Originally posted by Michael Grant
Hey, did anyone else lose their DVI feed today, or in the last day or so? I seem to have lost mine (Menlo Park). I haven't been able to hook up component to see if that works yet.

DVI output has been working without a hitch for us here in Menlo Park.

I called to start the process as well. I ended up calling the corporate office and asking them to investigate. The repair supervisor I got was pretty rude, and wouldn't give me the name of his supervisor. When I told him about the FCC reg he said I should call the FCC. I have. They're gonna call me back - I just wanted to make sure that 03-225 hadn't been delayed or anything. If that's the case then I'll give the nice lady at the corporate office a change to fix things before I go to the FCC.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Called today requesting an HD STB swap to get one with firewire.

Called 1800 COMCAST. First CSR could not help after I explained the request, transferred me to "repair".

Second CSR was nice but unfamiliar with what I was requesting. Took down my request, which I carefully explained to her. I told her the model number with such a feature would be either 6200 or 6208. She left and checked with someone.

Came back to say that she could not verify whether they had such an HD STB. However, she could set up an appointment, and when the tech calls to verify appointment time, we can discuss whether they actually do have a firewire equipped box.

So, I set up an appointment for Sunday afternoon, two hour window, to do the swap. CSR said I will get a call day before to confirm and discuss whether there is an actual box to swap out. Also, assuming the swap occurs, there will be a $16 service charge.

I did not have to mention the FCC regulation effective today.

At this point, I fully expect to get a call from a tech on Saturday saying they have no 6200's, and also saying they don't know when, if at all, they will be getting a 6200. Which is OK, because I am not in a rush to get a firewire equipped 6200 right now-- just wanted to get the process started.

So, assuming the appointment is cancelled for the above reason, I will have some leverage when pursuing the request further. Comcast will have already failed to comply with the FCC reg once, and mentioning this should get the matter prioritized (once I get to the right level). (If necessary, I will ultimately pursue the request with Comcast management outside the customer servicer area.) I called a few weeks ago, and being in Petaluma like you, I got an answer that they only had the 5100 STB. The CSR didn't even know what Firewire was (no surprise), and they had no idea that a 6200 even existed. Please PM me if you actually get a 6200 that works throught the Firewire Port. Thanks!

You may have read about the FCC rule that goes into effect today. Comcast is now legally required to provide its HDTV customers, upon request, with an HD STB with "functional" firewire. The term "functional" is not defined, unfortunately, so it is subject to interpretation.

There are 6200 boxes in the South Bay (Saratoga), so there is no reason Comcast can't provide one up here. It is just a matter of how long it takes to wind through the bureaucracy before it happens.

I will let you know how it goes.

Quick update for those in the South Bay. As posted elsewhere, I received a 6200 with firewire port. Comcast said they only had 5100's, but I guessed they did not even know what they had. I was right.

Bad news: the port does not send audio or video. My JVC does recognize it, and displays "DCT-6200", but no picture. The diagnostics indicate it is working correctly for the firewire port. And the firmware is 7.07.

I have escallated to Comcast, but they continue to say there is no FCC requirement, and they do not even know what firewire or 1394 is.

Frustrating!!

Depending on what I get back from the "executive" person in PA we may need to file a complaint with the FCC. And we should totally flood them with calls. "What do we want?" "Firewire!" "When do we want it?" "Now!"

Today I went in to the Sunnyvale office to ask them about HD on Comcast for Mountain View.

They printed me a flyer (they only have Sunnyvale flyers in the office) and ran through the charges. Man, cable is expensive! Being a DIRECTV customer since I moved to the US, I couldn't believe how much they wanted for basic analogue service.

Anyways, all that aside, the most interesting thing is that Mountain View has a different HD channel list, namely: ABC, NBC, PBS, ESPN, InHD1, InHD2, HBO, Sho.

Noteably lacking are CBS, Cinemax and Starz.

The Sunnyvale list was same but did NOT have the InHD channels.

So, does the existance of InHD mean that CBS, Cinemax and Starz are likely? I am only interested in getting service in order to get HBO and Cinemax in HD. And maybe Sho.

Also, same old story with the receiver. 5100. Nothing new there.

I could hope to "get lucky" like bpearse, but would prefer one that works ;)

Cheers!
DAve.

I did not get a call back today as promised by Comcast, so I am sending a complaint to the FCC and to the City of Saratoga. Not sure what good it will do, but the more noise is made the more likely there will be action.

The thing that really burns me is how rude and arrogant the Comcast people are. I have no love of Dish Network, but in all my dealings with them, I never felt they were being arrogant. They cannot afford to be since I have the choice to leave them. But Comcast is a city sanctioned monopoly. By putting money into the wallets of our city politicians, Comcast is given the right to do whatever they want. I am just hoping the FCC can put pressure on them. Unless they have also put money into their pockets as well ;-)

Originally posted by Phloyd
Today I went in to the Sunnyvale office to ask them about HD on Comcast for Mountain View.

They printed me a flyer (they only have Sunnyvale flyers in the office) and ran through the charges. Man, cable is expensive! Being a DIRECTV customer since I moved to the US, I couldn't believe how much they wanted for basic analogue service.

Anyways, all that aside, the most interesting thing is that Mountain View has a different HD channel list, namely: ABC, NBC, PBS, ESPN, InHD1, InHD2, HBO, Sho.

Noteably lacking are CBS, Cinemax and Starz.

The Sunnyvale list was same but did NOT have the InHD channels.

So, does the existance of InHD mean that CBS, Cinemax and Starz are likely? I am only interested in getting service in order to get HBO and Cinemax in HD. And maybe Sho.

Also, same old story with the receiver. 5100. Nothing new there.

I could hope to "get lucky" like bpearse, but would prefer one that works ;)

Cheers!
DAve.


Dave,

True that most of sunnyvale (but not all) don't have InHD or Cinemax/StarzHD (My parents live there and verified last night)...That's because the network is a little old and they havent finished the upgrade from 550Mhz Capacity to 750Mhz...that's in progess and once completed those channels will be up (who knows when though).

As far as MtnView, most of it is already at 750Mhz (but not all). I'm sure CBSHD exists and I bet Cinemax/Starz do in those areas (or will be fairly shortly). Generally the channel cards are way out of date (and the customer support guys don't know all that much).

Anyway, the easiest way to check your house is to find a neighbor with Digital Cable (doesnt have to be HD). See if their box tunes to 186 (CBSHD), 195/6 (Inhd1/2) and 199/201 (Starz/Cinemaz). If the box will let you punch in those numbers on the remote and change to that channel then they exist (of course no picture on a non-hd box, but it will be able to hold the channel number if it exists). If they punch in those numbers and the box doesnt switch to that channel then they dont exist on the system yet

-Steve

What is your firmware version? If your DVI has been working, you must have had 7.07. Has it changed to something else?I wish I could tell. I have my STB installed in a rack and haven't had the time to pull the rack out to feed the component outputs to my system. I've been using DVI for quite some time without a hitch, though. I'm guessing I've been screwed by a firmware update somehow.

Originally posted by bpearse
I did not get a call back today as promised by Comcast, so I am sending a complaint to the FCC and to the City of Saratoga. Not sure what good it will do, but the more noise is made the more likely there will be action.

The thing that really burns me is how rude and arrogant the Comcast people are. I have no love of Dish Network, but in all my dealings with them, I never felt they were being arrogant. They cannot afford to be since I have the choice to leave them. But Comcast is a city sanctioned monopoly. By putting money into the wallets of our city politicians, Comcast is given the right to do whatever they want. I am just hoping the FCC can put pressure on them. Unless they have also put money into their pockets as well ;-) Here is what I would suggest before complaining to the regulatory authorities ... let's see what result JakiChan gets from contacting Comcast's corporate office in Philadelphia ... I would guess he will be given an appropriate contact at the Bay Area level.

And if that doesn't work, I have a Bay Area management contact from whom I can request assistance ... I just don't want to bug him if this can be resolved through other channels in a timely manner... especially given that the regulation has not even been in force for 24 hours as of yet.

I think this will be the quickest way to get a 6200 or, in your case, to get a 6200 that has functional firewire ...

Originally posted by Michael Grant
I wish I could tell. I have my STB installed in a rack and haven't had the time to pull the rack out to feed the component outputs to my system. I've been using DVI for quite some time without a hitch, though. I'm guessing I've been screwed by a firmware update somehow. So you can't access the diagnostic or user settings menu with DVI only? I guess not since it's not transmitting anything via DVI!

Originally posted by Michael Grant
Hey, did anyone else lose their DVI feed today, or in the last day or so? I seem to have lost mine (Menlo Park). I haven't been able to hook up component to see if that works yet.

DVI is working fine in Santa Clara.

OK, I have read several times that people are getting HD for only the cost of the box. But here is what I am being charged here in Saratoga:

$14 for basic cable
$5 for HDTV service
$5 for HDTV box
and about another couple bucks for fees and such.

Anyone in Saratoga NOT paying the $5 HDTV service fee, and have only basic cable???

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Here is what I would suggest before complaining to the regulatory authorities ... let's see what result JakiChan gets from contacting Comcast's corporate office in Philadelphia ... I would guess he will be given an appropriate contact at the Bay Area level.

And if that doesn't work, I have a Bay Area management contact from whom I can request assistance ... I just don't want to bug him if this can be resolved through other channels in a timely manner... especially given that the regulation has not even been in force for 24 hours as of yet.

I think this will be the quickest way to get a 6200 or, in your case, to get a 6200 that has functional firewire ...

I agree with the sentiment, but I am really peeved at having CSRs tell me 4 times now that they will call me back that day or at latest the next day, and then never hearing anything from them. 4 times over a 6 week period. Comcast does not have any credibility with me, and given their lack of responsiveness, I think needs a bit of a kick in the pants. A good natured kick in the pants, but a kick nonetheless.

Can you provide me with access to your contact at Comcast? I would just love to finally speak to someone who actually knows that firewire is and is in a position to respond.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Here is what I would suggest before complaining to the regulatory authorities ... let's see what result JakiChan gets from contacting Comcast's corporate office in Philadelphia ... I would guess he will be given an appropriate contact at the Bay Area level.

I have been contacted by someone in the Bay Area executive offices. I didn't write down her name but she is supposed to call back tomorrow. I explained about the FCC and how we had at least one report of someone getting the 6200. Hopefully she'll report back tomorrow with cluedness.

JakiChan,

Let me know her name and contact info (if you get it) so that I can also follow up. The more feedback she gets, the more likely there will be action.

Thanks,

Bob

Yea!!
My digital channels came back up last night, and they now include INHD1/2 and CBS. Masters here we go!

Question: If I'm already getting HBO/Show HD, will the new 199 and 200 come with that package? I can never figure out Comcast packages.

Originally posted by GQB
Yea!!
My digital channels came back up last night, and they now include INHD1/2 and CBS. Masters here we go!

Question: If I'm already getting HBO/Show HD, will the new 199 and 200 come with that package? I can never figure out Comcast packages.

What packages are you subscribed to (what does you bill say)?..With that info its easier for us to answer the question.

Generally to get all the Subscription channels (Show/hbo/cinemax/starz...) you need Digital Platinum ($92/mth + $5 for HD box).

Originally posted by bpearse
OK, I have read several times that people are getting HD for only the cost of the box. But here is what I am being charged here in Saratoga:

$14 for basic cable
$5 for HDTV service
$5 for HDTV box
and about another couple bucks for fees and such.

Anyone in Saratoga NOT paying the $5 HDTV service fee, and have only basic cable???

Bob, are you getting InHD 1&2? Was just wondering because maybe your $5 HDTV service is allowing you to get some HD only channels, where other have had to upgrade to Digital Classic ($10) to get these channels.

I have: $14 basic cable + $5 HDTV box, but I don't get InHD channels.

Originally posted by davisdog
It would probably have to be a pretty good hack job to swap out the internal drive and reimage it to act like the old drive (and risk the wrath of comcast (and a large bill) if you screw it up). The option they will supposedly offer in a future firmware upgarde is to hook up an external firewire drive and use that for additional capacity that you can add yourself. That sounds like a good comprise (when they get it working)

There has been plenty of successful hacking into TiVO units, both upgrading drives and adding secondary drives. I don't suspect that the Moto boxes would be any more difficult, although my level of expertise would be entirely dependent on following succesful procedures perfected by others.

On the TiVO forum, there are already pictures of the inside of the new HD TiVO, with plenty of discussion about the best ways of upgrading the drive.

re: Firewire drive for the Moto. Now that would be sweet! Sadly though, I don't think it would ever happen. Comcast has this view that their customer base has zero tech knowledge, so adding or enabling an extra drive capability is not something they would do. I hope I am wrong about this.

Originally posted by YuriLuzr
Bob, are you getting InHD 1&2? Was just wondering because maybe your $5 HDTV service is allowing you to get some HD only channels, where other have had to upgrade to Digital Classic ($10) to get these channels.

I have: $14 basic cable + $5 HDTV box, but I don't get InHD channels.

No, no INHD. I do get HBO and SHO free, since they are not encrypted in my network area (yet). Anyone else here in Saratoga getting a different price???

Well, I just got off the phone with my 3rd CSR, and finally got them to remove the $5 service fee. They could not even explain why I was being charged for it in the first place. Odd. I urge others to also check their bills.

On another note, I also asked about availability of INHD1 and 2, and they said I not only had to subscribe to Digital Classic ($10 extra) but also had to move over to FULL analog, an increase of $28 for that, so a total incremental charge of $38 per month for INHD!!

Is there anyone who has just Basic Analog ($14 per month) and Digital Classic ($10 per month) AND gets INHD 1 and 2??

Originally posted by bpearse
Well, I just got off the phone with my 3rd CSR, and finally got them to remove the $5 service fee. They could not even explain why I was being charged for it in the first place. Odd. I urge others to also check their bills.

On another note, I also asked about availability of INHD1 and 2, and they said I not only had to subscribe to Digital Classic ($10 extra) but also had to move over to FULL analog, an increase of $28 for that, so a total incremental charge of $38 per month for INHD!!

Is there anyone who has just Basic Analog ($14 per month) and Digital Classic ($10 per month) AND gets INHD 1 and 2??

Glad you got that knocked off..

and of course this CSR is wrong again. You can have Basic + Digital Classic added on top of that ($9.95/mth)

The CSR is correct that digital classic is required for InHD1/2 (and also EspnHD if they are encrypting it).

I don't think you need to bother yet though since InHD isn't on the Saratoga system yet. See if you box tunes to 195 and 196. IF InHD exists you should be able to tune to the channels (and your TV Screen would ssay Not Authorized since you dont have the right package). If it doesnt even tune to those channels (or skips right over them) then they arent on the system yet and there is nothing a CSR can do about it

Boy, how is it that forums like this can be SOOOOO helpful, yet CSRs whose job it is to know and help are totally useless! The CSR did say that INHD1&2 are on my system. But checking my box, sure enough, they do not show up at all. My box won't even allow me to try those channels. Just skips right by them.

Thanks for the heads up. You folks have saved me $15 a month ($5 for service fee and $10 for Digital Classis which I do not need since no INHD1 and 2).

Originally posted by dandrewk
There has been plenty of successful hacking into TiVO units, both upgrading drives and adding secondary drives. I don't suspect that the Moto boxes would be any more difficult, although my level of expertise would be entirely dependent on following succesful procedures perfected by others.

This will require a knowledge of whatever file system the Moto box is using (some variant of UFS most likely) and understand it enough to write an imaging tool that will format the new drive with the appropriate FS and duplicate the necessary system files. Also, hopefully there won't be a hard limit in the on-board IDE controller on how big of a drive it will recognize. Earlier versions of the Tivo, I believe, couldn't be upgraded to over 120GB -- even if you put a larger drive in, the unit would only see it as 120GB. Because the Moto boxes will be rented (as apposed to full ownership) I wouldn't put it by Comcast/Motorola to set a hard limit to prevent a whole bunch of people tinkering inside of the box.

