Anyone else watching on QAM notice that InHD-1 (102-1) is scrambled tonight?

Dennis

Anyone else watching on QAM notice that InHD-1 (102-1) is scrambled tonight?

The Braves games on INHD are blacked out because we are in the Braves home market, so we have to watch it on TBS.

yup
~charlie

Last night WSMV was fine for me via Comcast. Hopefully they have fixed it. Has anyone called them on this? I have not had the time to do so.


rf

Agreed. WSMV-DT seems to be back to normal. Must have been a glitch on their end.

Agreed. WSMV-DT seems to be back to normal. Must have been a glitch on their end.

And right when I thought it was back to normal as well, WSMV-DT via comcast went flakey again last night (Thur. 7-21). No drop-outs, but the lower 1/2 of the screen kept pixelating (is that a word? :p)...


Ronnie

okay, i have tried everything... and now its getting really annoying.

I have 3 Comcast DCT-5100 HD Cable Boxes, and they all randomly freeze, for no reason. During channel changes, menu calls, anything.. I have tried exchanging the boxes for new/different ones. All the cables i have running in and out of the boxes are RG6 with very short lengths and all made by comcast.

I have 5 cable TV runs in the house, only one in the kitchen is split between the TV and the Internet connection. The internet connection is fine.

Now, I know I cant be the only one in nashville with this problem. and the Fools at customer service have no idea how to fix it, besides asking to change out the box. Did any of you experience this, if so, do you have any ideas... I'm willing to try anything

My 2 6200's freeze also. The tech who came to my house said it is a firmware problem and they are waiting for the rollout from Motorola. My firmware is 8.12 in my 2 6200's and the problem started earlier in the year when they updated the boxes. Comcast knows what the problem is, but they do not appear to be pushing Motorola to get the fix in.

oh i see, yeah you're right, after they updated the guides to the newer "sexier" tvguide format, thats when the freezes started... oh well.

Comcast is preparing to drop the bomb on Middle Tennessee. Per the latest mailout:

"Coming soon, the new all digital Comcast, all channels, all digital"

Hope they have a warehouse full of set top converters for the hundreds of thousands of analog basic subscribers in the area. Wonder what the call wait time for a customer service rep will be when the switchover takes effect, sheesh.

Also worth noting, the new channel lineup for September 1 is showing WB58-HD channel 184, WNPT digital on 190, and Logo on 166.

Someone clue me in on Logo?

The analog channels aren't going anywhere (yet). For now they will just be simulcasting a digital version of them that all the digital boxes will pick up and show. People without digital boxes will still see the regular analog channels.

I'm curious how they will pack in all these new digital channels and whether or not the picture will be degraded severely like it was on Dish Network over the years as they packed in more and more channels.

Someone clue me in on Logo?

Logo is MTV's new gay-and-lesbian digital network

Damn that sucks. Was hoping Logo would be something of use.

Logo is MTV's new gay-and-lesbian digital network

Sheesh.....glad they worked that one out over ESPN2..... :mad:

if they don't get us ESPN2 for the football season they suck so bad.....

i think cable technology itself has inherently more bandwidth than satellite, so i doubt that compression or whatever would be an issue, but only time will tell i guess.

WNPT... i thought channel8 in nashville wasnt going to broadcast anythign in HD, instead they were going to stream somethign or the other...?

if they don't get us ESPN2 for the football season they suck so bad.....

At this point I'd settle for ESPNU in SD....

Channel shuffle for QAM users:
87-1 INHD1
87-2 INHD2
91-3 Science Channel

At this point I'd settle for ESPNU in SD....

I'm with you. I't be nice to be able to watch the Vandy - Wake game.

yup
~cd

I think in general cable definitely should be able to get more bandwidth out of its coax than satellite can offer, but currently Comcast has to deal with some large inefficiencies - the biggest of which is that they will have to keep using channels 2 through 74 of their system for analog channels for probably another 2 or 3 years minimum, until they force every single customer to use a digital cable box.

Over on dslreports.com there is a Comcast cable forum, and there have been reports there from cities already converted to the digital simulcast method. From what I've seen it looks like Comcast is packing as many as 12 digital channels into one of the unused analog slots using QAM256. I think QAM256 provides for a maximum of 38.8 Mbps, so if you divide that by 12, each channel on average is around 3Mbps, which isn't all that hot.

yeah, but thats SD... right? SD sucks anyway and I am spoiled by HD. having said that, i bet digital SD looks better on a digital display at whatever bitrate than analog SD. also, analog TV as a scan resolution of about 250-300 lines right? if the avg bitrate of DVDs is around 6-7 mbps and it offers 500 lines of resolution, then around half of that would be 3mbps, which i think is right on. If you mean HD, then i dont know what to say except I hope comcast nashville has more sense.


also, is anyone else having problems with their cable/internet service? for the past couple of days during the afternoon, the internet and cable tv goes down for a few minutes. I wonder if this is related to the upgrades they are planning for sept.

Yes, my connection seems to go down about 3 to 4 pm every couple of days. I called for service, they claim nothing is wrong with system. Tech came out yesterday he doesn't know of any reasons such as upgrades that would cause this . I had the same problem around the 1st of the year.

I have been monitoring these threads over the last 6 months and have decided to order a Samsumg HLR that arrives Friday. I have picked up a Motorola 6200 from Comcast and I have a few questions that I know many of you have previously addressed.

1. On the 6200 I have a choice of DVI or Component. Should I go DVI conmverted to HDMI on the HLR or should I simply go component.

2. If I go component. In pricing component wires at various internet and local stores it seems I can go for 3 ft I need at places like HH Greg etc in the middle around $50 or jump to over $100. Various web sites have prices from 30 all the way to over 100 such as bettercables etc. For this short of distance and considering the TV and the cable source. What is your suggestion. Do I need to go the max and get the over $100 cables or is there little difference that I could see going for the $50's. Or should I go the DVI to HDMI route.

3. From my reading I see most individuals suggest having the cable output all feeds it receives in whatever resolution they are. Naturally my cable box has lots of controls on the front and as you would expect no instructions from Comcast. How do you check or change any of the menu items on the Motorola 6200 box. I pushed some of the buttons and nothing happens. Does the TV have to be on a certain channel or other to see any of the menu items and how do you change any of the settings. Or do I simply ignore doing anything to box and hope it works.

4. I assume you suggest an optical feed from the box to my TV and /or AVR.

Any suggests would be helpful. Appogize in advance if these questions seem a little elementry.

1. DVI vs. component is a personal judgment call. I prefer DVI, but friends of mine prefer component. Differences are marginal, however.

2. This gets into a sensitive issue with some, but personally I would not spend the extra bucks on the expensive cables.

3. Turn the cable box off, then push the menu button. This brings up the configuration screen. Select your output as 1080i or 720p. Again, this is a personal preference. Try it with different channels - action scenes versus pastoral shots. hit menu and power again to get back to viewing.

4. Yes. Optical connection for sound if you want dolby digital.

I have been monitoring these threads over the last 6 months and have decided to order a Samsumg HLR that arrives Friday. I have picked up a Motorola 6200 from Comcast and I have a few questions that I know many of you have previously addressed.

1. On the 6200 I have a choice of DVI or Component. Should I go DVI conmverted to HDMI on the HLR or should I simply go component.

2. If I go component. In pricing component wires at various internet and local stores it seems I can go for 3 ft I need at places like HH Greg etc in the middle around $50 or jump to over $100. Various web sites have prices from 30 all the way to over 100 such as bettercables etc. For this short of distance and considering the TV and the cable source. What is your suggestion. Do I need to go the max and get the over $100 cables or is there little difference that I could see going for the $50's. Or should I go the DVI to HDMI route.

3. From my reading I see most individuals suggest having the cable output all feeds it receives in whatever resolution they are. Naturally my cable box has lots of controls on the front and as you would expect no instructions from Comcast. How do you check or change any of the menu items on the Motorola 6200 box. I pushed some of the buttons and nothing happens. Does the TV have to be on a certain channel or other to see any of the menu items and how do you change any of the settings. Or do I simply ignore doing anything to box and hope it works.

4. I assume you suggest an optical feed from the box to my TV and /or AVR.

Any suggests would be helpful. Appogize in advance if these questions seem a little elementry.

One thing you might consider if you choose the DVI route is just getting an HDMI cable and a DVI adapter that fits on one end. That way, when and if Comcast upgrades to a box with HDMI you don't have to buy a completely new cable.

Also, with respect to resolution, most owners of Sammy DLP's like myself have experienced better audio synch when they have the cable box output the native resolution of the set. In my case, that's 720p.

Regarding cables, why go all expensive before you try cheap first? On my XBR960 I am just using standard RCA cables (red/white/yellow) for the component connection that came a few years ago with my old satellite receiver. Works perfectly as far as I can tell - never felt the need to upgrade.

Regarding cables, why go all expensive before you try cheap first? On my XBR960 I am just using standard RCA cables (red/white/yellow) for the component connection that came a few years ago with my old satellite receiver. Works perfectly as far as I can tell - never felt the need to upgrade.

There's a big difference between 'works perfectly' and picture quality. Are you saying you can't tell a difference between RCA cables and component or HDMI?

I don't see how that can be. You're not even getting HD that way.

Hi I think you misunderstood. I am using the component connections, not composite. I'm not an iiiiidiioot (as Ren would say).

I'm just saying try using the standard $3 rca cables we all have lying around to make the component connections before you blow a lot of money on gold plated doo dads.

Regarding HDMI, on CRT sets like my XBR960, it just gets converted back to component with some circuitry in the rear of the set, so there isn't much of a difference.

This is really getting offtopic here, and I'm not interested in getting into the classic ("if it costs $100 it must do something better" argument).

Hi I think you misunderstood. I am using the component connections, not composite. I'm not an iiiiidiioot (as Ren would say).

I'm just saying try using the standard $3 rca cables we all have lying around to make the component connections before you blow a lot of money on gold plated doo dads.

Regarding HDMI, on CRT sets like my XBR960, it just gets converted back to component with some circuitry in the rear of the set, so there isn't much of a difference.

This is really getting offtopic here, and I'm not interested in getting into the classic ("if it costs $100 it must do something better" argument).

That's why your post confused me. Since this is a Comcast thread I was running on the assumption that they would give you guys a set of component cables with your STB just like they did for me. Cost = $0.

Since you're getting a digital set, your best bet is a digital cable. I like the earlier suggestion of buying an HDMI-HDMI cable and then getting an DVI-HDMI adapter for one end. That way when Comcast upgrades the Moto cable boxes to the HDMI versions (and they are already hitting the streets in some markets), you'll be covered. A digital cable for a digital set DOES make a difference.

If you want to get a cheaper cable than the ones in the stores, you might try www.pacificcable.com. A 2 meter HDMI cable is just $31 from those guys.

I would also set your cable box to the native resolution of your display device if possible. So if you are getting a 720p, set your Moto box accordingly. If you are buying one of the new Samsung 1080p sets, choose 1080i on the Moto.

Thanks for all the help especially the instructions on the cable box. Stood in line for 30 minutes last week to exchange my digital cable box for HD. Then had to wait around another 15 minutes longer because they were out of boxes and they had to send someone to the warehouse. No instructions just sign here, that will be 5 dollars more a month on your next bill and here is an additional two foot long coax cable. When I called in advance Comcast said their computer indicated their only office that had any HD boxes was Metrocenter and another location out of town. They claimed Moto couldn't keep up with demand. Can't wait to see what they will do over the next 6 months.

okay, no difference in cables. We have a 42" Panasonic plasma that I run standard monster component 1 cables into... because i got them for like $10. I see no difference between it and radio shack RCA cables, but these are nice and color coded so, wtf... i kept it.

in the theater room, I have a 5m DVI-DVI cable I got on Ebay for $18. It works perfectly and was about $240 cheaper than the same cable Best Buy wanted to sell me. as per my experience, i say go with the cheap stuff, no difference at all. especially when its DVI/HDMI as those are pure digital connections, 1s and 0s, there is no signal degradation on that type from EMI/RF etc, and anyone who says so is full of crap.

on the 10 foot screen upstairs, I see a very large difference between Component and DVI, DVI is clearly sharper. I have yet to find a 40-60" display where I saw ANY difference between Component and DVI, so i'd suggest using component or even rat shack RCA av cables... its all the same.

I have a Motorola 6412 connected to a Samsung HL-R5067W DLP TV using component cables. I'm happy with the picture quality and haven't tried the DVI/HDMI connection yet. It seems like I read that some features--possibly closed captions--don't work over the HDMI connection. Am I wrong about this?

you might have to turn it on at the cable box.... thats how i do it anyway. just turn off the box, then push menu, you will see CC options there itself.

Twice tonight my 6412 interrupted what it was doing (what I was watching, and in one case interrupted a recording) to suddenly show me channel 3, along with a high pitched tone. Then after 10 seconds it dropped back to what I think was on tuner 1 leaving the remote unresponsive until I hit power off.

I've never seen it jump channels like that before in the several months I've had it - perhaps comcast is messing around with something tonight.

I saw it happen during Letterman tonight around 11:20. It was an EBS test they do about once a month, It stops the DVR and switches the channel to 3. I don't understand why they coudn't run it at 4am....

More channel shuffle for QAM users:

At least for me! I don't have the full list but I do know:

Channel 2-HD is now on 92.2
Channel 4-HD is now on 93.4
Channel 5-HD is now on 92.5



Ronnie

I walked into Comcast's Brentwood office a coupla weeks ago and discretely inquired whether they had any boxes. The counter fellow leaned in like he was letting me in on a secret and said, "Let me see." Sure enough, 60 seconds later, he walked out with a brand spanking new box - HDMI out, no less.

