5.1. After watching the Packers and the Vikings on Fox in 5.1 last Sunday, MNF and ESPN Sunday Night games kinda suck in 2.0.

Also, are all the Bronco games on KCNC on Comcast fed in 5.1? Sorry, I just got the service last week. Thanks!

Akastp - the 6200 has a DVI connector. Comcast does not provide the cable. The 6200 does have digital audio output (not sure if it's both optical and coax or just one).

----------------------
the 6200 has a DVI connector. Comcast does not provide the cable. The 6200 does have digital audio output (not sure if it's both optical and coax or just one)
----------------------

It has optical and coax.

Anybody know anything about the new guide on Comcast? I got the brochure yesterday, but it didn't say exactly when it would arrive (usually, Comcast's marketing starts weeks after I've got the product). Are they rolling this out slowly in different areas? Has anybody used it yet?

From the brochure, it looks to be much better than the current guide.

Tim

Originally posted by brhow
Did anybody else get a letter from Comcast today saying that they were switching to a new improved on-screen program guide? The letter came with a pamphlet explaining how to use the new guide, which appears to look alot more like DirecTV's on screen guide. This is long overdue. Oddly, the letter did not say when exactly the new guide would appear, only saying it would be implemented soon. I called customer service, and they only said it would be soon as well.

Does anybody have any insider info as to when this will really occur?

Brett

Is it the Microsoft version mentioned here?

*********************************
Tuesday, November 09, 2004, 12:00 a.m. Pacific

Comcast deal gives Microsoft entry into cable TV

By Kim Peterson
Seattle Times technology reporter

Comcast is giving Microsoft something the software giant has struggled to get on its own: an easy way to expand from the desktop computer to the home-entertainment center.

The two companies announced yesterday that on Monday they will begin offering Microsoft's cable-television software to Comcast customers in Washington state, although it will be months before the rollout is complete. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

For Microsoft, the partnership is significant. The Washington deal is the first large-scale deployment in the United States of its TV Foundation Edition software, which includes an interactive channel guide and a set of digital-cable tools that let cable operators upgrade services without swapping out set-top boxes. Up to now, only two small cable operators in Oregon were using the Foundation software.

Comcast also said that on Monday it will launch new cable boxes in Washington equipped with a dual-tuner digital video-recording system, which allows a user to pause and rewind live television broadcasts and record programs. Those boxes also run on Microsoft's software.

Those who want to use Comcast's digital video recorder can begin doing so Monday, although they must switch to new Motorola set-top boxes that can handle the service. They will have to pay an extra monthly fee as well — $5 for high-definition cable customers and $10 for digital-cable customers.

The service is similar to that offered by TiVo, the company that made a name for itself as an early entrant into the digital video-recorder market. By comparison, TiVo charges $13 per month, or a $299 one-time flat fee, for a package that includes digital video recording and other features.

Comcast customers who don't want the digital video recorder can still use the interactive channel guide from Microsoft instead of the current guide, which is from Gemstar. Comcast plans to roll out the guide next month to its high-definition-cable customers and early next year to its digital-cable customers.

Employees from both companies have been testing the services in the Puget Sound area for months.

"This is going to fundamentally change people's perspective on television," said Moshe Lichtman, corporate vice president of Microsoft's television division.

Microsoft has spent years trying to break into the cable industry. It invested $5 billion in AT&T in 1999 with the intent of developing advanced interactive-television software for set-top boxes. AT&T would later scale back the project in favor of less expensive technology. Microsoft's $2.6 billion investment in U.K. cable operator Telewest Communications also failed to live up to expectations.

Microsoft "has been kept out of the living room and sequestered to the home office," said Greg Gorbatenko, a cable and telecommunications analyst with Marquis Investment Research. "It wants to be part of the growing appetite for content."

The company has long talked about its vision of a connected home, where people can view photos, listen to music and access the Internet from their television sets. The deal with Comcast doesn't accomplish any of those things, but it gives Microsoft a point to work from.

Microsoft's technology could help Comcast increase its digital-cable subscriber base and its sales, particularly because the software is designed to heavily promote on-demand programs that are available for an extra charge. The company is building a vast library of free and pay-per-view programs immediately available for viewing.

Comcast bought 5 million licenses of Microsoft's Foundation software, which it could deploy across its base of 21 million subscribers.

It has 1.1 million cable customers in Washington, and fewer than half of those use the company's digital-cable and Internet products.

I'm pretty sure that Comcast is only using the Microsoft guide as a test in the Seattle market. Everywhere else is getting iGuide (I think).

Anyone heard if our friends at Comcast are going to pass along the HD broadcasts of the Nuggets games offered by Altitude Sports?

http://www.altitude.tv/news/newsDetails.aspx?NID=64

Does anybody know why the HD NBA game on INHD is blacked out? This used to be an issue, but then last year Comcast signed with NBA-TV, and the games appeared on INHD. This is the first time I have tried to check this year, and it is blacked out. What gives?

And when is that new on-screen program guide actually going to appear?

Brett

Since it was LAL-New Orleans I can't imagine why it would be blacked out in Colorado. Kobe? No, the trial is over. Being shown locally on SD? I wouldn't think so.

I watched it on INHD in Baltimore.

Rich N.

I wasn't able to tune into InHD1 or 2 all day long so I'm not sure that it was a blackout of just the NBA game.


Anyone have a scoop on when we'll see the Moto 6412 in the Denver area?

Kirkdig,

Just got off the phone with a CSR for Denver. The latest info that they were given this week is that us red-headed stepchildren are not worthy of the DVR until the 1st quarter of 2005.

(I'm sorry, did I sound bitter there?)

I'm glad to hear that someone else is ticked off about this. Has anyone gotten any other reason than "they are testing"?

If you look at the deployed ares listed on the 6412 thread, It doesn't look like there are any other major areas left to deploy to...

Remember when we were the Cable Capital of the World? Is that a distant memory or what...???

Go figure, that after my post above I get to leave this one.

I just called for the heck of it. The CSR I spoke with said she just got out of a meeting regarding the release of the 6412's in Denver. She said they are taking orders and setting installs on December 7th.

In the meantime, they are to take names of folks inquiring about DVR's and are to call back to those folks on the 7th to set-up install appointments. For now, they are only taking orders for Comcast installs. At a later date, they will allow self-installs.

She also said that Denver is getting 10,000 units in the first shipment.

I hope this is accurate. I guess we'll see!

Kkelly,

My bitter post was a matter of bad timing. I just got on that 'list' you mentioned and was told that the CSR's were trained on the DVR product yesterday. While I did not get the 12/7 date, the CSR did mention that their release was scheduled for some time in early December. Now I'm not feeling so bitter after all....

I just called and reached a CSR who is scheduled for training on the 6412 in an hour. He wasn't aware of a "wait list" or anything of the sort, but said he'd take my name down and add to whatever list he learns of in his training. I'm not holding my breath -- I'll call back in a day or two.

Great, now someone please refresh my memory. What is the minimum to get a DVR? I know you don't have to subscribe to digital to get the HD rec. but what about the DVR. I have Voom & will not cancel & don't want Comcast digital unless I have too.

