An update to the channel 720 no show in Milpitas.

It has just shown up in the guide and I can access the channel ( who is Rainbow Network Communications ?? )
So we are not as unhappy as before.... still missed the Giants and A's game yesterday but at least now the channel is showing up ;)
If Comcast would just upgrade us all to the same levels this would not be an on going problem but thanks Mr. J for getting the channel back.

Laters,
Mikef5

Rainbow is who owns FSNBA, along with 2 other RSNs back east.

so basically we have FSNBAHD fulltime now. its just that they have such limited HD programming that its off air most of the time. luckily, with HD additions like college football saturday, maybe we'll start to see more HD sports production from the universe of FSN.

I've been reading the forum and it seems like ADS is available in my area (Rohnert Park). I have a 6412 DVR with my main TV and have recently started using a DVICO Fusion 5 USB tuner on a PC.

The DVICO QAM tuner looks great with the digital and HD channels but the analog channels are only so-so. I typically watch news channel like CNN and also things like Comedy Central. So, with ADS does this mean I should be getting these via the Digital scan on my DVICO (and presumably would look better?). I've looked through all the scanned channels and I don't see them showing up yet.

How can I tell I am actually ADS enabled, is there some way I can check on my 6412? Or do I have to exchange it for a 3412 or 3416, and will my local office be able to do that for me (walk-in)?

thanks

Rainbow is who owns FSNBA, along with 2 other RSNs back east.
Thanks Jim, I thought the name sounded familiar :)
So did you watch the Giants game last night on D* ??? They finally win a game and I don't get to watch it.. :(

Laters,
Mikef5

so basically we have FSNBAHD fulltime now. its just that they have such limited HD programming that its off air most of the time. luckily, with HD additions like college football saturday, maybe we'll start to see more HD sports production from the universe of FSN.
Yes, that is the plan and why I was so upset with the removal of the channel in my area ( and missing the Giants game too ). Like I said channel 720 could be used to show NFL-HD for the 550 MHz areas on that channel also when there is HD programing available, the question is WILL THEY.

Laters,
Mikef5

Channel 720 was never suppose to be taken off our area since it was still going to show FSN-HD when it had HD content to show and supposedly they were going to show NFL-HD and HDSE on it also.
Gotcha, it sounded like 720 was removed and wasn't replaced with anything but it looks like that was a mistake. So it really has nothing to do with TNT-HD being muxed with ESPN2HD, you guys just didn't really lose a channel so there is no extra bandwidth.

Gotcha, it sounded like 720 was removed and wasn't replaced with anything but it looks like that was a mistake. So it really has nothing to do with TNT-HD being muxed with ESPN2HD, you guys just didn't really lose a channel so there is no extra bandwidth.
Right, they can't mux TNT-HD to FSN-HD because from what I can garner from the last email I got that FSN-HD doesn't have the bandwidth since it's muxed with NFL-HD and HDSE. So since we are in a limited bandwidth area we don't lose a channel and we don't gain a channel either and here it comes again..... Upgrade the darn systems to the same levels and these problems will go away ( In my dreams they do :rolleyes: )

Laters,
Mikef5

Does anyone know the status of the State Franchise Bill that was approved by both State Houses and sent to the Governor for signing ???
Haven't heard much about it lately.

Laters,
Mikef5

So, with ADS does this mean I should be getting these via the Digital scan on my DVICO (and presumably would look better?). I've looked through all the scanned channels and I don't see them showing up yet.

Currently CNN is not encrypted and Comey Central is entrypted. I guess you can only record CNN.

How can I tell I am actually ADS enabled, is there some way I can check on my 6412? Or do I have to exchange it for a 3412 or 3416, and will my local office be able to do that for me (walk-in)?
To check if you alreay have ADS, see the decption in the first post (or check CNN if it looks digital). If you don't have, only sure way currently known to get it is this:

Goto local office and ask for addition digital only outlet 700 series (or 3412). If they give that, it means you have ADS. Hookit up to TV and call comcast to make sure that you get all the non-HD channels you currently should have. Done. return the box.

How can I tell I am actually ADS enabled, is there some way I can check on my 6412? Or do I have to exchange it for a 3412 or 3416, and will my local office be able to do that for me (walk-in)?

thanks

I am also in Rohnert Park. My 6412 went to ADS all by itself. There are two ways to see if it is enabled. First is to go to channel 2, or any other analog channel, and look at the info screen. Do you see a Dolby Digital symbol with a D next to it? If you do, you are ADS. The other way is to go into the diagnostics screen while on channel 2. Turn the box off and within seconds press OK/Select. Go down to d04 (Inband Status) and press OK/Select. Does it say 256QAM? If so you are ADS. If it says analog, you not on ADS.

If you are on ADS you probably need to do a rescan to find the digital side of the channels on your tuner.

NFL HD is on 725, but only when there is actual HD content. its just another FSNBAHD... active only when there's a game on. there are NO live NFL games on NFLHD until thanksgiving, i think. and i think they will replay an HD game of the week but I haven't seen it yet.

On, I believe, Tuesday morning (around 10AM), I saw the Eagles v NY Giants on NFL HD. The Guide listing was still Off-Air, however.

I went to my local office here in Novato and got ADS enabled without getting an all-digital box. All I did was talk to a nice lady there named Susan and she went to her computer, looked up my account, and set a code that enabled ADS. I went home and checked out my DCT-6200 and confirmed I am all digital now. So I am now all set for the CableCard install in my TiVo S3 next week.

I also asked Susan if there would be a charge for the 2 CableCards and she said no, the FCC prohibits Comcast from charging for the cards. We shall see.

Anyone out there with one of the older AT & T "grandfathered" plans.?? I have a question. I live in Livermore, so I am in an updated area. I currently have the AT&T grandfathered "gold" package. Yesterday I tune into Ch726 to see TNTHD, and all I get is "Not Authorized". So I call the local comcast CSR asking why I can't receive this new addition.....and after a couple 1o minutes of please hold responses, he comes back and tells me blah blah blah that since I have an old grandfathered account I will not receive any new channels they roll out. I asked him then why did I get CH702 2 yrs back when they went HD and why do I get ESPN2HD when that came out a few months back....and he comes back with I shouldn't be getting ESPN2. I was not able to receive UHD when they had it on a few weeks back. I told him it sounds like they pick and choose what channels I will get as new channels. He kept saying it's because of my older plan. He said I need to go with the current gold package, to receive all new channels, but doing so I will get a couple less premium channels.

Anyone out ther running into this same delima??

I am also in Rohnert Park. My 6412 went to ADS all by itself. There are two ways to see if it is enabled. First is to go to channel 2, or any other analog channel, and look at the info screen. Do you see a Dolby Digital symbol with a D next to it? If you do, you are ADS. The other way is to go into the diagnostics screen while on channel 2. Turn the box off and within seconds press OK/Select. Go down to d04 (Inband Status) and press OK/Select. Does it say 256QAM? If so you are ADS. If it says analog, you not on ADS.

If you are on ADS you probably need to do a rescan to find the digital side of the channels on your tuner.

OK, thanks for the replies, I'll check it out when I get home from work tonight.

With ADS enabled, would TiVo S3 be able to pick up both versions, or would it see the digital one only?

With ADS enabled, would TiVo S3 be able to pick up both versions, or would it see the digital one only?
I'll be able to tell you with certainty next week but I think someone else already found that you get the digital versions only.

With ADS enabled, would TiVo S3 be able to pick up both versions, or would it see the digital one only?With a cable card installed and ADS, it only sees the digital one. If the card is removed, it can see all the channels, analog and digital, but there's no mapping from the physcial to logical channels, and most of the digital channels are encrypted. The cable card does 2 things, provice the channel mappings and decypt.

Hiker and btwyx, thanks for the replies.

I checked TNT at about 5pm yesterday and Without A Trace looked like crap :(

I will have to check it during primetime to see the difference you are talking about.
alias looks great on TNT! maybe its worth having all the stretched crap for daytime tv, and having only HD stuff in primetime. 1080i + 5.1.. you can't go wrong with that :)

It looks like KQED HD has increased its bit rate by approximately 3 mb/s from about 12 mb/s to 15 mb/s since it started to be broadcast on the cable 24/7.

Well, I wasn't home today to see if the Giants game came in on FSN-HD on 720, but right now I am looking at 720. What is see is "To Be Announced" in the guide, and a really annoying computer generated page from Rainbow, Network Communications, Bethpage New York, Technical Operations Center. The audio is some bass heavy, heavy metal repetitive crap. Doesn't mention Comcast anywhere in this drivel.
No TNT, no INHD2, no nothing.
I will soon be joing MikeF and Keenan if this doesn't get better. The only reason I have stayed with Comcast is FSN-HD coverage of our local teams. If I lose that....
As I posted earlier, I also recevied an email from Mr. J about the Comcast commitment to Los Gatos, and the other 550 areas, but it doesn't seem to be panning out. It is obviously well beyond his control what Comcast is going to do, or more importantly, not do, in some of the bandwidth starved areas.
Mike

i'm in l.g. too. did you see davisdogs post a few ahead of yours. sounds like dish will have bay area fsn soon. like you, it's a must for me to switch

It looks like KQED HD has increased its bit rate by approximately 3 mb/s from about 12 mb/s to 15 mb/s since it started to be broadcast on the cable 24/7.

Thats nice to see. I din't know it was so low before. thanks for the info.

are other channels closer 15-17 mbps or lower?

Anyone out there with one of the older AT & T "grandfathered" plans.?? I have a question. I live in Livermore, so I am in an updated area. I currently have the AT&T grandfathered "gold" package. Yesterday I tune into Ch726 to see TNTHD, and all I get is "Not Authorized". So I call the local comcast CSR asking why I can't receive this new addition.....and after a couple 1o minutes of please hold responses, he comes back and tells me blah blah blah that since I have an old grandfathered account I will not receive any new channels they roll out. I asked him then why did I get CH702 2 yrs back when they went HD and why do I get ESPN2HD when that came out a few months back....and he comes back with I shouldn't be getting ESPN2. I was not able to receive UHD when they had it on a few weeks back. I told him it sounds like they pick and choose what channels I will get as new channels. He kept saying it's because of my older plan. He said I need to go with the current gold package, to receive all new channels, but doing so I will get a couple less premium channels.

Anyone out ther running into this same delima??

I have the AT&T silver package (HBO and STARZ, which wasn't considered premium at the time). As with you, I got "Not Authorized" for UHD in late Aug and early Sept and am getting the same now for TNT-HD. But I did get UHD in February for the Winter Olympics and am getting ESPN2-HD.

Haven't called Comcast yet about it. When I did call for UHD in August (as I posted on this group), they said UHD wasn't even on my system. A mole in Comcast called me and said that internally UHD was called NBCU and that may have been why they didn't see it on my system.

Was probably going to call Comcast about it tonight but I don't care much for most of TNT programming. UHD is interesting to me, however, if it returns.

- Phil Klein

I have the AT&T silver package (HBO and STARZ, which wasn't considered premium at the time). As with you, I got "Not Authorized" for UHD in late Aug and early Sept and am getting the same now for TNT-HD. But I did get UHD in February for the Winter Olympics and am getting ESPN2-HD.

Haven't called Comcast yet about it. When I did call for UHD in August (as I posted on this group), they said UHD wasn't even on my system. A mole in Comcast called me and said that internally UHD was called NBCU and that may have been why they didn't see it on my system.

Was probably going to call Comcast about it tonight but I don't care much for most of TNT programming. UHD is interesting to me, however, if it returns.

- Phil Klein

You and I are the same headend so you should definitely be getting TNT-HD. Whatever you do, DO NOT give up your grandfathered package. That's a sweet deal and you shouldn't have to give it up for a channel that you should be getting anyway.

I have a DCT6200 and I do not see the Dolby Digital with D on the info screen on any of my anaolog channels. I could not figure out how to get into a diagnoctic menu with this box, so I could not check this way.

I called comcast customer service and I am in Clayton/Concord, CA (925) area and was transferred to a tech. He confirmed I was in an ADS area and that nothing was needed to have it enabled or turned on and that I was getting ADS.

I mentioned to him about this D symbol, etc and he said that was not an indicator.

Can anyone help me confirm my situation? I have two 6200's and a 5100 in my house. I would love to have an improved SD picture if that is what ADS will provide.

I believe that I am in an ADS area, what I don't feel confident in knowing is am I getting this "feature/sevice"....

Thanks,

Mike

Just an update - I do get the dolby digital and d logo on all my HDTV channels....

I just noticed that KQED, Ch 709, is now on the air before 8pm. Has this just started, or have I just not been observant?

I just noticed that KQED, Ch 709, is now on the air before 8pm. Has this just started, or have I just not been observant?
It just started, KQED sent out an email alert about it recently. Search back a few pages as I believe it was mentioned in the message I posted about the increased bandwidth.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8425200&highlight=kqed#post8425200
San Francisco, CA - Comcast - AVS Forum

Sorry if I'm late to the party here but...

720 is now off-air. No guide info ("to be announced") and no signal, at all.

726 is back as TNT-HD. Currently showing up-converted Kill Bill Vol.1. :( Is this what we can expect from TNT-HD or do they, will they, have real HD content?

Also weren't we supposed to get MTV-HD? No sign of that here yet.

I am also in Rohnert Park. My 6412 went to ADS all by itself. There are two ways to see if it is enabled. First is to go to channel 2, or any other analog channel, and look at the info screen. Do you see a Dolby Digital symbol with a D next to it? If you do, you are ADS. The other way is to go into the diagnostics screen while on channel 2. Turn the box off and within seconds press OK/Select. Go down to d04 (Inband Status) and press OK/Select. Does it say 256QAM? If so you are ADS. If it says analog, you not on ADS.

If you are on ADS you probably need to do a rescan to find the digital side of the channels on your tuner.

I just checked -- yes on both indications, so I am ADS and it does appear to happen automatically as you said. So, I will have to play around with the usb tuner more to see what I can pick up.

thanks

I just checked -- yes on both indications, so I am ADS and it does appear to happen automatically as you said. So, I will have to play around with the usb tuner more to see what I can pick up.

thanks

Just did a little more checking, I noticed in the diagnostic screen, there is also an option for Current Channel Status - this also shows if it is Digital or not. I notice channels like CNN and Comedy Central I cannot find on the usb tuner are both marked as ENC, the channels I do get on the PC are marked UNK. So it appears the usb tuners is working as expected but it is a bummer that more channels are encrypted than I thought would be.

Does this match other experiences people are having with QAM tuners?

Just did a little more checking, I noticed in the diagnostic screen, there is also an option for Current Channel Status - this also shows if it is Digital or not. I notice channels like CNN and Comedy Central I cannot find on the usb tuner are both marked as ENC, the channels I do get on the PC are marked UNK. So it appears the usb tuners is working as expected but it is a bummer that more channels are encrypted than I thought would be.

Does this match other experiences people are having with QAM tuners?

It looks like the 'D' in the menu isn't the best indication. When you go to the tuner status, you should under both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2 either 'Analog' or 'QAM256'. So tune both tuners to Channel 2 and check the status in the diags menu. If both tuners say QAM256 then you are getting the digital signal.

I'm in LG and I get no 720 now and 726 has not been added. That's Comcastic! :mad:

Anyone got the number for Dish?