My point is, if you wait until some central operator knows about the inventory, the inventory may be gone already. If you can, go to a satellite office.

I'm having issues right now with 1 of my 2 boxes. They are Moto 6412. On one box I am not getting 2 of the digital channels, NFL Network (168) and ESPN News. However, I am getting everything I'm supposed to on the other.

Bad receiver? I have a service call setup for tomorrow but this seems like the only thing it could be. They checked my account and there are no issues there.

My 6412's are working OK on those channels though I came across something like that recently when ESPN-HD and WSMV-HD were down for a day or two. I was about ready to call Comcast when things eventually got sorted out.

Your message got me thinking about some of the new digital sports channels. Is anyone receiving 277 Tennis Channel, 268 GOL TV, 273 NBA TV, or Fox College Sports on 262 263 and 264? For a few weeks, I got FCS but no longer.

These are listed as part of a Digital Sports tier on the latest channel lineup card, which supposedly includes channels (which I can view) like ESPN Classic, Speed Channel, NFL Network etc.

Has anyone heard mention of a special Digital Sports package for Nashville? Included or separate from Expanded Basic and Digital? If separate, how much to subscribe?

wait there's a new box available???? what does it have?? is it for DVR or just HD? you said HDMI, does it also have DVI out?

Yes there's a newer phase 3 design out now, with HDMI and a SATA port. Thread here:

http://avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=558602

Since you're getting a digital set, your best bet is a digital cable. I like the earlier suggestion of buying an HDMI-HDMI cable and then getting an DVI-HDMI adapter for one end. That way when Comcast upgrades the Moto cable boxes to the HDMI versions (and they are already hitting the streets in some markets), you'll be covered. A digital cable for a digital set DOES make a difference.

If you want to get a cheaper cable than the ones in the stores, you might try pacificcablecom. A 2 meter HDMI cable is just $31 from those guys.

I would also set your cable box to the native resolution of your display device if possible. So if you are getting a 720p, set your Moto box accordingly. If you are buying one of the new Samsung 1080p sets, choose 1080i on the Moto.

How do you change the native resolution on the cable box? Thanks!

turn off the cable box by pushing "power". then push "Menu" ... change accordingly. then push "exit" then push "power" again to turn on cable box.



btw, thanks for linking to that thread. I am assuming this is only an upgrade model for those of you with HD DVRs?

the only issues I have are some wierd artifacting that happens with 1080i in DVI mode, and ocasional cable box freezing. If they have this new box available in a non-DVR model, i'll go get one.

I think its intriguing that they also have firewire... if that port works, maybe its finally time to get a DVHS deck.

This really isn't an HD question, but do any of you know what happened to Cartoon Network and Adult Swim On Demand? They both appear to be missing from the On Demand menus. :(

Yes there's a newer phase 3 design out now, with HDMI and a SATA port. Thread here:

http://avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=558602

Yeah, but has anyone seen the Phase 3's in Nashville? And so far, it doesn't look like anyone's tried the SATA port, at least on this forum.

Yeah, but has anyone seen the Phase 3's in Nashville? And so far, it doesn't look like anyone's tried the SATA port, at least on this forum.

See post #787.

Is it my imagination, or is the PQ on Comcast analog channels poorer today than it has been???

I flipped through some now and they look normal to me.

I did make a complaint last night about digital channel 407 - serious digital macroblocking and ugly smearing/trailing going on in darker scenes.

I flipped through some now and they look normal to me.

I did make a complaint last night about digital channel 407 - serious digital macroblocking and ugly smearing/trailing going on in darker scenes.

Let me guess...they offered to send a tech out, right? :p

Just messin. I had an issue with two of my boxes that weren't receiving all the digital channels I was supposed to be getting. After a half hour on the phone they finally decided to send a tech out. Having already checked my signal strength I tried to tell them to just send out some new boxes but they wouldn't do it. So, I take a couple hours off work and what did the tech do? Called Customer Service and walked them through how to properly setup my freakin' account in the system. Something they could've done the first time I called. Problem solved. I think they default to that too often.

I just have to keep reminding myself that it's worth it for the "ditch the dish" credits I'm getting! :)

I can confirm that the new HD/DVR box has a HDMI out now.

I found this out after running a 50ft. DVI cable and THEN picking up the box only to find the connection had changed. I haven't hooked it up yet as I am waiting on a new cable now. Now I need to find a good HDMI switcher. My recevier is a new one, but only has 1 HDMI in and out port.

The installer I spoke with had some interesting news. I was complaining that the analog tier was just crap with ghost images on several TV's. This was even after he installed an external amp (cool device) and replaced about 10 connections.

He said that everything was going digital in Sept.!!!

Finally I can dump my dish and not have 2 systems because nobody can seem to deliver the same quality on everything. I would gladly stick with a sat based service if I could get the HD content with the networks.

Looking forward to football season this year and hope there are plenty of UT games in HD this year.

service got pretty bad today around 7pm on all the HD channels with serious macroblocking to non-existent picture. i called comcast, they said the storm did something to their system. it cleared up in time for Lost.

I highly doubt how much of comcast's tier is going digital in sept. I dont really care. if digital means it will look lik ewhat channels 101-169 look like, i'm hoping for a pass.

OK, we have HDMI now, but does SATA work? Anyone???

And I'm not really looking forward to swapping boxes unless SATA works. I already have a DVI cable to go from my DVI cable box to DVI TV. And Comcast may not let me have a new box unless I get off of Limited Basic. The only real reason for me to upgrade is if the SATA port works.

ok i dont know how many of you have HBO or any premium channels, but channel 176, the HD feed of HBO, is complelety blocky and just not working... I'm wondering if this is a systemic problem or just something wrong with my box. channels 401-410 work just fine.

I'm not even getting the blocky breakups, just the blackscreen kiss of death. Channel 401 and the rest are a-ok.

176 was not up for me at all earlier today. It's fine now, though.

~charlie

oh okay, well it cleared up now, and HBO HD seems fine. I called Comcast, they said they had no record of any problems and set up an appointment for tuesday, guess I can cancel that.

oh okay, well it cleared up now, and HBO HD seems fine. I called Comcast, they said they had no record of any problems and set up an appointment for tuesday, guess I can cancel that.

hehe....god

Good news for Veronica Mars fans - I got an email from WUXP today saying they plan to start broadcasting HD in the fourth quarter of this year (I'm hoping October, but they wouldn't narrow it down for me), and it should be carried on Comcast too.

Well, Sinclair owns WUXP as well as WZTV so it was only a matter of time before they finally got off their duff. The fact that UPN is broadcasting a wider HD programming schedule this fall probably helped the decision. Now that just leaves WNAB (WB). Sinclair doesn't own it, but they do operate it. A local Nashville partnership owns the station and would have sold WNAB to Sinclair years ago if it weren't for the FCC rules on a single entity owning more than 2 broadcast stations in a given market. Sinclair and Nashville Broadcast Limited Partnership will have to come to some sort of an agreement on HD for WNAB eventually.

And of course, WNPT (PBS) won't ever go HD without the support of Viewers Like You. :)

My Motorola 6412 is often very slow to respond to the remote control. For example, I'll push the button to change channels, and nothing happens. So I'll push it again--but the box is storing the button pushes. After a few moments it will execute all the stored commands, ending up on the wrong channel. Same thing happens with other remote buttons, such as accessing the Guide.

Does this happen to anyone else?

Actually WNAB already broadcasts HD OTA. For some reason Comcast still doesn't carry it. Hope they add it.

My Motorola 6412 is often very slow to respond to the remote control. For example, I'll push the button to change channels, and nothing happens. So I'll push it again--but the box is storing the button pushes. After a few moments it will execute all the stored commands, ending up on the wrong channel. Same thing happens with other remote buttons, such as accessing the Guide.

Does this happen to anyone else?

Happens to me a couple times a day.

charlie

This really isn't an HD question, but do any of you know what happened to Cartoon Network and Adult Swim On Demand? They both appear to be missing from the On Demand menus. :(

They are both back up on the menus now. :)

They have a slightly different format (both now have two subcategories - Action and Comedy). They used to have a lot more.

And Comcast may not let me have a new box unless I get off of Limited Basic.

My buddy stopped by to pick up the HD/DVR box the other day. Nope, can't have one unless you are on a digital cable tier. So if you are on "lifeline/limited" or even "basic" cable then it is a no go. He was told (later on the phone) that Comcast had made a decision to tie the DVR to digital cable. I guess they had too many folks taking advantage of the DVR price ($10) but not subscribing to enough other stuff. It is unclear if you can still get a $5 HD box w/o being on a digital tier or not.

Of course, YMMV since the rep you talk to may do something else :rolleyes:

Dennis

Well, Sinclair owns WUXP as well as WZTV so it was only a matter of time before they finally got off their duff. The fact that UPN is broadcasting a wider HD programming schedule this fall probably helped the decision. Now that just leaves WNAB (WB). Sinclair doesn't own it, but they do operate it. A local Nashville partnership owns the station and would have sold WNAB to Sinclair years ago if it weren't for the FCC rules on a single entity owning more than 2 broadcast stations in a given market. Sinclair and Nashville Broadcast Limited Partnership will have to come to some sort of an agreement on HD for WNAB eventually.

And of course, WNPT (PBS) won't ever go HD without the support of Viewers Like You. :)

WNAB has been broadcasting HD for more than 6 months now. Comcast just has chosen not to carry it. If you want it, all you need is an antenna and an OTA box.

My Motorola 6412 is often very slow to respond to the remote control. For example, I'll push the button to change channels, and nothing happens. So I'll push it again--but the box is storing the button pushes. After a few moments it will execute all the stored commands, ending up on the wrong channel. Same thing happens with other remote buttons, such as accessing the Guide.

Does this happen to anyone else?

There is a looong discussion on the 6412 at: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4611803&highlight=instant+record#post4611803

Perhaps someone there can help. I'm guessing it is related to buffering. FYI, none of the music channels are buffered, so it may help free some resources to "swap" to one whenever not viewing or recording two channels.

McTNN,

Long discussion? Heck, it's only 173 pages (as of today)!!

Seriously, though, I agree it is related to buffering or more generally, the overall amount of "work" the box is doing.

For instance, when I am up to FF4 to review the start of a program to see if I have Yet Another Dupe and I go back to My DVR to delete it, it is like button-pushing through molasses if the FF4 is still running in the window.

My impression is that the Pre-III 6412s have a limited amount of horsepower and when they're breathing hard everything slows down. Note though I've seen slowdowns other times when I'm not doing anything like that, so perhaps they're doing some big reindex/defrag internally -- who knows?

I say Pre-III boxes because someone reported in another thread that the new boxes have a much more robust architecture internally and don't seem to have the same button-mashing issues. YMMV.

-John

What's up with WKRN-2? None of their normal HD programming (e.g. Lost) has been in HD for the past couple nights. What gives?

ABC (network) is upgrading their HD router, so they aren't sending anything in HD until Friday.

ABC (network) is upgrading their HD router, so they aren't sending anything in HD until Friday.

Cool. Just in time for football season!

Thanks for the info.

For those of you interested in ESPN2HD for football season.....not good news.....I hate comcast....

Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable. I understand you would like further information regarding the addition of ESPN2 in HD to your Comcast channel lineup.

Unfortunately, we do not have plans at this time to add ESPN2 in HD. This does not mean that it will not be added someday.

Our goal is to provide a wide choice of quality cable networks and local broadcast channels reflecting the diverse programming interests of our customers. In addition to requests from customers, the following factors play a part in our decision making process:

7 FCC regulations, such as requirements to carry all local broadcast channels
7 Requirement by local broadcasters to carry their affiliated cable networks
7 The number of access channels required by local government
7 Customer satisfaction with networks carried in other systems
7 Customer satisfaction with similar networks
7 Importance of the network to our diverse community
7 Level of interest across a percentage of our customer base
7 Per-subscriber programming fees charged by the network versus the value added to the line-up

As you may know, we have been investing millions of dollars in new technology to increase the channel capacity of the system through digital technology. So an additional factor in launching new channels is whether or not a particular network is available in the digital format.

What this all means is that we take all requests for new networks very seriously, and that we carefully consider the overall impact of adding each network. While we cannot honor every request, we do take each request into consideration in planning future changes to the line-up.

I have submitted your request for ESPN 2 in HD to our marketing department.

If you need further assistance, please feel free to respond directly to this email. We appreciate you taking the time to contact us.

Thank you for choosing Comcast.

Sincerely,

Lori
Comcast Customer Care Specialist
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that seems like a typical comcast response. i really dont care about ESPN 2, at least not until next year when the world cup will be broadcast on there. I dont really carea about HD pool or the world series of little league baseball.i have better things to do like cut my fingernails.

that seems like a typical comcast response. i really dont care about ESPN 2, at least not until next year when the world cup will be broadcast on there. I dont really carea about HD pool or the world series of little league baseball.i have better things to do like cut my fingernails.

they are broadcasting some college football dude....world cup....geez

Does anyone know if the new Motorola 6412 phase III models are available in Nashville or Franklin???

Thanks.

heads up: letterman is supposed to be going HD tonight at 10:35p. i hope WTVF doesnt disappoint.

So was Dave in HD? I missed it -- I was sleeping through Katrina at the time!