I am on the phone with a CSR as I write this and according to her they will launch next week. However, there are already 2000+ people on the list to receive them and right now this market only has 2000 units in stock. There is a shipment of 6000 more than should have been delivered last Friday and now should be here any time.

She offered to put me on the wait list but then had to go find out how to do that. The CSR said that they would call me when they were made available but also told me to check back often as I may get it sooner that way than by waiting for a call from them.

Hopefully this will be an early Christmas present...

Clint

Jeepers! It took me 4 calls to 4 seperate CSRs at Comcast but I finally got someone to put me on a waiting list for the new box (or at least he told me he was putting me on a list). One rep was a little peved at me for even asking. The CSR that I spoke with said the he expected the boxes with the next week or so. Here's hoping!

They already had a list of 2000 people. When the hell did they start this list? This is the first time I've ever heard of a waiting list & there is NO WAY they could have signed up 2000 people already since this morning is the first we've heard of the Dec. 7 date.

I kind of wondered how on earth they got that many people signed up. Having worked there at one point in my life I know that they have "friendlies" for each market which are usually friends of employees and such. That could have added some but I doubt it could have been anywhere near 2000 people with HDTV.

Just for reference I got a 7 digit reference number for the form that my CSR filled out, so you may want to request that from them.

Clint

I agree -- something sounds fishy! They've already added 2000 people to a list that many CSRs don't know how to access??? I could imagine 2000 folks on a list of interested parties in DVRs in general, but not HiDef DVRs, like the 6412.

The list I was told about was that as CSRs get requests for DVR they could keep that personally and on the 7th they were going to start calling people on thier list to set-up appointments. She went so far as to give me her extension number to call back if I had questions.

Is there another "master" list?

It seemed to me that the CSR I talked to knew what she was talking about right away with the device itself. As soon as I mentioned the DVR she referred to it as the "dual tuner" DVR.

That call center is pretty chaotic and spread out and it wouldn't surprise me in the least if there was a master list and only half the people there knew about it. I would guess the best bet would be to keep calling until they can actually schedule something in the system for you. I wouldn't be all that surprised if it is first come, first serve even with the list in place.

Got on the DVR list with the first call. The CSR at first told me they were already at the service centers, but then realized I was talking about the 6214's, not the 6100's (I only have a 5100 right now). Got the same story as several of you - quite a few people on the wait list, but over 6000 units are coming, and they'll give you a call. He did recommend calling back in a week or so to double check (make sure I'm still on the list, make sure the release date hasn't moved up, etc...things change all the time). He did give me the seven digit tracking number, too.

Originally posted by Couch Patato
Great, now someone please refresh my memory. What is the minimum to get a DVR? I know you don't have to subscribe to digital to get the HD rec. but what about the DVR. I have Voom & will not cancel & don't want Comcast digital unless I have too.


Well, I'm on the list & have my tracking #. Still my ? is "are those of us that just have basic+ going to have to uprgrade to digital or not?

I just called and got on "the list" the first time also. However this CSR said "beginning of the year" availability. I'm in eastern Boulder county. I specifically asked about the 6412 and that is what she showed on her screen.

If they tell you they're adding you to "the list", have the CSR complete the submission of the form while you are on the phone and at least you'll get a confirmation number. I'm supposed to get called when it's available in my area.

Anyone get an idea of cost? I was quoted 6.95/mo additional, based on my current subscription(s). I already have the Digital Classic pkg, HBO, & the 6200 HD receiver.

woo hoo!

Ken

Originally posted by Couch Patato
Great, now someone please refresh my memory. What is the minimum to get a DVR? I know you don't have to subscribe to digital to get the HD rec. but what about the DVR. I have Voom & will not cancel & don't want Comcast digital unless I have too.
I don't actually know this for a fact, but I would suspect that the Comcast DVR doesn't have a MPEG encoder and rather just saves the digital stream straight to disk. In practical terms, you wouldn't be able to record analog channels, only digital channels.

Motorola's web site offers more information about the 6412 than I understand. Maybe someone can offer up whether this allows analog data to be recorded (I removed several of the features shown on the web site, for brevity):
MPEG-2 digital video processor
PCM, AC-3, Dolby 5.1 Prologic Digital audio capability
ITU standard 64/256 QAM/FEC/enhanced adaptive equalizer
Three 54-860 MHz tuners (two video, one data)
Frequency agile 2.048 Mbps out-of-band data receiver
32 bit, 2-D / 3-D graphics
Analog/digital video scaling (Picture in Graphics)
16 MB Flash, 128 MB DRAM standard unified memory
Clear analog channel processor with BTSC decoder

This statement from the site implies that it can only record digital information:
Decode HDTV signals, record digital and HD programming, and watch them on your schedule...
But shouldn't this cable box be able to record all of the information that passes through it?

Couch - I would just ask a CSR your question. I wouldn't think that you would need to change your level of service to get the DVR for any technical reason, but Comcast may have other reasons.

To all who haven't called Comcast - when you do so, remember to bug the CSR about adding more HD content. There are a lot of channels that they don't carry (including 1 local), and the CSR I spoke with had no information about new channels coming. They need to hear that we want more from them.

I now have a major blue tint to everything that displays from my 6200 box. This just happened last night. When I connect my cable directly to my HDTV, the SD channels come in fine. Its just when I try to display from the STB. I just added high speed cable (switching from DSL) and my modem is dropping all the time now too. I'm in Boulder so is this a local problem or have other folks experienced this.

Originally posted by AkaStp
Is the WB (2-1 via OTA) available in HD on Comcast in our area? If not, has anyone if heard if they plan to add it anytime soon?

No and no. That was the local channel I referred to in the post just prior to yours. An older post suggested that KWGN has been willing to provide their signal to Comcast for quite a while (weeks, if not months now). Obviously, there are negotiation issues, but Comcast may not have much incentive to add them. Another old post mentioned that WB2 would be available by June or Which is why readers of this thread need to make sure they call Comcast to ask them to add more HD channels. I know KWGN (WB2), TNT-HD, and Bravo-HD are out there. There has been talk of some Altitude broadcasts of Nuggets games in HD. And more HD channels will be coming on line shortly (ESPN2). But, as I mentioned, when I spoke with the CSR, he said that he had no information about new HD channels.

Is there an email address or a feedback page that we could flood with requests for more HD content in Denver??? Having formerly worked in customer care I can tell you that most requests for "enhanced functionality" are ignored and not tracked by the CSRs. However, my experience was that they as less likely to delete or ignore electronic submissions.

Comcast in the Denver metro area does offer Cablecards. I was going through the process of getting one a couple of months back, but decided to go with a box to utilize VOD.

Btw, my experience with Comcast is that they will not be too eager in distributing these cards as they can't sell PPV using the cards. At the time they were charging $9.95/month.

As to the second part of your question, I was able to hook up my cable directly to my TV and received a lot of digital and a couple of HD channels. It wasn't too practical for my tastes tho as there was no guide, and the channels were all over the place.