Thats nice to see. I din't know it was so low before. thanks for the info.

are other channels closer 15-17 mbps or lower?
The following are my approximate recorded average bit rates for different HD channels.
Fox 15.8
NBC 17.9
MNTV 15.2
CBS 18.5
ABC 14.2
PBS 15.0
INHD 14.5
Discovery 18.2
ESPN 19.3
ESPN2 18.8
HBO, STARZ, SHOW, CINAMAX (9.5 to 14.0 average about 11.0)

Mntv = ?

Mntv = ?

my network TV = new KRON = terribly acted spanish-adopted soap operas with hot babes

It looks like the 'D' in the menu isn't the best indication. When you go to the tuner status, you should under both Tuner 1 and Tuner 2 either 'Analog' or 'QAM256'. So tune both tuners to Channel 2 and check the status in the diags menu. If both tuners say QAM256 then you are getting the digital signal.

Yes, both tuners have QAM256 for channel 2, so I am pretty sure I have ADS. I was just surprised that channels such as 56-60 (the news channels) and Comedy Central, MTV, etc. are actually encrypted, at least for me anyway. So that's why my QAM tuner on the PC was not picking them up. I am getting other digital channels on this tuner including the major networks, channel 26, the shopping networks, etc. and they must all be un-encrypted.

Yes, both tuners have QAM256 for channel 2, so I am pretty sure I have ADS. I was just surprised that channels such as 56-60 (the news channels) and Comedy Central, MTV, etc. are actually encrypted, at least for me anyway. So that's why my QAM tuner on the PC was not picking them up. I am getting other digital channels on this tuner including the major networks, channel 26, the shopping networks, etc. and they must all be un-encrypted.

That is odd. I'm not sure if anyone has reported that they're "analog" channels are encrypted with ADS.

If I was going to get the DVR service is there any reason to get a 3412 vs a 6412 DVR?

I just got 6200's boxes with new plasma purchases. Comcast says I am in a ADS area (although I still don't know how to confirm this with a 6200 series box if possible).

It seems like the 3412 is the wiser choice as it is all digital. I have heard reports of it running less hot?

I also have a concern that a post was made that the 6412 switched outlet is not really switched. I hope that this may be different on the 3412? Can anyone confirm or deny this.

I have my current 6200 in a media cabinet and have a AC fan plugged into it switched so it only comes on when the STB comes on.

Lastly in the hardware forum of the 6412 boxes, there is mention of a "mute" bug/feature. Does this still exist and is it on the 3412 as well.

Looking for some good advice and direction on making the jump to the dvr service.

Thanks,

Mike

If I was going to get the DVR service is there any reason to get a 3412 vs a 6412 DVR?

I just got 6200's boxes with new plasma purchases. Comcast says I am in a ADS area (although I still don't know how to confirm this with a 6200 series box if possible).

It seems like the 3412 is the wiser choice as it is all digital. I have heard reports of it running less hot?

I also have a concern that a post was made that the 6412 switched outlet is not really switched. I hope that this may be different on the 3412? Can anyone confirm or deny this.

I have my current 6200 in a media cabinet and have a AC fan plugged into it switched so it only comes on when the STB comes on.

Lastly in the hardware forum of the 6412 boxes, there is mention of a "mute" bug/feature. Does this still exist and is it on the 3412 as well.

Looking for some good advice and direction on making the jump to the dvr service.

Thanks,

Mike
Normally you do not have a choice since they usually ship the 6412s to non ADS areas. Personally I think the 6412 is a little better than the 3412 (analog is slightly better). Also, the 3412 seems to cause my HD channels to judder about once a month and I have to switch the output to 720p and then back to 1080i to get rid of the problem.

whoa, my 6412 suddenly has re-mapped all analog channels to digital too. i wouldn't notice just on PQ (still looks pretty bad) but the dolby sign is on and status says 256QAM. no need to find a 3412 anymore!!

The following are my approximate recorded average bit rates for different HD channels.
Fox 15.8
NBC 17.9
MNTV 15.2
CBS 18.5
ABC 14.2
PBS 15.0
INHD 14.5
Discovery 18.2
ESPN 19.3
ESPN2 18.8
HBO, STARZ, SHOW, CINAMAX (9.5 to 14.0 average about 11.0)

thanks for this, have you tested TNT HD yet?

also why does ESPN 1 and 2 as 720p channels get a lion's share of bandwidth? i wish they could put more of it in premium channels like HBO because they are always so terribly bit-starved.

thanks for this, have you tested TNT HD yet?

also why does ESPN 1 and 2 as 720p channels get a lion's share of bandwidth? i wish they could put more of it in premium channels like HBO because they are always so terribly bit-starved.
Not yet.

I think ESPN and ESPN2 distribute the signal to SAT/cable providers at a high rate and the local Comcast just puts them on the system unaltered. The movie channels distribute the signal to SAT/cable providers at a lower rate ( plus they are STAT-MUXED with other channels) so that is why they are quite variable. FOX uses the HD Splicer system which is currently 16 mb/s max (was lower about 2 months ago). CBS, NBC, and ABC distribute the signals to affliates at about 35 mb/s but each station muxes that with other channels (except CBS) to produce 19.3 mb/s total. PBS is still muxing 1 HD channel with 4 SD channels during OTA with max 19.3 mb/s (some are not transmitting 24/7) but now have a different feed to Comcast allowing 24/7 and higher bit rates.

So in most cases, the bit rate is usually determined by the feed to Comcast.

Normally you do not have a choice since they usually ship the 6412s to non ADS areas. Personally I think the 6412 is a little better than the 3412 (analog is slightly better). Also, the 3412 seems to cause my HD channels to judder about once a month and I have to switch the output to 720p and then back to 1080i to get rid of the problem.

Thanks for the help!

Hmmm...I wonder if I am actually in a ADS area then...becuase when I asked what box I would get I was told it was a 6412.

Can anyone comment on the outlet - switched issue? The 6200 I have get's smoking hot and I can't have it in this tv stand without the fan. I really like/want/need the feature of being able to have it come on and off with the STB/DVR.

Everytime I get close to think about doing the DVR...I find something that makes me think I should just stick with what I got. I would like to record hockey games this year though....

Thanks again,

Mike

One thing to note about the 3412 is that it's significantly quieter then the 6412 Phase II. I never had a Phase III so I can't compare to that.

Thanks for the help!

Hmmm...I wonder if I am actually in a ADS area then...becuase when I asked what box I would get I was told it was a 6412.

Can anyone comment on the outlet - switched issue? The 6200 I have get's smoking hot and I can't have it in this tv stand without the fan. I really like/want/need the feature of being able to have it come on and off with the STB/DVR.

Everytime I get close to think about doing the DVR...I find something that makes me think I should just stick with what I got. I would like to record hockey games this year though....

Thanks again,

Mike
It shouldn't be that big of a decision. Just go to the local Comcast office and pick one up. If you don't like it, return it after a week and get back the 6200. It'll only cost you a couple dollars to try.

how can TNT not show KILL BILL 1 and 2 in HD but rumble in the bronx is??

whoa, my 6412 suddenly has re-mapped all analog channels to digital too. i wouldn't notice just on PQ (still looks pretty bad) but the dolby sign is on and status says 256QAM. no need to find a 3412 anymore!!

You are seeing the gradual push to move all DCTs to ADS where ADS is at. Advanced boxes like DVRs and 6200/5100 first to roll.

Anyone out there with one of the older AT & T "grandfathered" plans.?? I have a question. I live in Livermore, so I am in an updated area. I currently have the AT&T grandfathered "gold" package. Yesterday I tune into Ch726 to see TNTHD, and all I get is "Not Authorized". So I call the local comcast CSR asking why I can't receive this new addition.....and after a couple 1o minutes of please hold responses, he comes back and tells me blah blah blah that since I have an old grandfathered account I will not receive any new channels they roll out. I asked him then why did I get CH702 2 yrs back when they went HD and why do I get ESPN2HD when that came out a few months back....and he comes back with I shouldn't be getting ESPN2. I was not able to receive UHD when they had it on a few weeks back. I told him it sounds like they pick and choose what channels I will get as new channels. He kept saying it's because of my older plan. He said I need to go with the current gold package, to receive all new channels, but doing so I will get a couple less premium channels.

Anyone out ther running into this same delima??

Ditto...same thing (San Carlos) when I checked TNTHD "Not Authorized". I have an AT&T Bronze package. Seems being long time loyal customer is a negative.

I think this is ILLEGAL, because I pay to get TNT SD. Anybody know what argument to use with these bung holes???

I got so pissed I told them to switch me right then and there to limited basic+digital classic+HD, to which she said:

1) I would get channels 702-709 and thats it.
2) I would pay $6.95/mo for second and up of cable cards.

Anyone got a way around this tightening of the vise by Comcast?

I'm in LG and I get no 720 now and 726 has not been added. That's Comcastic! :mad:

Anyone got the number for Dish?
John,
Are you still not getting 720 ???? The problem is suppose to be fixed for our loop, if not let me know. As far as TNT-HD being added to our area, ain't going to happen any time soon. We don't have the bandwidth to add another channel until Comcast UPGRADES OUR AREA !!!!

Laters,
Mikef5

Ditto...same thing (San Carlos) when I checked TNTHD "Not Authorized". I have an AT&T Bronze package. Seems being long time loyal customer is a negative.

I think this is ILLEGAL, because I pay to get TNT SD. Anybody know what argument to use with these bung holes???

I got so pissed I told them to switch me right then and there to limited basic+digital classic+HD, to which she said:

1) I would get channels 702-709 and thats it.
2) I would pay $6.95/mo for second and up of cable cards.

Anyone got a way around this tightening of the vise by Comcast?

Unfortunately I don't think it's "illegal". I haven't looked at the Terms of Use but I'll bet there's something in there about how they can raise your price at any time. Unfortunately if you arleady switched to the "Comcast level" of pricing, you probably can't go back. If you're still on the grandfathered package, I would keep escalating the issue until youre blue in the face. My guess is they'll try to switch you over to a current package and give it to you at a discount price for a set number of months. Of course once that's up, you're now paying full price.

Here's an update on 720 in the Los Gatos 550Mhz ghetto. This morning on 720 at 9:30am I am getting Golden Gloves Classics, showing highlights from past Golden Gloves fights at Madison Square Garden. They are in SD, even the modern announcers in studio, with side panels like ESPN does, that say MSG HD. The Guide says To Be Announced.
What a great use of bandwidth....

Here's an update on 720 in the Los Gatos 550Mhz ghetto. This morning on 720 at 9:30am I am getting Golden Gloves Classics, showing highlights from past Golden Gloves fights at Madison Square Garden. They are in SD, even the modern announcers in studio, with side panels like ESPN does, that say MSG HD. The Guide says To Be Announced.
What a great use of bandwidth....
I see the same thing, but at least it's not just dead air like it's been. If they're going to have the channel then it should be used and since it's suppose to be a HD channel it should show HD programing. That being said, it may be that the programing being shown now is broadcasted that way. I don't know that much about how MSG-HD transmits it's programing. My bitch its that the guide just shows to be announced. The only way I knew that something was showing is because I saw this posting. So what about those people that don't have access to this forum and just rely on the Comcast Guide ??? SOL ??? I hope this is temporary and the guide will be updated soon to show events coming on down the line, like Giants and A's games.

Laters,
Mikef5

I see the same thing, but at least it's not just dead air like it's been. If they're going to have the channel then it should be used and since it's suppose to be a HD channel it should show HD programing. That being said, it may be that the programing being shown now is broadcasted that way. I don't know that much about how MSG-HD transmits it's programing. My bitch its that the guide just shows to be announced. The only way I knew that something was showing is because I saw this posting. So what about those people that don't have access to this forum and just rely on the Comcast Guide ??? SOL ??? I hope this is temporary and the guide will be updated soon to show events coming on down the line, like Giants and A's games.

Laters,
Mikef5

At least you guys get something on Ch. 720. In my part of Sunnyvale I don't even get that.

At least you guys get something on Ch. 720. In my part of Sunnyvale I don't even get that.
You don't get channel 720 ??? Did you ever get 720 or are you in an area like Santa Rosa that never had 720 ?? If so, I understand your frustration. This is why I harp all the time about upgrading ALL the areas to the same level. I know it costs Comcast money to do the upgrades and I know that some areas are not as profitable as others but with all that being said Comcast risks alienating alot of people and fostering a lot of discontent and bad feelings. Your only options are to wait until Comcast upgrades your area or leave and go to Dish or D*.

Laters,
Mikef5

Ditto...same thing (San Carlos) when I checked TNTHD "Not Authorized". I have an AT&T Bronze package. Seems being long time loyal customer is a negative.

I think this is ILLEGAL, because I pay to get TNT SD. Anybody know what argument to use with these bung holes???

I got so pissed I told them to switch me right then and there to limited basic+digital classic+HD, to which she said:

1) I would get channels 702-709 and thats it.
2) I would pay $6.95/mo for second and up of cable cards.

Anyone got a way around this tightening of the vise by Comcast?

Ditto here too. I have the Silver Package and called them yesterday and got the same answers you did. Another reason to leave Comcast. Can't wait for the Att Uverse system.

Here's an update on 720 in the Los Gatos 550Mhz ghetto. This morning on 720 at 9:30am I am getting Golden Gloves Classics, showing highlights from past Golden Gloves fights at Madison Square Garden. They are in SD, even the modern announcers in studio, with side panels like ESPN does, that say MSG HD. The Guide says To Be Announced.
What a great use of bandwidth....
I'm getting a screen with Rainbow Commincations logo, nothing else. Oh, and some really crappy music.

I don't see why those of us in the LG ghetto (I like that, Mike) can't get TNT-HD on 720 at least. This really sucks.

You don't get channel 720 ??? Did you ever get 720 or are you in an area like Santa Rosa that never had 720 ?? If so, I understand your frustration. This is why I harp all the time about upgrading ALL the areas to the same level. I know it costs Comcast money to do the upgrades and I know that some areas are not as profitable as others but with all that being said Comcast risks alienating alot of people and fostering a lot of discontent and bad feelings. Your only options are to wait until Comcast upgrades your area or leave and go to Dish or D*.

Laters,
Mikef5


In my part of Sunnyvale (El Camino/Lawarence/Wolfe), the ONLY HD channels that we got and currently still get are:

702 - FOX
703 - NBC
705 - CBS
707 - ABC
709 - PBS
722 - DiscHD
723 - ESPNHD
730 - HBOHD

We do not have 720, 726, or VOD and have never received mailers or a message stating that we will ever get it.

I might call in to complain to see if they can offer some type of reduced rate or something to ease my HD pain with Comcast.

So does this mean now that only Sunnyvale and Santa Rosa are on the bottom of the totem pole?

Saramilgatos areas should be relieved that they are not on the bottom anymore! :) I'm jealous that you guys are even discussing about 720! :(

-Steve

In my part of Sunnyvale (El Camino/Lawarence/Wolfe), the ONLY HD channels that we got and currently still get are:

702 - FOX
703 - NBC
705 - CBS
707 - ABC
709 - PBS
722 - DiscHD
723 - ESPNHD
730 - HBOHD


You're actually worse than Santa Rosa as we get Cinemax-HD and Starz-HD in addition to what you have posted. My condolences.

