MOD EDIT - Courtesy of keenan:

San Francisco Bay Area Comcast Information
============================================================ ==============

This thread contains posts regarding Comcast HDTV service in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose Bay Area. (This covers San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma, and Napa counties.)

For Solano County see note below.

To summarize status as of August, 2006:

HD Channels:

Note: Not all channels are available everywhere. Check with your local Comcast office, or better yet, post the question here as you will get the most accurate, up to date, information from this group. Having a location/city in your profile helps tremendously.

702 KTVU-DT (FOX) 720p & DD 5.1
703 KNTV-DT (NBC) 1080i & DD 5.1
704 KRON-DT (MyTV) 1080i
705 KPIX-DT (CBS) 1080i & DD 5.1
707 KGO-DT (ABC) 720p & DD 5.1
709 KQED-DT (PBS) (on air 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.) 1080i & DD 5.1

719 INHD (encrypted in most areas) 1080i
720 INHD2 (encrypted in most areas) 1080i (FSNBA-HD see note below)

FSN Bay Area HD (some Warriors, A's and Giants games inserted onto 720, pre-empting INHD2 programming) FSN Bay Area Website-- HD Schedule (http://fsnbayarea.com/FSNHD.jsp)

722 Discovery HD Theater 1080i & DD 5.1
723 ESPN HD (encrypted in most areas) 720p & DD 5.1
725 ESPN2 HD (encrypted) 720p & DD 5.1
HD Special Events
-- NFL Channel HD (NFL Game of the Week, Weds. and Thurs. Evenings)
-- INHD programming (third INHD feed) whenever NBA game is on INHD
-- Other HD programming TBA

730 HBO HD West (encrypted) 1080i & DD 5.1
732 Cinemax HD West (encrypted) 1080i & DD 5.1
734 Starz HD West (encrypted) 1080i & DD 5.1
736 Showtime HD West (encrypted) 1080i & DD 5.1

Note re encryption: This varies from one head end to the next. Some premiums and/or ESPN HD and/or InHD may be unencrypted in your area, but that will change as soon as Comcast gets all the necessary equipment to encrypt. Only the local HD channels will be "in the clear" once all the head ends have the proper equipment.

Note re ADS: ADS, or Analog-Digital Simulcasting, is when the analog channels are duplicated as digital subchannels. This allows for cheaper, smaller digital boxes as the analog tuner is not needed. ADS also eliminates the need for MPEG encoders in the DVR's. The primary advantage is the elimination of interference typically associated with analog signals.

Most 750/850MHz systems in the Bay Area have implemented ADS. The surest way of obtaining the digital versions of the analog channels is to incorporate at least one Motorola 3412 STB in your household. Once the headend receives the signal that you're in an "ADS-ready" area, your other STB's will automatically start using the digital channels. To find out if you're receiving the digital channels, tune both of your tuners to channel 2, go in to the diagnostics menu, and go to "d06 CURRENT CHANNEL STATUS". If both tuners say 'QAM 256" then you're receiving the digital version of the channel. If they say "Analog" then you are receiving the analog version of the channel.

Note re 550 Mhz systems: Not all (or any) HD channels may be available in some Bay Area systems because they are not yet "rebuilt" to either 750 mHz or 860 mHz and thus have less bandwidth to devote to HDTV. As it stands August 2006, there doesn't appear to be any plans to upgrade these systems to bring parity with the rest of the SF bay area. The prevailing assumption is that as we move closer to the analog OTA shutdown date, Comcast will be moving analog channels to digital, and thus, freeing up bandwidth for more channels and services on these systems. This looks to be a long and slow process covering years so don't expect anything new to appear on these systems anytime soon. On these systems you will NOT get: INHD*, INHD2,* FSN Bay Area HD*, Showtime HD, KRON HD and/or HD Special Events among others depending on the particular system.

But, you will pay the same rates as subscribers who do receive the full complement of channels and services. This is an inequity that Comcast, to date, has not addressed and continues to remain silent on.

These systems are located in, among other areas,

Antioch
Hayward
Los Gatos
Milpitas
Pittsburg
San Leandro
San Lorenzo
Santa Rosa
Saratoga
Sunnyvale(parts)
Vallejo

* INHD and INHD2 are available in areas of Saratoga, Milpitas and Los Gatos even though these are primarily 550 Mhz systems.

Note: Solano County. Information obtained from Comcast subscriber heyjjjaded in Vacaville.

1. Our local HD channels are all out of Sacramento
2. Unlike Sacramento though, all of our HD channels are in the 700's (the way they are in San Francisco)
3. We get standard network non-HD channels (NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox) from both Sacramento & San Francisco
4. The 800 telephone number on our Comcast brochure puts us through to the bay area
5. Our HD problems (break-ups, audio-drops, failure to switch from INHD2 to FSN HD) almost always coincide with the same problems reported by the Sacramento customers

For further Sacramento information, see the Sacramento Comcast Thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=8175752#post8175752)


HD Capable Set Top Box/Firmware:

Motorola 5100 and Motorola 6200

The 6200 has a faster processor and two firewire (IEEE 1394) ports.

Firmware 7.15 (7.10 in some areas). DVI and Firewire are activated with both versions but are more stable and user friendly with 7.15.

Current software is 51.88-2002.

See the rest of the thread, below, or the 5100/6200 thread in the HDTV Hardware forum for more specific information.

HD-DVR/Software:

Motorola 6412-- first became available in December 2004. (6208 was originally projected to be available November/December 2003). Costs extra $9.95 per month (or $4.95 per month more than a non-DVR HD STB rental from Comcast) above what you are otherwise paying for now.

Software for the HD DVR the iGuide, by Guideworks, a joint venture of Comcast and Gemstar-TV Guide. Software for all other HD boxes will eventually be the iGuide but has not yet been downloaded to them as of February 17, 2005.

Current firmware version for the 6412:

Current software version for the 6412: 71.44 1203 (revision should be coming in the next couple of months)


Motorola 6412 PIII--same as 6412 listed above but has HDMI video output vs DVI for the above 6412.

Current firmware version for the 6412-PIII: 12.31


Motorola 3412--same as 6412 PIII only it has no analog tuner. The 3412 is a digital-only DVR and can be used only on systems where ADS has been implemented.

Current firmware version for the 3412: 12.22


Costs:

Limited basic cable, which is required for all subscriptions, ranges from $9 to $17 per month depending on your area. HD STB rental (non-DVR) is $5 per month. To get INHD and ESPN HD, if encrypted, you need Digital Classic tier at $9.95 per month. Premium HD channels, if encrypted, are received with any a la carte or package subscription that includes the SD versions of those channels.

HD-DVR (6412-3412) cost: $4.95 more per month than the standard HD STB. To be eligible to rent the DVR you must have a subscription to Standard Cable and at least Digital Classic--average cost--$57

Note: All the above prices prices and packages will vary somewhat from area to area, check with others in your location and/or contact the local Comcast office that serves your area.


I will update this summary as information changes. If anyone has different or updated information to the above, please post it to this thread and I will incorporate it.

It's definitely the case in the systems serviced by the North Bay head end. I indicated above that HBO HD and Showtime HD are encrypted. Until recently, they were sent in the clear.

I checked last night and ESPN HD is in the clear on our system. Shhhh, don't tell anyone... :)

Ah, so that's what you meant by encrypted. I thought it was always sent encrypted since when I ordered SHO as part of my HD upgrade box swap, I got everything except for HBO-HD.

Thanks Sonoma for starting this thread. I wonder if Comcast will ever add Bravo-HD+ or TNT-HD when it's available?

I would bet that TNT HD is very likely to show up on Comcast soon after launch, given TNT's sports programming (NBA playoffs being the most prominent) and decent movie line-up. Turner Television has even said they already have carriage deals with some cable and/or satellite providers, but they won't yet say who.

Bravo HD+ is entirely a different matter... who knows? If there in fact will be a lot of HD Olympics on Bravo, I would say yes, but it probably won't launch until the Olympics get a lot closer.

The comcast techs are coming over tomorrow to upgrade my receiver to HD. Stay tune for a report on PQ and available channels

Firmware 7.07 in north Oakland, CA.!

This has been reported on the >>> Official AVS Comcast Moto 5100 Upgrade topic! <<< thread.

DVI works, but on my Fuji P50(10), so far the picture quality seems indistinguishable from component.

John

Any chance of KTVU (Cox owned) being added anytime soon?

KTVU is doubtful anytime soon. Cox Broadcasting, owner of KTVU, is taking a directly opposite position from Cox Cable on cable companies paying for digital broadcast signals. Both are ultimately owned by Cox Enterprises.

Cox Cable says cable companies shouldn't have to pay for the digital signal if it has the same programming as the analog signal (albeit better PQ and sound, obviously). Comcast of course takes the same position.

But Cox Broadcasting apparently is attempting to get Comcast to render some sort of compensation for all Cox-owned stations' digital signals. Of course, Comcast is refusing. (Whether Cox can pull a Viacom and get some quid pro quo with regard to cable channel carriage, of course, is subject to speculation.)

Don't you love it when a company speaks out of both sides of its mouth?

I'm in the East Bay anyone know if you can get INHD channel for just a day? I just want to have it to watch the NBA All Star game, and how much does INHD cost a month, couldn't seem to find it on the comcast website. Thanks a lot.

If FOX was avail on comcast in the bay, it'd make things a whole lot better.

The techs took about an hour to upgrade my cable box to HD. The first box he installed did not even power up . He hooked up his back up unit (seems like he has seen this before). The unit took about 10 minutes to download the latest firmware (ver 51.42). The unit then reported a modem error a couple of minutes later.
The tech and to call back to HQ and force a system reset on the unit. After waiting for the unit to come alive (another 10 minutes), we finally got some video on composite but nothing on component. The tech went into the 'secret' menu and reconfigured HD output... still no HD out. He power-cycled the unit a couple more times and we finally managed do get component video out.
ESPN HD is incredible on 1080i. We switched to 720p and video turned really grainly. We switched back to 1080i. Any idea if there is a difference in perceived quality between 1080i and 720p on an LCD projector (I have a panny L300U)?
The availabe channels are:
- KGO looks like SD quality upscaled to HD
- KNTV (NBC) sharp video,and widescreen
- KPIX (CBS) not as sharp as KNTV, 4:3
- KQEDH very sharp, 16:9
- KQEDE SD upscaled, 4:3
- KQEDW no signal
- KQEDL no signal
- KQEDD no signal
- ESPNHD absolutely the best video I've ever seen
- HBO-W very sharp (not encrypted)
- SHOw very sharp (not encrypted)

I noticed the audio levels on the HD channels are lower than SD channels. Is this normal?
Also, when ESPN broadcasts regular non-HD video on ESPNHD, the screen is stretched to 16:9. This does not happen to other channels.
Just before the lech left, he mentioned the 5100 are DVR ready (ie: the hard disks are already installed in the box). All comcast need to do is to enable it via firmware (possibly in Nov this year). Is there any truth in this?

I got the 5100 HD box installed two weeks ago..

The Comcast guy originally installed a non-HD box and I had to bring it to the local Comcast warehouse to exchange it.

I'm kinda disappointed..

I got more HD channels with my over the air antenna than I get through HD cable.

What really surprised me was that all the regular cable channels are still coming through as analog signals through the 5100. I thought all channels would be transmitted using digital technology even if they were not in HD.

Only reason I got HD cable was so my Tivo could record stuff. It couldn't change the channels on my Over The Air HD receiver box. I got two other non-HD TVs as well so I get regular cable programming on those.

I'm going to have to think whether I really want to keep Comcast. DirecTV looks a lot more appealing now..

So based on the posts I have seen here and elsewhere so far, the 7.07 firmware is running in parts of Oakland, Burlingame and Alameda.

Anywhere else?

EDIT: Milpitas, Menlo Park ...

Firmware 7.07 and working DVI in the South Bay ( Milpitas area ). I can't believe we really got it before the rest of the area, of course we still don't get INHD and INHD2.... :(

It's been a long time that I checked back this forum. Is anybody know if Comcast HDTV is available in North San Jose (95133) area?

Thanks

Hi Folks,
I got it today in Marin (San Rafael) and I'm getting wonderful 720p output from DVI and component. It's crisper but the colors are better on my Sharp z10k projector through component because of the lack of controls with DVI. Oh well. Can't wait for the Super Bowl tomorrow. Has anybody found a way to get firewire out for archiving/timeshifting? I was hoping for Discovery HD, Fox and WB... Hopefully coming soon. Any update on tthe PVR?
thanks,
Sam

Anyone from the East Bay, particularly Pleaseanton/Dublin/Danville area get INHD and INHD2 channels?

You've got DVI out from a Comcast box? Did you get the 5100 or the 6200?
Perspiring minds want to know. My D1 looks great via DVI out and I really wanted to show the SB via DVI. A Comcast CSR (Clueless Service Rep) had no idea what I was talking about last week when I called to inquire about DVI's availability. Share your success amigo!

Dartinbout,

As mentioned in the other posts above, some Bay Area Comcast systems have received a new firmware version, 7.07. The firmware is downloaded to the STB's by Comcast. Check your box to see if you have firmware version 7.07.

Where are you located? Someone may have already reported the 7.07 in your area.

If you have firmware 7.07, then IF your 5100 box has a DVI port, it is operational. All 6200 boxes have DVI ports (but very few 6200's have been installed in the Bay Area by Comcast so far, AFAIK).

If you don't have 7.07 on your box, you just have to wait until it is downloaded.

Good luck.

I just checked last night and I now have 7.07. I'm in Fremont. However, I could NOT get to any service or hidden menus. Pushing the OK/slect button with poower off did nothing for me at all. In my configuration screen, it says "Outputs: 3" but not what they are and whether DVI is active or not. I just returned the DVI cable to Fry's and got some good (not Monster $130 good, but decent) component cables. Now it seems I need to go buy one again, just to give it a try.

Albert

BTW - I have a 5100 with a DVI connector on the rear panel. I hope it's active......

Your DVI connector must be active if you have 7.07.

There are two ways to get to two different "service" menus.

For the user settings menu, hit "Menu" while the box is powered off.

For the menu which includes a much more extensive list of different settings (which cannot be modified from this menu), you have to hit the OK/select button immediately after turning off the box. If you hit OK/select even 3 or 4 seconds after powering off the box, you won't get it. It has to be within one or two seconds after powering it off.

Your DVI connector must be active if you have 7.07.

I hope so........

There are two ways to get to two different "service" menus.

For the user settings menu, hit "Menu" while the box is powered off.

Yup - saw that one. 7.07 seems to have changed the way the 4:3 override works. I like it better now.


For the menu which includes a much more extensive list of different settings (which cannot be modified from this menu), you have to hit the OK/select button immediately after turning off the box. If you hit OK/select even 3 or 4 seconds after powering off the box, you won't get it. It has to be within one or two seconds after powering it off.

Ah, so! I was taking my time going to the OK/select button. No wonder it didn't work! Thanks!

I will pick up a new DVI cable this weekend and give it another try. Any suggestions for where I can go to buy one that's not the exorbitantly expensive Monster cable? And should it be DVI-D or DVI-I? Single link okay? I'm not a fan of Internet shopping, and I'd rather avoid that if I can.

Albert

Quick question on Comsast HD recently. During the last week, I have noticed that most of the HD channels on comcast have been a bit "weird" and getting "stuck" for a about 5-7 seconds at a time and going to a black screen. After about the 5-7 seconds they seem to come back only for it to happen again after another 10 minutes or so. It happens sparaticaly so it is difficult to pin point.

Has anyone noticed this?

I've seen that happen too. This was a few weeks back, haven't seen it recently. I think it was pissing me off, so I just switched over to my Dish. I may have turned off the cable box too, was trying to figure a way to reboot the box to see if that would clear it. It just seemed to go away.

