Originally posted by v10king
How about htey get on the ball and freakin provide me with HDTV in general!!!

You don't get any HD?



OMG I hate Comcast.


Your choice.


Watch mark my words, HD will be available right after the MLB playoffs are over, no hockey this year, no FOX HD, wow shockers!!!! Ubelievable. They obviously dont care.

Maybe, maybe not, and if you had read this entire thread or at least done a search on the subject of KTVU-Fox-HD you would find that it is not Comcast that is preventing you from getting KTVU, it is KTVU, they want more compensation for the signal than any of the other stations here. Comcast does care, it would only be to their advantage to carry the signal but their are not going to carry it if it cost more, which in turn you will end up paying for. Is that what you want?



Next switch is either VOOM, DISH, or DirectTV.


Not one of those services has FOX-HD either.

There, does that answer appease your sensibilities in a more gentle manner?

Jim

:)

Originally posted by v10king
WEll I think your wrong there... You may get good pings during most of the odd hours but during prime time 5-12pm, I would experience nothing but problems.

Well, I mostly use my cable internet service for work (8:00AM to 6:00PM) from a home office and I exchange many large files with co-workers at my company's plant. No problems or significant downtime in the past three years. While uploads are limited to 256K, downloads are very fast, consistently greater than 2Mbps. We do however have an upgraded 850MHz cable system here.

I am surprised to hear that your level of DSL service is as cheap as it is. Most people I know with DSL are limited to something less than 1Mbps download speed.

FYI, I don't work for Comcast:)

Regards,
Steve

Originally posted by keenan
You don't get any HD?




Your choice.



Maybe, maybe not, and if you had read this entire thread or at least done a search on the subject of KTVU-Fox-HD you would find that it is not Comcast that is preventing you from getting KTVU, it is KTVU, they want more compensation for the signal than any of the other stations here. Comcast does care, it would only be to their advantage to carry the signal but their are not going to carry it if it cost more, which in turn you will end up paying for. Is that what you want?




Not one of those services has FOX-HD either.

There, does that answer appease your sensibilities in a more gentle manner?

Jim

:)

I dont get HD I live in San Carlos. They have been telling me for the past year that it will be next month.

What does your comment regarding Fox have to do with anything. I dont care. I know its KTVU, last I read KTVU's contract is up at the end of the year and they will probably be forced to add HDTV into the contract at that time. Not really worried about it. The only reason I am waiting for Comcast HDTV is for FSN-HD. IF VOOM or any other provider gets this someday I will surely switch.

Enough of the namecalling. Jim is well respected among us so you are not gaining any respect with that tactic.

Now, if Comcast didn't offer HD in my area, I would be going with a satellite provider for HD also. But I would probably keep the limited basic Comcast service for HD local channels and for the internet discount. Comcast seems to be doing a much better job with HSI than did AT&T BB.

I usually dont "name call" I'm a grown man. I just dont like people who feel like they can make smart ass comments when they know nothing about my situation.

I'm over it.

I don't think Comcast has a problem with running servers from your home...
Comcast may not enforce this much (for all I know), but they do have language in their acceptable usage policy that prohibits servers of any kind. SBC DSL has no such restrictions. I prefer to run my servers completely above board and not worry that my provider is going to start cracking down next week.

Back when they were AT&T, I know they would scan port 119 for news servers on their subnets several times a day. It wouldn't take much for them to start scanning ports 25 and 80 in the future.

Regardless of how long you've had DHCP leases last, you still can't effectively host a primary DNS server on a dynamic address unless you're willing to open yourself to lots of potential grief. Even if you can get this to work, Comcast is certainly not going to delegate reverse lookups to you on your IP.

Originally posted by v10king
I usually dont "name call" I'm a grown man. I just dont like people who feel like they can make smart ass comments when they know nothing about my situation.

I'm over it.

Cool, I apologize if you took my remarks in the wrong vein, but you seemed rather excited and upset in your post so I thought I would make an attempt at a little levity.

Now, on to bigger and better things, have you tried an OTA setup to see if you can get KTVU, before I went the sat route as an alternative as currently none of them have FOX, I would at least see what I could with an antenna.

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
Cool, I apologize if you took my remarks in the wrong vein, but you seemed rather excited and upset in your post so I thought I would make an attempt at a little levity.

Now, on to bigger and better things, have you tried an OTA setup to see if you can get KTVU, before I went the sat route as an alternative as currently none of them have FOX, I would at least see what I could with an antenna.

Jim

Thanks, sorry for being such an ass too. Its just frustrating when Comcast has been telling me since June that it will be available next month. I think I've been put on their VIP list over 40 times lol.

Yah I had OTA when I lived in Redwood Shores. I actually would buy an OTA receiver, use it for 28 days and return it in anticipation of Comcast coming out with their "next month HDTV in my area". I was able to pull all stations from Sutro as well as KNTV with a puny Radio Shack indoor amplified antenna. I quit doing that when I moved. The reason I want Comcast so bad is because I am such a sport freak that all I really want it for is ESPN-HD and FSN-HD. I love my Giants and my Sharks, no Sharks this year though :( . So I figured why buy the OTA permanently when comcast will offer everything I can get OTA plus FSN-HD/ESPN-HD (except for FOX-HD, which I figured would come sometime next year).

Now, I have moved into an area of San Carlos that dosnt have anything close to the view I had of Sutro in Redwood Shores. I will probably do my OTA thing again once the baseball playoffs start and cross my fingers I can still pickup a signal.

Here is an article from today's Seattle Times:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2002048992_comcastqa29.html

Here is my editorial response:

The S.F. Bay Area should be the second Comcast market area to get Foundation Edition. Please start us off with FE on the 6412 DVR and see how it goes before putting it on the 6200's and other digital STB's. Preferably no later than early December, so we can factor the 6412 into our holiday spending-- remember, there will be some cable card HD DVR's out on the retail market by then, definitely competitors to the 6412.

After waiting almost a year from the originally planned rollout of the 6208 which never materialized despite the marketing, I think the Bay Area should get this specific product/service (6412 with FE) and that the timing I mentioned should be very doable.

If necessary, please do the unpublicized "soft" launch until your inventory of 6412's increases to a point where the publicized full launch can take place.

Thanks for listening, Comcast.

v10king,

I live in San Carlos, and I ended up buying a HD tuner on ebay. I receive pretty much all the channels.

Funny thing is that today a Comcast rep called me asking if I wanted to upgrade my basic comcast cable (kept it around just in case) to a better package. I told him I'd upgrade if I could get HDTV :)

Originally posted by v10king

Now, I have moved into an area of San Carlos that dosnt have anything close to the view I had of Sutro in Redwood Shores. I will probably do my OTA thing again once the baseball playoffs start and cross my fingers I can still pickup a signal.

Yup, OTA reception in my neck of the woods is akin to black magic, palm reading, astrology and praying to the gods, but I still try and on occasion I can get a few channels. I have the latest and greatest HD tuner coming Friday and I'm hoping that will do the trick for me as far as KTVU.

Good Luck,

Jim

Just in from a reliable source;) My wife stopped by the local Comcast office to pick up a new channel line-up card. She noticed that the new HD line-up was not on it (700 range) and inquired about it. The gal behind the desk handed my wife a supplementary flyer with the HD channels and volunteered that "channel 702 should be added any day now".:)

-Steve

That would be nice. No more having to get up and flip my manual a/b switch between ota and comcast to get ktvu.

Best,
jeff

Originally posted by greeno
That would be nice. No more having to get up and flip my manual a/b switch between ota and comcast to get ktvu.

Best,
jeff

Wish I had an A/B switch to flip. Never even seen KTVU-HD yet. I hope that CSR was right.

Jim

Originally posted by slb
The gal behind the desk handed my wife a supplementary flyer with the HD channels and volunteered that "channel 702 should be added any day now".:) That would be very nice but I would be very surprised that the front desk person heard that a contract has been signed between Comcast and Cox before we heard it through other sources. Anything is possible, but I wouldn't bet 25 cents that she was right.

Steve, where in the North Bay are you?

Thanks for the info., regardless of whether the friendly Comcast worker turns out to be right. :)

P.S. I am willing to bet that "Where is KTVU/Fox HD?" is the number one question from new Comcast HD subscribers, especially with the 49ers/NFL games in HD on Fox. Perhaps that is why the front desk person anticipated the question when your wife asked about the new HD channel lineup.

Hope that about 702 KTVUHD is accurate.

Noticed 725 NFLHD now but all it has is INHD logo. Is that new or have I just noticed it?

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher


Here is my editorial response:

Thanks for listening, Comcast.

I hope you sent this to Comcast as well.

On a different topic, I have been getting break-ups and green screens on KPIX, been going on for over 3 weeks I'm guessing. I thought I read that this was a problem at KPIX and they were fixing it. Was it fixed? Is the problem at my end now or do others still get the break-ups?

Thanks,

Jim

That (725 NFLHD) should be the channel where they play the NFL Networks Game of the Week (in HiDef). Last time it pre-empted INHD2 like the FSN baseball games do, but I guess now they are giving it it's own channel. Who knows if there will be other HD programming on it the other 6.8 days of the week...

re: HSI - rocking 3 megs here, and the server stuff is mostly a joke, they won't come down on you unless you whang the network. Of course they do block certain ports most especially port 80 (HTTP) so it's impossible to run a web server, but file servers, game servers, p2p servers, etc.. are all fair game.

725 must be our new special, temporary HD channel for NFL Network's Game of the Week in HD.

I wonder if the 2% club is getting 725? And, if so, why can't Comcast do that for FSN Bay Area HD (A's and Giants games) for those areas?

When is the NFL GOTW shown?

9 p.m. ET (6 PM PT) Wednesday and Thursdays http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/game_of_week

Another article about Comcast and this one contains my entry for "Quote of the Day". :D

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/192848_comcast29.html
Comcast chief sees an exciting, fast-changing future for TV

From the above article,

>>>>>

Asked whether a bigger Comcast would increase consumers' cable bills, Roberts said, "I hope not."

>>>>>

Jim :)

It doesnt make sense to me that Comcast would create a whole new channel just to show 2 hours of GOTW programming.

I called Comcast, and the CSR said that it was a new channel that they were working on installing...but she also said that they didnt carry FOX HD because they were waiting on the network to install HD equipment on their end, so take it how you will.

Anyone else have any info?

rb

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
That would be very nice but I would be very surprised that the front desk person heard that a contract has been signed between Comcast and Cox before we heard it through other sources.

Me too.:) I just found it kind of interesting that she volunteered that tidbit without being asked.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Steve, where in the North Bay are you?

Healdsburg. Kind-of a stretch to call it the North Bay, but suprisingly few people in the Bay Area know where it is. Another surprising thing is that we have such a good (850MHz) cable system here. It was upgraded by AT&T about five years ago.

Regards,
Steve

Originally posted by slb

Healdsburg. Kind-of a stretch to call it the North Bay, but suprisingly few people in the Bay Area know where it is. Another surprising thing is that we have such a good (850MHz) cable system here. It was upgraded by AT&T about five years ago.

Regards,
Steve

It's an 860Mhz system I believe, and it's the cat's meow I'm told. The Comcast service manager for Santa Rosa lives there and told me all about all the cool stuff you guys have, after which, he tells me why I screwed with the system we have in Santa Rosa. :p

Jim

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
725 must be our new special, temporary HD channel for NFL Network's Game of the Week in HD.

I wonder if the 2% club is getting 725? And, if so, why can't Comcast do that for FSN Bay Area HD (A's and Giants games) for those areas?

Well, at least in Milpitas we aren't and I don't think we'll be getting it any time soon but I'll know more next month if the funding for upgrading our system is going to happen or if I go with D* :rolleyes:

I sure hope that we get KTVU-HD soon. However, 49er games should be broadcast in SD until they prove they belong in the NFL! Currently, they're not worthy of the extra bandwidth.

Originally posted by mazman49
However, 49er games should be broadcast in SD until they prove they belong in the NFL! Currently, they're not worthy of the extra bandwidth.

:D :D :D

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
It's an 860Mhz system I believe, and it's the cat's meow I'm told. The Comcast service manager for Santa Rosa lives there and told me all about all the cool stuff you guys have, after which, he tells me why I screwed with the system we have in Santa Rosa. :p

Jim

I'm certainly happy with it.:D Even praying will not get OTA here (even if my wife WOULD consider letting me put a mast on the roof). I'm not even sure if the city will allow a mast as tall as would be rquired.