Originally posted by AkaStp
I'be looked around the Motorola web site but can't find a listing for the 6412, just the 6200. Can someone provide a link to the 6412 info, spec sheet or user guide?

http://broadband.motorola.com/dvr/dct6412.asp

Originally posted by Kirkdig
Is there an email address or a feedback page that we could flood with requests for more HD content in Denver???

There is a link from Comcast's web page, but it's geared toward technical issues, not feedback like this. I've written to it before, and gotten "form letter" responses that didn't really address my questions. When talking to a CSR, you can ask them to create a more formal request than just logging the phone call, and I have received written responses (no real action, but at least they recognized the actual request). Not an easy way to flood Comcast with requests, but I think it still serves a purpose.

Originally posted by AkaStp
I have now tried two QAM clear cable HD receivers (LG-3510 and Samsung SIR-T451) and neither of them would get CBS. They did get ABC, NBC, PBS and Fox though. Is CBS perhaps either not available in Lafayette, or is it perhaps not clear cable, or not digital HD, or is there something about my cable that is preventing it getting through? Or what could be the problem? I have standard cable. I did this as a prelude to getting a newer HD TV with a build-in HD cable tuner to see if it will work.
In the past Channel 18 was an analog premium channel (Encore) so it is possible that there is an old analog signal trap on channel 18 at your location. I can't imagine it would be hard for Comcast to remove it, but I'm not sure they would unless you ordered the HD-local-only package from them and the tech needed to figure out why you weren't getting it. Once it was working you could cancel the service and use a QAM tuner like you wanted in the first place. You could always try a service call without ordering and see what they say.

Has anyone heard when the 6412 will be available for pickup and self install?

I'm still waiting for HD cable to come to Summit County. I've told by Comcast it could be very soon. Anyone know anything on this?

The main reason I'm writing, though, is to verify that Altitude Sports is actually in HD, as their commercials are saying???

Thanks
-Tim

No Altitude HD broadcasts in Denver via Comcast yet, sorry...

Alt's first "broadcast" in HD is a Nuggets game this coming Saturday night.

Dont think we've heard anything from Comcast themselves although someone in the Denver OTA thread said they just heard a radio commercial saying the only way to see the Nuggets in HD was on Comcast cable. I imagine they'd just put them on one of the InHD channels whenever they do it at all. We'll see.

Comcast CSR called and scheduled an install of a DVR on 12/9/04. I called yesterday to put my name on the list. Pretty fast response. The CSR didn't know if the box was the Mot 6412. I'll post my experiences after the install.

I just got a call from Comcast and scheduled for the 9th also. The CSR I talked to said it was a Motorola 6612, not sure that even exists though, he may have been confused. Probably won't know for sure until one of us gets installed.

Here is some information from the Altitude website: http://www.altitude.tv/news/newsDetails.aspx?NID=64

I can't find any information on what Comcast plans on doing with the HD feed.

Hey all,

It appears that they are not taking any orders over the phone for the DVR until 12/8, when the are scheduling their launch. Now, I am on the 'list', but I have yet to get a call, so who knows how far they are on their list of 2000 (so said my CSR). As for dropping off your 6200 to get the 6412, that will not happen in Colorado. The CSR said that a technitian will have to install the product and will go through a demonstration with you. So, for me, encouraging information with a huge dose of frustration. Waiting on that call........

I have been reading on-line and in magazines about how excited people are about the cablecard system and being able to watch TV and HDTV without having a Set-top Box. I am not sure I agree with the hoopla over it. Now that Comcast has On-Demand and I am sure they will eventually have HD On-Demand, plus the TV Guide listings coming soon, it seems like you would be giving up a huge amount of features to get rid of the STB. In Sound and Vision the editor was talking about getting the cablecard installed and glossed over the fact that he wouldn't get pay-per-view with it, but I really wonder if he realized that On-Demand isn't pay-per-view for a big chunk of the programming, and if you have premium channels, On-Demand gives you a huge number of movies that have no incremental cost. Anyway just my two cents.

BTW called Comcast about the 6412 and they just put me on the list, wouldn't give me a date for deployment.

Benzyl

Originally posted by AkaStp
What is an analog signal trap? Is it a piece of hardware? How can I confirm the existence of such a thing? Where would it be located?
It is a piece if hardware that would be located in the locked box from which the cable that goes to your home is emerged. In days gone by premium channels were controlled by these filters that would not allow particular channels to pass through. Later they went to scrambling analog signals and requiring a set-top box to receive them. Then they went to digital signals, which allowed more channels on a single band and a different set-top box. I don't know how to confirm the existence of one from inside your house. I don't know if TCI (or whoever provided service in Lafayette years ago) ever used them in your area. A tech could open the box and look.

Hi all,
I just got through playing with the new 6412 and I must admit, I'm impressed. I decided to drop by my local Comcast payment center after work today (I can always get more information when I speak to someone face-to-face rather than over the phone). Turns out they had the new 6412 hooked up and the friendly CSR let me check it out. The new guide is WAY better that the existing one. The CSR had recorded a few shows so I was able to play with the DVR feature (cool!). I also found out alot about some dual-tuner features that I was not aware of, like the abilty to watch a recorded show and record 2 different shows while you are watching the recorded one! My TV watching life is about to change drasticly for the better. The CSR confirmed the 7th as the release date as well. Can't wait!
-Nate

Originally posted by anilrao
Comcast CSR called and scheduled an install of a DVR on 12/9/04. I called yesterday to put my name on the list. Pretty fast response. The CSR didn't know if the box was the Mot 6412. I'll post my experiences after the install.

:( I called & got on the list day before yesterday & have not gotten a call back yet. How do you rate?:D

They just called me for an install date.. They offered me Tuesday morn.. that'll work.

I guess stopping by the payment center payed off. An installer just stopped by my house and I am now a proud owner of the new 6412. Time to do some recording...
Sweet!

Hehe - j/k with that last reply - thought I'd freak everyone out for a bit. I did however get the "install call" - next Tuesday for me as well...
Good luck everyone!

Just got the call, scheduled for the morning of 12/7. The CSR who called seemed a little too happy (if there is such a thing) to schedule the install. Was very excited about the features, and did confirm it's a 6412. (An earlier post indicated they did not know).

I was quoted $4.95/mo add'l - I already have Digital Classic and HD service. They would not allow a self-pickup at the local office - reason was they have a "limited number" and wanted to take care of those who "expressed an interest" and got themselves on "the list." So I suppose the local offices can't access "the list" which seems strange....

They are also waiving the install fee, so I was ok with it then :-)

I'll post my experience as well.

:mad: &%+#&$#%&^ :mad: Comcast called tonight at 6:46. I was downstairs & did not get to the phone on time. They didn't leave a message for a ex.# to get back to the CSR that called me. I called the # on caller ID back & got the automated deal. The CSR I got said he could not schedual anything & could not direct me to who called me. :mad: Now I have to wait for them to call me back. It'ill probably cost me a few more days to wait for an install now! :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

The ComcastColorado site is down. Does anyone have the direct dial number to the CSRs that was listed on that site handy?