Originally posted by mrquickfire
Quick question on Comsast HD recently. During the last week, I have noticed that most of the HD channels on comcast have been a bit "weird" and getting "stuck" for a about 5-7 seconds at a time and going to a black screen. After about the 5-7 seconds they seem to come back only for it to happen again after another 10 minutes or so. It happens sparaticaly so it is difficult to pin point.

Has anyone noticed this?

Seems to be happening more and more. It started on NBC last week. Last night, CBS had the problem (it was during CSI:Miami). I've also noticed that NBC will often show some funky logo animation during part of the commercial break (but not the whole break!) then not always re-start the program at the same time as SD. What's the deal there?

Albert

I believe that has to do with local station identification type of thing, like local news blurbs and such. I think comcast actually gets their NBC feed nationally and not from the local market, or the local market just doesn't take the time to splice in their news segment. So we get the nice peacock dancing around or whatever you want to call it.

will pick up a new DVI cable this weekend and give it another try. Any suggestions for where I can go to buy one that's not the exorbitantly expensive Monster cable? And should it be DVI-D or DVI-I? Single link okay? I'm not a fan of Internet shopping, and I'd rather avoid that if I can

Reasonably priced DVI cables seem to be hard to find locally. I looked through Fry's, didn't find any; they'd usually be best bet. Best Buy didn't have anything but the ridiculous Monster version. I didn't try CompUSA, the only other place I'd think would be likely to have some. I ended up ordering from www.pacificcable.com. You need DVI-D as the 5100's connector won't accept DVI-I. Single link is fine, but I paid the $1 extra for dual link just in case I can make use of the dual link in the future for my PC.

Ah, this is cool, DVI is indeed working for me here in Menlo Park! Wonderful!

One thing I wish is if the 5100 would come with a "native" output resolution setting: that is, the 5100 would switch between 720p and 1080i (and 480p/480i) as needed to match the channel's resolution.

The DVI output on my Motorola 5100 box is alive and well. All of the news about the v7.07 firmware upgrade from Comcast inspired a test on my Dell LCD monitor.

Five minutes of a KQED HD demo program (flying above Marin County) was a breathtaking, even considering the small monitor. What surprised me was that the low band signals (channel 4 6 and 8) seemed clearer than on my Samsung CRT.

Taking a slightly different angle.........can we discuss suggestions for maximizing picture quality on Comcast SD channels (as well as HD) as compared to Directv?

What cables are you using? What worked better/worst? Do you use different cables & different TV inputs for SD signals?

Thanks, Bob - Marin (Samsung 46" dlp)

It does seem like one disadvantage of going with DVI is that you have to set the "480i override" to 480p---which means you're using the Motorola box's deinterlacer for SD signals instead of the (possibly) better deinterlacer in your display. On my Panasonic plasma, with DCDi deinterlacing, I think I like the component output for SD better then DVI.

I live in San Francisco and am currently remodeling a house. As part of the remodel, I'm going to be able to get a nice new HDTV. As a result, I'm curious about getting HD Cable from Comcast.

I've got the house wired for satellite as I've been using DirecTV for years. I had ATT cable years ago and it didn't look very good (signal was highly compressed). As much of the city has been rebuilt, I'm curious if the SD PQ has improved any?

I'm also curious to know if Comcast has any HD only packages. I'm mostly interested in recording HD signals onto my computer via IEEE 1394 and don't want to spend the money on two HD boxes (satellite and over the air).

I'm wired to put an OTA antenna on my roof, but that feels so 1970's. Anyone have suggestions on getting an HD only feed from Comcast? Is anyone doing this? Ideally, I don't want to pay for both cable and satellite (I don't watch that much TV).

In my area--Albany--we currently have slots 184-198 allocated for HD channels. Included in that range are 4 KQED digital stations, 3 of which go off the air when KQED HD programming begins at 8 PM. Slots 187 and 194 (within that range) are currently unused, as are 199 and 200; regular digital programming begins again at 201.

In the current setup, it seems my area only has room for 4 additional HD channels.

How difficult is it for Comcast to add additional HD capacity? Are there technical reasons for having all HD programming in one contiguous block?

Originally posted by rstewar
I live in San Francisco and am currently remodeling a house. As part of the remodel, I'm going to be able to get a nice new HDTV. As a result, I'm curious about getting HD Cable from Comcast.

I've got the house wired for satellite as I've been using DirecTV for years. I had ATT cable years ago and it didn't look very good (signal was highly compressed). As much of the city has been rebuilt, I'm curious if the SD PQ has improved any?

I'm also curious to know if Comcast has any HD only packages. I'm mostly interested in recording HD signals onto my computer via IEEE 1394 and don't want to spend the money on two HD boxes (satellite and over the air).

I'm wired to put an OTA antenna on my roof, but that feels so 1970's. Anyone have suggestions on getting an HD only feed from Comcast? Is anyone doing this? Ideally, I don't want to pay for both cable and satellite (I don't watch that much TV). Comcast does not have any "HD only" packages.

You have several options, however:

(1) Get HD locals only through Comcast-- you need only a basic cable subscription (about $16/mo. +/-) and rental of the Comcast HD box ($5/mo.). Since that adds up to only about $21 or $22 per month, you can go for the rest of your HD through either DirectTV, Dish or VOOM for whatever pricing they are offering, including discounts/HD STB offers for new or existing customers.

(2) Get HD locals PLUS the Digital Classic tier-- an extra $9.95 per month for the Digital Classic tier, so about $32 per month; this would get you the HD locals PLUS ESPN HD, InHD and InHD2 (and maybe some new HD channels, whenever they might be added, such as Discovery HD and/or Bravo HD-- this is speculation, however). The Digital Classic tier also gets you a random variety of digital SD channels.

(3) Option (1) or (2) above PLUS HBO a la carte or Showtime a la carte, which would get you HBO HD or Showtime HD, respectively. Note that the "a la carte" price for HBO or Showtime is quite pricey compared to satellite providers and it is usually only a couple of dollars less than buying into one of Comcast's full digital package subscriptions (like "Digital Silver" or "Digital Gold").

(4) Go for a Digital Silver or Digital Gold package with HBO and/or Showtime because you are a new customer-- you can get a good deal as a new customer, especially if you have some old sat equipment you don't use anymore ($25 off per month to "trade it in")-- check Comcast's website and/or look for their ads promoting discount packages to new customers. Usually these discounts last for 3 to 6 months (except for the satellite equipment trade-in, which goes on for 16 months, I think); after that, you can downgrade to option (1), (2) or (3) above, depending on what your viewing requirements and budget are.

FYI, Cinemax HD and Starz HD should be added to Bay Area Comcast lineups sometime in March (same subscription basis as HBO and Showtime-- you need to subscribe to the SD versions either a la carte or as part of a digital package in order to get the HD versions).

Originally posted by forumblue
In my area--Albany--we currently have slots 184-198 allocated for HD channels. Included in that range are 4 KQED digital stations, 3 of which go off the air when KQED HD programming begins at 8 PM. Slots 187 and 194 (within that range) are currently unused, as are 199 and 200; regular digital programming begins again at 201.

In the current setup, it seems my area only has room for 4 additional HD channels.

How difficult is it for Comcast to add additional HD capacity? Are there technical reasons for having all HD programming in one contiguous block? The channel numbers really have nothing to do with capacity for new channels (HD or otherwise). The total bandwidth available is what limits addition of new channels-- and I don't think that is currently limiting new channels in Comcast systems which have been rebuilt to 750 mHZ or 850 mHZ. (A few systems are still at 550 mHz, so the number of HD channels is limited there until they are re-built.)

As far as channel numbers, Comcast would only have to re-map the channel numbers if it wants to have all the HD channels together. IMHO, all the HD channels should be together, so that you can easily surf from one HD channel to the next without jumping from HD to SD and back to HD (such as what occurs right now with KQED's SD digital channels).

For example, Comcast could put all the HD channels in the 300's or the 700's, where there are no channels mapped presently. Or, it could take SD channels 181, 182, 183 (bravo, style, ovation, I think) and put them down in the 160's or 170's, thereby opening up a lot more consecutive channels numbers for HD channels.

When they remap, I really hope they take those KQED SD multicast channels and put them at the beginning or the end of the channel block, so that you don't have to flip through them when surfing or using the channel guide. (To a certain extent, you can surmount this using the "Favorites" feature.)

Longtime Lurker, first post:
I'm in Berkeley and have had all the HD channels till about a month ago when I lost INHD (I still get INHD2). I tried to get it reauthorize over the phone, but the tech support person couldn't get it back and scheduled a service call. When the service man came out he basically spent his time talking to someone back at the main office and after an hour of reauthorizations, I got INHD back.

However, after he left I noticed I was missing a few digital channels, like some sports channels and TechTV. When I talked to a CSR, he said that what they did to get INHD back was to switch plans on me. Since all I got with the new plan was INHD, I preferred the old one and asked them to switch back which they did. (I could have kept both plans for another $6/month).

Anyway, the question: Is anyone else having this discrepancy? I would assume if my plan had INHD2 in it, it would also have INHD. The CSR thought this was strange, but he said that's what he sees in the lineups. I'm grandfathered in to a Digital Gold package from AT&T.

Also, I just noticed yesterday that INHD is now called INHDM (for Movies?); was the loss of that channel a precursor to a new premium plan?

TIA,
Vic

I'm in the Santa Clara headend and last night after midnight both my HD box (Moto 5100) and the SD box (General Instruments POS) got some sort of reset.

As the image came back in a few seconds, I had lost a bunch of HD channels: KNTV, ESPN, HBO, SHOW, INHD (but not INHD2).

Tonight when I looked at the setup menus I noticed that the Moto 5100 now has a 7.07 firmware! Time to get the DVI blade for my Pana I guess!

Alas, my channels were still missing, so I called Comcast cust service, and they said that techs are still working in my area (at 8pm). At 8:55pmpm they still claimed the same, but the new CSR agreed to try to update the channel lineup. That brought back everything, except KNTV (NBC)... So no West Wing in HD tonight :mad:

Sami

Originally posted by sam123
I'm in the Santa Clara headend and last night after midnight both my HD box (Moto 5100) and the SD box (General Instruments POS) got some sort of reset.

As the image came back in a few seconds, I had lost a bunch of HD channels: KNTV, ESPN, HBO, SHOW, INHD (but not INHD2).

Tonight when I looked at the setup menus I noticed that the Moto 5100 now has a 7.07 firmware! Time to get the DVI blade for my Pana I guess!

Alas, my channels were still missing, so I called Comcast cust service, and they said that techs are still working in my area (at 8pm). At 8:55pmpm they still claimed the same, but the new CSR agreed to try to update the channel lineup. That brought back everything, except KNTV (NBC)... So no West Wing in HD tonight :mad:

Sami

Sami,

They did some changes to the digital system on the Santa Clara Headend today as you noticed ( I got a message from the on 2/10 of possible interrupts today because of it)...They seem to have mucked it up somewhat. I lost ESPNHD, HBOHD and SHOWHD. I've got digital Classic so I should have ESPNHD...HBO and Show were a free bonus...Maybe that ended today but they havent been able to get ESPNHD back for me remotely. Sending a tech tomorrow AM (CSR insisted) doubt the tech being at my house will do any good but at least he may know the right folks to call to fix it. I'll see if he knows what the upgrade was...The CSR said no changes where made today but I know that's wrong

I think 7.07 was uploaded previously (not part of today's work) since several people on the headend (Milipitas etc...) have been using 7.07/DVI before today.

Davisdog,
Having the same problem in the South Bay ( Milpitas area), had no NBCHD, HBOHD, SHOHD and no ESPNHD. They did a rest of the box and I got back everything but ESPNHD and as of this morning I still don't have it. Anyone else is the South Bay having this problem ?? :(

I am also in Milpitas and lost the same channels. Should I call and ask for a reset of the box? Do you call the 1-800 # or is there a local # to call?

-- Alvin

Wolfgang,

You can try but today may not be the best day for it...They are all screwed up. I've had a tech at my house (still here), they tried swapping boxes, reseting it remotely and even changing packages but ESPN-HD still shows Not Authorized. Finally the remote folks (dispatch) said they looked it up and they dont offer ESPN-HD in my area and never have...Even though I've had it since August :( ARRRRGGGGHHHH. Anyway, the tech is calling the Headend to get somebody with a clue, I'll let you know if we make progress.

btw...call 888-824-4146 or 888-824-8146 instead of 1 800 COMCAST. Gets somebody local faster (and usually with more of a clue). Sonoma suggested it a while back...a good suggestion although I probably shouldnt spread it around ; so it remains a better route for us

I had the same problem in Sunyvale last night... all the HD channels were 'not authorized for viewing'. I called up Comcast and a discombobulated voice announced the entire bay area has some technical issues. I requested for a BOX reset and by 11pm, all the HD channels were back on line again.

Well, no such luck in Saratoga (btw the technical issues they are having are confined to the Santa Clara Area because of digital upgrades the are doing on the systems).

So they couldnt get ESPN-HD to work again on my box after the headend upgrade they did yesterday (after an hour of debating if there was such a thing as ESPNHD). They then decided to swap out my box with a new one (unfortunately still a 5100) and load it from scratch to see if that would work ...Well, turns out they are finding they are having trouble communicating with the HD Boxes after the upgrade they did. They were unable to get anything other than the Analog channels on the new box (looking at the service menu it had no info on digital channels at all loaded from the headend computer) and since they changed my account to the new serial # they were not able to swap back in the old box and get it working for anything digital (so I went from no ESPN-HD to no Digital (incl no HD)). While they were working on mine (for 2 hours) they started getting lots of calls and putting two and two together. Hopefully they'll have the HD issues in our area resolved asap...

A word to the wise...if you are only missing 1 HD channel (such as ESPNHD) today...give it a day before you have them mess with it...otherwise you may end up like me :(

At least there internet service is still up so I could vpn into work and stay productive while I stayed home for this (the tech and I did watch some talk show crap about my daughter is a .... boy do I miss daytime tv)

Well I called and asked Comcast for a reset. The CSR tried the reset and nothing changed. I still cannot get NBC, ESPN, HBO or SHOW.

They said they will send a technician out Saturday to look at the problem. I guess I will wait and see.

By the way, do you know if the upgrade is going to upgrade us the 750MHz system and allow us to receive INHD and future HD channels that Comcast is promising? The rest of bay area already has INHD and I hear that are adding more HD channels on March 15.

One more question, are you still getting HBO/SHOW for free if you don't subscribe to the package.

-- Alvin

Wolfgang,

I'd bet there's nothing a tech can do from your house (based on what I heard). Best bet is just to call the 1888# every night to have them try a warm reset to see if they can get your box reset (and hopefully they'll now if the Headend to 5100 comminication problem has been resolved)

I've gotten two different answers as to if this is a direct result of their effort to upgrade us from 550MHz to 750Mhz (one yes, and one no but I dont have much confidence in either answer based on some other quizing I did of the folks) I think this is part of that upgrade but not sure when they'll actually have the extra bandwidth online.

and did lose HBO and Show HD last night in addtion to ESPN-HD (I should have ESPN HD since I have Digital Classic, but HBO and Show were freebies). I'll have to wait and see if HBO and Show come back when they finally resolve the issues (ie getting Digital back for me, along with ESPN-HD). I'd love to have InHD1/2 but don't complain about it too much since they've been giving us Show and HBO-HD for free...If that changes then I want my InHD!

Originally posted by vw70
Longtime Lurker, first post:
I'm in Berkeley and have had all the HD channels till about a month ago when I lost INHD (I still get INHD2). I tried to get it reauthorize over the phone, but the tech support person couldn't get it back and scheduled a service call. When the service man came out he basically spent his time talking to someone back at the main office and after an hour of reauthorizations, I got INHD back.

