Nashville, TN - Comcast [Text View] - Page 8

hearncl

06-18-07, 05:13 PM

That's good if they went down on the card pricing - last I heard it was like $6.95 in the Nashville market. Can anyone else confirm?
I called for clarification of Comcast's pricing structure for digital service and equipment. I am being charged $49.99 for Full Basic Service (channels 1-99), and $22.90 for Digital Service (channels 100+ except premium channels). I asked for a breakdown of the $22.90 Digital Service charge. I told the CSR that I have two cablecards. If I understood her correctly, my monthly Digital Service breaks down as:

$15.95 basic charge for digital service, which includes the first cablecard
+ $6.95 for the second cablecard
=$22.90 total

So, the first cablecard is essentially free and the second card is $6.95 per month. Each additional card, such as if I added another S3, would be $6.95/month.

I asked about the charge for using the Comcast DVR instead of the S3 and was told:
$15.95 basic charge for digital service
+ $11.95 for Comcast DVR
= $27.90 total

If this information is correct, using a TiVo S3 with two cards is cheaper than using the Comcast DVR, as far as charges by Comcast. With the S3, of course, there is also a monthly charge billed by TiVo for their service.

If my understanding of these charges is not correct, I hope someone will clarify.

dwynne

06-18-07, 07:17 PM

hearncl

06-19-07, 03:23 PM

If you call Comcast and tell them you need a couple of cards for a new S3 Tivo (as I did), they should tell you the first is free and the 2nd is something like $0.74 or $1.74 or something - I don't have my notes handy.

Sounds like you are on the old pricing.

If I were you, I would call in and get the current pricing without identifying yourself (if possible), once they give you the new, lower rate THEN have them pull up your account and explain why they are overcharging you.

Dennis
I did as you suggested. The first CSR I got didn't know what a TiVo was, and insisted that different cards were required for "digital" and "HD" service. I gave up and called again later. This time I got a different CSR but the same story as before: first card is included in the basic charge for digital service, and each additional card is $6.95.

If anyone can confirm that there is indeed a "new" pricing, and how to contact someone at Comcast that knows about it, please post.

dwynne

06-19-07, 05:01 PM

From the Comcast FAQ:

How much will I be charged to use a CableCARD?
There is no charge for the first CableCARD that you use as it is already included in the primary outlet fee. If you have a multi-card device on the same outlet (i.e. TiVo Series 3 or two Digital Cable Tuners connected to the same personal computer), you will be charged an additional regulated fee of up to $1.91 for the second CableCARD.

If additional CableCARDs are needed for other devices that are installed on additional outlets, you will not be charged for the first CableCARD installed on this outlet as the cost is included in the additional outlet fee. In addition to the cost of the digital cable service, you will not be charged a regulated fee of up to $1.91 for the second CableCARD on the additional outlet.

**Note: The same pricing schedule will be applicable to additional outlets with multi-CableCARD devices, e.g. no charge for first CableCARD on the third outlet and an additional regulated fee of up to $1.91 for the second CableCARD in addition to the digital service charge.

Disclaimer: Regulated Prices quoted above may not apply in all markets. Please call 1-800-COMCAST to learn more about Regulated Prices for your area.

and this

If I didn't have to pay for my current CableCARD, why will I be charged for CableCARDs for my TiVo set-top box?
Comcast's pricing policy provides your first CableCARD for free. This applies to TVs and the TiVo Series 3 HD set-top box. Any additional CableCARDs that are required on the same outlet will be subject to a nominal charge. No additional cards are required for the TV so there is not a charge.

When I called to confirm this, that is what I was told - but I could not remember the exact price of the 2nd card. I told them where I was located so they knew I was a Comcast Nashville customer. On another call to the local office I asked again about the pricing and was told the same thing. I asked if I could stop by Metro Center and pick them up and was told "yes, but we also have them at the Hermitage office which is close to your home".

Dennis

hearncl

06-20-07, 11:30 AM

From the Comcast FAQ:

Disclaimer: Regulated Prices quoted above may not apply in all markets. Please call 1-800-COMCAST to learn more about Regulated Prices for your area.

I think this disclaimer may apply here. Every time I call I'm quoted the $6.95 price for additional cards.

Can others in Nashville having more than one Cablecard please post what you are paying?

McTNN

06-20-07, 06:42 PM

We have been paying a second digital outlet fee for years. That is probably what the $6.95 figure is based on.

Then they tack on rental charges for the two DVR's and programming.

I always assumed (perhaps incorrectly) that Tivo owners were being billed for 2nd and third digital hookups.

Orangedaisy

06-20-07, 10:56 PM

I reckon Comcast will have to raise our rates again.

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070620/BUSINESS01/706200423/1003

Metro sues Comcast over tax bill
Clerk says cable firm owes $5.4M in business taxes

By NAOMI SNYDER
Staff Writer

Metro Nashville is suing Comcast Corp., saying that the cable company owes $5.4 million in back taxes and penalties.

The move is part of new Davidson County Clerk John Arriola's push to collect unpaid business taxes.

Arriola has collected from 196 businesses that owed more than $600,000, but he said he wasn't able to reach an agreement with Comcast to pay what's called the business tax, which most for-profit businesses have to pay to the county.

"I just want to make sure everyone is paying their fair share," Arriola said. "The bottom line is I was elected to operate this office, and I know those businesses that out there doing the right thing want to make sure everyone else is paying their taxes."

A Comcast spokesman declined to comment because the lawsuit is pending, but Arriola said Comcast officials have questioned whether the company owes the tax.

Bill dates to 2001

Arriola, who took office in September, said Comcast contacted his office in January of this year to learn about renewing its business license.

That prompted a records search that Arriola says revealed the Philadelphia-based company had not paid the tax since it took over the local cable franchise from AT&T's Intermedia Partners in 2001.

From the taxes Intermedia was paying in previous years, Arriola said he calculated that Comcast owes the county $2.7 million from the years 2001 to 2007 for its cable revenues in Davidson County.

The lawsuit says Comcast failed to obtain a business license and should pay a penalty fee, which would double the amount that is owed
to $5.4 million.

Most businesses pay tax

With few exceptions, Tennessee businesses must get licenses from counties where they operate and pay a yearly business tax to each county, which usually is less than 1 percent of gross revenues collected in that county.

Manufacturers and professionals such as doctors and lawyers are exempt from the business tax.

The tax, which Metro Nashville estimates will generate $12.2 million this year for the city, works out to a few hundred or thousand dollars per year for most businesses, Arriola said.

The business tax is separate from the state franchise and excise tax or any sales taxes due the state.

Comcast owes the tax based on its cable TV revenues and not on its Internet and phone business, Arriola said.

Comcast competitor AT&T, which does not have a cable TV business in the state, is exempt from paying the business tax, he said.

SJMAYE

06-22-07, 04:38 AM

$15.95 basic charge for digital service, which includes the first cablecard
+ $6.95 for the second cablecard
=$22.90 total

So, the first cablecard is essentially free and the second card is $6.95 per month. Each additional card, such as if I added another S3, would be $6.95/month.

I asked about the charge for using the Comcast DVR instead of the S3 and was told:
$15.95 basic charge for digital service
+ $11.95 for Comcast DVR
= $27.90 total

Can someone spell this thing out for me?

I recently gave my Dad a 37" LCD HDTV. I hooked it up to his analog cable. CRAP :eek: . I forgot how bad analog cable can look on a larger screen. I am now working through getting the picture he should have.

I just picked up (but not hooked up) a free "Digital Starter" package which should have all his normal Comcast channels, but now they should be received Digital (hopefully with better clarity for the larger LCD TV). This does not add any cost to his standard analog cable bill. Very important detail.

I asked about the charge for using the Comcast DVR instead of the S3 and was told:
$15.95 basic charge for digital service
+ $11.95 for Comcast DVR
= $27.90 total

What else am I getting for the $15.95 "basic charge for digital service"? Seems I would not need this, just add the DVR for $11.95 and I would be set.

I am a Tivo guy and am weighing all this against a Tivo Series 3 unit and service.

hearncl

06-22-07, 01:53 PM

I just picked up (but not hooked up) a free "Digital Starter" package which should have all his normal Comcast channels, but now they should be received Digital (hopefully with better clarity for the larger LCD TV). This does not add any cost to his standard analog cable bill. Very important detail.

What else am I getting for the $15.95 "basic charge for digital service"? Seems I would not need this, just add the DVR for $11.95 and I would be set.

I am a Tivo guy and am weighing all this against a Tivo Series 3 unit and service.
Comcast doesn't make it easy to find out charges for digital service, so what I'm telling you should be taken with a grain of salt. Call Comcast and hope that you get a Customer Service Representive that is not a beginner, or perhaps others will post corrections.

I doubt that you are getting digital service for free, although you may be on a limited time promotion. Basic analog cable service gets you channels 1-99, which, as you say, may not look good on a large TV. Adding basic digital service (which costs me $15.95/mo.) gets digital channels above 100. These include quite a few standard definition digital channels, plus a limited number of high definition channels such as ESPN, TNT, and local channels such as CBS HD. Premium HD channels such as HBO will cost extra.

But, to receive these digital channels you will need a Comcast cable box or DVR connected between the cable and TV. I don't know what Comcast charges for the cable box--it may be included in the digital service charge. The Comcast DVR costs an additional $11.95/mo. It has two tuners and will store around 15 hours of HD programming, if I remember correctly. I used to have one--it works fairly well, but its operating system is buggy and vastly inferior to TiVo. Over a year ago it was announced that Comcast will make the TiVo operating system available on their DVR (at additional cost), but this has yet to be realized.

The TiVo Series 3 adds operating convenience and significantly increased storage for recorded programs. It lacks the On Demand (two-way communication) included with the Comcast equipment. The Series 3 also costs more: initial cost of the S3 (now around $600 but will probably come down), additional Comcast charge for the second cablecard, and monthly cost of the TiVo service (billed by TiVo). The Series 3 needs two cablecards to receive the digital channels. Lots of people use their S3 without cablecards, however. It has a separate antenna connection for receiving local over-the-air HD channels. These OTA channels are included in the TiVo guide for scheduling recordings, etc. It also has a QAM capable tuner for tuning local unencrypted HD channels broadcast over cable. The QAM channels are not included in the TiVo guide, however.

A couple of other things to consider: If your TV as an antenna connection, you may be able to receive local HD channels at no extra cost. These have channel numbers like 4-1 for the local NBC HD channel, for example. I can pick up most of these OTA HD channels with an indoor antenna; you might or might not need an outdoor antenna. If the TV has a QAM capable tuner, you can pick up several unencrypted HD channels over the standard cable connection. A list of QAM channel numbers can be found on this forum. These have channel numbers like 93-4 for NBC HD, for example. Check your TV manual to see how to enter such channel numbers.

Let us know what you decide and how much you pay, if possible.

SJMAYE

06-22-07, 05:37 PM

hearncl

06-22-07, 06:20 PM

Thanks for the explanation. I am especially interested in your comparison between the Comast and Tivo S3 dvrs. Exactly what I have been considering. I have been leaning toward the S3. My only issue is that I just bought a Series 2 and hate to have to dump it and buy an S3, but in order to have the same recording functionality in digital it seems the way I need to go.

I know I get one cable card free, but see differing posts about how much a second card costs. Is this a one-time cost or monthly?
You don't need to dump the S2 unless you want to. I also have a Series 2 in addition to the Series 3. I use the S2 to record analog channels, and in some cases I will record the same show on both TiVos just in case something happens to one or the other recordings (which hasn't happened). I have a splitter in the main cable with connections to both TiVos, as well as directly to the TV cable input. Too much splitting can cause reception difficulties, but I have plenty of signal. (However, Comcast has installed an amplifier in my cable line, which I'm sure helps.) The TiVo remote control has a 2-way switch so that I can control both the S3 and S2 in the same room. With the Comcast DVR, you can't have more than one in the same location.

My cost for the second cablecard is $6.95, and it is a monthly cost. As seen in this forum, this is more than Comcast has advertised; I'm still trying to find out if I'm paying too much. But I suspect that I'm stuck with it whether they call it a cablecard charge or a "2nd digital outlet" charge.

When the Series 3 cost comes down I may replace my S2 with a second S3, and use it without cablecards. With it I will be able to pick up all the analog channels plus the local HD OTA channels. Plus, it has two tuners while my S2 has only one.

SJMAYE

06-23-07, 03:09 AM

Although the TV I have has an OTA HD tuner I like how Tivo slides these channels right in to the grid and they can be recorded.

I guess I just need to suck it up and buy a S3.

mr2828

06-23-07, 08:37 PM

Unfortunately that $200 rebate just ended. Tivo did announce they are coming out with a cheaper OTA model this fall or winter. No specs on it yet.

jhstn58

06-24-07, 11:55 PM

I have no audio on WUXP digital (channel 236) through HDMI. Anyone else having this problem?

PatBattle

06-25-07, 12:35 PM

...
I doubt that you are getting digital service for free, although you may be on a limited time promotion. Basic analog cable service gets you channels 1-99, which, as you say, may not look good on a large TV. Adding basic digital service (which costs me $15.95/mo.) gets digital channels above 100. These include quite a few standard definition digital channels, plus a limited number of high definition channels such as ESPN, TNT, and local channels such as CBS HD. Premium HD channels such as HBO will cost extra.

But, to receive these digital channels you will need a Comcast cable box or DVR connected between the cable and TV. I don't know what Comcast charges for the cable box--it may be included in the digital service charge. The Comcast DVR costs an additional $11.95/mo. It has two tuners and will store around 15 hours of HD programming, if I remember correctly.
...

Wanted to clear something up here. There is a free Digital Starter package (free, as in, same price as analog service). Digital Starter basically gets you the standard analog package you mentioned (clarification: they are still in analog [correct?], although sometime in the future they are supposed to be digital), On Demand, Music Choice, the i menu, and access to the HD (with DVR or tuner). You just don't get the channels past 106.

As for the earlier question about getting a DVR without the Digital Basic package, you can do what I have done (Digital Starter, DVR) and get the 1-106ish analog, DVR, and HD without paying the $15 for the basic digital package. That is the "free" digital package that was alluded to before. It all depends if you want 106-200ish digital channels or not...

hearncl

06-25-07, 02:12 PM

Wanted to clear something up here. There is a free Digital Starter package (free, as in, same price as analog service). Digital Starter basically gets you the standard analog package you mentioned (clarification: they are still in analog [correct?], although sometime in the future they are supposed to be digital), On Demand, Music Choice, the i menu, and access to the HD (with DVR or tuner). You just don't get the channels past 106.

As for the earlier question about getting a DVR without the Digital Basic package, you can do what I have done (Digital Starter, DVR) and get the 1-106ish analog, DVR, and HD without paying the $15 for the basic digital package. That is the "free" digital package that was alluded to before. It all depends if you want 106-200ish digital channels or not...
Thanks for the clarification about the free starter package. Just curious--how to you get HD programs if you can only tune up to channel 106? Channels 100 - 189 (approximately) are digital, but in standard definition. As far as I was aware, the HD cable channels are all above 189.

One way to get HD is to use an OTA antenna to get the local broadcasts (such as NBC HD, channel 4-1), but you don't need cable for that. I'm not that familiar with On Demand; perhaps you can get HD that way with the starter package.

Cable channels below about 100 are broadcast by Comcast using analog/digital simulcast. I used to have a Comcast Motorola 3412 DVR, which doesn't have analog tuners. It tuned the digital version of these channels. However, my TiVo Series 3 has both analog and digital tuners, and it tunes the analog version of channels below 100. You can tell by scheduling a recording--if the channel is analog, you have a "quality" option; digital recordings have only one quality.

hearncl

06-25-07, 02:16 PM

I have no audio on WUXP digital (channel 236) through HDMI. Anyone else having this problem?
I have this problem also. Would using component inputs give the audio?

Edit: The audio was working last night (6/25).

nyvram

06-25-07, 03:40 PM

PatBattle

06-26-07, 10:29 AM

Thanks for the clarification about the free starter package. Just curious--how to you get HD programs if you can only tune up to channel 106? Channels 100 - 189 (approximately) are digital, but in standard definition. As far as I was aware, the HD cable channels are all above 189.

One way to get HD is to use an OTA antenna to get the local broadcasts (such as NBC HD, channel 4-1), but you don't need cable for that. I'm not that familiar with On Demand; perhaps you can get HD that way with the starter package.

Cable channels below about 100 are broadcast by Comcast using analog/digital simulcast. I used to have a Comcast Motorola 3412 DVR, which doesn't have analog tuners. It tuned the digital version of these channels. However, my TiVo Series 3 has both analog and digital tuners, and it tunes the analog version of channels below 100. You can tell by scheduling a recording--if the channel is analog, you have a "quality" option; digital recordings have only one quality.

