thanks for all the good info... very very credible info. i can't wait for espn2HD and ADS.

I hope we can get ESPN2HD before the World Cup starts.

AT&T Lightspeed ad in today's SF Chronicle, it's a full page on pg no. A8.

http://personalshopper.sfgate.com/RopAds.aspx?adv=389743&ad=2802955
SFGate.com - Newspaper Ads

yes please!!! compete for my business!!

As I have told you before Mr. J. does sometimes gets a chance to read this forum and tries to get these issues solved when he can so keep posting and call Comcast when you have a problem. I know it's difficult to get those CSR's to understand but you got to make the problem known to get it solved.

Laters,
Mikef5[/QUOTE]

Mikef5,
Can you ask Mr. J. why the HDMI connection from the Motorola box, even with the 12.31 firmware upgrade, won't work through a high end receiver? Will this ever be fixed or should we plan to switch to a different box in the future?

Bernie

Bernie,

I could ask but you have to realize Comcast doesn't make the boxes, Motorola does and they're the ones that have to issue the firmware updates for the boxes. I suppose that Comcast could put some pressure on Motorola to fix it but to do all the Quality Assurance to get every 3rd party component to work with it would be a major task in it's self to do, so it might be better to contact Motorola and let them know there is a problem and see what they have to say about it. Just to make sure I understand your problem, you are running your HDMI through your receiver, which is acting like a switcher and then to the tv ???

Laters,
Mikef5

The core problem with a lot of the HDMI stuff is haphazard and sloppy implementation. It's all well and good to have that golden "one cable" solution but since the "standards" for a license and subsequent implementation were so loose with regards to certification and universal connectivity, many companies have their own particular "flavor" of how it's used. HDMI should have never made it into the marketplace without much stricter control over it's use. Of course, Silicon Image wouldn't be raking in all those royalties.

Apparently now there is a new certification procedure for HDMI use for closer adherence to spec, but it's too late for all the millions of HDMI devices already in use(or not, as it were.. :p )

So, has anybody verified that F/W 12.31 indeed passes 5.1 audio through the digital outputs (coax/optical) when using the HDMI cable?

Also, can anybody list all the other fixes or enhancements that 12.31 provides?

Just noticed: it's my 300th post...woohoo! That's about 100 posts a year

So, I'm sitting here enjoying the Giants game in HD on channel 720, 4 PM hits and I'm treated to Laura McKenzie Traveler! Un-freaking believable!

Update - it switched back to game after about 5 minutes, but still...

AT&T Lightspeed ad in today's SF Chronicle, it's a full page on pg no. A8.

http://personalshopper.sfgate.com/RopAds.aspx?adv=389743&ad=2802955
SFGate.com - Newspaper AdsMax bandwith is something like 12mbits? Not enough for 1 HD channel let alone 2 (or dual tuner DVR)... at least with MP2, maybe when they can switch to MP4 things will improve... Plus you have to have phone service, dunno about you all but I haven't had a land line in 3 years...

Pass.

So, I'm sitting here enjoying the Giants game in HD on channel 720, 4 PM hits and I'm treated to Laura McKenzie Traveler! Un-freaking believable!

Update - it switched back to game after about 5 minutes, but still...

Maybe its just a random event, but this morning I set the box to record the giants game at 1pm on channel 720. Got home early, a little after 4 pm, and the red light is on showing it is recording, which it should be since I added time to the end. I check the dvr listings to start watching from the beginning and nothing newer than a few days old is listed. I check the schedule on my Replay, which, unlike the Motorola box, lets you scroll back several hours on the program guide. It tells me that channel 720 was showing The Egyptian (1954) at 1pm, but that the Giants game was on channel 40. What it was recording wasn't clear; what was clear was that I did not get the game.

I know there has been lots of complaining about the cable guide, but really, why is it so hard to know which channel the ball game will be on a day or so in advance? Doesn't Comcast control what goes where? I'm always prepared to believe the worst of Fox, but this sure seems like a Comcast problem, although I have missed events before due to the the now-you-see-it-now-you-don't way that FSN and FSNBA+ are moved around. Did this happen to others, or this was just a local problem (Moraga) or a side effect of the firmware upgrade?

I too set up the the game to record on 720 with the 6412. I came home to watch the game and no game was recorded. I am in Petaluma. Pretty lame. Oh well, I'll shoot for saturdays game in HD.

Max bandwith is something like 12mbits? Not enough for 1 HD channel let alone 2 (or dual tuner DVR)... at least with MP2, maybe when they can switch to MP4 things will improve... Plus you have to have phone service, dunno about you all but I haven't had a land line in 3 years...

Pass.
Comcast in my area is so crappy because of Comcast screwing around, I'm always looking for alternatives, not to mention some competition will force some rate equalization. In areas of the country where Verizon has rolled out their FIOS systems, cable rates are lower than non-FIOS areas.

Anyone know why the pixellation is so bad on FSN+ this evening for the Sharks? Or is it just my horrible Comcast box?

For that matter, it just went totally blank for the entire 3rd period.

Bernie,

Just to make sure I understand your problem, you are running your HDMI through your receiver, which is acting like a switcher and then to the tv ???

Laters,
Mikef5

From the previous page post #9740:
Those switches passthrough the HDCP directly to the display. Repeater-style switches decrypt, then reencrypt the signal. The latter has a more involved HDCP negotiation phase because the repeater needs to validate its own keys as well as everyone down the line. It is that second step where the Motorola is having issues. Denon could "fix" the problem if they wanted, but they would have to strip the HDCP and that would violate their HDCP agreement.

This is the problem. Switchers do not have a problem 'cause they move the HDMI bit stream intact. Repeaters like the Denon 4306 like I have, decrypt the input stream in this case to get the audio and then have to re-encrypt the video to be passed on to the display device.

Apperantly the HDMI source 6412 needs to set HDCP to allow this function. Also apperantly the HDCP protocol allows for this just needs to be implemented.

I donot understand enough about HDCP protocol to understand how this gets done. BUT as usual there is a thread on AVSform that talks about this problem.

-- Brandy

To follow up on my earlier post, I completely lost the FSN+ station while trying to watch through the Comcast HD DVR but I was able to watch it (picture quality notwithstanding) using the QAM tuner on my plasma. Should I demand a new box or is this simply going to happen again with what (seems to me) is substandard DVR hardware.

Thx.
John

So, has anybody verified that F/W 12.31 indeed passes 5.1 audio through the digital outputs (coax/optical) when using the HDMI cable?

Also, can anybody list all the other fixes or enhancements that 12.31 provides?

Just noticed: it's my 300th post...woohoo! That's about 100 posts a year

look at the previous page... yes.

I also noticed that the manual recording now is more user friendly in that if you press and hold the arrows, the time will start jumping in 30 minute increments.

I have a more mundane question. I have a PII 6412 box connected vi optical audio out to my receiver. I has worked flawlessly (for passing audio) until the last month or so. What happens is I'll be watching a program and it the receiver will show "prologic" when it should show "dolby digital" (5.1). If I unplug the box and replug it in, after the reset it is back to normal passing "dolby digital". meanwhile I do nothing to the receiver, i.e. it stays on on the dvr optical input. the receiver is an onkyo ds578x (4-5 years old at this time I think).

Has anyone else run across this?

jeff

Are we getting the HD feed for The Masters on CBS HD (705)? I was out yesterday, and just recorded the USA version, since I didn't see it liested in the CBS HD guide. What a crappy PQ that channel had!! I remember getting the HD feed the last 2 years.

Bernie,

I could ask but you have to realize Comcast doesn't make the boxes, Motorola does and they're the ones that have to issue the firmware updates for the boxes. I suppose that Comcast could put some pressure on Motorola to fix it but to do all the Quality Assurance to get every 3rd party component to work with it would be a major task in it's self to do, so it might be better to contact Motorola and let them know there is a problem and see what they have to say about it. Just to make sure I understand your problem, you are running your HDMI through your receiver, which is acting like a switcher and then to the tv ???

Laters,
Mikef5

Mike,
I wanted to be able to go from the HDMI output to the Pioneer Receiver and then from the Receiver to the Fujitsu display all via HDMI. I wasn't able to do that although I could go directly from the Motorola box to the display via HDMI but I was told by my installers that wasn't the optimum solution. They set me up to go from the Motorola box to the receiver via component cables and then from the receiver to the display via HDMI. This seems to work pretty well but they also said if the box could go to the receiver via HDMI it would be even better. I did write to Motorola many times and they told me the firmware updates would fix it once Comcast implemented them but apparently according to the Denon posters that didn't occur. I haven't actually tried it again since the firmware update but as I understand it the problem has to do with the specific HDMI "protocols" being used by the cable box and the receiver not matching up. I'm not sure where to go next but I guess I first have to confirm that the HDMI still doesn't work to the receiver so that's what I will do.

Bernie

RE: Denon and HDMI switching. I own a custom installation firm in the Bay Area, and we've done an installation where we've <successfully> switched HDMI (audio and video) through a Denon 3806. Display is a BenQ PE7700 front projector.

Maybe we're just lucky?

Are we getting the HD feed for The Masters on CBS HD (705)? I was out yesterday, and just recorded the USA version, since I didn't see it liested in the CBS HD guide. What a crappy PQ that channel had!! I remember getting the HD feed the last 2 years.

yes, its wonderful, every commercial in HD. GORGEOUS production, if i might say.

yes, its wonderful, every commercial in HD. GORGEOUS production, if i might say.
Damn, I missed it yesterday. But thanks!

yes, its wonderful, every commercial in HD. GORGEOUS production, if i might say.
Totally agree, CBS really did a good job on this presentation. I usually joke about, "I'd rather watch grass grow" but you could actually watch the grass grow :p
Nice job CBS and you guys should email CBS to let them know this so maybe they'll show other sports in HD, like soccer or rugby or even show some more baseball. Yeah, that's the ticket, more baseball :D

Laters,
Mikef5

Mike,
I wanted to be able to go from the HDMI output to the Pioneer Receiver and then from the Receiver to the Fujitsu display all via HDMI. I wasn't able to do that although I could go directly from the Motorola box to the display via HDMI but I was told by my installers that wasn't the optimum solution. They set me up to go from the Motorola box to the receiver via component cables and then from the receiver to the display via HDMI. This seems to work pretty well but they also said if the box could go to the receiver via HDMI it would be even better. I did write to Motorola many times and they told me the firmware updates would fix it once Comcast implemented them but apparently according to the Denon posters that didn't occur. I haven't actually tried it again since the firmware update but as I understand it the problem has to do with the specific HDMI "protocols" being used by the cable box and the receiver not matching up. I'm not sure where to go next but I guess I first have to confirm that the HDMI still doesn't work to the receiver so that's what I will do.

Bernie
Well, the new firmware is suppose to take care of some of the problems with HDMI so give it a shot to see if it works. Your firmware should be 12.31, that's what I have here in the low rent district.

Laters,
Mikef5

Hey, Mike, I thought that you were in the high rent (for low service) district...did you finally get a break?

That would be Santa Rosa as well, we're in the high rent, ghetto service area, at least Mike gets InHD. You see, there are no HD baseball fans up here. :)

Hey, Mike, I thought that you were in the high rent (for low service) district...did you finally get a break?
Boy, you're right there very high rent but low bandwidth :)
The only break I got was a break in the weather, I at least got out to finally mow the jungle er... lawn ;)

Question regarding On Demand:

My wife likes using On Demand because she can regulate shows for my children to watch. However, when programs end or she is searching for a Kids' only show, you have to sit through more mature commercials (in the upper corner of the screen) and things we generally don't want our kids to see (e.g., Byonce parading around in skimpy outfits). Is there a way to disable this "feature"?