-Steve

Maybe I should go into the cable business. I can receive the Sacramento digital/HD signals here and could lay the fiber up through Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cloverdale to transmit the signals to customers.

Kind of like a local VOOM cable service. HD only.

On second thought, I'd have to negotiate a retransmission agreement with Sinclair (owner of Sacramento's CBS affiliate, KOVR). I think I'll pass.

Originally posted by slb
Healdsburg.
Great town. Petaluma was one of the few in Sonoma Co. to get upgraded also. Most of Marin to Novato was done by either TCI or AT&T recently.

Anyway, I had the InHD logo on 725 until 6PM and now it's the NFL GOTW (got W? hhmmmmm).

Better question: IS THE GIANTS GAME TONITE ON ESPN AND/OR KTVU? IS IT IN HIDEF??

Walk,
Same here in Healdsburg with 725. Bummer! Giants are on ESPN (and KTVU), but not in HD. What's up with that!?

-Steve

FSN is doing the A's in HiDef, guess they can't do 2 at once.

ESPN must be doing something else with their HD truck.. ?

edit; SHAZAM! Now ESPN-HD is showing the "ESPN2" feed of Rockies/Dodgers (in Lo-Def..)

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Maybe I should go into the cable business. I can receive the Sacramento digital/HD signals here and could lay the fiber up through Santa Rosa, Windsor, Healdsburg, Cloverdale to transmit the signals to customers.

Kind of like a local VOOM cable service. HD only.

On second thought, I'd have to negotiate a retransmission agreement with Sinclair (owner of Sacramento's CBS affiliate, KOVR). I think I'll pass.

:D :D

You had mentioned before that you were getting the KTXL feed from Walnut Grove I think. Did you say that they only broadcast digital on the weekend?
Reason I ask is I can get a somewhat hazy signal myself when I point the antenna that way for their analog station. Have not tried on the weekend yet.

Jim

Originally posted by walk
FSN is doing the A's in HiDef, guess they can't do 2 at once.

Correct. I think FSN Bay Area can only do one game in HD at a time.

I got an interesting but typical reply from KTVU's station manager regarding the Cox/KTVU/Comcast debacle:


---
Thanks for your interest. On the compensation issue, welcome to the world of conglomerates. Cox Communications is a separate company from Cox Broadcasting (sort of). Both are subsidiaries of Cox Enterprises and both operate quite independently. So, whereas the cable division is attempting to (like Comcast) keep their expenses down, Cox Television is attempting to increase revenue. Possibly inconsistent, but not abnormal. We still are in negotiation, but just don't know when it will all end. Thanks again for your interest. This is not an easy time for anyone.
---

Originally posted by fender4645
I got an interesting but typical reply from KTVU's station manager regarding the Cox/KTVU/Comcast debacle:


---
Thanks for your interest. On the compensation issue, welcome to the world of conglomerates. Cox Communications is a separate company from Cox Broadcasting (sort of). Both are subsidiaries of Cox Enterprises and both operate quite independently. So, whereas the cable division is attempting to (like Comcast) keep their expenses down, Cox Television is attempting to increase revenue. Possibly inconsistent, but not abnormal. We still are in negotiation, but just don't know when it will all end. Thanks again for your interest. This is not an easy time for anyone.
---


At least that's an honest answer...(Cox Enterprises wants Cox Broadcasting to screw comcast for as much as they can but obviously wouldnt want the same thing to happen to Cox Communications/cable)

Originally posted by keenan
:D :D

You had mentioned before that you were getting the KTXL feed from Walnut Grove I think. Did you say that they only broadcast digital on the weekend?
Jim

KTXL-DT (Fox40) broadcasts 24 hours a day, and now at full power.

It is happening to Cox Cable. See how many Sinclair-owned HD channels are on Cox Cable. Zero, same as Comcast.

Rich N.

Well to make matters even worse, Giants fans in the valley got screwed even harder last night because they can't get KTVU and ESPN which had the game scheduled, blacked it out.. :( Someone really needs to get their sh*t together and realize that #1 OTA reception here is terrible and #2 if cable or dish customers can't get KTVU because of conflicts with other local FOX channels then DON'T BLACK OUT LOCAL GAMES ON ESPN!

The Seattle Mariners vs. A's game airing today at 12:30pm will be on Fox Sports Net Bay Area. This game will also be aired in High Definition on INHD2 (channel 720).

The Giants @ San Diego Padres game that was scheduled on KTVU will now be aired on FSN Bay Area at 7pm

Also . . .

An HBO Free Preview will begin at 6:00 a.m. on October 4th and run through 11:59 p.m. on October 10th.

Originally posted by fender4645
If this is what you want to do then I agree, DSL is probably the way to go, although you'll be paying more for it (higher upload speeds, static IP, etc.).

I'm paying $49.95 for 6 megs download and 512K upload. I also have 8 static IPs. I'd much rather have this type of DSL then cable (not going into things like latency, bandwidth sharing, etc)....

Russ

Originally posted by nightowl
KTXL-DT (Fox40) broadcasts 24 hours a day, and now at full power.

Thanks,

Comcast article from the Chronicle,

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/09/30/BUG61912T31.DTL
Comcast upgrade on track / Contract dispute in Walnut Creek is only snag, it says

Jim

Jim, did you email Todd Walllack (the author the article) and tell him about the 2% Club's current situation? If anything, he may be able to provide you other details or become a media outlet for you guys. To say the entire Bay Area has been upgraded (except Walnut Creek) could be a little misleading -- especially for you guys.

--
Chris

Originally posted by fender4645
Jim, did you email Todd Walllack (the author the article) and tell him about the 2% Club's current situation? If anything, he may be able to provide you other details or become a media outlet for you guys. To say the entire Bay Area has been upgraded (except Walnut Creek) could be a little misleading -- especially for you guys.
--
Chris

I did and others should also. That article IS very misleading, it makes it seem that only Walnut Creek hasn't been upgraded and that it's their Franchise Authority that is at fault, not the case . What's the reason for the 2% club not being upgraded ?? NOT COST EFFECTIVE. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by fender4645
Jim, did you email Todd Walllack (the author the article) and tell him about the 2% Club's current situation? If anything, he may be able to provide you other details or become a media outlet for you guys. To say the entire Bay Area has been upgraded (except Walnut Creek) could be a little misleading -- especially for you guys.

--
Chris

No, I haven't yet, but I definitely plan to, I got very angry reading it, it's as if we 2%ers just don't exist. In Comcast's defense, I think the City of Santa Rosa is equally implicated in the blame department.

Jim

Originally posted by walk
Well to make matters even worse, Giants fans in the valley got screwed even harder last night because they can't get KTVU and ESPN which had the game scheduled, blacked it out.. :( Someone really needs to get their sh*t together and realize that #1 OTA reception here is terrible and #2 if cable or dish customers can't get KTVU because of conflicts with other local FOX channels then DON'T BLACK OUT LOCAL GAMES ON ESPN! Which valley?

KTVU does not do Giants games in HD. SD only.

Watching the A's on FSN-HD. Is this the first day time game they have done in HD on a weekday?

I just recieved this email from Mr. Todd Wallock the reporter that wrote the article. I am major pissed that what Comcast told him, you be the judge.

Thanks for the e-mail.

I just spoke to Andrew Johnson at Comcast who said those cities have all
been upgraded, allowing Comcast to add more channels and cable modem
service in the neighborhoods. However, he said Comcast decided not to
offer some HD channels in those cities for one of three reasons:
1) Their market research shows higher demand for other channels instead
2) They are planning to use the bandwidth instead to eventually launch
higher speeds of cable modem service in the cities.
3) They are reserving the bandwidth for video on demand, Internet
telephony or some other service

Todd

So eveyone in the 2% areas write to Mr. Wallock and voice your opinion on Comcast's response to him, I am.

I just got a response also and he said he was going to check with Comcast about the cities I mentioned. It was time-dated 2:03PM today.

Jim

Originally posted by Mikef5


I just spoke to Andrew Johnson at Comcast who said those cities have all
been upgraded, allowing Comcast to add more channels and cable modem
service in the neighborhoods.

Mikef5, what cities did you put in your email? I mentioned Saratoga, Milpitas, Los Gatos, areas of the peninsula and Santa Rosa. I'm not sure of any others.

Jim

Those are the ones I put in my email, I couldn't think of others because I was and still am pissed, ( I didn't forget Santa Rosa :) )

I'm still writing my response to his email and I'll let you know what becomes of that.

Laters,
Mike

Cool, I just got back the same initial response you did, verbatim.

Jim

Well, I sent my response to Mr. Wallock and I'll post what is response this. I also gave him a link to this discussion group so hopefully he will take the time to read this groups responses and what Comcast is really doing. We will see.

Keenan, write a rebuttal to Mr. Wallock so he'll know that it's more than just one customer that is disgruntled.

Laters,
Mikef

I suppose Walnut Creek must still be a 330 Mhz system. That is the only way I can make sense of what Comcast is saying. So to Comcast all 550 Mhz or above systems are "upgraded."

However, when you don't have the bandwidth for FSN Bay Area HD, Discovery HD Theater, INHD, INHD2 and NFL Network HD, I would say there is a bandwidth problem that necessitates what I would call an "upgrade."

1) Their market research shows higher demand for other channels instead
2) They are planning to use the bandwidth instead to eventually launch
higher speeds of cable modem service in the cities.
3) They are reserving the bandwidth for video on demand, Internet
telephony or some other service1) What channels? Other HD channels? If there is higher demand, why aren't those channels being added?

Comcast is making a HUGE deal about FSN Bay Area HD in its marketing, so why isn't that service been added to the 550 Mhz areas, at a minimum?

2) Higher speeds of cable modem service do not take that much more bandwidth. Certainly not more than the space for one HD channel, according to my understanding (I could be wrong).

3) Is VOD really that much more important than HDTV? Does Comcast think it will add/keep more subscribers by putting up VOD instead of critical HD channels like INHD and FSN Bay Area HD?

VOIP is way off in the future-- late 2005. By that time I would expect at least one or two analogs to be eliminated/migrated to digital, so why sit on the bandwidth so long?

"Other services"? What "other" services?

If SD channels, Comcast can compress 5 or 6 into the space of one HD channel, and I am hard pressed to name 1 or 2 SD channels that Comcast is saving bandwidth for.

I just received another reply from Mr. Wallock, here is what he said,

----------------------

Thanks for referring me to the message forum. I was curious why I was
receiving so many similar e-mails this afternoon.

It's an interesting subject and I may follow-up with another article
later.

Todd
-----------------------

At least he was interested enough to check out the forum and see for himself what Comcast is really doing or in the case of the 2% club not doing.
I hope he does do the follow up article and for the people that don't even get HD at all, my suggestion is to make your voice hear, don't just sit there and take what Comcast gives you or doesn't give you.

Laters,
Mikef

I wish they could at least speak the truth about why they didnt bother to really upgrade certain areas.

Good to see even the real upgraded folks such as Sonoma called the BS flag on this one....grrrrrrr....

ps...you can include much of Sunnyvale in the 2% club.


pss...Keenan, clear up your PM's (its full)

After 6 months of working with the City of Saratoga to get some response for Comcast, I have given up. My only conclusion is that the city gets so much money from Comcast in franchise fees, that they are unwilling to rock the boat enought to get action.

I may go ahead and drop Comcast and go with SBC Yahoo for DSL (cheaper - $37 vs $52 for comcast and faster - 384 up vs 256) and will go with DirecTV for TV service. The only reason I went with Comcast was the ability to record to firewire. But there is now a hack for the DirecTV HR10-250 HDTV PVR that allows you to make a network connection to the box, download any HDTV file, and then output that to your JVC or other DVHS unit. It is really quite cool, being able to treat your PVR as a networked computer. Dish's units cannot be made to do this that I am aware of.

The main thing stopping me is the $700 up front for the HR10-250 (that is the price you can get as a new customer from a few DirecTV dealers). But that is better than the $1000 - $1300 they were going for just a month ago!