And thanks in return for clearing up the analog/digital for me.

As for the first question, the DVR sees all of the channels in the channel guide just as it does if you buy the basic digital. You just get a "not subscribed to" message on above 100 channels (minus C-spans, Current, hallmark, gsn, movieplex, and maybe something else. Used to get Sprout, but not anymore). But, if you tune to 202 and above, all the HDs are available. Networks and locals, Mojo, DiscoveryHD, A&E, NPT (NPT2 in digital), and some others. We essentially get the HD equivalents of the basic tier channels, but we don't get, say, Nat'l Geographic HD, for instance, since it's part of the digital tier.

Side note... On On-demand, we get programming for any below 100 channels, but we also get encore (not the HD showings, though) and Nat'l Geographic, which we don't get channels for. Strange...

Comcast has the Digital Starter listed on their "Select a package" page (apparently I can't post a URL), but it doesn't show the HDs in the channel listing. The only thing I can figure is that by getting the DVR that has the HD tuner, the HD channels are exposed.

hearncl

06-26-07, 12:54 PM

Thanks for the information about the Digital Starter package. Here is the link to the Select a Package (http://www.comcast.com/shop/buyflow/default.ashx#) page (click on the Cable tab at top). They don't make it easy to find.

We're paying the same price ($49.99) for Full Basic as is listed for the Digital Starter package. We hardly ever watch the digital channels below 202, so it looks like we could take the Starter package, eliminate our Digital Service charge, and still get most of the HD stations we watch. On the other hand, the Comcast price page doesn't mention cable cards, and we have two in our Series 3. So we're probably stuck with paying some type of additional digital service charge.

Ou8thisSN

06-27-07, 11:44 PM

Orangedaisy

06-28-07, 02:32 PM

37128guy

06-29-07, 08:17 PM

Does the standard Comcast hd box have hdmi connections?

Sevenfeet

06-30-07, 07:29 AM

does anyone know whether NPT is broadcast in HDTV or not in nashville? they had a tribute to Paul Simon tonight. The comcast guide showed it in HD, and I know it was upconverted to 1080i, but it seemed soft compared to other HD, but still very good. I know our local PBS affail is pretty poor and was not interested in upgrading to HD like a year ago when this was talked about. The concert, i thought, was fantastic. Anyone watch it?

NPT is Nashville indeed is in HDTV, but only 720p which means that everything that comes from PBS in 1080i is scaled and deinterlaced. Then in my case, my TV is 1080i, so it gets scaled and reinterlaced. Not the ideal solution, but it's better than no HD at all.

jhstn58

06-30-07, 07:36 AM

37218guy-

Yes, the Comcast HD box has HDMI connections, but they may still have some older boxes in circulation, so be sure to double check when you get your box.

dwynne

06-30-07, 11:21 AM

I know our local PBS affail is pretty poor and was not interested in upgrading to HD like a year ago when this was talked about.

It is all about money, if they had the money they would be at full power on the digital side and would have done HD long ago. I guess if they HAD spent the money when we wanted them to, all we would have had to watch is HD test patterns - since they would have no money left to buy shows :D

I watch a lot of WNPT and I contribute every month to the station, do you?

Dennis

hearncl

06-30-07, 03:30 PM

does anyone know whether NPT is broadcast in HDTV or not in nashville? they had a tribute to Paul Simon tonight. The comcast guide showed it in HD, and I know it was upconverted to 1080i, but it seemed soft compared to other HD, but still very good. I know our local PBS affail is pretty poor and was not interested in upgrading to HD like a year ago when this was talked about. The concert, i thought, was fantastic. Anyone watch it?
That show was outstanding, especially the performances by Nashville's Alison Krauss and Jerry Douglas. My equipment showed the HD resolution as 720p and the audio as 2-channel Dolby Digital.

PatBattle

07-03-07, 10:16 AM

Comcast told my parents that the digital starter package would also include Hallmark (which was removed from analog). My dad has had some major surgery so the set top box still hasn't been hooked up. I did verify that Hallmark was in the digital starter package right after they talked to Comcast about getting the box. You can go to comcast and see the channel lineup for each package. Anyway, I just looked at the channel lineup again today, and Hallmark is gone from digital starter. Does anybody out there have it on digital starter?

We get Hallmark with the starter package. Channel 137...

Ou8thisSN

07-03-07, 05:50 PM

well thanks for the information on WNPT folks. heh, i think its funny that we get so caught up in resolution and bandwidth and we hang out on avsforum and think we all know so much about what good HD is and isnt, and yet I still cant tell, for sure, whether a show is being broadcast in HD or being upconverted from a 480i source. I've been watching a bit of the Wimbeldon coverage on ESPN, and that looks fantastic, being upconverted from 480i. To me, the Paul Simon show also looked that good, but theoretically, it should be better, because its a true HD source. anyway thanks for the update.

Sevenfeet

07-04-07, 10:07 PM

What gives with the WTVF fireworks show tonight? No HD??? WTF? This is the same station that does HD news cams and HD chopper shots? They couldn't figure out how to do a HD live broadcast from a few blocks from the studio???

Crakaveli

07-05-07, 03:45 PM

i was disappointed they didn't have it in HD too

nyvram

07-08-07, 12:23 PM

Good morning everyone. Just picked up a 42" Vizio last night and ran a QAM search. Here is an updated listing for what I'm getting off the $11/mo analog cable without any of those crazy digital/card/cablebox/etc upgrades Comcast wants to try & sell you. I'll edit this if I can figure out a couple of the issues. Not sure why those 8-10 digital channels in the 83. range don't have audio

79.1 ABC WKRN (broadcast/cable 2) (480i Digital)
79.2 NBC WSMV (broadcast/cable 4) (480i Digital)
79.3 CBS WTVF (broadcast/cable 5) (480i Digital)
79.4 FOX WZTV (broadcast 17/cable 6) (480i Digital)
79.5 PBS WNPT (broadcast 8/cable 8) (480i Digital)
79.6 My Network TV WUXP 30 (480i Digital)
79.7 TBN WPGD (broadcast 50) (480i Digital)
79.8 PAX WNPX (broadcast 28) (480i Digital)
79.9 CW WNAB (broadcast 58) (480i Digital)
79.10 NewsChannel 5+ (cable 50) (480i Digital)
79.11 CTN WHTN (broadcast 39) (480i Digital)
79.12 ShopAtHomeTV (480i Digital)
80.7 CSPAN (480i Digital)
80.8 CSPAN2 (480i Digital)
80.11 WGN (480i Digital)
80.12 QVC (480i Digital)

81.3 TBS (NO AUDIO!) (480i Digital)**
81.4 TNT (NO AUDIO!) (480i Digital)**
81.5 ESPN (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
81.6 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
81.7 A&E (480i Digital)
81.9 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
83.1 Univision (480i Digital)
83.2 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
83.5 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
83.6 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**

85.6 CW 58 (1080i HD)
85.14 My Network TV 30 (720p HD)

86.11 Nashville Weather Channel (broadcast 2.2) (480i Digital)
86.14 NPT2 (broadcast 8.2) (480i Digital)

87.1 MOJO HD (1080i HD)

89.1 Floating DVD-Video logo (480i Digital)
89.2 Telemundo (broadcast 4.2) (480i Digital)

92.2 ABC HD (1080i HD)
92.5 CBS HD (1080i HD)
93.4 NBC HD (1080i HD)
93.6 Fox HD (1080i HD)

103.1-106.55: frequencies carry neighbors' PPV and/or VOD (480i Digital)
111.7 NBA League Pass commercial (480i Digital)
114.5 CSPAN 3 (480i Digital)
114.7 ? (480i Digital)
114.8 Comcast TV Guide tutorial (480i Digital)
114.14 Current VC2 (480i Digital)

115.8 PBS HD (720p HD)

116.5-116.50 45 different Music Choice channels
117.1 Metro3 (480i Digital)
117.2 Arts Public Access (analog 9) (480i Digital)
117.3 Annenberg/CPB Channel (analog 10) (480i Digital)
117.4 Community Access (480i Digital)

nyvram

07-08-07, 12:28 PM

FYI for Nashvillians: Tivo has a sale + $200 rebate going on right now until June 16 on the Series 3 HD DVR... bringing price down to $400 at Amazon and other sellers.

Since most of the stuff I watch is on the major networks that I can get OTA, I'm dumping Comcast's video and DVR except for cable modem service, and switching to Tivo OTA + Netflix + internet video via my Xbox 360.

Do I understand this to mean the TIVO series 3 doesn't have a built-in QAM tuner so you won't be able to 'record' everything possible on comcast digital? This would basically limit you to OTA signals..and since I live in Bellevue (with big hills between me & Nashville stations) its probably not worth the waste of money for me to buy?

hearncl

07-08-07, 01:21 PM

Do I understand this to mean the TIVO series 3 doesn't have a built-in QAM tuner so you won't be able to 'record' everything possible on comcast digital? This would basically limit you to OTA signals..and since I live in Bellevue (with big hills between me & Nashville stations) its probably not worth the waste of money for me to buy?
The TiVo S3 does have a QAM tuner. But, the QAM channels are not included in the TiVo Guide. You can record them, but only manually which defeats one of the main purposes of the TiVo. The OTA channels are included in the Guide, however, along with the normal cable channels and digital channels decrypted by the cablecards (if installed). Perhaps you could pick up the OTA channels with an outdoor antenna.

dwynne

07-08-07, 02:20 PM

Do I understand this to mean the TIVO series 3 doesn't have a built-in QAM tuner so you won't be able to 'record' everything possible on comcast digital? This would basically limit you to OTA signals..and since I live in Bellevue (with big hills between me & Nashville stations) its probably not worth the waste of money for me to buy?

QAM tuner: yes

A way to map the QAM channels to the program guide data: no

Without a pair of cablecards the S3 does not know that QAM 93.4 is WSMV-HD so you can't get program guide info or set a season pass, you can only set a manual record event (e.g. channel 93.4 on Tuesday at 7pm for 1 hour).

With a pair of cablecards installed, then the S3 knows that channel and the guide and season passes work as normal.

I have been told the first card is free and the 2nd is < $2 per month, others have been told other prices and/or are paying other prices.

Dennis

PatBattle

07-08-07, 09:41 PM

Not sure why those 8-10 digital channels in the 83. range don't have audio

81.3 TBS (NO AUDIO!) (480i Digital)**
81.4 TNT (NO AUDIO!) (480i Digital)**
81.5 ESPN (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
81.6 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
81.7 A&E (480i Digital)
81.9 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
83.2 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
83.5 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**
83.6 ? (NO AUDIO) (480i Digital)**

Thanks for the updated channel list. My TV displays a "Digital Channel is Scrambled" message on all of these channels. On some of them I get video, but I get no audio on any of them.

My channels are slightly different than what anyone else has posted here. I'm actually in Williamson, so I assume that the Williamson lineup is slightly different. For instance, I get NFL Network on 114.14 and Current on 114.3.

nyvram

07-08-07, 10:31 PM

QAM tuner: yes

A way to map the QAM channels to the program guide data: no

Without a pair of cablecards the S3 does not know that QAM 93.4 is WSMV-HD so you can't get program guide info or set a season pass, you can only set a manual record event (e.g. channel 93.4 on Tuesday at 7pm for 1 hour).

With a pair of cablecards installed, then the S3 knows that channel and the guide and season passes work as normal.

I have been told the first card is free and the 2nd is < $2 per month, others have been told other prices and/or are paying other prices.

Dennis

Help me out here; what is this cablecard you're talking about? In short, I have a Vizio HDTV plugged into the wall..and an analog coaxial cable plugged into the Vizio. If I put a TIVIO in-between..where would the cablecard go? Inside the tivo? DO I have to buy some kind of cable box (= $$$) because I don't plan to upgrade from my $11/month cable. I don't currently have any type of set-top box or digital reciever or any of that nonsense. I just have a good ol' cable coming out of the wall and a TV.

nyvram

07-08-07, 10:34 PM

Thanks for the updated channel list. My TV displays a "Digital Channel is Scrambled" message on all of these channels. On some of them I get video, but I get no audio on any of them. Also, I get NFL Network on 114.14.

81.7 doesn't work for you? That one works for me at least. I get video on all the others mentioned...just no audio. THe picture is perfect (well, its digital so I'd expect that). I guess this is comcast fooling around with their digital line-up. I thought I saw the NFL network last night at one point..I'll have to look for that.

Also, I saw a channel called 'current tv' as well..that seems to be gone now too. So much information overload last night with all the new channels & crazy PPV on/off shows that I was a bit overwhelmed.

hearncl

07-08-07, 11:51 PM

Help me out here; what is this cablecard you're talking about? In short, I have a Vizio HDTV plugged into the wall..and an analog coaxial cable plugged into the Vizio. If I put a TIVIO in-between..where would the cablecard go? Inside the tivo? DO I have to buy some kind of cable box (= $$$) because I don't plan to upgrade from my $11/month cable. I don't currently have any type of set-top box or digital reciever or any of that nonsense. I just have a good ol' cable coming out of the wall and a TV.
Cablecards allow you to tune encrypted digital standard definition and HD channels (channels 100+). Some HD TVs have a cablecard slot. The TiVo S3 digital video recorder has two tuners and slots for two cablecards. It can be operated with or without cablecards. Without cablecards, the S3 can tune and record normal analog channels and OTA HD digital channels, and tune--but not record except manually--QAM channels. With cablecards, it can tune and record all the available analog and digital channels.

Comcast has cable boxes, both with and without recording capability, that tune these encrypted channels without cablecards (although due to a recent FCC ruling, they will be required to use cablecards in the future). There are many different combinations of equipment to get these encrypted channels, but all will cost more $$.

nyvram

07-10-07, 08:10 PM

Ryan Steagall

07-11-07, 12:47 AM

nyvram

07-11-07, 10:49 AM

I didn't use my onair hdtv usb in like 6 months now. So, I got all the new software and did a channel scan. It seems we have less channels now than we did and no music channels are coming through like they use to. What happened to the two INHD channels???

Anyone got a good current list of everything?

Ryan, see my post above. I ran a QAM search over comcast analog cable not 3 days ago and those are the channels I picked up.

If you have a Vizio, I've found that sometimes you have to pull the plug on the tv for like 10 minutes and try again to get a true fresh 'rescan' of all the digital channels.

nyvram

07-15-07, 08:21 PM

nyvram sniffs under his arms...do I smell or something? Looks like I've completely killed this thread.

Hey, does anyone else notice that crappy reruns of Seinfeld and other 'non hd' shows on FOX & UPN and other QAM-tuned HD stations are unwatchable? They will play for 3-4 seconds..then the image freezes..then it moves in double/triple time to catch back up..then it freezes again over and over and over. When Fox is showing an HD baseball game or something else, its fine. There are 2-3 HD channels that exhibit this behavior.

The same show looks fine on the digital-fox channel and on the analog channel..it only happens on the HD Fox channel. Very annoying and I didn't know if this was because of my TV or something the TV station is doing wrong. My gut tells me its the TV station..but at some point you'd think they'd figure out the problem.

therawuncut

07-18-07, 05:05 PM

csd

07-18-07, 05:48 PM

I'll revive things and steer away from OTA stuff since it has it's own thread (as I'm sure my question will too). Has anyone had any luck recording from the firewire out on the comcast box (using DVR? not using DVR?) I'm about to hook up my firewire cable to my PC and install the drivers, and I just want to know what to expect. If you can steer me elsewhere, please do so.

edit : i see in a post from last year that 5C is enabled on all non-local networks. So no recording solutions?

I know I was able to record 2 or 3 years back over firewire. I used a guide that I got somewhere on this board. I was recording off HBO (I think I recorded some US Open tennis in HD off a network, too) and it was pretty easy (the drivers were the only tricky part) and worked great once you got it all setup. However, that was probably before they started doing 5C on everything, so i don't even know if it will work now. I'll try to find some of the info I used from back then and post that. Of course, the best way to see if it will work is to just try. :)

Charlie

lsouth44

07-20-07, 04:00 PM

Ou8thisSN

07-20-07, 11:47 PM

if you are going to do wired networking throughout your house, i would suggest getting an outlet put in, next to where you'd have your a/v equipment. eventually you'll probably need internet access with some component, at this stage i'd probably go higher than cat5e to cat6 and go with a gigabit network.

Orangedaisy

07-21-07, 11:38 PM

Anyone else notice that Fox HD looks awful over QAM? I cant even watch the channel when they're showing Andy Griffith or Seinfeld..it moves..jerks and freezes...moves fast..moves normal..freezes...jerks..moves fast. It horrible. What is going on with the signal?