Thx,
John

I have a more mundane question. I have a PII 6412 box connected vi optical audio out to my receiver. I has worked flawlessly (for passing audio) until the last month or so. What happens is I'll be watching a program and it the receiver will show "prologic" when it should show "dolby digital" (5.1). If I unplug the box and replug it in, after the reset it is back to normal passing "dolby digital". meanwhile I do nothing to the receiver, i.e. it stays on on the dvr optical input. the receiver is an onkyo ds578x (4-5 years old at this time I think).

Has anyone else run across this?

jeff
Yep. It's a known bug. Currently, the only solution is exactly what you described. By the end of the year, there will be another solution (I hope): dump the 6412 in the nearest Comcast office and replace it with a Tivo Series 3.

What is up with Comcast not broadcasting either the A's or Giants game in HD
Nice to see we get the Rookies and SD on 919 like we care.

What is up with Comcast not broadcasting either the A's or Giants game in HD
Nice to see we get the Rookies and SD on 919 like we care.
Comcast doesn't produce these programs, they just show the content. You need to bitch to FSN about their programming. They do alot of Giants and A's games in HD, you just can't do them all because of the cost factor.

Laters,
Mikef5

Well, I'm pleased to confirm that, at least here in Cupertino, it is possible to get the incremental, non-premium HD channels for around $30/Mo. :)

I just got my cableCARD ($00), Digital Classic ($9.99), HD Service ($5.00) added to my current Limited Basic ($15.10) service.

The CSR that took my order absolutely stated, even argued, that getting Digital Classic, without also getting STANDARD CABLE too, would not allow me to get the additional HD channels over the locals in HD, that I already had at $00. (INHD1/2, DiscoverHD, ESPNHD). --- Not sure about FSNBA as nothing is on at the moment. (edit: Yep, getting the Giants on 720 now)

Thanks for all the good info on this thread!

Tim

I just got my cableCARD ($00), Digital Classic ($9.99), Cablecard (n/c), HD Service ($5.00) added to my current Limited Basic ($15.10) service.

CableCARD is $0 now? When did that happen? That is great news.

Does anyone happen to know if FSN Bay Area HD is available on a QAM tuner? If so, what is the channel assignment? I ask because my 6412 is horribly pixelated on 720 for the Giants in HD and I'd like to see if it is available on the QAM side.

Thx.
John

re: CableCARD is $0 now? When did that happen?

I must be honest and add that when I asked about cableCARD in the local Cupertino office they told me $5/mo, but when placing my order on the phone with the remote Comcast CSR she told me $0/mo and my receipt today says $0.

I have heard that Cable companies are supposed to supply them for $0, but don't always. (No, I don't have the thread that says so)

I can imagine that it might have something to do with the other service (Digital Classic) I ordered today but who really knows? I might add that the CSR told me the HD service was $5/mo but that's not on my receipt today either. (I'm waiting to see my next month's bill)

T

Does anyone happen to know if FSN Bay Area HD is available on a QAM tuner? If so, what is the channel assignment? I ask because my 6412 is horribly pixelated on 720 for the Giants in HD and I'd like to see if it is available on the QAM side.

Thx.
John
The channel is encrypted so you would need a CableCARD equipped display to use the display's internal QAM tuner.

Well the picture is going to be exactly the same either way, so it doesn't matter, but I think INHD is encrypted anyway, so no to QAM tuner unless you also have Cablecard.

702 dropped out during the Giants game last night (and I wish I had not watched the rest of the game on ch 2..) and 707 has been dropping out frequently too. Must be all this wet weather.

The digital service includes an STB or in your case a cable card I'm assuming.

re: CableCARD is $0 now? When did that happen?

I must be honest and add that when I asked about cableCARD in the local Cupertino office they told me $5/mo, but when placing my order on the phone with the remote Comcast CSR she told me $0/mo and my receipt today says $0.

I have heard that Cable companies are supposed to supply them for $0, but don't always. (No, I don't have the thread that says so)

I can imagine that it might have something to do with the other service (Digital Classic) I ordered today but who really knows? I might add that the CSR told me the HD service was $5/mo but that's not on my receipt today either. (I'm waiting to see my next month's bill)

T
If it's the only cable connection you have, no additional STBs or DVR/STBs, then the price is rolled into the cost of the monthly subscription. Otherwise, it's $6.95 a month as an additional digital outlet.

The channel is encrypted so you would need a CableCARD equipped display to use the display's internal QAM tuner.

Ok, that was my question; I apologize for being a bit inartful. I do have a cableCARD tuner but I suppose that doesn't help me now. Is the pixelation common to Comcast or might it be my box?

Thx.
John

Well the picture is going to be exactly the same either way, so it doesn't matter, but I think INHD is encrypted anyway, so no to QAM tuner unless you also have Cablecard.


Not always, the signal may be weak enough at the STB to be suspect, but it may be strong enough for the CC equipped display to be fine. I experienced this when I was troubleshooting an image problem with the 6412 when I had a CC also. Signal at the STB was bad, and the CC fine. I put an amplifier on the line, and both worked fine.

Depends what you mean by "pixelization". Sound and picture skipping and dropping out is not normal. A certain amount of "macroblocking" during fast-motion scenes (like camera pans or flashes of lightning) is normal with compressed HD (HBO is worst for this, though NBC/703 is pretty bad at times too). Normally the INHDs and DiscoveryHD are pretty good, as is ABC and ESPN since they use 720p (less bandwidth). It depends on how much they compress the signal and the quality of the equipment used to do it.

... Otherwise, it's $6.95 a month as an additional digital outlet.
Plus $5/mo HDTV Equipment Fee additional for each STB, total $11.95/mo. Not sure if this is charged for each additional CableCARD, but I suspect it is.

Ok, that was my question; I apologize for being a bit inartful. I do have a cableCARD tuner but I suppose that doesn't help me now. Is the pixelation common to Comcast or might it be my box?

Thx.
John
I can't speak about InHD itself, as we don't get the channel up here, but a pixelated image could be a low signal condition or it could be that way from the source. If others are seeing the same thing, then it's probably bad from the source. If you are the only one seeing it, I would tend to think it's something at your end, or at the very least your area.

Depends what you mean by "pixelization". Sound and picture skipping and dropping out is not normal. A certain amount of "macroblocking" during fast-motion scenes (like camera pans or flashes of lightning) is normal with compressed HD (HBO is worst for this, though NBC/703 is pretty bad at times too). Normally the INHDs and DiscoveryHD are pretty good, as is ABC and ESPN since they use 720p (less bandwidth). It depends on how much they compress the signal and the quality of the equipment used to do it.
Okay, yes, we're talking about 2 different conditions, a macroblocked or "fast motion pixelated" image is very likely the source, whereas, massive "tearing", or pixelization, or dropped or loss of image, is probably a signal problem.

Plus $5/mo HDTV Equipment Fee additional for each STB, total $11.95/mo. Not sure if this is charged for each additional CableCARD, but I suspect it is.
When I had both a DVR and a CC, the charges were $9.95 for DVR Service with HDTV and $6.95 for Additional Digital Outlet(CableCARD). No additional charges related to HD.

I have a HD DVR STB and CC via Comcast and is only charged $9.95 for the STB and no charged for the CC.
If it wasn't for the guide and On-Demand, I'd rather TV through the CC, my Tuner produces a must better picture then the STB.

I have a more mundane question. I have a PII 6412 box connected vi optical audio out to my receiver. I has worked flawlessly (for passing audio) until the last month or so. What happens is I'll be watching a program and it the receiver will show "prologic" when it should show "dolby digital" (5.1). If I unplug the box and replug it in, after the reset it is back to normal passing "dolby digital". meanwhile I do nothing to the receiver, i.e. it stays on on the dvr optical input. the receiver is an onkyo ds578x (4-5 years old at this time I think).

Has anyone else run across this?

jeff

My box does this all the time. Another workaround is to power off the box, hit menu, remember what your settings are on the screen, then select RESTORE ALL DEFAULTS, then restore your settings and turn the box back on. This way you won't lose your guide data. :) The only downside is not being able to use this workaround while recording.

Thanks, when I mean pixelation, I mean very serious signal degradation/freezing and complete loss of picture for extended periods of time, including the dreaded "This Channel will be available shortly" message.

Best,
John


I can't speak about InHD itself, as we don't get the channel up here, but a pixelated image could be a low signal condition or it could be that way from the source. If others are seeing the same thing, then it's probably bad from the source. If you are the only one seeing it, I would tend to think it's something at your end, or at the very least your area.

Not always, the signal may be weak enough at the STB to be suspect, but it may be strong enough for the CC equipped display to be fine. I experienced this when I was troubleshooting an image problem with the 6412 when I had a CC also. Signal at the STB was bad, and the CC fine. I put an amplifier on the line, and both worked fine.

Keenan:

Thanks for the info. What kind of amplifier do you recommend or does it matter?

Thx.
John

Thanks, when I mean pixelation, I mean very serious signal degradation/freezing and complete loss of picture for extended periods of time, including the dreaded "This Channel will be available shortly" message.

Best,
John
That is most likely a low signal strength condition.

Before getting an amplifier I would try a few things first. Make sure you have no '"extra" splitters on the line, meaning splitters that have one or more outputs not connected to anything. Try and make the line a straight shot to the STB with the least amount of joints or splitters in the line. If that doesn't do it I would have Comcast come out and attempt to fix it, there's no point in buying an amp when Comcast may supply one themselves if needed. It's their responsibility to make sure you have a good signal.

As far as amplifiers, Motorola makes a good one that can be found for as little as $30. There is another brand that is also high quality but I don't recall the manufacturer's name, I think member sfhub has one, maybe he could chime in with the name.

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/signal_booster/
Signal Booster

I would definitely have Comcast try and fix it first though, you could have other issues that an amplifier may just exacerbate.

Thanks, Keenan. I'm having them come out next Saturday. My run from the Comcast point of entry splits once to feed off a cable modem and then again when I had it split for the 6412 and the QAM tuner on my plasma. For now, I took off the split for the QAM tuner and will try that for now.

Your help is most appreciated.
John

Anyone notice ESPN HD seems overscanned lately?

The sports ticker at the bottom is cut off. I have a Moto 6208, I believe. The non-DVR model with component connections.

EDIT: It's actually the display for balls and strikes I think at the bottom of the screen on Sunday Night Baseball.

It's actually easy to figure. Comcast is sending the PSIP virtual channel info for the OTA stations on rf channel 78 and not sending it on channels 79 and 80. So your DTV is reporting the VC ids for the ones it can and the actual rf channels for the ones it has no VC info. If you can find a way to display the actual rf channel information you'd see the 2.1 and 5.1 real channel (presumably 78).

What's not easy to figure is why Comcast is doing that. :rolleyes:

This is my report of my HD Channel situation (Foster City/Hillsborough network) , specifically the incorrect PSIP programming by the Comcast Headend office in Burlingame. As my new Sony Bravia has a ATSC tuner, it displays the results of the PSIP mapping, which was correct in early Feb/06. I received the basic NTSC channel (e.g. x )and associated HD (x.1) and SD channels (x.2, x.3, x.4, etc). The set displayed 2, 2.1 (HD), 3, 3.1 (HD), 4, 5, 5.1 (HD), 7, 7.1(HD), 9, 9.1(HD), 9.2 (SD), 9.3, 9.4.

Since February, all HD channels have disappeared except 7.1. I was also able to locate the C##.X channel for all SD & HD channels except 9.1, so I at least can tune in w/o the cable box (e.g. Channel 2 HD = C79.1). After 2 service calls to my house, the last one 4/8/06 who was a cooperative and technically knowledgable "Technical Manager" acknowledged the problem was incorrect PSIP programming and admitted that the Headend department doesn't take this issue seriously. He at first made the "Comcast Statement" that their service responsibility is the Cable box only. I said I don't think so and since I paid for the digital service separately from the Cable box, I was entitled to direct reception. He told me their district now has 3 FC subscribers in the past week reporting the missing x.1 HD channels in the lineup and said he would do what he could with his manager.