Originally posted by davisdog

pss...Keenan, clear up your PM's (its full)

Done. :p

Jim

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
1)

3) Is VOD really that much more important than HDTV? Does Comcast think it will add/keep more subscribers by putting up VOD instead of critical HD channels like INHD and FSN Bay Area HD?



Comcast's joint purchase with Sony of MGM seems to indicate that VOD is a real big deal for them. How does VOD work anyway, not that I will get it here? Do you pay per view? Is it in HD? I never have been a PPV user, using Netflix would seem to be a much cheaper proposition.

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
Comcast's joint purchase with Sony of MGM seems to indicate that VOD is a real big deal for them. How does VOD work anyway, not that I will get it here? Do you pay per view? Is it in HD? I never have been a PPV user, using Netflix would seem to be a much cheaper proposition.

Jim

VOD is where they have a Large Server (and storage) at the headend which stores Video Content that has been prerecorded (That could be Movies, Sports Events, Soap Operas, Newscasts that have been stored by comcast (much like a HUGE Tivo in a central location for all users on that system). With your onscreen guide you have access to menus that allow you to play that content (and stop/start/pause/ff)...Nothing is actually stored on your local box, it is all streamed in near realtime.

They will charge for some content (premium movies), require subscriptions to get some (ie old ESPN stuff if you subscribe to ESPN) and provide some at no charge (replay of newscasts)...HD VOD is possibly also although it takes more b/w.

Personnally just give me a DVR and I will do it myself (and use netflix or PPV for movies if the price is right)..we'll see

In the end, SD VOD really does not use extra bandwidth, in fact it frees up bandwidth because eventually ALL of the linear PPV channels go away.

Eliminate 35 digital PPV channels and you now have bandwidth for 5 to 6 HD channels (assuming SD VOD uses same bandwidth as 1 or 2 HD channels).

For me, DVR beats VOD all to hell as you can record. But for some who are e-challenged, VOD might be of some use if they can figure out how to use it. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by hiker
For me, DVR beats VOD all to hell as you can record. But for some who are e-challenged, VOD might be of some use if they can figure out how to use it. :rolleyes:

Yes it does, but VOD would probably make content providers more at ease as far as copy-protection control is concerned, I bet the VOD stuff will be flagged copy never.

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
Yes it does, but VOD would probably make content providers more at ease as far as copy-protection control is concerned, I bet the VOD stuff will be flagged copy never.

Comcast spent a boat load of money nationwide in the equipment upgrade and marketing of VOD. In fact, much of their justification of upgrading older areas/equipment was for VOD (probably more so then for HD). This, of course, was started 2 or 3 years ago -- before DVR's and HD started making their way into the main stream. I've read a few opiniated articles that compare the two services and the authors/anylists said that Comcast has invested so much money into VOD that it's become their #1 priority by default. If they were to back off that now then what does that say about Comcast's upper management and their ability to see future technologies???? That's another reason why we're seeing VOD in the Bay Area before the DVR.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Eliminate 35 digital PPV channels and you now have bandwidth for 5 to 6 HD channels (assuming SD VOD uses same bandwidth as 1 or 2 HD channels).

haha...if us poor slobs on the 550Mhz networks only had 35 PPV to get rid of...Only 4 inPPV channels (801-804) over here (+ 3 xxx Channels it looks like, although not sure if they are subscription or PPV...Spice, Playboy and HotNT...)

Comcast just added a Channel in the HD range (725) and it says TBD. Any ideas what channel they will be adding and when?

Thanks.
-Larry

725 was the NFL-HD channel. It's only used for a few hours per week.

I think Comcast was putting so much into VOD because it differentiated them from satellites. Then when HD came, and then DVRs they found that they needed these to compete.

Now, local HD differentiates them, too until the satellites get them.

Rich N.

Originally posted by davisdog
haha...if us poor slobs on the 550Mhz networks only had 35 PPV to get rid of...

No kidding, DirecTv looks like it will be the winner in my household, as soon as FOX-HD and ABC-HD are on board it's a no-brainer. In fact since SF is the no. 6 DMA, DirecTv may have LiL HD by the middle of 2005, as opposed to any expanded offerings which wont reach 550Mhz systems up to two years down the road. I have no quarrel with Comcast but if they cant provide me with what everyone else gets, while paying the same price, then I'm gone.

Jim

Originally posted by hiker
725 was the NFL-HD channel. It's only used for a few hours per week.
Now it's listed as "HDSE - HD Special Events".
They were not only showing the NFL GOTW last nite but also a couple other shows in HD. Not sure where that other stuff came from... looked like your typical HD nature/travel type material... (zzzz)

Originally posted by walk
Now it's listed as "HDSE - HD Special Events".
They were not only showing the NFL GOTW last nite but also a couple other shows in HD. Not sure where that other stuff came from... looked like your typical HD nature/travel type material... (zzzz)

Great another channel the 2% club won't get. Remind me to put this on the list of channels we don't get :rolleyes:

Darn, I miss my Doppler radar channel

Originally posted by walk
Now it's listed as "HDSE - HD Special Events".
They were not only showing the NFL GOTW last nite but also a couple other shows in HD. Not sure where that other stuff came from... looked like your typical HD nature/travel type material... (zzzz)

I wasn't getting anything last night on this channel. Is it part of the standard package or do you need a premium package?

Thanks.

Originally posted by lrcasey
I wasn't getting anything last night on this channel. Is it part of the standard package or do you need a premium package?

Thanks. You probably need whatever is necessary to get NFL Network if you want 725. That is either Digital Plus package/tier OR the Digital Sports tier.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
You probably need whatever is necessary to get NFL Network if you want 725. That is either Digital Plus package/tier OR the Digital Sports tier.

and you can't live in the 2% club area.....
Sorry Sonoma I just couldn't resist :p

And that also. :)

Here's another article about upgrade technology.

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2004/0804/08f.htm

Everyone is talking about the VOD, but how come no one is talking about if they like it? Has anyone else used it? I tried to use it and was more annoyed with it, so I stopped. Is just not in most locations? Or are people not using it either. Just wondering...

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
And that also. :)

Here's another article about upgrade technology.

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2004/0804/08f.htm

From the article:

Techniques like amplifier drop-in upgrades are cost-effective cable life-span extenders–although there is a time when equipment and capability simply “wear out,” and companies need to replace them.

“Often, this depends upon the age and the spacing of the amplifiers, how good your cable is, and what type of passives were installed,” states Hope. “If you’ve got 450 MHz taps, there’s not much you can do. But if your spacing is at 550 MHz, you can take it to 750 MHz.”

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
You probably need whatever is necessary to get NFL Network if you want 725. That is either Digital Plus package/tier OR the Digital Sports tier. No, I only have basic analog and Digital Classic and get 725 and ESPN-HD. I don't get NFL-SD or ESPN-SD.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
And that also. :)

Here's another article about upgrade technology.

http://www.cedmagazine.com/ced/2004/0804/08f.htm

Just finished reading the link and boy that sure enlightens me up a bunch. Do you think Comcast reads these things or do they have tunnel vision ???

If they could use some of this tech do you think they will give me back my Doppler radar channel......... OR GIVE ME FSN_HD so I can watch the Giants and A's win their divisions in HD ????? :p

Originally posted by Mikef5
Just finished reading the link and boy that sure enlightens me up a bunch. Do you think Comcast reads these things or do they have tunnel vision ???



No, they just put a lock on their wallets(the one with over $2 billion in free cash flow) and spin doctor the 550Mhz systems as being "upgraded" already to the local franchise authority. :rolleyes:

Jim

P.S. Not if my Dodgers have anything to do with it. Go Dodgers!!

The A's game is in HD tonite.

But not if you are on a 550 Mhz system.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
But not if you are on a 550 Mhz system.

:( :( :( :( :( :o :o :o :o

You may have heard that Sacramento (and the whole central valley from Fresno up to Chico) is getting a new regional sports network, Comcast Sportsnet West, that is anchored by Sacramento Kings and Monarchs (WNBA) games. It starts November 2, 2004.

Looks like we will be getting it also (SD only I assume) starting in January 2005. But it will be minus the Kings and Monarchs games. So it would seem to be limited to a whole lot of college sports, at least to start out.

Here is a quote from the press release (see last sentence of the second paragraph):

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast SportsNet, the leader in regional sports coverage with networks in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and Chicago, announces today the launch of a fourth network serving the Northern California region.

Comcast SportsNet West will launch November 2 to an initial territory that includes approximately 700,000 Comcast cable customers throughout Central California, a 350-mile territory that stretches from Visalia and Fresno north to include the greater Modesto, Stockton, Sacramento, and Chico areas. The network, which will be channel 34 in all Comcast markets throughout the region, will also be made available to all cable and satellite operators in the area. In addition, the network's coverage area will expand into the Bay Area to include San Francisco by January 2005. (note: NBA restrictions prevent airing of Sacramento Kings and Monarchs games in the Bay Area.)

"Comcast SportsNet will serve hundreds of thousands of sports fans throughout Northern California," said Comcast Regional Vice President Joseph A. Gamble. "Whether it's the Sacramento Kings, major universities or other regional sports teams, Comcast is committed to giving our customers the opportunity to watch their local teams."

Comcast SportsNet West will launch with the Kings regular season opener against the Dallas Mavericks and will be home to more than 50 regular season games. Selected home games will be produced in a thrilling high definition format offering Kings fans the opportunity to experience their team like never before, with the best picture and audio available. High-definition programming is available to over 90% of Comcast customers. In addition, most Comcast SportsNet programming will be available on Comcast On Demand, the company's video on demand service, when the service is launched in most areas by the end of 2004.

Comcast On Demand is a value-added service to Comcast digital customers, available at no additional charge.

"We are excited to extend the Comcast SportsNet brand into a fourth market and deliver sports fans in California coverage they are passionate about," said Jack Williams, President and CEO, Comcast SportsNet. "The Sacramento Kings are an exciting product and they have an outstanding following throughout the region that will greatly benefit our network."

Upon its launch, Comcast SportsNet West will provide additional programming including warm-up and wrap-up game shows for the Kings, and WNBA basketball games featuring the Sacramento Monarchs. The network will also be home for extensive college sports coverage, including Sacramento State University football games; University of California Davis football and basketball games; and Fresno State football games. Additional programming on Comcast SportsNet will include selected college games from the Western Athletic Conference, Big Sky Conference and the Mountain West Conference. Comcast SportsNet West will be based in Sacramento.

Comcast SportsNet currently consists of three regional sports networks servicing the Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, and Chicago television markets. Together, the three networks reach over 10 million households and provide game coverage for the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, and Chicago Blackhawks; the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers, Washington Wizards, and Chicago Bulls; and MLB's Philadelphia Phillies, Baltimore Orioles, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago White Sox. Comcast SportsNet West will become the fourth member of the family on November 2, 2004 when it launches with game coverage of the NBA's Sacramento Kings.The home Kings games in HD should mean a couple of away games for the Warriors in HD to be added to the home HD schedule. It shouldn't be too difficult for FSN Bay Area HD to pick up the Comcast Sportsnet West video feed in HD. (Sorry 2% club ...)

If the Earthquakes are still in San Jose next year, their local television rights will be available, so that might be the first local pro team we would see on CSN West, if Comcast decides to bid for them. Whether home games would be done in HD is another matter ...

Anyway, that's one SD channel they are saving bandwidth for. :)

Originally posted by davisdog
:( :( :( :( :( :o :o :o :o

Maybe we should have our own thread, or hole as it were, to hide in and console each other about our miserable "upgraded" cable TV system...

Jim :mad:

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
But not if you are on a 550 Mhz system.

Well, the A's game was on both INHD1 and INHD2.... ?

The Giants game was on ESPN-HD - BUT blacked out in the Bay Area.
(Instead it was on KTVU - in their world famous Ultra-LOW-def.................)

Also as of now, 725 is showing a new logo "HD/SE - Hidef Special Events" and some music on the sound track...

725 is still showing up as not authorized (and no guide info) for me. Which is starting to bug me since I get NFL net on 180 and 417, and I have the 'Everything under the sun, we take your first born' package.

Originally posted by keenan
P.S. Not if my Dodgers have anything to do with it. Go Dodgers!! I no longer blame Comcast or Santa Rosa for our cable woes. It's all your fault.