Ok, the Giants are back. FSNBA is one of the FSN channels that announced HiDef.

Any scoop on when Comcast will pick up the HD broadcasts?

Update from Comcast:

The very nice lady in Executive Complaints hasn't been able to find out much. I sent her the PDF file from the FCC today and she immediately forwarded it off to the legal deparment and some VPs to make sure they understood what the deal is.

I told her there were reports of them in Sacramento and she said that she'd check. I also told her about bpearse in Saratoga and that really surprised her. I've sent bpearse a PM with the Comcast rep's contact info in the hopes the he would contact her and give her his story to further explain that the 6200 does exist and some folks are getting them.

I am not going to publish this lady's contact info at this time, since I don't need a bunch of pissed of folks bugging her. :-) But I will definetly keep you guys updated.

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens with these 6200's. I, too, called Comcast (again), but didn't manage to get anywhere. Maybe I'm not pushy enough :)

Also, I'm looking for some feedback on exactly what I should tell the cable guy when he comes to my house today. See my thread below (some of you may not have seen it due to my ignorance in posting it it the wrong forum initially).

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=385679


Many thanks to all who keep passing along the info!

JT

How did it go?

All I can say about the Comcast guy is DUMBA**

He came out, checked my signal strength and said everything was fine. He said the digital channels were at -11 which apparently is good. When I brought up the diagnostics menu and took him into the In-Band menu to show the errors and low signal, he scolded me for looking at that information. Then he went on to tell me that the SNR, AGC, & Corr/uncorr errors had NOTHING to do with my signal. He said they had to do with the info being sent FROM the box to the Cable Co.

I began explaining what I knew about the SNR, AGC, etc (thanks to cjhengineering.com) and the cable guy still insisted I was wrong.

He offered to switch out my box, but I refused since last time I did that , I got a box that was defective (besides, its not the box anyway).

So, the gut really came out for NOTHING.

After he left, I did a bit of Re-Wiring and managed to improve my signal a bit. Now, instaead of 32.1-32.9 SNR (FAIR/POOR), I generally have 33.2-34.1 (GOOD). For AGC, I now have 51% across the board rather than the 89% I had yeaterday. My correctable errors are pretty low (less than 60) except on INHD1&2. For some reason they are in the 600-700 errors range. That part, I don't understand, but I seem to be at a dead end for the moment.

PS -- I'm still trying to get a 6200 (CSR's are clueless). I'll let you all know what transpires.

JT

Comcast in South San Francisco has updated the its firmware to 7.10.

Alas, my 5100 has no firewire port. I am eager to test VirtualDVHS as soon as I can get my hands on a newer box with firewire.

Originally posted by kmitche
Comcast in South San Francisco has updated the its firmware to 7.10.

Alas, my 5100 has no firewire port. I am eager to test VirtualDVHS as soon as I can get my hands on a newer box with firewire.

Ok, VirtualDVHS sounds interesting. What is it? Where can I get it?

All of a sudden, I have a desire for the 6200. :D

Look for VirtualDVHS on the Apple Developer Website:

http://developer.apple.com/hardware/

The link: FireWire SDK 17 for Mac OS X (Download) is mid page.

It installs in the //Developer/FirewireSDK17/PreRelease Components/Examples

Since I'm currently without a firewire video source, I have no way to play with it.

Originally posted by kmitche
Look for VirtualDVHS on the Apple Developer Website:

http://developer.apple.com/hardware/

The link: FireWire SDK 17 for Mac OS X (Download) is mid page.

It installs in the //Developer/FirewireSDK17/PreRelease Components/Examples

Since I'm currently without a firewire video source, I have no way to play with it.

Ahh, Mac. Maybe a silly question, but does it work on Windows?

Any other DVHS simulator for Windows? It never occured to me that the firewire output from the Moto's could be used for recording out to a PC.

BTW, I do have MyHD, but can only get ABC and FOX OTA.

Check out the threads on the HDTV Recorders section. There are some pretty thorough discussions going on.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=353608

One of the posters has just gotten his Linux program to work with his 6200.

There must be Windows versions floating around.

Just got off the phone with my tech calling in advance of the 4p to 6p window for today's appointment.

Naturally, as we all could have predicted, he had no clue about why I made the appointment (to swap my 5100 for a 6200). (The best he could tell from the work order, I was having a problem with my current HD STB.) He had no idea about the 6200 boxes in general and said they did not have them, although he said they did just get in an HD STB in addition to the 5100 but it does not have firewire. (Which probably is a 6200 but he doesn't know it. Doh!)

I told him that Comcast customers in the South Bay and Sacramento had just received 6200's and he said that was interesting and that he would write it down for future reference and look for them. He said we were always the last ones to get improvements (not sure if he was referring to the Bay Area or more specifically the North Bay).

Bottom line, I won't have a 6200 this evening.

I am not surprised, fully expected this and now I have more leverage in dealing with the higher-ups. (A technical violation of the FCC rule.) I am not in a huge hurry as I don't have a D-VHS or PC HDV card yet and want to find the best deal for one.

My next step is to go by the local Comcast office (on Tuesday when I'll be working from home) and do my best to effect a swap there (which is being allowed in the Sacramento area --- see nightowl's and jacmyoung's posts).

Oh, I also asked him about DVR and he said the latest he had heard was "3rd Quarter" which meant "September" to him. Take that with a huge grain of salt, of course, considering the source.

I sent an email to the CEO of Comcast, Brian Roberts, regarding the 1394 issue in the Bay Area. I received a notice back from them that a person here in the bay area will be contacting me shortly on the matter. Of course, this is now the 5th time I have been promised a call back by Comcast, and have not gotten any communication from them yet! So we will see.

Here is Brian's email for those interested: brian_roberts@comcast.com

I recommend everyone send him a person email asking for help on this issue.

Bob

Hello everyone. I have been reading posts in this site for the past month and finally registered. I apologize if this question has already been asked, but I am a newbie. I just had my hd stb installed this Sat. I live in Suisun, Ca. between Sacramento and San Francisco. I am able to receive ESPNHD, INHD1&2, HBOHD, SHOWHD. But for some reason I do not have ABCHD, NBCHD, FOXHD, PBSHD, or Discovery Channel in HD. The CSR said that I should have those too and that it might take a day or so for it to kick in. Does anyone know why this is. My services are expanded SD, Digital Silver+ 1 Premium(HBO) and the HD stb. Any help would be great. Everyone in here seems to know what they are talking about, so thanks for any input in advance.

bpearse,

In another post you stated that the moto is connected to your display via component.

According to this forum, if the component cables are connected, there will be no firewire output.

Try disconnecting the component cables from the 6200 and then check the JVC for sound and picture via firewire.

I had not seen that anywhere, but I tried anyway. No joy.

If it were true that you can only have component or firewire active at one time, this would be a big problem!

Thanks for the idea, however.

Bob

Well, I actually received a call from Comcast!! First time they have EVER returned a call, even when promising to do so!

The person said they are still researching the issue. They did not know what firewire was, but said there is a person (Erika) looking into it. She is on vacation right now, but hopefully will do something. 2 months, 5 emails, 22 phone calls, and still have yet to talk to a single person in Comcast who has ever heard of 1394 or firewire.

Originally posted by Neo57
Hello everyone. I have been reading posts in this site for the past month and finally registered. I apologize if this question has already been asked, but I am a newbie. I just had my hd stb installed this Sat. I live in Suisun, Ca. between Sacramento and San Francisco. I am able to receive ESPNHD, INHD1&2, HBOHD, SHOWHD. But for some reason I do not have ABCHD, NBCHD, FOXHD, PBSHD, or Discovery Channel in HD. The CSR said that I should have those too and that it might take a day or so for it to kick in. Does anyone know why this is. My services are expanded SD, Digital Silver+ 1 Premium(HBO) and the HD stb. Any help would be great. Everyone in here seems to know what they are talking about, so thanks for any input in advance. First, your getting Showtime HD is a bonus, since you don't subscribe to the Showtime standard definition channels. So Showtime HD will disappear at some point for you, it's just a matter of when. (Comcast apparently is not scrambling Showtime HD in your area at the moment.)

Second, you will not get Discovery Channel HD. Anyone who told you would get it with Comcast was dead wrong. Comcast does not have a contract to carry Discovery Channel HD anywhere.

Third, there is no Fox HD until, at the very earliest, July. Fox does not do HD but it is ramping up to start in the summer/fall, with the first HD transmission likely to be the MLB All-Star Game. Currently, some Fox programs and sports are transmitted in "Fox widescreen" which is 16:9 but not HD.

Fourth, it would be nice to get the Fox widescreen programs until the HD comes on line, but you will not see Fox widescreen on Comcast. The local Fox station is refusing to provide its digital signal to Comcast. Hopefully this will change before the All-Star game, but the refusal has been going on for a long time. See the discussion in this thread and other threads.

As a caveat, I am assuming you are in the Bay Area market, versus the Sacramento market. Are your analog locals from the Bay Area, Sacramento or both?

Assuming you get Bay Area local channels only, you should get ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS in HD. Channels 184, 185, 186 and 188, respectively.

What happens when you tune to these channel numbers? Does it say "Not Authorized" or "One Moment Please" or something else?

If your Comcast system is still being rebuilt up to 750 Mhz or 860 Mhz, you may not get all the HD channels. But I would be surprised if they didn't give you any locals in HD. How long has HD been available from Comcast in your area?

Fifth, in most parts of the Bay Area, Comcast added Cinemax HD (199) and Starz HD (200) around March 15th. Again, if they aren't scrambled in your area, you might get these channels as a temporary added bonus.

Finally, welcome!

bpearse,

One other suggestion based on reading one of the 6200/firewire related threads. It appears you have to select the correct input (whichever firewire is hooked up to the 30k from your 6200) to get a picture ... could this be the problem? Probably not but this sounds like the kind of thing I might overlook!

Also, what happens when you hit the record button? Does the 30k refuse to do anything? Does it act as if it is recording (tape is moving)? If it acts as if it is recording, what happens when you attempt to play back?

In other words, you might not be able to see the HD video pass through in real time from the 6200 to 30k to HDTV, but you might be able to record an HD channel and then play it back... it's worth a try.

And is the problem the same for non-HD channels and for non-firewire inputs?

Originally posted by bpearse
Well, I actually received a call from Comcast!! First time they have EVER returned a call, even when promising to do so!

The person said they are still researching the issue. They did not know what firewire was, but said there is a person (Erika) looking into it. She is on vacation right now, but hopefully will do something. 2 months, 5 emails, 22 phone calls, and still have yet to talk to a single person in Comcast who has ever heard of 1394 or firewire.

That's great that you heard back from them...I'm interested to hear what they have to say. Also, I would recommend using Mr. Burke's email as a last resort only in the future. It's awesome that the CEO of such a large company takes the time to respond to an individual's email and I don't think we want to lose that. If people start inundating him with emails like "Why is Nickelodeon coming in fuzzy?" or "How come there aren't more Goofy shows on the Disney channel?" then it will only be a matter of time before he starts ignoring these emails altogether.

Thanks, Sonoma. It is the right input, since I am getting the "DCT-6200" show up on my screen. The JVC sees it, but there is just no picture or audio coming out. The diagnostics on the 6200 also show it is connected via firewire and it sending data. Just no picture or sound.

I think the local comcast somehow has this feature turned off. I would not think it was possible, given I have 7.07 firmware.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
First, your getting Showtime HD is a bonus, since you don't subscribe to the Showtime standard definition channels. So Showtime HD will disappear at some point for you, it's just a matter of when. (Comcast apparently is not scrambling Showtime HD in your area at the moment.)

Second, you will not get Discovery Channel HD. Anyone who told you would get it with Comcast was dead wrong. Comcast does not have a contract to carry Discovery Channel HD anywhere.

Third, there is no Fox HD until, at the very earliest, July. Fox does not do HD but it is ramping up to start in the summer/fall, with the first HD transmission likely to be the MLB All-Star Game. Currently, some Fox programs and sports are transmitted in "Fox widescreen" which is 16:9 but not HD.

Fourth, it would be nice to get the Fox widescreen programs until the HD comes on line, but you will not see Fox widescreen on Comcast. The local Fox station is refusing to provide its digital signal to Comcast. Hopefully this will change before the All-Star game, but the refusal has been going on for a long time. See the discussion in this thread and other threads.

As a caveat, I am assuming you are in the Bay Area market, versus the Sacramento market. Are your analog locals from the Bay Area, Sacramento or both?

Assuming you get Bay Area local channels only, you should get ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS in HD. Channels 184, 185, 186 and 188, respectively.

What happens when you tune to these channel numbers? Does it say "Not Authorized" or "One Moment Please" or something else?

If your Comcast system is still being rebuilt up to 750 Mhz or 860 Mhz, you may not get all the HD channels. But I would be surprised if they didn't give you any locals in HD. How long has HD been available from Comcast in your area?

Fifth, in most parts of the Bay Area, Comcast added Cinemax HD (199) and Starz HD (200) around March 15th. Again, if they aren't scrambled in your area, you might get these channels as a temporary added bonus.

Finally, welcome!

Thanks for the info Sonoma. Im not sure but I think I get both the bay aread and Sac local channels. When I try to input those channels listed it just skips and goes to the nearest channel, also when I go to channel 199 and 200 it notes the service required, click ok to add the services. Thanks for the heads up on Fox and Discovery. Should I contact Comcast in regards to the channels not appearing, or would that be like shooting fish in a barrel? I beleive HD has been available for awhile now in my area.

Also...I notice a lot of people talk about the STB with the firewire. I have the Motorola box which I believe has a firewire on the left side next to the audi/video jacks. Do I have the latest STB? Again, I apologize, but I'm pretty new with these STB's. Thanks again.

Originally posted by bpearse
Well, I actually received a call from Comcast!! First time they have EVER returned a call, even when promising to do so!

The person said they are still researching the issue. They did not know what firewire was, but said there is a person (Erika) looking into it. She is on vacation right now, but hopefully will do something. 2 months, 5 emails, 22 phone calls, and still have yet to talk to a single person in Comcast who has ever heard of 1394 or firewire.

Was that the same Erika I had asked you to contact? I hope she isn't on vacation, since she didn't mention she would be. *sigh*

Originally posted by Neo57
Hello everyone. I have been reading posts in this site for the past month and finally registered. I apologize if this question has already been asked, but I am a newbie. I just had my hd stb installed this Sat. I live in Suisun, Ca. between Sacramento and San Francisco. I am able to receive ESPNHD, INHD1&2, HBOHD, SHOWHD. But for some reason I do not have ABCHD, NBCHD, FOXHD, PBSHD, or Discovery Channel in HD. The CSR said that I should have those too and that it might take a day or so for it to kick in. Does anyone know why this is. My services are expanded SD, Digital Silver+ 1 Premium(HBO) and the HD stb. Any help would be great. Everyone in here seems to know what they are talking about, so thanks for any input in advance.

Neo,

FoxHD is not available yet in the Bay Area, and DiscoveryHD isnt available on Comcast at all (Rule #1...CSRs are often clueless...but that one is scary)

What do you see on the screen when you tune your HD Box to

Channels 184, 186, 187, 188 (NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS HD channels)????

Those should all be working for you.

-Steve

Originally posted by JakiChan
Was that the same Erika I had asked you to contact? I hope she isn't on vacation, since she didn't mention she would be. *sigh*

Yup, same Erika! She received messages from me directly and indirectly through the executive office. I think she is just out today, according to the person who called me. But I am just happy to have some sort of action being taken now. It has taken over 2 months to get anybody even working on it.

Neo,

To tell if you have a 6200 (newer) versus a 5100 (older), you can look for the model number on the bottom of the box.