However, after he left I noticed I was missing a few digital channels, like some sports channels and TechTV. When I talked to a CSR, he said that what they did to get INHD back was to switch plans on me. Since all I got with the new plan was INHD, I preferred the old one and asked them to switch back which they did. (I could have kept both plans for another $6/month).

Anyway, the question: Is anyone else having this discrepancy? I would assume if my plan had INHD2 in it, it would also have INHD. The CSR thought this was strange, but he said that's what he sees in the lineups. I'm grandfathered in to a Digital Gold package from AT&T.

Also, I just noticed yesterday that INHD is now called INHDM (for Movies?); was the loss of that channel a precursor to a new premium plan?

TIA,
Vic

I live in SF (94123) and I noticed that new?? channel on Monday but I've way too busy to call Comcast to find out what it is...and BTW, I can see what's playing (all movies) but cannot tune to it but can tune to every other HD channel.

If you're interested I signed up with Comcast (not AT&T) and have their Gold package as well with HBO and Showtime and have always received both InHD channels so it seems very strange. I'll check again tonight when I get home.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Have a 5100 with the 7.xx rev and as of today at noon. I no longer have ESPN-HD, HBO-HD or SHOW-HD. NBC WAS missing but it came back on sometime since I'd last checked.

Funny thing is that the InHD1/2 now say 'wait a minute' msg rather than the 'not authorized' msg.

Since I already have DirecTV with HBO option running side by side with cable, I now have to decide if the three locals in HD but without ESPN, and HBO make me want to keep Comcast cable. Might be time to BUY the DirecTV HD box. <sigh>

I'm already MAD at Comcast for "bundling" broadband service with cable TV, and am exploring a complaint to the PUC on that alone. ('Bundling' is illegal for Cable providers)

Bon Chance, Bay Area!

I currently just have the basic cable for $14 plus $5 for HD box. I can live without HBO SHOWTIME, but I do want to keep my ESPNHD and get INHD1/2 if they are available.

I see conflicting information on the Digital Classic tier. Someone mention I can upgrade for $10 more. But I check the Comcast website, the have the Digital Classic for $51.45, but that includes all the expanded analog cable channels. Since I don't watch much analog, I don't need those channels.

Can I upgrade to Digital Classic tier without getting the expand and paying the extra $30 bucks for it. Appreciate any tips if anyone has done this before.

-- Alvin

I too am wondering about the digital classic tier. I've seen there is an "Expanded Analog" package around $40, and the "Digital Classic" package about $10 more than that and wondered if that's what they meant by $10 more a month?

I also got with my bill, printed on the back, that "Digital Classic" could be ordered "a-la-cart" for $10 more a month, so I assumed that meant I could order it that way if I wanted it, but have yet to try. Talking to a CSR, I'm sure your mileage will vary, so it would be great to hear if someone has done this.

Originally posted by Wolfgang
I currently just have the basic cable for $14 plus $5 for HD box. I can live without HBO SHOWTIME, but I do want to keep my ESPNHD and get INHD1/2 if they are available.

I see conflicting information on the Digital Classic tier. Someone mention I can upgrade for $10 more. But I check the Comcast website, the have the Digital Classic for $51.45, but that includes all the expanded analog cable channels. Since I don't watch much analog, I don't need those channels.

Can I upgrade to Digital Classic tier without getting the expand and paying the extra $30 bucks for it. Appreciate any tips if anyone has done this before.

-- Alvin

Alvin,

Yes you can add just the Digital Channel tier on top of your Basic package for $9.95 more. That will give you ESPNHD, INHD1/2 (when they have it) + about 15 Digital SD Channels (mostly kids stuff that my 4 year old loves...Noggin, Discovery Science, Natl Geographic etc...).
The digital Classic package you see on the website is just a "bundle" that includes everything up to Digital Classic as a package...Basic (what you have) + Expanded Basic (roughly analog 34-76) + Digital Tier for onprice....

Originally posted by YuriLuzr
I too am wondering about the digital classic tier. I've seen there is an "Expanded Analog" package around $40, and the "Digital Classic" package about $10 more than that and wondered if that's what they meant by $10 more a month?

I also got with my bill, printed on the back, that "Digital Classic" could be ordered "a-la-cart" for $10 more a month, so I assumed that meant I could order it that way if I wanted it, but have yet to try. Talking to a CSR, I'm sure your mileage will vary, so it would be great to hear if someone has done this.

They have many levels

basic (channels ~2-33+ local HD) about $14
expanded basic (channels 34-76) about $25
digital classic (espn HD +InHD1/2 + 15 assorted SD channels) about $10
digital premier (some more assorted SD Channels_ about $5)
+ many premium channels available separately (HBO etc...) or in bundles (Gold, Platinum etc...)

You have to get at least basic, but they can add any one of the other levels on top of it individually (and they love to try and bundle them since the more you spend the more they get).

+ $5 for the HD box (which doesnt provide you any HD channels by itself, you must subscribe to the appropiate levels)

btw...if you have basic and expanded basic, they like to call that "standard cable".

Of course they are always changing this stuff :(

Originally posted by davisdog
Sami,

They did some changes to the digital system on the Santa Clara Headend today as you noticed ( I got a message from the on 2/10 of possible interrupts today because of it)...They seem to have mucked it up somewhat. I lost ESPNHD, HBOHD and SHOWHD. I've got digital Classic so I should have ESPNHD...HBO and Show were a free bonus...Maybe that ended today but they havent been able to get ESPNHD back for me remotely. Sending a tech tomorrow AM (CSR insisted) doubt the tech being at my house will do any good but at least he may know the right folks to call to fix it. I'll see if he knows what the upgrade was...The CSR said no changes where made today but I know that's wrong


Update on my situation in Santa Clara.

After my post last night I still had KNTV missing. I called the CSRs again, and got one who agreed to send a reset. I didn't see it happen while I waited (30 mins or so), and no KNTV. I went to bed.

Today when I got home from work, KNTV was back and everything is up. One would think they could do work on the system without messing up the configs in the boxes. This technology is still ridiculously fragile and immature... But still worth the trouble!

Sami

Well after reading the posts from work yesterday, when I went home I quickly checked my channels and they were all there, and for the first time the InHD channels were showing. So for now I have all my HD channels going, I'm on a basic analog + HD package. I sure hope it stays this way for a long time!

FYI...
Last Night I called the 1-888# and got hold of a nice local CSR and her Supervisor...They were shaking their head at what dispatch and the Field Tech did to try and resolve my lack of ESPN-HD (which resulted in me losing all digital & HD channels and guide data (basically the Head can't get at my box)....they said the ticket log was crazy. Anyway, they weren't able to resolve it (unable to get to my box) but opened a work order for the guys at the headend to work on it.

They also read me the info they had gotten from the upgrade team as far as what was happening on the Santa Clara Headend. Basically this was part of the effort to upgrade the older systems (Milpitas, Saratoga, Los Gatos etc...) from 550Mhz (not sure if it will be 750 or 860Mhz). The work on the 18th was listed as a "conversion" where they cut over some of the infrastucture to use the new fiber lines instead of the old Coax. It didnt have a timeline for the remainer of the effort but what she'd seen from other systems that had been through this , she thought it was only 2-3 weeks (assuming no problems) until they started putting new services on it. Anyway, I'll gladly give up my digital channels for a couple days to get the space ready for us to get InHD (and hopefully the new channels that are rumored ;)

and at the end of the conversation she said, hey we should credit your bill for all the hassles...and proceeded to wack charges off the top of my bill for the next several months (cool, maybe I'll use that savings to add Showtime since its not a freebie anymore)

Originally posted by Bootang
I live in SF (94123) and I noticed that new?? channel on Monday but I've way too busy to call Comcast to find out what it is...and BTW, I can see what's playing (all movies) but cannot tune to it but can tune to every other HD channel.

If you're interested I signed up with Comcast (not AT&T) and have their Gold package as well with HBO and Showtime and have always received both InHD channels so it seems very strange. I'll check again tonight when I get home.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Well I now get both INHD channels again if anyone was wondering but INHD1 still says "INHDM" on the channel guide for what it's worth.

Interesting last night I lost all my channels, I though it was just something my side, but I had comcast reset the box and fixed everything guess it affected the whole bay. Anyone in the east bay start recieving the INHD channels after the outtage? My area still doesn't have INHD available yet, and I don't get the HBO or SHOHD channels for free anymore either. I wish they would upgrade my system soon, I'd really like to watch some of the specials on INHD channels!

Well as of this morning, I got NBC and ESPNHD back up, but lost HBO and SHOWTIME. I guess the free lunch is over, it was fun while it lasted, although I never had time to watch too many of the movies.

I am hoping that they will add INHD and the additional channels. Also hoping for the DVR or firewire enabled 6200 so I can record.

-- Alvin

Originally posted by dailowai
Interesting last night I lost all my channels, I though it was just something my side, but I had comcast reset the box and fixed everything guess it affected the whole bay. Anyone in the east bay start recieving the INHD channels after the outtage? My area still doesn't have INHD available yet, and I don't get the HBO or SHOHD channels for free anymore either. I wish they would upgrade my system soon, I'd really like to watch some of the specials on INHD channels!

Odd.......I watched ER in HD last night, then flipped around a bit.

Didn't notice INHD being gone, and I have it on my FAV button so I'd have noticed, I think. I really must remember to check tonight. I've had INHD, INHD1, ESPNHD and the other HD channels since day one. Guess I've been really lucky. Hope I haven't jinxed it by saying something... ;D

No interruption of service that I could see, but then again I only started watching just before 10pm.

Albert

Hello. I post a bit on the other SF thread, but this one seems more appropriate for my INHD issue. I live in SF too (94109) and have Standard Cable (Limited Basic + Expanded Basic) and the Moto 5100. I get KGO, KNTV, KQED, INHD-2, HBO-HD, and Sho-HD. But not INHD-1 (or INHDM as the onscreen guide calls it now). I've called Comcast three times about this, and got the same answer three times, namely that it's not available in my area. I specifically asked if upgrading to the Digital Classic tier will get me the channel, and they all said no. It's not available. Why INHD-2 would be available and not INHD-1 is beyond me, but I sincerely hope it does come up in time for the E Oscar red carpet show simulcast.

Originally posted by EdgarQ
Hello. I post a bit on the other SF thread, but this one seems more appropriate for my INHD issue. I live in SF too (94109) and have Standard Cable (Limited Basic + Expanded Basic) and the Moto 5100. I get KGO, KNTV, KQED, INHD-2, HBO-HD, and Sho-HD. But not INHD-1 (or INHDM as the onscreen guide calls it now). I've called Comcast three times about this, and got the same answer three times, namely that it's not available in my area. I specifically asked if upgrading to the Digital Classic tier will get me the channel, and they all said no. It's not available. Why INHD-2 would be available and not INHD-1 is beyond me, but I sincerely hope it does come up in time for the E Oscar red carpet show simulcast.

Edgar,

What happens when you tune your 5100 to Ch195. Does it stay on the channel and show you a not authorized screen (and InHD on the channel guide at the bottom) or does it just kick you back out and not let you tune to that channel

If the former, than have them switch you to Digital Classic and see if you then get the channel (if that does it then you can keep digital classic or not...your choice for $10)....If the latter (doesnt even tune) then they dont have the channel active in your particular area (yet)...

Originally posted by dailowai
Anyone from the East Bay, particularly Pleaseanton/Dublin/Danville area get INHD and INHD2 channels?

Hi Dailowai,

My parents live in San Ramon, and they get inHD 1 & 2. They do not get HBOHD and Showtime HD for free.

I'm in San Ramon and have been getting free Showtime and Cinemax channels since I picked up the 5100 a week and a half ago (I pay for HBO). I get INHD2 but not INHD1.

I'm not getting INHD anymore here in Marin. I pay for the digital classic tier and still get INHD2 but not INHD (chan 195). Called Comcast for a reset but nothing yet so maybe INHD is a system wide problem?

Is anyone in Marin or Sonoma getting INHD? All I get is a blank screen or frozen image from the previous channel viewed. Not getting the "NOT AUTHORIZED" message as happened last time I lost INHD. Also I rebooted.

Spudman2 - Which channel # is Cinemax on in San Ramon?

I'm still receiving INHD1 and INHD2 since August of '03.

I guess I'm not on the same system has san ramon or danville, I haven't been able to recieve INHD since I've gotten HDTV. I have the digital classic package.

Davisdog, thanks for your advice! I just went ahead and ordered it, and 4 hours later (15 minutes ago) INHD-1 (or INHDM, as Comcast calls it) just came on. Unfortunately, HBO and Showtime both encrypted too, although they did so two hours ago, so I'm not sure the events are connected. My GF says she expected them to become encrypted sometime before the Sex and the City finale, so she's not surprised. Truth be told, I wasn't watching HBO or Showtime at all when I had them, so no harm done, and I get my Oscar pre-show!

So Davisdog, would you happen to know any literary agents looking to represent a cutting-edge extremely timely science fiction manuscript? ;-)

andrewlago - Cinemax channels are 561-567.

The Good Guys in Sunnyvale sells the Comcast-branded Motorola 5100 for $40. I called Comcast to inquire about providing my own STB, and she said Comcast does not support owner-provided STBs and that I have to rent one from them. The sales guy at Good Guys thinks otherwise, and that I simply need to call Comcast to activate the box. Obviously, one of these folks is misinformed. Which one?

Originally posted by mooneydriver
The Good Guys in Sunnyvale sells the Comcast-branded Motorola 5100 for $40. I called Comcast to inquire about providing my own STB, and she said Comcast does not support owner-provided STBs and that I have to rent one from them. The sales guy at Good Guys thinks otherwise, and that I simply need to call Comcast to activate the box. Obviously, one of these folks is misinformed. Which one?


Something is fishy...

Have you seen it...I'm betting this is the SB5100 Cable Modem, not the DTC-5100 STB.

They do allow customer provided Cable Modems...They do not allow customer provided STBs...And the 5100 STB is worth more than $40.

Is anyone in the Milpitas/Saratoga/Los Gatos/Santa Clara getting the INHD1 or INHD2 as part of this upgrade?

I don't have it here in Milpitas. Just want to see if anyone is receiving it before calling Comcast.

-- Alvin

Originally posted by Wolfgang
Is anyone in the Milpitas/Saratoga/Los Gatos/Santa Clara getting the INHD1 or INHD2 as part of this upgrade?

I don't have it here in Milpitas. Just want to see if anyone is receiving it before calling Comcast.

-- Alvin

Alvin,
I expect it to take them a bit before they actually finish the upgrade and get new channels on it. See if you can even tune to 195 or 196...if you punch those into your remote and the STB spits you right back to the channel you had been on then its not there (and calling a CSR won't do you any good)...if it does lock up and gives you not authorized or something then you might call.

BTW...dont get your hopes up if somebody in Santa Clara says they have it...most of the city is on a different leg that was already at 750Mhz...Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Los Gatos, Milipitas are all similar though (for the most part)

-steve

Anybody else have KPIX (channel 186?) breaking up and stuttering? It was like that all weekend for me, and was the only HD channel doing so. The video would freeze for about 1/2 second every 2 seconds or so. Weird.

rjcrum,

I'm having the same problems with KPIX here in the Milpitas area. Seems to have gotten worse since they started with the upgrades, not sure if they have completed the upgrades or not, I just hope this isn't a look of things to come.... :(

Any word on new HD channels being added for the Bay area? Heard rumors about March 1.

Anyone in Fremont having problems with pixelation on the HD channels? I had HDTV installed last Tuesday and I have this problem at night. I have had Comcast come out twice now and even with a cable run from outside directly to my DCT5100, I still have the problem.

Funny that it is almost gone during the day. This morning at 6am, it was especially bad during the rain. It seems to start getting bad late in the afternoon, gets worse later in the evening, and clears up at 10am.

Some people are another forum are wondering if it is temperature related.

