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.

I just dropped an email to the contact I have, if he replies I'll post it.

You would think they could work it out since they did show Universal HD during the Olympics.

The Deuce is up! Ch. 203.

confirmed, ESPN2 HD added on 203. thank you comcast.

edit: jerry you should change that tag at the front of the page. it says "rumored: ??? UPN" which we have.

I could not believe it. I was watching channel 231 coverage of World Cup soccer today and the sound was a good 5 seconds behind the picture. Regular channel 2 was fine. I would have expected it to be the other way around with the sound ahead of the picture since the TV had to upscale the picture.

ESPN2 HD!!!!!!!!!!! Bout freakin time but I'm not complaining now.

A lot of my channels are not coming up. I'm getting the message - "should be available soon" for the NFL channel (both of them) among others. Has anyone else noticed this?

yeah, WNPT2 has the same message.

That message means the channel is out / having problems. Call comcast to see if there is an outage in your area, or if they don't know about it then have a truck rolled out to you.

they are adding a couple new channels today it could just be Comcast working on the system too.

What's the latest word on a digital simulcast of the analog channels?

i hope we get universal HD soon

I just got my box with the QAM tuner hooked up and working. Did a channel scan and found a bunch of digital cable channels, most of which don't show anything so I assume that they are encrypted. Here's what I do get in HD:

85- 6 WB HD
85-14 UPN HD
87- 1 INHD HD
87- 2 INHD2 HD
92- 2 ABC HD
92- 5 CBS HD
93- 4 NBC HD
93- 6 FOX HD
100- 1 TNT HD -- No sound

Is there anything there that I've missed?

Why no sound on TNT-HD? Is that supposed to be encrypted? The video is perfect.

Is anyone else having issues with the Heat/Mavs game 4. Mine is cutting out very often but no other Comcast HD stations are doing this. What gives?

i hope we get universal HD soon

I seriously doubt Comcast will get it anytime before the next Olympics. I just want Comcast to make their analog to digital conversion ASAP. Once that is done, I will be a very satisfied customer.

Is anyone else having issues with the Heat/Mavs game 4. Mine is cutting out very often but no other Comcast HD stations are doing this. What gives?

Mine was doing the same thing. I gave up on it.


charlie

85- 6 WB HD
85-14 UPN HD
87- 1 INHD HD
87- 2 INHD2 HD
92- 2 ABC HD
92- 5 CBS HD
93- 4 NBC HD
93- 6 FOX HD
100- 1 TNT HD -- No sound


I think that is it. It is not HD, but I keep my QAM TVs on the WKRN weather channel. Since I went to lifeline basic cable I no longer get "locals on the 8's" from TWC so I use the channel 2 WX channel in stead. If you look at channels around 55-1 to 55-?? you should find a lot of digital blank channels. Check them from time to time and see what your neighbors are watching "On Demand" :D Can be anything from HBO shows, to PPV, to soft core. I caught some soft core action one time and whichever neighbor it was kept rewinding and replaying a certain part :D

Dennis

Wonder why we havent gotten MTV hd yet. Certainly we have the space?

I have limited basic cable with Comcast and I recently lost INHD1 and INHD2. I've read where others here have experienced this problem; has anyone discovered a fix to get them both back? I still have all my other HD channels (ABC, CBS, NBC, etc.).

I have limited basic cable with Comcast and I recently lost INHD1 and INHD2.

Are you using a Comcast cable box or a QAM tuner? If you have the cable box, you will not be getting those channels any more. If you have a QAM tuner they still should be available. In my case, they were the hardest of the HD channels to lock in. I had to replace some coax and splitters and add an amp to get them good. The coax and splitters I had were (I thought) good quality, but apparently not good enough for whatever frequency these are on.

Dennis

I do not have a cable box - I had them both as of Thursday of last week. But you finally were able to lock them in with an amp and a new splitter?

Yes, that was some time back. As of last night they were both coming in fine.

Every once in a while Comcast will have them off (for some reason) and there can be blackouts on one of the other if a local team is on. But other than those times, they still are working for me.

I would hook your QAM tuner up direct to the coax that enters your place - no splitters, extra cable, cable modem, etc in between. See if they do not come in fine. If so, then you just need a better signal through all the stuff. If they do not, then you may not be getting enough signal into the house. Even when mine were "bad" I would tell they were there - just lots of freezes and pixellization.

You are looking on the right channels for them, aren't you? I don't have that info handy but it should be in this thread.

Dennis

Thanks for your suggestion Dennis - I will try that tonight.

Any luck getting INHD1&2? I kept forgetting to post the channel numbers, but they are 87-1 and 87-2.

Dennis

I will be moving to Hendersonville this fall. When looking for a new tv should I look for a QAM tuner or cable card tuner? Can you elaborate which is better? Or it may be just as easy to rent a box for $5 a month. I guess with a box I get the nice programming guide.

Thanks

QAM means you can get the locals in HD and some other channels (HD and SD) without paying any extra fees. This is true even on the lifeline cable (limited basic) subscription which is $11.50 in Nashville and just $9.85 (!) in Hendersonville. You can't get PPV or scrambled stuff (HBO, etc) with a QAM tuner.

Cablecard is QAM with a card slot. You pay Comcast $5 a month (I am told) to rent the card (same price as the HD cable box) then you can subscribed to scrambled stuff. I think CC includes a channel guide, but I have never used one so I don't know. You will have to be on more expensive package to get subs to the scrambled channels.

The HD box rents for $5 a month and does have the channel guide and you can subscribe to premium content and buy PPVs.

The DVR is $10 a month and allows you to time shift programming. It does require you to be on a digital cable package to rent one.

So it all depends on what you want. Just locals in HD and do it cheap, use Titan TV, QAM tuner, and lifeline cable. Want to record/playback and get premiums, I would pay the $5 extra over the cable box/cablecard solution. Your net cost may be a little more due to the digital package requirement. With the digtal package (and either comcast box) you get "on demand" which can be like having a DVR if they have the shows you want to see.

Dennis

Ahh, new house and television? I would do it the right way and get digital and a DVR. Much better than the $5 box and QAM. A cable card is just a really cool $5 box - and women seem to dig them....

Thanks for the input. I just hope Comcast will look decent on my 134" Carada screen in HD. Heck I had Directv and it can't be any worse then the compression on Directv.

Hey any new Comcast Hardware coming by October? I definitely want HD DVR. I guess any announcements will come at CEDIA in Sept? I just hope with a new house in a new subdivision the cable signal will be decent. Not always true I know. The builder told me he includes 8 runs of RG6 cable which all meet in a box in the garage. They probably use a cheap splitter. I may have to look into a booster. We shall see. Maybe we will have more HD channels by this fall. I keep reading about how different Comcast areas in the nation have different bandwidth. How is Nashville looking as far as available bandwidth for more HD?
Are there some HD channels available in other Comcast markets that Nashville does not have yet? I know the new Music HD channel comes to mind.

The TiVo Series 3 is due out sometime in the second half of the year. It was shown at CES in January and has dual-tuners which can record QAM, NTSC, CableCARD and HD from cable and NTSC, ATSC and HD from an antenna. It'll ship with at least a 250GB hard drive and you can add additional storage externally with it's eSATA port.

Any luck getting INHD1&2? I kept forgetting to post the channel numbers, but they are 87-1 and 87-2.

Dennis


Dennis,

I got everything back in working order - I tried your suggestions but to no avail, so I tried an amplifier to see if that would help. Reprogrammed the TV with the amplifier in place and I got nothing - no channels at all, just static. Frustrated, I turned the TV off, removed the amplifier thinking I could simply go back to non-HD channels. Turn the TV back on and I've got all HD again, INHD1 and INHD2, etc. I guess it just needed a jolt of amplification.

I do thank you for your help on this.

I was having trouble with my Motorola 6412 DVR (intermittent freezing of recorded and "live" broadcasts), so yesterday I took it to Comcast for replacement. I was happy to receive a brand new Moto 3412, and that seems to have fixed the freezing problem. But I found that it has only digital tuners, so won't receive the Comcast analog cable channels. I suppose that once all the channels are digitally simulcast, the box will receive them all. I've been hearing for about a year that digital simulcast will happen "very soon". Has there been any late word about this?

okay, i dont know if this is a local or a national issue, but ESPN HD is not working. its completely gone, its blank, but ESPN is fine. ESPN cut out a couple of times during the last world cup game too. anyone else recieving ESPN HD right now?

Both ESPN and ESPN are fine in HD via D* at this time.

Dennis

I was having trouble with my Motorola 6412 DVR (intermittent freezing of recorded and "live" broadcasts), so yesterday I took it to Comcast for replacement. I was happy to receive a brand new Moto 3412, and that seems to have fixed the freezing problem. But I found that it has only digital tuners, so won't receive the Comcast analog cable channels. I suppose that once all the channels are digitally simulcast, the box will receive them all. I've been hearing for about a year that digital simulcast will happen "very soon". Has there been any late word about this?

I didn't know that Comcast Nashville was distributing the digital only 3412's. Are they not simulcasting all the analog channels yet? That would be odd to be giving out 3412's and not simulcasting.

what boxes do they give out if we got hdtv but not the dvr service? TV does not have QAM, and for 5 a month, its worth having reliable HDTV, rather than risky OTA.
the installer is coming saturday, and i was just curious.

and does anyone have the "digital basic" with no premium channels attached? website says not available, but over the phone they have it.

what boxes do they give out if we got hdtv but not the dvr service?

That would be the Motorola DCT6200. http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/dct6200/

Anyone ever had this problem?

I have Comcast HD (in Nashville) and I subscribe to Showtime HD. Whenever I surf onto or past Showtime HD, I get all sorts of "clicking" sounds from my receiver (Denon) as it trys to stop at Showtime HD. Then when I go either down to INHD or up to WKRN it clicks again. This only happens w/ the Showtime channel.

According to a message sent out to receivers last night by Comcast, we'll be getting MHD (Mtv HD) by the end of the month.

According to a message sent out to receivers last night by Comcast, we'll be getting MHD (Mtv HD) by the end of the month.

Now there is waste of cable bandwidth.....

Dennis

maybe we'll get universal HD too soon... at least we know now that nashville has the bandwidth. I really want food network

There will be some regular season games live on the NFL network this season for the first time, in HD "where available". It would be nice if Comcast would carry those even if only on a temp channel (D* as well). In the past someone at Comcast has put the NFL Network's HD "Game of the Week" on INHD2 in place of the regular programming.

Dennis

I agree, must have those games in HD, hopefully they can add that channel soon. Just saw we are getting that MHD channel that carries MTV VH1 and CMT stuff on it on August 31st.

I have 2 of the comcast hd boxes. For 2 days now neither one can get channels 202, 203 and 204. I have tried a hard reset on both and comcast has sent a signal to both. Is anyone else having a problem with these channels? Comcast is scheduled to come out on Monday between 12 and 4.

I have 2 of the comcast hd boxes. For 2 days now neither one can get channels 202, 203 and 204. I have tried a hard reset on both and comcast has sent a signal to both. Is anyone else having a problem with these channels? Comcast is scheduled to come out on Monday between 12 and 4.


Exact same thing for me. I have the Motorola 6412. It is, evidently, not our box, then.

I was having trouble with my Motorola 6412 DVR (intermittent freezing of recorded and "live" broadcasts), so yesterday I took it to Comcast for replacement. I was happy to receive a brand new Moto 3412, and that seems to have fixed the freezing problem. But I found that it has only digital tuners, so won't receive the Comcast analog cable channels. I suppose that once all the channels are digitally simulcast, the box will receive them all. I've been hearing for about a year that digital simulcast will happen "very soon". Has there been any late word about this?
Have you called them yet? If they randomly gave you a 3412 when they also had the choice to give you another 6412, they probably are simulcasting. You may need a technician(on a trouble call) to map your home to the nearest all-digital-simulcast headend.

Have you called them yet? If they randomly gave you a 3412 when they also had the choice to give you another 6412, they probably are simulcasting. You may need a technician(on a trouble call) to map your home to the nearest all-digital-simulcast headend.

Good idea. I've been meaning to call to complain about not having been told, when I picked up the 3412, that I couldn't receive the analog channels on it. Didn't know there might be a possibility of digital simulcast yet. I put it off because I have a TiVo on which I can get the analog channels. If I find out that simulcasting is available, I'll post it.

Good idea. I've been meaning to call to complain about not having been told, when I picked up the 3412, that I couldn't receive the analog channels on it. Didn't know there might be a possibility of digital simulcast yet. I put it off because I have a TiVo on which I can get the analog channels. If I find out that simulcasting is available, I'll post it.
I called Comcast. It turns out that I can tune the analog channels after all. I just have to enter 3-digit channel numbers, for example 024 instead of 24. The Wikipedia entry for Motorola 3412 clearly states that it is unable to tune analog channels, so I don't know what's going on. The Comcast tech insisted that they did not have analog-digital simulcasting in Nashville yet. Perhaps she was wrong.

Incidentally, the 3412 doesn't seem to be as affected by a delay in responding to remote control clicks, which was very serious on my older 6412. It also has better connection options, such as HDMI.

I called Comcast. It turns out that I can tune the analog channels after all. I just have to enter 3-digit channel numbers, for example 024 instead of 24. The Wikipedia entry for Motorola 3412 clearly states that it is unable to tune analog channels, so I don't know what's going on. The Comcast tech insisted that they did not have analog-digital simulcasting in Nashville yet. Perhaps she was wrong.
The 3412 can be set to accept 1- or 2-digit channel numbers. Press MENU, then SETUP, then GUIDE SETUP and go to CHANNEL ENTRY BEHAVIOR and set to AUTO-TUNE.

Has anyone seen WNPT 8.1 on QAM lately? The "doc channel" 8.2 is still there, but I the digital feed of 8.1 is MIA.

Dennis

NPT on QAM - check out 79-5 and 115-1

is anyone getting ESPN 2 HD or Discovery HD Theater? those channels have been blacked out for me today, while all the rest of the HD tier work just fine.

seems like Comcast is hijacking INHD1 to show NFL HD games... which is fine with me. INHD sucks

out for me as well. also having trouble with the reg nfl network and an few of the channels in those areas. Glad it's just not me.

Personally, I like both INHD channels. Its definitely different programming than you'll find on any other channel... which is refreshing at times.

yeah but its the same programming thats been on for years.... there's barely anything new on those channels. not worth it.

Some of the "content" has just no merit other than it is in HD. Some of the shows are stunning, if uninteresting - others like someone bar hopping or cooking are just a waste of a channel. I turned over there the other night and someone (non pros) were shooting pool - whoopie!

I don't watch it a lot, but I have seen some of the same "shorts" fillers dozens of times now.

Dennis

Some of the Concerts are great.