-John

Yes, although the top 10 list wasn't in the budget apparently.

it was the unofficial launch and kudos to WTVF for remembering to flip the switch. they are still working out the kinks for the official launch in time for sept sweeps.

Comcast added WB and PBS digital channels today! :cool:

I forgot the numbers, but WB is right after FOX and PBS is after the ABC weather channel.

I would assume WB is in HD for their prime time shows and PBS is just digital, since that is how it is OTA.

Update: Yes, WB is in HD.

more HD channels are always welcome, but will PBS ever show anything in HD in nashville?

more HD channels are always welcome, but will PBS ever show anything in HD in nashville?

I would suggest donations to the station if you want HD. By law, they have to broadcast in digital by the deadline but there is no dealine for HD broadcasting. They have said many time that they do not have the funds to buy the HD equipment.

I watch a lot of PBS programming and contribute monthly to the station.

Dennis

Is it possible to earmark donations specifically for HD equipment? I'm not interested in donating to a general fund that would likely just be used to continue the status quo.

I thought it was interesting that PBS is channel 190. Why is there such a big gap between the other digital/HD channels? :confused:

I can pick up 190 (and 185) with my standard digital cable box. Do you think that channels 186-199 will be other HD channels or possible digital versions of the locals that won't need an HD box? Hmm...

I took the cheap way out when I got my new HDTV and went for the $5/month in addition to my basic cable to get the HD channels. My problem is the non-HD channels are barely watchable. If I make the switch and pay the extra for digital will there be a big difference in picture quality? I really hate to give Comcast any more money than I already am with cable plus high speed internet, but with football starting and most the games in standard defintion, I think I may have to. Will I notice a big improvement if I switch to digital?

I took the cheap way out when I got my new HDTV and went for the $5/month in addition to my basic cable to get the HD channels. My problem is the non-HD channels are barely watchable. If I make the switch and pay the extra for digital will there be a big difference in picture quality? I really hate to give Comcast any more money than I already am with cable plus high speed internet, but with football starting and most the games in standard defintion, I think I may have to. Will I notice a big improvement if I switch to digital?

No. If you are watching channels 2-99, which are analog, they will look the same no matter what cable box you have. Now there is a rumor that Nashville will simulcast some or all analog stations as digital very shortly. If that is true, I would recommend going digital to get the added quality.

Now are you getting ESPN or ESPN-HD? How about TNT-HD? If you aren't getting either one of those, and you are a sports fan, you probably should switch to digital. But if you get those channels with your current package, then the only really decent sports channel you are missing is NFL Network.

I don't think it will be necessary to subscribe to the digital tier channels (channel numbers 100 and up) in order to see the upcoming digitally simulcast basic channels. The only requirement will be to have a digital set top box. If you already subscribe to the HD channels, then you should already have such a box, and should automatically see the simulcast channels below 100 when they start soon.

At least, that's my understanding.

i've also heard that getting a cable card from Comcast gives a much better picture than from the cable box. It bypasses the scaler in the motorola cable box, and uses the one in your tv. There is a big discussion about this in the Plasma/Flat panel forum. You might want to check that out. I think the cable card is free, after installation, but you wont get the guides or PPV.

any eta when comcast will simulcast in digital the analog channels? i'm curious to see how this looks, hope it wont be as what directv peddles.

No. If you are watching channels 2-99, which are analog, they will look the same no matter what cable box you have. Now there is a rumor that Nashville will simulcast some or all analog stations as digital very shortly. If that is true, I would recommend going digital to get the added quality.

Now are you getting ESPN or ESPN-HD? How about TNT-HD? If you aren't getting either one of those, and you are a sports fan, you probably should switch to digital. But if you get those channels with your current package, then the only really decent sports channel you are missing is NFL Network.
I am in the similar boat and have downgraded to Basic + HD. I get all regular HD channels ( including ESPN -HD) except NFL Network but NFL Network is not on HD anyway. The thing, I miss the most is the DVR. They won't let me rent HD-DVR box instead of plain HD box. I can understand On-Demand being part of Digital Tier but they should let people have DVR since guide comes with HD box.

The thing, I miss the most is the DVR. They won't let me rent HD-DVR box instead of plain HD box. I can understand On-Demand being part of Digital Tier but they should let people have DVR since guide comes with HD box.

Stand-alone HD DVRs are now coming to market. Besides LG's (discontinued?) LST-3410A, so far there are two models from Sony (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start;sid=PqpnkyltIeVnoGpw799tmGZjR8nRJpSQIvU=?CategoryName= tvhav_HDDVRs&Dept=tvvideo), which differ only in capacity (250 and 500 GB--finally, someone gets it!). I played with one at HH Gregg in Cool Springs Sunday.

Check out the HDTV Recorders & Players forum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=42) here at AVS. There are a couple of active threads on the Sony already. Other models pending (as of February?) are listed at the top of the sticky (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=508907).

Had to go down to the Comcast place in MetroCenter to get a new box. One of mine was apparently a lemon. Only digital channels worked.

Anyway, got a new box…….it's a next generation box with HDMI!!!!! It also has a port labeled SATA. Is this just another port that's not active and for future use or could I hook up an external HDD?

Is it possible to earmark donations specifically for HD equipment? I'm not interested in donating to a general fund that would likely just be used to continue the status quo.

I suppose that depends on the gift. It is unlikely they would turn down a donation of $1million earmarked for new equipment.

Realistically, the only way I see WNPT going HD in the near term is if current management moves on to another city. Funds are short for sure, but their president is on record as saying the mission of the station does not include providing a high definition signal to the viewing public.

I took the cheap way out when I got my new HDTV and went for the $5/month in addition to my basic cable to get the HD channels. My problem is the non-HD channels are barely watchable. If I make the switch and pay the extra for digital will there be a big difference in picture quality? I really hate to give Comcast any more money than I already am with cable plus high speed internet, but with football starting and most the games in standard defintion, I think I may have to. Will I notice a big improvement if I switch to digital?

Have you tried every hookup option to get the best analog picture? Like splitting the RG-6 and bypassing the cable box entirely, or experimenting with DVI, component, s-video, and composite?

I was thinking of getting one for the HDMI port, but I read these new ones take longer to change channels and that the audio is silent for 3 seconds after changing channels. Can you confirm that?

I was thinking of getting one for the HDMI port, but I read these new ones take longer to change channels and that the audio is silent for 3 seconds after changing channels. Can you confirm that?

I haven't been home to hook it up yet. I'll report back tonight after my little one goes to bed. I hope that's not the case, though! :confused:

Got the Phase 3 box up and running now (after calling Comcast twice to get the proper programming......ugh) and I report no issues. I've not noticed the audio delay mentioned above and the remote is just as unresponsive as the previous version... :p

I'm not using the HDMI port because my Sammy DLP only has one HDMI input and I have an upconverting DVD player using it.

Is Comcast running a free HBO promotion? I noticed last night that it was unblocked and I can access the HBO on-demand.

My Motorola 6412 is often very slow to respond to the remote control. For example, I'll push the button to change channels, and nothing happens. So I'll push it again--but the box is storing the button pushes. After a few moments it will execute all the stored commands, ending up on the wrong channel. Same thing happens with other remote buttons, such as accessing the Guide.

Does this happen to anyone else?

It happens constantly. I hate it. I don't know why this can't be fixed.

Comcast added WB and PBS digital channels today! :cool:

I forgot the numbers, but WB is right after FOX and PBS is after the ABC weather channel.

I would assume WB is in HD for their prime time shows and PBS is just digital, since that is how it is OTA.

Update: Yes, WB is in HD.

For the QAM users, WNAB HD is on 85-6.

I have not yet found the WNPT SD digital feed on QAM, if anyone finds it please post the channel.

Dennis

Anyway, got a new box…….it's a next generation box with HDMI!!!!! It also has a port labeled SATA. Is this just another port that's not active and for future use or could I hook up an external HDD?

Lots of info here (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=558602).

I have not yet found the WNPT SD digital feed on QAM, if anyone finds it please post the channel.

Dennis
114-9

NPT-DT is at 114-9. HBO has a free preview going now. HBO- HD 101-1, regular channels at 108-1 thru 8 and 191-1 & 2.

114-9

Thanks - and thanks to Nashville Cat too, both replies at the same time :D

I will try to punch it up when I get home tonight.

Dennis

114-9

"No signal" tonight on that channel. If WNPT analog is on, shouldn't WNPT digital be on this channel as well?

Thanks,
Dennis

I was watching Nova the other night on the off the air channel and it dropped out and never came back. I had to change to the analog to watch the rest of the episode. Guess they're still having trouble keeping the digital channel up and running.

Not sure if this is a Comcast issue, a WTVF issue or an issue with my audio receiver. (I have not tried it OTA yet.)

Anyway when watching WTVF via Comcast, when they cut to a commercial, my audio receiver looses it's connection and has to re establish it. This causes a 2-3 sec audio mute between commercials or when it cuts back to the show. During the show or commercial there is never a drop out. It only happens when they cut to and from commercials. This only happens with WTVF. I never notice it with any other HD station.

Anyone know the reason. Is this a WTVF, a Comcast, or my audio receivers fault?



thanks for any input!


Ronnie

For the QAM users, WNAB HD is on 85-6.

I have not yet found the WNPT SD digital feed on QAM, if anyone finds it please post the channel.

Dennis
Excuse me, but what the heck is QAM?

QAM is the signalling type that digital cable uses. Some more recent TV sets have QAM tuners built in so they can watch the digital channels without a set-top box just like older TVs can watch the analog channels without a box. However, this only works if the digital channels are unencrypted like for instance the local networks. To receive encrypted channels you'll still need either a box or a TV with a cable-card slot.

I picked up a new LCD panel that was the Olevia 32" model. For $1K and 30 days I was willing to take the risk.

I hooked this up to the 6412 via the only cable I had at the time which was a component (YPP) cable. All of the SD content looked like crap with flesh tones looking like Dawn of the Dead. I almost took the whole unit back.

The HDMI to DVI cable arrived and I hooked that up and the improvement was dramatic. It looks great now and even the HD content looks even betters with much better color and saturation.

I have not experienced the dramatic difference in DVI vs. Component yet, but this made me a believer.

A few friends that stopped by went and picked one up after they saw how good it looked for that price. Amazing what a $20 cable can do.

100" home theater is almost done with the screen and a few more details to touch up. just rocks even on the blank wall right now.

I've been traveling so I haven't seen WNAB & WNPT on the Comcast box yet. So does that mean that UPN is the only network not in HD in Nashville?

I've been traveling so I haven't seen WNAB & WNPT on the Comcast box yet. So does that mean that UPN is the only network not in HD in Nashville?

PBS is not in HD, but it does have a digital station (like UPN). UPN Digital is not on Comcast yet, but WNPT Digital is on Comcast.

"WNPT's Bass Leaving"

This may be good news to some as Steve Bass was no friend of HDTV (or Comcast)

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050917/BUSINESS01/509170318/1003

I don't know if he was a friend of HDTV or not, but if the station still carries a significant budget deficit, the last thing they are going to want to do is spend money for HDTV equipment. What will probably happen is that they will revisit this as station finances recover and PBS produces more HD content. Also, any new broadcast equipment they have to buy now as older equipment is replaced with likely be HD capable. It may take awhile, but eventually they may get there anyway.

NPT-DT is at 114-9

I still have not been able to WATCH NPT on this channel, but I did SEE it a little the other night. Seems I have a really low level signal on that channel for some reason, so it barely broke through for a just a few seconds.

Is anyone getting this clean and regular? It is like it is in "test" mode" at my house, though the other clear QAM channels come in fine....

Dennis

"WNPT's Bass Leaving"

This may be good news to some as Steve Bass was no friend of HDTV (or Comcast)

The interim CEO is Steve's "Protégé" so it is unlikely HDTV will be high on her list either. Maybe if they go outside the current folks for a new CEO we can get one that will try to make that a priority.......

We should hunt up e-mail address for Curley and Bob Shell (chairman on the board at NPT) and tell them we want HDTV a priority.

Dennis

I still have not been able to WATCH NPT on this channel, but I did SEE it a little the other night. Seems I have a really low level signal on that channel for some reason, so it barely broke through for a just a few seconds.

Is anyone getting this clean and regular? It is like it is in "test" mode" at my house, though the other clear QAM channels come in fine....

Dennis

I watched it for a while the other day and it looked pretty good. You might have a specific signal loss over the frequency that NPT is sitting on Comcast.

I watched it for a while the other day and it looked pretty good. You might have a specific signal loss over the frequency that NPT is sitting on Comcast.

It is coming in fine tonight (Wednesday) around 9:30pm. The content makes it hard to tell much difference between the quality on 114-9 and 8, but it is there . Signal strength is showing about mid-level on my tuner.

Thanks,
Dennis

I asked Kevin Crane (Director of Technology, Nashville Public Television) if they would be going to HDTV anytime soon. Here is his reply:

Unlikely to be soon. NPT's upgrade to be able to pass HD through our
plant is dependant on our application for a grant for matching funds. It
has not yet been decided by the grantor who gets the grants.

If we don't get the grant, we will have to raise all the funds for this
part of the conversion ourselves, which will take more time.

Ok. Maybe this isn't feasible but why couldn't NPT allow Comcast to switch over to the WGBH Boston feed whenever HDTV programming is available. It's not as if advertising dollars are at risk here.