Originally posted by karlw2000
Anyone in Fremont having problems with pixelation on the HD channels? I had HDTV installed last Tuesday and I have this problem at night. I have had Comcast come out twice now and even with a cable run from outside directly to my DCT5100, I still have the problem.

Funny that it is almost gone during the day. This morning at 6am, it was especially bad during the rain. It seems to start getting bad late in the afternoon, gets worse later in the evening, and clears up at 10am.

Some people are another forum are wondering if it is temperature related.

I have heard of squirrel related problems...usually its when a squirrel chews on the lines around the neighborhood and they become suspectible to moisture getting into the coax (maybe temp also?)...We had that once in my neighborhood and they replaced a section of overhead lines...They have crews that go out and check the lines for stuff like that (I think they call it line sweeps or something). You might ask that the field tech put in a work order for that.

I live in a relatively new section of Fremont (16 years) and all the lines are underground. I noticed a very thick line in the ground coming up to some sort of distributor and 8 ports in a green box out next to the street. The technician tried a different port and the same results.

Might there be something different about the evening broadcast that affects the HD channels?

Anyone in Fremont?

Originally posted by karlw2000
I live in a relatively new section of Fremont (16 years) and all the lines are underground. I noticed a very thick line in the ground coming up to some sort of distributor and 8 ports in a green box out next to the street. The technician tried a different port and the same results.

Might there be something different about the evening broadcast that affects the HD channels?

Anyone in Fremont?

The HD channels are all on fixed frequencies that are spread around the frequency spectrum on the Cable (they arent all together) so its hard to imagine something affecting just the HD channels like that. Sounds like a signal level drop on the whole system (temp or moisture related do to some flaw somewhere). I bet it's affecting everything but you just notice it on the HD since they normally look so good and it's hard to tell that the ugly analog is just a little uglier than normal.

You might check the signal levels on your 5100 Diagnostics to see if they are dropping at night.

Power off the 5100 and then quickly hitting the select button (on the box, not the remote) will bring up the diags. Look at the numbers under inband, outofband and maybe upstream modem (use arrows and select to move between fields). I don't know what the optimum numbers are for signal level but see if you notice a pattern where they are lower at the band times...Maybe then you can get comcast to look at the line for flaws (having them underground makes it more painful to find, but they can still patch in at different areas and find the segment where they have a signal loss...if that's it)

Well, I did check the diagnostic of one of the offending channels (INHD2) and didn't notice any change in the readings.

For OOB: SNR 21.4dB (Good) AGC 15% (Good)
Inband: SNR 32.bdB (Fair) AGC 54% (Good)

Lots of correctable errors (1338) and a few uncorrectorable (12)

RF Modem: 32dB

I've had 3 DCT now and one said 24dB, another 34dB, and this one 32dB.

Strangely, it wasn't as bad last night. The technician had changed the DCT5100, one splitter, and a different outside port. This was all just 'trial and error', and it didn't make any difference in the late morning.

This early Wednesday morning, the channels look poor again. It is raining out here quite a bit, but not extremely cold.

Strange.

The 32.- SNR on the Inband and the errors are troublesome. To avoid PQ problems, the SNR should be roughly 35+ and there should be no errors. (At least that is what I get consistently when there are no PQ problems.)

If it's not an amplifier-- one of which caused my SNR to drop from "Good" to "Fair"-- or excessive splitting of the coax within your house, then it must be a Comcast problem. You should get them on it a.s.a.p., since it may take some time for them to get someone out and then to find and fix the problem.

To check if the problem is outside your house, run a direct coax feed to your 5100 from the box where the line comes into your house. Then check the diagnostics and PQ again. If you get the same reading, then it clearly is a Comcast problem with their lines in your neighborhood.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
The 32.- SNR on the Inband and the errors are troublesome. To avoid PQ problems, the SNR should be roughly 35+ and there should be no errors. (At least that is what I get consistently when there are no PQ problems.)

If it's not an amplifier-- one of which caused my SNR to drop from "Good" to "Fair"-- or excessive splitting of the coax within your house, then it must be a Comcast problem. You should get them on it a.s.a.p., since it may take some time for them to get someone out and then to find and fix the problem.

To check if the problem is outside your house, run a direct coax feed to your 5100 from the box where the line comes into your house. Then check the diagnostics and PQ again. If you get the same reading, then it clearly is a Comcast problem with their lines in your neighborhood.

Ahhh...finally some idea if I'm having a signal problem.

I did ask the technician to run a coax line from outside to the 5100. We went out in the street where the cable comes out of the ground to a distribution block and ran the coax all the way through my garage. Still had the pixelation problem, but I didn't check the inband diagnostic.

So now maybe I can call them again with some more data.

Is there anyone in Fremont having this problem?

New HD channels to come 3/1?
I noticed that Discovery Health is off now, was on...and a bunch of other channels were on.

With the 7.07 firmware, can you record with firewire on any HD channel or just the non-encrypted ones?

Originally posted by bass4040
With the 7.07 firmware, can you record with firewire on any HD channel or just the non-encrypted ones?

I believe its anything your STB allows you to view you can pass on the firewire (they dont have 5C turned on)...But I'd suggest you look at the big thread in the HDTV Recorders area that is on this very active

I just lost INHD1 & 2. I was always surprised I got those 2 channels for the $5/month. Such a disappointment that it's gone. Anyone else?

All of the sudden tonight HBO-HD and SHO-HD were replaced by HBO-W and SHO-W subscription in the channel line-up. Anybody know anything about that?

Bill

Originally posted by Bill Ball
All of the sudden tonight HBO-HD and SHO-HD were replaced by HBO-W and SHO-W subscription in the channel line-up. Anybody know anything about that?

Bill Yeah...I just took a look and see the same. Any difference?

So do you have INHD?

Originally posted by karlw2000
I just lost INHD1 & 2. I was always surprised I got those 2 channels for the $5/month. Such a disappointment that it's gone. Anyone else?

Well I had InHD for about a week, its back to being "Not Authorized" for me, but it is what I expected because I'm not on the digital tier. Still getting HBO-HD and SHO-HD for now.

I called Comcast and spoke to tech support about the loss of HBO-HD and SHO-HD in my SF Bay Area community yesterday. This left me with just the network channels and KQED. I never had INHD1 or 2. The agent had a hard time understanding. The supervisor said that I needed to subscribe to HBO & SHO or a big package to get them and that I had just been lucky to have had them until now since all I subscribe to is Basic + HD. The channel line-up card the installer gave me seemed to support that. End of that call.

Later I called in but selected the change service routing on the phone rather than tech support. This fella said immediately that they had been giving HD subscribers "all the HD channels" for free during the roll out, but that if I wanted HBO or Sho HD I would have to subscribe. We reviewed the options, and he offered me Digital Silver for $9.95 for 3 months as a trial. I said OK. He tried to activate it. No go. All of the sudden a tech guy come on and asks me what the problem is. A little confusing. I told him the agent was having trouble activating my HD channels. He said I had basic + HD and should be getting SHO and HBO for free, contradicting the sales agent. He tried to activate HBO & SHO, but my box did not respond. He scheduled service to come out and look at my box on Sunday morning.

Very curious. We'll see what happens Sunday.

I lost INHD1 and INHD2 about a week ago (I live in Mountain View), and started getting bad tiling on my digital channels generally. Time for another service call, I thought. I scheduled one for today.

Well - about an hour before the appointment, I got a call from the local service people telling me that the problem is that, about a week and a half ago, Comcast had installed an equipment "upgrade" for the Mountain View/Los Altos area which had majorly borked all the digital channels for users in that area. So a service visit would be pointless. The rep told me that they would call me when they believe they've fixed their equipment problem, and come out then if there was still a problem. They would also be crediting the accounts of anyone with the problem.

OK. The missus is going to be bummed about missing the academy awards preshow from E! on INHD tomorrow, but what can i do. My KGO HD signal is a little blocky at times as well, but fortunately my OTA receiver is pulling that in nice and strong.

Anyone else heard this about Comcast in Mountain View/Los Altos?

wnpublic

Originally posted by wnpublic
I lost INHD1 and INHD2 about a week ago (I live in Mountain View), and started getting bad tiling on my digital channels generally. Time for another service call, I thought. I scheduled one for today.

Well - about an hour before the appointment, I got a call from the local service people telling me that the problem is that, about a week and a half ago, Comcast had installed an equipment "upgrade" for the Mountain View/Los Altos area which had majorly borked all the digital channels for users in that area. So a service visit would be pointless. The rep told me that they would call me when they believe they've fixed their equipment problem, and come out then if there was still a problem. They would also be crediting the accounts of anyone with the problem.

OK. The missus is going to be bummed about missing the academy awards preshow from E! on INHD tomorrow, but what can i do. My KGO HD signal is a little blocky at times as well, but fortunately my OTA receiver is pulling that in nice and strong.

Anyone else heard this about Comcast in Mountain View/Los Altos?

wnpublic


They did a upgrade on the Santa Clara Headend (which would also serve your area) on Feb 18th...It did botch up some of the digital service (particularily to the 5100 HD boxes), but I thought all of that was cleared up in a couple days (it was in my area...saratoga). The best way to check is if you have somebody else locally that has the same problem...

Don't rely on them calling you back, they promised that for me but didnt followup...keep checking with the tech folks at the 888 number

Originally posted by Bill Ball
I called Comcast and spoke to tech support about the loss of HBO-HD and SHO-HD in my SF Bay Area community yesterday. This left me with just the network channels and KQED. I never had INHD1 or 2. The agent had a hard time understanding. The supervisor said that I needed to subscribe to HBO & SHO or a big package to get them and that I had just been lucky to have had them until now since all I subscribe to is Basic + HD. The channel line-up card the installer gave me seemed to support that. End of that call.

Later I called in but selected the change service routing on the phone rather than tech support. This fella said immediately that they had been giving HD subscribers "all the HD channels" for free during the roll out, but that if I wanted HBO or Sho HD I would have to subscribe. We reviewed the options, and he offered me Digital Silver for $9.95 for 3 months as a trial. I said OK. He tried to activate it. No go. All of the sudden a tech guy come on and asks me what the problem is. A little confusing. I told him the agent was having trouble activating my HD channels. He said I had basic + HD and should be getting SHO and HBO for free, contradicting the sales agent. He tried to activate HBO & SHO, but my box did not respond. He scheduled service to come out and look at my box on Sunday morning.

Very curious. We'll see what happens Sunday.

Replying to my own post.

Sometime during Saturday the Digital Silver plan kicked in and I now get INHD1&2 (very nice PQ but the schedule looks pretty redundant) and HBO-HD along with a bunch of digital channels. I'll hold onto it for the $9.95 (net increase on $5 actually) 3 month trial, at least. The agent quoted $27/mo after that. Hmmm... the werbsite says $72. I'd never pay that. I'll have to call in and confirm. We'll see what happens. I cancelled the service call for now.

Bill

Originally posted by karlw2000
Ahhh...finally some idea if I'm having a signal problem.

I did ask the technician to run a coax line from outside to the 5100. We went out in the street where the cable comes out of the ground to a distribution block and ran the coax all the way through my garage. Still had the pixelation problem, but I didn't check the inband diagnostic.

So now maybe I can call them again with some more data.

Is there anyone in Fremont having this problem?

I'm in Fremont off Thorton in Centerville (by the postoffice). I haven't had any HD issues lately and InHD and InHD2 come in fine for me.

I've been a DirecTv satellite subscriber since it launched. Reluctantly about to buy Comcast for HD locals and InHD. Are there any HD channels in the clear beyond the locals? Planning to pay for what I get, but I'm more interested in using my own QAM tuner than that Comcast will provide.

Also, is there a frequency allocation chart on the web for what is where? I've been modulating a variety of TiVos, security cameras, a CD jukebox, etc for some time and would like to continue. Planning to buy a notch filter to make a range I can modulate into. If it isn't documented will trial and error be the only way to find out? I'm guessing the high end of the analog range will be safe to trash in any case.

We're in the Emerald Hills area (between Redwood City & Woodside). Digital Cable and HD just became available so I think we are the subject of a recent rebuild. No Comcast Internet service available, yet.

tom

Originally posted by tomherbst
I've been a DirecTv satellite subscriber since it launched. Reluctantly about to buy Comcast for HD locals and InHD. Are there any HD channels in the clear beyond the locals? Planning to pay for what I get, but I'm more interested in using my own QAM tuner than that Comcast will provide.

Also, is there a frequency allocation chart on the web for what is where? I've been modulating a variety of TiVos, security cameras, a CD jukebox, etc for some time and would like to continue. Planning to buy a notch filter to make a range I can modulate into. If it isn't documented will trial and error be the only way to find out? I'm guessing the high end of the analog range will be safe to trash in any case.

We're in the Emerald Hills area (between Redwood City & Woodside). Digital Cable and HD just became available so I think we are the subject of a recent rebuild. No Comcast Internet service available, yet.

tom

Tom,

I believe only the locals are clear (at least once they get it setup right). You'll probably need the box for InHD. I've never seen a frequency chart (and I highly doubt Comcast would put one out). May be trial and error unless you find somebody who's already figured it out (you might post a separate thread so more folks see your question). They pass everything between 1-750Mhz (or 860Mhz on some new setups) and fill it up pretty good. Watch out to make sure you don't block the return path.

I'm surprised no Internet yet, but that shouldn't be far behind.

-Steve

Originally posted by mposadas
I'm in Fremont off Thorton in Centerville (by the postoffice). I haven't had any HD issues lately and InHD and InHD2 come in fine for me. I don't remember if I posted, but my HDTV started coming in perfectly the day after the last technician visited. That would indicate that the problems were originating from the office and not my cabling. The timing was perfect so I could get to see "West Wing" on Wednesday and "CSI" on Thursday - my 2 favorite shows. Also, just finished "The Academy Awards" in all it's splendor.

I only pay for the $12.39 basic and the extra $5 HDTV so I never expected InHD or even Showtime and HBO. It's just too bad that after I finally got the bugs taken out, I would lose InHD.

Funny that I hadn't been much of a TV junkie for well over 10 years. But now that I have this beautiful 42" plasma and HDTV, I can't stop watching all these beautiful shows.

After a few weeks of 'ok' service, I no longer get a HD signal for ABC or any of my KQED signals on my Comcast box in Alameda.

I called CS, and was told I'd have to stay home for an in-house service visit.
Since this sounds absurd, does anyone have any ideas why I've dropped reception? I still get HD NBC, Show and HBO.

As an aside, I'm considering going back to DirecTV when I move up to Fairfax (Marin) in June. What's the story on HD OTA (CBS, ABC , PBS, etc) over Satellite. Wasn't available when I switched a few months back.

tks
jerry

On Wednesday I had comcast come to set up my HD box. First thing the "tech" did was plug the three cables in the back of my old digital cable box into the component outputs of the HD box. "Uh, yeah, those cables are composite and audio L/R..."

He got the cables hooked up and took off, saying I should be up in a few minutes. 30 minutes later I did have the HD programming but none of my premium channels. (I've got some old package and get HBO, STZ, etc.). I called customer service and asked them to try and fix it. They tried a couple of things but couldn't communicate to the box. Then the box wigged out and I lost everything but analog video (regular cable). So the CSR proclaimed the box was dead (she had claimed that sending to many "hits" to the box could do that) and sent the tech back over.

The tech came in and said that my problem was a known issue with the Santa Clara head end and it was related to some Video On Demand upgrade they had tried a while back. The gist of it was that they could give me a new box that would give me my regular digital cable but if they tried to program it to give me my premium channels then it would screw the box up. They had been working on it for a couple of weeks and they had been told it was fixed but they said that it clearly wasn't since I was having the same problem as everyone else. We called Customer Service with the tech there and I asked what they knew about the problem and they said they hadn't heard anything about it, so I had the tech talk to them. The tech swapped out the box so my digital channels worked (gotta see Speed this weekend...F1 in Australia) and left. I called CustCare again and was trying to find out more status about this issue - I was worried that the techs and dispatch were blaiming it on a problem that no one in CC knew about. I was promised a supervisor would call me and I left for work.