A friend of mine who lives on the Oak Hill area of Nashville is having QAM troubles. He had some cable modem issues and the Comcast tech came out and repaired that problem - then later he noticed no HD channels came in on clear QAM on his set (Mitsu RP w/internal NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner). He still gets the analog locals fine, but does not seem to get any digital channels - either SD or HD.

Like me and others here, he is on limited basic service.

I still get the locals in HD clear QAM and I told him I was sure the others on the forum still did as well - or there would have been tons of posts about it. Comcast has re-done their web page and when I check they do not show all the locals in HD on the channels lists - on any package, but it used to show the locals in HD were included with the cheap limited basic.

So are they removing the digital channels from clear QAM or did the Comcast tech bust something when he fixed the cable modem? Or could there be something amiss in his TV? i know the HD clear QAM channels seem to be the first things to drop out when the signal level is too low - and the analog picture will look OK (no worse then normal) even though the level is not enough to lock the HD channels.

I suggested running a cable, if possible, from the entry point in the house direct to the TV and see if the channels return. If so, then there is not enough signal or a bad splitter or cable between the entry point and the TV. If they don't appear when connected direct, then either there is a new trap on his line or something is amiss in his TV ?

I think Comcast is coming back out to look at it, but "who knows" if the person they send will understand he should be getting the clear QAM channels.

Any other ideas?

Dennis

I dont think comcast would deliberately phase out Clear QAM HD Locals. Something must be amiss.

and speaking of things amiss. for the past couple of weeks a few HD channels will go down, and up again. Its usually one of the ESPNs. Yesterday around 10pm it was ESPN and Discovery HD theater. Fortunately it hasnt interrupted anything i've been watching/wanted to watch so far, but this is certainly displeasing.

So am i the only one, i sure hope not (because that would mean its a harder problem to diagnose).

btw... we've had the same comcast equipment for about a year with no real changes.

and speaking of things amiss. for the past couple of weeks a few HD channels will go down, and up again. Its usually one of the ESPNs. Yesterday around 10pm it was ESPN and Discovery HD theater. Fortunately it hasnt interrupted anything i've been watching/wanted to watch so far, but this is certainly displeasing.

So am i the only one, i sure hope not (because that would mean its a harder problem to diagnose).

Same here. Yesterday it was TNT (204) and ESPND (202). I wanted to watch the football game on ESPN. Today it is TNT and DSCHD (205). I get a notice "One Moment Please. This channel should be available shortly." How long is a "moment"?

I dont think comcast would deliberately phase out Clear QAM HD Locals. Something must be amiss.

I am thinking he had a weak signal, or bad splitter or coax in his system. The cable modem repair may have involved re-doing some cabling and was (I think) a weak signal issue. In my experience, the HD QAM channels are the first to go if anything is wrong in the system and I had to replace splitters, coax, and change the way I had stuff wired to make both my cable modem and my QAM tuners all happy.

We will see what Comcast says, but he does not get anywhere with their tech I can make him up a long RG-6 coax and a double female connector so he can run it from the cable entry point direct to the TV and see if the channels magically re-appear.

Dennis

so this seems like a serious problem now, can we poll or monitor what channels go away, for how long, etc?

has anyone spoken to a senior tech at comcast about why this is happening?

As of 6:00 pm, I get nothing on Discovery HD. In fact, the picture from whatever channel I was previously on just freezes when I flip over to 205.

Trying to watch the news on WTVF Channel 5 (233), and it has been pixelating frequently. Seems to be O.K OTA.

with the fall tv season and regular season of football rapidly approaching, i say we get a consensus and call comcast and speak to a senior tech and ask them/tell then whats up

I just got my box with the QAM tuner hooked up and working. Did a channel scan and found a bunch of digital cable channels, most of which don't show anything so I assume that they are encrypted. Here's what I do get in HD:

85- 6 WB HD
85-14 UPN HD
87- 1 INHD HD
87- 2 INHD2 HD
92- 2 ABC HD
92- 5 CBS HD
93- 4 NBC HD
93- 6 FOX HD
100- 1 TNT HD -- No sound

Is there anything there that I've missed?

Why no sound on TNT-HD? Is that supposed to be encrypted? The video is perfect.

Thanks to Larry's post, I discovered last week that I could get TNT-HD on my QAM tuner, crystal clear with sound! (I subscribe to Comcast's $12 lifeline package.) But then yesterday, the channel went dark for a few hours and when it came back last night, it had no sound. Anybody else out there getting TNT-HD in clear QAM either with or without sound? Does the sound come and go? Anybody have any ideas how I might get the sound back (like use an amplifier, maybe?) or do you think Comcast wised up and did something to the signal? Funny thing is, I was getting it WITH sound, here in Nashville, after Larry had already posted that he could only get it WITHOUT sound.

Also, anybody heard any more about whether Comcast is adding MHD for sure this week? Maybe I'll get lucky and it'll be broadcast unscrambled in clear QAM, but I doubt it.

One other thing: anybody noticed that NPT has been playing around with their signal digital signal (115.5 QAM)? A couple of days ago, there were broadcasting at 720P, even though they weren't showing anything in true HD. The weird thing is, it looked like they were taking the low-res 4:3 version of shows that were actually shot in HD (they were letterboxed) and then upconverting them to 720 P. The result was a 16:9 shaped picture surrounded by black bars all the way around! As of yesterday, though, they were back to broadcasting at 480i on that signal.

I have the HD box and am in M-boro/ Rutheford Co. I've had problems with TNTHD, ESPN1&2HD and DiscoveryHD at diffrent times this week. I got the message on my box about MHD a few weeks back. The drop outs in the other channels could be them (Comcast) working on the system in order to put MHD on the air this week.

Anybody else out there getting TNT-HD in clear QAM either with or without sound? Does the sound come and go?

One other thing: anybody noticed that NPT has been playing around with their signal digital signal (115.5 QAM)? A couple of days ago, there were broadcasting at 720P, even though they weren't showing anything in true HD. The weird thing is, it looked like they were taking the low-res 4:3 version of shows that were actually shot in HD (they were letterboxed) and then upconverting them to 720 P. The result was a 16:9 shaped picture surrounded by black bars all the way around! As of yesterday, though, they were back to broadcasting at 480i on that signal.

Yes, TNT-HD is sometimes there and sometime not in clear QAM. Ditto for the sound. I guess nothing much you can do since it is not a channel included in the package you have. I watched a bit of the race 2-3 weeks back in HD with nice audio, then turn to that channel to look at something else and either have no sound (most common) on the channel is scrambled.

The NPT thing is posted here someplace - or over in the Nashville OTA thread. If they are showing something "live" (as they get it off the sat) that is in HD they down-convert it to 16:9 480i and sent that out on digital 8.1, which Comcast then puts on QAM 115-1. WNPT is slated to broadcast live the opening events at the new symphony center on September 9 - so you are probably seeing them doing some tests. I assume at some point they will start showing the shows they do now in 16:9 480i in true HD. Note that American Experience is usually one of the shows they do "live" from sat on Monday nights - so that can be a good time to tune in a see how it looks. In the past, folks have posted that they were in HD - they were fooled by the 16:9 480i picture. I can't wait until they can broadcast real HD....

Dennis

I've heard the the new symphony center opening is supposed to be WNPT's first true HD broadcast.

I've heard the the new symphony center opening is supposed to be WNPT's first true HD broadcast.

September 9, the Saturday after next.

I assume they will have some HD test material/shows on between now and then.

Dennis

That's weird that TNT-HD is sometimes clear QAM, sometimes not. Can't imagine why. If Comcast adds enough new HD channels, it might make it worth my while to start paying $50 bucks again for expanded basic and a cablecard. But as it is now, about the only channels I don't get that I'd like to have are Discovery HD, TNT-HD (sorta, it's not that great) and MHD when it's added. If they added HDNet, HDNet Movies, National Geographic HD and Universal HD, I'd probably cough up the extra money.

And, yeah, I've read that the opening of the new Symphony Center will be NPT's first true HD broadcast, but I'd have to think they'll test out their capabilities before that. I guess that's why they were playing around with 720p the other day. I can't wait to see Nova, Nature, and some of their other stuff in true HD!

Anybody heard if Comcast Nashville will offer PPV movies in HD?

what i dont understand, is why we dont have UHD? we're a top 30 market, and other comcast markets lower than us have it. is there a bandwidth issue that i'm not aware of?

also its cool that PBS is finally getting the capability for HD. i thought they didnt have the money and werent going to in the near future?

I guess call Comcast and complain about UPN 30. They SEEM to feel the locals in HD are "must carry" and have them clear QAM even for lifeline cable customers so they SHOULD be willing to carry any local channel in HD that has HD content.

WNPT does not have enough money to bump up the power, they said they are going to wait until the channels are re-allocated and everything is all digital before they do. I have been told several different dates of their HD launch including "by the end of the year" (that was in 2005) and "by the end of the first quarter of 2006". I do contribute to them monthly, but I will believe the HD when I see it for myself - too many times they said something and failed to deliver.

They have publicized this HD event tied into the new symphony hall, so I would hope this time they will carry through it - and will have regular HD programming from now on.

It is disappointing that none of the locals has any HD remote equipment or even HD cameras. 2 has the Titan's pre-season in SD, 4 does the 7/4 fireworks in SD, and all do the news, etc in SD. I was watching some pre-season NFL action on the NFL HD channel (via INHD) and there are locals out there doing the preseason games fully in HD. I guess in this area channel 8 will be ahead of the commercial stations locally?

Dennis

whats the deal with UHD though? how come pretty much every other comcast market has it ut us... and if you dont think so, check out the 'whast the nest HD channel for comcast" on the HD programming forum.

Yeah, a lot of Comcast areas outside Nashville already have UHD and MHD (the latter of which we're supposed to get on Thursday). However, I've noticed that several of those systems no longer have INHD2, which we still have. Wonder if it'll still be around after Thursday when MHD is added? I hope it's not taken off. They have some good music and travel shows. Although I wouldn't mind never again hearing "Wine the French would die for!" on that commercial for their Aussie Wine Trail show...

My box just turned itself off and is downloading something. Are we getting a firmware upgrade? I haven't noticed it having to do this when we get a new channel. While I was typing this message, it looks like it failed and started again. I'll post again if it ever finishes.

Ok, no MHD, but NPT (channel 240) is showing what looks like HD material to me. It may be an upconvert, but if so, it looks pretty good. It's showing the full 16x9 picture like they show on channel 8, only without the black bars. I haven't paid much attention to the NPT digital channel before. Is this new for them?

Yeah, it is new for NPT. They were doing it last night too. But it's not actually HD. My Sony receiver shows that the signal is only 480i. It looks pretty good but you can tell it's not HD, especially when you look at someone's skin. It looks like they're taking the PBS HD feed, keeping it at widescreen 16x9 but down-rezzing it to 480i. Which is a lot better than taking the letterboxed 4:3 feed and stretching it out to fit a 16x9 screen. But I know they can broadcast at 720p because they were doing it the other night (though still not in true HD).

I haven't paid much attention to the NPT digital channel before. Is this new for them?

No, this is not new for 8 - they have been doing this for quite some time and it was discussed over in the Nashville OTA forum when they started it. For the shows they show "live" as they come off the satellite (American Experience is one) they have been putting them out in 16:9 480i. They have the HD box but no HD tape equipment (last time I talked to them) so they could only do this if they broadcast the show direct from sat. In digital mode it looks pretty good, but not as good as real HDTV will look. They will be testing some real HD I expect to get ready for their big HDTV launch in 11 days. I assume after that the "live" shows will be real HD and pehaps they have obtained some HD recording equipment and will able to show HD for repeats and "tape delayed" stuff as well.

Dennis

I was just looking at my OnDemand menus. There's a new catogory up today "Network Primetime" inside that there's an NBC and CBS catogory. Inside the CBS menu theres a listing for CBS in HD! There's no programming listed yet but the menu headings are there. Murfreesboro/ Rutheford Co. looks to be getting some OnDemand HD content.

For about a week I was unable to view TNT-HD (channel 204). I got a black screen with superimposed message that the channel would be available momentarily. I called Comcast and the support person couldn't help, as this channel could be received at her office. She scheduled a visit from a technician for today (I think she was convinced it was a problem with my equipment--Motorola 3412 DVR). A short time ago the tech called and confirmed that many people my Nashville area (his working area) were having this problem. He said that Comcast finally recognized the problem and were working on it. I just checked and can now receive TNT-HD. The tech called to confirm (which was nice), but didn't know the original cause of the problem.

When I view channel 100-1 (reported as TNT-HD) on my TV's QAM tuner, I get a black screen.

The Comcast tech also confirmed that the analog channels are now being digitally simulcast. This explains why I can receive them on my Motorola 3412 DVR, which doesn't have analog tuners.

whats the deal with UHD though? how come pretty much every other comcast market has it ut us... and if you dont think so, check out the 'whast the nest HD channel for comcast" on the HD programming forum.


Yeah, we used to get the all the HD channels as soon as everyone else. It sucks we don't anymore, surely we have the room, the added MHD today(209)

seems like Comcast added a new "ad space" under the guide. this is beyond irritating as everytime you scroll down you first hi-light the ad, then it goes further. they really should relocate the feed.

seems like Comcast added a new "ad space" under the guide. this is beyond irritating as everytime you scroll down you first hi-light the ad, then it goes further. they really should relocate the feed.

It's awful and covers up the bottom channel. First thing I did was to go to settings and delete it, but no go.

It's awful and covers up the bottom channel. First thing I did was to go to settings and delete it, but no go.

I just called. The guy, really nice young guy, said that it was entirely a programming error and it is NOT supposed to be there. He said it would definitely be resolved.

That is WAY beyond annoying.

I've heard about Comcast putting those ads in their STBs in other cities too. I don't think it's a mistake but maybe I'm wrong. If your TV/DVR accepts a CableCard, you could use that instead of the Comcast STB. Of course, then you'd have no Comcast program guide at all, or access to PPV or OnDemand, but maybe you don't care.

In looking at message boards around the internet, I've found out that in a lot of areas, Comcast offers a programming tier called "Digital Classic". It contains a modest number of SD digital channels which vary by area (maybe stuff like National Geographic Channel, Discovery Science, PBS Sprout, etc.) PLUS all the non-premium HD channels (e.g. ESPN HD, Discovery HD, MHD, TNT HD, etc.), if you have an HD-capable STB or CableCard. This Digital Classic tier typically costs about $10 and can be ordered a la carte on top of the limited basic tier. This would allow you to get all the HD channels that Comcast offers (except for the premium HDs like HBO, Starz, etc.), plus a few analog and digital SD channels, for about $21.50 a month (plus $5 for the box if you need it; I think CableCards are free for Comcast customers here in Nashville).

So I called Comcast Nashville today and asked if such a digital tier is offered and the CSR (who admitted he was new) said he didn't think they offered that. He only mentioned the "digital bronze" package, which I think offers nearly all the non-premium SD digital channels in the entire line-up and seems to be available only as an add-on to expanded basic (analog channels 2-99), which I don't want.