Originally posted by JasonQG
I no longer blame Comcast or Santa Rosa for our cable woes. It's all your fault.

What can I say? I'm a transplant from El Lay. :D

Jim

Anyway, that's one SD channel they are saving bandwidth for.
Here's a suggestion to Comcast: How about two tiers of service, one for those who want sports, and one for the rest of us who don't give a rat's ass?

That way, those of us who's life doesn't revolve around the NFL can get more channels we like rather than have our channel guides filled with ESPN1..ESPNn, Fox Sports Pigsnuckle Arkansas, and all that other stuff we never watch?

Ditto for the shopping channels. Who watches that crap anyway?

Well you could say the same thing about all the news channels, the kids channels, the bored housewife channels (Lifetime, food/cooking/redecorating shows, Oprah, Springer, hell 90% of daytime TV...) the network "reality" shows, sitcoms and crime dramas, etc... etc...

They should really have an ala carte menu where you choose exactly the channels you want. But oh no, they'd never sell the shopping channels that way, and they make a LOT of money from those shopping channels so don't look for them to go anywhere soon..

From October 7 - 10, customers could notice severe “snow or dots ” on analog delivered satellite channels and severe tiling or a complete loss of channels on digitally delivered satellite channels lasting up to ten minutes, twice daily. When an IRT or MPS digital receiver loses its input signal, the DCT set top converter displays “One Moment Please” on the affected channel(s). Solar outages will occur during daytime hours, affecting individual satellites and satellite-delivered networks for 5 to 20 minutes each day

customers could notice severe “snow or dots ” on analog delivered satellite channels and severe tiling or a complete loss of channels on digitally delivered satellite channels lasting up to ten minutes, twice daily.
Why twice daily? I can see it happening once a day when the sun is directly behind a satellite, but not twice daily.

Originally posted by hiker
For me, DVR beats VOD all to hell as you can record. But for some who are e-challenged, VOD might be of some use if they can figure out how to use it. :rolleyes:

CNN-Money had an article today on Comcast's VOD campaign and why it may not be all that it's cracked up to be.

http://money.cnn.com/2004/10/04/technology/techinvestor/hellweg/

Originally posted by fender4645
[B]CNN-Money had an article today on Comcast's VOD campaign and why it may not be all that it's cracked up to be.


Interesting article, it reinforces what I mentioned earlier about Netflix, VOD simply does not interest me, especially if it's PPV.

It also indicates that Comcast is certainly not opposed to really bending the truth when it suits them. That part about the HBO free VOD is nuts, can Roberts actually believe that he was going to get away with that? I guess for investors that don't engage in due diligence it probably flew for them.

Jim

Originally posted by Jerry Gardner
Why twice daily? I can see it happening once a day when the sun is directly behind a satellite, but not twice daily.

Comcast probably gets stuff from more than one satellite.

Jim

Comcast probably gets stuff from more than one satellite.
So you're saying that Comcast uses the feed from one satellite during part of the day, and then switches to another satellite for the same channel later in the day?

I suppose this is possible, but it doesn't make sense.

The content providers (Discovery channel group, Sci-Fi etc) use different satellites to feed thier signal to the cable headends. Imagine what would happen if all the channels were on one satallite and it failed!!!!

Anyone else notice the new channel HDSE (forget which number but I think it'a after INHD and INHD2). Any idea when it'll go live?

Best,
jeff

Originally posted by Jerry Gardner
So you're saying that Comcast uses the feed from one satellite during part of the day, and then switches to another satellite for the same channel later in the day?

I suppose this is possible, but it doesn't make sense.

I don't know about the same channel, but DCTDictator did not indicate that it was for a particular channel, just channels in general which may come from from multiple satellites. Since he mentioned twice a day I'm guessing 2 sats.

Jim

I've had VOD here for a while and I think it will replace the "cable network" model and be a solution to ala carte. I've ordered only one movie which didn't look great because it was not HD so will wait for HD-VOD. But I often catch up on some shows that are SD that wouldn't look different anyway. Where VOD can beat out DVR is when you hear about some show that has already been on that you missed recording but it is still available VOD. For instance I had some friends visiting this weekend who crash before Bill Maher's show is on so I was able to show it to them last night VOD. Very handy.

Originally posted by keenan
I don't know about the same channel, but DCTDictator did not indicate that it was for a particular channel, just channels in general which may come from from multiple satellites. Since he mentioned twice a day I'm guessing 2 sats.

I was quoting the company line. Some may fade before others, depending on what bird they are on. Don't some systems like network stations (or DSS:eek: ) have redundant transponders and switch out when the fades occur?

Any updates on when we can expect UPN and WB HD channels from Comcast in SF? Any update on the HD DVR for SF?

I have a ReplayTV unit and I just noticed that they added a channel on 721 called "FSBAHD" . It looks like FSN Bay Area will have it's own dedicated channel pretty soon. Comcast probably gave ReplayTV an advanced heads up so that they could update their channel guide.

My Comcast HD tuner itself still does not list the channel...

Sorry if this has been discussed but I scrolled back a few pages in the thread and couldn't find anything. I've been having problems with channels 704 (KRON) and 705 (KPIX) for some time now in the form of video freeze-ups and/or audio drop-outs. No problems with any of the other HD channels. Was experiencing these problems even before they migrated the HD channels to the 700s.

Is this a common problem or unique to me? The channels are unwatchable in the current state.

Also, I noticed that I'm now unable to pick up the 5.1 signal. (Wasn't a problem before and I haven't changed anything in my set-up.) This applies to all the HD channels, not just 704 and 705. I've been assuming that the on-screen guide that displays whether the program is broadcast in 5.1 is accurate. Am I wrong in this assumption? I don't think it's my receiver that's the problem since I still get 5.1 when watching DVDs.

FWIW, I'm located in the Glen Park neighborhood of SF.

Re 5.1, go to the Setup menu, choose Audio and set your output to Matrix Stereo. That will solve the issue. (It was reset to analog stereo when the last software/firmware update was downloaded to the boxes.)

RE: 704/705 problems

I am also having problems with these channels. Also ESPNHD, as well as some basic digital channels, have some occasional picture freeze-ups and audio drop-outs. A Comcast service tech will be coming by Thursday afternoon to see what the problem is. It was fine before last Saturday. I am located in the Sunnyvale 2% area.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Re 5.1, go to the Setup menu, choose Audio and set your output to Matrix Stereo. That will solve the issue. (It was reset to analog stereo when the last software/firmware update was downloaded to the boxes.)

Thanks for the tip - worked like a charm. Will I have to do this every time they reset my box as well?

Originally posted by hd-salee
I am also having problems with these channels. Also ESPNHD, as well as some basic digital channels, have some occasional picture freeze-ups and audio drop-outs. A Comcast service tech will be coming by Thursday afternoon to see what the problem is. It was fine before last Saturday. I am located in the Sunnyvale 2% area.

Let us know how the service visit goes and what they do to remedy the problem. I've been meaning to schedule one but just haven't gotten around to it. BTW, no issues here with ESPNHD or any of the basic digital channels - just 704 and 705.

Hopefully the next firmware/software download will not mess with the audio settings. That has never happened before, AFAIK.

HBO Free Preview:

HBO HD should be in the clear for everyone in the Bay Area right now. (Free preview.) The Fugitive (Tommy Lee Jones, Harrison Ford) is on right now.

On another topic:

Today when I press menu (or turn on the STB), I am getting a mini-menu with 4 choices: TV Listings; PPV Title; Main Menu; Help. This mini-menu appears in the top left corner of the 4:3 screen. It only obscures about maybe 1/8th to 1/10th of the screen.

("Mini-menu" is my own description for this.)

Main Menu takes me to what used to come up with the "Menu" key-- the big menu with all the choices. "Help" is broken-- it takes me to the "Special Events" menu (PPV events).

Is this mini-menu a part of the new setup for VOD which may be coming to the North Bay soon? (There is no VOD choice.)

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Hopefully the next firmware/software download will not mess with the audio settings. That has never happened before, AFAIK.

HBO Free Preview:

HBO HD should be in the clear for everyone in the Bay Area right now. (Free preview.) The Fugitive (Tommy Lee Jones, Harrison Ford) is on right now.

On another topic:

Today when I press menu (or turn on the STB), I am getting a mini-menu with 4 choices: TV Listings; PPV Title; Main Menu; Help. This mini-menu appears in the top left corner of the 4:3 screen. It only obscures about maybe 1/8th to 1/10th of the screen.

("Mini-menu" is my own description for this.)

Main Menu takes me to what used to come up with the "Menu" key-- the big menu with all the choices. "Help" is broken-- it takes me to the "Special Events" menu (PPV events).

Is this mini-menu a part of the new setup for VOD which may be coming to the North Bay soon? (There is no VOD choice.)

When I push the menu button I get a screen saying, " This feature is being restored and will be available in about 5 minutes " , it has been this way all day today. Also, if I hit the menu button again it takes me to the setup menu. I haven't a clue what they are doing and I bet they don't either. Anyone in the 2% club see this ???

Laters,
Mikef5

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Is this mini-menu a part of the new setup for VOD which may be coming to the North Bay soon? (There is no VOD choice.)

Yup. I got the same menu a couple of days before VOD showed up.

Originally posted by Mikef5
Anyone in the 2% club see this ???

Laters,
Mikef5

I get the little menu on the left hand side of the screen,works just like SonomaSearcher described.

Jim

Originally posted by keenan
I get the little menu on the left hand side of the screen,works just like SonomaSearcher described.

Jim

Well, I checked again this morning and still the same. I get the message " This feature is being restored and will be available in about 5 minutes " . So I need some one on the Saramilgatos head-end to check and see if they can get to the menu. If I press the menu button I get that message, if I press it again it goes to the setup menu, in other words I can't get to the menu to do searches, order pay per view etc....... Also, I noticed that channel 704 is no longer Hd net, it is the digital channel of channel 4, so no more HD on 704, channel 4 has no HD material by it's self. I find it hard to believe I'm the only one seeing this. I really need some one on the Milpitas, Saratoga or Los Gatos head-end for some help before I call Comcast to find out what's up. Thanks.

Mikef5

This is off topic of the current discussion (in Livermore we have the "new" menu layout system), but I did some pretty thorough A/B comparisons during Lost on ABC last night between 707 and OTA 7.1.

OTA 7.1 was perfect, no visible mpeg artifacts, no blocking/pixelation, etc. Comcast's 707 however showed clear pixelation during the scenes with fire and fast motion. I have had direct contact with KGO-DT engineers and they have used several of us in this valley to help them make sure their systems (new ones) are delivering the best possible stream. Issues they've had in the past have all been resolved.

I know everyone says that they (Comcast) do not compress, they are doing something to degrade the signal. Both my SNR and AGC are in the "good" range and no errors (recoverable or un-recoverable).

Any suggestions on how to get Comcast's attention, or at least get observations like mine to the right people there. I'm thinking of starting with KGO engineering. I'm sure they'd be interested to hear how their product is being rebroadcast.

Best,
jeff

MikeF5,

I still have the old menu's in Saratoga (I press Menu, I get the same old Menu's)..not sure whats going on with your system...Maybe DCT knows if the new menu's should be on saramilgatos or not.

Greeno,

I'd start with KGO if you have a contact there. Comcast is not compressing it, but there could be issues on the path somewhere...Maybe KGO can do end-end with Comcast to make sure the feed is getting to the headend as it should

-Steve

Re KGO, yes I would start with the KGO engineers. Also, you may want to get a local Comcast engineering contact which you might get from Mr. Germano whose email is posted above, I think. Or call 1800 COMCAST and ask them to transfer you to your local headend-- but I doubt you will have any success with that.

Originally posted by greeno
This is off topic of the current discussion (in Livermore we have the "new" menu layout system), but I did some pretty thorough A/B comparisons during Lost on ABC last night between 707 and OTA 7.1.

OTA 7.1 was perfect, no visible mpeg artifacts, no blocking/pixelation, etc. Comcast's 707 however showed clear pixelation during the scenes with fire and fast motion. I have had direct contact with KGO-DT engineers and they have used several of us in this valley to help them make sure their systems (new ones) are delivering the best possible stream. Issues they've had in the past have all been resolved.