When I got home that night my HBO was working so I was happy, but the HD stuff wasn't in HD - my TV proclaimed it 480i. I called CC the next day and got a clued guy who told me how to get into the menu to set the output. Great. But when I got home some of my premium channels were missing again, but at least this CSR appeared to be aware of the "addressability" issue. A tech is coming to my house Sat morning, but if this is a head-end issue in Santa Clara then I don't know what they can do.

Does this saga sound familiar to anyone? Yeah, I saw CSI on CBS in HD and it blew me away but having channels come and go is annoying. Given how pitiful the Comcast HD lineup is (if I could do satalite in my complex I'd get VOOM) I would wish they could get the stuff right.

GQB: If you move to Fairfax, don't even dream about getting Over The Air reception via an external antenna, in my opinion. I live right on the border of San Rafael & San Anselmo (east of where you will be). The mountains pretty much totally block our shot at the Sutro Towers. I have called two different commercial antenna installers, and as soon as I gave my location they said "forget it."

A couple of months ago I signed up with Comcast for their $17 Basic locals servivce + the $5 HD box rental - but I have kept Directv for everything else. In my opinoin, Directv PQ is superior on SD signals to Comcast. I am going to wait until Directv's new satellite is launched to see where they are going with HD. Bob

I'm giving up on Comcast and moving to Voom - installation on the 15th. Comcast HD reliability is way to spotty for my taste, esp. given how much we're paying them. I'm tired of telling my wife that something will be on, just to find that the signal is either gone or completely tiled.

I'm pulling all the locals from Sutro just fine, so that's no longer a consideration.

Did anyone in the Bay Area watch InHD last night (Monday 3/8)? Did the NBA game show up between 4pm and 6pm? Or was it alternate programming again?

Thanks.

Same question for last night (Tuesday 3/9)? Anybody watch InHD between 4:30p and 6:30p ? Was the NBA game on?

I know the EPG showed the alternate programming, as it does for tonight's game.

Well, we won't be missing much tonight if it's not on ... Washington at Orlando... gag!

Hello:

I did a search and nothing came up, thought I'd check in here and see if anyone here could shed some light on this...

Basically, I got a couple of relatives that live in Vallejo and Rodeo (near Hercules, Contra Costa). They both recently purchased HDTV ready big screen TV's. They'd like to know what HD options they have via Comcast, if any, in their cities. Is it even available? If not, when?

If it is available, then what channels are currently available and what are the costs?

I'd really appreciate any help you guys could provide. Thank you for your time.

-Samuel

Re availability, have them call 888-824-4146 or 888-824-8146 numbers (better service than the 1-800-Comcast number) to inquire.

If they get a yes, great. But if they get a no, it's not necessarily correct-- often Comcast CSR's don't know what's available in a given area. (If Comcast internet service and phone service are available in their area, it is almost certain that HDTV service is also available.)

As to HD channels: local ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS, which can be obtained for around $16 per month + $5 rental for the STB (which is not necessary if your relatives have their own QAM 256 tuners integrated into their HDTV's) + taxes.

For an additional $10 per month (Digital Classic), they will get ESPN HD, InHD and InHD2, plus miscellaneous SD channels. (ESPN HD is not scrambled right now, so they actually will get it with the local HD channels, above, but that could change at any time.)

Then there is HBO HD and Showtime HD (West feeds). To get either of those channels, on top of the local/basic subscription, they will need a subscription (either a la carte or as part of a package) to HBO or Showtime. (There are some specials running now, I think, where they could get up to three months of one of these channels free.)

Actually according to the Comcast website, they do not offer CBS, INHD or INHD2 in the South Bay. Here is a copy and paste of the HD offerings...
Are they wrong? Is InHD/InHD2 back up? Is anyone gettting CBS? Any more info on new HD channels coming down the pike?



Welcome to Comcast of South Bay

High-Definition Television is here!

Comcast is committed to bringing you a variety of advanced communications products and services. In addition to Digital Cable and High-Speed Internet service, HDTV is now available in many areas within the Bay Area! Comcast currently offers six great HDTV channels - ESPN, KGO (ABC), KNTV (NBC), KQED (PBS), HBO and Showtime.


Which HDTV Channels does Comcast have in the Bay Area?

6 Channels Now Available!
We currently offer the following channels

ESPN - Channel 173
KGO (ABC) - Channel 184
KNTV (NBC) - Channel 185
KQED (PBS) - Channel 188

We also offer 2 HDTV Premium movie channels*

HBO - Channel 197
Showtime - Channel 198

I hope they add more HD soon.

Zappcatt,

As mentioned many times in this thread (and really any comcast thread)...Their website is way behind.

In the Bay Area they have ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS Locals all in HD + ESPNHD (now on 193) +InHD1/2 (ch195/196)+HBOHD+SHOHD.

EspnHD/InHD require the digital Classic Package. HBO and SHO-HD require there respecitive Packages. In some areas of the South Bay their is not enough bandwidth to carry InHD right now but they are in the process of an upgrade. Much of Santa Clara has InHD, but pockets near SVale & Milpitas do not right now.

There are several channels rumored to be coming after March 15th but only time will tell

All Giants, A's, Warriors and Sharks home games on Fox Sports Net Bay Area will be in HD "soon" via Comcast. (Probably does not apply to remaining Warriors and Sharks games in 2003 season.)

See new thread I started in this forum.

Awesome!

Not to be greedy, but will Giants games on KTVU be in HD this year?

Also, regarding HD on FSN, will this be part of the 'basic' HD package, or will it require Digital Cable?

Originally posted by mazman49
Awesome!

Not to be greedy, but will Giants games on KTVU be in HD this year?

Also, regarding HD on FSN, will this be part of the 'basic' HD package, or will it require Digital Cable?

Mazman,

There really is no "basic" HD package...the $5 you pay are for the HD Receiver...you pick up HD channels based on what package you have. (HD Locals just happen to be part of the lowest package that includes Analog 1-32). There's no announcement of what FSN-HD (or whatever its called) will be in, but I bet it will require Digital Classic ($10/mth). That includes InHD, ESPNHD and about 20 SD channels.

In Castro Valley we still don't have CBS or InHD.

According to their website, ESPNHD is part of the HD package, no matter what underlying package you have.. I will find out first hand next week when they come out to give me my HD box...since I only have standard Cable, not digital...
If ESPN does not come just by renting the box, than I am going to pass for right now..I know it is not to expensive, but limited programming on ABC and NBC are not worth the money for me....

Zappcatt,

I think if you read the fine print they do not say that about ESPNHD on the website.(and if you believe the other stuff on the website, good luck at finding anything on 173). Make sure they give you the latest Channel Card when they install, you will find a * next to ESPNHD, InHD1/2. At the bottom it has a footnote
* These channels require Digital Classic.

But one caveat, you may get ESPNHD for the time being when they hook you up since they are not encoding it in all areas yet (they are still working out some kinks and this one is to your benefit). Until recently you could even get HBOHD and SHOHD for free since they are still working out the kinks...That was "fixed" on 2/18. Even if you get ESPNHD from the get go, enjoy it while it lasts)

You will get CBSHD in Santa Clara. Hayward/Castro Valley/Alameda are the only Bay Area cities with no CBS (we dont know if its politics or bandwidth issues)

Originally posted by davisdog
Zappcatt,

Hayward/Castro Valley/Alameda are the only Bay Area cities with no CBS (we dont know if its politics or bandwidth issues)

Man that sucks, I keep missing all my favorite stuff on CBS.

I guess I will see if the CSR who schedules my "upgrade" knows the exact standing of ESPN HD here in Santa Clara.
I am not going to get HD if it is not included....

The copy and paste that I did in my message was directly from their website from "What is in my area?" THey did have the asterisk for HBO and Showtime, but specifically said that ESPN is with at least basic cable.

I believe what you say...Just hoping that they actually make it worthwhile to get the HD.

*************************
UPDATE:
Yep, you were right.
No matter what the web site says, DEFINATELY contact a human before you go for anything.

1) They do have CBS in San Jose. So the channel lineup for those on analog cable are ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS..
2) There is a $5 a month charge for these 4 HD channels..but there is another $5 charge for the HD box rental.

I hope they don't jack up the rest of their rates to this lovely $2.50 per channel price...and that includes a PBS station...

Thanks for letting me vent. ;-)

Originally posted by Zappcatt
1) They do have CBS in San Jose. So the channel lineup for those on analog cable are ABC, CBS, NBC, and PBS..
2) There is a $5 a month charge for these 4 HD channels..but there is another $5 charge for the HD box rental.

Your #2 is incorrect-- there is only one $5 charge, not two. There is no "HD package" and no charge for the 4 local channels you listed. There IS a single $5 per month charge for the HD STB (Motorola 5100 or 6200).

Never listen to a Comcast CSR, especially if they are trying to sell you something or explain what "package" you need to buy to get certain HD channels.

Instead, come to Avsforum and ask. Here is the only place to reliably get accurate information.

So, here is the deal: You want ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS and ESPN in HD. Then you will have to pay the following--

$16 (approx.) per month for basic cable (exact amount depends on your city/county)
$5 per month for HD STB rental
$? local taxes and fees (depends on what city/county you live in)

Total: $21+ (approx) per month

BUT, you will get ESPN HD with the above only for a certain time (nobody knows how long it will last) .... eventually, you will need to pay another $10 per month or more to get ESPN HD. (Probably as part of Digital Classic, which would also get you InHD and InHD2.)

Of course, you will not get standard definition ESPN with the above $21 per month approach (or Fox Sports Net, CNN, Foxnews, etc.)

I will take your word for it..but since the CSR was telling me that I was going to be charged more, I was not going to assume that they were wrong.

I already have Standard cable, and watch too many of the "extended" channels to drop down to basic cable...ESPN, DISC,FAM,ESPN2,FSN,OLN,HGTV,HGTV2,TNT,TBS, Food, Bravo, CMT,TLC, APL..

So for me it is $41.50 a month..was willing to go up to $46.50 a month to include HD locals AND ESPN HD...but.....


Do they have any kind of store where you can talk to a human that has a clue?
Anyone have a 'special" CSR who has a clue?

Originally posted by davisdog
There are several channels rumored to be coming after March 15th but only time will tell Looks like it will Cinemax HD and Starz HD, but no others.

Tonight I had to get InHD "re-authorized" for about the fifth time in the last 3 months and, while waiting for the hit, the CSR said (without any question or prompting from me), "Have you heard about the new HD channels we are adding? ... Cinemax and Starz." When? "March 15."

This makes sense because it has been reported that both Sacramento and Los Angeles will get Cinemax HD and Starz HD on March 15. So there must be something special about that date.

Hopefully they will be unscrambled for a while so we can "test drive" them, as occurred with HBO and Showtime HD.

Zappcatt,

There is no all knowing CSR (at least from what we've found)...although for support I would call 1-888-824-4146 rather than 1800Comcast. Those folks have more of a clue when it comes to troubleshooting and HD support, I dont know how up they are on the packages though.

Anyway, Sonoma is correct. If you call and tell them you want to upgrade to HD with your current package it will only be $5/mth and they will schedule an appointment to have somebody bring out the HD box (just trust us and dont bother yourself debating with different CSRs). For that you will get CBS, NBC, PBS, ABC HD at no additional cost + you might get ESPNHD for a while.

Here's my bill (in Saratoga)

03/16 - 04/15 Standard Cable 41.50
Includes: Limited Basic And Expanded Basic Service.
03/16 - 04/15 HDTV Equip And Remote 5.00

+ Taxes.

That's all you'll see added to your setup

Hi All,

I had issues with Comcast billing ever since I began receiving their HD service. There was always an extra $5 charged for a digital box (or something like that) which I didn't have, in addition to the HD-box rental. The CSRs consistently said that there was a charge for the box and a charge for the "HD-service" (I had the expanded basic service at the time). Every month I'd call to complain and every month they said they'd take care of it, but each new bill carried the same charges. Has anyone else had this experience and were you able to ever correct the billing errors? Anyway, after 7+ months of this, I finally gave into the system and upgraded to digital classic... Not the way I would have wanted to solve it, but maybe that was their overall goal.

On another note, I thought that Comcast's printed policy was that you would be entitled to the HD broadcast if you received the corresponding analog channel. In other words, you'd only need expanded basic to qualify for ESPN-HD... and not digital classic. Has their policy changed?

Lastly, has anyone heard anything new about the release of the DVRs? I last heard it was slated for April 1st, but I haven't seen any talk of it recently.

Have a good weekend! We'll see what Monday brings...

Sonpham, that is EXACTLY what the CSR said to me..that their was the rental charge, and the access charge..others have not had to pay the access charge..so we shall see...

I expect they will start encrypting more channels, and raising rates when the expand their HD offerings...which is expected to happen on the 15th.

Today is D-Day for new HD channels, per a number of posts above(including mine).

The only new HD channels I am expecting at this point are Cinemax HD and Starz HD.

Does anyone see them showing up yet?

Even if not mapped to a channel yet, they may be transmitting (and thus visible to anyone with an integrated QAM 256 tuner-- assuming they are not yet scrambled).

There may be additional SD channels as well. (Starz Kids comes to mind as a possibility.) So if you see a new SD channel today, chances are either or both of Cinemax HD and Starz HD are up and running in your specific area.

Do you know what channels they'll be on? And if they'll be on in Fremont as well?

Alber

These channels are up in Pleasanton.

Someone in Pleasanton is confirming StartzHD and CinemaxHD on channels 199 and 200. Anyone else see these?

Originally posted by timwr19
These channels are up in Pleasanton.

Do you subscribe to either of these channels? If not, are they coming in?

Sorry, yes subscribed to both.

I'm getting a "free preview" of Cinemax-HD (Ch. 199) and Starz-HD (Ch. 200) here in Menlo Park.

Cinemax-HD and Starz-HD are up in Santa Rosa, but still no InHD. Crazy Santa Rosa.

Originally posted by sonpham
I'm getting a "free preview" of Cinemax-HD (Ch. 199) and Starz-HD (Ch. 200) here in Menlo Park.

Interesting. Here in Moraga (Walnut Creek area) the channels are coming in but no free preview...says I have to subscribe. I only have HBO right now but I was thinking of adding another premium -- I'm tempted to go with Starz. How does it look???

9:13pm Monday - Just checked 199 and 200. Box won't tune them.

Starz HD (200) and Cinemax HD (199) are up in South San Francisco. InHD 1 & 2 are still showing "not authorized."

Originally posted by kmitche
Starz HD (200) and Cinemax HD (199) are up in South San Francisco. InHD 1 & 2 are still showing "not authorized."

If InHd is showing not authorized, its almost always because you don't subscribe to the right package (either dont have digital classic or on an Old package from the ATT days)....What package(s) do you have

Originally posted by fender4645
Interesting. Here in Moraga (Walnut Creek area) the channels are coming in but no free preview...says I have to subscribe. I only have HBO right now but I was thinking of adding another premium -- I'm tempted to go with Starz. How does it look???

Both channels are up and free in Fremont.:)

I am one of the folks with the old ATT package. A couple of weeks ago I did receive INHD 1 & 2, then the authorization went away. I did speak with a service rep who attributed the restriction to something other than my particular package. I've read mention of bandwidth issues on various systems, maybe that's the case for South San Francisco.
If bandwidth were an issue, I think I'd chose Starz and Cinemax over INHD.