Thanks!

The ComcastColorado site is down. Does anyone have the direct dial number to the CSRs that was listed on that site handy?

I had this # scribbled on a yellow sticky at work:
"CALL COMCAST - re: 6412!!!! - 303-537-1064."

Thanks KenG. That's the number I was looking for.

I gave them a ring and was told that I was on the list and that I should be recieving "the call" within a few days. They said that there is no way to proactively set the appointment...???

Couch Potato did you get your appointment worked out? My CSR said that they would leave a message if I didn't answer.

According to Comcast, Altitude will be available in HD starting this weekend.

Akastp,
It's been posted (Denver OTA thread, IIRC) that certain Nuggets games would be in HD but no indication Comcast was onboard. Any indication of the HD channel number?

I also read in today's Rocky that NHL owners and players are meeting again. Maybe there's hope for some Av's action :D

Ken

Originally posted by AkaStp
According to Comcast, Altitude will be available in HD starting this weekend. :cool:

Never mind... :( Did you see the Nuggets game last night?

I'm really starting to think about switching from DirecTV and DirecTiVo to take advantage of the new sub deals at Comcast solely because of the good reports on the 6214.

I've got an offer to switch from DSL and get HSI for $20/month for six months and free install (but only if I'm also on cable). Are there other good offers to switch from satellite to cable TV? Didn't there used to be a $300 programming credit promo if they took your dish? Any suggestions on how to get the best deal from Comcast? I know that the promos on their web site aren't the best ones available, so I'm hoping that someone knows the secret codes. ;)

Originally posted by kkelley
Couch Potato did you get your appointment worked out? My CSR said that they would leave a message if I didn't answer.

No.:( & they have not called me back yet.

weldon, the current promo is $400 in credit over 16 months, $12.50 off the HSI bill and $12.50 off the cable bill each month, with a $29.99 install fee.

When I recently switched from Dish to HD cable (2 or 3 weeks ago) I was told that I was eligible for the $25 in credits for 16 months. I signed up for Gold + HD. I didn't sign up for HSI, I have another provider and am very happy. I'll be up for the fight if they only give me $12.50 per month as that wasn't the deal I agreed to on the phone.

They didn't take the dish off my house and they didn't take my tuners -- just wrote on the form that they were leased. The guy said they'd just throw them away. They did ask for a copy of my last Dish bill.

The cynic in me is guessing that as a current customer of both Comcast and Dish you'll be ineligible AkaStp.

Don't worry, the $25.00 will come off your cable bill. If the customer has both services they just split the discount over the two.

Comcast just called.... I'm scheduled for DVR installation Tues 12/7.

Sweet!

Originally posted by KenG

It's been posted (Denver OTA thread, IIRC) that certain Nuggets games would be in HD but no indication Comcast was onboard. Any indication of the HD channel number?


The HD feed from Alt has been patched into 665 as was mentioned. It's just raw pre-game footage now at 90 mins before game time. Testing cameras, graphics etc.

Originally posted by DP1
The HD feed from Alt has been patched into 665 as was mentioned. It's just raw pre-game footage now at 90 mins before game time. Testing cameras, graphics etc.

Yes, the game is on now. The commentators gave a plug for HD just after
halftime. Since CU is losing big in the Big 12 Championship, also in HD, I
might just watch the Nuggets, who are doing OK so far in this game.

I just got my name on the list, and he said I should get a call in a few days. Did I wait too late?

Anyone I can call to ensure that I get one before the holidays?

Thanks everyone

Scheduled for this Tuesday to get a 6412...

Anyone know if the Comcast 6412 uses the TVGuide branded program guide or the Microsoft foundation program guide?

Originally posted by repdetect2
I just got my name on the list, and he said I should get a call in a few days. Did I wait too late?

Anyone I can call to ensure that I get one before the holidays?

Thanks everyone

Same deal. I just called and put my name on the list. Is it likely they will call me back today to schedule an appointment?

I just talked to a CSR and changed my appt from Thursday to Tuesday. She said that all the CSRs will be able to schedule these appointments starting Tuesday. A small group was assigned to schedule these early. So if you haven't gotten a call by then call on Tuesday.

Originally posted by yahoojames
Scheduled for this Tuesday to get a 6412...

Anyone know if the Comcast 6412 uses the TVGuide branded program guide or the Microsoft foundation program guide? In Colorado, the iGuide (TVGuide branded) is used. Comcast uses iGuide everywhere except in the State of Washington (where Microsoft TV FE is used).

Originally posted by jeffgun
weldon, the current promo is $400 in credit over 16 months, $12.50 off the HSI bill and $12.50 off the cable bill each month, with a $29.99 install fee.
I called this afternoon to check with Comcast and if I drop DirecTV and Qwest DSL (with proof of billing), I can get $29.99 Digital Silver on two STB's for 1 yr and $19.99 HSI for 6 months with free install. I can then add DVR for $9.99 or get an HDTV STB for an additional $5/mo. I assume that the 6412 DVR is still $10/mo (not $10 for DVR + $5 because it's an HDTV DVR).

Considering that Digital Silver is normally $74/mo (for two STB's) and HSI is normally $43, $50 for the first six months and $75 for the second six months seems like a killer deal.

My only hesitation is that I have a strong emotional attachment to my DirecTiVo. But then I hear the 6412 is "almost" as good as TiVo. Lord, forgive me for what I am about to do....

I have the 6412 and it works just fine. I especially like recording a game (only programs with commercials I watch are sports), going away for a while, then coming back. I can start watching at the start of the game and FF the commercials while the same program continues to record at the end. And it does have two tuners. I don't record dozens of shows, though, so for some the 120GB disk size might be too small.

Rich N.

Originally posted by raidbuck
I don't record dozens of shows, though, so for some the 120GB disk size might be too small.

Is the drive expandable? If the NHL resumes play, I'm considering adding Comcast to get Altitude HD and ABC-HD for the playoffs.

Originally posted by AkaStp
:eek: Surely you mean WHEN the NHL resumes play ;)
hehe...I guess I meant IF the NHL resumes play this season.

If there's no season until next year, I'm hopeful D* will be able to add ABC-HD and ALT-HD on their new spaceway birds before the next season starts.

Originally posted by raidbuck
I have the 6412 and it works just fine. Rich N.

Hi Rich.

How noisy is the 6412? Does the hard drive and/or fan stay on constantly, or just when the unit powers up for use? I ask because I actually removed my ReplayTv unit from my theater because of the noise.

Thanks,

MiD

I was just told by a Comcast CSR that the 6412 is not yet available in Boulder! Is that right? She said it was only available in Denver. :eek: :confused: :mad:

That's very possible. When I received my install call the CSR asked me specifically if I lived in the Denver metro area.

I was just told by a Comcast CSR that the 6412 is not yet available in Boulder! Is that right? She said it was only available in Denver.