I have the exact same problem with the Fox HD / Digital channel over QAM on my Vizio. All of the shows jerk, freeze, catch up at double time and sound/video are never synchronized. The older non-HD shows (like MASH) are the worst! I don't have the problem at all using a DVR on my other TV, and I don't notice the problem on any other channel. Every time I post this someone says it has to be my wiring. I ran new RG-6 coax from the wall to the TV, so if it's a wiring problem, it's in the wall. I have not bothered to try to set up a time with Comcast. It's hard for a working stiff to make time to stay home and wait for Comcast.

How much would Comcast charge for me to have an additional set top box in that room? Around $5 a month? Could I use one of the new small ones and still get the HD channels?

dwynne

07-21-07, 11:50 PM

Sevenfeet

07-23-07, 02:55 PM

wow, I just ran across this site while researching hdtv option for a new house in the Opry Mills area...thanks for all of the excellent info!!! The house will be finished in August and i purchasing a Samsung LNT4065F for my first hdtv experience.

I am very interested in the "nyvram" post. I dont watch very much TV to justify what comcast charges. Internet is top priority in my home...I will have their top level internet package..

Does anyone have any advice, tips, etc for the new house?
Is there anything I should have the comcast installer do when he comes out to run the cables,etc?
I appreciate any help, links, etc.
thanks

I wouldn't stop with the Comcast cables. if the drywall isn't up in your new house yet, I would hire a professional cable installer. Have them pull RG-6 coax to every location in the house you might think you could have a TV and/or an Internet connection. Pull more than one wire (I'd pull three). Then do the same thing for Cat 5e networking wire (Cat 6 if you can afford it). Pull two Cat 5e wires per box...one wire can be your phone lines (most homes still use crummy Cat 3 wiring). Have all your wire (coax or Cat 5) pulled to a common location that you can easily get to in your basement, garage or whereever you want to hide a patch panel. Then make sure Comcast has a wire leading to the outside from wherever they pull up to the house and the same goes for AT&T for phone service.

At the common place all your wires are pulled, use a standard wiring punch down, or if you want to get fancy, go to home depot and use one of the Leviton wiring patch panels (one of the bigger ones, don't get the small one). When Comcast comes to check the line, they can use one of their splitters in the closet and you can choose to use an amplified one if you need it. If you use Comcast for cable modem service, you can hide your cable modem and router at this access panel you are building...just have your contractor build some adjacent shelf space. You'll need space for a cable modem, a router (probably wireless to kill two birds with one stone) and a UPS in case the power fails. And yes, you'll need to tell the electrician to put an AC outlet at that space too.

The nice thing about all of this is that you will be ready for just about any technology changes for the next decade. Any problems can be easily fixed and any phone line shorts won't kill the entire phone network in your house. Devices like Tivos or anything that uses a lot of bandwidth for things like video can be easily placed on the wired network and be immune to the hiccups of wireless.

nyvram

07-24-07, 04:32 PM

I think you don't have enough signal to your TV and that is causing the problem you are seeing. The clear QAM stuff is at very high frequencies and any "weak" coax or splitters are going to cause you problems.

You have the Comcast DVR in another room? As a test, take it into the room with the Vizio and connect it up and see what happens. It will likely show the same symptoms as using the QAM tuner - if not, then your QAM tuner is weak/defective. You could also take the Vizio into the room with the DVR, take the coax off the DVR and connect it to the Vizio - it should work as good as the DVR does.

Your in-wall coax my not be RG-6 and/or your splitters (wherever they are) may not be quality enough to pass all the signal properly. You may need an amp or two, better coax, and/or better splitters.

I always tell folks to run a coax direct from the cable entry point in your house direct to the TV in question. Run it across the floor, in and out of windows or doors, up the stairs, whatever. This will tell you if you have enough signal coming in to the house. In your case, you may can move the TV to the entry point and use a short coax run. If the picture is rock solid on all the clear QAM channels, it is getting attenuated somewhere between that point and where you want the TV to be.

Dennis

I can imagine my cable is weak..its already split into the cable modem and routed through the ReplayTV before it reaches the LCD. Having said that, why would it be CRYSTAL CLEAR during the time when Fox is running true Hi-Def shows during primetime? The QAM tuner is also great for all the other HD channels..and for the occasional PPV broadcast someone else is watching that I catch..even sometimes HD.

So its interesting the issue only occurs during those 'off peak' times on Fox and on 'crummy' shows like MASH or Seinfeld. When it happens I can go to the Fox digi-channel and watch it there OK or even *shudder* to the analog station.

I always thought digital was 'on/off'; either it looks perfect or it doesn't come in at all..wasn't aware we'd get weird stuff like this happening.

coryj558

07-24-07, 04:34 PM

Hi everyone, I am a former Nashvillian now living in Florida. I finally convinced my parents, who still live in Nashville, to upgrade from basic cable. I was just in town this last weekend and I cannot believe how slow channel surfing is with Comcast! I'm ok with a slight delay to load the channel between button pushes, but when changing channels on my parents' cable box the screen hangs up for more than a second and if you've tried to jump more than one channel, it hangs even longer and then finally spews out all the button pushes that you've made all at once. I had no idea what channel the dang box would end up on! I am used to the info bar at least loading so that you know what channel you're on and what show is playing before the picture loads so that you can go ahead and surf to the next channel if you want.

My dad is pissed off at the performance of their current box: I'm not sure what brand it is, but it is a tiny black box and looks like a portable CD player. He is ready to turn the box back in and go back to basic cable, but I'd like them to try a DVR out because I know they'd like it.

I'd like to know if anyone notices this same problem, or if it's related to the crappy little cheapo cable box and if DVR boxes suffer from this slow channel changing as well?

Thanks!
Cory

hearncl

07-24-07, 04:53 PM

nyvram

07-24-07, 06:01 PM

outbackvandy

07-24-07, 08:17 PM

Sevenfeet

07-26-07, 09:13 AM

I hear that comcast is moving away from motorola to scientific atlanta DVRs for HD & regular recording. Any comment on that? Is that a good thing or bad thing? I don't have either; but I'm considering upgrading my parents and I'd like to know a little about what I'm going to foist onto them.

They have used a ReplayTV we bought them years ago and have LOVED IT so now that they would have to get used to a new DVR UI, I'm a little concerned they'll be confused for awhile.

It could be possible, but unlikely. You'd not only have to change out cable boxes but also head-end equipment, which is likely Motorola based. Of course with the new cablecard standard taking effect, its possible that the boxes are more standardized than previous models, so substituting brands might be easier for them too, just like a consumer dropping in a Tivo box.

Sevenfeet

07-26-07, 09:18 AM

My HD channels have shifted.
ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, PBS all moved to 1.x channels.
Fox is 1.1, ABC is 1.2 ...
Also, a label for those channel is automatically added to the TV too. Weird...
Does anyone else experience this?
Thanks.

One thing I've noticed is that the quality of some of the standard def digital channels has changed. The last time I saw this happen was last year when NFL games started being shown on the NFL Network on Thursday night. Previously the NFL Network was one of the most bitstarved travesties on the Comcast system. After a couple of weeks (and likely complaints), the picture quality got a lot better. Now I notice that the Disney channel, which is a favorite in my house with my two kids has gotten noticeably crummier in recent days. It may not be as noticeable on a small TV, but on the big 65" TV in the home theater (my 4 year old's favorite place to watch "The Wiggles"), it is a big difference.

nyvram

07-26-07, 06:10 PM

Orangedaisy

07-26-07, 09:35 PM

Sevenfeet

07-27-07, 10:51 AM

Any opinions from someone who recently purchased the $12/mo HD-DVR from Comcast? Is it SA or Moto? Is the UI intuitive?

Can you set 'favorites' like with other DVRs? I'd like to limit the channels they watch..having 200 or so will really intimidate them when trying to find their favorites.

I've had almost every version of the Moto box that Comcast is giving out. After two years I got so frustrated I made the switch to Tivo Series 3 and never looked back. The Moto DVRs do work and do record HD. They do hook you up with OnDemand and PPV if you want to do that stuff (I never use it). But the user interface and DVR software aggravate me so much that at best I put up with it and at worst, I curse at it. Yes you can do "favorites" (Tivo calls this a Season Pass), but it took a while before there was any reasonable flexibility at this, and the UI doesn't make looking at all the options available easy. And Tivo organizes episodes of the same show into folders. The Moto DVR just puts the shows out there, unorganized, which gets old when you are trying to look for something, especially something that was recorded days ago.

But there were two big problems in my book that caused me to dump them. First is the limited hard drive capacity. I ended up spending a lot of time and effort managing what little space I had. If you have a few favorite HD shows, you blow through your hard drive in a hurry. But the real problem were the bugs in the software. After several incremental software updates, one day my Moto DVR decided to record Star Trek (a favorite setting). It recorded what it thought was Star Trek over and over and over and over again, regardless of what the program said. Some recording were an hour, some were 22 minutes, others 2 1/2 hours...totally screwed up. Needless to say by the time I discovered the problem, it had blown through my entire hard drive and recorded over several shows I intended to watch. And this was not the first or second time I'd seen this bug but the third (and most destructive of the three).

Tivos aren't completely bug free (nothing is), but they work. And with the newest HD Tivo just hitting the market, they are more affordable now.

nyvram

07-27-07, 12:59 PM

I've had almost every version of the Moto box that Comcast is giving out. After two years I got so frustrated I made the switch to Tivo Series 3 and never looked back. The Moto DVRs do work and do record HD. They do hook you up with OnDemand and PPV if you want to do that stuff (I never use it). But the user interface and DVR software aggravate me so much that at best I put up with it and at worst, I curse at it. Yes you can do "favorites" (Tivo calls this a Season Pass), but it took a while before there was any reasonable flexibility at this, and the UI doesn't make looking at all the options available easy. And Tivo organizes episodes of the same show into folders. The Moto DVR just puts the shows out there, unorganized, which gets old when you are trying to look for something, especially something that was recorded days ago.

But there were two big problems in my book that caused me to dump them. First is the limited hard drive capacity. I ended up spending a lot of time and effort managing what little space I had. If you have a few favorite HD shows, you blow through your hard drive in a hurry. But the real problem were the bugs in the software. After several incremental software updates, one day my Moto DVR decided to record Star Trek (a favorite setting). It recorded what it thought was Star Trek over and over and over and over again, regardless of what the program said. Some recording were an hour, some were 22 minutes, others 2 1/2 hours...totally screwed up. Needless to say by the time I discovered the problem, it had blown through my entire hard drive and recorded over several shows I intended to watch. And this was not the first or second time I'd seen this bug but the third (and most destructive of the three).

Tivos aren't completely bug free (nothing is), but they work. And with the newest HD Tivo just hitting the market, they are more affordable now.

I have nothing against tivo except the 'monthly channel guide' fee. That really irks me. I can get the comcast box for LESS than the additional monthly 'channel guide' fee and have the ability to swap it out anytime there's a problem or the box gets any significant update. Plus its all-in-one instead of having the cable tuner plus TIVO.

Being a replaytv snob, I definitely understand the appeal of a great UI like the one TIVO has (and features) but I cannot justify the hassle and up-front cost of buying a TIVO + monthly fees for something I can essentially add for another $12/mo straight from comcast.

Am I missing something? I think TIVO needs to rethink their strategy of charging for channel guides.

hearncl

07-27-07, 03:10 PM

I have nothing against tivo except the 'monthly channel guide' fee. That really irks me. I can get the comcast box for LESS than the additional monthly 'channel guide' fee and have the ability to swap it out anytime there's a problem or the box gets any significant update. Plus its all-in-one instead of having the cable tuner plus TIVO.

Being a replaytv snob, I definitely understand the appeal of a great UI like the one TIVO has (and features) but I cannot justify the hassle and up-front cost of buying a TIVO + monthly fees for something I can essentially add for another $12/mo straight from comcast.

Am I missing something? I think TIVO needs to rethink their strategy of charging for channel guides.
No extra cable tuner is needed with TiVo. Both the TiVo Series 3, and the new TiVo HD, have dual analog and digital tuners. Cablecards are needed in the TiVo for tuning digital cable channels. Analog cable channels and over-the-air digital HD channels can be tuned with or without cablecards. (As I understand it, all DVRs supplied by cable companies will use cablecards in the future.)

There's no doubt that TiVo is more expensive than using the cable company DVR, but I was so frustrated with the Comcast Motorola DVR (see above post by Sevenfeet) that it's worth it to me. And, the new TiVo HD is more affordable than the Series 3, with almost the same capabilities.

nyvram

07-27-07, 05:53 PM

No extra cable tuner is needed with TiVo. Both the TiVo Series 3, and the new TiVo HD, have dual analog and digital tuners. Cablecards are needed in the TiVo for tuning digital cable channels. Analog cable channels and over-the-air digital HD channels can be tuned with or without cablecards. (As I understand it, all DVRs supplied by cable companies will use cablecards in the future.)

There's no doubt that TiVo is more expensive than using the cable company DVR, but I was so frustrated with the Comcast Motorola DVR (see above post by Sevenfeet) that it's worth it to me. And, the new TiVo HD is more affordable than the Series 3, with almost the same capabilities.

I see the TiVO HD..its pretty. :) So, do you RENT the cablecard you have to put in? I was missing that piece of the puzzle..I thought you had to have a cable box..then it connected to the TiVO by putting a cablecard into the TiVO. What you're saing is you dont need a cable (or satellite?) box, but just a TiVO with the cablecard and then you're good to go..?

Or does this not work w/ satellites?

I'm really fed up with all the 'per month' models most business have now (satellite radio, cable box rental, dvr channel guides, etc.) and I think these companies do themselves a disservice not to offer a 'one time forver' fee as an option.

dwynne

07-27-07, 06:39 PM

If you have a Tivo S3 (or the new Tivo HDTV model for $299) you can record the locals in HD OTA for "free" - just the cost of the Tivo, the monthly Tivo service fee ($13 or so), and the antenna.

If you have cable you can hook up the S3 to that and record whatever your cable sub allows for the cost of the cable sub (starts at $13 per month) plus cost of Tivo, plus rental on cable cards (supposed to be around $3 for both), plus Tivo fee ($13).

If you have cable and a more expensive cable package - like HBO, etc then it is the same cost except the cable expense goes up.

What you don't get is "On Demand". You are also spending more money any way you look at it - the Tivo fee is as much as the Comcast DVR fee plus you have to buy the S3. If you cable owned DVR fries you get another, if your Tivo fries (out of warranty) you pay to repair/replace.

But with Tivo you get a better UI, no ads, and easy upgrade to more space (with more space to start with depending on the Tivo model), and typically more reliability.

The HR10-250 DirecTivo HD Tivo can record HD OTA and HD from the sat, but does not work with cable. You have to be on a minimum sat package ($30-40 a month?) plus pay D* a DVR fee ($5 per month).

Dennis

nyvram

07-27-07, 07:09 PM

hearncl

07-28-07, 12:26 AM

I see the TiVO HD..its pretty. :) So, do you RENT the cablecard you have to put in? I was missing that piece of the puzzle..I thought you had to have a cable box..then it connected to the TiVO by putting a cablecard into the TiVO. What you're saing is you dont need a cable (or satellite?) box, but just a TiVO with the cablecard and then you're good to go..?

Or does this not work w/ satellites?

I'm really fed up with all the 'per month' models most business have now (satellite radio, cable box rental, dvr channel guides, etc.) and I think these companies do themselves a disservice not to offer a 'one time forver' fee as an option.
The HD DVRs now made by TiVo (Series 3 and TiVo HD) do not work with satellite.

There's discussion in this thread about the cost of renting cablecards from Comcast. Some are paying more than we think we should. You'll have to call Comcast about this, plus search the earlier posts. I have a TiVo Series 2 analog DVR, and I'm thinking of replacing it with the $299 TiVo HD and using it without cablecards. I'll be able to tune all the analog channels, plus the OTA HD channels (most of which I can pick up in Nashville with an indoor antenna). And, it has 2 tuners instead of the 1 in the Series 2.

Jon J

07-28-07, 12:44 PM

Interesting..are you saying DIrectTV uses TiVO as their DVR? Or that its an optional DVR interface?The HR10-250 uses TiVo software but is out of production. DirecTV now leases their own DVR the HR20-XXX.

Crakaveli

07-31-07, 01:07 AM

nyvram

07-31-07, 10:34 AM

yeah they went from 92.1-93.2 to 1.1-1.5

Hmm, I'm still picking them up on 92.1 - 83.2 on my QAM tuner here in Nashville.