Originally posted by kmitche
I am one of the folks with the old ATT package. A couple of weeks ago I did receive INHD 1 & 2, then the authorization went away. I did speak with a service rep who attributed the restriction to something other than my particular package. I've read mention of bandwidth issues on various systems, maybe that's the case for South San Francisco.
If bandwidth were an issue, I think I'd chose Starz and Cinemax over INHD.

We've seen many times where the ATT packages are the issue (Comcast is leaving the ATT packages alone so people can still have them if they want but they are only adding new channels (such as inhd) to the "comcast" packages). If they switch you to a comcast package I bet that will clear it up (although you may have to pay more or lose something since the packages are different). The areas that dont have enough bandwidth don't have the channel at all (you can't even tune to 195/196)...its not a bandwidth issue in S.SF being you can tune to it (so bandwidth is already allocated...common theme, CSR doesnt really know what they are talking about)

Originally posted by davisdog
We've seen many times where the ATT packages are the issue (Comcast is leaving the ATT packages alone so people can still have them if they want but they are only adding new channels (such as inhd) to the "comcast" packages). If they switch you to a comcast package I bet that will clear it up (although you may have to pay more or lose something since the packages are different). The areas that dont have enough bandwidth don't have the channel at all (you can't even tune to 195/196)...its not a bandwidth issue in S.SF being you can tune to it (so bandwidth is already allocated...common theme, CSR doesnt really know what they are talking about)

199 and 200 are on in Fremont.

So far (knock real hard on the nearest chunk of wood) I'm getting all the HD channels available. I do have the old ATT Digital Gold package, and that may be the reason.

Albert

Petaluma:

199 - Cinemax HD West
200 - Starz HD West

Watched The Recruit in HD on Starz HD last night (9pm). Looked good, but Starz HD has fewer HD movies than the other premium channels it seems.

If you are a LOTR fan, that is a reason to get Starz HD. But it may not be OAR.

I don't subscribe to Cinemax and I am getting the "Subscription Service" message, so no free previews up here.

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

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

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

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

I'm on 7.07 in anticipation of moving from component to DVI (which will happen one of these days).

No VOD yet.

I'm in Fremont.

Albert

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

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

7.07 for most of the South Bay I believe (off the Santa Clara Headend). No VOD yet.

and still no InHD on the old 550Mhz Systems down here that they are in the process of <slowly> cutting over. No Cinemax/StarzHD either as of this morning (although I saw a guy in SJ report he has it, so the headend is got it, just us poor 550 areas lagging again)

After a brief period of receiption (although with terrible breakup) Comcast Alameda again shows 'Station will be available shortly' for the KQED and ABC digital channels.
Is this just me or due to Comcast? Know that would help me know how to proceed (i.e. drop Comcast or get my decoder switched out.)

Also, why is Comcast's signal so poor (at least in Alameda)? Terrible breakup/stutter on the OTSs. Show/HBO are fine.

tks

If it were up to me, I'd like to see HDNet next, but it sounds like there's not much chance of that. It's really too bad. If no progress by this summer, I will downgrade by Comcast service and get the best deal with either D* or E* which includes HDNet.

Second, Fox Sports Net Bay Area HD, which is supposed to be coming "soon." I am really looking forward to this. The contract is done, so it's just a matter of lining up the technical side of things -- trucks, cabling, etc. With any luck, we will see the first home games for the Giants and/or A's in HD.

Next, I'd like to see KTVU (Fox Widescreen) (not HD) for 16:9 and 5.1 presentations. Plus a lot of HD coming in September.

Again, not much chance of that happening soon as it looks like Cox Television/Cox Broadcasting/Cox Enterprises is sitting on its arse and/or giving Comcast the finger.

Discovery HD would be something I'd like to be able to watch, but it sounds like Discovery is asking Comcast for too much money. Also a lot of repeats, I hear.

Bravo HD would be a nice alternative to Discovery if that deal doesn't happen. If Bravo ends up doing some Olympics in HD, then it would be a must-have for Comcast.

As an alternative to Fox, I'd like to see the local WB station's HD carried by Comcast. No sports programming, and I really haven't watched much in the way of WB shows but I'd give them a shot if they were in HD. Ten or eleven hours of HD per week is not insignificant. Also, WB will have LOTR (Fellowship of the Ring) in HD in November.

(I happen to know that the local WB station's owner, Granite Broadcasting, is willing to give Comcast the digital-HD feed at no additional cost. So there are no negotiating impasses here, as there is with KTVU/Fox/Cox.)

Actually, if I had to choose, I'd rather have a second PBS HD feed as opposed to the WB. The current PBS feed, KQED HD, only starts at 8pm every day, so a second feed with HD before 8pm and/or a different schedule of shows would be desirable.

UPN only has a few hours of HD per week, although it does do a Friday night movie.

Finally, a PPV (or VOD) HD channel would be nice, although if it would be $6 or more per movie, I'd pass.

Oh, and not to forget TNT HD, which launches May 14. I really hope Comcast carries it at launch. There will be NBA playoffs in HD, for starters.

I'd put TNT HD high up on the priority list for new HD channels, just below HDNet and Fox Sports Net Bay Area HD.

Originally posted by GQB
After a brief period of receiption (although with terrible breakup) Comcast Alameda again shows 'Station will be available shortly' for the KQED and ABC digital channels.
Is this just me or due to Comcast? Know that would help me know how to proceed (i.e. drop Comcast or get my decoder switched out.)

Also, why is Comcast's signal so poor (at least in Alameda)? Terrible breakup/stutter on the OTSs. Show/HBO are fine. I would bet your KQED and KGO digitals share the same frequency. (You can check through the service menu.)

Do you have any kind of amplifier, or a lot of splits to your coax? I had problems with InHD and InHD2, so I removed an amp I was using and the problem went away.

Try this: get a long coax cable and hook it up directly to your 5100 from where the Comcast line comes into your house. (So no spliters, amps, filters, etc.) Then see if you get the same problem. If the problem persists, it's outside your house and you should call Comcast for them to fix it.

In Pacific Heights are of San Francisco, I began to get Starz HD last night. Don't subscribe to Cinemax, but it does show up as a not authorized channel.
InHD1 (but not InHD2) had the "not authorized" showing up a couple of weeks ago. Called up Comcast and they sent a signal to the DCT5100 and it's been back up since.
I want KTVU/Fox widescreen on in HDTV too. Especially with FOX switching over to 720p in the fall and the possibility of world series in HD! Who can we contact at KTVY/Cox/Comcast to let them know we are anxious?

Originally posted by takeshi
InHD1 (but not InHD2) had the "not authorized" showing up a couple of weeks ago. Called up Comcast and they sent a signal to the DCT5100 and it's been back up since. I have had to do this for InHD at least 4 times in the last 3 months.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
I have had to do this for InHD at least 4 times in the last 3 months. I had the same happen. I thought it might be the box but now I'm sure it's not.

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

You mean the Danville Head? I don't see any VOD yet, just the added StarzHD and CinemaxHD but I subscribe to neither. I suspect Concord is on the Danville head.

They need to create new packages for HD users because I'm wasting my money on SD stuff you make you purchase.

- Brian

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Petaluma:

199 - Cinemax HD West
200 - Starz HD West

Watched The Recruit in HD on Starz HD last night (9pm). Looked good, but Starz HD has fewer HD movies than the other premium channels it seems.

If you are a LOTR fan, that is a reason to get Starz HD. But it may not be OAR.

I don't subscribe to Cinemax and I am getting the "Subscription Service" message, so no free previews up here.

YES! YIPPEE! 199 and 200 are operational!

Now... can somebody tell me the "call sign" to add Starz HD West to Titan TV? I found the one for Cinemax HD West, but can only find Starz HD East (so far) on Titan.

Sonoma - you may want to try the $29.95 per month Digital Platimum special deal (for 1st 3 months). I called and upgraded from Digital Classic, and for the next 3 months my bill will be less expensive, even though I am getting much more.

Also - getting Discovery HD is almost reason enough to go with D*. Well, that and the HD TiVO. Discovery HD is the best (imho) HD channel out there.

Dandrewk,

Thanks for the heads up on the Digital Platinum deal. I was told by a CSR about a Digital Gold 3 month deal recently, but didn't know about this, and it sounds like a better deal.

Hey, is your firmware still 5.03? I am sure we are on the same head end, so we should have the same firmware-- but I am thinking maybe my 5100 hasn't received the download yet for some unknown reason.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Dandrewk,

Thanks for the heads up on the Digital Platinum deal. I was told by a CSR about a Digital Gold 3 month deal recently, but didn't know about this, and it sounds like a better deal.

Hey, is your firmware still 5.03? I am sure we are on the same head end, so we should have the same firmware-- but I am thinking maybe my 5100 hasn't received the download yet for some unknown reason.

Ok, tell me again how I determine my firmware?

Digital Plat. deal - All I did was mention the "deal" when I called, and he said "ok". So be sure to do same. Now... whether that translates to actually seeing the deal on my next statement remains to be seen.

Also - (fwiw) Titan's Starz HD West call sign is STRHDW

Go to the EPG menu, choose Setup, then Cable Box, then See Configuration and you will see some information on your box, including software in the left column (mine is 51.42-2002) and firmware in the right column, toward the bottom.

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Go to the EPG menu, choose Setup, then Cable Box, then See Configuration and you will see some information on your box, including software in the left column (mine is 51.42-2002) and firmware in the right column, toward the bottom.

Mine is still 5.03.

I haven't been that concerned with it, as I will get the HD PVR as soon as Comcast makes it available.

Which reminds me... what's the latest you've heard about the Comcast HD PVR? I would think, with the HD TiVO due out next week, that we would see the new cable box soon. I hope so, anway.

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

Yes, Comcast has to be concerned with the competitve disadvantage of having the HDTivo out there while Comcast has only launched the 6208 in 3 markets and may wait for the 6408/6412 in many markets, bypassing the 6208 entirely.

With all the problems Motorola has had, the 6408/6412 might not arrive to Comcast subscribers until the fall or later.

However, I believe the q posted recently that Comcast would be launching the 6208 in many areas in the not too distant future.

Even if Comcast decides to wait for the 6408/6412, maybe Comcast will work something out with Motorola whereby we can have a 6208 until the 6408's/6412's arrive. Motorola would have to agree to take less $$$ for the 6208's it originally planned to sell to Comcast, and maybe give Comcast a credit for each 6208 which is later exchanged for a 6408/6412-- which is fair because it has been Motorola's defects that have caused the long delay.

bah wish comcast would hurry up and upgrade their old systems, missing out so many of these hd channels!

I got too tired of waiting for Comcast to fix the issues with the Santa Clara headend, so the Moto 5100 goes back tomorrow.

Had VOOM installed Monday. The "exclusive channels" blow, totally, but the movie channels, Encore HD, Discovery HD, etc. are great. Cheaper overall than the comcast package. Getting all the OTA channels from Sutro from Mountain View.

So Cinemax and Starz were the only new HD channels added yesterday...Were any channels dropped/changed on the digital packages? Was ESPN HD encrypted(as expected soon)

I only have analog(HD setup on Thurs) and we had channel 77 change from HGTV(second feed) to IFC(Independent Film Channel) .
Thanks all..

p.s. I know that the Comcast site blows..but does anyone know of any (Hidden) pages which show the current lineup, or upcoming changes?

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

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

Two questions -

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

thanks,
randy

Randy,

Read the first post of this thread for answer to your second question. I updated it earlier today.

Originally posted by dailowai
bah wish comcast would hurry up and upgrade their old systems, missing out so many of these hd channels!

I agree. I'm getting ready to pull the plug if they don't hurry up.

No CBS
No InHD
No Starz

And the quality of everything we do have is horrible.

You don't get CBS? I get all the locals, its odd that you wouldn't get CBS either. You should contact them, I live on Palomares Hills, but I would think all of castro valley would be able to get the same channels since its so small.

Originally posted by dailowai
You don't get CBS? I get all the locals, its odd that you wouldn't get CBS either. You should contact them, I live on Palomares Hills, but I would think all of castro valley would be able to get the same channels since its so small.

Before I call them for the 451st time, what channel do you get CBS-HD on?

Originally posted by ohbrian
Before I call them for the 451st time, what channel do you get CBS-HD on?

186

Although the Hayward area does do NOT have CBS HD. If you punch in 186 and the STB just boots you right out, and you are near hayward than I wouldnt bother calling. They wont have an answer for you on when it will be added. The cable plants dont exactly follow city boundaries so two folks in Castro Valley could be in two different systems

I get it on channel 186, and I guess I am closer to the Pleaseanton side then I am Hayward, but I don't get any of the INHD channels yet.

I am a Digital/HD cable newb...I currently have analog cable, and have been told that all I need to get HD is the box...So I have signed up for HD for my one HDTV in the house...

What is needed for Digital Cable? A box on each TV? What happens on an analog, cable ready TV if I were to connect it to the line? Will it still be able to receive the analog signals? Or are the analog signals stopped when you "convert" to digital cable?

THANKS A TON for any information you can provide.

I have 3 analog TV's that I would love to leave on analog cable(don't want to pay $15 more per month for the boxes) but would love to be able to get ESPN-HD(officially) which requires the Digital Basic service.

Originally posted by Zappcatt
I am a Digital/HD cable newb...I currently have analog cable, and have been told that all I need to get HD is the box...So I have signed up for HD for my one HDTV in the house...

What is needed for Digital Cable? A box on each TV? What happens on an analog, cable ready TV if I were to connect it to the line? Will it still be able to receive the analog signals? Or are the analog signals stopped when you "convert" to digital cable?

THANKS A TON for any information you can provide.

I have 3 analog TV's that I would love to leave on analog cable(don't want to pay $15 more per month for the boxes) but would love to be able to get ESPN-HD(officially) which requires the Digital Basic service.

ZappCatt,

Considering what you have right now, $5 will get you the HD box and you'll get ABC, NBC, PBS, CBS HD on that TV via the HD Box + all your existing channels (and maybe ESPNHD for a bit)...Meanwhile all of your other TVs will still get the same analog channels with a box. Add $10 you'll get digital classic (INHD1/2 + 20 or so Regular Digital channels + ESPNHD for sure). InHD isnt on yet in all of Santa Clara (it is in the majority), so before you upgrade consider adding digital classic see if your HD box lets you to 195/196...If it does and you get not_auth on the screen then you get it, otherwise you might weight (although my little ones love some of the regular channels incl in Digital Classic)

-Steve

Thanks for the feedback..Did you mean that my other tvs with get the same analog channels WITHOUT a box?

If I were going to "add" digital cable, could my 3 other, analog TV's still receive the analog channels from the cable, or would I have to get digital cable boxes for them?

Originally posted by Zappcatt
Thanks for the feedback..Did you mean that my other tvs with get the same analog channels WITHOUT a box?

If I were going to "add" digital cable, could my 3 other, analog TV's still receive the analog channels from the cable, or would I have to get digital cable boxes for them?

Regardless of what digital lineup you have, you can always just plug the Cable Coax into your antenna input on any TV and get the analog channels (1-32 if you have limited "analog" basic or 1-78 if you have standard "analog" cable) on any tv (and as many TV's as you want) for no additional cost. You only need the digital box to get channels <ch78 (which is where the digital channels begin)

EXCELENT!!!!
That was what I did not know!!! That makes it alot more viable to upgrade to Digital Basic if they start to add HD content to that level.

I was thinking that I would have to put digital cable boxes on every TV in the house to get any "cable" channels...

p.s. Has anyone taken advantage of any of the "Really Cheap for the first 3 month" offers? Did you cancel and go back to your standard plan at the end? Were there any hassles? On the Comcast website, I am having trouble finding any "small print or legalese" which would spell out the penalties? I would not mind saving $22 bucks a month for a couple of months, AND getting some killer channels.

Originally posted by Zappcatt

p.s. Has anyone taken advantage of any of the "Really Cheap for the first 3 month" offers? Did you cancel and go back to your standard plan at the end? Were there any hassles? On the Comcast website, I am having trouble finding any "small print or legalese" which would spell out the penalties? I would not mind saving $22 bucks a month for a couple of months, AND getting some killer channels.

No Penalties that I know of (and no hassles)..They will freely change your packages around, they just hope you get hooked to the higher channels (and spend more $)

When you reduce your service, they charge you a one-time $1.99 "downgrade" fee.

Kind of ridiculous, but still worth it if you are getting $22 in value per month x 3 months.

You guys are the best!!!
Hopefully I can get ahold of a CSR tomorrow before the "tech" arrives and see if they can piggy back my HD install with the 3 month DIgital Platinum trial(with free install)...

p.s. GRRRRR talked to 2 CSR's today(first could not do anything) and they did not see the 3 months of Digital Platinum for $29.99..
Oh yeah...and the tech has not arrived for the 7-9 am hookup yet.....


p.p.s. CSR are terrible..and the Tech's are the EXACT opposite..Tech got here, set up the box, image was not as good as expected..realised that the wiring under my house sucked..spent 2 hours moving/cutting/rewiring the house as I wanted for me. Also kept on the CSR until they could find the 3 month special on Digital Platinum that I wanted..woohooo

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
When you reduce your service, they charge you a one-time $1.99 "downgrade" fee.

Kind of ridiculous, but still worth it if you are getting $22 in value per month x 3 months.

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

Hi guys,
I got a question here. Right now I only have Limited Basic with an HD box. Can I add one of those Digital Package tiers without having to subcribe to Expanded Basic (Standard Cable)?
Thanks

Originally posted by h143h
Hi guys,
I got a question here. Right now I only have Limited Basic with an HD box. Can I add one of those Digital Package tiers without having to subcribe to Expanded Basic (Standard Cable)?
Thanks Yes. I added Digital Classic for $9.95/mo and get ESPN-HD, INHD, INHD2 and a few SD channels.

So I tried 199 and 200 last night....they come in but keep breaking up and the audo keeps switching between 5.1 and not-5.1. Not watchable. Does this mean that it's not official on yet or are they just having problems?

Anyone in the Los Gatos, Saratoga, Milpitas area getting these stations ?? I've tried calling the 1-800 number but they are clueless about these new channels, they actually said that we don't even get HD is this area. It would be nice to be able to talk to someone that at least knew something about this area. Any help would be appreciated.

Originally posted by davisdog
7.07 for most of the South Bay I believe (off the Santa Clara Headend). No VOD yet.

and still no InHD on the old 550Mhz Systems down here that they are in the process of <slowly> cutting over. No Cinemax/StarzHD either as of this morning (although I saw a guy in SJ report he has it, so the headend is got it, just us poor 550 areas lagging again)

I am in Mountain View near 237/El Camino.

Does anyone know which headend I would get? And is it 550MHz or is it better?

I am on the verge of jumping in :) But I really want to be sure to get Cinemax before I commit.

Cheers!
DAve.

Which areas do have VOD??? On the Bay Area Comcast web site, it says "Now Available in Some Areas of the Bay Area...Coming Soon in others!!". Does anyone have it yet?

I found this an interesting (and scary article):
http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2004/03/17/comcast/

Is VOD available on the 5100 units? Is it is the usual spectrum or elsewhere? Here the HD channels are around 185 or so and the "marketing" document the installer brought (back in October) listed proposed channels around 165 or so.

- Brian

BTW, did anyone else watching Kingdom Hospital get messed up audio last night? It sounded like someone couldn't get the switching between stereo and 5.1 right. My front speakers had the rear channels in them sometimes then sometimes it would pop back in 5.1. I wound up getting the audio channel off my VCR tuned to channel 7 but it was ahead. It was interesting to note that was more tolerable than having it behind. Hmm, these feeds must be real-time compressed.

Originally posted by davisdog
Zappcatt,

You will get CBSHD in Santa Clara. Hayward/Castro Valley/Alameda are the only Bay Area cities with no CBS (we dont know if its politics or bandwidth issues)

actually, I'm in CV and get CBS HD. Must depend on where you are. Part of CV is actually on Hayward cable, that's probably the area where CBSHD is not available.

Originally posted by kmitche
I am one of the folks with the old ATT package. A couple of weeks ago I did receive INHD 1 & 2, then the authorization went away. I did speak with a service rep who attributed the restriction to something other than my particular package. I've read mention of bandwidth issues on various systems, maybe that's the case for South San Francisco.
If bandwidth were an issue, I think I'd chose Starz and Cinemax over INHD.

I live east of El Camino in SSF. I have the Digital Classic and been receiving ESPNHD, INHD, INHD1, HBOHD, ShowtimeHD, CinemaxHD and StarzHD.

Originally posted by Phloyd
I am in Mountain View near 237/El Camino.

Does anyone know which headend I would get? And is it 550MHz or is it better?

I am on the verge of jumping in :) But I really want to be sure to get Cinemax before I commit.

Cheers!
DAve.

Dave,
Your headend is likely in Santa Clara (on Garrett Drive). Parts of Mtn View are 750Mhz, but you're close to the area of Sunnyvale that is still 550Mhz so I'm not sure. Calling may be an effort in frustration...Any neighbors with Digital Cable that you know of?...They don't have to have an HD Digital box...just a regular digital is fine...if so, see what happens when they punch in channels 195/196/199/200 into the remote (Inhd1/2/Starz/CinHD). If they punch in the 195 or 196 and the box tunes to that channel and stays there (even if they dont get a picture) then you're probably 750Mhz (InHD is only on the 750 systems). If you punch it in and the box just goes back to the last channel immediately then InHd channels aren't activeand your likely 550Mhz.

-Steve

Originally posted by thickstout
actually, I'm in CV and get CBS HD. Must depend on where you are. Part of CV is actually on Hayward cable, that's probably the area where CBSHD is not available.


Correct...the "hayward side" of castro valley is without CBSHD (I guess the wrong side of the tracks :D the Pleasontan side has it..I'd mentioned that in an early emailbut neglected to add it into this post

Originally posted by Mikef5
Anyone in the Los Gatos, Saratoga, Milpitas area getting these stations ?? I've tried calling the 1-800 number but they are clueless about these new channels, they actually said that we don't even get HD is this area. It would be nice to be able to talk to someone that at least knew something about this area. Any help would be appreciated.


Nope...I suspect its still a bandwidth issue and they need to finish the 750Mhz transition that they've been working on...(and when that's done will get those +inHD (and we'll be set for the future)...I'm dying waiting though also.

Anyway, don't bother with the 800-Call Center...they won't have a clue. If you really want to try and find out, the best bet would be to go over to the Local Office in Santa Clara (which happens to be colocated with the headend)
3450 Garrett Dr, Santa Clara, CA 95054
The folks at the front desk may not have an answer but if you harass them enough they may go in the back and get an answer from a tech that would now (At least I would hope)...They don't seem to publish their phone numbers unfortunately. There's also a local Customer Office in Milipitas and LosGatos but the person there may or may not know. Anyway, if you do go that route let us know what you find out (and I may try that route if I get near there)

-Steve

Originally posted by Brian Conrad
BTW, did anyone else watching Kingdom Hospital get messed up audio last night? It sounded like someone couldn't get the switching between stereo and 5.1 right. My front speakers had the rear channels in them sometimes then sometimes it would pop back in 5.1. I wound up getting the audio channel off my VCR tuned to channel 7 but it was ahead. It was interesting to note that was more tolerable than having it behind. Hmm, these feeds must be real-time compressed.

Yes, I had the same problem. It was kind of interesting at first but of course a little tough to follow the story. I called KGO and the guy that answered said something about they were working on and that it wasn't with their equipment. Couldn't really get what he was saying as he seemed really annoyed and busy. I took the audio from my Directv feed, similiar to what you did. I'm surprised that I haven't seen more mention of the problem. Maybe nobody watches the show...

Jim

Is it a difficult/long process to upgrade the systems? I would think I'd be able to get the INHD channels by now, but still no avail.

Originally posted by dailowai
Is it a difficult/long process to upgrade the systems? I would think I'd be able to get the INHD channels by now, but still no avail.

It's certainly not a trivial process. They have to swap out equipment at the headend (which I imagine is the easy part and probably already done), but also they may have to upgrade equipment along the entire transmission path from the headend to all the houses...That may include swapping out all of the amplifiers along the way (or adding in new amps)..and there are loads of them (you'll see them along the telephone poles...usually painted black and a couple feet long over the Cable at various locations). Unfortunately what was put in to handle 550 doesnt necessarily support 750. The good part is the cable can be reused in most places (probably with the exception of the old dual pair stuff in San Jose)

Davisdog,

Thanks for the response. I was afraid that they hadn't finished the upgrades but you would think that the reps would know that or at least update thier useless web site and let people know what's going on instead of keeping them in the dark. I've been to the Milpitas office and they are nice but not all that knowledgeable, if I get over to Santa Clara I'll try and stop there and see if they know anything. Anyway, if things don't pick up soon I'll be leaviing Comcast and take my money somewhere else, I don't like paying for a service and not get what I'm paying for. I've been on cable since TCI owned it and I don't see things improving much. Again thanks for the response.

Originally posted by Mikef5
I was afraid that they hadn't finished the upgrades but you would think that the reps would know that or at least update thier useless web site and let people know what's going on instead of keeping them in the dark.

You are new here, aren't you? :D

Originally posted by Brian Conrad
Is VOD available on the 5100 units? Is it is the usual spectrum or elsewhere? Here the HD channels are around 185 or so and the "marketing" document the installer brought (back in October) listed proposed channels around 165 or so.


So when I spoke to the CSR about my install in San Francisco, she said that the 6200 box was for their VOD rollout which would occur sometime in the next month. Now, AFAIK the 6200 is just the box with firewire and DVI out, but doesn't have anything to do with VOD. The 6208, on the other hand, may have something to do with their VOD system.

Anyone have VOD from Comcast?

Originally posted by rstewar
So when I spoke to the CSR about my install in San Francisco, she said that the 6200 box was for their VOD rollout which would occur sometime in the next month. Now, AFAIK the 6200 is just the box with firewire and DVI out, but doesn't have anything to do with VOD. The 6208, on the other hand, may have something to do with their VOD system.

Anyone have VOD from Comcast?

The 6208 is just a 6200 with an internal HD so it can act as a DVR (Digital Video Recorder)...unrelated to VOD Functionallity (Video on Demand)...although the two functions have some overlap (DVR records regular TV shows locally so you can watch them later, VOD lets you pick prerecorded shows and watch them when you want (these are stored on a server at the headend).

I'm not sure the VOD rollout is specifically tied to the 62XX rollout...as far as I know other boxes (incl the 5100 and some nonHD boxes) can support VOD with the right firmware (although I'm not 100% sure on that).

VOD is on in some other comcast areas (Such as Seattle and back east) but I've only seen one rumor of it being on in the Bay Area (concord area)

-steve

My controller has the On Demand button on it, but of course it doesn't work, does this mean I have the newer box?

Originally posted by Bimmeroni
I live east of El Camino in SSF. I have the Digital Classic and been receiving ESPNHD, INHD, INHD1, HBOHD, ShowtimeHD, CinemaxHD and StarzHD.

I checked last night and I guess recently they snuck in CBS. Still no INHD, or Starz though.

Congrats!! CBSHD is amazing.

I'm in Sunnyvale, and I got a message on my TiVo last night that "a cable lineup change has occurred", and then listed that 195/196 InHD1 and InHD2 were added.

I tried to tune to those channels, and my 5100 wouldn't even do it. So, for now I still have just the standard NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS and ESPN stations. I don't subscribe to HBO or Showtime, so I don't get those HD channels.

Eagerly awaiting InHD1 and InHD2. Perhaps adding them to the channel lineup in Sunnyvale is an indication that they are soon to come?

You are aware that INHD are HiDef channels, and as such you won't be able to view them on your TiVO?

For that, you will have to wait a couple of weeks until the D* HD TiVO is available, or wait a few weeks/months until Comcast rolls out the Moto 6200's.

HD channels are viewable via Tivo, but as SD not HD. Your cable box tunes it and Tivo records it in SD.

I do that for ABC, NBC,CBS shows instead of recording the Standard analog feed. Even though it's not recorded in HD, it is broadcasted in digital and is still much better quality than the analog feed.

It'll be interesting to see how well the 6200's work as a DVR. I don't have high hopes of retiring my Tivo anytime soon...

Originally posted by dandrewk
You are aware that INHD are HiDef channels, and as such you won't be able to view them on your TiVO?

For that, you will have to wait a couple of weeks until the D* HD TiVO is available, or wait a few weeks/months until Comcast rolls out the Moto 6200's.

I'm not sure what having a D*HD Tivo will do for you...InHD is currently exclusive to Cable and the D* HD Tivo will not accept anything other than D* signal or OTA Digital (ie no Inputs and no QAM support).

Anyway, like the previous poster said, Tivo will record it just fine as 480i (or I can use my Replay to record it 480P)...certainly not as good as 1080i, but it works if you like the program but need to timeshift it. The 6208 sounds like it records HD just fine, but the interface is more VCR like than Tivo-Like....a compromise we will have to make to record HD (and optionally SD) on cable give Tivo can't get any of the Cable MSO to buy into it and they arent willing to go it alone.

That's why I wish they'd start giving us Moto 6200s...rumors are that you can just slap a firewire drive on it and it's an HDTV PVR. And even if that's not true you can still record via DVHS. And the Mac Firewire SDK comes with a VirtualDVHS program that will record just time...someone needs to hack that into a full-on PVR.

Based on other threads, D-VHS seems to work well enough with the firewire connection to the 6200, but I haven't seen anyone say they are able to get an external hard drive to work with it.

A Mac or PC can also work, I think, but only with the right software, driver, etc. (I am not as computer literate as some of you, so correct me if I'm wrong.)

dandrewk- Yes, I'm aware that my TiVo Series 2 is an SD only recorder. It isn't even hooked up to the 5100 box; it has it's own dedicated DCT-2000 for tuning all channels.

My post was simply to let people in Sunnyvale know that, according to the source for TiVo guide data, there are indications that InHD1 and InHD2 are (possibly) due soon.

I'll be swapping my 5100 for a 6208 as soon as they are available. To bad it won' t be a TiVo, but being able to record HD will be great.

As soon as an SA HD TiVo is available, I'll have to seriously consider a purchase.

Has anyone had any luck in even getting Comcast to admit that the 6200 box exists? The folks I talk to say that it's not even rolled out in other markets, which is not the case. Also whem I mentioned the April 1st FCC requirement to provide 1394-enabled boxes to those who request them they didn't know anything about that either.

What I would do is call back on April 1st, since the FCC requirement will then be in effect.

Then keep escalating your request for a 6200 until you get to a corporate-level person who will have a definite answer for you, such as "(1) Yes, we do have a few 6200's in stock for those who request them because of the FCC requirement (which the CSR's don't yet know about), or (2) We should have some 6200's by X/XX/2004, as they are on order and that is the estimated arrival date."

Before April 1st, since there is no regulation or rule in effect, you will probably get the runaround.

Some HD channels I currently receive have close-captions but never on ABC HD, PBS HD and ESPN HD. Does the same thing happen to any of you guys? I'm using Motorola 5100 box.

Originally posted by JakiChan
Has anyone had any luck in even getting Comcast to admit that the 6200 box exists? The folks I talk to say that it's not even rolled out in other markets, which is not the case. Also whem I mentioned the April 1st FCC requirement to provide 1394-enabled boxes to those who request them they didn't know anything about that either.

There are no 6200 boxes in the Sacramento office. I've checked with their product folks a few times, and they have no idea if they will get them. I've been working with them for several months in testing the 6208, so I'm pretty sure they would have told me if they actually had the 6200 boxes.