Does anybody know anything about the possibility of a digital classic package here in Nashville? And if it's not available here, I wonder how we could get it? Can local government pressure Comcast to offer more affordable a la carte packages here since Comcast offers them in order areas?

And if it's not available here, I wonder how we could get it? Can local government pressure Comcast to offer more affordable a la carte packages here since Comcast offers them in order areas?

Ha, ha, ha!

Comcast pretty much does what they want. About the only "deal" is the limited basic package, everything else is just a rip-off. If to get the HD channels you want they have to get you to swallow an expensive digital package then they have 0 (or is that $0?) incentive to offer you the channels for less. Just like sat, cable claims they have xxx channels but you and I know most are weak offerings that few watch. They bundle these with channels folks watch so they can charge us more - after all, we are getting xxx channels!

Dish used to have a true ala carte plan - way, way back - where you could choose a handful or two of their basic channels and only pay $10 a month or something. They dropped it, the few extra subs it got probably did not bring in as much money as making everyone pay for a full package.

I think the local g'ment makes them offer the limited package cheap (in H'ville it is even less than Nashville) or they would not ever do that.

The trouble is their is no CABLE competition to make them deal - you can choose sat or you can choose them, they have the cable monopoly here. At one time we were told we might could get entertainment from the phone company when they extended digital to every house - has not happened yet. If the law was like the telephone set up - where BellSouth has to provide "the last mile" to other carriers and resellers - then several companies could share the cable system and compete for our business. You get a T1 or DSL in most places around here and from you to the CO it is a BS line - they "have" to provide that to whatever ISP you choose and whatever price you can negotiate. If the g'ment had put up the lines (or put it in the contract that they owned the cable) then you and your neighbors could take bids on who sold you the cable TV programming and which programs and prices were available.

Dennis

comcast is nowhere near as bad as they are in other markets. I think so far at least they have been fair with us (i hope i'm not mistaken). I have specifically been told from a senior comcast tech repairman that they are forced to give you whatever package you want with whatever else and they can only recommend what they think you should get. He told me "just be adamant".

I know the specifically charge people a lot more money just for HDTV cable channels in other markets, and so far they've been good to us here. Right now my only beef with them is this new spam they have in the guide... i dont even mind it, but i think they should relocate it.



EDIT: OMG its gone!!! thanks comcast. I'm back to loving you again.

I am sure it does vary from market to market as each city could/would have different things in the contract with them. Remember when the "public service commission" used to decide if/when utilities could raise the rates? A smart town would write the contract with the cable company so that a commission (not the cable company) would decide the packages and prices and not the cable company. Maybe somewhere someone has and they have cable heaven?

Dennis

Granted, Comcast does pretty much do what it wants to do, but, in some cities apparently, they want to offer a low cost Digital Classic tier. One example is in Roseville, CA (http://www.roseville.ca.us/media/comcast_14.asp). Also found it to be the case in San Francisco and some other places around the country. (Dig around on the boards here in AVS Forum and you'll see.) I wish it was available here.

The new OnDemand catogories that were up around 11:00 am yesterday are gone now. On the bright side MHD was up and running last night. I watched an episode of VH1 "Storytellers" w/ Pearl Jam. The channel looks and sounds real good. INHD 2 is still on too. I had heard rumors that it was being removed from some systems in other cities.

I agree totally that the menu guide ads suck!

in some cities apparently, they want to offer a low cost Digital Classic tier. One example is in Roseville, CA (http://www.roseville.ca.us/media/comcast_14.asp).

As I said, I think it depends on the city and the contract. The fact the the link you provide is to the CITY web page and has prices should tell us they probably have a large say in what is offered and what the price is - based on the contract they signed with Comcast.

For all I know there could be similar provisions in the Nashville contract that are not being enforced - but I somehow don't think that is the case. I think it is something that should be put into the next one so that we have some voice in what is offered and how much we pay.

Dennis

Yeah, if there's no direct competition for TV service, then there's a case for a bit more regulation of cable packages and rates, I guess. But from what I've read, I was under the impression that the only thing that local authorities could regulate was the cost of the most basic cable tier. I look forward to AT&T (BellSouth) offering IPTV here, but who knows when that'll be.
In looking around online, it looks like a Digital Classic tier is, or at one time was, available in Atlanta, Chattanooga, up in New England, and some other places. I think it's fairly widespread. I may try calling again and seeing if anyone at Comcast Nashville knows about it. I'd really like to get the new MHD and I miss Discovery HD Theater too but I'm just not interested in paying for all those analog channels 22-99.

I'm just not interested in paying for all those analog channels 22-99.

And Comcast is just not interested in giving you something for less than they have to :D

They figure if you want those channels bad enough you will pony up for the package.

Dennis

Except, as I've stated repeatedly, Comcast customers in lots of other cities apparently don't have to pony up for all those channels to get to the few HD channels.

OH GOD ITS BACK!!! it was gone for a little while yesterday but now i just checked and that stupid ad is back again on the guide. I hope they are kidding. this is rediculous.

Brookspw: can you pleast talk to whoever you talked to at comcast and ask if they are removing it or is this permanent?

I have confirmed with my local Nashville contact that these ads are here to stay. Or as he calls them "educational and informative announcements". He says they are rolling out in all Comcast digital markets, and in the main 6412 DVR thread here there are San Francisco users who confirm they are seeing them.

i dont care if they put the annoucements, just move them from the bottom. where can we go to complain, as loyal comcast customers

According to "scanpa" over in the main 6412 DVR thread, who apparently works for Comcast, these ads are going to get significantly worse in the I/J and also Tivo guides that are coming soon. The ads will actually become targeted to you based upon your recorded viewing habits. I posted over there in that thread a corporate email address/contact person I suggest you send your thoughts to.

well when we first got a HDTV cable box like 3 years ago... the 'guide' they had was just atrocious. It was yellow, half the guide was ads and the other half only showed 30 minute blocks of programming. This new guide is much, much better. I dont understand why they would give us such a great funcitonal guide, and then promptly screw with it and make it worse... shame.

"Educational and informative" my fanny.

It's like these weasels don't make enough money from me now. My wife is not happy with our overall cable bill, and now this....

Makes that new series 3 Tivo sound even better :D

Dennis

A friend of mine who lives on the Oak Hill area of Nashville is having QAM troubles.

I thought I would post a follow up.

Comcast sent a knowledgeable tech out (why don't <I> ever get one of those?) and he checked it out. Seemed to have good signal at the set, so we ran a spare hunk of RG-6 from the outside box direct to the TV - still no QAM. So it must be the set.

The Mitsu DLP set was still under warranty so a tech was called for that. Again, someone that knew what they were doing. Turns out all the set needed was a "master reset" and the QAM channels came right back. Strange, analog signals were fine, all other functions, features, and inputs worked - but not QAM. My friend "Accidentally" saw how the guy did the reset so if this happens again he can try that first.

Dennis

Does anyone know if the new Star Trek:TOS broadcast is going to get carried in HD on WTVF this fall? Or carried at all?

-John

Makes that new series 3 Tivo sound even better :D

Dennis


yeah... wahts better than paying $800 for a tivo box, then paying them 20 dollars a month to download a digital cable guide. yup... thats a lot better.

/sarcasm

Does anyone know if the new Star Trek:TOS broadcast is going to get carried in HD on WTVF this fall? Or carried at all?

-John
I have looked ahead on an online tv schedule, and it will be coming on WUXP (UPN/MyTV) 30 on Saturdays at 9pm and Sundays at 8pm.

NashDigie signing off.

I have looked ahead on an online tv schedule, and it will be coming on WUXP (UPN/MyTV) 30 on Saturdays at 9pm and Sundays at 8pm.


That is not it, WXUP is re-running Star Trek: Enterprize on Saturday nights. "TOS" is "The Original Series" . They had done the old "digitally remastered" trick on the old shows for syndication in high def.

Details here. (http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/news/article/23775.html)

CBS owns the shows, but they could appear on any channel in syndication.

Dennis

dwynne I looked ahead in my guide two weeks, and it looks to me like NashDigie is correct.

dwynne I looked ahead in my guide two weeks, and it looks to me like NashDigie is correct.

He is correct in that WXUP IS showing Star Trek: Enterprise on 9/9 at 9pm. That is what Titan TV and my Tivo EPG say.

Star Trek: Enterprise
Regeneration 9:00 PM, 1 hr
Sat 09/09/2006
WUXPDT 30.1 (21)
Sci-Fi/Other
TVPG, English, 2003

Enterprise searches for a party of missing scientific researchers who vanished from the Arctic after discovering a crashed spacecraft and its dormant cybernetic crew. Com. Williams: Jim Fitzpatrick. Dr. Moninger: Christopher Wynne. Adm. Forrest: Vaughn Armstrong. Rooney: Bonita Friedericy. Drake: John Short.
Cast & Credits: Scott Bakula, Connor Trinneer, Jolene Blalock, Dominic Keating, Anthony Montgomery


User John Williams was asking who was going to caring the Star Trek: TOS episodes. John is asking about the digitally remastered "The Original Series" with Kirk, Spock, Scotty, etc that is going to be shown starting this fall in syndicated HDTV.

All the listings I have access to do not cover the 16th yet, which is when the new ST:TOS is supposed to start airing. Do you have an EPG which goes past the 15th that shows TOS on WXUP? The first episode to be shown is "Balance of Terror" (they are not showing them in the original order).

Dennis

Also, I have seen it posted that the stations that carry ST: Enterprise will just replace it with the new TOS HDTV shows starting on 9/16 - which will mean WXUP will get it.

I have also seen it posted that (as user John Williams asks) the CBS affiliates will get it.


Dennis

Yes my Comcast guide goes that far and is showing they are replacing it with TOS. I have already set a recording for it to check it out.

All the listings I have access to do not cover the 16th yet, which is when the new ST:TOS is supposed to start airing. Do you have an EPG which goes past the 15th that shows TOS on WXUP? The first episode to be shown is "Balance of Terror" (they are not showing them in the original order).

Dennis
What I meant to say is that Star Trek: TOS will be replacing Star Trek: Enterprise on WUXP. I have looked ahead using Zap2It's online schedule. Yes, if you go there and look in the date drop down list, it doesn't go past the 14th, but if you go to the 14th and push the 'next few hours' button, you can go all the way to the 16th and further. That is how I found out about Star Trek and other things. Now, the first weekend (16th and 17th) all they have in the time slots is "To Be Announced", but I went to the weekend after that (23rd and 24th) and Star Trek was in those time slots (Sa 9:00pm, Su 8:00pm). 'Without a Trace' will be in the Star Trek: Enterprise' Sat. 11:00pm time slot. I've posted the link to the website below. That's all I've got right now.

Zap2It TV Schedule (http://tvlistings2.zap2it.com/grid.asp?partner_id=national)

NashDigie signing off.

"Educational and informative" my fanny.

It's like these weasels don't make enough money from me now. My wife is not happy with our overall cable bill, and now this....

True, though days like today are sweet, with both Vandy and the Vols in hi-def. Got to enjoy both games without paying stadium prices!!

What I meant to say is that Star Trek: TOS will be replacing Star Trek: Enterprise on WUXP.

You are correct. Titan, TVGuide, and Zap2it all now show it on the schedule.

Now the concern - they are showing the running time of 1 hour. So they will either have to limit the commecials to the 40 year old standard - or they will have to edit or "time compress" the show to make it fit 60 minutes with the 2006 style more commercials.

Having Vandy lose in HD is no big treat, but having the Vols kick booty in HD over "national championship contender" Cal sure was sweet.

BTW, watching over on INHD some of the HFL HD reruns of the pre-season games the SF station's coverage was just awesome - what a super picture. Didn't care anything for the teams or the game, but watched several minutes of the stunning visuals. That is a local SF station - blowing away Sunday Night Football on NBC and affiliates for image quality.

Dennis

Well with them redoing all the space scenes in what I hear may be rather lackluster CGI, it won't surprise me at all to see them edit it down a bit too. Also they are the episodes in what appears to be a totally random order.

Having Vandy lose in HD is no big treat, but having the Vols kick booty in HD over "national championship contender" Cal sure was sweet.

BTW, watching over on INHD some of the HFL HD reruns of the pre-season games the SF station's coverage was just awesome - what a super picture. Didn't care anything for the teams or the game, but watched several minutes of the stunning visuals. That is a local SF station - blowing away Sunday Night Football on NBC and affiliates for image quality.

Dennis

re: vandy, getting a win would have been unreal, but going onto the road at Michigan with a new quarterback, I could not see it happening. What made the day special was the setting - opening week of the college football season at the "big house". Just going into that environment and competing on the national stage on ESPN happens about once in a generation for Vanderbilt. The situation is a lot different at UT where W's are expected, but Saturday was more about redemption, and the way they dominated caught everyone off guard.

I didn't see the 49'ers game, but no question, some of the best PQ you will find anywhere is locally produced sports on INHD. I don't want to totally discount NBC, because from time to time, they have proven they can do good HD. It's just a shame what is happening now with the new sub.

Just curious if anyone has a QAM channel guide for Nashville/Murfreesboro comcast :-)

Thanks for the help.

Just went through this on a sharp 37" 40u series - the"mixed" means random channels such as HBO show up on these frequencies. Only showing digital channels. Possibly some errors...

115.1 NPT HD
114.11 PBS Sprout
113.3 Mixed
111.2 League pass preview
111.1 NBA TV no sound
106.1 Mixed
105.9 Mixed
104.10 Mixed
104.9 Mixed
104.8 Mixed
103.10 Mixed
103.1 Mixed
93.2 Fox HD
92.2 ABC HD
92.1 CBS HD
87.2 IN HD
87.1 IN HD2
86.7 Weather
85.3 The Tube
85.2 MyNetwork Digital
85.1 WB Digital
80.8 VH1
79.9 UPN SD Digital
79.6 MyNetwork Digital
79.5 NPT
79.4 Fox SD Digital
79.3 CBS SD Digital
79.2 NBC SD Digital
79.1 ABC SD Digital

Now that the S3 HD Tivo has been released today and since it is cable-compatible, has anyone had experience with the local Comcast office in getting CableCards?

The S3 Tivo actually will require 2 cable cards (so that it can record two channels simultaneously). I'm curious as to how much Comcast is going to charge to rent these and if they'll require Technician installation as Comcast has mandated in our markets.

They rent cable cards here for $5 a month, same as a digital or HD cable box. At one time they required a visit for "install" but I am pretty sure folks have posted here that they just dropped my the main office on Mainstream Dr and pick up the card.