I know everyone says that they (Comcast) do not compress, they are doing something to degrade the signal. Both my SNR and AGC are in the "good" range and no errors (recoverable or un-recoverable).

Any suggestions on how to get Comcast's attention, or at least get observations like mine to the right people there. I'm thinking of starting with KGO engineering. I'm sure they'd be interested to hear how their product is being rebroadcast.

Because Comcast (and cable in general) use physical cabling to connect to your house, there's much more of an opportunity for something to go wrong. OTA goes directly from the source of the transmission to your house -- no head-ends, swiching, boxes, etc. to potentially "garble" the signal. That being said, I think it's safe to say Comcast is not doing anything to "degrade the signal" -- at least, not intentionally. I had an issue about 6 months ago where I was getting pixelation/blocking problems on most of my digital channels. It turns out there was a filter on my line that was put in during the days of TCI. Taking that off immediately provided me with an extra 4 or 5 db's of signal and got rid of the pixelation completely.

So I would first do what you can in your home (check for errors, signal levels on your box). If people here post that they're seeing the same problems, then it's probably a bigger problem with one or more head-ends. If not, then it may be local to your immediate area and a call to Comcast should be made.

Originally posted by davisdog
MikeF5,

I still have the old menu's in Saratoga (I press Menu, I get the same old Menu's)..not sure whats going on with your system...Maybe DCT knows if the new menu's should be on saramilgatos or not.

Greeno,

I'd start with KGO if you have a contact there. Comcast is not compressing it, but there could be issues on the path somewhere...Maybe KGO can do end-end with Comcast to make sure the feed is getting to the headend as it should

-Steve

Davisdog,

Seems really odd that we would have two different menu systems on the same head-end. I just tried the menu button again and still the same, says it's restoring the feature, which it's been doing since yesterday, oh, and this morning I did a hard reset to force an update. Without the menu working I can't set my reminders or doing any searching off the guide.

DCTDictator,
Any ideas on what's going on ??? :confused:
or better yet, how do I get a hold of the head-end people for Saramilgatos ??

Laters,
Mikef5

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Or call 1800 COMCAST and ask them to transfer you to your local headend-- but I doubt you will have any success with that.

the odds of them transfering you to the headend are 1:1,000,000

The odds of them knowing where your headend is (or even what a headend is) are about that great also

;)

I got throught to KGO engineering. Later today, I'll be talking to the Comcast engineer who is responsible for getting the signal from Sutro. I agree there are many opportunites (many more) for the cable transmission to get degraded as opposed to OTA. So this should be a useful exercise at least for all off of our head end.

Thanks for the replies and I'll keep you guys informed,
jeff

Davisdog,

Could you check channel 704 and tell me what you are getting. It's suppose to be Kron 4 HD with HD-net providing the HD but I'm getting Kron 4 DT and that's it. Thanks.

Mikef5

Mikef5,

Same thing here with KRON. The HDNet programming is gone and 704 is now a 1080i digital version of regular KRON.

What happened is that HDNet is terminating its OTA "HDNet lite" service effective November 1, 2004 and KRON (in anticipation of the termination of HDNet lite) is going ahead and turning it off a bit early. (This does not affect only KRON but every station in the U.S. that has been carrying "HDNet lite" on its digital channel.)

Which means we now have a 1080i channel that uses up the bandwidth of an HD channel but gives us no HD programming. Definitely a waste of bandwidth as is.

KRON is supposed to be exploring alternatives to HDNet lite (getting HD programs on tape and playing those). But the 24/7 feed of "HDNet lite" which was provided via satellite from HDNet to KRON is kaput.

KRON did show a Yosemite documentary and a Golden Gate Bridge documentary in HD a while back (a long time before HDNet lite showed up), so it does appear to have the ability to transmit HD from taped HD shows.

Maybe KRON can hook up with Comcast and be Comcast's independent affiliate for HD productions/events in the Bay Area. That would be a great way for Comcast to market its HD services to the Bay Area. (Being independent, KRON probably has a lot more flexibility in developing a marketing/HD programming arrangement with Comcast than would a network-affiliated station.)

Here is an example of how KRON and Comcast could do some joint marketing/HD programming:

KRON always does the Bay to Breakers. This event is tailor-made for HD. Comcast could sponsor this event with KRON by paying the extra costs to upgrade the cameras and the production to HD.

Or how about Bay Area Backroads in HD? This is another show that would really benefit from the HD format.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Mikef5,

Same thing here with KRON. The HDNet programming is gone and 704 is now a 1080i digital version of regular KRON.

What happened is that HDNet is terminating its OTA "HDNet lite" service effective November 1, 2004 and KRON (in anticipation of the termination of HDNet lite) is going ahead and turning it off a bit early. (This does not affect only KRON but every station in the U.S. that has been carrying "HDNet lite" on its digital channel.)

Which means we now have a 1080i channel that uses up the bandwidth of an HD channel but gives us no HD programming. Definitely a waste of bandwidth as is.

KRON is supposed to be exploring alternatives to HDNet lite (getting HD programs on tape and playing those). But the 24/7 feed of "HDNet lite" which was provided via satellite from HDNet to KRON is kaput.

KRON did show a Yosemite documentary and a Golden Gate Bridge documentary in HD a while back (a long time before HDNet lite showed up), so it does appear to have the ability to transmit HD from taped HD shows.

Maybe KRON can hook up with Comcast and be Comcast's independent affiliate for HD productions/events in the Bay Area. That would be a great way for Comcast to market its HD services to the Bay Area. (Being independent, KRON probably has a lot more flexibility in developing a marketing/HD programming arrangement with Comcast than would a network-affiliated station.)

Thanks, at least I know I'm not just crazy by myself :)
so any thoughts about the menu problem I'm seeing here in Milpitas ???

Laters,
Mikef5

The new menu is to support VOD. If you look at the VOD demo on the comcast web site you will see the new menu is part of the VOD rollout. I think thta the VOD software can take some time to download and the guide can be unavailable for several hours but I'm not sure this is your problem.

Look on the bright side. The VOD rollout means we are a step closer to getting a DVR from comcast.

Anybody save the link to the original article that references comcast saying they have completed upgrades on all but 2% of their systems...

I know it's buried many posts back, but if somebody has it handy that would be easier than digging.

Originally posted by fitzwest
The new menu is to support VOD. If you look at the VOD demo on the comcast web site you will see the new menu is part of the VOD rollout. I think thta the VOD software can take some time to download and the guide can be unavailable for several hours but I'm not sure this is your problem.

Look on the bright side. The VOD rollout means we are a step closer to getting a DVR from comcast.

The problem is that I seem to be the only one that is not getting the new menu and a user in Saratoga gets the old menu and I don't and we're both on the same head-end, doesn't make sense to me, same loop different menus ???
It's been like this since yesterday, that's a long time to be restoring the menu feature. My box is a 6200 and I tried the hard reset to get it to update but that didn't change anything. Anyone in Milpitas seeing this or even Los Gatos ???
Looking at the bright side with Comcast is real hard to do being in the 2% club but I'll try. :)


Laters,
Mikef5

RE: Pixelization on KGO, I see that on all channels during fast pans or high action moment but I've just always written it off as the state of the art due to compression. I've even seen this on premium channels like HBO but when I don't see it in a fast pan it is only the full frames are being sent so the source has been "prefiltered" for such situations. I'm sure with time this will go away with better compression schemes.

About OnDemand which I've had for some time how many of you get annoyed as you find that some of the buttons on the remote are grouped so it is easy while surfing the OnDemand menus to drop out of it altogether? Seems like a new remote design may be in order.

Also something MUST be done about the difference in audio levels. It's not that OnDemand is just louder, it is WAY LOUDER than the analog channels. Very annoying when you have been watching a VOD program that finishes and you jump out of your seat as some "carnival barker" is yapping stupidly and very loudly about the the OnDemand programs.

Originally posted by Brian Conrad
Also something MUST be done about the difference in audio levels. It's not that OnDemand is just louder, it is WAY LOUDER than the analog channels. Very annoying when you have been watching a VOD program that finishes and you jump out of your seat as some "carnival barker" is yapping stupidly and very loudly about the the OnDemand programs. I doubt they will do anything about it. On most channels the commercials are much louder by design. If you're using the analog audio output from the STB, see my post here about my solution.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4390473#post4390473

Originally posted by fitzwest


Look on the bright side. The VOD rollout means we are a step closer to getting a DVR from comcast.

Why would it mean that? I would think providing VOD would be an excuse not to roll out DVRs until even later down the road.

Jim

As I've said it before, Comcast wanted to roll-out VOD before DVR's. Now that we almost have VOD, DVR's move to the top of the list when it's rolled out. VOD will complement DVR's. Think of it as a fall back for when the disk is full or you hear of a new show after the first episode has aired you must watch the first episode to get into the story line.

Originally posted by fitzwest
As I've said it before, Comcast wanted to roll-out VOD before DVR's. Now that we almost have VOD, DVR's move to the top of the list when it's rolled out. VOD will complement DVR's. Think of it as a fall back for when the disk is full or you hear of a new show after the first episode has aired you must watch the first episode to get into the story line.

What they NEED to do is upgrade ALL the systems to the SAME level, it does no good to have a DVR if you have nothing good to record. Yes, I know I'm beating this into the ground but it needs to be done and yes, I've contacted Comcast and I'm still waiting for Mr. Germano to give me the latest update on whether we are going to be upgraded or not, he seems to be to busy to respond.

Laters,
Mikef5

Indeed, the code update appears to be VOD prep. I fired up the office box and got OMP on menu. I emailed the HE. This is a surprise to me, I read nothing in the 'heads up' page about changes to the IPG. Nowhere near close to the next step - the all-new iGuide.

IPG Updates are much like firmware updates - does not hit all settops at teh same time.

Boy, would I ever like to give out Headend's phone number, heh heh.

I started this at noon, went to a meeting and still have not gotten any answer.

In other happenings, I have 'Phase 2' DCT6200s in stock. They come with a warning about being correctly spun. Something different.

</serious>
6412s - who would camp out in front of the office to get one if say . . . only 60 arrived every week?

I played around with VOD for the first time a couple nights ago and I'm EAGERLY awaiting a HD DVR (currently using old tivo). VOD seems to be the way we are heading but wouldn't the cable companies be worried that the DVR will obsolete the current time limits for viewing VOD content? If they aren't worried about that (and I'm not sure why they are) then why have a time limit on VOD content to beging with?

I guess I'm just hoping that VOD doesn't mean an intentional delay in rolling out the DVRs...

overtime

The 24 hour time limit on VOD is probably there because Comcast only has so much server space. If Comcast had unlimited server space, you probably would have an option to keep a VOD program open for a lot longer than 24 hours.

If you are paying $3.95 for a movie, however, I do think Comcast should go to at least a 48 hour window-- which is usually what you get when renting a new release on DVD at the video store.

Originally posted by DCTDictator


</serious>
6412s - who would camp out in front of the office to get one if say . . . only 60 arrived every week?

Where's the office?

Jim

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher

If you are paying $3.95 for a movie, however, I do think Comcast should go to at least a 48 hour window-- which is usually what you get when renting a new release on DVD at the video store.

Or Netflix at $22.00 a month for 3 movies at a time, as many as you can watch in a month.

Comcast is not going to see any money from me on VOD, not worth it.

Jim

Originally posted by DCTDictator

</serious>
6412s - who would camp out in front of the office to get one if say . . . only 60 arrived every week?

I would drive down to PG and camp out on your doorstep just to get one :)

Originally posted by keenan
Where's the office?

Jim

down in my neck of the woods (SJ) :D


...ps...I agree with you on Netfix vs VOD..I've got the original $12/2 Movie subscription..with the quick turnaround it works great for us

60 per week? Maybe we should volunteer out spare time at Motorola Broadband's manufacturing facility/ies.

Well, as long at the initial rollout is unpublicized, and we hear about here at avsforum before it happens, ....

I really don't want to camp out overnight at the local Comcast office. (Assuming self-install is even an option!)

Originally posted by davisdog

...ps...I agree with you on Netfix vs VOD..I've got the original $12/2 Movie subscription..with the quick turnaround it works great for us

Yup, being that Netflix is in our area the turnaround is super fast, makes it a no-brainer, I haven't been in a video store in almost 2 yrs.