They'd need permission from WGBH to do this (they are just another affiliate, not the network). And even if that happened (and I don't think it would), you'd have to have an engineer "throw the switch" as it were to make the change...a lot of work for a cable co that is used to just passing through the signals they get, stopping only to insert ad space automatically.

Again just now my 6412 DVR did the "jump to channel 3 with loud annoying noise" thing - interrupting the program I was watching, and also destroying the recording of Extras on HBO that was going on.

This seemed to coincide with the issuance of a tornado warning just now for Williamson county.

Is it related?

Is this what caused the same problem a couple of times in the past 2 months?

Is this what sometimes causes interrupted recordings in the 2am to 3am period? (emergency system tests?)

Who do I complain to to stop this idiotic behavior? I already have loud sirens blaring outside my house - I don't need my DVR to babysit me.

The HDMI to DVI cable arrived and I hooked that up and the improvement was dramatic.

That wasn't due to the DVI cable, it was because the set was out of adjustment for the componant input or there was a problem with the componant cable.

mr2828,

Our 6412s didn't do that last night, but our older (2000-series?) black cable box that's wired to a TiVo did. Of course, we were too busy grabbing kids and getting under the stairs to be annoyed for too long, but it was a pain.

-John

Who do I complain to to stop this idiotic behavior? I already have loud sirens blaring outside my house - I don't need my DVR to babysit me.

It is getting ridiculous, Just when I got used to the EBS tests and too frequent thunderstorm advisories---now we get sirens in the middle of the night and the newest "must know" thing---abducted children advisories, No thank you Comcast,

And then there are telemarketers....

Everyone who is annoyed by this please do as I did this morning and login to the comcast site and send them email complaining about this "forcible weather alert" problem on the local Nashville Comcast receivers. Ask at the top of your email that they forward your message to a tech who knows the answer to your question.

If they hear enough maybe they will stop this - I know they can because many other Comcast areas of the country do not have this problem.

The weather alert thing is something I wish they'd offer as an option -- one you could turn on or off on a box-by-box basis, ideally.

And while I'm dreaming, how about a way of popping up a "alert window" using the OSD so the underlying programs being recorded don't have the alerts on them (other than any network crawls already present)?

How does that sound?

-John

That wasn't due to the DVI cable, it was because the set was out of adjustment for the componant input or there was a problem with the componant cable.
I wish I could say that is the case, but I am using the same component input for a progressive DVD player (via YPP) and not seeing anything like what I can seeing with the cable box.


I have noticed something else with these new cable boxes. The audio does not appear to work the same across the two tuners. I can switch between the tuners on the same channel and sound drops from 5.1 to 3.1. I have noticed many new fall programs that sound has just been horrible and could not figure out until I hit the swap button to watch something else and the other channels kicked in.

Can't say that I am overly impressed with my LG HTIB unit. Yes for $350 it sounds great. It does not accomodate a consistent setting between DD and and two channel audio. It always defaults back to the factory settings and there does not seem to be a way to keep the audio settings. So it's fine until you change the channel.

I can also report that I could not get the HDTV and my Panasonic HDMI receiver to pass HDMI at all from the Comcast HDTV box. Looks like the Copy protection software is not working correctly. It would show the video and then go to snow. I was excited about snagging some HDMI cables at a Radio Shack clearance for $12!! The receiver does not have HDMI switching so for now I am not using the HDMI ports at all in the receiver. It's a good concept that does not seem to work so seamless. Maybe the next gen of receivers that have HDMI switching will resolve some of this.

Hello, I live outside of Memphis and currently have D*. TW is changing to Comcast early 2006 and I have some questions about the service ya'll recieve.

1) Does Comcast compress the HD channels? I have read that they don't, but some people say they do.
2) Are you allowed to get only the HD channels or do you have to buy the base package? Is there a 1 year contract when you sign up?
3) Is the HD-DVR any good? I currently have an HDTivo and since Comcast is going with Tivo next year, it looks even more inviting.
4) What I would like to do while I am trying to figure out whether to stay with D* or go with Comcast during the -4 upgrade, and I can do this with a non-contract with Comcast, what should I expect price wise to get HD channels and say 2 HD-DVR's?

Thanks for your help. I hope I didn't ask for too much.

1) I don't know if Comcast compresses the channels, but I can say that my HD broadcasts from Comcast blow away Directv (at least pending the MPEG4 conversion).
2) If you want any HD channels other than locals, you must get the digital tier of programming. I believe you can get the HD locals only with a locals only package. This aspect changes somewhat frequently as Comcast is trying to find the right price and service mix. There is no minmum contract period, so if you don't like it, return it (this may differ if you sign up under a special offer).
3) The Moto DVR is okay, but nowhere close to my Directivo. Some of Tivo's features are copyrighted, so they cannot be duplicated, but the basics are there - live pause (15 minutes for HD broadcasts; 30 for SD broadcasts); dual tuner support (requires only one cable connection); 30-second skip and 10-second replay buttons; season pass recording (though my experience is that Comcast does NOT track first run broadcasts as reliably as Directv - I get three or four recordings of Rome each week).
4) I have two HD boxes with digital, plus HBO and Showtime, and pay $110/mo. If I were in your position, I would definitely try Comcast (since there is no contract commitment, unlike with Directv), then wait out Directv to see how the MPEG4 conversion comes along. I've had and like Directv, but Comcast's picture quality blows away my satellite experience and as soon as Comcast gets Sunday Ticket, I'm gone from the satellite.

Usually they have some kind of dish buyback going on that will get somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 knocked off your bill if you get cable/internet service together. And usually they don't try to take your old satellite equipment so you can save it or sell it. In my case they never even asked me to show them a satellite bill - they just too my word for it that I had satellite.

Usually they have some kind of dish buyback going on that will get somewhere in the neighborhood of $40 knocked off your bill if you get cable/internet service together. And usually they don't try to take your old satellite equipment so you can save it or sell it. In my case they never even asked me to show them a satellite bill - they just too my word for it that I had satellite.


Same here. They actually gave me $50 per month credit for one year for signing up for both internet and digital cable. They said to give the installer one of my receivers and a copy of my old D*TV bill but I never did. They've yet to call me out on it.

1) Does Comcast compress the HD channels? I have read that they don't, but some people say they do.
2) Are you allowed to get only the HD channels or do you have to buy the base package? Is there a 1 year contract when you sign up?
3) Is the HD-DVR any good? I currently have an HDTivo and since Comcast is going with Tivo next year, it looks even more inviting.
4) What I would like to do while I am trying to figure out whether to stay with D* or go with Comcast during the -4 upgrade, and I can do this with a non-contract with Comcast, what should I expect price wise to get HD channels and say 2 HD-DVR's?

1) I don't think they do on the locals - they appear the same via the HD box or QAM tuner as I get OTA via the HDTivo. InHD and INHD2 look better to me than the channels included in the D* HD package - but since the content is different who can say where the problem is? SHOHD and HBOHD look fine off of D*, but I don't have them on cable to compare.

2) You can get limited basic (used to be lifeline cable) for $12 a month AND get the HD box for $5 a month more. No contracts or commitment, but you will have to (likely) pay an install fee. If you have your own QAM tuner (or get one) you can get the locals and couple of other channels in HD for the $12 fee.

3) The HD DVR is no HD-Tivo, not even close. The cost is $10 a month and now requires you to be on a digital tier - which starts at $72 a month + the DVR fee.

4) You can get a 2nd HDTivo from D* right now for $299 - $100 MIR (for most folks, not all will qualify) - it does tie you into a 2yr commitment, though. 6th Ave is selling th HDTivos for under $500 delivered now as well. You could also do the DirecTV movers program and they should give you a free triple LNB dish, HD antenna, and anything else you need in Nashville - just bring your current box(es). For Comcast it would be $72 + $10 + $10 + a bunch of taxes and fees - so over $100 by the time you add it all up. As was mentioned, if you DID commit to Comcast you could reduce the price by trading in "dish" (but I would not give them a Tivo or HDTivo in trade).

If/when Comcast has a better DVR they will still be a good bit higher than D* IF you already own an HDTivo. Not a lot of good choices - you either have to buy a dish box, but save every month or pay the inflated cable prices and "rent" theirs. The only bargain is limited basic + a QAM tuner or the $5 HD box.

Dennis

Has anyone in Nashville tried one of these (HDG-HDD250 or -HDD500) yet?
If so, is the TVGuide On Screen data transmitted by Comcast, or is OTA required?

I saw one in Cool Springs a few weeks ago, but don't remember (or never found out) how it was connected. (Anyway, I was shopping for a TV at the time.)

Also: Have there been any problems with copy protection, e.g., aborted recordings, missing digital audio?

Thanks

Also: Have there been any problems with copy protection, e.g., aborted recordings, missing digital audio?

I've been transferring shows via Firewire to my computer like crazy and I've yet to come across copy protection issues....locals, HBO, ESPN. Nothing. (Knocking on wood).

Guys thanks for the info.

Has anyone in Nashville tried one of these (HDG-HDD250 or -HDD500) yet?
If so, is the TVGuide On Screen data transmitted by Comcast, or is OTA required?

I just hooked one up last night, to Comcast only (did not activate OTA) and it downloaded the TVGuide info with no problem.

I saw one in Cool Springs a few weeks ago, but don't remember (or never found out) how it was connected. (Anyway, I was shopping for a TV at the time.)

Also: Have there been any problems with copy protection, e.g., aborted recordings, missing digital audio?

Don't have enough experience with it to answer this yet, and I don't subscribe to any of the premium channels.

Thanks

Good luck with it all! ATB

I just hooked one up last night, to Comcast only (did not activate OTA) and it downloaded the TVGuide info with no problem.

That could have been a major hurdle.

Don't have enough experience with it to answer this yet, and I don't subscribe to any of the premium channels

I've heard that in some markets, even non-premium channels, such as TNT-HD and Discovery-HD, have had the Copy Never bit set, which causes scheduled recordings to abort. Evidently, this was an oversight on the part of the cable company and was corrected. I just didn't want to have to deal with it.

Thanks. Welcome aboard.

I have Comcast Expanded Basic + HD Box. I am quite happy with it as I get ESPN HD. I thought, may be I will subscribe to HBO for additional $10 or so but when I called, to my surprise they told me that I MUST subscribe to digital tier first. I believe, they used to allow HBO subscription on BASIC expanded package but I may be wrong. Does anyone has info on this?

I won't be surprised if they start mandating Digital tier for INHD and Discovery HD channel. I think, comcast is getting out of control. They know that not many people want to switch to Satellite due to additional wiring and all and exploiting the situation.

Surendra

In some markets they have even experimented with putting the sci-fi channel in the digital tier. They are just trying to get everyone to convert away from analog over the next few years so they can turn those channels off and reclaim the bandwidth for other uses.

I had heard at one point that Comcast planned on doing a digital simulcast of all the analog channels? Does anyone know if that is still in the works?

Yes all areas of the country are in the process of converting to DS. Some have fully converted, while others like Nashville still haven't started. But while this should improve the picture quality for those of us with digital boxes, the analog channels will of course still be there being broadcast and wasting valuable bandwidth slots.

to my surprise they told me that I MUST subscribe to digital tier first. I believe, they used to allow HBO subscription on BASIC expanded package but I may be wrong. Does anyone has info on this?

I won't be surprised if they start mandating Digital tier for INHD and Discovery HD channel. I think, comcast is getting out of control. They know that not many people want to switch to Satellite due to additional wiring and all and exploiting the situation.


That is a new one on me. I had the DVR at one time but it kept crashing and finally broke completely (hard drive crash?). I tried to swap it out for a new one at Metro Center but they had no more. I am now told you have to be on a digital package to get the DVR - I know this is new since I am also on expanded basic and they let me have the HD box and later the DVR w/o a problem.

When you have a monopoly you get to make all the rules - and they do :(

Dennis

Yes all areas of the country are in the process of converting to DS. Some have fully converted, while others like Nashville still haven't started. But while this should improve the picture quality for those of us with digital boxes, the analog channels will of course still be there being broadcast and wasting valuable bandwidth slots.

I don't know that is a "waste" for a lot of folks. The one advantage analog cable has over sat is you pay a single monthly fee and you can run it to every TV in your house for "free" after that - no STB needed. The FEW sets with QAM tuners can get the same freebie deal on the digital channels as well - but that is a very small number of folks (in general, but a larger percentage of folks who post HERE :rolleyes: ).

If they go to all digital then everyone will need to pay for a STB for each TV you want to use in the house - and then you might as well get DirecTV or Dish, or you have to pay the inflated cable price AND rent STBs for each set too. Nothing to stop them from moving channels to the "digital tier" or requiring an expensive digital package to get ANY STB in the future, either.

Dennis

I fully expect there to be a massive uproar when it eventually comes time to completely end the analog channels. At a minimum they will have to give people at least one free digital box. But leading up to that time I expect they will make not having a box more and more inconvenient, such as moving channels to the digital tier. If you hate it, make sure your next tv has a cable card slot.

If you hate it, make sure your next tv has a cable card slot.

Actually, you only need the slot if you want premium programming - just need to make sure you have a QAM tuner.

I will be switching to "lifeline cable" as soon as my current "keep me as a customer" discount runs out. I only use cable on one TV now (in the bedroom) and will no longer be paying full price to watch the Weather Channel "local on the 8's" :o . I have cable because I have a cable modem and because of the free digital via the QAM tuner I do have. I will not be replacing the bedroom TV with a QAM ready TV nor would I pay Comcast any money for a STB for it.

