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 be able to manage for $150/month for all the services that you mentioned. However, I must note that Digital Phone is not yet bundled with comcast. I hear, it should be available sometime in 2006. From what I hear, Vonage is probably your best choice. I used Vonage for about year and half but due occassional connection drops at my ISP (just enough to drop conversation), I ended up moving back to landline. My another concern was 911. I know several people who use vonage and are quite happy with it.

Good luck

As for other non-Comcast services, you can get DSL from BellSouth (256K/128K, 1.5 Mbps/256k, 3Mbps/384k, or 6Mbps/512k) or Earthlink (limited to 1.5 Mbps/384k).

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

You can go to www.comcast.com , click on "what is available in my area" and check prices there. Just use 37210 for your ZIP code and we will assume you will live in Davidson County / Nashville. You can then click on the cable service and see the prices. If you know you are going to live outside of metro Nashville, you can get the proper prices by using the correct city (Hendersonville, etc).

You will probably end up with the "digital bronze" package to get the digital channels, HBO in HD, Starz, etc. That is $75 a month, but they are always having special for new customers - right now it is $30 a month for the 1st 3 months. You might could save a little my getting basic cable, adding the digital package, then adding just HBO. You would have to call as the price is not shown.

You get the locals in HD, TNT HD, Discover HD, ESPN HD, INHD and INHD2. These would all be standard with the digital package, the locals and INHD and INHD2 can be had in the clear with a QAM tuner. They carry HBO, Show, Max, and Starz HD channels as well and they are included with the subscription to those premium services.

You can get the HD STB for $5 more a month or the HD DVR for $10 more a month. If you have a QAM tuner and a cable card slot, you can try that - but they charge $5 a month to rent the card. I am not sure, but the cost of the $5 STB may be included in the digital package price - since you need some STB if you have digital cable.

DSL is not nearly as good as a cable modem, IMHO and requires a copper line (POTS line) to ride on. So not only do you have to pay Bell for a phone line, you have slower speed as well.

Comcast gets $43 for Internet service if you have cable and supply your own modem. The best deal is to sign up for cable FIRST on one of the special deals, THEN sign up for Internet service on a promo deal - like this one:

http://www.comcastoffers.com/?cid=52959

This current one is $20 a month for 6 months, free after rebate Motorola cable modem, and $100 cash back via rebate. The 6 month for $20 is always the same as is the free after rebate modem, the amount of cash back varies from $50-100. My daughter did this a few months ago - signed up for lifeline cable at her new apartment, then the next day signed up via this link. They ship you the cable modem and self-install kit. It DOES take while to get the rebates back - maybe 4-5 months - but she did get the money for the modem and the extra cash.

I am using Vonage and it works just fine. Yes, there is the E911 issue - but you save lots of money. Either $17 or so for 500 minutes out, unlimited in or $27 or so for unlimited in/out use (prices include service and fees). I was able to get the adapter free along with no sign up and free first month, but I think the current deals require a little more up front (this is direct from Vonage). You can also get the adapter from CC, BB, Staples, etc and sign up that way.

An early welcome to Nashville to you!

Dennis

http://www.comcast.com/nashlineup/


A PDF file by channel number is here:

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/15950_New_Nashville_CLU.pdf

There is supposed to be a PDF file of the new lineup by channel name, but the link

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/CHANNEL_LINEUP_3_06_TRAINING-NOQA.pdf

points to a channel change PDF, not a list of all the channels.

No mention and no channel numbers shown for the locals in SD via digital, but I suppose they can just map those over the current analog channels at 2,4,5, etc.

Dennis

http://www.comcast.com/nashlineup/


A PDF file by channel number is here:

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/15950_New_Nashville_CLU.pdf

There is supposed to be a PDF file of the new lineup by channel name, but the link

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/CHANNEL_LINEUP_3_06_TRAINING-NOQA.pdf

points to a channel change PDF, not a list of all the channels.

No mention and no channel numbers shown for the locals in SD via digital, but I suppose they can just map those over the current analog channels at 2,4,5, etc.

Dennis


Thanks for the great info. Do you have any further information on digital simulcast (2-99)?

Regards,

Surendra

will be interesting to see if this messes up any timers or series recordings set on my dvrs

Thanks for the great info. Do you have any further information on digital simulcast (2-99)?

Regards,

Surendra

Well, the digital copies or some basic channels they had on QAM 79-1 and up are now gone. The carrier is there (or whatever you call the digital equivalent) but no more signal. What that means, I don't know - maybe they were just testing and shut it down for the holidays.

Dennis

Well, the digital copies or some basic channels they had on QAM 79-1 and up are now gone. The carrier is there (or whatever you call the digital equivalent) but no more signal. What that means, I don't know - maybe they were just testing and shut it down for the holidays.

Dennis

Thanks Dennis.

http://www.comcast.com/nashlineup/


A PDF file by channel number is here:

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/15950_New_Nashville_CLU.pdf

There is supposed to be a PDF file of the new lineup by channel name, but the link

http://www.comcast.com/MediaLibrary/1/2/CM/VanityURL/documents/CHANNEL_LINEUP_3_06_TRAINING-NOQA.pdf

points to a channel change PDF, not a list of all the channels.

No mention and no channel numbers shown for the locals in SD via digital, but I suppose they can just map those over the current analog channels at 2,4,5, etc.

Dennis

This March schedule is interesting. First I noticed the addition of UPN-30 but it seems that UPN-30 is on the active list for Comcast HD stations right now. I'll have to double-check that it's really there when I get home. If so, they must have recently slipped it in.

Second, there aren't any other new HD stations being promised but channel 203 does seem to be a placeholder for ESPN2 (after ESPN on ch. 202) as it is currently unassigned. WNPT-Digital is shown as showing up on 2 channels. I'm not sure what they will need a second broadcast station for, but it looks like they are continuing their non-HD policy for the forseeable future. It also says that additional equipment might be needed for those channels....I'm not sure what that means unless some of the old first-gen HD boxes didn't do ATSC 480p digital. Channel 2's weather channel as a similar warning.

This lineup also looks like a preparation for digital simulcast but it's not completely there yet. There are a few notable omissions in the digital lineup (Cartoon Network, CNN, FOX News, etc) that are still only in the analog tier.

The biggest disappointment is that it appears that inHD 1 & 2 will be moving to Extended Basic service along with DiscoveryHD, ESPNHD and TNTHD. For those of us who have gotten inHD as a bonus while just subscribing to the limited basic service, this really sucks. But since their nature iMAX shows are a favorite of my wife, I may not have much choice to upgrade, even if it means that we'll be replicating more of our D* service with Comcast. Right now, Tivo is the main reason why we stilll have D*, and if the Comcast-Tivo cable box works and is expandable, then D* will likely be history in my house.

Second, there aren't any other new HD stations being promised but channel 203 does seem to be a placeholder for ESPN2 (after ESPN on ch. 202) as it is currently unassigned. WNPT-Digital is shown as showing up on 2 channels. I'm not sure what they will need a second broadcast station for, but it looks like they are continuing their non-HD policy for the forseeable future. It also says that additional equipment might be needed for those channels....I'm not sure what that means unless some of the old first-gen HD boxes didn't do ATSC 480p digital. Channel 2's weather channel as a similar warning.

The biggest disappointment is that it appears that inHD 1 & 2 will be moving to Extended Basic service along with DiscoveryHD, ESPNHD and TNTHD. For those of us who have gotten inHD as a bonus while just subscribing to the limited basic service, this really sucks. But since their nature iMAX shows are a favorite of my wife, I may not have much choice to upgrade, even if it means that we'll be replicating more of our D* service with Comcast. Right now, Tivo is the main reason why we stilll have D*, and if the Comcast-Tivo cable box works and is expandable, then D* will likely be history in my house.

ESPN2 is what I assumed when I saw that as well.

I guess we could call WNPT to ask, but I figured that was for them to carry a 2nd SD signal. Something like educational stuff, etc that they do not have a slot for in the schedule. One would be an echo of broadcast 8, the other would be additional stuff.

If you look at the channels for "additional equipment" it is just HD or digital stuff that is part of limited basic. So while the channels may be part of limited basic ($12 a month) you can't get them w/o addtional equipment (STB) unless you have a QAM tuner. So I don't think that is anything new, they will send them in clear QAM or you will have to rent a STB if you want them.

As far as INHD, they may leave them in clear QAM it just may be folks on LB with a STB for the locals will find they do not get those channels. Indeed, I am not sure if you had that NOW if you would get them.

Dennis

I just bought a Sony KDFE42A10 that Circuit City price matched with HH Gregg's current lower than anywhere price. Delivers tomorrow.

According to the Sony website this thing has NTSC, ATSC, 8VSB, Clear QAM and POD QAM tuners. I understand the first two, but would any of the last three allow me to watch even the HD locals on Comcast without the digital tier or maybe just the Limited Basic?

I've got DirecTV but must go OTA for HD locals and WTVF and WZTV are always iffy. I'd go with the Comcast Limited tier for the locals if I can get them in HD.

Thanks for your help.

Jon

I just bought a Sony KDFE42A10 that Circuit City price matched with HH Gregg's current lower than anywhere price. Delivers tomorrow.

According to the Sony website this thing has NTSC, ATSC, 8VSB, Clear QAM and POD QAM tuners. I understand the first two, but would any of the last three allow me to watch even the HD locals on Comcast without the digital tier or maybe just the Limited Basic?

I've got DirecTV but must go OTA for HD locals and WTVF and WZTV are always iffy. I'd go with the Comcast Limited tier for the locals if I can get them in HD.


Yes, connect up the $11-12 limited basic to your clear QAM ready TV and get the locals in HD and some other channels, a couple in HD and some in digital SD along with the analog SD channels in the LB pack.

If it has a cable card slot, you could rent a card for $5 and "in theory" be on the digital tier but it would be $48 + digital tier ($15?) + $5 for that. You could also subscribe to HBO, buy PPV, etc.

Dennis

The biggest disappointment is that it appears that inHD 1 & 2 will be moving to Extended Basic service along with DiscoveryHD, ESPNHD and TNTHD. For those of us who have gotten inHD as a bonus while just subscribing to the limited basic service, this really sucks. But since their nature iMAX shows are a favorite of my wife, I may not have much choice to upgrade, even if it means that we'll be replicating more of our D* service with Comcast. Right now, Tivo is the main reason why we stilll have D*, and if the Comcast-Tivo cable box works and is expandable, then D* will likely be history in my house.

I hope INHD stays "LB".....love those Imax shows. FWIW, Comcast schedules have listed INHD as an "EB" channel for well over a year and yet it remains in the clear.

Kudos to whoever at Comcast is putting the NFL Game of the Week (actually 3 games of the week) on INHD2 in place of the normal programming. Since we can't get NFL channel in HD, it is sure cool to get to see it in HD on INHD2. Last night was the Cowboy's game and tonight was the Bucs/Falcons game. Lovely HD picture and the NFL films sideline mikes picking up the players and coaches talking - nice stuff.

Dennis

Guide is not upgraded properly but these two channels are available in Nashville area now. It seems like UPN and NPT2 are just regular digital for now at least.

For QAM tuner folks, WNPT digital is on 115-1 and the new WNPT2 (The documentary channel) is now up on 115-2.

Looks like channels 191 and 191 on a Comcast box.

Dennis

My new set is QAM capable. To use QAM would I just plug in the cable and let the internal tuner sort it out?

My new set is QAM capable. To use QAM would I just plug in the cable and let the internal tuner sort it out?

Pretty much. To get all the channels you need to have good quality splitters and cables - and maybe an amp. If you hook up your set direct to the cable then you should be fine, otherwise the number or channels and how much they freeze up will depend on the quality of what you place betwee the set and the place where the cable enters your house.

The QAM channels have about 0 relationship with the cable channels, but the locals in HD are mostly right together in QAM tuner terms.

Dennis

I am using a DCT6412 III.

Is anybody here having problems using the "Page Up" button in OnDemand?

Whenever I press the "Page Up" button while in the OnDemand menu structure I get an "Error Retrieving Data" error which references 222. But if I am in the OnDemand and viewing a list of movies, "Page Up"works fine. It also works fine in the TV guide.

I called Comcast and the CSR said that they are "having problems with OnDemand" and that it will "clear up in 24 hours".

But I've had this problem for several days.

Is anyone else having this problem?

For those with QAM tuners, the 1st 12 channels of "basic cable" are once again available on QAM 79.1 - 79.12 in SD digital format.

Dennis

Dennis,

Don't you mean QAM channels 79-1 thru 79-12?

Ah, those magic fingers!

Dennis,

Don't you mean QAM channels 79-1 thru 79-12?

Ah, those magic fingers!

You are correct! I should have typed the message in while sitting in front of a QAM TV so I didn't mess it up :( It is hard enough for find stuff on QAM without me posting the wrong channel numbers - I went back and edited the post to show the correct (I hope) channels.

Thanks!

Dennis

Dennis,

It says that you are a Senior Member, so, we'll allow you a "senior moment". Just kidding, I do the same thing when I get in a hurry.

Larry

Been reading through the forums regarding the migration of analog "basic cable" to digital in metro Nashville. As I read it, when this happens (March 2006??), the analog channels will cease to exist and a digital cable box will then be required for each set in the house?? Is that correct?

No, the analogs will remain. The digital versions will be simulcasted, so if you have a digital box it will pick them up instead of the analog version.

Eventually, years from now, they hope to eliminate the analogs and force everyone to use boxes or cards. It will likely happen bit by bit, by gradually moving some channels into "digital only" tiers.

I was among the first to subscribe to Comcast HDTV in Nashville a few years ago, and put up a nice 110" screen using my trusty Panasonic L300U. I recall being floored and in awe for months by how good the picture looked, and the panny doesn't even render a full 720p.

We moved about a year ago, and I went about 8 months without a Projector. A couple months ago I picked up a Panasonic AE900 and have since been underwhelmed with the HDTV picture quality - I noticed lots of blockiness and mudiness in the picture, particularly with sports and fast action. Its particularly noticable when watching football, and the standard camera views of the field yield players that aren't very sharp at all.