Jim :)

RE: 6412s.

I'd love to have a line of campers like you see outside the theaters for Star Wars tickets or playoffs.

I'll offer to buy pizza and drinks if it happens.

Date TBA.

On Topic: I SHOULD be seeing HD in my hometown NEXT WEEK!!

DCTDicator,

You really live in an area with no HD ???? I thought that Comcast said ALL areas except Walnut Creek had been upgraded to at least 550 MHz !!! Hope you get a better upgrade than we got but then again company is always welcome in the 2% club :)

yes..but he's moving from the -2% club to the +2 club (ie all the bandwidth they need)...

btw, he lives outside the bay area and if I remember right werent they targeting June for HD down there? ;)

ps..How about you pawn off those first 60 for $50ea...just enough cash for you to get a nice samsung DLP to enjoy that new HD feed :D

Yeppers, all. I live in deep south (Monterey Bay), and commute to SJ about 3 days a week if I can help it.

There are two HD delivery routes for the area, one involves extending a fiber down highway 17 then down highway 1, feeding the HD and other signals from the Bay Area fiber ring. The other is a temporary stand alone dish for HD.

The upgrades down here started with AT&T, the city of Monterey got a total rebuild, nothing was saved from the historical system that originated in 1952. The rest of the areas, including my hometown were upgraded, using as much existing plant as possible. I believe its a 750 system, though not all of it is being utilized.

The sixty number was just a wild guess that would bring out campers. I expect way more than that. ;)

Originally posted by DCTDictator
I believe its a 750 system, though not all of it is being utilized.



You guys just can't help but rub it in the wounds of us 2%'ers can you? We don't have room to squeeze a fart out in our 550Mhz systems. :D

Jim

hiker said:
I doubt they will do anything about it. On most channels the commercials are much louder by design. If you're using the analog audio output from the STB, see my post here about my solution

No, I am using the digital output. I have been aware for years that commercials "sometimes" being louder but this is a level increase beyond that. Even using the compressor setting on my amplifier doesn't help that much. Maybe the Comcast marketing crew out to sit in a room with me switching between content and the menu. Maybe the Comcast marketing crew (as happens at some companies) never really looks at (or listens to) their product.

No, I am using the digital output. I have been aware for years that commercials "sometimes" being louder but this is a level increase beyond that. Even using the compressor setting on my amplifier doesn't help that much. Maybe the Comcast marketing crew out to sit in a room with me switching between content and the menu. Maybe the Comcast marketing crew (as happens at some companies) never really looks at (or listens to) their product.

I have exactly the same problem. I use the TOSlink output and the commercials really are alarmingly loud - my wife makes me hit the mute button at every commercial if I want to watch HD...

BTW, when I watch my reciever, I see that many times it goes from 5.1 on the program to straight 2 channel on the commercials. This causes a dropout when switching which gives me just enough time to hit the mute button! But it looks like the audio levels and formats are completely uncoordinated.

I don't know if this is a comcast problem or an OTA problem, but it is VERY annoying.

Thanks,
Mike

PS Count me in for a 6412 waiting party too!

Just got off the phone w/ Comcast and learned their current dates for a couple of areas for DVR (i.e. 6412) release. Apparently, the South Bay (San Jose) is getting rolled out November 15th. I'm in Pleasanton and the CSR stated the Tri-Valley area was in December some time (no specific date).

Well, at least I have a month finally... Here's hoping they stick to it.

Got the word for sure. HD Launches In Monterey/Salinas 10/14, starting with premiums. I am hoping there are some local stations added soon.

730 - HBO
736 - SHOWTIME
734 - STARZ
732 - CINEMAX
719 - INDEMAND I
720 - INDEMAND II
723 - ESPN

That Nov 15 date for 6412s is real close to what I've been told.

Originally posted by DCTDictator
719 - INDEMAND I
720 - INDEMAND II
You may want to communicate to whoever is responsible for names of channels in the Guide that 719 should be INHD and 720 should be INHD2. In Demand is very particular about what these channels are called and wants the TV Guide IPG to be uniform and correct in all areas. (It doesn't want people confusing INHD or INHD2 with PPV channels.)

Is there a free preview for HBO going on now? I don't subscribe to HBO but get the channel. Hopefully someone didn't call in and add it.

Originally posted by hiker
Is there a free preview for HBO going on now? I don't subscribe to HBO but get the channel. Hopefully someone didn't call in and add it.

yup, started the other day and lasts for another week or so (I forget the dates)

on a related note, comcast called the other day with an offer to upgrade
from Digital Classic to Digital Silver (w/HBO) for +$5.95/mth for the next 9 months...

I figured that was worth it (another HD channel for this 2%er and some a bunch of movie channels)

Digital Classic to Digital Silver (w/HBO) for +$5.95/mth for the next 9 months...

That sounds like a good deal. Is there a name for that offer? And what is the "another HD channel" you referred to, HBO or...?

Originally posted by DCTDictator
That Nov 15 date for 6412s is real close to what I've been told.

Wow, that sounds like good news. Like others I am aching for the HD DVR.

Any word yet on how this will be rolled out? Will we be camping out at the San Jose office and do swaps for our 6200's? Or will we need to set up a service call? And if there's limited availability at first, what should we do to increases our chances of getting one relatively quickly? :D

Originally posted by hiker
Is there a free preview for HBO going on now? I don't subscribe to HBO but get the channel. Hopefully someone didn't call in and add it.

If you are in a VOD area, you can also access all HBO content on VOD for free too.

What STB do I need for VOD? 5100 ok? VOD in Novato?

1 request and 1 question:

Can SonomaSearcher update the 1st message of this thread to have the new channels lineup, Thanks.

The question: is the firmware upgrade to 7.15 have been done for all of south bay ? I am in Mountain View with a DCT6200 at level 7.10 with the now and then problem with the DVI connection giving that security screen when I switch too fast between my different inputs on my TV.

Originally posted by hiker
What STB do I need for VOD? 5100 ok? VOD in Novato?

Don't know the availability in Novato.

VOD is avaialble on all DCT1800, 2000, 2500, 5100 and 6200 boxes.

Hey DCTDictator,

Any news on when Comcast will carry UPN and WB? It's really aggravating watching my favorite show (Enterprise) and my fiance's favorite show (Gilmore Girls) in Low-Def, knowing they're broadcast in Hi-Def OTA (I can't get OTA).

Thanks in advance.

Originally posted by edmc
Just got off the phone w/ Comcast and learned their current dates for a couple of areas for DVR (i.e. 6412) release. Apparently, the South Bay (San Jose) is getting rolled out November 15th. I'm in Pleasanton and the CSR stated the Tri-Valley area was in December some time (no specific date).

Does anyone know what Comcast will charge for the 6412 per month?

I think the rumor is $9.95/mth (only $4.95 premium over what we are paying for the HD (non-DVR) STB (5100/6200))

Originally posted by mooneydriver
Does anyone know what Comcast will charge for the 6412 per month?

Try about 9.95. Don't know if that's the box rental or service. Cheaper than my TiVo.

Originally posted by russwong
I'm paying $49.95 for 6 megs download and 512K upload. I also have 8 static IPs. I'd much rather have this type of DSL then cable (not going into things like latency, bandwidth sharing, etc)....

Russ

Hey Russ,

It's actually $44.95 for 6.016Mbps download and 608kbps upload through our friendly provider, sonic.net :)

Anyone watch CSI Miami last night on KPIX OTA?

I was watching on Comcast last night and it started out in HD, but with lots of pixelation, breakups, and green screens. When it came back from the first commercial, it stayed in SD. At around 10:21pm it suddenly jumped back into HD and stayed there for the rest of the show.

Is this a Comcast problem, or a KPIX problem?

I was watching Two and a Half Men (9:30-10:00) on KPIX on Comcast and the pixelation, breakups and green screens made the show unwatchable in HD.

I came across this show while I was flipping the channels last night and also noticed it was SD. I have RCN cable so I think this was probably an issue with the station rather than the cable provider.

Originally posted by Jerry Gardner
Anyone watch CSI Miami last night on KPIX OTA?

I was watching on Comcast last night and it started out in HD, but with lots of pixelation, breakups, and green screens. When it came back from the first commercial, it stayed in SD. At around 10:21pm it suddenly jumped back into HD and stayed there for the rest of the show.

Is this a Comcast problem, or a KPIX problem?

It's the same thing I have mentioned twice before here, this has been happening on and off for over a month. Last night was especially bad and I flipped over to DirecTv and it was fine. I'm pretty sure it's a problem with the KPIX to Comcast. OTA may not experience the dropouts and green screens because I think the cable feed is taken from the broadcast center before it goes to Sutro. I have been lazy and have not called because I have the DirecTv option and was hoping it was going to fixed but it looks like it hasn't.

Jim

An FYI for the 2% Club, there are Comcast systems in the Pittsburgh, PA area with the same lack of bandwidth and missing HD channels. See the Pittsburgh Comcast thread and check out its most recent posts.

check a couple posts 6 back from the end in the philly/comcast thread also...Comcast/Bay Area had mentioned to Todd Wollack (SF Chronicle) that 550Mhz was the same as what they were using in in Philly (which is comcast HQ)...I wanted to verify that the philly thread and the response was no, they were 860Mhz with all the bells and whistles...The poster did mention to check the Pittsburgh thread also.

Well, it looks like Mr. Germano is not going to answer the emails that I have sent to him about the possibility of getting funding to upgrade the Saramilgatos area and the other 2% club areas. I sent them on the 1st and the 7th, my first email that I sent him ( to start this whole mess ) only took 2 days to answer. I will assume that his lack of response is a negative on the funding issue. It is now time to get with Todd Wollack and give him all the info I have on this situation in order to do a follow-up to his article. I had wished that Mr. Germano would have at least given me the courtesy of an answer. So, anyone with info that could be used by Mr. Wollack for his follow-up article should sent it to him. Maybe he can get a response from Mr. Germano. I plan on senting my info today.

Laters,
Mikef5

For those interested in contacting Mr. Wollack his email address is
TWallack@sfchronicle.com

Laters,
Mikef5

Might not be a bad idea to inform Mr. Wollack about the Cox-KTVU-Fox_HD situation also. I just checked the DMA list, and if I'm not mistaken, after tonight when DirecTv starts up with Fox-HD E/W, San Francisco is the largest DMA in the country that still gets the Fox digital signal OTA only . No Comcast, no satellite. The No. 6 DMA, incredible...

Jim :rolleyes:

You are correct, DMA's 1 through 5 all get FOX HD through both cable and DirecTV.

By the way, it is extremely likely the analog contract between Cox/KTVU and Comcast expires on 12/31/2005, so you can kiss the Super Bowl and all of next year goodbye.

Cox-KTVU have to tread a careful line with their broadcasts rights. They have to give the cable companies a deal as good as any deals they workout with DirecTV. As I re-call there are FTC provisions dealing with coverage negotiation's when the channel owner (Fox-D* evil empire) is trying to get coverage rights for a non O & O area. They cannot cut a sweetheart deal without that deal being available to all distributors in the market.

I have been debating on whether to go the waiver request and testing route to see how all that would play out, might be interesting and since the only thing I watch on Fox is 24, get the NFL on ST with DirecTv, I have until Jan to play it out. On the other hand, might be less BS just to get the "Cloverdale" place up and running. ;)

Jim

Originally posted by fitzwest
Cox-KTVU have to tread a careful line with their broadcasts rights. They have to give the cable companies a deal as good as any deals they workout with DirecTV. As I re-call there are FTC provisions dealing with coverage negotiation's when the channel owner (Fox-D* evil empire) is trying to get coverage rights for a non O & O area. They cannot cut a sweetheart deal without that deal being available to all distributors in the market.

Maybe I'm being dumb here, but I am not grasping what you are saying. I thought the issue was Cox wanted more money than anyone else in the market so I don't follow what you are saying.

If you can, could you spell out what you mean for my addled brain, thanks. :p

Jim

If DirecTv strong arms them into allowing DirecTV to carry Fox HD(KTVU), the same deal must be on the table to comcast. I don't see Mr Murdoch paying to have his what is his own channel on DirecTv. DirectTv wanting to offer HD LIL may work to comcast's favour. KTVU will not want to upset the Evil empire. (KRON being the case study)

Interesting point. However HD LIL is still a long way off.