I left him with a simple message for Comcast: Stop tinkering with the PSIP and restore the data so that HD digital subscribers can receive the channels on their ATSC sets properly. I also asked for a channel map, which apparently even the truck techs don't have. I also tried to get that from the telephone CSR....nogo.. stonewalled!

To whom do we write the letter to fix this obviously prevalent problem?

I left him with a simple message for Comcast: Stop tinkering with the PSIP and restore the data so that HD digital subscribers can receive the channels on their ATSC sets properly. I also asked for a channel map, which apparently even the truck techs don't have. I also tried to get that from the telephone CSR....nogo.. stonewalled!

To whom do we write the letter to fix this obviously prevalent problem?
BTW you mean QAM tuner, not ATSC.

The channel maps often times change daily. It would be pointless to give them to you. I don't even think many people at Comcast know what they are.

If you got a CableCARD, the channels would show up on the same virtual channels as the cable box.

As far as amplifiers, Motorola makes a good one that can be found for as little as $30. There is another brand that is also high quality but I don't recall the manufacturer's name, I think member sfhub has one, maybe he could chime in with the name.

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/products/signal_booster/
Signal Booster
The other brand is electroline. You can usually get them for around $15-$20 shipped on ebay.

EDA-2400 for 4-port, EDA-2100 for 1-port.

I agree with Keenan, let Comcast try to fix it. There's a chance they'll give you one for free. The ones they sell are electroline (or at least have been in the past)

Here's the electronline website link:
http://www.cabletvamps.com/drop%20amps.htm

I have a more mundane question. I have a PII 6412 box connected vi optical audio out to my receiver. I has worked flawlessly (for passing audio) until the last month or so. What happens is I'll be watching a program and it the receiver will show "prologic" when it should show "dolby digital" (5.1). If I unplug the box and replug it in, after the reset it is back to normal passing "dolby digital". meanwhile I do nothing to the receiver, i.e. it stays on on the dvr optical input. the receiver is an onkyo ds578x (4-5 years old at this time I think).

Has anyone else run across this?

jeff

Jeff, another Livermorian with the same problem. I too have the phase ll box and this same problem of audio switching has been happening to me for the last few months. I never had to unplug the box. All I do is turn the box off from the remote, and then turn it back on and I have the Dolby Digital signal back again. Don't know why or what causes this. :rolleyes:

"Technical Manager" acknowledged the problem was incorrect PSIP programming and admitted that the Headend department doesn't take this issue seriously.

To whom do we write the letter to fix this obviously prevalent problem?

You could try telling the FCC and perhaps a few newspapers that Comcast
is exposing your kids to violence and sexual content against your will.

I seem to recall that V-CHIP data is sent via PSIP. You'll probably want to
double check that before firing off those letters, though.

That is most likely a low signal strength condition.

Before getting an amplifier I would try a few things first. Make sure you have no '"extra" splitters on the line, meaning splitters that have one or more outputs not connected to anything. Try and make the line a straight shot to the STB with the least amount of joints or splitters in the line. If that doesn't do it I would have Comcast come out and attempt to fix it, there's no point in buying an amp when Comcast may supply one themselves if needed. It's their responsibility to make sure you have a good signal.

I would definitely have Comcast try and fix it first though, you could have other issues that an amplifier may just exacerbate.

Thanks, again for your help. I took the splitter off for the QAM tuner input and am running straight to the HD DVR box. That seems to have solved the issue (Sharks looked fine tonight) but more testing is in order.

John

Saw a bunch of political commercials on channel 2 this morning for support of legislation to open the cable market. The web site to get info is

http://www.wewantchoice.com/ca

Also, there we some from AT&T about the same assembly bill, but I don't remember the weblink for more info.

Another note, I helped a buddy of mine hook up his plasma this weekend and he had the new Dish Network DVR installed. God I feel stupid for sticking with Comcast in Los Gatos. I think that might have pushed me over the edge. I'll miss the Giants and Sharks in HD, but what can you do.

Another note, I helped a buddy of mine hook up his plasma this weekend and he had the new Dish Network DVR installed. God I feel stupid for sticking with Comcast in Los Gatos. I think that might have pushed me over the edge. I'll miss the Giants and Sharks in HD, but what can you do.

Patrick,

Could you expand on this some more? What exactly impressed you about Dish Network, was it price, PQ, channels, all of the above?

Thanks,
Mike

I think mainly it has opened my eyes that there are better alternatives out there. I've been waiting for Comcast now for well over a year to step up and at least get us to the same level as the rest of the Bay Area, and they have flat out failed. I know that there are plans to free up bandwidth by going all digital, but that doesn't change the fact the infrastructure isn't up to par in my area and that Comcast has no plans to upgrade it.

So let's say this digital conversion happens and we finally are on the same level as everybody else. Well, do you think Comcast is going to let all of that empty bandwidth in the already upgraded area go unused? No, they are going to add additional services to the 750mhz and 860mhz areas, but when they try and add them to the 550mhz areas we are going to be shut out again. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I see this digital conversion as a band-aid fix that will only come back to haunt up when some new service comes down the line.

For those of you that can get HD channels directly from the cable through your TV tuner (I have Sony SXRD), do you still get them? About 2 weeks ago I lost those channels, but still get PBS (9.1) and ABC (7.1) in HD. Odd to lose some and not others.

ALL of the channels come in fine through the 6412.

I have called Comcast and they say they are not encrypting the channels. So where did they go? I still get a couple, and don't get a couple???

Also, they confirmed they are having some issues with the box (resets/non-IR response/etc) and said they are workingon it.

RBurks--

Read The Fine Thread. See this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=7459043&&#post7459043), for example, and you'll find out what happened to your other HD stations. Then complain about the missing PSIP to your Comcast CSR and to his/her manager when the response is "huh?"

Jeff, another Livermorian with the same problem. I too have the phase ll box and this same problem of audio switching has been happening to me for the last few months. I never had to unplug the box. All I do is turn the box off from the remote, and then turn it back on and I have the Dolby Digital signal back again. Don't know why or what causes this. :rolleyes:

Thanks NorCal for the confirmation. I'll try power cycling the box instead of unplugging... I've gotten used to uplugging sort of weekly to fix the sluggish remote control response bug.

By the way, I thought we are Livermoron's ;-)

jeff

For those of you that can get HD channels directly from the cable through your TV tuner (I have Sony SXRD), do you still get them? About 2 weeks ago I lost those channels, but still get PBS (9.1) and ABC (7.1) in HD. Odd to lose some and not others.

ALL of the channels come in fine through the 6412.

I have called Comcast and they say they are not encrypting the channels. So where did they go? I still get a couple, and don't get a couple???

Also, they confirmed they are having some issues with the box (resets/non-IR response/etc) and said they are workingon it.

As others have posted, x.1 are virtual channels mapped there from higher cable #s such as C79.2, C116.8 etc, by PSIP data that comes with the HD signal. I have discovered from a service call and telephone discussions that the Burlingame Comcast Headend Manager is tinkering with this data and apparently don't realize there are now annoyed SONY QAM/ATSC tuner TV "XBR" subscribers. If you haven't done so yet, post a record with the telephone CSR and demand they restore the 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 9.1 data so the channels display as the ATSC PSIP standard intended. There are now 4 of us in FC reporting the same problem.

If you haven't done so yet, post a record with the telephone CSR and demand they restore the 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 7.1, 9.1 data so the channels display as the ATSC PSIP standard intended. There are now 4 of us in FC reporting the same problem.

Will do. But sorry to be such a NOB, I don't know what "CSR" or "FC" is. Like I said...NOB. I assume ATSC PIP is the format. So if you can tell me exactly what to say to whom, I will.

And thanks tons hdreddog for letting me know "I am not alone"

As others have posted, x.1 are virtual channels mapped there from higher cable #s such as C79.2, C116.8 etc, by PSIP data that comes with the HD signal.

Just another thought. Since KRON 4 does NOT map to 4.1, should I ask for them to fix that too. I assume you also have that problem. I think it comes in on something like 114.x or 118.x

csr == customer service representative.

jeff

Just another thought. Since KRON 4 does NOT map to 4.1, should I ask for them to fix that too. I assume you also have that problem. I think it comes in on something like 114.x or 118.x

For channels received over the Comcast cable, it is the Comcast Headend Manager (in my case for the FC network, in Burlingame, I think) that provisions the PSIP data not KRON, since KRON has no idea where Comcast assigns the channels on their cable. As I did, escalate the problem up the Comcast chain. There are many of us in the Bay area with new ATSC/QAM sets annoyed by Comcast's tinkering with the 2, 3, 5 & 9 virtual channel mapping.

I called Comcast and talked to a manager for about 30 minutes and explained it all. He was not aware, but took the time to listen and write it down so he could forward the info.

Sure does not sound like policy, more like they really don't know the effects of mucking with PSIP.

So at least another subscriber is in the system with an issue.

The digital audio outputs of my Comcast 6412 III DVR have recently been cutting out completely after 10 or 15 minutes of playback. Pressing pause, then play, or just pressing skip backwards, will restart the audio output. I have tried both optical and coaxial audio outputs - then same problem happens with either. The audio and (component) video are connected to a Denon 2807 receiver.

When I checked the firmware, I noticed that it has been upgraded to 12.31 firmware. This wasn't happening with the 12.18 firmware that I had previously.

Anyone *trying* to watch conviction on 703? Only half an image... Nice...

Now just digital "snow".

jeff

Anyone *trying* to watch conviction on 703? Only half an image... Nice...

Now just digital "snow".

jeff
KNTV problem, it was fine on KNBC-LA.

RE: Denon and HDMI switching. I own a custom installation firm in the Bay Area, and we've done an installation where we've <successfully> switched HDMI (audio and video) through a Denon 3806. Display is a BenQ PE7700 front projector.

Maybe we're just lucky?

I run my Dish Network ViP211 HD receiver through my 3806 via HDMI and run HDMI monitor out to my Mits 52628 without a problem. This surprised the tech guys from the store I bought it from because they have had problems with HDMI and the 3806 as well as some Yamies they sell. I really think it has more to do with what type of box you are trying to run through the 3806 then with the Denon receiver itself. Obviously my 3806 "plays nice" with my ViP211.

With all the latest problems with NBC HD, I'm thinking how they are going to be for Sunday Night NFL games...

I just purchased a Monster Cable Surge suppresser that I plan to use for plugging in my TV and other components (including my 6412-III box). I noticed that this suppresser also has an input and output for coax cable, and I was wondering what might be gained (or, more importantly, lost!) by running the Comcast digital cable through this unit...Thanks.

Anyone *trying* to watch conviction on 703? Only half an image... Nice...
Now just digital "snow".

jeff


Had the exact same thing in San Jose.

Had the exact same thing in San Jose.

Same thing for Teachers earlier, continuing to Conviction. Scrubs was OK. All in Lafayette (Martinez head end I believe).

- Phil

I just purchased a Monster Cable Surge suppresser that I plan to use for plugging in my TV and other components (including my 6412-III box). I noticed that this suppresser also has an input and output for coax cable, and I was wondering what might be gained (or, more importantly, lost!) by running the Comcast digital cable through this unit...Thanks.
When Comcast 'installed' my 6200 they would not run the cable through my surge supressor but didn't say why. If you have the necessary hardware, I would give it a try.
I've replaced my surge supressor with a UPS last fall. Was a good move for me as we have had a lot of short outages this rainy winter in Santa Rosa.

anyone else not able to watch 703 this morning? kept giving me "not authorized"

Anyone hear of this, Switched Digital Broadcasting ?? This is something that Comcast should really implement in our area, it would free up a whole lot of bandwidth. Here's a link to the article.... http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=92533&WT.svl=news1_2

As a side note, I have heard that it's being used in South Carolina on the Time Warner Cable system so if they can do it, I assume that Comcast could also if given the incentive and we definitely need it here in the high rent low bandwidth areas of SaraMilgatos.... and Santa Rosa ( I didn't forget about you Keenan :p ).