I thought perhaps it was me being too critical, but over the holidays I was in Memphis where over the summer I had installed a Panasonic AE700 for my parents, and immediately after sitting down in their theater I was again in awe at how beautiful the picture was. The amount of detail in their HDTV feeds was incredible. They have Time Warner cable...

So -- needless to say, I have come to the conclusion that in an effort to squeeze in more HDTV, Nashville Comcast has at some point in the last year begun to compress the HDTV signal to the point where it looks like crap on a theater sized screen. I've seen where Comcast used to claim that their HD feeds are uncompressed, but to my eyes it appears they have silently changed their policy.

Has anyone else noticed this? I see on the programming threads others have come to refer to this compression as HDTV-Lite :) Frankly, it stinks. I'd love to voice my opinion with Comcast, but have no good contacts there. Anyone been able to compare OTA signals vs Comcast? I'm thinking about getting an antenna for the locals at least....

Comcast does not broadcast downrezzed hd-lite (1280 x 1024), so let's cut that off right there.

Is there a particular channel you have the problems with mostly? Perhaps one of the local Nashville networks looks worse to you because it is multicasting other channels and using less bandwidth for its main HD channel.

Or are you using the exact same comcast equipment to power your display as your other experiences? Configured the same?

I haven't noticed any real difference in quality on my display in the last year.

If you really think they are cutting things down, do a simple test: Use an antenna to view the over-the-air broadcasts of a network football game and then flip back and forth between that and the Comcast version. It should look pretty identical. If it doesn't, then either the comcast set top box is at fault, or they are cutting the bandwidth down.

AFAIK, there is no extra compression or loss watching the locals via cable VS OTA. Since I have both, I often flip between the two and other than an extra delay on the cable signal, they look the same to me.

I would suppose the move had more to do with it than anything else. Your new place may have a poor/weak signal or crummy splitters and cables. I know one person here posted they were having lots of freezes and it turned out the cable to and into their house was not RG-6. I had to replace older splitters and amps and get getter quality of both to insure the QAM picture does not drop or freeze at various places in the house.

Dennis

since the ota thread is almost dead ill post here too.

WB is now showing programs on their OTA channel in HD. Just saw What I Like About You in HD, it looked soft but was HD. :D

AFAIK, there is no extra compression or loss watching the locals via cable VS OTA. Since I have both, I often flip between the two and other than an extra delay on the cable signal, they look the same to me.


heh, naturally comments such as mine lead to more questions! :)

Old Setup -- Panny 300U and Motorola 51xx HDTV Box via Component
New Setup -- Panny AE900 and Motorola 6412 DVR/HDTV Boxes via Component or HDMI (I've both Phase II and Phase III 64xx boxes and both component and HDMI. I also tried 3 different AE900's at two different houses in town)....

On still images with little movement, the picture is quite good. As soon as there is fast movement, there is generally a very noticeable blockiness to the picture. Its less noticeable on Film/Movies, but very apparrent when watching Sports. From my research it resembles 'mosquito noise' or MPEG artifacts due to compression of the feed. Other sources, such as my XBOX 360 or particularly WMV-HD fed from my PC are great and free of artifacts as is expected.

The easiest place I notice the degradation is when watching the standard overhead view of a NFL football game. The players in this view are very small and lack the detail they should due to the mosquito noise effect... Another place to observe it is on INHD during the tennis games, the net shows constant noise due to the motion of the criscrossing lines.

I did run across a comment elsewhere on the internet (I should have bookmarked it) that said that the 64xx series boxes compress the signal a bit in order to make the DVR recording perform properly, and that the older 5100 series boxes passed through the signal with no alteration. If true, that is one possible answer. Its also possible that the AE900 is doing a crappy job of filtering the mosquito noise, but that doesn't seem right as the noise reduces detail, and even if it was filtered the sharpness wouldn't be there. There is a box designed to deal with this effect that seems to describe what I observe:

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_12_1/algolith-mosquito-video-noise-reducer-3-2005.html

I'm certain the signal is being degraded, and it certainly could be the Motorola box that is doing it -- if we know Comcast is still sending out unaltered feeds. From reading other forums I understand Comcast is compressing signals in some places, and that would also make sense here.

I have noticed a bit of a difference between the Phase II and III motorola boxes -- the phase III produces a very noisy picture (ringing around lettering and even the onscreen program guide) at 720p on the projector -- 1080i doesn't show it, but the picture is softer. The phase II at 720p is crisp, but the artifacts are still there in moving video.

I plan on getting an OTA tuner as soon as I have a chance to do a comparison.

Any other thoughts? Thanks!

Will it ever get to the point whereby we can pay for stations we WANT to subscribe to? Too many times, I surf and find nothing to watch. I consistently watch my local staions, A&E, HGTV, and WB11. The other stations, I'd rayher not even have to pay for!

Dreaming, I guess...

nc

Will it ever get to the point whereby we can pay for stations we WANT to subscribe to? Too many times, I surf and find nothing to watch. I consistently watch my local staions, A&E, HGTV, and WB11. The other stations, I'd rather not even have to pay for!

Dreaming, I guess...

nc

Will it ever get to the point whereby we can pay for stations we WANT to subscribe to? Too many times, I surf and find nothing to watch.

Tivo is your friend :)

Finds stuff to watch for you and lets you watch in on your schedule. I never watch live TV if I can help it. Not only does timeshifting make my schedule easier, it gives me more time - I can usually watch a 1hr TV show in about 40 minutes skipping through the commercials and 3x forwarding through the slow parts. No need ever to rush home to to the TV to watch something. Dinner is a little late? No problem. Need to spend more time with the family? No problem. Stuck at work? No problem (for the Tivo part, anyway).

So when I sit down, there is always something on - the Tivo.

If you have digital Comcast you can do on demand (but you can't pick what shows are available on it) for free or for $10 a month extra get the Comcast DVR box.

To answer your first question, I don't see it happening. Cable and sat both jam these packs together to make us pay for stuff we don't' want. If they went with true ala carte they would just make less money.

Back when I was with Dish - way back when they first launched, they offered something like ala carte. I think you picked 10 of the basic channels and paid some low price for them. I don't think they have done that in quite a while....

Dennis

WKRN - Good Morning America GMA Weekend on HD here in Nashville. I was flipping this morning and noticed that GMA weekend was on HD in Nashville. I have not seen if it is on HD on Weekdays in Nashville area.

Does anyone know if comcast is planning on adding National Geographic Channel (NGC) HD anytime soon? NGC HD is available in few area now. I have not called Comcast yet.

And what about HGTV, Fine Living and Food Network in HD? Cleverly, they announced they've been shooting HD for about 2 years so they have some content to show other than brand new shows on day one. Very smart!

And while I'm in my happy place away from reality, any idea when (if?) the local stations are going to step up and broadcast the news in "real" 16x9 HD instead of 4x3 480i, at best?

-John

We will need the NFL network in HD as well - unless they keep running some NFL HD content on INHD2 like they have been.



NFL Network to air eight regular-season games


NEW YORK -- The NFL Network will broadcast eight prime-time games on Thursdays and Saturdays beginning next season.

The eight-game package, announced by commissioner Paul Tagliabue on Saturday, will begin with a game on Thanksgiving night. All of the games also will be shown on local stations in the teams' home markets. The package was created by taking Saturday and Sunday games that originally would have been shown by the league's broadcast partners or on their regional telecasts.

The league runs the 2-year-old NFL Network, which is in about 40 million homes. The addition of games to its lineup almost assuredly will increase that number.

And while I'm in my happy place away from reality, any idea when (if?) the local stations are going to step up and broadcast the news in "real" 16x9 HD instead of 4x3 480i, at best?

-John

Probably never. There just isn't a benefit, especially since most news footage is videotape.

Will it ever get to the point whereby we can pay for stations we WANT to subscribe to? Too many times, I surf and find nothing to watch. I consistently watch my local staions, A&E, HGTV, and WB11. The other stations, I'd rather not even have to pay for!

Dreaming, I guess...

nc

That's one reason I've never gotten cable. When I travel, I end up scanning thru all the channels and often just park it on ESPN, a news channel, or an old movie so I can watch something, but not necessarily something I'm interested in. At home when we watch, it's a handful of OTA shows and occasional DVDs.

I've read about USDTV, I think it's called, with $9.95 a month for basic service. Don't know when or what that will offer.

I was flipping this morning and noticed that GMA weekend was on HD in Nashville. I have not seen if it is on HD on Weekdays in Nashville area.

I checked in at 7:15 this morning, and it was business as usual -- ultra soft, fuzzed up 4:3 video. I sometimes wonder if it takes a fog machine and high intensity orange lamps in studio to achieve that effect. Good Morning America has unquestionably the worst picture quality of all the morning news shows, local and national.

It could be that WKRN is getting the east coast HD feed off the satellite and airing it live in Nashville. Perhaps that explains what happened last weekend.

I received a notice from Comcast a few weeks ago about nw Encore channels that will be provided to cable subscrivbers (I have digital cable) starting February 2nd. Howver, I've had these Encore stations for at least a couple of weeks. Are even more being provided to us?

nc

I'll have to double check each one of them to be certain, but most, if not all of the Encore channels have already been moved to digital basic. I watched an Encore movie about a week ago on 143?

Have they jacked up the rates on digital basic to reflect this change or reduced prices for Starz/Encore?

Two questions:

1. Is there any place to see what's on the Encore channels served up by Comcast?

2. Did anyone see the movie last night on Encore which showed a woman and a mute girl being chased through their house by two wild black dogs? Never caught the name of the movie, but it looked pretty cool.

Thanks,
nc

Is there any place to see what's on the Encore channels served up by Comcast?

Yahoo TV is good. Well organized and has programming two days prior and 14 days forward.

http://tv.yahoo.com/grid/?title=&subtit=&desc=&contrib=&search=&starthour=&startdate=&range=&src=&setlineupcookie=true&.intl=us&zip=37201&.done=&lineup=us_TN41505d

Is there any word on comcast getting UniversalHD in time for the olympics? I am shocked they wouldn't add it before they started. I am trying to see about getting Dish or DirecTV to get Universal HD if comcast isn't planning on providing it. If they don't add the station (which I am guessing they won't) does anyone have any ideas about a cheap way to add it through satellite?

The cheapest (and only!) way is to get DirecTV. Dish won't have it until later this year, and it will require special hardware. I have DirecTV and UHD and love it.

Looks like UHD is going to be on Comcast 170. It's not working yet, but the guide is listing programming.

I read in a different thread today that Comcast couldn't add it in time, and was going to show the Olympics stuff from it on one of the INHD channels?

One hand at Comcast doesn't know what the other is doing?

I saw UHD too in the listings. It isn't all Knight Rider reruns, is it? :p

I didn't even know they were getting it.

I saw UHD too in the listings. It isn't all Knight Rider reruns, is it? :p

I didn't even know they were getting it.

It is part of the HD package on D*. "Medical Investigation", "The Equalizer", "Law & Order SVU", "Quantum Leap", "Monk", "Battlestar Galactica", and the usual mix of movies and some other HD content like concerts, etc. Yes, they do have KnightRider as well.

You have to tune to HDnet if you want the all time classic "Greg the Bunny" in HD :eek:

Clearly, some of this is native HD and looks good and some of the stuff is converted from other media to HD and does not look as good.

The web page with shows, schedules, etc is here (http://www.universalhd.com/) .

Dennis

That is interesting about UniversalHD being listed on channel 170 now. Hopefully that is a sign it is coming, but it is very odd that there is nothing but black on the channel currently. Has anyone been in touch with comcast?

Mmmm....Galactica in HD would be wonderful. The super-squeezed SciFi feed is pretty awful.

Here's hoping they get it plumbed up soon.

-John

You do realize, it is the previous season in HD, not the current one.

No, I didn't realize that. Bugger!

:(

It seems channel 170 is no longer listed

It seems channel 170 is no longer listed

Yes, it is gone from Guide. I was getting all fired up about it. :mad:

So has anyone done a QAM digital channel breakdown for the Nashville area? I use my Toshiba TV to pick up the local HD's, etc and it would be nice to have. I have been working on this past weeks changes, and will eventually try to post it when I am done. Was thinking maybe already had some of it done and I could add to it. Let me know if there is any interest in this from anyone.

Thanks,
Mamajama

A couple QAM channels of interest:

79-10 WGN standard definition
81-4 TNT standard definition

Still no new HD channels

So are the locals still available in HD with the 11.40 package if you have a QAM Clear ready TV?

Thanks,
Alan

I have Extended Basic and can get the local high def channels including INHD1 and 2.

So are the locals still available in HD with the 11.40 package if you have a QAM Clear ready TV?

Thanks,
Alan

Correct. You can be on limited basic (lifeline cable) and you still get the locals in HD. Right now you will also get INHD1 and 2 as well as some other clear QAM digital SD channels.

Dennis

Correct. You can be on limited basic (lifeline cable) and you still get the locals in HD. Right now you will also get INHD1 and 2 as well as some other clear QAM digital SD channels.

Dennis


Excellent, that is what I was hoping. I have dish and dont want to give up my DVR ( I have the grandfathered free variety), but wanted HD locals, so for 11 bucks it is a great deal.

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?

According to the FAQ at comcast.com

"There is no additional charge for CableCARD service above what you currently pay for Digital Cable service"
http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp1/FAQ/FaqDetail_2651.html

Would you expect limited basic to be considered "Digital Cable service"?

Universal starting to pop up around the country on Comcast. Keep your eyes peeled. Anyone ever get a explanation on what happen to it last Tuesday?

Would you expect limited basic to be considered "Digital Cable service"?

Nope, and regular basic is not digital either. You have to spend $63 or more to get digital cable and then I guess you get the "Free" cable card? Someone here reported that they were charged $5.month for the card - I was pretty sure - so maybe Comcast has had a change of heart on charging for it.