You're actually worse than Santa Rosa as we get Cinemax-HD and Starz-HD in addition to what you have posted. My condolences.

keenan, previously I said that Sunnyvale was underneath the barrel alongside Santa Rosa. I didn't have the knowledge back then that you get those additional HD channels. Can Sunnyvale go down any further?

You don't get channel 720 ??? Did you ever get 720 or are you in an area like Santa Rosa that never had 720 ?? If so, I understand your frustration. This is why I harp all the time about upgrading ALL the areas to the same level. I know it costs Comcast money to do the upgrades and I know that some areas are not as profitable as others but with all that being said Comcast risks alienating alot of people and fostering a lot of discontent and bad feelings. Your only options are to wait until Comcast upgrades your area or leave and go to Dish or D*.

Laters,
Mikef5

I have had HD for about four months now and never have I received Ch. 720. I can't have a dish because my apartment complex doesn't allow it. I am at the mercy of
Comcast. Ch 720 is also not listed under the yahoo TV listing for my area.

Although when the tech was installing my cable card he said that ONDemand was coming at the beginning of 2007. He told me this in mid to late May. I don't believe him, although he actually knew what he was doing unlike the moron Comcast had sent out earlier.

In my part of Sunnyvale (El Camino/Lawarence/Wolfe), the ONLY HD channels that we got and currently still get are:

702 - FOX
703 - NBC
705 - CBS
707 - ABC
709 - PBS
722 - DiscHD
723 - ESPNHD
730 - HBOHD

We do not have 720, 726, or VOD and have never received mailers or a message stating that we will ever get it.

I might call in to complain to see if they can offer some type of reduced rate or something to ease my HD pain with Comcast.

So does this mean now that only Sunnyvale and Santa Rosa are on the bottom of the totem pole?

Saramilgatos areas should be relieved that they are not on the bottom anymore! :) I'm jealous that you guys are even discussing about 720! :(

-Steve

This is what I also have.

If you get Digital Classic you should get all the available HD channels, except the premiums of course (HBO, SHO, MAX, etc). Once again the CSR knows less than some guys on a forum.

I've had the Platinum package with Comcast before HD.

For me to get TNTHD, even though it shows up on my menu, I have to switch to a new Platinum package that costs $1 more.

So, if you have been a Comcast customer for awhile, TNTHD will cost you more money. (yes, it's 'only' a dollar, but they get enough dollars from me.'

keenan, previously I said that Sunnyvale was underneath the barrel alongside Santa Rosa. I didn't have the knowledge back then that you get those additional HD channels. Can Sunnyvale go down any further?
Underground, in the septic tank..?? :eek: :D

You're actually worse than Santa Rosa as we get Cinemax-HD and Starz-HD in addition to what you have posted. My condolences.
So Jim, you are getting channels that are not available in SaraMilgatos area. We don't have Cinemax-HD or Starz-HD we only have HBO-HD and that is it for premimum movie channels in HD. So, does that make us equal/lower than Santa Rosa ??? :D :p ;)
Yes, I'm being facetious, we're all equally not cost effective enough to upgrade in the eyes of Comcast and yes, I'll continue to drive this rusty nail in for as long as it takes to get Comcast to do what's right for the customer and not for it's bottom line.
Just to be clear, I'm talking about Comcast the company not the people of Comcast. There are people in Comcast that do care and do try and get things fixed, my problem is with the company's policy in it's treatment of the 550 MHz areas.

Laters,
Mikef5

Speaking of fixing problems. I just noticed that the guide for channel 720 in now showing "off air" and is showing programing being scheduled later in the week, like the Giants and A's games and even a Sharks game in Oct.
Now I can set my reminders so I can watch the Giant's lose and the A's win in HD :)
Glad this got fixed so quickly.

Laters,
Mikef5

John,
Are you still not getting 720 ???? The problem is suppose to be fixed for our loop, if not let me know. As far as TNT-HD being added to our area, ain't going to happen any time soon. We don't have the bandwidth to add another channel until Comcast UPGRADES OUR AREA !!!!

Laters,
Mikef5
Pls see my post 12557. Are you actually getting any programming now? I'm not.

Pls see my post 12557. Are you actually getting any programming now? I'm not.
No, right now it's showing the Rainbow Broadcast Network feed, no program is on. Are you now getting 720 and do you see it in your guide ?? You should see a college football game scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 to 4, it's the Arizona State vs Cal game.

Laters,
Mikef5

So Jim, you are getting channels that are not available in SaraMilgatos area. We don't have Cinemax-HD or Starz-HD we only have HBO-HD and that is it for premimum movie channels in HD. So, does that make us equal/lower than Santa Rosa ??? :D :p ;)
Yes, I'm being facetious, we're all equally not cost effective enough to upgrade in the eyes of Comcast and yes, I'll continue to drive this rusty nail in for as long as it takes to get Comcast to do what's right for the customer and not for it's bottom line.
Just to be clear, I'm talking about Comcast the company not the people of Comcast. There are people in Comcast that do care and do try and get things fixed, my problem is with the company's policy in it's treatment of the 550 MHz areas.

Laters,
Mikef5


Should I list the all of the HD Channels I get in Saratoga now after my upgrade ;)

I think its 26 or So....

oops forgot, my TV isnt being feed by comcast anymore...my 6412 is sitting on the floor waiting to be sent back

Should I list the all of the HD Channels I get in Saratoga now after my upgrade ;)

I think its 26 or So....

oops forgot, my TV isnt being feed by comcast anymore...my 6412 is sitting on the floor waiting to be sent back
Steve, you're killing me :p :D

Thanks for all the info about your setup and install and let me know how stable the signal is on sat 129 for this area. I wish they weren't going to put the local RSN-HD on that sat but at least it looks like they are going to be made available soon.

Laters,
Mikef5

Should I list the all of the HD Channels I get in Saratoga now after my upgrade ;)

I think its 26 or So....

oops forgot, my TV isnt being feed by comcast anymore...my 6412 is sitting on the floor waiting to be sent back
Should be more than 26, should be about 34--30 national/4 locals/1 HD-PPV/1 NBA-HD/, plus a special events channel. So about 34 total full time channels for $104.99 per month.

Mike, I don't feel so bad now, in fact since Santa Rosa isn't really the bottom of the barrel I think I'll spend some more money with Comcast--NOT!! :D

I've had the Platinum package with Comcast before HD.

For me to get TNTHD, even though it shows up on my menu, I have to switch to a new Platinum package that costs $1 more.

So, if you have been a Comcast customer for awhile, TNTHD will cost you more money. (yes, it's 'only' a dollar, but they get enough dollars from me.'
Actually for me it is $2.30 more. I think what Comcast has done is made a slight changes to all packages to get around PUC allowable rate hikes. I think they dropped a few channels that no one watched with the new Platium package but it still cost a couple dollars more. They can then advertise that the new package will get all the HD channels where as the old Platium package does not get any of the new HD channels.

I wouldn't mind paying a few dollars more if they added several good HD channels but not for TNT-HD.

Direct TV's installer won't install their big AT9 dish on the wall of my townhome.

So I have to look at my options for HD DVR. Priced a comparable package at Dish and for the Silver, local, two DVR and HBO, it's like $25 more a month plus $250 up front.

Comcast DVR doesn't seem that appealing either from the problems I'm hearing about. Plus they also seem likely to cost more per month for two DVRs.

I'm thinking of getting the HR20 anyways and just use the LA stations for ABC, NBC and CBS HD. But apparently there's no option for Fox, unless things have changed with Cox and KTVU approving distant networks.

Plus the Fox Sports Bay Area HD telecasts of Giants/Warriors/Sharks games probably require the AT9 dish, not the triple LNB? It's like channel 70-something? Anyone know?

Direct TV's installer won't install their big AT9 dish on the wall of my townhome.

So I have to look at my options for HD DVR. Priced a comparable package at Dish and for the Silver, local, two DVR and HBO, it's like $25 more a month plus $250 up front.

Comcast DVR doesn't seem that appealing either from the problems I'm hearing about. Plus they also seem likely to cost more per month for two DVRs.

I'm thinking of getting the HR20 anyways and just use the LA stations for ABC, NBC and CBS HD. But apparently there's no option for Fox, unless things have changed with Cox and KTVU approving distant networks.

Plus the Fox Sports Bay Area HD telecasts of Giants/Warriors/Sharks games probably require the AT9 dish, not the triple LNB? It's like channel 70-something? Anyone know?
Yes, you'll need the AT9 for ch 96 which is where FSNBA-HD is. I would find another installer.

Well the thing is, I can only get whomever D* sends out, unless I find a local installer and pay him on my own.

The guy was Vietnamese and I think he was trying to say that for liability reasons, because a 35-40 pound dish could rip out of the wall and fall on someone, he wouldn't do it. I guess the company has to stand behind the installation.

It was a real PITA getting him out here too. They rescheduled twice and then showed up late when I figured they were a no-show.

He showed me the box and it obviously has more surface area but it seemed to have the same kind of single-mast wall mount that I currently have.

The guys they hire for the Bay Area seem to come from way out of the area, like way up north of Santa Rosa or south of Morgan Hill. Ironwood Communications is in Mountain Standard time and they contact local people here. But his van did have Direct TV logos.

Maybe I can play installer roulette.

Mike, I don't feel so bad now, in fact since Santa Rosa isn't really the bottom of the barrel I think I'll spend some more money with Comcast--NOT!! :D
You know what's really sad is, with them not upgrading the 550 MHz areas because in their words " not cost effective enough to upgrade you " they are driving away all the digital people in this area which will leave only analog customers in this area so they'll never upgrade this area because only analog people will be left because all the digital people have left..... sort of a catch 22 situation. I'm going to drop Comcast to the bare minimum just to back up my Dish programing. So another digital person leaves this analog loving area with his money in tow, good for Comcast's bottom line... NOT.

Laters,
Mikef5

Well, it is now nearly 9:30pm in the evening, and now I am getting something called "The DNC HD" on 720. The Democrats great hope, Senator Barack Obama, is giving an empassioned speech on something (I have chosen to mute the audio!). The guide says Off Air. How wonderful... Is DNC short for Democratic National Committee or something else? Is there something called "The RNC HD"?

Not to miss that the long, and truly, suffering Keenan has been holding out on us in the other 550 ghettos! He gets CinemaxHD and StarzHD. We don't get those here in SarMilGatos. We do get INHD, and this other crap that has replaced INHD2, however. Maybe Santa Rosa isn't quite the bottom of the barrel....

Mike

Here's an update on 720 in the Los Gatos 550Mhz ghetto. This morning on 720 at 9:30am I am getting Golden Gloves Classics, showing highlights from past Golden Gloves fights at Madison Square Garden. They are in SD, even the modern announcers in studio, with side panels like ESPN does, that say MSG HD. The Guide says To Be Announced.
What a great use of bandwidth....

Well, it is now nearly 9:30pm in the evening, and now I am getting something called "The DNC HD" on 720. The Democrats great hope, Senator Barack Obama, is giving an empassioned speech on something (I have chosen to mute the audio!). The guide says Off Air. How wonderful... Is DNC short for Democratic National Committee or something else? Is there something called "The RNC HD"?

Not to miss that the long, and truly, suffering Keenan has been holding out on us in the other 550 ghettos! He gets CinemaxHD and StarzHD. We don't get those here in SarMilGatos. We do get INHD, and this other crap that has replaced INHD2, however. Maybe Santa Rosa isn't quite the bottom of the barrel....

Mike

its so annoying, it keeps looping!!

Well, it is now nearly 9:30pm in the evening, and now I am getting something called "The DNC HD" on 720. The Democrats great hope, Senator Barack Obama, is giving an empassioned speech on something (I have chosen to mute the audio!).
You should really turn on the audio. I think he said if you vote for Obama and the Democrats they will regulate Comcast and force them to upgrade the ghettos saving the young people from the violence and despair of switching to Dish.

No, right now it's showing the Rainbow Broadcast Network feed, no program is on. Are you now getting 720 and do you see it in your guide ?? You should see a college football game scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 to 4, it's the Arizona State vs Cal game.

Laters,
Mikef5

unfortunately, i think the guide is wrong. the HD game of the week on FSN seems to be louisville and kansas state at 9am. i wanted to see my bears in HD :(

http://fsnbayarea.com/Sched_CollegeHD.jsp

but at least the guide says "FSNHD" now for 720. i hope they get more content soon!!

unfortunately, i think the guide is wrong. the HD game of the week on FSN seems to be louisville and kansas state at 9am. i wanted to see my bears in HD :(

http://fsnbayarea.com/Sched_CollegeHD.jsp

but at least the guide says "FSNHD" now for 720. i hope they get more content soon!!
The Guide wrong ??? Never, that's never happened before. Obviously FSN must be wrong ...... I can't believe I'm saying this with a straight face :p :D ;)
I'd rather watch the Cal game also but then again...... ( insert upgrade rant here )

Laters,
Mikef5

hi... if this has been asked before, please just point me in the right direction (a search didn't show anything)

tonight i installed a Miglia TVMini HD on my mac and did a scan (i live in san jose near 85/17 on the los gatos/campbell/san jose border)

after a full scan i found a bunch of music channels, ESPN-HD, KNTV-HD, KTVU-HD and KPIX-HD, plus some thing i don't think i should be getting... but I can't find KGO-HD or KQED-HD

in the other room where the cable comes in and is connected to the comcast/motorola box, i get all these channels (but not those things i don't think i should be getting)

any ideas on how to get these OTA channels, which i understand to be clear QAM?

many thanks!
robin

hi... if this has been asked before, please just point me in the right direction (a search didn't show anything)

tonight i installed a Miglia TVMini HD on my mac and did a scan (i live in san jose near 85/17 on the los gatos/campbell/san jose border)

after a full scan i found a bunch of music channels, ESPN-HD, KNTV-HD, KTVU-HD and KPIX-HD, plus some thing i don't think i should be getting... but I can't find KGO-HD or KQED-HD

in the other room where the cable comes in and is connected to the comcast/motorola box, i get all these channels (but not those things i don't think i should be getting)

any ideas on how to get these OTA channels, which i understand to be clear QAM?

many thanks!
robin

Robin,
Here's a link to the Mac HTPC forum they can probably help you alot more than we could here.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=115

I have a LG-4200a stb that I use and on that KGO-HD is at 99.1 and KQED-HD is at 99.2, don't know if that will help but it's worth a try.

Laters,
Mikef5

Direct TV's installer won't install their big AT9 dish on the wall of my townhome.

So I have to look at my options for HD DVR. Priced a comparable package at Dish and for the Silver, local, two DVR and HBO, it's like $25 more a month plus $250 up front.

Comcast DVR doesn't seem that appealing either from the problems I'm hearing about. Plus they also seem likely to cost more per month for two DVRs.

I'm thinking of getting the HR20 anyways and just use the LA stations for ABC, NBC and CBS HD. But apparently there's no option for Fox, unless things have changed with Cox and KTVU approving distant networks.

Plus the Fox Sports Bay Area HD telecasts of Giants/Warriors/Sharks games probably require the AT9 dish, not the triple LNB? It's like channel 70-something? Anyone know?

wco81,
I'm out of town so I dont have my bill to confirm...But if I remember right I'm paying ~$68mth + Tax to Dish for something roughly equivalent of Comcasts Digital Silver (incl Showtime/HD), HD (26+channels), Locals, 1 HDDVR (feeds 1 HD + 1 SD TV).