Laters,
Mikef5

From what I've been reading about Comcast, they're certainly looking at it but I think the plan is to go digital simulcast, and then full digital before doing anything with switched broadcast.

The problems in Santa Rosa are more a business and political dispute than they are technical problems. The City has said repeatedly that there is nothing stopping Comcast from upgrading this system if they choose to do so, apparently they've chose not to. I remain convinced that Santa Rosa was a system that Comcast would have preferred not to have had to own, but was part of the AT&T/CableOne deal, so they got stuck with it.

Besides, they're still charging us the same rates as folks who have full-blown systems, so what do they care...

Meanwhile, I have seen the first 3 Yankee home games on the beautiful looking YES-HD Network on DirecTV. :D

Besides, they're still charging us the same rates as folks who have full-blown systems, so what do they care...
Keenan, please stop lobbying for the rest of us to have Santa Rosa lineup :)

:D :D

Ah, come on, you'll love it, more analog channels than digital channels, it's like the good old days of cable TV... :p

Anyone hear of this, Switched Digital Broadcasting ?? This is something that Comcast should really implement in our area, it would free up a whole lot of bandwidth. Here's a link to the article.... http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=92533&WT.svl=news1_2

As a side note, I have heard that it's being used in South Carolina on the Time Warner Cable system so if they can do it, I assume that Comcast could also if given the incentive and we definitely need it here in the high rent low bandwidth areas of SaraMilgatos.... and Santa Rosa ( I didn't forget about you Keenan :p ).

Laters,
Mikef5

Let's not forget that Sunnyvale falls into the 'high rent low bandwidth' category, as well. Is there anyway we can squeeze Sunnyvale into that name? Perhaps SaraMilGatosVale? Or SunnySaraMilGatos? :p

Let's not forget that Sunnyvale falls into the 'high rent low bandwidth' category, as well. Is there anyway we can squeeze Sunnyvale into that name? Perhaps SaraMilGatosVale? Or SunnySaraMilGatos? :p
OH, I like the SunnySaraMilGatos name, it sounds so sunny and cheerful.... :D
You have my vote for it.

Speaking of sunny, has anyone gone outside and looked up in the sky??? What's the big yellow ball in the sky ??? ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

From what I've been reading about Comcast, they're certainly looking at it but I think the plan is to go digital simulcast, and then full digital before doing anything with switched broadcast.

The problems in Santa Rosa are more a business and political dispute than they are technical problems. The City has said repeatedly that there is nothing stopping Comcast from upgrading this system if they choose to do so, apparently they've chose not to. I remain convinced that Santa Rosa was a system that Comcast would have preferred not to have had to own, but was part of the AT&T/CableOne deal, so they got stuck with it.

Besides, they're still charging us the same rates as folks who have full-blown systems, so what do they care...

Meanwhile, I have seen the first 3 Yankee home games on the beautiful looking YES-HD Network on DirecTV. :D
The thing with video switching is that they wouldn't have to upgrade every loop. There is the main Northern California Loop, then there are individual loops off that loop ( SunnySaraMilGatos for example ). The only loop that would have full time signals would be the main loop, the offchute loops have nothing on them until a request is set from the box that you use. That box is connected to the headend of your local loop, which would allow only that channel through, everything else is blocked until someone else asks for another channel to be sent, and so on and so on. Since most people watch mostly the same channels your total bandwidth is less because the unused channels are not hogging the bandwidth only what has been requested. Of course this would take a lot of changes to the main system and I'm not sure that the boxes now in use are even capable of doing this. Maybe someone that is hardware knowledgeable would know..... Barovelli.. maybe :)
This may in fact require all digital but I wouldn't think so.

Laters,
Mikef5

...It surely requires a new STB on every TV that's going to view any of the switched content, which means that NTSC and built-in QAM sets need not apply. :(

...It surely requires a new STB on every TV that's going to view any of the switched content, which means that NTSC and built-in QAM sets need not apply. :(
Yep, that is a downside but you have the same problem on D* and E* so Comcast would just be like everyone else. But if they would implement the Home Media System it would make it much more palatable, at least for me. I wonder what ever happened to that idea of the home media distribution system went ???

Laters,
Mikef5

I just swapped my 6412 (pre-phase III) 'cause of all the problems I'd been having (including loss of all recorded shows last week) and the SF Comcast store gave me a 3412.

The firmware it came with is 12.22. Should I be concerned that it isn't 12.31? Will 12.31 load sometime soon?

Also, the signal strength is showing as fair, whereas it had always been good on the other box. Can the box effect that, or is it something else I should be concerned about?

I just swapped my 6412 (pre-phase III) 'cause of all the problems I'd been having (including loss of all recorded shows last week) and the SF Comcast store gave me a 3412.

The firmware it came with is 12.22. Should I be concerned that it isn't 12.31? Will 12.31 load sometime soon?

Also, the signal strength is showing as fair, whereas it had always been good on the other box. Can the box effect that, or is it something else I should be concerned about?
You sure it's a 3412? Has SF gone completely digital already?...the 3412 does not have a analog tuner in it.. Sounds like a 6412 P3.

It says 3412 on the front and the bottom

Has SF gone completely digital already?...the 3412 does not have a analog tuner in it.

Well, Comcast is broadcasting everything in digital here in Mountain View, because I can receive the unencrypted channels using my Elgato EyeTV 500, which only has a digital tuner.

FYI, I just did a reset. After an hour (!), it downloaded 12.22 firmware again. Why wouldn't it have downloaded 12.31?

I've a somewhat basic question about Comcast service in Foster City.

I'm currently subscribed to Expanded Basic service. If I plugin the cable into my own QAM tuner (not a settop box with DVR from Comcast), will I get any digital cable channels? I'm presuming the answer is no, and I'll need to call Comcast to upgrade my programming to digital tiers. (Duh!!) But I'll be able to tell them to not bring one of their receivers, and not get charged a monthly fee for a receiver, correct? BTW, I have no cablecard compatible TV.

Is Comcast sending some digital cable channels as QAM clear and some others as QAM encrypted? If yes, is there a general breakdown by tiers on how this is done?

I have a new Comcast service including MLB Extras Innings. Couple
questions:

Is there a MLB Extra Innings schedule online which shows game
schedules for the Comcast channels (apparently 461-469 here).

Are any of the MLB Extra Innings games broadcast in HD? If
so, how do I find out which ones?

It says 3412 on the front and the bottom

The plot thickens. . . . I just called Comcast (about the firmware and the loud fan on this unit). They said it is a 6412III, not a 3412, even though it indicates 3412 on the unit.

Moto is more FUBAR than I thought.

Or is it Comcast.

I've a somewhat basic question about Comcast service in Foster City.

I'm currently subscribed to Expanded Basic service. If I plugin the cable into my own QAM tuner (not a settop box with DVR from Comcast), will I get any digital cable channels? I'm presuming the answer is no, and I'll need to call Comcast to upgrade my programming to digital tiers. (Duh!!) But I'll be able to tell them to not bring one of their receivers, and not get charged a monthly fee for a receiver, correct? BTW, I have no cablecard compatible TV.

Is Comcast sending some digital cable channels as QAM clear and some others as QAM encrypted? If yes, is there a general breakdown by tiers on how this is done?Most likely your QAM tuner would find the local OTA HD stations in the clear, as well as a few unencrypted SD stations that will come and go as Comcast modifies their lineup.

Most likely your QAM tuner would find the local OTA HD stations in the clear, as well as a few unencrypted SD stations that will come and go as Comcast modifies their lineup.

Thanks. I'm going to try out with someone else's QAM tuner and will just find out what Comcast is sending in the clear in my area.

The plot thickens. . . . I just called Comcast (about the firmware and the loud fan on this unit). They said it is a 6412III, not a 3412, even though it indicates 3412 on the unit.

Moto is more FUBAR than I thought.

Or is it Comcast.

Tune to a channel on both of your tuners that's normally analog (e.g. channel 2), press the Power button on the box and immediately press Select. When you're in the diagnostics menu, go down to In-Band Status and press Select. It should say either 'Analog' or 'Digital' next to each of the tuners. If it says Digital then I guess you really do have a 3412.

Tune to a channel on both of your tuners that's normally analog (e.g. channel 2), press the Power button on the box and immediately press Select. When you're in the diagnostics menu, go down to In-Band Status and press Select. It should say either 'Analog' or 'Digital' next to each of the tuners. If it says Digital then I guess you really do have a 3412.

geez. ch. 2 shows as "digital," so I guess it is what it says it is. why would th bozo at Comcast insist it wasn't?

geez. ch. 2 shows as "digital," so I guess it is what it says it is. why would th bozo at Comcast insist it wasn't?

You'll quickly learn that the CSR's are about 6 months to a year behind the rest of us. It is interesting though because I seem to remember Barovelli saying that DS was in the "testing phase" and that the all-digital boxes weren't going to be rolled out until later this year. One of my 6412's crapped out on me so I need to exchange it at the local office...maybe I'll see if I can get my hands on one.

geez. ch. 2 shows as "digital," so I guess it is what it says it is. why would th bozo at Comcast insist it wasn't?
The reason people are shocked is that you are the first to get the 3412 and there's been no indication that any area has gone all digital. As for your second question, you answered it yourself...... CSR= bozo.... They read from a script and are technologically challenged :rolleyes:

Laters,
Mikef5

hi everyone.... does anyone know what digital channel fsn hd is on? does it have a xx.x channel number?

TIA

You'll quickly learn that the CSR's are about 6 months to a year behind the rest of us. It is interesting though because I seem to remember Barovelli saying that DS was in the "testing phase" and that the all-digital boxes weren't going to be rolled out until later this year. One of my 6412's crapped out on me so I need to exchange it at the local office...maybe I'll see if I can get my hands on one.

I guess it failed my test (fan's as loud as a vacuum cleaner). But on the 3412 board I was assured that this is not normal, so I was given a defective box.

So good timing or bad, we'll see.

Well I'll be damned. I went to the local Comcast Service Center today to swap out my broken 6412 (Phase II) and they gave me a 3412. In fact, the rep said that all new boxes going out were going to be 3412's in our area (Martinez head-end which includes Lamorinda, Concord, Pittsburgh, and parts of Walnut Creek).

My first impressions:


Analog channels (which are now digital) really do seem much clearer
Box is the same width but about 2 inches shorter then the 6412
Does have RF Out and the setup allows you to turn RF Bypass On/Off
Much quieter then my 6412 Phase II -- hard drive "ticking" is much less distinct (zooey91 you should definitely look into swapping if yours is that loud)


Looking at the Inbound Status, channels are coming in at 256 QAM so I'm really hoping I'll have 2 hours of pause time on the old analog channels. Guess I'll have to wait and see.

Oooh, I'm a happy camper. :D Not only does it look like pause times are up to 2 hours but it looks like the FF4 and RE4 have changed a bit. Rewinding looks like it incrementally gets faster. It starts out rewinding at about 1 minute per second then it goes up to 2 and then 3 minutes per second the longer you wait. Fast-forward seems to go 3 minutes per second regardless. Maybe I just didn't notice this but I don't think this happened on my 6412.

What is the firmware installed on your 3412?

What is the firmware installed on your 3412?

12.22

Anyone else not getting a signal on 702? Trying to watch the Giants game here, no sound and black screen on 702.. nothing. Ch 2 is fine though... all other HD channels are fine.

What a rip off. Last time I tried to watch a Giants game on 702 it was ok for a couple innings, then got all broken up. Wtf is going on?? Fix your **** Comcast.. I just looked at my bill today and I pay $86/mo for this garbage.

Anyone else not getting a signal on 702? Trying to watch the Giants game here, no sound and black screen on 702.. nothing. Ch 2 is fine though... all other HD channels are fine.

What a rip off. Last time I tried to watch a Giants game on 702 it was ok for a couple innings, then got all broken up. Wtf is going on?? Fix your **** Comcast.. I just looked at my bill today and I pay $86/mo for this garbage.
The OTA siganl for channel 2 is off also so it's not Comcast but the loss of the digital signal from channel 2. Darn, as I'm writing this it comes back on... :rolleyes:

Laters,
Mikef5

My bad, it's off again....