Dennis

According to the FAQ at comcast.com

"There is no additional charge for CableCARD service above what you currently pay for Digital Cable service"
http://www.comcast.com/Support/Corp1/FAQ/FaqDetail_2651.html

That is not informative, since I do not subscribe to the digital service, just "extended basic," or whatever they call it.

That is not informative, since I do not subscribe to the digital service, just "extended basic," or whatever they call it.

LOL, this cable card thing will not die. FWIW, here is my take:

Limited Basic and Expanded Basic are analog services not requiring a digital converter. Comcast supplies one "free" digital box with a Digital Basic subscription. For pricing purposes, Comcast considers a cable card equal to a standard def digital tuner when it is used to view SD digital channels. There is no additional charge to receive HD programming to these same customers owning QAM capable tuners.

Digital Basic subscribers can upgrade the "free" digital tuner or "free" cable card to a HD set top box for $5. Needless to say, Digital Basic subs owning HD televisions with cable card slots would not need to do so, and could use the cable card to view Comcast HD and digital SD programming.

Analog (Expanded Basic) subscribers wanting Comcast HD via cable card are being charged $5 because the card is considered equal in value to the HD set top box when the card and STB serve the same purpose. In this instance, access to digital SD channels is not part of the equation. Since even Digital Basic subs pay $5 to rent the HD box, card holding analog customers are being billed too.

Understand? ....should be clear as mud. Having said that, I got a hunch a lot of Expanded Basic subs could walk into Comcast offices with printed FAQ in hand - talk to a rep - and get a free cable card.

LOL, this cable card thing will not die. FWIW, here is my take:


Makes sense to me, except that someone with a QAM tuner and analog cable does not need the cable card to get HD programming. So why should they even have it, much less pay $5 for it? If the answer is to get premium channel w/o a STB or PPV then I can see the point.

Someone posted they were told they could get limited basic for $11.50 and a free cable card - which makes no sense and is probably wrong :)

Dennis

Finally, Universal HD is ON in Nashville area ( 170)

Finally, Universal HD is ON in Nashville area ( 170)

While I am glad we got another HD channel, this channel schedule looks lame... Here it is for the day.

6:00 AM MUSIC IN HIGH PLACES
ANGIE STONE: VANCOUVER
7:00 AM KNIGHT RIDER
NOT A DROP TO DRINK
8:00 AM SPORTS
VANS INVITATIONAL - PART 1
10:00 AM SPORTS
VANS INVITATIONAL - PART 2
12:00 PM CENTURY CITY
ONLY YOU
1:00 PM QUANTUM LEAP
THE COLOR OF TRUTH - AUG 8, 1955
2:00 PM KNIGHT RIDER
NOT A DROP TO DRINK
3:00 PM KNIGHT RIDER
NO BIG THING
4:00 PM MOVIE
THE BORDER
6:00 PM QUANTUM LEAP
THE COLOR OF TRUTH - AUG 8, 1955
7:00 PM KNIGHT RIDER
NO BIG THING
8:00 PM LAW & ORDER: SVU
FUTILITY
9:00 PM MEDICAL INVESTIGATION
COMING HOME
10:00 PM EQUALIZER, THE
THE EQUALIZER
11:00 PM LAW & ORDER: SVU
FUTILITY
12:00 AM MEDICAL INVESTIGATION
COMING HOME
1:00 AM EQUALIZER, THE
THE EQUALIZER
2:00 AM MOVIE
THE BORDER
4:00 AM CENTURY CITY
ONLY YOU
5:00 AM MUSIC IN HIGH PLACES
ANGIE STONE: VANCOUVER

I already told you folks it was a lame channel :)

I wonder if it is on clear QAM? It sure is a pain to let the tuners add channels then go hunt trough them looking for something new.....

Dennis

I dont care if it's lame or not, I like some of the stuff that they are showing.

I already told you folks it was a lame channel :)

I wonder if it is on clear QAM? It sure is a pain to let the tuners add channels then go hunt trough them looking for something new.....

Dennis


It may be lame now but it will have a lot of Olympic coverage starting Saturday.

There is no additional charge to receive HD programming to these same customers owning QAM capable tuners.

The why was I charged? I have a QAM tuner.

Actually, after I ditched the card, some fool CSR and her supervisor both insisted that, without their equipment, I could not possibly be seeing what I do indeed see. All the card added was TNT-HD and Discovery HD Theater (neither of which is worth the bother of continually resetting the card, even if it were free).

I already told you folks it was a lame channel :)

I wonder if it is on clear QAM?

Who cares?

The why was I charged? I have a QAM tuner.

You were paying for Expanded Basic (analog). Digital customers get the cable card at no additional charge.

Until Comcast starts to encrypt everything, clear QAM is there for the taking - not ESPN, Discovery, TNT, UHD?, HBO, CINE, SHOW, STARZ.

Are you intimating that Comcrap may encrypt when they go all digital in March?

can you stop calling comcast, comcrap? it was slightly humorous the first time, but now its tedious and cheesy, and to be honest, they havent been lame, at least not in nashville yet. and if you hate them so much, why dont you just buy a dish?

btw: did anyone notice that UPN is now available in HD, i forget which channel but its right after WB-HD... like 186 or something. There are also two feeds for PBS, 190 and 191. they have two sub digital channels and not the HD feed? seems wierd.



also, i know i made a big stink about how TNT-HD was originally packaged into the "digital tier" here in nashville, and that i wasnt getting it. that soon changed and they took it out of the digital tier and made it available to anyone who subscribes to all basic cable and has an HD cable box.

universal HD is again packaged into the digital tier, is this another mistake or the start of a trend?

The rumor is the UHD channel may go away again after the olympics, so don't get too attached to it yet.

Regarding the two pbs channels, over on the Nashville OTA thread there was discussion of it. The main channel won't be going HD until at least near end of this year. The other channel is some bio channel or something they are trying to launch.

btw: did anyone notice that UPN is now available in HD, i forget which channel but its right after WB-HD... like 186 or something. There are also two feeds for PBS, 190 and 191. they have two sub digital channels and not the HD feed? seems wierd.


Yes, UPN is HD but I have yet to see HD programming on it yet. With respect to PBS 190, I have noticed few programming do come in HD, I guess it depends on the feed they receive.

I am afraid UHD will stay in Digital Tier. With TNT, thay had to make it part of regular since regular TNT is available as a part of basic package.

Also, I won't be surprised if they take INHD1 and INHD2 away or make us pay some additional premium for HD service ( other than box rental).

The rumor is the UHD channel may go away again after the olympics, so don't get too attached to it yet.


I hope not.

can you stop calling comcast, comcrap? it was slightly humorous the first time, but now its tedious and cheesy, and to be honest, they havent been lame, at least not in nashville yet. and if you hate them so much, why dont you just buy a dish?I believe I have used the euphemism (go look it up) about three times. But, it evidently bothers you quite a bit so there must be some truth there.

Does Comcrap pay you extra for the defense, or is it part of your regular pay?

I have both C-band and DirecTV. And, thanks for the suggestion.

With respect to PBS 190, I have noticed few programming do come in HD, I guess it depends on the feed they receive.


That is incorrect, channel 8 / WNPT does not have the equipment to broadcast in HD yet - and will not until the end of the year (if then).

What you are seeing is clever and does look LIKE HD - for shows they feed us live (meaning as they d/l them from the sat in HD as opposed to a tape delay) that they get in HD they send them out digital in 16:9 SD (480i). Some of it looks good enough to make you THINK you are seeing true HD, but it is not.

This is talked about over in the Nashville OTA thread as well. Even if you don't have an HD OTA system, it should be worthwhile reading that thread too since
Comcast just re-sends what the locals provide. So if you have issues with a show with freezes, or not in HD, etc you can check both places for answers.

Dennis

What you are seeing is clever and does look LIKE HD - for shows they feed us live (meaning as they d/l them from the sat in HD as opposed to a tape delay) that they get in HD they send them out digital in 16:9 SD (480i). Some of it looks good enough to make you THINK you are seeing true HD, but it is not.

Dennis

Thanks, you are probably correct. I don't have OTA. It may not be true HD. The ones that seem like HD for sure look better ( not stretched) than usual. I hate it when they stretch the content. Streching the content should be left upto the individual consumer.

Surendra

The programs that WNPT-DT show in 16:9 were originally shot in widescreen, and that's why they don't look stretched. It's usually PBS primetime and BBC produced series. Even some kids' shows are in 16:9, since they are BBC productions.

Yes, UPN is HD but I have yet to see HD programming on it yet. With respect to PBS 190, I have noticed few programming do come in HD, I guess it depends on the feed they receive.

I am afraid UHD will stay in Digital Tier. With TNT, thay had to make it part of regular since regular TNT is available as a part of basic package.

Also, I won't be surprised if they take INHD1 and INHD2 away or make us pay some additional premium for HD service ( other than box rental).


in other markets, you only get the OTA network HD channels with the HD cable box, ALL other channels are part of the digital tier, including ESPN, the INHD channels, DISC, and TNT... and UHD. they all cost the extra $10 or whatever they charge for those stupid digital channels that very few people watch. In Nashville, for some strange reason they didnt do this, and still it makes little sense to put just one HD channel in the tier. whatever, it would be nice to have, but i really dont care... i was very excited at the prospect of TNT and that turned out to be a really lame HD channel, so...

Are you intimating that Comcrap may encrypt when they go all digital in March?

March would be a good time to do so, if they decide to go in that direction. There could be any number of reasons for the way encryption is handled locally - technical, market driven, political, franchise agreements.....

What you are seeing is clever and does look LIKE HD - for shows they feed us live (meaning as they d/l them from the sat in HD as opposed to a tape delay) that they get in HD they send them out digital in 16:9 SD (480i). Some of it looks good enough to make you THINK you are seeing true HD, but it is not.

A few of the prime time programs with the PBS-HD bug, such as Nova, can look really good at 480i. Just goes to show how outstanding the source material is and leaves me wanting for 1080i that much more.

A few of the prime time programs with the PBS-HD bug, such as Nova, can look really good at 480i. Just goes to show how outstanding the source material is and leaves me wanting for 1080i that much more.

The 16:9 480i is better than nothing, but I can't wait to see that 1080i native content IN 1080i once they get the equipment to broadcast it.

The keys to it looking good are: has to be all shot in HD, sent to our station in HD, and be aired here as WNPT gets it.

The stretch thing is usually in the box or TV and is not being sent by the local station. With an HDTivo you can hit the up arrow twice and switch to 480i and HD (after you remove 480p and the HD your sent does not do native - either 720p or 1080i). So if I am watching something in 4:3 digital non-HD I just switch to 480i to watch it. Local stations that add their own side bars to 4:3 content defeat this and the picture ends up squished.

With a Cc box, I think you set the resolution using the buttons on the front of the box - but you can tell it to pass non-HD stuff in 480i and MAY avoid having the picture squished or stretched.

Dennis

Yes, UPN is HD but I have yet to see HD programming on it yet.

I saw it the other night. Everybody Hates Chris and Love Inc. were in 1080i, and looked very good. WUXP has no subchannels, so they were at full bandwidth.

What's lame is they keep pre-empting Veronica Mars on Wednesday for sports games, and then the rerun of VM on Saturday is not HD. I guess they have no HD recording equipment.

The WKRN general manager just posted on his web log that Dish Network will be transmitting the WKRN-HD channel tomorrow.

Comcast will have to offer all the local chanels in HD on all of their tiers. The FCC recently ruled that they were not exempt from the rules that go into place with regard to broadcast TV being HD. If they take them away now, they will have to add them back later. (locals, no inhd)

Comcast will have to offer all the local chanels in HD on all of their tiers. The FCC recently ruled that they were not exempt from the rules that go into place with regard to broadcast TV being HD. If they take them away now, they will have to add them back later. (locals, no inhd)

I think we (and it seems Comcast) already figured that out :)

Dennis

Quick question on programming...

My $50 off for switching from Directv just expired, so I need to drastically cut my bill. Can I buy just the limited basic, keep my hd pvr, and only have the hd locals and the ability to record them?


If that is possible, can I also add HBO, or are other channels required for that?

Wouldn't Comcast be the correct place to get these questions answered?

I have typically found that they dont want to sell the lowest service. They would rather say they cant do it - I have read of that happening quite a few times on here. Thanks, though.

Well I called Comcast. They tell me that I can get limited basic and get the HD channels, but that the DVR doesnt work to record them without buying "digital cable". That makes no sense, but whatever....

I will just have to find an aftermarket box to record the channels...

Well I called Comcast. They tell me that I can get limited basic and get the HD channels, but that the DVR doesnt work to record them without buying "digital cable". That makes no sense, but whatever....

I will just have to find an aftermarket box to record the channels...

This has been covered several times in this thread. Cc no longer allows you to have a DVR on a non-digital cable account (though some folks say they have been grandfathered in). You can get limited basic and the $5 per month HD box if you don't have a QAM tuner in your TV.

You could try just calling and telling them you want limited basic, you will have to pay a fee ($17, I think) to have a trap put on your line and hope they don't catch/notice the DVR on your account and turn it off.

As far as aftermarket boxes go, the 3rd gen Tivo (due out later this year) would work, or you could put together a HTPC around a QAM PCI card ($150-200 for the card).

Dennis

You could try just calling and telling them you want limited basic, you will have to pay a fee ($17, I think) to have a trap put on your line and hope they don't catch/notice the DVR on your account and turn it off.
So, after the initial three month special runs out and you decide all you really want is limited basic, they charge you $17 to downgrade your programming package? What do they charge if you cancel completely...$50? :eek:

So, after the initial three month special runs out and you decide all you really want is limited basic, they charge you $17 to downgrade your programming package? What do they charge if you cancel completely...$50? :eek:

They charge you for the trip to come out and put a trap on your pole (or in the cable box where service enters your house/apartment). This used to be $50 or more, but when I had it done a few months back I was only charged $15-17 for this.

This is the old analog trap and blocks the analog signal from channel 11 (ESPN) on up but you still get 2-10 and some other stuff (CSPAN, etc) in ANALOG. Has no effect (AFAIK) on QAM tuning.

Dennis

I'm curious to see if any of you are tempted by Dish now that they are offering HD locals also for the Nashville area.