It's the same thing I have mentioned twice before here, this has been happening on and off for over a month. Last night was especially bad and I flipped over to DirecTv and it was fine. I'm pretty sure it's a problem with the KPIX to Comcast.
Anyone on here know who to call at Comcast and/or KPIX to try to get this problem fixed?

If this problem continues, it might just prompt me to get an OTA receiver and antenna...

Originally posted by Jerry Gardner
Anyone on here know who to call at Comcast and/or KPIX to try to get this problem fixed?

If this problem continues, it might just prompt me to get an OTA receiver and antenna...

A member in the SF-OTA thread posted he was having the problem also, so it must be at KPIX. What I don't understand is, there doesn't seem to be too many of us that are noticing it, or at least saying anything about it. Last night was really bad. Maybe nobody watches KPIX? :p

Jim

I see where Houston-St. Louis playoff game Wednesday will be carried on FSN (Yankees-Sox on Fox)? Any chance it will be shown in high-def?

Originally posted by Jerry Gardner
Anyone on here know who to call at Comcast and/or KPIX to try to get this problem fixed?

If this problem continues, it might just prompt me to get an OTA receiver and antenna...

the problem had to be with KPIX, i had the same problems with KPIX on RCN.

I've noticed the KPIX dropouts for about 3 weeks now. It hasn't been worth mentioning just cause I only watch NCIS and football, and it doesn't seem to happen during the day (for football), just in primetime (NCIS). It doesn't happen that often though, and since every other local HD channel has it's own problems I've just taken a 'beaten man, this is what I get' mentality to the whole thing. I mean seriously. Last night there were about 7 signal dropouts during the game on KGO. KNTV looks like s*** full-time, especially during action shows. KQED barely plays aything in HD, and it all looks almost as bad as KNTV. And the other channels...wait...that's it. There are no other local channels. :( (and please don't bring up KRON. i mean really, it's KRON)

I just feel like Al Bundy, a man defeated, by this whole nonsense of being the #6 market in the US and there being nothing consistent to this market except problems.

I think Rohnert Park has entered the 2% Club on a technical error. :)

Not getting any channel over 56 on an STB here (TV tuner gets all the analogs fine) and the channel lineup suddently shrunk to a lot less channels. Goes from 56 to 100-something.

Not seeing any discussion about this on the board. Am I alone?

Well, I have finally given up and quit the 2% club. I returned my 6200 to the Comcast office today and canceled digital cable. I am keeping my cable internet service for now, but that will go soon as well since they charge $53 per month (for non-cable TV customers) whereas SBC provides their similar service for $36. SBC also has faster uploads which is nice.

I am going to go DirecTV primarily due to their great DVRs. The HR10-250 HDTV DVR is now selling for $700 for new subs, with a $50 service credit to boot. They can also be hacked to allow you to connect them to your household network so that you can download the movies from the disk. You can then save to DVHS tape if you want.

Since Comcast Saramilgatos has only a few HD channels, no DVR, and much higher prices, it just seems like a no brainer for us 2%ers.

see the moblog in the sig . . .

Originally posted by bpearse
Well, I have finally given up and quit the 2% club. I returned my 6200 to the Comcast office today and canceled digital cable. I am keeping my cable internet service for now, but that will go soon as well since they charge $53 per month (for non-cable TV customers) whereas SBC provides their similar service for $36. SBC also has faster uploads which is nice.

I am going to go DirecTV primarily due to their great DVRs. The HR10-250 HDTV DVR is now selling for $700 for new subs, with a $50 service credit to boot. They can also be hacked to allow you to connect them to your household network so that you can download the movies from the disk. You can then save to DVHS tape if you want.

Since Comcast Saramilgatos has only a few HD channels, no DVR, and much higher prices, it just seems like a no brainer for us 2%ers.

Sorry to see you go but as the great philosopher ( Yogi Berra ) said, " It ain't over til it's over ".
Let me know how D* is I might just join you. :)

Laters,
Mikef5

DCTDictator,

An update on my menu button not giving me the menu. I had the installer that came to the house to replace my box to call the head-end. They know about the problem but wouldn't say what it was or when it would be fixed only that they are aware of the problem and are working on it, It's now been 5 days and counting... nice :(

I would like to know what's going on with this too. It only says 5 minutes, maybe they really meant 5 days. LOL

I got no answer from HE, a tech did come and look at the DCT 2500 in my office the other day.

Can I assume that the DCTs you are all seeing this on are 6200s?

UPDATE
Yeow! Two techs and another employee who reported this just visited. This is gaining momentum

I cannot decode this cheat sheet that was smuggled in, it is only for 5100 or 6200s, for it accesses the 'Power-Menu'

Power
Menu
OK
Box 16, 19
Arrow <down> under cursor.
All the R Def
Arrow <right>
Power off
Power on.

This sounds like a cheat code for Mario Brothers....

I'm in San Mateo and also have the menu issue. If I press the menu button twice then press the last button, the menu will work. Might want to give it a try.

Originally posted by Mikef5
Sorry to see you go but as the great philosopher ( Yogi Berra ) said, " It ain't over til it's over ".
Let me know how D* is I might just join you. :)

Laters,
Mikef5

I've already got D* and have been waffling on which service to drop while waiting on the DVR. $700 for the D* DVR is still a little pricey I think, plus consider that the thing will probably be outdated in a year. The Comcast DVR is more attractive at $10 a month but, as a 2% member, Comcast will not have the content D* has or will have coming mid 2005. So right now I am leaning toward D*. The fact they aren't doing anything about the 2% areas is really what bugs me the most, I cannot shake the feeling that Comcast simply does not care enough to retain these customers. Comcast has nothing they can offer me to stay. VOD? that's what Netflix is for and a better deal to boot.

Unhappy Jim :(

Originally posted by michaelc
I think Rohnert Park has entered the 2% Club on a technical error. :)

Not getting any channel over 56 on an STB here (TV tuner gets all the analogs fine) and the channel lineup suddently shrunk to a lot less channels. Goes from 56 to 100-something.

Not seeing any discussion about this on the board. Am I alone?

It sounds like your box bit the dust..

Jim

RE: KRON & KPIX HD screwed up signals

A service tech came by last Thursday afternoon to check the signals. For some reason, the HD channels were okay then. He checked the lines from the street to the house and said everything was okay. He put in a request to check the street line. The odd thing about this is that this only happens sometime after 8 pm and lasting through the night. I called in again to tell them this, but I doubt they will send someone over at night. Another odd thing is that our internet access has also starting to become spotty. Another service tech will be coming over to check it out, but I highly doubt they can fix it. I wonder if this problem has to do with bandwidth issues since it only happens at night? (ie. everyone using the internet in the neighborhood to download and upload) At least Comast is not charging us for HD and internet until this is resolved. Also, I do not watch KRON-HD at all and do not watch KPIX-HD much. I am glad for whatever reason KGO-HD is fine and watching 'Lost' and 'Desperate Housewives' looks terrific!

Originally posted by DCTDictator
I cannot decode this cheat sheet that was smuggled in, it is only for 5100 or 6200s, for it accesses the 'Power-Menu'

Power
Menu
OK
Box 16, 19
Arrow <down> under cursor.
All the R Def
Arrow <right>
Power off
Power on.

This sounds like a cheat code for Mario Brothers.... What is this sequence supposed to accomplish?

Originally posted by DCTDictator
see the moblog in the sig . . .

Looks just like the 6200. Does it come with MSFT FE or TV GUIDE
interface?

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
What is this sequence supposed to accomplish?

:D :D I was wondering the same thing, I thought maybe I was just having one of those age moments again.

Jim :p

Originally posted by keenan
It sounds like your box bit the dust..

Jim


I just got home and noticed the same issue(s) as Michaelc. Also in Rohnert Park.

Originally posted by emiburke
I just got home and noticed the same issue(s) as Michaelc. Also in Rohnert Park.

Whoops, looks like a bigger box bit the dust.. :(

Jim

I have a couple questions re the 6412 box. Any input or direction as to where to find the answers is greatly appreciated.

1. Does the 6412 receive OTA HD signals like the D* HDTivo box?
2. I believe it is a dual tuner, so do you have to run 2 feeds to each tv like D* Tivo?
3. Is the 9.95 fee for each box or is it $5 for each box and $4.95 for the DVR features? So, for 2 boxes it would be $14.95?

Thanks for any input.

BTW, I checked again with Comcast CSR a few days ago, and was told that we now have HD in my neighborhood of Redwood City.

Originally posted by ssupple
I have a couple questions re the 6412 box. Any input or direction as to where to find the answers is greatly appreciated.

1. Does the 6412 receive OTA HD signals like the D* HDTivo box?
2. I believe it is a dual tuner, so do you have to run 2 feeds to each tv like D* Tivo?
3. Is the 9.95 fee for each box or is it $5 for each box and $4.95 for the DVR features? So, for 2 boxes it would be $14.95?

Thanks for any input.

BTW, I checked again with Comcast CSR a few days ago, and was told that we now have HD in my neighborhood of Redwood City.


1) No OTA (I've never seen a Cable STB that does...its against there best interest)
2) Just one Cable is needed to feed both tuners
3) Not sure

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
What is this sequence supposed to accomplish?

This came from dispatch, sounds like either a way to restore the box to norbal ;) operation, or get 200 one-ups.

As I wrote earlier today, when enough poeple have reported this, it gains attention. The engineers go back to the first person to report it to them and keep checking. It is fun being the person that breaks things like this to the upper brains - looks like they are in the early stages of isolating it to a particular box or area.

So if you are experiencing it, be sure and have a trouble ticket made.

Originally posted by lpaxmember
Looks just like the 6200. Does it come with MSFT FE or TV GUIDE
interface?

Niether.

iGuide (for now).

Originally posted by DCTDictator
Niether.

iGuide (for now).

IGuide is the new TV Guide...supposed to be okay (much improved over the current guide we have)...still wish we could get MS guide though.

PS..that Deer picture looks like the same buck I wacked a couple weeks ago at the PG golf course with an errant tee shot on #11

The severe lack of channels in Rohnert Park continues into primetime. It seems like nobody in any other city is having this problem, and you'd think it would have been fixed by now. SonomaSearcher, do you notice a lack of channels there in Petaluma?

We now have one HD channel, and that's Discovery. Going to be lame to be watching the staticy analogs tonight on my big CRT.

I guess this is karma for my flaunting and teasing towards the 2%ers.

No missing channels here.

Be sure to call about it, the more calls they get the more likely the headend will hear about it.

Also, when you call, request a credit for a day's worth of service. They should give it to you.

Perhaps something was screwed up during the process of putting VOD together at the headend. It's been going on for at least a week-- notice the little menu at the top left corner of the screen you get now, instead of the big menu.

Originally posted by ssupple

3. Is the 9.95 fee for each box or is it $5 for each box and $4.95 for the DVR features? So, for 2 boxes it would be $14.95?

9.95 for one DVR. DVR will function as an HD. Get HD basic, and any premiums you subscribe to in HD.

Additional DVR is 16.90

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
What is this sequence supposed to accomplish?

Disregard.

Found out that's the procedure to bring a DCT back to regular definition to restore the flip bar when veiwing on regular TV.

Supposed to be:

If your techs are not getting the flip bar on a DCT 5100. Please do the following:

Turn DCT on then hit menu on the remote then immediately press ok

The DCT display should read 16.19 arrow all the way down,until you get to RDEF

Press the right arrow, then power off the DCT and then power back on and you should be up and working within a few minutes.

Is there any word (official or not) on when VOD will rollout to the Tri-Valley area (Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon)?

CBS-HD (KPIX) was virtually unwatchable last night due to periodic pixalization and audio dropouts. My wife made me switch to the analog SD channel (blah!). This has been a chronic problem for the past couple of weeks. I know a few other people have reported this as a KPIX problem, but I haven't seen any recent post as to when it might be resolved. Anyone have any idea if this is being fixed?

-Steve

Edit: Oops! I just noticed that this was discussed extensively yesterday. My computer has been down for a couple of days and haven't been able to keep up with this thread. My wife likes several primetime shows on CBS, so I hope there is some resolution soon. Standard broadcast TV really looks like crap to me now!