Laters,
Mikef5

702 is gone here in Pleasanton, too. Called in to Comcast 15 minutes ago and they knew nothing...

To hell with TV, I'm watching HD-DVDs on my new Toshiba HD-DVD player... :p :D

To hell with TV, I'm watching HD-DVDs on my new Toshiba HD-DVD player... :p :D

All 3 of them? :D

Seriously though, how do they look?

The OTA siganl for channel 2 is off also so it's not Comcast but the loss of the digital signal from channel 2. Darn, as I'm writing this it comes back on... :rolleyes:

Laters,
Mikef5

I've got a picture on Comcast on the HD station but zero sound. Anyone else? Is this the same issue?

To hell with TV, I'm watching HD-DVDs on my new Toshiba HD-DVD player... :p :D

I would rather wait till I have Blu-Ray DVDs to play on my upcoming Samsung Blu-Ray player connected to my ...... ahem ........ Toshiba HDTV! :D

All 3 of them? :D

Seriously though, how do they look?
Could only get The Last Samurai and The Phantom of the Opera, but they both look great, as good as any broadcast version of movies I've seen and I suspect future releases of better material will easily surpass broadcast quality.

With 1080p material due out soon, OTA, cable and sat HD will be left in the dust as far as PQ goes...plus, Netflix is renting both formats.. :)

Chandu1, I'll be getting a Blu-ray player as well.. :p :D

(and then the 1080p display, and this and that...it never stops.. :eek: :D )

I've got a picture on Comcast on the HD station but zero sound. Anyone else? Is this the same issue?
Same here in Milpitas, no sound on 702 or OTA channel 2.1, so it looks like a KTVU problem.

Laters,
Mikef5

All 3 of them? :D

Seriously though, how do they look?

Lord of the Rings HD vs DVD (http://www.cornbread.org/FOTRCompare/index.html)

Looks good to me.

On 702: I kept checking it, it came back eventually, only with no sound. I just tried it a minute ago, nice 10 oclock news with NO SOUND.... :p Haha.. good f'ing job.

You sure it's a 3412? Has SF gone completely digital already?...the 3412 does not have a analog tuner in it.. Sounds like a 6412 P3.

Digital Simulcast. Happening most everywhere, by summer. The 3412 has it's own firmware path, 6412 firmware does not apply to it.

I've got a picture on Comcast on the HD station but zero sound. Anyone else? Is this the same issue?

I had no sound on 702 last night around 10pm, and still have no sound as of 8:30am this morning. I called Comcast and the CSR said this is the first report he's had of this issue. If more people call in, they will investigate, but he thinks it's a problem on KTVU's end.

It is a KTVU problem, or at least a FOX problem. OTA viewers have reported the same.

Wow, It's 11:00 am, do you know where your sound is on Channel 702 ??? :rolleyes:
I can't believe that KNTV has allowed this to go on for this long without saying something. I wrote to their engineering dept. but I doubt that anyone will read it in the near future.

Laters,
Mikef5

I'm here in SF and have no sound on Comcast 702 as well. While this is irritating as hell, it makes me very happy to come on here and quickly find out it is a Fox problem, not a technical problem with my reception/HD box.

You sure it's a 3412? Has SF gone completely digital already?...the 3412 does not have a analog tuner in it.. Sounds like a 6412 P3.

Is the DCT2224 digital-only? I just had it installed last week and that's the box they gave me. They wouldn't let me get an HD box because I don't actually have an HDTV yet.

~Ky

Is the DCT2224 digital-only? I just had it installed last week and that's the box they gave me. They wouldn't let me get an HD box because I don't actually have an HDTV yet.

~Ky
No, I'm pretty sure DCT2224 is just a non-HD STB and has both analog and digital tuners.

Wow, It's 11:00 am, do you know where your sound is on Channel 702 ??? :rolleyes:
I can't believe that KNTV has allowed this to go on for this long without saying something. I wrote to their engineering dept. but I doubt that anyone will read it in the near future.

You meant to say, you wrote to KTVU, not KNTV. :confused: 702 is KTVU. Writing to KNTV won't help! :D I get this channel OTA, and didn't have any sound on KTVU-HD last night either. The SD version as well as analog NTSC versions did have sound.

You meant to say, you wrote to KTVU, not KNTV. :confused: 702 is KTVU. Writing to KNTV won't help! :D I get this channel OTA, and didn't have any sound on KTVU-HD last night either. The SD version as well as analog NTSC versions did have sound.
I think with all this rain my brain has become water logged ... :D
You are right it's KTVU and that's who I wrote the email to... :o

and there's still no audio.....

Laters,
Mikef5

I just called the news desk of KTVU and was told that they are aware of the audio outage. She told me they have no one available today to fix it. She said they tried for 2 hours last night to get it fixed to no avail. I was told to expect to have no audio until tomorrow.

I just called the news desk of KTVU and was told that they are aware of the audio outage. She told me they have no one available today to fix it. She said they tried for 2 hours last night to get it fixed to no avail. I was told to expect to have no audio until tomorrow.
Well, I hope it's before "24" airs tomorrow or I think we should give Jack Bauer a new mission... The Take over of KTVU.... :eek:

Laters,
Mikef5

It better be before Prison Break as well. That means they have until 8PM to get it fixed.. I guess I should feel lucky that we're not ADS up here in Rohnert Park yet, I can still get analog 2.

Glad I have KTTV, FOX-HD from LA as a backup... :p

The sound is back up on KTVU-DT. I guess they found someone to bite the bullet after all.

Is the DCT2224 digital-only? I just had it installed last week and that's the box they gave me. They wouldn't let me get an HD box because I don't actually have an HDTV yet.

All current issue DCTs (said it that way to exclude the DCT1000 and 1200) are capable of operating in digital only mode.

So far, there is no HD only all digital DCT, when you get HD you'll get a 5100 or 6200, if you are in a digital simulcast area, it may operate in digital mode.

Not all systems are ready for DCT700s or 3412s yet.

Could only get The Last Samurai and The Phantom of the Opera, but they both look great, as good as any broadcast version of movies I've seen and I suspect future releases of better material will easily surpass broadcast quality.

With 1080p material due out soon, OTA, cable and sat HD will be left in the dust as far as PQ goes...plus, Netflix is renting both formats.. :)
The Last Samurai HD-DVD *is* 1080p material (as long as your display can perform reverse 3:2 pulldown on 1080i)

I have to agree, it does look very nice on my 1080p display.

I think the scenes in the village starting at Chap 12, 40:58 look especially good.

The Last Samurai HD-DVD *is* 1080p material (as long as your display can perform reverse 3:2 pulldown on 1080i)

I have to agree, it does look very nice on my 1080p display.

I think the scenes in the village starting at Chap 12, 40:58 look especially good.
Yes, both releases are...I'm sooo tempted to spring for a Sony Ruby now that there is material to use it to it's full capability... :eek: :D

Well, I'm seeing my first glitch with the 3412. I can't tune to any of the "analog-based" stations. If I go into the guide, I see channel 1 for OnDemand and the next listing is channel 119. I guess it could be a problem with the system and its tranmittal of ADS. I guess I'll wait until tomorrow to see.

to recap: I went in and swapped my old 6412 for a new box on Friday, which turned out to be a 3412.

The fan was as loud as a vacuum cleaner, so they set up a service call for yesterday. The rep showed up and said the noise was normal, but that it shouldn't be constant (?). Anyway, he swapped it out for a new 3412. Very quiet.

Everything seemed fine, but the guide as only partially loaded nearly 24 hours later, and I kept getting an error message when trying to access VOD.

(I do see the former analog channels, though)

Called this morning and they couldn't communicate with the box. Stuck working at home today waiting for another service call to swap another 3412.

Any idea when they'll be roling out the Panasonic boxes? Can't wait!!!!

Zooey,

It might be easier for you to just go and swap the box yourself at the Comcast office on Potrero. I called Comcast about this possibility once, and they said it was no problem - just bring it in and they'll swap it.

Better than waiting for the tech to show up!

Zooey,

It might be easier for you to just go and swap the box yourself at the Comcast office on Potrero. I called Comcast about this possibility once, and they said it was no problem - just bring it in and they'll swap it.

Better than waiting for the tech to show up!

That's how this all started (I swapped in person and got a bad box, and was told to wait for a tech yesterday instead of going in again). Also, I don't have time to go in, but i can work at home.

But someone on the 3412 board indicated he's on his 6th 3412, and it's still buggy but he's tired of dealing with the swap . . . , which is why I wonder about the timing of the Panasonic box.

zooey91, are your "analog" channels showing up right now? i.e. 2, 3,4, etc. Before I left for work this morning I checked and still didn't have access to these channels.

zooey91, are your "analog" channels showing up right now? i.e. 2, 3,4, etc. Before I left for work this morning I checked and still didn't have access to these channels.

yes

yes
Bummer (for me). I unplugged the box and re-set it before I left today...hopefully it will have resolved itself by the time I get home.

let me repeat my reference to "bozo" (no offense meant to the clown).

the punch line is that the guy who delivered my 2nd 3412 yesterday never called in the new serial number (or he did call it in and they never entered it) so the box had no ip address.

I had to work from home today (about 1/2 as much work gets done when here) to wait for the tech to come out. He didn't swap the box and called in telling them to configure for the 3412, which they hadn't done(!). They sent a signal and said I should wait a few minutes and everything'd be fine. He was on his way out the door and I asked if he could get them to send a signal to the box to make sure it was working.

Of course the new signal didn't get any response from the box.

He said he didn't have a box for me, even though the purported purpose of the visit was to swap the box. After he called around and found another tech with a box, he went to his truck to get a box that he was intending to deliver to the NEXT house(!!!).

AFTER swapping out the box, he discovers that they had the wrong serial number. But he doesn't give me yesterday's box back (so much for the Sopranos; good thing it gets repeated).

Several minutes later and a few calls to the base to send a signal, I have an IP.

To add insult to injury, I'm no longer getting all of the unauthorized stations I was getting before. Can't complain to anyone about that, though.

Finally, he has me fill out a feedback form while he's standing right there, and looks over my responses!

Aren't monopolies great!

Yes, I'll take a deep breath.

Jim

Barovelli,

please please tell me that "Digital Simulcast. Happening most everywhere, by summer" includes SaraMilGatos????

...otherwise seems like its finally time to shop for a dish :(

ps...are they working on it for you down in PG also?

I have Comcast in Palo Alto. I just did a digital cable scan with the TV in my room and along with the unencripted HD channels, I'm getting channel 101-2, which is showing Desperado in HD. I watched this a week ago with OnDemand HD using another tv that has a cable box, so I'm assuming its the same. Has anyone else been able to pick up this channel?

I have Comcast in Palo Alto. I just did a digital cable scan with the TV in my room and along with the unencripted HD channels, I'm getting channel 101-2, which is showing Desperado in HD. I watched this a week ago with OnDemand HD using another tv that has a cable box, so I'm assuming its the same. Has anyone else been able to pick up this channel?
Your neighbor is watching that show onDemand and you are picking up his feed. It will go away soon.

What is up with comcast?
last baseball season, most all Giants games were on INHD, and this season I only saw the giants in hd on INHD once and on ESPN once.

What is up with comcast?
last baseball season, most all Giants games were on INHD, and this season I only saw the giants in hd on INHD once and on ESPN once.

correction: most HOME games are in HD. giants have played a lot of games recently on the road and some home games were rained out. check hdsportsguide.com for a fairly accurate schedule.

correction 2: comcast doesn't provide hd coverage for giants, fsn-ba does. go scream at them if ur not happy.