If it really does have firewire ports (there should be two), then it is a 6200. The 5100's don't have firewire ports.

Also, you can check your firmware by going to the program guide menu, click on Setup, then on Cable Box, then go down to See Configuration (right arrow) ... software is in the left column, firmware in the right column.

If your firmware is 7.xx (7.07 or 7.10), you likely have a 6200 (although it could still be a 5100 with a more recent firmware).

Your analog local channels should be between 2 and 28 (or thereabouts) ... I am curious to see if you have both Bay Area and Sacramento locals, because then you might be able to get both the Bay Area local HD and the Sacramento local HD signals. Which would be nice because the Bay Area has CBS HD (Sacramento doesn't) but Sacramento will likely have Fox Widescreen soon (Comcast has a contract with the Sacramento Fox station's owner), so you could have the best of both worlds.

Originally posted by bpearse
Yup, same Erika! She received messages from me directly and indirectly through the executive office. I think she is just out today, according to the person who called me. But I am just happy to have some sort of action being taken now. It has taken over 2 months to get anybody even working on it.

Did they say how long she will be out? I'd rather not wait 2 weeks for a response.

Ok, I will definitely check to see which STB I have. Also I will verify whether or not I recieve both local channels for Bay Area and Sac, but I do notice that I receive KRON4 and CH.10 news which I believe is Sac, but I also get KTVU2 which shows bay area news. That was the reason that I believed that I get both local for Sac and SF. You can correct me on this if I am wrong. So what do you think my best option is in regards to the local channels on HD and also the channels 199 and 200 in HD? Should I wait to see if those channels come in or should I call Comcast. It was hideous to have to watch the Final four on SD when I knew others were watching it in HD.

Originally posted by davisdog
Neo,

FoxHD is not available yet in the Bay Area, and DiscoveryHD isnt available on Comcast at all (Rule #1...CSRs are often clueless...but that one is scary)

What do you see on the screen when you tune your HD Box to

Channels 184, 186, 187, 188 (NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS HD channels)????

Those should all be working for you.

-Steve

Hi Steve, when I input those channels it just skips and goes to the next channel. I noticed when I press guide the channels go from 183 and then the next channel is 193 which is the ESPNHD. Is there something wrong with my services? Thanks.

Originally posted by Neo57
So what do you think my best option is in regards to the local channels on HD and also the channels 199 and 200 in HD? Should I wait to see if those channels come in or should I call Comcast. It was hideous to have to watch the Final four on SD when I knew others were watching it in HD. You won't get any good information from a CSR. How long have you had your HD STB? If longer than a couple of days, I would (1) complain that you aren't receiving the channels you are supposed to receive, and see if they will send a technician out to check your box and connections-- this won't get you the channels, but it might get you a tech who can tell you why you aren't getting them and when they might be added; and, (2) send an email to the "escalation specialists" whose email addresses are above-- they will research the issue and get back to you.

By the way, what is your zip code? Let us know and include it in your email to the escalation specialists, if you choose to do that.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
You won't get any good information from a CSR. How long have you had your HD STB? If longer than a couple of days, I would (1) complain that you aren't receiving the channels you are supposed to receive, and see if they will send a technician out to check your box and connections-- this won't get you the channels, but it might get you a tech who can tell you why you aren't getting them and when they might be added; and, (2) send an email to the "escalation specialists" whose email addresses are above-- they will research the issue and get back to you.

By the way, what is your zip code? Let us know and include it in your email to the escalation specialists, if you choose to do that.

Thanks Sonoma. I've had the STB only since Saturday, thats why i was wondering if the CSR told me the truth that some of those channels will begin to appear after a day or two. As far as Ch.199 and 200 does it matter whether I am in the Bay Area or Sac region, or should I be getting those two channels regardless. My zip code is 94585.

Also is there a way to connect my VCR so that I can record tv programs?

Neo,

Looking at your channel lineup on Comcast's website (using your zip code), you do get both the Sacramento and Bay Area local stations (in analog basic).

And the lineup also shows a gap from 183 to 193-- no locals in HD.

So the CSR was feeding you a line of bull about the channels showing up. Instead, it appears that Comcast does not offer any HD locals in your area.

However, I say "appears" because the website channel lineups are not always accurate.

I would send an email to the escalation specialists a.s.a.p. and ask why you can't get any local stations in HD, even though you can get ESPN, HBO, etc., in HD.

If the escalation specialists can't help you, you can also complain to your local franchising authority (city or county). There should be an ombudsman of some kind who can contact Comcast and figure out why you aren't getting HD locals there.

Maybe it's the fact that you are between two markets (Sacto and Bay Area) and Comcast is still figuring out which HD channels you should be getting. But if you get the analog locals from both markets, IMHO, you should get the HD locals from both markets!

Anyway, good luck in finding out why Comcast does not currently offer HD locals in your area. And let us know what answers they give you.

Thanks Sonoma. I will definitely escalate the situation. Im basically paying the same price as everyone else, but not receving the same amount of channels. Not very good on Comcasts side. Thanks for all the info, and I will definitely update as soon as I hear something.

Hey Sonoma, I looked above but I don't see the email address for the escalation problems. Could you please provide me with that email address. Thanks.

Neo,

On 199 (Cinemax HD) and 200 (Starz HD), the website channel lineup shows them in your area. What happens when you tune to these channels?

If it's "Not Authorized", you will need to change your subscription to add Cinemax and/or Starz (either a la carte or through a package: Digital Gold or Digital Platinum, probably).

You can also do this to check: Tune to 199 or 200, then turn off the cable box and quickly (within one or two seconds) hit OK/Enter. This will give you a diagnostic menu. Go to Current Channel and look at the data. It will say "Enc" for Encrypted (scrambled) or "Clr" for Clear (unscrambled).

There has been a special lately, $30 per month for Digital Platinum for three months. It gets you all the channels Comcast carries (except for specialty channels such a foreign language premiums and out of market sports packages). After three months, it will go up to $90+ per month, but you could downgrade to whatever you want at that time (a one-time $2 "downgrade" charge applies).

Originally posted by Neo57
Hey Sonoma, I looked above but I don't see the email address for the escalation problems. Could you please provide me with that email address. Thanks. bpearse must have deleted or edited his post.

I think one email address was @cable.comcast.com

Hmm, may have the last name wrong; you may have to ask bpearse for the email addresses.

Also try: @cable.comcast.com

EDIT: PM me if you need the address, and let me know why you need it. (Although if you do a search for "Erika", you will find it posted in another thread about five or six months ago.)

One of those two is correct, I believe.

Let us know what you find out.

Sonoma,
When I tune to those channels, I do get the "Not Authorized" So I will try turing off the box like you said. Im not as worried about 199 and 200 than I am about the local HD. It really sucks not having those channels. 90+ a month is pretty steep so I don't think I would upgrade to that, thanks for the suggestion though. So Im guessing those local channels wont turn on after a while like the CSR said. Do you have that email address for me to send to the escalation specialists. I wanna get this sorted out asap. Thanks again Sonoma.

Originally posted by Neo57
Sonoma,
When I tune to those channels, I do get the "Not Authorized" So I will try turing off the box like you said. Im not as worried about 199 and 200 than I am about the local HD. It really sucks not having those channels. 90+ a month is pretty steep so I don't think I would upgrade to that, thanks for the suggestion though. So Im guessing those local channels wont turn on after a while like the CSR said. Do you have that email address for me to send to the escalation specialists. I wanna get this sorted out asap. Thanks again Sonoma.

Neo,

The suggestion from Sonoma was to can and upgrade to Digital Platinum special now, so your bill will be $30/mth + $5 for HD Box for the next 3 months (saving you money and giving you more channels). At the end of 3 months, call and switch back to the package you want (assuming you dont want to pay the full $90 for Digital Platinum.

199/200 are not authorized because you dont subscribe to Cinemax/starz, but you will get them for 3 months if you upgrade.

If the HD local channels arent tuning, then I doubt waiting a couple days will do anything...sounds like they dont exist in your area (for whatever reason)...may be confusion between the two markets you are in (Sacto and Bay Area). Good luck

-Steve

Originally posted by davisdog
Neo,

The suggestion from Sonoma was to can and upgrade to Digital Platinum special now, so your bill will be $30/mth + $5 for HD Box for the next 3 months (saving you money and giving you more channels). At the end of 3 months, call and switch back to the package you want (assuming you dont want to pay the full $90 for Digital Platinum.

199/200 are not authorized because you dont subscribe to Cinemax/starz, but you will get them for 3 months if you upgrade.

If the HD local channels arent tuning, then I doubt waiting a couple days will do anything...sounds like they dont exist in your area (for whatever reason)...may be confusion between the two markets you are in (Sacto and Bay Area). Good luck

-Steve

Steve,
I understood the suggestion, from Sonoma, maybe I should have completed what I was trying to say. What I meant was that it was a good idea but I didnt want to switch because I really cant afford the 90+ and I would hate to switch back to something lower if I really liked the platinum. I guess you could say that I wouldn't want to be teased with all the channels for three months, knowing that I would have to switch back to a lower package. Yeah, Im starting to believe that being in between Sacto and and Sf is playing a part in this so I will contact Comcast to verify. Wish me luck and thanks for all the great info.

Also, I don't know if anyone can answer this, and this actually might belong in a different forum but...does anyone own a Sony tv? I currently have the 50we610 GWIII. I tried to add the Motorola STB to the remote but noticed there was no code for it on the Sony manual. Does anyone know of a code, or would comcast have a code? I'd hate to have to call Sony. Its such a pain with all the automated stuff. Thanks.

After seeing the posts about the Suisin CA availability, I spent a little more time poking around the Comcast website.

I found that my zip (94041) lists Cinemax and Starz! Plus, Sunnyvale 94086 does not list them.

So, at least some hope that they have the channels - now all I need is the 6200!

I would settle for the DVR too... :)

Anyways, looking forward to hearing more about 6200's being delivered...

Cheers!
DAve.

Folks, please don't start spamming Erika for help. That's not how it works. I told her that her address wouldn't get plastered all over the board. I'm sure if she gets a bunch of cranky messages from folks she'll be less willing to help - and she's the first person I've talked to at Comcast who has been willing to help.

So if folks could *not* post that email address I'd appreciate it...

Newbie Question: I read somewhere that if you subcribe to basic cable you can get the HD feeds fro the local chanel - can anyone verify this? My plan is to have a set with built in tuner. Also plan to use Directv for premium HD chanels but would love to get locals at low cost. Don't believe OTA is possibility (Moraga). Any input appreciated.

Glenn

Sonoma,

I pulled the posting I had made the other day (reply from my letter to the Comcast CEO) because I did not realize it contained Erika's email. She only takes cases that are forwarded to her from the executive team, so emailing her may not get you anywhere. I will post any followup I get from her here. If no follow up by Friday, then I will post her contact info so others can let her know how big of a problem this is.

Step 2 of my strategy was successful. Here's how it happened.

Went into the local Comcast office today, carting my 5100 in tow. I was greeted by a woman I will describe charitably as "the gatekeeper." She was the only one working the front desk.

Actually, "greeted" is not the write word. "Glared at" might be more accurate.

She recognized that I was carrying an HDTV box immediately, so perhaps that had something to do with her stern gaze.

I greeted her nicely and informed her of my purpose-- to exchange this HDTV box for one that has "firewire" or "IEEE 1394." After telling me that she knew it was an HDTV box, she informed me that Comcast does not have firewire.

Not taking no for an answer, I politely explained to her that the boxes with firewire were the model 6200 or 6208. She went into a rendition of how not all areas have been upgraded to digital cable or HSI yet, blah, blah, blah.

So I ask her when will they be getting the HD STB's with firewire, and can I be contacted when that happens. She says they might not ever get any boxes with firewire.

Naturally, at that point the FCC regulation became highly relevant, so I mentioned it and the fact that cable companies are required, effective April 1, to provide boxes with an active firewire connection to HDTV customers upon request. And that is why I would like to have an estimate as to when they will have the firewire-equipped boxes. I am patient, but I won't take "maybe never" for an answer.

I also mention that said boxes have been made available to customers in Sacramento and the South Bay. More excuses from her about why they don't have firewire boxes here ... always behind the other areas, blah, blah, blah.

I ask to speak to a supervisor. She says no supervisor available. I ask for a card of supervisor. She says no card. I ask for a phone number of supervisor. She goes to a note pad to write down a number, but keeps telling me why I am out of luck.

At some point, she says they aren't even going to get the DVR until September, as if that might ease my concern.

So I ask her before she's given me the supervisor's number, "Are you sure you don't have them? A technician told me that you just received a shipment of them into this office."

Well, that did the trick. She gave me a blank look and reluctantly said "Let me go ask." She walks back to the door of one of the offices (that is about 25 feet from the front desk) and goes inside. There is a conversation. (Perhaps with the supervisor who "isn't there"?)

After about five minutes, she is back out. By this time, there are four people in line behind me, which for this office is like 20 people in line at the grocery store waiting for checkout.

She takes my box, still sitting on the counter, rather roughly and turns it around and at a 45 degree angle to look at the back, telling me that my box already has the firewire port. I inform her that it has a DVI port, but not a firewire port. More searching of the back panel by her.

Then she asks me what I want firewire for. "To hook it up to a recorder." She asks me, "A high definition recorder?" "Yes."

Back to the office. Another minute or so and she is back with a set of keys. She approaches a locked cabinent which is in plain view behind the front desk. Unlocks it....

Oila! A cabinet full of shiny Motorolas. But are they just more 5100's? She pulls out a box (again, rather roughly) and walks it over to the counter. Looks at the back panel. She sees something.

Without saying another word to me, she types in my 5100's serial number and brings up our account. Verfies identity and types up the work order. Has me sign it. The exchange is done.

I take a close look at the back panel myself. It has the IEEE 1394 ports. Sticker on the bottom shows it is a "6200/2005".

She expects me to leave at that point but one more question, "So do I have to call the head end to get the box activated?" No, I don't but she goes over to another area to get an instruction sheet on how to get the box activated.

The finish on the box is a little scratched up in places, making me think it was a return, but it still has the plastic covering on the front LED, so it must be new.

Once it is activated, I will post the firmware.

FWIW: No remote, no cables, no instruction booklet, nothing else but the box itself. I should have brought my remote for exchange -- we have had the same TCI/ATT/Comcast remote since 4/99!

I am surprised I was successful at Step 2. Before I walked into the office, I thought for sure the best I would do is get the brushoff with a supervisor's card or get put on a waiting list.

In fact, if she had been nice and told me "We should have thoses boxes by May 15th" or, "Here's the local manager's phone number" I would have been out of there with my 5100. But her statement that they may "never" get firewire boxes and her persnickety attitude kept me there.

The lesson is polite persistence pays off (sometimes).

My recommendation to those who want to exchange their 5100 for a 6200, or a non-working 6200 for a working 6200, is to go to your local Comcast office with your current box and don't take no for an answer.

That's great stuff, Sonoma! Thanks for sharing. By the way, is there a link to the FCC's web site or something where we can bring in visual proof of the FCC's orders?

Yes, I would recommend that your bring in a copy of the FCC regulation. I didn't show the gatekeeper my copy, but you might be asked for it.

Here is a link to the PDF file. The specific provision is on page 50.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-225A1.pdf

The regulation is cited as : 47 CFR part 76 section 76.640 (b) (4) (i)

Good luck!

Fantastic! I've been to my local office before and the ladies who work there seem about as nice as your friendly neighborhood Comcast rep. Although I must admit, I'm kind of looking forward to it. Sick, I know. :D

The bottom line that I have learned about Comcast is BE PERSISTENT. They must be trained to brush people aside, so if you take no for an answer, you will get nowhere. I am still fighting the firewire issue here in Saratoga (got my box, but firewire not working). I have been told by 22 people (logged each and every call and name of the CRSs I talked to) that firewire is either non-existent or will not be enabled. You have to be steadfast and unrelenting.