If my kids weren't hooked on On Demand, I really might go back to Dish. I also am hooked on the 6 MB dowload speeds of HSI, and don't necessarily want to go back to DSL. But Dish is cheaper for the most part.

I am just shocked that Nashville was one of the early cities for Dish to send HD locals. :eek: You do need their MPEG4 box, however, and a Dish 1000 satellite.

I just hope Comcast hurries up with their all digital channels. I will feel much better about staying with Comcast when that happens.

I was an early adopter at Dish and switched to Direct because my Dishplayers kept hosing and Direct offered a DirecTivo - also Dish busted me on a getting the east/west networks I had for years (I think channel 2 protested everyone in the area that was doing this). Later I was glad I switched when I could no longer get NFL Sunday Ticket on C band, but I dropped it last year when D* had yet another NFLST price increase.

I have lifeline (limited basic) cable for the QAM and because I have a cable modem. I don't have BS phone service at all now, using Vonage - so I would be keeping cable pretty much for sure unless they get reall silly with the rates.

DirecTV will add the locals in HD later this year, but that will require a new hd DVR and since they have broken ties with Tivo is will be a non-Tivo box. I have a couple of HDTivos now that I upgraded to 500mb and 800gb so I have no interest in the non-Tivo offering and will keep using my HDTivos as long as I can.

A series III stand-alone HD Tivo with dual QAM and OTA tuners may be in my future at some point.

The older Dish HD DVRs were not Tivos and could only do one HD recording at time (I think). If the new box was Tivo based and they made me a super sweet deal to switch back, I might - but probably not. If/when D* says my current HDTivos can't still be used then I might look at the Dish offerings.

Dennis

I just had basic cable installed today and have it connected to the qam tuner on my Sony 70XBR950. I did auto program of channels and it found 24 analog and only 1 digital. How do I locate or tune the HD locals? Is there a list of QAM channel numbers?

There is only 1 splitter in the line and that is the one that came in the self install kit for internet. Also the installer said that I had a good signal level.

Any ideas?

Are you sure this TV has a QAM tuner? I looked at the Sony site and the PDF of the owner's manual and it never mentions QAM or a cablecard slot. I looked at several of the sites selling the set and they do not mention the QAM tuner also - just the NTSC (analog) and ATSC (OTA HD) tuners.

Unlike OTA HD, you can manually add a QAM channel to your TV's channels and it will work (assuming you have enough signal). So you can try these at see:

85-6 Channel 58 HD
85-14 Channel 30 HD
86-11 Channel 2 24/7 weather
87-1 INHD
87-2 INHD2
92-2 Channel 2 HD
92-5 Channel 5 HD
93-4 Channel 4 HD
93-6 Channel 17 HD
115-1 Channel 8 digital (not in HD yet)
115-2 Channel 8.2 / DOC channel

Also 79-1 through 79-12 have SD digital copies of 12 of the first series of standard cable channels (the locals, etc).

Dennis

Maybe you are right about it not having a QAM tuner although I have read some reviews that mention it and it is mentioned a few times in the AVS forum thread for the 70XBR950.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=5148155&highlight=qam#post5148155

It could be I am just doing something wrong. The set has two coax inputs. One labled antenna and the other cable. I have it plugged into the cable.

The auto program finds a digital channel at 107 but nothing is there.

:confused:

It could be I am just doing something wrong. The set has two coax inputs. One labled antenna and the other cable. I have it plugged into the cable.

You would need to plug it into the antenna input. If it does have a QAM tuner, it would be there. The cable input would just give you the standard analog channels.

You would need to plug it into the antenna input. If it does have a QAM tuner, it would be there. The cable input would just give you the standard analog channels.

I think that is wrong - backwards. My Sony HD set also has two coax inputs and QAM and the antenna in is for analog or digital OTA and the cable input is for analog or digital cable. I have the Comcast feed in the cable in and it gets both analog and digital (SD and HD) and the antenna coax connector to an OTA antanna and it gets analog and digital OTA.

Dennis

Maybe you are right about it not having a QAM tuner although I have read some reviews that mention it and it is mentioned a few times in the AVS forum thread for the 70XBR950.
The auto program finds a digital channel at 107 but nothing is there.


The splitter with the cable modem self-install kit should be of high quality, but you can still try taking it out of the circuit and connect the cable coming in straight to the TV. Also, you could have bad cables in the internal wiring (from the outside though the house). That said, you should be able to tune some of these channels I would think. As I said, with QAM tuner you normally don't have to find them to make them work you should be able to just punch the number in and have it come up if it is there. Channel 107 would not be a digital channel, it should be 107-1 or something. If you don't have a cable card slot, I would bet you don't have a QAM tuner. You could try calling Sony support or the dealer who sold you the set to see what they say, but you may need to pick up the Comcast HD box or the HD DVR, or connect up an OTA antenna to try your lucj with OTA HD.

Dennis

I think that is wrong - backwards. My Sony HD set also has two coax inputs and QAM and the antenna in is for analog or digital OTA and the cable input is for analog or digital cable. I have the Comcast feed in the cable in and it gets both analog and digital (SD and HD) and the antenna coax connector to an OTA antanna and it gets analog and digital OTA.

Dennis

Ok. You are very likely right.

I just had basic cable installed today...Is this the limited tier with just locals or the first level package? How much was the installation charge?

Thanks.

Ok, since baseball season is about to start, I'm about to start my annual Comcast telethon to complain about not having Turner South or the Braves HD channel that people in Atlanta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville have.

I know that TS is available on DirecTV, but does anyone know if they block out the Falcons and Thrashers games? [CORRECTION: Hawks, not Falcons] I know this is one of the reasons Comcast says that they can't get TS (because the Predators and the Grizzlies don't want to compete with out-of-market teams).

Anyone who wants to join me, please do. I'll be calling Comcast daily between now and the start of baseball season. Go Braves.

Ok, since baseball season is about to start, I'm about to start my annual Comcast telethon to complain about not having Turner South or the Braves HD channel that people in Atlanta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville have.

I know that TS is available on DirecTV, but does anyone know if they block out the Falcons and Thrashers games? I know this is one of the reasons Comcast says that they can't get TS (because the Predators and the Grizzlies don't want to compete with out-of-market teams).

Anyone who wants to join me, please do. I'll be calling Comcast daily between now and the start of baseball season. Go Braves.

Good plan. I'm in.

yup
charlie

I know that TS is available on DirecTV, but does anyone know if they block out the Falcons and Thrashers games? I know this is one of the reasons Comcast says that they can't get TS (because the Predators and the Grizzlies don't want to compete with out-of-market teams).

Falcons? Do you mean the Hawks? Anyway, it won't matter much longer, since Fox just bought out Turner South.

Is this the limited tier with just locals or the first level package? How much was the installation charge?

Thanks.

It's called limited basic. Includes locals plus a few extras. Zero install. I did this mainly for internet. My DSL just became too slow compared to cable.

Falcons? Do you mean the Hawks? Anyway, it won't matter much longer, since Fox just bought out Turner South.

Yep...my mistake. I don't know whether the Fox acquisition helps us or hurts us, but the same issues still exist (not wanting to step on the toes of the Preds). Fox may be better equipped to handle blacking out the Atlanta area games, though.

DirecTV is about to offer Nashville locals in HD. However, they will, in turn, require a rather long service committment or a substantial upfront cost to be able to lease their MPEG-4 capable equipment.

So, it seems to be time once again to investigate the Comcast maze.

Well, eureka, I found an extremely nice CSR who went direct to the bottom line (pun intended) and said to simply put together any programming/service package I liked and then subtract $45 per month for a year if I would turn in a satellite receiver and remote.

Now, that's about as simple as it could get. No contract. Four room installation free.

If the TiVo software were ready for the Moto DVR I'd be there.

;)

Jon,

Did DirecTV tell you how much the committment was going to be (cost and time)? Dish has been offering Nashville locals (CBS, NBC, ABC & FOX) for a week or two now. Combined with the HD channels they have now and the Voom channels, it's a compelling story (and I already have a Voom dish sitting idle on my house for 61.5 sat access. What channels is D* going to carry?

And yeah, I hear you on the Tivo/Comcast thing. It's probably the one reason I'm still clinging to DirecTV (since I don't need NFL ST as a Titans fan). But somehow I wonder if the Tivo software is going to come out for the Moto boxes or if they are going to use the supposidly superior Panasonic technology that Comcast is testing right now in some markets.

Rick...Before the lease thingie, DTV consistently wanted a two year committment for "advanced" technology receivers. I think that is what she would have demanded but I lost interest before even exploring it. According to their previous releases, they intend to carry only ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox in the beginning. I'm sure you know what is in the DTV HD package.

I've not heard of the Panasonic boxes. I've not seen any discussion of them. I'll have to look. I'm mostly resigned to studying the situation over the summer and will decide something by fall network TV season. ;)

From what I've been able to glean, it seems the Tivo upgrade will be available on the 6412 boxes, and will likely cost an extra $5 a month.

The upcoming Panasonic 3 tuner boxes will not likely be available in Nashville this year, because they work via an alternate OCAP system for the guide and user interface, which requires an upgrade of the headends in every city, and the list of cities to be upgraded this year didn't have us on it. Also because of this OCAP thing I'm not clear on whether the Tivo stuff will work on these boxes.

Ok, since baseball season is about to start, I'm about to start my annual Comcast telethon to complain about not having Turner South or the Braves HD channel that people in Atlanta, Knoxville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville have.

I know that TS is available on DirecTV, but does anyone know if they block out the Falcons and Thrashers games? [CORRECTION: Hawks, not Falcons] I know this is one of the reasons Comcast says that they can't get TS (because the Predators and the Grizzlies don't want to compete with out-of-market teams).

Anyone who wants to join me, please do. I'll be calling Comcast daily between now and the start of baseball season. Go Braves.

I don't have a favorite team, though I do watch a good amount of HD baseball in the summer - usually choosing between the best game on either ESPN or INHD.

Yeah, I would enjoy the Braves HD channel if Comcast made it available here. Nashville is sort of caught in the middle of nowhere with respect to baseball loyalty. Atlanta, Cincinnati, and St. Louis are within driving distance, and then, there is the fanbase of the Cubs, Yankees and Red Sox. Maybe, with Fox buying Turner South, something will change with respect to local rights. It seems silly to blackout Braves telecasts on INHD in Nashville when the rest of the country can view it.

I hope they have all the goodies active when I make the switch...TiVo software and the USB port for external storage. ;)

From what I've been able to glean, it seems the Tivo upgrade will be available on the 6412 boxes, and will likely cost an extra $5 a month.

The upcoming Panasonic 3 tuner boxes will not likely be available in Nashville this year, because they work via an alternate OCAP system for the guide and user interface, which requires an upgrade of the headends in every city, and the list of cities to be upgraded this year didn't have us on it. Also because of this OCAP thing I'm not clear on whether the Tivo stuff will work on these boxes.

Here's hoping that Tivo can do something with the Motorola hardware. Tivo has controlled everythng up until now, so it's entirely possible we won't get the total experience that we're used to with Tivo designed hardware.

There's another piece of the puzzle that may have a bearing soon. TiVo is supposedly close to releasing the newest standalone unit with multiple tuners and dual cablecard capability. ;)

AP is reporting that SBC-AT&T will acquire Bellsouth. That should rattle the cages at Comcast....

Can someone give me their overall opinion of their Comcast experience in Nashville? I am looking to jump from D* after almost 10yrs with them due to their idiotic implementation of their "lease" model.

I am looking to switch to Comcast and get the Moto DVR and was wondering if they are providing the HDMI version?

Just would like some input as I consider making this switch.

TIA

Can someone give me their overall opinion of their Comcast experience in Nashville?

TV experience has been good, never had to call for service, install went smoothly. Not as impressed with their broadband....

HDMI out on the DVR is quirky. Component out is stable with the current firmware.

Not as impressed with their broadband....


Really? I've had a great experience with their broadband. I use Vonage for phone service, and I bet we haven't gone down more than once in the past year. We have good bandwidth compared to other cable markets (8MB down, 768k up if you pay an extra $5/mo, 6/768 otherwise).

Really? I've had a great experience with their broadband. I use Vonage for phone service, and I bet we haven't gone down more than once in the past year. We have good bandwidth compared to other cable markets (8MB down, 768k up if you pay an extra $5/mo, 6/768 otherwise).

Have you checked the download speed recently? I pay $10 extra and suppose to get 8 mbps download speed. About a month ago, I did get that speed but recently, I am getting around 4 mbps ( May have to call Comcast)

I have BellSouth DSL...1.5/256 for $32 per month. What in the world do you guys do on the internet that requires 8mbs? :eek:

Have you checked the download speed recently? I pay $10 extra and suppose to get 8 mbps download speed. About a month ago, I did get that speed but recently, I am getting around 4 mbps ( May have to call Comcast)

I get 8 mbps all the time when downloading from certain sites. If I'm not getting it, it's usually not Comcast's fault, but rather just the nature of the Internet or the site from which you're downloading.

charlie

I have BellSouth DSL...1.5/256 for $32 per month. What in the world do you guys do on the internet that requires 8mbs? :eek:

One of the things I like most about the upgraded 8 Mbps service is the increased upload speed from 384 Kbps to 768 Kbps.

A big reason to use cable modem service is so you can dump the overpriced Bellsouth phone service and switch to something like Vonage. I might actually consider using a cheaper DSL plan, but the problem is they refuse to sell it to me naked and instead require having their crap overpriced phone service that has less features than Vonage. No thanks.

I am looking to switch to Comcast and get the Moto DVR and was wondering if they are providing the HDMI version?

Just would like some input as I consider making this switch.

TIA

Yes, Comcast in Nashville provides the Phase III DVRs with HDMI.

Jumping from satellite to Comcast will definitely save you money in the short run. But it will be more when the year is over (situation I am in).

The main thing that would make Comcast almost perfect is when they switch over to all digital programming. They claim it will be in 2006, but I haven't heard much new news about it.