I'm afraid to rescan for fear I'll lose on the *ahem* PPVs that are currently coming in. Maybe I should wait & rescan on a Saturday night when there are lots of active PPV channels ;)

Citricfire

08-01-07, 10:47 PM

I just bought a new home here in east Nashville. I've been getting the basics taken care of: trash, recycling, water, power, etc. Anyway, Comcast was next on my list. I should mention the house is new construction, and the builder said the house was ready for cable (I saw the wires hanging from the side of the house, although there are no cables coming into the plates inside the house). I guess my question is what should I talk to Comcast about? Should I ask for a technician to come out and make sure the cable was done right (good cable, splits in the right areas, recommendations on an amplifier, etc.)? I'm guessing I'll be wanting him/her to set me up with runs into the house as well. Or should I be doing some things myself while the house is totally empty?
Sorry, I have a lot of questions. I've done my best to look through the thread with the time I've had. Lots of good/funny posts. I think what I'll be aiming for is limited basic, a cablecard (for my WEGA A10), and their 6MB internet. Any help or comments would be appreciated.

Ou8thisSN

08-02-07, 12:00 PM

builder should run cable to all the rooms that you say you'd like a cable outlet in. they probably wouldnt split anything themselves, and just run cable straight from the box outside into your house, comcast would come and 'finish' the outlets' and do all the splitting. thats what they did at my house. if you have more than 4 cable outlets, you'll need an amplifier.

we get food/hgtv hd at the end of the month, yay.

btw... any chance the NFL exhibition game will be on the "HD special events and programming channel tonight" ?

Citricfire

08-02-07, 02:21 PM

Thanks for the reply. I may have made it unclear, but the house was completed by the time I came around. I was excited to hear you think the builder would have straight runs from the box to the rooms. And I'm right at the four rooms mark (three beds and the living room), so maybe this will work out better than I had origianlly hoped. I was hoping to get the best image I could without spending too much money (the house itself, window treatments, appliances, mailboxes, moving costs, etc. are going to run me into the ground this month). I'll probably look into doing my place up right in a few months when my bank account can rebound a bit.
Anyway, I'll call up Comcast, or possibly swing by, and talk to them about service and fishing up the outlets. Thanks again.
Oh, any more help from others is still appreciated.

andydumi

08-02-07, 04:25 PM

Does Nashville have the new DCH3416 DVrs yet? They are supposedly faster in the menus and all, and hopefully with a little less hard drive buzz than the current DCT-3416 (which drives my wife nuts).

Ou8thisSN

08-02-07, 04:26 PM

well in our two houses, it was done differnetly. the first one, that was new, there were cable runs that were pre-split by the builder, and the builder didnt run the cable all the way up into each bedroom, he just ran it into an attic and comcast pulled the rest into the room.

in our second, new house, the builders ran 6 coax lines into the rooms we specified, and put a blank plate on the wall where each run ended. all comcast had to do was come in and put f-connectors in the ends of each run and 'finish' the outlet. they didnt charge for that.

at our first house however, if we wanted a 'finished outlet', they would have charged like 50 bucks or something per outlet. instead of that, they just ran the wire under the carpet. so it depends on how much you're willing to spend and what your builder left you.

andydumi

08-02-07, 05:07 PM

In our house they built in the entire wiring. Ran all the cable (each room) wherever we specified and built a box with finished wiring, ready to plug in TV, and then all run to a central box in the garage, where Comcast put everything in a splitter/booster from outside.

Same with internet. Ran Cat6 twice (one for phone, one for Internet) to every location we wanted, fully finished wall plates and the other ends together in boxes in the garage ready for a switch/router, or a splitter for phone lines. Bellsouth did the phone lines and I ran 1 phone line into a modem/router and then plugged in all the other cables into a massive switch.

Plus they have these nifty wall plates we ordered online with 1 cable, 1 network and 1 phone line plug on each plate.

therawuncut

08-02-07, 06:16 PM

No one has anything to contribute about running firewire out from the motorola boxes in the Nashville area?

Ou8thisSN

08-02-07, 11:53 PM

Citricfire

08-03-07, 11:34 AM

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Seems like there were a number of coax cables hanging from a hole in my outside siding (garages are quite the premium in east) and a telephone line. I assuming if they were going to have any splits at all there'd only be one coax line coming from hole.
I have Comcast coming out Tuesday to finish the job. It's going to cost around $75 for the four connections I have in the house. When the person on the phone asked which services I'd like, I responded with "limited basic" and he, of course, went through the whole run down of channels I could get elsewhere. After I told him I'd probalby bounce up when my budget allowed, he mentioned a basic digital package for $35/~100 channels (I can't remember if he said "limited" before the basic part). I found this interesting, because the first digital package on their site says $50 or whatever. Anyone have this $35 service?
I'll give an update on what went down come Tuesday. Any suggestions for what I should make sure the Comcast guys does? Thanks.

Orangedaisy

08-03-07, 11:05 PM

Maybe he's talking about the digital starter package. It's the same cost as limited basic. You get a few digital channels above 100 like Hallmark, Games Show Network, WKRN Weather, & MoviePlex.

2 WKRN (ABC) Nashville
3 Government Access
4 WSMV (NBC) Nashville
5 WTVF (CBS) Nashville
6 WZTV (FOX) Nashville
8 WNPT (PBS) Nashville
9 Access
10 Access
11 ESPN
12 QVC
13 CNN
14 WUXP (MY30) Nashville
15 WPGD (TBN) Gallatin
17 WNPX (ION) Nashville
18 WNAB (CW) Nashville
19 Access TV
20 WGN (IND) Chicago
21 WHTN (IND) Murfreesboro
22 WJFB (IND) Lebanon
23 TBS
24 USA Network
25 Disney Channel
26 Cartoon Network
27 CSS
28 FOX Sports South
29 ESPN 2
30 CMT
31 GAC
32 VH1
33 BET
34 MTV
35 ABC Family Channel
36 AMC
37 Nick/Nick at Night
38 TNT
39 Discovery Channel
40 Animal Planet
41 A&E
42 Lifetime Television
43 The History Channel
44 HGTV
45 The Learning Channel
46 CNBC
47 CNN Headline News
48 Fox News Channel
49 CSN49
50 News Channel 5+
51 MSNBC
52 The Weather Channel
53 Court TV
54 The Golf Channel
55 G4Tech TV
56 Bravo
57 Sci-Fi Channel
58 E!
59 TV Land
60 Comedy Central
61 Spike TV
63 Style
64 Oxygen
65 Food Network
66 TV Guide Channel
70 FX
71 HSN
72 Versus
73 The Travel Channel
74 Leased Access
96 Univision#
98 C-SPAN
99 C-SPAN 2
246 Telemundo
241 WNPT 2 (PBS) DIGITAL
245 WKRN 24hr Weather
137 Hallmark Channel
149 MoviePlex
179 GSN
+ 45 music channels

lsouth44

08-05-07, 12:04 AM

In our house they built in the entire wiring. Ran all the cable (each room) wherever we specified and built a box with finished wiring, ready to plug in TV, and then all run to a central box in the garage, where Comcast put everything in a splitter/booster from outside.

Same with internet. Ran Cat6 twice (one for phone, one for Internet) to every location we wanted, fully finished wall plates and the other ends together in boxes in the garage ready for a switch/router, or a splitter for phone lines. Bellsouth did the phone lines and I ran 1 phone line into a modem/router and then plugged in all the other cables into a massive switch.

thanks to everyone for the wonderful information!

My builder has a extensive commercial background and had things built in for me. I had him install similar to the post above.

I heard from the neighbors that comcast net speeds on this road are horrible...which scares me since im in a internet based business. Anyone near the Opry Mills Hotel at McGavock Pike?

thanks again to everyone here!

Troytn

08-05-07, 04:30 PM

I have been with Comcast HD cable for 6 months now and I like it much more then Directv even though it is more expensive. The only bummer is Comcast gave me a high Def receiver with a DVI output that does not work and from reading here it seems this is normal for Comcast.

My question is does Comcast make any high def receivers in the Nashville market that will output HD via DVI or HDMI or only componet?

I want a high def Comcast receiver that outputs HD via HDMI or DVI. Do they make one?

Comcast needs to catch up on the digital transmission of HD via HDMI.

If you know of any please let me know. I need to know how to get one.

Thanks

snowcat

08-06-07, 09:10 AM

jhstn58

08-06-07, 10:12 AM

Go to Comcast at Metro Center and swap out your box for one with an HDMI output. They have some old DVI boxes still in circulation for customers who don't need HDMI connections.

Troytn

08-06-07, 12:11 PM

Will do..Thanks

hearncl

08-06-07, 01:24 PM

jhstn58

08-06-07, 04:19 PM

I hope the CSR was simply clueless, because I too have lost several channels on one of my cards. I'll let you know what happens to me when I call it in this evening.

Ou8thisSN

08-07-07, 12:41 AM

do you have to pay like 12 bucks a month just for those two cablecards?

HDTivoKY

08-07-07, 08:19 AM

Okay, I've been delaying calling Comcast to ask for this because I am 95% sure the CSR won't have a clue what I'm talking about. So, I thought I would ask here first to see if anyone else has had luck doing this yet.

As most of us know, the analog basic cable channels are now simulcast in digital. I believe the newer cable boxes are digital only, in fact. Currently, I have an Series 3 HD Tivo with two cablecards. I would LOVE to have Comcast map the basic cable channels (2-99) to use the digital version rather than the analog to improve picture quality, etc.

In the national forums, folks have discussed having some success with getting this done but it apparently takes 5-10 phone calls and explanations. Has anyone in the Nashville area attempted this and, if so, were you successful?

Thanks!

jhstn58

08-08-07, 08:20 AM

hearncl

08-08-07, 02:05 PM

When I installed two cablecards in my TiVo Series 3 late last year, I just picked them up at the Comcast office, installed them, and called Comcast to activate the cards. Very simple and straightforward. Yesterday I found that I could no longer tune encrypted digital channels on one of the S3 tuners. It appears that one of the cablecards has lost its authentication. I called Comcast to ask them to "hit" the card again, but the CSR said that they no longer allowed card activation by the customer, and that I would have to schedule a service call. Does anyone know if this is a change of policy, or did I just get a clueless CSR?

hearncl -
I was able to restore all channels on both cable cards by simply restarting my Series 3 from the Settings menu. Have you tried that before scheduling a service call?
Restarting the TiVo didn't work for me. I scheduled a service call for this morning. The tech wasn't familiar with TiVos, but otherwise seemed competent. He called to "hit" the bad card again, and it worked. We'll see if it's a permanent cure. He did say that losing cablecard authentication was fairly common.

I was not able to get a definitive answer about whether the cablecard self-installation policy has actually changed. The tech said it may just depend on who you happen to get when you call. When he called his private number, he had to wait quite a while before getting someone who could send the activation signal, so it may be that there is a shortage of Comcast employees familiar with cablecards.

If anyone comes up with a definitive answer to my original question, please post.

John Williams

08-08-07, 04:40 PM

Did anyone catch the message that HGTV and FoodTV are going to be available in HD soon?

-John

Sevenfeet

08-08-07, 04:46 PM

Did anyone catch the message that HGTV and FoodTV are going to be available in HD soon?

-John

Some of us don't have Comcast supplied cableboxes so we don't see those messages. What did it say?

andydumi

08-08-07, 04:56 PM

Some of us don't have Comcast supplied cableboxes so we don't see those messages. What did it say?

Exactly that. They will be available starting August 31st. Food network and HGTV in HD on 212 and 213... whichever two numbers are next.

My question is, once we get a couple more (around Xmas is my guess) and we get to bump into HBO at 215, what will they do, move the HBOs, or jump to the 240s? I hope they move the HBOs as its quite annoying right now to scroll through the HD channels all free, then you have the paids which we dont subscribe to, then the locals. Or better yet, a way to remove them from the guide a la Tivo style.

Ou8thisSN

08-09-07, 03:50 AM

superwsp

08-09-07, 02:03 PM

Does the NFL channel get an HD feed on Comcast?

Jon J

08-09-07, 02:22 PM

Swerving slightly OT...had a DirecTV HR20 DVR and new 5 satellite-capable dish installed yesterday. Locals in HD seem as good as OTA. Bears further study.

I'm running it alongside my DirecTiVo HR10-250. The features and software are very different. Neither actually head a shoulders above the other.

I do miss Season Passes and Suggestions, however. :(

mr2828

08-10-07, 04:36 AM

i dont even really scroll through each channel like i used to do in the analog days. it takes too long for the picture to show up for me to care. its just easier to pull up the guide and see whats playing on whatever channels i want to get around to, so the channel number placement doesnt bother me, the damned guide ads do. what happened to the movement to get comcast to remove those ads? abandoned?

We left for greener pastures. Comcast lost my video business just as Bellsouth lost my phone business years back to VOIP. Too restrictive, too expensive, not advanced enough compared to the available alternatives.

andydumi

08-10-07, 11:28 AM

i dont even really scroll through each channel like i used to do in the analog days. it takes too long for the picture to show up for me to care. its just easier to pull up the guide and see whats playing on whatever channels i want to get around to, so the channel number placement doesnt bother me, the damned guide ads do. what happened to the movement to get comcast to remove those ads? abandoned?

I mean for the guide. We dont scroll through channels either, but skipping through 2 pages of guide is annoying when we should not have to.

Plus, we use the "hd only" menu thing, and it shows a ton of premium channels that we dont get, when we should be able to just show what we can actually watch.

Ou8thisSN

08-10-07, 03:00 PM

We left for greener pastures. Comcast lost my video business just as Bellsouth lost my phone business years back to VOIP. Too restrictive, too expensive, not advanced enough compared to the available alternatives.

what greener pastures? is there a better option in nashville that i'm not aware of? did you get satalite? afaik Verizon isnt here it with FIOS are they?

jhstn58

08-10-07, 05:39 PM

Why does Comcast broadcast duplicate channels of some network stations? I realize some networks (like ESPN) are broadcast in both standard def (channel 11) and hi-def (channel 202), but it also is broadcast again around channel 260. Likewise, the NFL Network is broadcast on channel 180 and on channel 275 (and neither of them are HD).

nashman2

08-11-07, 06:36 PM

Does anyone know if we will get NFL HD? I read of other cities getting it, with little if any pre-announcement. Nashville seems an obvious choice.

HDTivoKY

08-13-07, 07:11 AM

HDTivoKY -

I am not familiar with what you are describing, but am happy to call in too if that would help. Can you explain - or refer me to a thread explaining - what you mean by "mapping" the basic channels to use the digital rather than the analog signals? I'm aware that both signals are sent, but I just assumed that our HDTivos would pick up the digital signals by default. I would LOVE better quality on those basic channels, though FX is just about the only one I watch regularly.

jhstn58 -

Today, my S3 Tivo tunes the analog version of channels 2-99. (You can tell this by hitting the record button on one of these channels (if Tivo gives you the option of recording at best quality...then it's an analog channel. Digital channels do not offer this option since there's only one quality option for digital).

Comcast has the ability to send a signal to your cable card telling it to use the digital version of channels 2-99. See this thread for more detail:

http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?t=362094&highlight=digital+version+of+basic+cable

jhstn58

08-13-07, 07:23 AM

HDTivoKY

08-13-07, 08:11 AM

I believe it can be directed to a specific card address. But, I'm not 100% sure. As you can see in the link I posted above, there is much confusion around this. However, much like you, I watch FX (and TLC) and the analog quality is horrible.

hearncl

08-13-07, 12:01 PM

Thanks for the explanation. Do you know if the Comcast ADS signal will affect all boxes and cards in the home or only the ones to which it is directed? I think I still have a 6412 running in the bedroom.
When I first got a TiVo S3 last year, for a short time I still had a Comcast Motorola 3412 DVR. The S3 tuned the analog versions of channels 1-99, while the 3412 tuned the digital versions (it has only digital tuners). I once called Comcast to see if the TiVo could be switched to tune the digital versions, with no luck. I believe that HDTivoKY is correct that if you call Comcast, the chances are slim to none that you will get someone who knows what you are talking about.

The 6412 has both analog and digital tuners, so you might be getting the analog version on it.

I can't remember if the digital version of these channels on the 3412 was actually superior to the analog version on the S3, but I don't believe there was a great difference. As I understand it, the original analog signal is converted to digital at Comcast, so at that point you will still have basically the same quality picture in both versions. If you can tune the digital version, presumably you will avoid any problems that might degrade the analog signal between Comcast and your equipment, which may or may not be significant. I trust someone will correct me if I'm wrong about this.

Jon J

08-13-07, 01:16 PM

The NFL network's HD broadcast of the Titan's game was horrible. Often it was almost like looking through gauze.

I assume Comcast had it. How was their HD product?

hearncl

08-13-07, 01:47 PM

The NFL network's HD broadcast of the Titan's game was horrible. Often it was almost like looking through gauze.