Nicely done, Sonoma. Text book example of how to get things done with Comcast!

Was at a buddy's house for BBall in HD last night. He has 199 (Cinemax HD) and 200 (Starz HD) working fine. He didn't even know it. <sigh>

Also, while checking here at home (Cupertino) for 199 and 200 again (no joy), I pass by INHD1&2 and they're both WORKING. I never subscribed or anything. They've both been there but 'not authorized' for months. Strange. . .

Bon Chance!

Anyone know how to activate the Front A/V inputs on the Motorola DCT-5100?

I pass by INHD1&2 and they're both WORKING. I never subscribed or anything. They've both been there but 'not authorized' for months. Strange. . .

You should definitely have access to INHD1 & 2 as long as you can tune them in. If you're still showing 'not authorized', then be sure to give them a call. I had the same problem, but caught it before my installers left and had them make the call. Additionally I discovered (after they left) that my Moto 5100 was set to output component at 480i and the TV Type was set to 4:3 so it pays to check your menu.

-Sean

Originally posted by smnorton
You should definitely have access to INHD1 & 2 as long as you can tune them in. If you're still showing 'not authorized', then be sure to give them a call. I had the same problem, but caught it before my installers left and had them make the call. Additionally I discovered (after they left) that my Moto 5100 was set to output component at 480i and the TV Type was set to 4:3 so it pays to check your menu.

-Sean

wrong...InHD1/2 require that you subscribe to Digital Classic (assuming they have their infrastructure configured correctly...if there screwed up then you may get them as feebies (and just lie low until they figure it out)). It has nothing to do with the $5 fee for the HD box

wrong...InHD1/2 require that you subscribe to Digital Classic (assuming they have their infrastructure configured correctly...if there screwed up then you may get them as feebies (and just lie low until they figure it out)). It has nothing to do with the $5 fee for the HD box

Thanks for the clarification. In my case I had digital classic and they still weren't active.

-Sean

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
I still have the 5.03 firmware. Is this the case for most people? Or is 7.07 the most prevalent firmware out there in the Bay Area?

Related to firmware/software, does anyone have VOD yet? I know it launched in the Concord area, but I don't think we have anyone who posts here who is from Concord. Any other areas?

I still have 2.53 in San Francisco....

Originally posted by Big D TV
Using the two methods to retrieve the firmware numbers, my 5100 is still at the same version as when I got the unit nearly a year ago, 2.48 in the diagnotics mode, 50.00-1078 and 08 in the menu settings. I am located in Pleasant Hill, not sure if that is the latest for my area or my unit just has not taken a download of an available update. Anyone know what is the latest in my area? Seems 2.48 is mighty old.

That's the exact same version I have since I got HD on the 5100 back on December 9, 2003...

Originally posted by rstewar
asked specifically for the 6200 and was told by the CSR that they were not rolling those out in San Francisco yet but that I would be able to trade the 5100 in once they were. Install is on Friday and I'm crossing my fingers for a 6200.

I opted not to trade my ancient D* dish in as the special only applied to their lowest level of digital cable and adding HBO would be 20 bucks extra... ouch. I figured that I'd get their "every channel under the sun" platinum special for 30 bucks a month (plus 5 or so extra for the HD box).

Two questions -

1. does anyone have the Comcast San Francisco line up - I'm in the city in Duboce Triangle.
2. other than the locals, HBO, Cinemax, what other HD channels does Comcast have?

thanks,
randy

1) I have the latest lineup but you should call 1-888-824-4146 and ask them to send you a welcome kit which contains the latest one.
2) HBO, Showtime, ESPN, KGO, KNTV (NBC), CBS, INHD, INHD2, KQED (PBS) seems to be the only ones available.

Originally posted by davisdog
and they arent that consist on even bothering to charge you the $1.99. Late last year I had the old Digital Bronze (from one of those 6 mth specials) and when I decided to downgrade I turned in my box at the local office and downgraded to standard cable (pre-HD out here) and they didnt charge any fee +credited the unused days on my package (since your bill is for the coming month and I turned in mid billing cycle)

I had the 3 months Free Showtime+TMC with a $50 free Toys R Us Gift Card and when I removed SHO/TMC after the 3 months, they did charge me the $1.99.

Originally posted by Almighty1
I still have 2.53 in San Francisco.... kmitche posted that South SF recently upgraded its firmware to 7.10, so you are way behind on the firmware. After 2.53 would be 5.03, then 7.07, then 7.10.

The 6200 I obtained yesterday has 7.07 pre-loaded on it.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
kmitche posted that South SF recently upgraded its firmware to 7.10, so you are way behind on the firmware. After 2.53 would be 5.03, then 7.07, then 7.10.

The 6200 I obtained yesterday has 7.07 pre-loaded on it.

It's actually 2.48 just like Big D TV posted. I know EdgarQ who is in San Francisco in the South San Francisco thread got a 5100 over a month ago with 7.07 pre-loaded.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher

So I ask her before she's given me the supervisor's number, "Are you sure you don't have them? A technician told me that you just received a shipment of them into this office."


Did you really know this or was it a bluff..? Glad that it was successful :)

I guess that I should start making space for a new cable box...

Cheers!
DAve.

Anyone know how to activate the Front A/V inputs on the Motorola DCT-5100?

Originally posted by sanjoseskater
Anyone know how to activate the Front A/V inputs on the Motorola DCT-5100?

You might want to see if someone answers your post from yesterday...

Newbie Question: I read somewhere that if you subcribe to basic cable you can get the HD feeds fro the local chanel - can anyone verify this? My plan is to have a set with built in tuner. Also plan to use Directv for premium HD chanels but would love to get locals at low cost. Don't believe OTA is possibility (Moraga). Any input appreciated.

Glenn, did you get an answer to this question? I've been thinking of switching to DirecTV so I can get DirecTiVO, but I LOVE Comcast HD and don't think I can get the same quality via OTA (Burlingame). I had never considered the possibility of having DirecTV for the premium HD channels and for locals on my non-HD TVs, but keeping basic cable and an HD box for my one HD set. I know I would lose InHD, but I'm sure HDNet on DirecTV would make up for that loss. As long as I get ESPNHD, HBO and Showtime via DirecTV and CBS, ABC, NBC and PBS via cable, I'd be all set.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Yes, I would recommend that your bring in a copy of the FCC regulation. I didn't show the gatekeeper my copy, but you might be asked for it.

Here is a link to the PDF file. The specific provision is on page 50.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-03-225A1.pdf

The regulation is cited as : 47 CFR part 76 section 76.640 (b) (4) (i)

Good luck!

Strike one!!! Well, I went to a local Comcast office in Pleasant Hill armed with my 5100 and a copy of page 50 of the FCC mandate and I walked away with my 5100 and a copy of page 50 of the FCC mandate. Even after explaining to the CS reps about the law, they kept saying they don't have any 6200's and only have 5100's. I told them that there are people in the Bay Area who were given the 6200's and they said "That's great but we don't have any here". I asked about 4 times if they're sure they don't have them and they said "no". They took a photcopy of of the FCC mandate page and said they would get back to me. Yeah right. If I wasn't going to get my 6200 today then I was at least going to get the phone number for a supervisor. After asking about 10 times, they finally gave me the phone number for the Delta Valley CS supervisor (that covers all of the Eastern CoCo). I just left her a message. If I don't hear back today, you better believe I will be calling back tomorrow. There's also another Comcast office close by that I might try to hit up after work...maybe I'll have better luck there.

Stay tuned...

Originally posted by fender4645
Strike one!!! Well, I went to a local Comcast office in Pleasant Hill armed with my 5100 and a copy of page 50 of the FCC mandate and I walked away with my 5100 and a copy of page 50 of the FCC mandate.

* * *

There's also another Comcast office close by that I might try to hit up after work...maybe I'll have better luck there.



Are you thinking of the Danville office (the only one open on Saturday)? I was planning on heading on down there on Saturday to seek out a 6200.

- Phil Klein

Originally posted by Philip Klein
Are you thinking of the Danville office (the only one open on Saturday)? I was planning on heading on down there on Saturday to seek out a 6200.

No, there's one on Treat Blvd -- about a mile east off the 680 exit. I live in Moraga but work in WC so it's easier to go to these ones.

Originally posted by dmlove51
Glenn, did you get an answer to this question? I've been thinking of switching to DirecTV so I can get DirecTiVO, but I LOVE Comcast HD and don't think I can get the same quality via OTA (Burlingame). I had never considered the possibility of having DirecTV for the premium HD channels and for locals on my non-HD TVs, but keeping basic cable and an HD box for my one HD set. I know I would lose InHD, but I'm sure HDNet on DirecTV would make up for that loss. As long as I get ESPNHD, HBO and Showtime via DirecTV and CBS, ABC, NBC and PBS via cable, I'd be all set.

That is so funny since I am looking to do the opposite. :)

I am aiming get HBO, Sho, ESPN and Cinemax, with DVHS recordability from Comcasrt and get all of the standard definition stuff from DIRECTV still with the DIRECTivo and reasonable digital quality for all including SD locals.

I guess that the main difference is that I can use a roof top antenna for OTA local HD and record on HiPix, which is a suitable solution (though if I get Comcast I would get some of the locals on Comcast too). I would have thought that you could do pretty well with OTA in Burlingame - are you behind something big? I get pretty nice OTA from Sutro down in Mountain View...

Cheers!
DAve.

Dave,

It was part bluff, part something the tech who cancelled my appointment said. He essentially said they had received a new type of HD box, but it didn't have firewire. What other HD box would it be other than a 6200 or 6208 (both of which have firewire)?

I just got off the phone with Erika, the executive escalation manager in Comcast for the Bay Area. She said that until April 1 when a customer (JakiChan??) sent her the FCC notice, no one in Comcast had ANY idea there was such a ruling! They have verified it is valid, and they said they plan to meet the requirements as quickly as they can.

Erika also said she was not aware of any 6200s being available in the Bay Area, until I told her I had one! She was VERY surprised. But this is not unusual, since the 6200 looks just like the 5200, and this confusion has happened elsewhere in the country (in Boston, my brother spearse was told no boxes, but he went down and looked at their inventory himself and found one!).

As far as why my 6200 is not working (it has the same firmware as the working 6200s in other parts of the country), she also did not have any clue. Again, she did not even know there were 6200s in the bay area yet.


They are still trying to sort things out at this point, but they are taking action. She said several other people were also contacting Comcast on this issue. I think volume of people interested will be a factor in how quickly they try to resolve this. So if you want to exercise your option to get a STB with active firewire, I recommend you contact Comcast and let them know. Erika's email is:

Erika_Githens@Cable.Comcast.com

Please just let her know you want one of the boxes. I would ask that we not 'get nasty' with her about this delay. She is committed to getting some action. Just let her know you are supportive of her resolving this quickly and that it will make you a happier Comcast customer.

Oh, one final thing. I mentioned to her that having firewire was causing some people (like me) to drop satellite and go back to cable. This really peaked her interest. So anyone out there who would drop sat for cable because of firewire should also just let her know. It will give her more ammo to shoot with.

Bob

Originally posted by bpearse
I just got off the phone with Erika, the executive escalation manager in Comcast for the Bay Area. She said that until April 1 when a customer (JakiChan??) sent her the FCC notice, no one in Comcast had ANY idea there was such a ruling! They have verified it is valid, and they said they plan to meet the requirements as quickly as they can.

Haven't heard from her in a while, but it seems funny that I had to be the one to clue them in. :-)

Originally posted by kmitche
Look for VirtualDVHS on the Apple Developer Website:

http://developer.apple.com/hardware/

The link: FireWire SDK 17 for Mac OS X (Download) is mid page.

It installs in the //Developer/FirewireSDK17/PreRelease Components/Examples

Since I'm currently without a firewire video source, I have no way to play with it.



kmitche,

You want to use FireWire SDK 18. There is this website (http://mac_hdtv_timer.home.comcast.net/) and this thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=386740) to review before using VirtualDVHS with the 6200.

Originally posted by fender4645
Strike one!!! Well, I went to a local Comcast office in Pleasant Hill armed with my 5100 and a copy of page 50 of the FCC mandate and I walked away with my 5100 and a copy of page 50 of the FCC mandate. Even after explaining to the CS reps about the law, they kept saying they don't have any 6200's and only have 5100's. I told them that there are people in the Bay Area who were given the 6200's and they said "That's great but we don't have any here". I asked about 4 times if they're sure they don't have them and they said "no". They took a photcopy of of the FCC mandate page and said they would get back to me. Yeah right. If I wasn't going to get my 6200 today then I was at least going to get the phone number for a supervisor. After asking about 10 times, they finally gave me the phone number for the Delta Valley CS supervisor (that covers all of the Eastern CoCo). I just left her a message. If I don't hear back today, you better believe I will be calling back tomorrow. There's also another Comcast office close by that I might try to hit up after work...maybe I'll have better luck there.

Stay tuned...

Score!!!!! I got a call back from Michelle (the CS Supervisor) and she said "yes, we have them -- it just needs to transported from our warehouse to the Pleasant Hill office". She said it should be there by 12:00 tomorrow afternoon and all I have to do is give my name and I can do the swap. I prodded her a bit and she admitted that these boxes are staying in the warehouse and are only being distributed on a requested basis. She was being very nice so I didn't get into asking why then did the reps in the office have no idea what I was talking about. So I will echo what Sonoma said...be persistent. If the reps have no idea what you're talking about then get them to give you the number of a supervisor. For those in the East Bay, if you don't get anywhere, PM me and I'll give you Michelle's phone number.

Also, I of course asked her about the status of DVR's and she said it was still in testing but will be available very soon. I emphasize "very soon" because the way she said it, it was almost like she was winking and smiling over the phone. Take it anyway you want but if I read her tone correctly, it may not be that far off.

Customer service claims that I can do a walk in upgrade, but they can't even tell me the number for the Mountain View location so I can find out if they have them or not. *sigh*

I get pretty nice OTA from Sutro down in Mountain View...

Dave, I don't think I tried a good enough antenna. What antenna are you using? Do you also get San Jose stations (particularly KNTV, which is our only NBC affiliate around here)?

Originally posted by bpearse

Oh, one final thing. I mentioned to her that having firewire was causing some people (like me) to drop satellite and go back to cable. This really peaked her interest. So anyone out there who would drop sat for cable because of firewire should also just let her know. It will give her more ammo to shoot with.

Thanks Bob. I am also DIRECTV - never had a cable subscription! :) I sent her a note.

Cheers!
DAve.

Originally posted by dmlove51
Dave, I don't think I tried a good enough antenna. What antenna are you using? Do you also get San Jose stations (particularly KNTV, which is our only NBC affiliate around here)?

There was a pretty big antenna on the roof of my house that I am renting. When they re-roofed, the landlord let me keep it but it was not going back up - so it is in the yard on a pole now.

That said, I could also receive Sutro with my second antenna - I think it is a CM4228. Currently this is the antenna that I get KNTV on - I need two since San Jose and San Fran are in almost opposite directions here. I use a combiner so that I do not have to switch between antennae. It passes only channel 12 from the San Jose antenna and blocks 12 from the San Fran antenna - and mixes the result. It works great.

I imagine that with a decent external antenna you should get Sutro but will likely need a similar set up to myself to get KNTV.

Cheers!
DAve.

Originally posted by fender4645
Score!!!!! I got a call back from Michelle (the CS Supervisor) and she said "yes, we have them -- it just needs to transported from our warehouse to the Pleasant Hill office". She said it should be there by 12:00 tomorrow afternoon and all I have to do is give my name and I can do the swap. I prodded her a bit and she admitted that these boxes are staying in the warehouse and are only being distributed on a requested basis. She was being very nice so I didn't get into asking why then did the reps in the office have no idea what I was talking about. So I will echo what Sonoma said...be persistent. If the reps have no idea what you're talking about then get them to give you the number of a supervisor. For those in the East Bay, if you don't get anywhere, PM me and I'll give you Michelle's phone number.