SD on a digital cable channel may look better than analog cable, but once people have seen HD content there is little that interests most folks enough to watch it in SD no matter if it is digitally delivered or not.

Dennis

Indeed, I can't understand why they require digital for DVR.

Indeed, I can't understand why they require digital for DVR.

I am sure it is a cost thing. DVRs just aren't cheap to make, and the $9.95 a month isn't enough by itself to make money on. By making subscribers buy the digital tier, it is more cost effective for Comcast.

Indeed, I can't understand why they require digital for DVR.

Because they make a ton more money that way. I think they looked at all the folks with lifeline cable or basic cable getting the boxes for only $10 more a month and said "we are nuts letting them do this for $10"

Dennis

There weren't that many of us who fall into the lifeline cable + DVR but I think that a good number of us are both cable + satellite customers so I think they probably wanted to give us another incentive to make the complete switch.

I was just watching the Tampa Bay - Detroit game on NFL-HD on channel 175 (INHD2). The game ended at 9:00 PM and then the channel started showing the INHD2 show.

What's up with that?

I was just watching the Tampa Bay - Detroit game on NFL-HD on channel 175 (INHD2). The game ended at 9:00 PM and then the channel started showing the INHD2 show.

What's up with that?

That could very well be the first time the NFL Network HD game of the week has been aired in Nashville. I flipped through the schedule Sunday night and there was no mention of NFL football on either of the INHD's, otherwise I would have recorded it.

The Comcast-INHD2 schedule on Yahoo for Oct 6 shows 7pm Discovery America, 8pm In Theatres, 830pm Thunder Over Louisville and 9pm Forensic Factor.

Some Comcast markets have a special events channel geared specifically for things like the NFL HD game of the week where they aren't forced to preempt programming on INHD2.

I was just watching the Tampa Bay - Detroit game on NFL-HD on channel 175 (INHD2). The game ended at 9:00 PM and then the channel started showing the INHD2 show.

What's up with that?

I watched it too. My first thought was than Comcast had added the NFL channel in HD so I went looking for INHD2 (I am using a QAM tuner so my channel numbers can change at any time). When I could not find it I assume they decided to air the game of the week in HD from the NFL channel in place of the stuff scheduled for INHD2.

From the NFL Channel:

NFL Network Game of the Week airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET and is available in high-definition.

Sounds like we need to check next Wednesday and Thursday night at 8pm our time to see if they do it again?

Dennis

Anyone with the $5 HD box - can you confirm you do or do not get ESP HD with the $5 a month box in addtion to "basic cable" ?

I used to have this very setup and I DID get ESPN in HD. My boss picked up an HD box to go with his new TV last week and is not getting ESPN HD.

I am sure if you have/had "limited basic" (lifeline cable) that is does not, but since you get ESPN with basic cable you would get this in HD - I used to.

Thanks,
Dennis

Yes, he should be getting ESPN HD with that box. Sometimes it takes a while for all of the HD stations to start working. If after 24 hours it is still not working, call Comcast and they can send a signal to it to make it start.

ESPN-HD as well as Discovery-HD and TNT-HD are not authorized by default on any newly installed Comcast box, regardless of the level of service. Same goes for OnDemand.

The good news is HD channels 174 through 184 are viewable until the box is "hit". At that time, expanded basic subs begin receiving 171-175 and 180-184 while the HD movie channels are no longer in the clear.

At least that's my understanding of the new installs here....

ESPN-HD as well as Discovery-HD and TNT-HD are not authorized by default on any newly installed Comcast box, regardless of the level of service. Same goes for OnDemand.

The good news is HD channels 174 through 184 are viewable until the box is "hit". At that time, expanded basic subs begin receiving 171-175 and 180-184 while the HD movie channels are no longer in the clear.

At least that's my understanding of the new installs here....

That is the way mine was when I first got it - I got 2-3 days of free HBO, Showtime, and Starz HD. But when it was time for something I wanted to see in HD on ESPN I had to call to have it addressed. The next box I had, I never did call but after a few days I lost the wrong stuff and gained the right stuff after a few days anyway.

He was told over the weekend that the basic cable + $5 HD box did not include ESPN HD. I was pretty sure the CSR he talked to was wrong and suggested he call back to have them address the box and fix it.

Dennis

He was told over the weekend that the basic cable + $5 HD box did not include ESPN HD. I was pretty sure the CSR he talked to was wrong and suggested he call back to have them address the box and fix it.

Yep, sounds like the CSR got it wrong.

I've had most of the boxes from the five dollar 5100 and 6200's to the DVR's and ESPN has always been there for me.

Who would have thunk it, but was Comcast actually showing HD on PBS tonight??


"American Experience" had the PBS-HD logo in the upper left corner. The TV says it is 1080i. Local inserts and the 9:30pm program "Looking Back" are 480i.

Also checked it out using an over the air antenna, American Experience was much sharper on 8-1 than subchannel 8-2 and they were framed differently....

Who would have thunk it, but was Comcast actually showing HD on PBS tonight??


"American Experience" had the PBS-HD logo in the upper left corner. The TV says it is 1080i. Local inserts and the 9:30pm program "Looking Back" are 480i.

Also checked it out using an over the air antenna, American Experience was much sharper on 8-1 than subchannel 8-2 and they were framed differently....

No way. Really? I thought that WNPT didn't have any money for HD equipment. It would be interesting if somebody called them up for a statement.

No way. Really? I thought that WNPT didn't have any money for HD equipment. It would be interesting if somebody called them up for a statement.

Wild guess---NPT got a $1 down $99/mo. deal on gear. Or picked up used equipment from one of the stations that recently cut off HD after PBS raised the programming rates.

A statement of sorts is being transmitted over the air in the listings on subchannel 8-2. It simply says "WNPT Test Programming"

On the WB last night during golmour girls, the show started out with picture half rolled off the screen, so I turned it back to SD channel. later on, I checked HD again, and it went to SD with black borders. What's up with that last night?

nc

Yep, sounds like the CSR got it wrong.

I've had most of the boxes from the five dollar 5100 and 6200's to the DVR's and ESPN has always been there for me.

He got it fixed, just had to talk to the right person. BTW, another friend has lifeline (limited basic) cable and the $5 HD box. He wishes he could get ESPN HD, but they don't turn that on for that tier - heck, he does not get ESPN SD for that price :)

Dennis

No way. Really? I thought that WNPT didn't have any money for HD equipment. It would be interesting if somebody called them up for a statement.

I called, they are NOT doing anything in HD at all yet. They are converting to "wide screen" SD right now.

They are currently "letting bids" for the equipment they need to do HD and hope to be starting to do the installation in January. It is POSSIBLE they can have some HD before then, depending on budget, expenses, etc - but they seem to be sure they will be in HD by the end of the 1st quarter 2006.

Keep in mind, much of what they show is not available in HD right now. So once they get their equipment in place there will a limited number of shows that will be HD.

Other notes - they are still doing 1,800w and not the 50kw they are allowed, but now that Comcast is carrying the digital signal they cover a large part of the area w/o boosting the signal. They hope to be able to keep channel 8 and hope to convert it to their digital station and never have to waste the money to go to the legal limit on their temp digital channel.

While you can't limit your donation to WNPT for HDTV only, you certainly could include a note that you STRONGLY want them to speed getting HD up ASAP. I am a long-time supporter and contribute monthly to the station, if everyone that watches and has HD equipment did the same they may could get up in HD sooner AND have more programs.

Dennis

While you can't limit your donation to WNPT for HDTV only, you certainly could include a note that you STRONGLY want them to speed getting HD up ASAP. I am a long-time supporter and contribute monthly to the station, if everyone that watches and has HD equipment did the same they may could get up in HD sooner AND have more programs.

Dennis

They've got my tax dollars, and all the freaking money parents spend on Elmo dolls every christmas.

I called, they are NOT doing anything in HD at all yet. They are converting to "wide screen" SD right now.

They are currently "letting bids" for the equipment they need to do HD and hope to be starting to do the installation in January. It is POSSIBLE they can have some HD before then, depending on budget, expenses, etc - but they seem to be sure they will be in HD by the end of the 1st quarter 2006.

Keep in mind, much of what they show is not available in HD right now. So once they get their equipment in place there will a limited number of shows that will be HD.

Other notes - they are still doing 1,800w and not the 50kw they are allowed, but now that Comcast is carrying the digital signal they cover a large part of the area w/o boosting the signal. They hope to be able to keep channel 8 and hope to convert it to their digital station and never have to waste the money to go to the legal limit on their temp digital channel.

While you can't limit your donation to WNPT for HDTV only, you certainly could include a note that you STRONGLY want them to speed getting HD up ASAP. I am a long-time supporter and contribute monthly to the station, if everyone that watches and has HD equipment did the same they may could get up in HD sooner AND have more programs.

Dennis

Oh well, whatever they were doing Monday was an improvement and even the TV had it flagged as 1080. The station appeared to be broadcasting in three different formats:

1. The normal 480i digital fullscreen with NPT bug
2. A new 480i digital widescreen on subchannel 8-2, It was noticably low resolution with black bars at the top and bottom and the familiar NPT bug.
3. 1080i fullscreen high resolution with the PBS-HD bug.

One cautionary note. IIRC they were letting bids on equipment two years ago and anticipating a Spring 2004 startup. Then plans for datacasting surfaced and HD got pushed to the backburner ....way back, like doomed. Anyone considering making a HD targeted donation might want to hold off until the finished product arrives.

On the WB last night during golmour girls, the show started out with picture half rolled off the screen, so I turned it back to SD channel. later on, I checked HD again, and it went to SD with black borders. What's up with that last night?

nc

I saw that also. Sort of a bizarre, digital age vertical adjust problem.

They've got my tax dollars, and all the freaking money parents spend on Elmo dolls every christmas.

Congress cut PBS funding (again), so they have less of your tax dollars than ever.

I figure folks that watch what they offer should support them - so I do and encourage others to do so as well.

CTW and Henson folks own the Sesame Street stuff, so the local station gets not a dime no matter how many Tickle-Me Elmo dolls get sold.

I don't buy the idea of waiting until they have HD to send them any money either, the engineer I spoke with said they are committed to coming up in HD. So the more money people send them for ANY reason the quicker they should be able to reach the goal of HDTV broadcasting.

Dennis

Oh well, whatever they were doing Monday was an improvement and even the TV had it flagged as 1080. The station appeared to be broadcasting in three different formats:

1. The normal 480i digital fullscreen with NPT bug
2. A new 480i digital widescreen on subchannel 8-2, It was noticably low resolution with black bars at the top and bottom and the familiar NPT bug.
3. 1080i fullscreen high resolution with the PBS-HD bug.

One cautionary note. IIRC they were letting bids on equipment two years ago and anticipating a Spring 2004 startup. Then plans for datacasting surfaced and HD got pushed to the backburner ....way back, like doomed. Anyone considering making a HD targeted donation might want to hold off until the finished product arrives.

The engineer said they have never been in HD (720p or 1080i) yet, so your set must be telling you a fib :)

My guess is the 480i 16:9 down-convert they did on "American Experience" (which was in HD off the sat) "fooled" your set into telling you it was 1080i.

He said they have the HD receiver and take anything they buy in HD if offered (little is, he said), down-convert to 480i, and send it out the SD digital transmitter. I assume, but forgot to ask, if they send this same 16:9 480i signal to Comcast for the new digital channel 8 channel they carry.

On a related note, I checked and I could not get their digital signal OTA last night at all. I don't know if it is some seasonal thing or they were off of further down in power.

Waiting until they HD to send them money for HD does not seem to be helping get it here any time soon. The more money they have, the easier and quicker it will be for them to get it on the air.

Dennis

First off, forgive my ignorance.

I've tried reading all these threads about Comcast HD. This model STB, that model STB, etc. and all I am is confused.

What I want is simple. I'm in Nashville, Subscribe to comcast basic cable currently. I have a new Mitz HD DLP tv coming next week and I want to upgrade my comcast service to "premium" with HD support and use the HDMI for input to the TV.

I understand comcast does have HDMI HD set top boxes but that they are rare and you must be very specific and ask for it. I have no clue what "model" they are using so I cant post these questions in that models appropriate forum. I have *NO* desire (at this point) for any DVR/TIVO-like functionality (since im going from basic cable to premium is enough of a monthly increase as it is, nevermind another $10 for DVR functionality).

That being said, what EXACTLY do I need to tell comcast for me to go pick up the box and install it. Is there a non DVR STB with HDMI-HD? Or do they just give out the DVR box (what make/model?) and I just dont sub to it?

Thank you in advance....

You can always use a dvi to hdmi cable if you get the motorola 6200 stb.

What I want is simple. I'm in Nashville, Subscribe to comcast basic cable currently. I have a new Mitz HD DLP tv coming next week and I want to upgrade my comcast service to "premium" with HD support and use the HDMI for input to the TV.


The HD STB and the HD/DVR STB I had from Comcast both had HDMI ports on them. Don't know if they worked or not, since I just connected them up via component video.

To add the HD box is the best deal at Comcast - just $5 a month on top of basic cable (or even limited basic cable). To get the DVR is just $10 a month - or just $5 more a month, and it is ALSO an HD box and has two tuners. The "gotcha" is that Comcast now requires you be on a "digital cable" package to get one of these.

Basic cable is $44.95, limited is $11.15, the cheapest digital package is $74.95 . You do get HBO/Encore or Starz/Encore and some more digital only channels - but that is a $30 premium in price.