I assume Comcast had it. How was their HD product?
I watched the game on the WUXP digital channel, 236. The picture was distinctly better than their analog version, channel 14, but I don't think it was HD. However, the closed captions on 236 were garbled. I frequently get garbled CCs on channels 234-236; don't know if that's caused by my TiVo S3, or not.

I can't tune the NFL channel--I just get a gray screen. I think I heard that Comcast moved this channel to a premium sports package--is this true?

Jon J

08-13-07, 02:11 PM

NFL HD is on DirecTV 97.

I suspect the picture problem was the compression required since it's MPEG2.

Can't wait for the new bird to light up. ;)

Meklos

08-15-07, 11:32 PM

Will be switching to Comcast from DirecTV here soon (in Hendersonville, TN), need to know a couple of things...

1) Are any of the CSI shows available on demand in HD?

2) Have they improved the response time for the on-demand controls? I was in a corporate apt last year, and you might tell the unit to fast-forward, then when you hit play, it might register the 'play' function up to 30 seconds later, missing most of the show.

3) What HD DVR hardware are they giving out now? How is the interface, response time, usability, storage, etc compared to either a Series 2 Tivo or the D* HR-20? Can you add external storage?

4) Can you do any sort of multi-room viewing / media sharing between HD-DVRs (watch a show off of DVR "A" from DVR "B") or media sharing from any sort of server? I don't see an ethernet port on them, but I see they basically have a cablemodem built-in.

5) I'm planning on doing a self-install to a new-to-me house that already has cable service (including HD in the places I want it). I'm planning to go down to my local office, set up my service and pick up the equipment (avoiding an install fee). Any gotchas to look out for?

Thanks in advance?

Ou8thisSN

08-16-07, 12:21 AM

1. yes
2. yes, if you have slow response times, you might need a signal amplifier.
3. idk
4. no
5. call ahead, make sure they have enough hd boxes.

Meklos

08-16-07, 11:40 AM

Thanks for the info. When I was in the corp apt, I also had cablemodem service. Signals looked good on the cablemodem, and I didn't have any packet loss either way. It looked like a performance issue on the on demand headend, not like the packets were getting lost somewhere... but would have to sniff it to be sure.

hearncl

08-16-07, 12:29 PM

Meklos:

When I last had a Comcast DVR over 6 months ago, it was a Motorola 3412. I didn't use on-demand, but for normal viewing and recording the interface was usable but very clunky compared to TiVo. Storage is limited (~15 hours HD) and not upgradable. At times, there was a serious lag in the DVR responding to remote control button pushes--the unit would store a sequence of pushes and then execute them all at once, causing confusion when just changing channels for example. I don't know if this is the same response time problem you mention, or if this has improved over the last 6 months.

Over a year ago it was announced that Comcast would make the TiVo operating system available on their DVRs. This is still pending.

If you don't mind spending more money, consider one of the TiVo HD DVRs (Series3 and TiVoHD). In addition to the superior TiVo usability, storage is more than the Comcast boxes, and upgradable. The dual-tuner HD TiVos need two cablecards to receive digital programs. You give up on-demand capability. Multi-room viewing is not presently available, although should be later this year. In addition to cable input, the TiVo units have an antenna input for tuning over-the-air local HD broadcasts. The OTA stations are included in the TiVo Guide.

I believe you can pick up the Comcast DVR and install it yourself, but I'm not sure. I was able to pick up the cablecards for my TiVo Series3 and install them, then call to activate them. I don't know if this is still the policy for cablecard installation.

csd

08-16-07, 03:02 PM

3) What HD DVR hardware are they giving out now?

I currently have the Motorola 3416, which has 40GB more space than the 3412 hearncl mentioned, so that helps with recording amount. You might have to ask specifically for the 3416, though, as they might try to give you a 3412. As far as the guide being responsive, it's ok, but not great. The Tivo interface is indeed better, but I've gotten used to the Motorola guide, so I don't see it as a limiting factor really (I might change my mind if I actually had a Tivo, though).

Charlie

Meklos

08-16-07, 05:41 PM

Meklos

08-16-07, 05:43 PM

I currently have the Motorola 3416, which has 40GB more space than the 3412 hearncl mentioned, so that helps with recording amount. You might have to ask specifically for the 3416, though, as they might try to give you a 3412. As far as the guide being responsive, it's ok, but not great. The Tivo interface is indeed better, but I've gotten used to the Motorola guide, so I don't see it as a limiting factor really (I might change my mind if I actually had a Tivo, though).

Charlie

DCT or DCH 3416? Is that one dual-tuner? Do you have an Mcard or two cablecards?

Thanks!

hearncl

08-16-07, 06:32 PM

I would if it weren't for the (supposed) impending system upgrades to switched video, I would do just that..............
I just can't justify (to myself) spending $900-$1200 for something that Comcast will probably be turning into a brick in 2 years.
I'm not worried about SDV turning my TiVo into a brick, since it's not likely to affect the channels I most watch. It is a consideration, though. The TiVo HD can be bought for about $270, plus the TiVo monthly or lifetime fee. It will use an Mcard or two regular cablecards.

Meklos

08-16-07, 11:16 PM

I'm not worried about SDV turning my TiVo into a brick, since it's not likely to affect the channels I most watch. It is a consideration, though. The TiVo HD can be bought for about $270, plus the TiVo monthly or lifetime fee. It will use an Mcard or two regular cablecards.

I was looking at $299 times 3 or 4 (plus monthly)... Yeah, lots of TVs :)

I guess I figured that switched video would be a total node conversion, not changing select channels. I'll have to check into it more...

csd

08-17-07, 11:39 AM

DCT or DCH 3416? Is that one dual-tuner? Do you have an Mcard or two cablecards?

Thanks!

It's a DCT-3416 and it is dual-tuner. It doesn't have any cablecard slots, as it's still using the built-in system. I guess they have to start using cablecard boxes because of FCC, though. Not sure when that has to happen (nor do I know a whole lot about it).

Charlie

andydumi

08-17-07, 11:42 AM

Anyone get the message this morning that 24 channels are changing locations? Anyone know which and where are they going?

Meklos

08-17-07, 12:21 PM

Are they distributing the DCH ones anywhere in Nashville? I've seen reports that they are significantly faster.

dscconway

08-17-07, 04:08 PM

The 24 channels moving are music channels.

superwsp

08-18-07, 01:32 AM

Anyone on Comcast getting black bars on the Titans preseason games on the HD channel? Is there a different channel the game is being broadcast?

andydumi

08-18-07, 02:52 PM

I dont think they broadcast it in HD, just SD on both channels.

skinlikewinter

08-25-07, 02:21 PM

Anyone having problems w/their DVR? Currently (Sat afternoon), none of my recorded programs will play.

superwsp

08-25-07, 09:42 PM

I watched a movie this afternoon.

Ou8thisSN

08-28-07, 03:15 PM

Foodnetwork HD and HGTV HD are up and running. Looks good, its also a different lineup than the SD channels. These two are running HD only programming like Discovery HD theater.

andydumi

08-29-07, 10:37 AM

Yep. Look good.

On a side note, has anyone had any signal issues the past couple of days... small dropouts during primetime, especially sound for about a second or two?

hearncl

08-29-07, 11:06 AM

Yep. Look good.

On a side note, has anyone had any signal issues the past couple of days... small dropouts during primetime, especially sound for about a second or two?
Last night, NBC HD (channel 232) had hiccups or became frozen. Other cable channels were fine. The over-the-air NBC HD channel was OK, so it was definitely a cable problem. Today, channel 232 is back to normal.

nyvram

08-30-07, 12:59 PM

Last night, NBC HD (channel 232) had hiccups or became frozen. Other cable channels were fine. The over-the-air NBC HD channel was OK, so it was definitely a cable problem. Today, channel 232 is back to normal.

I noticed it too. Several HD channels were 'skipping' and 'blocking' during primetime. It seemed to go away later in the evening. I was jiggling my cable wondering if the signal was off but I'm guessing now it was a temporary problem.

Ronnie Ferrell

08-30-07, 01:11 PM

On a side note, has anyone had any signal issues the past couple of days... small dropouts during primetime, especially sound for about a second or two?

Yep. Tuesday night was really bad for me. WSMV-HD was not watchable, really bad dropouts and lockups. WTVF-HD had small audio dropouts and slight pixelation. My HTPC records "House" on Tuesdays which is usually around 5G to 6G in size. This past Tuesday's recording was around 2.7G because of all the dropouts the errors. I thought my drop amp was on the fritz. But Wednesday night everything was back to normal.

Ronnie

Sevenfeet

08-30-07, 05:28 PM

Yes, FoodTV HD and HGTV HD are alive. We don't have Tivo updates adding these channels yet. I may have to call Tivo if this isn't solved by tomorrow.

brookspw

08-31-07, 02:59 PM

Anyone else lose service at halftime of the Titans' game last night? Mine was out and didn't come back until sometime during the night.

If I call and make a stink, what kind of service credit could I get?

skinlikewinter

09-02-07, 11:49 PM

Anyone having problems w/their DVR? Currently (Sat afternoon), none of my recorded programs will play.

I just had the unplug the power cord to the back of the receiver, then plug it back in. Everything is fine now.

millerman101

09-03-07, 06:19 PM

any comcast techs in here in the nashville area?

superwsp

09-05-07, 04:20 PM

Anyone received a Motorola DCH3416s?

Here is the link:

http://broadband.motorola.com/business/digitalvideo/product_dch3416_settop.asp

vumcrab

09-06-07, 12:11 PM

Hey, folks. Last month I pre-ordered a 52" XBR5 from Hi-Fi Buys here in town.

I am preparing for the xbr5 arrival by having a Comcast tech. come to the house Friday to dedicate a singe cable line for this TV. That is, it will have it's own dedicated signal and not split from the other source like the other tvs in the house. Hopefully, I won't have PQ problems due to signal strength. Is there anyting else I should ahve the tech do while he/she is at the house?

Most of our viewing be over Comcast cable, both SD and HD. One thing that I'm reading here that kinda concerns me is will I be able to use the HDMI connection from my cable box. I currently have the Motorola DCT-3412 cable box. In my area, Comcast also offers the SA Exp 8300 HD and the Motorola DCT-6412 P3. A tech at Hi-Fi Buys told me today that Comcast very recently came out with a true HDMI capable Motorola box, but wasn't sure of the model.

Does anyone have specific experience using either of these 3 boxes? I'm mostly concerned about SD broadcasts (until more HD channels are added). I've read where the HDMI connection from cables boxes simply don't render the best PQ as opposed to Component, etc. I guess that's due to upconverting by the box before the signal hits the TV. I'd hate to be limited to Component or RF when I'm buying an xbr5 that is HDMI 1.3 compatible. Seems to be a waste right off the bat.

Thanks for everybody's help and time.

superwsp

09-06-07, 05:18 PM

I have the 6412 HD DVR box and recently switched from component to HDMI and SD was noticeably better. HD was the same, maybe a little better.

My only complaint with the box is the menu/guide is slow.

Panasonic 50in plasma at 720p

dcsbuys

09-06-07, 07:06 PM

andydumi

09-07-07, 01:02 PM

Anyone know how easy it is in the Nashville area to get a cablecard or two for a Tivo? or if we have Mcards around here? And what is the rate?

hearncl

09-07-07, 04:47 PM

Anyone know how easy it is in the Nashville area to get a cablecard or two for a Tivo? or if we have Mcards around here? And what is the rate?
You can pick up the cablecards at a Comcast office and install them yourself, following the directions that came with the TiVo (which are also on the TiVo website). Record the cards' serial numbers before installation. After each card is installed, call Comcast to initialize the card.

I don't think Mcards are available here yet, but you can ask. The first card is free with digital service. Local Comcast CSRs are confused about TiVos and the cost of the second cable card. I was able to get them to reduce my cost for the second card from $6.95 to $1.50 per month, but at the same time they eliminated the digital channels from 100 to 198 from my service.

Steven Good

09-08-07, 05:19 PM

Anyone know how easy it is in the Nashville area to get a cablecard or two for a Tivo? or if we have Mcards around here? And what is the rate?

Picked up a single-stream card @ MetroCenter office last month for my HD Tivo. When I asked about multi-stream cards (M-Cards) their eyes glazed over...

Installed it, but calling in to get them to hit it twice with a signal to activate it was hard for them to grasp. Got it working, enjoyed it for one evening, then next day, my account was down to just the lifeline package. Called to straighen it out, but they insisted on a service call. They said I shouldn't even have been able to pick up the card myself. So, tech arrived with an M-Card in his pocket. He didn't know I already had a card. He tried to get the MCard to activate (with no prior card install experiences). He called into a special phone # that the techs get to use (mere customers can't call in to speak to these people). Guy on the other end of the line said that MCards weren't supported in Nashville yet. Gave some lame-o excuse about waiting for some FCC decision next January?!? Anyway, using step-by-step info I had pulled up on my PC on the Tivo forums, I walked the tech through everything, showing him what the dianostic screens should say for card to work correctly... Everything I could have done myself if only the Comcast office folks knew how to send the correct initialization and activation singals to the card.

It was a nice training opportunity for him...

UGH!

Don't know if the MCard thing I was told is true. I'm sure no one really knows anything at the office... Comcast Nashville may indeed support them; the cards themselves are in there warehouse. I held one in my hand. The tech actually couldn't figure out how to open up the clear plastic jewel case-type of box to remove the card! He struggled and struggled, then handed it to me. About a second later, I handed him the card....

UGH again!

hearncl

09-08-07, 08:51 PM

Comcast in Nashville apparently doesn't have a clear policy about self-install of cablecards. My experience is that it depends on the CSR you happen to get when you call. Many are reasonably competent, but some are clueless.

Last year I was able to pick up two cards, install them in my TiVo, and call to activate them with no problems. About a month ago I had a similar experience as Steven Good. I lost activation on one of my cards. I called Comcast but the CSR insisted that I couldn't pick up and install another card myself. She insisted on a service call, during which the tech called his special number and got the card activated.

Then last week I lost my digital SD channels on one card. This time the CSR said "no problem, just pick up a new card and call in for initialization". When I called to "hit" the new card, the CSR figured out that the reason I lost the SD channels was that Comcast had changed my digital package. She was one of the reasonably competent CSRs and was able to get the problem fixed in short order. (But this same CSR also insisted that my HD channels were not digital.)

Perhaps the thing to do if they say you can't self-install cards is to wait awhile and call again.

I believe that the latest Motorola DVR supplied by Comcast comes with a pre-installed Mcard, so they obviously have them.

(I forgot to add: when I picked up my replacement cablecard at the Brentwood Comcast office last week, the clerk told me to call 1-800-266-2278 to activate the card. This is not the local Comcast number I had been calling. Perhaps the CSRs at this number are more knowledgeable.)

vmaddogv

09-09-07, 08:46 PM

Has anyone experienced loud pops and clicks (sounds like an electrical spike) when watching any HD broadcast on Comcast channel 232 in Nashville? I have and it has gotten real bad lately. It is happening on all my HD tvs but is mostly noticeble on my surround receiver system. It doesn't appear to happen on the analog channel or any other channel for that matter. To me, NBC HD is unwatchable like this so I hope someone has an answer for me. Thanks in advance for any assistance.

I am having the exact same problem. It drives me crazy!! I thought it might be my OTA just getting a lousy signal, but I hooked my cable line directly into my TV and used the QAM tuner and I am getting the same "clicks" or "pops". I am going to check to see if my neighbor gets them with a comcast box. I am guessing yes since I am getting it QAM and OTA.

Jer2006

09-12-07, 08:26 PM

Anyone else not gettin A & E HD in HD?

Sevenfeet

09-13-07, 07:28 PM

Anyone else not gettin A & E HD in HD?

A TV uplink facility in Connecticut that processes the A&E HD signal caught fire earlier this week. The same facility services three other HD channels, but this was the only one we get here in Nashville on Comcast. No word as to how long it will be to effect repairs.

Sevenfeet

09-13-07, 07:32 PM

Has anyone else noticed that WSMV's main studio is down for renovation? Anyone care to speculate on whether an HD upgrade is in the cards? During a recent shoot out in Bellevue, I asked a WTVF cameraman when their competitors were going to go HD. He said "I dunno, but it's been great for our ratings!"

rondotcom

09-14-07, 09:34 AM

They both (channeles 4 and 5) had hi-def upgrades in their capital budgets. Five just beat them to it. Five also added a helicopter. That thumo you hear is the Channel 4 news director banging his head against the wall and whimpering softly

Sevenfeet

09-14-07, 10:20 AM

Interesting. The station that really needs the HD upgrade is Channel 2. WKRN's video quality consistently...well, sucks. And since Sinclair Broadcasting is typically adverse to HD capital expenditures, I expect WZTV's newscasts to continue looking like something out of a college journalism course.

superwsp

09-16-07, 08:07 PM

Anyone else clipping in and out all game. Macroblocking all game. Pitiful coverage.