Also, I of course asked her about the status of DVR's and she said it was still in testing but will be available very soon. I emphasize "very soon" because the way she said it, it was almost like she was winking and smiling over the phone. Take it anyway you want but if I read her tone correctly, it may not be that far off.

Picked up the box today and sure enough, it's a 6200 with FireWire ports! Now all I have to do is root through the 29 pages of the thread that talks about people using this. I don't have a DVHS player so I plan on either using my Mac desktop or PC notebook to record some content.

By the way, when I went in to the Pleasant Hill office today, there was a note saying the office would be closed on April 27th due to "customer service training". Hmmmmmm...DVR training, maybe?????? :D

Congrats!

We can only hope regarding the DVR ... but I am not planning on it (even though Comcast systems in the Northeast look like they are getting the 6208 by the end of April/early May).

From what I have read, 6200 to PC via firewire is problemmatic if not totally unworkable. But 6200 to Mac via firewire has been reported to work ... VirtualDVHS is the Mac application -- see jsb hburg's post above (same page).

No pun intended...

Did anyone else have severe PQ problems with the KPIX HD feed on Comcast last night at 9pm? I switched to it at as King of Queens was starting, but it was completely unwatchable with heavy pixelation and sound cutoffs.

No problems with other HD channels at the time. My feed is from the Santa Clara head end.

Anyone else, or just something specific to my location?

Originally posted by sam123
No pun intended...

Did anyone else have severe PQ problems with the KPIX HD feed on Comcast last night at 9pm? I switched to it at as King of Queens was starting, but it was completely unwatchable with heavy pixelation and sound cutoffs.

No problems with other HD channels at the time. My feed is from the Santa Clara head end.

Anyone else, or just something specific to my location?

I'm in the SF East Bay and had the same problems with KPIX at 9:00. I checked all the other HD channels and they were all OK. Sounds like a KPIX specific issue.

Hi All,

I got an email back from Erika saying that I had been added to the list of people interested in 1394. She has no news as of yet but expects to have news soon...

Cheers!
DAve.

Originally posted by mazman49
I'm in the SF East Bay and had the same problems with KPIX at 9:00. I checked all the other HD channels and they were all OK. Sounds like a KPIX specific issue.

Ruth Jordan was all broken up on 60 Minutes II at 8 pm on KPIX digital here in Lafayette last night.

- Phil

Thought I would post my experience with getting a 6200 from Comcast. Been reading this thread and the stories of clueless CSR's and I expected the same when I went to inquire about about one.

Went to the Santa Rosa office and asked the woman at the counter and she had no idea what I was talking about, but, she did write a note about it on some scratch paper and said that someone would contact me. I left the office thinking that was pretty much the end of the story and I would try again when I had more time.

1 hour later I got a call from the repair manager and I told him what I wanted. He said he would check the storeroom to see if something fitting the description I gave him was there and would call me back. This morning he calls at 8:30 am to tell me they do have some 6200's and wanted to know when he could come and swap it out for the 5100. I said now and he said he would be at my home about noon.

Hooked up the box, the firewire, and the DVI port both work although there is no PG info on the firewire. Also the FW,the DVI and the comp outputs all work at the same time so I was able to compare PQ on all 3. With just an hour at looking it appears the FW port has the best pic but they are all very close.

One visit to the office and the next day a 6200 is in my home. I have to say I am extremely impressed with the response I got from Comcast. I hope you all have as good luck as I had.

Also asked the repair manager about the DVR model and I think he said they actually have some in the office but still working on a software issue with MOTO. The impression I got was they might be available by June or July.

Good Luck

Jim

keenan,

What firmware and software is on your box? My firewire still does not work, and Comcast does not know why. I have the right firmware (7.07). Maybe a bad box...

I have called and left two messages for Michelle but have not gotten a call back. Just for the hell of it, I called the general Comcast number. Got a woman who assured me that only 5100's were available. She said that I might of been thinking of a DVR but I assured her that that was the 6208 and I was asking about the 6200. She said that her former (?) supervisor was a field tech and she WOULD KNOW if something other than the 5100 were available. She dismissed my assertion that I am in communication with several people who have the 6200 in the SF area. I mentioned then that Comcast would be in violation of the FCC rule for not having a firewire cable HD cable box. She asked what firewire was. I asked that she tell her supervisor that Comcast is in violation of the FCC rule but I was unable to find the cite to the ruling to give to her.

Perhaps the Pleasant Hill store had more than one 6200 shipped there today? Can I call the location directly and check?

- Phil Klein

Originally posted by Philip Klein
I have called and left two messages for Michelle but have not gotten a call back. Just for the hell of it, I called the general Comcast number. Got a woman who assured me that only 5100's were available. She said that I might of been thinking of a DVR but I assured her that that was the 6208 and I was asking about the 6200. She said that her former (?) supervisor was a field tech and she WOULD KNOW if something other than the 5100 were available. She dismissed my assertion that I am in communication with several people who have the 6200 in the SF area. I mentioned then that Comcast would be in violation of the FCC rule for not having a firewire cable HD cable box. She asked what firewire was. I asked that she tell her supervisor that Comcast is in violation of the FCC rule but I was unable to find the cite to the ruling to give to her.

Perhaps the Pleasant Hill store had more than one 6200 shipped there today? Can I can the location directly and check?

- Phil Klein

I didn't get a call back from Michelle until very late in the day (~6:00) so she may still call today. I'm not sure if they brought over multiple 6200's but you can definitely try. In fact, I'd be really curious to find out how you get treated now that the employees KNOW that the 6200 exists. It's always the same two girls so they'll either be up front with you or act stupid. To get there from Lafayette, take the 680 North and get off on Contra Costa Blvd. Go down about 2 miles and it's on your right next to the Cingular store.

In regards to calling, always ask to talk to a supervisor. In my experience there always seems huge gap when it comes to knowledge between the reps and the supervisors. Here's the link that Sonoma posted that points to the FCC paper. The relevant info is on page 50.

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publ...CC-03-225A1.pdf

Anybody else getting "frozen" out of watching the Giants Padres on INHD?

Originally posted by dandrewk
Anybody else getting "frozen" out of watching the Giants Padres on INHD?

I believe that's the Comcast/INHD way of blacking us out. Remember, all INHD baseball games are blacked out locally.

Originally posted by fender4645
I believe that's the Comcast/INHD way of blacking us out. Remember, all INHD baseball games are blacked out locally.

Well, I know the definition of "local" can be quite broad in California, but SD is 500 miles away.

<sigh> MLB is so screwed up in their blackout rules.

Yeah, but it's on FSN and they (along with KTVU) have the local rights to the Giants. If a Giants or A's game was being shown on INHD and not FSN, KTVU, or KICU then we'd probably get it. Fat chance though considering over 80% of the local MLB games are shown on one of these three channels.

I just got a message on my STB saying that new channels are coming on 4/14 and that there may be some disruptions between 12:30am and 6:30am. Anyone know if they're HD related?

Originally posted by fender4645
Yeah, but it's on FSN and they (along with KTVU) have the local rights to the Giants. If a Giants or A's game was being shown on INHD and not FSN, KTVU, or KICU then we'd probably get it. Fat chance though considering over 80% of the local MLB games are shown on one of these three channels.

Actually, I think only 4 or 5 total Giant's games (that are not on the Saturday afternoon Fox monopoly) are NOT being broadcast on TV this year. And they are working on those 4 or 5 to get complete coverage.

Originally posted by bpearse
keenan,

What firmware and software is on your box? My firewire still does not work, and Comcast does not know why. I have the right firmware (7.07). Maybe a bad box...

The firmware is 7.07 and SW is 51.42-2002

Going thru the OSD it also indicates that the IR blaster port is active and the USB port is also active. But I don't know to what degree or how one would use them.

Hope this helps

Jim

Originally posted by Philip Klein
Got a woman who assured me that only 5100's were available. She said that I might of been thinking of a DVR but I assured her that that was the 6208 and I was asking about the 6200.

- Phil Klein

When talking with the CSR and then the repair tech who brought the 6200 out to my house it was evident that people at Comcast had recieved a notice about the 6200/firewire but the 2 people I talked to both thought the memo referred to a future release of the 6208/DVR. So in other words the impression I got was they didn't really read it/pay attention to it as it was for something happening down the road. The repair manager that brought mine out didn't even know they had any 6200's until he checked where they store all the STB's.

Jim

Originally posted by fender4645
I just got a message on my STB saying that new channels are coming on 4/14 and that there may be some disruptions between 12:30am and 6:30am. Anyone know if they're HD related?

Think... seven little letters...

F S N B A H D.

I hope...

What's the story with INHD2's 5:00 Pacific Time replay of the Masters?
My guide showed Masters coverage from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, but all that was on was regular programming?
What gives? I'm supposed to have people over to watch this evening and I don't want to be embarrassed by INHD.

Is there anyone yet in Saratoga/Los Gatos area with a 6200 besides myself? My firewire still does nto work, and I am trying to see if it may just be an issue with my box.

Originally posted by David Ortiz
bpearse,

In another post you stated that the moto is connected to your display via component.

According to this forum, if the component cables are connected, there will be no firewire output.

Try disconnecting the component cables from the 6200 and then check the JVC for sound and picture via firewire.

This is not true, at least for the 6200 I have. Component, DVI and firewire all work at the same time.

Jim

Originally posted by GQB
What's the story with INHD2's 5:00 Pacific Time replay of the Masters?

I don't know about InHD, but it is showing right now on OTA KPIX at least...

Cheers!
DAve.

Comcast/Bay Area is also carrying the HD feed on channel 186 preempting Judge Mathis right now :D (which is showing on Ch 5)

The firmwave on my Moto 5100 was just changed from 7.07 to 7.10.
I wonder what that means.

Originally posted by dandrewk
Think... seven little letters...

F S N B A H D.

I hope...

God, I hope so.

I called the number that was in the message (it said to call if you have questions) to see if they could tell me which channels were being added. Of course, they didn't know. In fact, all the CS rep was looking at was a "current" channel guide for my area. How current, you ask? It didn't even have StarzHD or CinemaxHD listed. Another bit of proof that we know more than Comcast reps.

Will the 6208 record HD?

Originally posted by Van Ripper
Will the 6208 record HD?

Yes. See the threads on HDTV Recorders forum.

I'm now seeing PQ problems on Comcast feed of KNTV HD (185 in Santa Clara), periodic pixelation and audio freeze. 10pm, start of Third Watch.

Anyone else?

Originally posted by dandrewk
Actually, I think only 4 or 5 total Giant's games (that are not on the Saturday afternoon Fox monopoly) are NOT being broadcast on TV this year. And they are working on those 4 or 5 to get complete coverage. Only one:
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sf/schedule/broadcast.jsp

I called Michelle again today to inquire about the 6200 . She answered the phone and told me that 6200 were available and delivered to the Walnut Creek and Pleasant Hill stores. I thanked her and told her about her clueless CSR's. Altogether a pleasant conversation.

I went to the WC store but they said that they had not received any 6200. They did, at least, know what they were (they were told yesterday, presumably by Michelle who is their supervisor). They called PH and had a box reserved for me. I went up to PH and got a box. They said that 2 were delivered yesterday and I got the second. fender4645 got the first.

Firmware is 7.07-quite an improvement over the 2 level in the 5100. The analogue channels may be clearer with the 6200 than the 5100. I will try to use the fireware to record to a HTPC either in Windows or Linux (but only sometime in the future after I get other things with the HTPC working).

I also asked about new channels on 4/14. The PH people didn't know what they would be but went in the back and gave me what they described as the new channel lineup card. Didn't notice any new channels (certainly nothing new in HD (Cinemax and STARZ HD were listed) but there was a certain amount of channel rearranging. For example, TBS was changed, to Channel 40 I think. Some of the subsidiary premium channels may have also channged or have been added (like Showtime Plex or something). No Fox Sports changes that I could see.

- Phil Klein

What the message refers to as 'new channels' might actually be the rollout of VOD in your area. That would explain the service disruption for six hours--usually new channel additions don't entail service disruptions.

Originally posted by JasonQG
Only one:
http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/sf/schedule/broadcast.jsp

Even better! And, since it is quite possible that the Padres will be in contention in September, I bet that game get picks up.

At last we have complete TV coverage, something every other major market has had for YEARS.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
What the message refers to as 'new channels' might actually be the rollout of VOD in your area. That would explain the service disruption for six hours--usually new channel additions don't entail service disruptions.

VOD! At last we get INHD! Which, as everyone at Comcast knows, is In Demand's VOD service. :D:D

Originally posted by dandrewk
VOD! At last we get INHD! Which, as everyone at Comcast knows, is In Demand's VOD service. :D:D


Hahahaha! That's great.

That would actually be pretty cool if was VOD. I was down in SoCal visiting my parents a few weeks ago and they have TimeWarner with VOD. It's kind of cool. The programming is a little scarce but I imagine it will get better over time. If this really is VOD, I wonder how much of the Bay Area will get it. Anyone else get this message?

VOD is being rolled out one area at a time, so if the message only shows up in one area, that might be another indication that it's VOD.

The software, but not the firmware, has to be revised to run VOD, so that may be why the disruption from 12:30a to 6:30a.

Also, the standard DCT boxes have different software from the HD DCT boxes, so if you have a standard def DCT box in addition to your 6200, they might get their respective versions of the new software at different times.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
The software, but not the firmware, has to be revised to run VOD, so that may be why the disruption from 12:30a to 6:30a.

I was wondering about that. I knew the software had to change at least somewhat in order to facilitate VOD but how different will it actually be? Will it be more like the interface the DVR's are using or will it be just like the one we have now with the exception of VOD controls?

I am in Fremont and I noticed that my firmware got upgraded to 7.10, so I figured I'd try a DVI cable to see if it works (my TV is a Sony KV-36XBR800). So I bought a Monster DVI cable from Frys and hooked it up and it works, but it doesn't look as good as the component connection, the picture looks "washed out", i.e. the colors aren't as good, etc.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Thanks.

Originally posted by manute
I am in Fremont and I noticed that my firmware got upgraded to 7.10, so I figured I'd try a DVI cable to see if it works (my TV is a Sony KV-36XBR800). So I bought a Monster DVI cable from Frys and hooked it up and it works, but it doesn't look as good as the component connection, the picture looks "washed out", i.e. the colors aren't as good, etc.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Thanks.

I'm in Santa Clara and my 5100 has firmware 7.07. I think the major differences you're seeing are mostly related to the way your Sony handles the information on the two inputs, and you will need to calibrate the inputs independently.

I switched from component to DVI on my Panasonic PWD6UY, and did see a slight difference. The color saturation is slightly lower on the DVI (where I can't change the panel color settings) versus on component (where my setting was at panel defaults after calibration). I prefer the DVI color balance and look on this panel. Through DVI the image is clearly sharper even after I set my panel Sharpness setting to lowest possible (-15 vs. -2 on component).

Every display device will deal differently between analog vs. digital data, YMMV, etc.

Sami

I tried the DVI on my Philips plasma and didn't notice any difference in PQ. I went back to component because I just borrowed the cable from my computer with a dvi lcd monitor.

Anyone in Saratoga or Los Gatos got a 6200 with firewire yet or am I the only one? I am trying to confirm if the no picture/no sound from firewire is just my box or something with Comcast Saratoga.

?????

I am in Milpitas, the same headend as Saratoga (as I understand it). I cannot get the firewire to install correctly on Windows XP. It gets the dreaded unknown 61883 device error.