Hi - we just subscribed to Comcast digital with a high-def DVR, and got set up - after some difficulty - with a DCT 3412, which seems to be working properly, particularly after I connected it to my TV with an HDMI cable. (First, we connected it with inferior component cables that had come with one of our OTA high-def DVRs - the Comcast guy showed up without any component cables...- but the resulting high-def picture on my TV was missing some of the input or somehing - the high-def picture jumped forward every quarter or half second, missing the intervening video...the HDMI cable stopped that behavior)

But I have some questions about this unit that would probably be anwered with access to a full manual, which they don't give you with the box. (We just got this thing "using your built-in figital video recorder", which appears to be for the 6412...which I know nothing about.) The Comcast guy said we could find a full manual at the Comcast site, but that doesn't appear to be true.

So I've found discussion of the 3412 in this forum, but so far haven't found a forum specifically on this unit - is there one that I have missed somehow?

One set of questions has to do with connections to other units...there's an S-video connection, which I guess could be used to connect to a DVD recorder, but I don't find a second pair of audio outputs to go along with it...and there are firewire connections, but I don't know what these can be used for. (I have a digital VCR that is accessed for high-def via firewire from one of my OTA units, but I don't see any way to control it from the 3412 - probably isn't any way, but then I wonder if there IS any way you can use the firewire for sending High-def to another recording unit for archiving...)

Any thoughts? Or a place that has more detail on this unit?

Thanks - Tony

But I have some questions about this unit that would probably be anwered with access to a full manual, which they don't give you with the box. (We just got this thing "using your built-in figital video recorder", which appears to be for the 6412...which I know nothing about.) The Comcast guy said we could find a full manual at the Comcast site, but that doesn't appear to be true.

The 3412 is the same as the 6412 but without an analogue tuner, which you don't need in this area anyway.

So I've found discussion of the 3412 in this forum, but so far haven't found a forum specifically on this unit - is there one that I have missed somehow?

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=604142

...and there are firewire connections, but I don't know what these can be used for. (I have a digital VCR that is accessed for high-def via firewire from one of my OTA units, but I don't see any way to control it from the 3412 - probably isn't any way, but then I wonder if there IS any way you can use the firewire for sending High-def to another recording unit for archiving...)

There's no control - the firewire on the 3412 just outputs whatever you're watching at the time, so you can only record on the D-VHS whatever you happen to be watching (minus the OSD, of course).

~Ky

If one has a 6412 III and it is working OK, is there any point in trying to change it for a 3412, or should one just leave well enough along?

If one has a 6412 III and it is working OK, is there any point in trying to change it for a 3412, or should one just leave well enough along?
If it ain't broke... :)

If it ain't broke... :)

...it will be soon?

I'm in San Jose and use an HD DVR for most of what I watch. But I'm putting a old tube TV out in the garage and want to run cable to it -- but not rent a decoder for it. Even though I subscribe to HD silver or whatever they call it now, I'll only get the 25 (or so) basic cable analog channels on the old TV in my garage, right? To get more requires renting another box from comcast.

If one has a 6412 III and it is working OK, is there any point in trying to change it for a 3412, or should one just leave well enough along?

I'd stick with the 6412...I don't think the 3412 is ready for prime time yet (at least not here). I still can't see my analog-based channels and after 2 phone calls...yup, you guessed it...a technician needs to come out. I asked the rep to put in the service notes to request the tech bring a 6412 with him. While I love new technology, I'm not a huge fan of being a guinea pig.

There's no control - the firewire on the 3412 just outputs whatever you're watching at the time, so you can only record on the D-VHS whatever you happen to be watching (minus the OSD, of course).

Actually, there's a hack for Windows MCE that allows you to control the Moto STB through the firewire port using the MS infrared USB remote. It's actually kind of cool -- you don't need an IR blaster.

http://www.thegreenbutton.com/community/download.aspx?id=1295&MessageID=104152

A couple of questions regarding the new firmware 12.31 here in SF. I apologize if these have been explained somewhere before. I downloaded the entire thread and did some searching in MS Word, but the file is so large it crashes my setup after a couple of searches.

First, a small annoyance. I have the 6412 III connected via an optical digital connection, and the "analog channels" (2-82, I don't think that Marin is digital simulcast at this point) are always 8 - 10 db louder than the digital channels. On either digital or analog, the STB is outputting what my receiver identifies as a Dolby Digital signal. Is there any way to "turn down" the gain on the analog channels?

Second, I am one of a few who are powerfully annoyed about the refusal of Motorola to produce a STB that will handle HDMI repeaters, such as my Denon 4806 switching receiver. When I was playing around with a direct connection to my screen, I noticed that the 6412 read the HDMI connection and (I think part of the new 12.31 firmware) has a couple of HDMI options in the setup screen (the one you access through power-off and menu). One of them allows you to set the HDMI to either HDMI or DVI mode. Can't seem to make this do anything useful, but what is this exactly?

On the same problem as just discussed, would I be able to beat the repeater problem by switching to the older model (Series II?) that has the DVI output. My Denon has one DVI input, currently occupied by my Oppo DVD player, but I could obviously get a converter cable if using the DVI box would solve my switching problems.

I'm in San Jose and use an HD DVR for most of what I watch. But I'm putting a old tube TV out in the garage and want to run cable to it -- but not rent a decoder for it. Even though I subscribe to HD silver or whatever they call it now, I'll only get the 25 (or so) basic cable analog channels on the old TV in my garage, right? To get more requires renting another box from comcast.
Not true. Comcast has not yet gone all digital. I currently subscribe to the Digital Silver package as well, and, in addition to my HDTV, I have two tube TVs hooked up without STB's. Both of them get more than 25 channels.

Actually, there's a hack for Windows MCE that allows you to control the Moto STB through the firewire port using the MS infrared USB remote. It's actually kind of cool -- you don't need an IR blaster.

http://www.thegreenbutton.com/community/download.aspx?id=1295&MessageID=104152

For those who are acronym challenged
Windows MCE = Windows Media Center Edition

Peter
p.s. IDHA




I Do Hate Acronyms

Not true. Comcast has not yet gone all digital. I currently subscribe to the Digital Silver package as well, and, in addition to my HDTV, I have two tube TVs hooked up without STB's. Both of them get more than 25 channels.

Wow, okay, so I'm doing something wrong. I really get less than 30 channels on my tube analog cable-ready tv when it is hooked directly to my cable feed. How many channels should I be getting?

Wow, okay, so I'm doing something wrong. I really get less than 30 channels on my tube analog cable-ready tv when it is hooked directly to my cable feed. How many channels should I be getting?

sounds like you have basic analog tier... so it stops at chan 35?? but you said you had digital, so that automatically means you should get standard cable analog tier. weird. call comcast on it.

Maybe I connected to the splitter in the wrong place.... we used to be one of the A/B systems, now it's a single cable, and the cables under the house are in a disarray. Have to experiment with patching in closer to the source where it reaches the house.

(Definitely got digital silver with HD, on the main TV, via a Comcast DVR.)

Maybe I connected to the splitter in the wrong place.... we used to be one of the A/B systems, now it's a single cable, and the cables under the house are in a disarray. Have to experiment with patching in closer to the source where it reaches the house.

(Definitely got digital silver with HD, on the main TV, via a Comcast DVR.)

It could also be a really old cable tuner. I had to put a VCR in front of one of my really old sets to get all 70 odd analogue channels.

Kevin

sounds like you have basic analog tier... so it stops at chan 35?? but you said you had digital, so that automatically means you should get standard cable analog tier. weird. call comcast on it.
Here you can get any digital pkg with Limited Basic (35 analog channels). I have Limited Basic, Digital Classic and HD STB for about $33/mo. Maybe nathan_h only has Limited Basic therefore no channels over #35.

I'd stick with the 6412...I don't think the 3412 is ready for prime time yet (at least not here). I still can't see my analog-based channels and after 2 phone calls...yup, you guessed it...a technician needs to come out. I asked the rep to put in the service notes to request the tech bring a 6412 with him. While I love new technology, I'm not a huge fan of being a guinea pig.

Well that was easy. It turned out I needed to be connected to a different head-end for the all-digital. Tech made a quick phone call and voila.

Beware of "limited basic" if you also use Comcast HSI (cable modem). The trap they will put on the line (to filter out channels above 35 or so) may also degrade your HSI speeds significantly. When I did this a couple years ago (in San Rafael) my internet speeds went from 1.5 megs down to under 700k.

Here you can get any digital pkg with Limited Basic (35 analog channels). I have Limited Basic, Digital Classic and HD STB for about $33/mo. Maybe nathan_h only has Limited Basic therefore no channels over #35.
hmmm...that's interesting - we just subscribed to digital silver, on a deal, but when that ends, it might be better to get your deal...ours might still cost a bit (5 bucks) more because we got the 3412 HD DVR...

BUT ON ANOTHER POINT - KGED HD is supposedly being supplied to Comcast 24/7, but we're only getting the OTA version, which begins at 8 PM...what's that all about???

Thanks Tony

hmmm...that's interesting - we just subscribed to digital silver, on a deal, but when that ends, it might be better to get your deal...ours might still cost a bit (5 bucks) more because we got the 3412 HD DVR...
To the best of my knowledge, Comcast will not let you rent a DVR without both Standard(Basic+Expanded Basic) and at least Digital Classic, but if they do, please let us know.

BUT ON ANOTHER POINT - KGED HD is supposedly being supplied to Comcast 24/7, but we're only getting the OTA version, which begins at 8 PM...what's that all about???

Thanks Tony
That won't start until the whole SF bay area has gone full ADS.

Wow, okay, so I'm doing something wrong. I really get less than 30 channels on my tube analog cable-ready tv when it is hooked directly to my cable feed. How many channels should I be getting?
I'm in Sunnyvale, and I get 70 channels on one of my tube TVs without a STB.

It could also be a really old cable tuner. I had to put a VCR in front of one of my really old sets to get all 70 odd analogue channels.
Absolutely agree! My other tube TV without a STB is older and only gets 51 channels.

I'll spare the lousy CSR experience I had this evening (twice disconnected, third time was just aggrevating).

For Comcast Bay Area with a digital ready tv and cablecard I notice that it shows 'copy-never.' I have a firewire DVR hooked up to the TV but cannot record due to the 'copy-never.' Obviously customer service was no help whatsoever. Are there any options? Any special numbers? Has anyone had success getting Comcast to change this flag/setting?

praying....

Hmmm. I think I have more than basic analog plus digital silver on my DVR, so I'll have to try putting a very recent vintage tuner (DVHS VCR) on the cable line and see if I get more than the basic channels.

Might also be that I patched into the WRONG cable underneath the house. There are several generations of technology under there. Maybe I hit a line with a filter on it? Of course, when I had cable modem it was LIGHTING FAST (6MB/S) and it sounds like a filtered line wouldn't have had that speed, so....

----

By the way, phantomdilbert: About 6 months ago I noticed that the image constraint token for my cable in San Jose had changed to prevent me from watching HDTV recorded programs on my DVHS VCR at full res when using the analog component output. It would downconvert to 480i. When I watched the same stuff via Firwire, it would stay at 1080i. I tried to get Comcast to act on it, but short of offering to send out a tech, they wouldn't listen. Since that means my DHVS VCR becomes pretty useful, there's little incentive for me to stay with cable: If I don't mind living off a DVR, Dish has more of what I want, for the same price. I just have to convince my lamdlord to sign the form to allow a Dish to be installed.... which is proving challenging.

About 6 months ago I noticed that the image constraint token for my cable in San Jose had changed to prevent me from watching HDTV recorded programs on my DVHS VCR at full res when using the analog component output. It would downconvert to 480i.
I think you mean the 5c broadcast flag. ICT serves a similar purpose, but is for HD-DVD and BluRay authored content.

That won't start until the whole SF bay area has gone full ADS.

So not until the year 2020 or so?

Also, the signal strength is showing as fair, whereas it had always been good on the other box. Can the box effect that, or is it something else I should be concerned about?
How do you measure signal strength? Is this a mode you select on the box? Can you measure this for different channels?