Cut out the entire 1st quarter for the Browns (Ridiculas). If you are going to schedule a game. SHOW THE FREAKING GAME.

Orangedaisy

09-17-07, 11:20 PM

I'm doing some price and channel comparisons between Comcast & Dish Network. I'd appreciate anyone pointing out flaws in my analysis or talking about their experiences with Dish vs. Comcast.

Initially, I was considering adding the Comcast Sports Tier. Then I started doing some research and found that Dish has so many more sports channels in their base packages, including Sports South, which Comcast doesn't carry. Sports South is where the UT replays are shown this year (not that I really want to watch a replay right now). I'm not considering DirectTV because they make you pay $199 for a DVR. I currently have Comcast Digital Bronze Advantage. It's hard to figure out what makes up my bill, and what add-ons will cost (e.g., I need an extra HD box), so I can compare apples to apples, but this is what I guessed by looking at the Comcast website and my bill.

Comcast Internet - 40.00
Digital - 67.99
HBO - 10.00
Sports - 5.00
Extra HD Box - 5.00
DVR/HD Combo - 119.95
Total - 139.94

This is my estimated cost with Dish
Comcast Internet - 42.95
Digital - 52.99
HBO - 10.00
DVR/HD - 20.00 (two room DVR - 250 channels)
Total - $125.94

Savings = $14 per month = $168 per year.

Dish is offering free installation with an 18 month contract. I would gain 21 HD channels. I would lose 24 digital & analog channels Comcast carries that Dish does not, but I would only be upset over three of them, Weatherscan, WKRN WX, and 50+. I would gain 79 channels on Dish that Comcast does not carry, including channels I'd enjoy like NASA, Pentagon TV, Research Channel, Sports South, and Hallmark Movie Channel. I'm ignoring all the music-only channels on both systems.

snowcat

09-18-07, 05:41 AM

I switched to Dish back in May from Comcast, and the sports channels and HD were a big reason why.

I do want to warn you that Comcast internet will be $57 if you don't susbscribe to Comcast cable. I tried DSL for a while, but I had connection issues and could only get the 1.5 MB package. I switched back to Comcast HSI and also got the lifeline cable package ($11 per month). So my total internet bill is around $53 a month (42+11), but I have a 6 month special still going on, so it is about half that.

With Dish, I get a dedicated NFL HD channel, a dedicated Fox Sports Net HD channel (but only has programming on during certain Braves, Preds, and football games), a dedicated SportSouth HD channel (same programming rules as the Fox Sports Net channel), and the Big 10 Network HD channel (though this is only supposed to last till the end of the year in non-Big 10 states like TN). Of course you still get ESPN-HD and ESPN2-HD.

With the 250 channel package, I also get ESPN-U (SD now, but will likely go HD in the future), and almost everything that Comcast offers SD wise. And you get all the Voom HD channels, Discovery HD, History HD, National Geographic HD, A&E HD, and some others. TBS-HD will hopefully be added in time for the baseball playoffs.

I don't think I am really saving any money with Dish (with the 250+ package + HD package + HD-DVR + 2 more HD receivers), but I am definitely getting a lot more channels (and a better DVR with more capacity plus external storage if wanted).

Orangedaisy

09-18-07, 09:29 PM

I do want to warn you that Comcast internet will be $57 if you don't susbscribe to Comcast cable.

I knew y'all would have helpful information!

Thanks for the warning about the cost of Comcast internet. It looks like they are only charging me $40 for it right now or either they are charging less for the digital package than they quote online. I couldn't find any internet price but $42.95 on comcast.com, so I thought maybe I had a $2.95 internet discount. Why don't they break it out on the bill and disclose all their prices on the web? I've heard the horror stories of DSL. I'm so used to Comcast's speed, I doubt I could tolerate it.

Getting the $11 lifeline cable package plus internet is a great idea. At least it saves about $4, and if the Dish goes out because of bad weather, you still have the local channels are available.

Adjusting for the higher internet charge, the savings are only about $4 a month with Dish instead of Comcast, which will probably be eaten up by some Dish fee that I overlooked. Now I just have to decide if I all the extra channels that Dish offers are enough to entice me to switch.

SJMAYE

09-19-07, 02:56 AM

Another advantage of getting some sort of cable TV, even something as simple as lifeline cable, is that comcast hi speed internet subscribers with cable TV get a higher download rate than those people with high speed internet only.

Or at least it was that way at one time.

mr2828

09-19-07, 02:39 PM

vumcrab

09-19-07, 02:51 PM

One other difference is Comcast generally has higher quality video than Dish. Both SD and HD... the HD is passed through completely undegraded, whereas Dish cuts the resolution and re-encodes it to lower bitrates.

This is true. Other threads in this forum are reporting macro blocking on HDTVs with Dish signals due to high compression rates.

snowcat

09-19-07, 05:35 PM

I don't notice it on my HD Dish signals. I can't tell any difference between the Comcast HD signals and the Dish HD signals.

SJMAYE

09-19-07, 07:18 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by mr2828
One other difference is Comcast generally has higher quality video than Dish. Both SD and HD... the HD is passed through completely undegraded, whereas Dish cuts the resolution and re-encodes it to lower bitrates.

This is true. Other threads in this forum are reporting macro blocking on HDTVs with Dish signals due to high compression rates.

From everything I have read this is true with at respect to Directv. I Signal quality for SD is loads better than analog cable and probably reasonably similar to SD digital SD cable. I have read nothing but complaints PQ not being up to snuff due to compressing of signal.

vumcrab

09-24-07, 12:49 AM

Is anybody here running Comcast cable via Motorola 3416 STB to a Sony xbr4/5? Just wondering how the PQ was for SD and HD.

NashGuy

09-24-07, 07:43 PM

Is anyone else here having problems tuning in our local PBS affiliate's HD channel? Recently I've had intermittent reception problems with WNPT-HD: screen freezes, massive pixelation, sound drop-outs, popping noises, and sometimes (like right now) no picture or sound at all. I subscribe to Comcast's basic cable package, which includes the HD feeds of all the local broadcast channels, and I get them via a digital cable-ready (QAM) tuner. Comcast broadcasts WNPT-HD on QAM frequency 115.8. Actually, I'm also having problems receiving a couple of other channels that Comcast carries on nearby frequencies (Current TV on 114.14 and C-Span 3 on 114.5), so it seems that there's either a problem in Comcast's signal in that range of frequencies or in my tuner's ability to pick them up. I'd love to hear if anyone else with a similar set-up is having problems with those channels.

Orangedaisy

09-24-07, 09:23 PM

My audio is out of sync with the video big time on the Titan's game tonight, but not on the commercials (not even on the HD commercials). Anybody else having this problem?

mr2828

09-25-07, 07:50 AM

I'm watching my Tivo recording of the game now, and yes I have the same problem. This was received OTA, not via Comcast.

baseballkyle

09-27-07, 05:27 PM

just got off the phone with the marketing dept in Nashville and they confirmed launch of TBS-HD is tomorrow! YES! baseball playoffs in HD! :D

csd

09-27-07, 09:25 PM

just got off the phone with the marketing dept in Nashville and they confirmed launch of TBS-HD is tomorrow! YES! baseball playoffs in HD! :D

:D

Avatar28

09-28-07, 01:08 AM

I am considering making the jump to DirecTV HD service but I had a few concerns. Awhile back, everyone on here complained that DirecTV and Dish had inferior HD quality compared to OTA and Comcast. That and the fact that not all of the local channels are available in HD kept me from switching. I know that DirecTV has been launching new satellites and switching to mpeg4 which should help the quality issues so I was wondering how their quality compares to Comcast now. I noticed watching our DVR'd Heroes from Monday night that the quality seemed to have gone down drastically. There were a number of scenes where I could see artificating (mosaics and a sort of screen door effect mainly) and the quality in general lately doesn't seem as good as what it has been in the past.

I am especially interested in making the switch with all of the new HD channels available and coming soon to DirecTV (Sci-Fi HD, yes! My prayers have been answered, I can finally watch Stargate in HiDef.). I would also prefer to have more recording time. There are a number of shows my wife (and myself, but mainly my wife) records and if we have a busy week and can't watch some of them they are liable to start dropping off before the end of the week due to lack of space. Does the DirecTV HDDVR provide more space than the Comcast ones?

My other option DVR-wise would be to try to get ahold of one of the dual cable card compatible tuners and a couple of 500 GB HDDs and use my Vista PC as a proper HTPC since it's hooked to the TV and the surround sound anyways.

nashman2

09-28-07, 08:53 AM

I noticed NFL-HD on channel 201 as of early this morning. Haven't seen TBS-HD yet.
One question - I thought Comcast was supposed to notify customers 30 days in advance of any changes to our line-up. This is a local regulation. I'm not complaining though!:)

Jon J

09-28-07, 04:15 PM

HDTivoKY

09-28-07, 07:08 PM

TBS HD is up on channel 221.

Also, as posted earlier, NFL HD is up on 201.

Avatar28

09-29-07, 12:02 AM

Avatar28...DTV currently provides only 2, 4, 5 and 17 in HD. The HR20 has dual ATSC tuners, so you can record locals OTA. The new MPEG4 HD channels via satellite from D10 look very nice. About 40 total HD channels are up now with 70 or more due to be lit up by the end of October.

You can add a larger e-SATA external drive to the HR20. They are available up to about 2 terabytes. I've heard you can actually put the new drive in the HR20 enclosure. There's nothing to format or any software to add. The receiver will download and install the latest software when first turned on.

The HR20 interface certainly differs from the TiVo interface, but it's not as bad as true TiVoholics would have you believe.

- Jon

Is the HR20 the DirecTV HD-DVR that they're offering? And is their quality probably on a par with what Comcast offers or even OTA?

Also, I know I've seen offers for DTV not long ago that included a free HD-DVR with the service instead of having to buy it for $200 though this might have been more of a lease type thing. Is there a forum on this board where I could look for the best deal on that type of service?

Ou8thisSN

09-29-07, 03:11 PM

why would they stick TBS-HD in the middle of the premiums? strange...

eyeofmourning

09-30-07, 09:02 PM

Avatar28

10-01-07, 02:31 AM

Not sure if this has been addressed before but does anyone else have pops and clicks in the audio on NBC-HD? I don't know if it is on all programming or just Sunday Night Football but it is really annoying when trying to watch the game.

I can't say that I've really noticed anything like that most of the time. Maybe it's a signal issue?

andydumi

10-01-07, 10:02 AM

why would they stick TBS-HD in the middle of the premiums? strange...

I am hoping they will redo the channels somewhat to put the HDs together (locals and network) and the premiums separate. There are only 2 slots left before they have to move to the 240s and separating HDs into two large blocks would be annoying.

As to NBC popping, it was a pretty big issue all through last week. Heroes, Office, Earl... all with popping. The consensus is that its not Comcast (as it still occurs OTA) but instead its local NBC issues.

Avatar28

10-01-07, 10:19 AM

I am hoping they will redo the channels somewhat to put the HDs together (locals and network) and the premiums separate. There are only 2 slots left before they have to move to the 240s and separating HDs into two large blocks would be annoying.

As to NBC popping, it was a pretty big issue all through last week. Heroes, Office, Earl... all with popping. The consensus is that its not Comcast (as it still occurs OTA) but instead its local NBC issues.

See, I don't remember getting that when I was watching Heroes recorded on my DVR. I don't watch The Office or Earl so I can't comment on that. I still haven't watched Bionic Woman so I will keep an eye (ear?) out. Maybe it's something in the signal that some Dolby decoders are tripping up on (causing the pops) but others aren't?

andydumi

10-01-07, 11:09 AM

See, I don't remember getting that when I was watching Heroes recorded on my DVR. I don't watch The Office or Earl so I can't comment on that. I still haven't watched Bionic Woman so I will keep an eye (ear?) out. Maybe it's something in the signal that some Dolby decoders are tripping up on (causing the pops) but others aren't?

In Heroes it happened only 2-3 times. in Office it was every 30 seconds in the first half and Earl was about 10-20 times total. We have not yet watched Bionic Woman.

It happens OTA through TV speakers, or surround, and live and recorded Comcast both TV speakers and surround receiver. Thats why everyone thinks its a local broadcast issue. Same issue happened in the spring with some shows, and it went away after about 1-2 weeks.

nashvillecat

10-01-07, 02:21 PM

csd

10-01-07, 03:07 PM

I recently reprogrammed my TV.

Prior to doing this, I saw HD channels for ABC, NBC and CBS without cablecard. (Don't recall what #'s they were at),.

Now, for the life of me, I cannot see HD. There channels that automatically get set during repgram that say they are HD, but I se no picture there.

Can someone tell me what channel #s the local HD is, keeping in mind I dont have a cable ard?

I'd really appreciate this as I've been missing some favorite HD prorgamming in heroes, Cold case and DWTS,

Thank you in advance!

(BTW, if this thread is not appropriate for this Q, forgive me and let me know where t post.)

nc

If you're asking about local QAM channel numbers, then mine recently changed to 1.2, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.1 for abc, nbc, cbs, and fox. I changed to the channel that it used to be (91.somehting I think) and it remapped it to the 1.x channel. I went ahead and did a rescan since I figured they changed the channels anyway. If you're asking about OTA channels, check the Nahville OTA thread, but it's just the ota number with a .1, so 56.1 should work (5.1 might work as well depending on your tv). Hope this helps.

Charlie

Avatar28

10-01-07, 08:01 PM

In Heroes it happened only 2-3 times. in Office it was every 30 seconds in the first half and Earl was about 10-20 times total. We have not yet watched Bionic Woman.

It happens OTA through TV speakers, or surround, and live and recorded Comcast both TV speakers and surround receiver. Thats why everyone thinks its a local broadcast issue. Same issue happened in the spring with some shows, and it went away after about 1-2 weeks.

Oh, I don't doubt it's a local broadcast issue or even a national broadcast one since I think people in other areas have been complaining about the problems too. I was just speculating on what the actual cause might be.

baseballkyle

10-02-07, 12:29 PM

i wonder when CNNhd is going to launch in NSH?

vumcrab

10-02-07, 12:56 PM

Not sure if this has been addressed before but does anyone else have pops and clicks in the audio on NBC-HD? I don't know if it is on all programming or just Sunday Night Football but it is really annoying when trying to watch the game.

I noticed a little popping last night watching NBC HD (Conan O'Brien). Like when a commercial would end and the signal would pause before displaying the next content. I haven't noticed it yet anywhere else, but I'm going to start listening closer.

baseballkyle

10-02-07, 01:10 PM

i've been having popping and tiling off and on for the last week or so on various channels (HD and SD). not sure why this is so difficult for Comcast to figure out.

vumcrab

10-02-07, 01:16 PM

i've been having popping and tiling off and on for the last week or so on various channels (HD and SD). not sure why this is so difficult for Comcast to figure out.

I'm looking forward to the MLB playoffs in HD (my virgin HD season ;)) Sould be a great post-season, unless you're a Mets fan :(

Jon J

10-03-07, 03:40 PM

Is there a forum on this board where I could look for the best deal on that type of service?Not here, but there is one:

http://www.dbstalk.com/index.php

porkozone

10-05-07, 11:28 PM

Anyone else missing Food Network HD tonight? It's been Ch. 212, but for some reason it's not showing up in the guide or by typing in the number tonight. Not sure why...

I'm in Murfreesboro btw.

csd

10-07-07, 10:04 AM

Anyone else missing Food Network HD tonight? It's been Ch. 212, but for some reason it's not showing up in the guide or by typing in the number tonight. Not sure why...

I'm in Murfreesboro btw.

It's there for me this morning.

porkozone

10-08-07, 02:47 PM

It's there for me this morning.

It's still not there for me as of this morning...arrgh. I don't get it.

I only have the Digital Starter package, but I don't believe they are limiting what HD is on it...hopefully they didn't "tease' me with it as a new addition then take it away because I only have the starter. FoodHD shows as being part of the Digital Starter package, anyway.

vumcrab

10-10-07, 12:00 PM

Does anybody know how to find out what Comcast's plans for adding future HD channels is??

Jon J

10-10-07, 12:16 PM

A fellow named Bell invented an instrument a few years ago called a telephone. Might want to give it a try.

hearncl

10-10-07, 11:37 PM

For the last two or three days, I have had several S3 freezes while tuned to CBS channel 233. As far as I know, it has only happened on that channel. Has anyone else had that problem?