Guess it depends from where your Comcast is serviced....I'm in SE Boulder county and someone is supposed to show up between 8 and noon today with a 6412 - they called me after calling 2 days earlier to get on "the list." Previous service calls listed a Comcast/Longmont address on the work order, and when I input my zipcode into Comcast's website to check availability it says "Northern Colorado (Ft Collins)." I haven't quite figured out how they divide up service areas.

I noticed there is a Comcast office in Louisville off McCaslin, maybe a personal visit there would get a better result.

Ken

Got the new guide!

I got my call yesterday and was able to schedule my 6412 install for tomorrow (wed) between 10-12. :)

I flipped on the TV that isn't getting an upgraded box this morning and - behold - the new guide! My 6200 is still showing the old guide.

KenG, can you give me an idea of speicifically where you are, so I can call and have a reference. I'm in Boulder (Arapahoe, west of 6th).

Your User Name: you've got mail!

Boy it would be nice if the Comcast CSRs could get their stories straight. I called again and this time was told that despite earlier promises that the "codes would be in" on Tuesday, they are noew saying to call back Wednesday. The woman I just spoke with doesn't know anything about service being limited to Denver metrro. I guess I'll just wait and see.

KenG, thanks for the PM and keep us updated on your install.

Hello All,

Thanks for this thread, otherwise I would have no idea. I scheduled my installation for tommorrow between 12-4.....

I am switching from directivo back to comcast and wondered if anyone had any early reviews on this unit. I am a little leary of changing providers and technologies. Thanks....

Originally posted by repdetect2
Hello All,

Thanks for this thread, otherwise I would have no idea. I scheduled my installation for tommorrow between 12-4.....

I am switching from directivo back to comcast and wondered if anyone had any early reviews on this unit. I am a little leary of changing providers and technologies. Thanks....

Have fun reading.:D

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=464986

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=455705

My karma must not be as good as some others on here. I had to call twice to get my name on the list. I just called back a third time and confirmed that my name is on the list and has been since last Thursday, but I haven't had a call to schedule an appointment yet. I came to Comcast from Dish Network and their dual tuner PVR (721) and while the software for it was lacking I sure miss the functionality.

A conspiracy theorist might connect Comcast with sCare...They both have an S, C and A in their names... and I never would have come to Comcast if I could get the local HD feeds OTA without picking up another expensive and time consuming hobby -- antennae black magic.

Well so much for the waiting list......put my name on the list over the weekend and never received a call. Just called Comcast and no trouble setting up the install for Friday.

Here we go again.....try to convince the wife this is a good thing.....hear her grumble.....for a week or two.......than finally admit that it is pretty neat. :rolleyes:

Well, fourth times the charm. I called again after seeing chile62's post and was able to schedule an install for Thursday. No mention of the offering being limited to Denver Metro or anything. That's a tight organization they're running over there.

Yep.....their quite impressive. :rolleyes:

If it weren't for the OTA HDTV issue, I'd be with Dish or someone else.

Just had my 6412 installed. Slick box. Better guide, came with the proper remote.. nice and quiet hardrive.. no complaints.

At least not... yet! ;)

Ditto for me. Tech just left. Install took about 5 minutes and he spent about 20-30 on a brief tutorial.

Along DP1's comments, it seems to work just fine. Picture is still good (no perceived loss of PQ), menu is tons better than the old one, and got a new black remote with the 'SWAP' button.

The download process to populate the menu grid takes awhile. It's been running about an hour and it's up to 5pm today. The new guide can hold 14 days worth.

One improvement I did notice - the SD analog channels used to have about 1/4" of static / snow on the top edge of the screen - that appears to be gone now.

One final thing - check that your VOD is working properly. I have HBO and couldn't access the HBO VOD programs - they had to shoot the signal down the wire then all was well.

Overall pretty painless. Hope you all enjoy yours as they come in!

i am not planning on upgrading to the dvr yet, but am very anxious for the new on screen program guide to show up. it seems odd to me that this new guide is showing up as soon as people get the dvr installed. with that being the case, wouldn't one think that the guide would already be being piped out, and therefore should be available to the rest of us as well?

as of this moment, i still am showing the old ghetto on screen guide.

brett

What exactly is the VOD? And is anyone planning on taking the plunge with show extraction over firewire? Thanks again.

This time tommorrow, I should be one of you :)

I have the new guide on my General Instruments SD STBs, but no change on the Moto HD STB. The new guide is a huge improvement. I'm in Erie.

Still no call to schedule my appointment to bring out a 6214 - but I'm waiting patiently, for now.

Kirkdig, I'd keep calling until you get a cooperative CSR. I put my name on "the list" last week and never got the call. I just kept calling today until I got a CSR that would book me an appt.

I've been having some problems with my cable modem and had a service call in to trouble shoot it. After reading todays posts by "Your User Name" and KenG's emails about Boulder getting the PVR, I decided to call and see if they could bring out a box since they would already have a guy at my house. I guess the TV and HSI guys are different because they couldn't attach the DVR install to the current workorder but they can send the TV guy out tomorrow when the HSI guy is there.

Go figure.

So I'm in South Boulder, the CSR said that they were "inputting some codes to get mine to work" and are installing it tomorrow. Now I have to find enough work to do at home tomorrow afternoon. So for $5 a month, I'll try this until SageTV gets their act straightened out.

Still no call to schedule my appointment to bring out a 6214 - but I'm waiting patiently, for now.

Kirkdig - I'd call Comcast back and ask them to schedule an appointment. I'm in Erie also and have it.

A co-worker who lives in Longmont just called today for the first time and scheduled an 6412 install for tomorrow. So sounds like some areas have a sufficient inventory and open spots for installs in their schedule.

Does anyone have the DVD 6412 installed in Highlands Ranch? I called the 303-537-1064 number and the CSR (who was pretty clueless) said that it is not available in Highlands Ranch yet but will be "SOON".

Also, the CSR said I had to have the basic Digital cable package (classic) for $50 a month to get HDTV. HDTV was another $5 and the 6412 was $9.95 a month. Can't I just get HDTV without Digital cable? With Lifeline or something? I don’t need digital cable as I have D* already.

My situation is I have D* and HD Tivo. I can get all the OTA channels other than ABC and now the Altitude HDTV sports. I used to get the OTA ABC with my Sony D* HD100 but the tuners on the HDTIVO are not as powerful as my old OTA receiver. which sucks.

I have Comcast High Speed so I would save $10 a month with some sort of cable.

Thoughts?

Thanks

Well, I'm on the list for this Friday afternoon. I just called a few minutes ago. This is pretty speedy service, so I guess there's no shortage of these 6412 boxes.

I'm also unloading an older digital box (to run my standalone SD TiVo) in addition to the 6200, and also an old cable modem that I should have dropped off a few months ago. All in all, I'll be saving about $5 per month and have much better functionality.

I did forget to beg for more HD channels, so I'll have to do that at another time.

Tim

Originally posted by tkercher
Does anyone have the DVD 6412 installed in Highlands Ranch?
Not yet, but hopefully by 5 pm Wednesday afternoon. As previous posts have stated, just call again until you get a CSR with a clue. If you read up the page a little, you'll see that they started taking appointments today from people who hadn't already gotten on "the list".