I want an S3 and have a lifetime S1 I could transfer the lifetime from (for an extra $200) but I am going to wait a while for the prices to fall. The HD Tivo was $1000 (and some folks were paying more) when they first came out. In a few months you could get them a lot less and not much later they were $400 some place - and then "free" from D* (lease deal). The lifetime x-fer may not be any good by the time the price falls, but I think I will risk it.

I think folks wanting to line Comcast's pockets would want to wait for the Tivo based DVR Comcast is supposed to get. At the current $10 a per month DVR rental price (the same price as renting two cable cards) you will NEVER get your money back on the S3 Tivo.

Dennis

They rent cable cards here for $5 a month, same as a digital or HD cable box. At one time they required a visit for "install" but I am pretty sure folks have posted here that they just dropped my the main office on Mainstream Dr and pick up the card.

I want an S3 and have a lifetime S1 I could transfer the lifetime from (for an extra $200) but I am going to wait a while for the prices to fall. The HD Tivo was $1000 (and some folks were paying more) when they first came out. In a few months you could get them a lot less and not much later they were $400 some place - and then "free" from D* (lease deal). The lifetime x-fer may not be any good by the time the price falls, but I think I will risk it.

I think folks wanting to line Comcast's pockets would want to wait for the Tivo based DVR Comcast is supposed to get. At the current $10 a per month DVR rental price (the same price as renting two cable cards) you will NEVER get your money back on the S3 Tivo.

Dennis

Agreed about the return on investment of S3 Tivo. As a former Directv HDTivo user, I am, however, very excited about the prospect of having a standalone Tivo box that will not be subject to the CableCo/SatCo's restrictions regarding Home Media options and other innovations as the Directv boxes were.

I paid $1000 for my Directv HDTivo almost three years ago. Last week Directv announced they were upgrading the software on the box. After this annoucement, I was able to sell it on Ebay for $750. So, in terms of true cash outlay, I have basically a zero incremental investment for the S3.

Anyway, the box is ordered, I should have it first of next week. I'll post a review on my experiences with it and with Comcast on getting 2 cablecards.

A friend of mine is wanting to get one as well, but (like me) I think this time we will wait for the price to drop. My first HD Tivo was close to $1k but not that much later I got a 2nd for $400 - and another friend just got one for free (lease deal, I own mine).

In our cases, we just want them for clear QAM and the early reviews show a huge bug - you can't map the QAM channels to the guide. So while you can do a scan and find the locals on various QAM channels, there is no way to tell the S3 Tivo that 92-5 is WTVF so to record NCIS on Tuesday nights you would have to do a manual recording for EVERY show. No season passes on QAM channels.

I am sure they will craft a fix, and I think with a cable card you should be fine since that will map it. OTA will be OK as well, just not clear QAM - yet. So to pay $800 + $200 transfer fee for lifetime and NOT be able to use it properly for clear QAM just kills the deal.

Dennis

I have been anxiously waiting for the Tivo Series 3. I would be willing to spend the money to get away from the poor Motorola DVR software. But I think I'll wait awhile. I have several questions that I hope will be answered on this forum as people post their Series 3 experiences:

1. How well does it work with Comcast cablecards? I have a friend in another city that tried a cablecard, from Comcast, with his TV. He was not able to get it to work properly and had to turn it in. (This was several months ago, however.)

2. When will the ability to add an external hard drive be activated? The recording capacity of the initial Series 3 (about 30 hours of HD recording) seems skimpy.

3. When will Comcast have the option to use Tivo software? As I understand it, this would be a download into the existing Motorola DVR. While the Motorola doesn't have all the features of the Series 3, it should be much cheaper than spending $800 on the Series 3.

Anybody else experiencing occasional momentary freeze-ups and loud popping sounds on HD broadcasts? It was so bad at times during Dancing with the Stars on Tues. night (ABC), that it was almost unwatchable. I'm trying to figure out if this is a problem with Comcast or with my HD tuner (QAM). I've noticed it at times on other channels too.

No I had the same problems on watching dancing with the stars. A lot of freeze ups for me as well. I was thinking that it was a network problem cause that was the first time that show was broadcast in hd. Last season was not. Who knows though

Anyway, the box is ordered, I should have it first of next week. I'll post a review on my experiences with it and with Comcast on getting 2 cablecards.


I picked up two today, couldn't have been easier. Walked into the main office in Metro Center, asked for two cards and walked out with them maybe 5 minutes later, no questions asked and no charge. I was pleasantly surprised.

-Shrug

Anyone notice that with the Launch of Starz On Demand HD, we now have an HD on demand section? its pretty paltry atm but at least its a start. Kudos to Comcast again.

HI ALL

was just wondering if anyone could stream the Nashville cbs channel 5 so that i can watch the titans games through a video player like wmp or winamp. i live in niagara falls ny and ive been a long time titans fan and its extreamely hard to watch the titans here. so please if anyone could stream the titans games i would be more than happy thank you to all that respond. aslo if any of yous know where i could find a live wtvf cbs nash. feed please let me know. i need my titans

send me a pm or email me at acheff@gmail.com

HI ALL

was just wondering if anyone could stream the Nashville cbs channel 5 so that i can watch the titans games through a video player like wmp or winamp. i live in niagara falls ny and ive been a long time titans fan and its extreamely hard to watch the titans here. so please if anyone could stream the titans games i would be more than happy thank you to all that respond.
email me acheff at gmail.com

Do you really want to watch the shellacking the poor Titans got today? C'mon, even they don't want to see the game film after that travesty!

NFL sunday ticket + D* will get you all the Titans games all season. As was mentioned, they stink so bad I don't know why you would want to watch them.

Sirius sat radio has all the game audio as well.

You could buy a SlingBox (around $150 now) and get someone you know in this area to connect it up. They would need cable TV and some type of HS Internet access. The Slingbox works quite well, given the limit bandwidth for uploads available on most cable or DSL lines. If they connect it up to the cable then you could control the internal tuner remotely and not interfere with what they do or watch - other than using up some of their upload bandwidth.

Dennis

thanks guys for the info and if your a true titans fan you will not just stop likeing them if they do bad. you root them on and prey they do good if not hope for a good season next year.

Anybody here have a TV, tuner, or DVR that uses the TV Guide OnScreen program listings system? I have a Sony DVR (the DHG-HDD250) that uses it and it's not downloading the listings data from our local host station, WNPT 8, like it should. I'm trying to figure out if the problem is with my unit or with WNPT's datacasting. If anybody else in the Nashville area is having the same problem, please post. Thanks.

FWIW, I was in the Comcast office today in the 'boro picking up two CableCards and actually was helped by a very "up to speed" technician. He understood exactly what I needed and why (for the S3 Tivo).

Here's the kicker, he went on to tell me that digital simulcasting of channels 2-80 is now fully operational and even showed me the new basic cable box (about the size of the Motorola cable modem).

they sent messages to my cable box saying that CBS shows were now available Ondemand and in HD under "network" and "CBS". I saw the shows but I didnt see any HD versions. do any of you?

FWIW, I was in the Comcast office today in the 'boro picking up two CableCards and actually was helped by a very "up to speed" technician. He understood exactly what I needed and why (for the S3 Tivo).

Has anyone received the Tivo S3 yet? Once the CableCards are installed, does Comcast need to do anything to activate the cards or box?

Has anyone received the Tivo S3 yet? Once the CableCards are installed, does Comcast need to do anything to activate the cards or box?

My roommate has a CableCard in his new Toshiba LCD and he had to call Comcast and get them to initialize it (or whatever they call it) twice before it would work and get all the channels. Works great though. The TV Guide info isn't downloading, though. It's getting the channel names, but no programming information.

charlie

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I picked up two CableCards yesterday, came home and followed the instructions provided both by tivo and Comcast.

No luck! I've talked with customer service at least three times with no luck. Each time I call, I try to give them info from the cards (S/N, host id, etc) but they don't want that info. They tell me all that info is available on my account records and that there are sending the "hit" to my cards.

I have a hard time believing this is true. Unfortunately, I don't think the CSRs are very well trained on the proper procedure for activating cable cards. I have a tech visit scheduled for Tuesday but I'm hoping I can figure it out this weekend instead.

Any suggestions?

Lack of signal? Do you get all the locals in HD in clear QAM? Do you get the extra clear QAM digital (SD and HD) channels too? If not, then you probably have a bad splitter, coax, or something. Try connecting the S3 directly to the cable as it enters your house with no splitters, etc. Any better? The analog channels are in the easy to get range, the digital stuff can be much, much higher in frequency and if there is anything wrong - no go. I had to replace a splitter or two, some coax, and get a Motorola cable modem amp to get all mine locked in every place in the house I wanted clear QAM.

Dennis

Sorry if this is a dumb question...but I'm shopping for a new HDTV and I'm new to this technology. I'm probably going to buy a LG 42LB1DR from Best Buy. I only have standard Comcast Cable in Nashville so I don't have any cable box, nor do I want one. The TV I'm planning to buy has a QAM tuner and a CableCard slot. my question is...if I plug my cable line directly from the wall to this tv will I get the local network channels ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX in HD? As I understand it...that is what a QAM tuner will do in itself. Or do I also have to get a CableCard from Comcast to watch basic channels in HD? Is the CableCARD only necessary to get HD cable channels such as ESPN, Discovery, etc...?

Also, this tv has a built in DVR and TVguide On-Screen. Can I use these features with just basic cable? or do I have to get a CableCard? I've heard that the CableCARD sometimes screws these features up. So is using just the QAM without also getting a CableCARD all I would need?

I have a HD QAM tuner/DVR that has a CableCard slot in it, although I don't have a CableCard plugged in. My DVR also gets the TV Guide OnScreen listings, although I'm having problems with that right now. (More on that later.) With an HDTV with a QAM tuner, you can subscribe to basic lifeline cable (about $11 a month) and you'll get the following channels in HD: ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, CW, My Network TV, INHD and INHD2. And you'll get the regular non-HD versions of the major networks plus a few other non-HD channels like NPT2, The Tube (music video channel), WGN, Pax, and TBN. And you'll also get all the Music Choice channels (audio only, sort of like XM Radio on your TV). If you want more, you can subscribe to expanded basic for about $40 or $50 a month but that won't get you any more HD channels unless you get a CableCard. The CableCard allows you to receive encrypted (scrambled) digital channels, like Discovery HD, ESPN HD, ESPN 2 HD, TNT HD, and MHD.

The CableCard also allows you to receive digital channels at the Comcast-assigned channel number. For instance, with a QAM tuner, you'll find ABC HD on channel 92.2. But with a CableCard (or Comcast cable box), you'll find it on something like channel 230. Every now and then Comcast decides to switch the QAM frequency they transmit a digital channel on, such as when they switched PBS HD a month or so ago from 86.6 to 115.1. And when that happens, you just have to find it on your own or come to the message boards here to figure out where they put it!

You do not need a CableCard to use TV Guide OnScreen. The TV listings data for this service is broadcast by a local station in each city, usually a PBS station. Here in Nashville, it's the PBS affiliate WNPT Channel 8. As long as your TV or DVR has access to the ANALOG version of that channel (Ch. 8), which you can get either with basic cable or possibly with an antenna, you should be able to get the TVGOS listings. I say should because, for the past 3 weeks, I have only gotten listings intermittenly. I haven't gotten them at all in 3 or 4 days, which sucks. No problems for the 3 months before that. I've tried contacting WNPT repeatedly to see if there's a problem with their broadcasting of the listings data but they won't return my calls. I've also got a call in to Sony support to see if they can figure out what's going on. If you hook your cable up, please let me know whether or not you can get TVGOS listings. I'm trying to figure out if the problem is with my Sony DVR or if it's with WNPT (or possibly Comcast). Thanks!

As far as a CableCard interfering with the TVGOS feature of your DVR, I don't think that would happen. I've read of other people who have the same DVR as me and they use a CableCard and have no problems. The CableCard will not download any sort of Comcast channel guide or TV listings like a Comcast cable box does. The card only unscrambles channels you're authorized to receive but couldn't see without the card or a cable box.

My roommate has a CableCard in his new Toshiba LCD and he had to call Comcast and get them to initialize it (or whatever they call it) twice before it would work and get all the channels. Works great though. The TV Guide info isn't downloading, though. It's getting the channel names, but no programming information.

charlie

Charlie, when you say that the "TV Guide" info isn't downloading, are you referring to the TV listings that you would get from Comcast on a Comcast cable box or do you mean that your roommate's TV has the TV Guide OnScreen system? My understanding is that a CableCard will never download Comcast listings the way a cable box would. It only unscrambles digital channels you're subscribed to. And the TV Guide OnScreen system isn't tied to the CableCard; it only relies on downloading the listings from the analog signal of the local host station, which is NPT Ch. 8 around here. I have a Sony HD DVR that uses TV Guide OnScreen but unfortunately it hasn't been able to download TV listings lately either. I'm trying to figure out if the problem is my unit or if it's affecting others too.

Charlie, when you say that the "TV Guide" info isn't downloading, are you referring to the TV listings that you would get from Comcast on a Comcast cable box or do you mean that your roommate's TV has the TV Guide OnScreen system? My understanding is that a CableCard will never download Comcast listings the way a cable box would. It only unscrambles digital channels you're subscribed to. And the TV Guide OnScreen system isn't tied to the CableCard; it only relies on downloading the listings from the analog signal of the local host station, which is NPT Ch. 8 around here. I have a Sony HD DVR that uses TV Guide OnScreen but unfortunately it hasn't been able to download TV listings lately either. I'm trying to figure out if the problem is my unit or if it's affecting others too.

Sorry about the confusion. His TV has the TVGuide OnScreen system. It seems to only be getting the channel names (WNPT, etc). It doesn't display any of the programming information. I'm not sure if the CableCard is interferring or not (I would doubt it). I'll try it tonight without the CableCard and see if it makes a difference. He just got the TV last Friday, so we haven't seen the Guide work fully, yet.

I'm probably going to buy a LG 42LB1DR from Best Buy. I only have standard Comcast Cable in Nashville so I don't have any cable box, nor do I want one. The TV I'm planning to buy has a QAM tuner and a CableCard slot. my question is...if I plug my cable line directly from the wall to this tv will I get the local network channels ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX in HD? As I understand it...that is what a QAM tuner will do in itself. Or do I also have to get a CableCard from Comcast to watch basic channels in HD? Is the CableCARD only necessary to get HD cable channels such as ESPN, Discovery, etc...?

Also, this tv has a built in DVR and TVguide On-Screen. Can I use these features with just basic cable? or do I have to get a CableCard?

In Nashville without a cable card and basic or extended basic cable you will get all the locals in HD in clear QAM. You will get a couple of bonus HD channels in clear QAM (INHD1&2) and several channels in clear QAM SD and some other digital channels. The only reason to have a cable card is to subscribe to scrambled channels - like the ones you mentioned ESPN HD and Discovery HD, etc. If you have extended basic you will get ANALOG ESPN and Discovery but the HD versions are scrambled QAM.