Steve, hd-salee and others,

Both OTA and Comcast during NCIS were nearly unwatchable. I will try and get a call in to a human today.

When they had this problem many months ago it was due to coast guard radar. Now they claim (at least a couple of months ago) that they issue is originating in NY.

KGO has had the blue sparkle issue intermittently as well as a new one - bright localized sparkles. I feel like we're going backward, not forward with HD pq; at least content is increasing.

Best,
jeff

Just talked to someone at KPIX engineering. They are painfully aware of the issue and are actively trying to identify the source and fix it. It seems to be terrestrial interference although they do not want to be quoted on that.

Best,
jeff

Originally posted by greeno
Just talked to someone at KPIX engineering. They are painfully aware of the issue and are actively trying to identify the source and fix it. It seems to be terrestrial interference although they do not want to be quoted on that.

Best,
jeff

That's good to know, at least it's not extra -terrestrial interference.:eek:

Jim :)

Originally posted by greeno
Just talked to someone at KPIX engineering. They are painfully aware of the issue and are actively trying to identify the source and fix it. It seems to be terrestrial interference although they do not want to be quoted on that.

Best,
jeff

Hmm, maybe the terrorist have hijacked the signal and have embedded a countdown timer to synchronize an attack. oh damn, there goes my paranoia again. :D

Originally posted by greeno
Just talked to someone at KPIX engineering. They are painfully aware of the issue and are actively trying to identify the source and fix it. It seems to be terrestrial interference although they do not want to be quoted on that.

Best,
jeff

Jeff,
Thanks, I'm glad to hear that they are aware of the problem. I personally haven't noticed any problems lately with any of the other HD channels.

-Steve

Anyone know if FSNBA-HD will have tonight's NLCS game in HD?

Re FSNBA and NLCS game one, it is extremely doubtful. Too short a notice (roughly 24 hours) for Comcast to get it together to insert the HD version onto INHD. It's technically possible if Comcast is really motivated to do it, and FSNBA allows it to happen, but I would be very surprised.

Someone else in the house got frustrated with the screwy channel lineup that's still going on over here (if it's still like this tomorrow I'm definitely going to ask for some compensation) and refreshed the 6200's power.

Now when it starts up it reads off a bunch of things on it's display, like "E610" and "HUNT" and finally stops on "d1" with some LEDs spinning around to the left. I don't know what the heck is going on now.

Originally posted by michaelc
Someone else in the house got frustrated with the screwy channel lineup that's still going on over here (if it's still like this tomorrow I'm definitely going to ask for some compensation) and refreshed the 6200's power.

Now when it starts up it reads off a bunch of things on it's display, like "E610" and "HUNT" and finally stops on "d1" with some LEDs spinning around to the left. I don't know what the heck is going on now.

Michaelc,

Do not do any thing while it is giving those messages, The Hunt message means it is looking for the latest firmware and software from the head-end, the d1 means it is downloading the updates. Let it do it's thing, in about 5 to 10 minutes you should see the time appear and you should be able to use the box again. This will happen every time you unplug the box or you lose power to it , it is normal ( so to speak :) )

Laters,
Mikef5

Well, it looks like my missing menu problem has been fixed, I now get the little menu in the upper left hand corner, not very impressive but at least it looks like VOD is coming around the corner. Now if they would just UPGRADE the system, I'd be a happy camper.
Thanks DCTDictator for your suggestions.... :)

Laters,
Mikef5

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Re FSNBA and NLCS game one, it is extremely doubtful. Too short a notice (roughly 24 hours) for Comcast to get it together to insert the HD version onto INHD. It's technically possible if Comcast is really motivated to do it, and FSNBA allows it to happen, but I would be very surprised.
Just turned on InHD2 (channel 720 in San Ramon) and the game is in HD!

Oh, if only KTVU and Comcast could work out a deal......

Yeah baby, NLCS on INHD2.

Game? What game? We don't watch baseball in 2% areas, just ask Comcast they tell ya..

Jim :(

InHD2...what is that?

It's certainly not a channel on comcast is it..cause I dont see it on our system either...

:mad:

Ya know, you would think we could file a class action lawsuit for discrimination or something. Granted these are pay services but why should some be able to pay and receive and others pay and not receive. Any lawyers around?

Hey, davisdog, lets go down to KTVU and throw baseballs through the windows..:p

Jim

Wow, my wife is really bummed! She likes the new ABC show 'Lost', which was supposed to be aired tonight at 10:00PM (according to both TV Guide and the local newspaper). We just realized that it was actually aired at 8:00PM. I wonder if Comcast's VOD will work for situations like this? I just might have to get Tivo;)

-Steve

Originally posted by slb
Wow, my wife is really bummed! She likes the new ABC show 'Lost', which was supposed to be aired tonight at 10:00PM (according to both TV Guide and the local newspaper). We just realized that it was actually aired at 8:00PM. I wonder if Comcast's VOD will work for situations like this? I just might have to get Tivo;)

-Steve

look into bit torrent. community-based VOD from http://torrents.co.uk among others

Originally posted by DCTDictator
9.95 for one DVR. DVR will function as an HD. Get HD basic, and any premiums you subscribe to in HD.

Additional DVR is 16.90

DCTDictator, so for 2 dvr's it will be $26.85 a month above and beyond programming fees?

Originally posted by ssupple
DCTDictator, so for 2 dvr's it will be $26.85 a month above and beyond programming fees?

Right. The A/O (throw in a little cable biz lingo - A/O Additional Outlet) charge looks like the same 9.95 again and then 6.95. The 6.95 is probably that 'duplicate programming fee'.

Originally posted by slb
Wow, my wife is really bummed! She likes the new ABC show 'Lost', which was supposed to be aired tonight at 10:00PM (according to both TV Guide and the local newspaper). We just realized that it was actually aired at 8:00PM. I wonder if Comcast's VOD will work for situations like this? I just might have to get Tivo;)

-Steve

Actually, seems like a bunch of schedules were off... incl my Tivo, it started recording "NCIS" per schedule which was actually a JAG repeat. Think maybe the debates messed it up..?
But, Tivo schedules seem to be much more accurate except for last-minute changes.
VOD would be nice, except I don't know if they have current "new" shows on? think only reruns and sports type stuff?

anyway, my Panasonic DVD recorder DID pick up Lost correctly (somehow- same comcast tvguide!), so if you want I can make you a DVD of the last few episodes incl last night :)
Let me know your email/address if you want...

The eDonkey network is an excellent resource to download missed shows. People record every show you can think of, edit out the commercials, and share for your enjoyment. And most record from HD (and compress it) now.

Jizzay1,
Interesting, I'll that out.

cgould,
Thanks very much for the offer. So far, we've seen every episode except last night's. Fortunately, my in-laws taped it, so we'll make do with the low res VHS version this time.:)

Regards,
Steve

Was just reading the S.F. Chronicle and saw this article:

_______________

NFL Network/Comcast update: Most Comcast customers who have a digital- cable subscription should be receiving the NFL Network, the league-owned outlet, on Channel 180 without having to pay an additional fee.

________________

Another channel the 2% club doesn't get :(
Comcast really makes my day.

Laters,
Mikef5

As a guy who doesn't give a flip about any organized sports leagues, I will gladly trade the NFL Network and FSBAHD away to the 2% Club in exchange for getting the SD digitals we lost back.

Now, let's see how we go about exchanging this. ;(

edit to say: WHOA! The channels are back. Thank goodness, I was about to get REALLY cranky there for a bit. No VOD still, though.

Ordered installation (along with Comcast high-speed Internet) for October 30th.....
full Platinum package w/DCT6200; house is pre-wired and rebuild is 750MHZ.
Professional installer scheduled with all fees waived. Anybody have a similar setup?
Any advice, feedback, concerns, or potential problems that I should be aware of?
Thanks in advance!

I concur with DCTDictator's earlier comment. If only I worked for Microsoft up in Redmond instead of down here. :)

I can't say much, but rest assured that Comcast is trying to avoid a lot of the problems that Cox is running into with their 6412 deployment running an earlier Moto firmware version and Pioneer software. You all should eventually benefit from the extra scrutiny paid by us (Microsoft) and Comcast.

That said, this is complex stuff and there's nothing like widescale deployment to uncover issues that were not discovered in lab and field trial testing. Hopefully, the user testing, comcast testing, moto testing, MS MTBF testing and thousands of MS test cases that we've run have caught most of the bugs over the past several months. :)

Professional installer scheduled with all fees waived. Anybody have a similar setup? Any advice, feedback, concerns, or potential problems that I should be aware of?
I've had much better success just picking the equipment up at the local Comcast storefront and installing it myself. You may get a better installer than the ones I've had experience with, though.

Regardless of whether the 6412's start out with iGuide or MSFE, I really hope they are released to customers on schedule (mid November) or even sooner.

Someone is saying that all the areas that already have the 6208 (four out of Comcast's five regions) will start deploying the 6412's as soon as the iGuide is released, which could mean that the West Region will be the last region to deploy the 6412. That would be truly awful, given the marketing fiasco that occurred (advertising and telling customers the DVR would be coming soon a year ago and then never releasing it-- in the Bay Area and other West region systems).

So the West region should unquestionably be the first to deploy the 6412's. In fact, the West Regions systems should receive a disproportionately larger share of 6412's than the other four regions, since the 6208's were never deployed here. But, as we know, the West region appears to be the red-headed stepchild of Comcast's five regions. At least so far-- I am hoping (but not assuming) that will change post haste.

I'm being told that the menu/no menu issue is fixed.

Can anyone confirm?

I'm in a different system where is was not occurring and away from my menuless DCT2500.

Originally posted by DCTDictator
I'm being told that the menu/no menu issue is fixed.

Can anyone confirm?

I'm in a different system where is was not occurring and away from my menuless DCT2500.

Fixed for me in Milpitas and that's with the 6200 box, the 5100 box has the old menu system and not the mini menu option but it works just the same.

Laters,
Mikef5

Fixed in San Mateo on my 6200.

May be a silly question but...I dont see VOD being offered in my area. What is the major difference between Tivo and VOD? Also is there a cost benefit to either or? Thanks. Sorry if this has been asked already. If so, can someone point me to a link or something.

Really bad news for the 2% club members. :(

I have just received an email from Mr. Germano ( West Coast Manager for Comcast ). What he has said is that the 550 MHz areas WILL NOT BE UPGRADED this year or next year but will be upgraded when the shift to all digital occurs in 2006. The only problem with that is that the shift to all digital that was to occur in 2006 has been extended by the Federal Government until the year 2009. So what that boils down to is that we of the 2% club will see no more new channels added to our system until the year 2009.
Looks like it's time to find another provider like Direct Tv, Dish or even Voom. Sorry to see that Comcast takes such a stance on their lack of support for their customers. I have been a subscriber to cable since the days of TCI but it seems that Comcast doesn't deem us cost effective enough to upgrade us to the same level as the rest of the Bay Area. If you of the 2% club are satisfied with what you have now, more power to you, but if not, it's time again to take this outside of Comcast and to the media. Bad publicity is not what Comcast is looking for but it is what they are going to get and what they deserve. Enough of the soap box and back to writing to the media.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mike,

Putting the issue is more concrete terms, did he say when the 550 Mhz systems would get INHD, INHD2, FSN Bay Area HD and/or Discovery HD? Any of the above? All of the above?

Surely he is not saying that the 550 Mhz areas will have to wait until 2007 for these HD channels ... but what did he say, if anything?

Thanks Mikef5, my service termination day for Comcast is the day DirecTv gets the LiL HD up and running. In the meantime I'm going to keep harassing Comcast to give me discounted rates and/or freebies under the guise of leaving for DirecTv now.

I still think it's a form of discrimination...

Jim

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Mike,

Putting the issue is more concrete terms, did he say when the 550 Mhz systems would get INHD, INHD2, FSN Bay Area HD and/or Discovery HD? Any of the above? All of the above?

Surely he is not saying that the 550 Mhz areas will have to wait until 2007 for these HD channels ... but what did he say, if anything?

Well, if they could do it now I would have thought it would have already been done. I'm reading it to say they are waiting for the time when they can drop the analog(possibly in my lifetime, but who knows?) or they can come up with better compression techniques(probably within my lifetime, but again, who knows?).

Jim :(