Can't I just get HDTV without Digital cable?

Yes. You can get the basic package (I think ~$15/month), but then you'll pay for the HDTV (I think that's another $10 - 15/month if you only have the basic package) and the 6412 ($10/month). Again, you may need to call a few times to get a knowledgeable CSR. But you're up to at least $35/month, and you won't get Altitude HD with this package, since those games are broadcast on InHD, which is not included if you have only basic cable. Seems like a lot to pay for ABC in HD, although I guess you'll also be able to time shift all of the locals then. Only you can decide if that's worth it. I'm guessing ABC will be in HD on D* by next season (Sept.), if the Spaceway plans hold schedule.

AkaStp, can you do that and also add HBO a la carte? I would like to get:

- local HD channels
- other "basic" HD channels (ESPNHD, Discovery, InHDs)
- HBO package (including HBO HD)
- Basic analog cable line up (Comedy Central, TNT, TBS, etc.)

Right now I get all that plus a bunch of digital tier stuff I have minimal interest in. Can I get rid of the digital stuff I don't want, save money and still retain the stuff I DO want?

You *could* do it that way YUN, but you wouldnt really save much of anything. You'd have standard cable for like 38.00 then you need Digital Classic for an extra 9.95 to get ESPN HD, the InHD's etc and then 16.00 more or so for HBO as a standalone. Thats what.. about 64.00?

Well Digital Silver, which includes one Premium channel is like 64 ish too.. soooo.

I had been doin it the way you propose (although I was getting 3 premiums ala- carte instead of just 1) because in my case I *was* saving money since after the free preview ended on all the HD channels (back in May), they offered me the movie channels I might want to start subbing to at half price for 6 months. Now that thats expired though it's just as effective to go up to a true package if for no other reason than they rape you on standalone premium movie channels. As I said, like 16.00 each.

In other words, the pricing structure is set up to pretty much steer you to a full package.. unless all one might want is Locals and nothing else in HD. Or Locals and the ESPN, InHD's even. But the minute you want premiums it's a diff story.

Originally posted by AkaStp
I have Comcast standard cable. I added HD Digital Lite for $9.95/mo which gave me the Comcast HD receiver (non-DVR) so I was then able to get the local HD channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, Fox) and ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, inHD1 and inHD2. You do NOT have to subscribe to full digital or HD service.

My brother in Highlands Ranch has "Basic" @ $13.44 + Digital Lite (which includes the HD receiver) $9.95, but he doesn't get ESPNHD, DiscoveryHD, inHD1 and inHD2. Comcast confirmed that these channels are not available with the "HD Lite" service. Consider yourself lucky if you're getting them!

is anybody with a first gen motorola hd box seeing the new on screen program guide as of yet? i'm not seeing it yet, and am very interested in who is and is not, what box they have, and where they are located.

brett

Just wanted to tell my initial impressions of the box and service. Installation was completed about 3 hours ago....

Installation was a breeze. My home had never been wired from the PED to the inside for cable, and it was done in approximately 60 minutes, real sharp techncian.

From a comparison perspective, the new guide is actually more intuitive and user friendly than my old DirecTivo. The core processor must be faster as well as it navigates through menus much quicker than my old unit.

HD output is simply amazing. I am using a DVI cable, and noticed no audio dropouts or pixelizations while viewing KUSA and ESPN. Recording is a snap, and and it delivers as promised. I recorded Daredevil in HD from HBO with the 5.1 track and all.

SD channels are on par with, or *slighter* worse in some cases than satellite

Video on demand is much nicer than I anticipated, especially since there is a wide variety of content available. This nullifies the loss of the DirecTivo unit upstairs and was met with high marks on the WAF scale.

Overall a scary transition from DirecTV to Comcast at firs, is now a happy customer excited about watching tv all over again :)

I got my 6412 yesterday :). Everything works great except the lower analog channels have no sound. The digital ones work great.

I have everything connected exactly as I did with my 6200 which never showed this issue.

If I disconnect the digital coax and run standard left/right connections to my reciever all work fine (except no DD of course).

I've experimented with the AUDIO portion of the set-up menu but no avail. I called COMCAST several times but couldn't get to a support person technical enough to troubleshoot this.

Any ideas as to what's going wrong?

Thanks!

kkelley - is there sound coming from your TV on these channels? I got the impression that you were only not getting sound from your audio receiver. Is that correct? I have no problem getting sound from the TV on the analog channels with my 6412; I haven't checked the receiver, but I'll try tonight.

Now for my own question: After recording a 1-hour HD show yesterday, my DVR status showed 12% full. That tells me I'll only be able to have about 8 hours of content - well short of the 15 hours they advertise the 6412 can hold. Does that seem right? I haven't read all of the literature Comcast provided, but I hope I don't have to cut down on the recording quality in order to get 15 hours worth on there.

Originally posted by DP1
You *could* do it that way YUN, but you wouldnt really save much of anything. You'd have standard cable for like 38.00 then you need Digital Classic for an extra 9.95 to get ESPN HD, the InHD's etc and then 16.00 more or so for HBO as a standalone. Thats what.. about 64.00?


Okay, haven't paid too much attention to HD up to now, knowing that once I got a taste I'd want to jump in with both feet. However, now that it's confirmed that Altitude is going HD (I *hoped* that was on of the reasons Kronke split with Fox, but nothing was ever mentioned), I better start paying attention. The Avs in HD is always what I said would cause me to pull the trigger - we'll see how much time I have.

My question is just to clarify what I'd be looking at to get what I want. I don't care about the premiums, and just want the full analog package (which I already have) plus EspnHD and Altitude along with whatever locals are available in HD. From what you say, it looks like I'd need to add Digital Classic for $10 and the HD box($5/mo for the basic non-PVR version, right?). Is that all?

The hard part will be the TV. The projector (XGA LCD) is the only vaguely HD-capable device I have, so I guess I'll be scrounging pennies for a while.

BTW - can anyone comment on the quality of the Altitude HD feed?

Originally posted by gakon
kkelley - is there sound coming from your TV on these channels? I got the impression that you were only not getting sound from your audio receiver. Is that correct? I have no problem getting sound from the TV on the analog channels with my 6412; I haven't checked the receiver, but I'll try tonight.


Thanks for responding gakon.

I'll try to answer this way. My video feed is directly to the TV via DVI from the 6412. My audio feed is directly to my reciever from my 6412 using a digital coax cable. When configured this way, I get great sound from all digital channels but no sound from the lower analog channels.

If I disconnect my digital coax cable and connect my 6412 with standard left/rignt analog cables to the reciever, I get sound from all channels.

????

Hello all,

Alright, with the 6412 online now, I'm just about ready to jump ship from D*/D*TIVO.

One question that I couldn't find the answer to elsewhere: Does the 6412 have coaxial/standard definition RCA outputs that are simultaneously active when the DVI output is on? I have coaxial cable running from my living room for video/audio distribution on my non-HD TV. I would like to have Comcast install a single 6412 which I can connect via DVI to my HDTV, and then I'll run coax upstairs to work another SD TV off the same box (use infared repeaters to control/etc).