On Wednesday March 8, Comcast's new channel lineup goes into effect. They are basically reorginizing the channels so that groups are back together again (cartoons in one block, sports in another, music in another, etc).

I don't know how it will affect the DVR series programming.

Have you checked the download speed recently? I pay $10 extra and suppose to get 8 mbps download speed. About a month ago, I did get that speed but recently, I am getting around 4 mbps ( May have to call Comcast)

Even if you don't pay extra the speed has slowed down lately - for most everyone I ask. I found this on the Comcast web page:

Maximum download speed of 4Mbps (or 6 Mbps) and upload speeds of 384Kbps (or 768Kbps) depending on the product that is selected. Increased speeds not yet available in all areas. Actual speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. Many factors affect download speed.

Sounds like they are only claiming 4Mbps for those who choose not to pay and 6 for those that do. I am getting more than 4, but not the higher speed I had for a while. I guess when they started selling a faster service that throttled mine back - and I assume in order to give SOME the higher speed everyone else has to make due with a little less?


BTW, those with the slower speed can try the fast speed for free for 3 months. However if you forget to call in and change back then they start billing you for the extra $10 a month.

I have Vonage as well and I have had about 0 cable outages in the last 2 or 3 years. With a DSL line requiring a copper line, it makes no sense to stick with BS and pay the same or more (Internet + phone) for SLOWER DSL than you can get with Comcast and VoIP. The way they price it, you might as well get limited basic cable (even if you have sat) while you are getting it, then with a QAM tuner you get all the locals in HD.

Dennis

There's another piece of the puzzle that may have a bearing soon. TiVo is supposedly close to releasing the newest standalone unit with multiple tuners and dual cablecard capability. ;)

Well they showed it off at CES a couple of months back and it is in beta testing now (maybe).

Tivo CEO Interview (http://www.engadget.com/2004/10/18/the-engadget-interview-mike-ramsay-ceo-of-tivo/)

I tried the current Comcast DVR VS my Tivos and it is a not even close - the Tivo is much, much better designed and easier to use. Of course, the marriage of Tivo interface and cable company hardware has not been seen yet.

I will probably get a Series III when it comes out to add more OTA tuners and QAM to my HD Tivo mix - for sure if it is as hackable and upgradable as current models. I have 800gb in one of my HDTivos and 500gb in the other. The DVR I rented from Comcast had 120gb or non-upgradable storage. Again, what the next boxes will have for external storage remains to be seen and could include USB ports for easy (and free from Comcast fees?) external storage connection.

Even if the new Comcast/Tivo box is a real gem, the need for me to go from limited basic ($12 a month) to some digital package ($60+ a month plus $10 DVR rental) might still have me getting a Series III. For now, I dropped a MyHD card in an old PC I had laying around and I am going to use that for non-Tivo DVR'ing for a while.

Dennis

There's another piece of the puzzle that may have a bearing soon. TiVo is supposedly close to releasing the newest standalone unit with multiple tuners and dual cablecard capability. ;)

The upcoming TiVo Series 3 (link (http://www.pvrblog.com/pvr/2006/01/hd_tivo_series_.html)) looks great. In addition to two cable card slots, it has a connection for an external hard drive for increased storage. Is there any possibility that Comcast will offer it as part of their deal with TiVo, instead of using the Motorola box with TiVo software?

My Motorola 6412 has been working acceptably as far as recording, but suffers from a tendency to "sleep" at times instead of responding to the remote control. It stores the remote button pushes and then executes them all at once. Very frustrating when trying to change channels or scroll through the guide. I don't know if putting TiVo software on the Motorola will cure this; perhaps the CPU in the box is just too slow.

dwynne, no the reference to 4mb is for people who don't subscribe to the right level of tv service... either expanded basic or digital bronze, I forget which. If you subscribe to the right tv level then you're supposed to be getting 6mb, and should ask them to fix it if you aren't.

dwynne, no the reference to 4mb is for people who don't subscribe to the right level of tv service... either expanded basic or digital bronze, I forget which. If you subscribe to the right tv level then you're supposed to be getting 6mb, and should ask them to fix it if you aren't.

That is news to me - never heard of them bundling the speed with a certain TV package, but I did find where if you have high speed Internet and NO TV service you get hosed even further:

Now Comcast offers a choice of connection speeds, so you can select the one that best fits your family's needs.

First, there's our high-velocity 4 Mbps/384 Kbps connection, which makes exploring the Internet quick, easy and affordable. Download files in seconds flat, and send files and photos lickety-split.

Or, for just $2 more per month, you can enjoy our connection of 6 Mbps/384 Kbps, and enjoy download speeds up to 70 times faster than 56K dial-up and five times as fast as 768K DSL. Or, for $10 more per month, you can enjoy the connection of 8Mbps/768Kbps. It's so unbelievably fast, you'll wonder how you ever surfed the Web without it.

The link for Comcast cable customers (like me - in for the $11.40 a month limited basic plan) - it is supposed to be 6Mbps with 8 and option for $10 a month more.

I would suppose mine is "around 6" since I can get more than 4 just about any time. But I know when I upgraded my cable modem a year or more back I was getting over 6 on about every test site. So I guess when they started demanding the $10 extra fee they cut my speed back. I never had more than 384k upload though, at any time.

Dennis

Try this from last year:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13872353

I get 8 mbps all the time when downloading from certain sites. If I'm not getting it, it's usually not Comcast's fault, but rather just the nature of the Internet or the site from which you're downloading.

charlie

I normally check speed with http://speakeasy.net/speedtest/ by two three servers. I placed a call to CSR today and they detected from "power/filter" issue ( could be some upgrade going on in my area), tech is coming out tomorrow.

Try this from last year:

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,13872353

First, that is a really old thread.

Second, Comcast prices and policies vary from city to city and state to state. That was posted by someone in CA.

If you go to www.comcast.com and put in ZIP code 95821 (Sacramento, CA) you will see Internet service costs $56.99 or $42.95. In the fine print both non TV customers and TV customers get 4mb or pay $10 more for 6mb.

Put in a Nashville ZIP code and the prices shown are $57.95 and $42.95.

As I posted before, the fine print for NASHVILLE customer w/o cable says:

Now Comcast offers a choice of connection speeds, so you can select the one that best fits your family's needs.

First, there's our high-velocity 4 Mbps/384 Kbps connection, which makes exploring the Internet quick, easy and affordable. Download files in seconds flat, and send files and photos lickety-split.

Or, for just $2 more per month, you can enjoy our connection of 6 Mbps/384 Kbps, and enjoy download speeds up to 70 times faster than 56K dial-up and five times as fast as 768K DSL. Or, for $10 more per month, you can enjoy the connection of 8Mbps/768Kbps. It's so unbelievably fast, you'll wonder how you ever surfed the Web without it.

The fine print for NASHVILLE customers with cable says:

Now Comcast offers a choice of connection speeds, so you can select the one that best fits your family's needs.

First, there's our high-velocity 6 Mbps/384 Kbps connection, which makes exploring the Internet quick, easy and affordable. Download files in seconds flat, and send files and photos lickety-split.

Or, for just $10 more per month, you can enjoy our top-speed connection, 8 Mbps/768 Kbps, and enjoy download speeds up to 70 times faster than 56K dial-up and five times as fast as 768K DSL. It's so unbelievably fast, you'll wonder how you ever surfed the Web without it.


Since this is the Nashville Comcast thread, we will assume the numbers post at the web page using OUR ZIP are the correct ones - and not care what the prices, speeds, and bundles are in CA.

I pay the price shown on the web page for both cable modem and limited basic and my speed is around 6mb/384k when I checked earlier.

As far as I can tell from the Comcast page for OUR ZIP code, you have to pay $10 extra to get the 8mb speed no matter what TV packages (if any) you subscribe to. The only difference appears to be non TV folks get stuck at 4mb. Since the cost of limited basic plus the $42.95 price (with 6mb) is LESS than the 4mb non-TV price of $57.95 (with 4mb speed) it would make NO sense for anyone to no subscribe to limited basic, even if they never connect it up. For less money you get more speed just for letting Comcast count you as a cable customer.

If there is more info for Nashville customers about a different speed tied to a TV package, I didn't see it (when using a Nashville ZIP code).

Dennis

I am aware that Comcast has some different prices in different areas, but as far as the available tiers of internet service and the conditions to receive them, these are fixed nationwide.

That post at DSL Reports was just a copy of the official Comcast word posted in their nationwide forums:

http://forums.comcast.net/thread.jspa?threadID=41942

(you may have to login to Comcast to read that, but it basically is the same thing)

So I am correct in saying what I originally said, that the 6mb tier is available for free to subscribers of expanded basic video service and this perk is tied to having a certain level of video service. There is no point in disputing this further.

That may have been what they SAID in July of last year, but as I noted on the web page TODAY if you have ANY TV sub at all you get 6mb and it is not tied to what TV sub you have. In CA there is also not a penalty for not having a certain TV sub.

It may come to pass that there is sometime in the future, but I am thinking they must have changed their minds since this was announced since they are offering 8mb now for $10 extra, they have not posted anything about limiting speed to 4mb for limited basic users, and I am still getting 6mb download.

I checked in the one of the roll out cities (DC) mentioned in the link you provided - no mention of speed limiting for limited basic customers. In fact, contrary to what was posted in the link you provided several cities I checked DO NOT offer 8mb service at all. So while the link may have been what the PLAN was, the Comcast web info for those cities today tells a different story - both in max speed available and the prices for the slower speeds. I guess we should feel lucky, most places only get 4gb and have to pay $10 more for 6mb - we get 6mb with an option for 8mb.

If you claim something is true for Nashville, then please show us where this info is as it applies to Nashville. Otherwise, I DO dispute what you posted - since in fact it is not true for Nashville subscribers today. I have limited basic now, pay the prices shown on the Comcast web page for service, and get the 6mb d/l speed also listed on the Comcast web page for our area. At one time, I did get more speed than that (I guess when they rolled 8mb out to my area), but it now appears to be limited. I never have been able to get more than 384k up at any time.

Dennis

I found another thread later on that says:

1. On Aug 19th they changed their minds, and even limited basic qualifies for 6mb now. Ok, I did not know that. What I claimed was true during part of last year, but now any video tier will qualify.

2. This thread says all parts of the country have been upgraded to the new speeds as of December, so if you're seeing somewhere that they only have slower speeds then I would guess that website is out of date and not been updated yet.

http://forums.comcast.net/thread.jspa?threadID=42769

While "surfing", I noticed that the INHD and Sundance channels are no longer being received. Has anyone else had this problem?

nc

While "surfing", I noticed that the INHD and Sundance channels are no longer being received. Has anyone else had this problem?

nc

With the realignment of the digital channels, InHD is no longer being offered in the limited basic block. For HD in Nashville on Comcast for those customers, it's just the local OTA stations, and nothing else.

With the realignment of the digital channels, InHD is no longer being offered in the limited basic block. For HD in Nashville on Comcast for those customers, it's just the local OTA stations, and nothing else.

Why go digital then and use a cablecard? Cant I get local OTA HD with just my panny? Iusing a different channnel).

nc

The signals are certainly there. Receiving them may be another matter entirely. ;)

I have three HD receivers and two OTA antennas. Only one receiver will consistently lock on WTVF-DT. Currently none will receive WZTV-DT although one has in the past. None have or will currently receive WUXP-DT.

Go figure.

With the realignment of the digital channels, InHD is no longer being offered in the limited basic block. For HD in Nashville on Comcast for those customers, it's just the local OTA stations, and nothing else.

DVR users, don't forget - Wednesday the 8th is the day for the channel changes. I have no idea if the Comcast DVRs are smart enough to figure out the channel numbers have changed and get your recordings for you - so you should check them out in the morning and see if it going to get shows on channels that were moved or not.

Edit: Link to channel lineup by cable box channel (http://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx?LocResult&Zip=37210)

For those of us with QAM, I guess we will have to wait and see if they play musical QAM channels with us or not.

I didn't watch INHD/2 that much, but it was nice to have a cable HD channel on all the time for showing off HD to others - or just when I needed a "ah, HD" moment for myself. I do hate they took them away, but was still very shocked we got them in clear QAM at all.

Dennis

202 ESPN HD

204 TNT HD

205 Discovery HD Theater

206 INHD1

207 INHD2

215 HBO HDTV

219 Cinemax HD

223 Showtime HD

227 Starz HD

231 WKRN (ABC) HD

232 WSMV (NBC) HD

233 WTVF (CBS) HD

234 WZTV (FOX) HD

235 WNAB (WB) HD

236 WUXP (UPN) HD

An odd thing happened yesterday -- as we were leaving out of the house about 8:20am I noticed that the time on the cable box was stuck at something like 7:29, but the box itself was working (tuned to Noggin.) Later that day my wife mentioned that Noggin had moved to 131, then back to 151 at some point, then back to 131.

Anyone know if they had a huge boo-boo during the channel-change push to the boxes and had to roll back for a while?

I will say that for the most part the boxes seemed to pick up on the change and adjust their scheduled recordings as required, which is nice (and a bit surprising, considering the history of the Motorola x412 boxes.)

-John

I still get inhd1 and 2, along with all the locals in HD, and all I have is the 10 dollar package. I am in Nashville.

I also get the INHD channels plus TNT without audio plus HBO with audio! I'm on the basic plan because I have Directv.

They left INHD1/2 in clear QAM when they did the channel changes - yeah for QAM users. From what was posted, folks with Comcast HD boxes on limited basic (the
$11.50 package + $5 for the box) lost those channels.

Dennis

Gillum, What QAM channels are you getting TNT and HBO on? I want to try this on my tv also.

Thanks,
MJ

Problems with the clock on the 6412 have returned and have been with us for a few days. You may have noticed that your recordings cut off the last few seconds or so. You would think that with all of the time-keeping technology available Comcast could have its dvr's record at the right time. :(

Problems with the clock on the 6412 have returned and have been with us for a few days. You may have noticed that your recordings cut off the last few seconds or so. You would think that with all of the time-keeping technology available Comcast could have its dvr's record at the right time. :(

Yea, I noticed that too. Mine starts about 30 seconds early and ends 30 seconds early.

Well, I am on the HD basic package and I still get locals and ESPN, TNT, INHD, INHD2, and Discovery.

What I have noticed though, is that I can no longer record any channels outside of locals through firewire using SageTV. Comcast must have implemented 5c on all but locals.

It is a terrible thing.

Gillum, What QAM channels are you getting TNT and HBO on? I want to try this on my tv also.

Thanks,
MJ

I haven't tried QAM since before I got the CableCARD (over a year ago). CableCARD supposedly only lets you get the channels to which you subscribe so that's what suprises me with HBO. TNT is still without sound!

gillum:

I am still bouncing back and forth between whether I want to to switch off D* after 10 years and over to Comcast. The dang NFL:ST is the one thing that keeps me with D* at the moment.

Can you tell me your impression of SD channels on Comcast vs D*? I am feeding a non-HD DVR with S-video to my TV with D* right now and the picture is not great...same SD channels I get on Comcast [also on $10 "out of the wall" package] are much better.

Just looking for some objective opinion.

Alan:

As a DirecTv convert myself, I have been VERY pleased with the difference in PQ between D* and Comcast. For me, most of the SD locals on D* were practically unwatchable on my 53" screen. While the same channels on Comcast aren't perfect, they are better. The analog Comcast SD channels (2-70) don't suffer from the motion artifacts ever-present on D* (since they're not digital). The digital SD channels (101-???) are at worst equivalent to the D* non-local SD channels.

My reasons for staying with D* so long were two fold: (1) NFLST (this will be my first season without it in a Loooong time), (2) HD Tivo and it's ability to record two streams simultaneously. Two years ago, I shelled out $1000 for a HD Tivo box that will become obsolete within a few years. Now that D* is abondoning Tivo, the choice was easy for me. Tivo is partnering with Comcast to release a similar box this year (or at least Tivo software on existing boxes). Also, Tivo is releasing a Series 3 box that will recorded HDTV and multiple streams. Add in the extra bonuses of cable-only channels (NewsChannel 5+, Comcast Sports South), On-Demand, and the discount on internet service and I had basically no choice but to switch

Hope this helps!

Also, all the SD channels 0-99 will be converted to digital simulcast on Comcast, likely in the next 3 months since we are practically the last market in the USA that hasn't converted yet.

At that point, the channels will be digitally compressed in a very similar fashion as satellite companies do, but they should look better since Comcast should use higher bitrates. I hope they will in general look better than the analog versions I receive currently.

Alan:

As a DirecTv convert myself, I have been VERY pleased with the difference in PQ between D* and Comcast. For me, most of the SD locals on D* were practically unwatchable on my 53" screen. While the same channels on Comcast aren't perfect, they are better. The analog Comcast SD channels (2-70) don't suffer from the motion artifacts ever-present on D* (since they're not digital). The digital SD channels (101-???) are at worst equivalent to the D* non-local SD channels.

My reasons for staying with D* so long were two fold: (1) NFLST (this will be my first season without it in a Loooong time), (2) HD Tivo and it's ability to record two streams simultaneously. Two years ago, I shelled out $1000 for a HD Tivo box that will become obsolete within a few years. Now that D* is abondoning Tivo, the choice was easy for me. Tivo is partnering with Comcast to release a similar box this year (or at least Tivo software on existing boxes). Also, Tivo is releasing a Series 3 box that will recorded HDTV and multiple streams. Add in the extra bonuses of cable-only channels (NewsChannel 5+, Comcast Sports South), On-Demand, and the discount on internet service and I had basically no choice but to switch

Hope this helps!

Some things about your post I don't understand.

If you have a 53" HD set and an HD Tivo what in the world do you care what the locals look like from D* in SD? Put up an antenna or two and enjoy HD. You already have an HD Tivo why watch any SD if the same content is available in HD? I have a couple of HD Tivos and only record in SD when I have to - and that certainly excludes the locals in HD. Even when the content is SD, getting the digital signal OTA results in a much better picture than either D* SD locals or analog cable.

I had the NFLST for years as well but dropped it last year - steady price increases and then a demand for a $99 premium to watch HD games (they later lowered the price to $50) had me telling them bye-bye. I told the CSR if they gave me the HD games for free, I would pay their inflated NFLST price but they said no so I dropped it. It was a bad year last year to be without it, since the Titans hurled but were still on every week - which prevents a decent game from being on locally. Also, since most of the games were carried on CBS ("we only have 3 crews and feeds") and the Titans were so bad most were not in HD.

Even though D* is coming out with their own HD DVR I see no reason NOW to jump ship to something else - both of mine still work flawlessly and I have upgraded them to 800gb and 500gb. I get the good Tivo interface which compared to the Comcast CURRENT box is a TON better. When/if the Comcast+Tivo comes out we can see how that is. The Comcast box I had only had a 128gb drive in it (I don't know if that is still the case) so the recording time was not much compare to my upgraded boxes. If they let you hook up external drives to their DVR for more space then that would be better since you can't open them and upgrade them as you can an HD Tivo that you own.

I am going to ride with D* and HD OTA with two tuners per box, plus HD content from D* (HBO, ESPN, etc) until at least the series III Tivo comes out with dual OTA/QAM/CableCard tuners. Even if I pick one up to record QAM stuff on the $11.50 limited basic I have now, I will still keep using the HD Tivos as long as they work. They are paid for, work well, and I have tons of recording space. I don't understand dropping them because "in a few years" they may not be supported.

BTW, if you had a QAM tuner now you could get some extra SD channels in digital - they are on the cable signal now, but not on the Comcast boxes yet. If you don't mind the non-Tivo interface, the MyHD MDP130 tuner or the Dvico Gold tuner and an old PC will get you QAM DVR of your own for fairly cheap - assuming you have the spare PC to drop the cards into.

I do agree that the locals in SD from D* are poor compared to the analog channels on Comcast - but I never watch or record them. The HD content from either source seems to be just fine.

Dennis

Some things about your post I don't understand.

If you have a 53" HD set and an HD Tivo what in the world do you care what the locals look like from D* in SD? Put up an antenna or two and enjoy HD. You already have an HD Tivo why watch any SD if the same content is available in HD? I have a couple of HD Tivos and only record in SD when I have to - and that certainly excludes the locals in HD. Even when the content is SD, getting the digital signal OTA results in a much better picture than either D* SD locals or analog cable.

I had the NFLST for years as well but dropped it last year - steady price increases and then a demand for a $99 premium to watch HD games (they later lowered the price to $50) had me telling them bye-bye. I told the CSR if they gave me the HD games for free, I would pay their inflated NFLST price but they said no so I dropped it. It was a bad year last year to be without it, since the Titans hurled but were still on every week - which prevents a decent game from being on locally. Also, since most of the games were carried on CBS ("we only have 3 crews and feeds") and the Titans were so bad most were not in HD.

Even though D* is coming out with their own HD DVR I see no reason NOW to jump ship to something else - both of mine still work flawlessly and I have upgraded them to 800gb and 500gb. I get the good Tivo interface which compared to the Comcast CURRENT box is a TON better. When/if the Comcast+Tivo comes out we can see how that is. The Comcast box I had only had a 128gb drive in it (I don't know if that is still the case) so the recording time was not much compare to my upgraded boxes. If they let you hook up external drives to their DVR for more space then that would be better since you can't open them and upgrade them as you can an HD Tivo that you own.

I am going to ride with D* and HD OTA with two tuners per box, plus HD content from D* (HBO, ESPN, etc) until at least the series III Tivo comes out with dual OTA/QAM/CableCard tuners. Even if I pick one up to record QAM stuff on the $11.50 limited basic I have now, I will still keep using the HD Tivos as long as they work. They are paid for, work well, and I have tons of recording space. I don't understand dropping them because "in a few years" they may not be supported.

BTW, if you had a QAM tuner now you could get some extra SD channels in digital - they are on the cable signal now, but not on the Comcast boxes yet. If you don't mind the non-Tivo interface, the MyHD MDP130 tuner or the Dvico Gold tuner and an old PC will get you QAM DVR of your own for fairly cheap - assuming you have the spare PC to drop the cards into.

I do agree that the locals in SD from D* are poor compared to the analog channels on Comcast - but I never watch or record them. The HD content from either source seems to be just fine.

Dennis


Your points are well taken and I personally spent several weeks weighing the Pro's and Con's of both (Sat & Cable).

Why do I watch SD locals on my 53" TV...usually I don't. But, I have two SD 32" TV's in the bedrooms that do watch them. The pixellation is almost as noticeable on those tv's as it is on the 53". With cable, I don't need additional boxes or outlet fees for those tv's (assumbing analog cable only).

I totally agree that the Tivo interface is light years ahead of the Comcast Moto Box. However, several things frustrate me with the HD-Tivo and Directv in general which lead to my decision.

(1) speed of the interface...after having the box for about a year, the speed significantly slowed and adding/deleting Season Passes took up to 20 minutes. (2) the HD Tivo required a land-based phone line to call home...granted you can go without and deal with a daily nag screen, but that's annoying as well, (3) I am very frustrated with D* decision to not upgrade the HD Tivo to the 6.2 version software deployed to their other Tivo-based boxes and by their desire to cripple the boxes when it comes to home-networking, sharing, etc The Tivo is an AMAZING device, but D* made the decision that they were unwilling to support/permit many features offered by the standalone Tivos (4) the HD-Tivo still has resale value on Ebay...I felt like it was better to jump ship while I could still reclaim $300 from my original investment (in fact, I'm putting the box up on ebay this week), (5) Comcast offered $40 off per month for my first year. In the interest of full-disclosure, my D* account is currently not cancelled...rather I put the account in temporary suspension. I do plan on fully cancelling, however.

I should have been more clear in my original post that my reasons for switching were both based on Quality of Service and also ecomonic reasons. For me, the value of the D* crippled version of Tivo was not worth the additional $'s and the sacrificed PQ on SD channels over Comcast.

(5) Comcast offered $40 off per month for my first year.The offer to me was $45 per month for a year and I believe she would have gone to $50. There must be some sort of bonus for snagging satellite customers. She asked me to please make sure I talk to her specifically when I sign up. ;)

Also, all the SD channels 0-99 will be converted to digital simulcast on Comcast, likely in the next 3 months since we are practically the last market in the USA that hasn't converted yet.

At that point, the channels will be digitally compressed in a very similar fashion as satellite companies do, but they should look better since Comcast should use higher bitrates. I hope they will in general look better than the analog versions I receive currently.

No, Nashville is not the last Comcast market to launch Digital simulcast. My market has not launcher either. It seems that Comcast's whole southern division in general is slow at launching digital simulcast.(With exception s of Augusta, Ga and Atlanta, Ga)

(1) speed of the interface...after having the box for about a year, the speed significantly slowed and adding/deleting Season Passes took up to 20 minutes. (2) the HD Tivo required a land-based phone line to call home...granted you can go without and deal with a daily nag screen, but that's annoying as well, (3) I am very frustrated with D* decision to not upgrade the HD Tivo to the 6.2 version software deployed to their other Tivo-based boxes and by their desire to cripple the boxes when it comes to home-networking, sharing, etc The Tivo is an AMAZING device, but D* made the decision that they were unwilling to support/permit many features offered by the standalone Tivos (4) the HD-Tivo still has resale value on Ebay...I felt like it was better to jump ship while I could still reclaim $300 from my original investment (in fact, I'm putting the box up on ebay this week), (5) Comcast offered $40 off per month for my first year. In the interest of full-disclosure, my D* account is currently not cancelled...rather I put the account in temporary suspension. I do plan on fully cancelling, however.

I should have been more clear in my original post that my reasons for switching were both based on Quality of Service and also ecomonic reasons. For me, the value of the D* crippled version of Tivo was not worth the additional $'s and the sacrificed PQ on SD channels over Comcast.

I have had one of my HDTivos since right after they came out, the other is only about 7 months old. I have not had the speed issues you mentioned - maybe have a stock 250gb HDTivo that is full is what makes it so slow? I don't know, I DO wish the boxes were faster - but that is an issue I have had with every Tivo I have owned - stand-alone or D* SD or HD.

I have Vonage and no wired phone and my Tivos "call in" just fine via PPP. I suppose I could make them work via the phone, but the PPP connection via another computer is super easy to set up and use. When I upgraded my newest HD Tivo I installed some "extras" like TivoWeb and now that box never has to "call" in at all - it thinks it worked just yesterday :) With some easy to install user upgrades you can get a lot of the series II features for free - web interface, networking, remote control, etc.

I agree it would have been nice if D* had kept the partnership in place with Tivo so we could get new features and upgrades, and that is something I too am not happy about. Most of the stuff that matters to me can be added myself (larger drives, no phone calls, web access, etc) as I want/need them. A Comcast box does not have the ability to customize/expand like a HDTivo does. Even when the new MPEG4 D* DVR comes out, I assume (and hope) my HDTivos will continue to work. If not, I am betting there will be a hack that will let folks keep using them to record OTA w/o D* "permission" since we own the boxes. The new biz model for D* is box rental, which is also a shame for future customers.

Once they quit selling HDTivos, then they will be worth more on fleabay :) ? I sold an LG OTA/QAM tuner for more than 2x what I paid for it since they are no longer made. Ready to sell a 2nd one now..

The ditch the dish deals are nice, but for what I get the after the discount price is a lot higher with Comcast - for me. I also have taken advantage of discount and promos from D* as well to lower my bill.

I am looking forward to the Tivo based Comcast boxes, but would require me to upgrade to full cable + digital package + box rental. Probably more money than I will care to spend - but if D* shuts off the non-MPEG4 boxes down the road that may be what I end up with.

Dennis

When I upgraded my newest HD Tivo I installed some "extras" like TivoWeb and now that box never has to "call" in at all - it thinks it worked just yesterday :) With some easy to install user upgrades you can get a lot of the series II features for free - web interface, networking, remote control, etc.