In every TV or DVR I have seen with "built in channel guide" it only works for OTA channels and not for cable. The main reason is that most boxes have you choose between OTA and cable and don't do both at this time. Even if they did do both at the same time you would need an antenna to capture the channel guide from OTA and the ability in the set to map the QAM channel to a local station. I don't THINK there is a set that can do this now....

Getting a cable card with be $5 a month. Currently under discussion in this very thread is what this adds to the mix. For sure, you will be able to watch scrambled channels that you pay for - this would be more HD content, PPV, etc. Some folks say having the cable card gets you the EPG from Comcast some say no. I do not know, but they are talking about it right here right now :rolleyes:

Before you decide on the LG you may want to read some of the reviews and comments about it - good and bad.

AVSforum discussion (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=667907)

One online review (http://www.avrev.com/equip/lg_lcd_42lb1dr/)

Reprint from LG web page (http://us.lge.com/download/product/file/1000001027/1057_eg0706_web%20reprint.pdf)

You can google up more comments and reviews.

Dennis

In every TV or DVR I have seen with "built in channel guide" it only works for OTA channels and not for cable.
Dennis

I have a Sony DVR that uses the TVGOS system and it gets listings for all sorts of channels, OTA and cable. The listings are provided in Nashville through NPT Ch. 8's signal, whether you get that OTA or by cable. I get it by cable and my listings include all the local channels in both HD and SD versions plus any of the Comcast channels I want in the listings grid (e.g. INHD, INHD2, C-Span, VH1, ESPN, etc.) The DVR allows me to get signals simultaneously from both cable and OTA and I can assign which source each channel should use. If I set it up to only use OTA, though, I don't think that TVGOS would provide me with the listings for non-OTA channels.

CableCard functionality may depend on which version of the card you have. The version used by my DVR does not allow for any sort of cableco-provided guide or listings and it's one-directional, so there's no PPV or OnDemand. However, I think that newer versions of the CableCard may allow for some of those things; if such cards aren't available yet, I've heard they're working on them. I would imagine that the type of CableCard included in the new HD TiVO would represent the state-of-the-art for those devices.

Does your Sony do QAM? If so, does it map the QAM channel number to the local number? I would bet you don't get channel guide info on the clear QAM channels - or do not get them.

I can see where you could get the OTA guide info and since several of the locals are on the same channels as broadcast you could use the guide for those cable channels. I could also see that maybe the guide would know that ESPN is on analog 11 so you could schedule recordings with that. But does it know where all the clear QAM channels are ? I bet not.

My LG tuner and friend's QAM TVs and my QAM can do OTA program guide but most of them quit being able to to guide info as soon as you switch it to cable mode.

The s3 Tivo does not include any cable card only dual empty slots. You are stuck using whatever Comcast provides - and that may only be to unscramble channels and is no help in the guide department - maybe.

Dennis

Sorry about the confusion. His TV has the TVGuide OnScreen system. It seems to only be getting the channel names (WNPT, etc). It doesn't display any of the programming information. I'm not sure if the CableCard is interferring or not (I would doubt it). I'll try it tonight without the CableCard and see if it makes a difference. He just got the TV last Friday, so we haven't seen the Guide work fully, yet.

My DVR hadn't downloaded any new TVGOS listings since last Thursday or Friday and finally this morning I turned it on to find listings for today, tomorrow and Friday of next week. (This is the normal pattern that my unit follows when downloading program listings; after several successive days of listings downloads, the entire upcoming 8-day schedule is filled in.) So you may find that your roommate's TV has listings today and, if so, you'll know the problem isn't CableCard interference and was probably due to something outside of your unit.

You should also know that your unit may have to be powered off during a scheduled download time for you to receive the listings. I don't know if download times are different for different brand units but for my Sony DVR, it can download from about 2 am to 5 am or from 6 am to 9 am, or in the afternoon (maybe 2 pm to 5 pm). If I kept my unit on for 24 hours straight, it would never receive that day's download.

Does your Sony do QAM? If so, does it map the QAM channel number to the local number? I would bet you don't get channel guide info on the clear QAM channels - or do not get them.

I can see where you could get the OTA guide info and since several of the locals are on the same channels as broadcast you could use the guide for those cable channels. I could also see that maybe the guide would know that ESPN is on analog 11 so you could schedule recordings with that. But does it know where all the clear QAM channels are ? I bet not.

My LG tuner and friend's QAM TVs and my QAM can do OTA program guide but most of them quit being able to to guide info as soon as you switch it to cable mode.

The s3 Tivo does not include any cable card only dual empty slots. You are stuck using whatever Comcast provides - and that may only be to unscramble channels and is no help in the guide department - maybe.

Dennis

Yes, my DVR (Sony DHG HDD250) does have a QAM tuner but no, it does not map digital channels to their OTA frequency. So WKRN/ABC HD doesn't come in at 2.1, it comes in at 92.2 because that's the random frequency that Comcast chooses to transmit it on. And WKRN's Nashville Weather Channel doesn't come in at 2.2, it comes in at 86.11. Analog channels do come in at the normal Comcast-assigned number, so analog WKRN comes in on Ch. 2, analog WNPT comes in on Ch. 8, etc.

When I initially set up the TVGOS listings/guide system, I had to go through all the digital channels I get via QAM and assign them to the correct frequency, which is a bit of a pain. The unit didn't automatically know, for instance, that INHD comes in at 87.1. But once that process is done, the system is great. (Except when it fails to download new listings!!)

I once had an LG HD tuner briefly. I had it hooked up to Comcast. It didn't have TVGOS or any sort of listings grid but it would display a banner when you switched to a channel showing the name of the channel. I think it had the capability to also show the name of the current program but I don't think it ever did. Those capabilities were based on some sort of data embedded by local stations in their signals and so were dependent on whether the channel bothered to include the data or whether the cable company stripped it out if they did. Cable channels with no local affiliate (e.g. ESPN or MTV) would never include such data in their signals, probably because it isn't in cable companies' benefit for viewers to get any sort of electronic guide without having to use their cable box.

Cool!

Note than the new S3 HD Tivo does not have the ability to map clear QAM to its EPG so you have to do manual records for all those channels - until the update the software at some point. Folks using TitanTV and a computer HD tuner will have it easier than S3 owners until they fix this.

Someone over at Tivo should have checked out the Sony DVR when building the feature set for the S3.....

Dennis

Yeah, I heard about that bug in the new HD TiVo. Don't worry, though, TiVo (unlike TVGOS) is all about a great user experience (because you pay them money for their service each month -- TVGOS, on the other hand, is free), so I'm sure they'll issue a patch soon that takes care of that problem.

And the type of guide info I was talking about in my old LG tuner is called PSIP. It's an industry standard, not something proprietary to LG. Info on it is available at www.psip.org.

Unfortunately, from what I just read over at HDBeat.com, the new HD TiVo does not support the CableCard 2.0 standard, so no VOD or PPV. But, hey, at least it has two card slots, so you can watch one HD show live while recording another. I can't do that with my Sony DVR.

Nashguy, thank you very much for your reply. It was very helpful!

One more question: In Nashville is the Comcast CableCARD free or $5 every month on your bill? I've seen conflicting posts here on that. Some say they just walked into the Comcast office in MetroCenter and got a cablecard for free, others said the cablecard is $5 a month.
Also, if I get a cablecard do I just plug it in and thats it....or do I have to call Comcast to configure it somehow. Thanks again for any info.

Nashguy, thank you very much for your reply. It was very helpful!

One more question: In Nashville is the Comcast CableCARD free or $5 every month on your bill? I've seen conflicting posts here on that. Some say they just walked into the Comcast office in MetroCenter and got a cablecard for free, others said the cablecard is $5 a month.
Also, if I get a cablecard do I just plug it in and thats it....or do I have to call Comcast to configure it somehow. Thanks again for any info.

Glad to share what info I have. I don't have a CableCARD myself, so I can't tell you the price for sure. I did talk to a Comcast rep on the phone a couple of weeks ago asking about different programming tiers and I did ask him about CableCARDS. He said they were free, just walk into a Comcast office and they'll give you one. However, he did say he was pretty new and you can never expect that a Comcast rep knows what they're talking about. (Some do, others don't.) Others on this board have said they cost $5 a month. So I don't know.

Once you plug the card in, Comcast has to do something on their end to initiate it, just as they do with a cable box. I understand that CableCARDS can be rather finicky and it may take going through one or two before you get one that works correctly. (You might try searching through online forums about which CableCARDS work best for your specific device...I understand there's a certain model Motorola card that works best with my Sony DVR.) You may want to have a Comcast installer come out and put your card in, although I'm sure there would be a service charge for that.

P.S. Ever been to Cabo Wabo down in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico? Nice little resort town.

One more note about using a CableCARD with Comcast, CaboWabo. If you subscribe to the most basic tier of cable service (~$11 a month), like I do, you're not REALLY supposed to get INHD & INHD2 but you can get them with a QAM tuner since Comcast doesn't scramble them. (You might pick up a couple of stray SD digital channels you're not supposed to get too, like VH1.) However, if you use a CableCARD with the basic lifeline service, you'll ONLY get what Comcast intends for you to get, meaning no INHD or INHD2. However, if you subscribe to the expanded basic service (~$45 a month), you'll get several HD cable channels with a CableCard: INHD, INHD2, TNT HD, ESPN HD, ESPN 2 HD, Discovery HD, and MHD (the HD version of MTV/VH1/CMT).

Thanks again for the great information. I have expanded basic service. So I'm looking forward to getting the local networks in HD as well as INHD, INHD2, TNT HD, ESPN HD, ESPN 2 HD, Discovery HD, and MHD. I had no idea I could get all those HD channels and not have to pay any more than I already do with expanded basic service. I can't wait till I get my tv tomorrow!

PS: Yeah CaboWabo in Cabo San Lucas is a great place to visit. If you go, try to go during the first week of October every year when Sammy Hagar has a huge birthday bash and everyone is invited.

So I am finally up and running with the S3 Tivo and two CableCards.

To recap the story, I picked up two CableCards from the Comcast office in Murfreesboro on Tuesday, came home and went through the activation sequence as prescribed by Tivo's instructions with no avail.

After two days of "tinkering," I gave up and went back to Comcast on Friday and swapped the two cards for new ones. This time, the first card activated with no problem at all. However, the second one was a no go. No one at Comcast Customer Service was able to help to resolve.

Somewhat frustrated, I returned to Comcast's offices again this morning and swapped the single, non-working card for yet another. Came home, called for activation...WORKED like a charm.

Having been through this process for a week now, I think I can safely say that the sequence of when the card is inserted, activated, etc is of the utmost importance. When you insert a cablecard into the Tivo, you should wait (several minutes) until a black activatation screen appears. At this point, you should call Comcast. Once you have someone on the line DO NOT follow the CSRs instruction to turn off the device (politely agree, pretend as if you've turned it off, and leave the Tivo on). After the activation signal is sent, wait about 90 seconds, then proceed to the "Test Channel" screen and try to tune channel 202 (ESPNHD). If this channel comes in, the activation was succesful.

Hope this helps any others that may be struggling with getting their Tivo's activated.

So I am finally up and running with the S3 Tivo and two CableCards........Hope this helps any others that may be struggling with getting their Tivo's activated.

Thanks for the information. I hope to order the Series 3 soon. Do you think your activation procedure will work when activating two cards at once, or should it be done one card at a time?

Please let us know how you like the S3.

Thanks for the information. I hope to order the Series 3 soon. Do you think your activation procedure will work when activating two cards at once, or should it be done one card at a time?

Please let us know how you like the S3.

Not sure if the process would work for both at the same time. To be honest, I'd be a little nervous to try it for the simple reason that it could mean an extra trip to the Comcast office.

So far I really like the S3. It's not without its faults (no MRV, TivoToGo yet) but it's really great to ditch the Moto box and actually have things record properly (i.e. not having Nip/Tuck record 10 times during the week b/c the Moto box thinks I haven't seen it yet)

Can anyone please post or tell me where I can print off a current full complete list of all the QAM frequencies above Ch99 including all the Digital Music Channels and names. Thanks!

Sorry about the confusion. His TV has the TVGuide OnScreen system. It seems to only be getting the channel names (WNPT, etc). It doesn't display any of the programming information. I'm not sure if the CableCard is interferring or not (I would doubt it). I'll try it tonight without the CableCard and see if it makes a difference. He just got the TV last Friday, so we haven't seen the Guide work fully, yet.

Charlie, did you ever get TVGOS working? My unit downloaded TVGOS listings overnight last Thursday but then it hasn't gotten any more since. I've tried calling Sony again but they still don't have any answers. I may try getting TVGOS listings from WNPT Ch. 8 via antenna rather than cable and see if that makes any difference...

Here are the QAM listings for some of the stations Comcast carries:
85.1: The Tube
85.6: The CW HD
85.14: My Network TV HD
86.11: Nashville Weather Channel
86.14: NPT2
87.1: INHD
87.2: INHD2
92.2: ABC HD
92.5: CBS HD
93.4: NBC HD
93.6: Fox HD
94.1: Starz HD
101.1: TNT HD
103.9-106.55: some frequencies carry neighbors' PPV and/or VOD
114.5: CSPAN 3
115.1: PBS HD
116.20-116.45: Music Choice channels

Look in the 79.x, 80.x, 81.x, 82,x and 82.x ranges for various non-HD digital channels, including SD simulcasts of analog channels (e.g., WGN on 79.10).

Thanks very much for the list Nashguy.
I haven't gotten the Cablecard yet from Comcast, but I noticed something with the QAM tuner. I scanned and got a few more digital channels than you listed...mostly they were more Music Choice channels and spanish channels. My scan doesn't come up with TNT HD but if I type in the frequency 101.1 manually I get a perfectly clear HD picture for TNT but no sound. I wonder if that will work for ESPN HD and Discovery HD. What are their frequencies?

I'm gonna swing by Comcast this week to pick up a cablecard. I just hope it doesnt screw up receiving my TVGuide On-Screen listings. I really hope the TVGOS will still function with the cablecard installed. Is you install a cablecard, initialize it, remove it, and put it back in again, do you have to initalized it again with Comcast every time? or just the first time?