That includes Dishs $20/mth discount for 10 Months and $4/mth SBC/ATT discount since I ordered through them and have their phone service (so a bundle discount for getting dish through them)...VIP622 cost and install was about 250 buck as you found (the VIP622 is much better than Comcast DVR...300Gb HD (+ Expansion soon) etc...).

Anyway, I didnt really compare closely to comcasts cost but since you mentioned you thought it was $25 more I wanted to share what I'm seeing...

ps...Also switched from Comcasts $46/mth HSI to $18/month SBC DSL (3Mb/512k) at the same time.

Since I'm up in Tahoe...maybe I should rent out my house to MikeF5 so he can watch some HD :eek:

-Steve

why does SD on an HD channel look better than an SD channel on the ADS lineup?? that doesn't make any sense to me. i compared the giants game last night to both 702 and 2 (remapped to the digital SD channel) and 702 was clearly sharper. What's the deal? i thought they were both digital using the same resolution?

You don't get channel 720 ??? Did you ever get 720 or are you in an area like Santa Rosa that never had 720 ?? If so, I understand your frustration. This is why I harp all the time about upgrading ALL the areas to the same level. I know it costs Comcast money to do the upgrades and I know that some areas are not as profitable as others but with all that being said Comcast risks alienating alot of people and fostering a lot of discontent and bad feelings. Your only options are to wait until Comcast upgrades your area or leave and go to Dish or D*.

Laters,
Mikef5

The only reason comcast has my business is becoz i have no option but to stick to cable (given the restrictions imposed by my apartment community for installing dishes). Waiting for the day I can move out and say adios to comcast :mad:

Since I'm up in Tahoe...maybe I should rent out my house to MikeF5 so he can watch some HD :eek:

-Steve
Just leave the keys under the welcome mat and let me know before you come home so I can get rid of the beer cans and pizza boxes. :p :D

Laters,
Mikef5

why does SD on an HD channel look better than an SD channel on the ADS lineup?? that doesn't make any sense to me. i compared the giants game last night to both 702 and 2 (remapped to the digital SD channel) and 702 was clearly sharper. What's the deal? i thought they were both digital using the same resolution?
Channel 2 HD ( 702 ) is broadcasted in 720p, the SD channel 2 is broadcasted in 480i. So they are not the same resolution and if Comcast is upconverting the 480i signal to 720p for the SD channel then it's going to make it look softer.

Laters,
Mikef5

The only reason comcast has my business is becoz i have no option but to stick to cable (given the restrictions imposed by my apartment community for installing dishes). Waiting for the day I can move out and say adios to comcast :mad:
Are they saying you can't mount a dish in your complex or are they making it inconvenient for you to do it ?? They can not prevent you from mounting a dish but they can make it really hard to do ( like making a common area the only place to mount them or saying it has to be mounted out of sight ). Another thing you might think about is that AT&T will be launching their U-Verse system. The hold up right now is the Governor signing the State Franchise Bill and AT&T getting a franchise agreement with the State and deploying the system. This will take a while but it is coming sooner than Comcast thinks it is, so there is some hope.

Laters,
Mikef5

Are they saying you can't mount a dish in your complex or are they making it inconvenient for you to do it ??

Laters,
Mikef5

Just making it inconvenient. They charge a huge deposit which I know I will never get back :(

Just making it inconvenient. They charge a huge deposit which I know I will never get back :(
So you don't hate Comcast enough to chance losing a deposit? They can't legally keep your deposit if you don't violate the terms of the agreement and if they tried I'd slap their butts with a lawsuit. But that's your choice and I respect that. If I were you I'd be looking to AT&T's U-Verse rollout. That's like Tv on your phone line ( sort of like DSL only it's video ) or you can always hope that Comcast will do the right thing for ALL it's customers and do the upgrades for ALL the 550 MHz areas but I've been trying to get them to do it for almost 2 years now so what do you think the chances are that they will ????? :rolleyes:

Laters,
Mikef5

why does SD on an HD channel look better than an SD channel on the ADS lineup?? that doesn't make any sense to me. i compared the giants game last night to both 702 and 2 (remapped to the digital SD channel) and 702 was clearly sharper. What's the deal? i thought they were both digital using the same resolution?
I've noticed that for a long time especially with shows such as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Usually I don't notice it that much better with sports though. The following is the reasons that I believe that this occurs.

The bandwidth of most SD channels are restricted to about 3.5 mb/s.

Master tapes and sometimes backhaul transmissions are done in 4:2:2. Assuming 1080i (slightly different for 720p), when the transmission is decoded, scaled, and then encoded for HD transmission, the process will produce approximately 8 pixels per one color where as the SD channel will have approximately 16 pixels per color when scaled at the destination.

Channel 2 HD ( 702 ) is broadcasted in 720p, the SD channel 2 is broadcasted in 480i. So they are not the same resolution and if Comcast is upconverting the 480i signal to 720p for the SD channel then it's going to make it look softer.

Laters,
Mikef5
Plus, 702 is getting a "full" HD portion of bandwidth whereas 2 is probably being compressed like a pancake.

Plus, 702 is getting a "full" HD portion of bandwidth whereas 2 is probably being compressed like a pancake.
Doesn't Comcast advertise that they don't compress any of their signals, that they pass it as received ??? If they are compressing their signals some stations are going to be really upset, plus Comcast would be telling a fib ..... ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Doesn't Comcast advertise that they don't compress any of their signals, that they pass it as received ??? If they are compressing their signals some stations are going to be really upset, plus Comcast would be telling a fib ..... ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

I think its they don't compress the "digital" signals they receive. Because 2 is analog, Comcast does the compressing themselves.

Well first of all, the ch 2 on ADS is compressed to 528x480 while the feed on 702 is the full HD resolution (1280x720). Also, the feed for ch 2 is probably a digitized NTSC broadcast, like off an antenna, while the HD feed is a direct fiber link.

Is TNT-HD a 720p channel? Because I was watching The Fifth Element yesterday and I have to say, it doesn't look a whole lot better than my Superbit DVD... I almost thought it was just really good upconverted-SD, like Kill Bill, but then it didn't have the obvious aspect ratio stretching that Kill Bill did. (Though, it was cropped to 16:9).

I think its they don't compress the "digital" signals they receive. Because 2 is analog, Comcast does the compressing themselves.
Yes, you can bet your last dollar that those ADS channels have a high rate of compression on them, there's no way Comcast would provide 3MHz of QAM space each for the HD and the SD and also 6MHz of analog space for the analog channel.

They're probably getting at least 10 SD/ADS channels minimum in a single 256 QAM slot.

TNT-HD is 1920x1080i

I think its they don't compress the "digital" signals they receive. Because 2 is analog, Comcast does the compressing themselves.
So by omission they are telling the truth.
I'm talking about what the general public hears from the advertising that Comcast does, to them it's all the same, most of them have no clue about digital or analog.

Here's another distortion of fact that Comcast advertises. The ad is " If you have Comcast, you have On Demand " That is not true, none of the 550 MHz areas have On Demand, and no there is no disclaimer stating that it is not available in all areas. Trust me I've recorded it, watched it is slow motion and nowhere does it have or state that disclaimer. ( insert my rant on upgrading all areas to the same levels here ).

Laters,
Mikef5

I think its they don't compress the "digital" signals they receive. Because 2 is analog, Comcast does the compressing themselves.They can (and I assume do) get a digtial feed from KTVU, and then recompress it before sending it down the wire. On my system KTVU is on channel 114, there are 8 other channels on 114. 1/9th of one channel is very over compressed. 1/5th of a channel would be reasonable.

I have D*, E* and Comcast ADS SD locals, and Comcast PQ is significantly lower quality than the satellite providers. So Comcast must be doing their own analog-digital conversion and using TiVo Basic recording quality type. I wonder if satellite providers are getting a digital SD feed from each broadcast station?

I have D*, E* and Comcast ADS SD locals, and Comcast PQ is significantly lower quality than the satellite providers. So Comcast must be doing their own analog-digital conversion and using TiVo Basic recording quality type. I wonder if satellite providers are getting a digital SD feed from each broadcast station?

yeah i'm watching the bears asu game on chan 40 right now, i wish they kept it on 720 in SD because i know 720 won't be bit-starved. man it looks crappy.

yeah i'm watching the bears asu game on chan 40 right now, i wish they kept it on 720 in SD because i know 720 won't be bit-starved. man it looks crappy.
Yep, they dropped the signal on 720 just as the game was going to start, almost thought they were going to show it, oh well....
Well, at least it won't interfer with me watching the Giants losing again today ;)
Wonder if the A's are going to be in HD today ??

Laters,
Mikef5

Yep, they dropped the signal on 720 just as the game was going to start, almost thought they were going to show it, oh well....
Well, at least it won't interfer with me watching the Giants losing again today ;)
Wonder if the A's are going to be in HD today ??

Laters,
Mikef5

widescreen FOX in all its glory for A's right now.

widescreen FOX in all its glory for A's right now.
Better than channel 40 low res analog SD in all it's glory... :D

Laters,
Mikef5

Boy, it just dawned on me ( must be the old age ) Cal is a local team, why didn't FSNBA show this game in HD instead of the Kentucky game or is there a local blackout of the game ???
quick edit..... they're showing it on channel 40 so no blackout so FSNBA could've shown it in HD.

Laters,
Mikef5

Boy, it just dawned on me ( must be the old age ) Cal is a local team, why didn't FSNBA show this game in HD instead of the Kentucky game or is there a local blackout of the game ???
quick edit..... they're showing it on channel 40 so no blackout so FSNBA could've shown it in HD.

Laters,
Mikef5

actually its the game of the week for FSN. its definitely nationally produced today. i've never seen FSNBA locally produce a CFB game in HD.

actually its the game of the week for FSN. its definitely nationally produced today. i've never seen FSNBA locally produce a CFB game in HD.
Well, with them now having a HD channel all to themselves ( sort of ) and from what I've heard from other sources, they do have the ability to do more local productions and are planning to do just that. So hopefully, we'll see more local teams in HD, just like we do for the Giants and A's.

Laters,
Mikef5

Well, with them now having a HD channel all to themselves ( sort of ) and from what I've heard from other sources, they do have the ability to do more local productions and are planning to do just that. So hopefully, we'll see more local teams in HD, just like we do for the Giants and A's.

Laters,
Mikef5

me too! i'm all for FSNBAHD showing whatever they want in HD so we can have a true full time local sports HD channel :)

I have D*, E* and Comcast ADS SD locals, and Comcast PQ is significantly lower quality than the satellite providers. So Comcast must be doing their own analog-digital conversion and using TiVo Basic recording quality type. I wonder if satellite providers are getting a digital SD feed from each broadcast station?
I'm 99% certain they're still using the analog feed as that infrastructure has been in place for a long time. The only digital the satcos are getting are the HD signals, or the primary digital signal for the stations they carry in HD. These are grabbed with OTA antennas.

is TNT HD live now? i get No Signal on 726. I had UHD on 726 during US OPEN.
I'm in San mateo/foster city area.
thanks.

I'm 99% certain they're still using the analog feed as that infrastructure has been in place for a long time. The only digital the satcos are getting are the HD signals, or the primary digital signal for the stations they carry in HD. These are grabbed with OTA antennas.
If you look at what the stations are broadcasting OTA, most of the local network stations broadcast a digital channel that most use for their HD content. They also broadcast an analog channel but not a digital SD channel with the exception of channel 2 here's a short example

channel 2 - Fox
broadcasts analog channel 2,
2.1 which is digital and their HD content channel,
2.2 is a digital SD channel that mirrors what's on the base channel.

there others broadcast an analog channel and digital channel for normal and HD content.
channel 5
broadcasts analog channel 5
5.1 which is digital and is their normal digital and HD channel

So it seems Comcast gets a direct analog feed from the stations for their analog channels. Since there are no digital SD signals being broadcasted by the stations, Comcast would have to convert the analog to digital to do a SD digital channels for their ADS systems and might be why they look so bad, to many conversions and compressions.

Laters,
Mikef5

is TNT HD live now? i get No Signal on 726. I had UHD on 726 during US OPEN.
I'm in San mateo/foster city area.
thanks.

yes, they are showing the matrix in HD... looks good! don't know why you don't get it.

i just updated my channels and now I get it! it's great! thanks!

and as I was flipping channels, i discovered i'm also getting 734 Starz HD even though I don't have Starz. is that the case for you?

thanks!

yes, they are showing the matrix in HD... looks good! don't know why you don't get it.

i just updated my channels and now I get it! it's great! thanks!

and as I was flipping channels, i discovered i'm also getting 734 Starz HD even though I don't have Starz. is that the case for you?

thanks!


Yes, I've been getting Starz-HD and most of the SD for this week. Might be a free preview.

What QAM channel is TNT-HD on? I'm not getting it with my FusionHDTV scan.

What QAM channel is TNT-HD on? I'm not getting it with my FusionHDTV scan.

Can you scan encrypted channels? TNT is encrypted.

Only unencrypted channels can be displayed with a QAM tuner such as the FusionHDTV.

Yes, I've been getting Starz-HD and most of the SD for this week. Might be a free preview.
As you suspected, it's a free preview to get you to sign up for Starz.

They do this with HBO and the other channels throughout the year.

You and I are the same headend so you should definitely be getting TNT-HD. Whatever you do, DO NOT give up your grandfathered package. That's a sweet deal and you shouldn't have to give it up for a channel that you should be getting anyway.

The comcast CSR told me that they will soon be "doing away" with the old granfathered packages, thereby forcing me to choose one of the latest packages.
I took this as more of their comcastic misinformation, since I have heard this same gloom n doom, pulling the plug on the older packages for last couple of years. Last year I was receiving ch 725 HDSE, and then a couple months later all I got was the "not authorized" signal. At that time, I was told the same story about my old account and it soon will be dropped.
Since I have cable, internet, and phone service with Comcast, I did ask if they had any promotions for upgrading to their current plans, and all I could get would be a discount on my internet for $24.99 for 6 months. I am thinking about taking it and then during that time, check out Dish or Direct offerings. I am really interested in the new HR20-700, Direct HD-DVR with 50 hours :D of HD storage !!

What QAM channel is TNT-HD on? I'm not getting it with my FusionHDTV scan.
In my area it shares the bandwidth with ESPN2 at ch96

You can scan it and tell there is signal there but you won't get any picture or audio because it is encrypted.

In my area it shares the bandwidth with ESPN2 at ch96

You can scan it and tell there is signal there but you won't get any picture or audio because it is encrypted.
Then how was I able to dump a D-VHS tape of the transport stream to a computer and play it back? It don't think it could be encrypted in that case.

Just a reminder to you people that like to talk about encrypted channels being available. That is the quickest way to have Comcast check your area and put the encryption back on where it is suppose to be on. They do read this forum and do make changes to systems based on what they see here. Just a friendly reminder/suggestion.....

Laters,
Mikef5

Just a reminder to you people that like to talk about encrypted channels being available. That is the quickest way to have Comcast check your area and put the encryption back on where it is suppose to be on. They do read this forum and do make changes to systems based on what they see here. Just a friendly reminder/suggestion.....

Laters,
Mikef5

wow, they are so quick to react when unencrypted channels are not supposed to be, but when customer complains about paying the same ridiculous premium for digital cable as other systems with more features and channels, they sit on their hands.