I also tried to connect the firewire directly into my Sony XBR2 which has a IEEE port. The TV detects the 6200 device as a IEEE device, but gets a no input signal if I try to switch to it. But my Sony has a really old firewire implementation, so don't know if that works at all. It is a Sony XBR2 KD-34.

Did you at least get all the devices drivers installed in XP?

-- Alvin

What are you guys trying to feed the firewire output into (TV, PC, Linux, MAC, DVHS?). I've only paid a little attention to the threads in the recorders section but from what i remember, It was working with some DVHSs (JVC) and some success on the Mac and Linux setups...I don't remember anybody having much success with connecting into a TV or a Windoze box (driver issues)...at least with Firmware 7.07. That may have changed (the thread is huge).

I'm in Saratoga, but may have to swing into the Milpitas office (near work) to see if I can swap out for a 6200 just to play with it (I have a PC and a Mac laptop (w/firewire)

btw...I don't think the cable system plays much of a part in this...It has to do with the firmware that is loaded on the 6200 (need 7.07 or later (7.10 is available in some areas and is supposed to have some improvements for Firewire))

While both INHD and INHD2 have been on during The Masters, they AND ESPN-HD (on from day one of my install) are all OFF as of 8:00pm tonight.

Free Lunch is OVER I assume. <sigh>

Fyi, I'm Comcast BASIC with Moto 5100 box.

Originally posted by TBoyd
While both INHD and INHD2 have been on during The Masters, they AND ESPN-HD (on from day one of my install) are all OFF as of 8:00pm tonight.

Free Lunch is OVER I assume. <sigh>

Fyi, I'm Comcast BASIC with Moto 5100 box.

It may just be a problem with the headend...I've got the dreaded not Authorized on ESPNHD now...even though I'm signed up for Digital Platinum ($30/mth for 3 mths). We dont have InHD in our area because of bandwidth issues (saratoga), but share the same headend as you. The premium HD's (Sho and HBO) are working fine though.

Originally posted by davisdog
btw...I don't think the cable system plays much of a part in this...It has to do with the firmware that is loaded on the 6200 (need 7.07 or later (7.10 is available in some areas and is supposed to have some improvements for Firewire))

I agree...I don't think the head-end has anything to do with it. I picked up a 6200 and had no issues recording to a Mac using VirtualDVHS. If you look at the thread on recording via the 6200 (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=353608&perpage=20&pagenumber=1), there hasn't been much luck using PC software.

Davisdog,

Just got off the phone with Comcast and got my EspnHD turned back on. Seems that I was on an old package ( Digital Platinum from the old TCI days) . That did the trick for me so you may want to check to see what package you're on, looks like they are doing away with all the old packages. Good thing they didn't do this during the Giants game the other day.... :|

Originally posted by TBoyd
While both INHD and INHD2 have been on during The Masters, they AND ESPN-HD (on from day one of my install) are all OFF as of 8:00pm tonight.

Free Lunch is OVER I assume. <sigh>

Fyi, I'm Comcast BASIC with Moto 5100 box.

Ditto.

And when it was on InHD was hiccuping horribly, like once every 10 or 15 second, with the video pixelating and the audio dropping off for a split second at the same time the video was breaking up.

SD looks fine but anything in HD, it's still a problem. Tonight, it was KPIX and KQED (during American Masters).

Hmm, $20+ for KGO, KPIX, KNTV and KQED. Well there will be some NBA or NHL playoffs on KGO presumably? But the loss of ESPN makes it likely I'll be returning this until NFL season. Unless they add Fox Sports Bay Area with Giants in HD.

Originally posted by Mikef5
Davisdog,

Just got off the phone with Comcast and got my EspnHD turned back on. Seems that I was on an old package ( Digital Platinum from the old TCI days) . That did the trick for me so you may want to check to see what package you're on, looks like they are doing away with all the old packages. Good thing they didn't do this during the Giants game the other day.... :|

No luck for me...I've got the comcast platinum and they tried soft and hard resets but it came back not authorized for both...now they want to send somebody out...no thanks, they won't find a problem at my house... I'll give it until tomorrow..then maybe I'll hit the local office and swap for the 6200 and have them doublecheck from there

I'm normally an incredibly optimistic person, but all three channels show the guide data and say 'not authorized'. I'm afraid that they've consciously pulled the plug.

Further, I'm not upgrading the Comcast stuff. I'll upgrade to the $99 Directv HD box on top of my Directv subscription and throw a small antenna up for the locals.

I've just been waiting for the HD satellite boxes to drop in price anyway. The sound dropouts and pixelization from Comcast were only acceptable to me until I could get a cheap HD Sat box.

Originally posted by TBoyd
I'll upgrade to the $99 Directv HD box on top of my Directv subscription and throw a small antenna up for the locals.

I hope this was a typo...you meant $999, right?

899 or 999 for the tivo hd. Now I have comcast and directv hd for the next year or so.

Just curious, how does one do a soft or hard reset?

Nope, fender4645, I meant $99.

Here are two threads. One started out months ago at $399 and is now $99. The other echoes it from the TIVO space on AVS and discusses doing the $99 or waiting for the HD Tivo.

Thread title: * Extends $399 HDTV Offer - Now it's $99! And more!

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=337667&perpage=20&highlight=HDTV%20&pagenumber=72

Post from 4/9/04:
Finally called in yesterday...here's what I got. $99 HD Dish, Receiver, OTA, installation and 6 months of Showtime.

Thread title: Go ahead and get the $99 HD deal from DirecTV?
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=155433&highlight=Directv+HD+box

To be clear, you have to be a NEW Directv sub or a long standing current customer.

Bon Chance!
Tim

Sorry...I thought you mean the DirecTV HD Tivo. My bad...ignore me.

Originally posted by davisdog

btw...I don't think the cable system plays much of a part in this...It has to do with the firmware that is loaded on the 6200 (need 7.07 or later (7.10 is available in some areas and is supposed to have some improvements for Firewire))

Yes, I would have thought this, but I have a 6200 with firmware 7.07, and get no picture or sound (but I do get confirmation from my JVC that a DCT-6200 is connected). Another person in Saratoga just got his unit and gets the same results. So it has to be something beyond just the box.

Originally posted by bpearse
Yes, I would have thought this, but I have a 6200 with firmware 7.07, and get no picture or sound (but I do get confirmation from my JVC that a DCT-6200 is connected). Another person in Saratoga just got his unit and gets the same results. So it has to be something beyond just the box.

I just walked into the Milpitas Office this morning and picked up a 6200. I don't have a JVC DVHS but I'll emulate it on the Mac G4 laptop to see if I can get it working like others have outside of Saratoga (we'll see if its something unique to our system...I just can't think of anything that would prevent the 6200 from working like it is elsewhere)

Fender,

It's not HD (or VOD) related. :(

From Contra Costa Times:

Comcast to offer same lineups

Starting Wednesday, Comcast will begin standardizing its channel lineups for subscribers in Contra Costa County, allowing viewers to tune into the same channels no matter where they live. Comcast said that it will begin standardizing its channel lineup along the Interstate 680 and Highway 4 corridor, from Pacheco to Danville. Eventually, all Bay Area Comcast customers will be watching the same network on the same channel.

The areas that will be standardized this week are Alamo, Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill and Rossmoor. Some parts of Walnut Creek will also be affected, but Comcast is still negotiating with the city.

Comcast also said it is adding California Channel and Fit TV at no additional cost.

I am curious to see how closely your new channel lineup matches our current lineup. (We already have California Channel (analog 78) and Fit TV (digital 222).)

Also curious to see if they change the HD channel numbers and/or separate the KQED multicast SD channels from the KQED HD channel.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Fender,

It's not HD (or VOD) related. :(

Doh!! I guess it makes sense...aligning everyone up with the same channel layout, although I hope they don't re-arrange too much as it will probably send my ReplayTV's into a havic for a few weeks. I have the Fitness channel right now but no California channel.

I'll let you all know how much change there is...it's supposed to happen late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

Originally posted by fender4645
Sorry...I thought you mean the DirecTV HD Tivo. My bad...ignore me.

So when are you getting yours? :D:D

Hello,

I'm from Suisun, Ca. North Bay. We do not receive the local HD channels such as ABC, NBC, PBS, etc. I sent an email to Comcast but have not received a response. Does anyone know when they will likely provide those channels? I am in between Sacramento and SF. Thanks for any input.

Neo,

Who did you email and how long ago?

Thanks.

Edit: You can PM me if you prefer.

Fender, I see you are in Moraga as am I. Have you tried to get any OTA local HD channels? Didn't think there was any hope but worth asking.

Originally posted by Van Ripper
Fender, I see you are in Moraga as am I. Have you tried to get any OTA local HD channels? Didn't think there was any hope but worth asking.

I never even bothered. My next door neighbor had DirecTV (he was barely able to get the satellite feed) and got absolutely nothing OTA. The Oakland hills are too much in the way for anything from Sutro and Sac is too far away. It didn't surprise me considering there are 700+ ft. hills in every direction.

Originally posted by fender4645
I never even bothered. My next door neighbor had DirecTV (he was barely able to get the satellite feed) and got absolutely nothing OTA. The Oakland hills are too much in the way for anything from Sutro and Sac is too far away. It didn't surprise me considering there are 700+ ft. hills in every direction.

You don't indicate if your neighbor actually tried OTA with an antenna, I assume that he did but if not you never know until you try. I live in Santa Rosa which has lots of hills between me and Sutro tower not to mention about 45-60 miles. I can recieve KPIX rock solid with a few others with a CM4248 mounted 15ft high off my roof. I am 99% certain the signal I get is bounced multipath because it can't be line of sight. In any case if you have access to even a old VHF antenna you might try and see if you get any signal at all. Hopefully you might get a surprise.

Good Luck

Jim

Originally posted by bpearse
Yes, I would have thought this, but I have a 6200 with firmware 7.07, and get no picture or sound (but I do get confirmation from my JVC that a DCT-6200 is connected). Another person in Saratoga just got his unit and gets the same results. So it has to be something beyond just the box.

Bpearse,

I picked up a 6200 today from the Milpitas Comcast office (I work near there) and brought it back to my house in Saratoga. After I setup my Mac with the VirtualDVHS Software and the AV/C Browser that is outlined in the HD recorders section I am able to record HD out of the firewire connection into the Mac. I have both picture and sound...its a little hard for me to tell the exact quality since I was playing it back directly on the laptop (w/VLC) and the laptop doesnt have enough CPU to play it perfectly...but I'm definetly able to record from the 6200 in Saratoga. Like I mentioned, I don't have a JVC box so I can't try your exact setup, but Virtual DVHS does emulate that. I'm not sure if you have to do something special to make the connection since the 6200 doesnt support the AV/C controls (hence the reason you use the AV/C browser on the Mac to connect between VirtualDVHS and the 6200).

-Steve

Originally posted by keenan
You don't indicate if your neighbor actually tried OTA with an antenna, I assume that he did but if not you never know until you try. I live in Santa Rosa which has lots of hills between me and Sutro tower not to mention about 45-60 miles. I can receive KPIX rock solid with a few others with a CM4248 mounted 15ft high off my roof. I am 99% certain the signal I get is bounced multipath because it can't be line of sight. In any case if you have access to even a old VHF antenna you might try and see if you get any signal at all. Hopefully you might get a surprise.

Sorry if I wasn't clear...yes, he did try to get an OTA signal and couldn't. I guess I could concede that it would be possible to get a bounced signal, however the hills here are very close together and the signal would have to be re-directed a number of times before it hits the antenna. I personally didn't try it because my TV doesn't have a built-in tuner and I didn't think it was worth the hassle/cost to get everything. But by all means, I would love to hear of someone in Moraga getting OTA signals -- it might make me re-think my decision to go with Comcast.

Originally posted by fender4645
Doh!! I guess it makes sense...aligning everyone up with the same channel layout, although I hope they don't re-arrange too much as it will probably send my ReplayTV's into a havic for a few weeks. I have the Fitness channel right now but no California channel.

I'll let you all know how much change there is...it's supposed to happen late tonight or early tomorrow morning.

From what I can tell, the channel changes weren't too drastic...all of the HD channels are still in the same place. What's interesting is that they put some of the digital channels in the digital realm (e.g. Home and Gardening channel was on channel 203, now it's on 67). I know that the actual channel number has nothing to do with whether it's digital or not -- it's just they've always put the analog channels at 2 through ~80.

Originally posted by fender4645
From what I can tell, the channel changes weren't too drastic...all of the HD channels are still in the same place. What's interesting is that they put some of the digital channels in the digital realm (e.g. Home and Gardening channel was on channel 203, now it's on 67). I know that the actual channel number has nothing to do with whether it's digital or not -- it's just they've always put the analog channels at 2 through ~80.

Channels 2-80 should still be the analog channels (I dont think you can map those like they do the digitals.)

Can you plug your cable straight into your Antenna input on your TV and see if you can get Home & Garden on Ch 67.

That would tell you whether they really changed it to an Analog channel

Every digital channel they put on analog is that much less bandwidth for HD channels, so putting HG TV on 67 takes up the space of 2 HD channels ... were any analog channels removed?

Are 181, 182, 183 and 200 still occupied by the ? I would think they would move one or more of these channels if they wanted to open up a string of continuous channel numbers for future HD channels.

In Petaluma, we have 72 analog channels ... HGTV is already on 67.

Sorry...I mis-typed. It should have said "What's interesting is that they put some of the digital channels in the analog realm"

My girlfriend is watching her shows right. Later on I'll plug the cable directly from the wall to the TV and see if I can tune to it. I can't tell if many of the analog channels were removed as I don't watch very many of them. If anyone thinks it will help, I can post the analog channel lineup later.

So, it sounds like there are 6200 units in a number of local offices (Saratoga, Milpitas)?

Anyone check out the Sunnyvale office?

Perhaps I should get an install and then try different offices until I find a 6200 :)

Cheers!
Dave.

I got email from Erika saying that the 6200 rollout is "about ready" to happen.

Anticipation! :)

Cheers!
DAve.

Originally posted by Phloyd
So, it sounds like there are 6200 units in a number of local offices (Saratoga, Milpitas)?

Anyone check out the Sunnyvale office?

Perhaps I should get an install and then try different offices until I find a 6200 :)

Cheers!
Dave.

Dave,

Just unplug your 5100, drive down to the milpitas office off 237, walk in, hand them your 5100 and tell them you to swap it for a 6200...They'll go in the little closet, grab one for you (they had a bunch...you can even pick one out if they can't figure it out) and swap it..much easier than scheduling an appointment and waiting for an installer to show up (god knows if he'll actually bring the right one)

It was pathetically easy for me to do..especially after reading about all time/frustration everybody is spending...In he end, I can't really use it for much (I proved I can archive to my Mac Laptop), I was just curiuos...You really need a DVHS to do anything with it (and then play back through the firewire on the TV) and the firewire implementation is problematic right now..I suggest getting erica to work on something useful (like the 6208 rollout!!!)

-Steve

All,

Has anybody gotten their 6200 to work with the Windows XP PC? I tried connecting my 6200 to my Sony TV which has firewire input, but it gave no signal.

I then tried hooking it up to my Windows XP using the core driver as explain in the Recording forum, but no luck there either.

I guess we are stuck until we get some firmware upgrades. My 6200 shows firmware version 7.07.

I would appreciate it if anyone in the Bayarea that has gotten the 6200 to work with Windows XP post their experiences.

-- Alvin

Alvin,

You probably have been reading the same thread as I have--- I haven't tried with my 6200, but it looks like we will need to wait for firmware version 7.10 before having any success with the firewire to a Windows XP PC.

It seems fairly consistent that those with 7.07 can't get it to work, but those with 7.10 can.

Originally posted by Phloyd
I got email from Erika saying that the 6200 rollout is "about ready" to happen.