Is this possible?

Also, any further testimonials/comparisions from folks leaving D*/TIVO for Comcast HD/6412 would be appreciated.

Thanks,
N123

Originally posted by kkelley
My video feed is directly to the TV via DVI from the 6412. My audio feed is directly to my reciever from my 6412 using a digital coax cable. When configured this way, I get great sound from all digital channels but no sound from the lower analog channels.

If I disconnect my digital coax cable and connect my 6412 with standard left/rignt analog cables to the reciever, I get sound from all channels.

????

If nothing in "audio" makes any difference (and not sure thered be anything there for that) you prolly got a bum box. I have no analog audio cables connected to mine .. just coaxial digital out, like you.. and I get audio on all channels.

Thanks DP1. Sounds like I probably have a bad box.

One of the CSR's I spoke with said "that wasn't supported with this box". I obviously thught that sounded off the mark. I figured there would be a whole lot of folks upset if she was right.

Originally posted by dwk123
Okay, haven't paid too much attention to HD up to now, knowing that once I got a taste I'd want to jump in with both feet. However, now that it's confirmed that Altitude is going HD (I *hoped* that was on of the reasons Kronke split with Fox, but nothing was ever mentioned), I better start paying attention. The Avs in HD is always what I said would cause me to pull the trigger - we'll see how much time I have.

My question is just to clarify what I'd be looking at to get what I want. I don't care about the premiums, and just want the full analog package (which I already have) plus EspnHD and Altitude along with whatever locals are available in HD. From what you say, it looks like I'd need to add Digital Classic for $10 and the HD box($5/mo for the basic non-PVR version, right?). Is that all?

The hard part will be the TV. The projector (XGA LCD) is the only vaguely HD-capable device I have, so I guess I'll be scrounging pennies for a while.

BTW - can anyone comment on the quality of the Altitude HD feed?

If you're already getting Standard cable.. at like 38.00 a month or whatever, yes, all you'd have to add is Digital Classic for 9.95 and the cost of the HD STB rental. Like $5 more. That'd get you the Locals in HD, ESPN HD, Discovery HD, and the 2 InHD's. The Altitude HD feed (on games that are done in HD), which indeed looks really good, just pre-empts one of the InHD channels when it's on air.

I'm patiently waiting for my install right now. I'll let you know if both analog & digital can be hooked up at the same time.

Originally posted by dwk123
The Avs in HD is always what I said would cause me to pull the trigger - we'll see how much time I have.

hehe. The NHL in HD (on HDNet via D*) is what caused me to go HD 3 years ago. Even got some Avs games that first year. What took you so long? :p :D

Motorola 6412 connecting to PC via 1394 firewire

Has anyone hooked up the 6412 to a PC via firewire.

I just got my box yesterday and tried hooking up the firewire. It did see new hardware but did not have any drivers for it.

Does anyone know where I can get the drivers for the 6412 and what software is needed to record to the PC.

Originally posted by gakon

Now for my own question: After recording a 1-hour HD show yesterday, my DVR status showed 12% full. That tells me I'll only be able to have about 8 hours of content - well short of the 15 hours they advertise the 6412 can hold. Does that seem right? I haven't read all of the literature Comcast provided, but I hope I don't have to cut down on the recording quality in order to get 15 hours worth on there.

The Comcast Web page I saw said 30 hours regular or 7 hours HD, so it is consistent with that.

Originally posted by brhow
is anybody with a first gen motorola hd box seeing the new on screen program guide as of yet? i'm not seeing it yet, and am very interested in who is and is not, what box they have, and where they are located.

brett


I don't see it on my HD Motorola, but I do on my older, but digital Motorola.
Not sure how to tell what model that is. It says DCT under the Setup info.

Originally posted by DP1
If nothing in "audio" makes any difference (and not sure thered be anything there for that) you prolly got a bum box.

I checked my setup as well, and had no problems with audio from the analog channels through the receiver, either with or without the RCA audio connection to the TV. I agree with DP1.

Originally posted by rhdonkin
Motorola 6412 connecting to PC via 1394 firewire

Has anyone hooked up the 6412 to a PC via firewire.

I just got my box yesterday and tried hooking up the firewire. It did see new hardware but did not have any drivers for it.

Does anyone know where I can get the drivers for the 6412 and what software is needed to record to the PC.

Check this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=403695&perpage=20&pagenumber=1) out.

Originally posted by chile62
Check this (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?threadid=403695&perpage=20&pagenumber=1) out.

Forgive my ignorance, but is this meant to allow you to use your PC’s hard drive as additional storage space that can still be accessed from your TV? Or is it merely to allow you to copy recordings to your PC for viewing, etc. on the PC only? Or am I totally missing the point?

I just got the 6412 and would love to increase the capacity, but have no real need to have my recordings available on my PC.

Yes, it's meant to allow you to timeshift/archive content to your PC for playback on the PC. Many people are getting excellent picture quality from a Home Theater PC (HTPC) that is connected to an HDTV display. Check out the HTPC forum here on avsforum for more info.

Originally posted by Your User Name:
Forgive my ignorance, but is this meant to allow you to use your PC’s hard drive as additional storage space that can still be accessed from your TV? Or is it merely to allow you to copy recordings to your PC for viewing, etc. on the PC only? Or am I totally missing the point?

I just got the 6412 and would love to increase the capacity, but have no real need to have my recordings available on my PC.

This is something I'm just starting to play with, I think you would have to play the files back with your pc. (i.e. HTPC) My main goal is to archive movies and fav tv shows to DVD. ***Beat me to the punch**

Course you can always save them in HD via Firewire to a D-VHS deck if one didnt feel like messing with an HTPC. I've been doing that off the 6200 for a long time and I trust it'll work off the 6412 also. I've only dumped a few minutes so far just to make sure the Firewire port is active. You can get those decks halfway cheap nowadays compared to when they first came out.

Although yeah, I know, using tape anymore, HD or otherwise, is soooo uncool! ;)

But I had that deck even before I had a Firewire source.. using it for D-Theater tapes so it only made sense to record HD off the cable box with it too ..once I got one with a Firewire port. I spend enough time at the puter anyway.. dont really feel like messin with it even more when I just want to "watch somethin on tv".

So I guess the short answer I'm looking for is that it is not currently possible to transparently exapnd the hard drive capacity of the 6412. Again, I'm not looking for long term archiving; I'm more interested in feeling safe that I have enough space to capture my favorite shows in HD if I'm gone for more than a week.

I tried hard to be patient and wait for the call to schedule an appointment as I have a standard Tivo on another TV, but my will power gave out today. The kicker was the email I received announcing the general availability of the DVR. Plus the appeal of recording HD content was too much. I called the 303 number a couple pages back and setup an appointment for tomorrow in minutes.

Well I've had my 6412 for a couple of hours now and so far I really like it. The new guide is nice, the window of what you are curently watching while checking out the guide is a nice touch.

I've noticed very little hard drive noise from it compared to posts in other forums.