I just did a QAM scan. Here's my current updated list:

79.1 ABC
79.2 NBC
79.3 CBS
79.4 FOX
79.5 NPT
79.6 My Network TV 30
79.7 TBN
79.8 PAX WNPX
79.9 CW 58
79.10 WGN
79.11 CTN WHTN
79.12 ShopAtHomeTV
80.6 VH1
80.7 CSPAN
80.8 CSPAN2
80.12 QVC
83.1 Univision
83.3 Oh! Oxygen
85.1: The Tube
85.6: CW 58 HD
85.14: My Network TV 30 HD
86.11: Nashville Weather Channel
86.14: NPT2
87.1: INHD
87.2: INHD2
89.2 Telemundo
92.2: ABC HD
92.5: CBS HD
93.4: NBC HD
93.6: Fox HD
94.1: Starz HD (I can't get this, it says scrambled)
101.1: TNT HD (I get a clear HD picture but no audio)
103.1-106.55: frequencies carry neighbors' PPV and/or VOD
110.15-110.22 Spanish Music channels (no picture, audio only)
111.7 NBA League Pass commercial
114.5: CSPAN 3
114.8 Comcast TV Guide tutorial
114.11 Sprout
114.14 Current VC2
115.1: PBS HD
116.5-116.50: 45 different Music Choice channels
117.1 Metro3
117.2 Arts Public Access
117.3 Arts Public Access
117.4 Community Access

Yeah, those are exactly the things I get via QAM. I also get just the picture for TNT-HD but no sound. (About a month ago, though, I got the sound too.) And I can't tune in Starz-HD but when there was a free preview a week or so ago, it came in on 94.1.

CaboWabo, please post your experience in using a CableCard and whether it affects TVGOS for you. Has TVGOS been working correctly for you lately? I've been having a lot of problems with it, only downloading new listings sporadically, maybe twice a week rather than every day.

TVGOS works for me. Not sure when or how often it is updated...but it does work. I think it updates around 2AM??...not exactly sure though. Took about 2 days from the time I first bought the tv to get it to populate the listings though. I know the tv has to be off for the TVGOS to get the updates. So if you are watching tv about 2AM you might miss an update I think. I have not picked up a cablecard yet, but when I do I'll post what affect it has on TVGOS.

Hmm. Well, if you're in Nashville and using Comcast and you're getting updates regularly so that you have TVGOS listings every day, it may be that my problem lies not with the host station (WNPT Ch. 8) or with the data source (Gemstar) or with Comcast, but rather with my unit itself. I've got a call in to Sony, whose talking to Gemstar. They're trying to pinpoint the problem. I may have to send my unit in for repair. Crap.

So I am finally up and running with the S3 Tivo and two CableCards.......Having been through this process for a week now, I think I can safely say that the sequence of when the card is inserted, activated, etc is of the utmost importance. When you insert a cablecard into the Tivo, you should wait (several minutes) until a black activatation screen appears. At this point, you should call Comcast. Once you have someone on the line DO NOT follow the CSRs instruction to turn off the device (politely agree, pretend as if you've turned it off, and leave the Tivo on). After the activation signal is sent, wait about 90 seconds, then proceed to the "Test Channel" screen and try to tune channel 202 (ESPNHD). If this channel comes in, the activation was succesful...

I ordered a Series 3 direct from Tivo today (shipping in 7-10 days), and picked up two cablecards at the Brentwood office. HDTivoKY, at one point you indicated that Comcast doesn't ask for the cablecard information (S/N, etc.) that appears on the screen after the card is inserted. Was this still the case for your successful card activation? In other words, how closely do I need to follow the recommended Tivo procedure?

Has anyone else in Nashville been succesful installing a S3? According to a Tivo Community Forum poll (covering all cable companies), in about 37% of cases the S3 cablecard installation went perfectly, 30% of cases had problems getting them to work but were eventually successful, and 15% of cases were still not working right.

I ordered a Series 3 direct from Tivo today (shipping in 7-10 days), and picked up two cablecards at the Brentwood office. HDTivoKY, at one point you indicated that Comcast doesn't ask for the cablecard information (S/N, etc.) that appears on the screen after the card is inserted. Was this still the case for your successful card activation? In other words, how closely do I need to follow the recommended Tivo procedure?

Has anyone else in Nashville been succesful installing a S3? According to a Tivo Community Forum poll (covering all cable companies), in about 37% of cases the S3 cablecard installation went perfectly, 30% of cases had problems getting them to work but were eventually successful, and 15% of cases were still not working right.

I would follow the tivo procedure as written..the only difference is that you probably won't have to supply card info. I would definately do one card at a time.

To summarize:
1) insert the card
2) wait until the black installation data screen appears (can take up to 5 minutes)
3) call comcast and have them activate that card
4) DO NOT turn off the device like the CSR will tell you to do
5) after they send the "hit" signal, wait about 60 seconds and try the "test channel" function (look at channel 203)
6) if channel 203 works, everything should be working great

hang up, insert the next card and repeat procedure...as i said in my posts, i had to go through five cards before I managed to score two that worked...good luck...PM me if necessary

dumb question.....if you go with the new tivo with the two cards, you won't have access to on demand anymore will you?

dumb question.....if you go with the new tivo with the two cards, you won't have access to on demand anymore will you?

Nope, no On-Demand or PPV, although you may be able to order PPV over the phone, I haven't tried.

My Tivo has been up and running since Saturday. Installation and activation was surprisingly painless for me. I did it slightly out of order:

I installed both cards one at a time (waiting for the activation screen to pop up on the first one before inserting the second card, etc). I called Comcast and asked to activate a cable card. The rep had to take down my account info and forward the request to someone else, who was to call me back "within the hour". They never asked for any of the cablecard info. About 15 minutes later, both cards got the activation "hit" (I got the error 161-4 for each card). Then I went to the test screen and tuned some encrypted channels successfully with both cards. The rep called me back, said it looked good from their end, I thanked them and that was it.

Are TIVO and Comcast coming out with a tivo cablebox sometime or not? I keep hearing differing reports.

Are TIVO and Comcast coming out with a tivo cablebox sometime or not? I keep hearing differing reports.

Here is a link to a thread about the Tivo-Comcast agreement: Comcast licensed tivo? (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=316876)

Nashguy,
I went to Comcast today and got a Motorola cablecard. It was free. I got home and installed it with comcast instructing me on the phone what to do. It installed fine with no problem. Took only a minute or two. I rescanned the channels on my tv and now in addition to the channels I got before using just the QAM tuner... I now also get HD reception on ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and Discovery. The channel numbers are all re-mapped to the proper Comcast numbers and also the channels all now have name labels. This definately makes it much easier to instantly know what channel you are surfing on.
When I go to TVGOS I only get a message on the screen that says my settings have changed and it will take up to 24hrs for it to update. So now Im just waiting and hoping that it will work. I really hope it updates ok, because my tv's built-in DVR uses TVGOS to schedule recordings.
One thing I noticed now with the cablecard installed....I can't get to any of the QAM frequencies like I could before without the card installed. For example...I don't think I can scan or manually type in 103.1-106.55 to see my neighbors' PPV and/or VOD. Do you lose this ability with the card installed? I was finding it fun to treasure hunt and watch random PPV movies that were playing on those frequencies. Is there any way to still watch those?

I ordered my S3 from Tivo on Wednesday. Although their website stated 7-10 days to ship, it shipped immediately and arrived today (Friday). Cablecard activation went about as described by HDTivoKY and Shrug, except that Card 2 picks up only some of the digital channels. It won't tune 202, 203, and a few others. Card 1 picks up all the channels. I'll exchange Card 2 next week and try again.

Other than this, the S3 works perfectly.

Heres an update on my situation:

I'm absolutely loving my new 42" LG 42LB1DR LCD television. The picture in both HD and SD are excellent. The sound is excellent. It has a 178-degree viewing angle and an 8 ms response time. I have a cablecard in it from Comcast so I don't need a Comcast cablebox at all. If you don't want to use a cablecard, it also has a QAM tuner. The on-screen menus are very user friendly. The TV Guide On-Screen (TVGOS) is also working great. It updates regularly on Nashville's Comcast and gives descriptions of all the listings. The tv also has a built in DVR with a 160GB harddrive, and you can schedule recordings right from the TVGOS listings. The built-in DVR has plenty of space to store up to 15 hours of HD programming or 66 hours of standard-definition programming. My Xbox 360 looks and sounds amazing on this tv. So overall I would highly recommend this tv. Its surpassed my expectations in every way. The only thing I regret is that Best Buy has this on sale this week for $1999. Luckily, I think I can still go back within 30 days to get the price match difference back from BB.

Did Comcast push out a firmware update today to the 341x boxes? My wife called to say that she had sound but no picture on the set, which sounds suspiciously like the new firmware that nukes HDMI connections.

Can anyone with a 341x tell me what their current firmware / sofware releases are?

-John

Yes, new update was pushed over night. I can't say for sure about the 3412. I still have a 6412 even though we are fully ADS now. It shows firmware 16.20, S/W 74.53-3321.

It has the two changes I had seen discussed in other threads: My DVR button goes to a menu instead of directly to Recorded Shows, and there are now multiple named Favorites lists available. My favorite part is that pressing Guide followed by Fav results in the Guide listing only the favorite channels, but otherwise working as normal. The bad news is that the HDMI doesn't work, so I had to switch to component cables.

I don't have any exact measurements, but the guide seems to be more responsive today.

I figured as much -- as happy as I may be to have some improvements to the interface and response, the fact that this update is an HDMI-killer just boggles the mind! Doesn't Comca$t test any of this stuff before they push it out?

I can understand if it is one of those 1 in a 100,000 things but word on the 'net is something like 8+% failure of HDMI at a minimum, and it sure seems to be way closer to 100% based on the complaints around here.

Great, now I have to go to the Big Box of Cables (tm) in the attic and see if I can find two sets of component ones to rewire both boxes.....ugh!!!!

Thanks for the update DentalGuy!

-John

Was the HDMI no audio a bug - or the advent of copy protection by Comcast?

Dennis

My HDMI is still working on my 6412 P3. I checked and it has the new firmware/software and "features".

Any idea how I can get Comcast to hit my cablecards so my Tivo will use the ADS channels instead of the analog ones?

I would call a CSR but there's no way in hell they'll understand what I'm asking for.

I was wondering myself if/when my older 6412s will ever switch from the analog channels. I picked up a new 3416 today and it is getting the digital ones of course.

I got the new firmware push to my 6412. HDMI still works, and the interface seems faster. Still no Tivo until 2007 :(

It seems that since the latest firmware upgrade on my 6412 closed captioning doesn't work in 480i 4:3 override on some digital channels. I use 480i 4:3 override because it allows me to use my monitors CC controls rather than the ones on the 6412 for 480i feeds. It's something on the stations end that's the problem, correct?

I got the new firmware push to my 6412. HDMI still works, and the interface seems faster. Still no Tivo until 2007 :(

The interface seems faster to you? It seems a lot more sluggish to me. Like it take a second to recognize the button I've just pushed. It's especially true when watching an HD channel. Maybe it's just me?

Charlie

30 sec skip function is waaay slower on this new software

30 sec skip function is waaay slower on this new software

It was very slow for me last night. This afternoon, I put both tuners on analog stations and went to a recorded HD program and it responded much better. Might be something to try.

charlie

I tend to watch most of my recorded stuff during primetime when one or both tuners will also be recording some other HD, but I'll give that a try when possible.

I'm looking forward to the new 3 tuner panasonic dvr next year at this point, and hope it may be better since the software will be totally different. Or it could be a gigantic bug fest. We'll see.

One nice thing I did notice about the update was that the fastest fast forward is ridiculously fast. Much faster than before. It will go through a full commercial in a couple seconds.

There's a new 3 tuner Panasonic coming next year? Is this a Comcast thing, or a buy it yourself thing?

charlie

The new 3 tuner is going to be Comcast's new default dvr box that will replace the motorola one AFAIK. There's a thread about it elsewhere here.

sorry if this is the wrong forum, but it's nashville comcast related.

i have a daewoo plasma and i'm using the dvi input and the mototola 64whatever box ( i think). i have enhanced cable, but it's not digital.

after the update, my hd channels look horrible and have a bit of a twitch to them, making them almost unwatchable.

the display button on my tv remote says that the signal i'm seeing is 1440 x 240 (?!)

this is backed up by being able to stretch the letterbox out much than my tv used to do..

any ideas what may have happened here and how to fix it ?

love these forums!

tia

stephen

There have been reports that this latest update causes HDMI/DVI problems. The only known fix is to go back to component currently.

It only seems to affect some people. My Sony set is dealing with it ok.

Hey ho Nashvegas Comcast folks - I've read some of this thread and I'm trying to determine if I can run the HDMI through my receiver now versus getting the 'repeater crash screen' when i first tried months ago...I read in other forum sites V12.35 is supposed to 'fix' the issue. Anyone? I've got the Denon AVR-987 w/ Toshiba 62HM196 w/the Moto/Comcast PVR box.

i am also having issues after the latest update. i am running component though, so they said they will send someone out to check my line quality.
the HD channels and VOD are unwatchable due to twiching every few seconds.

Hey -anyone know when our Comcast w/have the TiVo-software interface for their PVRs? I was told by the end of this year...

My 6412 locked up yesterday while recording 2 HD programs ann watching a third. I was skipping commercials and the box froze with the progress bar at the bottom frozen. power cycle cleared it and it only lost a few seconds of the recordings.

Anyone notice the new HD on demand? Watched a couple this weekend, one was ok but another was very "jerky" on motion scenes. Like the frame rate was not being interpolated correctly.

JAB

Como What? How did you record 2 shows and watch another? The box supports Dual recording with the 2 tuners but you can't watch a third (unless you were watching something already recorded).

My 6412 locked up yesterday while recording 2 HD programs ann watching a third. I was skipping commercials and the box froze with the progress bar at the bottom frozen. power cycle cleared it and it only lost a few seconds of the recordings. JAB

The exact same thing happened to me. Here's what I've noticed about this firmware uograde. Analog and digital, the box is more responsive, faster. On HD though, it's slow and unreliable.

Como What? How did you record 2 shows and watch another? The box supports Dual recording with the 2 tuners but you can't watch a third (unless you were watching something already recorded).


Sorry, that is what I meant (skipping commercials is only possible on a recorded program. I should have been more precise). Watch one hd program from the DVR and record 2 new ones.

I have been struggling with Comcast for over a month now with a very strange issue and was hoping someone one here might have an idea of what is up or who to talk to.
My HD cable had been working perfectly for over a year. But then little over a month ago Comcast added MTVHD at ch 209. The day that channel was added, both it (209) and DiscoveryHD (205) no longer receive any signal. When I check my signal strength through my cablecard, INHD has 96 - 100% signal strength but DHD and MTVHD have 0%.
I have had several technicians come out and they all say the signal coming into my home is perfect and that it appears to be an issue in the home office. They always claim they are going to follow up but never do. When I call the office to inquire I am told they have to send a technician.
No one, neither the techs or the people in the office, have ever heard of such a problem. It is occurring on several TVs both with cablecards and HD boxes.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks so much!

Are you sure it's only those two channels? If it is, then it would seem unlikely to be a provisioning problem. A provisioning problem where your boxes thought you shouldn't be allowed to receive a whole tier of channels would block out more than just those two. Also, when you tried to go to them you would receive the "unauthorized" message on-screen rather than zero percent signal strength and no message/channel will be available shortly/black screen type stuff.