Anticipation! :)

Cheers!
DAve. Hmmmm, what rollout? The boxes are already out there at various Comcast offices. As Steve mentioned, you can go into your local office and exchange for a 6200 (although there is no guarantee any given office will have a 6200 in stock when you drop by, but we have all had success-- with persistence-- so far).

For convenience, you can have a tech come out and swap boxes ... but they will charge you $16.

So what do you suppose she meant by "rollout"?

Maybe it means they will be upgrading the firmwire so that Firewire connection actually works.

Any details about the "rollout"?

-- Alvin

maybe it means they are rolling out some brochures so csrs (and Erika) will know what firewire is. I'm sure there isnt a rollout (meaning deploying in mass to customers as a replacement for the 5100...a big waste of money and resources). Other than the firewire port (which only a fraction of people will use), I see no other advantage to having a 6200 (my 6200 has no other features my 5100 didnt have and heck it even seems slightly slower at changing channels compared to the 5100...you can't tell the difference if you dont notice the extra port snuck ni back or flip it over and read the exact part #)

I am hoping the rollout means the firewire will work. Mine still does not output a picture or video. My JVC sees it as a DCT-6200, but no audio or video. Firmware 7.07.

I find the analogue channels look much better in the 6200. Haven't tried the firewire yet as firmware at 7.07 and Windows PC (may dual boot Linux in the future).

- Phil Klein

Originally posted by Philip Klein
I find the analogue channels look much better in the 6200. Haven't tried the firewire yet as firmware at 7.07 and Windows PC (may dual boot Linux in the future).

- Phil Klein

I'm not noticing much difference, although no way I can compare side/side. Either way, the Analog direct to the TV still looks better. Anyway, just makes the HD look even better.

-Steve

I'm holding out for the 6208. Then I won't NEED firewire, unless I have a desire to archive.

Folks, is it still the case that there is no HD signal on any 550 Mhz systems? I'm still waiting for an upgrade here in Redwood City ...

Thanks,
Mike

Originally posted by MikeSM
Folks, is it still the case that there is no HD signal on any 550 Mhz systems? I'm still waiting for an upgrade here in Redwood City ...

Thanks,
Mike

Nope, they made the decision in July/August to go ahead with HD on at least most 550Mhz systems (assuming the rest of the Infrastucture is in place).

Saratoga, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Sunnyvale are all 550Mhz Systems still and they added CBS, NBC, PBS, ABC, ESPN, HBO, Showtime HD channels around August or Sept last year.

We don't have InHD, Cinemax or Starz since the above ate up all of the remaining bandwidth. They are still finishing up the transition to a 750Mhz+ system in those areas, after which they will have room for the remaining channels.

-steve

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
So what do you suppose she meant by "rollout"?

I don't have the email here but I think that she meant that they were going to systematically upgrade the customers that contacted her regarding the 6200 upgrade. She requested my address and phone, though she also assumed that I am a customer, which I am not (yet).

Still, with the news that the boxes are around and an email contact like Erika as a back up, I think that I am confident enough to take the steps to get a Comcast install.

I have the JVC DVHS (have been using the old Pan STB to record) just waiting for a new friend to talk to :)

Sadly it will have to wait for a week since I have a full schedule next week.

Cheers!
DAve.

Originally posted by MikeSM
Folks, is it still the case that there is no HD signal on any 550 Mhz systems? I'm still waiting for an upgrade here in Redwood City ...

Thanks,
Mike

Not true, here by downtown Santa Rosa we are on a 550Mhz system and get ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, ESPN, HBO, SHO, STARZ, and Cinemax all in HD. Because of the 550Mhz pipe constraints we do not get the INHD channels or any VOD. And from what I learned from the service manager that brought out my 6200 my area won't be built up anytime soon, maybe a year or so. Areas surrounding Santa Rosa have 750 and even 860 in Healdsburg which I guess has all the goodies that go along with the extra capacity...

Jim

Just checked my voicemail and I had a call from Comcast, so they are definitely following up on this :)

Cheers!
DAve.

Yeah, I have gotten lots of calls from Comcast now. But still no working firewire.

Bpearse,

Is ESPN-HD working out at your place...I've been not-authorized for the last week or so (Despite having Digital Platinum). They say its an issue throughout our area (Saratoga & Los Gatos)....although I never trust them

-Steve

Davisdog,

I'm in Milpitas and I lost Espn HD, had a tech come out and do a little checking around, he made a call and it was back. Also he let me go through his truck and I found a 6200 so I had him install that while he was here. He didn't even know that it was a 6200 until I showed him the firewire port. It might help if you had a tech make a call to get the Espn HD back for you.

I see a few of you live in Sonoma County. I am in Rohnert Park. Do you happen to know which Comcast office I should go to try to exchange my 5100 with a 6200? I'm not sure where they are. thanks

Originally posted by emiburke
I see a few of you live in Sonoma County. I am in Rohnert Park. Do you happen to know which Comcast office I should go to try to exchange my 5100 with a 6200? I'm not sure where they are. thanks

Copied the info below from the Comcast siteCity:

Rohnert Park
Center Name: Rohnert Park
Billing Payment Center Address: 595 Martin Ave, Rohnert Park, CA 94928
Phone Number: 800-945-2288
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri 9:00am-6:00pm Sat 9:00am-1:00pm
Directions From Closest Major Intersection: "From 101N: Take Rohnert Pk Exprwy Exit. Stay To L Over Freeway Overpass. At 2Nd 4-Way Light Turn R On Labath. 1St L On Martin Ave. Brick Bldg 1/4 Mi On L. From 101S: Take Rohnert Pk Exprwy Exit. Stay To R. At 2Nd 4-Way Light R (See Above)."

Good luck,

Jim

Originally posted by Mikef5
Davisdog,

I'm in Milpitas and I lost Espn HD, had a tech come out and do a little checking around, he made a call and it was back. Also he let me go through his truck and I found a 6200 so I had him install that while he was here. He didn't even know that it was a 6200 until I showed him the firewire port. It might help if you had a tech make a call to get the Espn HD back for you.

Mike,
I finally got hold of a CSR with a clue...within 1 min of getting him on the phone he did what no other CSR had been able to do (not sure why)...I'd tried having a truck sent out like you, but they cancelled on the way and said it was a system problem...haha...


SonomaSearcher,

Do you happen have any updated numbers to get the Advanced support folks...x4146 now goes to automated billing and x8146 seems to end up going into a cue now that is picked up by clueless 1st level sales/support folks...

anyway...I get the this weekends hockey/hoops playoffs in ESPN HD luckily

Originally posted by keenan
Not true, here by downtown Santa Rosa we are on a 550Mhz system and get ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, ESPN, HBO, SHO, STARZ, and Cinemax all in HD. Because of the 550Mhz pipe constraints we do not get the INHD channels or any VOD. And from what I learned from the service manager that brought out my 6200 my area won't be built up anytime soon, maybe a year or so. Areas surrounding Santa Rosa have 750 and even 860 in Healdsburg which I guess has all the goodies that go along with the extra capacity...

Jim I thought Santa Rosa was 650MHz. Well, that's what it said in the newspaper a couple months ago, but I don't know how reliable that is.

Does anyboy have an updated link to http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_publ...CC-03-225A1.pdf ?
I just got off the phone with a CSR who had never heard of this (quel surprise). Th link doesn't work I need proof.

dead at 10:00pm. Was hoping to get my NYPD HD fix. Just blank channel, with title bar. Title bar fades and just black screen with no sound.

Anybody else have the same?

btw, ALL my other HD channels work fine at 10:00

At least as of 10:30 its up in Saratoga...we have the same headend (garrett st in Santa Clara) so it's at least good to there...could be specific to the cupertino infrastucture though.

KGO was out up in Santa Rosa till about 10:30 also,

Jim

184 has been dead all night from 7PM to 12PM in fremont. It finally shows up now.

NBC was off for a time last night in Marin. Not sure of exact times, but the 11:00 news was off, but back on later for Leno.

Nope, they made the decision in July/August to go ahead with HD on at least most 550Mhz systems (assuming the rest of the Infrastucture is in place).

Great news! Now to try and figure out when this will happen in Redwood City. Also, about the set top swap, I have a DCT 2224, will they swap that out for a 6200 as well? Because I never had the option of HD before, they just gave me the stupid box - doesn't even have digital audio out or s-video! Can I take my 2224 in and have them swap it for a 6200?

Even if the HD isn't active yet, it'll have s-video and component plus digital audio right? And when HD is switched on, then I'll be ready for it.

Thanks,
Mike

Originally posted by MikeSM
Great news! Now to try and figure out when this will happen in Redwood City. Also, about the set top swap, I have a DCT 2224, will they swap that out for a 6200 as well? Because I never had the option of HD before, they just gave me the stupid box - doesn't even have digital audio out or s-video! Can I take my 2224 in and have them swap it for a 6200?

Even if the HD isn't active yet, it'll have s-video and component plus digital audio right? And when HD is switched on, then I'll be ready for it.

Thanks,
Mike

Some areas will let you swap a non-HD box for an HD box in the local office if you sign up for HD (for instance, I know they do that in Sunnyvale).

But, I highly doubt they will let you get a HD box if your area doesnt have HD capability...To expensive for them etc... You'll need to get a definitive answer if you have HD on your system...Either by calling and getting an appt scheduled or maybe if you pop into the local office they can tell you (the address will either be on your bill or online you can look it up)

0steve

I've asked this question a couple of times an no one has responded so I'm guessing that pretty much no one in the Bay Area has VOD yet. The only reason I ask is because people to seem to think that's one of the reasons why we don't have the DVR yet is because Comcast is concentrating on the VOD rollout. When????? Where?????

Hi all, new to this forum, just got my comcast HD yesterday...and I'm a little less than impressed. On what channels I actually get, they look great. Just a few questions for you HDTV veterans:

1. My optical out doesn't work for HD, though it works for SD. The cable guy said, "yeah, that happens alot" Anyone have any experience with this? I am hooking up the optical to an HTPC with an audigy 2 card.

2. I'm guessing to is normal to be told by comcast that HD HBO, HD show, HD max and HD starz are all available, and then when it gets hooked up to realize only HD HBO and HD show are really out yet. Don't even get InHD.

Originally posted by Doc Tonic
Hi all, new to this forum, just got my comcast HD yesterday...and I'm a little less than impressed. On what channels I actually get, they look great. Just a few questions for you HDTV veterans:

1. My optical out doesn't work for HD, though it works for SD. The cable guy said, "yeah, that happens alot" Anyone have any experience with this? I am hooking up the optical to an HTPC with an audigy 2 card.

2. I'm guessing to is normal to be told by comcast that HD HBO, HD show, HD max and HD starz are all available, and then when it gets hooked up to realize only HD HBO and HD show are really out yet. Don't even get InHD.

1. That's a bunch of crap...of course it's supposed to work for HD. But keep in mind, not all HD programs utilize DD. In fact, I would say there are more non-DD programs then there are programs that broadcast in DD 5.1. A lot of HBO movies use 5.1 and original programming such as Sopranos and Deadwood also use it.

2. What city do you live in? There are a few areas in the Bay Area that don't have all of the channels yet due to infrastructure and other issues.

Originally posted by fender4645
1. That's a bunch of crap...of course it's supposed to work for HD. But keep in mind, not all HD programs utilize DD. In fact, I would say there are more non-DD programs then there are programs that broadcast in DD 5.1. A lot of HBO movies use 5.1 and original programming such as Sopranos and Deadwood also use it.


Yeah, but when I simply switch to any digital channel, the optical out fails to work using the 6200. The cable guy said, "that is normal and most people cannot use optical on the 6200" I was just checking to see if that was true and if you all could use optical audio out of the 6200. Even if its not in DD, I should get some sound of the optical out. The regular channels give audio, but the Digital channels do not.

Just found out that I'm in a bad area where I only get HD HBO and HD show, the CSR on the phone was obviously wrong, though I guess that is to be expected.

Ahh...sorry....I didn't realize you weren't getting any sound out of the optical out. Regardless, the guys is still full of crap. I have a 6200 hooked up to my Sony reciever and I get sound without any problems. Do you have a DD reciever or any other device that you could hook it up to and make sure it's not a HTPC problem? If not, I'd just take the box to your local office and swap it for a new one.

Originally posted by fender4645
Ahh...sorry....I didn't realize you weren't getting any sound out of the optical out. Regardless, the guys is still full of crap. I have a 6200 hooked up to my Sony reciever and I get sound without any problems. Do you have a DD reciever or any other device that you could hook it up to and make sure it's not a HTPC problem? If not, I'd just take the box to your local office and swap it for a new one.

I've got a 6200 hooked up via Optical to my Sony receiver and it works fine.

True, most of the stuff is still in plain stereo, but the receiver automatically switched to DD (5.1 even) when that's being broadcast on a HBO-HD etc movie.

-Steve

The Comcast website was of no help to me. It says HDTV is now available. But then you read the text, it turns out that it is only available in some areas. I signed up to be notified when HDTV (and DVR) are offered in my city, but haven't received anything yet. (Not even a confirmation that I signed up).

Is there a list of cities in which HDTV (and/or DVR) is available?

I live in Cupertino.

Originally posted by angle_slam
The Comcast website was of no help to me. It says HDTV is now available. But then you read the text, it turns out that it is only available in some areas. I signed up to be notified when HDTV (and DVR) are offered in my city, but haven't received anything yet. (Not even a confirmation that I signed up).

Is there a list of cities in which HDTV (and/or DVR) is available?

I live in Cupertino.

Do NOT go by what Comcast's web site says...they update it every 3 or 4 months at the most. Call them up and just tell the CSR you'd like to schedule an appointment to get HDTV or just go to your local Comcast office. Most of the Bay Area can get Comcast HDTV one way or another. Maybe someone who lives in Cupertino can give you a yay/nay on whether it's available or not.

Originally posted by fender4645
Do NOT go by what Comcast's web site says...they update it every 3 or 4 months at the most. Call them up and just tell the CSR you'd like to schedule an appointment to get HDTV or just go to your local Comcast office. Most of the Bay Area can get Comcast HDTV one way or another. Maybe someone who lives in Cupertino can give you a yay/nay on whether it's available or not.

Its been available in almost all of Cupertino for some time. Like Fender says, call to schedule an install appt (or if you are already a digital customer you may just be able to do a box exchange at the local office)

The quest to get firewire seems near to an end. I came home last night to find two messages on my answering machine. I left a message and to my surprise received a call this morning at 7:30 am. I was able to make an appointment for a box switch (DCT 5100 to a CDT 6200) on Saturday morning.

I'm not sure what did the trick - visits to Comcast offices from San Francisco to Redwood City, the email to Erica, putting myself on an email list or phone calls. Whatever the trigger, the person with whom I spoke was knowledgeable about firewire and understood the reason I wanted to switch boxes. That was a pleasant change from my earlier conversations.

Thanks to everyone who has helped get the ball rolling.

Originally posted by angle_slam
The Comcast website was of no help to me. It says HDTV is now available. But then you read the text, it turns out that it is only available in some areas. I signed up to be notified when HDTV (and DVR) are offered in my city, but haven't received anything yet. (Not even a confirmation that I signed up).


Don't trust ANYTHING comcast people tell you....Don't trust their website, don't trust the CSRs, don't trust any of them (the cable installers are usually fairly knowledgable). The only source I trust is right here on AVSforum. Like you I learned the hard way, I signed up for an email when HDTV was available, I checked the website, I even called comcast and ALL OF THEM SAID HDTV WAS NOT AVAILABLE. Then, I check this msg board and saw someone living in my area had HDTV. I then called and said, I know HDTV is available I just need to set up an appt for an install. One day later I have HDTV...all thanks to the people here.

angle_slam, I live in Cupertino, near DeAnza College, and have Comcast HD. That don't mean you CAN because cabling and other infrastructure can vary within a city. Still, you should call Comcast and ask the question. I'll bet you can get some.