How do you measure signal strength? Is this a mode you select on the box? Can you measure this for different channels?
From Wikipedia,

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_If_DTCP.2F5C_is_Enabled
How to use a Motorola DVR/Configuration - Wikibooks, collection of open-content textbooks

How To Check Your Incoming Signal Strength

* Set both of the STB tuners to HD channels, or channels you have seeen exhibit the problems. Use the tuner swap button.
* Turn the STB to Standby/Off and press OK/SELECT on the remote within 2 seconds to enter the Diagnostic Main Menu.
* Use DOWN ARROW and then OK/SELECT to select the "d03 OOB STATUS" option.
o The SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) values are of interest. Any value stated less than "GOOD" (i.e., "FAIR" or "POOR") could indicate a problem.
* Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
* Now select the "d04 INBAND STATUS" option.
o The SNR and AGC values are of interest. Any value stated less than "GOOD" (i.e., "FAIR" or "POOR") could indicate a problem. Be sure to look at values for both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2.
* Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
* Now select the "d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS" option.
o On a digital/HD channel the MPEG VIDEO & AUDIO LOCK values are of interest for both tuners. (Use the UP/DOWN ARROWS to see info for both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2.)
* Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
* Press Power to exit the Diagnostic Main Menu and Power again to turn the STB back on.

So not until the year 2020 or so?
That's a good estimate. :eek: :D

From Wikipedia,

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_If_DTCP.2F5C_is_Enabled
How to use a Motorola DVR/Configuration - Wikibooks, collection of open-content textbooks

How To Check Your Incoming Signal Strength
Thanks!

I think you mean the 5c broadcast flag. ICT serves a similar purpose, but is for HD-DVD and BluRay authored content.

Well, the 5C status of the channel didn't seem to change, if 5C is about copy protection. As usual, for my premium channels that are 5C labelled "copy once" I could record to a 5C compliant device like my DVHS VCR but I could not record to my PC. But the output on component out from the DVHS recording of these channels was now downconverted to 480i, whereas before it was output at 1080i, and a warning message flashed on the screen indicating that the output was constrained.

So it may be that the 5C scenario can impact whether analog outputs must downconvert? It's a drag. Luckily, one of my TVs has firewire input, and with that output, the DVHS VCR does not downconvert these channels.

I think you mean the 5c broadcast flag. ICT serves a similar purpose, but is for HD-DVD and BluRay authored content.
ICT is part of 5C/DTCP. AACS just recycled it.

See my earlier post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6990460&&#post6990460

Ron

ICT is part of 5C/DTCP. AACS just recycled it.

See my earlier post:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6990460&&#post6990460

Thanks for the correction.

Second, I am one of a few who are powerfully annoyed about the refusal of Motorola to produce a STB that will handle HDMI repeaters, such as my Denon 4806 switching receiver.

No, I'm quite annoyed too (I have a Denon 2807). Apparently this is not really Moto's fault. They've released firmware which fixes the issue but it's up to each cable co. to push it out to their customers. See this thread:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21194

~Ky

Is there a HD box with HDMI output? Non-DVR that is.

I have an older (6200?) HD box with only DVI that I want to trade in for one with HDMI.

Is there a HD box with HDMI output? Non-DVR that is.

I have an older (6200?) HD box with only DVI that I want to trade in for one with HDMI.
Don't think so. Isn't DVI the same as HDMI but needing a separate audio cable? Don't see the big deal about having HDMI, you just need a cable with DVI/HDMI connectors.

Just noticed a problem on channel 62, The History Channel in the SaraMilgatos area. I keep getting a message that says " poor signal quality " . I have never seen this before on any channel, digital or analog. What has me concerned is this is on an analog channel that I'm getting this message and it makes me wonder what they are doing on the digital. Anyone else seen this message before ??? I normally don't watch analog channels but sometimes the History Channel does do some good programs. This might be an area problem since we are still at the bottom of the barrel of bandwidth, well, one step above Santa Rosa ;) but still pretty bad to get error messages about poor signal quality on an analog channel .

Laters,
Mikef5

Don't think so. Isn't DVI the same as HDMI but needing a separate audio cable? Don't see the big deal about having HDMI, you just need a cable with DVI/HDMI connectors.
The big deal is having to buy another $40 cable, when I already have several other, perfectly working cables just laying around... that I can't use because they have a different, yet functionally identical, connector on one end... :(

The big deal is having to buy another $40 cable, when I already have several other, perfectly working cables just laying around... that I can't use because they have a different, yet functionally identical, connector on one end... :(

go to monoprice.com : http://monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023103&p_id=2404&seq=1&format=2

<$5 for the cable you need.

The big deal is having to buy another $40 cable, when I already have several other, perfectly working cables just laying around... that I can't use because they have a different, yet functionally identical, connector on one end... :(
I may have seen a DVI-HDMI converter for 20 bucks at Radio Shack...I couldn't find it on their web site...here's a place that has them in eithr direction for 12.99 + 3.15 mailing cost: http://www.dcables.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=113&engine=adwords!4980&keyword=%28hdmi+dvi+adapter%29&match_type=

go to monoprice.com : http://monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023103&p_id=2404&seq=1&format=2

<$5 for the cable you need.
Heh, I know about Monoprice... I just bought 3 cables from them, they came today.. but one is the wrong kind (my fault, and I'll keep it since it's only $5 and I'll probably use it some day). BUT that doesn't help me today. See I'm getting another box (DVR) from Comcast after work today, and I won't have the right cable to hook it up... unless I can also swap the 6200 for one with HDMI outputs.

I suppose I can just use component until I have a chance to order another cable from the interwebs. Er, that is unless they've turned on the flag that downconverts component? Anyone know?

go to monoprice.com : http://monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023103&p_id=2404&seq=1&format=2

<$5 for the cable you need.
I second the recommendation for Monoprice. The cables are great quality and quite affordable.

If you choose the flat rate CA overnight shipping, order by 2pm and they show up on your doorstep 7:30am next morning. Fastest delivery I've ever had from any Internet retailer. It wasn't a fluke either. All the CA overnight stuff comes between 7:30am to 8am for my location. 21-day return policy, no restocking fee.

The big deal is having to buy another $40 cable, when I already have several other, perfectly working cables just laying around... that I can't use because they have a different, yet functionally identical, connector on one end... :(

did you ask comcast if they have a cable?

I suppose I can just use component until I have a chance to order another cable from the interwebs. Er, that is unless they've turned on the flag that downconverts component? Anyone know?

6200 does not down covert on component. won't be easy to see difference between HDMI/DVI and component.

no tnt-hd for us still... this is the only time in the year i want it.

Are we getting the Sharks playoff away games on 719 or 720? I checked earlier in the day on Friday, and the on-screen guide didn't list it, but when I was watching the game over at a friend's house the feed at the bottom of the screen said it was broadcast on 720. (My friend hasn't made the jump to HD yet.)

I assume the home games broadcast on the major networks will be HD.

At one point in time last year we were able to receive ESPN-HD on channel 116.2 (?) using our Sony LCD TV (XS955). I rarely ever watch sports on TV, so I hadn't checked it for awhile. My kid wants to watch the NBA playoffs on ESPN-HD, and now I see it is gone.

Has Comcast blocked owners of HDTVs with built-in QAM tuners from receiving HD channels like ESPN-HD? And if not, where is this channel now located?

Thanks,

Michael

From Wikipedia,

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Configuration#How_To_Check_If_DTCP.2F5C_is_Enabled
How to use a Motorola DVR/Configuration - Wikibooks, collection of open-content textbooks

How To Check Your Incoming Signal Strength

* Set both of the STB tuners to HD channels, or channels you have seeen exhibit the problems. Use the tuner swap button.
* Turn the STB to Standby/Off and press OK/SELECT on the remote within 2 seconds to enter the Diagnostic Main Menu.
* Use DOWN ARROW and then OK/SELECT to select the "d03 OOB STATUS" option.
o The SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio) and AGC (Automatic Gain Control) values are of interest. Any value stated less than "GOOD" (i.e., "FAIR" or "POOR") could indicate a problem.
* Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
* Now select the "d04 INBAND STATUS" option.
o The SNR and AGC values are of interest. Any value stated less than "GOOD" (i.e., "FAIR" or "POOR") could indicate a problem. Be sure to look at values for both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2.
* Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
* Now select the "d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS" option.
o On a digital/HD channel the MPEG VIDEO & AUDIO LOCK values are of interest for both tuners. (Use the UP/DOWN ARROWS to see info for both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2.)
* Press OK/SELECT to go back to the Diagnostic Main Menu.
* Press Power to exit the Diagnostic Main Menu and Power again to turn the STB back on.

This may be a stupid question, but how do you "Turn the STB to Standby/Off"? I don't see a Standy/Off button on either the remote or the STB, and when I hit the power or "all on" buttons, I don't get anything when I hit OK/Select afterwards.

With the STB on, it the POWER button and then immediately hit the OK/SELECT button. If you don't hit the second button within a few seconds nothing will happen.

re: Has Comcast blocked owners of HDTVs with built-in QAM tuners from receiving HD channels like ESPN-HD?

Hi Michael,

When I just had limited basic I got the local channels unencrypted on channel numbers like you describe. To get ESPN-HD I had to upgrade to Digital Classics (I added a CableCard at the same time) and ESPN-HD is in the 700's now but it's encrypted I pretty sure.

Tim

To get ESPN-HD I had to upgrade to Digital Classics (I added a CableCard at the same time) and ESPN-HD is in the 700's now but it's encrypted I pretty sure.

Tim
That's what I was starting to suspect. I wondered when Comcast was going to encrypt ESPN-HD.

So, another $25-30/mo gets us digital HD. Our cable reception has always been mediocre at best (despite our efforts to get Comcast to improve it). I've been looking for a reason to switch to DirecTV. This might do it, although our Internet service becomes $14/mo more expensive without cable TV.

Thanks for the information,

Michael

no tnt-hd for us still... this is the only time in the year i want it.

No kidding. I can't believe we have gone this long without it being added :(
I want to see my Pistons in HD :mad:!

web

Weren't we talking about TNT-HD was back in 2004..? :p

Today I noticed that Comcast has free HD movies On Demand. F**K yeah!
(Just thought I'd share)

-=Brazil=-

Today I noticed that Comcast has free HD movies On Demand. F**K yeah!
(Just thought I'd share)

-=Brazil=-
Boy, that is the lowest. Here we sit in the high rent low bandwidth area with NO ON DEMAND and they are already doing On Demand in HD. Talk about a slap in the face :rolleyes:
Nice that you other guys are getting it though,,,,,'

Laters,
Mikef5

Boy, that is the lowest. Here we sit in the high rent low bandwidth area with NO ON DEMAND and they are already doing On Demand in HD. Talk about a slap in the face :rolleyes:
Nice that you other guys are getting it though,,,,,'

Laters,
Mikef5

Oops! I Didn't realize this was a limited thing - didn't mean to rub anything in anyone's face! I'm in SF and Milpitas isn't THAT far - you guys should get the goods. Down with the man. And all that ;)

ondemand is so overrated... its nice to have, but i rather have more HD programming. and yeah the HD ondemand selection is pretty pitiful so its not much lost :D

ondemand is so overrated... its nice to have, but i rather have more HD programming. and yeah the HD ondemand selection is pretty pitiful so its not much lost :D

True, its not that incredible. But if they start putting more HD content on there, it could be VERY interesting.

I have audio problems with the OnDemand HD. Every couple of minutes there is a gap in the sound. On some shows the sound quits altogether. Pausing then Playing brings the sound back for a while. I don't have this problem at all with the SD programs.

Has anyone else seen this? I haven't tried calling this in, as I don't think the CSR would do anything but the usual reboot the set top box.

The other annoying thing about OD movies is the slow fast forward. I was about 2/3's into the first part of Lawrence of Arabia and had to pause. After a few minutes, OD decides I wanted to quit. It took 20 minutes to fast forward to where I was when I came back to finish watching.