NashDigie

10-11-07, 02:46 AM

For the last two or three days, I have had several S3 freezes while tuned to CBS channel 233. As far as I know, it has only happened on that channel. Has anyone else had that problem?

I receive the HD channel OTA, and it also does that to me. It has been doing that as far as I have been receiving the HD channel. It all has to do with neon or bright colors in commercials and some tv shows. It has even frozen on the channel meaning I can still watch it, but I can't turn the channel or see the EPG. So you see, it's not comcast it's the station. Other than that, that is all I have on this problem.

NashDigie signing off.

skinlikewinter

10-14-07, 05:36 PM

The broadcast on the CBS HD affiliate (233) is not watchable for me - constant blurring and freezing.

Anyone else having issues with this program?

Eric Howell

10-14-07, 09:43 PM

Yes, I did. My first weekend with HD, was worried it was my system's fault. (using Comcast here)

nashman2

10-15-07, 08:34 AM

HTMAN21

10-15-07, 06:09 PM

chawk001

10-17-07, 01:23 PM

In responding to a member who suggested calling Comcast directly about new channels coming to Nashville.
I was on the phone with a rep Sunday morning with a billing question and asked about any new channels coming to Nashville. "None that we've been told about" was the response.
24 hours later Fox Business (channel 106) arrives.
I also sent 2 emails to Comcast asking about new channels (last week). "We don't discuss in advance what is coming to a particular market" was the response. "Look to your Comcast billing and on screen guide for announcements for new channels".
NFL-HD, TBS-HD and now Fox Business showed up with no advance warning in my billing or on screen guide.
It is such poor customer service to be so bad at communication.
Although not an original thought - Comcast needs competition (besides satellite).

I got notice about those additions through the system messaging service. Hit your remote's menu button and go to "Messages" - you might have a bunch of old messages alerting you to the lineup changes/additions. A red light is probably illuminated on the front of your machine telling you have messages (looks almost identical to the "recording now" light).

Do any of you know what the indiviual charges are for dvr, HD channels, and cable cards (2 of them)? Trying to figure out if I want to go the Tivo route with 2 cable cards and how much my bill would be reduced getting rid of the Moto dvr. My understanding is that the Comcast pricing can vary widely by area, meaning that the biggest charge for HD programming could be a device fee (which would go away along with the box) or is a programming fee (charged whether you use their box or not).

andydumi

10-17-07, 03:41 PM

I got notice about those additions through the system messaging service. Hit your remote's menu button and go to "Messages" - you might have a bunch of old messages alerting you to the lineup changes/additions. A red light is probably illuminated on the front of your machine telling you have messages (looks almost identical to the "recording now" light).

Do any of you know what the indiviual charges are for dvr, HD channels, and cable cards (2 of them)? Trying to figure out if I want to go the Tivo route with 2 cable cards and how much my bill would be reduced getting rid of the Moto dvr. My understanding is that the Comcast pricing can vary widely by area, meaning that the biggest charge for HD programming could be a device fee (which would go away along with the box) or is a programming fee (charged whether you use their box or not).

Our next door neighbor has TivoHD and he is paying for HD as a programming fee, not a box fee. Plus he is paying an extra 1.99 for the second cable card. His total is only 1 dollar less than ours (we have HD and DVR).

I talked on this in the Comcast Tivo thread...

So it will be pricey unless you can somehow convince them to give you HD free.

Sorry to bear bad news.

superwsp

10-22-07, 03:26 PM

Issues w/ FOX HD all weekend during the ALCS. Sound dropping, pic dropping out. Anyone else?

hearncl

10-22-07, 06:03 PM

Issues w/ FOX HD all weekend during the ALCS. Sound dropping, pic dropping out. Anyone else?
Ditto, both using a TiVo and OTA. Still doing it this evening (10/22).

mr2828

10-22-07, 11:32 PM

yes I see it too on prison break tonight via OTA/tivo

andydumi

10-23-07, 07:57 AM

NBC HD still has some popping... its been a few weeks now.

vumcrab

10-23-07, 01:31 PM

Issues w/ FOX HD all weekend during the ALCS. Sound dropping, pic dropping out. Anyone else?

Yep, me too. PQ is good, but the cut-outs in video and audio is a mess!

vumcrab

10-23-07, 01:37 PM

NBC HD still has some popping... its been a few weeks now.

Not only the popping and ticking, but the PQ of NBC's HD broadcast is horrible.

Has anyone lese ever considered dropping Comcast and going DirectTV?? I pay out the wazzu to Comcast and get 25 HD channels?? Direct claims they will have 100 HD channels by year end. I hate to go with all that clunky equipment and a darned dish, but why invest in all this HD gear and get little to nothing??

Why do we not have Discovery HD, Disney, ALL (East/West) premium HBO, Showtime, Max channels, Cartoon Network, etc.??? Choices suck.

andydumi

10-23-07, 02:58 PM

Not only the popping and ticking, but the PQ of NBC's HD broadcast is horrible.

Has anyone lese ever considered dropping Comcast and going DirectTV?? I pay out the wazzu to Comcast and get 25 HD channels?? Direct claims they will have 100 HD channels by year end. I hate to go with all that clunky equipment and a darned dish, but why invest in all this HD gear and get little to nothing??

Why do we not have Discovery HD, Disney, ALL (East/West) premium HBO, Showtime, Max channels, Cartoon Network, etc.??? Choices suck.

We had DirecTV and their HD is much lesser quality. Google something called HDLite and you will see what I mean. Watching sports in HD was abominable.

Then again you can always try it for a few months and see.

Jon J

10-23-07, 03:06 PM

We had DirecTV and their HD is much lesser quality.

<snip>

Then again you can always try it for a few months and see.That must have been some time ago. Quality now is really quite good.

And, since all equipment is now leased, you commit to at least a year, sometime two, if you're considering "trying" DTV.

vumcrab

10-23-07, 03:06 PM

We had DirecTV and their HD is much lesser quality. Google something called HDLite and you will see what I mean. Watching sports in HD was abominable.

Then again you can always try it for a few months and see.

I've been told that signal compression is pretty bad with satellite in general. Just wish (as I'm sure everybody does) that Comcast would add more channels and go MPEG4.

Jon J

10-23-07, 03:16 PM

It appears you've been misinformed. Signal compression is not a problem and almost all DTVs HD channels are MPEG-4, if that's what matters to you.

andydumi

10-23-07, 04:04 PM

That must have been some time ago. Quality now is really quite good.

And, since all equipment is now leased, you commit to at least a year, sometime two, if you're considering "trying" DTV.

We tried it last year around this time, then we moved so we got out of the contract. Back then the quality difference was clearly visible.

I have friends with DTV now who come over to specifically watch games in HD because of better quality, so I assume there is still a marked difference. And they have high quality TVs and everything, they just complain about the HD quality.

Jon J

10-23-07, 04:11 PM

We tried it last year around this time, then we moved so we got out of the contract. Back then the quality difference was clearly visible.

I have friends with DTV now who come over to specifically watch games in HD because of better quality, so I assume there is still a marked difference. And they have high quality TVs and everything, they just complain about the HD quality.Sorry. I must strongly disagree. I can watch either via cable or DirecTV. I prefer satellite.

HTMAN21

10-23-07, 08:57 PM

Sorry. I must strongly disagree. I can watch either via cable or DirecTV. I prefer satellite.

I have access to both. I periodically activate DTV to compare. After a few days I always suspend DTV because the PQ does not compare to Comcast. Audio is also superior on Comcast.

snowcat

10-24-07, 07:16 AM

I am very pleased I switched from Comcast to Dish in May. I honestly don't see any difference in quality, and Dish beats Comcast in quantity by a long shot.

Until Comcast gets SportsSouth and Boomerang, I may never come back.

Jon J

10-24-07, 09:45 AM

I have access to both.As do I. My preference for DTV is unshaken proving once again the reason for making both chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Tastes vary.

HTMAN21

10-24-07, 09:53 AM

As do I. My preference for DTV is unshaken proving once again the reason for making both chocolate and vanilla ice cream. Tastes vary.

Jon J,
I often wonder why I have both. Why do you?
You are absolutely correct. Taste is subjective. How about some strawberry?

Jon J

10-24-07, 10:06 AM

I often wonder why I have both. Why do you?
Because until recently when DTV put up four Nashville locals in HD, I could not receive them all consistently over the air. I could never receive the digital signals for WTVF while WZTV and WUXP were spotty. Cable is now mostly superfluous with the big four on satellite and all four of my DVRs humming contentedly.

Lava Lamp Freak

10-24-07, 06:22 PM

hearncl

10-25-07, 11:36 AM

I've been reading through this thread and am having trouble understanding something. The people at Comcast either don't know or just want to sell their more expensive packages. I just ordered a Tivo HD, and will have it tomorrow. I want to drop down my cable package to limited basic for $11 a month. Will I still be able to get the local channels in HD? That is all I watch anyway so I don't want to pay for all of those other channels. Is a M-card all I will need? The CSR I spoke with wants to keep me at a more expensive package and says I have to do that to get HD. From what I've read here, though, I believe otherwise.
I have a TiVo HD which I'm using without cablecards. If you don't install cablecards, in addition to the analog standard definition channels you will be able to tune the QAM local HD channels (they should be picked up with a channel scan). These won't have TiVo Guide data and thus can't be programmed for automatic recording, but can be recorded manually. With an inexpensive antenna attached to the TiVo HD antenna input, you may be able to pick up all the local over-the-air HD channels. These will be included in the Guide and will have full recording capability. In my location, I can pick up all the local OTA HD channels with an indoor antenna. Check www.antennaweb.com for information about antennas and HD OTA channels in your location.

If you add one M-card (I'm not sure if these are available locally yet) or two standard cablecards, and subscribe to one of Comcast's digital packages, you will be able to tune digital cable SD and HD channels.

andydumi

10-25-07, 11:28 PM

If you add one M-card (I'm not sure if these are available locally yet) or two standard cablecards, and subscribe to one of Comcast's digital packages, you will be able to tune digital cable SD and HD channels.

One small clarification, there is a 9.99 HD fee in addition to the digital cable fee to receive in HD anything more than the 4 standard locals (ESPNs, Discovery, Food, TNT, TBS and so forth). Otherwise, all you get QAM is the 4 that you get OTA.

darkninja

10-26-07, 01:10 PM

I've been reading through this thread and am having trouble understanding something. The people at Comcast either don't know or just want to sell their more expensive packages. I just ordered a Tivo HD, and will have it tomorrow. I want to drop down my cable package to limited basic for $11 a month. Will I still be able to get the local channels in HD? That is all I watch anyway so I don't want to pay for all of those other channels. Is a M-card all I will need? The CSR I spoke with wants to keep me at a more expensive package and says I have to do that to get HD. From what I've read here, though, I believe otherwise.

If you drop down to limited basic (which would be analog), you can still get the local channels in HD (no m-card / cablecard needed, they are only for digital cable) BUT, apparently you have to do a channel scan to find the HD channels, and the Tivo will not have guide info for the channels received in that way, so all programming for them would have to be manual. Not ideal. It would probably be better to try an antenna to receive local OTA HD channels (which would have guide info) if that is all you want.

And for the record, M-cards are available and working in Nashville (mine finally works in my new Tivo HD after calling 3 times for activation)

(oops, sorry, this is almost exactly the same info as hearncl's post)

nyvram

10-26-07, 02:05 PM

One small clarification, there is a 9.99 HD fee in addition to the digital cable fee to receive in HD anything more than the 4 standard locals (ESPNs, Discovery, Food, TNT, TBS and so forth). Otherwise, all you get QAM is the 4 that you get OTA.

That is not entirely true. I pay $11/mo TOTAL for analog Comcast here in Nashville and I get:

- PBS HD (Channel 1.8)
- CBS HD (Channel 1.5)
- NBC HD (Channel 1.4)
- ABC HD (Channel 1.2)
- FOX HD (Channel 1.1)
- MOJO TV HD (Channel 87.1)
- CUXT 30? (85.something)
- UPN 14? (85.14..I think)

Those last 2 I rarely watch because it doesn't seem like there is ever any actual HD programming running on them.

In addition between 103.1 and 115.64 I get 'hit or miss' PPV shows all time. SOmteimes in HD..sometimes not..u never know what yo'ure going to 'pick up' that your neighbor is watching.

So, for $11 I'm getting plenty of HD..my biggest gripe is really the lack of ESPN-HD. That HURTS. :)

I can't DVR anything because the stupid media companies have put the independent DVR companies out of business and TiVO's RIDICULOUS monthly rate (plus the fact it won't work with those QAM-channels above unless u go manual) won't work for me either. I'm stuck with my ReplayTV and recording SD signal only. Its tough when your monthly budget for cable is $11 to add another $16 just for a stupid TIVO and a guide I don't plan to use. ...of course my "lifetime" replay guide is probably only good for about another year too because of the digital switchover..."lifetime" ha. NOthing is lifeteim. :(

I'm not drinking Dish, DirectTV or Comcast's KOOL-AID anytime soon.

andydumi

10-26-07, 05:30 PM

nyvram

10-29-07, 12:52 PM

Good to know and thanks for the clarification. I said the main 4 because they are the main networks with a lot of HD programming. UPN, CUXT and PBS are not very good, and hardly have HD stuff, maybe once every few days at best.

The bulk of the other HD channels however, TNT, TBS, Discovery, Food, A&E, National Geographic, MTV, VS, 2 ESPNs, Universal, HGTV... are not there. Plus anything coming up and all the premium channels one may subscribe to.

Right, the basic issue being I can go from $11/mo for a solid set of HD channels to something like $70+/mo to get those other 5-10.

NO THANK YOU COMCAST. Not remotely worth the difference in price. ;)

PS SOmething about that $9.99 'add on' fee for HD channels realllllly gets under my skin considering they're already there and 95% of the people don't even realize it. What a scam. If people knew the nice HD tv they just bought 6 months ago didin't require any extra stuff to get HD they might raise a bigger fuss with Comcast over this blatant scam.

dwynne

10-29-07, 01:35 PM

One small clarification, there is a 9.99 HD fee in addition to the digital cable fee to receive in HD anything more than the 4 standard locals (ESPNs, Discovery, Food, TNT, TBS and so forth). Otherwise, all you get QAM is the 4 that you get OTA.

Are you sure about this? Comcast is not :confused: .

What I was told is that with the limited basic I pay for (< $12 a month) I could get a cable card for free and a 2nd card would be $1.50 per month. This was after much waiting and holding while they kept checking.

They then said if I wanted any programming or digital cable programming on the car the cost would rise to $9.95 per month. I asked if this included the locals in HD (which is what I want) and she said yes, to get those would be a $9.95 HD added fee. She also made it sound like the fee would be charged PER CARD.

I have a series 1 stand-alone Tivo with lifetime service - no 7+ years old? I am thinking about getting an HD Tivo and doing the lifetime transfer deal they have going now - while I still can.

What is stopping me is I have no idea what Comcast will really do when it comes time to get the cards. If you call 5 times you seem to get 5 different answers. Also, I have been told by several folks you can just stop by a Comcast office and pick up cards while others say you have to have them installed by the Comcast "professionals" and that will be a fee for their work.

I did call Tivo to ask if I could purchase my HD someplace other than direct - since I can save about $50 getting it elsewhere. Contrary to what they have published in the transfer offer they said I could.

So buying it elsewhere saves money but maybe they don't let me transfer service, then I have to pay something between $1.50 and $20 per month for 2 cable cards. Simple, huh?

I assume an "M-card" is a just a double cablecard - so you get one "gizmo" rather than 2 cablecards?

Thanks,
Dennis

hearncl

10-29-07, 02:55 PM

What is stopping me is I have no idea what Comcast will really do when it comes time to get the cards. If you call 5 times you seem to get 5 different answers. Also, I have been told by several folks you can just stop by a Comcast office and pick up cards while others say you have to have them installed by the Comcast "professionals" and that will be a fee for their work.
Dennis
I last picked up a cablecard for my TiVo a couple of months ago (it was to replace a card which I thought was bad--it wasn't, but that's another story). I picked it up at the Brentwood Comcast office, and the attendant also gave me an 800 number to call to activate the card. There was no problem with the activation. That said, I've also at times gotten CSRs that are clueless about both installation and cost of cablecards, and gotten different answers about both. I think it would be worth picking up the cards and activating yourself, but be sure to follow the TiVo activation instructions.

A couple of months ago, M-cards weren't available here (at least at the Brentwood office). If they are, one M-card replaces two standard cards in the TiVo HD. If you are successful in getting an M-card, it will be helpful if you post this, and also what you are being charged by Comcast. In other words, does the M-card count as the single card you get free with digital service?

andydumi

10-29-07, 03:32 PM

Are you sure about this? Comcast is not :confused: .