Then how was I able to dump a D-VHS tape of the transport stream to a computer and play it back? It don't think it could be encrypted in that case.
DTCP encryption and 5c flags are from your STB to your recording device.

The encryption I'm talking about is from the head end to your cable box.

They don't necessarily have to be configured the same.

DTCP is mainly there to control usage of content. QAM broadcast encryption is to prevent unauthorized viewing of the content.

If you feel TNT-HD is not encrypted in your area, just scan with your PC or TV QAM tuner and it will show up (assuming it is available in your area). If that is the case, then TNT-HD is not encrypted in your area. It is encrypted in mine.

What your example indicates is DTCP/5C allows the show to be sent to your recording device. It doesn't indicate anything about the broadcast encryption status.

Since you have an STB, why don't you just tune to ch726, press power, select, and choose D06 - Current Channel Status.

If you see "ENC" then it is encrypted and your Fusion Tuner will not be able to display video/audio for this channel.

wow, they are so quick to react when unencrypted channels are not supposed to be, but when customer complains about paying the same ridiculous premium for digital cable as other systems with more features and channels, they sit on their hands.
Comcast is a business, what's important to them is the bottom line and their investors. I just put out the encrypted channel thing to let people know that it would be better to talk about it through private messages. They didn't react to anything, yet, and I don't work for Comcast ;) ....... yet.. :eek:

Laters,
Mikef5

They didn't react to anything, yet, and I don't work for Comcast ;) ....... yet.. :eek:
I was just thinking how ironic it would be if Comcast hired Mikef5 as the AVS forum liaison for SaraMilGatos.

They do read this forum....

It occurs to me that a savvy PR move for Comcast would be not just read this forum, but provide its own--perhaps in the form of a blog. Models for this sort of corporate transparency now abound, particularly in the realm of software development and application beta testing. As it stands, this forum is not just single best source (at least that I know of) for Comcast info in the Bay Area, but the only source for what many here consider to be essential information.

I would think that Comcast would want to be a part of this conversation with this readership. Yes there would be the inevitable flames, but in the end, candor buys a lot of good will. Some good examples of all of this are the blogs written by Microsoft developers. They give the company a human "face" that no amount of advertising or branding efforts can buy.

I was just thinking how ironic it would be if Comcast hired Mikef5 as the AVS forum liaison for SaraMilGatos.


They'd be better off buying his silence ;)

...and maybe I can get Dish to hire me as their liason in the comcast 550Mhz area...I keep getting pm's from people wanting info on how to switch :eek:

It occurs to me that a savvy PR move for Comcast would be not just read this forum, but provide its own--perhaps in the form of a blog. Models for this sort of corporate transparency now abound, particularly in the realm of software development and application beta testing. As it stands, this forum is not just single best source (at least that I know of) for Comcast info in the Bay Area, but the only source for what many here consider to be essential information.

I would think that Comcast would want to be a part of this conversation with this readership. Yes there would be the inevitable flames, but in the end, candor buys a lot of good will. Some good examples of all of this are the blogs written by Microsoft developers. They give the company a human "face" that no amount of advertising or branding efforts can buy.
It would be nice if more companies would participate in this forum like Amir from Microsoft. However I can see why they don't. As an example, I'm suprised that Amir is still around because about 2 weeks ago he was overly critisized, insulted, and many discourteous comments were made by several forum members. These members made it plain that if Amir would not 100% answer their questions to their satisifaction, he shouldn't be on the forum.

The comcast CSR told me that they will soon be "doing away" with the old granfathered packages, thereby forcing me to choose one of the latest packages.
I took this as more of their comcastic misinformation, since I have heard this same gloom n doom, pulling the plug on the older packages for last couple of years. Last year I was receiving ch 725 HDSE, and then a couple months later all I got was the "not authorized" signal. At that time, I was told the same story about my old account and it soon will be dropped.
Since I have cable, internet, and phone service with Comcast, I did ask if they had any promotions for upgrading to their current plans, and all I could get would be a discount on my internet for $24.99 for 6 months. I am thinking about taking it and then during that time, check out Dish or Direct offerings. I am really interested in the new HR20-700, Direct HD-DVR with 50 hours :D of HD storage !!
I don't believe Comcast can eliminate grandfathered packages. I think Comcast is still regulated by the PUC and can only increase the price of the service that is authorized by the PUC. In other words if the PUC authorizes a 6% price increase, they must provide the same service that you had last year for no more than a 6% increase in price.

Comcast therefore is using the new HD channels as leverage to get people to pay more and in this way is skirting maximum price increases.

It occurs to me that a savvy PR move for Comcast would be not just read this forum, but provide its own--perhaps in the form of a blog. Models for this sort of corporate transparency now abound, particularly in the realm of software development and application beta testing. As it stands, this forum is not just single best source (at least that I know of) for Comcast info in the Bay Area, but the only source for what many here consider to be essential information.

I would think that Comcast would want to be a part of this conversation with this readership. Yes there would be the inevitable flames, but in the end, candor buys a lot of good will. Some good examples of all of this are the blogs written by Microsoft developers. They give the company a human "face" that no amount of advertising or branding efforts can buy.
Actually, that idea was considered by Mr. J. ( the blog idea ) but was nixed by Comcast, since it might be construed to be an official Comcast site and Comcast would be liable for anything said in that blog even though it was to be a personal blog and not a Comcast blog. Which is why he goes through people like me to disseminate information deemed releasable to the general public by Comcast. That's why I say there are people in Comcast that do care, it's just the Comcast corporatation only cares about the bottom line. I wish they would revisit the blog idea again and allow it to happen. Heck, if Gates can do it anyone should be able to.

Laters,
Mikef5

We just got a new TV (Samsung 50" DLP, 1080p (HL-S5087), I'm really jacked.

For this new TV (we are not replacing our 37" LCD, just adding another TV) we got the 3412 digital box (Newark, CA) and the lady at the Comcast office said it would have ADS (of course).

So the TV was just delivered with the misses at home and when she turned it to channel 2, she saw ESPN. On demand works fine though, and she immediately went to check several HD sources to see how it looks (I'm bringing her over to the dark side).

Anyways, before I call comcast tonight, is there any reason why when she had it on channel 2, it showed ESPN?

Does ADS still have problems or is there something we are supposed to do before we "enjoy" ADS?

P.S. A brief search of ADS here leads me to believe my account was not "Tagged" ADS, which I can do by calling them up. BUT

If I do this, will my other box (6412, Phase I) be affected in any way? Thanks!

They'd be better off buying his silence ;)

...and maybe I can get Dish to hire me as their liason in the comcast 550Mhz area...I keep getting pm's from people wanting info on how to switch :eek:
Actually, it would be better if they took all that money that it would cost them to stifle me (and it would be more money than they have) :) and invest it in upgrading all the 550 MHz areas to the same level as everyone else in the Bay Area........ you knew I couldn't resist doing my daily rant did you ??? :p

Laters,
Mikef5

so, i'm guessing you happy comcast subscribers are really pretty happy overall, otherwise, if you weren't you'd be using dish/directv, right?

so, i'm guessing you happy comcast subscribers are really pretty happy overall, otherwise, if you weren't you'd be using dish/directv, right?Except those comming from DirecTv because they're dropping support for HD with TiVo (like me). With the Series 3 TiVo, I thought I'd try out Comcast, and so far its even worse that I feared.

I would not describe myself as happy with Comcast or DirecTV, and Dish is a non starter.

Except those comming from DirecTv because they're dropping support for HD with TiVo (like me). With the Series 3 TiVo, I thought I'd try out Comcast, and so far its even worse that I feared.

I would not describe myself as happy with Comcast or DirecTV, and Dish is a non starter.


i have a friend with directv but didn't want to pay the $ for the measly HD channels they offer, and the charge for an HD DVR, so he's considering comcast. Kind of a bummer to have an HDTV and not get HD programming. he can't get OTA where he's at.

so i'm looking at comcast vs dish

Actually, that idea was considered by Mr. J. ( the blog idea ) but was nixed by Comcast, since it might be construed to be an official Comcast site and Comcast would be liable for anything said in that blog even though it was to be a personal blog and not a Comcast blog. Which is why he goes through people like me to disseminate information deemed releasable to the general public by Comcast. That's why I say there are people in Comcast that do care, it's just the Comcast corporatation only cares about the bottom line. I wish they would revisit the blog idea again and allow it to happen. Heck, if Gates can do it anyone should be able to.


Exactly. If Gates & company can do it, other companies can too. And as Gates & company are in fact supporting employee blogs, other companies would be fools not to consider it. So I applaud Mr. J's attempt--he seems way ahead of the company.

At their core, these corporate blogs are also about the bottom line, because candor and transparency pay off in increased customer loyalty. And those customers--who take time to read blogs and participate in forums like this one--tend to be among the most influential. In other words, this is Marketing 101.

It would be nice if more companies would participate in this forum like Amir from Microsoft. However I can see why they don't. As an example, I'm suprised that Amir is still around because about 2 weeks ago he was overly critisized, insulted, and many discourteous comments were made by several forum members. These members made it plain that if Amir would not 100% answer their questions to their satisifaction, he shouldn't be on the forum.

The key for corporate participants is to develop a bit of flame resistance and stick it out, realizing that the flamage isn't really personal, even if it degrades into that. Over time (as the I-ching says), persistance furthers.

The key for corporate participants is to develop a bit of flame resistance and stick it out, realizing that the flamage isn't really personal, even if it degrades into that. Over time (as the I-ching says), persistance furthers.
Just read the thread below and tell me if you would stick around. The thread was finally closed because of the bashing and personal attacks. Amir is a VP with Microsoft and has always been very open.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=718689

I don't believe Comcast can eliminate grandfathered packages. I think Comcast is still regulated by the PUC and can only increase the price of the service that is authorized by the PUC. In other words if the PUC authorizes a 6% price increase, they must provide the same service that you had last year for no more than a 6% increase in price.

Comcast therefore is using the new HD channels as leverage to get people to pay more and in this way is skirting maximum price increases.
Cable TV companies are not regulated by the PUC for anything other than where it regards public safety, such as proper/safe installations on poles and the like.

The Basic cable package is regulated by the FCC as to what has to be in the package(local broadcast channels, community access stations, etc.).

Other than that, cable companies can pretty much do what they want. There are restrictions on how they can package, or sell, premium tiers but not how much they cost.

Except those comming from DirecTv because they're dropping support for HD with TiVo (like me). With the Series 3 TiVo, I thought I'd try out Comcast, and so far its even worse that I feared.

I would not describe myself as happy with Comcast or DirecTV, and Dish is a non starter.
Worse in what way? Lack of channels, PPV, VOD, things like that? Or with how the S3 works with Comcast, other than the above?

Giants vs Arizona on 720 now. Looks good. :)

Too much blocking on the video and audio tonight. (8:10pm)

Giants vs Arizona on 720 now. Looks good. :)
The score doesn't.... :eek:

Laters,
Mikef5

Cable TV companies are not regulated by the PUC for anything other than where it regards public safety, such as proper/safe installations on poles and the like.

The Basic cable package is regulated by the FCC as to what has to be in the package(local broadcast channels, community access stations, etc.).

Other than that, cable companies can pretty much do what they want. There are restrictions on how they can package, or sell, premium tiers but not how much they cost.
Ok, I'll admit I was wrong. But I don't understand why Comcast just didn't raise the price for customers who purchased their packages a year or two ago to be equal to their current package prices when they had their anual price increases. Very few people would have complained about an extra $1 per month more. Instead some are now upset since Comcast wants to charge them $1 or $2 more to get the new HD channels.

It doesn't seem like a very good idea to get current customers mad about the extra package change when they could have easily hidden it.

In fact, I don't understand what the package price has to do with the HD channels. It would make more sense to increase the HD Service price than tie it to the package price.

Cable TV companies are not regulated by the PUC for anything other than where it regards public safety, such as proper/safe installations on poles and the like.

The Basic cable package is regulated by the FCC as to what has to be in the package(local broadcast channels, community access stations, etc.).

Other than that, cable companies can pretty much do what they want. There are restrictions on how they can package, or sell, premium tiers but not how much they cost.
Actually, the last I heard when the Governor signs the State Franchise Bill the PUC will be the one that they will have to go through to get their franchise agreements. I'll check again, but I'm pretty sure that's what I read.

Edit
Here's the section in the bill that makes the PUC the franchise authority and the link to it.

This bill would enact the Digital Infrastructure and Video
Competition Act of 2006 and would establish a procedure for the
issuance of state franchises for the provision of video service,
which would be defined to include cable service and open-video
systems, that would be administered by the Public Utilities
Commission. The commission would be the sole franchising
authority for state franchises to provide video services. The bill
would require any person or corporation that seeks to provide
video service in this state to file an application with the
commission for a state franchise with specified information,
signed under penalty of perjury.

http://www.aroundthecapitol.com/Bills/AB_2987/
Laters,
Mikef5

On a side note. I just found out that Mark Cuban is a member of the Avs Forum. He's posting in one of the other threads. So if he's doing it you'd think Comcast would to. ( Disclaimer, is it the real Mark Cuban ?? Seems to be but we'll see )

Laters,
Mikef5

On a side note. I just found out that Mark Cuban is a member of the Avs Forum. He's posting in one of the other threads. So if he's doing it you'd think Comcast would to. ( Disclaimer, is it the real Mark Cuban ?? Seems to be but we'll see )

Laters,
Mikef5

Yes, it's the real Mark Cuban -- he's been posting for a year or so.

Ok, I'll admit I was wrong. But I don't understand why Comcast just didn't raise the price for customers who purchased their packages a year or two ago to be equal to their current package prices when they had their anual price increases. Very few people would have complained about an extra $1 per month more. Instead some are now upset since Comcast wants to charge them $1 or $2 more to get the new HD channels.

It doesn't seem like a very good idea to get current customers mad about the extra package change when they could have easily hidden it.

It's more then just $1. In the old AT&T packages, Silver (and maybe even Bronze) gave you Starz! for free. It wasn't considered a major premium like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax (kind of like Encore is now). So now, you have to pay the (I believe $12) to get a second Premium channel if you want both HBO and Starz!

Yes, it's the real Mark Cuban -- he's been posting for a year or so.
No kidding ??? He's talking up the HDnet and the problems with getting it on cable. Might be interesting to follow. ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

No kidding ??? He's talking up the HDnet and the problems with getting it on cable. Might be interesting to follow. ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

You can do a User search in "Advanced Search" to see his posts. It's pretty funny -- when someone tries to bash HDNet, he shoots them down pretty good. Definitely knows his stuff.

It's more then just $1. In the old AT&T packages, Silver (and maybe even Bronze) gave you Starz! for free. It wasn't considered a major premium like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax (kind of like Encore is now). So now, you have to pay the (I believe $12) to get a second Premium channel if you want both HBO and Starz!
Yes but they are doing that on every package. When I talked to Comcast about that issue, the CSR said that he didn't understand it either since he had calls from customers that just purchased the package within the past 3 months. I then asked him if all packages are grandfathered and he said probably.