Oops! I Didn't realize this was a limited thing - didn't mean to rub anything in anyone's face! I'm in SF and Milpitas isn't THAT far - you guys should get the goods. Down with the man. And all that ;)
Brazilmma,
I wasn't pointing out you specifically for my disgust but at Comcast's lack of support at getting the lower bandwidth areas up to speed. I'm really happy that you have access to On Demand, really I am ;) .
I was just pointing out that they can do all this stuff for the rest of the areas and they do next to nothing for the 550 MHz areas. To be fair, Comcast has done a lot more than TCI or AT&T ever did but that doesn't change the fact that we pay the same or close to the same as the rest of the Bay Area and get a whole lot less than the rest of the areas get and I don't see anything changing in the near future. I can't see how they can do digital simulcasting here, there just isn't enough bandwidth so that means we have to wait until the shift to all digital for the entire Bay Area happens before we will see any relief and that won't happen until late this year if we're lucky but more likely early next year. Not a happy camper :(

Laters,
Mikef5

I have audio problems with the OnDemand HD. Every couple of minutes there is a gap in the sound. On some shows the sound quits altogether. Pausing then Playing brings the sound back for a while. I don't have this problem at all with the SD programs.

Has anyone else seen this? I haven't tried calling this in, as I don't think the CSR would do anything but the usual reboot the set top box.


I don't watch OnDemand, but I have been having the same sound problem on regular HD channels. It seemed to start after my 6412 was upgraded to the 12.31 firmware.

No HD feed on NBC for the Sharks game this AM? What's up with that???

No HD feed on NBC for the Sharks game this AM? What's up with that???
Yeah that sucks. They are doing some of the east coast NHL games in HD. Schedule here (http://www.hdsportsguide.com/nhl.php).

I have audio problems with the OnDemand HD. Every couple of minutes there is a gap in the sound. On some shows the sound quits altogether. Pausing then Playing brings the sound back for a while. I don't have this problem at all with the SD programs.

Has anyone else seen this? I haven't tried calling this in, as I don't think the CSR would do anything but the usual reboot the set top box.

The other annoying thing about OD movies is the slow fast forward. I was about 2/3's into the first part of Lawrence of Arabia and had to pause. After a few minutes, OD decides I wanted to quit. It took 20 minutes to fast forward to where I was when I came back to finish watching.

I continue to have the exact same audio problems with the free movies on OD HD.

Boy, that is the lowest. Here we sit in the high rent low bandwidth area with NO ON DEMAND and they are already doing On Demand in HD. Talk about a slap in the face :rolleyes:
Nice that you other guys are getting it though,,,,,'

Laters,
Mikef5
Look at it this way, on our ghetto systems it's one less thing to break, or be screwed up. :p

to be complacent is to let them win!!

stay strong.

ktvu-hd was all SD tonight... it better be fixed by 24 2morrow...

Brazilmma,
I wasn't pointing out you specifically for my disgust but at Comcast's lack of support at getting the lower bandwidth areas up to speed. I'm really happy that you have access to On Demand, really I am ;) .
I was just pointing out that they can do all this stuff for the rest of the areas and they do next to nothing for the 550 MHz areas. To be fair, Comcast has done a lot more than TCI or AT&T ever did but that doesn't change the fact that we pay the same or close to the same as the rest of the Bay Area and get a whole lot less than the rest of the areas get and I don't see anything changing in the near future. I can't see how they can do digital simulcasting here, there just isn't enough bandwidth so that means we have to wait until the shift to all digital for the entire Bay Area happens before we will see any relief and that won't happen until late this year if we're lucky but more likely early next year. Not a happy camper :(

Laters,
Mikef5


I am in a 550mhz area myself(antioch) and its driving me nuts since a huge portion of this city is obviously newish. Go a mile to brentwood and they have a top of the line system.

I wonder if comcast still installs only 550mhz able equipment underground in recent construction or they have been thinking ahead to make the job smaller if and when they ever upgrade.

If they would just cram in the giants HD games somehow here that would tide me over for awhile.

Whole thing is very confusing, the remaining 550mhz areas must have something all in common that is making them put off the upgrade.

Oh well I don't really post but could not resist throwing in my own 550mhz rant.

They have had HD movies and other stuff on VOD since it launched. The selection seems to be 1-2 first-run movies (meaning premimum cable/video rental first run) for like $6.99, a couple of those IMAX films that you can see for free on various channels, for $3.99 or so (???) and then 1-2 free movies, so far it seems The Fifth Element is their favorite one to run, but they have had a couple other good ones.. the Matrix, Close Encounters, Lawrence of Arabia.. Unfortunately they usually do not run them fully OAR (2.35 films are cropped). Or sometimes they have concert stuff.

One thing I've noticed about the HD VOD (but not the SD) is the sound skips out every 15-20 seconds or so. Not terrible, I can still manage to watch the free movies like that, but I wouldn't want to be paying $6.99 for it..

--

Well I picked up my DVR from the Comcast office in Petaluma on Friday. It's a 3412. Everything seems ok so far, with the exception of how horrible the FF/REW controls are. But for just recording shows or "pausing" live TV it seems to work alright. The picture quality on SD channels (both analog and digital) also seems to be a slight improvment over the old 6200. According to the service menu it has a 120GB drive, not bad.. but recording 1 Giants game (in HD) used up 22% of it.. heh.. guess I won't be saving those for very long.

One thing I'm unclear on though, maybe someone knows. When you set it to record a series you are given a few options; First Run only, First Run and Reruns, and ALL. So if I set it to First Run & Reruns, it will record all unique episodes, even if they are reruns (but haven't been recorded by me before), is that right? And "all" means all, even repeats of the same episode?

I also downgraded my package to digital "classic", I don't get HBO or Encore (those SD movie channels) but should save about $10/mo even with the 2nd DVR box and I sure won't miss HBO or Encore... I still get ESPN-HD and INHD1/2 and all the other "freebie" HD channels.

One thing I'm unclear on though, maybe someone knows. When you set it to record a series you are given a few options; First Run only, First Run and Reruns, and ALL. So if I set it to First Run & Reruns, it will record all unique episodes, even if they are reruns (but haven't been recorded by me before), is that right? And "all" means all, even repeats of the same episode?

That's very interesting...I hadn't noticed that. I'll have to check when I get home. Maybe this is a fix to where it will record the same show multiple times when it should know you've already recorded that episode. An example of this would be HBO. Sometimes that week's Sopranos is shown 3 times on different days on the same channel. Because they all say "New" in the summary, the Moto box wants to record all 3 episodes even though they're same. That would be great if this is fixed (although somehow I doubt it is).

Well I'm asking, I don't know. I guess I'll find out when I get home tonight. I set it up to record the Adult Swm shows, and they repeat those twice per night.

Ktvu Is Still Sd!

ANybody know who to call at KTVU to flip the HD switch?

Still SD 15 minutes into "24". :mad:

I think prison break was as well. sucky since i just got a hd recorder......sigh.

it was SD yesterday... no one said anything about it but me :(

Hehehehe. That means you admit to watching The War at Home. Hehehehe.

i admit it... and i like it!!! man...

I sent KTVU engineering an email. The switchboard number is:
(510) 834-1212

I sent KTVU engineering an email. The switchboard number is:
(510) 834-1212
Did you get a reply?

Not yet. I did a year or two ago from KGO when they had similar issues but it took a couple of weeks. If I had located the phone number during the show I would have called even just to see if the switchboard was busy. Unless you are a sqeaky wheel they may not have any idea how much this bugs their viewers who week by week are moving away from SD to HD sets. We also have no idea of whether this was a Comcast issue or KTVU and I asked that too. As of last night on the SF OTA thread here I had not seen a mention of the problem.

The issue is with KTVU. Both Comcast and OTA were in SD. KTTV in LA and KTXL in Sacramento were in HD.

So the 3412 seems to be functioning ok. The main issue I have is that it takes a couple of seconds to go back to play after pausing.

Is this normal, or do I have another bad box?

So the 3412 seems to be functioning ok. The main issue I have is that it takes a couple of seconds to go back to play after pausing.

Is this normal, or do I have another bad box?

Same thing with me. Also, if you press the 30-second skip button numberous times, the picture will stay on the current image until you stop pressing the button and give it a chance to catch up (takes about a second). On the bright side, I haven't seen the horrible remote delay problem where the box basically "caches" the remote commands and then spits them out all at once about 60 seconds later. (knock on wood)

Same thing with me. Also, if you press the 30-second skip button numberous times, the picture will stay on the current image until you stop pressing the button and give it a chance to catch up (takes about a second).
I've noticed this on my 6412 PII lately.

Same thing with me. Also, if you press the 30-second skip button numberous times, the picture will stay on the current image until you stop pressing the button and give it a chance to catch up (takes about a second). On the bright side, I haven't seen the horrible remote delay problem where the box basically "caches" the remote commands and then spits them out all at once about 60 seconds later. (knock on wood)

Where is the 30 sec skip button? Mine only has a 15 sec rewind button, and it still does the thing where it ignores all inputs and just sits there rewinding/etc forever until you pull the plug (even the front panel buttons don't work).

Where is the 30 sec skip button? Mine only has a 15 sec rewind button, and it still does the thing where it ignores all inputs and just sits there rewinding/etc forever until you pull the plug (even the front panel buttons don't work).

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/How_to_use_a_Motorola_DVR/Programming_the_Remote#Add_30-Second_Skip

1. Press the "Cable" button at the top of the remote to put it into Cable Box control mode.
2. Press and hold the "Setup" button until the "Cable" button blinks twice.
3. Type in the code 994. The "Cable" button will blink twice.
4. Press (do not hold) the "Setup" button.
5. Type in the code 00173.
6. Press whatever button you want to map the 30-second skip command to (ex: A / Lock). The "Cable" button will blink twice if successful.

720 on the guide says Hockey (Sharks), but they're showing the Giants game!!

WTF??

ACK! Still no HD on KTVU! This whole watching prime time tv in SD is complete garbage. Why even have a projector?

Is AI usually in HD? I never watch it...

Yup. KTVU is SD on comcast San Jose tonight too. :(

ACK! Still no HD on KTVU! This whole watching prime time tv in SD is complete garbage. Why even have a projector?

have to agree! really bad

The below is from a post today on the local Yahoo message board.

KTVU-DT has been experiencing intermittent problems in their HD
transport stream that has been taking the signal down, causing a frozen
picture or a blue screen, every day or so. In order to trouble-shoot
the problem, and to hopefully stay on the air, they have bypassed most
of the equipment in the HD stream. New equipment is on order for a
redundant path.

http://www.tivo.com/cms_static/press_88.html

Not that big a deal: doesn't support HD and doesn't support digital cable (yet somehow they snuck in "optimized for cable households" into their press release).

In a different report it mentioned that the dual CableCARD model was still on target for the end of the year.

720 on the guide says Hockey (Sharks), but they're showing the Giants game!!

WTF??

Last week the Sharks FSN schedule came out, and surprisingly (To me) FSN announced that game 4 would be in HD, but not game 3.

Seems stupid to me considering we are talking about PLAYOFF hockey vs. REGULAR SEASON baseball, but what can we do? (I solved the problem by putting a deposit down on Sharks season tix back in March, so I have tickets to every home playoff game this playoffs for the Sharks)

I solved the problem by putting a deposit down on Sharks season tix back in March, so I have tickets to every home playoff game this playoffs for the Sharks

Be sure to let us know which is better: FSN-HD or live and in person. :D

Last week the Sharks FSN schedule came out, and surprisingly (To me) FSN announced that game 4 would be in HD, but not game 3.

Seems stupid to me considering we are talking about PLAYOFF hockey vs. REGULAR SEASON baseball, but what can we do? (I solved the problem by putting a deposit down on Sharks season tix back in March, so I have tickets to every home playoff game this playoffs for the Sharks)

because more people watch REGULAR SEASON baseball than PLAYOFF hockey in the bay area.