What I was told is that with the limited basic I pay for (< $12 a month) I could get a cable card for free and a 2nd card would be $1.50 per month. This was after much waiting and holding while they kept checking.

They then said if I wanted any programming or digital cable programming on the car the cost would rise to $9.95 per month. I asked if this included the locals in HD (which is what I want) and she said yes, to get those would be a $9.95 HD added fee. She also made it sound like the fee would be charged PER CARD.

I have a series 1 stand-alone Tivo with lifetime service - no 7+ years old? I am thinking about getting an HD Tivo and doing the lifetime transfer deal they have going now - while I still can.

What is stopping me is I have no idea what Comcast will really do when it comes time to get the cards. If you call 5 times you seem to get 5 different answers. Also, I have been told by several folks you can just stop by a Comcast office and pick up cards while others say you have to have them installed by the Comcast "professionals" and that will be a fee for their work.

I did call Tivo to ask if I could purchase my HD someplace other than direct - since I can save about $50 getting it elsewhere. Contrary to what they have published in the transfer offer they said I could.

So buying it elsewhere saves money but maybe they don't let me transfer service, then I have to pay something between $1.50 and $20 per month for 2 cable cards. Simple, huh?

I assume an "M-card" is a just a double cablecard - so you get one "gizmo" rather than 2 cablecards?

Thanks,
Dennis

Without paying the 9.99 you should get the locals in HD without paying anything extra. The TivoHD, as well as some TVs can tune QAM channels, and the 4 HD locals are broadcast free that way. However, you cannot get the rest of the HD channels without some digital package I dont believe, or at least they would not let us do it. In other words, they would let us have the 10.99 basic package, but no more than the local HDs, or we would have to go to the 60 dollar package plus 10 for the full gamut of HD channels. This was the route we chose, as we managed to get 6 months for 15.00, which evens out the long term cost somewhat.

But if you somehow manage to get them to let you have the 11 dollar package and cable cards and possibly the 10 bucks for full HD I think that would indeed be the way to go.

And yes, an Mcard is like 2 joined regular cards, and they are available in nashville, although its a luck of the draw whether the person you speak with will know what they are. Best bet is to go to the office and talk in person and they ought to give you a card or two without issues.

Let us know how it works. As more reps learn what cards are we get better reception and responses.

dwynne

10-29-07, 04:20 PM

nyvram

10-29-07, 04:51 PM

If Tivo had desight the HD Tivo and S3 "right" and allowed us to map clea QAM channels to the Tivo guide we (at least *I*) would not have this problem. I would not have to get anything from Comcast at all. If they give me too much of a hassle or try to charge too much, I would probably keep the HD Tivo but just manually schedule recordings w/o the guide.

Question:

Without a cable card you CAN record any of the ANALOG cable channels without a problem?

I think that is the case. A friend is also thinking of getting the HD Tivo but may want to just get a single cable card to record the locals in HD and use the 2nd tuner to record analog off of basic cable.

Dennis

My question exactly. ARe you forced to buy the channel guide "subscription" or else your TIVO is useless? You cant even use as a vcr-like tool to record HD at set times via QAM tuner?

Again, without ranting; I can get netflix & rent HD-DVDs all day long for about the same price as tivo charges just for the monthly channel guide. The economics here just don't add up. I'd be willing to drop $300 on a HD-DVR if I could use it as I pleased without being forced into some type of monthly $$$.

dwynne

10-29-07, 05:03 PM

My question exactly. ARe you forced to buy the channel guide "subscription" or else your TIVO is useless? You cant even use as a vcr-like tool to record HD at set times via QAM tuner?

Nope, my question is can you use the HD Tivo without a cablecard from Comcast to record analog using the channel guide.

You question is can you avoid paying the monthly fee to Tivo. The answer to your question is no, the box is pretty much useless if you don't pay them the monthly fee. If you had an older Tivo with lifetime service you could transfer that to a new HD Tivo (limited time offer) for a $199 one time payment. Otherwise it is $14 per month to make it work with a program guide.

Dennis

darkninja

10-29-07, 07:23 PM

A couple of months ago, M-cards weren't available here (at least at the Brentwood office). If they are, one M-card replaces two standard cards in the TiVo HD. If you are successful in getting an M-card, it will be helpful if you post this, and also what you are being charged by Comcast. In other words, does the M-card count as the single card you get free with digital service?

I got one M-card by going to the Metrocenter office and picking it up.

Prior to going over there, I called the 244-5900 number. I think it may have kicked over to the 800 number for "add/upgrade a service". The CSR I got had kind of an Indian accent. She said I could not self install a cable card (they are small and fragile), they did not have m-cards, and scheduling a tech to come and install them would be $35. I insisted that a co-worker had picked up a couple of cable cards, and she said they might do that, I could go check.

At the office, they didn't have any problem with giving me a cable card to self-install, and did have M-cards. I was informed that it would add $6.95/month (per card) as a "2nd outlet activation". I asked if that charge would be taken off if I returned my digital STB, and it would (for one card), but I have an old digital package that is cheaper than any current one. If I returned the STB, that package would go away and I would be stuck with full price new digital package. I opted to keep my old box.

darkninja

10-29-07, 07:30 PM

I assume an "M-card" is a just a double cablecard - so you get one "gizmo" rather than 2 cablecards?

An M-card is a multistream cablecard. I believe it can actually distribute signal to up to 4 tuners, but currently I don't know of any devices that use it for more than 2. If a device doesn't support multistream, the M-card falls back to operating as an S-Card (singlestream)

Lava Lamp Freak

10-29-07, 10:14 PM

I went to Metro Center on Saturday and picked up two single cards. They said they were out of the M-Cards and only get about 10 in at a time. The first card is free, so if you get an M-Card there is no cost. I'm paying $1.50 for the second card.

I've not activated them yet, but I have completed the manual channel scan and am happy that I can now get all of the local HD channels and save money not paying for channels I don't want.

cargen

10-30-07, 09:07 AM

darkninja

10-30-07, 12:04 PM

What is advantage of an M-Card over a CableCARD in a Tivo S3?

I presently have a Tivo 3 with two (2) regular CableCARD's installed for which Comcast is billing Free for the 1st and $1.50 for the 2nd.

Chris

There is no advantage in a Tivo Series 3. Currently only the Tivo HD supports M-cards, so in a S3, it would just act like an S-card.

dwynne

10-30-07, 12:26 PM

When you go to pick up a cablecard how can you or I tell if it is an M or S card? I would hope the Comcast folks know the difference, but we should know this "just in case" :) . No need to pick up two cards if they hand you a single M card and you have the newer HD Tivo.

Dennis

dwynne

10-31-07, 02:14 PM

When you go to pick up a cablecard how can you or I tell if it is an M or S card? I would hope the Comcast folks know the difference, but we should know this "just in case" :)

Does anyone know? I may be picking up a card or two in the next few days and would prefer to get the M card if they have it- and they know what it is or I do.

Thanks,
Dennis

hearncl

10-31-07, 02:16 PM

Does anyone know? I may be picking up a card or two in the next few days and would prefer to get the M card if they have it- and they know what it is or I do.

Thanks,
Dennis
I haven't actually seen an M card, but from other forums I think the type of card is printed on the card.

hearncl

11-03-07, 04:36 PM

Did anyone else lose channel 202 ESPNHD about 2:30 pm today (Saturday 11/3)?

Edit: Comcast reports that ESPNHD is currently out (4:30 pm).

chawk001

11-05-07, 11:42 AM

It's happened at least one other weekend as well and in other Comcast regions too. The channel is purposely blacked out because of regional football game coverage. Since ABC and ESPN are one in the same these days when ABC is showing the same game as ESPN (depending on your region), the ESPN broadcast will be blacked out during that time (i.e. they don't show the same game on both channels). If you were in a region that was showing a different game on ABC than ESPN you'd get the two different games. ESPN will come back after the game ends. It would simply be nice if ESPN would switch to another game if ABC is broadcasting the regularly scheduled one, but they want you to pay up for Gameplan or another sports package to get more games.

Hope that helps.

hearncl

11-05-07, 12:21 PM

Thanks for the explanation. It would also be nice if Comcast would show some explanation on the blacked-out channel. I just got a completely blank gray screen. I've had the same symptom when there was an actual transmission problem with the channel--which is what I suspected when I got the blank screen.

dwynne

11-05-07, 02:01 PM

It's happened at least one other weekend as well and in other Comcast regions too. The channel is purposely blacked out because of regional football game coverage.

Had the same thing on DirecTV, but I could tune to one of the ESPN alternate channels to get another game. Too bad they only have one ESPN HD channel and one ESPN2 HD, the alternate feeds are all SD. Not any game I wanted to watch, but I just had my multiswitch fail and installed a new one - then "lost" the ESPN HD feed and I was tuning around trying to figure out what had gone "wrong" this time :D .

Dennis

Sevenfeet

11-06-07, 07:37 AM

One thing I've noticed is that WTVF has stopped saying that it's "Tennessee's First and Only News in High Definition". Now they just say "Tennessee's First News in High Definition". WSMV hasn't flipped the switch yet. Have any other stations in Tennessee changed their news operations to HD?

Jon J

11-06-07, 10:22 AM

I caught the same thing, Rick, and checked the websites of the other network affiliates in Mamphus, Nooga and Knoxtown for HD. If any have lit up their HD capabilities they aren't touting them. ;)

I didn't check Jackson.

dwynne

11-06-07, 11:40 AM

I haven't actually seen an M card, but from other forums I think the type of card is printed on the card.

It is - and the woman down at Metro Center knew exactly what it was. I told her no HD, no digital, just the "Free" cablecard I was told about on the phone I qualified for on my $12 per month limited cable. It was not clear WHAT I would get if I opted to pay the $6.99 more for the "HD" on the cablecard. I will know for sure they did it properly when I get my next cable bill - and there is no additional charge on it.

In any case, I got the new HD Tivo up and going on analog/clear QAM ($250 or so delivered from Amazon), then put in the M-card. I had to call Comcast to have them "hit" the card, but that took just a few minutes on hold and 2-3 minutes after she sent the command down. I was surprised to see Mojo in HD still comes in fine with the cable card, as do the locals in HD. Everything else digital (as expected) is not available. The analogs I could get before around the filter still work the same, but I never watch those anyway.

I transferred the lifetime sub from my oldest series 1 stand-alone Tivo last night for $199. I think they said I purchased the lifetime back in 2000 (it was $149 or $199 IIRC). So I am out $450, but I have no additional fees for the box or the cablecard - hopefully. The new Tivo works nice and has newer software than my HD Tivos from DirecTV.

Dennis

mccool882

11-08-07, 11:53 AM

That is not entirely true. I pay $11/mo TOTAL for analog Comcast here in Nashville and I get:

- PBS HD (Channel 1.8)
- CBS HD (Channel 1.5)
- NBC HD (Channel 1.4)
- ABC HD (Channel 1.2)
- FOX HD (Channel 1.1)
- MOJO TV HD (Channel 87.1)
- CUXT 30? (85.something)
- UPN 14? (85.14..I think)

Those last 2 I rarely watch because it doesn't seem like there is ever any actual HD programming running on them.

In addition between 103.1 and 115.64 I get 'hit or miss' PPV shows all time.

I have the same level of service from comcast and use a Samsung 4665 HDTV. I receive the same programming except I do not get PBS in HD, only in digital on channel 79-???. the 103.1 and 115.64 channels come and go and also seem to change to 103.xx and 115.xx. However, I watched the new Fantasic 4 movie. these channels are digital but not HD. One other thing worth mentioning is that I receive all of comcast's digital music channels. they are located on channel 116-1 and go up to 116-50 or something.

Several times when i have been watching CBS and ABC the channel will switch to 92-2 for ABC and 92-5 for CBS. It won't even allow me to go to channel 1-5 if the feed has switched to 92. So I enter 92 on my remote and press enter. It will go to channel 92-x for a second and switch back to 1-2 or 1-5. Also I hear a lot of popping on NBC HD programms. I am using the digital output on my TV and from reading other post i know that this is a problem with NBC localy.

Wryker

11-08-07, 11:59 AM

It is - and the woman down at Metro Center knew exactly what it was. I told her no HD, no digital, just the "Free" cablecard I was told about on the phone I qualified for on my $12 per month limited cable. It was not clear WHAT I would get if I opted to pay the $6.99 more for the "HD" on the cablecard. I will know for sure they did it properly when I get my next cable bill - and there is no additional charge on it.

In any case, I got the new HD Tivo up and going on analog/clear QAM ($250 or so delivered from Amazon), then put in the M-card. I had to call Comcast to have them "hit" the card, but that took just a few minutes on hold and 2-3 minutes after she sent the command down. I was surprised to see Mojo in HD still comes in fine with the cable card, as do the locals in HD. Everything else digital (as expected) is not available. The analogs I could get before around the filter still work the same, but I never watch those anyway.

I transferred the lifetime sub from my oldest series 1 stand-alone Tivo last night for $199. I think they said I purchased the lifetime back in 2000 (it was $149 or $199 IIRC). So I am out $450, but I have no additional fees for the box or the cablecard - hopefully. The new Tivo works nice and has newer software than my HD Tivos from DirecTV.

Dennis

By law you get the first cable-card (M or S) FREE and no need to specify if you have HD etc - they pulse the card with whatever package you have. I picked up an Mcard - slid it in - called and had it 'activated' on my new TiVo HD and loving it - plus i got the 500gb external drive attached to give me 80+ hours of HD recording ability.

bdlee420

11-08-07, 02:32 PM

Wryker

11-08-07, 02:37 PM

I got a free cable card from Comcast about 2 years ago when I got my DLP TV. I pay $13/month and these are the main channels I get

ABC
NBC
CBS
FOX
CW
MYTV
ESPN
ESPN2
TNT
DISCOVERY
A&E
MOJO
NBC Universal
Comcast Sports
and last night I found out I get #247 so I can watch HD Preds games.

My question is why am I getting all the extra channels? Will I lose them some time? It has been 2 years so I am used to getting them. It would really suck if I lost them.

This is your friendly Comcast rep inquiring about your address so we can be sure we're sending you the "correct" channels....:p

My advice is to be quiet about it - we had one line in our house that was, obviously, on a 'different' feed and when I hooked a box to it we got EVERY pay station free (just no on-demand but no biggie) than I screwed up and told a comcast rep that our house was a single family and POOF - back to my 'correct' line-up.....

dwynne

11-08-07, 09:46 PM

With the cablecard(s) plugged into the HD Tivo, you can no longer tune the clear QAM channels - right?

Just thought about it and tried it on my new HD Tivo w/M-card and none of the clear QAM channels work now. Not a big deal, but it would have been nice if they did still work.

Dennis

hearncl

11-08-07, 11:32 PM

goode78

11-09-07, 10:50 AM

I just bought a TivoHD on eBay. Was this a good move considering the pending Comcast Tivo release? The girlfriend has regular Tivo, and it has been agonizing to use her service, then come home to the regular Comcast DVR. On top of that, my Comcast DVR goes from 0% storage to 82% storage after recording one program.

Has anyone had any dealings with the Brentwood Comcast office in obtaining an M-card?

I've read discussion on here regarding M-cards vs. 2 S-cards. Are you able to use one M-card on TivoHD and still record two HD programs while watching a third?

What charges should I see removed from my Comcast bill other than the $9.95 monthly DVR fee?

Thanks in advance,
jag

dwynne

11-09-07, 11:36 AM

The M-card is remapping the QAM channels to regular digital service channels--for example, CBS HD is channel 233 instead of 1.5. What's more, you now have TiVo Guide data for these channels and can schedule recordings, etc.

I understand that, that is why I had to get the cablecard to begin with :) . I was hoping the QAM tuner could still be used for those "other" channels - but it can't.

Dennis

dwynne

11-09-07, 11:41 AM

I just bought a TivoHD on eBay.

Did you get a good deal? They are around $250 delivered with no tax on Amazon.

I was told there was no guarantee that any of the local offices would have any M-cards. If you call Comcast they can verify that cards are in stock at the locations, but they have no way to know which cards are there.

If you have one M-card that is all you need and you can record 2 shows (analog or digital) at the same time while watching a 3rd previously recorded show.

The first cablecard is supposed to be free, so I would assume the DVR charge goes away and nothing takes its place - but Comcast is very flakey on what they charge to whom and why, so you could end up with additional charges you may have to fight with them about.

You WILL pick up a new bill from Tivo for service - either $15 a month or a pre-pay bill (normally $179 per year for discounted to $129 until early next year).

Dennis