If you are going to pay the "premium" to jump up to digital cable, then it is a no-brainer to pay the extra $5 a month to get the DVR rather than just the HD box. I have had Tivos for years - both stand-alone and DirecTV ones and now HD Tivos and I NEVER watch live TV if I can help it. Having the ability to time shift in HD or SD with 2 tuners sure is sweet.

If you are not wanting to pay the high price for digital cable, stay on basic cable and get the $5 HD box and you will get locals, INHD1/2, Discovery HD, ESPN HD, etc.

I would not worry that much about the HDMI input, I think you will be thrilled with the quality using a good set of component video cables. So worst case your box has no or a faulty HDMI port you are STILL going to get a first-rate picture.

Dennis

Also if you are new to HDTV, you might consider using an antenna instead of cable if all you're interested in viewing is the main networks. If you don't care about DVR functionality, this is the cheapest method to receive some HDTV. The nice thing of course is since it's digital, the picture looks perfectly clear as long as you can get the signal in the first place.

There is a Nashville OTA (over the air) thread out there for this topic.

Although when I first got my hdtv and cable, I watched a lot of the other channels such as INHD, Discovery HD, and HBO HD, nowadays I don't watch those much. Most of my hd viewing is networks. I hope Comcast adds more hd channels.

mr2828,

We should have pointed out to SLI_Fallen that he should make sure his new HDTV has a QAM tuner in it. Then he can pay them NOTHING extra and get the locals and INHD1/2 in HD. No worries about an expensive HDMI cable, no trips to the Comcast office, etc.

And as you pointed out, if he gets a new set with a digital tuner (if not QAM) then he can get the locals OTA for free with a simple (in most cases) antenna set-up.

Finally, a friend recently got a Mitsu DLP set and opted for the model that includes a 120gb or so hard drive and DVR functions. QAM or OTA tuner AND a DVR or sorts all in the TV - and a decent price on it too. He signed up for the $12 lifeline cable with Comcast and is all set.

So SLI_Fallen get a set with a QAM tuner and pay Comcast nothing - unless you want the extra HD channels and price out the set with the hard drive and DVR options.

Dennis

Good points.

BTW, HDMI cables aren't expensive anymore if you shop around. I got one from an internet site for around $10, works perfectly.

Good points.

BTW, HDMI cables aren't expensive anymore if you shop around. I got one from an internet site for around $10, works perfectly.

Yep, monoprice.com has cheap cables that work great. I got a HDMI to DVI cable for 6$. If you get the comcast DVR, make sure you learn how to program the remote to the 30second skip.

Ok, i'm definitely going with the digital premium package anyways. I had thought that the HD upgrade was $5 a month *AND* the DVR feature was another $10. So your saying if I get the (HDMI) DVR for $10 that has the HD functionality built in? So the net result is 5 bucks a month more for DVR-HD vs just the HD (all being part of the digital package) I've been over on the mitz DLP forums for a while now (while I was making up my mind which to get) I did not get the diamond series, this is the one with the built in PVR. I have the 62628 coming next monday from Tweeter (cool springs if you want to know :) )

Ok, i'm definitely going with the digital premium package anyways. I had thought that the HD upgrade was $5 a month *AND* the DVR feature was another $10. So your saying if I get the (HDMI) DVR for $10 that has the HD functionality built in? So the net result is 5 bucks a month more for DVR-HD vs just the HD (all being part of the digital package) I've been over on the mitz DLP forums for a while now (while I was making up my mind which to get) I did not get the diamond series, this is the one with the built in PVR. I have the 62628 coming next monday from Tweeter (cool springs if you want to know :) )

Yes, you are correct. The HD-DVR is just $5 a month more than the plain HD box.

The DVR you want is called the 6412 Phase 3 box. It has HDMI instead of DVI, and the analog tuner is much better.

It has HDMI instead of DVI, and the analog tuner is much better.

really, I haven't notice any better looking analog tuner. :o

Yes, you are correct. The HD-DVR is just $5 a month more than the plain HD box.

The DVR you want is called the 6412 Phase 3 box. It has HDMI instead of DVI, and the analog tuner is much better.

Most excellent!! Thank you so very much to all! I'll call them today...

Update: I got the Moto 6412 PIII (woohoo!)

Running HDMI to the TV (audio thru the optical to my reciever)

Couple questions for my Nashville Comcast bretheren..

My Firmware says 12.18. I understand there is a 12.22 available from motorola but it's up to the local provider to "tweak" for thier local market. Anyone know if they stream these FW updates down when it's upgrade time or do we have to do something?

Secondly. *ALL* my HD channels have horrible pixellation (blocks) flashing all over the place (similar to a digital loss of signal in a bad rainstorm if you ever had satellite) SD, DVD, VHS all are fine. Only the HD channels. Almost like the box is having trouble "keeping up" with the increased bandwith or something and it's losing data packets. I dont quite know what to do yet. Have not had TV/box for 24 hours yet. I do have a couple splitters in the overall house circut. I think I will run straight to the box only and see if that helps. Anyone else having this issue or maybe some other ideas/words of wisdom?

There's something wrong with your box or your signal strength. I would swap the box first if that is easier, just take it to a local office and get a new one. If that doesn't work then you'll have to get a "tech" out to your house to improve the signal.

I do have a couple splitters in the overall house circut. I think I will run straight to the box only and see if that helps. Anyone else having this issue or maybe some other ideas/words of wisdom?

Get the splitters out and run the box straight off the coax that comes into your house and see if that "fixes" the problem. If not and you have an old Comcast install the coax could be bad (or not RG-6). I had what I thought was a good, wide-band splitter before my box and it caused lots of problems. I removed it and the problems went away - so I got a better splitter and all is well now.

Dennis

Get the splitters out and run the box straight off the coax that comes into your house and see if that "fixes" the problem. If not and you have an old Comcast install the coax could be bad (or not RG-6). I had what I thought was a good, wide-band splitter before my box and it caused lots of problems. I removed it and the problems went away - so I got a better splitter and all is well now.

Dennis

It's definitely the splitter. I isolated it by removing and running the cable straight to the STB and Wala! Mind you there is another splitter upstream running to another room, that would have been my next step. (requiring a trip to the crawl space under the house, hense my attempt at removing the splitter at the TV first) :p

So it's off to Radio shack for a "quality" splitter (I still would like to use for the ant-1 to the TV for P-in-P in addition to the HDMI from the STB)

Thanks so much!!

It's definitely the splitter. I isolated it by removing and running the cable straight to the STB and Wala! Mind you there is another splitter upstream running to another room, that would have been my next step. (requiring a trip to the crawl space under the house, hense my attempt at removing the splitter at the TV first) :p

So it's off to Radio shack for a "quality" splitter (I still would like to use for the ant-1 to the TV for P-in-P in addition to the HDMI from the STB)

Thanks so much!!

I have had both good luck and bad luck with RS "quality" splitters, so watch out. If it does not seem to solve the problem then the new splitter may be bad.

I used a 2-way that came with my daughter's cable modem self-install kit - she didn't need it and it was a ton better than the one I was using. If they still sell/give away those kits, they include a nice 2-way splitter and two ready to use RG-6 coax cables, one short and one long.

Dennis

I recently needed a splitter, and picked up a cheapie at Walmart. Works fine for me.

What Nashville channgels are being broadcast in "clear" QAM? I'm close to getting a myhd or fusion card and was wondering what I'll be able to pickup.

What Nashville channgels are being broadcast in "clear" QAM? I'm close to getting a myhd or fusion card and was wondering what I'll be able to pickup.

The locals in HD, channel 8 in digital SD, the channel 2 weather channel (2-2 OTA), INHD1 and INHD2. Various other stuff appears from time to time, but always in SD.

Dennis

Hey fellow Nashvillians!

I just bought my 1st HDTV (Sony 50A10) that is going to be delivered Wed and just when I thought all the stress of figuring out what set to get was over, I am now totally confused over how to change my Comcast package. I've called them twice, recieved different answers and general HDTV confusion from their end.

Help me guys/gals! (I've read alot of posts and that has cleared up much, so thanks in advance)

I currently have regular expanded cable. I pay for HBO and for some freak reason have been getting Showtime for free. (Shh!)

Now I want to be able to watch some channels in HD.

If I do nothing with Comcast, I can get some by just getting a HDTV antennae, correct? Do these antennae signals just override the cable signal if I have cable running to this new tv?
What channels can I pick up this way? (I am in Smyrna if that matters for signal strength).

What extras to I get by going with Comcast's cable box? Can I just get the box and leave my package the same or will I have to switch to Comcast Digital too?

They explained that by switching to Comcast Digital I will now only be able to receive HBO on my one HDTV that has the box. As well as all the other Comcast Digital features (music, onDemand, etc) that are not part of regular expanded cable service. True?

The DVR box sounds interesting, I have friends that love their TiVo's. Does this work about the same as TiVo in that you can record and skip commercials? And like TiVo it finds programs you may like once it discovers your viewing habits?

Is there any benefit to my other non-HDTV sets in terms of PQ by going from my regular cable to Comcast Digital?

Thanks to anyone who can lend me a hand here. Sorry for the barrage of questions, hopefully you recall how overwhelmed you felt when you first got started into this also!


BTW-I forgot to mention, the Sony A10 is listed as Digital Cable-ready/Built-in HD Tuner. I can't tell if is has a QAM tuner (not that I know what that is!)

you can get a comcast cable HD cable box and get all the local channels in HD, plus TNT, Discovery, ESPN and INHD 1 and 2 in HD, if you have the expanded service, which you do. if you get HBO and showtime, you also get the accompanying HBO and SHowtime HD feeds also. The box costs $5 a month. You do not have to sign up for the 'digital tier' to recieve HD, no matter what they say. However, without the digital tier, you lose features like OnDemand, but you still get the HD channels.

The DVR costs $5 more than the HD cable box, so $10 a month. I dont know how you can use an antenna and the cable box at the same time on your tv, you'd have to read the manual that came with your tv to figure that out.

I'd just swap out the converter box for an HD version at one of the Comcast walk-in locations. No need to upgrade to digital.

The A10's ATSC tuner works with an antenna on free over-the-air locals like ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and WB. Doesn't it come with a cable card slot too? That would be a free alternative to a set top box. All of the Music Choice channels are unencrypted and accessable with any Comcast HD box or card. Two things you need for OnDemand are a digital upgrade and the Motorola box.

Comcast has a deal pending with Tivo starting late 2006, I believe. The current DVR's do the basics like record, 10 second replay, fast forward through commercials etc. Sort of a dumbed down version of a Tivo.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Guys, thanks for the quick replies!

To be clear, I can get all the available HD programming by just getting a HD box (or card - my tv has cablecard) without upgrading to comcast digital? The comcast people spoke like there would be extra channels available by going digital.

And by getting the HD box I won't have to use an antennae either?

I don't see any benefit of paying an extra $30 for the "opportunity" to pay for ondemand movies (I can rent cheaper) or comcasts onair guide (I have TV guide).


On the HD box vs. cablecard. I know the card is free (but you have to pay for installation) and I won't be able to get the TiVo abilities, but I have also heard the card can be somewhat skittish compared to the box. True? Which way do you prefer if you have the choice between HD box and card.

Thanks again!

I am not sure what "regular expanded cable" means, but as others have said the HD box rents for $5 and can be added to any tier or service - even lifeline cable.

The DVR box is $10 a month ($5 more than the HD box) and would be worth the extra $5 IF you are already on a "digital cable" package. A digi pack is required now to get the DVR box. So if you can get the DVR w/o spending more than the $10 box fee I would do that. It is no Tivo, but dual tuners and easy time-shifting.

If you have to pay more to get to a digi pack to get the DVR, you will have to decide if all the extra money is worth it or not. Compared to basic (analog) cable digi is $40 or so extra PLUS the cost of the DVR box.

What you get on each should be the same and depends on what you subscribe to.

Your KDF-E50A10 does have a built in OTA tuner - so you can the locals for free with (maybe) a simple antenna. You antenna choices vary greatly depending on where you live.

Your set ALSO has a built-in QAM tuner so you can hook it right up to the cable feed (no box needed) and get the locals in HD and INHD1 & 2 clear. It also has a cable card slot, so if you get that going would mean you could get your HBO in HD w/o a box as well.

Dennis

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but "digital" refers to channels 103-168, Speedvision, BBC, several flavors of MTV, NFL Network, Fine Living and so forth. The cost is $15.95 which includes a non-HD digital box. Going digital gets you no more HD, however, depending on who you talk to, they may give you a hard time when requesting a HD-DVR while declining the digital upgrade. Limited basic subs wanting HD can get the non-DVR Motorola 6200...no problem.

A cable card setup is nice on a bedroom TV where there is a need to reduce clutter. Theoretically, video is sharpest using a cable card. For a main TV, a set top box will give the best functionality.

You guys have been a huge help. I just got off the phone (again) with Comcast and finally got someone with expertise.

I have Expanded Basic which covers channels 1-74.

To get my HD channels (171-184 except the movie channels) all I need is an HD box $5 or install a cable card (they charge to do it at about $36). While they prefer you to get Digital Basic, it is not mandatory unless you also want the DVR box.

Digital Basic covers channels 101-168. These channels currently come in at 480i as opposed to the Expanded Basic channels which are 320i.

He told me that as of January 2006, Comcast will split the analog signal on channels 1-74 with a digital signal allowing those channels to also be viewed in 480i.

This means (I think) that I can get the HD box now, keep my Expanded Basic service and in January effectively receive channels 1-74 in digital format (480i) without having to pay for the Digital Basic service. My only loss is channels 101-168 which frankly don't seem to offer anything of too much interest.