You can do a User search in "Advanced Search" to see his posts. It's pretty funny -- when someone tries to bash HDNet, he shoots them down pretty good. Definitely knows his stuff.
I've read some of his interviews and this guy is no dummy and has a quick wit. I saw a program where he's talking about HDnet and his vision of where HD is going and how he is going to lead the way, not lacking in self confidence ... :p

Laters,
Mikef5

Three on-topic questions:

Right now I have the $14 basic cable subscription and tune channels with my HDTV's built-in reciever, however it displays channels in a funky way (instead of channel 723 I get it as channel 116-2 for instance). I suspect it's the poor design of my tuner, but is that a known issue with other HDTVs?

I was thinking of getting a cable box to help with the channel weirdness. Anyone know what model of cable box you get if you select the $5 /mo 'HD box' in your Comcast package, and does it support HDMI? This would be for the Palo Alto / Mountain View area.

All I want are the local channels and ESPN/ESPN2 in HD, which I get without a digital cable subscription. Every time I turn on the set, a couple of the digital channels are different. Is this normal or just temporary? I would hate to lose the sports channels in HD (the whole reason I bought the set, really).

Thanks guys

All I want are the local channels and ESPN/ESPN2 in HD, which I get without a digital cable subscription.



you shouldn't be. those channels should be encrypted.

you shouldn't be. those channels should be encrypted.
protokultur

Nikekid is right, anything above 709 is suppose to be encrypted and for your edification read post #12625 about encrypted channels. Just something to think about ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

Three on-topic questions:

Right now I have the $14 basic cable subscription and tune channels with my HDTV's built-in reciever, however it displays channels in a funky way (instead of channel 723 I get it as channel 116-2 for instance). I suspect it's the poor design of my tuner, but is that a known issue with other HDTVs?

I was thinking of getting a cable box to help with the channel weirdness. Anyone know what model of cable box you get if you select the $5 /mo 'HD box' in your Comcast package, and does it support HDMI? This would be for the Palo Alto / Mountain View area.

All I want are the local channels and ESPN/ESPN2 in HD, which I get without a digital cable subscription. Every time I turn on the set, a couple of the digital channels are different. Is this normal or just temporary? I would hate to lose the sports channels in HD (the whole reason I bought the set, really).

Thanks guys
It is not poor design. It is the way all digital tuners work. On the other hand, Comcast will download a channel map to the STB to keep the channels consistent. Comcast has been reorganizing channels on a regular basis lately and when they do, you'll probably have channels moved. The STB takes care of that automatically because Comcast will download a new map.

You will also lose the ESPN HD channel (probably a mistake by Comcast not encrypting it) as well as the local HD channels if you get the standard STB since it cannot handle HD channels. You'll need a HD STB which may be more than $5 to get HD channels (especially ESPN HD).

Wow, didn't stay for his answers. Must of been too on topic for him..... ;)

Back to off topic,
Giants lose again 7 to 1.... argh !!!! :(

Laters,
Mikef5

Worse in what way? Lack of channels, PPV, VOD, things like that? Or with how the S3 works with Comcast, other than the above?SD video quality, I thought D* was really bad with the bit starving, Comcast manages to top that.

Also interacting with customer service and tech support. My previous experience was bad and its not got any better. They don't even know how their own system works.

It is not poor design. It is the way all digital tuners work. On the other hand, Comcast will download a channel map to the STB to keep the channels consistent. Comcast has been reorganizing channels on a regular basis lately and when they do, you'll probably have channels moved. The STB takes care of that automatically because Comcast will download a new map.

You will also lose the ESPN HD channel (probably a mistake by Comcast not encrypting it) as well as the local HD channels if you get the standard STB since it cannot handle HD channels. You'll need a HD STB which may be more than $5 to get HD channels (especially ESPN HD).

Thanks guys for the responses!

mterzich - I wonder why Comcast offers an HD box independent of their digital cable channel subscription then. It looked like HD versions of network and local channels, if available, would not be encrypted according to the fine print I read. Ugh, I am not paying $50 more a month just for ESPN in HD. This whole digital TV thing has grown to be such a pain in the ass.

About the HD box, I guess it's too much to hope for HDMI? I was gonna call Comcast but figured AVS people would know 100x more than the person likely to field my questions...

Thanks guys for the responses!

About the HD box, I guess it's too much to hope for HDMI? I was gonna call Comcast but figured AVS people would know 100x more than the person likely to field my questions...
I'm pretty sure the only boxes that have HDMI are the phase 3 6412's, the phase 2 had a DVI connection, those are both DVR's. The 6200 box, which is not a dvr, I think has a DVI connection ( been a long time since I had one ). Yes, HD on cable is expensive but it's that way on Dish and Directv also. Almost forgot about the 3412's which is a dvr also but has HDMI.

Laters,
Mikef5

Thanks guys for the responses!

mterzich - I wonder why Comcast offers an HD box independent of their digital cable channel subscription then. It looked like HD versions of network and local channels, if available, would not be encrypted according to the fine print I read. Ugh, I am not paying $50 more a month just for ESPN in HD. This whole digital TV thing has grown to be such a pain in the ass.

About the HD box, I guess it's too much to hope for HDMI? I was gonna call Comcast but figured AVS people would know 100x more than the person likely to field my questions...
I think you can get the HD STB plus HD service for about $10 per month which should include the local HD channels plus the following.

ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD (Not in 550 MHz areas)
Discovery HD
INHD
FSNHD (Not in 550 MHz areas)
NFL Network (Not in 550 MHz areas)
TNT-HD (Not in 550 MHz areas - Maybe or not in other areas)

Edit: Changed Probably not to Not according to Mikef5

I think you can get the HD STB plus HD service for about $10 per month which should include the local HD channels plus the following.

ESPN HD
ESPN2 HD (probably not in 550 MHz areas)
Discovery HD
INHD
NFL Network (probably not in 550 MHz areas)
TNT-HD (probably not in 550 MHz areas - Maybe or not in other areas)
Your probably not in the 550 MHz areas should read not available in 550 MHz areas.
I know I'm in one..... :rolleyes:

Laters,
Mikef5

palo alto is not in 550 to clarify. should u decide to subscribe to a digital package, you will have the full lineup.

Actually, the last I heard when the Governor signs the State Franchise Bill the PUC will be the one that they will have to go through to get their franchise agreements. I'll check again, but I'm pretty sure that's what I read.



Yes, they will be, but up until that point they are not and have not been.

SD video quality, I thought D* was really bad with the bit starving, Comcast manages to top that.

Also interacting with customer service and tech support. My previous experience was bad and its not got any better. They don't even know how their own system works.
Can't disagree with any of that.

It is not poor design. It is the way all digital tuners work. On the other hand, Comcast will download a channel map to the STB to keep the channels consistent. Comcast has been reorganizing channels on a regular basis lately and when they do, you'll probably have channels moved. The STB takes care of that automatically because Comcast will download a new map.

You will also lose the ESPN HD channel (probably a mistake by Comcast not encrypting it) as well as the local HD channels if you get the standard STB since it cannot handle HD channels. You'll need a HD STB which may be more than $5 to get HD channels (especially ESPN HD).
This also depends on the particular headend, Santa Rosa has maintained PSIP channel mapping for years, with my last two Mits displays, both equipped with QAM tuners, and my TiVo S3, all local HD stations have always been mapped with their OTA equivalent, 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, etc. Some stations have even been sending guide data which tells me that Comcast is actually passing it along instead of stripping it out as I had previously thought. The lack of, or the accuracy of, the guide data seems to be a function of the station itself and not Comcast.

This also depends on the particular headend, Santa Rosa has maintained PSIP channel mapping for years, with my last two Mits displays, both equipped with QAM tuners, and my TiVo S3, all local HD stations have always been mapped with their OTA equivalent, 2.1, 4.1, 5.1, etc. Some stations have even been sending guide data which tells me that Comcast is actually passing it along instead of stripping it out as I had previously thought. The lack of, or the accuracy of, the guide data seems to be a function of the station itself and not Comcast.
But he was talking about 116.2 for ESPN HD that he is currently getting unencrypted.

Even with PSIP mapping, without rescanning I've had another channel show up as that channel number or the channel disappears so that was what I was refering to. You are also in a 550 Mhz system which can't be moved around too much so you don't see the mapping problems that other systems see.

PSIP mapping does not help if the channel is moved to another band.

But he was talking about 116.2 for ESPN HD that he is currently getting unencrypted.

Even with PSIP mapping, without rescanning I've had another channel show up as that channel number or the channel disappears so that was what I was refering to. You are also in a 550 Mhz system which can't be moved around too much so you don't see the mapping problems that other systems see.

PSIP mapping does not help if the channel is moved to another band.
Yes, I was talking about OTA broadcast channels, there really is no PSIP info for cable channels like ESPN, at least not as it's used for OTA channels.

If PSIP is being use properly, and the cableco is passing it along, it doesn't matter what RF channel it's being broadcast on, it should still show up where the PSIP info says it should be.

Yes, I was talking about OTA broadcast channels, there really is no PSIP info for cable channels like ESPN, at least not as it's used for OTA channels.

If PSIP is being use properly, and the cableco is passing it along, it doesn't matter what RF channel it's being broadcast on, it should still show up where the PSIP info says it should be.
From what I've seen, that is true. The PSIP is only for the scanner to keep that logical channel number to physical location in non volatile memory in the TV. If the physical location is changed, the tuner will not know that until it is rescanned. It just assumes that the channel went off the air. How could a new location (RF band) be found without the tuner checking all locations?

In Fremont on an 860 MHz system, I had that happen many times and yet the PSIP is still the same.

From my understanding, the PSIP only indicates that this physical channel desires to be seen as this logical channel number. So the scanner creates a map to reflect that. So when you tune to that logical channel, the tuner selects the physical channel (RF band) and does not understand why the channel may not there.

However, I've heard that it does not matter if the channel was moved from one position in the band to another position in the band, In this case, the tuner will determine which position to use. But once it is moved out of that band, than it can no longer be found without a rescan. Even this appears to work kind of flakey since I had a channel with a totally different PSIP or maybe no PSIP pop up as one of my main OTA channels (maybe the tuner only looks for the sub channel number in the band and ignores the channel number before the dot or uses the position number to find the channel if no PSIP is designated).

PSIP mapping does not help if the channel is moved to another band.
Moving around within 6MHz is sometimes a daily occurrence. Moving outside of the original 6MHz is more often a once per 6month or once per year occurrence. That is my experience over roughly the last 2yrs.

Yes, they will be, but up until that point they are not and have not been.
Right for now there's the local franchises. The Bill went to the Governor's desk for signing on the 19th. I would imagine after that is signed we might see some movement from Comcast to redo their franchise agreements and switch to State franchise agreements. Also, we might finally see teleco's moving in to give cable some long over do competition. Maybe Comcast will finally get off their duff's and start upgrading all the systems to the same levels. If not they can always answer to the State franchise board on why not.

Laters,
Mikef5

You have to order one of the digital packages to get the DVR (6412/3412), but if you just want HD you can get the $5 HD box (6200) with any type of cable service (i.e. basic). You may not get ESPN with that, or it may get turned off (encrypted) in the future. Technically you need one of the digital packages to get ESPN (and INHD, FSN, NFL, TNT, etc), the cheapest is $9.95 "Digital Classic" which should get you all that, does for me here anyway.

All of the HD boxes have HDMI or at least DVI which is fully compatible. Also component, SPDIF audio, and the usual array of analog outputs.

Moving around within 6MHz is sometimes a daily occurrence. Moving outside of the original 6MHz is more often a once per 6month or once per year occurrence. That is my experience over roughly the last 2yrs.
I agreee that the 5 main OTA channels that are PSIPed don't move to different bands very often. But in Fremont, at least one of the non PSIPed channels have moved to another band at least once a month over the last 9 months.

I agree that if it's moved the tuner will probably have to do a re-scan, but I wonder if some tuners are capable of doing that on boot up.

In my area it's most likely that the channels haven't moved, but in the 2 or so years I have used a QAM tuner in 3 different devices they've never failed to find and map the channels correctly.

At least there is one advantage to a 550 Mhz system.

Hey Mike, scanpa is saying that some areas will be rolling out with the Tivo sotftware in the next 90 days, with full rollout in the Spring. I think I know the answer to this but maybe you can ask Mr. J if we're going to be one of the lucky ones. I figure we have a fighting chance since Tivo is located here (a-la the Microsoft guide in Seattle).

I finally called comcast about my OnDemand not working and they told me it hasnt been fully setup in my area. When I told the CSR that it was working at one point and now its not she got quiet and simply said they are still rebuilding our area :rolleyes:

The funny part is, when they upgraded us I was told we would have OnDemand. She couldnt explain why we dont have it yet and when I asked about how she was going to reimburse me she replied with "well OnDemand is a free service". I simply said, "Thats great, but I am paying the same amount per month as people in areas that DO get OnDemand. So since they are rebuilding I pay the same as them, yet I dont get the same service they do?"

She then asked if I would hold and she confirmed with someone that we will have OnDemand by mid-October. After that she told me she will credit my account for 2 free movies once the service is available. :rolleyes:

I then asked if by mid-October we would be receiving an All Digital Signal and she said yes, but I am not holding my breath. This is the Walnut Creek area, btw.

Does anyone know if you can change the output of a 6412 to be 720p instead of 1080i?

Does anyone know if you can change the output of a 6412 to be 720p instead of 1080i?
I just did it on my DCT-6200 so I am pretty sure you can do it on a DCT-6412.

Power off then immediately press Menu to get to User Settings. Then go to YPbPr OUTPUT to cycle thru 1080I, 720P, 480P, 480I. On the next line I set 4:3 OVERRIDE to 480I.

Does anyone know if you can change the output of a 6412 to be 720p instead of 1080i?

is 720p > 1080i?

Ahhhh, I will try this. Thanks.
I just did it on my DCT-6200 so I am pretty sure you can do it on a DCT-6412.

Power off then immediately press Menu to get to User Settings. Then go to YPbPr OUTPUT to cycle thru 1080I, 720P, 480P, 480I. On the next line I set 4:3 OVERRIDE to 480I.

I want to see what looks better on my set. 720p or 1080i.

I have a 50" plasma with a native resolution of 1280x768.
is 720p > 1080i?

Anyone know if I can get FSN AZ so the Suns games through Comcast (in Hd or SD)? I don't want to buy the Basketball package but I know that with Dish Network I can buy the regional sports package for $6 a month. Anything like this on Comcast?

Anyone know if I can get FSN AZ so the Suns games through Comcast (in Hd or SD)? I don't want to buy the Basketball package but I know that with Dish Network I can buy the regional sports package for $6 a month. Anything like this on Comcast?

There is but I don't think FSN AZ is a part of it. Even if it was, I don't think they'd show the games anyway (either on Comcast or Dish). You'll need to get the NBA package.

Got a new problem with my 3412 when watching the ADS version of analog stations. one tuner will consistently glitch for a second or 2 every few seconds, say 1-2 second freeze for every 4-5 seconds of playing. The other tuner is idle (not recording). I've also found that one tuner will do this while the other doesn't. Also the signal is slightly better than the other for the one that is glitch-free. But both signals look acceptable (snr is good and agc is good).

playback of recorded material seems fine independent of tuner that records.

There it no glitchiness for HD (702 on up) with either tuner.

Is it time to swap boxes again?