Where did you get the instructions for these upgrades? :confused:

Okay, so not being too saavy of a comcast subscriber, I just realized that my stations are not synced up correctly. I couldn't find ABC-HD, and knew I had a problem.

I went to the comcast web site and doenloaded an updated listing of channels. I pulled the cablecard out, waited a few, and then power-cycled my TV.

One thing odd is the fact that cimcast's lineup starts at channel 101. I have channels starting at 2, why the 101 starting #?

I also notice that some channels repeat. (i.e. I see NPT and NPT2 twice). Why do some channels have reception but don't show up on the comcast lineup sheet? I have digital basic.

If anyone could aid here, I'd really appreciate it :)

nc

Where did you get the instructions for these upgrades? :confused:

You can find the stuff or links to it in the Tivo Underground section over at TivoCommunity.

PTVupgrade has put a lot of the stuff together into a single boot CD with scripts that do all the work. For a lot of folks, the $20 cost of buying the CD (you d/l the ISO image and burn it) is worth it to not have to do the work the harder way.

http://www.ptvupgrade.com/products/ptvnetCD/index.html

Once you have this installed, upgrade or installing other things is a lot easier since you have FTP and telnet into the box.

Since you have to remove the drive and install in a PC to put the hacks in place, it is an ideal time to replace the OEM 250gb with a single 400-500gb drive or even a pair of drives. If you go with a pair of drives, I prefer the WeaKnees "Twin Breeze" bracket to the one PTV sells.

http://www.weaknees.com/tbhd.php

I think either company (and some others) can sell you pre-loaded larger hard drives - Tivo OS, patches, etc all ready to go. You can even ship them your HD TIvo and they will do all the work for you - if you are so inclined. If you know your way around IDE drives in a PC, it is not hard to do for yourself.

Dennis

Thanks very much. ;)

I own Projection HDTV. I have had trouble getting clear picture on analog channels (below 100) via Digital Box since they have gone HD.

I was told that 6412 III fixes that issue so I recently picked up new box 6412 III, it is has RF OUT as well as component and HDMI output and the analog channels looks much better with this box as opposed to regular 6412. CSR told me that 6412 III are the latest model in the 6412 series.

Thought to share this just in case if anyone else has experinced picture quality issue on analog channels with Projection HDTV.

Cheers,

Surendra

If anyone here records CSI using a series timer on Comcast, you may have missed it tonight. My 6412 DVR didn't record it because the guide listed it as a repeat, but apparently it really was a new episode.

Hello all,

I'm relocating to Nashville in the next couple months or so, and I currently have D* here in Georgia. Once I do get to Nashville, I am seriously considering Comcast. Here are my questions:

1) Since D* is known for HD-lite, how would you describe Comcast's HD? Do they downrez or bit-starve?

2) I do not have a HD-DVR (don't need one at the moment), but my wife does have a regular stand-alone Tivo box for regular TV. If we subscribe to a Comcast tier that allows us to get basically every channel, will she still be able to connect her Tivo to our non-HD TV?

Thanks guys.

The channel line up is "ok" there's more out there that i'd love to have but...

The HD channels (ESPN,TNT,DSC,INHD1&2,HBO,MAX, SHO,STARZ,ABC,NBC,CBS,FOX,WB and UPN) look and sound great. Our PBS affiliate only broadcasts in up converted SD but they have a second digital station that has some neat documentaries now and then. Our ABC station also has a second digital channel that does 24 hr weather (especially handy today) No HD OnDemand, Pay Per View and regional sports network in HD as yet. We had Universal HD during the olympics but it went off a few days after the games.

There's some bugs and drops in signal now and then but on the whole i'm satisfied with the service.

Is everyone OK? I live in the SE part of Nashville, and the storm wasn't too bad there. But it looks really bad in the Rivergate area.

I am impressed that Comcast has been running solid all day long.

Three bouts of moderate winds and hail so far in north Rutheford Co. but no damage to my house. Some friends in M-boro had some siding removed and a window broken by hail and wind.

1) how would you describe Comcast's HD? Do they downrez or bit-starve?

2) I do not have a HD-DVR (don't need one at the moment), but my wife does have a regular stand-alone Tivo box for regular TV. If we subscribe to a Comcast tier that allows us to get basically every channel, will she still be able to connect her Tivo to our non-HD TV?


Comcast HD looks fine, no problems.

Does your TV have a QAM tuner built in? If so, you could get limited basic ($11.50/mo) or standard basic ($47.50, I think) and get the locals in HD plus a couple of other HD channels in clear QAM. If you need an HD box they rent them here for $5 and they will rent one (AKAIK) to someone on the cheap limited or basic cable. The HD DVR rents for $10 a month and requires "digital cable" which starts around $65/mo plus the box rent fee - premium channels not included, but are available for even more money.

Comcast is moving away from analog to digital, but they still have lots of analog channels at this time. For $11.50 a month you would get the locals, public access and CSPAN, with basic cable you get a lot more channels - but there are a LOT of channels that are now digital only. Unless you rent a cable box and remote control it with the Tivo you can't get those analog. So there is not really a tier for "every channel" to use with a Tivo unless you also get a digital cable box.

You can go to www.comcast.com and put in a Nashville area ZIP code (37210 for example) and look at the prices and channel lineups.

I have a couple of HD-Tivos that I own and I love them, but with D* doing a lease on hardware now - and going away from Tivo based DVRs I don't think at this time I would get one. I think the series III SA Tivo with QAM and cable card slot might be the way to go - or wait until Comcast has their Tivo based DVR out.

Dennis

Does the HD box they rent out have outputs for DVI or HDMI, and do they have audio optical out that I can run straight to my receiver?

my box is about 2 yrs old and it has DVI and optical.

my box is about 2 yrs old and it has DVI and optical.

Thanks Gary.

With newer HD sets coming out with HDMI inputs, I'm wondering if there are any problems with the cable boxes that have HDMI outputs simultaneously outputting the optical stream if the HDMI is used only for the video, does that make sense?

*EDIT* What I mean to say is, I would want the optical out going straight to my receiver, with the HDMI going to my TV for video only. Hopefully the boxes accomodate that with out any issues.

Sorry guys, another question: what exact HD cable box models does Comcast offer in the Nashville area, and which ones (especially the HD DVR ones) have DVI out? Do any of them still offer boxes with DVI out? That might solve my concern in the post above.

I don't know. I'm still stuck in the component video era.

The one I have is the Motorola 6412. I got this one at least a year ago, probably closer to 2.

Sorry guys, another question: what exact HD cable box models does Comcast offer in the Nashville area, and which ones (especially the HD DVR ones) have DVI out? Do any of them still offer boxes with DVI out? That might solve my concern in the post above.

Comcast offers the following boxes:

Motorola 5100 (DVI, no DVR)
Motorola 6412 Series II (DVI, DVR)
Motorola 6412 Series III (HDMI, DVR)

I've used all three boxes on my Mitsubishi RPTV with DVI. I currently have the series III box connected through a DVI-HDCP adapter and I have always used a digital connection (coax or toslink) for sound connected to my Denon 3805 receiver. At no time have I ever had a problem with sound syncing with the picture with any of the above cable boxes.

I hope this helps.

Mike, I have configured my 6412 Series III set-up exactly like you want and it works perfectly well.

Thanks guys, that's a relief. I'm probably overthinking it. When I was doing some research of my own, I came across the thread below that raised the concern, where apparently the guy was having just such a problem, i.e., no dts/digital sound out through his optical when choosing HDMI for his video source:

http://hometheaterhifi.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3711

But since you guys don't appear to have that issue, then it sounds like all should be fine.

so today i flipped on tv and noticed that both INHD 1 and INHD 2 are gone, they say "not authorized". are these channels encrypted now?

I just checked they are fine fine on my TV.

I just checked they are fine fine on my TV.

Are you on QAM, cable box, or cable card?

When I flipped over there on my QAM tuner last night they were gone.

Dennis

For those that don't read the various Comcast x412 threads:

It appears that firmware v12.31 for the 6412p3 boxes was pushed out recently (this week?), and the HDMI/DD bug that prevented any Dolby Digital output when you utilized the HDMI connection has been fixed!

Just FYI.

-John

Are you on QAM, cable box, or cable card?

When I flipped over there on my QAM tuner last night they were gone.

Dennis


Cable box.

okay INHD1 and INHD2 are back... that was a strange glitch indeed

okay INHD1 and INHD2 are back... that was a strange glitch indeed

Back on in clear QAM for me last night as well.

Dennis

I don't get it...I have basic "lifeline" cable with Comcast and normally have no issues but on the weekends now I have problems picking up WSMV-DT [93-4]. It really is infuriating since I cannot watch the NHL playoffs there [I have D* and the locals suck].

Anyone have any ideas?

It is working fine at my house. The studio show that is on right now is in SD, however, so I don't know if the hockey is in HD or not.

Dennis

Yeah..I don't get it. I don't normally have any issues with the QAM tuner on my TV with WSMV...but sometimes on the weekends it seems I cannot pick it up. Might be time for a call to Comcast to come check the signal strength coming into the house...sure have no issues with my broadband signal.

For those that don't read the various Comcast x412 threads:

It appears that firmware v12.31 for the 6412p3 boxes was pushed out recently (this week?), and the HDMI/DD bug that prevented any Dolby Digital output when you utilized the HDMI connection has been fixed!

Just FYI.

-John

Sweet! I wondered about that. One less thing to worry about as I relocate.

Yeah..I don't get it. I don't normally have any issues with the QAM tuner on my TV with WSMV...but sometimes on the weekends it seems I cannot pick it up. Might be time for a call to Comcast to come check the signal strength coming into the house...sure have no issues with my broadband signal.

After I got QAM tuners I had to replace my splitters and get a couple of amps to replace old ones. I use these (http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/signal_booster/) Motorola ones.

Any bad cables or lossy splitters between the pole and your TV = problems on the HD channels in QAM (or with the cable box), I found. I picked up a couple of Comcast Cable modem self-install kits on clearance for $10. They each inclue a NICE 2 way splitter and a pair of RG-6 cables ready made. With the Comcast splitters, Moto amps, and good cables then all is well. I only needed the 2nd amp when a put another QAM tuner TV at the end of a 75' or so cable run.

Dennis

Hey dwynne...thanks for the info! I did replace the splitters they had on my lines to insure they both had the broader bandwidth capabilities they needed...but did not think about adding the amps.

Did you install the amp close to the TV?

I put the amp as close to the entry point as I could get it and let it "push" the signal through the splitter and coax. As a test, you could connect your QAM ready TV direct to the outside world (no cable modem, no splitter, etc) and see how it looks. If you do that during a period when you are having trouble then that will show if you have enough signal with nothing else in the circuit. It is possible you do not have enough signal or you have bad coax between you and the street. I think a member here posted that they had non-RG6 going to the street and Comcast had to replace it to lock in all the HD stations.

Dennis

Have to be careful with the amps. The can get to "hot" of a signal. I have the one Comcast provides, whichis pricey (~$80) but I didn't want them to be able to point at my amp and say "there's your problem". The amp should normally go before the splitter. The splitter introduces the dB loss and the amp will make it so the signal is increased before that loss. Bigger slippers (i.e. 8 vs 4way) have bigger losses. Also be sure to cap any "open" jacks as those can cause issues. After all that my cable at my actual HD box was hot and they added an attenuator to it to get it in the correct range.

Okay...I will give this a shot but may still get Comcast to check it out. Problem is my splitter is outside in the weather box at the point of entry into the house, so I dont have a good way to get the amp inline before the splitter without a lot of cable manipulation on my part...I had looked at it previously to determine a way to do something like that.

Anyway...will keep on trying and see what happens. Thanks again for all the advice.

Give Comcast a call first and see how that plays out. The field techs deal with signal issues, amps, splitters and cabling everyday - often at no charge.

Yeah, you actually might get the same kind of amp, for free, if you just call them out and tell them the problem and what you want done about it. Why buy your own amp?

General questions here,

1) a) How's the quality of the SD pictures on your HD displays in the Nashville market?
b) compared to other providers?

2) If I get onto one of the digital tiers with the HD box etc., does that mean I'm getting all my channels digitally?

3) How does the question above dovetail with Nashville's desire to go "all digital" in the near future?

I know a few of these are basic, but I wanted to get your feedback. Thanks guys.

How's the quality of the SD pictures on your HD displays in the Nashville market?

Channels lower than 100 are currently analog and look ok on my HD displays through the 6412 phase 3 DVR OR bypassing the box entirely via direct hookup. Generally, Comcast analog is "grainer" than satellite, but without the artifacts and compression. Assuming the signal is clean at your location, the video should stand up to satellite SD rather well.

Best case analog scenario: direct cable hookup to Sony, Panasonic cable ready 4:3 TV's......Worst case: via tuner of low $$ LCD's or DLP's

I have Comcast in the Nashville area (Dickson) through a 6412 DVR box with HDMI. I just purchased an HP4260 Plasma. When I connect through HDMI I don't get any audio on the HD channels. Works fine on the SB. When I connect via component cables everything is fine. Is this a Comcast or an HP issue?

Thanks,
Roger

uhh wtf is up with WZTV today? the audio is lagging by 2 or more seconds, frequent dropouts, all throughout nascar and throughout the night. there wasnt a national FOX thread about it, so i'm assuming its a local issue. anyone notice this?

In Hartford, COMCAST updated the firmware on the Moto P3 boxes from 12.18 to 12.31 within the last couple of days (I noticed it yesterday, 4/31).

Ou8thisSN - I noticed some problems too. My recorded copy of MadTV was unwatchable and yesterday I could not hold - at times could not get - a clean signal on channel 17 HD.

Ou8thisSN - I noticed some problems too. My recorded copy of MadTV was unwatchable and yesterday I could not hold - at times could not get - a clean signal on channel 17 HD.

The same was true for 17.1 OTA. Not just a Comcast issue. I have not checked it today.

Send an email to that wztv email address / guy I posted over in the Nashville OTA thread a while back. He got results for me when I complained about WUXP.

as long as its fixed before Idol and House...