I am about to sign up for Comcast HDTV (Palo Alto) but I am concerned with all the problems I am reading here. Would anyone say, in hindsight, that they should have gone with a dish or some other alternative? Or is everything equally problematic at this point?

Thanks!

Originally posted by coatandthai
I am about to sign up for Comcast HDTV (Palo Alto) but I am concerned with all the problems I am reading here. Would anyone say, in hindsight, that they should have gone with a dish or some other alternative? Or is everything equally problematic at this point?

Thanks!

If you like the value of what you pay for comcast in comparision to the other vendors, you've got nothing to lose. No upfront cost and you can cancel at anytime with no cancellation fee (a luxury not available with most of the Sat setups)

Most of the griping is...we all want more HD channels (a common theme with subscribers to all services), some folks want firewire (again common theme)...we want our HD DVRs (pretty common, E* you can get a buggy one for $1000...D* you can get the HDTivo in a month or so for $1000 also...Comcast is coming for $5/mth within a couple months..hopefully soon...won't be as pretty as TIVO but seems to record HD fine)...CSRs don't have much forward looking info etc...

As far as existing HD service...the problems are no more then anybody else (I've had very little myself)

No upfront cost?

Don't they still have an installation charge for the 5100? As I recall they charged me something like $50.

Originally posted by hiker
No upfront cost?

Don't they still have an installation charge for the 5100? As I recall they charged me something like $50.

I just unplugged my old STB, drove down to the local Comcast office and picked up the 5100. Drove home, plugged it in, called to get it activated and there it was! HD was alive and well. No need for a technician visit unless there's a problem.

Albert

I upgraded from Analog cable to HD, and was told there was going to be a $15 charge. I also "added on" the 3 month trial of Digital Platinum for $29.99 a month and it was listed as free installation..so I am going to try to get my install fee waived.

Originally posted by Zappcatt
I upgraded from Analog cable to HD, and was told there was going to be a $15 charge. I also "added on" the 3 month trial of Digital Platinum for $29.99 a month and it was listed as free installation..so I am going to try to get my install fee waived.

That might have been the difference - I already had a digital package so the only upgrade was to the HD box at $5/mo. They waived the fee the first 3 mos. Good thing to take advantage of any free installs that they offer. Paying $50 for someone to come in and just unplug one box and plug in another would make me unhappy. OTOH, if there are problems nothing like having someone on-site to help fix them.

ALbert

Comcast's policy may have changed, but back in September, they were not allowing subscribers to pick up HD boxes at their regional offices... at least the one in Mountain View. I was given the run-around regarding this and after a few minutes, the CSR waived the install fee and called it an "upgrade".

Originally posted by hiker
No upfront cost?

Don't they still have an installation charge for the 5100? As I recall they charged me something like $50.

Maybe $15, but it should not have been $50 to upgrade to HD. Some folks have got it for nothing, some for $15 fee (which is fine by me). I've never seen $50. Very Few have been able to swap it at the local office.

The Original Poster didnt mention wether he was a new subscriber (where they always have $0 cost specials) or an upgrade (which would be $0 or $15...I consider either to really be no upfront cost (or next to nothing))

I was a new subscriber so that's probably why they charged me $50. I wasn't offered a 0 cost special. :(

Originally posted by hiker
I was a new subscriber so that's probably why they charged me $50. I wasn't offered a 0 cost special. :(

That could be (at the time) :( It's unrelated to adding HD Service then

If you signed up as a new subscriber with comcast today, Install would be Free and they would give you Digital Platinum (basically everything they offer) for $30/mth for the 1st 3 months (might still have to pay the $5/mth for HD)....At the end of 3 months remember to call and downgrade to the service you really want (platinum is like $90). Downgrades are sometimes a worthless $2 fee.

You can even go for the $30 per month special right now if you are an existing Comcast subscriber. Just call up the CSR "hotline" and ask them for the Digital Platinum $30 per month special. If you currently subscribe to anything above limited basic, you probably will save money for those three months (limited basic + $10 Digital Classic tier might be a wash).

So you can get ALL of Comcast's HD channels for 3 months for $30 per month (+ box rental cost?). Check them out and then, like davisdog says, downgrade to the service you want at the end of three months (for a one-time $2 charge).

so I got Comcast digital cable today - the $30 for 3 mths deal with HD, but unfortunately, they delivered a 5100 rather than a 6200.

has anyone in the city of SF gotten one of these boxes? from what i've read on this board before that the firewire does not work for recording on the 5100 box.

I got a phone number of a local office and the 2nd installer (first guy didn't bring a HD box at all) told me to call him on Tuesday to check on the 6200. hopefully, its just a matter of switching the box at the local office.

I am pretty amazed otherwise... this is the first HD I've seen on my 50 in samsung and boy, does it look good. I watched a little basketball on InHD this afternoon (some old game from last year) and the picture was absolutely awesome.

randy

The 5100's do not have firewire. Look at your 5100 box-- I would be shocked if it has a firewire port.

The 6200's have firewire ports but the firewire currently works only for recording to a D-VHS and even then there have been spotty problems. Also, if you watch analog channels (2 through 82) via your 6200, you may be concerned because there have been reports of audio cracks and pops on those channels with the 6200 (but not with the 5100).

As mentioned above, I think, the 6200 should have a firmware update by May which may fix certain bugs, including possibly allowing you to hook up an external hard disk drive and record to it via the 6200.

If you still want a 6200 and they don't help you out on Tuesday, call back on April 1st (Thursday). There is an FCC regulation which goes into effect on April 1st which requires cable companies to provide high definition customers with firewire-equipped HD STB, if such a firewire connection is requested by the customer.

Of course, the CSR's will not have a clue on April 1st when people start calling and requesting 6200's, but there will be ways to deal with that ...

And congratulations on your new Sammy and HD hookup. Pretty sweet, isn't it?

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
Just call up the CSR "hotline" and ask them for the Digital Platinum $30 per month special.

Sonoma, are you refering to the local 888 number we've talked about? I always call that for tech support but not sure if they actually deal with signing you up for the different specials? I may take them up on that, although I'd prefer to wait until they add cinemax/starz HD down here before starting the 3month clock ...who knows when that will be though...the 550-750 cutover is dragging it seems :(

too bad I couldn't get the promotion, I just got off one, and you gotta wait 90 days before you can get on another one apparently.

Originally posted by davisdog
Sonoma, are you refering to the local 888 number we've talked about? I always call that for tech support but not sure if they actually deal with signing you up for the different specials? I may take them up on that, although I'd prefer to wait until they add cinemax/starz HD down here before starting the 3month clock ...who knows when that will be though...the 550-750 cutover is dragging it seems :( I just called the 800 COMCAST number. On the website, it said the offer expires April 4th, I think; on a TV add, it may have been March 31.

Any updates on the FOX SportsNet HD offerings in the Bay Area? I know a few people are saying "30 days" but is that confirmed?

Misc. ramblings on my HDTV experience: Comcast arrived 130 min. late for the install. I guess that is my "welcome to Comcast -- don't expect a lot from us" message. The guy was pretty nice though.

First thing he does is look at my just-installed Monster 2GHz splitter and says "that has to go." He never quite explained why, or at least I couldn't understand why. Something about too much bandwidth would cause distortion. Anyone know if this is correct?

Then, he only brought 1 box but I have 2 TVs. I guess that was my bad. I assumed they have a ton of boxes in the truck.

Also, my new TV is in a new room, and it isn't wired. He said I would need to order a full install for that. Or I could wire it myself (which I will). At least the one TV started working, though now I have another remote to deal with.

Thanks for the vine, i"m out.

Starz HD and Cinemax HD just showed up in Pittsburg. Still no sign of Inhd 1 and 2. Strange, because they sent out a card before stating that it was part of our channel lineup. Hopefully they will be added soon.

I also saw were they added CBS-HD in alameda yesterday. At least they are still working on cleaning up the systems. Still no Inhd or starz/cinemax in Saratoga/LosGatos/Milpitas :(

Does anyone know what Comcast's plans for channel 77 are?

On the guide, it says Preview Channel..and in the last month it was HGTV, then IFC, this weekend it covered the Warriors game as FSN+..

Is it a random change of programming, or is it listed somewhere? TitanTV calls it LO Programming. Thanks.

77 is just what the guide says, a "preview" channel. It takes digital channels and "previews" them for free to analog subscribers who don't subcribe to the digital tier that includes those channels. The channel being previewed changes regularly.

I guess they also use 77 as the FSN + channel. FSN + occurs when two FSN games are on at the same time or are likely to overlap, such as Sharks and Warriors or A's and Giants. One game is on FSN Bay Area and the other should show up on FSN +. The channel for FSN + may vary from system to system and even from one game date to another.

Thanks..that is what I thought...

To bad they don't take the time to tell you what is going to show up on that channel...so that you can actually tune in to see if you like what is currently being previewed...

I can't imagine that it leads to many "upgrades" since you would have to stumble on it at a time that it has something you like running, and with modern TV's allowing you to disregard channels that you do not watch, I wonder how many users even know of its existance.(maybe they could do market research...), nah, that would mean they actually care what their users want.. ;-)

In the "Good Old Days", they used to have weekend previews of HBO, Showtime, etc..but they would advertise them ahead of time, so you could actually tune in and posibly be upsold.

Originally posted by davisdog
I also saw were they added CBS-HD in alameda yesterday. At least they are still working on cleaning up the systems. Still no Inhd or starz/cinemax in Saratoga/LosGatos/Milpitas :(

May I add Hayward to your list too? Been waiting so long for CBS-HD also

I got a card in the mail that says I should have InHD. Tivo shows channels 195 and 196. Quit toying with me Comcast.

Originally posted by ohbrian
I got a card in the mail that says I should have InHD. Tivo shows channels 195 and 196. Quit toying with me Comcast.

ditto in Saratoga, its been on the channel lineup card for a while but isnt online here yet...the teasing is killing me!

BTW...Seems like they are allowing you to get HD w/o appointments now. My dad just walked into the Sunnyvale Office asked if he could sign up for HD and they handed him the box and let him take it home and plug it in himself...and it worked.

PS...just called and upgraded to Digital Platinum. As advertised its easy to do...Next 3 months @ $30/mth for all their channels (+$5 for HD box of course). Now I must remember to downgrade ($1.99 fee) at the end of June or it goes to $93/mth...ouch

"I also saw were they added CBS-HD in alameda yesterday. At least they are still working on cleaning up the systems. Still no Inhd or starz/cinemax in Saratoga/LosGatos/Milpitas"

Do new channels simply 'appear' from Comcast, or do they require some sort of CS intervention? What channel is CBS supposed to be on in Alameda?
I'm hoping for it in time for the Masters.

Originally posted by GQB
"I also saw were they added CBS-HD in alameda yesterday. At least they are still working on cleaning up the systems. Still no Inhd or starz/cinemax in Saratoga/LosGatos/Milpitas"

Do new channels simply 'appear' from Comcast, or do they require some sort of CS intervention? What channel is CBS supposed to be on in Alameda?
I'm hoping for it in time for the Masters.


They simply appear (and you usually only spot them by flipping through channels and notice that a new channel appears...in this case on Channel 186). If your box can't tune to it then it probably isnt up yet. CSR's typically can only help if you can tune to the channel but it shows "not authorized" or something like that. If you punch in 186 on the remote and it doesnt change to that channel then you don't have it. Sounds like not all of Alameda got it the other day, but hopefully you did (Golf in HD should be cool)

-Steve

As reported by member bpearse, who is in Saratoga, Comcast Bay Area does have 6200's. He just had one installed today.

Here is his post:

6200 Installed in Saratoga (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3605359#post3605359)

So after the FCC rule goes into effect tomorrow, you can tell the CSR's that Comcast does have the 6200s in the Bay Area (if you are going to request a box with firewire).

Now I have to figure out which D-VHS I should buy (including whether I should wait for any new models which may be coming out) and how to get it for the best price...

Originally posted by SonomaSearcher
As reported by member bpearse, who is in Saratoga, Comcast Bay Area does have 6200's. He just had one installed today.

Here is his post:

6200 Installed in Saratoga (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=3605359#post3605359)



Ha...we are first in the Bay Area to get the 6200, but will probably be last to get InHD/Starz/CinemaxHD...I'll trade our 6200's for those channels :)

I'll have to verify what my dad picked up today from Comcast/Sunnyvale Office (whether it was a 6200 or 5100)...Anyway, I dont have firewire input anyway, and it sounds like the 5100's are a little more stable.

ps...update, I verified it was a 5100 that my dad got from the Sunnyvale Comcast office today

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

Ok, now I am confused. I understand the 6200 has firewire, but I thought is was also supposed to be a HD PVR.

Is that something else? Am I wrong about this?

Originally posted by dandrewk
Ok, now I am confused. I understand the 6200 has firewire, but I thought is was also supposed to be a HD PVR.

Is that something else? Am I wrong about this?

5100: HD cable converter, that's it (most common)
6200: HD cable converter, has FireWire for output only (not very common)
6208: HD cable converter/PVR, single tuner (not available in Bay Area yet)
6408: HD cable converter/PVR, dual tuner (not available anywhere yet)

Originally posted by fender4645
5100: HD cable converter, that's it (most common)
6200: HD cable converter, has FireWire for output only (not very common)
6208: HD cable converter/PVR, single tuner (not available in Bay Area yet)
6408: HD cable converter/PVR, dual tuner (not available anywhere yet)

also 6412: HD cable converter/PVR (120Gb HD), dual tuner (not available anywhere yet)

6208, 6408 have 80GB Harddrive

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

If your DVI has been working, you must have had 7.07. Has it changed to something else?

aarggh.
Comcast/Alameda.
Since installation, for ABC and the KQED group, I generally get a black screen with the message:
"One moment please. This channel should be available shortly."

NBC, ESPN, HBO-HD and Show-HD have been fine, and ABC/PBS come in occasionally.

I'm now getting that message for all stations above 120.


Anyone know whether this indicates a problem at
1) my box?
2) cable from box to wall?
3) cable outside of house?

Comcast CS 'resets' don't do any good.

Originally posted by davisdog
also 6412: HD cable converter/PVR (120Gb HD), dual tuner (not available anywhere yet)

6208, 6408 have 80GB Harddrive

Well, gotta have dual tuner. And 80 GB is awfully small for HD. Even 120 isn't enough. Do you know if those drives are user-upgradable? I promise not to tell Comcast if I do it. :)

Originally posted by GQB
aarggh.
Comcast/Alameda.
Since installation, for ABC and the KQED group, I generally get a black screen with the message:
"One moment please. This channel should be available shortly."

NBC, ESPN, HBO-HD and Show-HD have been fine, and ABC/PBS come in occasionally.

I'm now getting that message for all stations above 120.


Anyone know whether this indicates a problem at
1) my box?
2) cable from box to wall?
3) cable outside of house?

Comcast CS 'resets' don't do any good.


First Guess would be #1...You'll need to schedule an appt to have somebody come out and work on it (no cost, other than you need to be home, usually you can get a 2hr appt window within a few days (or a 4hr window the next day)

#2 only if you happen to have put a splitter or amp in yourself that is blocking the return signal from the box

#3 would likely mean your neighbors have the same issue.

Originally posted by dandrewk
Well, gotta have dual tuner. And 80 GB is awfully small for HD. Even 120 isn't enough. Do you know if those drives are user-upgradable? I promise not to tell Comcast if I do it. :)

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

Called today requesting an HD STB swap to get one with firewire.

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, assuming the appointment is cancelled for the above reason, I will have some leverage when pursuing the request further. Comcast will have already failed to comply with the FCC reg once, and mentioning this should get the matter prioritized (once I get to the right level). (If necessary, I will ultimately pursue the request with Comcast management outside the customer servicer area.)

I heard NBA-tv is supposed to be added to the digital lineup today. Anyone seen it yet?