It seems to me that those two channels could be sharing a certain channel frequency that your boxes/house aren't receiving. You need to make them come out again and show them the zero signal strength again. Have them bring a new box, hook it up, and see if they can get those channels to show more than zero signal strength. If they can't then they need to go out and trace the line further out from your house to see where the signals are being lost.

I have been struggling with Comcast for over a month now with a very strange issue and was hoping someone one here might have an idea of what is up or who to talk to.
My HD cable had been working perfectly for over a year. But then little over a month ago Comcast added MTVHD at ch 209. The day that channel was added, both it (209) and DiscoveryHD (205) no longer receive any signal........No one, neither the techs or the people in the office, have ever heard of such a problem. It is occurring on several TVs both with cablecards and HD boxes.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks so much!

A few months ago I suddenly could no longer receive TNT HD (channel 204). When I called Comcast, the CSR claimed that everything was OK since they could receive this channel at their office. Finally they set up an appointment for a tech to come to my house. When the tech called to confirm the time, he asked me if it was a problem with channel 204. He said the problem was confined to a small area of the city (the area he worked) and that he had not been able to get the main office to pay any attention. He said he had just convinced them that there was indeed a problem, and that they were working on it. A short time later, channel 204 started working again. It was not a problem with either my equipment or the cable connection to my house. You should try to find out if other people in your area are having the same problem.

I went by the Comcast office in MetroCenter today and replaced my two 6412's with 3416's. :)

They had me keep the power cables and the remotes, so all I swapped out were the boxes themselves. Hopefully I won't have a problem hooking them up tonight.

One of the 3416 was emitting strange squeaky sounds from the hard drive, so I replaced it the next day. Now both of my 3416's are working great. :)

Anybody know what's happened to the QAM broadcasts of the News 2 Nashville Weather Channel and Superstation WGN digital? Those used to come in on 86.14 and 79.10. I haven't been able to WGN there for about a week now and just today I'm not finding Nashville Weather. I guess Comcast has done one of their random frequency switches again.

The news 2 weather channel is still there, but on Sunday was really weak at my house. On one TV it was like a slide show - one new video still every 5-7 seconds. On another TV it would work, freeze, work, freeze over and over. I was out of town on Saturday but it was working OK that morning before I left.

When I checked the forecast (briefly) this morning I did not notice any problems.

Dennis

(This message was originally posted (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4537609&&#post4537609) to one of the cable-card threads at the TiVo/S3 forum. Somebody there suggested I cross-post it here. I see this thread is pretty stale, perhaps this post will get it going again...)


Re: Comcast in Nasvhille, TN w/ TiVo s3 & Cable Cards

Anybody out there have an experience with the S3 using Comcast in the Nasvhille, TN area?

I'm getting ready to buy a 750GB S3 from Weakknees, and I'm trying to get all my ducks lined up before I pull the trigger. Taking the Comcast DVR out of the equation and relying entirely on the S3 for tuning, recording, and viewing will change my TeeVee experience completely, so I'm trying to figure out where the bugs are hiding.

I'm on the phone now with their CSR. He gave me a song and dance about TiVo -v- their DVR: "I tried the TiVo and wasn't happy with it... too many remotes... didn't like the interface... to much like using a buggy computer..." Made me wonder if he'd ever actually used an S3 or if he was just reading from a script. What he described sounds more like the Comcast DVR to me. Now there's a buggy machine with a sucky interface..

I'm on hold while he tries to figure out what it's going to cost. He told me "$15.95 per MONTH per CARD" -- over and above whatever I'm paying for cable now (less the charge for the DVR, which is $9.95/mo). That doesn't sound like what I was told the first time I called right after I learned about the S3. I think it's $5 per card, minus the box = a wash on my cable bill.

He's come back on the line since I started typing and doesn't have an answer for me... has to get back to me... so, while I'm waiting, I've got this question: is it worth it to spend the $35 to have their installer come out and put in the cards? Any likelihood that their installer will know what he's doing and be able to help me get the S3 up and running ? Or should I just figure "if I want it done right....I'm gonna hafta do it myelf" ?

Anybody else in the Nashville area got an S3 up and running with Comcast? I'd love to hear what your experience was.

Thanks,

--PS

When I got my 62MX196 i thought about getting the cablecard but since i refuse to pay $1,000 for the S3 and get my life-time swapped over: i opted for the comcast PVR (which isn't as bad as people say it is - it's not TiVo either) since the cost was 'right'. While at the Nashville Comcast office I asked about the card, it's @$5-6 here in nashville per month AND you can put it in yourself. I was going to get one but, as i said, i wanted HD recording w/o spending the $1,000 that'll take 4 years to recoup - I'll wait for the TiVo Comcast PVR coming...

(This message was originally posted (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?p=4537609&&#post4537609) to one of the cable-card threads at the TiVo/S3 forum. Somebody there suggested I cross-post it here. I see this thread is pretty stale, perhaps this post will get it going again...)


Re: Comcast in Nasvhille, TN w/ TiVo s3 & Cable Cards

Anybody out there have an experience with the S3 using Comcast in the Nasvhille, TN area?...............

I ordered the 250GB Series 3 direct from TiVo about a month ago. It worked great (or appeared to--see below) and it was a relief to be able to use the vastly superior TiVo interface. (For now, I'm also keeping the Comcast DVR, a Motorola 3412, but will probably turn it in when the S3 external hard drive becomes available.)

After using it for a couple of weeks, I found that it could not tune several of the analog channels on one of its tuners. See this (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=323265&page=1&pp=30) thread on the TiVo Community Forum for a full explanation. As you can see from this and other threads on that forum, others have had this problem. I received a replacement S3 from TiVo which didn't have the tuning problem, but it had a defective display. I'm now scheduled to receive my second replacement S3.

I haven't given up on the S3 (yet) and still think it is much better than the Comcast DVR--although, admittedly, more costly. Hopefully they will get the bugs worked out. Before you order the S3 from Weakknees, be sure to check their exchange policy.

Comcast is charging me $7.00 per month for each cablecard. (I think it should be $5.00, so I need to call them about this.) I picked up the cards at the Comcast office, and self-installation is simple if you follow directions on the TiVo website. (Nashville is much better in that regard than other Comcast cities that require a service call for CC installation.) I did have problems with one card, but the second card worked fine. Before installing the cablecards, you might want to run guided setup and check the analog channel reception on both tuners.

Somebody there suggested I cross-post it here.That somebody was me, FWIW.

I am big Tivo fan, having had a (lifetime) stand alone box for years and DTivos and HD DTivos now - all modified with larger or dual drives. I also used to rent ($10 per month) the Comcast DVR and the interface hurls compared to a Tivo. I may end up with the S3 Tivo at some point, but only if they get the clear QAM mapping problem fixed.

All that said, I can't see it makes ANY sense for most folks to buy an S3 for Comcast IF you are on a tier where you can get the Comcast DVR for $10 a month. If you have a lifetime sub you can transfer it is going to cost you nearly $1k to buy it.

If you are on basic cable/digital (no scrambled programs) then you save $10 a month giving back the DVR so $1000 / $10 = 100 months or 8 years and 4 months to break even - assuming your S3 never fails, needs a hard drive, and technology does not make it obsolete before then.

If you have subs (like HBO, PPV, etc) then you save nothing as two cablecards are $10 a month (if they charge you the correct price) VS the $10 a month for the DVR. So you are just about $1k and save nothing.

If you don't have a lifetime Tivo to transfer, then you pay $800 for the Tivo then $12.95 per month down to $8.31 per month to use it - you have to prepay to get the low rates. This is against the $10 DVR fee - so in any case do not save much, if any each month and have a ton of up front costs.

If you do not qualify for a $10 DVR, then the S3 (while still expensive) might be worthwhile. If you pay the $12 a month for limited basic then buying an S3 lets you record all the locals in HD along with the other clear QAM HD and SD channels. But you are still paying a lot for that- but at least that makes more sense as you CAN'T rent the DVR.

I love my Tivos and love the UI, but I can't see the logic of folks buying the S3 to replace the DVR at these prices. When your DVR fails you have them bring you a new one, when you S3 fails you can add most cost to your S3 VS DVR equation.

Dennis

When I got my 62MX196 i thought about getting the cablecard but since i refuse to pay $1,000 for the S3 and get my life-time swapped over: i opted for the comcast PVR (which isn't as bad as people say it is - it's not TiVo either) since the cost was 'right'. While at the Nashville Comcast office I asked about the card, it's @$5-6 here in nashville per month AND you can put it in yourself. I was going to get one but, as i said, i wanted HD recording w/o spending the $1,000 that'll take 4 years to recoup - I'll wait for the TiVo Comcast PVR coming...


I live in Nashville and have the same TV you do and had no prob getting the cable card, you just push it in the slot and give them a call :D

I am big Tivo fan, having had a (lifetime) stand alone box for years and DTivos and HD DTivos now - all modified with larger or dual drives. I also used to rent ($10 per month) the Comcast DVR and the interface hurls compared to a Tivo. I may end up with the S3 Tivo at some point, but only if they get the clear QAM mapping problem fixed.

All that said, I can't see it makes ANY sense for most folks to buy an S3 for Comcast IF you are on a tier where you can get the Comcast DVR for $10 a month...........
Your cost comparison (TiVo S3 vs. Comcast DVR) is certainly correct, and I agree that for most people the S3 doesn't make economic sense at present. For some, however, advantages of the S3 may override cost considerations. These include:

1. As pointed out, the TiVo interface is greatly superior. The Comcast interface is awkward and buggy.

2. The S3 program storage capacity is considerably bigger, with expansion opportunities. As far as I know, the Comcast box capacity can't be increased.

3. The S3 display shows the name of program(s) being recorded.

4. The TiVo remote control can handle two units, while the Comcast remote can control only one DVR. (One might consider getting two Comcast boxes for increased capacity--which would still cost less than the S3--but they could not be controlled independently in the same room.)

That said, it's probably wise to wait awhile on the S3. The cost should come down. For my first TiVo several years ago, I remember paying several times the cost of such units now. Also, hardware problems experienced by some early adopters (like me) should eventually be worked out.

I'm totally in agreement with earlier posts that the Tivo doesn't make good financial sense. There's no way (at current pricing) that you can ever recoup your inital investment through reduced Comcast fees, etc.

Having said all that....who cares!?? If every person in America based every purchase decision solely on economics no one would drive new cars, malls wouldn't exist, and we'd be eating beans and rice every day. The fact of the matter is, the Tivo is quite literally a luxury item. As such, it is priced at a premium for those folks (1) who can afford it, (2) perceive some intangible value in the product, and (3) who aren't overridden with guilt about how much it cost.

Honestly, I'm not trying to flame the OP...as a finance guy by trade, I totally see his point. However, there's a reason I go to work each day and bust my but to make a good living....to enjoy some of the nicer things in life. the S3 being one of those things.

Please don't flame me, I had no mal-intent in writing this posting.

Cheers!

I'm totally in agreement with earlier posts that the Tivo doesn't make good financial sense. There's no way (at current pricing) that you can ever recoup your inital investment through reduced Comcast fees, etc.

Having said all that....who cares!??

I'm with you, HDTiVoKY.... cost analysis is only part of the equation. Cost wise, the S3 is admittedly a stretch. But I've had the Moto6412 for nearly two years now and pretty much hate it. In fact, the unit I have now is the THIRD unit Comcast has had to install, and this one too is starting to show signs of going south.

On the other hand, I've loved TiVo since they day it was installed. Hell, my wife even loves it, and I think she'll be happy with the whole arrangement when we jetison the Moto box and focus our whole TeeVee experience around the S3. She's much more comfortable with the TiVo UI.

So, yeah, the S3 may be a pricey alternative to the Moto box, but factor in the expanded recording capacity (750GB in my case) and it becomes a viable alternative regardless.

Now we'll just have to see how the install and set up goes...

--PS

Hey, if they had the clear QAM mapping problem fixed I might have already ordered one myself - even though it makes no sense.

My first HD Tivo was close to full price (nearly $1k) but my 2nd was a whole lot less. My friend got one on the new equipment lease plan for free with free install a few months back.

So yes, the price will surely come down. But I do have a lifetime SA Tivo box so I could avoid the monthly fees IF I purchased while I could still move that over.

If I could get the moto box for $10 a month, I still think that is the way to go for now. At some point they should allow an external USB drive to expand the storage and the long rumored Comcast Tivo box may come out. The moto hurls compared to the Tivo, but it is a lot less for most folks. Of course, I *DO* have a pair of HD D* Tivos now so maybe *I* would not want to spend another $1k for another HD Tivo :rolleyes: ?

Dennis

Hey, folks. I hope you don't mind a question from a complete newbie to the HD scene.

My wife and I are about to purchase an HDTV, and are looking into options for receiving HD broadcasts via Comcast. We currently have the standard cable package, and really don't want to shell out $75/month for digital. Comcast told us that we would be able to get the $5/month HD box and receive HD broadcasts over our analog line. Is this accurate? I was under the impression that HD would not transmit over analog lines.

If so, what will the picture quality result be? Any different than HD transmitted via a digital connection?

Sorry again for the amateurish question

Thanks!

Digital means the stations that are broadcast in digital - you can get the HD package w/o the digital stations (the $5 charge) - you need the new box but like digital, standard def, and HighDef - it all comes over your 'normal' cable line....so get the HD 'package' if you like sports (ESPN) and seeing your 'normal' shows in HD (CSI, etc) then GET it.....but first - what HD TV are you looking at getting?? (I'm a techno-geek-fan)

Digital means the stations that are broadcast in digital - you can get the HD package w/o the digital stations (the $5 charge) - you need the new box but like digital, standard def, and HighDef - it all comes over your 'normal' cable line....so get the HD 'package' if you like sports (ESPN) and seeing your 'normal' shows in HD (CSI, etc) then GET it.....but first - what HD TV are you looking at getting?? (I'm a techno-geek-fan)
Cool...so I CAN watch HD without getting digital cable. That's what I needed to know.

We're looking into getting the 32" Westy LCD at Best Buy...like I said, we're new to this, so I thought this would be a good intro set for us.

We currently have the standard cable package, and really don't want to shell out $75/month for digital. Comcast told us that we would be able to get the $5/month HD box and receive HD broadcasts over our analog line. Is this accurate? I was under the impression that HD would not transmit over analog lines.


When shopping for the TV, why not get one that has a QAM tuner in it? With a QAM tuner you can watch the locals in HD plus a couple of other HD channels and pay no monthly rental fee on a box.

The issue you may have is that the clear QAM channels are quite high in frequency so any old, bad coax, older splitters and amps, etc in between your TV where Comcast enters your house will result in no picture, pixellization, or freezes.