Maybe my imagination but the picture quality seems better on the analog and SD channels.

Let's hope someone comes out with an aproved external had drive for it soon.

I just had my 6412 replaced. Indeed the original one was faulty. I now can get audio from all channels via Digital COAX.

Anyways, the tech said that these units can not have another component stacked on top of them. He said that all the failures he has heard of (except mine) were due to the Hard Drive overheating.

What do you guys think? I have a very thin DVD player and an XBOX on top of my 6412. Do you think I am running a big risk?

You could be, this thing has no fan to remove the heat. I had a DVD and VHS on top of mine, did not notice it getting too hot. But the hard drive is smack dab at the top of the DVR so something setting on top of it will effect the air flow. Room is not a problem for me so I moved my DVD player just to be safe.

Originally posted by chile62
Well I've had my 6412 for a couple of hours now and so far I really like it. The new guide is nice, the window of what you are curently watching while checking out the guide is a nice touch.

I've noticed very little hard drive noise from it compared to posts in other forums.

Maybe my imagination but the picture quality seems better on the analog and SD channels.

I got my 6412 this afternoon, and I agree with everything you said. In fact, I was going to make a similar post. I wouldn't swear that SD digital is better, but it seems to be. The HD also looks a little different, but I'm not sure if its better or not. I wish I could compare them side by side.

One thing on the DVR: Does anybody at what quality it records? I can't find any way to change the compression (as on TiVo), so I assume that it records at the highest quality, right? I'm asking because I thought it only could record 8 hours of HD. However, I recorded "Meet Joe Black" today from Starz! HD (their Web site says the movie is shown in HD) and the DVR drive is only 20% full. Its a 3-hour recording, so that implies 15 hours of HD recording. Good news if true.

Recording "quality" only applies to analog channels. I don't have a 6412, but the user's guide says that there are two MPEG encoders to record analog channels. I can't find any mention of the bitrate used to encode analog channels. Any digital channel or HD channel will be streamed to the hard drive just as it is transmitted over the cable system with no compression or other manipulation of the signal. So for digital, you're recording exactly what is sent which I suppose you could equate with "best" quality but is really a bit-perfect recording of the original.

Also, some HD channels have higher bit rates originating at the source compared to others. Movie channels tend to have a lower rate than most the OTA stations or channels like InHD.

So you could store more of that type of material I should think.

Hello again,

I've been searching the other AVS forums for answers to the following questions. Can someone PLEASE help:

1. If connected to a main HDTV with DVI/digital audio, are all the other outputs on the 6412 simultaneously active (I can simultaneously send the composite/RF audio/video feeds to another room)?

2. If the 6412 is set for HD, will the guides/interface still show up on the remotely connected SD TV's in another room (my understanding is that the guides don't show up on downrezz'ed HDTV, but that they do show up on SD channels in the other room regardless).

3. How does SD analog quality compare to that of Directv? How about the SD digital quality?

4. What stretch modes are available for both SD and HD signals that are 4:3?

5. If you sign up for the Comcast trade in your dish/receiver for $400 deal, are people able to talk the installers into letting them keep the dish and associated wiring (just give Comcast an old outdated Directv receiver that's worth very little)?

Thank you very much for helping me out with the above questions,
N

Originally posted by mayest
Its a 3-hour recording, so that implies 15 hours of HD recording. Good news if true.

Their tutorial on VOD does say 30 hours standard and 15 hours of HD recording.

Originally posted by weldon
Recording "quality" only applies to analog channels.....Any digital channel or HD channel will be streamed to the hard drive just as it is transmitted over the cable system with no compression or other manipulation of the signal. So for digital, you're recording exactly what is sent which I suppose you could equate with "best" quality but is really a bit-perfect recording of the original.

Thanks Weldon. I'm sure you are correct since I watched and also recorded "Hope and Faith" last night and they looked identical to my eye (not the most discerning on this board).

DP1, I've heard that about lower bitrates on movie channels. However, the aforementioned "Hope and Faith" is a half-hour sitcom and it only took up an additional 3%. So, if a half-hour HD recording takes 3%, that equates to about the same 15 hours. Of course, that show is on KMGH so I guess its probably a low bitrate as well. :D

Originally posted by chile62
Their tutorial on VOD does say 30 hours standard and 15 hours of HD recording.

chile62, thanks for letting me know there's a tutorial. I'll look for that.

Hi everyone,

I'm confused about if Comcast had Discovery HD or not? I've read some posts saying they do and Comcast says they don't. Is there a channel I could check to see if I'm getting it?

Also, is there a good way to find out what channels are being added in the future?

FYI...I'm in Lafayette

Yes, Discovery HD is in the Comcast HD line-up. No, there is realy no better way than monitoring this thread for finding out about channels being added in the future. FWIW, I always ask any technician or CSR I ever deal with. I asked the CSRs and technician that helped get me my 6412 last week and they said nothing new on the horizon as far as they knew.

Originally posted by mayest

DP1, I've heard that about lower bitrates on movie channels. However, the aforementioned "Hope and Faith" is a half-hour sitcom and it only took up an additional 3%. So, if a half-hour HD recording takes 3%, that equates to about the same 15 hours. Of course, that show is on KMGH so I guess its probably a low bitrate as well. :D

Well actually, theres some truth to that. While movie channels are usually like, I dunno 10-14 Mbps and (most) OTA stations and things like Disc HD and InHD might be closer to say 18 .. it so happens that KMGH is only like 12-13 also.. at least last time I saw it referenced in the OTA thread. Partly because it's a 720p channel which doesnt necessarily "require" as much and also because they've always run a crappy SD subchannel that chewed up a few more Mbps.

Although of course what might be happening through Comcast vs what happens OTA might not be exacty the same.

I can see where they say "up to" 15 hours of HD though because if I remember correctly an "average" hour of HD takes like around 8 GB's up on a harddrive.

And sleds, Disccovery HD is on channel 663

Does anyone know if a firewire external hard-drive attached to the 6412 can be recognized? Will it add to the recording capacity?

Also - what is the file-system of the Motorola 6412? Is the hard-drive "expandable" vis-a-vis Tivo?

And lastly - just to be sure...the Comcast/Denver web-site shows the HD channels, but ABD (7) is listed as DT, not HD. However, the color is "orange", indicating HD. Since I pulled the trigger already but have not had it installed, I wanted to be sure ABD was *in fact* HD.

Rgds,

JohnW.

Originally posted by jwehman
Does anyone know if a firewire external hard-drive attached to the 6412 can be recognized? Will it add to the recording capacity?

Also - what is the file-system of the Motorola 6412? Is the hard-drive "expandable" vis-a-vis Tivo?

And lastly - just to be sure...the Comcast/Denver web-site shows the HD channels, but ABD (7) is listed as DT, not HD. However, the color is "orange", indicating HD. Since I pulled the trigger already but have not had it installed, I wanted to be sure ABD was *in fact* HD.

Rgds,

JohnW.

ABC is HD.

Don't think you'll have much luck with an external hard drive. Too bad though.