Thanks again to all, hopefully I have been able to add something to the discussion finally also. :)

He told me that as of January 2006, Comcast will split the analog signal on channels 1-74 with a digital signal allowing those channels to also be viewed in 480i.
That's good news! I had not heard a date as to when Nashville would start ADS. I hope they stay on that timetable.

:) :)

Ok, being the total noob that I am with this HD/Digital stuff let me ask this.

I'm learning now, the hard way, that Digital does *NOT* equal HD. (sounds dumb but there you have it)

Secondly, I see in the comcast listings that they (apparently) list the HD channels with "HD" in the name and the digital (non HD) channels simply with a "D"

If this is true, then I dont get how when I put on the 4 locals digital feeds (wkrn,wztv,wsmv, etc..) My TV tells me its a 1080i signal but it's being displayed "narrow mode" (like a 480 signal) huh? if its 1080 resolution It should look "normal" at 16x9, without having to resort to stretching, no?

Ok, being the total noob that I am with this HD/Digital stuff let me ask this.

I'm learning now, the hard way, that Digital does *NOT* equal HD. (sounds dumb but there you have it)

Secondly, I see in the comcast listings that they (apparently) list the HD channels with "HD" in the name and the digital (non HD) channels simply with a "D"

If this is true, then I dont get how when I put on the 4 locals digital feeds (wkrn,wztv,wsmv, etc..) My TV tells me its a 1080i signal but it's being displayed "narrow mode" (like a 480 signal) huh? if its 1080 resolution It should look "normal" at 16x9, without having to resort to stretching, no?

It's prolly not wise for a fellow noob to try and answer, but I was just down at the local office and they explained it to me this way.

By local feed (chan 2, 4, 5 etc), those lower channels are not yet digital feeds. They will be in Jan 06. The lower channels are 320i, which is just standard analog.

If by local feeds you mean the higher HD channels of those (ch 180-184), then you should be receiving those in full HD glory (1080i and widescreen)...or so I am told. I'm hooking my tv up tonight and can say for sure later.

Someone correct me if I am wrong, but "digital" refers to channels 103-168, Speedvision, BBC, several flavors of MTV, NFL Network, Fine Living and so forth. The cost is $15.95 which includes a non-HD digital box. Going digital gets you no more HD, however, depending on who you talk to, they may give you a hard time when requesting a HD-DVR while declining the digital upgrade. Limited basic subs wanting HD can get the non-DVR Motorola 6200...no problem.

A cable card setup is nice on a bedroom TV where there is a need to reduce clutter. Theoretically, video is sharpest using a cable card. For a main TV, a set top box will give the best functionality.

The channel line up is here:

http://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx

"Analog" or basic cable is 2-99, everything else is "digital". The difference is the QAM digital channels can look much better than the normally cruddy analog Comcast channels. The good news is that any cable ready set can tune 2-99, but you need a set with a QAM tuner or some type of STB to get the other channels.

Comcast would like to go all digital - more channels in less space with better quality, but way too many folks would need a STB for each TV in the house for them to do that.

In Davidson County, limited basic $11.15 per month, basic/standard (analog) cable is $44.95 per month, and the cheapest digital package is $74.95 per month (all prices plus all the garbage fess and taxes they stick on top of the price). So you have to pay $30 extra for digital, but you do get more channels and that pack includes HBO or Starz and Encore channels.

I don't see where they offer just "digital cable" any more - it is analog/basic or a $75 package.

Dennis

If this is true, then I dont get how when I put on the 4 locals digital feeds (wkrn,wztv,wsmv, etc..) My TV tells me its a 1080i signal but it's being displayed "narrow mode" (like a 480 signal) huh? if its 1080 resolution It should look "normal" at 16x9, without having to resort to stretching, no?

Its pretty simple. Most of the time, the local digital stations (180-184) will be in SD, and therefore in 4:3 mode. It is upconverted to 1080i (or 720p, depending on how you have your box set), so it will look a little better than the analog version.

In primetime (7-9 PM) or during many sporting events on weekends, the shows are in full HD glory (at least most of the non-reality shows).

Only INHD, INHD2, and DiscoveryHD (and the movie channels for the most part) have HD programming 24x7. The rest show only show HD part of the time.

I have Expanded Basic which covers channels 1-74.

To get my HD channels (171-184 except the movie channels) all I need is an HD box $5 or install a cable card (they charge to do it at about $36). While they prefer you to get Digital Basic, it is not mandatory unless you also want the DVR box.

This means (I think) that I can get the HD box now, keep my Expanded Basic service and in January effectively receive channels 1-74 in digital format (480i) without having to pay for the Digital Basic service. My only loss is channels 101-168 which frankly don't seem to offer anything of too much interest.


171 TNT HD

172 Discovery HD Theater

173 ESPN HD

174 INHD1

175 INHD2

176 HBO HDTV

177 Cinemax HD

178 Showtime HD

179 Starz HD

180 WKRN (ABC) HD

181 WSMV (NBC) HD

182 WTVF (CBS) HD

183 WZTV (FOX) HD

184 WNAB (WB) HD


For free - you can get 180-184 and 174-175 and several other SD QAM clear channels. All you have to do is connect your existing cable to your new QAM equipped TV. You get all the analog channels in the clear you get now, the HD channels I listed, and any in the clear QAM (digital) channels. No box, use your TV's remote. No movies/premium channels in HD or PPV possible.

For $5 more - get the HD STB and you would get the other non-premium HD channels in the HD list and a few more non-premium SD channels that are digital but scrambled. You have to use the STB and its remote - but you could also split the signal and use your QAM tuner for most of the channels and only have to use the STB for the few channels you can't get. You COULD get the movie channels in HD if you pay the fee for them.

For $?? more - you could get a cable card. if it works properly it should add the same channels as the $5 set top box but let you tune it all with your QAM tuner. You could also get the premium movie channels in HD if you want to pay the fee. I don't know what they charge for the cable card, if anything nor what tier you have to be on - but it may be the digital pack which would raise your bill by $30 or so a month.

For $40 more - get the $10 DVR and upgrade to the digital pack. You would get all the HD channels PLUS HBO or Starz HD, all the SD Starz or HBO + SD Encore channels. You would get a two tuner DVR so you could record 2 shows at the same time. Time-shifting HD rocks, but in this case at a premium price.

At some point they will carry the basic channels in digital format - and while they will look better than the analog versions, once you have seen HD you will not have NEARLY as much interest in watching SD programming :)

Dennis

However, if you want On Demand, you will need a digital box of some sort and digital cable. My family is hooked on On Demand, so each of my 3 tvs have either a 6412 or the regular digital box.

Ok, being the total noob that I am with this HD/Digital stuff let me ask this.

I'm learning now, the hard way, that Digital does *NOT* equal HD. (sounds dumb but there you have it)

Secondly, I see in the comcast listings that they (apparently) list the HD channels with "HD" in the name and the digital (non HD) channels simply with a "D"

If this is true, then I dont get how when I put on the 4 locals digital feeds (wkrn,wztv,wsmv, etc..) My TV tells me its a 1080i signal but it's being displayed "narrow mode" (like a 480 signal) huh? if its 1080 resolution It should look "normal" at 16x9, without having to resort to stretching, no?

Get an account (free) at www.titantv.com . Then tell them where you live and then customize the listing for the channels you care about. Then it will show you easily what is in HD and what is not. I even customized my Titan account to show me the QAM channel numbers (e.g. 94-1) rather than the Comcast digital cable numbers :)

As was mentioned, only a couple of daytime shows are in HD but MOST of prime-time is. The exceptions being channel 8 (no equipment yet) and most of the "Reality based" shows.

If you are watching via your QAM/OTA tuner then your set should correctly ID what mode they are in. They COULD upconvert everything to 1080i/720p (depends on the station) and even insert side bars for the SD stuff if they want to. I think locally all the stations switch back and forth, but I am not sure since my set has no OTA tuner (it is an STB). On a set that can only do either 720p or 1080i (but not both) then the set will convert the OTA to the one it can do and display that as the mode - even though the station is really broadcasting in the other HD mode.

If you are watching via a STB then it has likely been set to match your TV's input (1080i or 720p) and will likely convert everything - 480i, 720p, 1080i to what it is set for. In this case (like for me) my TV always shows 1080i no matter what Comcast is sending to my QAM STB or what the locals are sending to my OTA STB (HD Tivo). It can be confusing to the newb since the TV will likely always run in "HD mode" no matter how crummy the screen looks. Channel 8 is doing some 16:9 SD stuff, which makes it even stranger since you get a nice, non-stretched image but it is still 480i.

If you put your QAM or Comcast STB on INHD1 or INHD2 that is ALWAYS in HD and should look a lot better than anything else you see - except for the locals in HD. You can ID the locals for HD quickly with your TitanTV account by applying the HD filter from the pull down.

Dennis

In Davidson County, limited basic $11.15 per month, basic/standard (analog) cable is $44.95 per month, and the cheapest digital package is $74.95 per month (all prices plus all the garbage fess and taxes they stick on top of the price). So you have to pay $30 extra for digital, but you do get more channels and that pack includes HBO or Starz and Encore channels.

I don't see where they offer just "digital cable" any more - it is analog/basic or a $75 package.

Dennis

The website only has a partial listing of products and prices. They have it all spelled out on the rate card at the Comcast stores around town. The $15.95 tier is the first option listed, being Digital Basic 101-168 and Music Choice 201-245. Price includes a DCT2524 box with remote or cable card. Subscription to Limited Basic required.

So the premium to get a DVR now is $26? $10 for the DVR and $16 to upgrade from basic cable to ad digital - assuming someone is on basic cable?

Dennis

On the HD box vs. cablecard. I know the card is free (but you have to pay for installation)

The card is NOT free. It costs $5/month. (Yeah, I was told free, too, and fell for it. It ain't so.) There is nothing to "install," as long as you can reach the card slot. (It's just a standard PC/PCMCIA card/slot, like your laptop uses. )

The card is not reliable. It loses the signal every couple of days, requiring that I unplug-replug the TV (Sony KDF-E42A10). And when it goes out, you lose all digital channels, including the locals, not just the HD. I am on my second card, which went out twice yesterday. It goes back to Metrocenter tomorrow.

Finally, all the $5 buys is TNT-HD and Discovery HD Theater (you get the rest, including INHD and INHD2, without it--free).

TNT-HD is just TNT, sometimes in true HD (fine), sometimes just 4x3 stretched to fill the screen (I'd rather watch analog in native aspect ratio). Discovery HD Theater has some programming not on regular Discovery, and some of it is pretty, but the rest is ho-hum. But judge for yourself.

Check some threads in the HD forums: CableCARDs do not seem ready for prime-time. And Comcast Nashville has little to offer in HD anyway.

He told me that as of January 2006, Comcast will split the analog signal on channels 1-74 with a digital signal allowing those channels to also be viewed in 480i.

Note that the current NTSC signal is already "480i": 480 scan lines per frame, interlaced (2 fields per frame). With a QAM tuner, you can already see the digital equivalent on most of the locals. (Your set might report "1080i," but it's just padding.) The Fox station, for one, does broadcast 720p, which looks much nicer.

Ok, thank you all so much for the clarification. So my TV (mitz 62628) is upscaling the digital version of the SD broadcasts in 1080i but it's "format" is still 4:3 (it's not HD). But during primetime, some shows will be "true" 16:9 format HD on those same stations right?

Oh, and another thing. Lots of discussion in the moto 6412 thread/and the mitz 1080p thread about, if you have both, to set the 4:3 override in the user menu on the 6412 to OFF (vs the default 480i) I can confirm this does help, particularly with the lower analog stations. Even my wife notices. Thats my take, your mileage may vary.

The card is not reliable. It loses the signal every couple of days, requiring that I unplug-replug the TV (Sony KDF-E42A10). And when it goes out, you lose all digital channels, including the locals, not just the HD. I am on my second card, which went out twice yesterday. It goes back to Metrocenter tomorrow.

I now suspect that I may have created this drop-out problem by putting a SurgeEnder on the coax feed. Since I removed it a couple of days ago, the card has worked as advertized. Only time will tell.

Now I need to find another non-MOV-based surge protector for the cable feed.
Any suggestions?

okay, what is the deal with NPT/WDCN/Channel 8/Ch 190? it seems to me that they do broadcast in HD. I mean my TVs detect it as HD on some NPT programs, and they seem clear. I thought they werent able yet to simulcast in HD becuase they were too poor? is it just an SD upconvert?

okay, what is the deal with NPT/WDCN/Channel 8/Ch 190? it seems to me that they do broadcast in HD. I mean my TVs detect it as HD on some NPT programs, and they seem clear. I thought they werent able yet to simulcast in HD becuase they were too poor? is it just an SD upconvert?

Unless they have changed something, this is just digital 480i. When they get an HD 16:9 feed (like American Experience) they send it out on 8.1 and to Comcast (I assume) in 480i 16:9 . When they can't get an HD feed, the program should be 4:3 480i.

It looks like to me they are dropping power at night or something else is going on with my OTA system, during the evenings I can't get 8.1 OTA with my antenna. I seemed to have better luck last year and earlier this year.

Dennis

I now suspect that I may have created this drop-out problem by putting a SurgeEnder on the coax feed. Since I removed it a couple of days ago, the card has worked as advertized. Only time will tell.

I spoke too soon. The card is unreliable, after all: dropping out again.

If anyone is watching the Macys parade on channel 4 you may have noticed they forgot to flip the switch and send it in HD.

Let's try and force them to get their act together and send the last hour of it in HD.

I discovered if you call the station at 353-4444 then hit 7 then hit 0 you can get a live person. Ask them to call engineering and make the parade broadcast in high def.

I called a while back but still no joy. Perhaps if they get a small deluge of calls...

The Macy's parade not being in HD is apparently not WSMV's fault. Apparently there is only one satellite feed for HD, and it was being used for the live broadcast. Since the parade is scheduled to be delayed for the Central and Mountain time zones, there isn't a feed for them except the parade already in progress. So the station managers default back to the SD feed which is delayed.

This is the same problem that Good Morning America has for their HD broadcast. By February ABC will be adding a second HD feed to solve the tape delay issue, but NBC will likely take longer since we may not see the Today show in HD until this time next year.

We are not getting GMA on HD which is sad. I am sure, local affiliate could do something about it, store original transmission and retransmit stuff in HD instead of SD. I hope they don't do same crap for New Year Programming!

hmm, interesting that GMA isnt in HD in Nashville. I always wanted to wake up and see it, good thing i havent yet. I dont understand what you mean about live broadcasts.... we have gotten many 'live' HD feeds before with no problems, why the problems now?

Does anyone know exactly what day in December we can expect digital simulacasting to start? Thanks.

Does anyone know exactly what day in December we can expect digital simulacasting to start? Thanks.

If you have a QAM tuner, channels 2-16 (or so, excluding HBO) are in digital now. I can't remember the QAM channels, but it is on a single "channel" and sub-channels 1-15 or something. If they are on clear QAM, you would think they would be available somewhere for those with cable boxes. I noticed them when programming channels in a new set with a QAM tuner. Comparing them VS a decent analog cable signal showed some improvement on some of them.

Dennis

I just checked 2 and 14 on my 6412 box, and they are still in analog. So I guess while they may be testing digital versions, they haven't made them "live" yet.

I have to say packing 15 channels into one frequency slot doesn't sound very promising for picture quality though.

If you have a QAM tuner, channels 2-16 (or so, excluding HBO) are in digital now. I can't remember the QAM channels, but it is on a single "channel" and sub-channels 1-15 or something. If they are on clear QAM, you would think they would be available somewhere for those with cable boxes. I noticed them when programming channels in a new set with a QAM tuner. Comparing them VS a decent analog cable signal showed some improvement on some of them.

Dennis
What the heck is a QAM tuner. I have a MOTO 6412, is that QAM?

:confused:

I just checked 2 and 14 on my 6412 box, and they are still in analog. So I guess while they may be testing digital versions, they haven't made them "live" yet.

I have to say packing 15 channels into one frequency slot doesn't sound very promising for picture quality though.

I don't know if there is a correlation between the channel number on a QAM tuner and how much/little bandwidth they use. Of course, if there is then they are putting 2 HD signals on a "channel" right now, so putting 10 or so SD digital channels on one does not seem that bad.

What is strange is that my LG QAM tuner does not find them, but the one built into the new Sony does find them. Either they are appearing in a different channel number on the LG or they are some find of fixed-key scrambled (the Sony has a cable card slot, the LG does not).

Dennis

What the heck is a QAM tuner. I have a MOTO 6412, is that QAM?

:confused:

QAM is the modulation scheme used by digital cable to transmit the signal. Comcast has quite a few "clear QAM" channels - meaning they have no scrambling on them. If you have an HDTV or HD tuner that can decode QAM, then you do not need Comcast's box to watch the clear QAM channels. These channels include the locals in HD and some digital SD channels.

Dennis

If you have a QAM tuner, channels 2-16 (or so, excluding HBO) are in digital now. I can't remember the QAM channels, but it is on a single "channel" and sub-channels 1-15 or something. If they are on clear QAM, you would think they would be available somewhere for those with cable boxes. I noticed them when programming channels in a new set with a QAM tuner. Comparing them VS a decent analog cable signal showed some improvement on some of them.

DennisNot true.

Channels 2 all the way through ninety something are all analog for me.

Chanel 79 on QAM has 12 sub-channels containing the SD version of the local channels plus WGN. The high def version of the local channels are at 92 and 93. I think there is another at 85-6. NPT is on 114-9.

Not true.

Channels 2 all the way through ninety something are all analog for me.

I said IF you have a QAM tuner then they DO have digital SD copies of the first xx channels. They are NOT on channel 2 on up, they are on QAM channel 79 sub-channels.

If you are tuning with an analog (NTSC) tuner then you don't have QAM and will not get digital. If you have a Comcast box then you either have to wait for them to map these digital channels over analog 2-?? or find them elsewhere in the box. If you have a QAM tuner, then you can get them now.

So it is true, what I said as I said it - IF you have a QAM tuner.

Dennis

I said IF you have a QAM tuner then they DO have digital SD copies of the first xx channels. They are NOT on channel 2 on up, they are on QAM channel 79 sub-channels.

If you are tuning with an analog (NTSC) tuner then you don't have QAM and will not get digital. If you have a Comcast box then you either have to wait for them to map these digital channels over analog 2-?? or find them elsewhere in the box. If you have a QAM tuner, then you can get them now.

So it is true, what I said as I said it - IF you have a QAM tuner.

DennisOkay. I have a Comcast 6412 PIII box, which I'm pretty sure contains two QAM tuners. So I guess I have to wait. But you see, that's what I was asking.....when.....on what date.....will they map channels 2 through 9x to digital? I guess I just didn't make myself clear.

When I returned the second CableCARD to MetroCenter this afternoon, the CSR said that it was free, but that the external HD box costs $5/month. (This is also what I heard originally, before I picked up the first card.) She also credited back to my account the $3.55 (prorated) I was charged last month for a "cable box."

Other CSRs claimed that both card and box cost $5, or that both were free but the HD service costs $5.

Does anyone here know for sure?

hmm, interesting that GMA isnt in HD in Nashville. I always wanted to wake up and see it, good thing i havent yet. I dont understand what you mean about live broadcasts.... we have gotten many 'live' HD feeds before with no problems, why the problems now?

I got a chance to see GMA in HD earlier this week after visiting a friend of mine in New Jersey who owns a Samsung 42" DLP set that I helped her pick out earlier this year. Overall it's a nice start but much of the show is still in SD. Natually, virtually all remote camera feeds (recorded or live) are SD but what would be really cool is if they could do HD composites of dual or multiple talking heads in remote interviews. ESPN does this all the time on SportsCenter, but GMA just reverts to a framed SD picture so you see whatever the SD viewers get. And no weather maps are in HD either, which would be really cool (Voom's news channel has done this for ages).

Otherwise it's mostly studio shots of the personalities and anyone who comes locally to get interviewed. I was lucky enough Wednesday to see Charlize Theron in HD....yum!

The official ABC explanation (excuse) for no HD in the central time zone is the hour's delay factor. I find this really odd since my HD DirecTiVo seems quite capable of recording while playing back the same program delayed as much as I want.

Does anyone know if Comcast has mapped channels 2 -- 92 to digital. I live in Franklin and the screen quality has been very poor lately until today when the channels were super clear. I could not see much difference between Channels 190 and 8 which led me to post this question.

Mine still hasn't changed (I'm in Franklin). 8 is still analog.

You can check if you have a 6412 box. Tune both tuners to the channel you want to check (use the swap button). Then Power Off, and quickly hit Ok/Select on the remote. This brings up a white screen, go down to #4 and move right. This shows you both tuners - if they say "Analog" then it ain't digital yet.

I got my latest bill this week, and in the insert, Comcast is promising UPN and a PBS affiliate in HD starting Jan 1. :)

.
Also, all the Encore channels (7 in all) will now be part of the Digital Basic package.

Great! I heard UPN would begin broadcasting HD soon, but have they yet?

Also, all the Encore channels (7 in all) will now be part of the Digital Basic package.

According to my insert there will be price increase due to this (~ $4.00). UPN in HD will be nice.

No word on ESPN2 HD yet.

Great! I heard UPN would begin broadcasting HD soon, but have they yet?

I honestly don't know. :confused:

Does anyone know if Comcast has mapped channels 2 -- 92 to digital. I live in Franklin and the screen quality has been very poor lately until today when the channels were super clear. I could not see much difference between Channels 190 and 8 which led me to post this question.

When I swapped out DVR's a couple of weeks ago, the rep at Comcast was talking like not much would be happening before March '06. The impression given was some channels could go digital before others and may vary by area countywide.

I get pretty good results from the P-3 DVR's on the analog channels now, so the transition won't be that big a deal here.

According to my insert there will be price increase due to this (~ $4.00). UPN in HD will be nice.


Isn't the price going up for basic cable as well - not just for digital cable? With basic cable, you get nothing new - just pay a higher price......

Dennis

This rate hike talk reminded me of some funny moments last summer on Channel 3 when the sheriffs office went before the cable board and asked that Comcast install cable TV for inmates. The lady (who did a horrible job) representing Comcast suggested they put up a dish, or pay the retail rate charged Davidson county residents. The sheriffs department wanted a couple of miles of cable run out to the correctional facility and be charged $0.00 for programming. They claimed a dish was too much hassle to maintain, and besides, the agreement with the city required that Comcast install free cable in metro buildings. For like, educational purposes...not for watching "Days of Our Lives"... uh-huh.

the cable rate hike is a national one, in pretty much all comcast markets, and i think other cable markets too. i wonder if this is a back-door way of appeasing Sinclair or something. either way, Dish, Direct or Cable, you cant win, prices are going up.

I have been reading about the new STB model 3412 ( supposed to be ALL digital and is higher version of 6412). Does anyone know about this? If Yes, is this available in Nashville area?

Happy Holidays!

Surendra

Isn't the price going up for basic cable as well - not just for digital cable? With basic cable, you get nothing new - just pay a higher price......

Dennis


Not sure, I packaged my internet and digital cable recently, it's price is probably not going up. They may have charged me new rate (~$114 + DVR) already.

Surendra

I have been reading about the new STB model 3412 ( supposed to be ALL digital and is higher version of 6412). Does anyone know about this? If Yes, is this available in Nashville area?

Happy Holidays!

Surendra

Since Nashville is not yet all digital, I doubt it is available yet. But when the conversion is complete (sometime in 2006), it should be out.

Since Nashville is not yet all digital, I doubt it is available yet. But when the conversion is complete (sometime in 2006), it should be out.

Thanks. I spoke with CSR few minutes ago. It appears in Nashville market, this will happen at the end of Feb'2006 or at the begining of March'2006 and that is when this new box is expected to arrive.

Thanks for the update skashyap! That is good news.

Now if we could just pry out some details about the upcoming TiVo/Comcast hybrid....

Thanks for the update skashyap! That is good news.

Now if we could just pry out some details about the upcoming TiVo/Comcast hybrid....

That would be a good news. Does anyone has inside info on it? I have not even heard about TiVo/Comcast rollout plan in other cities yet other than what was there in the "Press Release" when comcast inked the deal with TiVo and it was supposed to be sometime in 2006 which is too vague.

Yes, what is the latest speculation...that it will be little more than Tivo software geared for present day 120 gb Motorola boxes?

Comcast to offer family package (full article linked)

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051223/BUSINESS01/512230417

Not much in there that is news to those who read this forum, though some of the quotes are good:


"The one thing it's missing is sports,'' said Julie Lamb, a mother of 8-year-old and 14-year-old girls. "That doesn't appease Dad, and Dad pays the bills."

Ashoke Bappa Mukherji, who has children ages 2, 5 and 8, said Comcast should allow some television sets in the household to be on the family tier, while others get a broader package.

"ESPN is certainly a family channel,'' said David Kern, the parent of three children in Nashville. "By leaving that out, they're saying: 'We want this family package to fail. We'll offer it to make regulators happy, but we don't expect anyone to take it.' "

George Hill, a grandfather and Comcast subscriber, said he'd prefer a la carte programming to let his family pick its own favorite cable channels. "Invariably, with a package, something you'd like gets left out," he said yesterday while shopping on West End Avenue.

The launch date for family package i.e. March 2006 is interesting. It matches with "Digital Simulcast" timeline. I won't be surpised if they come up some other tiers to include ESPN and so on!

I have noticed several promos on the analog weather channel (52) for channel 127 "TWC Weather Scan" .

Sounds like like "local all the time", rather than on the 8's (sort of like 2.2 weather).

Since I don't have a digital cable box right now I have not seen it.

Anyone know if this is available in clear QAM? If so, the QAM channel?

Thanks,
Dennis

Yeah it's local all the time, but honestly I just use the internet for all my weather needs. No idea on QAM clearness.

Hello,

I may be moving to Nashville in May, so I came on here to try and find out what I should expect from Cable/Internet/Digital Phone services there. I understand this is a Comcast post, but what other alternatives are there. What HD channels are availalbe, and what would it cost me to get a package that includes HBO plus the rest of the HD channels, not all the premiums, and the rest of the cable channels, plus dsl, and digital phone. Here in San Antonio, they sell it to you as a package, and I pay abit over 150 for all of it. I am trying to get an estimate as to how much itll cost there.

Thanks.
Steve

You should just call comcast and discuss with them exactly what you want. Too many variables. 615-244-5900 I think.

By the way, the phone service, even bundled, from cable cos is a rip in my opinion. My Vonage voip internet phone service is only like $15 a month. I ported my old Bellsouth phone number to them and haven't looked back.