You can't get the $10 per month DVR w/o being on a digital package, but you can get the $5 HD box with anything - even the $12 per month lifeline package.

Get a QAM tuner equipped TV and be ready to spend a little money on some new "stuff" should you have any issues with your wiring. You could go one step further and get a TV with a cable card slot (it will also do QAM). Then you could borrow or rent ($5 a month) a cable card and subscribe to premium programming and PPV. I am not sure if you need to be on a digital package for this or not, so YMMV on getting car and staying on basic cable.

Dennis

When shopping for the TV, why not get one that has a QAM tuner in it? With a QAM tuner you can watch the locals in HD plus a couple of other HD channels and pay no monthly rental fee on a box.

The issue you may have is that the clear QAM channels are quite high in frequency so any old, bad coax, older splitters and amps, etc in between your TV where Comcast enters your house will result in no picture, pixellization, or freezes.

You can't get the $10 per month DVR w/o being on a digital package, but you can get the $5 HD box with anything - even the $12 per month lifeline package.

Get a QAM tuner equipped TV and be ready to spend a little money on some new "stuff" should you have any issues with your wiring. You could go one step further and get a TV with a cable card slot (it will also do QAM). Then you could borrow or rent ($5 a month) a cable card and subscribe to premium programming and PPV. I am not sure if you need to be on a digital package for this or not, so YMMV on getting car and staying on basic cable.

Dennis
Interesting on the QAM. The Westy 32w6 has one, I know, but the one coming out on BF (w3213) may or may not. I'm not sure.

Either way, we'll certainly take it home and see what results we can get before commiting to the $5/month box.

Thanks for your input!

The cable box will need just as clean and strong a signal as a QAM tuner equipped TV - so if you have wiring issues you (or Comcast) will have to fix it in either case.

I am not a fan off LCD TVs and to me 32" is way too small unless you are using it as a bedroom TV. When watching 4:3 programming (and there still is a lot of it) that is like having a 26" TV.

If I were going that small I would get an CRT set like Sony XBR or HS sets - if you can find one. QAM tuner, OTA tuner, superb picture. They are heavy and need a stout stand.

My next choice, price-wise would be a CRT RP set. Again, if you can find a good deal on a nice set w/QAM it is a lot of bang for your buck. No stand needed and most can act as a stand for your center channel speaker and/or Tivo, etc. Not as nice looking as the newer digital RP sets or the direct view CRT. The good news is once you get it home - it (or any other legit HD set) will look KILLER. You will not have that $4k plasma sitting next to it so it will look just fine.

For more money, get a nice DLP RP set like Samsung or Toshiba. Nice large screen, super pictures, good features. They do need some sort of stand, though. You can get a generic stand for a fraction of a matching stand.

Think seriously about internet ordering as well. No sales tax, wide selection, and normally hundreds of savings over the local stores. CRT sets and RP CRT sets can be expensive to ship (but still may save you money over a local store) but LCD and digital RP sets are a lot less.

Dennis

skyline - the QAM tuner for OTA HD is 'nice' but only if you're not going to get the HD package from your cable operator since every HD station OTA is no different then the ones offered in Comcast's HD package (I have both hooked up to my Toshiba 62HM196). Regarding TV's - it depends on how far back you'll be viewing it should dictate what size you get. There are 'rules of thumb' regarding screen width to distance back from viewing so measure where your nose is to where the TV screen would be and that'll help decide what you 'need' for that space. I have the 32" Visio HD in the bedroom and my older 42" Toshiba in the living room. The 62" is in my "man's room"....The Visio was a $800 purchase from Sams' (and great reviews on that TV too)

I appreciate the TV advice, folks. Unfortunately we just do not have that much money to spend on a really nice set. We're just looking for an introductory deal. I don't want to get too much into money specifics since it is frowned upon here, but we are limited to Best Buy for various reasons. If anyone wants to offer additional advice over PM, I'd be happy to explain.

We were either going to get the 32" Westy or the 27" Samsung SlimFit CRT. If you have any advice between the two, I'd be very happy to listen...

I think the 32" will be ok for our living room viewing. I don't have the exact measurements, but we're in an apartment, and the max. distance from the TV to where we sit couldn't be more than 10 feet at most.

Thanks again for all the input, and if you have more advice please keep it coming!

skyline - the QAM tuner for OTA HD is 'nice' but only if you're not going to get the HD package from your cable operator since every HD station OTA is no different then the ones offered in Comcast's HD package (I have both hooked up to my Toshiba 62HM196).

QAM is NOT OTA - QAM is digital, non-scrambled cable. With even the $12 per month limited basic from Comcast you get all the locals in clear QAM HD with no need to put up an outside antenna.

If I were a cable customer and buying an HDTV today I would be sure I got a QAM (or better still, cablecard) set. No antennas to put up, no boxes to rent, etc. You even get your neighbor's OnDemand and INHD 1&2 and several other SD clear QAM digital channels. You connect the cable direct up to the set and get all the SD stuff you get now plus all the clear QAM digital channels.

NTSC = analog cable or OTA tuner

ATSC = digital OTA tuner

QAM = digital cable tuner

CableCard = a QAM tuner with a Cablecard slot allowing you to rent/borrow cable cards to purchase scrambled programming. A Cablecard equipped set can be used for clear QAM - you do not have to have card in the slot.

Dennis

QAM is NOT OTA - QAM is digital, non-scrambled cable. With even the $12 per month limited basic from Comcast you get all the locals in clear QAM HD with no need to put up an outside antenna.

If I were a cable customer and buying an HDTV today I would be sure I got a QAM (or better still, cablecard) set. No antennas to put up, no boxes to rent, etc. You even get your neighbor's OnDemand and INHD 1&2 and several other SD clear QAM digital channels. You connect the cable direct up to the set and get all the SD stuff you get now plus all the clear QAM digital channels.

NTSC = analog cable or OTA tuner

ATSC = digital OTA tuner

QAM = digital cable tuner

CableCard = a QAM tuner with a Cablecard slot allowing you to rent/borrow cable cards to purchase scrambled programming. A Cablecard equipped set can be used for clear QAM - you do not have to have card in the slot.

Dennis
Thanks Dennis, that clears up a lot. Does anyone know if the Westy w3213 has a QAM tuner in it? I know the 32w6 does, but have no idea about the other. It is cheaper than the 32w6, so that makes me wonder.

Does anyone know the Comcast monthly charge for CableCards in Nashville? I added two cards (for a TiVo Series 3) and my monthly cost for "Digital Service" increased from $15.95 to $29.85, which amounts to $6.95 per card. I've seen different costs mentioned on forums, but most seem to think it should be around $5.00 per card, per month.

I've not been able to find anything on the Comcast web site, and customer service has given me confusing information.

Re: cCards in Nashville: yeah, that $6.95/mo is what they told me when I picked up my cards last week, and, yeah, that's at the high end of the of what these cards should cost. As I posted over in the TiVo Community S3 threads: when I first inquired about the cost, I was told $5, and that when I returned the Moto DVR, it'd be a wash. At $6.95/ea, it will actually be costing me $4 MORE per month. Probably worth it, considering what a complete POS the Moto DVR is. But, yeah... confusing information seems to be the order of the day.

Hearncl, you're the first person I've heard here who's set up the S3 in Nashville... how'd it go for you?? Any prob. I'll probalby start setting mine up tomorrow (Tues 11/14)

-PS

Hearncl, you're the first person I've heard here who's set up the S3 in Nashville... how'd it go for you?? Any prob. I'll probalby start setting mine up tomorrow (Tues 11/14)

-PS
I'm delighted with the S3, but did have some hardware problems. As described here (http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=323265&page=1&pp=30) I had to exchange the first two S3s I received. The third one works perfectly.

I suggest that you run guided setup with no cablecards installed and check reception on Tuner 0, on all analog channels. Then follow the instructions on the TiVo website for installing cablecards. After inserting each card, be sure to wait for the black/gray data screen before calling Comcast to activate the card (you'll need to give them the card serial number). Then after each card is activated, test digital channel reception on that card. Re-run guided setup after both cards are installed.

When you check analog channel reception, you might find one or two that don't tune on Tuner 0 at first (that's assuming that you don't find a whole block that won't tune, as I did on my first S3). On my present S3, I couldn't tune one channel (42, I think) on Tuner 0 when I first checked, but now it seems to be OK.

Good luck--let us know how it goes.

I have found one channel - local channel for WSMV the NBC affilliate, that will not come in with my basic (analog) cable connection. All the others seem to be working fine. OK, I did not check them ALL, but those that I watch, and lot of others, are all working.

What do I do about the one that isn't?

I'm going to see if I can get one of the cable cards to work now.

Thanks,

--PS

I have found one channel - local channel for WSMV the NBC affilliate, that will not come in with my basic (analog) cable connection. All the others seem to be working fine. OK, I did not check them ALL, but those that I watch, and lot of others, are all working.

What do I do about the one that isn't? ............

--PS
Most people have found that non-tuning analog channels are only on one of the two tuners ("Tuner Zero"). Personally, I wouldn't worry about it. You'll probably be watching the HD digital version of that channel, anyway. You may find that after awhile, you can tune that channel on both tuners. (This may indicate a slight variation in signal strength on that channel, or perhaps a temperature sensitivity.)

Just following up on ystdy's post... bottom line, my S3 installation went VERY smoothly. I have it all up and running (with CCs) with virtually no hassles (other than Comcast having a prob with their phones) and so far I'm very happy with the S3. It's a joy to be able to interface with my HD stuff - live and recorded -- using the TiVo inteface instead of that clunky Moto DVR. As soon as I've watched the last few recordings, it's going back to the store.

BTW, I got an upgraded S3 from Weakknees -- 750GB -- so that I've got room to record some movies in HD. That's my temporarly solution to the "Blu Ray -v- HD DVD" dilemma.

Ok - so does anyone in Nashville have the Comcast-TiVo box/interface/software yet?

It's not going to be here until after a few other markets have initially tested it first. And they still haven't started, so it's going to be probably 3 months or more before we get it here. There is a thread specifically for this over in the hdtv recorders section.

Hi All,
I recently bought an HDTV for my bonus room and am subscribed to Comcast using DVR. Well actually I sold my Lifetime sub TiVo and have two DVRs (This is getting a little expensive) :) Anyway, HD VOD is only coming through at 480i. Anyone else having this problem, or know of a solution?

Thanks

anyone able to find HD coverage of the Denver/KC NFL Network game on Comcast tonight in Nashville?

I never did look since it was on channel 79 in HD on D*. I guess you looked on the INHD and INHD2 channels? Comcast runs some NFL HD on those from time to time.

Dennis

Hmm so no one has these same issues that I have with HD On demand?

Not here. HD is HD is HD for me on my boxes and tv. Most likely a problem with your box or possibly tv, although that's unlikely. Swap the box out for a new one, or get a tech out to your house, or ask over in the main 6412 dvr thread for help.

hmm, so did Comcast upgrade our internet bandwidth? On my netstat meter it shows the outgoing speed at around 500kbps, which is close to 768. It used to be 384kbps and i know they have upgraded some of the country to 768kbps, im wondering if we got a silent upgrade, that I didnt hear about?

I have a question that has been bugging me for a while. Supposedly, we have HD On Demand programming. But every time I use it (either free movies or Encore), the channel remains at 480i. The movie is letterboxed, but I would hardly call it HD.

On both my HD sets, I have a 3416 connected via component cables. Is there something special you have to do to make it an HD channel? All my regular HD channels come in just fine at 1080i or 720p (depending on which TV I use).

Thanks!

Oops...I guess I am having the exact same problem as the poster a few posts ahead of me.

snowcat,
when you're trying to watch the HD on-demand i trust you're first using the HD link in the system and looking under "encore" and, that when selecting a show, it will have in it's information box (not the info on the movie but above left) whether it's HD or not (if there's no HD it ain't HD!)

Yes, that is right. I did call the Comcast office and apparently it is an issue with certain accounts. They were supposed to call me back, but they haven't yet, so I will give them a call in a few minutes.

I called again, and they denied the accounts had anything to do with it. So now a tech is going to come out tomorrow.

I bet you there is a simple explanation for this, but I wish I knew what it was. But it is annoying knowing there is a supposed "HD On Demand" that is not HD or thinks my TV is not HD for some reason.

That's weird. HD should be HD, although I have noticed that the HD quality of the Comcast ON Demand stuff that I've seen is less than stellar. I have to think they are recompressing the signal.

Well, Comcast sent a mailer out to everyone which gives the channel guide effective 1/15/07. On the face of things, I am personally very disappointed.

Virtually all of what they say we are getting "new" is on the network already with a few exceptions. For HD channels, going as expected is InHD2, replaced by Comcast Sports HD, the marriage of Golf and Versus. But here's what we're not getting:

National Geographic HD
Food Network HD
A&E HD
FSN HD

And for me personally, the fact that Boomerang is not a channel on Comcast Nashville (but instead on On Demand) really frosts my shorts. As a cartoon junkie, it's a real loss...it's been one of the reasons I've kept D* around as a side service for so long. And a Family Tier of channels just isn't complete without old Hanna Barberra and Looney Tunes cartoons.

Live in Madison, TN. Looking at purchasing a LCD TV with a QAM tuner. If I switch to the basic HD Comcast package (QAM, no cable box) will my Tivo S2 DT become a doorstop under this configuration or does Comcast still send an analog signal along with the digital QAM signal? Thanks!

If you are not going to have a cable box, then you would either get limited (lifeline) basic cable for $13 or so or basic cable which is $47 or so. The difference is they put a trap on your line to block out a lot of ananlog channels (ESPN on 11, CNN, etc) that you get with basic cable. Stuff like the local analog locals, CSPAN, etc come through in analog with limited basic, with basic cable you get a lot more analog channels.

With a QAM tuner you will have the locals in HD plus INHD1 and INHD2 in clear QAM, some digital clear QAM basic cable type stuff, and any analog channels you get (depending on the package you choose). The limit cable trap has no effect on which digital clear QAM channels you can get in either SD or HD, just blocks a lot of analog channels.

Your older Tivo can record any of the analog channels you get.

Dennis

Does anyone know the digital range of channels comcast uses for the ondemand? im setting up my lcdtv /w qam and dont wanna have it skip all of them, as best i can tell its 100.x to 109.x with alot in 104 and 106.

Anybody else notice that we're not getting The Tube anymore? This was being broadcast on My TV 30's digital sub-channel 30.2. I actually liked that station and watched it a heck of a lot more than their main channel which carries stuipid telenovella soaps every night. With the loss of that channel as well as INHD2, the selection for us basic cable folks is dwindling...

I've heard this may have something to do with new FCC requirements effective Jan 1 WRT digital subchannels.

Jon J,

Can you sum up what the new FCC regs are?

-John

Sorry. Don't have any personal knowledge but have read they may have something to do with required public service and/or children's programming on subchannels.