Best,
jeff

Got a new problem with my 3412 when watching the ADS version of analog stations. one tuner will consistently glitch for a second or 2 every few seconds, say 1-2 second freeze for every 4-5 seconds of playing. The other tuner is idle (not recording). I've also found that one tuner will do this while the other doesn't. Also the signal is slightly better than the other for the one that is glitch-free. But both signals look acceptable (snr is good and agc is good).

playback of recorded material seems fine independent of tuner that records.

There it no glitchiness for HD (702 on up) with either tuner.

Is it time to swap boxes again?

Best,
jeff

Happens to me too. I just pause and play and it goes away.

thanks fender4645. I'll give that a try.

jeff

Anyone know if I can get FSN AZ so the Suns games through Comcast (in Hd or SD)? I don't want to buy the Basketball package but I know that with Dish Network I can buy the regional sports package for $6 a month. Anything like this on Comcast?

1. why would dish let u get FSN AZ if you are in the bay area? other than purchasing NBA league pass?

2. suns? WARRIORS.

You can get FSN Atlantic, FSN Pacific, and FSN Central on Comcast. These are basically "generic" FSN channels that cater to that particular region. They don't show live professional sports games (although I think they may show college games).

EDIT: I take that back: it is the "college" version of the channels you get. I know at one point, Comcast offered some of the regional FSN channels, however they never showed professional games -- they were always blacked out.

You can get FSN Atlantic, FSN Pacific, and FSN Central on Comcast. These are basically "generic" FSN channels that cater to that particular region. They don't show live professional sports games (although I think they may show college games).

EDIT: I take that back: it is the "college" version of the channels you get. I know at one point, Comcast offered some of the regional FSN channels, however they never showed professional games -- they were always blacked out.

so there's no way the OP could've gotten suns games on dish anyway. so you are out of luck. your favorite team couldn't care less that you are a displaced fan. pay the premium!

getting your regional sports channel without the professional teams is like winning a dime in the lottery hehe.

Happens to me too. I just pause and play and it goes away.You can also change the channel real quick up-down-up or whatever.
Happens to me whenever I switch directly from a HD channel to a SD one.

Be sure to let us know how you fare with Comcast. :)Since you asked...
I got my s3 tivo setup with cable cards this weekend. Took the installer 2 days, as he was too rushed to find the filter at the telephone poll the first day, and the s3 tivo didn't seem to like the old 04.05 motorola firmware. The 4.21 firmware cards behaved much better.

Anyways, I got digital silver for 12 months at $89.99, including cable modem service, with free installation, and 2 cable cards. Since I was previously paying $56.96 for cable modem service alone, and also $12 to directv for HBO, this seems like a good deal. No HD charge, no DVR charge. My preliminary statement is showing roughly $6.60 for an "additional digital outlet fee" that was not mentioned to me up front. Should I be able to get out of that fee? I only have one cable tv device (the s3 with 2 cablecards).

Also, when setting up the cablecards, the only info the tech provided to the head end was the motorola serial #. I was surprised they didn't have to tell the head end the unit address, host # or data #. Does this mean that the head end has out of date gear and I'll have problems when/if they upgrade? (Head end is in San Rafael).

You can also change the channel real quick up-down-up or whatever.
Happens to me whenever I switch directly from a HD channel to a SD one.

I get that too and just change channels up and back. It works just fine aftert that.

1. why would dish let u get FSN AZ if you are in the bay area? other than purchasing NBA league pass?

2. suns? WARRIORS.

Because I would buy the regional sports package and that includes the Suns games, some in HD. I don't want all the Suns games (I work and can't watch all the games), the games on FSN AZ is good enough. I alos don't want all the NBA games just the Suns. So yes Dish does give you FSN AZ in the bay area for $6 a month.
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/packages/sports/multi_sport/index.asp?viewby=1&packid=10161&sortby=1

Because I would buy the regional sports package and that includes the Suns games, some in HD. I don't want all the Suns games (I work and can't watch all the games), the games on FSN AZ is good enough. I alos don't want all the NBA games just the Suns. So yes Dish does give you FSN AZ in the bay area for $6 a month.
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/packages/sports/multi_sport/index.asp?viewby=1&packid=10161&sortby=1

But are you sure you'll be able to see the games? I remember Comcast used to carry FSN Southwest and I tried tuning to a Ranger game but it was a rodeo or something like that. It could be just baseball but I would bet the same thing happens with basketball too. When half the games show up on the FSN channel, there's little reason to pay for the NBA Ticket or whatever the call it.

Also, when setting up the cablecards, the only info the tech provided to the head end was the motorola serial #. I was surprised they didn't have to tell the head end the unit address, host # or data #. Does this mean that the head end has out of date gear and I'll have problems when/if they upgrade? (Head end is in San Rafael).

The UA is already matched to the serial number in "the system".

Are the 4.21 cards the ones with (agggh - rack the brain) blue lables? Or not the red lable cards?

A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24

Because I would buy the regional sports package and that includes the Suns games, some in HD. I don't want all the Suns games (I work and can't watch all the games), the games on FSN AZ is good enough. I alos don't want all the NBA games just the Suns. So yes Dish does give you FSN AZ in the bay area for $6 a month.
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/packages/sports/multi_sport/index.asp?viewby=1&packid=10161&sortby=1

trust me, you won't get sun games on FSN AZ from the bay area. that package is just for the boring programming like best damn sports show period and college lacrosse. suns games will be blacked out.

I just got a new TV and to my surpise when i hooked it up and did the channel search on my
basic cable I have found a whole bunch of HD channels. These HD channels do not have
the same channel number as they do in my local TV guide however. There was KTVU regular
on channel 2, KTVU HD on channel 2.1 ( I have never heard of such a thing) I also now get
Discover HD theater on channel 78.4...
Is there a list out there that would make sense of my channel lineup?
I am in Martinez zip 94553
What channel would FSNBA HD be on?
Would love to see the Sharks wthout having to pay the extra however much it costs to go
HD. I thought it might be on 40.1, but no dice... can anyone help?

-markb-

I just got a new TV and to my surpise when i hooked it up and did the channel search on my
basic cable I have found a whole bunch of HD channels. These HD channels do not have
the same channel number as they do in my local TV guide however. There was KTVU regular
on channel 2, KTVU HD on channel 2.1 ( I have never heard of such a thing) I also now get
Discover HD theater on channel 78.4...
Is there a list out there that would make sense of my channel lineup?
I am in Martinez zip 94553
What channel would FSNBA HD be on?
Would love to see the Sharks wthout having to pay the extra however much it costs to go
HD. I thought it might be on 40.1, but no dice... can anyone help?

-markb-

what you found was unencrypted HD channels on your QAM tuner that basically consists of all the OTA networks (FOX, NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS). i'm surprised you get disc HD, that should be encrypted and will prob be so in the near future. you will not be able to get FSNBA without a cablecard or STB (and corresponding digital package) because it is encrypted, as well as ESPNHD, TNTHD etc. sorry, comcast wants you to pay an arm and a leg for that.

The UA is already matched to the serial number in "the system".

Are the 4.21 cards the ones with (agggh - rack the brain) blue lables? Or not the red lable cards?

A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24 A24
Pretty sure they are blue labels, I know they looked different from the old one I had used before. 4.21 seems to work just fine while some are apparently having trouble with 4.05.

My preliminary statement is showing roughly $6.60 for an "additional digital outlet fee" that was not mentioned to me up front. Should I be able to get out of that fee? I only have one cable tv device (the s3 with 2 cablecards).

Some have posted here that you pay nothing to Comcast for multiple cable cards. When I called to switch out my 6412 for 2 cable cards I was informed the second card would be a $6.95/mo charge

Some have posted here that you pay nothing to Comcast for multiple cable cards. When I called to switch out my 6412 for 2 cable cards I was informed the second card would be a $6.95/mo chargeI paid nothing for my cable cards. This hidden fee is defined as an "outlet" charge instead. I know, same difference from my point of view as well. On the other hand, comcast's web page makes the distinction:
"There is no additional charge for CableCARD service above what you currently pay for Digital Cable service (NOTE: additional outlet charges for programming may apply)."
http://www.comcast.com/Customers/FAQ/FaqDetails.ashx?Id=2651

So I guess my question comes down to what do they mean by "may apply"? Doesn't apply if the cablecards are in a DVR rented from comcast, but do apply if it's a DVR you bought yourself?? Or maybe "may apply" means it applies so long as you don't question the charge?

Just spent 2 hours on the phone with Comcast. After walking her through the logic (and cost) of adding TNT-HD to those of us with "granfathered" AT&T packages she basically agree that we are screwed. We are going to either end up paying the same for less, or a whole lot more for 1 more channel. Seems even a crackdown on the Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card is coming. No more free 2nd cable card, and some HDs (above 720) will not be available.

Seems is all about making money.

I am off to research Direct TV now.

I was looking for a list of what HD channels folks are gettting OTA. This is what I get:

FOX
NBC
CBS
KGO
PBS
ESPN

Someone recently said Discovery is coming in on 78.4. Anybody getting ESPN2 or others in the clear (with QAM tuner)?

Some have posted here that you pay nothing to Comcast for multiple cable cards. When I called to switch out my 6412 for 2 cable cards I was informed the second card would be a $6.95/mo charge
I can see Comcast charging an additional outlet fee if you are using the cards for two different tv's but the Tivo S3 is a single unit that needs two cards to be fully usable and shouldn't be charged the additional outlet fee because it's used in a single device. I guess Comcast needs to clarify what their policy is for cable cards used for the Tivo S3 and make that policy the same no matter where in the Comcast area you are in.

Laters,
Mikef5

Just spent 2 hours on the phone with Comcast. After walking her through the logic (and cost) of adding TNT-HD to those of us with "granfathered" AT&T packages she basically agree that we are screwed. We are going to either end up paying the same for less, or a whole lot more for 1 more channel. Seems even a crackdown on the Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card is coming. No more free 2nd cable card, and some HDs (above 720) will not be available.

Seems is all about making money.

I am off to research Direct TV now.

I was looking for a list of what HD channels folks are gettting OTA. This is what I get:

FOX
NBC
CBS
KGO
PBS
ESPN

Someone recently said Discovery is coming in on 78.4. Anybody getting ESPN2 or others in the clear (with QAM tuner)?

you grandfathered people always complain about the inevitability of paying the same rates we non-grandfathered already do. what gives you the right to continue to be serviced the same way we do by paying far less? i'm glad you don't get TNTHD. sorry, that's just how i feel. i'm sure now i'm gonna get piled on by all the grandfathered. i'm not a troll, but everytime a post comes up like that i feel a little mad. i feel the same way about 550ers who pay the same rates and are being under-served. they are the ones truly being screwed here.

i do agree that digital cable rates are awfully high, but that's the premium we pay to be early adopters.

RBurks,

Just spent 2 hours on the phone with Comcast. After walking her through the logic (and cost) of adding TNT-HD to those of us with "granfathered" AT&T packages she basically agree that we are screwed. We are going to either end up paying the same for less, or a whole lot more for 1 more channel. Seems even a crackdown on the Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card is coming. No more free 2nd cable card, and some HDs (above 720) will not be available.
Yes, if you drop the old package you're going to be paying a lot more for a few channels more, just be thankful you're not in a 550 MHz area.
Some HD not available above 720 ??? They can't do that legally or other wise. If I have a cable card, or my own set top box and I pay for all the channels that they provide they have make that available it's as simple as that. I don't know how she could say that. Does she mean if I have a cable card and I want HBO-HD, channel 730, that it won't be available to me ??? Don't think so.
Seems is all about making money.
They are a business, they want to make a profit for them and their investors, can't fault them for that. Your wants and needs are secondary to that primary goal.
I am off to research Direct TV now. You may want to give Dish a look see also, good HD program line up and at a competative price... still expensive but you get what you pay for and since I'm in an un-upgraded area, I will get much more for what I pay now to Comcast.

Laters,
Mikef5

you grandfathered people always complain about the inevitability of paying the same rates we non-grandfathered already do. what gives you the right to continue to be serviced the same way we do by paying far less? i'm glad you don't get TNTHD. sorry, that's just how i feel. i'm sure now i'm gonna get piled on by all the grandfathered. i'm not a troll, but everytime a post comes up like that i feel a little mad. i feel the same way about 550ers who pay the same rates and are being under-served. they are the ones truly being screwed here.

i do agree that digital cable rates are awfully high, but that's the premium we pay to be early adopters.

Ok nikeykid, I am not going to pile on. I have a grandfathered package (somehow that doesn't sound too flattering) but anyways I do see your point. It's the same as with homeowners who have prop 13 benifits and those of us who do not.

I also feel the same way as you regarding the 550 areas. I can feel small when I complain of not getting an extra HD channel or two, when they are the real ones who get shafted and no respect from comcast. But what gets me mad and voicing concerns is that comcast seems to pick and choose what channels I get when it comes to new additions. I have had this package for 8-10 yrs, and in the last few yrs I got FOX HD, HDSE ch (ok, not much here) and ESPN2 ch when they became available, but now TNTHD comes out and they say you don't get any new channels??
It might be a premium we have to pay, but we still have a right to at least ask and voice concerns.

Some HD not available above 720 ??? They can't do that legally or other wise. If I have a cable card, or my own set top box and I pay for all the channels that they provide they have make that available it's as simple as that. I don't know how she could say that.

Clarifiction...

She said that with Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card she believes that eventually we will only get HD channels 702-720 (current unencrypted channels). The implication seemed to be that Discovery, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, and any other HDs added in the future will eventually not work with this Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card scheme.

Sort of another "Ungrandfathering" against those who are trying to save a buck.

And on the "grandfathering" thing - you gotta remember we real "early" adopters more than paid our dues when this whole cable thing was sketchy. I still pay over $85/mo for cable (no premium channels), so we aren't living life large.

And on the "grandfathering" thing - you gotta remember we real "early" adopters more than paid our dues when this whole cable thing was sketchy. I still pay over $85/mo for cable (no premium channels), so we aren't living life large.

if you already are paying 85 bucks, i'm pretty sure you can get a digital package that has TNTHD (digital expanded?) that might actually be less. and they'd prob hook it up with promotional rates for the first 3-6 months.

i thought you were paying 16-30 bucks like some grandfathered. :\

Clarifiction...

She said that with Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card she believes that eventually we will only get HD channels 702-720 (current unencrypted channels). The implication seemed to be that Discovery, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, and any other HDs added in the future will eventually not work with this Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card scheme.

Sort of another "Ungrandfathering" against those who are trying to save a buck.

And on the "grandfathering" thing - you gotta remember we real "early" adopters more than paid our dues when this whole cable thing was sketchy. I still pay over $85/mo for cable (no premium channels), so we aren't living life large.

so, to clarify more then, if you got standard expanded basic+digital Classic+HD+cable card would you get the extra channels?

..and you're paying $85 to get limited basic and the above you mentioned? :eek:

wendek

RBurks,
Channels 719 ( INHD1) and channel 720 ( FSN-HD) are suppose to be encrypted now, the only unencrypted channels are 702 up through and including 709. If you are getting anything else in the clear either, Comcast is giving you and your area a good deal or more likely they made a mistake and will now know that they made a mistake and put the encryption back on where it's suppose to be. Just to clarify, only the HD local network stations and PBS-HD are suppose to be in the clear.

Laters,
Mikef5

Clarifiction...