Hey, everybody. I just learned that WNAB WB 58 is going to be the CW affiliate for Nashville. I just thought I would pass that along.

NashDigie signing off.

there were still audio dropouts during Idol and House yesterday, anyone else notice this? what did the engineer at WZTV say?

there were still audio dropouts during Idol and House yesterday, anyone else notice this? what did the engineer at WZTV say?

Yes -- right towards the beginning was it on Idol?

I was way WAY more annoyed that they flipped over to the SD feed of Idol on the HD channel to report.....(tornadoes, fires, disasters??)....election results (!), with 2% of precincts reporting!

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

-John

i hate those idiots at WZTV. they cut away from house to talk about the tornados yesterday too.

the first time they cut away from House to talk about the tornados, and then returned to House, just as HOUSE WAS GOING TO COMMERCIAL BREAK!!! why couldnt they wait 2 minutes and do it during the commercial break?

then they cut off the last two minutes of house to again talk about the tornado. i seriously hate attention whoring local tv stations.

and again last night, there was an audio dropout during house (didnt watch idol, just saw the part where they kicked the girl who cant sing well off)

Well my guess would be if you were watching TV and a tornado was bearing down on you - your opinion might be different. :D

It IS anoying when they do it, and a lot of stations now will do it only during the commercial breaks. But ever since the Nashville tornado a few years back (and now the recent Sumner County hits) they are NEVER going to be subtle or quiet about it like they used to be. It just gives them an excuse to play with all the techno goodies they spent a fortune on. I think most of the lives lost are just people who did not know it was coming, so they are doing their best to inform everyone.

What I find anoying:

Many stations don't have the equipment to overlay an HD signal with a crawl or RADAR map, so they just switch their HD signal to SD so they can overlay it. So I am watching my HDTivo days later and get to watch the show in SD while learning all about a storm that is well over.

Channel 2.2 is always on with weather, but quite often I find that if I check it during a bad weather period they have the same old loop running. That (along with 5.2 and 4.2) should be used for non-stop weather during an emergency. Then at least those that want to keep up with the storm will have a place to do so.

Has nothing to do with TV, but the city of Smyrna keeps setting off everyone's Weather radios (with or without S.A.M.E.) for their Amber alerts - even though when they do they have not met the criteria set out by the DoJ and NOAA for doing so.

Dennis

Originally Posted by dwynne
Channel 2.2 is always on with weather, but quite often I find that if I check it during a bad weather period they have the same old loop running. That (along with 5.2 and 4.2) should be used for non-stop weather during an emergency. Then at least those that want to keep up with the storm will have a place to do so.

What do you mean 4.2? I don't get WSMV-DT that often, but last time I got the channel, which was a month or two ago, it didn't have a 4.2 channel. Has it changed since then? Have they now added 4.2?

NashDigie signing off.

Tornado radar coverage is largely an extension of news reporting, which coincidentally, happens to be highly profitable to local affiliates. It is a self serving endeavor by stations to promote their news "brand" under the pretense of saving lives.

I guess I am incapable of getting worked up about weather. I sleep right through storms at night and change the channel whenever a station interrupts for warnings. Maybe some people get a sick thrill from storm hype and watch for entertainment value, Not to discount the notion that others are genuinely concerned, but cmon.....consider how weather rates as a risk to public health. The probability of losing one's life to a tornado is virtually zero when compared to heart disease, stroke, cancer.

Truth be told, people would be better served by turning off the television and focus more on staying fit and active.

I noticed (from web page), camcast has lanuched another package called "Enhanced", it is listed under non-digital package but you have to have get On-Demand ( channels between 2-77 and movieplex). It costs $49.99. You can get HD box but you can't get HD-DVR. Something does not add up right. I asked CSR, why can't I have DVR? He did not have good explantion!

Does any know what the deal with new package? CSR also told me that they are not advertising this package.

It sort of reads like "enhanced" is expanded basic programming bundled with a 2524 digital box. If someone wanted OnDemand and an interactive guide without subscribing to digital channels, this would be the way to go.

Since it is still an analog package, you would not qualify for a HD-DVR. I know it reeks , but thems the rules....

It sort of reads like "enhanced" is expanded basic programming bundled with a 2524 digital box. If someone wanted OnDemand and an interactive guide without subscribing to digital channels, this would be the way to go.

Since it is still an analog package, you would not qualify for a HD-DVR. I know it reeks , but thems the rules....

Is Nashville ADS yet? I thought enhanced was only available in ADS areas.

wait, so now you can have ondemand without paying for the digital channels? they finally separated the two? we have all the basic channels to 99 or whatever, and have the HDTV channels, on demand has always been blocked out. now i can pay for ondemand?

also, i completely agree that the local stations gleefully interrupting my programming has nothing to do with weather coverage but holding a tv watching audience captive for basically no reason. They dont need to go into great detail about whats comming, they could just have a crawl at the bottom indicating a storm. They dont, they cut to their stupid studio and babble on and on about essentially nothing. all it does is inflame my contempt for the local tv stations.

Yes, call them and ask CSR for "Enahnced" package ($49.00). On top of basic channels, you will also get on movie channel called MoviePlex + On Demand

Is there any chance that we'll see ESPN2HD in the lineup soon? Specifically, before the World Cup starts in a few weeks?

-Rob

I hope we can get it, ESPN2 and also NFL network in HD for the NFL games coming this fall on there as well.

I have ESPN and 2 in HD via D* and there is a LOT of non-HD content on there. Sure, the NFL game will be, but "who knows" beyond that. The soccer games could easily be in SD with those guys - you just never know.

If the SD content was not bad enough, they fill the 16:9 screen by putting "ESPN" bars on each side.

With HD content, it looks nice - but they don't carry enough of it.

Dennis

I currently have the analog-only service (expanded basic?) receiving channels 2-99 but no premium channels. I will soon have some equipment that will support CableCards and I'm trying to figure out what I can get with a cable card. It will also have a QAM tuner so I'll be able to get the local HD channels.

I don't think I want the full digital package back am unsure as to what other options there are. What does it take to get ESPNHD? What is the cheapest upgrade from the analog-only that I have now?

Thanks...

Without paying any extra, once you have QAM you will get the locals in HD, INHD1&2, and several standard def channels in digital (the first 12 or so basic channels).

I am told you can add "digital cable" to what you have now for $15 or so a month, but this has never been shown on the comcast web page. Since ESPN HD is scrambled, you would need to pay the $5 rental fee for either an HD box or the cable card. So figure maybe $20 more than what you are paying now, if the digital cable add-on exists and is $15. The cheapest digital cable package SHOWN is $75 a month.

They have some new packages shown on the price page (family tier and enhanced cable). It looks like enhanced is just basic cable + on demand as was mentioned in this thread a while back. The family tier refers you to the channel listing to see the channels, but it is out of date - and I would doubt ESPN is on that anyway.

Dennis

What does it take to get ESPNHD? What is the cheapest upgrade from the analog-only that I have now?

The HD versions of ESPN TNT DISCOVERY and INHD are included with expanded basic, although you would have to pay 5 bucks to rent the box. So for about $53/mo, that's the cheapest way unless you get in on one of the promo deals. One being advertised now is current customers can try out the digital channels, HBO, OnDemand for $9.95/mo. for the first three months. Maybe pick up a HD-DVR or cable card with the same offer and see how you like it....

I have had Directv for 10 years and we are moving to the Nashville area this fall. I want to get HD channels with dvr for my HT room and be able to run all my other tv's without using a box. Questions:

1. Any new HD channels coming by Oct of this year? Where Is HDnet and ESPN2 HD?

2. Any new HD dvr's coming out later this year?

3. Do I have to pay rent for a standard cable box for other tv's? Why would one get a standard cable box vs using the tv's cable tuner? Maybe for the programming guide?

4. I see I can get the digital bronze pack for $74.99 plus HD dvr for $9.95. What other expenses would I need to add?

Would this give me every HD channel (except for the Showtime, starz HD channels) and all other cable channels from the standard, limited and enhanced channel packages?

5. Does Comcast give a discount rate on my service if I also get high speed internet from them?

I am basically looking for a cable pack that gives me all the popular networks like I have on Directv plus one premium channel of HBO and add HD and dvr. Is there a cheaper way of doing it?

Thanks for all your input.

Not to be a smart alec, but have you asked these questions of Comcast? They would seem to be the best source of hardware and programming knowledge.

Any new HD channels coming by Oct of this year? Where Is HDnet and ESPN2 HD?

Lots of speculation and rumors, like ESPN2. I doubt we'll see HDNET, because Comcast carries two channels of INHD.

Any new HD dvr's coming out later this year?

Nothing that will blow you away.

Do I have to pay rent for a standard cable box for other tv's? Why would one get a standard cable box vs using the tv's cable tuner? Maybe for the programming guide?

People on limited and expanded basic plans don't need a box since all of those channels are analog. It's great for a family that wants to hook up a bunch of TV's. On your main television(s), you would want a box(es) for the guide, digital and premium channels, OnDemand, Music Choice, PPV etc. Comcast includes "one" box with a digital subscription.

I see I can get the digital bronze pack for $74.99 plus HD dvr for $9.95. What other expenses would I need to add?

Franchise fee and tax

Would this give me every HD channel (except for the Showtime, starz HD channels) and all other cable channels from the standard, limited and enhanced channel packages?

Yes,

Does Comcast give a discount rate on my service if I also get high speed internet from them? I am basically looking for a cable pack that gives me all the popular networks like I have on Directv plus one premium channel of HBO and add HD and dvr. Is there a cheaper way of doing it?

Definitely, there are always deals out there. Dump The Dish promotions and half price internet - especially for new customers.

Jon J good point. I thought I would get some feedback from current subscribers since the prices I'm sure will go up by next Oct when we move in to our new home as well as a few channel changes.

McTnn - thanks for the input. I've lived with Directv compression and hopefully I will like the picture quality of Comcast on my 120" projection screen. I may try to hook up OTA HD for locals vs Comcast signal just to see which is better.

I will keep my eye on this thread for any future changes for Comcast in the next 5 months.

Thanks again

At least for me, the Dump the Dish program gave me a $40 discount on my bill every month for 12 months.

I also was able to get a $19.99 high speed internet deal for 6 months going through Best Buy (but Circuit City and maybe CompUSA have the same deals). I also got a free modem after rebate going through a retailer.

5. Does Comcast give a discount rate on my service if I also get high speed internet from them?


Well, as other have mentioned you get the "dump the dish" discount off of cable. They DO discount the HS Internet for cable subs, but not the other way around.

The best deal I have found for new cable modem customers is at http://www.comcastoffers.com . They offer $19.95 a month for 6 months (normal deals are 3 discounted months), plus free after rebate cable modem and either $100, $75, or $50 in cash (the amount varies month to month). You DO get the rebates, but they take a while - but the net is worth the wait. $20 service for 6 months and free modem and cash money - not a bad deal.

Dennis

When did Comcast decide to put 5c on all of their digital channels? I can't even backup religious programming on disc. Who put a gun to their heads and force them to this decision? That takes away the only real advantage that comcast had to me over satellite. Anyone try complaining?

Depending on which channels you're up in arms about, you may have a case. Here's an old thread:

http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/history/topic/477501-1.html

Well, Comcast has FINALLY gained my respect. For about a year, I have had multiple reception/PQ problems. having owned a Panny 50", I have not been happy with the PQ UNTIL NOW. After getting the right guy on the phone (a technical supervisor), I was assured that that someone would come to my house and fix things. And if I wasn't satisfied, I should call back this techical supervisor, and compain again.

The Comcast rep was at my house Friday for about an hour. He swapped out the coax from wall jhack to PDP (he said these were now Monstar cables), he changed the Radio Shack crimps on the wires to a better quality crimp (sorry if this is not the correct spelling). He also made sure the feed from the outside was feeding my plasma set and not the other sets in my house.

The vertical bar is niow gone from the center of the picture. He said the signal increased by 3 points (he said it was origibnally between -02 and -03).

In additoon, he even looked at my internet connection, and said I had everything setup correctly!

Comcast could not have done better here. The gentleman also put plastic on his shoes so as not to dirty the house.

I jjst wanted all to know that it matter 1000-fold who you get a hold of at Comcast, and that not all representatives are jamokes.

Thanks Comcast!

Mike

But, if I understand correctly, it still took a year to solve the problem.

Depending on which channels you're up in arms about, you may have a case. Here's an old thread:

http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/history/topic/477501-1.html

I should clarify that they are all set to record once, but of course only with compliant equipment. In other words, those 1's and 0's will never make their way to my computer - followed by a DVD-R for archiving. News channels, religious programming, and a great deal of plain old regular cable TV should never have 5C enabled. The only place I can see it being useful is for pay-per-view. It's my understanding that Comcast Nashville only started this within the last year. Who could I contact at Comcast to get this resolved?

I think as long as they aren't putting 5c on the main broadcast networks, then they are allowed to put it on everything else. If you really need to record it besides using a DVR, then you'll have to get a D-VHS or other 5c compliant recording device.

Soon there will be media PCs coming out that have cable card slots, so those will also be able to record everything.

But, if I understand correctly, it still took a year to solve the problem.
Jom,

Correct. But it may have been because of my apathy. The first (and only time other than this time), that they visited, nothing had been done. The "boy" didn't even want to meter the connections in the house. He said that the picture was gonna be snowy "until we go all-digital at the end of the year."

It does take losing one's temper and being insulting on the phone to get the "right person" on the job.

Mike

I also was able to get a $19.99 high speed internet deal for 6 months going through Best Buy (but Circuit City and maybe CompUSA have the same deals). I also got a free modem after rebate going through a retailer.

CompUSA does have the deal.

on the main HDTV programming forum, they are talking about ESPN 2 HD being added in all markets with available bandwidth. so far no addition in nashville, does anyone know definitively whether nashville has the bandwidth for it? i would suspect we do, but it hasnt been added, as of yet, so i dont know what that means.

4-2 has now started running sponsored promos for Telemundo. Apparently, it will be right next to WSMV-HD and the other HD locals on Comcast, in addition to the Latino package.