I get ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, INHD, INHD2, HBO HD, SHO HD and ESPN HD. I'm TOLD that some places in town also get STARZ HD and Cinemax HD.

Bon Chance!

Just swapped out 5100 for 6200 in Livermore. 6200 seems to have better SD video and the audio does not seem to drop out when switching from analog to digital channels. All in all the 6200 is a much better unit.

Hello everyone,

I don't own an HDTV, but I wanted S-Video for my standard TV and my local branch (Sonoma County) took my basic 2xxx system and, after some thought and consideration, gave me a 6200 (firmware 7.07) because it's the only model they had with that kind of output.

So anyway, the internal clock seems to have not recognized daylight savings time. It's currently 12:06AM according to the Windows clock as I write this, but the clock on the machine says 11:06PM. Thankfully, the programming guide listings are correct, though also showing the wrong hour with the current listings.

Does anybody know what I should do? Unplug it and try again or something? Another cable box in the house displays the right time. I know this sounds minor, but it's actually irritating if you use the display to show the time.

Update: The box seemed to fix itself. Thanks.

Anybody know if HD and cable broadband are available in Emerald Hills (Redwood City). Am moving to that area shortly and am trying to figure out what kind of service is available and what to go with.

Thanks,

B

bfisch, it depends on where you live in the area. If you are on the san mateo county system with the headend up in crestview, then I don't think data or HD are available there - I have noticed comcast trucks and fiber crews in the area, so I think it's being upgraded to 750, but I don't think it's done yet.

Redwood City is a 550 system and has had data since the @Home days, but doesn't have HDTV yet, though some posters here indicate that Comcast is rolling out HD in 550 systems, so we'll get it soon.

Always check broadband service availability before you buy a home. :-)

Thanks,
Mike

Just to prove how stupid they are, I sent them an e-mail yesterday asking whether their boxes have DVI out, and was told that they do not, despite the fact that a bunch of your are already using it. I sent back a pretty scathing response telling them to figure out what the hell is going on before giving answers as though they know what they are talking about.

Anyway, now that I've got that out of my system... I'm thinking about dumping DirecTV/PacBell DSL and moving to Comcast for cable/internet access. I'm in Mountain View, so near folks like Michael who I know already are set up. I do want the DVI out since that's the other available HD input on my HD Leeza, but it sounds like that's working ok as long as you don't believe the morons who work for the actual company.

What I'm more concerned with is whether these boxes are serially controllable. I know many of them have a serial port, but evidentally the control portion is dependent on firmware and it's an optional component of that firmware, not something built soundly into the box so that the cable company monkeys cannot mess it up. I really need to have a serially controllable box or I won't do it, since I'm serious about automation. I know I can get a serially controllable DirecTV HD STB.

So has anyone in this immediate area confirmed that these boxes are controllable and that they haven't disabled the functionality?

I had pacbell DSL and DirectTV before, now I have comcast internet and HDTV, neither solution is optimal. No they are not serially controllable at least my unit isn't. In fact, that was the main reason I never got that digital cable box because I was always forced to use IR control to change the channel using my Tivo...and it always changed to the wrong channel...drove me nuts. Direct TV however was wonderful and easy to control serially. So, if you give up pacbell DSL and DTV, you'll trade one set of problems for another. If I already had DTV, there is no way I'd switch to comcast, I would stick with DTV HD Tivo.

And, yes the comcast people are all clueless. You should have just asked them do you know what DVI is, and I bet they would say no. If they don't know what it is, they won't know whether or not the boxes have it. Trust me, the boxes have DVI out, I'm watching it right now...

Originally posted by kmitche
The quest to get firewire seems near to an end. I came home last night to find two messages on my answering machine. I left a message and to my surprise received a call this morning at 7:30 am. I was able to make an appointment for a box switch (DCT 5100 to a CDT 6200) on Saturday morning.

I'm not sure what did the trick - visits to Comcast offices from San Francisco to Redwood City, the email to Erica, putting myself on an email list or phone calls. Whatever the trigger, the person with whom I spoke was knowledgeable about firewire and understood the reason I wanted to switch boxes. That was a pleasant change from my earlier conversations.

Thanks to everyone who has helped get the ball rolling.

Interesting. Who did you call or talked to in getting the DCT 5100 to a DCT 6200? Erika left me a voicemail saying that they will rollout the DCT6208 and will have technicians do the swap. Isn't the 6208 for DVR since I thought the 6200 was the one I needed so maybe they are thinking about charging everyone for DVR service as well?

Originally posted by Almighty1
Interesting. Who did you call or talked to in getting the DCT 5100 to a DCT 6200? Erika left me a voicemail saying that they will rollout the DCT6208 and will have technicians do the swap. Isn't the 6208 for DVR since I thought the 6200 was the one I needed so maybe they are thinking about charging everyone for DVR service as well?

She really said "6208"? Because, that would be news. Good news.

So, if you give up pacbell DSL and DTV, you'll trade one set of problems for another. If I already had DTV, there is no way I'd switch to comcast, I would stick with DTV HD Tivo.


Oh well... I guess I stick with DirecTV.


And, yes the comcast people are all clueless. You should have just asked them do you know what DVI is, and I bet they would say no. If they don't know what it is, they won't know whether or not the boxes have it. Trust me, the boxes have DVI out, I'm watching it right now...


I wasn't in too good a mood, and basically told the guy that he was a clueless waste of space, in so many words, though I also told him that for what they pay him I'd probably be the same. I asked to talk to someone who actually knew something, but I got back the 'Thank you for choosing Comcast' nothing response. So F'em.

Originally posted by Dean Roddey

I wasn't in too good a mood, and basically told the guy that he was a clueless waste of space, in so many words, though I also told him that for what they pay him I'd probably be the same. I asked to talk to someone who actually knew something, but I got back the 'Thank you for choosing Comcast' nothing response. So F'em.

Yeah, the problem is all those people who do CSR phone work don't have the resources to have an HDTV, so they have no clue what we are talking about. To understand you have to watch HDTV and have a home theater all set up. When I called and asked when the DVR was going to be available, the girl said, " so is that like a computer VCR? No, that will not be offered by comcast"...sigh....

She really said "6208"? Because, that would be news. Good news.

Almighty, PLEASE answer this. Did she really say 6208???

Originally posted by dmlove51
Almighty, PLEASE answer this. Did she really say 6208???

Remember this is the same lady who two weeks ago hadnt heard of firewire or 62XX so don't hold your breath (although she does sound helpful and willing to dig for answers)

Those bozos put me on a rejection e-mail list. My reply back to him got rejected because of it. What a bunch of pathetic losers. They don't know their butts from a hole in the ground, and when they get called for it, they don't attempt to do anything about it, they just shut out the person who disturbed their little delusional reality.

Originally posted by dandrewk
She really said "6208"? Because, that would be news. Good news.

Yes, she did say 6208. I talked to Comcast CSR at 1-888-824-8058 yesterday and asked about Firewire/IEEE-1394 - she came back 1 minute later telling me that I can take my DCT5100 and bring it to the San Francisco Comcast store to exchange it for the DCT6200 or DCT6208 which will meet the FCC requirement.

Originally posted by davisdog
Remember this is the same lady who two weeks ago hadnt heard of firewire or 62XX so don't hold your breath (although she does sound helpful and willing to dig for answers)

Somehow I think it's documented somewhere now in support as they knew what Firewire is now and they said either the DCT6200 or DCT6208 is available as a swap for the DCT5100 at the local Comcast stores. I called 1-888-824-8058.

I went to the S.F. Comcast to exchange my 5200 and was told they do not stock ANY HD, I have to make an appointment to have a tech come to my house (snd for $15.00). I even had them look in the back and ask a supervisor, they claim do not stock any HD boxes in the store! Anybody else have this problem?"

Originally posted by whatuppa
I went to the S.F. Comcast to exchange my 5200 and was told they do not stock ANY HD, I have to make an appointment to have a tech come to my house (snd for $15.00). I even had them look in the back and ask a supervisor, they claim do not stock any HD boxes in the store! Anybody else have this problem?"

Hmm, when did you visit the store?

In San Francisco

Originally posted by Almighty1
Somehow I think it's documented somewhere now in support as they knew what Firewire is now and they said either the DCT6200 or DCT6208 is available as a swap for the DCT5100 at the local Comcast stores. I called 1-888-824-8058.

Documented maybe...but incorrectly. The 6208 (ie 6200 w/80Gb Hardrive and DVR functions) is not available for exchange (or install) in the Bay Area...if so it would be plastered all over this thread and we would all be running to the store

Originally posted by davisdog
Documented maybe...but incorrectly. The 6208 (ie 6200 w/80Gb Hardrive and DVR functions) is not available for exchange (or install) in the Bay Area...if so it would be plastered all over this thread and we would all be running to the store

When running to Comcast to get that 6208, be sure to watch out for the flash overhead. That would be me on my jet-copter getting there before you. :D

6208 would be great. Even with single tuner and absurdly small hard drive, better than nothing. I suspect, though, that Comcast understands that this would be a subpar DVR, so in order to avoid doing multiple upgrades, won't rollout any DVR until the 6212, etc. is available in sufficient quantities.

Until then, I can only hope that D* gets the 7s into action quickly and adds some HD locals with that bandwidth. Or at least get some more network feeds into O&O markets. We REALLY need NBC via some other source besides Comcast and OTA. The upcoming Olympics are the perfect programming material for my (brag) NEW HD TiVo (/brag). :D:D

Originally posted by davisdog
Documented maybe...but incorrectly. The 6208 (ie 6200 w/80Gb Hardrive and DVR functions) is not available for exchange (or install) in the Bay Area...if so it would be plastered all over this thread and we would all be running to the store

Heh, I actually asked the CSR about the 6208 and mentioned that would I get charged the extra $9.95 if they gave me the 6208 and she went, I won't as DVR is not rolled out yet and even if it had the DVR function, their headend sends codes to the boxes to enable or disable that feature depending if you pay for it or not. Something funny is that for everything from poor signal quality to HD, the Fulfillment manager calls me back personally for the past year and gets things done on the same day. Both emails and phone calls about the Firewire/FCC/IEEE-1394 and 620x boxes have not had any response at all. I guess when someone actually gets a 6200 swapped at the San Francisco store, they can post...

I am running the 5100 as well with Firmware Version 7.07.
The HD channels are superb, but I am dying for Fox Sports and Channel 2 to come on board for Giants games.
For some reason when running the connection through my VCR, for recording purposes, Channels 2-12 are fuzzy as hell. Any thoughts?

When they gave me the receiver initially I had ALL the channels, I stupidy asked them to reset my clock a week later, since programming was off 2 hrs and it reset to my paid channel lineup. Damn!

I am running component and Optical now and just waiting for D*** to lower their HD/PVR integrated satellite package and then I switch over ASAP.

Originally posted by whitehorn
For some reason when running the connection through my VCR, for recording purposes, Channels 2-12 are fuzzy as hell. Any thoughts? You could try trading it in for a 6200. The analog tuner on that unit seems to be better. But if it's that bad, there's probably something else going on.

CSR's are saying 6208 release was August, now is being moved up to June or July for the "soft" launch.

Again, take this with a huge grain of salt.

Read this article for an interesting read on the Motorola "Moxi" boxes which we probably won't see until late December or, more likely, sometime in 2005. I like the part about the equipment rental cost being comparable to that of a regular DVR:

http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/8521855.htm

The press release is here (also note the release about Charter Cable doing a full commercial launch of the Moxi in Rochester, MN):

http://www.digeo.com/newsroom/press.jsp



Whitehorn,

Are you sure you don't have a 6200 (look on the bottom of the box where the model number is)? I ask because none of the 5100's in the North Bay (Marin, Sonoma, Napa) had been updated to 7.07 firmware yet, AFAIK.

6200's come with 7.07 firmware already loaded (such as the 6200 I recently picked up).

Anybody else who can report a 5100 in the North Bay which has 7.07 (or 7.10) firmware?

I am eagerly awaiting the upgrade to 7.10 on my 6200, but am not optimistic that it will happen in a timely fashion based on the 5100's which still have 5.03 in the North Bay.

Here is Digeo's product page about the Moxi system. The one negative I can see at this point is only 80GB on the HDD (like the 6208), but this could be a non-factor if the connection to the home computer, designed as part of the system, allows time-shifting programs to your home computer's HDD.

http://www.digeo.com/prodserv/moxi_overview.jsp

EDIT: Here is Motorola Broadband's page on the boxes, and it is noted there regarding the HDD, "80GB Hard disk drive with expansion via USB2.0 port", so it looks like no firewire but expansion is possible (but not to one's home computer?)

http://broadband.motorola.com/noflash/bmc.html

Thanks SonamaSearcher! The box looks smaller physically than the DCT boxes.. Similar in size to the Jerrold/General Instruments CFT series in size it seems. The only thing I see is that this box doesn't meet the FCC April 1, 2004 requirement as it doesn't have Firewire IEEE-1394.

There is a July 1, 2005 deadline for firewire that it will have to meet, but the April 1, 2004 deadline does not apply to manufacturers, only to cable companies.

So Comcast could satisfy the April 1, 2004 deadline by offering customers who request firewire the 6200, 6208 or 6412 ... the FCC rule does not require all HD STB's to have firewire, just some boxes. So the cable companies can offer some HD STB's with firewire and others (by a totally dfferent manufacturer or with a totally different design or feature set) without firewire-- as long as they have enough of the firewire-equipped boxes to meet customer requests for those.

But eventually it won't make a difference if I understand the July 1, 2005 deadline correctly, as all Moxi boxes and other cable STB's manufactured or shipped after that date will require firewire.

Ah, that makes sense. I just got a call from the Comcast Fullfillment Manager who left a message on my voicemail saying that they'll swap my DCT5100 for a 6200 or a 6208 if they can find one. He told me to call him back and they'll find a time slot on a day for me to wait for them to do the swap at no charge. I called him back but only got his voicemail so all is good. I guess the next time I'll talk to him after I get my DCT 620x, it'll be for a Moxi. :)

Most of my analog channels on the 5100 are pretty bad (some worse than others). Is it "known" that the 6200 is better (and is it available in Burlingame)?

Vince,

Interesting about the Comcast "Fullfillment" Manager. Did he specifically say "or 6208" in your voicemail? If so, save the voicemail and don't delete until you get a 6208! (If you prefer the 6208 over a 6200.)

If you can get a 6208, you will be the first non-beta tester in the Bay Area to get one (or maybe they will just draft you as one more beta tester). You would be a good "test case" for getting one's hands on a 6208 that might help all of us do the same.

Be sure and save his name and phone number. No need to post it on this thread (and probably not a good idea right now) but it may be a very sought-after piece of information IF you are indeed successful in getting a 6208.

SonamaSearcher:

I guess it was because I mentioned the 6208 in my voicemail to him yesterday and the FCC regulations and that the CSR's said either the 6200 or 6208 would meet that requirement. I have both his regular number at Comcast SF as well as his cell phone number and the Comcast SF Foreman's cell phone number. I also have the email addresses of his two bosses and have pretty much dealt with him since July 2003. The only thing is that I don't know his last name. I'm still waiting for him to call back.

Vince,

Good luck in getting a 6208. I will be very impressed if you can get your hands on one. Let us know what happens.

SonomaSearcher,

I'll be very impressed if I get any DCT620x series box and join the all of you in the firmware 7.xx instead of 2.48. :)

A friend just moved into an apartment in S.F. the building won't allow cable BUT has direct TV access, Here's the strange part; he has to not only subscribe and pay to Direct TV but also some company called Rainbow TOO! Two bills! Does anyone know if this is legal or if he can avoid these excess charges? Thanks so much!:(