She said that with Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card she believes that eventually we will only get HD channels 702-720 (current unencrypted channels). The implication seemed to be that Discovery, TNT, ESPN, ESPN2, and any other HDs added in the future will eventually not work with this Limited Basic+Digital Classic+HD+Cable Card scheme After re-reading your message, you're talking about a specific program tier, my bad :), and yes they can and probably will make changes to their programing tiers to squeeze more money out of you...... this turnip is bled out ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

I guess Comcast needs to clarify what their policy is for cable cards used for the Tivo S3 and make that policy the same no matter where in the Comcast area you are in.

Laters,
Mikef5
Right, and how is Alice now that you're in Wonderland with her? :p :D

Right, and how is Alice now that you're in Wonderland with her? :p :D

isn't she wearing a leather miniskirt??

isn't she wearing a leather miniskirt??

Nah, she's a 60's kinda girl. It's a see through mini...... :D

Given Alice's age by now I'm not sure that's such a good thing, she's around 144 yrs old now. :eek:

Right, and how is Alice now that you're in Wonderland with her? :p :D
Which one of those mushrooms was I suppose to eat ?????? Oh heck, I'll just eat the all the shrooms just to be sure....... :p :D ;)

Laters,
Mikef5

you grandfathered people always complain about the inevitability of paying the same rates we non-grandfathered already do. what gives you the right to continue to be serviced the same way we do by paying far less? i'm glad you don't get TNTHD. sorry, that's just how i feel. i'm sure now i'm gonna get piled on by all the grandfathered. i'm not a troll, but everytime a post comes up like that i feel a little mad. i feel the same way about 550ers who pay the same rates and are being under-served. they are the ones truly being screwed here.

i do agree that digital cable rates are awfully high, but that's the premium we pay to be early adopters.
I pretty much agree with you. The 550ers are getting screwed. As I stated earlier, I would like to see Comcast drop analog completely and only offer digital packages. However, right now they are getting several people a little preturbed unnessarily. In my case, I signed up for the Platium package two years ago with no special deal. Currently I'm paying $103.99 + $9.95 for the DVR and HD service. For some reason I am considered grandfathered and I have to upgrade to the current price to get TNT-HD. The current Platium package is $106.30. Why they just didn't increase my cost $1 per year over the past 2 years. So it seems that everyone that purchased Comcast packages before the last price increase is considered grandfathered.

I pretty much agree with you. The 550ers are getting screwed. As I stated earlier, I would like to see Comcast drop analog completely and only offer digital packages. However, right now they are getting several people a little preturbed unnessarily. In my case, I signed up for the Platium package two years ago with no special deal. Currently I'm paying $103.99 + $9.95 for the DVR and HD service. For some reason I am considered grandfathered and I have to upgrade to the current price to get TNT-HD. The current Platium package is $106.30. Why they just didn't increase my cost $1 per year over the past 2 years. So it seems that everyone that purchased Comcast packages before the last price increase is considered grandfathered.
Well, here in the 550 MHz area, I have the Digital Platinum package with 2 dvr's and my bill is $136. So now do you see why I'm not happy with Comcast's decision not to upgrade our area ??? and I don't get half the stuff the rest of the Bay Area gets. No ESPN2, no TNT-HD, no NFL-HD, no SEHD, and one movie channel in HD.

Laters,
Mikef5

Well, here in the 550 MHz area, I have the Digital Platinum package with 2 dvr's and my bill is $136. So now do you see why I'm not happy with Comcast's decision not to upgrade our area ??? and I don't get half the stuff the rest of the Bay Area gets. No ESPN2, no TNT-HD, no NFL-HD, no SEHD, and one movie channel in HD.

Laters,
Mikef5


YOWZA! is that normal?? over $100+ for tv & entainment?

Well, here in the 550 MHz area, I have the Digital Platinum package with 2 dvr's and my bill is $136. So now do you see why I'm not happy with Comcast's decision not to upgrade our area ??? and I don't get half the stuff the rest of the Bay Area gets. No ESPN2, no TNT-HD, no NFL-HD, no SEHD, and one movie channel in HD.

Laters,
Mikef5

mike, why would u get the platinum that would give u all 4 premium channels over silver, that will just give you one? you only have HBO HD, is cinemax SD etc that important to you or something? you could knock off at least 30/mo i think.

YOWZA! is that normal?? over $100+ for tv & entainment?

lol have u not seen comcast's digital offerings? digital cable is a luxury good, or at least priced like one.

Well, here in the 550 MHz area, I have the Digital Platinum package with 2 dvr's and my bill is $136. So now do you see why I'm not happy with Comcast's decision not to upgrade our area ??? and I don't get half the stuff the rest of the Bay Area gets. No ESPN2, no TNT-HD, no NFL-HD, no SEHD, and one movie channel in HD.

Laters,
Mikef5
I agree you are being screwed which would be is about $136 since the 2nd DVR is about $16.95 plus tax. If they would get rid of analog services, they could consentrate on the digital services.

I agree you are being screwed which would be is about $136 since the 2nd DVR is about $16.95 plus tax. If they would get rid of analog services, they could consentrate on the digital services.
Yes, but I've been round and round with Comcast and the dropping of analog channels and even though I don't like it it's the analog channels that bring the most profit to Comcast and most of the broadcasters still think that analog gives them a larger viewing audience and more bang for their buck. It's all about profit and sadly what customers want is an after thought.

Laters,
Mikef5

I agree you are being screwed which would be is about $136 since the 2nd DVR is about $16.95 plus tax. If they would get rid of analog services, they could consentrate on the digital services.

i hope that day comes soon, but i think there will be quite the revolt if comcast turned off analog TOO soon. this is what i think comcast needs to do before they can shut off analog:

- offer extra STBs for a nominal fee or just include it in the package price
- lower the basic digital tier to around 30-40 bucks from the 50-60 bucks it is now.

but it won't make sense for them to do either of that without economies of scale so they just have to wait for more people to pony up 50-100/ mo for digital cable before it makes financial sense to piss off the analog users.

what a chicken/egg problem!

and dangit, they need to get rid of the "additional outlet fee" for digital services...... cable's best advantage always had been the ability to feed every TV in your house without extra costs.

mike, why would u get the platinum that would give u all 4 premium channels over silver, that will just give you one? you only have HBO HD, is cinemax SD etc that important to you or something? you could knock off at least 30/mo i think.
I've always, well for over 10 years, have had the Platinum package. All this HD stuff is recent, since Comcast took over the system from AT&T who had taken it over from TCI. Yes, I've been here along time, maybe to long. It's not just about the money, the main gripe I have with Comcast is that they are not treating all the areas the same and excluding them from receiving any more programing even though they are basically paying the same prices that the rest of the Bay Area is. That to me smacks of red lining but that's for the franchise board to determine and hopefully the State franchise will require all areas be afforded the same services as the rest of the areas do and that applies to AT&T or Verizon or even Comcast. I don't think that is unreasonalbe to ask of a company.

Laters,
Mikef5

Mikef5, what about comcast is so great that is keeping you from checking out other options like Dish?


wendek

mike is looking at dish, but he's sticking with comcast on the side anyway to see if things ever improve.

mike pays at least 30 bucks more than i do per month and i get more HD channels than him. we're less than 20 miles apart. comcast must think we can't talk to each other and compare notes or something.

Mikef5, what about comcast is so great that is keeping you from checking out other options like Dish?


wendek
The Giants in HD !!!!!! The A's in HD !!!!!!! FSN-HD. Yes it's all about sports for me :) and I've already stated I'm going to Dish after baseball season is over but now with the A's clinching their division I'll have to stay and watch that to it's conclusion unless Dish finally gets FSN-HD turned on. Comcast will be used as a basic back up in case Dish goes out or acts up. Like I said it's not just about money, it's about doing what's right for ALL your customers not just those you think are more profitable to you.

Laters,
Mikef5

Okay! now i understand! thanks, Mikef5.
(I try to pay attention, i blame it on the three year old).

wendek

mike is looking at dish, but he's sticking with comcast on the side anyway to see if things ever improve.

mike pays at least 30 bucks more than i do per month and i get more HD channels than him. we're less than 20 miles apart. comcast must think we can't talk to each other and compare notes or something.


it's kind of hard to let go of the old ways... i know it was hard to give up the land line but i hated paying the sbc/att monopoly and sneaky rate creeping so i jumped to VOIP and never looked back.

i want to go comcast, but i'm just afraid of buying into that old thing again with the sneaky rate creeping, unclear packaging, and different packages for different neighborhoods. I don't even know which Daly City/Pacifica channel listing to look at on the comcast site.
And hearing about all the STB probs, is not encouraging. I guess i just want something for nothing... but HEY! i am getting it with OTA. I just want more now. I want my MTV.. oh i mean HDTV & Toon Disney !

Okay! now i understand! thanks, Mikef5.
(I try to pay attention, i blame it on the three year old).

wendek
Not a problem, I just wish Comcast Corp. would understand... ;)
Argh, the terrible 3's, lots of fun :) I recommend ear plugs, works wonders.

Laters,
Mikef5

it's kind of hard to let go of the old ways... i know it was hard to give up the land line but i hated paying the sbc/att monopoly and sneaky rate creeping so i jumped to VOIP and never looked back.

i want to go comcast, but i'm just afraid of buying into that old thing again with the sneaky rate creeping, unclear packaging, and different packages for different neighborhoods. I don't even know which Daly City/Pacifica channel listing to look at on the comcast site.
And hearing about all the STB probs, is not encouraging. I guess i just want something for nothing... but HEY! i am getting it with OTA. I just want more now. I want my MTV.. oh i mean HDTV & Toon Disney !
Don't get me wrong, if you're in a fully upgraded area, Comcast is the way to go but if you're not it's time to hit the highway ( after baseball season :)) . Comcast has done alot to get some of the areas up and running and more HD programing than TCI or AT&T would ever had done. It's just they are failing miserably in the 550 MHz areas and it's going to hurt them in the end with bad feelings and bad PR.

Laters,
Mikef5

ok, then maybe after Baseball season if everyone drops their comcast completely and went dish in the 550 areas, then maybe they'd upgrade the neighborhood and beg you to come back? they always beg you to come back. i know, more wonderland dreaming perhaps.

terrible threes and ear plugs? i needed them yesterday !
Toon Disney here we come, eventually.
:)

ok, then maybe after Baseball season if everyone drops their comcast completely and went dish in the 550 areas, then maybe they'd upgrade the neighborhood and beg you to come back? they always beg you to come back. i know, more wonderland dreaming perhaps.

terrible threes and ear plugs? i needed them yesterday !
Toon Disney here we come, eventually.
:)
You must be eating the same mushrooms I am, and I see the White Rabbit coming :p

Laters,
Mikef5

Given Alice's age by now I'm not sure that's such a good thing, she's around 144 yrs old now. :eek:But those are Wonderland years.

(Gosh, if I'd realized before how many posts had come in between keenan's and mine, I wouldn'a bothered....)

But those are Wonderland years.

(Gosh, if I'd realized before how many posts had come in between keenan's and mine, I wouldn'a bothered....)

your post still applies....
the Wonderland years = Terrible Threes ? ahh wonderful..
the Wonderland years = comcast upgrading all the 550hz areas and making it fair for everyone !

wendek

Given Alice's age by now I'm not sure that's such a good thing, she's around 144 yrs old now. :eek:

It's a wonder how she keeps up her looks. One pill makes her larger, one pill makes her small. ;)

How many of you actually remember Jefferson AirPlane (aka StarShip) ??? and White Rabbit ???

Laters,
Mikef5

i hope that day comes soon, but i think there will be quite the revolt if comcast turned off analog TOO soon. this is what i think comcast needs to do before they can shut off analog:

- offer extra STBs for a nominal fee or just include it in the package price
- lower the basic digital tier to around 30-40 bucks from the 50-60 bucks it is now.

but it won't make sense for them to do either of that without economies of scale so they just have to wait for more people to pony up 50-100/ mo for digital cable before it makes financial sense to piss off the analog users.

what a chicken/egg problem!
So they loose the basic analog customers ($12 per month) but they gain a large amount of bandwidth. Also they keep customers like Mikef5 and Keenan and win back highend Dish and DirecTv customers. If they offered better HD channels (UHD, Food Network, HDNet, etc.), I wouldn't be one to compain about an added price for those channels. At the basic analog customers price of $12 per month, that probably barely covers the service calls.

I don't know if you realize it but Comcast currently averages about $90 per customer per month for all services so the $12 per month isn't doing very much.

So they loose the basic analog customers ($12 per month) but they gain a large amount of bandwidth. Also they keep customers like Mikef5 and Keenan and win back highend Dish and DirecTv customers. If they offered better HD channels (UHD, Food Network, HDNet, etc.), I wouldn't be one to compain about an added price for those channels. At the basic analog customers price of $12 per month, that probably barely covers the service calls.

I don't know if you realize it but Comcast currently averages about $90 per customer per month for all services so the $12 per month isn't doing very much.

i believe the $12-17 a month is regulated by either state or local laws...ie, cable must provide basic stations at some affordable level...its almost like baseline phone service. so, from what i understood, it is doubtful they will ever get rid of such level even if they have to give a D/A converter to each household to permit digital simulcast.

i'm the first to admit that i'm one of the few people who feels they are paying a fair amount for what they want. i 'm doing the limited basic +HD +digital classic because it is exactly what i need: locatl stations and local sports (Giants on FSN-HD). i don't watch any of the other stations and for right now, Comcast offers a better package than i can get from sat service. of course, if this changes, then i'll be moving to satellite...

How many of you actually remember Jefferson AirPlane (aka StarShip) ??? and White Rabbit ???

Laters,
Mikef5
You kiddin'? Still got all my tie-dyed T-shirts! :D

i believe the $12-17 a month is regulated by either state or local laws...ie, cable must provide basic stations at some affordable level...its almost like baseline phone service. so, from what i understood, it is doubtful they will ever get rid of such level even if they have to give a D/A converter to each household to permit digital simulcast.

i'm the first to admit that i'm one of the few people who feels they are paying a fair amount for what they want. i 'm doing the limited basic +HD +digital classic because it is exactly what i need: locatl stations and local sports (Giants on FSN-HD). i don't watch any of the other stations and for right now, Comcast offers a better package than i can get from sat service. of course, if this changes, then i'll be moving to satellite...
It may be what they want but why should I be subsidizing them. Cable companies are no more of a monopoly than the SAT companies so why would the law single them out.

So they loose the basic analog customers ($12 per month) but they gain a large amount of bandwidth. Also they keep customers like Mikef5 and Keenan and win back highend Dish and DirecTv customers. If they offered better HD channels (UHD, Food Network, HDNet, etc.), I wouldn't be one to compain about an added price for those channels. At the basic analog customers price of $12 per month, that probably barely covers the service calls.

I don't know if you realize it but Comcast currently averages about $90 per customer per month for all services so the $12 per month isn't doing very much.
What the customer pays for a package isn't the determining factor with Comcast, it's what the broadcasters pay Comcast to have their programing shown on cable. Most broadcasters believe that their best coverage for their ads is on the analog channels and that's why Comcast will not do away with the analog channels, that's what the broadcasters want and what's in the contract agreements between Comcast and the broadcasters.

Laters,
Mikef5

How many of you actually remember Jefferson AirPlane (aka StarShip) ??? and White Rabbit ???

More than you may think.......
Grew up with them here in the 60's :cool: